Title-less

So, I really didn't have a title for today's blog. I guess I could call it time change woes...disorder....too many lists, too little time....I guess I could have had something more to say in my title...but at the time nothing whitty or interesting came to mind.

We are quickly approaching little miss A's first birthday. My mind is constantly full of ideas and things that I need "to do"...but it seems that I don't quite get there lately. These ideas and "to dos" aren't just for the birthday..but for Daisy's. I've been working on the website....filling orders...and trying to get little A to actually eat her food instead of play with it.

As I type, little A is in her crib, crying. Yes, I'm letting her cry. Her schedule is all messed up because of this time change thing. I'm tempted to stay home tonight from church, just so she gets to bed at 8pm and not more like 9:30... She already had a 3 hour nap from 11-2...but we only got up at 9...but before that at 6am...she went to bed at 9...well you see the pattern...nothing is normal. I want my clock to go back!!!!!

Last Wednesday, on little A's 11 month birthday, we decided...yes, her and I, that we were done nursing. She hasn't been waking up as often or as soon at night the past week, making me feel like I made the right decision. We almost made it to a year....I'm fine with the decision, but the outside world doesn't always nod in approval. It's so funny how people think nursing is just the only way...and then later you find out they had been supplementing all along the way too...or that they only nursing for a short while! Come on people! What's with all the judgement!? Don't you have better things to do? I know I sure do. Really as long as baby is feed, loved and growing...what else really matters? Ok, there is more that does...but judging one another concerning our feeding choices-well that just doesn't. I'm not feeding her pizza, so stop staring!

What encouraged me was an article that I read yesterday in a parenting magazine I get. It is Canadian, so there are some very liberal concepts (more on that later), but this article about the hot topic of "Formula is not poison" was just what I needed. It isn't, I agree! I know many women who have had no other choice. Yes, ok breast is best...but what happens when that fails? Do you sit and force your baby to latch on, only resulting in tears of frustration for both of you? No...you make sure that baby's tummy is full. Many times I found my little A just too busy and excited about her new little world...she couldn't see anything when she was nursing....and it took her too long to get anything...so downstairs Daddy went to grab a bottle...at the beginning it was breast milk...but after 6 months I was done with the pumping and out came the can of formula.

And contray to everyone around me who said she was "too skinny", "needed to eat more"...she ate just the same amount...and acted just the same way...until month 10. That was when I sensed she was done. She wanted to hold the bottle and feed herself. She didn't want my help. We limped along for a month and then I had it. She was waking up twice a night...only nursing twice during daylight hours. Which every mom knows that just depletes the supply ever faster.

Bedtime feeding started to come more and more from a bottle just to fill her tummy...but she was too tired from sucking and not getting anything to finish a bottle....only to wake up 2 more times that night to get her fill.

Little A always slept through the night. Until we went to Hawaii at her 8 month bday. Then it was all over...teething and illness over after a month...she was still doing it. And now having switched to the bottle, she's sleeping the night 4/7 times a week. It's been every second night this week. So that's a great sign!

My point in blogging all this is that when I went to find some sort of "support" or "it's ok to stop nursing" I got nothing. So I'm hoping that the next mommy who searches, "done nursing" or something similar-will find some support in knowing that it does happen to some of us before a year: self-weaning.

I love little A so much....but can't wait until this time change thing straightens out...we just figured out the sleeping the night thing again...and now that silly clock! Oh well...it's in my court and I'll figure it out...just like I figured this out.

Onto more "Daisy's" info.... here's my recent project:

It's a custom blanket for a former student. Her mom made the first purchase on my site (Thank you!) And her daughter just needed a "Daisy's Original". This is a child's size blanket and runs at 39.99 with minky on one side and 45.99 with minky on both sides. I'm putting in an order for more minky this weekend, so if you are wanting something done, let me know what colors you'd like and I will get some for you!

Anyway. The next project is Little A's birthday skirt. I can't tell you any more than that, because if it doesn't turn out, I don't want anyone to know..although I'll probably blog about it anyway!

Happy hump day (Wednesday)

Krystle

She's here!

Hello all!

So the moment you've all been waiting for...ok maybe just me...but regardless, My little Miss Daisy has been born! Isn't she adorable!

And no, this isn't one of my talents...graphic design is a field I'd love to tap into, but not unless God decides that a 36 hour day would be a better mix for mankind:)

I owe it all to my dearest sister, Esther..... Sister? Yes, sister. That's the only way I can describe our relationship. Friend is too far from the heart. She is amazing and talented...and your check is in the mail along with a huge hug!

I have 4 items to upload to my etsy.com site. And they are all for little boys! More to come today! I have so many cute little fabrics...

