Lagamorph Lounge

Yum Yum in her Tum Tum

2011-12-01T08:56:00.001-09:00

A little off topic from my usual crafting posts, but something that is near and dear to me just the same....

Anyone that knows me knows that I am big into breastfeeding. I just feel that it is what babies should be fed, otherwise our bodies wouldn't make it. My babies were both exclusively breastfed through infancy and Donovan is still nursing at 14 months old! I'm so happy that we can share that special bond for just a little bit longer.

I have a friend of sorts that is having a very hard time trying to keep up with her babies breastfeeding needs. "Little Baby A" has some metabolic issues and health concerns that I am a little foggy about, but don't want to prod too much. I have just started pumping for her since Donovan doesn't nurse like he used to and I was always such a great producer.

I am hoping by pumping once a day I can get about 10+ ounces, which seems to be my average every time I pump. I am sure there will be days when I forget or just can't, but I am hopeful that there will be days when I can pump more.

I know "Little Baby A's" mama worries about not having enough milk for her and that is a worry that no mama should have to think about! I was lucky enough to ease right into breastfeeding both boys with no issues. No latch problems. No supply problems. NOTHING. I also know how lucky I was to have it just "work". I am hoping to make some other babies tummies as full as my babies tummies always were :)

For more info about milk sharing, please check out Human Milk 4 Human Babies .

Black Friday,Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday & the Missing Day Inbetween

2011-11-26T20:58:00.001-09:00

So today while working on a custom order, I was thinking that I need to start some kind of "post-holiday" Sunday shopping event. Spend Your Money Sunday? I don't know, something along those lines. I am all for supporting small local business and making do with what you can, but I sometimes think this whole holiday shopping thing is getting a little out of hand.
I will be hitting up some local craft fairs and talented local folks for the majority of my gifting. My kids always enjoyed a local toy store called Reindeer Pause, so I will be heading that way for some quality toys. My husband on the other hand will be frequenting Wal-mart *sigh* hoping to get as much as humanly possible for as little as humanly possible. We just aren't on the same page. We never have been when it comes to things like this. And that's okay. It's not the end of the world. My kids will get thoughtfully crafted toys and mass produced crap. It's just the way it goes and they will be fine.
On a less "soap-boxy" note, I have added a super cute pair of fleece longies to the shop. I wish I made them bigger since this was the last little scrap of my houndstooth and I really wanted them to fit the boys once I started working on them. I love them.

Well here's to a happy holiday and enjoying the days with those that make the holidays all worth it!

Black Friday Codes

2011-11-22T07:50:00.001-09:00

After some humming and hawing I thought to have a "pick your sale" on Black Friday at the lounge. I figured it would give you the most savings without going so low that I am sewing for free :) You can either...

use code GOBBLEGOBBLE for 25%off your total order OR
use code SHIPFORFREE for free shipping

Crazy right? Codes will be good through cyber Monday. You can combine this with the $10 gift card if you are the winner for some pretty sweet deals!

Happy shopping :)

Giveaway Time and Black Friday Insanity!

2011-11-21T12:28:00.000-09:00

So I've been super busy getting the shop totally stocked up for the black friday/cyber monday rush. Nothing like wating until the last minute! I have tons of diapers, soakers, woolies and nursing goodies lined up, now to finish listing them all. It seems that's where I drop the ball. I think it has to do with taking the pics and uploading them all. I understand natural daylight is best, but really, at subzero temps, I'm just not feeling it.

I am also offering a giveaway to help you get a jump start on your shopping and keep your wallet a little fatter. Just like the lounge on facebook and you will be entered to win a $10 gift certificate. That's it. Easy peasy and oh so cheesy. Giveaway closes on November 27th so get those enteries in!

Keep an eye out for my Black Friday deals. They will be posted on facebook, my shop announcement and on here too!

Here's the newest additions to the shop:

I've Been a Busy Beaver!

2011-11-12T10:40:00.000-09:00

So although no one has heard from me, I promise I'm still alive and fine :) I've been sewing up a storm in what started as "Santa's Workshop" and is now "Santa's SLAVEshop". I got signed on for a few commissioned pieces for my husbands job, 2+ craftfairs, 2 knit Peruvian Inca hats and a few others. Not to mention throwing Halloween and 4 homemade costumes into the mix. My poor sewing machine was down for the count after that one and had to go in to be tuned up.

I have been whipping up diapers like no ones business, both for my shop and for my boys. Excuse the less than stellar pics, it was already like 2am.

We also have been playing outside in out mounds of snow :) Nothing like getting the kids excited to shovel, like it's something fun.

Time to get back to the sewing machine and get those projects moving along! Enjoy your Saturday everyone!

Why hello Again!

2011-08-25T15:55:00.000-08:00

It's me, Michelle. I am sure that it's been so long that you may not even remember me! My apologies for being gone for so long, life has been pretty hectic. This spring we took a gamble and moved 500 miles away and so far, I LOVE IT! Like most families these days, money is tight, but we do the best we can with what we have. I have been busy working on stocking my etsy shop and hope to come up with a schedule of some sort shortly. For now I'll share a few recent projects, both for the shop and for the family :)

L Pond Friends Fitted Diaper

L Cluck Cluck Chickens Fitted Diaper

Entomology Nursing Pads

Haha...it totally looks like I'm shamelessly plugging my shop, but I can't find any pics of my personal projects. I have a pair of very sweet Sheepy Pants I made for Sullivan. But being a stubborn 2 year old, he refuses to wear them. I'm working on another pair of Sheepy Pants for Donovan using just plain ol' Patons, and I gotta say, I love it. It feels like it will wear really well for a rough and tumble crawler. I also did an Everyday Hoodie for Donovan and I'm in love. It makes his sweet little face look even sweeter when bundled up in the extra big hood. Perfection!

