Fashion Design Challenge and a Giveaway

Are you up for a challenge?  A fashion challenge?  You've got two in Jami and me!  As you might have heard, I hang out on Twitter and Pinterest once in a while and have met some amazing people!  Jami is from Embroidery by Everything Personal and we spend more time making each other laugh.  Lamenting our fashion sense (frumpy) we decided it would be fun to see if anyone could help us out!  

Jami sent some photos over to me of her typical wardrobe.  I searched every photo of 2011 and found the above photos of me.  Most of them are me trying to look good or going out, so I grouped them with Jami's photos because she typifies what I wear every day:  jeans, tees, sweaters.

A little background....

Jami:  I am all about ease and comfort.  Living in New England, I spend the entire winter in jeans and sweaters.  I am willing to admit that I still wear a few of my maternity tops, even though I haven't been pregnant in nearly 5 years. I like the look of vintage and classic styles, but when I shop I tend to go for function over fashion.  In short: I'm pretty boring, but I'm willing to try!  I can gussy myself up if the occasion calls for it, but  I don't live a life that calls for much "occasion-ing" so lazy and comfy usually rule my fashion choices.    Other somewhat embarrassing details to own up to: I haven't really changed my hairstyle since high school (20 years ago) and I frequently cut it myself. 

Jane:  In the winter I live in wool sweaters and socks!  I can't stand cold feet!  I love turtlenecks, because I have one (a turtle's neck, that is.)  In the summer I wear tee shirts and khakis.  I like jeans and khakis and wear them most days, but I don't like the low waistlines and stretchy fabrics that are common today.  They do not help control my belly!  When I work in the boutique I attempt to be more fashionable and my attempts at that include more structured blouses.  I go out quite a bit but there are not many dress styles I find flattering. I like to think that I have a classic fashion sense, but I think I'm more classicly frump!  I don't shop very often, but some of the places I like are Land's End and JCPenney.  

So help us out and you may win a prize!

What:  An oversized beach tote, made by Maiden Jane and embroidered by Embroidery by Everything Personal (text or stock design.)  You can select from any fabric that I have in stock at the time the contest closes. (Value - ranging from $30 to $50)  Examples are:

When: The contest will close on Januray 16, 2012, 12 Noon.  The winner will be notified by email.

How:  I tried to make this as simple as possible but there are a few steps because we wanted to share ideas on Pinterest.

1. Follow EP Embroidery and Maiden Jane on Pinterest.  (If you need an invite to Pinterest let me know  your email address and I'll send you one.
2. Find some fashion and style suggestions and pin them!  You'll have to pin them to one of your boards. (I had hoped to make a collaborative board but I need everyone's email to do that.) When you pin, just tag the pin with either @EP Embroidery or @MaidenJane.  If you type the @ symbol and the first few letters the name should pop up.  Then we will know that you tagged us and we can repin it to our boards.
3. For every pin to either of our boards you will get one chance at winning the tote!  The more suggestions you make, the more chances you have to win.
4. Let's keep the suggestions to clothes, hairstyles, shoes, beauty tips and accessories.  You can suggest underclothes and even exercise attire, but no diets or stomach exercises, ok?  (I KNOW my problem areas!)
5. If you don't have a Pinterest then leave a link to your idea in the comments and I will pin it.

We look forward to your suggestions!

Jane & Jami

Merry Christmas

The calm before the storm?

I'm not sure, because it has been a hectic month filled with:

Maiden Jane orders

Personal crafting

Shopping

Getting college kids home

Concerts

Baking

Cleaning

Laundry

But you are all familiar with these things. So I'd like to take a moment to say "Thank You".

"Thank You"

• to my blogging friends.  Your kind words, support, encouragement and inspiration keep me going.
• to my old friends.  I may not have seen you in a while, but I'm glad that we can stay in touch via the internet - I continue to value your friendship!
• to my Twitter friends.  I have met such fun people on Twitter!  Thanks for the support, the ReTweets, the ideas, the conversations, the collaboration, the sales, the customers, and the simple camaraderie.
• to my Facebook friends.  My Facebook family spans many different portions of my life.  Thanks to my Etsy friends for your continued support.  Thanks to all my various school friends.  You have all shared a part of my life and it is so much fun to stay connected to those years!
• to my family.  Thank you for your help, your challenges, your support, the music and your love!

Oh yeah, and thanks for the grey hairs!

Wishing you all a peaceful holiday season!

Happy Festivus - Airing of Grievances

Since I try to be a positive person, I try not to complain too much.  (Although those who know me have heard what some of my biggest gripes are....)

So when something gets under my skin, I write it down!  Then my friend said that the "Festivus" holiday included an "airing of grievances" over the dinner table.  I thought today would be the perfect day to share a few of my pet peeves:

- getting the last bit of salt out of the container
- turnpike stops
- cashiers who complain
- dribbly noses
- poor road designs - "No right turn between 8 AM and 12 PM" (My first traffic ticket...)
- pocket linings that rip
- bra straps that fall down
- tank tops that don't cover my bra straps
- hotel showers in which the water doesn't drain fast
- hotel shower curtains that touch me
- hotels, in general
- the breeze created by a jogger passing by
- a sneeze that isn't covered
- poor manufactured quality (This is a biggie for me.  Just this week the ball bearings in our wheels cost us $600 to repair.  The front ones were recalled, but not the back.  The other day our power strip burned out. Yesterday, my Wilton cookie press broke.  My sister still has the one my mom used!  Nothing is made well anymore.  I think I've already shared that all but one appliance broke within the first year of buying them.  Our plasma tv lasted 4 years.  The computer I am using to write this - it's dying fast - four years old.)

