Passionate Design

Elsa's Jane with a Pop Top

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:00:00 +0000

Last Thursday (wow, that was a whole week ago) I was in the crafting mood...no surprise there. So I whipped up a shirt for Elsa. The pattern is a free tute, Jane with a Pop Top, from the seriously talented Shannon of Luvinthemommyhood and I need to make this top for me ASAP...too bad I can cut out pieces and blog at the same time.

The cool thing about this top is that I sewed it entirely on the serger...probably not my favorite way to go but it was fast. Since I already had it cut out it took me about a 1/2 hour to put together. The sleeves are a little tight and while the pictures make it look too short it's actually a little long...it just creeps up.

I am in the process of making this adorable skirt for Elsa but...it is taking forever, you'll understand when it's finished...think scraps. Anywho, part of the skirt has the same center fabric so I thought it'd be cute for a nice matchy outfit but not over the top matchy-matchy.

I promise to post pics when I finally finish the skirt.

I am counting this top towards my 50 Garment Goal...which brings my total up to 4! That is seriously sad...four garments in 8 weeks...I'm way behind. Well technically I have 5, but you'll have to wait for pictures of number 5 until I find something to wear it with. I also have like 4 projects ALMOST finished so if I pull a few late nights I should be up to 9 garments by the end of February.

The new camera is especially motivating for finishing things and while Thursday's used to be my least favorite day...now they're become my fave as Lincoln is school all day and I have so much more time to craft!

Well Greta is calling me (my sewing machine) so enjoy the pics!

Pictures!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:38:00 +0000

Okay, so I believe I've tempted you all enough with all this talk about my new camera...how about a few pictures.

I took different pictures of my mug to try out different settings.

I took all of these in the Manual setting which incidentally isn't as hard as you might think it is, also aside from a couple pics that I sharpened up the image a little the most editing I did was crop. A big reason for getting the DSLR was to limit my time spent editing pictures. I want to spend more time with my kids, spend more time sewing, knitting and now photographing that I don't want to have spends hours later editing.

I know with everything there is a learning curve but I'm pretty sure it's in my blood to be a photographer...

Maybe I'll have fun Finished Projects Photos tomorrow!

What We Bought Last Night...

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:46:00 +0000

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Yes that is a camera! A brand new camera and I'm so excited!!! Husband and I went out without the kiddos to shop (we ate first then shopped). We started out a Best Buy because they know their stuff about what they sell and I always get fabulous customer service. Then after deciding what we'd like we drove to a nearby pawn shop...they had a couple nice cameras but just not comprable to what we wanted. So after checking a couple other shops we headed back to Best Buy to buy our camera!

We picked out the Cannon EOS Rebel T2i and I'm dying to try it out. Unfortunately they didn't have any left in the store last night but had just received a shipment but the cameras hadn't been unloaded yet. Because we had to get back to the kids we paid for it and now it is waiting for me to pick her up.

We also picked up a new 8 GB memory card and a new tripod as well. Now to get some time to practice...good thing I have so many subjects I can photograph. Even if one is being camera shy I've got four more options :)

More than just the camera for taking pictures of my kids and my creations I'm also excited for this to turn into a hobby for Husband and I to share together. I had so much fun shopping with him, we both had different questions to ask and both fell in love with this camera. We have so many plans already!

Is there something you've been saving up for? Something you're super excited to share? Let me know! I know how much fun it is to share in your joys :)

Really, I Have Been Knitting...

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:56:00 +0000

I know I've been promising some pictures of finished projects so here they are (please don't mind the cell phone photography)...

Pattern: Koolhaas by Jared Flood

Yarn: Wool-Ease by Lion Brand

Color: Heather Grey

Okay, first I had a love/hate/hate/love relationship with this pattern. I love the look of the cables and twisted stitches, but I hated having to cable them with a needle...ugh! Every other row is a cable in pretty much every set of two stitches. I was able to do 2 rows of cabling without a needle but for the cables involving purl stitches and knit stitches I used a needle (just and extra dpn).

I also hated the decreases, I had to pick back the first row of decreases THREE times because the directions were unclear to me. But I do LOVE the end result...I probably won't make this again, or at least not for a very long time ;)

Although I'm not a super big fan of slouchy hats I did the amount of repeats for the Men's sized hat because I wanted it long enough to go over my ears but that added a little too much length so it is a bit slouchy. It'd probably look nicer as a slouchy hat if I had used a yarn with more drape...but then the cabling would have been a nightmare!

Still all in all it was a good knit, and relatively fast...maybe 2 weeks? Which for this momma of five is fast.

Pattern: Rae by Jane Richmond

Yarn: Baby Cotsoy by Queensland Collection

Color: Navy

As a self-proclaimed hater of scarf knitting this 'scarf' surprised me. It is ridiculously easy to knit and memorize the pattern. You simply have a decrease or increase every four rows. That was enough to keep me interested. This is a great travel project and I knit most of it in *GASP* Church or BSF (I retain so much better if my fingers are moving, just ask my college professors). I can definitely see myself knitting this again but I might mix it up with a bulkier yarn or maybe a lighter yarn just to see the different results. I used just over 2.5 skeins of yarn and if I had weighed all my skeins before starting I could have used it all up, but it was more than wide enough for my tastes in the middle when I started my decreases.

