Busy, Busy, Busy

Do you ever get so busy/stressed that you just shut down?  That's where I'm at today.  I have an overflowing 'To-Do List', which involves a lot of sewing, pattern refinement, and decision making.  I want everything that I produce and/or has my name on it to be perfect, although I know that its an impossible feat as I'm an imperfect person, living in an imperfect world- plain and simple.

That's all I have for tonight...I just wanted to get it off my chest.  A new day is just around the corner (2 hours and counting).

Oh, and because posts without a picture are a tad bit boring...even on a bad day (maybe especially on a bad day) this little guy makes me smile from ear to ear!  :)

Notice A Change???

Hi Friends! If you're new, welcome, and if you're a regular you might have noticed a change or two!?!  I've been working with my sweet {new} friend Christa on a new blog design, as well as an awesome Etsy button, and an equally awesome Etsy banner! Christa is a very talented graphic design student and FIDM, and is working on launching CJae Photograpy & Design, so if you have a Facebook account, please do me a favor and 'like; Christa's page to stay up to date on her new business venture! :)

In case you missed it...below is the old and outdated blog design (by me)!  I don't think I can 100% express how excited I am to have a whole new look, and not to mention that Christa hand sketched the awesome sewing machine, as well as the Made With Love font- woo hoo!  (I'm telling you, she is crazy talented!)  Thanks again Christa!

So Close, Yet So Much To Do!

It's officially Tuesday, and the Craft Show is Friday afternoon- yikes! If you're local and are thinking about stopping by (yeah!), all of the details are provided below...


I feel as though I have completed much of the required preparation, yet my to-do list is still intense! The sewing portion is almost complete as I worked on seven Coffee Burlap Tote Bags yesterday, which need to be top-stitched, and then they are ready to make their debut at the Craft Show! :)


In addition to completing the Coffee Burlap Tote Bags, I need to:

• Complete my table set up (we did a trial run last weekend, and I was pleasantly surprised that I had much more product on the table than I had anticipated!).
• Coffee Burlap Tote Bag display (this is probably the biggest item on my to-do list!!!). I sketched up a PVC pipe display to place on my table where the Tote Bags would hang at eye level. With time not on my side, I need to decide today whether or not I'm going to make a display or place the Tote Bags in a basket on the table....ahhhh decisions! ;)
  
• Price tags (we'll be making cute worm tags, with the Cricut machine, to attach to all of the baskets on the table that will have the price and info about the product).
• Cut out fabric 'Squirmy Worm' letters to temporarily adhere to the fall bunting I received at the Craft Swap (I plan to hang the banner at the front of my table).
• Print Squirmy Worm Studio stickers to adhere to the brown kraft bags I picked up for all purchases.
• Swing by the bank for change, etc.
  
• If time permits, I hope to make a few more of the Appliqued Zippered Pouches...
  

I Need To Prioritize- ASAP!!!

Not much to report this Sunday, except for the fact that I have a million and a half started projects, with no finished projects in sight! :( Lately I've found that because my to do list has become so extensive that I can easily jump from project to project when I become a tad bit restless (which is not a good habit!).

Projects In Progress:
1. Quilt Top (close to being complete)
2. Tooth Fairy Pillow (I'm doing a boy pillow and have tons of ideas!)
3. Custom Order Diaper Pod (due mid-August)
4. Custom Order Nursing Cocoon (due mid-August)
5. Custom Order Personalized Sloppy Worm Wipe (due mid-August)
6. Craft Swap Item (Prototype only; 5 completed items due end of September)

To-Do List:
1. Flannel Pajama Pants (x2)
2. Zippered Make-up Bag
. Zippered Pencil Pouch
4. Burlap Market Bags

Whew...I'm tired after typing up those two lists! ;)

On a personal note, if you are the praying type please keep me in mind Tuesday at 11am as I have a phone interview with a prospective employer. I haven't interviewed in 4+ years so I'm a teeny bit nervous, but I'm hoping for the best! :)

It's Calling My Name!

I stumbled across The Toy Society (TTS) today, in which volunteers (like you and me!) spread love throughout the streets of the world. Per TTS's blog, "Nothing to it really just a bunch of handmade toys looking for a nice home. What started as a small street art project in Australia is slowly spreading around the world. Should you come across a member of The Toy Society on your travels collect them up and take them home with you!".

The whole concept makes me smile- the thought of handmade toys replacing the dangerous mass-produced toys, the surprise on a child's face, the joy of giving. My December is proving to be a bit hectic, but I'll make sure to carve away some time for TTS...now the question is where should I leave the toy?

One last thing. If you're interested in participating and questioning what kind of toy to make, TTS offers links to a couple of tutorials on their blog (left hand column). I have my eye on the Softy Scottie Dog!

In Search of Motivation!

I must make a confession, as I have not crafted since Mr. Made With Love and I returned home from the cruise (gasp!). I believe the lack of motivation has to do with the fact that my kitchen table is actually clean (getting my sewing stuff out always makes a mess...I'm sure you all can relate!), and the fact that my days at work have been long thus I'm only in the mood to veg after 5pm.

With all that said I do have a couple things on my To-Do List:

• I have to photograph and send my Snail Mail Craft Swap project to Alia (I'm crossing my fingers that she loves it...PS- keep your eye out for the photo reveal sometime next week!);


• I must finish a baby bib for a first birthday on Monday (I'll post a photo this weekend as my Mom embroidered the bib and I'm sewing it together [nothing like tag teaming it!]);


• I also promised Mr. D that his Steelers quilt would be completed by the end of October (since football season is HERE...I better get my booty in gear!);


• I also have a Christmas order for 5 Amy Karol Artsy Clutches (which is quite exciting!);


• I also must begin work on my Craft Swap project. [Yep you read correctly; the last Craft Swap was such a success that we've decided to meet again!]. Note- If you are interested in starting your own Craft Swap, it's quite simple and I totally encourage you to take the plunge! Reach out to a couple of your crafty friends (and note if they don't live in the same City you can do a Snail Mail Craft Swap). Please feel free to share the link above should you and your friends need Craft Swap ideas/inspiration. I'm also available via email or comments!

I'm also toying with the idea of opening an Etsy shop, which is exciting and nerve-racking all at the same time! If you're willing, I would love to hear your experiences of opening an Esty shop (the good, bad, and ugly).

While I'm at it, I would also like to participate in Blue Eyed Blessings monthly craft challenge, however with my To-Do List above, the timing may not work out this time. Head on over to Heidi's blog to learn more about the craft challenge, as all this month the challenge is to make something Halloween or Fall themed. All entries are due October 1st.

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For all of my local fans, Ginger's Quilt Shoppe is having their anniversary sale this Saturday! I believe Ginger and Linda are offering 25% off all fabrics (with a one yard minimum cut). Perhaps I'll see you there!