Still Sick, but Things are Looking Up!

So the kid is still sick. He's been watching Curious George all day, and needing Mommy. Which I can't say I don't like...it's definitely nice to be wanted. Though the last cup of Pedialite seems to be staying down, so hopefully we're on the mend! Now if only I don't get it!

In other news, all this "being housebound" has led to a bit of catching up for me! In between loads of laundry and mopping floors, I've managed to get a little sewing and--gasp--painting done! First up, these are two patchwork bags I made. I was inspired by I'm a Ginger Monkey's Liberty Print Drawstring Bag. I thought all my cute little fabric squares would make cute little bags. And I'm right, if I do say so myself! The taller one is just perfect for my sketchbook, a few pens, a sharpener, and some pencils.



This is a little "sneaky peek" for my Placemat Swap partner, Mary. We agreed to make three placemats each. None of them are completely finished, but I'm working on them in between bouts of "I need you mommy!"



And finally, I'm becoming reacquainted with my old friends, watercolors. I used to love them so much in college, but developed an "affair" with acrylics. Lately I've been into tiny pieces, with somewhat controlled results, rather than my usual "big pieces with lots of wet paint" approach. (I think this is carrying through in lots of aspects of my life, including tiny patchwork squares, doing laundry load by load, and sweeping rather than vacuuming.)

Sick

Today was spent mopping floors, doing laundry, and cuddling the wee one, as he came down with some sort of stomach bug. Unfortunately, I think I'm getting it too, so just a short post today. But I'll be back soon with pics of what I worked on while E was sleeping!

P.S. If you have left me a comment, but didn't receive a response, it's because Blogger is not being my friend now. I can't seem to reply to anyone's comments. Boo. But I do read each comment I receive!

P.P.S. If you are expecting a package from me, it will go out tomorrow. I packaged up items last night, with the intention of mailing them today, but since we were sick, that didn't happen.

P.P.P.S. If you are my husband, you are in big trouble if you don't call me soon. I'm just saying.

Aprons! And General Boring-ness that I Call my Life!

Birds Half Apron
Originally uploaded by Tiny House

At each show, I'm asked by several people where I got my apron. Um, yeah, I made it. Which usually leads to people asking why I don't have any on my table. I don't know why I'm so unorganized that I can't get a few done before the show, as I get several orders each time. So, here you have it, I'm making aprons for my next show. This one was a custom order for a very sweet girl's grandmother. (And while I don't feel comfortable talking about my, um, girly business with everyone, I can say that I can personally vouch for the products that Laura sells. Follow the link. They're awesome!)

I've been a pretty busy little bee lately. I've had multiple custom orders, and am involved in just a few swaps. Plus, I have two shows coming up, so I'm also working on items for that.

And, this is Day Three of my husband's trip to Germany. He's gone until next Monday, and the little man and I miss Daddy! We spent the majority of today with Jes' grandparents (E's great-grandparents) and had a good time eating, shopping, and visiting! And I'm feeling rather proud of myself--I fixed Judy's sewing machine. The needle was stuck inside the bobbin case, and I took it all apart and then put it back together again. And it worked! Without electrical sparks! Woohoo!

Embroidered Necklace

Embroidered Necklace
Originally uploaded by Tiny House

I'm really loving making these necklaces lately. Hand sewing is so soothing.

This one is made from a vintage handkerchief, tiny french knots, silver charm, glass beads, and a lot of tiny stitches. In the shop now!

Zoo!

Mojave the Camel
Originally uploaded by Tiny House

Tonight we went to the zoo for a member's night. It was awesome!

First we saw the elephants, then we toured the back end of the Asian Sanctuary. That was really interesting, seeing all the chain link tunnels they send the animals through to get to their exhibits. After that, we stood in line for forever to ride the camel. It was seriously so cool. Eamon had a blast, and once I got over the jerking motion I was fine too!

We finished our night at DQ for ice cream, since I have such a good husband! :O)

Chutes and Ladders!

Chutes and Ladders!
Originally uploaded by Tiny House

My little bug is getting so big! Today he played his very first "big boy game!" It was a rousing round of "Stairs and Slides" (as he calls it.) We mostly flicked the spinner around, pointed out numbers, and climbed up ladders and slid down slides. I suspect it will be a long while before we can actually play a game as a family, but this is just as fun!

Shop Update (and Special Sale!)

Stud Earrings
Originally uploaded by Tiny House

I've just added a new "line" of earrings to the shop. Two kinds of cute studs: fabric-covered buttons and tiny little roses.

I really like making these, so expect more!

Oh, and a special sale for all my blog readers: enter the code "BLOGREADERS" (that's creative, huh?) into the notes to seller section for free shipping! Sale lasts 24 hours, so you have until 9:30 PT tomorrow, June 17!

Leave me to my own devices...

