Dreaming in Fabric

I have some really fun new fabric! I don't want to work...I want to sew. I have two new patterns I made up and am dying to get them done. I need a new purse! It will be striped and in many different colors. I am also scoping out for new fabric for two baby quilts. My friend Erin is expecting end of June and my friend Emmie is due in the Fall. Erin is one of my closest friends and I have known her since right before Junior High School (a long, long time ago!) She is doing the room in Pink & Brown which is easy to find fabric for; those are the "hot" colors along with Teal/Blue & brown. Now just to narrow them down. I will be going to Clementines Dry Goods to pick up some new fabric for those projects. I love that place, the fabric is great. They have a lot of Amy Butler fabric which I love! I have to pick out patterns as well but that normally comes for me after I pick the fabric. So little time and so much fabric and ideas! So that is all for now, busy weekend ahead again...fun but busy. I think next weekend maybe I'll stay in my jammies all day!

Busy Memorial Day Weekend

We had a very busy weekend! My mom came up to visit on Friday and we went out for dinner. Saturday we babysat our Godson, Micah. Then we went to a Indy 500 party that night. Sunday we had miscellaneous things around the house and Mom went home. I made up a new purse pattern and finished a purse in about 4 hours. I love the new purse!!! It is striped with a big bright flower pattern and I actually made up a new pattern for a flower to pin onto the purse. There will be a picture soon. It has 4 big pockets inside with lots of room. It is by far my favorite purse I have ever made! I loved the colors and the style. It was really fun! It is red, black, cream and also has some burnt orange and maize (dark yellow) colors in it. I made it for my friend Christina whom we saw yesterday on Memorial Day. They were our Monday treat! It was great to visit with them. They came in from Seattle to visit family in Chicago so we drove up for the day and met at the Brookfield Zoo. It was a cruddy day outside and of course Nate & I wore summer clothes, it was 75 in Indy and 55 in Chicago but we didn't remember to check the weather. It rained off and on, was cold & very busy but it was great to visit. They have three of the cutest kiddos and the newest addition Luci is really sweet (9 wks 0ld) I was a really bad baby hog and carried her in the little snugly. We got back home around 9pm Monday night and were tired but very happy to have visited with good friends.

This weekend looks to be busy as well. We are stealing a friends little boy (6 yr old) for Friday night so she can have a Mommie nite out. He is a blast to steal and loves Nate; I'm kinda chopped liver compared to him. Other than that we just have more paperwork to fill out for the adoption agency. As soon as we get that in they schedule us to meet with a case worker, set up home studies and attend meetings/classes and within about 6 weeks we have the home study done and get our profile out there and birth moms can see us then. If we are picked we'll meet with the birth mom and then so on from there. So say a prayer that we can come up with a good profile to represent ourselves and that we are chosen quickly by the right mom. I know its all in God's hands but prayer is so helpful!

Wine Country

Well we are back. It was a wonderful trip. We stayed at the Petaluma Sheraton for our stay. We traveled all over the area. Wednesday when we got there we just drove around for a little bit and went to Sonoma for dinner at a little Thai restaurant. Thursday we went down to San Jose and went to the Winchester Mystery Mansion and took the tour. It was a very bizarre place but very beautiful. We we drove up Highway 1 for the afternoon and and had dinner at a restaurant called Lucas's on the coast and they served their own fresh fish they caught that day. Friday was San Francisco and out to Alcatraz. The tour of Alcatraz was really neat and the view from the island was great of downtown and the Golden Gate Bridge. We walked around Ghirradeli Square and Pier 39 and drove down Lumbard street. That night we went into downtown Petaluma and ate at Dempsey's. I really loved the place! They grow alot of their own produce and they are a brewery as well. Their rootbeer was great! Saturday we traveled through wine country and ate at an Italian market at Venesias's winery and we drove up to The Olive Press and Jacuzzi Winery; it was our favorite. I loved the wines at Jacuzzi, every single one we tasted was wonderful, they are not cheap so we bought one bottle but look forward to ordering more! The Olive Press was a really neat place to stop by as well, they grow alot of olives and make many different olive oils and blends. We brought back a bottle of one with crushed red peppers in it. We ate that night at Dempsey's again and it was just as good as the first time. I really liked the area. I really liked that at a lot of the restaurants they used fresh produce & meats that are local. I really wish we had more of that availability in Indiana. All in all it was a great vacation. We are not looking forward to going back to the real world.

The Winchester Mystery HouseThe Door to NowhereThe view of the vines

Alcatraz Island

Help! I've been locked up!

Lombard Street

A view from Highway 1

The Golden Gate

New Bags

My Sister-in Law Katie's Tote
My Friend Kelly's Chunky Tote

Dawn's Messenger Bag

Me Modeling the Messenger Bag

I sure hope Dawn likes her bag, its in the mail on Monday. I made it with two small pockets in the inside and one really big pocket in the middle. The straps are on the side and have metal rings to secure them. Different Pattern completely. I couldn't sleep Saturday night and so I finished the drawing of this one and then three other sketches; at least the sleepless night was productive.

