Category Archives: Sewing

Raining Pink

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A couple weeks ago, Frit and I hostessed a baby shower for Frit’s sister Brenda (but we call her Shmovel). This is her fourth baby so she wasn’t too keen on being thrown a “shower” per say, but it’s been about ten years since her twins were born, and we all adore her, and though she wouldn’t say it, she was definitely in need of baby goods–particularly baby girl goods since she only has boys. SO, the compromise was a “girls lunch” with her mom and sisters. BUT, as we all know … I kind of get carried away with party planning aaaand the “girls lunch” ended up looking, feeling, and tasting a whole lot more like a “baby shower” than a “girls lunch.”

I tried. I really tried to be low key. But … it’s pointless. I just can’t help myself!

Frit made a diaper cake:

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I sewed bedding for the crib:

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We offered a stunning display of quiche, salads, and goodies:

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dipped chocolate-caramel pretzels for favors:

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(we actually wrapped them in celophane and tied them with pretty ribbon
but we ate all of them before I could take a picture)

And baked an assortment of cupcakes (of course)! I do love me some cupcakes!

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‘Twas a perfect shower. Er…luncheon. Oh who am I kidding?! It was a shower.
Thanks Shmov, for forgiving my inability to keep it simple.

2 Bridesmaid Dresses? Check.

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Bridesmaid Dresses

40 hours

3 sleepless nights

2 pin-pricked fingers (luckily no blood on fabric)

750 yards of thread

15 seconds of crying

1 minute of thinking I might not be able to do it

3 heaven-sent pleas for help

1 conversation with my (dead) great-great-grandfather who was a tailor

2 finished dresses

Infinite amounts of pride and happiness

At 10:30 p.m. Saturday night I sewed the final stitch in my dress. At 10:31 I jumped in the shower. At 10:45 I was fully clothed and racing around my room throwing all my clothes (thanks Frit for doing my laundry) into a suitcase. At 11:30 I was on my way to the airport to catch my red-eye to Atlanta. Speaking of…I can say that a red-eye flight, especially one that is completely full, is the most uncomfortable, make-me-want-to-kill-myself way to spend 4 hours.

At 8:30 a.m. (EST) I arrived in Savannah. At 9:30 I arrived at Church, wheeled my suitcase to the bathroom (got a lot of weird looks) and changed out of my pajamas, into a dress, pulled my hair in a pony and threw on some make-up. At 9:50 I walked into the chapel and up to the stand, kissed my sisters (who were asked to speak in the meeting), hugged my dad (who was conducting the congregational hymns) and sat next to my mother. None of them knew I would make it in time for Church, so it was quite the reunion.

At 1 p.m. Church was over. I went home, ate a banana, put on my swimsuit and went to the beach where I promptly fell asleep surrounded by sand dunes, seagulls, and my lazy Atlantic waves.

I am happy.

1/4 of the Way There

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Bridesmaid Bodice

Well. Not really. The bodice is half of one dress but it’s definitely the most intricate piece. And it still needs sleeves, and I still have to start mine (this is the baby sister’s), but that’s beside the point. The POINT here is that this much of one bodice is done and is fully lined. Did you hear me?! I said, “FULLY LINED!” This is by far the most intricate sewing project I’ve ever undertaken and while there were some tricky spots, I only used the seem ripper three times AND I’m thoroughly enjoying myself. All I need for contentment and joy is the gentle hum of my sewing machine, a little Miles Davis (or Doris Day. Either is acceptable.), and the stillness of a house at 1:00 a.m. But be forewarned … clear vision at 6:00 a.m. the next day is impossible so it’s best to stay in bed until 8:30, maybe 9:00.

Tonight? I tackle the skirt, sleeves, and sash!

Yip! Yip!

Up to my Eyeballs in Fabric

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Well I’m back from Girls Camp and it was a Mary Poppins week!

The girls had a fabulous time, case in point:


In a gorgeous location:

Between crafts, painting nails, night hikes, 1000 rounds of Scategories, learning how to start fires and tie knots, and eating their weight in s’mores, mint oreos, roasted starbursts, and cheetos, it was a total success.

Now that I’m back, I’ve got to finish sewing bridesmaid’s dresses for the baby sister and I to wear at our middle sister’s wedding in T-minus 8 days. Bottom line: I eat, breathe, and dream taffeta and satin. I’ve also still got to make a practice round of the wedding cake (she wants strawberry shortcake). And in any spare time, I’m unravelling.

Needless to say, it’s crazy right now … but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

It’s March 30 …

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…what the heck? I mean, for real?

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And there’s another slew of storms scheduled to hammer us today, tomorrow, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Did someone forget to tell the gods that Spring began 10 days ago? Honestly. This is about the time I begin to seriously question my residence here. Seriously.

But rather than get all bitter (too late), let’s think about something else. Like these lovely sewing projects I worked on last weekend. Twas just me and the gentle hum of the Brother. For a little house mouse like me, it was heaven.

A blanket for Whit Whit.
Her bundle is due at the end of April so we hosted a shower at our house last Saturday.

Remember Kaycie’s party? Here are the finished napkins I cut from the curtains I found on sale. All stitched tight and bright and ready for a delicious dinner.

And a delicate little handkerchief for Frit. She couldn’t find hers and needed it for the dedication of the Draper, UT LDS temple last Sunday so we found some soft white material, I hemmed the sides, and hand-stitched a quiet little flower on the corner.
Simple embellishments are what it’s all about.

Well I’m off to brave the cold. If you don’t hear from me tomorrow it’s because I froze to death waiting for my train.

oh and p.s. the triathlon is in 6 weeks. This is when you all should begin praying.