Thank you Mr. UPS

Been on a fabric binge the last week or so.  I would love to be able to buy every single print that I like, but unfortunately my wallet doesn't allow that.  I have to be really picky about what I choose. In the beginning, I was quick to choose and some of those fabric choices were not the best.  Let's just say it takes a long time to get rid of 15yards of fabric, especially 15 yards of not so exciting fabric.  Inspiration goes straight out the window! 
Sometimes the choices are so overwhelming, that I end up buying nothing.  I can't even pick a restaurant to eat at for goodness sakes.  I usually just make my husband choose.  I've even been known to call him when he's not with me and ask "What do I want to eat today?".  That is for real and true.  So, choosing fabric is a very difficult task for me because, well, it's totally and completely up to me.  I'm the one that has to work with it and stare at it everyday as it sits on the shelf just waiting to be made into something completely fanstatic! 

I've been searching out fabrics for a while and have settled on a few.  Some came in today and I LOVE it!  I see lots of ruflled pants and matching appliqued tops in store for these two-

My collection is definitely growing!  

Will be ordering more this week... If I can ever get caught up, I may be able to actually USE some of these and create new things!!

Color Inspires Me

Who doesn't love color? I help teach a bible class for a group of teens on Wednesday nights.  At the beginning of class last night, we were talking about our favorite colors and I had a really hard time figuring out my favorite.  I finally decided on brown and one of the girls in my class did not like that at all.  I know its weird, but I truly love so many shades of brown! I also gravitate towards brown when choosing fabrics to work with, however, I wouldn't say the color brown inspires me.  What really gets me going is when I see lots of colors together.  I love a beautiful print with a deep rich pallete.  I work well when surrounded by new and fresh color. 

I received a shipment of tulle the other day and when I lined them all up on the table I just had to step back and exhale.  Ideas were free flowing that day! I cherish those kinds of moments, because those are the ones that keep me going in this business.  I'm expecting a shipment of fabric any day now and I can't WAIT to open it up and be inspired all over again! What inspires you?

The Dental Stand-off

Yesterday Maddie had an appointment with the dentist to fill two cavities and also get sealant put on her teeth.  She was pretty excited about it since we told her she wouldn't have to go to school afterwards because her mouth would probably be swollen and numb.  Paul believes in telling the kids exactly what is going to happen with things like this (which I also believe in, but sometimes, you have to figure out when the right time is).  So before they even left the house he told her she needed to be prepared to get a shot in the mouth before they could fill the cavity.  Maddie does not like shots. At all.  I mean, what kid does right?
As soon as the words left his mouth, she began to melt down.  I wish I had a picture but really I was too busy trying to figure out how Paul was going to pry her off the wall.  She clung to the wall between the hall and the front foyer, grasping onto the molding for dear life.  This child had legs and arms suctioned and was not going to let go without a fight.  Tears streaming down her face, begging not to go. More like demanding that she was NOT going in fact.  Paul had to grab her legs which made her horizontal to the ground as she continued to hang on with her hands.  He finally got her free of the wall and the screaming commensed.  I'm sure all of the neighbors wondered what were we doing to our child!  He got her in the truck and I was thinking I'm glad he's the one taking her!!
He told me that all the way there she was crying and saying, "Isn't there another way dad...Please, isn't there another way?" Once they arrived, and he got out to get her out of her side, and she hit the door lock.  Thank goodness he had his keys and while he was carrying her in, she kicked her shoes off so he would have to go back and get them.  How do kids just know how to delay?
They get in there and she's still just pitiful.  The dentist couldn't even handle it! He decided her new teeth were really close to coming down and would knock out the cavitied ones so she ended up not having to get a shot!  I dread the day, she really does have to have one filled.  I hope Paul takes her to that one too!!!

Another birthday has come and gone.