Just an update...

Short post today. I have officially sent in the first part of the adoption paperwork. That is it. Won't post for a week or so since we will be on vacation but will post pics when we return.

The Refuge

Thursday nights is normally our Bible Study night, but yesterday instead we were blessed to go serve instead. It was wonderful being able to get out and do something for people in need. The Refuge is a place started by a man from our church and it is a food pantry first and foremost but it is becoming more than that. They have an additional area for clothing and household goods and volunteers help people get the groceries from their list and then they can go over to the clothing area to pick out what they would need. This place is really nice, it is set up like a department store almost with different sections to "shop" from. Of course when serving you feel much more blessed to be the one serving than it does to receive in my opinion. The people seeking services from The Refuge are just about anyone...someone down on their luck, single moms and even a few dads coming in to get clothing for their kids.
Nate mostly stayed in the upstairs area to sort through clothing and hang them to get them ready to take to the clothing racks. I was fortunate enough to get to talk to some of the people and help them with picking out their clothes and chat for a while. One lady coming in had her cousin and her two children with her; the cousin and children had just been kicked out of their mothers home with nothing in hand. One of the children was a 2 month old and they found some burp rags and you would have thought they had won the lottery. It was a pleasure to help them and help pick out items we take for granted and don't even think to be thankful for. It really made Nate & I want to go back more often than what our Bible Study is going to do. They really have a need for grunt work, hanging clothing, packing seasonal items, labeling things, stocking clothing and food, etc. I came home feeling full. Not happy, sad or proud, but greatfull and full. I forget how we are supposed to serve others in our community. I get so caught up in my life and trying to sort through it that I forget the others who are in need. We have been blessed with much and do share it willingly, since it is given to us in the first place to be stewards of. We are good stewards of the money God provides I believe, but I feel we are being called to be better stewards of our time. Giving two hours a week or so instead of two hours in front of a tv is so much better used by helping others in need. I hesitate to make plans during the week since I feel so tired and worn out by the end of the day. This was the case yesterday, I was exhausted when I got home from work but after coming back from the Refuge felt energized. My body was still tired but my heart was full and I could have worked another two hours or more. My goal is to do this more often and not let my life get in the way of helping.

"Do nothing out of selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." -Philippians 2:3-4

Sushi Rolls

Saturday I thought I'd try my hand at Sushi...here are the pics. I thought it turned out really well. I made them with cooked shrimp. I know its cooked but I am not a raw seafood person and I figured since we are in Indiana that fresh seafood would be hard to come by as well. It was really yummy though with shrimp.

Two more...

A friend of a friend wanted a chunky tote with animal fabric. Now I am not a animal print person but really like how it turned out!

Also a lady from work wanted a cute little bag for her daughter. She explained what she wanted and here's what I came up with...She wanted fringe at the bottom and wanted an outside pocket for her cell phone, also wanted something that would hang right about at the hip, so thus the Hip Bag.On to new patterns and orders. I have two bags in the making and am happy to have one that will be easy and not challenging and the other I have to think of a whole new pattern for. Thanks for a challenge Dawn...

The king eats from the dog bowl

So I know from the title that it is weird but the one who thinks he is "king of the house" came down from his lofty perch to eat from the dog bowl. I will explain....
When we got the puppy, we put Zeke's, our cat, food up on a table so the dog could not eat it. She LOVES cat food among other cat things (we won't go there). When Zeke eats his food he is messy, leaving all kinds of crumbs laying about on his tray and he will not eat the crumbs at the bottom of his bowl unless he is starving....so we give them to the dog as a treat. This morning Maggie was outside and Nate gave Zeke new food and poured the mass of crumbs into Maggie's bowl. I am in the bathroom getting ready for work and hear Nate cracking up in the dining room. I walk in and he tells me to be quiet and we look into the kitchen and there is the "king cat" on the floor eating his crumbs out of the dog bowl...What a brat! Well he saw us laughing and kept eating till he had his fill then flicked his tail and walked off. Maggie then came in and polished off the rest of the treat. I just thought that was hilarious and had to share our funny story of our in house royalty.

More fabric...

Blue Indian style fabric

Fun Starbursts

New chunky tote fabric

Bingo Bag

My friend had been whining that she wanted a Bingo Bag like the ones the "serious" bingo ladies have. She told me that if I loved her I would make her a bag; if not I was off the Christmas card list. Yes, to answer the question bingo is fun and we go about once a month. I have one money too. It is fun. I was bored one day and decided to go get some gaudy fabric and designed a bag for Angie. So I am officially back on the Christmas card list again...

Nothing new...

So I have not had time to quilt or sew lately...it is killing me. I have had something to do around the house or events lately and this weekend is looking like the same. I have a couple special order purses I have to make/design and from there I have some new people interested in purses/totes as well. So I am busy but have no time to work on fun stuff right now. Work is also busy so I come home tired too...Oh well such is life. I did purchase some new fabric (Amber & Dawn) I just need to post it when I am home and have a minute or two. I will also be busy soon with baby quilts/afgans. I have several family members who are expecting and need to start them as well. Woo hoo, more projects. I'll update with pic's soon...

