Craft n' Sew

Inexpensive Summer Fun (with the kids or without)

2009-06-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

Free for All!!

Wonderful, exciting and free summer activities.

Im determined to get out there this summer and have some free fun. To make it easier Ive collected a list of local hot spot and the days they are free to the public. Check it out... Ill be updating this as I discover more hot spots.

Free outdoor movies - lots to choose from:
Dolores Park in SF, Union Square
Redwood City
Walnut Creek, Stern Grove
Check out of host of local museums
Oakland Museum of California is free on second Sundays
SF Museum Of Modern Art is free the first Tuesday of each month and children 12 and under are always free.
The African-American Museum and Library in Oakland is always free
Asian Art Museum in San Francisco is free 1st Tuesday of the month.
For kids check out the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito the 2nd Saturday of each month, free for families 1 - 5 pm.
California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco is free 1st Wednesday of the month.
The Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco, the first Tuesday of every calendar month is "Pay What You Wish Day
De Young Museum in San Francisco is free the first Tuesday of each month

Free The Gold Rush Trail in San Francisco, walking tour of the historical districts of San Franciso that you can walk at will, heres the map.

Chabot Space and Science center for telescope viewing
Habitot in Berkeley their Free admission days are listed here
SF Zoo is free the first Wednesday of every month
Thursday Night Live in Old Oakland is the 1st & 3rd Thursdays 5:30pm to 9:00pm, June thru October on Washington between 8th & 9th, 9th between Broadway and Washington
Lakefest: Art, Wine & Food Festival on Lakeshore Avenue, August 1 & 2 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Montclair Jazz & Wine Festival Sunday, Sept. 13, 2008 - 11:00am to 6:00pm in Montclair Village. Once again, Montclair will be turned into a pedestrian zone from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to host one of the fastest growing cultural events in the East Bay.
Out & About in Rockridge September 27th 11:00 AM to 6:00 on College Avenue between Claremont & Manila Ave (.6 miles) Free and hosting hundreds of artisans.
Horse races at Golden Gate Fields kids are free adults as cheap as $4.

If that doesn't keep you busy, well, I guess you'll have to make your own fun. Enjoy your summer!

Holiday Craft Fair

2008-11-23T19:27:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for the holidays and holiday craft fairs. Deadlines are always great for motivation and I have been steadily pumping out products!! Here is one I am particularly excited about....

This event should be great! "Nest", coming up December 6th at Studio Grow is a shopping event featuring designers of children and adult clothing and gear, the best part is that you can shop while the children play. Ill be there!!

List of Online Stores for Sewing and Crafting Supplies

2008-09-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

I've been on a mission to find a bulk supply of purse frames in just the right shape and size. It has been grueling, but in the process I discovered many wonderful online retail and wholesale outlets I thought I would share with you. Hopefully it saves you some time. Most of these store carry hardware and extras, not fabric.

Lee's Craft n Things - Snap closures, hardware for purses and notions

Denver Fabrics - Sewing supplies, purse hardware and notions

Tall Poppy - Specialize in handbag and purse parts

Quilting-Warehouse - Quilting supplies, sewing supplies, quilting notions, quilt fabrics, quilt books, quilt patterns and more.

Lacis - Some of everything except fabric

Create for Less Craft supplies, scrapbook and sewing

Joggles - Everything for the textile, cloth doll & mixed media artist

EJoyce - Notions, purse making, embellishments and more

U-Handbag - Bag handles, purse frames; fabrics, hard-to-find metal bits to make your own beautiful handbags

UMX Catalogue - Wholesale Designer Handbag, Designer Purse, Cigar Box Purse Making Hardware Supply

Joanne Fabrics Online - Fabric, hardware, embellishments and more

Ah-Kwok - Wholesale purse-making supplies, Handbag hardware, Bag fittings, Metal purse buckles, Magnetic snaps, Handbag closures fasteners, Plastic buckles, Webbings, Interfacings.

Sew True - Sewing supplies and equipment with a broad size and color selection

Studio Kat Designs - Sewing supplies, hardware, fusing, zippers and more

All Craft Supplies - Velcro, purse handles, purse hardware, embellishments

New Clothes for Some Old Chairs

2008-09-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

I scored these 2 great chairs at the Antiques by the Bay, 2 chairs for $75. They are Henredon which are great quality. I'm looking forward to my first attempt at refinishing and reupholstering.

