Yard Art Plan

The yard art plan ~ every tree with a large enough branch will have a macramé project hanging, blowing in the wind. This is the first one out…

Several more are ready, including those I shared last week.

I have one in the window on the spring rod under construction! And, I have enough cording for one more. Then I will stop. I have to stop myself! This is so addictive!

I’m easily obsessed / entertained when it comes to learning something new!

I haven’t forgotten about the hand embroidery Chicken project! I started February before leaving Dallas and haven’t touched it since I’ve been home. That will change once the last macramé project is completed – which should be today!

Setting a 2018 goal of severely limiting my time on Facebook has been the best thing I could have ever done! I’m finding myself much more productive, and a lot less moody! Oh, and also, clicking that “unfollow” key on several folks has certainly helped as well!

Anyway, according to this morning’s 10-day forecast, it’s going to be a little longer before I will heat up the sewing room, or we start constructing the chicken coop. That’s okay. I’m keeping busy! 

How are you keeping busy?

Good morning, October!

My 86 year young mother leaves in the morning after almost a week with us here at the ranch. It’s been a delightful visit, creating a host of memories I will treasure always. I posted a photo-journal of most of our daily events on Facebook. Through this album, I’ve shared with family and friends, and now you! It is such a blessing to have had this time with her.

Although I have a major custom order to finish (thankfully, the completion delay is understood), I have worked on it a bit while she has helped me tremendously by sorting through my trim stash!

That is, once she’s come inside from working on touching up the mural she created back in 1994ish!

Still, I’ve been having an internal fight with myself to not worry about the order, but to focus on Momma, and my time with her.

This is a total reminder… focus on the day…

And, that’s exactly what I’m going to do!

We’re crossing the cattle guard in a little while, heading south for our last outing before Bud takes her home tomorrow! We have errands to run and a fun meeting to attend this morning, then more errands!

I’ll let tomorrow take care of itself…

it usually does!

New Thanksgiving Experience

I read so many heartwarming stories and well-wishes on Facebook over the Thanksgiving holiday. It’s been wonderful to read through them all. Although several of us had a totally different from “traditional” experience, I’m grateful an abundance of gratitude resonated across my online community.

In my home, some traditions stayed the same…

Someone always takes a pinch from the rising yeast rolls!

Anyhoo…

I’m part of the Facebook group, Quilt of Valor, and over the past few days, a member shared what her family did over Thanksgiving. She said it’s a new family tradition - a "Thanksgiving Collaboration" - started this year. I thought it was such an amazing project that I wanted to share with you!

Three generations contributed to the endeavor. They made the quilt blocks, then they assembled the top, sewed it together, created the border, and then she loaded it in her longarm quilting machine! One of her last entries stated the quilt was DONE (meaning QUILTED) before “time to get the dinner on the table.”

Thank you, Lori K. (Washington), for letting me share your pictures!

“We” – Momma & me, with my husband "supervising" – worked on the border for one of the three quilts Gail and I assembled from the blocks created by Lori and Dona (sent from California). It's one quilt from the "Just One Block" Community QOV project. We had a grand time while creating a new Thanksgiving experience.

Next year, I will have a longarm quilting machine and Momma will see a quilt TOTALLY finished while she’s here visiting over Thanksgiving!

Have you wondered?

Steps toward making one QOV:

1. Purchase fabric for top, backing, and batting
2. Pre-wash/dry/press fabric
3. Cut out
4. Sew pieces together making blocks
5. Assemble blocks, attach border
6. Load into quilting machine
7. Quilt
8. Bind
9.  Label
10. Wash/dry finished quilt
11. Create presentation case to hold the quilt (a pillowcase)
12.  Have quilt blessed during church service
13. *Present Veteran with quilt

One week worth of work, that’s it, to do #1-12.

At least 52 quilts per year!!! And, that’s only if I made the quilt top myself! If others make them and send them me to quilt, I could do so many more in one week/month/year! How wonderful would that be!?!?!

