ModistaModesta

Moving to WordPress

2012-01-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

I did it, after almost 10 days of pulling my hair, I DID IT! I have built a Word press site where I can do a better job of separating all of My husbands stuff, My daughters stuff and My stuff. It's a lot of Stuff!

Our new business name: Three Unique Rabbits! What do you think?

I decided not to move all the stuff I have here straight over, as some if it just doesn't apply, or seem to fit in with the new look, which my daughter tells me is Hipster. I had to go look that up, interesting what she thinks of me, to say the least.

I will slowly take some of the craft stuff from here and post it over there, in it's appropriate place --- I love love the Portfolio pages this new Theme I bought has allowed me to do.

I hope you will all come over and take a look around, and if you don't want to miss anything Click on the Blog link along the top and then Subscribe!

Here it is:

I'll get it all populated soon enough. I'm also working on a major sewing endeavorer, that I will be blogging about soon, I'll give you the title: Sewing with a Missionary Plan. Yes, it will be an entire wardrobe for my soon to be female Missionary.

Thank you all for your support.

~Sonia Barton

Fire Trucks and Black Background Photography

2012-01-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

My husband has been trying to develop a Toy Fire Truck for his Etsy shop. The first two were a bit miss proportioned but after a lot of yelling (he is still a retired Sailor first) he came up with a good one.

While I was in the Black and White Photo Class it was a combined class with 2nd semester students also in the class. Me being me, I would go over and see what their projects were and one of their projects was Product Photography. I fell in love with the photo's one of the girls was taking, she was doing everything on Black.

To Photograph the Fire Trucks I thought I would give a black background a try. Here are a few of the shots:

It really helped in being able to Photograph the very light color wood. Then my cat walked by and I captured this one in a million shot, Kitty rubbing on the Fire Truck Ladder:

The black background really helps the subjects. There is no way this picture would look like that on white.

~Sonia Barton

Wordless Wednesday...Santana&Feather Bed

2012-01-04T09:15:00.000-08:00

When you go off to do laundry for several hours, you shouldn't leave your feather bed exposed to a puppy, especially if it already has a tear in it.

~Sonia Barton

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T09:48:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful New Years celebration. I hardly ever stay away until mid-night, and this year was no different I was in bed when the guns started going off, and the dogs started barking. After 30 minutes of that everything got quite again, and I went back to sleep.

2011 was an interesting year for me, my little identity crisis has lasted way to long, I think it has moved into the mid-life crisis definition by now. I do still want to get a BA in Art, but have come to the realization that going to school during the day is a must in order to complete the classes I need to graduate. So for 2012 that goal will be put on hold.

What will need to happen in 2012 is I will need to find a large source of income, so I'm currently looking for a night job, to add to the day job. My daughter will be going on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints when she turns 21 in June, to begin with she will need a new wardrobe because she never really busy skirts and the one's she has I wouldn't call presentable.

So for 2012 I will be posting about all the sewing I will be doing to build a Female Missionary Wardrobe, I've already made one skirt which I will post soon, I can't sew to much until I know what part of the world she will end up in. I can foresee a lot of sewing happening in the month of May.

Getting my child on a Mission will be the focus of 2012. And hopefully in June there will be a week long trip to Utah, I'll drop her off and then go explore what Utah has to offer, another reason I want to have a good size savings account. If you know of any Part time jobs feel free to send them my way.

I wish you all the best for the New Year.

~Sonia Barton

Barbie clothes Gift for my Nieces

2011-12-31T10:44:00.000-08:00

Growing up I loved all things Barbie. I remember wanting a Barbie house, I had a couple of Barbies and a plastic Barbie suitcase that fit the Barbie and her clothes, with these tiny hangers. I never did get a Barbie dollhouse it was to expensive. My father did buy me a cardboard Strawberry Shortcake doll house for Christmas one year, it didn't last very long. The Barbies could only sit in the rooms of the cardboard house.

I passed along the love of all things Barbie to my daughter, and I have a feeling I might be doing the same thing to my nieces.

My handmade gift to my nieces this year was Barbie clothes. Awhile ago The Crafty Mummy posted a link of a pattern she tested for The Craft Barn. And I'm not one to reinvent the wheel, I do change it most of the time, but if I can avoid it I hardly ever start from scratch to learn something.

I had never sewn Barbie clothes before, and knew because of the small scale there had to be a different construction process to the sewing of Barbie clothes. Tonya gave it a great review so I bought the pattern.

It worked out great, wonderfully written with step by step photographs, no guess work as to what comes next, or how did they get there. Well worth the 4 bucks.

I only did the peasant blouse, the skirt and the pants. I wanted to keep them modest. But the pattern also comes with a Shirred dress and Tube Top pattern.

Thank you all for visiting here. I hope you all have a Happy New Year.

~Sonia Barton

Hand sewn gifts for my nephews...

2011-12-30T08:10:00.000-08:00

I have 5 nephews. My brother beto has two boys, my brother roy has two boys and my sister monica has one boy. As many of you know there have been hard financial times around here, just like every where else. So a couple Christmas's ago I decide to start making Handmade gifts for everyone. Works out just fine, I have a fabric and yarn stash that can last me for several decades of Christmas gifts. It doesn't help that I don't stop buying fabric and yarn.

I have come to the conclusion that sewing for boys is hard. Not hard as in the sewing is hard, but hard as in What the heck do I sew for boys. Plus the oldest of the 5 boys is now 10 years old, we actually had a conversation about BO when I went to drop off his gift. So needless to say they are older boys.

I was grateful when I came across this blogpost from noodlehead:

A tutorial on how to make a basic boys wallet, She went all out and added pieces of leather and grommets. Feel free to visit her site and check out the tutorial, it was very well written.

Here are the one's I came up with:

I'll show you what I made for my nieces tomorrow.

New Christmas Wreath

2011-12-29T15:05:00.000-08:00

We have had the same Christmas wreath for over 10 years. On the day after Thanksgiving when we pull out all the Christmas ornaments and go buy a tree, I noticed it was missing. I asked my husband what had happened to it. The decorations are stored in the garage, which is his area, so only he would know where it would have gone.

His response: "you mean the ball of wires with green twigs hanging from it?" Yes honey that one. "I thought it was trash I through it away the last time I organized the garage."

Interesting, now I have to make one. So what does one do in this day and age to find inspiration? Well you go to Pinterest of course!

Here's what I found for inspiration, plus I found a tip that you could use foam tubing from a home improvement store instead of having to pay $5 and up for a circle form at the craft store.

This is what I came up with, I'm ok with it, except, I have a feeling I'm going to give this one away, and make another one with a thicker foam circle. The tube I bought was just way to thin.

Or maybe the circle just needs to be smaller. Not sure, but what I am sure of is that this one isn't getting put away with the Christmas stuff until I figure out how to make it pop.

~Sonia Barton

Christmas Morning with 4 animals

2011-12-28T10:15:00.000-08:00

The Christmas tree in our house is set up in what in normal houses would be the formal living room, in our house it's my sewing room, I didn't like the idea of brides having to walk through the house, plus it's bigger than any of the other rooms in the house ;)

We always sit in front of it and start passing out gifts. It was very difficult to do that this year, with two new animals in the house. It also didn't help that it was the little one's first Christmas, both less than a year old. Way to much energy. We got through the opening of gifts and then the little one's went to town with the boxes and gift wrap. This kitten and puppy like to eat stuff, I'll be glad when they are done teething.

Then they got to hyper, and the older ones try to tell them to calm down, and they all end up in trouble, there are four bedrooms in this house, they each get sent to one. The Large German Shepherd usually calms down by the simple fact of putting the muzzle on him, it didn't work this time, the little one's were just to crazy.

On our Christmas tree we have an ornament to identify each person/animal in the house, Santana opened his this year, but wanted to keep eating after he took the paper off.

I did a lot of Christmas sewing I've been wanting to show, except some of the gifts haven't been picked up yet. They will be on Friday, so I'll start showing you then.

~ Sonia Barton

I'm Ready...

2011-12-22T08:26:00.000-08:00

I've never been ready for Christmas until the 24th. As of 6 PM last night, I'm done. The stockings are stuffed, the gifts are wrapped, Stephanie has all the ingredients to make her cookies. I've sewn all my Christmas gifts for the nieces and nephews, and we are decorated.

We also had an appointment with the Bankruptcy lawyer and she has finished all the papers and we signed them, they should get filed in less than a week.

Stephanie has started her Missionary application, so it looks like she might actually go on a Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

So for this Christmas season I feel a great sense of Peace. It's a strange calming emotional feeling. It looks like we are ending the year on a good note. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

Inexpensive Christmas Cards

2011-12-19T15:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas Cards were a big deal to me when the children were younger. The family gets all dressed up and you strive for the perfect family picture. I realized long ago there is no such thing with us. So I learned to embrace it. This year the budget has been a bit tight around here, just like the rest of the world. I had to come up with an inexpensive Christmas card this year.

It took me a while but it finally came to me. Every year in Feb we go to the Date Festival here in Indio, and we take pictures in the Photobooth. So I decided that was going to be our family picture, lucky for me there is only one child left at home, or believe me I would have crammed them all in there! I remembered there was a Photobooth at the Palm Desert Mail, so off we went for our $3.00 photo shoot, this is what we came up with:

I then scanned it, and I had to get it scanned at Staples for .54 cents because my scanner wasn't cooperating. I didn't like the yellowish going on, the picture doesn't look like that, and since I couldn't be the one to scan it and redo the settings this is what I had to work with.

So I turned it Black and White, and pulled it together in Photoshop:

I then turned it into a .jpeg and went back to Staples and had them print 20 of them. Because they are black and white images it was only $4.00, to have them printed on Card Stock.

So for $7.54 I got 40 cards, that are now in the mail, and it's not even the 25 yet! I'm on a roll this year getting stuff done before the day of.

Stephanie Black & White Photo shoot

2011-12-17T11:45:00.000-08:00

The second to the last assignment in my Black and White Photography class what Portraits. I have come to the conclusion that I don't like them. I took four rolls of film and finally got some pictures I liked. It was difficult to capture this child's personality. Here are a few of my favorites:

That's my hippie child, I have no clue where she got it from!

Wood Chests and Trains

2011-12-16T08:59:00.000-08:00

My husband has been hard at work. He likes to give himself challenges. Here is a wood chest that he was working on:

And this is what I found in his Den two weeks later:

I guess the little one wasn't big enough. I've been listing on Whoopdwhoop some of the trains he feels aren't quite perfect, I don't think there is anything wrong with them. Some one that had purchased a large train asked for a small one, and this is what he came up with:

And this is what I found in his Den a week later:

Needless to say my husband is an Extremist. The little trains are gone, but the set of 3 is currently listed in his Etsy shop: RandysWoodShop

My Daughter's Tea Party

2011-12-15T13:37:00.000-08:00

For being members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints we are a little obsessed with tea and the whole idea of Tea Party's. I like going out to my mother's patch of dirt were she grows stuff (you might confuse it for a garden but it isn't, it's more of a natural growing spot) and plucking some lemon grass to make a natural lemon tea. I also seem to have acquired a large amount of tea pots and tea settings. My husband brought some back from Thailand and Hong Kong during his Navy travels.

My Daughter has followed in our slight obsession of tea. She finds natural tea's that don't have caffeine and are not overly processed. Yes, there is all kinds of rationalization going on.

