The Distracted Domestic

Bad Habits are Hard to Break

2025-05-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

What's my bad habit? Istagramming more than blogging.

Lately, I've been trying to improve my breadmaking skills. Bought a few tools to, hopefully, make that happen.

First off, new stir sticks.

Not sure about this one. I was using a skinny wooden spoon for this part, but, well, it was too skinny to get a good grip on. This one, well, it looks a little phallic and the wood is a bit rough.

It works, but I'm not loving it.

This one is great when things are very liquidy but it's a little awkward when the dough gets stiffer.

It's not bad though. The wood is smooth as buttah.

The hubs likes the slices to fit in the toaster. I've used a standard loaf pan, but the bread gets really tall.

I love the way it turns out in the cast iron dutch oven, but it isn't toaster friendly.

This came up on a really good sale and I had a gift card so I went for it.

I'll use it on my next bread day, probably tomorrow.

It hold a 4-6 cub recipe, so I should be okay, or I can add an extra cup.

It's been very busy around here. I've been playing my bass A LOT. I just had a concert, and I have 5 coming up from now until July 15, 2025. Luckily, I am familiar with all the patriotic pieces and some of the concert pieces.

The hubs wanted a work apron, so I followed his specs. I think it should've tied in the back, but he's the one wearing it. Yeah, it doesn't look right on this dress form. LOL

For mother's day, the hubs is building me a chaise. We are trying to get the design just right, but this is essentially it. It will have arms and a turquoise cushion. It will be either white or a very, pale, butter yellow. I am undecided.

Some fun, new straight pins, pink unicorns from Tula Pink.

Jus finished off a week with the grands and the dot. I'm tired. LOL

There's lots more, but that's it for this week.

Playing Catch up

2024-11-22T13:46:00.003-08:00

It's been a minute since I blogged. It will take me a little bit to get back into the swing of things. Not gonna lie, Instagram is faster and easier. Not as informative, but........

Been protesting the bread aisle. First, my favorite bread is nowhere to be found: San Luis Sheepherder's. It's literally the only non-sourdough and non-sweet white bread out there. Factor in the cost of a loaf and it's crazy. Here are a few of my attempts. I've had a few flops too.

They were all pretty tasty, but they weren't quite my favorite.

A tad bit of sewing for a baby gift.

Just a few burp cloths and wash cloths to go with a bag full of clothes.

It's officially fall. Pulled out the big tea mug, the warm house shoes and had the first fire.

Still on the hunt for this pattern: Simplicity 2245

The Lisette Portfolio Dress

She has one on her site but because of copyright and simplicity owning said rights, it's not the same and I really don't want a v-neck and I really don't want to fiddle with it and make it round.

Anybody out there got one they are willing to part with?

Let me borrow and trace it?

I've contacted Simplicity Patterns about a PDF release but I've yet to hear back. By the time I discovered this pattern it was already out of print. I hate when that happens, don't you?

I voted. Pretty happy with the outcome. There is a ballot measure or two I wish didn't pass. My poor state is cra cra and so is my governor.

He can't be reelected so yyyyaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy

Finally, a little Saturday morning love

What's going on at your end?

cute little finish

2024-10-08T13:13:00.000-07:00

Quite some time ago I started a little starry night type of embroidery project by Stitchin Along with Jen. I only worked on Sundays in-between services. I'm the tech chick. 15 minutes at a time I worked on this little guy. I turned it into a pillow for this little girl who would watch me every Sunday while her mom checked her into the kid area.

First thing I did was some teeny, tiny top stitching to

hold my threads in place

Picked my backing fabric and made a little insert.

Made the cover in an envelope style

Ta-daaaaaaaaaa

I think it turned out kinda cute.

I'm never going back!

2024-10-05T23:14:00.000-07:00

I tried a new thing: large format printing or A0.

I've read about it before; I see it when I get a pdf pattern. I saw a little blurb on an account I follow so I thought I would look into it.