*Number 13 may be a few weeks, or a specific future time with multiple finished quilts when many Veterans receive quilts at once, like during an American Legion special event, or to answer a call-out. For example, my Region 4 coordinator needs 50 quilts before February 1-2, 2014, for presentation to Naval Reservists Returning, RWW Honor Banquet in Austin.

Without having a quilting machine, the minimum time to create a quilt from start to finish is 30 days. That’s only 12 per year, if I’m lucky!

This is why I started the funding campaign to help finance the long arm quilting machine…will you donate a dollar?

Thank you!

Sewing Groups

Are you part of a sewing support group? With access to the Internet, it doesn’t have to be a physical group, where you travel somewhere and gather with like-minded folks in person. In this day and time, virtual groups are but finger tips away! I’ve found some on Facebook, groups.yahoo.com, and I’m sure others are out there.

A while back, I created an open group on Facebook. The Sewists Group “about” states:

This is a support group of like-minded folks to talk about the love (and sometimes the frustration!) of sewing, receive help on any issues/problems related to sewing, and share ideas/links!

In September, I don’t know how I found them, but I stumbled across the Facebook group, Sew Modern Dallas Chicks! They meet at various places around Dallas (like a Hobby Lobby) as well as have online challenges! I didn’t get a chance to attend a gathering while in Dallas, but I do intend on participating in their October online challenge!

Their “about” states:

This Dallas-based sewing group is for beginners through advanced sewists. Do you want to learn or love to sew, quilt, embroider or any other artsy sewing? We sew just about anything from clothing and fashion accessories to home decor! We meet at a few stores around the Dallas area (primarily the North Dallas area) to learn the basics to advanced techniques. We also have open sewing known as ‘Saturday Sewing Socials’. We occasionally attend area sewing events.

If you’re on Facebook, how do you find sewing groups?

Search “Sewing”

Refine the search by clicking “Groups”

Scroll down the list! To see more, click the down arrow (bottom center of the list) to load more!

Don’t fret if it says “Closed Group” – click “Join” if the description suits your fancy! As soon as you click join, it changes to “Request sent” and most likely, after the group’s administrator sees your request, you’ll be approved! The group name will show up on your “home” Facebook page.

Once you’re in a group, if you don’t think it’s worthwhile, simply click “Leave group” and it’s done!

For me, groups on Facebook are much easier to find and become part of the discussion than Yahoo.

Do you have an online group? Are you part of a group that you would like to recommend? I love learning from others and see what others are doing!

P.S. Since I posted this article, I found & joined two more groups on Facebook!

1. Sewing Tote Bags and Purses
2. Sew Many Sewing Friends

Game Plan - Part 3

When I return to the studio, I don’t plan to “cross the cattle” guard for a good while! I hope it works out this way! (It's already changed! Must attend training to work the November election! Oh well, at least I'm working!) Setting up a game plan has been a big help to keep me focused and on point. After I get a bunch done shared in Part 1 and Part 2, I plan to create a few things I found during the September long National Sewing Month’s celebration ~ for myself.

I recently made a camo handbag but it needs to be a bit larger for all the stuff I carry around with me. The next one will have an internal zipper like Craft Passion explains in her tutorial.

Although summer 2013 is over, I think the wide brim hat is perfect protection from the Texas fall/winter sun rays as well. Before I start the much needed work on our keyhole garden before winter hits (readying it for a spring garden), I need something like this. I’m thankful The Weekend Designer provided a great tutorial.

I have a bit of muslin fabric in my stash I’m sure won’t be used in the other projects previously listed/planned. I believe it will be perfect to try my hand at printing… oops, reminds me, I need to put celery on the grocery list! Wonder what I could make to display the original printed fabric? Maybe a pillow?

I know I have to wait a while before tackling the suitcase. I would love to work on it, to get it done to help organize my dolly things, but I must place it on the bottom of my list. 

