The First Beautiful Weekend, Spent Indoors

This weekend was glorious! Warmer then any of the summer days we had last year (we were totally ripped off last summer!) Guess where I spent my weekend? Indoors. For the whole weekend. I signed up to do the Spring Prestige Craft Fair, which at the time I was unable to predict the weather. This is the West Coast, so there is always a chance of rain. This of course was not the case, so you can guess how many people wanted to spend their sunny day at an indoor craft fair. It was very disappointing. The craft fair itself was great. Amazing vendors, well organized fair, with limousine shuttle service, lots of advertising, a beautiful venue, but very few customers. Sigh. It was a little disheartening, but again, who could have predicted such a beautiful weekend?

It wasn't a total loss. I did get to pick out new earrings that I won from Sunshine Jewls:

I got to pick out two pairs of earrings. I also picked a red pair.

Face Painting

Jude insisted on sitting on my lap. 

Pikachu pose.

 Show me your cheeks.

We strolled down to the dock and discovered some seals sunbathing on the logs. They blend in so well, we barely noticed them at first. We watched them for a while, maybe the last hour of the show. I completely abandoned my booth because I couldn't bare being inside any longer. The seals made some funny farting sounds and we all had a good giggle. 

We thought this little piece of seaweed looked like a fish.

I wanted to get some sun on Sunday morning before the show. Look how beautiful it is. When I finally went inside, my neighbours told me just after I left the previous night, a women came and wanted to buy one of my quilts!!!!!! That would have made my weekend. What a bummer. Oh well.

When we got home, there were hearts on the door, and all throughout the house. The boys drew self portraits and Rob hung them under their belly casts. It was the pick me up I needed. I love my boys, and was disappointed that I didn't get to spend Mothers Day with them, but they sure know how to make me feel loved, and that was just what I needed. 

Learning to Love Myself

Yesterday I was feeling low, which was disappointing, because I have been feeling so happy for so long. I was just tired and unmotivated, grumpy and generally unpleasant to be around. I was searching for a way to bring myself back up again. I looked in You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L Hay, and looked up the affirmation for PMS, because I know that's what's behind my grumpiness. I read the affirmation a couple of times, my brain can't retain information these days, so I decided to write it on our white board on the fridge, so I could read it throughout the day. I found myself letting go, and becoming more pleasant.

I have made a commitment to myself, to be happy. To make being happy my job. It's not always easy, but I feel it is so important. I want to be an example for my children.

So after reading the affirmation a few times, I decided it was time to get out of the house, because this always help me get out of my funk. I packed a picnic and brought the children to the park for the afternoon. When we arrived at the park, there was one other little boy, who was four. He was dressed as a Power Ranger. Wearing snow boots, mittens, and carrying a sword. He was pretty awesome. The boys had a great time playing and imagining with him.  Then after being being at the park for over an hour friends of ours came to the park, which was a welcome surprise and led to more play and imagination games. Jas was running around without a shirt on, having a blast! It was wonderful, and uplifting.

Then when we got home, I went to check the mail to find it chock full of goodies! 

My new business cards from Moo:

The swiper I ordered from Kudos so I can accept Visa and Mastercard payments. Just in time for the Spring Prestige Craft Fair.

And a couple of weeks ago, the gals at Salts received some skin care samples from their favourite skin care company, and decided to share them. Well, those were also in the mail! I can't wait to try them out.

Rob barbecued burgers for dinner, and we ate dinner outside. I also got to go out and visit with my homeschool mom friends, and will again tonight for our Book Club, so things are once again moving in the right direction for me. I am feeling very spoiled and grateful for everything and everyone I have in my life. I am very fortunate:)

I hope you are all well.

New Patterns!

When I started creating clothing, I was measuring out each piece. every. single. time. I told myself I should really just make some patterns so I wouldn't have to measure each item out, but it never happened, and I know it never will, so I have decided to purchase patterns. Not only does this help me out, but it also helps out the people that create these fantastic patterns. Usually other moms.

Here are the patterns I have purchased so far, and love!

The Sewing for Boys book

I use the patterns from this book regularly. Here are some of the items I have created:

This raglan shirt is a staple for me. I love it.

With the raglan shirt I can also make dresses! Perfect!

Mr. Two face pants! A good pants pattern is important.

And the long sleeve raglan. 

There are many more patterns in the Sewing for Boys book that I still haven't gotten around to. If you are looking for some great boy patterns I highly recommend you get yourself a copy of this fabulous book!

Next I was looking for some fun ruffly patterns for girls. I discovered Lilygiggle on Etsy, and was immediately in love! This amazing designer is a homeschooling mother of four, so I felt an immediate connection! She creates these beautiful patterns to share with others, and says she hopes it will help other moms who want to stay home with the children! How generous, and caring. I am very grateful for her generosity.

She has a few boy patterns in her shop, as well as a some patterns for women. If you are looking for some fun patterns Lilygiggle is a great place to start!

Here are a few samples of items I have made using Lilygiggle patterns:

Bubble skirt tunic

Ruffle pants

 Next I decided to take a leap and purchase a pattern from HeidiandFinn. At this point I was completely converted to using patterns. This pattern has been FANTASTIC! I love it! I discovered HeidiandFinn a year ago, but I was still determined to make my own patterns at this point. I am so glad I rediscovered this shop on Etsy, because this pattern is a nice addition to my collection.

I decided to go with the Urban Unisex Hoodie:

This pattern motivated me to learn how to make button holes on my sewing machine, as well as sew buttons. I was intimidated by both of these tasks, but it turns out it is easier than I thought. 

I have a couple of pattern books that I have favorited in my Etsy shop that I am on the fence about. The patterns look amazing, which is why I want to jump in and purchase the books, but they are in Japanese, soooo, maybe I won't know how to put them together. I'm pretty confident that I will, but I'm going to hold off for a little longer. Give myself more time to work with the patterns I have. 

Here are the books, but don't buy them, because I'm going to soon! Both these books I found in the Etsy shop Pomadour's Craft Cafe

Pochee Special Boy

Japanese Craft Book

How about you? Do you have any favourite patterns?

Supplies

I love ordering supplies online. Mostly because I like receiving a package in the mail. It always feels like a surprise!

I placed my first order from Pick Your Plum, for sewing supplies of course. This deal was at the beginning of April and it arrived last week, and I was so excited. I ripped the envelope open to admire my new supplies.

Here is what I ordered:

Thread (which I go through amazingly fast!) and buttons.

Now that I have some buttons, I was motivated to learn how to make button holes, and sew buttons on my sewing machine.

Good thing I purchased this pattern recently from HeidiandFinn on Etsy.

I adore this pattern! Of course I had to try out both sets of buttons, so I made two hoodies. I'm happy with the turn out. 

What is your favourite item/s to order online?