Golly Molly Where Have I Been??? lots of pictures.

I went MIA for a bit or rather MISA (missing in sewing action).  After Cinco de Mayo I went right into fiesta sewing.  I sew for my daughters Folklorico group "Ballet Folklorico de Topeka". 


I will post later pictures of the girls in the Cinco de Mayo skirts.  Sew or So, now I am focused on Fiesta which runs one week in July.  Here a picture of my sewing book

I work with self drawn patterns and adapted pattern pieces to make the costumes.  Above is a drawing and plan for blouses I am making.  Here is a picture of a costume, the skirt and slip are done but the blouse is not quite finished. 

The blouse still needs the neck and front ruffle.  The green is is the skirt, I raised the skirt to show the attached slip with cordinating ribbon. 

The color combos are Green wtih orange ribbon, Fushcia with Royal Blue ribbon, Royal Blue with Fushcia ribbon and Red with Purple ribbon. 

Here's some shots of my work in progress pile.

That is my heel at the top of the picture.  I was in the process of gathering the bottom round into the top round of the skirt.   And then it became this. . .

Another color combo in progress.

This last shot is of ribbon going onto a slip. 

Here is a picture showing many of the costumes I have made for my girls. 

Yes, here is my first Charro suit. 

I finished my younger daughter's Jalisco and it came out really pretty!

Book notes and material swatch. 

I just realized I don't have a picture of the top!! and the pictues I have are of th skirt and not that great.  I promise I will post the entire costume later. 

And where is all this created? Well, I took over my daughter's walk in closet, take a look. . . .

See my camera box, I am trying to keep it on hand to photo diary and for blog pictures. 

Ribbon oh ribbon, there are over 20 yards of four different colors on my daughters Jalisco.

I really like the way my serger theard looks, makes me look so organized!

More ribbon. . .

My lovely and joyful 13 year old daughter, who gave up her closet so I could have sewing room, took the week, yes the entire week after school let out for summer break to clean her room. 

Getting there!  I am proud to annouce that her room is spotless at this time.  It has been spotless since she cleaned it. 

What's next after Fiesta?  Halloween and they have already picked out the costumes! 

I promise to post more later!!

He went to Prom!!!!

Almost grown up . . .

Looks just like Daddy!!

Look'n good.

Easter and the Bunnys

Here I am with my girls - the bunnys and my belly!!

Just a couple of crazy Easter pictures!!

Don't you just love Ebay?

This is a cheap find from ebay, free shipping and auction closed under $10!!

I got a big batch of misc aida fabric.

   This will be great for making Christmas ornaments, book marks and pin cushions!!!  I had no clue what would be in the box, I saw one picture and bid and won.  I am going to have fun with this stuff!!

Update. . .

I think the girl has picked her school.  She will go the first year to Hayden.  Hayden is a wonderful school, private with small student body in the neighborhood of 500-600, grades 9-12.  Her older brother is there and this is the best option for her for now.

Topeka High, my alma mater is also a wonderful school but the student body is > 1500 maybe around 2000 students. It is public and pulls from all over the city. Since she is coming out of an 8th grade class of 26, also private and her older brother is at Hayden, we chose Hayden. She will continue to play clarinet, acoustic & electric guitars on her own and in the Mariachi (Guitar,Vihuela & Guitarron).

Ol'man, I am gonna have a good cry come May when she graduates!

Wow, I think in my mind she will always be 3 and her sister 2 - life has been a whirlwind since then!!!

The sisters 3 years ago - I lost alot of pictures when my camera was stolen.  Always up load your photos!!!!

Cinco de Mayo skirts

I have the 3 gree skirts cut out and have sewn all the ruffles together.  (I need to get pictures of this process on line).  I was going to serge the edges and serge the skirt panels together tonight but I go called into work.  I usually work midnight to noon on Sundays but another staff member called in and they asked me to come in at 8pm on Saturday so there went my sewing time. 

I hope to get this done Monday or Tuesday.  If not for sure on Wednesday.  I will take pictures of what I am talking about then and post them on my web page.

I added a picture above of the skirt pieces in a pile.  You can't tell what is what but there are 3 skirts on the floor waiting for assembly.

I really need to learn how to use my camera. I have a cannon Rebel EOS 18-55IS with additional lense EF-S 18-200mm. I love my camera but I am no expert as you can tell from my pictures. But I am learning and having fun so that is the point ~ Right!

Time to get Serious

I hope really hope - no I am going to do this.

Let's face it the odds are against me but in order to feel better I really have to do this. I am going to be 45 in July. I wear a size 12 to 14 (more on the size 14 side) and am 5"6 1/2". I have given birth 4 times and work 60 to 70 hours per week. I am usually tired and a bit confused, except when working then just tired but focused.

Yes, those are all my excuses. In a nice little paragraph, take your pick any one will do.