And, Last But Not Least … I want to learn how to use my new embroidery machine!!!! I need quiet time to study and practice…

Now, something fun for you…

• When you see a post on my Facebook page, something like: “Part 1, DONE” or “Part 2, DONE” etc. ~ you’ll know what I’m talking about!
•  Be the first to comment on my Facebook page, mentioning at least three (3) items I should have completed to be “Done” and win a handmade prize!

Good luck!

National Sewing Month

Hey, Sewists across the nation and around the world! What an exciting month we have before us! September is National Sewing Month! Did you know? Back in 1982, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed September as National Sewing Month stating in part:

In recognition of the importance of home sewing to our Nation.

I’ve written a blog post each day during September for the past few years. Last year I cheated as I invited folks I know to share their love for sewing! Several family members, friends I know personally, and friends I’ve met through Facebook helped me with the articles. I believe it was a fabulous way to cheat because others – who didn’t have a blog of their own – had a venue to share their inspiration and love for sewing with me and my readers!

Check out the archives when you get a chance. And, maybe, hopefully, they will leave a comment letting us know what they’ve been up to in this past year!

I’m away from the Lanetta’s Creations studio this September but have created a make-shift space within my mother’s family room. In between serving as primary caregiver while she recovers from a broken femur, I’m working on a few things, and playing with some new toys I’ll tell you about later!

My ArtFire Studio, Lanetta’sCreations, is temporarily closed (I just couldn’t bring my inventory here), but will reopen once momma returns to living independently - and I'm back home! A few special orders are in the works because folks have seen pictures on my Facebook page and have asked questions!

I love folks asking questions, like can you / will you make this or that for me in this or that color?!!?

Thank goodness, when I arrived in Dallas back in July, I did bring with me – my favorite of all time sewing machine: my Pfaff 1475CD. I absolutely love this machine!

September is a special month, one I hold dear to my heart – because it’s National Sewing Month! Although, this year, I doubt I’ll post an article every day! I hope you find them informative, fun, and worthwhile to read!

Stay tuned!

I Wouldn't be any Other Place

It’s interesting the way things happen. I wrote my last post, Things in Order, exactly ten days before the Lord called my daddy home. Between then and the phone call at 6:10 p.m. on January 28^th, I worked and worked, getting my things in order. I’m still not finished, but that’s okay. I’m now working on getting things in order for Momma.

I wouldn’t be any other place.

Although I’ve set my ArtFire Studio to “vacation” mode right now (due to timely shipping issues since I’m away), I so appreciate customers contacting me via email. Several places, such as Facebook and Pinterest, have pictures of my products, with links. I am receiving inquiries and continue to receive special orders.

I’m grateful to each and every one of you!

It’s a nice break from paperwork to create an apron (or 4!) for a special occasion!

Thank you!

Lanetta

Eleventh Day of Christmas

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ~ Eleven Pipers-Piping. It’s an interesting symbolism between the Pipers Piping and the Eleven faithful disciples. Now I can get this one.

Have you heard of the Purpose Fairy? I started following her on Facebook a while back. I’ve been to her website often and have never been disappointed. Among all of them, she has this particular blog post “11 Things You Should Start Doing for Yourself Today” that I highly recommend!

Just by the headings alone, I hope she will inspire you to read what she says about:

1. Start breathing properly, softly and deeply
2. Let go of your personal history – enjoy the present
3. Let go of all those things that no longer serve you
4. Forgive yourself for past mistakes
5. Forgive all those people who have hurt you
6. Release all judgments you have placed upon yourself and others
7. Expect the best from life
8. Nurture the relationship you have with yourself and others
9. Start treating yourself as you would want others to treat you
10. Start to nurture your mind, body, heart and spirit
11. Develop an attitude of gratitude

Source: Purpose Fairy's Facebook page!

Now, for a little crafty inspiration, this clever person made her own ink stamp! Okay, I’m adding this to my list of things I want to learn how to do!

Click on the picture and it will open up her site!

Make your own stamp!!!

How clever is this?!?

When things go wrong

Yesterday - within the Facebook’s Sewist Group - we had a discussion about when everything seems to go wrong while sewing. 

Sometimes, enough is enough ripping out stitches!