Yes, I take all my cell phone self portraits in the bathroom :)

Pattern: Capucine by Adela Illichmanova

Yarn: Taos by Tahki

Color: Black/Grey Variegated

First off I have to say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE this pattern! It took me all of 2 days to knit and the construction was so unique and fun that I wanted to knit a dozen more of them as soon as cast off. I left off all the tassels because as Momma to little ones I knew they'd just get in my way and drive me nuts! I definitely am planning on making another one (or 7) because they were so fast and I get comments on it every time I wear it out. The other winning note in the pattern is that you can still wear it with a low ponytail or low messy bun which really is great for bed head days...or sick days...or I don't feel like doing my hair days...

The yarn was also fun to work with. Soft and light and because of it's bulky weight felt a lot like roving wool. I was skeptical of how it would knit up because it does have a thread than has been plied around it for texture. In the past I have not always enjoyed working with this type of yarn because it tends to split but not with this yarn. Also I loved the punches of color the yarn had, overall it is a dark charcoal grey but there are spots of blue, orange, magenta and even purple, really it was a great yarn. Even better was that it was a gift I received on my birthday.

Well there you have it, my latest finished objects for knitting that is. Never fear I'm still plugging away at the sewing but caught a cold and find myself knitting more than sewing...

So what have you been crafting lately? Any finished projects you want to show off? I'd love to see them so post a link in the comments or send me a pic!

I Heart You Today

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Happy Valentine's Day! Or as the singles say Happy Singleness Awareness Day! Whichever camp you fall into I hope today is extra special. If you don't have a special valentine today have no fear, I'll be your valentine.

I am not a cynic so I don't think this holiday is one perpetuated by marketing...in fact if it were you'd see hearts, candy and the like up before Christmas. Still I think any day that promotes a general public attitude towards caring, love and kindness is a great think. Besides who doesn't want a little heart shaped marshmallow in their hot cocoa?

And even if you haven't got a special someone you can alway catch up on some sleep...

Read a fairy tale, watch a romantic comedy or tragedy...whatever floats your boat. But if you really need an idea I suggest getting on board with Once Upon A Time! Seriously, I love this show...

I can't remember the last time I was super excited for a show to come on. I honestly have the television on 5 minutes before so I don't miss a thing. Soooooo good, plus the costumes are like ah.maz.ing! Though you really do have to start from the beginning so check out the past episodes online then you'll be all caught up for Sunday night!

I have a few finished projects to show you all but wanted to take the time to wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day!

Lovelies for a Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

To be adventurous this week...

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To see the beauty that surrounds me...

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To dig up pictures of Husband and me and do this...

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To add a second story to our house just so I can put this staircase in...

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To one day be brave enough to dye my hair this color...

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Sorry, I didn't mean to take a mini vacation but the internet was having issues, which means I was having issues. There are still a few more kinks to work out with the internet but at least I can now get on and actually do something instead of just waiting for pages to load.

I'm still having some technical issues (ie my camera) so I have no recent photos to share so Pinterest will have to do. However, as soon as that glitch get fixed (hopefully with the purchase of a new camera) I will have photos and all kinds of cool stuff to share with you all. I have been sewing though some of it has been utterly frustrating. Also I've been knitting and hope to have a few FOs soon.

I wish you all a happy Monday!

Sock Luv

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

I'm dreaming of sock knitting...

I don't know quite what the allure of sock knitting is for me, I know that not all knitters love to knit socks. Some love to knit them but have trouble casting on for the second pair but for me...well I just always seem to have a bad case of startitus when I catch the sock fever coupled with the fact that I love the patterned socks so much more than the plain socks which makes the portability of sock knitting not so great. Though I'm fairly certain my favorite part is actually searching out the perfect sock pattern as the pictures convey them in their finished perfection.

Now I've made these Turkish Bed Socks a couple times...

Turkish Bed Socks

They're a pretty quick knit as far as socks go and the construction is pretty fascinating. I also have been working on (for longer than I care to admit) a pair of these socks...

Bacchus Socks

They actually aren't as complicated as they look the only problem I had is that I kept breaking the needles (wooden size 1s aren't that strong). So the second sock got stalled a long time, because when all the extra needles broke I couldn't find the size of dpn's I wanted in metal at the stores...so they've been hibernating a while. I did dig them up a month or so ago but had other projects that I needed to work on. Maybe this year I'll finish them up, perhaps make another pair? We'll see. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna need some new dpn's because I do not like the magic loop for sock knitting...drives me batty.

So how's that for some sock love? Does it make you find your favorite pair of socks, put them on and curl up with a good book? I know I do! Here's to sock knitting...or finding someone who will knit them for us ;)

Random Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

1. Today is Friday. I'd say that it is one of my busier days of the week but really every day is busy with 5 kids.

2. Yesterday was Thursday. I know, I'm sure I've shocked you for certain with that little tidbit of information but alas it is true. Thursday used to be my busy day but yesterday was much more relaxed than it has been in months...I loved it.

3. I sewed last night. This is a good thing for me and as long as the camera, internet and all other techie related stuff play nicely I should have pictures soon.

4. I really, really, really, really....really, really want to knit myself a fingering weight cardigan sweater.

5. I'm really, really, really, really...really, really nervous to knit myself a fingering weight cardigan sweater.

6. I'm at war within myself.

7. I think I'll just knit hats and mitts for myself...maybe I'll sew myself a lightweight cardigan.

8, I'm buying myself hair dye today...not sure what color yet though I'm leaning towards dark cherry red.

9. I'll post pictures when I'm done so long as the techie stuff from #3 applies.

10. Random isn't just random with me...it's quirky!

What can I say I'm a bit random today? Better go double check my to do lists and shopping lists as well. Oh and for the record I randomly placed pics of my kids in throughout the post but I'm not sure it looks all that random...what are your thoughts? Here's to a randomly perfect and hilarious day!