I'm planning to strip and re-stain the wood. Not sure if I should go dark or light. Once I decide that then I can find some fun fabric to recover the back. I'm using the "Before" and "Afters" from Design Sponge for inspiration. I can't wait to share the "after" pictures.

Patchwork

2008-09-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

I have been drooling over so many adorable patchwork and applique projects I just had to whip one up myself. It came out pretty well I think and looks just like my house.
I have one request already for another. I'm still deciding whether I like this type of stitch. I might try some hand stitching with embroidery floss. This is one project that is great for immediate gratification. Can't wait to share some more!

Finished Quilt

2008-08-27T15:10:00.001-07:00

Its done!! Celebrate!! A firm deadline always works for getting a project done. This quilt was for my friend and it just had to be done before the baby shower. Was I going to miss the opportunity for some ooo's and aw's?? Not a chance.

I used the Denyse Schmidt Quilts Book for the inspiration and made my own templates. It was actually suppose to be a few squares bigger but I like the smaller size.
I am really happy with it, though it was hard to tell as it laid in pieces on my floor if I was going to be able to pull it off, but it here it is and I really like the color scheme. What a big relief. Im always weary of putting too much effort into a project and having it come out only ok, or worse, ugly!!!

I think I even have enough left over for a small throw for myself.

Wanted to share my daughters recent project. Inspired by watching me quilt, and determined not be out done, my daughter put together this wonderful little patchwork. I think it will end up a pillow.

Now Im off to enjoy the rest of my vacation! Hoping to make it to at least one Antique store while in the Midwest.

Kiddie Project - Outdoor Bubble Bath

2008-08-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

My kids love to play in the tub, my bathroom displays the wounds of many splash fights, spills.....etc. So to keep the kids busy, and outside, I devise a way to let them have all the fun they get in trouble for indoors - OUTSIDE!!

Now if I could just get them to keep their bathing suits on.

Vintage?

2008-08-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

My daughter has taken a liking to this bright yellow shawl that was made by her great-aunt for her sister about 30 years ago. To officially be "vintage" I believe something has to be at least 50-100 years old but I think this will do.

This shawl she decided was something you wear on a really hot day with no shirt underneath. Oh... to have the sense of a 5 year old, the world would be so Alice-in-wonderland with out the drugs.

Its fun to find things in your own home that all at once you realize are antique in some way. I came across a small perfume bottle Ive had since I was a little girl. Its a little mouse dressed in a wedding gown and it holds nothing other than the must have violet water. Must have at least if you are Cuban. I mean who would you be if you didn't have some of this lovely smell behind your ears. I rarely have the extra energy in the morning rush to splash the kids with this yummy fragrance but when I do it sure takes me back.

Quilting

2008-08-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

I finally am getting started on a real quilt to follow through on a commitment to do a quilt by the end of July - oops. Of course I can't do anything the easy way so I'm making my own pattern based on the "What a Bunch of Squares" pattern by Denyse Schmidt.

For some reason I thought making my own template would be easier than figuring out how to enlarge her templates to 400% minus whatever it would be to get a crib quilt. It was a good practice in quilt pattern making, but short cuts are good too. If I ever really believed that I probably would save a lot of time in various areas of my life.

I have one more week to go. Hope to get this done by the time we leave for our vacation, so I can pass it along to my good friend whose expecting a boy this fall.

Stop buggin me!

2008-08-13T14:34:00.001-07:00

These kids look sweet enough....
..but they are also spicy. And their favorite way to make me sweat is to bicker.

Last week we made these adorable yarn bugs and I've been putting them to work. Whenever the bicker-sons come out I grab these guys. So far its worked to distract the kids from tearing each other apart. To make these adorable bugs you can simply wrap the yarn around your fingers and then tie it with yarn in the middle and cut the edges. Or use this tutorial, which doesn't require buying any gadgets. Then glue on some googly eyes. I absolutely love googly eyes. If I could glue them on everything I would.

My new baby!

