MdDS Update and New Projects

I know, I know... it's been too long! Well let me catch you up. In early December I had another recurrence. Most of my days were 3-4, sometimes 5-6. Needless to say, anytime in front of the computer doesn't help much. I did my usual stint of upping my vitamin D, and found something new. I'm sure many of you out there in cyber world have heard of the Whole30 diet? Well in case you haven't I recommend checking out YouTube.  In a nutshell, its super, severely strict Paleo. I followed it to the letter for a full 60 days, not just 30. I was late in the game, but attribute it to one of the things that helped put me back in remission. Yes, just one of the things. The other is all the walking I started doing when I got my new puppy in February. 

Isn't she just the cutest?!!!

Towards the end of April, was the last day I remember having any symptoms. I remember the exact last moment I felt any real symptoms. I was at a Business Boutique Conference and they had some flashing lights on stage that made me a bit fuzzy, but I looked away and covered my eyes for a moment and then felt fine. Don't get me wrong, my symptoms had started diminishing over the past few weeks, where I'd go a few hours without really noticing any movement, but then at night it always seemed to be somewhat present. Then after that day really nothing other than the occasional light-headedness that I usually get from sinus issues.  Honestly, after that conference I was feeling so inspired and positive, it was hard to not feel great!

Christy Wright and Dave Ramsey on stage at Business Boutique Conference 

As for the "new" projects, I'm still attempting to keep up with my painting group. This year I've only managed to complete one project thanks to my symptoms.  This beautiful zentangled piece designed by Golda Rader. "1958 Prom Dress".

Sewing projects... I've gotten only a few done, and not the ones I should be working on...

 



A princess dress for my niece Lulu...

 and one for niece P.J.











They turned out pretty cute and the girls loved them... just in time for Easter.  BUT I still have a wedding dress that needs a makeover. I've been procrastinating thanks in part to my mind going a million miles a minute thinking about all the other things I want to do..... ah... there's the A.D.D!!! hahaha!
But wait... SQUIRREL!!! Here's another new hobby I've been working on since last year...

There's more, but if you want to see them, you'll have to wait till I get them into my Etsy shop! Hopefully that will be soon. I'll keep you  all posted!  <3 umbrellagirl!

Reversible Twirly Skirts

This Christmas, I decided I was going to sew some skirts for my nieces. I found 2 fabrics I thought the girls would love. Red for Tessa, and Blue for Natalie.

 

I thought about making them from some store bought patterns, but then I found this blog post... MamaMakesStuff.com

I followed the directions mostly...

I used Swedish tracing paper and followed the instructions for measurement

But decided I wanted more twirly in the twirly skirt, so I used 6 inches between the cuts instead of 3.

 Gave the pattern a seam allowance of 5/8 inch but, trust me it really didn't need it.

Then I got caught up in having the skirt lined... or better yet why not make it reversible.

HOW FUN!!!

Here's the results

Not too shabby... Can't wait to see them twirl!

Learning How to Sew is Not for the Faint of Heart...

Lesson 2 of my new sewing class DARTS- This takes patience. Actually I'm beginning to think that all sewing takes patience. Why do you make a point, but you aren't really sewing to that point... you are sewing do a different point about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch above that point to the fold. then along the fold to the point???  Yes its perfectly logical. hahaha.
Lesson 3 Button holes. Very exciting in class. The sewing machines they use there have this awesome little foot that you stick the button in and it makes the perfect sized button hole for you. Then I came home and tried it on my machine. I do not have the same kind of button hole foot. BOO!!!! I actually will have to measure and mark my button holes.

See the button holes on the sides of the fabric? those were done in class. The one in the middle was done on my machine at home. Yes, the same size button. <sigh> I need some practice.


On a brighter note. I found a podcast about sewing that I really enjoy called "Sew Forth Now". Lori offers great tips, tricks and interviews all sorts of amazing people in the sewing world. It really makes my day go faster. I've also started following her blogs. "Sew Forth Now" and "Girls In The Garden". Although the podcasts are 2012 and older, I'm hoping maybe there maybe some more in the future. I can imagine 2 blogs is very timely, so  "Girls in the Garden" seems to be the one to read for current things she's working on. Its nice to follow someone with so much knowledge about my new found hobby. I'm hoping someday it will be more than that. It's really a great skill to have.