I had a bit of an issue with my serger, hence the abundance of T&T diapers. I just brought it to get repaired this weekend and was told it would take a few weeks! What! Don't they realize that it actually just an extension of my human self? How am I to manage? It's like thinking I can just get by without limbs. Yeah, some people can, I however am not one of them. I think the look on my face said it all to the repair guy. He didn't look impressed. But, in just a few short weeks, she'll be home back in my sewing space ready to work like a champ :)

2010-11-21T05:14:00.000-09:00

Big news....

We yet again are expanding our family. There is a new addition of the four legged kind and her name is Libby Lou.

We have been talking about getting a dog for a long time, but held off until we found "the one". She's a wonderful companion to the family and an excellent watch dog. If you look closely you will see her entire back end is shaved. She recently had surgery to repair a broken hip given to her by her previous owner. In a few weeks she'll be good as new!

I have been crafting like a mad woman stocking my etsy shop and preparing for the holidays. I am a licensed Big Butt Baby Pants seller so those are making up a large portion of my shop. I love the pattern and the fit is great even over my boys' super fluffy rumps. I'm also stocking more fleece and wool soakers as those always sell really well. Here are my newest pants:

I really love the prints and am planning on stocking more boyish and gender neutral items as those are so hard to come by. I hope to also have coordinating booties so that they can become more of a holiday gift for a new or soon to be little babe.

2010-11-12T03:05:00.000-09:00

I don't have much to post about at the moment. I am dealing with a rather painful kidney infection accompanied by a fever of 102. Doesn't nature know that mom's can't get sick? I hope to finish a few more pairs of B3Ps shortly and get some pictures up. I suppose it all depends on how quickly I can kick this infection. Now I'm off to get some much needed rest!

2010-11-11T00:57:00.001-09:00

Why hello blog, how are you?
It feels like ages since I've been here. And well, I guess it has. I have had a good reason and this is it....

This is my Puddleduck. He was born in late September weighing in at 9lbs and 14oz. Just about a pound smaller than Stinker. He's perfect. What can I say, I'm in love :)

I have been crafting a ton, but haven't been able to post much due to having two little boys under 18months roaming around. I did get a chance to make their Halloween costumes, my favorite being Stinker's.

He also had a little belt with it, but you know how 1 year olds are, it lasted about 30seconds before it was ripped off and tossed on the floor. I actually made all the costumes, but the girls made me promise not to post pictures of theirs. I suppose they are becoming preteens and are much more embarrassed by things than they used to be.

I have also been making the big butt baby pants using Rae's wonderful pattern. I'm a licensed seller of them and they will be appearing in my etsy shop shortly. I love these pants. They fit so well over a big fluffy cloth diaper bum and are completely gender netural depending on the fabric that you choose. Here is Puddleduck's thanksgiving outfit made with the pattern and an old onesie that I dyed and appliqued.

They have sizes that range from newborn to 2T. I'm working on drafting a larger size, say 3T for all those older babes out there that are still in diapers. Or for those kids like mine, who are still young, but built bigger and therefore wear much larger sizes. I can't wait to get him into it and I promise to post a much better picture when I do. For my shop I will be mostly focusing on gender netural or boy patterns since those are terribly underestimated when it comes to crafting and clothing. I will also be making up some in cozy flannel for PJ's and lounging. My guys love their flannel ones! I also have matching booties in most prints to keep them coordinated and cute.

I will be running Black Friday and Cyber Monday specials and will have a special code for even greater discounts for those that stop by here and read my blog. Keep your eyes peeled!

{this moment}

2010-08-06T08:16:00.005-08:00

Inspired by the lovely Friday posts of Amanda Blake Soule @ Soulemama:

" A friday ritual. A single photo-no words-capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extrodinary moment. A moment I wasnt to pause, savor and remember...."

A boy and his serger, it's a beautiful thing

2010-07-31T16:46:00.006-08:00

Stinkers new obsession is my vintage Sergemate Companion 5040. He has always had an interest in my sewing stuff, namely thread and fabric, but now he has found a whole new "toy". While I enjoy the fact that he shows an interest in the same things I do, I do not however enjoy his grubby little hands turning all my tension dials. Oh well, it's nothing that can't be fixed or replaced if broken...

For the past 3 days The Yimmy has been out of town visiting his family in beautiful Kenai, Alaska. That has left me and Stinker to our own devices. We took a nice leisurely nap yesterday then woke up and had a picnic dinner in the park. Lots of sunshine and smiles. Stinker found a little puddle to stomp in. We listened to a live jazz band and ended with some sweet homemade ice cream.

I haven't gotten much sewing done lately. Stinker has kept me very busy. It doesn't help that it's been so hot. I have tons of ideas swimming around in my head, now just to find the time!

Enjoy a beautiful Sunday everybody!

{this moment}

2010-07-30T21:54:00.004-08:00

Inspired by the lovely Friday posts of Amanda Blake Soule @ Soulemama....

"A Friday ritual. A single photo-no words- capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extrodinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember..."

I think I have sewing ADD

2010-06-23T04:18:00.004-08:00

Remember that maternity top I was talking about? The one from that yummy vintage sheet? Well I cut it out and then, oh wait, no and then. It's cut out and that's where it stopped. Stinker woke me up at 4am yesteday morning and screamed his little head off. I was hoping to get to it yesterday, but with his molars coming in, I'm lucky to still have any shred of sanity. I have every intention of working on it today though :)

Update: Now that the day has progressed, one would think that I would have at least sewn up something on my shirt, right? No. That would be the logical thing to do. What did I do instead? Decided that I NEEDED to refashion a Liz Claiborne skirt that was passed down to me from The Yimmy's Aunt's mother. FYI she's about 90, so it wasn't exactly in style. I've only chopped up the top half to make room for my protruding belly, so I don't have much to show for it...yet. But here is a pic showing how colorful and fantastic the fabric is:

It's so silky and light, I wish I already finished it since it is 80+F here!