Toadstools!
Originally uploaded by Tiny House

And I will sew little tiny mushrooms all day long. Well, not really, but naptime was spent in the car yesterday, with my sewing box readily available. Yep, I gave up reading time to hand sew. I used to say I didn't like hand sewing, but lately, well, it's one of my favorite things to do!

These are a custom order for a friend and her toddler daughter. The bigger one is about 1.5" wide by 2" tall, and the smaller measures about 1" wide by 1.25" tall. Each one took a long time to make, given all the tiny details, but the smaller one took much longer--since I used smaller beads, and smaller felt pieces. My fingers were a bit cramped when I was done! But Ikea was so much more fun knowing I had crossed one item off my long to do list!

This weekend my husband is riding a 45 mile bike ride, then we're off to Marymoor Park (Redmond, WA) to meet him. And of course I'll sneak in a visit to my favorite crafty stores!

Mushrooms

Mushroom Necklace
Originally uploaded by Tiny House

While at the craft show, I spent a significant amount of time hand sewing. I came up with a new design, and three of them sold this weekend. Actually, I was selling them before I was finished making them!

Anyhow, I really love the magical quality of toadstools. My son and I search for fairies in the bushes by our neighbor's yard, and sometimes we see gnomes (not sure how long this game will last, but it is fun now!) Growing up, my mom told me the same stories I now tell my son, so it's become tradition. I hope one day he tells his children all about magic, fairies, gnomes, and of course toadstools!

Indie Banditas Bazaar

(((I'm participating in Etsy's Second Annual Yart Sale (yard sale + art = yart sale!) Visit the shop for 15% off your ENTIRE purchase!)))

I had so much fun this weekend, at the Indie Banditas Bazaar on Bainbridge Island. My mom and I left early Friday morning, stayed overnight, and came home late Saturday. The Bug stayed at home with Daddy! (Woohoo!)



This was our table the first day (my mom is to the left.)







We made lots of new friends.





Slept in a campground on the beach, and were awakened in the morning by waves (and fireworks in the middle of the &*#>& night.)





And did lots of shopping and trading.



The second day we changed our table (and had better sales. Coincidence?) (Isn't my water bottle pretty?)



And had good music to listen to! This is Kate's very talented--and self-taught--son. We wanted to stay for the concert with The Battle of Land and Sea and Jacob Golden but it was late.

This weekend was really, really, really fun, and I can't wait to do it again!

P.S. See my Flickr for more pics!

Patchwork Sewing Machine Cover Tutorial

Hi to anyone popping over from Sew, Mama, Sew! I'm so excited that my Patchwork Sewing Machine Cover Tutorial has been posted over there! If anyone has any questions, please let me know (it is my first ever tutorial!) I can't wait to see everyone's covers!!!

I'll be back later to blog about the Indie Banditas Bazaar which was SO. MUCH. FUN! Right now, though, my husband is out of town, and my toddler is demanding my attention! Have a great day!

Sewing Machine

Sewing Machine Cover, 1 and 14
Originally uploaded by Tiny House

I'm following along with Sew Mama, Sew's Sewing Machine Month.

What brand and model do you have?

I have a Janome Sewist 509.

How long have you had it?

I've had this machine about a year and a half.

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?

I paid $200, but I believe they (at the time I bought mine) retailed for around $350-ish. I traded in my old machine for store credit, plus shopped around for other offers. I chose the store from which I bought it because they offered free classes for using your new machine. I brought the other offers with me, and asked them to beat the best one.

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?

I do a lot on my machine--quilting, clothing, bags, plus all the little projects for my shop: zipper pouches, crayon rolls, etc. I've also sewn knits, silk, and heavier materials with this machine.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?

I sew daily, usually for a few hours at a time.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?

I love my sewing machine. It's simple, yet can do so much. I haven't named my machine (maybe I should hold a naming contest!)

What features does your machine have that work well for you?

I switch the feet a lot. It came with several feet, plus I bought a walking foot and a darning foot. I can drop the feed dogs, which comes in handy when stippling a quilt. There is also an overlock stitch, which I've used with some success. But mostly I use the straight and zig zag stitches.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? I can't get my son's toddler pants around the long arm, sew it's a bit fussy when I hem his pants (God forbid I sew anything by hand!) I also have to make sure the needle is just past the farthest up it can go before removing sewn fabric, or the bobbin thread tangles with the needle thread. (Did that make sense?)

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!

Nope, no great stories, unfortunately. Though my son would desperately like to sew with it. Come to think of it, there was that one time he pulled all the thread off the spool, then wound it all around my studio. That was so much fun (can you hear the sarcasm???)

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?

Absolutely--it's a strong machine for a decent price.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?

I think it's important not to let the salesperson talk you into too much machine. The salespeople I talked to ALL tried to get me to buy "the next step up" machine. One lady was even so insistent that I get the machine that could sew knits, since I'd for sure be mending all of my son's clothing. Turns out this machine does just fine on knits.

Do you have a dream machine?

No, for now this machine does what I need it to do.