2008-08-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

As much as I try to stay out of the stores, I was determined to find some old picture frames for a project with my little one (one I hope to share as soon as I find those frames). If course I was also thinking, ah, its the Salvation Army how much can I spend. I didn't find the frames of course but I did find this. It was right there in front calling my name. And after a bit of bartering they gave it to me for $25 off their original price. Of course I was thinking very practically - Ill buy it, fix it up and resell it. And now....well.....its a 1914 beauty with lots of gold etching and its just so cute, and probably functional, Im not sure I can part with it.

If anyone has any useful information about my new baby please share. Im a new mother, well at least to old sewing machines, and I have a lot to learn.
Ain't she special???

SALE!

2008-08-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

I love sales. Ok, who doesn't, right? Well, the thing is I just realized that I can now go to the fabric shop with a little less guilt, I just stay in the sale section. When I come home arms full I may have gotten a little off budget but, well, I only spent half the money. Is that so not the point? I'm sure my man would think this is absolutely not the point. Hey, I am trying here, I have actually started taking pride in my new skills... finding good deal, using coupons and shopping the sales. Anyway, let me share what I found.

I love corduroy for winter - seems like its just around the corner

I just can't get over how proud I am that I only spent like $15 dollars. My other trick, I only bought half yards or less.

Oh, and I must share one of my other great discoveries in shopping on the cheap. Since I usually forget my coupons anyway, I have just started asking if the stores have any extra coupons. More than likely they do. That is like 10 - 20% off which I would not have ever gotten back in my former life. This has worked almost everywhere - Bed Bath and Beyond, Children's Place, Stride Rite (I even got the August sale price in July just because I asked), Beverly's, and Michael's. A new world has opened up. Ok, not a new world, but I feel like I need a little credit, I'm at least trying. Next Ill try and stop the impulse shopping all together. Baby steps, baby steps.

One last thing. The FREE bin. Usually I don't find much, but check these out. Free!! Now that is definitely in the budget. Yah me!

Oakland Outing Kids in Tow

2008-07-30T20:36:00.000-07:00

With 2 kids home full time and no summer camp in sight I have to keep us busy. Today turned out really well, It was low key but full of fun. We started with Dim Sum at the Legendary Palace in Oakland's China Town. The kids were too wide eyed and focused on the goings-on to actually eat much, but I got enough in them to last till the next stop. We had fun watching the carts drive by piled high with chicken feet, shrimp dumplings and pork buns (my fav!!). Dim sum is the perfect meal for kids with little attention span. Three people can eat for under $20 and be in a out in 20 minutes. Malik was a little disturbed by my odd behavior towards the end of the meal, "Mom, why do you keep saying No to that lady, that is not nice!" At least he knows his manors.

Then off to the Asian Branch of the library. We read a few books and perused the isles. Then we headed to the Oakland Museum. Its a good walk, only about 6 blocks. After a stern, "We will be there when we're there" the kids quieted down and took in the sights. We found a park on the way and the kids enjoyed climbing the giant "pirate ship" which was actually not a pirate ship but a replica of Zheng He's famous ship. Thanks to very informative signs we got a good little lesson in Chinese history, I knew there are explorers before Columbus.

"The Birth of Cool" was the new exhibit at the Museum. It started off a little slow, Salome was yelling... "When are we getting to the Museum, I want to go to the Museum." I had to break it to her that the museum was not a toy store or a park. She flipped her lid until we found the section with the 70's cartoons. Phew! The best part for them was the Natural History section with tons and tons of dead, stuffed California native animals.

On the way home we found Hello Kitty Heaven, who can pass up that up. So Salome got a stamp and Malik got his first backpack - no not Hello Kitty - SPIDER MAN! Finally, a non-hand-me-down-pink-Salome-monogrammed-backpack! He was very proud to show that to Papa. Malik passed out on the way home and barely woke for dinner. What a good day.

Where to Buy Fabric in the Bay Area California

2008-07-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

I compiled this list so that I can make a quick get-a-way. When I have childcare there is no time to think, just grab purse, consult list, run out. I thought I would share it with you. If you don't live here hopefully you'll visit soon and when you do you'll have this handy list! The top portion are new fabric stores and below are the second hand stores that I frequent for vintage and reclaimed fabric and supplies.

Piedmont Fabric

3858 Piedmont Ave. Oakland, CA 510.655.1213
NOTE: Great selection of japanese fabrics. New store, woman owned!!

Stonemountain and Daughters
2518 Shattuck Avenue at Dwight Way Berkeley, CA 510-845-6106
NOTE: Lots of fabric, classes, patterns and more!

