I wanted to make one of these for a long time. Having sewn plus-size clothes all my life, I always have difficulty fitting myself. And the sewing industry had never provided dress forms for anyone over the size of 16. I read all of the websites and blogposts with tutorials and tips and tricks. So when the sewing machine was broke and in the shop, I presented my husband with a large role of duct tape and asked him if we could have a little bit of fun.

Let me tell you, this was the most fun that we have had in a very long time! The jokes and funny remarks that can be made are endless! We couldn’t decide if this project was more suited for a medieval torture technique or a couples therapy activity. But 2 hours, 1 1/2 rolls of duct tape, and two turkey hunting TV episodes later, I had a dress form made in my very own shape.

And the reason I call her Dorothy is because of all the tin man jokes that went on during it along with the fact I already have issues with the flying monkeys.

Boy, has this been a difficult year so far. I had all kinds of plans (and still do) for all kinds of projects. I have the supplies and the patterns and the tools. I need the time to implement the plans. But thanks to the Ice Storm of 2009, the faithful sewing machine breaking down and refusing to stitch and a horrendous bout of bronchitis and pneumonia, the only thing I have had the ambition to do is change the channel on the cable remote.

I was getting motivated after the Ice Storm with some baby projects when the sewing machine died mid-project. Some women do jewelry, some women do mani/pedi’s, some women cannot do without their beauty products. I came to realize that when my sewing machine is not functioning, the world ceases to revolve on its axis. When the husband lost his job last year, I was still able to cope because I could sew and sell things. But I’m telling you. I thought I was going to have to seek psychiatric help. And then my backup sewing machine refused to work. My mother, bless her heart, saw my anguish and offered up a couple of alternative machines of different makes and levels of functionality and it still wasn’t the same. I could not be satisfied. Had it not been for an important baby shower date looming ahead of me, I never could have finished this blanket.

The bear had such personality in his face and I loved that I could get the coordinating stripe with the polka dot fabric. The back is simply pale yellow flannel since there was no back panel. I love this one! And it went to a very needy home.

And yes, after 14 days of agony, the sewing machine has come home, healthy and happy. And then the bronchitis and pneumonia and ER visit and 3 days of bed rest. And I’m still not well! But I have the energy to raise up and gaze longingly at the stack of projects! Soon, very soon, my friend!

Finally got the banners changed this week. Easter has past and now is time to be thinking about upcoming events. I had this brilliant idea after lugging around the Lifeway Backpack of VBS material this year.

The theme is Outrigger Island and the basic images are outrigger canoes, hawaiian shirts, and this hawaiian hibiscus design. I instantly think of tropical things when I see it but that is just me. The DH said he just didn’t get what it was. I had to explain that the white parts were the flower and even had to show it to him on the backpack.

I have had several “beautiful” comments from church members. I got a thumb’s up from the pastor, but he didn’t get it either. Ho-hummmmmm……..must be thinking of something to hang for the summer.

Snow White is in starting to come together. The collar, that stands up, is quite a booger to deal with. Its very hard to put on a collar facing with that big thing sticking up there and not wanting to fit on the machine.

Another project, another challenge…… that is why we do it, right?

Hallelujah! One more project done and more coming in to work on. Finally, I have the Tiger T’s done. And way ahead of schedule. I hope this is a trend that will continue. Next project please……

Snow White’s ready to start tonight. This one will be exciting. I’m going to run tight on time for the Easter banners, but I MUST get those ready. The fabric is beautiful and now I have a vision in my head. Now, its just getting it on the wall. I added a wedding dress alteration to the list today. There are prom dress alterations coming up.

I’ve been seeing these on Etsy and wasn’t quite sure about them. Of course, I grew up in a family that has been crafting for YEARS and YEARS. Their approach to burp cloths is to crochet around the edge of cloth diapers. But I notice that people on Etsy were taking them a step further, so I gathered a couple of ideas and designed these. The tiger stripe is the other half of the baby gift mentioned in a previous post. The red handkerchief and the flames are for a couple expecting their second boy. She is a cowgirl and he is a hot rodder so the fabric kind of screamed…….”use me!”

I’m trying to think of something cute to embroider on them. Maybe something will hit me soon.