I checked some local places, and the price was a bit much. I then looked into the places I saw in the blog post, and they were a much better price, even with shipping. I picked two patterns I've been wanting to make and placed an order. I've actually printed and taped up the Eva Dress and made a toile a couple years (and a couple of pounds) ago.

What a revelation!!

I went with Tape Free Patterns. They had the best prices and options.

The packaging was pretty darn cute.

Each pattern came in its own envelope.

What I paid.

What it looks like.

I am beyond pleased. I will definitely be doing this again!

I may do the Darling Ranges first in a wintery fabric that will look good with my winter boots.

Technology Bites

2024-07-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

I knew this day would come. I hoped it would be farther away than it is, but here we are. OY and a half!

My old desktop, which works perfectly fine for what the hubs needs, is not supported by any browsers...any of them, any longer.

Just tried Firefox, which said it was supporting the platform until September....no freaking luck!

All that's left to do is, gasp, upgrade to windows 10.

I abhor upgrades - with a deep burning passion.

The backup, the time, the installation, the reinstallation of all the apps and data, the stuff that won't work with the new OS that needs upgrading, the expense, the headaches. It's not like a little seam ripper, it's like a seam chainsaw that leaves gaping holes.

What can you do?

My son the techy will be busy.

Yes, I can do it, I'm the one that started him on his tech journey, and I used to speak html, but I haven't had to practice in forever. Said computer is from 2010 and I bought this laptop at christmas time because I just knew, I jjjuuusssstttt knew, time would finally catch up with my legacy tech.

Here's hoping I can find a stable windows 10 and not kill my old computer and that my windows publisher will still work. The hubs prepares all his invoices on that program and it is super easy compared to word.

Wish me luck!

Tragedy Averted

2024-07-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it was bound to happen. I have a long term project that I fell WAY behind on. My mom passed and I just didn’t have the heart to continue since I knew her passing would play a big role in the finished product.

I want to enter it in the local fair in August so I thought I should pull it out and try and get my mojo back.

WWWWeeeeeelllllllllll, unbeknownst to me, my pen had leaked something fierce and made its way to my fingers. Sooooooo while adding my icon to the project, I inadvertently smeared green gel pen on my fabric. Oh yeah, this here mama freaked.

A lot of scrubbing, soap, oxyclean spray, peroxide and rinsing commenced.

I have prevailed!!

Time to redraw the icons that rinsed off and get to stitching!!

The smear

All wet

All dry

Finished project

2024-07-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

Just finished a fun little project from cozyblue.
It’s called ‘Guest House’ cute, fun little embroidery.

It was a nice break from a long-term project and it’s fun to have a finish.

Still Stitching

2024-07-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm still stitching.

Here is 2022 in stitches. 2023 isn't done. My mom got sick and passed very quickly and I just haven't been ready to document that in stitches, but I really need to.

Even braved entering my working at the fair.

It was awesome!!

Is blogging still a thing?

2024-07-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

Long time, no blog.

why?

Well, to shorten a painfully long story:

got a new phone

updated new phone

it gave me a new google account I didn't want or ask for

new account took all my info

couldn't get pics and info back to the correct account

google was zero help

blog pics will be spotty until I can figure a way to locate the pics

it's been 5 years, it ain't looking good.

I've had to update like crazy just to sign on.

Questions:

Should I start blogging again?

Do people still read these things?

Keep it one topic, like sewing, or just go all over the place?

Should I just bag this one and start anew?

If you're out there, say hey!

Regena

Busy....fun busy!! And a blog question at the bottom.

2019-02-20T13:05:00.000-08:00

Lost of good stuff happening at my end. It keeps me from playing on social media, but that's okay, it means I am out there livin'.

A little bag for the bride and groom.

Did some pattern matching on my binding.

It's not really going to get noticed since it will be narrow, but I know it matches and that's all that matters. LOL

A pretty little pattern from #studiomme

A little treat bag for the grand for Valentine's Day.

Loves me some #sweetwaterfabric and patterns.

A little Napa wedding. My baby girl is now a Mrs.

A baby quilt for some new grandparents.