But a Tea Party is so fun with all the people:

And all the Food:

Wordless Wednesday...Snowman Cookies

2011-12-14T08:06:00.000-08:00

My daughters Snowman cookies came out perfect this year:

You can see last years very melted snowman here.

4 yr old Photographer

2011-12-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

My little sister has got her work cut out for her. She has two very strong willed and intelligent kids. I love the fact that they are able to come over and visit when she is next door taking care of mom.

This kid is a character (sorry don't remember who I stole the pic from, let me know and I'll link it):

He has been picking up my camera since he was able to walk. Some of his pics turn out really good:

In other pictures it's just interesting to see the view point of a 4 year old:

Little sis Lexi

My daughters behind.

My husband and his always interesting facial expressions.

A very good composition, I think.

And like I said these kids are intelligent. The memory card ran out of space, so he walks up to me and says "Tia, it's down to 0, I can't take anymore pictures, how do I fix that." I'm sure I could have shown the kid how to make some room, but I can just see me screaming my head off in a future date saying "Who deleted my pictures I hadn't downloaded them yet." So needless to say we have shown him the sequence of buttons that deletes pictures - and I'm really glad it is a sequence because he clearly recognized the trash can icon!

Wordless Wednesday...Whitewater sand storm

2011-11-23T08:30:00.000-08:00

Our Photography class went on a field trip to White Water Preserve in Southern CA. It was a very cold windy day. I was photographing with the Black and White Film camera and my daughter was photographing with the Digital. This is me, in a Sand Storm:

Trying to get these pictures:

I'm not sure I have it in me to be a Landscape Photographer.

Free Digital Scrapbook kit

2011-11-22T10:09:00.000-08:00

I love Free stuff. I seem to be acquiring plenty of Digital Scrapbook kits. The one below is courtesy of MyMemories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software, but you don't have to own the software to use the Free templates below. They are in .png and .jpg format you can use them in any software that you might own.

They have started a program were they will be sending me new kits every 14 days, so that I may share them with you. The kit below will be available for 14 days and will then be replaced with a different kit, so go grab it now if you like this one.

If you would like to see what the MyMemories Suite software can do feel free to click on the link on the side bar, and if you order don't forget to use the Code for $10 off.

I can wait to get pictures to put in these new templates! I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Feel free to post a link in the comments showing us what you have done with the Scrapbooking kit.

Scanning Film Negatives

2011-11-18T09:18:00.000-08:00

I have shot rolls up on rolls of Black and White film for class. I love pictures, and for some reason feel that every picture deserves a chance to be printed and shown, but at $1.00 or so for each sheet of paper and the fact that I ruin 2 or 3 sheets to get a good printed picture plus the fact that it takes me at least 30 to 40 minutes of working with the image to get it right, I didn't see how each of my pictures were going to make it out to the light.

Until I saw one of the 2nd semester students scanning his negatives, at least that is what it looked like he was doing, and sure enough when I asked him what he was doing, he said "duh, scanning my negatives" gotta love those 19 and 20 year olds. And then I asked him a question that I knew was going to get me a stare down, but I was ready for it. 'How do you scan negatives?'

Sure enough he looked at me funny the whole time he was attempting to show me how to scan negatives. I'm very competent with computers so his words didn't need to make sense, and believe me they didn't. I was able to see what he was doing and come to my own conclusions.

First you need a special scanner or a scanner that has the ability to change, the one in the classroom is a scanner that adapts for scanning negatives.

The scanner comes with a special tray to place your negative strips on.

Then you use the scanning software (or Photoshop) the same way that you would scan any other item. EXCEPT because the image is so small you need to scan at a really really high DPI if you want to end up with a picture large than 1 inch wide. My 19 year old tutor neglected to mention that. To be honest I don't think he knew why he was doing things he just knew the steps someone else showed him.

I have come to the conclusion that a dpi of 4800 will get you a good 8 x 10 printed resolution. This was learned by trial and error so if someone has a text book answer for this please let me know. I couldn't find the information any where. Needless to say it takes for ever to scan at that dpi but I'm not wasting paper and money! It will be worth the invested time, all of my pictures might just end up seeing the light.

I love these that I snapped when I was trying to get my Action assignment done:

A Teacher's Quote to live by...

2011-11-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

I came a cross a quote on a blog a while back that can apply to our every day lives not just those of Teachers.

"I have come to a frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It's my personal approach that creates the climate. It's my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crises will be escalated or deescalated and a child humanized or dehumanized."

~Haim Ginott

I'm not entirely sure who the author of that quote is, but it make for the best of life motto's.

Modest Eve Pattern Giveaway Winner

2011-11-16T09:30:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad to announce that my two biggest supporters are the winners of my Pattern Giveaway:

Becca became my Facebook Fan number 100:

And CK was the only other person to comment on the post, so I didn't do a Random.org, Let me know if this isn't Ok with you Becca ;)

Ladies let me know which pattern you would like from my Etsy shop send me an email to soniabartondesigns at yahoo dot com.

Thank you ladies for all your support!!

Wordless Wednesday...Alberto Giacometti

2011-11-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

I have a 3 page report and a 5 minute presentation due Tonight on Alberto Giacometti, Am I ready? Nope!

Barbie Scale Doll House Pattern

2011-11-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

It has taken us a while, but we finally finished the DIY instructions for the doll houses my husband makes. It was an interesting process to work together, we both think very different. I have taken his information and written it, in a manner that even a beginner at working with wood can understand. I wanted to make sure that anyone that is not afraid of saws can follow the instructions. I figure if you have the guts to make it you shouldn't have to learn what my husband calls the 'woodworkers language'. I tried to give it to you in English.

With step by step cutting layouts:

Price for emailed PDF DIY instructions $14.95

Wordless Wednesday...Stressed

2011-11-09T13:27:00.000-08:00

I think I might have just figured out why my pants are fitting a little tight! There is plenty of stress around here with Midterms...

Giveaway to the 100th Facebook Fan

2011-11-09T13:21:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for you support, even though it has been light on the blog posts around here, you are all still supporting me. For that I would like to Thank you with a Giveaway.

My Facebook Fan page is at 99 - the 100th person to become a fan can pick a Free Pattern from my Etsy shop. All of my patterns would make great sewn gifts.

AND

For those not number 100 I will do a random pick from the comments entered on this post. Winner will be chosen on Wednesday November 16, 2011 at 9 am PST.

Wordless Wednesday...Stephanie and Santana

2011-11-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

Lately my brain has been truly Wordless, it's all about processing tasks and getting them done, one after the other. At least there is always something to Photograph Stephanie and Santana:

I would post more, but I don't think that you want to read a 7 page English paper or want me to post and identify works of arts from 1860 to 1960....I find out the results of my Modern Art History Midterm tonight, not looking forward to it. I hope everyone is doing well out there....

Showing Action in your Photographs

2011-10-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

They say the best way to really learn something is to teach it. I had been having trouble with the concepts of the Shutter Speed setting and the Aperture Settings. I believe I have finally figured it out.

The facts on which the decisions are made a normal exposure on a sunny day with the film of ISO rating of 100 is f/16 (this is the aperture) and 1/125 (this is the shutter speed). I guess I should have done a previous post to explain this part. This theory was a 'rule' established by the teacher, that didn't make sense to me until I learned what I am about to explain.

To Stop Action in a Photograph you need a faster shutter speed. If on that sunny day the shutter speeds 'Normal' is 1/125 you would have to increase the shutter speed by 2 or 3 stops, to 1/500 or 1/1000. This increase in shutter speed lessens the amount of time that light is being let in. If you don't adjust the aperture from the normal of f/16 you won't have enough light. You have to adjust the aperture to let in more light in the same amount of stops that you chose to increase your shutter speed. Here is what took me almost 5 weeks to understand. The lower the f-stop number of the aperture, the wider the lens opening. So for the 1/500 the f-stop would come down by two to f/8. For the 1/1000 the f-stop would be f/5.6. Here is my picture to show a Stop Action. My camera settings were 1/1000 and f/5.6 on a sunny day. That little doggie was running really fast.

To Show Action in a Photograph: In order to be able to capture the blurriness in a photograph to denote the action in the shot you have to slow down the shutter speed by 2 or 3 stops from the 'normal' 1/125 at that point you are getting more light to 1/30 or 1/15. If you don't decrease the Aperture you will have to much light. Again something that took me 5 weeks to understand, f/16 is the smallest aperture setting so how can I decrease the light? Dah, you wait until it's darker in the day? Either as the sun is coming up 2 hours before sunrise or 2 hours before sunset. Here is my picture for this assignment, it was 5:45 AM 1/30 f/8. The doggies didn't feel like running at 5:45 AM.

For Extra Credit we could do a Panning shot: Which is when you follow the action while the shutter is open and recording the image so that the subject remains in focus and the objects not moving become blurred. I'm going to be totally honest here, I have no idea how I captured it. I will tell you that this is the only one of 24 shots that worked:

Now that I'm understanding Black and White Photography I think I might begin to like it, never as much as my Digital I don't think, but I have learned lots of key concepts that will enhance my digital shots. I still haven't dared to go Manual on my digital camera I would need to pull out the camera manual and read it to figure out how to set it to the setting I need.

Harry Potter Robe

2011-10-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

My daughter has been asking for a Robe since the last two movie premiers. I finally made her one, and I actually did it a whole week before she had to wear it! If you are good at sewing without directions feel free to email me if you would like the pattern pieces.

Also if you still haven't sewn up some Trick or Treat baskets don't forget to visit the Guest post Tutorial I did last year at Rook No. 17

Wordless Wednesday...Santana

2011-10-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

I hadn't mentioned this little dog, because we rescued him and didn't think we were going to keep him. Needless to say after 10 days of injecting a medicine filled IV morning and night, my husband bonded with him and he's not leaving. My daughter named him Santana, my only problem is putting haircuts on the budget. No one in this house has ever had hair cuts on a regular basis. I don't think this poor thing can wait till the first....

New Shoulder Bags

2011-10-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

I really like it when the universe lines up and I have an easy task at something. I've had it on my To Do list to 'List Bags on Etsy' for a long time now. I tried to take some pictures inside the house a while back and they were just nasty. So I had to find a spare hour in the late morning so I could drag my dress form outside. This morning it finally happened! And look my dress form has a new dress, I like it better than the white one but not as much as the cream and red floral one!

El Paseo Window Shopping

2011-10-13T20:44:00.000-07:00

Every where I've ever lived I had a Road that I drive down with the music blarring when I want to releave some stress. Here in the Desert it's El Paseo if you don't know it think Rodeo Drive. I love driving, screaming oh I mean singing to country music, and absorbing all the color, images, people, art....

Today I decided to stop and take a few pictures to share with you. Oh and just incase you wanted to know why I was de-stressing, On Tuesday morning I turned in a 5 pages English paper, on Tuesday Night I turned in 6 Black and White 'perfect' prints. On Wednesday afternoon I turned in a 3 page art paper and took a 6 chapter Art History Exam, Thursday morning I turned in a 1 page paper for English, and Tonight well I skipped class.....shhh don't tell anyone! Oh and did you know I do have a full time day job;)

Anyways, this is what brings me back to center, I stop and admire all the great work, in the items on display, the Merchandising, the display it's self, puts me in a trance and calms me down as well as inspires me:

Not so Wordless Wednesday...Cat on Fabric

2011-10-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why I thought it was a good idea to bring all my fabric tubs into my sewing area. I just figured they would be handy, instead of having to keep walking out to the garage. Oh, but I forgot that my home has been turned into a zoo. We now have two cats and two dogs, that have nothing else to do but follow me around.