My Little Orange Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:29:00 +0000

According to most fashionistas for the better part of the last 100 years have said that every woman needs a little black dress. Now while I do have one, I will say this and that is Orange is the new black...or at least it should be! I love orange...fabulous color it is. So bright and cheery and well orange :) So when I was gifted this lovely orange fabric with little white polka dots I knew I had to make a dress for me.

Isn't she BEAUTIFUL? The dress...I'm talking about the dress, I haven't become that vain...yet ;)

My favorite part is the neck line...

How cool is that? I mean it's curvy yet depending on how you sew it up can be a daring plunge or a modest V-neck. I'm in love with this dress!

What is even cooler is the pattern I used. Several months ago a friend of mine called me up said she was gifted with a bunch of fabric, books and pattern making kits and wondered if I was interested in taking some of it off her hands. Was I? Of course! So while I was off practicing for a Sunday morning she unloaded boxes by my back door...boxes I tell you. In one of those boxes was this box that said Lutterloh System International...I opened it up and WOW! I was hooked.

Basically it is a loose leaf notebook full of drawings of garments you can make a pattern just for you! No, need to take time to make adjustments already printed patterns...no you draft a pattern just for yourself. Now the patterns I have are most definitely dated I guesstimate around the late 60's to the early 80's. Some patterns just make me laugh others I can't wait to make...especially after this dress. However, as I was looking up the system online for this post I discovered that the system is still in print and you can find out about the Golden Rule and order supplemental quarterlies even today.

The other thing I like about this is that the pattern pieces are interchangeable. Meaning if I like the sleeves on a shirt but love the style of a dress I can pair them up together without a hitch. Talk about options! I have found the easiest way to make the patterns is on the floor in my living room and perhaps I'll show you all one day how this system works.

Now of course every good thing has a down side and that is this system if for the advanced sewist who doesn't need written directions to sew. Yes there are general directions for how to put in pockets, sew up darts, and other features in your garment but there are no directions for each individual project. So if you need photos or pictures to figure things out you might not fair well with this program

Well what do you think? Is orange the new black in terms of sexy? Or do I just pull of the color really well? I'm 3 garments into my goal...47 left and I'm seeing belts in my future.

#2- My New Shirt

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:15:00 +0000

Finally! I can't tell you how many technical woes I've had trying to post my latest creation. Add in having 5 kids and the chaos that ensues from them and well it has been a frustrating few days. Even as I type I get pulled away every few words to remind the kids what they should be doing…leaving me alone!

Still, this past weekend I was able to sit down and get some serious sewing done. In fact I'm hoping to get some more done tonight. Now onto the pictures…

My hair isn't that red and I'm not sure I'll ever get used to looking at pictures of myself… still I had to show it off for you,

This is definitely not a one day sit down and sew project. I worked at it slowly over a couple weeks though the bulk of it was done on Sunday. I only added one dart on the fronts and it doesn't have any closures yet because I don't know what I want to do. Buttons? Snaps? or leave them off all together as I know I'll always wear it belted.

It was much longer than I expected but I do like it. I can just picture it under a scoop neck vest or over a sleeveless dress for the winter. It is a perfect grey color and I like the woodwork look to the print…perfect for layering. Now to make a belt (or 12…you know me) so that I have some variety. However it wasn't grey when I cut it out and sewed it up. No, it was pink...

Not my color of pink. I thought about dying it a darker pink, or even orange but settled on grey simply for the versatility. I just love dying fabric…so much fun. To take fabric that you don't love and make it FANTASTIC…well it's just beyond words to explain. This time I used a Jacquard dye called iDye…I like it more than RIT…plus they have iPoly dyes for fabrics that have polyester or other man made fibers in them. My poor husband is already overrun by fabric and yarn and I'm adding in dying…I might need a shed just for my crafty love :)

The pattern is McCalls M5433 and I made option B. If I ever make the longest size it will be more like a shirt dress on me…not a bad idea just something to know ahead of time. I paid absolutely zero attention to all the sizing/shaping instructions and just did it as I know how. Also…ignore all the serger tips they offer…total crap! Still I'll use the pattern again.

Well what do you think? Please tell me if I should keep it as is or add buttons or snaps…I'm desperate for advice. I'm now 2 garments into my goal…Yay!!!

The New Goal

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:38:00 +0000

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This should be a post about the 2 garments I made this last week but it isn't because I am dealing with technical difficulties...seriously this is a bit pathetic...all my techie blues. So instead of sharing with you my woes I shall share instead February's Goals.

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I know, I know! I can't believe that February is almost here. And while there is still a week left in the month and I can't do an official recap of the month in regards to my goals I will share with you what I am planning on for next month.

My goal next month is to lose 8 pounds. That is exactly 2 pounds per week and I know I can do it! This is how I plan to do it...

I will increase my water consumption from 5 glasses of water a day to 6.
I will drink 1 mug of herbal tea everyday, in addition to my water.
I will spend 30 minutes 3 days a week doing cardio.
I will not eat anything after 8pm.
I will drink non fat milk and make any treats with it as well.

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I think that is fairly simple and should help out tremendously. This month has been pretty hard for me because everyone is trying to lose weight and get in shape (something that always happens around the first of the year) and I knew it was something I needed to start at again, yet I couldn't because I already had a full plate with my small goals.