Quilt Fans

2205 Harbor Bay

Alameda, CA

NOTE: Specializing in quilts

New Pieces

1605 Solano Berkeley, CA

NOTE: Specializing in quilts

Beverly's Fabrics & Crafts
2230 S. Shore Crt Alameda, CA (510) 864-4222

287 Lake Merced Blvd Daly City, CA (650) 756-7999

NOTE: They have lots of quilting fabrics, a great selection of craft and sewing books and other great crafting supplies.

Black Cat Quilt

2608 Ocean Avenue, (between 19th Avenue and Junipero Serra) San Francisco, CA
(415) 337-1355

Darlene's Fabrics
2831 Mission Street #A San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 826-1855
NOTE: This place is really small, but they have fabrics at reasonable prices, as well as a room that includes 99¢ - $1.99 a yard fabrics. Other than the disorganization, the people there are really nice, and very helpful. :)

Discount Fabrics
1452 Haight Street San Francisco, CA (415) 621-5584

3006 San Pablo (at Ashby) Berkeley, CA 510.548.2981

NOTE: This fabric shop has a huge selection of PVC fabrics, lycra, and some prints. Unfortunately PVC in San Francisco isn't cheap at all. It can range from $12.00 - $16.00 a yard. Otherwise, the people there are really helpful.

Fabric Outlet
2109 Mission Street (between 17th & 18th Street) San Francisco, CA (415) 552-4525
NOTE: This is by far, the best fabric place I've ever been to. I highly recommend this place if you're on a budget. They have an even bigger selection of fabrics than Discount Fabrics, and sign up for their mailing list; you won’t regret it. Unfortunately, it's not in a good area. Otherwise, it's a great store. :)

Hancock Fabrics
20806 Hesperian Blvd Hayward, CA 94541 (510) 785-3755
NOTE: Please check them out. You never know when they have discounts on certain items.

JoAnn Fabrics & Crafts
75 Colma Blvd Colma, CA (650) 755-1711
5791 Christie Ave Emeryville, CA 94608 (510) 652-0600

Mendel's Far Out Fabrics
1556 Haight Street San Francisco, CA (415) 621-1287
NOTE: If you're on a budget, I wouldn't recommend purchasing your fabric here. However, they have wigs and stage/ Halloween makeup at reasonable prices. :) I just love this store. It's as though as everything is right in front of you. It's like your typical JoAnn's fabrics place, except they sell wigs and makeup; JoAnn's doesn't except during Halloween. :)

SECOND HAND STORES

Berkeley

Goodwill 2058 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA

This is a nice big store. Unfortunately we were on our way to lunch and I only had a chance to look through a small portion of their clothes. The prices are about the same as most shops in the area, and though I didn’t find anything spectacular, I think it could have just been an off day. I will probably go back if I happen to be in that area again.

El Cerrito

Good Stuff Thrift Store 10313 San Pablo, El Cerrito, CA

This was one of those thrift stores that is so tiny that it is near to impossible to find anything at all. I could probably count the number of dresses on my fingers and toes. They did have nice items that were in good shape, but nothing that really stood out as extraordinary to me. I doubt that I will go back by this little store.

Oakland

Clausen House Thrift 4834 Telegraph Ave Oakland, CA

Some pretty good luck finding good items. I would only go back if I were walking by and needing to kill a few minutes.

Saint Vincent de Paul Outlet Store 9235 San Leandro St. Oakland, CA

This was a funny store, and one that would be incredibly easy to miss. They had a fair selection of clothes, were very well organized, and not too overpriced. There was a huge selection of furniture, and only one other shopper in the store, which was kind of strange, but we had lots of room to look!

San Leandro

Thrift Town 16160 East 14th St. San Leandro, CA

I absolutely loved this thrift store. It was huge, well organized, and packed full of fabulous items. They had a wonderful selection of books, household items, vintage shoes, and luggage.

Salvation Army 2179 E. 14th St. San Leandro, CA

Great selection of items, 50% off days every once in a while.

Goodwill 14750 E. 14th St. San Leandro, CA
Tons of clothing, and a lot of really nice vintage pieces. The prices are reasonable.

