Stormy

Spring is here with it's stormy, unpredictable weather. Dark, brooding clouds, with little patches of blue.

13/52 Self portraits in black and white

Let's get this weekend started!! It's going to be in the 70s tomorrow. I plan on cleaning my flower bed and planting. And have some sewing on the agenda also. What about you?

We'll Beat You One Day

Every since the boys were little, they've played basketball with Fonzy. Fonzy would tower over them, and play them as if he was playing someone his own size, not someone only up to his stomach. The boys would try their hardest, but they always lost. They would be mad, and at times would have tears in their eyes, but swore one day when they were taller than him, they would beat him.

Fast forward to now.

The boys are taller than Fonzy now and sometimes it's a still a struggle for them. There's much smack talking, lots of pushing around, fouls being yelled out, and yes even tears sometimes. But as they once swore as little boys in the driveway, "we'll beat you one day!" They do beat him. But most of the time, he still beats them. No matter how much taller they are!

12/52 Self Portraits in Black and White

For the past couple of weeks I've been slightly obsessed with rag dolls. My Instagram and Pinterest feeds are filled with them. I was searching for books and patterns on making rag dolls and realized I already had one. I devoured it in one setting! I see some handmade rag dolls in my future.

Sewing Chronicles - Spring Daisy Pajama Pants

I had to stand on the stool to get a good shot of the pants. I couldn't get a good one othewise!
Hi Peeps! I have a new sewing project to share. Daisy pajama pants!

I haven't gotten my confidence up enough to tackle any of the vintage dresses I want to make, but wanted to sew something. Since I live in pajamas when home, I figured this was a good start for my first commercial pattern. It's Simplicity 2290, a learn to sew pattern. All I've learned in Mimi G's Sew It Academy so far helped me with this project. If you want to learn to sew I recommend Mimi G. She is awesome!

These pants are so comfy! They are a tad too big, I should have cut the medium instead of the large, but pajamas are comfiest when big. At least I think so. I lounged around in these most of the day. The project actually helped boost my confidence a little. I think I'm ready to tackle a simple dress. I've decided to get a serger, so as soon as it arrives (I can't wait!) I will be ready to make a dress! At least I think I'll be ready. Sergers look kind of scary!

11/52 Self Portraits in Black And White - Happy Birthday Mommy!

Today is my Mommy's birthday. She would have been 62, but she will forever be 31. I wanted to pay tribute to her today, by showing off this sweater. This sweater is over 30 years old and the only thing I kept of my Moms. She wore it all the time. I always thought it was too busy and never really liked it, but it was her. The sweater has been tucked away in the closet and one day I decided to pull it out and try it on. As I slide my arms into the sleeve I really NOTICED the sweater. I mean really looked at it and realized it was hand knit! I always thought it was store bought. Being a knitter now, I was able to tell the hand knit stitches, and all the work my Mom put into this sweater. All the little flowers, the diamond motif, the yarn made buttons. It was just amazing to me. No wonder my Mom wore it all the time. She must have been so proud of her work. Having this knowledge, the sweater is more precious to me than ever.

I love that I share knitting with her, that we have this connection. Her memory, her life, her gift is alive in me. 

Happy Birthday Mommy! I love you always and forever.

Doll

This doll has been in the making for over a year. She had been sitting patiently waiting to be finished and I finally, FINALLY finished her. I haven't made a knit doll in a while and not ready to do one anytime soon. I say that, but who knows. The urge to make a doll can strike at any time. I'm just glad this one is finished and off to my cousin.

10/52 Self Portraits in Black and White - My Love of Dolls

I love dolls. Not the plastic, mass manufactured dolls, but unique handmade knit or cloth dolls. Raggedy Ann was one of my favorites growing up. She still is.

I've written about my love of dolls before, but have never shared my most cherished doll. My Cabbage Patch doll. This was the last doll my Mom gave to me before she died. She has followed me everywhere since I got her. From state to state, city to city, house to house. No matter where my life has taken me, through good times, and bad she's been there. Since we moved to this house, she's been residing on a self in my closet. I smile whenever I see her, think of my mom and last Christmas she was alive. It's bittersweet.

You know as I sit and write this, I realize she doesn't have a name. Well, I'm sure she had a name when I first got her, but I can't remember it, and don't recall calling her anything but "my cabbage patch doll" How sad. I really need to name her. She deserves a name for always being there. A tangible piece of my childhood.

Happy March 1!

Happy March 1! Spring is just around the corner and I am so ready for warm weather and planting flowers. These flowers come up each Spring. I can't remember what they are called, but I love the vibrant purple.

“I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it.” ~ Shug Avery, The Color Purple

With the warm weather, I decided to make a salad today. I had this one Honey Mustard Chicken, Avocado + Bacon Salad pinned on my Salad and Slaw Pinterest board and decided to try it out. It was sooo good. I loved the dressing. Fonzy loved it too. Definitely keeping it in rotation.