Burlap bag

Sometime last year I got these huge burlap totes at Pottery Barn for real cheap.  I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them but knew I'd come up with something.  I remembered them yesterday and thought it might make a nice sewing bag.

But first I wanted to do something to make it a little less plain.  I thought about painting something on it using a stencil, but I've never had any luck with that so I decided to try backstitching a "d" on it.  

I already had the thread and just printed the letter on regular copy paper.  I should have made my letter bigger.  The tote is huge!

Finished!  

Its not perfect but I like it....especially since I have about $5 in the whole bag!  It may not work as a sewing bag though.  It has that burlap smell to it so I may have to find another use for it.

Sewing Machine

While we were in Mountain Home a couple weeks ago, I bought a sewing machine at a little sewing store there.  My mom suggested that I buy one at an actual store that specialized in sewing machines rather than online or at a department store so that I could get help when (not if) needed.

I was able to get the bobbin wound on my second try and the thing practically threads itself so that was pretty much a breeze.  Now I need to find a simple pattern so I can actually make something.  When I tried to sew years ago, I can't remember if threading the machine or cutting out the pattern was the worst part.  I think I hated both tasks equally.  Now the threading is taken care of so I kind of dread the pattern cutting part.

I can't remember where I acquired this pin cushion....probably at an antique store somewhere....but I like it a lot.  Most of the pins were in it when I got it.

I hadn't thought about it but I guess I have quite a little collection of sewing machines now.....

My first one was a Christmas gift from Brad on our first Christmas together.  We weren't married yet so it must have been 1999 (seems like a long time ago!).  Its a New Home and I've always loved it.  I leave it closed and use it as a table in our entryway.  There was a time when we lived in Cave City that I did leave it open like this though.

This one came from my brother.  I think he got it at an auction, maybe as part of a box of junk that had other things he wanted.  Its an Eldridge electric.  According to the internet, Eldridge and New Home were both absorbed by Janome at some point.  And Eldridge was manufactured in Belevidere, IL which is just a few miles from where I was born!! (only my mom will think that part is interesting.)

This is the only machine I've used, except for in Home Ec class in high school.  It was my mom's first machine but it is difficult to thread and so heavy to carry around.  Thinking back, I actually used this thing for a few projects.  One was the ironing board cover I still use.  I completely bit off more than I could chew with that project which I think directly led to my ten year sewing hiatus!

And my new one.  I had looked at a Brother online but the man at the store told me this one would be the best one for my needs.  He was a retired guy who had owned or worked for sewing companies/stores in San Diego forever so I thought he'd be a good source to trust.  Once I got it threaded, I wanted to start sewing right away and complete a project!!  WOOHOO!!  I was all gung ho and thought I should be able to sew anything!!  But really, I just need to stop and concentrate on finding a pattern that is easy to cut out.  My ultimate goal is to make something for Hadley that Heather won't be embarrassed to put on her!

Jenny's Tree

Several months ago Jenny told me about a big, dead tree she wanted me to take a picture of for her.   It was up past Evening Shade and since I never go that way, she and I ran up there when I was home to do Christmas with her and Heather.  I like dead trees so I understood why she liked it, but I imagined it would be out in a field and a difficult shot.  Luckily, it wasn't.

Its sitting right next to the highway and the original shot had a sign in it but my friend Dawn edited it out for me.  

Jenny wants to get a large canvas of this and I think it will look fantastic!  I might even want to get a print of it for myself.

Lacy - Graduation Day!!!!!

Last month I went to Harding University to see Lacy graduate.  Brad had to work so he didn't get to go but we're both so proud of her!

She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training and is now starting grad school at HU.

Tara and Lacy

These two worked very hard to get to this day.  I met Tara when we were both in college and working together in Cave City.  She somehow juggled raising Lacy while going to school and working.  And she did a great job....Lacy has always been, as Tara calls her, an amazing kid! She really doesn't have any bad qualities, but the thing I admire most about her is she is the same person ALL the time.  Its truly a privilege to know her.

I love this pic! (Tara's sister Terri, Tara, Lacy, and Tara's brother David)  This family really cracks me up!  They all have such different personalities.  I got to spend Christmas with the whole family and had the best time!

Its been exciting to watch Lacy grow up.  We know she'll be successful no matter what she does and can't wait to see what her future holds!  

Hadley

I went to Cave City last week to do Christmas with Heather and Jenny and their kids.  I didn't get any photos of us opening presents, but I got some of Hadley.  And a couple with her and Emilee.

She's cute whether she smiles or not.  She had been at Heather's mother-in-law's house when I got there and had a single foam roller in her hair!  It looked so funny.  Her hair is short and pretty thick all over and then really long on top.  They had the roller in to curl to one side.  I wish I had gotten a picture of that.

Her bow may say "Daddy's Girl" but she is, without question, a momma's girl!

Those two bottom teeth are just too cute!

Two sweet girls!  Jenny and I ran an errand and when we came back Hadley was napping on Emilee.  And Em didn't seem to mind one bit.  I LOVE these two girls!

I enjoyed getting to see the girls but missed Parker.  He had a friend at his house and I didn't want to take him away from that.