OK, I'm done until next year!

I hope to share one more Christmas post and return to regular blogging after the new year.  I also intend to catch up on my blog reading next week!

Design Elements - Batch Christmas Gifts

I can safely share today's gift for my two knitter friends since we are meeting at Panera! It's not a knitting-related gift, but one that I was taken by this year - holiday towels. A simple, festive strip of fabric added to something that everyone needs! More to follow!

Tuesday Inspiration - Ordinary Lives

I am always touched by the glimpse into the life of the person for whom a memory gift is being made.  I have made a lot of T Shirt Memory Quilts for high school graduates, which is a celebration of the high school and grade school years.  I've had the opportunity to create baby quilts from Mom and Dad shirts, a celebration of two lives coming together to make a new one!  I've also made a few quilts in memory of deceased loved ones.  This past month has been filled with making memory items - quilts and pillows.  When I work on the quilts, for example, I am touched by the types of shirts that I see and get a glimpse into the ordinary life of someone.

Last week, a mom of Annie's friend from school brought over her brother's high school varsity jacket (or letter jacket.) She asked me to make a pillow from it.  She told me that he was not doing well but that it would be a comfort to his family.  She is also planning to make a T Shirt quilt and her brother's wife is going to use the football patch to make something else.  (I already removed the patch in the photo above.)

The jacket was a lovely, vintage style jacket, made with wool.  It is quite different from today's style which has leather in it.  My son, who loves all things sports and vintage, couldn't bear to see me cut into it. I had a hard time cutting into it, too.

Until Annie learned that the jacket's owner had died.  He was my age, I noted, by the '81 class year on the arm.  So I quickly set about finishing the pillow.  I purchased the only fabric that I could find as a border fabric but when I got it home I simply didn't like it.  I decided to go back and look for a grey wool or wool felt.  In the end, I selected a charcoal grey polar fleece.

The main motif is from the back of the jacket.  For the back side of the pillow, I cut apart the hood.  The jacket had a snap on hood with a zipper so that it would lay flat on the jacket.  (Another nice feature which has gone by the wayside in the modern jackets.)  I had enough fabric to piece together the back side.

I added an invisible zipper so that the pillow could be removed and cleaned if desired.

I continue to be amazed by the struggles of those who battle cancer.  It is my hope that this pillow can bring a bit of comfort and some happy memories to a hurting family.

What I've Been Doing While "Occupied"

I loved the Occupy Your Sewing Room movement started over at Cat Patches!  This has been a busy week for me so it was a good mindset for me to think of myself as "occupying" my sewing room!

I completed the above memory pillow.  This a simple and fun project and makes a lovely gift.  This one is a gift for a daughter whose father died.

I completed several custom sweatshirt totes.  This one we started with an inexpensive, plain sweatshirt and used iron-on letters.  The photos are a blur because these were heading out the door as fast as I was sewing them.

I am beginning another memory pillow this evening which is beginning with a varsity jacket.  The jacket belonged to a man my age who lost a battle with cancer.  His sister asked me to make it - and I learned that he passed away today.  She knew it was imminent but wants it to be a memory for his family.

I also completed two T shirt quilts - but I can't share those, either, until they have been given as gifts!

So....my sewing room occupation has been successful, but there's more to do!

Wednesday Sewing - Occupy Your Sewing Room Movement!

Happy Wednesday!  Is it Wednesday?  It's one of those weeks where every morning I wake up I think it's Saturday....wishful thinking, I suppose.  More like, "Tis the Season".  Tis the Season for excesses - excessive shopping, excessive baking, excessive worrying, excessive stress....

But then I stumbled upon this fun little movement and now, at least in the sewing studio, I work with a bit of a smile!  Head on over to Cat Patches to join in the fun!


  

I am working on a lot of memory items - both locally and from customers around the country.  Many are being made from the clothing of a beloved father.  Currently I am making two T Shirt quilts made from a dad's shirts.  This isn't my studio, but here's a peak at my process of laying them out.

It's sobering to see the shirts and think about the person wearing them.  These shirts are such a fun collection of fish and ocean-side bars, I imagine a crusty, fun-loving man!

 

Because of recent sewing, I have another batch of T Shirt remnants.  These aren't listed yet, but if you are interested in them, let me know.  I'm trying to develop a relationship with anyone who uses the shirts for their creations.  I have enough rags so would love to see these put to use to make T shirt rugs or T shirt yarn or necklaces....

Learn a Little about Twitter

I am very excited to share my first E-course with you.  Stop by Handmadeology  to get a free copy!  If you want to give Twitter a try or use it now but haven't quite got the hang of it you will get some great tips.  Handmadeology is a great resource for handmade artisans.  They have great tips for sellers.  I really enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with them!