I'm not sure why, but this year my birthday had me a little anxious.  It's not even a milestone birthday.  34.  Birthdays have never been that big of a deal to me, even as a child we had family parties and sometimes a few friends to sleepover but nothing major.  Mom always made me a cake and made me feel special (and still does) but it has never been something that just HAD to be done.  I thought I might feel weird about turning 30 but I didn't and ever year since has been the same.
However, this year, was a little different.  My husband kept telling me how many days I had left until the big day, and every time I would cringe inside.  Of course, it wasn't his fault, but I was kind of hoping it would just come and go and nobody would notice.  I mean, it's not even a multiple of 10 for goodness sakes. 
I planned to sleep in and mope all day.  Although I did sleep in (which was wonderful) I had no chance of moping.  I awoke to constant text messages and email beeps.  Paul made me breakfast.  He also made plans for my parents to pick up the kids at school so we could go to one of my favorite japanese steakhouses and not have to rush back for the kids.  All day, I received messages from friends and family letting me know I'm loved and it really changed my attitude.  I'm so thankful for all that I have, and I don't mean material things.  I have an amazing physical family, and also a wonderful spiritual family.  I have friends that I can count on when it's time to celebrate and also during my darkest times.  So yesterday I celebrated the fact that I'm alive and well.  I have been blessed beyond measure!

Cooper's Closet is HERE!

Twice a year, I participate in a local children's consignment event here is Columbus.  Come by and see me! I will have all my products and monogramming on-site :)

It officially opens to the public tomorrow! Here are times & location info: (not sure why it won't align correctly...)

Fall 2010 Sale

 ~Location~

1211 Highway 45 N

Columbus, MS

in the former Lia Fashion’s building

next to Hallmark and across from Leigh Mall

The Crossing Shopping Center

Public Sale:

Thursday, October 14th

10am-7pm

25% off Sale:

Friday, October 15th

10am-7pm

50% off Sale:

Saturday, October 16th

9am-1pm

Sack It Sale:

Sunday, October 17th 5pm-6pm

Mass Murder/Suicide in the Bathroom.

This is the scene I walked into the other night.

Apparently Maddie thought her barbies were in need of some cleansing.  Since my first thought was "What happened in here", followed by, "This reminds me of that crime scene...." I have decided I have watched too many crime shows. I liked CSI for a long time, that is until Grisham left and now I'm onto Dexter.  So bad, but so good!
On a totally different note- I have to brag on my son.  He has chores everyday that have to be done before he can play, go outside, invite a friend over, etc. Last night I saw him grabbing his clothes that needed to be put away so he wouldn't have to do it today after school.  THEN, this morning, he checked his bin again since I was washing more last night and put those away.  He also took out the garbage this morning, all without being asked to do it. When I asked him what made him think to do that he just simply replied, better now than later.  Love it when that happens!!



The Zombie Snowman-ish Creepy Turkey

Sometimes the ideas in my head don't always result in a good design.  I've seen some similar turkey designs using ribbon as the feathers and I thought- I can make that!  I have really been trying to create original appliques lately and I really thought I could really pull this one off as well.  Did I really use really that many times in that last sentence? Mercy. Ok, back to the story... Maybe I'm tired (ok I'm exhausted) but this design is not my best one yet.  I'm sure I'll go back and try to make it right, but it will be later, because right now, I can't even look at it!  It's creeping me out with those yellow eyes! 

Now, here are some other designs that I created that I'm quite proud of. 

It's a pretty simple process, it just takes time.  I draw out what I want, then scan it into my computer, then sort of trace it out using my software.  Then stitch it out and HOPE it doesn't turn out like that turkey!!!

Remember Cooper's Closet is next week (Oct. 14-16) and I hope to see you there!

Have a fabulous weekend :)

Ruching [ROO-shing]

I made some ruffle pants for my daughter a few weeks ago and I've been trying to think of something cute to monogram on the navy tee I had to go with them. I don't always get to do things for her and I wanted it to be different than what I usually do. She's getting older now and alot of what I do is for younger children.

I love the look of ruching (which is gathered strip fabric used for trim)! Instead of trim, I made her initial out of it and since I didn't used my embroidery machine, I could make it as big as I needed to. My little model was so good to let me get some shots with her wearing it- I don't think she ever takes a bad picture- of course, I'm not biased at ALL...

Making time to pray

I was reminded this morning to pray. I read our minister's blog here and it really helped me this morning realize how many times I subconsciously make excuses and go days-weeks without truly pouring my heart out to our awesome Creator.
I don't have time- that's a big lame one.
I forget- that's the truth but still doesn't justify.
I have ADD- I get frustrated because I have so many thoughts but I can't seem to put it together.
Does He really hear me anyway?- this one is hard to even write. I KNOW He does but I wonder if I just don't think He's big enough sometimes to handle my needs.

So many old friends, new friends, school friends, are in need of prayer this week. I want to lift them up and I hope you will too. Even if you don't know them, add them to your list please!