And this little one seems to like that finer things in life, that is Suede (as in leather) under her right butt cheek!

Columbus Day.. a Holiday no Holiday

2011-10-10T16:25:00.000-07:00

Why is Columbus day not a really Holiday? I could have really used a Holiday right about now. It isn't that I wanted to celebrate anything, or that I wanted to acknowledge his accomplishments. Do I even know what they were at this point, He discovered America, but hasn't it been proven that there were other explorers here before him?

To be totally honest, I'm drowning in School work, and I could have really used a whole day to write and English paper, rewrite the last English paper that I only got a 37 out of 50, Write a 3 page Art paper, and study for an Art History Exam coming up on Wednesday night.

Why are there no real Holiday's in the Fall Semester?

Well that was my rant - that's all I had time for. I might have to reconsider this whole blogging thing? At least while I'm in school.

Oh Oh for those of you on WhoopdWhoop, I'm getting ready to list a couple of my husbands trains.

Wordless Wednesday...Black and White photo

2011-10-05T15:24:00.000-07:00

I'm really enjoying my Black and White Photography class. The weather is finally changing around here. I was able to capture this beautiful shot. There usually aren't any clouds in our skies.

I photographed it, developed it, process/printed it then scanned it, in order to be able to share it with you.

Lilia Garcia Castro Art Exhibit

2011-09-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

As part of my Modern Art History class, we had a field trip. It was a short field trip since there is an Art Museum right on the College of the Desert campus.

They are open Monday to Thursday from 12:00 to 4 PM, it's free! or by appointment 760-776-7278.

They are currently the exhibit of Lilia Garcia Castro: A Contemporary View of Pre-Columbian Art. Lilia was born in Sonora, Mexico, She immigrated to California as a child with her family, and later graduated from San Diego State University. She then returned to Mexico to study art first at the University of Sonora, and then at the prestigious National School of Art "La Esmeralda" at the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature, from which she graduated in 1982.

We went on the day of the Opening and she was still there walking around. An man that had attended the opening asked her a question about one of her paintings, and that was the ice breaker needed for her to start talking. The man asked the question in Spanish, so she responded in spanish, then when she noticed she had gathered an audience she started interjecting some English, and then when to all English. I found it interesting how great she was at transitioning between the languages without the awkwardness that sometimes happens.

She is a mixed-media artist. She picks up sand and dirt from all over the place, she mentioned that she has shelves of small jars of dirt in her studio, of many different grains and colors. She mixes the sand with her paints and then creates her pieces of art. These pieces have great texture.

Here are a few of her pieces:

There are so many more pieces. If you have a chance it's worth the trip. Now I have to pick 3 or 4 pieces I like and write a paper comparing these works to an art movement that we are currently studying in class. This is going to be my semester of papers! I'm glad I like the subject matter ;)

Black & White Contact sheets

2011-09-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

The assignment for last weeks Black and White photography class was to make Contact sheets from the two rolls of film we had shot, and learned how to develop. For those of you that have been following since last summer when I expressed fear of my summer vacation because of my claustrophobia, well you know I'm claustrophobic. Not a good thing to be when you have to go into a dark room, that really does get pitch black you can't see anything!

I did it, and I wasn't the last one in the dark room! I was very proud of myself. Mind you did practice sitting in my seat with a dummy film with my eyes closed until I was doing it in less than 3 minutes. Then the red lights can come on, and I'm not so bad with those, but when it's pitch black I get in and get it done quick and get out!

I still haven't been able to figure out the correct Aperture to the correct shutter speed, so my first two rolls of film were not all that great. But I did finally figure out the light meter device on the camera, and it takes me about 4 times of setting up the shot to finally get my green light, so I'm excited to develop my next roll of film, I made sure I got the green light every time I went to shoot a picture.

Here are my contact sheets:

I got the chemicals wrong in the 2nd contact sheet. Man this developing stuff is a real science.

Also I promise to go back to sewing, knitting and creating patterns. I'm just a bit over my head, not sure why I thought I could take 10 college units, have a job, and still have a life. I don't remember it being this hard, but then again they keep telling me I wasn't 40 + the first time around.

A word of advice - If you are in school - Stay in school until you are done! It won't get any easier!

Super Saturday Crafts

2011-09-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

I've always loved the Super Saturday Relief Society meetings. I was put in charge of the sewing project. We sewed Travel pillow cases (without the straps) to donate to the local hospital.

We loved the idea of the service project from this blog post:

And combined it with the pillow case with a pocket from this blog post:

We made a few:

And there were other talented people heading up other wonderful crafts, I love this Tule Wreath:

You can find some directions on this blog: Baby Rabies

And I've got these Yarn Wrapped Letters on my To Do list:

I love how they did them on this blog post: Let Birds Fly

But the most ingenious craft there was a Daily Journal in a basket. The simplest thing on the planet, that I would have never thought of. Make small cards for every day of the year, and each day you write one sentence of what you did, or inspired or you just want to remember!

There are some simply how to's on this blog: Daily Craft Project

And the best idea of the year goes to the person that set up a Trail mix bar, so that the ladies can munch while doing their crafts.

Doesn't that just look so yummy!

My English Composition class...

2011-09-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

English, English Composition and any writing in general has always been dificult for me. My first language was Spanish, eventhough I was born in LA, I lived the first 5 years of my life in Mexicali B.C. Mexico. We moved to Indio CA when I was ready to start Kindergarten. The English language did not come easy to me. In High School when I had to write papers for assignments I realized, I still didn't have a good grasp of the language, at least not good enough to write on paper what I truly wanted to say. In acquiring my AA in Fasion Design I was able to get away without taking an English Composition class, and take a creative writing class instead.

In order to receive a BA I must take a couple of English classes. I started with English Composition, I do my best thinking in the mornings so it's a 7 AM class. I truly believe that the people when need come into our lives when we need them. Professor Tapleshay at COD was put in my path for a purpose! This man is awesome. He is outgoing, loud, engenious in how he keeps his students attention. He had explained to me more about writing in a couple of weeks than I had learned in the nearly 15 years I had previously attended school.

Our first assignment was a Perfect Paragraph, Tell me what you think of mine:

*I believe that appearance can influence our attitude. In Charles Swindoll’s Attitude he states “It (attitude) is more important than appearance,”. As a Fashion Designer I have made many types of garments for many different people, and have watched first hand how an article of clothing can affect a person’s attitude. A long while back, when I was first starting my schooling for Fashion Design my little sister asked me to make her a dress for a Winter Ball High School dance. It was my first attempt at creating an article of clothing from someone’s verbal description of what they wanted. I drew an illustration, and she agreed that I had the general idea of what she wanted. At the time I was going to school in San Diego and my little sister lived in Indio. I put the dress in the mail and sent it to her. She never mentioned the dress to me. My brothers tell me that she opened the box put the dress on and broke down into very loud audible sobs. After I graduated from school she came to me and asked if I would make her a wedding dress, to be honest I was surprised. My little sister had seen other dress I had made for other customers and noticed my skills had improved, she wasn’t worried. I was worried; I made a test dress before cutting into the actual fabric. As I put the dress on her and laced up the back corset I could see my little sister straighten up and stand a little taller. A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to make my daughter two prom dresses. The first dress was very colorful, in my husband’s words, “It looked like Walt Disney threw up on her.” As my daughter wore this dress, her very rambunctious nature showed through loud and clear even though she was headed to a more sophisticated even in her life. The second dress she wanted blue, because I wanted her to show her conservative self I bought Dupioni Silk for the dress. I made it tailored and close fitting in the bodice, very Victorian feeling. As she wore this dress her attitude was one of calm and sophistication. Truly one’s appearance can influence one’s attitude.

Review and Giveaway of one of my bags...

2011-09-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! There is a Review and Giveaway currently going on over at Knitwitbyshair.com of one of my bags.

I have a couple of bags that I've sewn, that are not listed in my Etsy shop just yet, but I will get them up, so you have a chance to win them before the Giveaway is over. One of them is the cool Denim one for a few post back.

So hopp on over to the Knit Wit by Shair and enter the Giveaway.

Our booth is looking better...

2011-09-16T14:51:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday was the 3rd time that we have set up a vendor booth at the COD Street Fair. We have been trying to perfect a booth, so we have been going during the off season, the booths are cheaper. It has given us great practice.

The first time we went one of the ladies from another booth said "You really need banners and signs." So the second time we went, we had a banner and some signs. Still need to work on getting better signs.

The second time we went one guy that was there selling T-shirts said "put a table going along the front of your booth showing your best stuff, so they can see it without having to walk into your booth."

We felt really good about the progress we have made. Randy made a counter high display table for Stephanie's Jewelry, and we set that along the front. That meant I could put my Bags & Patterns on one table and some of Randy's Trains on the other table we own. (we need more tables).

We had 5 sales, which was good considering there were hardly any people, and the vendors on each side of us, didn't get any sales. I felt bad for guys.

We have a long way to go, So we'll keep practicing!

Wordless Wednesday...Living Room Exploded

2011-09-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

Their are 3 artists in this house. The only open area is what is supposed to be the formal living and dining room, which is my work area. We decided to set up a booth at the COD Street Fair last Saturday (more on that tomorrow). So the 3 of us were working frantically, and here it is Wednesday, and still no one has made any effort to organize after the Artistic bomb went off.

Black and White Photography class...

2011-09-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

One of the three classes that I'm taking this semester is a Black and White Photography class. I didn't really want to take it, I wanted to take the digital Photography classes. The problem was that the one the qualifies for the Degree in Fine Arts is the Black and White Photography class. I do see the benefit of learning how to use and process 35mm film. My only question is that there isn't one camera manufacture out there that still produces a 35mm SLR camera, so what would be the purpose?

The first day was interesting listening to the teacher talk about paper and the size of the film and the plates that are used. He made the comment that he didn't understand Photoshop and thinking of an image in pixels. To me what he was saying didn't make sense, I understand Photoshop and I have never thought of an image as anything other than pixels.

So this first assignment, really opened my eyes as to how a picture is the presence of light and the absence of light. We went into the Dark room and produced 'shadow' prints, from objects that we brought in.

Here are mine:

This class is going to stretch my brain cells, with f stops and shutter speeds and light and no light, and chemicals....I am truly studying a dying art. What are you guys studying, or teaching??

10 Years ago...

2011-09-12T15:52:00.000-07:00

I have debated over and over about posting about 9/11 because I either have to tell something I rarely talk about or ignore it all together. Their really is no middle for us.

My husband had just retired on Sept 7, 2001 from the US Navy after being in for 22 years. He had started working construction. We lived in San Diego, so for us our morning was just beginning. He was in the livingroom putting his work boots on when he was watching on the TV the first tower in smoke and then right in front of him he watched as the 2nd plane hit the 2nd tower.

I was still sleeping he woke me up and said "We are under attack, I'm not going to work, I'm going back to the ship, to stop my paperwork."

That started the downward spiral of my husbands emotional well being. He did go back to the ship and begged and begged to be let back in. Their was nothing the captain could do, his Retirement was final. From that point forward he was in groused with the news, knowing full well their would be a war.

The war came and he became worse, not being able to do the job he had been trained to do for so many years.

For us, 9/11 started our family on a very long walk through hell it self. So we tend to not talk about it much around here.

