21 Days To Go...

To keep myself accountable, here is a list of projects to complete in the next 21 days.

1. Finish Tea Leaves Cardigan
2. Two pairs of Easy Peasy Mitts
3. Two Eleanor's Slouch Hat
4. Intersection Playmat
5. 15 Cloaks
6. Two pairs of pj bottoms
7. Holiday Traditions Exchange items

I know there is more, but I can't think of what at the moment. Maybe some brittle, fudge, or other yummy goodie

for August

I just finished this costume for an almost 2 year old I know. He loves vehicles and what better way to show it than to be a road. I was reminded of a costume I saw a few years ago and then I came across others online, so I decided to make my own version. Not only does he get to wear cars, but they are attached with velcro so he can play with them all night.

the package is in the mail

I just mailed off my package for the Flirty Apron Swap 11. Besides the apron, I added buttons from the 50's, ribbon barrettes for the 80's and re-usable snack bags for the future. I used a tutorial from Amy at angry chicken. Everything is handmade except the buttons.
On a completely different subject, we discovered a beautiful hiking spot in Sonoma County, Foothill Regional Park. This park is the quintessential Northern California landscape. Rolling hills covered with golden grass and dotted with old oaks. The hiking is easy to moderate and average about 3 miles.

finished

I hope my partner likes this. Now to figure out the extras.

new swap

Just joined Shawnee's Flirty Apron Swap. The theme this time is Back To The Future. I can't wait to see what comes out of this one. It should be a blast.

week #1

          

August 1, 2009, originally uploaded by jennifer noland.

My daughter went to sewing camp last week and finished two projects. A skirt with gathers, elastic, ribbon embellishments and a zipper. And an owl shirt with three elastic casings. Everything has finished seams. She went to the same camp last year and made pajama pants. 

This bag is for a friend's birthday. It was made from an Amy Karol's Bend the Rules Sewing book. 
Swimming on Tuesday.
Owen got some new toys.

The Berkeley Kite Festival was last weekend. The sky fills with string and color. It's pretty amazing walking through, always looking up. 

Project 365 - the second time round, is off to a good start. This next year shows promise. 

Gold Rush

dresses, originally uploaded by jennifer noland.

Many things have been happening since I last stopped by. I finished the gold rush dresses, all four of them. The funny thing is I never took a picture of them. The one above is the closest I have. The brown dress on the left and the white one, third from the left are mine. Aprons too. The other two are adult dresses.

The trip was a success. All the kids had a blast. The parents too. We saw a deer swim across the rapids of the American River. None of us knew deer could swim, or chose to.

wardrobe re-fashion

I pledge that I shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved

items for myself for the term of my contract. I pledge that

I shall create and craft items of clothing for myself with my own 

hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract.

I've resigned to participate in the Wardrobe Re-fashion that starts May 1. I pledged 2 months. It was fun the last time and really made me think about spontaneous purchases. I discovered that I made more of them than I realized.

The first project I'm going to take on is sewing the Gold Rush outfit for my daughter's end of year trip. I've had everything waiting for 5 weeks. My second project will also be for her, something white to wear to the May Faire. Her class is dancing the May Pole this year and are supposed to wear white.

After all that, I plan on tackling the pile that needs mending. Maybe I should've signed up for 4 months. Hmmm.

Holiday Hostess Apron

The end of the year rush has definitely begun. I've never been able to stop thinking about my years in semesters and finals are coming up. Really quick. 

Just 2 more weeks and I'm getting on a plane to visit my family in Germany. It seems so far away and yet I know it'll be here tomorrow. But before that can happen I have to make it through the party. 12 of my daughter's friends will descend upon my house for a sleepover. It's going to be pretty intense, but I've got help coming, so I think I'll survive.
This is the apron I made for the latest Flirty Apron Swap - The Holiday Hostess Apron. I like how it turned out, classic and festive. I can picture this with black velvet. I received my apron yesterday and it's great. Maybe I'll have a chance to take a photo before it slips my mind. We'll see.

Ah Mexico.

September 18, 2008, originally uploaded by jennifer noland.

I'm finally showing my lovely apron from Kellie. One of my dream trips was Mexico. The package also contained hot sauce, raspberry chipotle spread (also hot), and a bead and wooden bracelet that was quickly taken by my daughter.

Thanks so much Kellie.

Flirty Apron Swap

This is my first apron. Why I didn't choose an easier pattern, I couldn't tell you. There are a few small imperfections, but I'm alright with that. There was a time when I definitely wouldn't have been. That was back when sewing made me angry. I'm so glad I've come to terms with that.

Now I just need to figure out what else to send, a souvenir and a recipe. I can't ask for advice because we're to remain anonymous until our partner receives the package.

Ever since I started this blog, my writing skills have deteriorated. There was a time that I could produce an interesting, witty piece of literature, but not today. Hopefully things will change the more used to blogging I become. Any tips for loosening up?

I almost forgot to say that the pattern is from Susan Branch.