Now, I'm not a crazy wonder woman and know that since my plate is full right now I'm going to have to re-prioritize my small goals from this month to next. The first is that starting in February I'll only be practicing the violin 4 days a week instead of 5 but will increase the time to 25 minutes instead of 20. So really I'll be practicing the same amount. I will continue to compliment the children but reduce the goal to 5 days a week and not 7... this isn't because they're awful kids and it is hard. No, this is because I have been complimenting them on their day at bedtime and I'm not always home at bedtime. This just frees me up to not have to think so hard on the days I'll be away at bedtime.

There, it is simple and totally achievable.

What about you? How are your goals going? Anything you need to fine tune? Something not work out right? Let's chat and be prepared for next month.

Thrifty Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:28:00 +0000

So the last couple Friday's I've had the opportunity to go thrifting. I've been on the lookout for the perfect pot for my escapade's in fabric dying and laundry soap making. Today I found it! I thought it's been a while since I've posted about my thrifty finds and I figure today is is as good as any.

Last week I stopped at a local thrift shop and found all of the above minus the pot. First I found the umbrella stroller...

But it is in need of a little TLC...

While the print is very boyish it is way to thin so I'll be recovering it. Which is exciting...I've got plans to add some fun and necessary accessories as well, making the stroller practical but fun!

The scarf was $.75!

I love the fabric but I'm not sure what I'll make with it. It's about 1/2 yard of fabric...maybe a handbag?

This is a fabric shower curtain...

I don't know about you but it is begging me to turn it into a lovely dress. You know I just can't help but oblige ;)

I fell in love as soon as I saw her...

my lovely, perfect and wonderful ORANGE handbag. She has pockets and zippers

just right for shopping...her only fault...no room for knitting :) The best part is she was only $.99! Yes, less than a buck!

Finally what I was really wanting...

A nice big pot. I love to dye fabric but really needed a decent sized pot to do it in, plus I've started to make my own laundry soap (this is the recipe I use) and I love it but the pot I used last time was too small...so I needed a big one.

When I went to pay for it the lady told me she had just put it out today! We were meant to be!

Well, now that I've got all the crafty stuff it's time to start the crafting!

Truth is Hope

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:28:00 +0000

dietliend wolf via pinterest

I have something I just have to share with you all! Last night as I was frantically catching up on my BSF lesson (follow the link for more information) I read this amazing verse that got me so excited I just can't hold it in.

For God did not destine us for wrath but for gaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:9

Now I've read the entire New Testament a few times and 1 Thessalonians is one of my favorites so this book isn't new to me but this verse is entirely what I NEEDED to read. What I NEED to share. You see in our culture my heart has been pounded by all the lies of Satan that he feeds to people saying that we are to hate those who sin. I'm sure you've all seen the doomsday people yelling, have read their signs of hate and I am saddened to say that I've been at a loss as to what to say in response. At a loss until last night.

With this verse I have not just the words to say by HIS WORD to say in response. This has given me such hope, joy and peace. That is what the truth does...it gives HOPE breathes life into the dying and offers encouragement to those in need. When you know what TRUTH gives you can more easily see lies for what they are...hopelessness.

Now I'm spreading the truth to you and I hope you read this in full...YOU ARE NOT DESTINED for wrath, not because of what you've done but because of what CHRIST has done...you need only to accept the truth and reap the benefit of HOPE, LIFE & LOVE.

I promise to be back tomorrow with more crafting but with news as exciting as that I just couldn't keep it to myself. Can you blame me?

The Techie-Toddler Blues...

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:53:00 +0000

Poppy Paperie

So it's Tuesday and I have no finished garment...boo! I know, I know this is only the 2nd week and I'm already behind. However it just over half the month and it is totally a recoverable condition. Yes I am going to be optimistic :)

Stylish Children's Parties

I wish I had photos of all the things I've been working on. A convertible mitten for my dad, socks for me, mitts for me, Husband's sweater...and that is just the knitting. I have a shirt I'm working on for me, plus a few Valentine projects and a super cute tute that I'm hoping to have finished by the end of the week! So don't think I'm not doing anything ;)

Woodlands Home

The problem is I have been running into a few roadblocks...one of which I have absolutely no control over and that is my camera. Last April we bought a new camera...we dropped said camera...camera broke...went to get camera fixed...not covered under warranty...cost to fix=price of new camera...thus we have been without a decent camera for a while. I am borrowing a camera from my dad but the battery is slowly dying that I can hardly take any pictures without needing to charge it, plus it only takes pics when the camera is cold...so much work

Shannon McNeil via Pinterest

Thus I have relied heavily on my cell phone...the cell phone that is um...well slow. Yes, it is new but the technology is really old, 3 years old, so while it does make phone calls, I can text and surf the web... it takes a while...and that includes uploading pics.

mod cloth

So right now I have the techie blues, waiting for enough money to go buy the camera I really want and waiting also for my phone to be eligible for an upgrade. Yes, I do have the techie blues indeed. And the toddler blues...you know the independent 'I do myself' which often turns into screaming and crying because she can't...plus all of a sudden she has decided she doesn't want to use the potty anymore...FRUSTRATING!!!

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As you can imagine I've been drinking copious amounts of coffee, trying to craft and still get groceries bought. A household of 7 isn't always easy but it certainly is never boring :)

A Goal to be Proud of

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:16:00 +0000

I confess, there is one goal I made for the year that I haven't shared with you yet. That is the goal to give back from the talents and abilities that I have. I'm really not sure what God has in store for me this year in this goal but I am super excited. Especially since I've already had an opportunity to give back!

