Time keeps on slippin'......

....into the Future!

Seems like I started this a lifetime ago, when it's only been 7 or so years.

My son is now 7 years old, and growing into a pretty awesome kid. He's into Pokemon, and has kinda dragged me into it (I don't mind, gives us something to do together).

My doll obsession has faded. I still love American Girl dolls and will accept a sewing commission for them from time to time, but my interests have moved on.

I actually got rid of a lot of my nail polishes (don't worry they went to good homes). I found that I didn't like the process of painting, chipping, removing, and re-painting.....especially when it happened every 3 days. I switched to Jamberry wraps, and have been pretty satisfied. I was a consultant for a while, but got out of it before the company switched to M Network. If you're thinking about trying them, DO IT! The application takes a little while to get right (cuz everyone has different nail shapes, different body chemistry, etc), but I can get at at least a week out of a mani (if not 2)!

My Etsy shop is still up an running. I've been making some kick-ass wallets and purses. I've started making book buddies too. My shop has free shipping for the winter holidays, and if you "heart" something before buying, I usually send you a coupon too.

As always, the struggle to balance work and family life rages on. Added is the desire to work for myself, with the trials of figuring out how to turn my passions into income without hating it along the way (kinda why I moved on from doll things, and why I'm no longer with Jamberry).

Well, Until the next time I remember my log in ;)

I think i have a doll addiction.......

More specifically i LOVE fixing dolls that have been abused well loved, and customizing dolls to be unique. Like this little lady

And this gent (yup, I love making boys too!)

Sometimes, the finished dolls don't fit in at my house though. So some of them end up being sold (re-homed?). If you are interested in buying one, check out my ebay listings HERE! I will consider requests to customize a doll you already own. You should email me at velez[dot]lynnette[at]yahoo[dot]com. Looking for clothes for your doll? Check out my Etsy shop HERE!

Otherwise, I will post new pictures talk about doll/sewing/polish things as time permits. However, my life feels jam packed. My son is now 4 and going into pre-k, i am working 2 jobs (retail at a fabric store, and sewing for a college costume shop), as well as trying to run/promote my etsy shop, and make time for family. My. Life. Is. INSANE sometimes!

Until the next time i have a free 15 mins (and something cool to write about!)
-Lynnette

Ouch!

So Tuesday night was interesting for me........

We were having a small party at my house, and it was warm in the back room where everyone was hanging out. So trying to be helpful, i tried to open the window. Tried being the key word here. Instead of using both hands and lifting from the bottom, i leaned with my left hand and tried to palm it open. Big mistake. I ended up breaking the window and slashing open my palm. A "quick" trip the the ER (only 2 hrs, not 4), i came home with 7 stitches and 2 spots of glue.


WARNING not so pretty hand picture coming up
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~

~
~
~
~
~
~
Told you..... yucky.
At least it's my non-dominant hand, and i just cut thru the skin. The doc said that if it had been deeper, i would have hit muscle and that would have been hand surgery. I can still sew, just really carefully with frequent breaks.

Ok, off to spend my 3 days off healing and sewing (I have shop orders to fill!)
-Lynnette

The sweet hum of the sewing machine......

While i may not have sewn a stitch of my SWAP, i have been sewing. A lot of stuff for the hubby (who came back from out of state with 1/2 of his wardrobe somehow), and recently 18" doll clothes. It started with my eldest niece, who showed an interest is sewing and has 3 (!) dolls.

In fact, i have re-opened my etsy shop to sell them. Here, take a peek:

This is so far my best seller! I think the biggest problem is sourcing fabrics that look right, but are play-friendly. I do make my doll clothes machine washable, because you never know what your doll will get into!

Right now, doll clothes are keeping me busy. My hubby needs another chef coat, so that will go into the queue sooner rather than later.
Check out my shop (there's a link in one of the sidebars), follow, like, share, spread the word! I'd love for sewing to pay my bills!

Until next time!
-Lynnette

SWAP 2014

It's SWAP (sewing with a plan) time again and i'm joining in the fun! This year it's an "algebra SWAP"; the equation is expressed this way:

3 "3 packs" + 2 "wild cards" = 11 garments.

Each three pack will be:

2 tops + 1 bottom
or
1 top + 1 bottom + 1 outer layer
or
1 dress + 1 top + 1 bottom

The "wild card" options can be just about anything you like, but they must be "garments" not accessories (hats, bags, blankets, etc.)

I like the first option of 2 tops and 1 bottom the best, and i think my wildcards will be a vest and a dress. My pallet this year will spring from last years colors; Eggplant and Turquoise, with black and navy as neutrals. So far i know what my bottoms will be: black and navy pants, eggplant skirt (McCall's 5523 is signing my name!). I know I want tops out of turquoise and black, but not sure if I should do navy or eggplant as my 3rd top color. I guess it depends on what i make the dress out of. 

I think i'll try for "3 season" outfits; stuff i can use in fall, winter, and spring by layering. Thankfully, i dug my patterns out of storage, so i'm not limited there!

Next update should hopefully include a list of what i'm going to sew!

Butterick 5917

When i first saw this pattern i got really excited and couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I almost bought it full price that's how much i like it! This is my version, and there might be more to come!

I cut almost a straight 16; at the back shoulders I cut a 14 through armhole (mine are always smaller than what the pattern says). Instead of  using the cap sleeve, i cut the long sleeve down to a short. There is embroidery on the bottom of the sleeves, but i couldn't get a good pic of it. I added a 1/2 inch to the bottom of the front bodice (my work around a full bust adjustment). I didn't line the bodice, just turned and topstiched the ruffle in place. I also didn't sew the skirt darts all the way down; once i got everything cut i realized that it might not fit without the little extra.

Overall, this was an easy sew for me. I didn't look at the directions that much to be honest! I will consider making this again, but maybe sleeveless next time.

Until next time,
-Lynnette

Aaannd there goes my motivation for blogging.......

As you can see, i haven't had blogging mojo for a little while. I haven't had sewing mojo either. I did finish my SWAP (but didn't win) and will put it to good use in a few weeks. I have to move, and most of my things will go into storage (including 75% of my wardrobe), so my SWAP is perfect for helping me downsize.

I'm stressed and don't sleep well. Most night's i'm up until the wee hours of the morning, and still try to get up with my little man.

Seems crazy that Orion will be 2 in a few short weeks. As much as i love him, i'm reluctant to plan a party. He wont remember it, i dont have the money for it, and my husband wont be here to celebrate with us.

Speaking of my husband, I'm going to be lost when he goes to Texas in 2 weeks looking for work.

I'm majorly missing my Dad and my Grandpa.

That's about it. I might post, but i prolly won't. Time to go back to packing....got a deadline ya know?