Breezy PJ's

I needed some summer pj's that were lightweight and non-ugly. I realize that "need" is a strong word here. But in my defense, there are plenty of days that I don't change into real clothes and if my jammies are this cute, I can justify it.
I am particularly proud of these because I made them from scratch!!! No pattern. Okay, enough fronting...I'm scared of patterns. They make me nervous. I measured and eye-balled a similar pair of pre-existing pj's as a guide. Next go 'round, I will use a little heavier fabric. Somewhere between flannel and cheese cloth lies the perfect material. This one was hard to keep together - it leans more towards cheesecloth. We'll see how they hold up. But I guess you get what you pay for when you shop the dollar bin at the fabric store!














I still need to learn how to use a pattern. But it's so nerve-racking! Plus, every time I start the instructions I get frustrated with the pattern lady telling me what to do. She doesn't know what I like! Besides, there are too many steps. I want shortcut patterns.
Or I need to just stop whining and do it.
Ugh!

My Ear-rangs (you have to say it like that)

My original intent was to just shorten the long blue-green ones (on the chain). These have been hanging in my closet for a while in the "what were you thinking" section. John Jay pointed out that they rested on my collar bone (as a joke) so I figured it was time to re-do them. But before I even started on those, I saw those sparkling little crystals staring at me...begging me to turn them into earrings. So I played for a while and this is what I came up with. Fortunately, John Jay was home to watch Judah since I get tunnel vision. I love making jewelry - especially wrapping the wire. I don't know why that's so satisfying, but it is. It ranks right up there with watching the presser foot eat fabric, coloring with a red crayon, and using bright blue paint on a fresh canvas.
You can see them better in these first photos, but I had to include the one with the nosy polar bear.

Happy Mother's Day! (clever title, eh?)

My mom asked me to paint this for her a few years ago. She wanted something peaceful and serene with the verse "come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Okay, I'm now realizing how lame this looks...me just reminding her of gifts I've given in the past! But I'm going somewhere, I promise...

My parents are moving to Nashville, pretty much as I write. So for this Mother's Day I told her I would paint any thing she wanted in the new house - within reason. No Sistine Ceiling replicas. For Mrs. Gina, we gave her a mounted 8x10 of this:



















The way to her heart is definitely through pictures...well, and monogrammed napkins.
It's so great making things for parents and in-laws. No matter what it looks like, they love it. It's like being in kindergarten again!
Happy Mother's Day Mom and Mrs. Gina! We love you!!!!

I must return to my Mother's Day cake. I woke up this morning to an entire carrot cake from our local bakery. It has nuts on it...so it really is all mine!!!! My hubby knows me so well.
Oh yeah...to see a casual, candid shot of me in motherly action, go here.

Zoës Coleslaw

In a few weeks the 3 of us will be leaving for our family vacation to Destin. John Jay's family has a cute little cottage that's walking distance to the beach! We are just another couple on the long list of newlyweds who have honeymooned there over the years. One of our favorite places to visit is Zoës Kitchen. They make the best slaw! I tried to recreate it and this is what I came up with:

-bagged shredded cabbage (coleslaw mix)
-feta cheese
-chopped green onion
-pepper
-Newman's Own Tuscan Italian Dressing

You all know I'm not good with measurements. Just mix it up until it looks tasty. Although, I would advise you to go easy on the feta and onion - too much makes it pretty stout. I'm sure it would be better to make your own dressing, but Paul just makes it so easy to use his.
It's good with baked or grilled chicken cut up in it. Don't take your dinner cue's from the picture, though. My food critic of a husband thought the carrots didn't pair well with the slaw and chicken. He suggested...you guessed it...bread.

Judah's Dress Shirt

Judah needed a snazzy shirt for all the fancy occasions he attends...weddings, prom, brunch at the Ritz, etc.
The bow tie is made from material that was leftover after I hemmed John Jay's perfectly good pants into capris...one of his staples. Don't get me started on that.
Look at my handsome men!

Bleach Project

I found this dress while mom and I were shopping in Atlanta. We got it for 10% off because it had some bleach spots on the bottom. When we got home, I used 1/2 bleach, 1/2 water in a spray bottle and went nuts. I love how the bleach spots turned turned the army green to a nice rusty orange. I wonder what it would do to other colors? This could be dangerous. John Jay might come home to find all his clothes sprayed.

Necessities Only

This is one of those projects that worked out just like I hoped. My sewing style consists of hand-drawn patterns, seam ripper overuse, a few choice words not suitable for Judah's ears, and lots of guess work. So it's nice when all the guessing and hoping adds up.













I wanted a little purse/necklace that would hold only what I need (house key, credit card, and lip-gloss) for when I go to yoga, bike riding, shopping, etc. I love all the scraps. They make me think of their previous owners, or other projects I've made (recognize the ribbon?). The best part is the little inside pocket with a Velcro closure for my house key.
Function: gotta love it.