10 years later, my husband is about as back to normal as he will ever be. He still has health problems from the many suicide attempts. He has been stable for a short while now, his last suicide attempt was Sept of 2009.

We are on pins and needles waiting for September to be over. If he gets to watching to much 9/11 coverage I interfere. This morning it took him almost 2 hours to put all the cables back together. From VCR to Cable box to TV;-)

I really do feel for all those that lost loved ones, but I really do think their is way to much TV coverage of the event. Not everyone has the self control (or emotional stability) to know when it's to much.

Change to my Shoulder Bag pattern

2011-09-05T18:10:00.000-07:00

I keep trying to figure out how I can produce items for Our Etsy shop faster. So I removed the gathers from my shoulder bag pattern.

It sewed up so quickly I was amazed. And even though the main center piece stayed the same size. The bag looks lots bigger.

I'm hoping to get my Etsy shop stocked up with a few bags because I've sent this bag away for a review and giveaway and the giveaway is a Certificate to the shop. I'll post a link to the Giveaway when it's up.

I really want the shop to be stocked so that the winner doesn't feel cheated.

If you own my Not so big, Big Bag (shoulder bag) Pattern and would like the new pattern pieces email me from the Paypal account you used to purchase the bag and I'll send you the new pattern pieces. Then you follow the same sewing directions leaving out the gathering at the yoke and the corners.

Which do you like better the Gathered puffy bag or the New Flat looking bag?

Wordless Wednesday...First Day of School

2011-08-31T09:09:00.000-07:00

It has been a strange summer around here. The heat came late, and here we are the last day of August and it's under 100 degrees, well it is only 9 am. But still that's pretty cool. My daughter and I had our first day of School yesterday. Lets hope that the rest of the semester brings us clear skies!

Wood work...Planes...Trains...and submarines

2011-08-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

My husband has been hard at work with his new Shopsmith! Best Birthday Gift I ever gave him. All I have to do is put a challenge in his head and he disappears for days. That's nice when you are together 24/7!

Some of his work:

Train box car.

Submarine

Fighter Jet

Steam Engine Train it even Whistles.

New Etsy shop to be Open soon. Randy's Wood Shop.

Wordless Wednesday...Keegan Wood Working

2011-08-24T19:48:00.000-07:00

My 4GB memory card ran out of room. Found these I had planned for a post a long time ago. Naturally I had no idea what I was going to write about. So not going to wait until my brain remembers because the way this year has been going, it's not going to come back to me.

They are wonderful picture of my wonderful Nephew. Using a Dremel tool to shape some wood into a Lightning McQueen Lightning Bolt:

Scripture Bag for LDS Military set

2011-08-22T18:54:00.000-07:00

When my husband first joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints he was Active US Navy. The day he was baptized the Bishop gave him a set of Scriptures made for the Military. The scriptures are Small and compact there is a New Testament a Book of Mormon the Doctrine and Covenants and a Hymn book.

My sisters Baby boy has a Birthday a couple of days before mine. A couple of weeks before his birthday he asked me if I would make him a Scripture bag like I made Stephanie (my daughter). I told him sure. Makes an easy Birthday gift. I had an extra set of the small Military scriptures others had given my husband as gifts. So I decided to narrow My Compact Scripture Bag pattern, and give him the extra set of Scriptures we had.

He loved them!

Poor little Lexi girl left crying 'were are my Scriptures?' So now I'm on the look out for another Military Scripture set which you can't buy unless you are Active duty, and some pink fabric! I'm sure we'll figure it out, I have to because these two don't forget anything you say! Gotta Love them!

Whoopdwhoop ....Currency free Creative Marketplace

2011-08-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago Becka from Made by bedtime tales did a blog post about Whoopdwhoop.

I was curious so I hopped on over and signed up.

List a couple of bags that I had listed on Etsy over a year ago and they just kept expiring and eating up my 20 cents, so I stopped listing them and put them away. They sold for whoops anyways and then I can use those whoops to buy from others. The only money in the transactions is the seller paying for the shipping. That is the way that there is no currency involved.

Now these two bags have a home! As soon as I get some of my customers projects done, I'll be listing a few other bags that I've got stored away.

Wonderful Barder system!! So if you've got stuff that needs a new home, go sign up, I'm sure you'll find some handmade stuff on Whoopdwhoop you'd like to have instead of your stock just sitting there.

New Business Logo

2011-08-15T19:39:00.000-07:00

This summer was the 'Start a million projects summer'. I feel like I literally started a million projects. So I sought help on a project, a logo for my PDF sewing patterns. You guys know my disease, the 'I can do that so there is no way I'm paying for it'.

Well I hated everything I was coming up with so much that I paid for it! I love love a blog called Crafty Mummy and read every post she ever puts out (because it comes straight to my inbox!). Well she did a guest post over at Key Lime digital designs, so I went over to see what Kendra had to offer. I really liked what I saw. So I signed up for her newsletter, and then she started appearing in my inbox.

Then one day out of the blue I decided I had a small amount in the pay pal account that I was going to ask her to do a logo for me. Only $50!

She sent me an email and told me when she would have time to work on it, told me how the payment would go and when I would receive some work, and made it clear that she would do some reworks if I need them. Sold, sold, sold!!

She first sent me these:

I loved the apple idea! I liked the two color idea, but for some reason I wanted a tree, so I emailed her back and she was great the next day I got these:

I love love them! Now to finish a couple of the million projects, I can now rework the covers of my PDF patterns, I can design a new banner for my Etsy shop and I can revisit that long lost website I haven't done with for several years! A new look and it didn't cost me all that much

Send Kendra an email if you need a logo or other digital work! She good and she's fast!

Wordless Wednesday...My B-day

2011-08-10T08:08:00.000-07:00

I'm 40 Again...My daughter couldn't find a number 1 candle. We had almost every other number but not a 1. So I am 40 again...Which is just fine with me!

Creative Jean patch

2011-08-08T08:54:00.000-07:00

I have a pair of blue jeans that are so 'holy' they are ready for the Celestial kingdom. I love this pair of jeans, they fit perfect, they look snug but I can move in them. More important I can eat in them!

I've had them for a while so it was that acid washed look that has small worn out sections. Well my small worn out sections turned into big holes.

Then I remembered my '80's pants that has fabric behind the holes. So I let the holes grow and grow until they got to a nice size that you could see the fabric underneath.

I cut a piece of fabric at least an inch bigger than the hole all the way around.

I finished off the edges of the fabric so they won't fray. I serged them but you can do either a straight stitch or a zig zag stitch all the way around if you don't have a serger.

I seam ripped the side leg of the pant, so that I could be able to sew around the hole more easily.

I pinned the fabric in place just were I wanted it, and sewed around it.

If you have little boys you can put some cars fabric or take them to the store and let them pick out there own fabric. Or you can extend the life of your own jeans. I love mine and I'll be wearing them until they fall apart.

My experience with Resin...

2011-08-05T16:52:00.000-07:00

I have an "I can do that complex" I refuse to buy things I like because I say "I can do that".

Then I set out to learn everything I can about the subject. That is what happened to me when everyone was selling and wearing scrabble tile pendants.

My first attempt was from a Tutorial I bought and it used Diamond Glaze. I didn't like the look of it, and it never got really hard. First blog post Scrabble Tile fever

So I decided to go toxic, I was trying to avoid it. The look and feel of the tiles is so much different with the Resin than with the diamond glaze.

Here is a short video of my process with the tiles (with all my miss haps and warnings):

Here is a wonderful free tutorial that explains the prepping the paper process, and then you can follow what I did in the video with the Resin.

Or you can do tray pendents in the same manner. I found this wonderful Etsy shop, I love the look of the tray.

Since I can't do anything with out fabric. I added a piece of fabric to the tray on the bottom same process as adding the paper, and I placed a few charms in it, then placed it on a fabric strap.

I hope this explains it in a bit more detail - give it a try.

If anyone makes some feel free to come back and leave us a link.

The last of last weekends work...

2011-08-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I didn't stay off the computer, mostly because I discovered whoopdwhoop. Thank you Becca. I'll post more about that tomorrow. Plus I was also asked on Friday night if I could make a dress for some one that was being buried. That was a first for me.

It really was a sweet experience, she brought me one of her mother's dresses. I pulled the size and style of the dress. She brought me the material and some really pretty pink and white lace. I took a picture of the dress but don't really feel comfortable sharing it. I hope everything goes well for them.

So the last two items I made last weekend was a Day of the dead Scripture bag for my daughter (from my Scripture bag pattern:

My daughter is a bit eccentric so I don't think we stopped to

think if the fabric was Chapel appropriate.

and I started on a shoulder bag that will be going off to Canada for a review and Giveaway. Here is the color way for the flower pin I put on the bags.

I hope your month is off to a good start! What are you working on???

Add pockets to any pattern

2011-07-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

It's very easy to add a pocket to any pattern that you have. I made a bag this weekend in which I used two different types of pockets, A patch pocket and a pocket incorporated into a seam. You need to put the pockets on first before you follow any of the sewing directions of the pattern.

Pocket incorporated into the seam:

I wanted to place two small pockets in the side seam band.

I took a piece of paper and placed it over the Side seam pattern piece, drew my outside lines so I would get the same width of the fabric, then I just estimated how deep I wanted the pocket and added my seam allowance. For those of you that own my 'Not so big Big Bag' Shoulder bag pattern This piece is 5" wide by 7" tall. I cut 2 piece of the outer fabric and 2 pieces of the lining fabric so I would have 4 pockets.

First you prep the top seam. Iron down 1/2 of the seam allowance which in my case is 1/4"

Then Iron down again the rest of the seam allowance.

Then Stitch across the top, I stitch twice just for decoration.

The iron up the bottom seam allowance.

Position the pocket on the side panel were you want the pocket located, and pin the bottom in place and stitch the bottom of the pocket to the side panel. Repeat the same process for the rest of the pockets. I choose contrast color so my pockets can be a design feature as well as a functional pocket.

With the pockets in place you can then start the directions as outlined in you pattern.

Patch pocket:

First prep the top of the pocket, the same as above. Fold down 1/2 the seam allowance, fold down the rest of the seam allowance. Stitch the top seam.

Then fold up the bottom seam, and fold in the side seams.

The pin the pocket any where on any piece where you would like the pocket to be located. Then just stitch down one side, across the bottom and up the other side.

That easy! You can put a pocket anywhere.

Sorry for the different fabrics, I didn't think to take pictures of the steps until after I had finished the Bag this past weekend.

The only down side to making bags for sale, when you love bags, is that you want to keep them all for yourself. Well I love this bag so much I am keeping it for myself. It fits my binder and two text books perfectly. As some of you know I went back to school. Well I'm registered for the Fall semester and it starts August 29. I'll be taking a Black & White photography class, an Art History class and an English Composition class. I'll be 3 classes closer to a BA in Fine Arts!!

And here it is the bag I finished this weekend.

Here you can see the pockets incorporated into the seam.

And the patch pocket on the front. The bag is reversible.

Let me know if you need any help with adding pockets to a pattern???

Putting findings on fabric necklace...

2011-07-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what this finding is called, the package just says crimp beads. There lots of different styles of crimp beads.

I do know that they are used for cording, so I just figured they would work for fabric also. They are U shaped:

I stuffed the fabric in the U nice and tight:

Then take pliers and press down the side walls flat. I then add a jump ring and then a claw closure. To the other side I just add a Jump ring.

Tammy thank you for the question. Hope this helps.

