Sewing

I have been trying to sew for the girls as much as possible. I love to make cute things for them! Here is my latest project:

I made these tunic length and used fat quarters and ribbon from Wal-Mart. Very fun and very simple. There are some good tutorials here and here . The second one is the one I found and followed more closely. It was one of those things that I just wanted to do NOW and couldn't find bandanas I liked, hence the fat quarters. I just did a rolled hem on the serger all the way around and went for it. I was able to make them more tunic length since I had the extra inches. I love how they turned out! Easy, cheap and fast. What's not to love? 

I did make dresses for them from some shirred fabric I had in my stash. You know, just one seam and some ribbon ties and you are good to go.

So, I hope you are having a great week so far and we'll talk soon. Love and blessings from the Parsonage!

Today is the day!

I'm not really a "New Year's Resolution" kind of gal. I know before I even start, I won't keep up with my resolution for more than a month or two. That's just how I am. But for 2011, I decided to try and tackle those things that nag at me most, and try to do better. You know those things that hang around in the back of your mind and won't let you rest? Tell me you have those and that I'm not just weird!

My blog is one of those things, along with reading my Bible more, being on time, eating more veggies, keeping on a schedule (not too rigid, of course), sewing/scrapbooking more (gotta use those supplies!) and keeping the house neater. Whew! I'm tired already just looking at that list. But, the truth is that I'm happy with myself in that I have really done better in all of those areas. At least now that I've actually done a blog post and gotten my sewing corner straight. :)

So here's to 2011 and being better. There's always room for improvement, isn't there? So stay tuned for more sharing of our life in the parsonage!

P.S. Here's my first memory verse of the year: I DELIGHT greatly in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness. Isaiah 61:10 NIV

Ahhhh, getting settled!

This is almost just a memory:

There are still a few big jobs left to do and a whole lot of little things, but I know from experience it takes a while to settle in. I am working hard on the craft room and am getting really excited about getting some things made to sell. I'm starting off with purses, accessories and baby items. I'm going to start off with word-of-mouth and Facebook. We'll see how it goes. Maybe it will grow into an Etsy store. :)

The people are so nice here and have made us feel so welcome. Moving away from friends and family is such a hard thing to do. I am so attached to those that I love and I miss them so much. But, we are already making new friends that we would never have gotten to know if we hadn't made the change. So, it's a good thing, after all. Most of all, I feel that we are where God wants us to be, serving Him and His people.

I'll share a sneak peak of my projects soon. Now I have a new computer that is hopefully going to make it much easier for me to blog and share pictures.

So, for today, God bless you and I hope you have a wonderful day. This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be GLAD in it!!

Hugs!

A Little Craftiness Helps the Attitude!

I took some time this past weekend to do a little something creative. I have been seeing so many tutorials on the internet for these adorable flowers. They are appearing on clothing, purses, home dec... everywhere. I love them! For this first one I used this tutorial and a scrap of bright fabric that my friend gave me. (forgive the blurry phone pic!)

It came out a little more tightly wound than the tutorial, but it was my first. I'm planning on making many more. You really should try it...  it was fun!

This Social Networking Thing is Great!

I get a lot of "looks" and "comments" when folks find out that I Facebook and Blog. They just don't know what in the world they are talking about! I have spent most of my free time lately (and, I admit, time that shouldn't have been "free") on the internet checking in on Facebook and the new blogs that I have discovered. I have pages of ideas for decorating and gifts, and just maybe a little business venture when I get settled in after the move. All gleaned from the fabulous blogs out there.

And see those "followers" over there on the sidebar? Those ladies have sent me such kind and encouraging words these last two days, that I now consider them my friends! And Debbie and I just might be cousins or something, because we have discovered that we are both kin to "Newmans". Now how about that!

So psssssst (you know, tongue sticking out noise) to all you nay-sayers. I LOVE social networking! It's just that--- social. And that ain't a bad thang! :)

Purging and Packing

One thing about United Methodists is that they move--a lot. We are preparing to move to Murray, KY, about 2 hours away. That means 2 hours away from our daughter and her family... including our 2 Princesses.

We aren't really happy about that part, but there is that excitement and anticipation of a new adventure.

The part that is overwhelming is dealing with all our "stuff". Where does all that come from?? I think it multiplies when we aren't looking. Oh well, this too shall pass and we will be in a different house, the boxes will be unpacked and then the fun begins. I have so many projects planned which have been inspired by all the great blogs out there. I blog hopping!! If you take a look at my profile you should see the blogs that I follow. I'll be sharing those projects here with links to my inspiration. I can't wait to get started with my spray paint and Mod Podge!! I have found some things that need to be spruced up and I've been checking out the Dollar Tree and Goodwill too. I'm trying to think about those fun decorating projects instead of thinking about what I have to do in the next month!

Have a blessed day!

Hello, Blog

It's been a long time! I have plans for you. Plans to share what is going on in our lives right now and plans to share all the many, many projects that I have lined up for the near future. Stay tuned!