A friend of my posted on facebook that she was in need of some cotton skirts for her upcoming mission trip to Ghana (it's in Africa). She was hoping that someone had some skirts her size to lend her. I thought as I read her post that I didn't have skirts, but I did have cotton and I know how to sew.

After exchanging a few messages I started working and in short order had 4 skirts for her. This was so much fun. As I was cutting into my fabric in my stash I was reminded of how God had provided me the fabric. Most of my stash I have acquired through gifts as the fabric I buy usually gets used for a specific purpose quickly. For a while I had been struggling to use what was in my stash because once you cut into something it is gone, but this time I didn't even hesitate to cut into my fave fabrics. I was giddy in expectation of what good will come from this.

I just want to encourage you to think about what you have and keep your eyes open to the world around you in need. There are some fabulous opportunities to help using the talents you have and you don't even have to look farther than your street sometimes. I know often I feel overwhelmed by the sheer vastness of charities and organizations that need help. Yet I like to have that personal interaction with people, to know that I'm not just giving something to a big charity but to KNOW the person I'm giving to.

Note about the skirts: I just made a simple A-line skirt with elastic waistband. There are tutorials ALL over the web for how to do this. I simply took the waist and hip measurement added 4 inches (2 for ease of garment, 2 for seam allowance) to each and then divided by 4 for a quarter of what the pattern should be and added 3 inches for hem and waistband. I made a pattern to be cut on the fold of the fabric.

Sometimes a Boy is Just a Boy

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:56:00 +0000

My older boys!

It is true, sometimes a boy is just a boy I should know I have four. Still even amidst the copious amounts of testosterone in my house I so often forget it. Many of you know that my oldest son, Lincoln, was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome the spring before his 6th birthday. Asperger's falls under the umbrella term of Autism which is just a term used to diagnose kids with certain developmental disabilities and at times behavioral ones to. Lincoln is a blessing to our family and I wouldn't change him for anything, he has a unique take on life and views the world around him with different lenses that color my world with blessings and trials.

Part of the struggle of parenting a child with any disability, but especially one that deals with both behavior and development is determining whether the behavior and actions you're seeing in your child has to do with the disability or if it is just the child. I am coming to find out for my son that more often than not it is more a case of "He's an eight-year-old boy" than "He has Asperger's."

This actually makes my life easier. For when he is simply being a boy I know that there is hope in that this stage won't last forever. That I can teach him, or Husband can teach him, what he needs to know so he can grow into the man God has destined him to become.

So whether your child is a boy or a girl, disabled or not remember that Sometimes a Boy is Just a Boy...unless she's a girl and that time is the ultimate healer of the struggle you're facing today.

The Reality of Sewing

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:57:00 +0000

Last year my Mother in Law made my niece a dress for Easter. Now my niece is 9 (eight at the time) and she has a distinct taste to her fashion. The two of them sat down and looked at patterns, discussed what my niece wanted and then picked out some fabric. My Mother in Law lives close to us and my niece on the other side of the state, so my niece wasn't there watching every step. The fabric was cut out, the pieces sewn together the dress made and my niece hated it. She claimed it looked like pajamas (I'll be honest...it sort of did).

Now my Mother in law is a wise woman and has been sewing for years and wasn't at all offended by her granddaughters comment because she knew the reality of sewing...sometimes what you set out to make just can't be made.

Why do I start with this story? Well that is because my first garment I made this week is kinda like that. Now it didn't turn out like pajamas, in fact it is quite lovely...

but not for me :) The color of the fabric, I love but the color doesn't love me! I used to be able to wear any color I wanted, before I had kids, now my skin tone has changed and the subtleties make certain colors look hideous on me...this one makes me look sick and fat...no one want that. However, the color is perfect for my daughter...so I'll put it in the reconstruction pile and maybe come up with a hoodie for her.

Yet I am counting it towards my goal, which was to SEW 50 garments, not to LOVE whatever I made. I did love sewing it. I used my new-to-me serger, a great pattern that I'll use again in a different color, and I made a few tweaks to the pattern to make it my own...let me show you my Awesome Amy Cardigan by the lovely Shannon of luvinthemommyhood...

I didn't have enough fabric to make the sleeves the length I wanted so I added a cuff which to be honest is more my style than flowing free and cuffless ;)

I omitted the blanket stitch edging because that is like my kryptonite of edging...I'm probably too much of a perfectionist :) Still I loved the pattern and totally plan on making another one but I'll stick to colors I know look good on me. You can find the tutorial for the pattern here.

Well I've checked one garment off of my goal only 49 more to go. I've got two cut out and a surprise later this week. How are you guys doing on your goals? Any set backs you need to vent about? Progress you're dying to share? Pull up a chair and grab a cup of coffe and let's chat!

Knitting, Knitting, Knitting

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:37:00 +0000

I've been hard a work behind the scenes here...well maybe hardly working...still I have a few knitted lovelies to show off. The first being my first ever glove!

Isn't she pretty? I'm totally smitten and I know I should cast on the other but I have a couple projects that need to get finished first...you know the projects I should have finished before I cast her on ;)

Now I'll confess I was moderately nervous to knit gloves, I mean think about all those fingers. However they are quite easy and super fast. I knit this glove in a week and only worked on it at night and not every night that week either!