Enjoy your Wednesday :)
Peace

Michelle

Sweet little baby gowns

2010-06-20T15:13:00.007-08:00

I realized a few days back that this new "replacement" baby has not had any mama-made goodness yet. Stinker had a closet full of clothes by this point in utero, and this little one didn't even have a burp cloth. Well that had to change!

I found a cute women's knit nightgown for 99cents at my favorite place....wait for it....wait for it....Value Village. It had this adorable little farm design and was nice and thick. I used a 1992 OOP McCalls's 6136 and made a sweet little baby gown.

Please ignore the wrinkles, I'm a lazy ass today

Close up of the fabric. The signs say "Welcome to Wisconsin, America's Dairyland". Forget the fact that we live in Alaska and have never even been to Wisconsin.

I went with an elastic casing at the bottom to avoid any strangled baby ribbon issues. I think it is just adorable. So adorable in fact that I made another version this morning.

Now please ignore the wrinkles and the crappy lighting, we've had rain non-stop. Rainy weather=crappy pictures

Close up of the fabric. I says "I LOVE then there are pictures of carrots. Too cute.

I used a piece of thrifted knit and the ribbing off of one of my stepdaughter's old shirts. I have done another elastic casing, though it doesn't show it in the picture. I think I may do a little bunny applique in the ribbing just to help break up the whiteness.

It's no couture gown, but I'm pretty happy with how quick and easy they were. Now all we need is the baby to fill them out :)

Back in the saddle again!

2010-06-17T21:03:00.007-08:00

Why hello readers...

So long time no post huh? I've been uber busy, mostly with growing a new little baby in my ever expanding giant uterus! I'm due 10/4/2010, but will be going in for another c-section (here is where I am making a sad weepy face) about a week sooner. We do not know what we are having, so I've been busy making little gender neutral outfits:)

Stinker turned 1 in May, a day after The Yimmy was hospitalized for severe high blood pressure and some heart issues. They put in an arterial catheter and drained some blood, put him on some super strong meds, and now he is better than before! It was a pretty scary situation for us though, and I am happy we are through it for now.

My not so convincing version of the Betty Crocker "Barn" cake

We recently bought a secondhand 5th wheel camper and took all the kids camping for a weekend. It was great. Stinker loves the outdoors and was such a little man helping daddy with the campsite. We got to visit some great friends who came camping with us. They brought along the youngest little camper, 5 day old Madelynn! She was just way too cute!

I've been working on tons of refashions, I just need a minute to take some quality pictures so I can show them off. I have gotten to go thrifting twice a week since I ride my sweet retro style Huffy there and no longer feel guilty about wasting gas to inturn waste money :) I plan on posting some of my recent thrift store scores along with some awesome garage sale finds as soon as I have a free minute.

I really look foward to starting a regular posting schedule of sorts and talking about sewing, needlework and everything else that's super :) See you next time

Peace

~Michelle

New Years Resolutions...

2010-01-02T21:13:00.003-09:00

Since it's the start of a new year, I am putting in writing my goals for 2010. I figure if they are in writing, they are less likely to be forgotten and ergo, more likely to actually get done!

So here it goes folks.....

1. Be more patient with my kids. I love them more than life itself, but staying home 24/7 and doing it all, at least that's how it feels, is taxing and definately makes you want to rip your hair out at times. So this year I'm going to just relax. Beathe in, then out, in, then, out......

2. Keep up on the blog more frequently and frankly, just better. There is no excuse for my utter laziness at times.

3. Make more projects for me. I know it sounds selfish, but pretty much everything I make is for the house and kids, so I want a little for just me this year. Selfish or not, it's gonna happen.

4. Cook more. I love to cook, but sometimes I get into a rut. I want to make more with less. Less additives, less salt (The Yimmy has high blood pressure), less crap. More love, more vegetables, more local!

So here's a happy new year wish to all of you. Let 2010 begin!

2009-12-30T16:50:00.003-09:00

So things here have not gone nearly as smooth as I had hoped. I had planned on doing a giveaway a week until Christmas, but due to some unforseeable events, that didn't exactly pan out and for that I am sorry.

It seems that things are beginning to settle down around here (thankfully) and I look foward to the new year bringing some much needed new time. I will resume the giveaways here shortly, however it is obviously not for the holidays (although I suppose you could stash it away for
X-MAS 2010!)

Wishing you all a Happy, Safe and Prosperous New Year. Happy Crafting!

shame on me

2009-11-03T19:10:00.006-09:00

So first off, a great big sorry to everyone for being super super super late on my giveaways. Lets just say that I cut it pretty darn close on our Halloween celebrations! Here's a pic of everyone nearly dressed and ready to go to the carnival.

Please ignore the fact that I look as though I had totally given up on myself-it was a long day and carrying around a 25 pound baby for like 4 hours isn't easy!

We don't really do trick or treating here, the houses are too spread out and it's pretty cold so we go up to the University and they do trick or treating in the dormitories. They also run a cute little indoor carnival and a haunted house. Best of all, it's free!

I promise to have some giveaways posted on Sunday. There will be more than one, so when you leave a comment, just let me know which ones you'd like to be entered for. I look foward to revealing some homemade goodies to you folks this weekend!

I hope everyone had a terribly fun, super safe, and a tiny bit spooky Halloween!

Winner Announced...

2009-10-23T21:04:00.004-08:00

The winner of Gift Giveaway #2 is....Eema-le. Congrats! Thanks to everyone who entered. I was SOOOO excited to see more than like 2 names posted. Who would have guessed!

Eema-le, as soon as I get your info, I will mail it out.