Sometimes it’s better to just walk away for a while, and then come back to the project.

Many times, I/we keep on and on until total frustration sets in and our mood sours beyond repair for the remaining day/evening!

What can we do during this time when we’re working on a deadline, and can’t afford the time away from the project?

What can we do to change the mindset? Find the happy sewing place again?

What will lift our inner altitude and get things back on track?

Here are several suggestions the group came up with, plus some of my own:

• Wash face and put on makeup, including lipstick!
• Spritz on a favorite perfume
• Spray air freshener around the sewing area
• Light a candle
• Go for a brisk walk – get fresh air & the blood pumping through the brain (and fingertips) again
• Change up background noise … television/radio/silence
• Pray continuously

What would you add to the list for others to try when they’re having a bad day/go of sewing?

It's Live!

Back in August, I was reading posts on Facebook and happened to catch a call out by the folks at National Sewing Month. They asked something like, if you had a sewing blog, and wanted to list the link to it, then do so in the comments and they would get back with you. Well, they got back with me! I received an invitation to write an article for their blog! This honor/article went live yesterday!! They also include a giveaway! I hope you check out the article, leave a comment, and enter the giveaway!

You will not be surprised when you read Simply Priceless.

The Sewing Camp 101 at So Sew Etc was so much FUN...

... and went along with the theme for National Sewing Month!

I know I mentioned it Monday, but didn’t explain then that it was the NSM post, and their invitation that got me to thinking! This is why I reached out to a few women I know personally, and those I've met through Facebook, and extended an invitation to complete an “interview” for Lanetta’s Creations! The first begins tomorrow!

Hope you have a Splendid Saturday!

Tuesday Tip - Make Your Own Dress Form

The Main Reason Why I Love Facebook: it’s a community of friends helping one another. It’s the support, prayers, and camaraderie we share, quickly closing the separation gap between the sixth degrees. 

 A prime example of this support/camaraderie,

and the separation gap closing,

is shown through a recent conversation. 

A few days ago, a friend ~I met through another friend ~ posted this question on her Facebook wall:

Ok I have a huge favor to ask. Does anyone know somewhere I can buy a dress form for J? She is really getting into sewing and wants one to create more things.

The first comment came from the friend who introduced us:

Lanetta will probably know. you know me, I'd check amazon!

A response came back:

I found some on there and they are around $60 not including shipping. Hoping to find them cheaper but I know thats gonna be hard.

I didn’t see this conversation until the next morning, Saturday morning about 5:00. When I did, I posted this comment:

I've only seen lady sizes! But, I have seen how to make one! Let me do some searching ... be back later!

About twenty minutes later, I posted the comment:

Oh, my! I did a Google search on "How to build your own dress form" ... do you all have any duct tape? Lots of giggles, but they have a great/clever idea! I shared this YouTube link.

A bit later she writes:

Guess what me and J are making today. :)

Within two hours they went shopping, bought hot pink duct tape & some with butterflies, then returned home, and had created the form! It was DONE! I know this timeframe because she posted pictures of the progress/completed J's Duct Tape Dress Form!

Thank you so much, Stacy,

for allowing me to share the pictures!

Rather than using newspapers, or shopping bags, they used old jeans they had readily available to stuff J's body form. After cutting away seams, pockets, zippers, this is what's left over from the six pairs of jeans used!

On Sunday, J’s sweet, supportive dad constructed the perfect stand to hold the dress form:

Happy Camper J is now ready to design her own fashions! Project Runway, watch out!

Do you need a customized dress form? Have a friend over and make one (or two)! Did you know duct tape now comes in fun colors and prints? Check it out!

Even if you don't sew, or you're not a fashion designer like J, I could see using this dress form for several reasons! Especially one: I hate to iron a blouse or dress, just to hang it up on a coat hanger and let it get "hanger nipples" again while I'm getting ready to go out (otherwise, why iron something, right?)!

Would love to hear if you make one! Or, if you have created a duct tape dress form already, please share any suggestions/tips!