My Neon Sign

I went to do my quiet time and God brought out the spotlights and neon signs…It started out normal enough with a short verse from Joshua 1:2 and then it goes on and says,

“He is GOING to do something, He DOES do, at this very moment. As faith continues to speak, God continues to give. He meets you today in the present and tests your faith. As long as you are waiting, hoping, or looking, you are not believing. You may have hope or an earnest desire, but that is not faith, for “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Heb 11:1)” -A.B Simpson

Well then…I think it is clear what I am being told to do. Plain and simple, I am to stop waiting, longing, hoping and BELIEVE that God will be faithful and work His will in my life. Short and sweet and to the point, but hard to carry out; but I will do my best and believe.

"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.” Luke 17:6

Starting the adoption process...

So we had our first informative meeting on the adoption process and it is scary! There are so many options and this was just one agency! For Domestic adoption in the state of Indiana if the birth mom has a normal delivery she has 24 hours afterwards to sign the papers. If she has a c-section she has 48. After that she signs off but for the next 30 days she can still contest and try to gain custody back; but at that point the courts are involved. That is scary for the adoptive party in the situation. And since nothing ever goes smoothly for us that would probably be us…Also during the process you may have to pay for health care costs for the birth mom; if she chooses not to go through with it you could be out that money too…
We are now considering International which means some time out of the country and bigger expenses. Now Lilly gives $10,000 and my work gives $5000 but if we go out of the country that opens up a whole new can of worms. The children are older when you go out of the country and you are never 100% sure of the care they received. I will have to go back to work, after my leave, and you possibly get into issues with attachment disorders and such. So I came home crying and scared of the whole process right now. Nate of course takes everything in stride but it is overwhelming to me and there are still more agencies we need to check out because if we do go out of the country we want to know all our options. I know that it is the agency’s responsibility to give you all the facts, good and bad, but it is scary thinking about it. I know pregnancy on its own has risks and scares and you never know what will happen that way either but this seems to be such an emotional rollercoaster and there are many possible things to go wrong…Could be I am a worrywart to begin with but I just have to prepare emotionally for this. Honestly when it is something you want so badly any paths off course are worrisome. Please keep us in your prayers that God’s path is very clear and maybe even lined with bright lights pointing the way. I heard this poem years ago and really liked it, I think of it often; it was actually part of my quiet time today of all things.

Chance has not bought this ill to me;
It’s God’s own hand, so let it be,
For HE sees what I cannot see.
There is a purpose for each pain,
And He one day will make it plain
That earthly loss is heavenly gain.
Like as a piece of tapestry
Viewed from the back appears to be
Only threads tangled hopelessly;
But in the front a picture fair
Rewards the worker for his care,
Proving his skill and patience rare.
You are the Workman, I am the frame.
Lord, for the glory of Your Name,
Perfect Your image on the same.
-unknown

More bags

Chunky Tote

Maggie Bag

New purse pattern

This is the Maggie Bag. It has a single pleat in the middle; no zipper but has a button closure. It is 10"X13" approximately. There is one large pocket inside.

Last weeks winter snow storm

Just a pic update.

Here is the winter weather pictures I took. The dog ate the snow and refused to go out in it. It was so deep she would get stuck. But now it has refroze and she can trot on top of it. We got another 5" today or so...woo hoo I just love driving in snow (can you feel the sarcasm?)

Hello from the Land of Snow!

Yesterday was traumatic. I got up at 5:30 to get ready for work and my boss called at 6 to let me know we had a two hour delay. After that it was delayed till noon and then eventually they closed the office. I had like 2o calls between work and friends from work to discuss it. It was kind of fun though. We got at least a foot in Greenwood of snow! I haven't seen so much snow in forever. I do have pictures and will post them soon. Also, Maggie got stuck in a huge 1 1/2 foot snow drift yesterday. I did rescue her from it but she was very cold and stayed right next to me the rest of the day! Phew, poor baby!
About purse pricing, they range from $30-40. I am designing a few new patterns too. I have one almost finished in brown and pink, hint, hint Jenn... :) I will post a picture of it and if you all like it I will make more.

Fabric on hand

Pink Paisley and polka dots

Red & green flowers

This is one of my favorites!!! I love the flowers with the lime green polka dots!

Bright Pink flowers with White & Pink Swirls

Black & white

How to order.

For cutom purses, let me know what colors you are wanting. I only have a few patters right now. I am still in the simple stages, but I have started dreaming, literally, about purses and patterns (Nate is really making fun of me). If you tell me what colors I can e-mail the fabric and see if you like it. I will take checks from people I know and will ship them via mail the cheapest way. I have to look into how to do credit cards, I might look into paypal. Glad to have orders! Give me a call or just e-mail at mrsrfair@yahoo.com