The yarn is the yummy Madelinetosh Tosh Merino yarn my lovely little sis got me for Christmas. I posted about it here. She came up for Thanksgiving but couldn't wait to give me my pressie. Though I was a dutiful sister and waited until AFTER Christmas to cast on for anything. I know I'm going to have a ton of yarn left over. The hank weighed 112g and the finished glove weighs 25g so I'll have over half the hank left to play with. I'm excited :)

The pattern comes from this awesome little book put out by Patons...Next Steps Seven: Mittens and Gloves. The book cost me $5 only because my coupon went towards purchasing a higher priced item. Still for $5 it's a great resource. It starts at the very beginning in mitten making with 2-needle mittens then progresses on to mittens in the round then smaller yarn, gloves, convertible mittens and gloves, cabling, colorwork...honestly it's the only mitten & glove book you'll ever need. The directions are concise and have pictures plus the sizes are from a child's 2 to a Men's Large.

My Bestie swears by it too. She found this amazing beaded glove pattern (from another source) and tried it out only to hate the thumb and tore it all out and started with the glove pattern in the Patons book and added the beadwork to the glove. The fit truly is amazing.

Enough about pattern reviews and onto the other goody I have.

This is the start of Husband's sweater. I cast on Tuesday night and have been working on it at night...already I have six inches done though I did marry a very tall man (6' 5") so I have to knit a lot further to reach the underarms and for the sleeve...the trade off is that I get to knit the smallest size :)

The yarn is Ella Rae Classic and I'm a wee bit concerned that I won't have enough yarn...but then again I might have just the right amount. I've been cruising Ravelry and checking out finished projects and all off them seem to use a lot less than the suggested amount. I can totally identify with The Yarn Harlot right now:)

So how has your week been? Any knitting or sewing projects to show off? I'd love to see what you're working on. I've got a cup of coffee and in the mood to chat! So pull up a chair and tell me all your secrets ;) Well maybe not all your secrets but anything you feel like telling me about.

Drum Roll Please...

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:48:00 +0000

Yesterday I dove head first into my stash of fabric to see what I could dig up that could be turned into clothes for me. I knew the items I wanted to make this month but had to find the fabric to match. Without much more of an introduction here is what I chose...

The orange fabric on top will turn into this dress...

The dark green fabric will become dress pants...

The pattern is from Burda (2938). I'm excited to try this out.

The turquoise fabric will become a cardigan. Not just any cardigan though, it's going to become the Awesome Amy Cardigan by the seriously talented Shannon of luvinthemommyhood! You might remember the MODify Dresses I made from her tute and of course Elsa's Holiday dress. Shannon knows how to make a pattern easy, fast and fashionable!

Finally the light pink fabric at the bottom will become a fitted blouse.

McCall's M5433 B

Though I wouldn't expect the fabric to stay pink long as it isn't my 'color' so a dye bath awaits her.

Well there it is, the clothes I'm making for me this month. Don't be surprised if a few things for the kids show up, Samuel does have a birthday this month plus there's a top that I'm itching to make Elsa.

So tell me the verdict, good patterns or not? Excited to see them completed? Me too! I better get crackin'! Next Tuesday one of those lovely patterns will be on display for you to see.

Super Awesome Crazy Goal

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

crochet spot via Buffy on Pinterest

Before I begin with my post today, I just want to say thank you for all you lovely comments last week as I posted about my goals and my anniversary. They meant a lot so thanks!

Now I'm sure you've probably noticed that there has been one area of my life not yet covered with a goal, sewing! The reason of course is that it is integral with my one and only very big goal for 2012. A goal that I'm gonna need everyone's support on and encouragement. This goal has been on my mind like a lingering cold in August so when I finally sat down with Husband to discuss it he told me I should go for it! What a guy right? Now I'm sure you're all curious and I won't make you wait a minute longer.

zanzara via Buffy on Pinterest

My goal is to make 50 garments and blog about them by December 31, 2012. Yes you read that right FIFTY! However, I'm going to take it just a little bit further and say that the majority (38) have to be for me or another adult. Yes, I want to make some clothes for me!

Buffy on Pinterest

Last year I discovered the joy of sewing for myself, combined with another overarching goal of not looking like I was cast for Frumpy in the role of Momma of Five. My desire is that this goal will stretch not my sewing skills but also help me to develop a deeper sense of what fashion styles work for me. Other little bonuses will be the additional blogging and prayerfully better photography.

blogs babble via Buffy on Pinterest

I probably should now take a moment to say that what I'm defining as a garment is anything that you wear...yes anything! So accessories and the like are included. I have opted to go this relaxed route for the simple reason of time and that they are necessary in fashion. So don't be surprised if a belt or hat show up on the blog :)

GQ via Buffy on Pinterest

In fact I actually have a dream list of things I want to make for myself in the new year and a list of things I want to make for the kids.

Since my goal is about one garment a week I will post on the first Tuesday of the month the 4-5 garments slated for the month to make. This will give me the flexibility to work on what is working and not stress that one project is taking far longer than I expected. Yet on Tuesday I will also post pictures of my newly completed project.

I've thought about different sorts of rewards for this but have determined natural consequences tend to work best in these situations. I have 5 outfits planned for January but if I fail to make them all then February (a shorter month) will have to play catch up. However the positive benefit is that if I'm sewing that means I'm using up supplies which in turn means I get to go shopping!!! Winning right?

Well there you have it, my big goal for 2012. I know I can do it and to be honest the excitement I have can only build right? I'll be back tomorrow with my choices for the month. Have you started a goal yet? Still thinking about what you want to accomplish? Just because the new year is already here doesn't mean it's too late! Find a quiet moment and turn those wishes into goals and let me know!