Gratuitous granddot shot

My hair is finally long enough to french braid,

now I want to cut it all off again.

Finished this little gem for #studiomme

My first time being a test stitcher. I hope I did her proud.

A dress for my DIL. She has a photography business and

wants flowy, one-of-kind dresses for her shoots.

Draping isn't something I am good at, but new skills are always welcomed.

Tons more happening that didn't make this post.

New house, first time dealing with snow, tearing down walls, arguing over what to do, typical couple junk. hahahahaha

I'm trying to get back into blogging but instagram is so quick and easy that I just literally phone it. Snap, a couple of lines, post.

What kinds of things would you like to see on this blog?

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2018-12-29T17:41:00.003-08:00

Halloween fun

2018-11-01T21:08:00.000-07:00

I was a bobbysoxer and my grand was Glenda the good witch, her doll was Dorothy.

Met my friend Amy for a quick bite while she was passing through my neck of the woods.

My baby turned 27. Wow!

Good week so far!!

Sheeeeeeee's Back! hopefully

2018-10-25T15:02:00.002-07:00

Wow, I didn't realize that I became such an instagrammer over a blogger

I've also had trouble with google. Some random email hijacked my account and I can't get rid of it without getting rid of all my other google stuff and I can't actually get a hold of any real, live, person at google to undo this problem...thank you new phone....not!! As much as I loves me some technology, I'm growing to dislike it as it gets "safer". It hasn't gotten any safer, just more troublesome...can I get an amen?

I've just been busy doing life and instagram. Shorter posts. it's quick, easy. I do miss this format though, but it does take me some time to format a flow.

A few picks of the last few months...

A little embroidery. Even got in a magazine!!

randomness from the year.
New planners, black belt test, grammy time, nose piercings, poaching eggs, joined band, bought a house, 30 year anniversary.....
Just allllll kinds of stuff..

That's all for now. I little picture heavy, I know.
you can follow me on instagram @the_daily_stitcher
It's mostly stitching, but a little other junk too

week 45

2018-01-08T10:28:00.001-08:00

wow, I left this in limbo so long I can't remember everything LOL
How lame is that?!

let's see.........

Turkeys.....everywhere

The big powerline tower that has been my view for 20 years is now gone.

They let me keep the id plate.

Now we have a view!!!

More hoopy goodness

Brownie bundt cake. yummmmmmmmm

Week 41

2017-11-02T11:39:00.001-07:00

Once again, I'm playing catchup with the blogging. I feel like I need to narrow my focus and really make this blog into something. Or, I could start another page or blog and get all specific. That will be a New Year's project as the holiday season in now in full swing.

Made a mini quilt from my sweetwater box.

Even mitered the border.

Some fun bowls from Tupperware. I love a good halloween sale

Took over the dinning room table to make some pillowcases for Texas Flood survivors

Halloween fun!

A few more motifs..

Las Vegas, Tom Petty, hair cut, getting stitches removed, Mexico earthquake

Hoopview

My helper is sleeping on the job

Pulled out the old girl for a good lube job, a new LED light and a little piecing.

Made a Christmas blanket. Sweater on one side, fleece on the other

New recipe, Spanish Tortilla. Super yummy

We have a band or two of wild turkeys roaming the 'hood. This is the church parking lot.

They were not afraid. LOL

Tug of war until they couldn't move. hahahaha

Somebody is in heat. Oy. Time for a few more doggie pad holder/chastity belts.

She has a chicken nugget sized tail so I didn't have to worry about a tail hole.

Although, I would just put in a big, ol' button hole to accommodate one if need be.

I keep tweaking the design. I'll get in perfect about the time she hits dogopause. LOL

How is your week 41? Any Christmas projects stated? Finished?

A whole Lotta Stichin' Goin' On...and vacation!!!

2017-09-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

My week 37 Hoop view. And some little doodads I added to represent vaca time.

Slowly, but surely, winding bobbins

Made a little art piece for the Summer of Love Challenge

sponsored by DMC and http://www.sfneedleworkanddesign.org/

Using a 1967 vibe, you were to put what's important to you now in your art. Mine is pretty self explanatory.