Resin Pendant on a fabric strap Necklace

2011-07-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

I've got to say I'm really liking my commitment to stay off the computer for a day and just get stuff done. But this time have decided to do a blog post on each instead of just showing you all my done pictures all at once.

I have been working on this pendant for a while now, I actually did the resin and it set like stone and I didn't like it, so my daughter took a drill and broke all the resin out, you can tell by some of the scratching on the silver.

I purchased the pendant, then cut a piece of fabric to fit snug inside along the bottom. I bought the charms and with some pliers took the charm loops off. I added some beads to fill in some of the large spaces.

I followed this video tutorial on YouTube to learn how to use the Resin.

And I followed this Tutorial to do a very very thin fabric strap with the same fabric I used for the background.

Then used a crimp tube, a jump ring and added a claw closure. Feel free to let me know if you need more detailed directions?

I am a Red...

2011-07-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

I'm having a problem with how much I should or should not share on my blog. I have a very strong personality that I have struggled to control for a long time. If I don't set parameters for my self I can make enemies of friends really quickly. I don't mean to, it's just I am very direct and to the point.

My brain goes a million miles a minute, and it's hard for me to talk about the weather. Which is mostly what I've been talking about around here. Which doesn't give you my personality at all.

We had a Relief Society meeting a few months ago, where we took the Color Code Personality Test. It was no surprise to me that I was a Red, I knew it before we began.

Photos taken by Jenn

That's my daughter and I in the corner. Great Job taking the picture, I'm not photogenic. Maybe 1 of every 10 pics of me are publish worthy. I think she took 3. Jenn it wasn't you it's me!

I think I have decided to share a little more of My Life....to go a long with My Crafts. Keep in mind, when you are reading...I am a Red. So if I made you cry, tell me, you won't hurt my feeling. I'm sure we can talk through it.

Red: Strengths: Decisive, Determined, Responsible, Powerful, Logical, Confident, Pragmatic/Task Oriented. Limitations: Arrogant, Selfish, Bossy, Critical of Others, Impatient, Insensitive, Argumentative.

If you take the test - come back and tell me what you are????

No Computer Access = A productive day

2011-07-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

All of my ideas reside on my computer. Even if I find an idea in a magazine I scan in and put it in a folder on my computer. I do this because I'm a clutter bug, and I have spent all of my life trying to reduce the clutter around me, another story for another day.

The point is that all my ideas reside on my computer, so when I turn on the computer it's like walking through a toy store, oooo look at this, oh yes, I wanted to do this, no I think I'll do this first, oh wait here are a few things that all almost done, I'll work on those, maybe not, do I have email, oops haven't check my twitter, oh no, I haven't posted anything of my Facebook fan page wall, man that Tumbler account hasn't had a post in months, mmmm Pinterest.....Well you get the picture!

So on Friday I checked my email early in the morning, turned off the computer, and told myself no computer until Monday morning. Look what I accomplished:

My dress form has a new cover, I needed a solid color the patterned one wasn't working for product pictures.

I finished some alterations that have been on my pile for months:

I actually sewed a sample for my sewing class (we are doing a Beach Tote):

I made my daughter a skirt (she's been waiting for ever!):

And I finished a bag to put in my Etsy shop (not listed yet, I was having trouble with the lighting in the photos):

I think I found myself a new routine, No more computer access on Fri. Sat. and Sun. My online presences isn't that big anyways, I'm sure I won't be terribly missed for 3 days out of the week. Plus I'm sure I will have more to show and talk about during the 4 days I am on the computer, If I do this.

How do you guys find time to finish the projects you start???

Phoenix Art Museum...Theatre De La Mode

2011-07-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad that I had the chance to visit the Phoenix Art Museum while in AZ. Things just happened in such a way that I had a day all to myself. It was wonderful. During the AAFCS conference I heard some of the ladies talking about an Exhibit that was currently on display of 1/2 scale mannequins with designer clothes.

I was intrigued so when I realized that I would have a day to myself I knew I had to figure out which of the several Museum's in downtown Phoenix it was. Luckily I found an article of an Exhibit that sounded what the ladies were talking about at the Phoenix Art Museum. I arrived and asked about the Exhibit and she showed me a map and told me where to find their "Ellman Fashion Gallery".

It was up stairs in the South Wing, which didn't connect with the Main level North wing the entrance is at. So I decided to take my time and tour the museum section by section and I'll get there when I get there.

I went through their Renaissance and Baroque, 18th Century European, 17th Century Northern European, Spanish Colonial, 19th Century European, American, Western American and Western Contemporary. I loved that you were allowed to take pictures, we only picture of what they owned. So if the Phoenix Art Museum owned the work and therefore owned the Rights, they gave you the right to photograph it. There were plenty of pieces of Work on lone so those had a sticker of a camera with a big red circle and line through it, and those you couldn't photograph obviously. There was some wonderful pieces:

There is this large wonderful circular sculpture a convex and concave sphere:

The imagery that you get from it is amazing:

And then I got to were I was going, and found "Theatre De La Mode" (no picture allowed) here is the scan of the brochure:

It was amazing post WWII era fashion from various French Designers of the time. Done it 1/3 scale (actually) every detail on each of the dolls is amazing, they all had Jewelry, Shoes, Hats and handbags. All in 1/3 scale.

The story of how these dolls came to be is even more amazing:

"Liberation in the fall of 1944 after four years of foreign Occupation found Paris surviving on minimal resources. Hoping to make a statement to the world that Paris was still the center of fashion, couturiers, jewelers, milliners, hairdressers, and theatre designers joined together to present the Theatre de la Mode.

Using the ages-old tradition of traveling miniature mannequins dressed in current couture, the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture mobilized a whole industry with unprecedented cooperation and creativity to prove that life could begin again through these 27" tall ambassadors of fashion. The exhibition, inaugurated in Paris in March 1945, began a long journey, first to other capitals in Europe and Great Britain, then in 1946 to the United States.

When the little ambassadors had served their mission, their valuable jewelry was sent back to Paris and they were abandoned, packed away in the basement of a department store in San Francesco. Paul Verdier and Alma Spreckels rescured them in 1952, and arranged for them to be sent to the Maryhill Museum of Art in Goldendale, Washington. They were exhibited behind glass, appreciated by only limited audiences until "rediscovered" by historian Stanley Garfinkel in 1983." Back cover of the Theatre de la Mode Fashion Dolls: The Survival of Haute Couture a Plamer/Pletsch Publication.

Each year 3 of the 9 sets are on Display at the Maryhill Museum of Art, While a few of the sets a lent out for Exhibit to other Museums I'm so glad that I was able to be at the right place at the right time to be able to know of the existence of these wonderful Haute Couture Treasures!!!!

I've now added Goldendale Washington to my list of places to visit (not sure exactly were that is, but I'll be figuring it out very soon!!) I must see the rest of these dolls. There were 237 original dolls made of which 65 are currently missing.

Arizona Desert Envy

2011-07-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

Our family moved to the Coachella Valley Desert (Palm Springs, CA area) when I was 5 years old. I graduated from Indio High School, I did move away to San Diego and lived there for a short while. Then my husband Retired from the Navy and we moved back to the Coachella Valley.

So I have been in this Desert 70% of my life, and every time I drive to Arizona I wonder why our Desert isn't the same as Arizona's Desert. Their desert is so green:

I have Arizona Desert Envy!!!!

Large Barbie doll house for sale

2011-07-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

My husband has finished his first house that he is putting up for sale, the last few he did had owner's before he even started them.

This is the one that is currently for sale:

It is unfinished so that you can paint it the color you would like. Fun painting project for Mother/Daughter or Father/Daughter. It is 53 inches Tall, 49 inches Wide and 34 inches Deep.

It has 3 stories and is built to accommodate Barbie Furniture kits for Living Room, Kitchen/Dining Room on the bottom floor, Barbie Bedroom and Bathroom on the 2nd floor and a Stacie Bunkbed set on the 3rd floor. Or mix and match and move them around. I do suggest buying the furniture sets first so you know what color to paint the corresponding rooms.

It has hand carved details on the door (door doesn't open).

Open windows and small porch.

And hand tooled shingles.

Price: $600 (Credit cards accepted) Shipping or delivery not included. If you would like to come over and see it please call Sonia at 760-289-2263.

Here are images of my Nieces finished house:

Barbie doll house pattern now available click here to visit the blog post with more info.

June Sewing Group...Handmade books for Haiti Orphanage

2011-07-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

June was a blur to me, so much to do, and no time left over to blog about it. Most of the time I just move on and blog about current things going on, but I didn't want to leave this one in the past.

I make lots of reference to my sewing group, but I don't think I've ever stopped and explained it. I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, as a female member I am a part of the Largest Women's Service Organizations in the world called The Relief Society.

The Relief Society hold meetings on Sunday and also has a few meetings during the month, one of those meetings is the one that I lead The Santa Rosa Ward Relief Society Sewing meeting.

I try to have a new pattern every month that teaches different sewing techniques, for those that have never sewn and those that are advanced sewer's and want to practice their craft.

I was so pleased when I saw CK's post on a project she was putting together to make handmade books to go to an orphanage in Haiti. I really felt this was a project our sewing group could help with.

It was a hit we had ladies that don't sew or care to learn to sew come and participate by cutting the card stock pages for the books.

Everyone loved it so much that those that couldn't attend are asking when we can schedule another one. Soon ladies, soon.

We were able to make 15 books:

If you yourself or a group of you want to help CK she needs to make 50 books to complete a first shipment to the orphanage. Visit her website page with all the information. Handmade for Haiti

AAFCS Conference at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa

2011-07-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

I'm so grateful to have been able to be at the AAFCS (American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences) Conference. A teacher is always a teacher and ready and willing to find new products to teach and answer questions.

Those of you that have been following for a while, know that I've gone back to school to get my BA, in something still don't know what yet. When there was a low time at the booth and there was time to chat I would ask the person what they had for a Degree and what their current position was. I think I want to be a teacher, maybe ;-)

Thank you to all the teachers that came by the Cochenille booth and entered our Giveaway, Signed up for our Newsletter, Took more information back to their schools and those that purchased our products. Thank you, if you need any help with any of it let me know. If you didn't get a chance to pick up our Educator flyer feel free to email info@cochenille.com and request one.

Both my husband and I have family in Arizona but the Conference was in Chandler, which wasn't near either of the family members so I got to stay at the Beautiful Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa for one night.

I loved the room:

On these wonderfully secluded grounds out in the middle of the desert! There are walking paths and golf courses all around the Buildings. Right outside my sliding glass door, was a stream, the sounds of the water and the ducks made for a very relaxing night after a long hot day. If you ever want to escape for a couple of days this place has it all.

Wordless Wednesday...Randy discovers the iPhone

2011-07-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook you know we drove out to Arizona. My Technophobe husband discovered the greatness of the iPhone during that 7 hour drive.

I really hope he doesn't ask for one! That would make it 3 iPhones on one wireless bill. Oh my I just noticed my face, I guess I really had to concentrate to drive, and take a picture. LOL

Father's Day pics

2011-06-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

I'm so bad with holiday's. I'm not sure why. I didn't used to be. I remember planning Mother's Day gatherings and Father's Day gatherings. For the past couple of years all the holidays have caught me by surprise. Heck this year I even forget to tell my Mom Happy Mother's Day on Mother's Day. Mind you she drove back from a trip to Vegas on that day, so when she arrived I just went over and told her that a colony of bee's had made the side of her house home. Not sure why that was more important than Happy Mother's Day.

