Sewing Room Progress- Completed!

I showed you a couple months ago what my sewing room looked like. If you don't remember you can go see it HERE.


Over the Christmas/Winter break we completely re-did my sewing room. I know, I'm crazy for working on it with little people underfoot. I repainted the walls in a medium-gloss frosty blue and all the trim work and doors were painted a glossy white. The room really needed a good paint job! After painting came installations (while working on orders, makes for one stressed out SAHM/WAHM!)… my husband built all the frame work and custom built shelving and put in countertops. I now have one long countertop, which sits in front of the window, instead of 2 pieced together and different height tables. I also requested a short countertop to create an L shaped, but instead of it being sitting height like the long one is, it's is higher for standing height. I work there when I'm tired of sitting and it's so nice to have that option! Other then the obvious paint and installations a lot of work went into organization. Most of that isn't nearly as obvious in the pictures. I like organizing… hmmm, maybe I should become a professional organizer? Well, if sewing ever quits speaking to me then maybe I will! lol

Anyways, here is the final result! All my fabric is still stored in the basement on shelving, which is just an extension of my older son's room, so you won't see it here. I'm so glad it's done!

A New Shirt!

I have been doing quite a bit of sewing for myself and family members lately! This time, Jameson got a new shirt! He deserved it for being so cute. :) So here he is showing it off!

P.S. I promise to show off my completed sewing room this weekend!

Lent

This year, I have decided to participate in Lent. I'm not a religious person. I don't hold to one particular religion. I am, however, a spiritual person. Religion and spirituality are two different things in my book. I have come a long way in realizing that.
Beliefs aside, Lent, for me, is about giving something up. It's a time of reflection, thoughtfulness, dreams, goals, hopes and ambitions. This 40 day period is a time of scarcity as we come out of winter. Lent itself means 'Spring'. It's the last push before a time of plenty.
Traditionally, one is to give something up during this time, usually a food item or meat. I will be giving up the internet from 7:00am to 8:00pm every day during Lent. I want to specifically not check my email or Facebook during this daily time period. I am finding that I am constantly checking the computer, or have a window open, and it's very distracting. I should be focused on my work, my kids, or any other number of tasks or goings on that I have. I will also be giving up coffee and alcohol. Giving up these 2 beverages are strictly for my health. I need to not consume so much caffeine and sugar from the coffee and calories and sugar from the alcohol.
Do you participate in Lent? If so, what will you be giving up?
You can learn more about Lent here, here, and here.

Deal of the Week: February 19-25

Hop on over to my friend Amy's shop for a deal on free shipping. Amy runs Badge Reels along with several other shops. Use coupon code "freeship" at check out!

Polka Dot Shirt Dress

This week I have been working really hard on a new dress for myself in between everything else I've been done. I got it done in record time! It fits great on me, although it looks kinda loose on the dressform, but that's just because I have a lot more curves! :)


I had originally bought this fabric for a different dress but I ended up not getting enough of it. Instead it worked perfectly for this dress! I also contemplated using white for the accents but I really wanted a statement dress and the red just made it 'pop'!

I love making this kind of thing! I really should make more for myself, my wardrobe would thank me.
Enjoy!

My Sabbatical Is Over!

Hello friends! Have you missed me? I took an impromptu sabbatical for all of January and half of February. I needed the break while getting a few things in order in my life. If you want to know more, read on. If not, thanks for stopping by and I'll be back to my regular blog schedule next week!


So what have I been up to? Well, about a million things!

• Sewing Room

We finished my sewing room some time in January. There was lots of moving, installations, cleaning, organizing, and finally some (or lots) of sewing time! I will write a post later with lots and lots of pictures for those who are interested. I'm completely in love with my new space! It’s efficient and clean and has lots of shelf space. Here's a little preview…

• Business

I have been busy, busy, busy with my businesses. Many of you know I have a couple shops. Well, a good friend decided to put all her focus into another niche and I've taken over her business! I know, I'm crazy, right? :) My time off has been spent receiving her stock, taking inventory, creating new stock, taking pictures, and listing all my items for sale. And I'm not nearly done. I would say I have a solid months worth of work for me still to go. The focus of this new shop is green cleaning products, specifically microfiber Swiffer Sweeper and Wet Jet cloths, Swiffer Duster covers, microfiber cleaning clothes and a few other awesome products. Before taking over the business green, orange, yellow, and blue were the only available microfiber colors. I have since added pink, purple, and white. Red and a darker green are next on the menu! You can find MicroMops on Etsy and Artfire.

• Homeschool

Some of you know I used to homeschool my older son, Ian. And after a quick decision I decided to put him back into school the beginning of this year. I have been thinking of homeschooling him again. Thinking, being the imperative word here. I started off going over the calendar and picking out homeschool days and then started my research for a curriculum. I started early so I don't feel overwhelmed and so I can gather funds for books and things. But after talking to Ian he has decided that he would rather not homeschool. And, honestly, that's fine with me. Anyways, the decision has been made that we will no longer be homeschooling, ever. I won't be flip-flopping every school year so this is a final decision on my part. I have mixed feelings about it but I'm glad to have things wrapped up.

• Potty Training

Or "potty learning", if you want to be politically correct. Jameson has really surprised us all and picked up on going potty in about a week and at such a young age (he's 2 years, 4 months). He showed a lot of interest one day in mid-January and ever since then he takes himself to the bathroom and goes without prompting. As soon as he showed interest I started putting him in regular underwear during the day… no pull ups or training pants. I made that mistake once. There have been accidents but they are becoming less and less and I bet you can imagine he has been keeping me on my toes and my floor has never been cleaner. :)

• Conclusion

I have been very busy, a good busy. I've done lost around the house, cooked a lot of meals, cleaned a lot of messes, and spent time with my family. I've been focusing on my business, creating things for myself, and enjoying the process more as time goes on. I hope January and February have been a great month for you! Thanks for taking the time to read my little blog!