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wardrobe refashion: skirts

I was all excited to try out my new simplicity skirt pattern with two cute pillowcases I had thrifted, but I forgot to add in the ease to my measurements. Bugger! That’s what I get for cutting fabric too late at night. I’m already ripping out the seams to make something else. Here is the too small front.

fabric for new tote bags

I tried the pattern again with the proper measurements and it fits much better. I didn’t want to sacrifice anymore fabric until I got it right, so I made this version out of a cotton sheet. It’s a little sheer, though. Not sure if I’ll be wearing it outside of the house.

fabric for new tote bags

I’m planning to try the version without darts next. Hopefully the third time will be a charm!

refashion + recycle: pillowcases from church sale, sheet from tote of garage sale fabric, thrifted zippers in both

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my creative space

fabric for new tote bags

This morning I went to a few garage sales. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular — just trying to stay fresh with ideas. I found this cute cotton shower curtain that I think will make some really fun tote bags. There’s even more ric rac not pictured! Today I’ve been sketching and trying to figure out how I’m going to cut this up. There are so many possibilities!

More creative spaces over at Kootoyoo. Go check them out!

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crafting as meditation

crochet bag in progress

I’ve got a lot going on offline. I’m sewing, spray painting and taking pictures. I’m visiting with my parents and watching them visit with their granddaughter. There is always so much I want to accomplish when I have someone here to spend the day with Bella. My mind is racing with all of the possibilities.

I try to be mindful of when my creative brain goes into overload. When I start spinning my wheels, nothing gets done. One of my favorite ways to slow down is to knit, especially in the round. Its soothing, repetitive stitches need just enough focus to allow my brain to settle down and let me think. I’ve recently discovered crochet in the round has the same effect (now that I’m getting better at it, of course). Whenever my mind needs a break, I pick up the hook. I like that I can sit with my family, do something I love and refresh my creative spirit.

Do you have a favorite craft that helps you find peace? Please share!

project: Attic24 crochet bag pattern in progress

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fireworks in the front yard

Ever since we moved to Lincoln, I’ve wanted my parents to visit on the 4th of July. Our neighbors set off a ton of amazing fireworks, and from the right spot in our front yard, you can also watch the ones from the developments that are east and south of us.

This year my parents finally made it out and I think they were pretty impressed. We took a blanket and some chairs and set up camp on the front lawn. Our neighbor came over with a bottle of Italian sparkling wine. I didn’t take a lot of pictures or video because I was too busy watching everyone have fun. Here are some pics I did manage to snap. You can also check out last year’s video here.

fireworks

fireworks

fireworks

fireworks

fireworks

fireworks

. . . . .

new on julie-k: handmade student emergency kit

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new tote sneak peek

After spending a few days working on a skirt, I needed to sew some right angles. All that’s left to do on these totes is to add some buttons for the ties. I hope to sew them on today and get them up in my shop.

yellow tote bags

blog notes: I’ve added some categories to the top of my blog. I posted an about me page, if you are curious about my creative life. There’s also a contact form so you can get in touch without leaving a comment.

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two dollar deals!

The past few days I’ve been cleaning and straightening the house because my parents arrived last night for a nice, long visit. I am looking forward to some serious sewing time while they are here!

I did manage to get out a little bit and score some serious thrifty deals. Thursday, my daughter and I went to a garage sale looking for kid stuff. Instead we found a London Fog wool coat for my husband. I swear it is brand new. It was even his size, so no alterations needed. It was a mere $2. Can you believe it? I had to pinch myself. And he likes it!

london fog coat

Saturday afternoon I went out with an actual mission. I’m tired of having a door knob in all of my photos and decided I need some kind of wall shelf with pegs to hang my totes and refashion projects. I found this on sale for $2 at the first store I visited. I’m going to paint it white. Yay!

shelf

I still had some time to myself, so I went to a few more stores just to browse around. I’ve been looking for some pretty sheets to make some pajama bottoms and happened to stumble upon these bright and cheery flowers. These were also on sale for $2.

flower sheets

thrifting: Some days it feels like I never find anything at the thrift stores and I wonder why I even bother. Then I have jackpot days like this and it reminds me that the extra effort is worth it!

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it’s just a phase, right?

puppy says cheese!

The Terrible Twos are living up to their reputation around here. I’m not sure what is worse, the sleep deprivation from an infant or the drama of a two-year-old. There is whimpering and whining over the silliest things like, “Mom, I’m stuck to the floor and I can’t get up.” or “I can’t reach my toy (that is 12 inches away from my hand).” For a short while she would collapse in a heap on the floor because her milk was too cold.

Once it starts, it feeds on itself. It is constant. It is mind bending. It makes me wonder how I muster up even more patience when I was certain I was almost out. I keep telling myself that this is a phase, just like not sleeping through the night and temper tantrums.

I also remind myself that we have reached an amazing milestone that is not a phase. The fact that I no longer have to change a diaper really helps me get through the day. That and sneaking skittles when she’s not looking.