Goodwill 14410 Washington Ave. 11 San Leandro, CA
Lots of things to choose from, and the prices are good.

San Francisco

Thrift Town 2101 Mission St San Francisco, CA

This thrift store is enormous, it is two levels of rows upon rows of clothing. They separate out their vintage pieces on another rack, which makes for easy browsing, but they cost a bit more than in other shops.

Community Thrift Store 625 Valencia St San Francisco, CA

It is in the middle of town, and swarming with hipsters. The prices on clothes are so high, I would say skip the clothes and head to a vintage boutique, though they occasionally have a few nice items.

Goodwill 1700 Haight St San Francisco, CA

Despite that this store is in the midst of a very popular shopping area, I have always found good stuff in here. Of course it is competing with several vintage shops, so the prices are high on their vintage clothes, which they have a decent selection of.

Goodwill 1700 Fillmore St. San Francisco (415)441-2159

Good selection of everything; lots of shoes, books, bags, belts, and clothes.

Alameda

Saint Vincent de Paul 2315 Lincoln Ave, Alameda, CA (moving)

They have a good selection of books, furniture, clothes, and more. Unlike other thrift stores, Saint Vincent de Paul has very consistent pricing.

Goodwill 2319 Lincoln Ave, Alameda, CA

Next door to Saint Vincent de Paul. This is a decent sized store, with a decent selection of clothes.

San Bruno

Salvation Army 300 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA

They had a lot of clothes at reasonable prices, and a fair amount of vintage. They also had some really fabulous mid-century antique furniture.

Twirly Girl

2008-07-27T18:52:00.001-07:00

My daughter absolutely loves to twirl so I made her this skirt. Of course, as with everything, because I was so excited about it she was not interested. So, it sat on my table for a month waiting for a final piece of lace. When it was finally done she decided, well, it is a skirt after all.

Now she loves it. Otherwise it would have ended up on Etsy. Perhaps Ill make some more. Who doesn't like to twirl? If you like the skirt it would be great to know what sizes people would be interested in buying.

It would also be interested to know for another reason. I have this theory that everything cute out there is made for little little girls and that for some reason people don't spend as much time buying this kind of cute stuff for girls over 5. One of the local shops I frequent recently told me she quit carrying clothes over size 5 since it wasn't selling. Would love to hear other people's theory and if they would want this skirt in a size, say 7/8?

Happy Birthday To Me!

2008-07-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, my birthday was a couple weeks ago but I never did share the awesome fabric my husband gave me. Can you believe this amazing man actually went with 2 small children hunting through antique shops to find me some real live vintage fabric.

And, he succeeded. It was the best gift ever. Not only because the fabric is so cute, but because he is so thoughtful for dragging the kids on what was I'm sure a true scavenger hunt with all the whining and complaining you could ever want.

I think the bar has been set higher for his next birthday gift. Thank goodness I have till February.

Patchwork Fun

2008-07-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to report I have officially begun preparations to complete my quilt project. To get in the grove of putting together my July quilt I did some small patchwork mini's. I got all my fabrics out and started mixin' and matchin'. I put together a couple good color and texture combos. Here are the results.

I love these, mostly because they are made from both new fabric and pieces of my husband and children's clothes.
I think I'll keep playing around with color combos then get started on my QUILT. However, I'm running out of time, since I had a goal of finishing one quilt by the end of July. (panic...breath..OK) If anything Ill be done by the end of the summer....i think...
First I need to figure out what to do with these....pillows, purses??? Ideas?

Coasting!

2008-07-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

As part of my commitment to get started on some quilts, I found some great inspiration for patchwork coasters and I gave it a try. You could say these are my mini mini quilts.

They turned out pretty good. Now they are off to the Mother in Law for her Birthday.

She will also be the recipient of me and the kids first ever homemade journal - which I also found a tutorial for online.

Looks pretty good for having 6 hands working on it at once. Yah, Leeky and Nena! And even better, its made out of recycled paper and magazines.

$5 Million Raised!!

2008-07-14T15:01:00.000-07:00

Go Team!!

"Breast In Show"!

We did it! We managed to walk every step of the 39.3 miles of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It was an amazing 2 days but I couldn't have done it with out the support of 3 amazing women and hundreds of other walkers and crew members who made it not only bearable but fun.