Stay tuned for the next giveaway (it will likely be delayed since posting a giveaway without pictures of what you're actually giving away is really lame).

welcome kelty

2009-10-22T14:09:00.004-08:00

A few days back The Yimmy came home with another addition to our family, a georgeous little blue totie cat named Kelty. It was definately not love at first sight for her and Rupert. I have kept her arrival underwraps for a bit because it wasn't looking like a match made in heaven at first. Well things have changed.

She just adores Stinker and lays with Thing 1 everynight while she falls asleep. We are not completely sold on her name, so this weekend we will be having a family vote to change it. She really is a wonderful little kitty and is settling in well.

In other pet related news, I have moved our two bunnies from our garage into our greenhouse. I would love to have them in the house with us, but our house is old and gets unbareably hot at times. I would rather not come home to find them "sleeping". The greenhouse is attached to our dining room by a large glass door.

It stays pretty much between 40-70 degrees at all times. They love it! They have no cage, they get to just run around and look out the windows, dig in the raised beds and generally make a huge mess with the straw. They have also learned how to climb the three steps that lead to the door, so when you are sitting down eating dinner, you will generally find a furry critter or two staring at your food. Gosh they are cute!

I just ordered a new memory card reader, so hopefully I will have pics up and running again soon. Blog posts just seem off with all these words and no lovely pics to go with them.

happy halloweenie stinker

2009-10-21T12:47:00.008-08:00

Since this is Stinker's first Halloween, I really was torn as to what he should be. I wanted it to be super cute, and obviously something that I made for him. I made Thing 1 and Thing 2's costumes last year, and am doing so again this year. But Stinker's is different. I get to choose what he will be. This may be the only time that happens as I am sure in future years he will have his own opinions.

So this year he will be a turtle. Partly because who doesn't love a baby dressed as a turtle and partly because since he was born I called him my little turtle due to this wierd neck thing that he did that reminded me so much of a turtle poking out of a shell. See?

Okay, so maybe you don't see it. Apparently, no one else does either. But that's okay. I'm his mom and I guess it's normal to come up with little nicknames for your kids.

And so this is this years costume. Sorry there is no pics of him in it. He was sleeping at first. Then when he woke up I got some of him all dressed, but then my card reader went to shit. So....I guess I'd say not to expect too many pics over the next few days.

I used a McCall's snowsuit pattern. I added a tail and some "toenails" to his mitts and feet. The shell was made by draping remanant fleece over a basket and pinning until I got a shape that I liked. The green fleece was in my stash. The mustard was leftover from a baby blanket I made for a friend a while back and the brown was leftover from a fleece jacket I made for myself. I'm really really really happy with how it all turned out. I made an Large but since he is only 5months old, I was worried he's look like a partially skinned turtle. But alas, he's a chunklet and it's not nearly as big on him as I thought.

P.S. the L is like 12-18 months or something like that. I'll dig up the pattern specs a little later and post them in case anyone is interested in tackling a baby snowsuit. It's really not that hard. I lost like 2/3 of the directions and still got it together. So I'm convinced that a somewhat experienced beginner can work it out.

* The pattern is McCall's M5220. It's sized from Newborn (8-12 pounds)to Large (22-25 pounds) in one envelope. It seems to be a pretty true fit. It works up fairly quick, the longest part is probably lining up the snaps! They can be a real pain in the ass!

How does he fit in his carseat with that you ask? Because I'm lazy and didn't want to add buttons, velcro or snaps, I just used diaper pins to attach it to his little back. I probably wouldn't rec. safety pins, diaper pins are made so babies can't really undo them.

I have just a wee bit of handsewing left to do, then this goes into the "FINISHED" pile. *breath a sigh of relief* One project down, like nine trillion to go....

Handmade Holiday Gift Giveaway #2

2009-10-20T16:23:00.006-08:00

Yay! It's finally done (mostly). It's the Wein Library Bag. The only unfinished part is the library card holder, but I promise to have it done and in the package when this gets mailed out.

The main fabric is made from a twin sized dust ruffle. The polka dot is a remanat from my stash and the lining is some vintage goodness from my stash as is the big brown button. It's called the Wien Library Bag in honor of our local library that me and the kids visit at least once a week. It has one large pleat in the center front with a smaller tacked down pleat on each side seam. It's the perfect size for toting library books or whatever else needs a cute bag.

If you'd like a chance to win this neato tote, leave me a comment. I'll pick a random winner Saturday morning. Good luck!

Slacking Already!

2009-10-19T17:06:00.003-08:00

Okay, so I know I said a new giveaway will be announced every Sunday, BUT...I'm not quite done with it. Stinker is teething again. He already has his lower incisors and now the ones on the left and the right of those are coming in.

And so this is what my days are filled with at the moment....

Needless to say, my sewing time is pretty irregular! I hope to announce it tomorrow afternoon. Sorry folks. Stinker says sorry too!

Winner Announced

2009-10-17T07:28:00.005-08:00

The kiddos have spoken. The winner is The Lindahl News who said:

"Love the bibs! Pefect for our soon-to-be-born first grand-daughter (Yippee!)Answer to the question? I would like to be OCTOPUS WOMAN!!! Why? Because it would give me 6 more arms to carry, sew, hold books, cook, rake, clap, hug than I presently have!!!" (The kids thought that this was super funny!)

I will be mailing out your bibs ASAP as soon as I get your address. Congrats to the soon to be grandbaby too! And seriously, who wouldn't want 6 more arms?

Please be sure to check back tomorrow for the Handmade Holiday Gift Giveaway #2!

Handmade Holiday Gift Giveaway #1

2009-10-11T10:52:00.005-08:00

To kick off my weekly giveaway until the start of the holidays, I'm offering up two upcycled denim bibs. Both are made entirely of fabrics that are either stash, or had a previous life in somone's wardrobe. They are both backed in a sweet pink fleece and close with velcro dots. In order for a chance to win, just leave a comment answering my random question. The answers will be run by the kiddos, and the best answer wins. Winner will be chosen on Saturday and notified, so please make sure I can contact you. Thanks! Michelle

Question: If you could have any superpower what would it be?

