Normally, my position is to keep work separate from politics and religion and all the other hot debates.  However, I just can't this time.  I won't go into the details of my political beliefs... I'll spare you.  I do want to give a little nod of recognition to the badge I've added to my blog for Crafters for Obama, a campaign set-up by julie ree.  Her goal is to raise $2000 from crafters like me and many of you to help Barack Obama in his campaign to become President of the United States.  

I was incredibly moved by several of the speeches and the historical significance of the DNC this week and feel compelled to do something.  I don't have much money to give, but I do have a voice and a venue.  Even if you do not agree with my choice for president, I implore you to educate yourself about the candidates and get out and vote!  It's easy to become cynical about politics, I know, but we can not let cynicism take over... we must be involved and have faith in our country.

If you would like to view or read Obama's historic acceptance speech, the link is right here.

A fun find

I rarely find anything really great when I go to flea markets and such, but I love to go looking anyway.  Yesterday, I had good luck.  I found a copy of Sewing Made Easy by Mary Lynch.  Not only is the writing and the language just hilarious (we're talking 1950 here), there is a ton of great information!  She covers everything from how to alter a pattern (the whens, whys and wheres) to how to sew the perfect drapes.  There is even an extensive section on choosing the right clothes and accessories for your body type.... I mean really "Never wear socks on the street in a city, unless you are in your teens."  Got that?  Ok.  

I've just about read this grand book from cover to cover and I can't think of anything that she's overlooked.  I really would like to start sewing more clothes for myself (If I can't buy great fitting pants, then I'll frickin' make some.) and I'm glad I now have Ms. Lynch at my side.  

So excited to unveil....

My very first Special Edition wallet!  Some of you may remember that I was working on getting set up with Sublime Stitching's licensing program a while back.  Well, I got approved and I just listed my very first hand-embroidered super organized wallet!  

I will be listing these periodically, so you'll have to check in every now and then. I'll give a special head's up to my blog reader's so you guys will be the first to know when a new one is being listed. Each one will be different (different fabrics, patterns, colors.....).  These are really an outlet for me.  I love sewing the items for my store, but sometimes it becomes more about getting products out there than about the creative process.  These take care of that for me and we all win!

We won :)

Not long ago, BrightonEarly had a contest on her blog and the prize was 1/2 off one of her super cute dresses.  Guess who one!  Me (well, Taylor really)!  The dress arrived in the mail today and it's just super cute and super well made. I see this staying in the wardrobe for quite some time. Thanks so much Tasha! You can check out her Etsy shop here where she has a fantastic back to school sale going on.

More Etsy Bicycle Goodness

In honor of the temps coming down a wee bit so that riding is fun again, I thought I'd do another round of cycling accessories found on etsy.

First up is this super duper cute cycling cap from

KoziePrery's shop:

Her shop is full of really stylish caps that appear incredibly well constructed.  Many of her caps are made with reclaimed fabric, a wonderful little bonus feature!

This next product just rocks my socks!

These are Ear Toasties from Matel Makes.

They fit around your helmet straps to keep your ears warm. Brilliant!  I never have much luck with keeping beanies down over my ears with a helmet, so this is just the thing.

Can you tell I'm ready for cooler weather?

I love this track jacket from Red Boot Design! 

Another project for little bit

I'm just popping in to share my latest project.... another little something for my little bit to take to school.   We're just a few days away from the big first day!  We went shopping today for a few last things (bag, lunchbox, and thermos). But, I just couldn't bring myself to buy a backpack from the store.... just couldn't do it.  So, off to Hancocks we went.  Taylor said she really wanted a messenger bag, so that's just what she got.  She picked out this super cute corduroy all by herself and decided that it must have her name stitched on it somewhere.  The name patch is fused on and then I just kinda went willy-nilly with the border stitching.  Kinda fun, I think.  I even went for an adjustable strap.  I'm not sure why I've always shied away from doing those; it was way easy.  There's nothing fancy inside, no pockets, and the flap closes with a magnetic snap.  

Oh, and we did buy a lunch box (pink camo) ... I thought about making it, though :)

The New Blankie

As promised, here are the pictures of the new nap-time blankie.  I decided that it really didn't need tying  since the flannel sticks pretty well to the cotton.  It's just a simple, sew it right sides facing, leave a hole, turn it, then top stitch around the edge (note: I should have changed to a top-stitching needle to make the stitches look a little nicer, but I'm out and too lazy to go to the store).  Easy peasy.  I did add a little special something to the backside, though.

Getting ready for school?!?!?!

I am just in shock that in two weeks Taylor will be starting pre-k.  She's never been in any kind of daycare or mother's day out; it's always just been the two of us hanging out together. Needless to say, I'm a little nervous... for me.  No, not so much for her.  She's a little social butterfly that's wanted to be in school ever since she learned that there was such a place.  I'm really excited for her.  I'm not gonna know what to do with myself without her around her all day.

All nerves and excitement aside, though, we have to get this gal ready. When she heard she needed a blanket and pillow for nap-time she asked if I'd make her something (sweet girl).  So, I let her browse fabric on etsy till she found this great butterfly print by Alexander Henry from bellasarababy.  I'm thinking a simple flannel backed blanket, maybe tied, will do the trick.  Of course, I'll post a pic or two when it's done :)

And, while we were in her shop we had to browse the clothes and Taylor picked out the cutest skirt ever!  The fabric and skirt came in the mail today and she had to put it on right away!  I didn't get to look at it long, but the quality looks great.  It's a good thing; once she falls in love with an outfit it's hard to get her out of it!