Lucky for me a couple of days before Father's day I started seeing posts like this one: Manly cakes from Wendy at Wendy's Hat. So I had time to run to the store and buy some fixings. So that my daughter could make her own version (I was visiting with Mom):

My husband doesn't like to smile for pictures.

So this is what happens when you ask him to - He gets silly!

And my husband decided to cook himself a Salisbury steak with French onion gravy and Mash potatoes for Father's day dinner (a Rachael Ray Recipe). He's the cook, he likes to cook, I wouldn't have been able to do any better. For ten years I did the cooking, and one day he said to me he was tired of eating Mexican food, I said fine you cook, because I don't know how to cook anything else. So now he cooks, which is way fine by me!

I hope everyone had a Happy Father's Day especially the Father's.

My Memories Scrapbook Software Giveaway Winner

2011-06-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

The winner of the My Memories Scrapbook software is Number 16:

Kimberly - Drama Queens Mum.

Thank you all so very much for helping me get some comments on the post!!!

Cover for Dress Form

2011-06-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

I picked my dress form out of a dumpster a long time ago. She was missing her legs, which I fixed quickly I just put her on a stool and she became the perfect height also strong enough to hold the heavy wedding gowns.

When I picked her up I just figured I would sew her some very tight fitting clothes. Well here we are more than a decade later and she finally has her first outfit.

I took her measurements:

Entered them in Garment Designer:

Brought up a contoured style, and then moved all of my points in to mimic the sloper. I had bought a stretch knit fabric, so I needed no ease.

Printed it out, sewed up my seams on the serger and Voila she has her first outfit!

I need to make a circle pattern piece to cover up the armholes. I'm not going to worry about finding her some legs because I don't think I'm going to find anything stronger than the stool to be able to hold up the heavy wedding dresses.

Wordless Wednesday...Eagle

2011-06-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

When we went camping this past weekend we saw a wonderful Eagle or very large Hawk, not sure.

MyMemories Scrapbook Software Review and Giveaway

2011-06-14T06:05:00.000-07:00

I started doing the Digital Scrapbook thing about a year ago, I was having problems getting the hang of the kits and templates that were sold at various shops. I finally have a good handle on the Digital Scrapbooking thing. I bring the templates into Photoshop and with the help of many blogs and bloggers tutorials I have really learned how to customize a scrapbook page.

So my first question when downloading the My Memories Scrapbook Software was what are it's limitations. Sure software makes processes go faster but most of the time it limits creativity. I have to say that I didn't feel limited at all.

You can start with a Designer Template (which the program comes with a good range), Design you own or Browse More Content Online (real growing potential):

I've created a few page collections very quickly, I was able to adjust everything on the page easily. Add remove text, edit photos by cropping, rotating or zooming in or zooming out (My Memories words for there functions). I found the zooming in and zooming out when I was looking for a Scaling tool.

Once you create your albums you can choose how to share them:

I exported my examples to Movies.

Here is an album with my daughters pics:

I loved the fact that you can add audio to your albums, Here's another one I did from a Lexi fashion show blog post I did several months back:

I'm really loving this software! Now one of you can also love it for Free, Visit MyMemories.com and choose your favorite digital paper pack or layout, then come back here and leave me a comment with your choice for an entry to win a MyMemories Suite Software package.

For additional entries(leave one comment for each entry):

Subscribe to My Memories Blog
Like them on Facebook
or Follow then on Twitter

Can't wait and you want to get your hands on the software NOW, Here is a $10 off coupon code STMMMS72702 Coupon code expires June 23, 2011.

Contest will end at Midnight PST Sunday June 19, 2011. Good Luck Everyone!

Mother..Daughter Camping trip

2011-06-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

My daughter wanted to go camping for her birthday. We invited a few couples but they weren't able to come, it didn't help that we only gave them a weeks notice. My husband is on the down swing of his life roller coaster, he didn't want to go.

Stephanie and I packed the truck, and went up to Hurkey creek about 40 minutes from our home and spent the night in the open air. It has been a while since we've gone camping. We have all the equipment and this was not the first time I've loaded a vehicle full of girls and went camping. Story/stories for another time.

The first thing we did was set up the tent, we tried to set up the tent. It's kind of hard to set up a tent when the tent bag doesn't have the tent poles! Luckily I had brought the pop up shade and stephanie came up with the idea to attached the tent by it's hooks and strings to the metal frame of the pop up. Ingenues!

Then we did what everyone does when they go camping, we read:

We built a fire:

We had Smores:

Slept on the hard floor and woke up stiff, so we had to go walk it off in the parks 7 mile trail that runs along the creek.

We had a great time! The whole time we were up there all we kept saying is 'why don't we do this more often?' It's only 20 bucks a night, not to far from home and we really don't need much. Probably because we don't plan it! So after my little trade show trip to AZ next week we will be planning a few days in the Woods!

Scripture Bag and Pattern Winner

2011-06-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

And the winner of the scripture bag is:

Daisy from http://phillipspost.blogspot.com/ -- Thank you for coming by, I'm still trying to find your email If you see this and haven't heard from me please email me your address - to soniabartondesigns at yahoo dot com and I'll get your bag on it's way to you.

Because there were such low entries for those of you that entered if you would like a PDF pattern emailed to you feel free to email me at the same address as above.

Thank you all for you support.

Pinterest....

2011-06-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

In my blog reading for the past 6 months or so I had been noticing references to Pinterest. Needless to say I was feeling left out. Here are a few references from The Crafty Mummy I love her Blog. Dreamy Craft rooms, Crafty Bunnies, Modern Quilts. Now I have to go find out what Skitch is.

So I've solved that problem, I signed up! You can find me here.

So what is it? As far as I can figure it's a wonderful digital inspiration board on the web! You create an account, you create boards you find images on the web and you pin then to your boards. The best and most wonderful thing about it is that you will always remember where the image came from.

When I venture on a new Design project I always do an inspiration board. I can't wait to start using this wonderful tool. So far I have lots of bags on a board:

My baby's 20!

2011-06-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Stephanie! I've got to say it is a surprise that you have made it this far without any major incidents. Oh wait there have been a few, Leaving college and coming to COD, Going to college, Actually graduating from High School, Destroying the corolla, a couple we'll call interactions with a sheriff (at least you were under 18 and they don't matter anymore). I could go on but you are probably ready to kill with just those few.

Well if you are anything like your mother which we have already determined you seem to be the spitting image of, there will be a lot more!

I love you Shorty!

New LDS Scripture Bag patterns & Giveaway

2011-06-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

My little sister Monica (my Muse) puts her scriptures in what ever bag she is carrying to church, her purse, her Tote with teaching supplies or her diaper bag. Needless to say there are all kinds of things in any of those bags that could damage her scriptures.

So a while back I came up with this Scripture bag pattern, for the Standard LDS quad.

I've made a few, and we did it for a sewing group one month. The work great to use when all you want to carry is your scriptures or to put the scripture bag in another bag and keep your scriptures protected, from the lipstick in your purse the crayon's in your teaching tote or the moist stuff sticky stuff that comes in and out of your diaper bag.

When one of my favorite bloggers posted her little one was getting baptized. I wrote to her and asked if I could make her a gift. She was more than happy but her little one had Compact size scriptures. So that motivated me to make the other size patterns for the other size scripture bags.

Here is the Compact Quad pattern for sale on Etsy:

And the Large Print Quad pattern for sale on Etsy:

To win this sample of my Large Print Quad bag, just leave a comment.

I will also be Giving away one of the patterns, so if this bag is not your size, style or color feel free to leave a comment to win a pattern to make your own.

For extra entries feel free to:

Like us on Facebook.
Join us on GFC.
Follow us on Twitter.

This contest will end on Saturday June 11th, at Midnight PST. I will announce the winner that will be chosen by Randam.org on Sunday June 12th.

5 Pattern Drafting Software for Sewing

2011-06-02T10:32:00.000-07:00

One of the classes I took in College while I was getting my Degree in Fashion Design was a Software Evaluation class. We worked with 4 pattern drafting software in the class. Garment Designer by Cochenille Design Studio, Fittingly Sew by Knit Craft, Pattern Master Boutique by Wild Ginger Software and Dress Shop Pro by Living Soft. I'm going to add My Label by Bernina to make it a total of 5.

1. Garment Designer - Comes with all Standard Measurements built in, including infants, toddlers, children, juniors, petites, misses, women's and men's so you can design for the whole family it also includes some doll measurements. It thinks in pattern pieces and has all the pattern pieces you would need to create just about any design. You can easily click on the pattern points and bezier curves and do further pattern drafting of your pattern pieces. It has pattern intelligence built in, when you move the front hem it moves the back when you move the underarm point it automatically updates the sleeve cap. I enjoyed working with this program so much I now work for them.

2. Fittingly Sew - It took me a while to get a good fit out of this program. It had a fair amount of style options to choose from. Once I got the hand of it I was able to print out a pattern that worked. It gives you the ability to cut piece into sections and join pieces together so you could really get some weird shapes going on. It didn't have pattern intelligence so you needed to be really careful what pieces you were altering and make sure you went and updated the corresponding pieces.

3. Pattern Master Boutique - This program thinks in Designs. For example the Women's Wardrobe has blouses, dresses, jackets, coats, jumpsuits, pants, sheaths, and skirt Designs for Women. There are 5 individual packages. So the men taking the class had to design an outfit for one of the girls in the class because the college computer labs didn't have the Men's Wardrobe. You choose one of the designs in the category you want. You do have the ability to change the design by changing the neckline, adding darts, choosing different sleeves or collars and adding pockets. It was easy to use I would recommend this software to those that are just starting out with sewing and want to sew basic styles.

4. Dress Shop Pro - The teacher actually excused me from this assignment because no matter how I tweaked my measurements the software would not print out a pattern for me. The teacher and I work for 3 weeks on my measurements and never got a pattern. At least the other programs took the measurements no matter what they were and generated something. Not always perfect but never nothing. There are some reviews that had better results with the program. Like this one from Threads Magazine. There is also this one that has some really good comments.

5. My Label - If I were to ever cheat on my Garment Designer this is on I would try. The only reason I haven't is because of the price and the limited designs when they first came out. I see now on there website that the offer free design styles to add to your software. Why I would cheat on my Garment Designer: It just looks so cool, the 3D model of you, the ability to see the clothes on your figure (this is why the program is limited in styles it takes a long time to program Illustrate and write up each design). You also have the ability to embellish right on the screen, because Bernina does Embroidery software and Embroidery Machines this was the perfect addition to the program. If they ever come out with a Wedding dress Collection, I'm so there.

Wordless Wednesday - Memorial Day Dove's

2011-06-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

At Monday's Memorial Day Ceremony, they released White Dove's. I was not in the correct position to be taking pictures of them, but I love this one. You can see the Dove but also the Memorial Wall.

Buying Alterable Women's Slacks

2011-05-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

As long as I can remember Women in Business have been getting the short end of the stick. I've read articles on the difference in pay, the difference in benefits. I even read an article once on the difference they were being charged for dry cleaning. A man would be charged $2.00 a shirt and a women would be charged $5 because it was a blouse. Those are early '90's prices I haven't dry cleaned a blouse in a long time.

Well ladies here are some pointers so you don't get stuck paying twice as much for alterations on your slacks. This is what the back should look like. The waistband should have a seam in the back and the fabric along the back seam should be pressed open and finished to each side.

