Plaid is rad

It's been a challenge trying to find the time to sew. I should just drop out of school and quit my job so I can be artsy and craftsy all day everyday. Yeah... that sounds like a good plan.

I've been working on that Built by Wendy pattern and it's almost finished but I need to change a few small things. The sleeves came out a little odd and I need to hem it. In the meantime, I've been distracted by some thrift store re-purpose projects. I came across this giant plaid mumu that had potential. When I started to take it apart, I noticed that someone had tried to take it in... several times... so there were three separate lines sewn on either side (and they didn't even go all the way up so it created some pretty funky pocket like things on the outside)- anyway, there was a butt-load of material. I cut off the sleeves (may add some simple ones later) and added in seam pockets- although it's still pretty roomy so I may have to take it in some more. I might make a skirt out of the leftover material from the bottom.

I was apparently in the mood for plaid because I picked up three plaid prints at Goodwill. This one was a homemade dress made with some kind of semi-flowy cotton blend. Maybe rayon? It's extra soft. It had some pretty funky denim cuffs and a matching collar. So far I just took the hem up, ripped out the denim, and altered the sleeves- but I may do more to it later.

And yeah... I'm in my sweats. I thought they made the outfit.... Ok, actually, I was too lazy to "try".

I apologize for my dress form flashing you. I got her for free and she has such an odd shape. At least she does her job.... sort of. I suppose I'll keep her around for a while.

Change of topic

Soo... I've been incredibly obsessed with the world of sewing and crafting lately that it seems all I do is daydream about fabrics and patterns and techniques... which is not a good thing considering I have a government paper due tonight. But because of this obsession I've decided to be one of those people that blogs about my projects. Why you ask? Because I can. Besides... I can think of a total of one person who reads this regularly (Hi Craig!), so I can do what I want ;-)

I've been browsing blogs and have discovered several projects I want to try. Like these: here, here, and here (just to name a few!). I've ordered some pretty fantastic fabric over the last several weeks( like this and this!) and a few patterns including a Japanese pattern book.

This is my current project (above): A Built by Wendy pattern that has been pretty simple so far.

I'm making the center top with a few alterations. It's about 5 inches longer and I'm adding in-seam pockets... hopefully. I'm using a yellow seersucker, since I don't absolutely LOVE the fabric, I figured it was a good start in case I messed up horribly (it's been a while since I have sewn from a pattern).

And for whatever reason, blogger isn't allowing me to place the pictures where I want, and at this point I'm too lazy to figure it out (I have a paper due in a few hours, remember!). Silly silliness.

Well.. hopefully I will finish the top-dress-tunic thing this weekend and I can show it off. To my one or two readers (which, quite frankly, is all I need!)

Just Live

A whole year has gone by since I last wrote anything. I guess I sometimes feel like my thoughts are too private to share with the world... then I realize there are probably only about 4 people that actually read this =)

However, there are times where I feel like I just need to get my thoughts out there- even if the only person it brings any relief to is myself. I read my last post and I am realizing that I need to strive to feel that changed again. It's easy to settle into a routine and forget about what's really important, but I have been reminded lately of where my importance should lie. God is stretching me- and it can be pretty painful at times- but I just have to thank him for changing my heart for the better. It's so easy for me to feel sorry for myself or to wish things were different but I have been blessed with a major piece of wisdom recently: It truly doesn't matter where I live, what I do, or who I am doing it with- as long as I am pursuing truth and righteousness through the Father. There is absolutely nothing I can do to justify his love for me. He gives it to me freely and openly and with out a single string attached and the more I try to earn it the more frustrated I become. I have been extremely blessed with someone who truly loves me the way that God does, and it's hard for me to accept it at times. When I can learn to accept God's love for what it is- a perfect gift- then maybe I could really accomplish something with my life.

When God is talking to Job in chapter 39 he talks about different animals and how they live their lives:

13 “The wings of the ostrich wave proudly,
but are they the pinions and plumage of love?
14 For she leaves her eggs to the earth
and lets them be warmed on the ground,
15 forgetting that a foot may crush them
and that the wild beast may trample them.
16 She deals cruelly with her young, as if they were not hers;
though her labor be in vain, yet she has no fear,
17 because God has made her forget wisdom
and given her no share in understanding.
18 When she rouses herself to flee,
she laughs at the horse and his rider.

It was brought to my attention recently that maybe God talks about these animals to remind us that we have one common goal and that we shouldn't worry about anything else in life. To live with out fear is, ironically, very scary- but if I could accomplish it I could have a fulfilled and peaceful life. If something doesn't go the way we want or expect then it shouldn't matter because we should have the constant joy of knowing what our purpose is. It is better to live simply then to constantly worry about those things in which we can not change. Or even the things we can change, for that matter. I just don't want to look back on my life wishing I had spend less time worrying and more time living.