I can't forgot those who made us smile no matter how hot, hurting and tired we were - Dudes For Boobs, Hookers for Hooters, Wonder Boobs, Team Moto and many more!

The first day was definitely the hardest - 26 miles, about 11 hours of walking. To keep my mind off my aching feet I focused on the amazing scenery. They took us through some of San Francisco's best vistas. Our route took us through the Presidio, over the Golden Gate Bridge, through Marin and Sausalito, along the Bay, then back over the Bridge to our over-night location, right under the Golden Gate in Crissy Fields.

We were pampered with massages, entertainment, and yoga. Then off to bed in our tents.

The next morning we headed out for our final 13 miles to Golden Gate Park. The highlight of the day, getting to use a REAL bathroom with running water, and a nice Freddo from Pete's. Thanks Sara! Happy Birthday to ME! We arrived at Golden Gate to throngs of cheering families and supporters. Though our bodies were aching and our feet were sore we were flying high know that what we did made a difference. Would I do it again...? If I were Helen, I would say I've already signed up, but I can only say I'm definitely considering it.

Kiddie Crafts - Doll House

2008-07-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

In my ever lasting struggle to keep the kids busy so I can sew I have been coming up with projects that they can do (with minimal help from me) that are fun and keep them entertained. I thought I would share my ideas so you might try them yourself.

This one was really fun for the kids and they played with them for at least 45 minutes after they finished their gorgeous mansions.

Here's what we used and how we did it.

Supplies:

Glue

Scissors

Magazine with scenes of homes (pottery barns a good one)

Cardboard Boxes

Fabric

Markers, sticker and other decorating materials

First we took a small cardboard box and cut off the flap/lids, we used one of the flaps to make a second level. Then the kids got busy cutting out scenes for the inside and outside of their doll houses. Using glue they covered the box with the magazine scenes they cut out. They found cute patio furniture, bedroom sets. rugs, lamps and more. We used some Popsicle sticks to make some extra embellishments like flags and overhangs. Using sticker, markers and glitter they added extra pizazz. We used some of the left over box lid to create little furniture which they also glued pictures to.

When we were finished they got out some small dolls and animals and went to town.

If they get bored playing dolls they can always find other uses for the boxes!

Alameda Antiques By the Bay - Finally!

2008-07-06T15:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, thanks to a really helpful husband, I got to spend 5 hours at the Alameda's Antiques by the Bay (sans Kids)! This once a month market is a must see. I have lived here for 10 years and some how have missed out on it until this past Sunday. This enormous and diverse market is worth the $5 it costs to get in. Just make sure to get there early so you have time to see it all. Oh, and bring a large vehicle.

I found some great things, and although it was difficult, I held back on the furniture. You can find some great deals and if your willing to do a little bargaining you can get even better deals. These little glass buttons were $4 (with some bartering) and the little purse I got for a dollar! I figure I can use it as is or take it apart and use the purse frame to make something new.

If I could have I would have bought one of these cute mini-sewing machines from the 40's. The guy who sells them also refurbishes old singers which are also awesome and totally functional.

I was looking mostly for fabric and accessories and tried to stay on task by only spend the $50 I had in cash. I stayed away from the ATMs, though they are really handy in a pinch. This skirt is great, not sure if I should actually try to wear it or use it to make something new.

This necklace was my one splurge. It was nice when I bought it but it cleaned up even nicer.

I would say they day was a success - it actually turned out to be sunny and we meet some really nice people. My advice for making your trip a success - Bring lunch and water so you can spend whatever you bring on the goods, the food was only OK anyway - $3 hotdogs, $7 Indian food...etc. Decide what you want to buy and give yourself a cash budget then leave the cards in the car. I'm telling you stuff is dangerously cute. Finally, wear sunblock. I got this crazy sun burn - a combo of a farmers tan and necklace ring around my neck.

Avon Walk

2008-07-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine pulled my arm until I said yes to signing up for the Avon Walk. I was into the idea but a little hesitant to be on the hook for $1,800. $1,600 and 3 months later I feel grateful I signed up. I have been working out and feel great and I have had pretty good luck with fundraising. I'm still a bit shy of my goal so if you are feeling generous please visit my home page. The walk is 2 days and a total of 39 miles through San Francisco. The walk happens on my Birthday!! and I have to admit I'm usually disappointed with birthdays so I'm looking forward to spending this year celebrating with friends doing something for an important cause. We will be walking as a team (Breast in Show) and making our own team shirts. I was hoping this was my opportunity to try out some silk screening but alas we will be doing iron ons. I am determined to try silk screening this summer however, so stay tuned for that.