My superpower would be teleportation. I would never have to wait in traffic again and I could finally say goodbye to snow tires and driving on ice! Oh yeah, and it would take just seconds to see my parents, so I would do it all the time. How great would that be?

Ps. Sorry about the lame pics, our days are becoming quite short here so daylight is minimal!

Handmade Holiday Gift Giveaway!

2009-10-07T22:30:00.004-08:00

Drum roll please.....

Announcing THE HANDMADE HOLIDAY GIFT GIVEAWAY!

So, in an effort to be 1. more environmentally responsible, 2. frugal, and 3. help out those folks who have had a hard financial time lately I am starting the first annual Gift Giveaway.

Every Sunday morning, a new gift will be announced. In order for a chance to win, you leave me a comment,(please throw your e-mail addy in there somewhere) and every Saturday morning a winner will be chosen. Winners will be chosen by either a random number generator or (if the kiddos are in the mood) names out of a hat. It's that easy.

All items offered for the giveaway will come with a gift tag, some tissue paper, and a coordinating ribbon, so it's pretty much all set up for gift giving. Items will vary, one week it may be a baby thing, the next, a gift for dad....you get the picture.

If for some reason items are not ready by Sunday, or if I'm so ridiculously swamped with other goingons, I may make it worth the wait, we'll see. BUT, there will most definately be 10, that's right 10, gift giveaways between now and December 19th.

This weeks giveaway will be posted Sunday morning, 10/11 and will close Saturday morning 10/17. Item should be mailed on Saturday if I get your mailing addy early enough, if not they will go out on Monday.

Well, hope you folks find some fabbo gifts for the awesomely amazing people in your life. I look foward to revealing the first gift on Sunday!

YUM!

2009-10-05T21:27:00.003-08:00

So over the past few days I have been on a baby food making spree. I think it has become an addiction. So far Stinker has some yummy Sweet Potatoes, Danish Squash, Pumpkin, Green Beans, White Potatoes, and local Alaska carrots to eat. He also tried Avadcadoes for the first time today and he loved it!

There's No Place Like Home

2009-10-03T22:08:00.008-08:00

So I am finally home! It feels great. We were only gone for 4 days, but being away from home gets to me more and more lately. I don't like leaving the critters and really, a 10 hour drive with 3 kids is no fun.

We went to Kenai to visit The Yimmy's parents. We all get along really well and they were so happy to see the kids. The Yimmy and I even got a half hour to ourselves while grandma and abuelo watched the kidlets.

We stopped in Anchorage for some appointments. Stinker and I got to view the town on our own, so that made for a nice leisurely afternoon. It was cool out, about 40F, but really sunny and just all around beautiful!

Resolution Park, Anchorage, AK

Stinker at Resolution Park, Anchorage AK

Downtown Anchorage, AK

4th Ave. Theater Built in 1941

Stinker with a Stuffed (not real) Grizzly

An old Alaska Native Cemetary in Cantwell, AK. (I have this thing with old cemetaries, weird, I know.)

Isn't Alaska just beautiful? Now I know why I decided to stay here and start my family!

Anywhoo, not too much crafting going on. Getting readjusted to being home takes a while. I whipped up a hat/scarf/mittens set for Thing 1 to give a classmate for her birthday. I did it all this morning and the party started at 4. Nothing like waiting till the last minute. But really, I've always been that way. I don't see it changing anytime soon. And because I am such a procrastinator, I loaded up everyone minutes before the party started, and completely forgot a pic of the gift. Oh well.

These are the stuffed letters that I'm making for Stinker for Christmas. They are pretty basic, but seem to be good for little grabby hands. And who are we kidding, I have so much free time, that I thought hand embroidering each of the eight letters was a smashing idea. P.S....I'm only on the third one. I basically freehanded the letters to his name on the pages of an old calendar. I traced them onto some scrap fabric I had in my bin and a pair of his Daddy's too tight jeans. I am stuffing them with the insides of a ripped (and ugly) throw pillow. I then just popped them (or should I say just it?) into the washer/dryer and gave it the frayed edges. He has already stolen it more than once and so I think they will have to go out of reach until christmas!

And lastly I will leave you with a parting pic of Stinker in a hat I crocheted for him while I was pregnant. There is something so surreal about seeing him wearing it. I look back to just a few months ago, and I had no idea what he would look like, or if he was even a he. I couldn't be happier with the little chunklet that I had. He amazes me everyday. I crocheted that hat with A. Not really knowing how to crochet, just kind of making it up as I went along and B. the impression that it was much bigger than it is and that he would wear it next winter or so. I know now that there is nothing else in life that I would want to do or be other than being his mom. All the other things are just extra now, and frankly not nearly as important to me as I thought they once were. I love you Stinker Linker Poopy Tinker!

Fabulous Fall Flannel Freebie!

2009-09-26T20:34:00.005-08:00

The air is crisp, rain is falling and so what better time to start sewing up some flannel goodies than now? Fabric Queen is newly opened, freshly stocked, and offering a fabulous giveaway. I am completely swooning over the Dick & Jane prints. How cute?

(Photo pulled from FabricQueen.com)

Check out her shop and her blog for more info on the super sweet giveaway.

Snow Day

2009-09-26T11:16:00.005-08:00

I woke up this morning and guess what? It's our first real day of snow! It's pretty exciting for now since it is kind of a novelty, but give it a month and it won't be snow exciting anymore. I am so jealous of all those sewing projects that are getting done in preparation for fall, our fall is pretty much over. Old man winter, here we come.

I got me a new present!