*Emmalyn - newborn of a friend that was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder. Lots of visits to Jackson each week for blood work for the rest of her life. VERY special diet and feedings every 2 hours no matter what.
*Ethan - 3 1/2 month old of a friend in surgery RIGHT NOW to repair two holes in his little heart.
*Lizzie - daughter of a high school friend very recently in a car accident recovering from surgery & infections
*Darren - high school friend just learned of cancer
*Brandi - my very best friend- pray for God to fill her with joy

I know there are so many more that are in need of God's comfort. I am so very thankful for the blessings in my life and I pray they will continue. I pray for purpose and to always be a light in this dark, dark world.

My day is already off to a great start, knowing I've talked about it with my Father. Hope you will stop whatever it is that you are doing right now and start your conversation with the One that brings hope and love into our lives.

fall... ahhhh...

I am loving this cool crisp weather! This summer was so hot and I was beginning to wonder if we were going to even have a fall. The cooler air has arrived and it is so pleasant. On days like today, I turn off the air conditioner and open the windows while I work. Love love love it! Now I normally don't ride in the car with the windows down because I get a headache from it but I just couldn't help myself. Picking up the kids from school was much more enjoyable with them down. I hope you are taking advantage of this weather as I am- winter is just around the corner and there'll be no more open windows :(

Maddie rode like this all the way home.

Thank you God for the simple things in life that bring me joy :)

What a mess

I was finishing up an order Friday, and all I needed was my small grommet tool. I searched everywhere and it was no where to be found. Then it hit me. A few weeks ago I re-organized my studio and there was one spot that I didn't get to. It ended up being a catch-all and I thought, I BET that's where my tool is hiding. It was, but as you can see, it was at the bottom of the pile. Now I have this mess to deal with. I tried to work around it and that didn't work out. So tomorrow, I'm dealing with it and not in a way that will put it right back the way it was. That's what got me into trouble in the first place right? Not only that but a messy workspace really hinders production. I just can't function in it! Wish me luck!

You're only as old as you feel...

Well I must be 72 then. I slept on my arm so it was numb when I woke up. My arthritic knee is having one of those days... So getting out of bed was comical, even to me. Add to that hobbling along. I'm sure you get the picture. Now that I've been up and moving for a while, everything seems to be working properly but man I felt old for a little bit. It happens alot actually! I really find it funny that I plan to work on more nap mat covers today. Especially since all I want to do is take nap. Maybe I should 'test' one of them out. Just kidding... Hate to write without a picture so here are the covers I've made so far :)

Laundry. Blehh.

Somedays I think my purpose in life is to do laundry. I mean, there is always laundry to be done AND I'm pretty good at it. I feel like I do laundry all day. I get up, put in a load. An hour later, put that load in the dryer, start second load. Go about my business, then at lunch, fold then put them away in bins. Start over. It's a never ending cycle. It's 11:07pm and I just started another round. How does one family have so many clothes?? I ask myself this question many times a day. If you are wondering what the heck bins are, well they are in the picture. One for each of us, except for dad. He gets 3. It works well especially for the kids. One of their everyday chores it to check their bin for clothes and if there is any there (like they even have to check to know if there is clothes...its a given!) they put them away. So you are probably wondering why am I talking about laundry on my store blog? Well for one, it's my only blog. I can't imagine trying to keep up with more than one. That stresses me out just thinking about it. So from time to time you'll get to hear me ramble about what's on my mind, whether it be business related or personal. For another, laundry is just a huge part of my life whether I like it or not. I'm guessing this is the same for everyone and I'm sure you can relate! At least I hope someone can out there :) Gotta go, time to switch to the dryer...

I cannot live without lists.

I love lists. I cleaned out my purse the other day and I think I threw away 5 or 6 lists. Were they completely taken care of? No. I wish I could say that making a list makes it possible for me to complete my task. But sadly, I usually aim for 'most' of the list to be done and am happy with that. I think I make unattainable lists so that way I know its impossible to complete and I don't feel like such a failure when I don't make it through the whole thing. My list for the next few weeks is huge so I better get off this thing and start working on it. Cooper's Closet is so close, and I still have so many things to do.

I suppose I don't have enough to do.

Actually that's not true. I have WAY too much to do but I feel like I should have a blog! I had one on typepad for a while but it really was too expensive for my needs. Hopefully I'll be able to keep this one updated with the going ons with The Figg Boutique!