Unfortunately that is not the case with most women's slacks, they don't give women's slacks the same type of attention to Tailoring, even if you purchase some of the expensive one's. The only way to get manufactures to get you what you need is to tell the clerk at Macy's or Nordstrom's that you are not buying that pair of pants because they are not tailored in such a manner to be easily altered. Believe me they will pass it on to the buyer, who will pass it on to the Designers sales rep, who will pass it on to the Designer.

But for now what I had to do for a customer that didn't want to be charged for 3 hours worth of work for me to correctly tailor her pants while doing a simple waist shortening, was this:

Because the back seam was serged together, so I had to take the excess and fold it all to one side. It creates an awkward gathering of fabric.

It worked and didn't look to bad on the outside, but I was not happy with it.

Coachella Valley Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony

2011-05-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

Every Memorial Day my husband wakes up at 5 am and heads on over to the Cemetery and places flags on all of the Veterans buried there. The local Scouts Troop along with the American Legion and a few other small groups go to help. My daughter and I used to go up until a few years ago, when hands were few. Now hands are many, so we gracefully bowed out so other's could have the joy of service to our servicemen and women. Plus 5 AM is very very early, on one of the few days I sleep in, hehehehe.

Happy Memorial Day!

Thank you for the wonderful Ceremony.

Painting Bird houses

2011-05-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

My niece and nephew like being in my husbands garage. They found these cute wooden bird houses the other day and had to schedule a painting day.

My sister dresses the children in nice clean outfits everyday, and everyday they come over here they leave with stains on their clothes. I tried to avoid that this time by putting aprons on them.

They were doing great for a while, and then Lexi decided she wanted to paint Keegan instead of the bird house. Sorry Monica I tried.

This is the best picture I got of there faces, they would not stop painting to look at me!

Semester is over

2011-05-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

If you have been following along, you know that I went back to school this semester. I want a BA in Arts. I have an AS in Fashion Design. So I thought it shouldn't be to hard to finish up, well I was wrong.

I'm not 20 or 25 anymore. I hadn't mentioned before but I took a Piano class it was Mon, Wed, Fri Mornings from 8 to 9 am, Then work 9:30 to 4 and then the Life Drawing class on Monday nights 4:40 to 10 pm.

Needless to say that since my last Final on Wednesday - I have been doing the basics and Sleeping the rest of the time. I think I'm almost caught up with my sleep, I know this because as I walk around my house today I'm realizing all the things I've been neglecting. My To Do list is getting prioritized today.

As for my classes - I eked out a C in piano because I showed up and gave it my best. I can't play worth a darn. I might take another semester and give it another shot, but it just requires so much practice to be any good especially when your tone deaf.

As for my Life Drawing class, I didn't get out of it what I wanted to (to be able to draw the body) but I did practice on my drawing skills and worked with new medium. Here are the images that I put together for my Portfolio Final in the class.

I'm taking the Summer semester off and going to reevaluate my goals. It might be way longer than 2 years till I get that BA.

Kid's Spring 2012 Trend Bible

2011-05-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

The Fashion Industry website that I follow has changed names. It's now WeConnectFashion.com. It is still the same wonderful resource it's always been, but I have been noticing a few differences.

Like this one in the Kid's Trend Report, They refer back to a forecasting company in the UK. Here is a quote from there site and a few pics. To view the full Trend report click on to there site here.

"Season Themes | Children's, Home, Lifestyle Trends, Toys: A unique seasonal kids' trend book, catering to children from babies to teens, offers a snapshot of life for this generation in terms of how they are living, responding to their environments, thinking, behaving and buying. For anyone developing kid's products or marketing to children this report is not to be missed. Presented onWeConnectFashion, courtesy of Trend Bible, a UK based publisher of trend forecasting books. "

I like that we will all still be into crafts, including the kids!

Lack of Posts...

2011-05-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I think I got spring fever and then never recovered. All the life stuff going on didn't help either. For the last couple of months it has felt like my body was falling apart, as it turns out it's just Menopause!

You hear the word, you don't associate good things with it, But the reality of it is a horror flick. I've never really had bad menstrual symptoms, but lately I have turned into Dr. Jeckal and Mr. Hyde. The biggest problem is that it isn't constant, like a week before your period or durning. I was actually thinking that maybe I had 'caught' my husbands bi-polar disorder. Great now there are two crazies in the house.

Then there is the anxiety, really just out of the blue, you feel like your whole world is crumbling around you, because you can't find your keys, or something dumb like that. To the point that you have your daughter drive you to the ER because you think you are having a heart attack. Really I sat in the ER for hours for a Doctor to tell me I was having and anxiety attack. Nice, I really am crazy!

The worst part of all this has been the return of my Migraines. I had Migraines as a teen and Young Adult. The massive head pain, the nausea and sensitivity to light is horrible all you can do is hide some times for days. The one thing that had not happened to me before with a Migraine is the right side of my face feeling all tingly. So naturally at that point I thought I was having a Stroke. Another trip to the ER, and several hours later, a Doctor telling me the Cat Scan was normal. Really, really feeling like a true nut job at that point.

Over 15 years ago, I was so glad that I had learned to control my stress and anxiety to the point that I didn't have to take medication for the anxiety and the Migraines. Now here I sit with more pill bottles than my husband, wondering how the heck do women get through this thing called Menopause???

If you know the answer or even a simple suggestion for any of the symptoms, feel free to drop me a note! I seem to have woken up from my initial shock of my mind and body betraying me, so I should be back to my goal of at least 10 post a month!

Newton's Spring Fling

2011-05-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was Newton's Spring Fling, and I got to go! Susan wasn't able to teach the 3 days she normally teaches at this function, so I taught a Garment Designer class and a Measurement class. I enjoyed teaching something other than sewing. It is different than teaching sewing, it's more fast paced, and the students have more questions, which makes it a lot more interactive. In my sewing classes I demonstrate a step and they go sew it.

I was also able to sit in on a few classes. I loved Charlene Schafer's (from the Knit Knack Shop) - Pockets class:

The way the classes are set up you are able to get up close and personal with the demonstrator and really see and learn techniques. In just two classes I know tons more about my knitting machine's than I knew before I got there! My poor brain was on Over Time with the teaching and the Learning it didn't know if it was coming or going.

They also had a fashion show of customers Garments. There was a lot of garments, blankets, accessories and even a doll, here are a few:

The Kids stole the show:

But these were my favorites, I want to learn to knit like this:

You'll want to click on that and see a large picture! I had a great time and I'm sure I'll be back even if I don't have to teach.

Wordless Wednesday - Rosie

2011-05-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

My Sister's new doggie came for a visit.

May Day - Loyalty Day

2011-05-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

May 1st - is known as May Day - or Loyalty Day.

As a Military family, we are more aware and participate in more Patriotic functions than most. On Sunday May 1st, my husband woke up at 4:00 AM to drive to the cemetery for a Sun Rise service to perform a symbolic ritual to remember our local veterans that gave it all. He and 2 others showed up. They raised the Flag, said a prayer and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

I was away when I got home I found a very sad man, sad that there wasn't more participation in the remembrance of a Day that was instituted a long time ago to remember Loyalty to our Country.

And then at 8:30 PST - he uttered these words "now I know that what I did in the Gulf was not in vain".

Our Military and their families are a different kind of people. Sometimes I wish that he could leave all of that behind him, but when he makes statements like these I realize how deep in his core his Loyalty to his country really is.

I don't know if President Obama knew it was May/Loyalty Day if he did I didn't hear his Proclamation mentioned anywhere, as I have from previous Presidents.

I do find it ironic that he was able to make the statement "Osama Bin Laden is dead" on the very day he ignored. This Act has now brought about many meet ups and Celebrations of Loyalty to our Country a kin to those in the '50.

Cornell University Defines Loyalty Day as:

http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/36/usc_sec_36_00000115----000-.html
TITLE 36 > Subtitle I > Part A > CHAPTER 1 > § 115 § 115. Loyalty Day

(a) Designation.— May 1 is Loyalty Day.

(b) Purpose.— Loyalty Day is a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom.

(c) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue a proclamation—

(1) calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Loyalty Day; and

(2) inviting the people of the United States to observe Loyalty Day with appropriate ceremonies in schools and other suitable places.

On the LK-150

2011-04-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

Well I've started another project, not like there isn't enough unfinished projects I should be finishing! Next Saturday I will be teaching an intro to Garment Designer class at Newton's Spring Fling, and I only thought it fitting that I should be wearing something I knit.

It's not going to be cold enough for scarves, and the last skirt that I knit is very brown, wintery colors. So I've decided to knit another skirt. I figure that will knit up the fastest and have more of likelihood of being finished.

So I've knit a swatch for my gauge, going to punch in the gauge into Garment Designer and figure out the skirt design, print myself out some directions and hopefully start knitting tomorrow. A nice relaxing activity for an Easter Sunday.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

Life has been crazy around here, I figure the least I can do is put up a Wordless wednesday. I hope you enjoy my pics, the focus around the house has been the little kitten, she seems to be the only one doing anything interesting around here.

Car Cozy Video Tutorial

2011-04-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

Well here I am about 3 hours away from my Sewing Group and I'm just now testing the pattern and sewing directions that have only been in my head up till now. So I decided to video tape it. About a month ago I bought a cute Kodak Mini Video Camera. Ignore my fuzzy head of hair, and I hope the audio is ok, it's the first time I try this. I know there are several examples of this and a couple of Tutorials. The reason I decided to show my version, is that for some reason it really bugs me that when the Pouches are made to the same size as the backing, the backing will not lay flat when the the cars are in the pouches. The video wouldn't upload correctly so It's on YouTube instead.

Car Cozy:

You will need:
1/4 yard of a cute pattern fabric
1/4 yard of a matching solid color fabric
1/4 yard of iron on batting or interfacing
and a 40" piece of ribbon

Another Large Barbie House

2011-04-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

Well Lexi's Barbie Doll house is finally finished! My husband Randy built another house I'm truly glad that this one didn't fall on the floor, I don't think poor Lexi could have handled another delay in the building process. She would walk into the garage and say "Tio Randy this is my house" I guess she wanted to make it clear that he wasn't going to sell this one out from under her!!

Barbie doll house pattern now available click here to visit the blog post with more info.

My husband is great with wood but not so great with color, painting and decorating. So that was my job. There was a lot of painting, and taping off and repainting....

Then I decided to use the cardboard images from the Barbie doll furniture packaging. I carefully cut out the windows, some tile from the bathroom set, the dressers, and the china hutch and clock from the dinning room set.

And then with my trusty E6000 glue I glued them to the walls.

Top bedroom:

Bathroom (I loved this bathroom set so much I didn't let my husband carve out the toilet, tub and his little toilet paper like before, There was a large argument about it, but like all good me he gave up).

2nd floor bedroom:

Kitchen (I did let him carve out the Kitchen Appliances, I was running short on cash).

Living Room (neither Toy's R Us nor Target had a living room set, I looked online and it was $70, wow! So I had to borrow the living room set from my daughter Stephanie's Doll house)

Look out the window. Never in a million years could I have planned for the kitten to peek into the window. I didn't eve notice it until I edited the photo.

So Lexi is now enjoying her Barbie Doll house. Her little brother helps her, and she needs a stool to play on the 3rd floor. She will grow into it. My daughter Stephanie at one point had over 20 Barbies and played with the house until I finally took it away at 13 (story for another time). Every Girl in the neighborhood loved coming over to play with her. I really hope that Lexi will get the same enjoyment out of her Barbie Doll house.