So what is it I am want to get serious about?? My body. I really hate it. I hate the 30+ pounds I have gained over the last 5 years. I hate the way it has changed my body and how my once fairly firm body has gone soft. I hate seeling the cheese on my thighs and mid section and my droopy bottom. Oh, what a mental image.

My husband, bless his heart does not complain but I really hate looking at myself. I really need to get serious with the exercise. Nothing too major. Jazzercise 2-3x / week, walking 2-4 x / week and easy free weights only a 15 minute session.

If I want to get really crazy, my daughter wants to start running with me. Yes, I use to run and look damn good too. But alas, life has spiraled out of control. I use to meditate & pray daily.

But looking back there is a common thread in my life that I see, I have never been content. Content to just be in the moment. I have always longed for what was, what could have been or what I want to be. So, I am going to take out my 12 weeks back to me plan and live by it for the next 12 weeks. No matter what the excuse, it is time.

When I turn 45 I want to be happy with where I am at that moment. Yes, there will always be hopes and plans for the future, but I really want to once and for all be focused on the moment. To live in the here and now.

Sewing - well I have cut out the Cinco de Mayo skirts. I plan to sew for at least one hour today when I get home. That should at least get the bottom ruffles put together and maybe all the panels.

My Machines

This is my Janomi MO200 QC - I purchased this to replace "Edna" my beloved Kenmore. Edna and I spent many hours creating some beautiful costumes and garments. Unfortunately Edna was unable to be repaired. She still stitches a excellent straight stitch but nothing else. I still have Edna as a back up and travel machine (when I know that I am not going to need anything other than a straight stitch). I do love my knew Janomi and the buttong hole function is to die for!

This is my Huskylock 936. I purchased this machine 5 years ago and sadly I still have yet to learn how use this machine. Oh, I serge everything and use the same 1-2 stitches but nothing more. I am looking for a class or some kind soul in my area who is willing to spend time teaching me to fully use this wonderful machine.

My embroidery machine is also a Janomi - 350E to be exact. I am taking classes at the shop I purchased this machine. I really enjoy it.

Skirt's done!!!!

I did it, I finally finished BriAnna's skirt. Now this is just her practice skirt for dance and very easy to sew, but due to lack of MOJO I haven't been able to move on the darn thing.

I am really disappointment with my Janome 350E. I am taking it to the store tomorrow and am going to show the Gal what I am unhappy about. I get free life time lessons at the store I purchased it at so I plan to take full advantage. You don't spend that much on an embrodery machine and not be satisfied. I don't remember exactly what I paid but I know it was around $1000. Maybe 850??

Now that BriAnna's skirt is done I have to get moving on my other projects. Of course there are unlimited items for dance but I also want to get my camera out and take pictures of all my past projects and post them. I have pictures of many already but need to get my bottom in gear and post.

I read a post on budgeting and I too have to get a hold on my spending. Now, first let me say I have cut way back. But I want to really put myself on a budget and when it's gone, it's gone and I have to wait for my next payday. For someone like me who has 3 jobs I have a payday every Friday so it won't kill me to wait.

I also want to post pictures of all my cross stitch projects. I am averaging one every 6 -8 months. I have 4 Mirabilia set to start and mutliple kits. I am working on a very simple pattern right now "when life gives you lemons, ask for tequila and salt" it is really cute and I should be done in 2-3 weeks. I have a couple of other small kits that I could get done in 2-4 weeks and I may go ahead and knock them out. I'll just have to see. I know my next major project will be Mirabilia "Fairy Flora". I found a cool hand dyed linen in the right color range. Now, I hate to cross stitch on linen but this linen will really make a difference in the finished project. Because it is hand dyed the color varies through out. I definately will post pictures.

We kids that is all for now. Spark people, Spark people, spark people!! I did get my spark people shirt in the mail today!! WooHoo!!

Sewing Goals for 2010

I will finish BriAnn'a skirt - haha. No really don't laugh this has to get done.

Okay, for dance:
1. 3 green skirts for Cinco de Mayo. Kelly green with black and red ribbon
2. 3 white blouses with lace edge sleeves, also for Cinco de Mayo
3. Alter all Norte skirts - attach slip to waist band so there will be no slipping (no pun intended)
4. 1 Jalisco costume: top and skirt
5. Add solid ruffle to Elyse's Sinaloa skirt
6. Sew garment bags for all the costumes 12 maybe more?? and embroider the last name and costume title on the bag

For me:
1. I would like to complete one dress
2. 2 pairs of shorts
3. 4 summer tops (two tanks and two short sleeve)
4. 2 Skirts for church
5. 1 lined blazer
6. 1 pair of matching pants
This is 11 garments, very challenging goal for a woman that works 60+ hours/per week

Tuesday Thoughts

* Still need to sew on the waist band to BriAnn's skirt

* I will sew the waist band today when I get home from

* SparkPeople website is acting up and keeps kicking me out, hmm

* Thanks to my sis, she and her hubby want to be sponsers for my son's senior Football poster

* Seb's going to be a senior next year. . . wow

* What to cook for dinner

* Think it will be spagetti as the kids have opened 3 sauce bottles, you know for their cheese sticks, but 3 really. . .