New Fabric

2008-07-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

I was trying to hold back and not spend money, but I've been having all these ideas that I haven't had just the right fabric, so...... Good excuse huh? I meant to hit up the second hand shops but after I finished my work out (my new obsession - The Daily Method) I was walking distance to this great newish fabric shop Piedmont Fabrics. So off I went with my 3 year old.

Malik is still learning the meaning of window shopping, "oh lets go in there, oh can we get that, oh take me there, lets go in there, is that ICE CREAM!?!" He got the hang of it eventually and we made it there and back with only 3 requests for "pick me up!" It was a nice afternoon, window shopping, Gyros, fabric, and yes, ice cream! Can't wait to start on my new projects.

Tye Dye!!

2008-07-02T14:32:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love tye dye? I have been wanting to do this project with the kids for some time now, however some of my "fun" ideas don't always turn out the way I hope, you know, with the attention span and sharing capacities of my 3 and 5 year olds. As usual the last venure into tye dye land ended with me solo in the kitchen. So, I decided to make it a little more interesting and invited another mom and her kids over and make it a dinner party.

Salome modeling her T, and her 'tude

I found some great Cold Water Dylon Brand Fabric Dye (so you don't have to stand over the stove) and prepped the dye in large pots outside on the patio. We tried various ways of folding and tying the shirts. (the box has some good instructions), got some rubber gloves and let the kids have at it. We dipped and dyed and lasted for more than an hour. We tried some of our own techniques like using a medicine syringe to add spots and we filled small cups so we could let some edges soak for longer. We let the shirts (and undies) sit over night so that the patterns wouldn't bleed and the results were pretty good.

This was so fun I thought why not take it to the next level. Im hoping to find some willing participants so come to my next BATIK PARTY!! complete with the cool wax batiking pens, and tons of color choices. They even sell group Batik Kits. Im sure its not as easy as I imagine but Im gonna have to give that a whirl!

To Quilt or Not to Quilt

2008-06-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

Do you ever just sit in front of the sewing machine and go, "wooohoo, there are so many projects, where do I begin.....? A quilt is one I keep coming back too (and keep avoiding) but I am determined to complete another one. Its been a year since I made the one above and another one for my nephew. I guess its the immediate gratification issue, I want something finished, in my hands, so I can... you know, congratulate myself. Quilts, well they just take a while. And what if after all that work it doesn't turn out as great as I imagined. Well the only way to know is to do it, right? I think Ill make a commitment to start small and just do it. By the end of July I'm committing to create at least one quilt, even if only fit for a barbie (my daughter would love that). I promise to share my final product - even if it turns out less than gorgeous. But I'm sure it will be divine (gotta think positive)!! here some quilts to inspire me and maybe you... Gees Bend Quilts, ChristinaRomeo, ChristinaRomeo, Shelece, becauseimme. Let me know if you want to join me in creating that quilt you have been putting on the back burner.

Success!

2008-06-03T16:11:00.001-07:00

* The sellers just before the crowd*

*My table at the craft fundraiser*

The craft fair was a fundraising success and a good time. We had a great bunch of shoppers and sellers. I was overwhelmed with the cuteness of the things people made - knitted cowboy boots for infants, western style button ups for boys, onsies with adorable embroidery. I could have spent every cent I made....but I held back. (maybe next year) This was my first craft fair as a seller and I definitely got bitten by the bug, not that I want to give up all my weekends, but Im looking forward to the next one. A deadline is such a good motivator!

Purses for the Craft Fundraiser

2008-05-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

If you are in or near Oakland join me for a fun afternoon with good people, delicious food and good buys all for a good cause. May 31st Noon until... at 414 43rd Street, Oakland, CA 94609. I am walking in the Avon marathon and a half to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research. As part of the fundraising piece of the walk and to support local artists I am co-hosting a fundraising craft fair. Each artist will be donating 10% of their profits. We are looking forward to having an array of items including jewelry, purses, children's clothing, chocolates, and more. To preview what I will be selling scroll down.