2009-09-25T14:29:00.006-08:00

Yesterday I went to the Post Office to pick up a box that my momma sent me. I knew she was putting in a webcam so she could see little Stinker grow into bigger Stinker. When I opened it she also sent me her "old" digital camera. I say "old" since it is old to her, but man, it's WAAAYYY nicer than the crappy 10year old one that I was previously using. Isn't she wonderful?

This morning while Stinker was taking a much needed mini nap, I started up on one of his christmas presents. I mean, Santa started up on it. I used scraps of amy butler, some vintage brown gingham and a zoo style kiddie print to make stuffed letters spelling his name. As soon as I figure out my new camera I will go back to posting pics.

Well I will be insanely busy over the next couple of days as I will be out of town, so no more for now. Have a great weekend everyone!

002: Freakin' Awesome Featured Shop

2009-09-23T20:35:00.005-08:00

Today's shop:
Sweet Sydney Bean from Etsy! i HEART SweetSydneyBean! Back in the beginning of August I ordered a bottle of teething oil and my goodness...it works wonders. It smells wonderful, Stinker loves it and I still have lots left.

(Photo pulled from Sweetsydneybean.etsy.com)

I want to try out the soap bits. The sample she sent with the teething oil smelled delicious, it was lemon and smelled fresh picked. Go check them out and you'll see what I mean.

More for HannahBugs B-day

2009-09-23T16:58:00.005-08:00

I just finished HannahBug's present. I decided to make her doll and her matching nightgowns. The print is kind of like a seersucker or something and was in my stash. The white was the part of a bedskirt that sits under the mattress. I used the rolled hem that was already on there for the cuffs. I coincidentally had green grosgain in my scrap bin to that worked out nicely. I even appliqued a little bird on both nightgowns. I have to say I am really pleased with how this gift turned out. I spent $0 and couldn't be happier with the result!

The whole shebang.

Close up of the applique. It's little birdie legs don't show up too well in the pictures, but they're there I assure you.

Well, I'm off to take a nice hot shower since Stinker is napping. AH....REST!

Peace
-Michelle

HannahBug's B-Day Gift

2009-09-22T21:33:00.005-08:00

HannahBug's 5th birthday is just around the corner. For those of you who don't know who HannahBug is; she is my ex-husband's daughter. While we were dating and were married, I became very attached to her. I didn't have any kids of my own and I was around her from the time she was a bit over a year old. Leaving my ex-husband was hard, leaving HannahBug was worse.

On a lighter note, I don't get to see or speak to HannahBug except for maybe once a year when she is up here visiting her Daddy. She stays with him for a few months and last year her and I had a sleepover. This year, her Dad and I talked about her seeing me and we agreed that it was best to let her decide.

Since her birthday is coming up and money is VERY tight (and I am more than frugal), I wanted to make her gift. While her Dad and I were together, I made her lots of stuff, so I thought that it was fitting she got more handmade gifts from me. She was always very girly and has loved playing "Mommy" with her dolls. I made up this doll using this tute as a guideline. It came together super quick.

Beatrix, well that's what I've named her, has been made using 100% upcycled fabrics and even filling. The button eyes and bellybutton were from my stash as was the yarn hair. The body was a pair of The Yimmy's too small cargo shorts. I really like it with the cargo twill. It makes the doll really thick and should stand up to lots of rough dolly play. The stuffing came from a old throw pillow that has been sitting around waiting for a new life. The dolly quilt was salveged pieces from my constantly growing scrap bin. I used an old pilly baby blanket instead of packaged batting. Her little tiny doll mouth was embroidered on. I have to say that I'm pretty tickled with how it has turned out so far.

Obviously, giving a 5year old a naked doll is a major faux pax, so I will need to whip up some dresses or somthing. Since this has gone so quickly (both items made today inbetween dealing with a teething 4month old and making Taco Spaghetti Casserole, it sounds gross, but try it, it's really yummy and a total kid pleaser!) that I will be making like 5 more sets for the little ladies of our family.

Peace
-Michelle

001:Freakin Awesome Featured Shop

2009-09-22T08:44:00.009-08:00

If you have little kiddos at home, or friends who may have any you have to check out this etsy shop. Gulf Coast Cottage PDF sells tons of felt patterns, both food and toys, which are all so cute. How would you ever just choose one?
This is my favorite of her food patterns:

(Photo pulled from GulfCoastCottagePDF.etsy.com)

Check out her shop and start sewing up your felt food christmas presents early! Every pattern is super affordable making it a great way to stock up your pretend pantry. I plan on making one or two of her patterns in the near future and will review them here for all of you who also want to try them out.

Freakin' Awesome Giveaway at Daddy Likey

2009-09-21T08:18:00.009-08:00

Winona at Daddy Likey is hosting a bitchin purse giveaway. If you have never been over to Daddy Likey, and love fashion, I suggest you do it. She's hilarious and her Racoon posts just crack me up! Read it once and you'll sign up to follow her blog. She's that funny, I swear. SOOOO....if you too would like to possibly win beautiful bags such as these:

(Photos Pulled From DaddyLikey's Blog)

drop by her blog and leave a comment! Good Luck!

Great little girly girl dresses

2009-09-20T18:12:00.004-08:00

So Leisel over at Sugar and Spice Creations is having a great giveaway and has kindly posted an easy to follow tutorial for a super cute twirly dress. Seriously, these are pretty damn adorable.

(Photo pulled from Sugar and Spice Creations website.)

These will be on my to do list for next summers sewing projects. Very cute! Drop by her website, check them out, and enter her giveaway if you have a chance. Good Luck!

BOO! It's nearly Halloween

2009-09-20T08:07:00.005-08:00

So I found out what the girls want to be for Halloween. Stinker doesn't have much say at this age. Thing 1 will be a witch, Thing 2 a leopard and Stinker a turtle (since he was born I call him my little turtle because of this thing he does where he stretches out his neck and looks like a little turtle.