The Medium Goal

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:59:00 +0000

On Wednesday I shared my small goals, most of which are one time goals for the month of January. (I'm still on the prowl for some accountability buddies for some of those goals) So today I want to share with you my medium goal, To Redecorate the Kids Rooms.

We live in a tiny house and Thaddeus (the baby) is very particular in how he sleeps...meaning he sleeps in his own room. We only have 3 rooms in our house so this means that the other 4 kids sleep in one room. Currently this is how they sleep...

As you can see it works but it isn't using the room to the best advantage. What I want is to have double bunk beds built to go along the long wall with drawers underneath. I even have a picture that as inspired this goal...

try this via Buffy on Pinterest

My favorite part of this is that the beds are like berths on a ship and have the curtains for each bed. I imagine that the curtains will be perfect for keeping in the warmth in the cold winters and keeping the light out of early summer hours. I do love the nautical theme but not sure if we'll go that route. I will need a theme once we start painting and getting supplies. Themes and decorating ideas is where you lovely people come in, I kneed your help! I'm not the best decorator in the world...but I'm pretty good at copying others fantastic ideas.

So I started a pin board on Pinterest that is open to contributors (if you aren't able to contribute email me and I'll add you). I'm hoping to find a theme that appeals to both boys and princesses alike. Also it has to be fairly classic too. I'm not planning on redecorating for 5 years or more at which point Lincoln will be 13. Other things that I would like ways to make a small space feel big, organization for toys, clothes, bedding, books...pretty much everything 4 kids need in their room.

Also the wardrobe will stay but the red dresser can be repurposed or passed on. My goal is to be done by the end of June, six months. My small term goal for January on the project is to get measurements of the room, start pricing the cost for the bunk beds and come up with a reasonable budget for the project. I'll be looking for the perfect theme too, but I imagine it won't be completely solidified until February or March.

Only one more goal to share and it happens to be the one I'm most excited about too! How are your new year goal plans coming along? Have any small goals you'd like to share? Go ahead jump in and dream big then make the plans to make your dreams a reality!

10 YEARS!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:48:00 +0000

we heart it via Buffy on Pinterest

Today is my anniversary. It seems crazy to me that we've been married for 10 years! I remember back when we first got engaged and I thought 10 years was a long time, now looking back 10 years is nothing! I honestly love that man more each and every day. He has always been my biggest supporter and I know that when everything else goes wrong in life he'll always be there to hold me, draw me a bubble bath or buy me coffee, which says a lot since he hates coffee himself.

In honor of our anniversary I dug out the photos and scanned them in, since everything was on film in those days, and uploaded them just for you. I must admit that it took a bit of time to get used to what we used to look like.

This has always been my favorite picture...

Just me...

Husband, doesn't he look so young? Hard to believe he was 22...

Our First Dance, yes I was singing along to the song...

Me and my daddy...

The cake...

I take great pride in the fact that I have never been to a wedding in which there was a car for a cake! Though who knows I just might be more proud if I did now, knowing that I started the trend ;)

Ten years with the man who stole my heart went by so fast so excited to spend the rest of my life with him.

Starting Out Small

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

more design please via Buffy on Pinterest

One should not be nearly as excited about setting goals as I am. However, it is true. It surprises me how analytical I can be especially since I'm am very much a right-brained, creative person...though I imagine a large part of my analytical thinking comes from being married to Mr. Left-Brained for almost 10 years (more on that later). Still, I've always loved lists and crossing off the stuff on my list so maybe it's always been there just under the surface.

Today I'm going to share the small goals that I have, most of these are just for the month of January and many are just specific goals to achieve a lot of those things that I say to myself all the time. For instance I'm often wishing that I would drink more water or that I read the Bible more or that I was nicer to the kids. These little wishes can become reality with a little planning and a plan of attack!

Monday I sat down and wrote out all the areas in my life I'd like to improve on, areas I wanted to grow in the new year. Spiritual, Marriage, Parenting, Knitting, Music, Health, Writing, Giving, Sewing and Organization...that may seem like a lot of areas, but not all of them will get a big goal...in fact only 3 of those areas will take 6 months or more to achieve my goal. The others are areas that I can make small monthly goals.

Perhaps in February I'll decide that some of those areas can wait another month, or severely step back from the amount of time I put into it. Yet, I talked these small goals over with my Love and he agreed that they are completely doable...provided that I give some stuff up. Yes, I may not get to watch as much television as I have, or I may have to wake up earlier to get it done but that is part of the growth. Determining what is important to you and making the decision to change and giving up on something for something that you value more.

For my Spiritual Goal I plan to read the entire Bible in a Year. I will achieve this by reading a little bit everyday. I have an app on my phone YouVersion that has reading plans, including a Chronological Bible in a Year. I will also read it in The Message as it is a much more fluid version and it will be more likely that I will continue with the reading.

j.t. lowery via Buffy on Pinterest

My Health Goal in January is to drink at least 5-8 oz glasses of water a day, everyday.

west elm via Buffy on Pinterest

My Knitting Goal is to knit my husband a sweater.

interweave knits via ravelry via Buffy on Pinterest

Husband and I have a goal for our marriage to institute a date night at least once a month.