The kitten took advantage that Lexi pulled out the kitchen table!

Tot.FUL MEM.O.RIES Giveaway Winner

2011-04-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

And the winner is: Jana

Please contact Tania on Etsy and tell her which $25 package you would like and the rest of this information (if you don't need it soon contact her anyways and tell her when she can expect to make your package):

One Party Package of Choice. 25$ Value.
_______________________________

ALL THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
_______________________________

You will receive a PRINTABLE digital pdf file for printing at home or uploading to a professional printer.

Please note you will not receive any printed products, all orders will be sent via email to the address associated with your Etsy account within within 2-3 business days. Rush orders available for an additional fee.

After placing your order please send all party info to (I removed her email have her give it to you when you Convo her on Etsy.)

________________________________________________

CUSTOMIZATION INCLUDED IN THIS PACAKGE
________________________________________________

Personalized items:
1. Invitation
2. Banner (name & age)
3. 2" Party Circles (name, age, photo(1))
4. Cake centerpieces/Room decor (photo & name)
5. Welcome Sign
6. Shirt Transfer Design
7. Food Labels/Place cards (12)

___________________

ITEMS INCLUDED
___________________

-Birthday Banner
-Banner Spacers
-2" Party Circles/Cupcake Toppers
-Favor Tags
-Cake Centerpieces/Room Decor
-Party Hats
-Patterned Papers
-Cupcake Wrappers
-Pinwheel Template and Instructions
-Pennant Banner
-Mini "I am __age___" Pennant Banner
-Placecard/Food Labels
-Water Bottle Labels
-Welcome Sign
-Party Signs (i.e. presents, food, drinks)
-Shirt Transfer Design
-Invitations (5x7)
-Thank You Notes
-Instructions & more!

_______________________

MATERIALS NEEDED
_______________________

Basic crafting supplies are required for assembly. All pages are formatted to be printed on 8.5"x11" papers.

-PDF reader or Adobe Acrobat (a free download at adobe.com)
-printer
-white 8½ x 11” paper (I recommend photo paper or cardstock)
-vinyl/waterproof adhesive paper for water bottle wraps (but regular bright white paper will do just fine)
-scissors
-2” circle punch (recommended, but not necessary)
-ribbon for banner
-lollipop sticks for cupcake toppers (found at most craft stores in the candy/cake decorating aisle)
-glue
-tape
-exacto knife or hole punch

_______________

TERMS OF USE
________________

You may use this file for your personal use. Mass production, file sharing and commercial use of this PDF file is not allowed. You may not use this file or printed materials from this file for use in your business. All rights remain with totful memories.

NO FONT OR COLOR CHANGES OFFERED IN THE CUSTOMIZATION.

__________________________

EVERYTHING ELSE
__________________________

Colors may vary between online viewing and your actual printed product. All monitors display color differently; please take this into consideration when placing your order.

Please note these designs are for PERSONAL use only and may not be used commercially or resold under any circumstances.

View more designs and printable products at: totfulmemories.etsy.com

© 2010 tot.ful mem.o.ries

Ultimate Blog Party 2011

2011-04-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome! I am Sonia Barton - I write about my all over the place life as an all over the place crafter. I have yet to meet a crafter that only does one craft, or a crafter that doesn't like to learn other crafts.

I have a degree in Fashion Design with which I started a business doing Modest Bridalwear. I also lead a monthly sewing group, So there are a lot of sewing posts. Showing my work and the work of others.

My Sister Monica and I have an Etsy shop were we put up for sale some of the stuff we sew. I also have an Etsy shop where I sell patterns that I have created for beginning sewer's, fully illustrated. I will be doing 2 Etsy Shop Feature/Review/Giveaways a month. Email me if you would like to be included.

I also Knit, Scrapbook, Bead & Quilt. I have returned to school to get a BA in Arts. I am Married to a crafty husband, he is retired US Navy, I have a 26 year old son who is in the Army, a 22 year old son who works on an oil rig in OK and a 19 year old daughter who is a Sophomore at the local Community college.

Feel free to look around, I hope the Navigation bar makes it easier to find things and feel free to enter my current Etsy shop Feature and Giveaway to Tot.Ful Mem.o.ries

Digital Scrapbook page...Kitten

2011-03-31T19:05:00.000-07:00

I really think I'm getting the hang of the Digital scrapbooking now that I've found so many wonderful blogs, with such great tutorials. This past month I found another one. Sketchy Thursdays they put out a sketch that can help you visualize and place the different components of any Digital package.

I used this one they did back in Jan.

Used Kiki Halbert Welcome Spring Digital package that came free with my SBE Newsletter

And did this:

You should really click on it so you can see our cute kitty!

Sewing Group...Small Square bag

2011-03-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

For sewing group this month I created a pattern for a small square bag. My daughter has a small bag that Lexi likes to empty and take, so I made Lexi her own.

Lexi show me your bag.

Which button do you want?

Two of the ladies in our sewing group sewed the same bag, two others brought some patterns for Spring dresses, and started on those. The ladies are camera shy so when the camera comes out they quickly carry on with there work!

TOT.FUL MEM.O.RIES Etsy Shop feature & Giveaway

2011-03-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

My little niece Lexi Girl Turned 2 a couple of months ago. My sister Monica found this wonderful Etsy shop TOT.FUL MEM.O.RIES that takes your picture and personal information and creates a wonderful PDF party package for you.

I do some graphic design My sister asked if I could do something like this for Lexi's party, I said sure, But at $25 I'd rather pay her to do it. I don't know how she does it for $25. It would have taken me hours.

Tina did a wonderful job. I received a PDF with lots of goodies. Monica bought some cards stock, and ribbon, and I got to printing. I took the invitation Tina sent and put it two up on a page and printed those off. Tina sends the invitation in a standard format ready to get printed at any retailer, But we wanted to print our own. The rest of the pages were nicely laid out so you don't waste paper.

Now I'm sure you don't need a sign to tell people where the food is but when it all matches - it's just way to cute!

One thing I would suggest is that if you are not going to hang the birthday banner on a wall, put two strands of ribbon through the circles, then they aren't twisting on the center axis, but as you can see in the picture above it wasn't to bad, except when the wind blew a little. Feel free to click on the image above and view it larger. Monica took the Water bottle wraps and put them around the bubble bottles. and the Pink and Blue hats are a great design feature, boys don't want pink! I love love the cupcake toppers!

We are giving away a $25 Gift Certificate to TOT.FUL MEM.O.RIES just leave a comment below of the item you would order.

For more entries you can:

- Like TOT.FUL MEM.O.RIES on facebook
- Like Modista Modesta on facebook
- Follow me (Sonia Barton) on Twitter

Leave a separate comment for each - leave your email if it isn't linked to your profile, So I can contact you.

Giveaway ends April 7th @ Midnight PST. Winner will be announced on Friday April 8th on our next Etsy Shop feature and Giveaway.

Life Drawing

2011-03-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

Well my life drawing class has been moving along. We are now putting fabric/clothing on the figure:

But my figures are still very miss-proportioned. My heads are still to small, and when I need to for-shorten anything forget it.

The semester is more than half over, and even though I have seen some improvement in my drawing, I really wanted more from the class. I guess it's time to go hide in the mountains and draw for a couple of days.. I foresee a camping trip in the near future :-)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

Big Kitty is still turning his back to the little kitty!

Melissa Landres Photography

2011-03-16T19:28:00.000-07:00

I received the most beautiful package ever from Melissa Landres Photography (feel free to visit her blog):

A few weeks ago my sister and I did a small photo shoot. I had called Melissa and told her exactly what I wanted - I described three poses. And she gave exactly that and more, lots more!

I now have plenty of pictures to do a blog header. I love it when I have a vision and I can call the right person to bring it together for me.

What do you think?

So this is my first draft of a header:

What do you think?

I do like the white in between the pictures - but I guess if I want to keep the template I have now I can change it to green.

What I would like to do is figure out how to get some cool fonts, and jazz it up a bit more, and then add the same style fonts to the blog content. Does anyone know how to do that? And point me in the right direction??

Thank you, Thank you Melissa Landres!!!

Review and Giveaway

2011-03-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

I apologize for missing in action. And there has been some real action. I had to drive to Algodones Mexico to visit the only dentist that has ever worked on my teeth. One of my back teeth was severely infected and was loose and very painful. They pulled it out and it was dark, he then had to open up my bottom gums and clear out some of the infection that was developing there. Luckily I only lost one tooth. Massive antibiotics and I'm finally pain free.

Now to the important news:

I'm participating in Scrappy Gifts Baby Shower event, and have mailed her off two Bags and Nursing cover sets. She looks so cute with her belly and my bag! Go to her site to comment for an entry. Comments here are not entries.

You will be entering to win the Brown/Green combo. Makes a great Baby shower gift, incase you don't need one yourself.

Large Doll House by Randy Barton

2011-03-08T19:58:00.000-08:00

Showing off my husbands work today.

My husband has been working on a doll house for some time now. It was going to be for my niece Lexi, but there was an accident and the house fell off of a table and the shingles he had made for it were damaged. My husband being the extremist that he is, said it was trash and he was going to start over.

Barbie doll house pattern now available click here to visit the blog post with more info.

This is what he was going to put in the trash:

I made a deal with him - 'Take the shingles off - fix it - sell it for the amount of money you need to buy new wood to start another one, and I won't scream!' He sold it to a guy that drove by and said he had three daughter. He estimated he needs $100 worth of wood, so that's what he sold it for.

It has a front porch.

An attic window.

3 stories with stairs and staircases.

A toilet with a flush lever and toilet seat and cover. A towel rack (in a bad location but that's a man for you) and a toilet paper roll holder WITH toilet paper.

A bathtub, with shower curtain rod (not sure where you would buy the shower curtain lol) and knobs and faucet.

And a sink.

The wife of the gentleman asked him not to paint it (but he had already done the bathroom) She and her mom are going to paint it for the girls. They are coming to pick it up today and he's nervous. So nervous he cleaned my side of the garage:

Everything is up on shelves, some of you might remember my Garage Organization post from almost a year ago, well it just now got done!

Prep for Photo shoot

2011-03-05T16:20:00.000-08:00

So a while back I decided I needed a header for my blog and some images of my sister and I for our Etsy shop. So I scheduled a photo shoot with a friend.

There is nothing like the thought of someone coming into your house to take pictures for you to notice things that you don't normally notice.

Like my poor dress form, I've had here for ever - her legs even fell off and now I just set her on top of a stool. Which is actually the perfect height for her. She's also more stable with four legs, especially when I put the heavy wedding gowns on her. I've been saying to my self since the day I got her that I would make a velvet cover for her and never did.

Guess what I did before the shoot!

In my large room (I wish it was a Great Room) resides my husbands Large, Antique Secretary Desk. (that he picked up, cleaned up and made like new - it was horrible) This is what it looked like when my friend arrived.

This is all the stuff I hid inside:

And then My buttons finally made it into a Jar! (They were lost for a while)

The shelf above my desk look's like this. Sorry there was no way I was taking a before picture of that.

I put my sister wedding dress I made some time ago on the dress form (that now has velvet!) we took picture with that. We then to some picture of my pattern drafting, on my lifted up dinner table (that is only used for dinner when people come over) other than that it is always on bed risers that lift it to a good cutting table height. I should have pictures soon, I'm so excited!