artsy Amy

Voice Thread

Click on the play button to hear me.  I love this!

A Very Mary Skirt

09 ME Skirt, originally uploaded by Artsy Amy.

This weekend I made another attempt at the 1 hour Simplicity pattern.  It took me three days to finish.  I crave a Walden type existence.  Except my little cabin in the woods would be home to my craft supplies and sewing machine.  Anyhow, this time I cut the pattern down since the last one was huge.  Yay!  i'm not a 20 either.  I knew I wasn't, but I didn't want to cut the pattern down so much that I'd have to pay nearly $7 for a replacement pattern.  I tell you, it's a conspiracy that patterns (tissue paper and newspaper stock) cost what they do.  20/20 should investigate.

This skirt was inspired by this cute Mary Engelbreit fabric.  Close ups are here and here.  Forgive my photography (you can see my serged edges) but it was cold outside and I don't do cold.  I'm planning on another smaller version already.  I found some fabric from my stash that should work nicely with the denim like the first skirt.  Eventually I'll get the fit right so I can churn these out to wear all spring & summer.

Gray Hair

This morning I found a long, curly gray hair.  Evidence of the past two weeks toll. 

Thursday, a week ago, the Wellness nurses were at the school for health checks.  I didn't expect to pass with flying colors, I do have a chronic disease after all, but failing a test was unexpected. When they escort you over to the head nurse, you know you are in trouble.  I failed the cholesterol test.  So badly they gave me a script to waive my copay when I see my doctor.  I refuse to take another pill.  Diet and exercise are about to take center stage in my life.  That same Thursday, the blood mobile was also at the school.  I have always wanted to donate, so I signed up.  As things started to look funny and the pins & needles feeling distracted me from the cold sweat I had broken out in, I thought "this might not have been a good idea."  Too late.  By then the nurses were swarming with cold wet paper towels.  I nearly passed out.  Dear hubby read me the riot act that night, "you are not a normal person" and "you can't just give blood like other people."  It fell on deaf ears because I was glad I finally donated blood.  He also knew the reason I slept for nearly 24 hours on Saturday was because my body was trying to manufacture more blood.

Tuesday we came back to school after the holiday.  That was the day dear Son's world cracked.  His beloved girlfriend broke up with him unexpectedly.  This was our first teenage heartbreak.  It has been rough on all of us.  Dear Son has been moping around and school has been quite the drama as dear girlfriend is already "going with" another.  The only light in the dark tunnel of this week is that dear Son relied on me.  We've had conversations on deep issues and comforted tears.  The sofa and bed have been counseling central.  We are all ready for this weekend.  A couple of days of movies and lounging should be a good Rx.  Our movie snacks are going to bite because I've got to learn to live without my favorite drink, Coke, and cookies.  I've really needed a cookie this week.  I've been strong.  No cookies have been consumed.  I did look at some photos of cookies on Flickr.  Desperate, addictive behavior I admit.   

Spring Skirt

82 Spring Skirt, originally uploaded by Artsy Amy.

I made this cute skirt today...twice.  It was supposed to be a 1 hour project, but it took me over half a day.  I used Simplicity pattern 7229.  At first, I made view "C" and had red rick-rack at the bottom of the denim peeking out.  That version proved too short for my taste.  I didn't want my tail end on display if I bent over (not to mention my white legs).  So, I used the added length from view "A" and cut it out in a coordinating fabric.  That added enough fabric to cover my rear and gave the whole thing a country chic vibe.  Here and here are close ups of the bunny fabric. 

I learned another thing while making this skirt.  The people at Simplicity are stupid.  I followed my hip measurement and cut this thing out in a size 22.  I am not a 22; but I followed their chart.  Thankfully next time I can shave several sizes off and make the final product in a size closer to my actual size.  I would share my actual size with you, but I'm not comfortable with that number myself.  Once I lose a couple of sizes, I'll fess up.

Snow Love in the South

it snowed!, originally uploaded by kiki the cat.

Oh snow, how I missed thee.  Even though you came on a Saturday and did not rescue us from school, my heart was light when I saw you.  Please band together and give us a real snow day, for my dear son of 14 has never truly played in your winter wonderfulness.  I won't even complain that sight of you will require dear hubby to be marooned at work because of all the havoc created by your uncommon presence.  You are magical and I am thankful that you have once again visited the south.

Tree Huggers & Fabric Lovers

Floral Napkins, originally uploaded by Artsy Amy.

Out with disposable napkins and in with fabric ones!  I was inspired by these, these, these, these, these and these by Lisa Clarke of Polka Dot Creations blog.  They measure 18" x 13.5" and feature Debbie Mumm fabrics from my stash.  I can't wait to make another set!

A Bit of Sewing

169 Floral Fabric, originally uploaded by Artsy Amy.

I dusted off my serger and carved out some time for a bit of sewing this evening.  I still need to finish the top-stitching before this little project can be called done.  I was inspired by a fellow blogger and once complete, I'll let you know what they are.  For now, just enjoy the fabric!

Sew Pretty

I have a new book!  Trust me, if you sew, you want your own copy.  Super cute.

Keepsake Box

033 Keepsake Box, originally uploaded by Artsy Amy.

Dear Father-in-Law's birthday was in November.  He unwrapped his birthday gift a mere minute before his Christmas gift.  I'm so far behind...

From Tina

from Tina, originally uploaded by Artsy Amy.

My Librarian friend Tina gave me an absolutely adorable picture frame and some Bath & Body Works soap in Warm Vanilla Sugar scent.  When I said she shouldn't have done anything, her words of protest, "because I don't deserve you" caused tears to well up in my eyes.  Both of us are fairly emotional girls and we hugged to bond the exchange and still ourselves from breaking out into the ugly cry.  Everyone needs at least one girlfriend they can cry with.  It helps when there is an unspoken understanding that you're both overly sensitive and emotional fits never need explanation.