Sara via Buffy on Pinterest

For Music I am going to push myself to practice my violin for 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

manufactured1987 via Buffy on Pinterest

For Writing, I want to spend 10 minutes writing, 3 days a week.

mme.bookling via Buffy on Pinterest

For Parenting, I want to compliment each of my children at least 3 times a day, everyday.

meggielynn via Buffy on Pinterest

Additionally I want to blog at least 3 times a week.

foxtongue via Buffy on Pinterest

Now of course I have more goals, those are a bit larger. These are the small ones. I'll be keeping track of my progress on goal for it! This is a really cool website that not only helps you build your goals but will send out reminders to you when you want them. I put my health, Bible reading, music, writing, blogging and parenting goal on a chore chart. I can print off the chart and manually track my progress and I can update it online.

we heart it via Buffy on Pinterest

I have determined that if I complete my goals at least 70% of the time I will reward myself with $ for Starbucks. Obviously, I want to achieve my goals 100% however, I know that with 5 kids life can turn crazy in an instant and that I don't want to deter myself in future goals if I miss a day. Though I will get more money for coffee the better I achieve my goal.

So now that you've had a little bit to think do you have any goals for the new year? Are you looking for a Friend to help you reach your goals? Comment below and let's work together and realize the best year is still in the future!

Preparing for the New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! I know that some of you are totally on top of the cleaning and have all the decorations cleaned up and put back into storage already. That is not me, of course my parents will be visiting us soon so we'll be having one more Christmas. I'm sure after we've opened the gifts I can persuade my family to help clean up the decor right?

We had a delightful holiday and I will confess I took no pictures...not that pictures weren't taken they just weren't taken by me. I think that I'll wait a couple weeks before posting the Christmas Pics, but we had a fantastic weekend which included a major surprise that left us grateful and feeling more than blessed!

Now that Christmas is behind us, the new year is drawing near. I know that many people will write up a list of resolutions for the year but the majority of them will fall by the wayside before the month of January is over. I gave up resolutions a long time ago, however I do think that goal setting should be a part of every persons life. Goals are what keep us learning and keep us young. Over the last month I've been thinking about what goals I want to set for 2012, making sure that I set reasonable goals that are beneficial yet cause me to stretch just a little bit as a wife, mother, daughter, sister & friend.

angietorres via Buffy via Pinterest

Goal setting for your life isn't something to be made into a strict order of how things are done, but something to give you direction for your life. As is stands in just under 5 years I will be the mother of teenager...that terrifies me. I know it will come upon me like a thief in the night and before I know it I'll be wondering if the sleepless nights of a newborn compares to that of being the momma of teenage boys. Yet I contain the power to do something to prepare myself for the road ahead, even if I don't know what the trip will be like.

gatherlove via Buffy via Pinterest

One thing I know is that I can't constantly live in the moment, fighting the fires as they come...I have to be proactive. This is where goal setting comes in. What are the things that I want to accomplish in 2012 and how will they make me into the woman God desires me to be. Goals can be dreams too, or stepping stones to the big dreams. Dreams are achievable but you have to work for it!

stringkitty via Buffy via Pinterest

So over the rest of the week I'm going to tell you my goals for the new year. I have some goals for the month of January, a six month goal and a big goal for the entire year! I am so excited to share these goals with you. I'm counting on you all to be my biggest supporters and help me achieve my goals. I also want to help you to achieve your goals! So if you haven't started thinking about your goals, start now!

google images via Buffy via Pinterest

And because I'm so nice, here are a few tips to making a resolution into a goal...this is the difference between success and failure!

1. A goal must have an end date and must be measurable. You can't say I want to look better for the wedding in June...say I want to lose 20 pounds by May 1st. This makes your goal finite and gives you the accountability to stick to it (the first resolution you know you'd be switching up the definition of look better when nothing changed in time).

2. Baby steps: Break that goal down into manageable steps. Like the example above you could make a small monthly goal to lose 5 pounds a month...by May you'd be down 20 pounds. Break the goal down even smaller if you want, like lose 1-2 a week. See what you just did? You took 20 pounds and made it one pound! You could lose a pound easy in a week just by cutting back on the food and increasing water and exercise!

3. Find a buddy! Accountability can be a pain in the tushie but it can also be fun! Would you rather go to the gym alone or with a friend? I mean 20 minutes on the treadmill won't seem like work if your bestie is next to you as you catch up on life! Before you know it you'll be achieving your goals and it won't feel like hard work.

Besides making the work fun a buddy can help encourage you and lift you up when you had one too many pieces of birthday cake at work or you didn't meet your weekly goal. A friend can help you to see what changes you can make to realize your dream when all you see is failure.

Last, remember failure isn't always a bad thing. When you lose sight of your goal and miss a few steps it doesn't mean you failed but that something else took over. These are the moments when you have to regroup, reassess and determine if your goal is what you still want. Mistakes are even better opportunities to grow.

Well I better get a move on, gotta get the house cleaned up. I let the kids play all day yesterday with their new toys without having to clean...but now it's time for a good scrub down!

I'll keep this short

noreply@blogger.com (Passionate Design) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:42:00 +0000

Don't laugh, I can be quick. Honestly I have to be because I still have to get dressed and I was hoping to get SOME crafting done before I have somewhere to be.

Right now I'm working on what I am considering my finest project, a Western Shirt...can't say who it's for or show pics (surprises you know) but lets just say I'm pulling out all the works on this puppy! Including but not limited to flat felled seams, hand stitching the collar, pearl snaps, even pockets with stitching detail.

I'm wanting to do something just a little extra, like a little embroidery but the recipient isn't into that decorative stuff, so it would have to be small.

Last thing...my kids are awesome! I woke up to them this morning playing together happily :) Made my heart grow three sizes too big :)

{{hugs}}
Buffy

Late night sewing here I come! What about you? Working on anything hush hush but dying to tell someone? I promise I can keep a secret :)