Something to Be Thankful For...I Found a Job!

This Thanksgiving will be a special one for me. I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Staying healthy, celebrating 25 years with DH, having a part-time job, knitting up a storm, making new friends, and enjoying life. After so many months (8 to be exact) of researching, sending out resumes, and filling out applications...I finally landed a full-time position.

I'm sad to be leaving a fun job at my LYS (local yarn shop) and leaving my co-workers/friends. Can I share something with you? That was the best job I've ever had. Even DH thinks I should stick around and help when I can. We'll see what my new work schedule looks like.

In my neck of the woods, there are many corporations/companies who are still in lay-off mode. I am very fortunate to have found something and close to home.

The commute to my new job will be 7.5 miles and take roughly 15 minutes to get there. Just like everyone around me, I had to take a cut in pay. Folks, this is reality. Can I tell you how many times I've been humbled over the last 8 months? I don't have enough fingers to count. Let's just say, I'm very thankful for this job and many prayers have been answered.

I start my new job in early December. Sounds weird, huh? I never thought anyone would be hiring around the holidays. Let alone start a new job in December. Again, I am thankful.

I think it's time to start sewing again as another door has opened for me. I mean, I need to look a bit more professional than what I've been wearing to the yarn shop. Sounds like a couple of new knit tops and twinsets are in order.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Sewing!

A Year Older and So Much Wiser

I want to take a minute and thank those of you who visit my blog, even when I don't keep up with my posts or my sewing activities. I know you pass through to see what others are up to or check out some of the resources.

Today, I'm celebrating my birthday and I must say that I'm feeling fine right now. I've got a few more white hairs and more spots on my skin. I'm happy and healthy. I'm enjoying life.

To help me celebrate my day, I would like for each of you to take 30 minutes to an hour sometime today (and/or the remainder of the week) and enjoy one of your favorite hobbies. Make time for yourself. Create something for yourself. Let me know what you are going to do to help me celebrate.

Isn't this better than chocolates? And no calories, too! lol!

So, what am I going to be doing for a few hours today? Knitting at my LYS.

The Tote Bag Lady & Birthday Blessings

***************

First off, I want to wish my DH a special...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
He's a great hubby and friend. I can say that because I've known him for 28 years. We've been through a lot together. He's my special friend, my advisor, my protector (from big bullies), my partner in faith, and the love of my life. I've been extremely blessed.


***************


This month, I'm the tote bag lady. I have sewn three (3) tote bags. One for me and two for my friends.

Tote bags made from home dec fabrics


Here's my knitting tote bag in the bright floral print. I've been using it to carry my knitting projects to work (LYS). I can fit two small knitting projects including two skeins of yarn, my snacks, and a bottle of water. I love this bright home dec print.

My floral knitting bag

Here's the 2nd tote bag. This one is for a friend of mine, who absolutely loves anything that has a beach/sandal related theme. I saw this fabric last year, but didn't know what to make for her. Now, I have something to give to her to celebrate the warmer weather.

The sandal bag

Here's the 3rd tote bag for another friend from church. Sabine and I will be meeting once a month to sit and knit or do something crafty with our time. I thought this would be a great bag for her to carry her projects. I even put a few surprises in her bag.

The pastel bag

A side view to show the depth of the bag

I used lightweight fleece to give the bags some body and stand upright without sagging. I basted the fleece to the main fabric before sewing the seams.

I used ultra-stiff needlepoint canvas for the bag bottoms. I cut the canvas to fit the bottom of the bag. I encased the canvas in the matching lining fabric.

Bag bottoms

Inside view showing two pockets and the bag bottom

I used 1" wide cotton webbing inside the straps. I sewed the straps. Turned the straps right-side out and then slipped the webbing into the straps. The webbing gives the straps some padding.

I still have the black and white tote bag to make. The off-white fabric I was going to use for the lining, is too sheer and doesn't have enough body. I need to go stash diving again and see what I can come up with as a substitute.