Of course I am searching my stash of fabric and recon worthy clothes for all the pieces for everyones costume. I know for a fact that I will be going to Value Village tomorrow for their 99cent sale in search of something leopard print. I think I found nearly everything I need for Thing 1's witch costume. I had a pair of old granny pants sitting in the recon pile as well as a strech purple floor lenth skirt. Both are velour and that is the only reason I kept onto them. I'm not really a velour type person, but what preteen doesn't love it?

I started construction for the witch and I am really pleased with it so far. I added a ruffle around the collar area of purple tulle remanant that I picked up at Joann's for 32cents. I added star studs from my new found GeMagic. I am also embroidering a scardy cat in purple on the cloak. The purple velour skirt will be made into a dress, and I am thinking of dying a found lace curtain black and making bell sleeves for the dress. So far so good. I'm really excited about Halloween this year. I think more so than my kiddos are!

Ah the mysterious red rash

2009-09-14T17:11:00.004-08:00

So today was yet another trip to the doctor for the Stinker. He got his 4month vaccines and his pediatrician took a look at this rash. She narrowed it down to two things: 1. An allergic reaction to something metal or 2. Some type of an infection. She said not to worry, it's only just on the surface of his skin and seems to be somewhat reacting to the Clindamycin. He is otherwise still doing great.

Our local Value Village had their colored tag 99cent sale today. I scored a nice long sleeve mens knit shirt, a HUGE suede coat, and a brand new "GeMagic". It's like the TV order version of the Bedazzler. Way too Rhinestone Cowboy for me, but completely perfect for my two girls' jeans and such. They spotted it before I even got it out of the car and were poking around to see when we will use it. The thrift store prices originally totaled $35.00, but me, being uber frugal, scoured the racks and only paid $2.97. Oh yeah, and we have no sales tax in Fairbanks, so it was a total score.

The coat is in excellent shape, but really not something that I would wear. It's waaayyyy to big, and really, not many people can pull off a long column of tan, me included. It will however make like 500 baby bootie soles. Okay, maybe not really 500, but pretty darn close.

Well we are off to Girl Scouts. It's Thing 1 and Thing 2's first meeting and they can barely contain their excitement. We'll see how excited they are when volunteering comes up! Thanks for the kind words about Stinker and our rabbit. It feels great to know that people may actually read my blog, and care enough to throw some compassion my way. Thank you!

Whats Red and blotchy and swollen all over?

2009-09-13T09:28:00.005-08:00

Last night after Stinker's dinner feeding daddy noticed a red spot on the back of his head. I thought it was just from laying down nursing but when I looked it was also a little puffy. It is right over his "Stork Kiss" birth mark, so that doesn't help it look any less red. I sat on it a while and by bedtime, it was twice as big. Off to the ER.

After ruling out a bug bite, a contusion, and some other various aliments, we settled on; an allergic reaction, staph/strep infections, or mersa. They gave him enough Benadryl to put down a horse but nothing. It didn't help his spot at all, but he did sleep soundly after that. They then gave him Clindamycin. and told me to come back in the morning if it didn't look great.

Fast foward to this morning......
It looks exactly the same. So we will be taking another trip to the ER. I am very worried about Stinker. He's only 4months old, so I get really nervous about him being sick. This is all news to him by the way. He feels great.

On a lighter note, I haven't gotten much sewing or refashioning done lately. With the move and being sick, I've been just too busy or tired to unpack the massive sewing area. I did get a ton done yesterday down there, so I felt a bit relieved. I did manage to dye some older stained shirts in our laundry soak sink. I went with RIT teal, although I really like how everything came out, I'd hardly call it teal. I also dyed a white granny sweater to what should have been teal, but is now sort of a baby blue. It's okay, not my favorite, but I guess I do like it much better than white. Now to take the shears to it and really make it something I would want to wear!

Off to the hospital for now.
Peace
Michelle

***I'm sad to say that our black Mini Lop rabbit, Bun Bun passed away today. The reason is unknown, but she has been losing a bit of weight lately, and just was "off". We all loved her and she will be sorely missed. You were a great little bunny Bun Bun and Fergus and Emmit won't be the same without you.

Movin on Up

2009-08-28T21:09:00.013-08:00

So things here have been totally crazy. We move into our new house this weekend and so I am now trying to pack and move by myself and all three kiddos. The Yimmy does some when he gets out of work, but at that point, I just want him to take the kids so I can take a bath. It's getting there. I really like our new house. It was built in the 40's so it is full of charm. There is unfortunately carpet nearly everywhere. Stinkers bedroom/nursery has hardwood floors that are original though. However, it's also like a sickening powder pink gloss paint. So maybe at one time that was all the rage, but that time is long gone. His room will be painted asap. It's a pretty tiny room, but really, he's a tiny person so it's all good.

Thing 1 and thing 2 just love the new house. We have a great big backyard with two greenhouses, a garden, and a huge deck. They spent like an hour doing cartwheels in the grass the other day. It's a real family house, so I can't wait to get moved in.

I haven't done much sewing lately at all. I did a bit of organizing and salvaging of odds and ends off of old items before they hit the trash pile. The girls old cheese bookbags went to the garbage pail without their zippers or strap buckles. There really wasn't anything else on them worth keeping. I guess that's what you get for Toys'R'Us clearance bin vinyl backpacks. What can I say, it was last minute and they were all of $6 for both.

I have been packing up my fabric into bins to get it moved into the new house. YIKES!!! Where the hell did this all come from? Seriously, there is fabric in there that I am sure I have never seen. I don't think I had any kind of head accident that would have resulted in amnesia of my stash, but I suppose it is possible. I feel like I should be on the A&E show "hoarders". Okay, so maybe I'm not that bad. I mean I only hoard fabric and supplies, not like I hoard feral cats or mayo or anything, but still, now that it was all rounded up in one spot, it's ridiculous.

