The Carla coat

I love sewing doll clothes and my favorite pattern designer for doll clothes is .Genine  Just love, love her patterns.   Genine designed this wonderful coat pattern that you must add to your collection.   It makes up so many different ways I thought I would share a few sewn by members of Everythingsewing..

This mink coat just blows me away. It was sewn by Karen.

The hooded jacket was sewn by Genine. Isn't it darling?  

Front and back version of the Euro Jacket, also sewn by Genine.  The next one is my version of the Euro jacket.  Sam was happy with it.

The pattern offers many more versions,  I think it will keep me busy for quite awhile.

Better Then Calgon

Some times we just need to take ourselves on a little vacation  and think about all the beauty around us. Maybe revisit in our minds the good day's and fun times.  
So, that's what I did today.   This picture was taken on Lake Roosevelt, it is such a peaceful a place where you have a feeling everything is standing still.

My next favorite place is Ohme gardens, and it's not to far from where I live.  A wonderful paradise to wander through and pretend the rest of the world does not even exist.

I tend to let my goals of what I think I should be doing, over shadow the fact that taking time to reflect is just as important as all those items on the to do list.  Maybe it's even more important.

Karen got out her whip

Karen knew I was having trouble getting motivated to do our one yard challenge, so she got the whip out and told me her boots were in the closet and if I didn't get with it, I was going to get a boot in the you know where.

We have a new challenge every month on Everythingsewing and this one seemed so simple. Make anything you want, with the rule being you could only use a yard.  So using a half yard for the fashion fabric and a half yard for the lining, I made this little top.  The pattern is called Riley by Bonnie Blue.

Thank you Karen, it helps to have friends that will give you an extra push.

Who Me?

I have not written in my web log for awhile as I really had to come to grips with what was going on with me.  After my brace came off my hand I noticed if I held something my hand would shake.  OK, it was just recovering and getting stronger, only the shakes started getting worse.  Then my left hand started doing the same thing.
The next thing I noticed was I was having a hard time swallowing, that is also not uncommon for me when My sinuses flare up.  Well, this continued for over a week until one morning when I got up my whole body was shaking.  I mean hard shakes--so it was time to head for the Dr.  I called the office only to find out my Dr. would be out of town for two weeks, now that is just wrong.  Dr.s can take a day off in my book not weeks!!  So it was off to the ER, hate that place.
The first thing the Dr. asked me was "are you anxious"? " Well, yes as a matter of fact I am, my body is shaking and I need you to make it stop."  The lack of panic on his face did me no good, I think a Dr. should say something like "OMG lets  find out what is going on" but no, he just acted very calm.  Sent the nurse in to take out all my blood and left the room.
Then, when he did come back he said " you have a anxiety disorder".  What?  I never heard of it.  He made sure before giving me any medication that I did not drive myself there.
Now, after he has given my a list of the symptoms I can check them all off as yes.
Here are signs you should watch for:
1. Feeling tired or irritable, or having a hard time concentrating.
2. Having a headache or muscle aches
3.Having a hard time swallowing
4.Feeling shaky, sweating, or having hot flashes

So now I wait for my Dr. to get back.  I do have emergency medication I can take but so far the symptoms are not that bad.  Mornings are the worse and things seem to improve a bit through the day.  
So, now I feel a little better just sharing.  I also got out when we had some nice days and snapped a picture of the winter wheat field, ready to be plowed under and spring wheat planted.  Something about the fields going on and on in open space that I just love.  I have heard people say how boring there is nothing to see, but I see futures, past's and God.

The Reason

As I think about it, I feel bad that the Seth pillowcase is not up to standard and I posted it anyhow.  Thought maybe I should tell you the reason and its this.

The reason for that!! is this:

Her name is Lulu, but right now her name is mud!!   she has to run before me when it is time to go out. I don't know if she thinks she is better at opening doors then I am or what the reason for the big hurry but this time she got in front of me and STOPPED!!!   The choice of what to do flashed through my mind, I had a few options.  1. Land on the dog and try to hide her body.  2. Try to fall with grace, missing the dog and breaking a hip. Or option 3. Reach for the table to stop my fall. I chose number three. My wrist came down so hard on the table I heard a loud crack.  Thankfully, nothing is broken only a bad sprain.
Now, that leads me to the question of why do Doctors say things like "A sprain can be worst then a break?" Should they not just break the wrist so it's not as bad?  
So, I apologize for the sad looking pillowcase, I was just so excited to find out how much money I save by sewing them and the kids get something special.
I am also learning I suck at being left handed.

Sew or Buy

While making this pillowcase for Seth for a Valentine present  I wondered how much do they cost to make. I had never paid any attention to what I might be spending, I just know the kids love getting them.

I have a  how to for making these pillowcases here


I know the kids love licensed fabric, which runs about $10.00 a yard, the case takes a yard to make so already you are at $10.00.   Now, of coarse since you sew, you know about sales and stash.  I was able to get this piece as a remnant, so it was just a couple of dollars.  The whole pillowcase cost me about $5.00.

With some research, which I confess got out of hand as I went from link to link looking for personalized pillowcases, ending up at one site selling them for $85.00 a pair, I thought it best to stay realistic.
I found a comparable at Orient Expressed. Very cute machine embroidered pillowcases, cotton fabric, standard size for $18.00 a single case.  Add a monogram $8.00 add $5.00 shipping and your monogrammed pillowcase now cost $31.00.
So even if you do pay full price for your fabric and we who sew try to never pay full price for anything. You would still save $21.00.
Wow doesn't love to save money???

We are Woman hear us Roar

Not the topic I was going to post today but this is so important.  When asked to blog, tweet, Facebook and get the word out anyway we can I thought it is the least I can do.  Plus Please sign the petition.   This should not be happening in this great country.   http://www.whenskiesaregray.com/?p=551 
I would love to get on my soap box but will let you read the stories.   I know you will join in signing and blogging and spreading the word.    Another wonderful creative lady I follow through blogs is helping to spread the word, read her story and courage.  Lil Blue Boo, has to be my inspiration, I wish I knew her personally.