* My schedule changes in February, Yeah!!!

* So what do I do? Pick up more shifts from other jobs - someday, someday

* Only saw my husband for 40 minutes today, boo hoo.

* I still would love to have one of the dream houses

* Okay, maybe if I just get rid of some junk in my house. . . things that make you go hm.

* I am really tired today

* I am giving up my daily wine - need to cut back on the calories

* I really want some chocolate or a donut

* Why do I do this, make progress and then sabotage myself?

* Well no more!

* 25 lbs down by July

* Game on

Monday Mutterings

* Still didn't sew the waist band onto BriAnna's skirt

* Have to sew that waist band tomorrow

* I didn't cook dinner tonight

* The girls and I had our bi-monthly fast food fix "Fried chicken and all the fixin's"

* I love to read all the sewing bloggs on line, there are some talented folks out there

* someday I will only work one job

* My dream house is off the market, no bites

* Dream house #1 has been empty for over a year!!!

* Someday I might move

* Someday I will have time to sew until "the cows come home"

* I love my kids, they are the greatest

* I love my husband, he really loves me "wow, after 18 years"

* I love hanging with my mother when she is not stressed

* I love my dogs, especially when they don't pull up my rose bushes

* I don't ever want to go back to school - one degree is the max for me

* I have to copy this all to my sewing blogg - did it, here it is

* I need to up load some pictures to my sewing blogg

* I need to take some pictures of my daughter's dance costumes I have made

* How come I can make these costumes without a pattern and I can't seem to get in gear to make a real dress or outfit for me?

* I really love my kids

* whoops said that already

* My husband is so cute - for a "man's man" he really is a softy at home and he likes to cuddle

* Can you believe I like my mother-in-law, she is alright

* I finished my cross stitch project

* Averaging one CS project every 4-6 months

* Just wish it wasn't so expensive to get them matted and framed

* This one is Our Lady of Guadalupe, I changed the gold pattern in her dress, if you look hard enough you will see my fathers full name, date of birth and date of death

* I miss my dad

* My son's are crazy boys, haha!! Gotta love them!

* Son #2 was gone all day and my husband kept trying to get me jump his case

* I say "you tell me I am to soft on them, so you take over he is in high school now"

* I do kick his butt when he needs it, he is just so sweet I hate to do it

* I exercised today!!!

* Okay, Monday mutterings are done, I am getting ridiculous now

Sunday Sighs

* Well, I did get the ruffle sewn onto BriAnna's Skirt - did I already post that

* I need to make myself finish the waist band - I mean really 30 minutes???

* Ordered the material for Elyse's Jalisco and the 3 skirts for Cinco De Mayo

* I need to figure out what color ribbon I have on hand & what to order

* I still have gone to the movies

* The girls and I are going to buy Paranormal Activity so we can watch all the alternative endings!

* Elena is really sick - fever, vomitting, ear ache and lower left lung pain - yes I am a nurse, she sounds clear - and was getting to feel better last night

* my hours are changing, I can't wait!!

* My "high school" co-workers are made at me and acting out - Haha!! I know I'm 40+ how old do they really think they are and how long will it take for them to realize I don't play games??

* I like blogging - good therapy

* I Sparked Today - have you?

* earned $20 gift cert on the points wheel so I bought a SparkPeople T-shirt!

* Spark People, Spark People, Spark People and Spark People That's five!!!

It's almost 5am and for most the day is about to start, but for me I well into it.

I do believe my schedule will change - hopefully the drama is over.

You ever work with a co-worker who is very negative?

Negative Nelly

Mad Maude

Vicious Valorie

Angry Andrea

Debbie Downer

I know you know her or him

Negative Ned, Mad Mark, Vicious Vic, Angry Arthur & Danny Downer. . . Haha

Finished the ruffle on my nieces practice skirt - only the waist band to go!

I wish my daughter would clean her room

My job interview went well

The job is on hold "your the perfect canidate, but we have had to put the job on hold, it might be a while" - I can wait!!

I don't want to go to my second job later today or tomorrow either

Think about the money. . . okay, I still don't want to go

I wish someone else would take down the tree

My son said he will help on Saturday

Yes, January is almost over and we still have the tree up.

I lost 10 pounds, but didn't go to Jazzercise this week

I will go to Jazzercise on Saturday morning when I get off work.

I really do like Jazzercise, I just like to sleep too

Tomorrow we are having Fajitas - steak, chicken and shrimp.

My son is still single, no prospects on the horizon

I think this is good for him to be single a little while longer

I want a bigger house

I need to clean my house - I will on Saturday

Wow, I am not looking forward to Saturday

I want to go see "It's complicated" - I have to call Gail and see if she wants to go

I need to update my Spark progress