Design & Inspiration

I'm cheating on my posts because - well - I got a mad Christmas rush of orders, for which I'm grateful!  I started my shopping this past weekend.  After two stores and loud, obnoxious music, I was ready to find a quiet bar with a piano to escape!  (That was in my dreams.)  Speaking of piano, though, my son and daughter will be home in a week or so and I will be hearing lots of piano music.  My son has a gig at a very neat, little bar and we have a ton of family and friends who want to go out to hear him.  Speaking of my son, he's playing at the Governor's mansion tonight!  I am so excited for him and can't wait to hear the details!  It's a paid gig, too.  Someone saw his trio play at the library (the library has a lovely auditorium) and she remembered him.  He's hired for solo piano! 

Now, to the inspiration....

 

Need I say more?

Yes, I do. Studio Waterstone.

Lori has a beautiful blog where she shares her amazing design eye and ability to create gorgeous, upcycled leather and fabric bags.

I am pretty sure I can increase my miserable sense of style just by having one of these bags.  Don't you think they would instantly un-frump me?

I am really hoping to get one either for Christmas or my birthday.  But I don't like knowing what I'm getting - so I have to drop some very strong hints to my husband.  (He'd rather I just buy it myself....)  But Annie can help him!

If you enjoy shopping for yourself or have someone with discriminating taste, head over to Studio Waterstone!

New in the Shop - Vintage Fabric Apron

I saw this fabric at an estate sale and fell in love with it.  It has a country charm, yet modern colors of turquoise and orange.  I love to have all-over designs on my aprons because the design helps to cover the spills and splatters!

I only had enough for two aprons.  My listing is for one but if you would like two, just let me know before you place your order.

Speaking of orders, T Shirt Quilt orders are closed for the holidays due to the number in my queue.  If you are thinking about ordering a quilt for a high school graduate in 2012, I encourage you to gather the shirts as early as possible.  Thank goodness I don't have a graduate this year.  After two years in a row, it will be great to have a break from the college planning and graduation party work!  But I have a lot of personal quilts to make this year as well as a large number of local orders.  I may even think about adding an incentive for placing orders early.

On the flip side, I know there are a lot of crafty folks out there.  Now might be the time to make your own T Shirt quilt!  I have a pattern available that is great for beginners.  This is such a fun and satisfying project.  It has so many uses.  It's great for graduation gifts, but also for sports enthusiasts, the guy in your life, as a memory blanket.  It would even make a great wedding gift for the modern, sensible couple who doesn't need another crystal vase or silver whatever in their life!  In fact, I will be making a wedding quilt in 2012, also.  The idea was inspired by my lovely niece who is getting married in June.  I'll share details of that project as it comes along, but I'm very excited about it.

Finally, if there is a baby in your life, I have put together T shirt quilt kits in four colors.  All you have to do is cut your T shirts and sew everything together.

Have a great weekend!  We finally have a quiet weekend in store.

Thoughts on Life - Toys R Us Cell Phones

My son was looking through the Toys R Us catalog last night and I was looking over his shoulder.  I just about fell off the couch when he turned to this page! 

There's just a part of me that feels sad to see cell phones in the toy store catalog.

I'm not criticizing Toys R Us for capitalizing on a business opportunity.  I think I'm just lamenting the loss of childhood.

Part of it is that my youngest is now 12.  After reorganizing his room a couple weeks ago we removed about five boxes of toys and junk to garage sale.  (Don't worry, we saved the classic toys and meaningful memory items in his memory box.  My husband still hasn't gotten over the fact that his dad sold his GI Joes at a garage sale...)

He is at the age where he doesn't quite know what toys he wants.   And that makes me sad, too.

I think you should never be too old for toys and games.  When I was a substitute teacher working with junior high students, I often observed the beginnings of their relationships with the opposite sex.  So when classroom parties came up the other moms would say, "Just let them talk."

Not me.  I planned wacky relays and fun games.  Kids are never too old to play games.  They can talk and text and Facebook (ok, they don't talk anymore, really) anytime, but they can't act like kids too often!  Guess what - they always had fun at my parties.

Cell phones?  I think you know my opinions on them.  If not, here's the gist:

• cell phones are nothing more than a social vehicle
• they do not give parents a sense of security.  In fact, I postulate that they can increase anxiety because we think we can be in touch with people 24/7 - and the first time your kid doesn't pick up?  Well, let's just say you'll have a few anxious moments.
• my girls got phones at 15 - my son when he got a girlfriend
• The kids pay for their own phones and service.  If they want it as a social toy, then they pay for it. 
• Now that my older daughter is in college she has learned to disconnect from her friends.  She is so busy with her studies that it has been necessary to do so. 

I am not against cell phones.  I'm just against that we allow these things at younger and younger ages and they are giving our kids access to other kids 24/7.  Let's give kids the gift of time - the gift of play - the gift of fun.

If you want ideas other than cell phones for your kids, head on over to Clover Lane.  My friend Sarah always has great ideas!  She shares some toys ideas here and her husband shares some great games here!