Cleaning

Around this time of year, I usually get inspired to tidy up the house. I suspect that I do this because winter is coming along and I know that means hours, days, weeks, and months inside.

Lately, I believe that I might have another motive. I have begun to feel social again. It seems like it has been a long time since I have invited people over just to have people over.

I started in the "sewing room" (formally the living room) with a re-org of the fabric. I bought totes and color-organized. It was quite a job, but I am already happy with the results.

Later I moved onto the bathroom, the TV room, and even the dog got a bath. I still have a lot left to do, but I am off to a good start.

Here is a common sight in my house lately. A wood-fire. There is nothing more cozy in the world than a wood-fire. I believe the wood-stove was the greatest thing I have ever purchased. It is also well worth the hassle of stacking wood.

Stacking Wood

It was a nice cool evening tonight, perfect for stacking wood.

Here I am with my son, Erik. He likes to help me, but tends to talk much more than stack. I like to think that he is catching up with his mom....but I believe that he might be using the talking as a tactic to get out of work. Clever.

Here is the front porch. The garage is already as full as it can be. I like to consider this my easy access woodpile....for when I am sick, it is too cold or icy, or I just don't feel like going to the garage pile.

Here is another shot of the little work-escape artist. He does put on a good show with the gloves.

And here is the load of wood that got dumped on my front lawn. The lawn is in desperate need of mowing, but will continue to grow until this pile is stacked. Then, one more load before I am done for the year. Whew, it is a lot of work, but well worth it! My house old and brick. I love it so much, but the winters would be un-bearable with out the warmness the wood heat brings.

The Buddy Walk, a migraine, and a new clutch

My son, daughter and I went to the local Buddy Walk on Sunday. This annual event is to benefit Downs Syndrome. My son has Noonan Syndrome, a different genetic disorder. We like to show our support when we can.

My son, Erik, at the walk. I think his favorite part is the hot dogs.


My daughter, Ellen, and her friend. No this isn't a Pepsi ad. I think she was just happy that I let her have some caffeine.


After we got home, I did some sewing. I also made some soap...but that is for another post.

This pink and black bag came out really nice. I love the color combination!


I have been a little sick this week. I stayed home from work yesterday and came home at the half day mark today. I have slept more than I thought possible for one person. Today, after my afternoon nap, I felt much better. I think I might have had a migraine because when I woke my headache was gone, and I finally felt rested.

So this evening, I made this lovely bag.

And this clutch. I am especially proud of this because I incorporated a little black ruffle on the flap closure. This bag is something new I was trying today after my inspirational nap. It is good to feel better!

Grrrrr and Ahhhhhh

I have been in purse making mode for some time now. This week was busy early on, but I got the chance to make this fun bag last night.

I love the bird. It was actually my cousin's idea to appliqué the bird to the corduroy. It turned out really great....so great that I was determined to finish it last night. BUT, on what was to be the last snip of my scissors on the last thread, I accidentally snipped the lining fabric. Grrrrrrrr.

Here is the fix. A zig-zag along the top. Not the polished look I was going for, but the bag is saved!

So in trying to get back into being more conscientious as I sew (and cut), I made this little beauty tonight. The leaf fabric is flannel that has the look and feel of felted wool. This bag is beautiful....and the magnetic snap lined up perfectly!

Ahhhhhh. Now I can sleep.

A little nature on a Sunday afternoon

I went to a local state park this afternoon. It was a beautiful day, not too hot or too cold. I could definitely smell Autumn in the air, and see the leaves beginning to change. This whole adventure gave me some time to play with my digital camera and capture the magic of the day...

Why do all amateur photographers take pictures of flowers? Because they're beautiful.

My little rock towers that I built by the water. This took a little more patience than I expected. This is why there are three and not one larger one.

I was fortunate to capture a bird in flight.

And a bee!

Baby quilt

My brother and his wife recently had a baby. A little precious boy named Alex William. He is two weeks old today. I am dedicating today to finishing his quilt.

This is a picture of the completed front. I have to assemble the layers and quilt it. The nice things are: I have this great new sewing machine that will easily sew through the layers and it is crib sized. I made it out of cotton flannel, so it is really soft and cozy. I hope Alex enjoys it!

Up late again

I never seem to make it to bed early. I try, but it just doesn't seem to happen. Tonight I was finishing up some wrap skirts that I hope to sell at a music festival this weekend.

Somehow I got distracted and started making note cards with fabric fused to the front.

I came up with these. The fabric is some purple muslin that I dyed myself.

And these were made from scraps that I ripped. Does the vintage cotton look familiar?

Not sure what I am going to do with these note cards yet. They do look pretty nice sitting up on my mantle.

That's a Wrap

I love making and wearing wrap skirts. They are flattering to every shape, and can easily compensate for that rather large lunch.

This skirt is extra special because it is made from some vintage cotton fabric that was given to me by a close friend's mom (thank you Mrs. Fairchild!). I made this skirt and have plenty left for other projects.

Please ignore the lawn mower in the background. It is true, I have other things to do around the house rather than sew.

victoriawatts on Etsy -

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New Sewing Machine - New Blog

It seems appropiate to start my blog on the day after I got a new sewing machine. I know this little workhorse is going to help me create tons of bags, purses, clothes, and quilts.