I can't wait to give the ladies their gifts this weekend. I love giving something unexpected and something that I've made.

Mid-week Updates (and My Wedding Gown)

I wanted to first say thanks to those who sent my DH and I...congrats and happy wishes on our anniversary. We celebrated our 24th at an Italian restaurant we haven't been to before in Old Town. It turned out to be a wonderful cozy place with great food. It was nice to spend a quiet evening together.

I finally got rid of my bronchitis. Yeah!!!! I feel like a new person. Lesson learned. Go see the doctor ASAP...even though I "think" I'm getting better.

I've been "on the go" for the last few weeks. For three nights each week (over several weeks), I've been taking my camera to church and attending a Revelation seminar. I enjoy taking pictures. I never know when a picture opportunity arises...the Kodak moment. And of course, I am enjoying the seminar as well. Plus, DH is giving the lecture on Sat nights and since I'm his IT person, I get to setup his laptop & gadgets. I also show the pictures I have taken before his lecture starts. I really enjoy watching people's expression when they see their pictures up on the screen.

I'm still working on my crochet bag. I usually spend time with my yarns during football season. So, this is a seasonal hobby for me. I have included two pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Here's the front panel of my crochet bag. I love black/gray and white colors, but I have to admit it's been hard to see the black/gray yarn especially during the evening. Since I'm not spending hours crocheting but 10 minutes here and there...I tend to lose track of how many rows were completed. So counting the rows at night is not fun.


Here's the back panel, still in process. Okay, I need to count the rows today in daylight...so I can start incorporating the 2nd color yarn.






I hope to cut into some fabric before the end of this week. I'm starting to make some progress on organizing my sewing space. I can actually see a good portion of my rug now.

Before I end this post, I wanted to share with my sewing buddies my wedding gown from 24 years ago. Back then, I didn't like to sew. All this handiwork was done by my mother. Yes, all the handsewing of the Alecon lace, yards of it, handsewn by my mother. I can't remember all the pattern pieces, but I do recall selecting the sleeve pattern from a wedding pattern manufacturer from the mid-west. The skirt was from another pattern as well as the bodice from yet another pattern. The fabric, lace, and veil were all purchased at G-Street Fabrics in Rockville.

I remembered having to help with the placement of the lace as we had to use every single bit of it. The bodice front and back was covered with the lace. There was lace on the bottom of my sleeve. The lace was also incorporated into the front skirt creating a simple pattern going up the middle of the skirt and also lace was scattered in the back. The scallop of the lace was used around the bottom edge of the gown. The veil and the flowers were also handmade. My mother had made my gown a year before the wedding. So, you can imagine...no weight gain was allowed until the wedding day.

Happy 24th!

I dedicate this post to my DH of 24 years.

"I am so in love with you. For many reasons. We have shared so many experiences and gone through many of life's ups and downs. If we have grown in different directions momentarily, we have always managed to get back on course and continue growing in the same direction. I believe it has been God watching over us.

I am so thankful for our conversations, the laughter, the jokes, the silliness, our weekly date nights, our cool vacation get-a-ways, our friends, and our families.

Thank you for putting up with my my moodiness, all my hobbies and gadgets, my piles of stuff, my sometimes weird cooking results or lack of cooking on some days, and well...just letting me be myself.

You are my life. Thank you."


1 John 4:17 - Herein is our love made perfect...

Special Day

I celebrated my special day today. Unfortunately, sewing was not on the agenda this evening. I did get a beautiful bouquet from DH. Will post a picture later. My pastor called and left a voice mail on my BB...singing a Happy Birthday tune. A nice surprise! I really need to figure out how to save that message to MP3. Adrienne...do you have any clues? lol!

Just got back from having a wonderful Italian dinner with special friends from our church. Now, it's back to the work grind.

I'll be back soon to catch-up on your sewing blogs....