SO... Keep an eye out for a stash busting giveaway. Details are on the way, look for them next week. I promise to make it juicy!

Oh yeah, I ordered a darling little necklace for Grandma Millie (my mom, Stinker's Grandma) from LuluMcCleary . I can't wait to get it in. Let's just say it will be a teary Christmas for Grandma Millie! Here are the two pics I chose for the pendant and I will post pics of the finished product when it arrives.

Stinker at 1 week old

Stinker at 3 1/2 months old

Isn't he adorable?

Peace-

Michelle

Lack of sleep makes folks delirious

2009-08-23T07:45:00.002-08:00

At what age are babies decide that sleeping more than 4 hours at a time is something that they may want to try out? Seriously, it's been almost 4 months, and still Stinker wakes up to eat every few hours at night. Is he actually that hungry, or does he just want to cuddle up next to me? I love having him close by, but sometimes it's nice to have the whole bed to myself.

Since he was born, I have had these ideas of all the things I wanted to get done. The scoreboard: ideas-way to many to count, actually completed-maybe one. I don't know if it is the lingering effects of all the drugs they gave me before my c-section or what, but I feel like I have way too many ideas and not nearly enough time or patience to get them finished.

There's a new cat in town

2009-08-20T22:41:00.003-08:00

So it is offical, we just signed a year lease on a sweet little 50's gem. Pictures will be posted shortly, but The Yimmy forgot to snap some shots when going to pay the deposit, so they will be a bit delayed. Think June Clever prancing around her kitchen checking her cupboards for the ingredients for dinner. There, that's it. That's pretty much the whole look of the house.

Thing 1 and Thing 2 are super excited to be moving. They will still be sharing a bedroom, but there will be more space for all of us. Stinker Linker has no clue what is going on, so I have a doubt that it will affect him at all, other than he no longer has to sleep in our closet. I have a feeling that with all this packing going on, there will be a sharp decline in my sewing time.

Rupert and Panther will now have a lush jungle like greenhouse to lounge in. I think the bunnies will be spending a lot of time in there too!

In honor of the new digs, anyone that reads my blog gets a discount code for my etsy shop, good for 50% off of any one item and it expires 09/30/2009.

The code is: Meowskers Wowskers.
Feel free to copy and paste that when visiting my shop. Why meowskers wowskers you ask? Why not?

Peace
Michelle

Yikes!!!

2009-08-19T13:24:00.006-08:00

So things here have been hectic to say the least. The girls started school on Monday and of course most of my time has been spent making last minute school things. Remind me why a 3rd grader needs a baby blue zebra satin lunchbag. It is pretty darn swanky though.

It is lined entirely in lavender polyester from a pair of granny pants. Not too bad huh? Quite a stylish way to carry milk and a PBandJ sandwhich to school.

Today me and the Stinker went for a walk around our neighborhood. It was pretty chilly, but at least the clouds parted and the skies dried up for a while. Like always, he fell asleep before we even left the driveway. I ended up talking to myself, not because I'm crazy, but I didn't realize he blew me off for a nap. I did get to pick some fresh tart cranberries. I can't wait to pick some more so I can make chutney. I use this great recipe from the Ball book of canning. It's heavenly to say the least.

I also saw Thing 2's teacher from last year at the post office. Apparently she is a bit "clingy" with her teacher this year. She's in 3rd grade now but still hasn't figured out that people need their personal space. She likes to hug. A lot. Seriously, it's a bit much. It's great that's she's loving, but we are working on the whole "not everyone likes to be touched and hugged". P.S. I am one of those people. I don't know why. Maybe it's because I'm an only child and value my space. Or maybe I just find it weird. I am more than comfortable telling all the kiddos that I love them, but hugs? I just don't get it. Can someone explain to me the allure of hugging? I guess it's just not my thing.

Yay for Recons!

2009-06-24T20:30:00.003-08:00

So while washing my awesome finds from my local Salvation Army, I thought I would look up some recon websites. That's when I came across Nikkishell's ingenious "Wardrobe Refashion Pledge". I promptly signed up for the 6 month challenge. This really shouldn't be too much of a stretch as I am fairly broke when it comes to leftover money for clothes shopping. I have resorted to being quite...frugal.

The Yimmy makes fun of me and states that I need to realize we are no longer in the Great Depression, and that I do not infact, need to resort to salvaging zippers and buttons off of old clothes. But that's cool with me. A zipper is a zipper, wether or not it was on an old pair of pants or I just bought it.

The Stone Soup Challenge

2009-03-18T17:43:00.003-08:00

Today I just signed up for The Stone Soup Challenge. If you aren't aware of what it is, check out http://www.stonesoupchallenge.blogspot.com/

Sorry I couldn't just have a highlighted word that you click on and it takes you to that website. I haven't delved that far into the workings of blogging just yet.

Anyway....here is an excerpt from their website:
The Stone Soup Challenge is a grassroots movement founded by artist Laura Bray. The goal of the challenge is for artists and crafters to help one another by promising to use a portion of their monthly profits to invest in a fellow artist's shop. To join us in helping artists everywhere and to read more about the challenge, please go to this post.

Really neat huh?

And since I'm on the topic of supporting your fellow crafters, check out www.handmademovement.com. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, they patronize a fellow etsy member...secretly. Awesome idea!

I am so old school

2009-03-12T16:53:00.002-08:00

So today was the offical christening of my very first blog. I am still not quite sure how this all works, so please be patient with me. Sad huh? At 24 years old, I have no clue what I'm doing with blogging. I blame it on the fact that I'm in Alaska, and really, most of the time we're still doing things the "frontier" way. However, I'm from New York and really should know better.