The view from the venue....the Bay Bridge.

Gram gram time and a tea party.

Look at those pinkies.....

The dot was alone in the house while we were gone.

Apparently something dripped all over the oven and when we got back and tried to cook something....let's just say the smoke alarms are in good working order.

Our vaca started out in 114º heat and the a/c gave up the ghost about 3 hours into the drive. While I perused the Olive Pit, the hubs

recharged the freon. Once again, we could drive in cool, refreshing, comfort.

The stud of the day award goes to.....the hubs!!

A gondola ride in the temperate rain forest

Spotted two elusive creatures

Typical tourist shots

Toured the Boeing Factory

Drove onto a ferry...very exciting

Saw the inspiration for a ST:TNG episode. Seriously, right?

Why, because who can refuse a picture board cut out?

A family friend's house was our home base for vaca.

Yep, just 20 feet from the sound. Saw dolphins and everything.

Last but not least, had to pull over when we saw this on our

coastal drive home. Paul and Babe.

Next post may very well be all about my 2018 planner. can you say Hedgehogs???

Week 33

2017-08-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go? Wow, 33/52 already

I slowed down on my hoop to make it last, now that I only have a little over 4 months left, I am going to quadrant it out and do more than a few tiny stitches a day to fill it to the rim.

It was eclipse day in my neck of the woods. I ended up stuck on the road but there were plenty of pics posted by nasa and other peeps. I did get to see it through a pinhole box. It was kinda awesome. No, it wasn't transcendent and I didn't want to make a baby at the vega, nor did I cry and treat it like a rare cosmic event. Some people are just, well, a little to in to it.

Got to see my bestie. She lives on the other side of the country. Soooo Fun!

How I organized my most recent project.

I am normally a pile-er/jumbler with my threads. It works, but it makes it hard if I find a loose strand and I can't remember what color I used...oy. I think I may try to be this organized for my next big project. I will post the finished article when the showcase has officially opened and I can link you guys up to #sfsnad.

Fetch, anyone? Crazy dog!

What kinds of creative things are you up to?

week 30

2017-08-04T16:30:00.002-07:00

Holy cow!! Where has this year gone??

My hoop shot with a few closeups.

I am working on this https://www.studiomme.com/ #sacrepigeon so I added a little pigeon.

My #summeroflovechallenge piece.

I had too many ideas and no time left, so I just picked one and started!!

My little granddot found a red nose and had some fun with it

Although I am not super creative, I jumped on the felt board bandwagon.

Soooo fun!!

My first two attempts. Pretty basic, but I will pinterest the heck out of layouts. LOL

What's up with all y'all? Talk to me......

Week 28

2017-07-17T14:02:00.001-07:00

Wow, it's been a jam packed month. No excuses, just don't have blogging at the top of my to-do list.

Let's see what's been happening......................

My hoop. Lots of new stuff

A few closeups

It's hot, really hot. Freakishly hot. The grapes are lookin good!!

The dot is graduating from esthetician school and the baby girl enjoys a mcflurry

Still wanting to make something like one of these.

Got some fabric, got some patterns, need to make some time.

I'm really bad about giving my hobby priority once in awhile. Bad habit.

Walked the dog...a lot. Got bit by bugs......a lot.

Pre ordered my hallmark trek ornaments. Only 2 this year.....bummer

A little water fun (mud for the grand) in the sun.

What's your summer like? Projects? Talk to me people.

Week 23

2017-06-14T12:32:00.001-07:00

Lots going on...life so gets in the way of creativity more than I would like. Some good life, some ukky life, some mundane life. It's all good in the end.

Hoop view of week 23 plus a close up of the last few motifs

Cat ears for London, t-shirt cuz I bought way too many, cherry season and donut day!

Treated myself to a white Levi® jacket

I wasn't sure, but I am sure I love it now.

