Inspiration

Do you seek inspiration? This is my 12-year old granddaughter's room. I don't know which I love more... The quote, or the fact that it's above her sewing (creative cat) space. What's NOT to love?

When was the last time YOU went out and TACKLED (or clubbed down) inspiration?

We should all remember the possibilities we had ahead of us when we were 12 years old, don't you think?

...and what inspires me? One thing that certainly inspires me is my granddaughter, Caille, my little creative cat.

Quiltz r us

Forgot to post these at Christmas.

I made Ceres the yellow and lime kalaidascope pattern. It took me almost 3 years to finish hand-quilting this.

I made Shawna the batik blues and purples. This was my first attempt at free-motion machine quilting, which was a little bit scary. But fun!

Dallas fabric: At Harry HInes and Perth

Took Mike to his follow-up doctor visit in Dallas after his surgery last week. As usual, we got out of the doctor's office right at about the start of rush-hour. So he sat in the car for a bit while I ran in to visit some of my favorite places.

I have been searching for drapery fabric for the living room for the last six months. Also, seat fabric for the dining room. I need Devon to help me choose. (What will I do when she moves to Chicago in a few weeks!?)

By the way, The Golden D'or wouldn't give me a fabric sample. Wha? How can they expect someone to buy 26 yards of fabric @$19/yard without bringing home a little swatch to make sure it works with the carpet, furniture, etc? Nuts! It used to be my favorite fabric store. Not anymore! I didn't even take a photo of that warehouse. I guess that's how angry I was when I left.

You've got the power!

My "million dollar man"

We had to drive the 2+ hours to Dallas and 3 hours back today so Mike could (finally) get surgery to repair damage from the fall he took from the Schwan's truck (the step broke -- AGAIN) in DECEMBER 2010.

So much medical in so little time.
25 months =

• 2 major back surgeries (including lots of cages, screws, rods and bone grafts)
• 1 strange "brain reboot" (don't ask, 'cause I don't get it)
• 1 hand surgery (1 more to go)
• 1 hideous headache lasting 25 months
• At least 10 hospital visits
• About 50 visits/1+ hour waits at the pharmacy
• About 100 doctor visits
• About 1000 miles
• About 65 certified letters from the evil worker's comp insurance
• 2 video recordings from the worker's comp insurance private detective (which, of course, didn't help their case)
• About 59,000 "DENIALS" from worker's comp. Just because.
• 13 to 18 doctors?!
• Maxing out our out-of-pocket costs on my Blue Cross in 2012 (do you know how hard that is to do?!)
• 11 months having to use a walker ( we were so happy when he graduated to a cane last month!)
• I can't even remember how many phone calls, emails, meetings and benefit reviews with lawyers... About 75?
• Immeasurable tears anxiety and anger
• Just enough patience from God
• And we are not done yet

I am *so* over it

Do you ever just get so bored with all the cutting and just wanna SEW already?! That's how this project feels right now.

BabyLock Ellageo Plus

Unbelievable. Best. Birthday. Gift. EVAR!

3-year old UFO eliminated!

I am not sure what took me so long, but I made most of this jacket top about three years ago. The only thing left to do was sleeve cuffs, buttons and buttonholes. DONE. Finally!

The fabric is painted. I brought it back from the Big Island of Hawaii four years ago.

*UFO: UnFinished Object

The sewing room: totally organized!

I've wanted a bona fide sewing room since I was about 4 years old. 49 years later, I now have one!

I should have painted the walls before the shelving went in, but that will wait for another day. Also needed: removal of trashy blinds, replaced with curtains.

My wide range of sewing ephemera is now completely organized! I had various fabric and sewing gear stashed in bins, closets and bags in rooms all over the house. Now that it's all in one place and organized, I realize: OMG, I HAVE A LOT OF SEWING STUFF AND FABRIC!

This was a Christmas gift from my husband Mike. My son-in-law and father assembled the shelving and desk (IKEA EXPEDIT). Thank you, guys!

I thought about posting a "before" picture, but it would have been too embarrassing. Just a room with bins stacked around, a bed on the floor and Legos scattered wildly about.

Stuff you can sew for teens

Hoodies. You can't go wrong with hoodies. This is the second one I made for 14-year old Crispy this season. It has a phone/iPod pocket in addition to standard lined pockets.

She's a natural!

We got 12-year old Caille her first sewing machine for Christmas and this was her very first project. WOW! What a success!

The only thing I helped with was the zipper. Otherwise, it's all her own work.

Layering on the pink sweater we got on sale at Kohl's today makes it work for more than just a summer dress.

Simplicity 2373.

Seeking green guinea pigs

I made four sandwich/snack bags, lined with FDA-approved food-safe nylon tyvec and cute cotton print on the outside. These are reusable, machine washable, low-temp iron.

I need a couple of beta testers who will test one or two of these, putting them through real-life use and then providing me with candid feedback about the product.

Comment below to volunteer. There is no cost. I am also putting this on Facebook. Up to four people total will be chosen from comments here and on the xbohica Facebook page.