I want to walk in the Rose, white and blue parade on the fourth. Looking to make a mid teens walking ensemble to fit in with the suffragette theme of the group. These are my ideal, but I will probably go cheap and easy with a navy walking skirt, white blouse and some spats to mask my tennies.

Got a double yolker. How fun is that?

Been keeping active...down 2.6 lbs

Next to the last nephew graduated from highschool. Goooo coyotes!

Celebrated national Donut Day with a simple glazed donut.

And maybe a chocolate covered cake donut with coconut too. LOL

Like I said, lots of life. House hunting, MIL ambulance ride to emergency (totally unnecessary), dot, dog, birthdays and holidays. Life is quite a ride!

How's life treating you?

week 21 and counting

2017-05-31T22:57:00.003-07:00

Can you believe the year is nearly half over already? It's true, the older you get, the faster time goes by. I'm tellin' ya.....wowzers!

Lots happening this week. More house hunting and more exploring and a little good grammie time.

Fruit stands abound along the delta. Cherries are in full swing and they won't last long. Strawberries and stone fruits are just starting.

Yummmmmmmmmm is everywhere and I am going to enjoy it while it lasts.

My hoop is growing.

I've added a fitbit symbol, flag, red nose, 007, road signs,

and I can't remember what else.

Trying a new set up and added lots of "love" to my project list.

Even pulled out a vintage hoop for this one.

Me on red nose day and my hydrangea is full bloom.

This week has already started with a bang and I hope it slows down because I don't need another emergency room and ambulance ride for a long while. Not me, my 87 MIL and it was totally an over reaction and totally unnecessary. OY and a half!

Hope your week is as exciting, but it good ways.

week 20

2017-05-23T14:59:00.001-07:00

Been a fun and busy couple of weeks.

Still pluggin away at my #1yearofstitches hoop

Week 20 hoop view

The cat decided to sneak into my cabinet while I was getting something and then I found him trying to get out. Crazy cat!

Made beignets. Easy and yummy and messy.

A little LOVE from down under.

Cahin stitching a little more LOVE

I'm sensing a theme......LOL

A little goofing in Oregon with some of my bible study chicks.

Somebody turns five this week and had a little Chuck E. Cheese fun the day before her party and then the party. Sleeping beauty was the theme.

Also cleaned my sewing room and the dot cleaned her closet out which means I need to re-clean my sewing room. Oy.

Lots of boring chores and a couple trips to Oakhurst to look at houses. Every time we find something we both like, it's already snapped up. It's hard to house hunt from afar and by the time you get there, well, you know the story.
Looking into building. If the fees aren't too ridiculous (yuba county I'm talking to you) we just may start from scratch.

Happy Mother's Day

2017-05-14T22:03:00.002-07:00

To the moms. mentors, aunties, pet mamas and besties...you all mothered in some way, shape or form!!

Week 18 and more

2017-05-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

It's been pretty busy around here so let's just get to it.....

Hoop View. I'm doing little motifs to fill it in and a small amount of stitching so it can last the year.

The granddot is having a Sleepy Beauty party and gram gram is making a few of the party favors..

Sleeping Masks

Pay attention to one way designs. LOL

Cat not helping

Shasta

A real 4 leaf clocer

Look at all them ducks!!!

Now this is a backyard...wish it was mine

All my embroidery scissors. Yikes! I may have a problem.

Grand time

A finish.....my welcome pineapple from, Studio MME

I joined the monthly embroidery club because I HAD to have the 'sacre' pigeon"

I've done some stitchy goodness, been to a retreat in Oregon and spent time with the grand and my mom. Yep, good busy.

Any stitchy or family goodness in your world?

Donate your color to help paint a neighborhood!

2017-05-08T10:36:00.006-07:00

Sherwin-Williams is doing something totally fun!!
They are sucking the color out of an app extension, website or picture and then donating that color (in paint) to help a neighborhood get all clean and pretty!

So yes, you didn't lose your vision, my blog will be in gray scale until May 18th!!

Click here>>>>>> https://donateyourcolor.com/index.php and follow the directions. Easy peasy!!

Help color our world!!