I realized last night that I haven't really blogged to much about my personal life. The plan is to start doing that too. I just have to think of something y'all would enjoy reading!

Oh! my etsy.com site finally made it's first sale! I am so excited. I saw the e-mail on Saturday afternoon and nearly fell of my chair. Now I haven't done too much advertising other than putting a link to my site on Facebook, but it's a start. I'm in the process of making a button that other bloggers can use. And I will have a fan page on facebook soon!

Off to sew...before little A wakes up!

K

Sewing again...

So, I had a great idea....kindof from a recent movie, but more to benefit the seamstresses in our midst....I'm going to write a blog about the book I've been sewing out of. Not because I like the author or anything, but because I am sure there are other people out there that have sewn with it and been met with frustration concerning the sizes of the items. One pattern turns out smaller than the measurements given, the next one is two big.

Right now, I'm doing a Kimono dress with an Obi Sash. It is really pretty and unique, but the bodice turned out too big, so tomorrow, I go to make it smaller. Then I'll post a picture. There was no way my husband was taking a photo of me in the swimmy top.

I also made the little sundress included in the book. That only took an hour or so...but turned out long, but once summer comes it will be perfect. I can definitely make this one again. I'll add the little bloomers later this week.

I also made a headband out of green jersey to mimic the steam of a flower for when Anna wears her fancy bows and flowers. I learned that you have to make sure you use sew the fabric correctly, as seen in the last photo. The knit has to be horizontal to you when it is vertically laying in front of you so that it stretches well.

On the business side of "Daisy's" I came up with a slogan...and my dear friend, Esther made up my super cute logo. which I will be unveiled shortly. "Cozy. Classic. Chic" Thoughts?

I also auctioned off 2 of my minky blankets for VCS last Friday. It was my first "official" event.

I'm working on developing my website. More on that to come.

I can't wait to show you all Daisy! She's super cute!

Have a fabulous week!

It's been too long!

So, I finished a few projects! Finally, I know.

One of the projects was the skirt. Here is the book I found it in:

I made the "Yard Sale Skirt", which I believe gets it's name from the fact that the author must have gotten her fabric from a yard sale.

It was interesting to say the least. If you ever try it, or if I ever try it again, I will be making each panel at least 1 inch wider. The measurements given in the book don't correspond with the actual pattern pieces. I should have measured the pieces to make sure that the book was correct, but I'm an amateur.

So, my skirt has 8 panels, but my next skirt will only have 6 with an additional inch or so.

Here are the photos.

Before the skirt, I made this apron

It was from another book from the library. I had to move up the pocket, as I made the top too long. I still need to add the decorative buttons on top of where the straps attach to the "bib" part of the apron.

So....my next projects are a few "Daisy's" originals, adapted from many different ideas I've had and seen. A dress for my little sweet pea, a few baby gifts and a few additions to my etsy store.

Book update: I finished writing my storybook about Miss Daisy and her little friends. My novel is still one chapter away from being finished. I just am torn between the endings. I am looking for an illustrator or some ideas about how I can illustrate my storybook myself. I have a few ideas about what I want the pictures to look like.

And little miss Daisy herself is about to make her appearance. I am so excited!!!

On other notes, I have a few new ideas that I will be debuting on my site. Some sweet little treats for your little ones!

Designing...

So....Miss Daisy is about to appear! Just a few more minor tweaking and she'll be ready to unveil. Stay tuned.....

PS...I'll blog more in a bit..dinner is waiting...

Krystle

Skirt!!!!

So...I think I'm starting every post with so:)

So :)....Thursday I made an easy wrap around skirt from a book by Heather Ross. Well, it was a great pattern, really easy...but there was one problem. The sizing. She states that a large/xlarge wrap is for 31"-44"....quite a range, but it looked more hopeful for me than a small/medium ranging in 20"-30" :)

well....I put it on after finally finishing it after about 3 hours of work (with a variety of interruptions) and realized I couldn't wear it out:) Lol! So off to the fabric store to get more fabric on Friday night to put in two new panels on Saturday. Then I had to pick out the wasteband to re-sew and catch the folded under seems. And it is still sitting pinned on my kitchen/studio table. I'll let you know how it goes...and post a picture:) Should be done tomorrow!

And that book...it's coming....:)

Happy Week!

Oh Oh, Oh, Oh!

So today I decided to "whip up" a project I had seen in a book last night while I was reading through my stash of books from the library. I got some really great ideas by the way.

So, this simple project turned into a whole day stop and start project. I'll post photos of the finished product, but I was so frustrated that I didn't even think about doing it during the creation stage:)

The thing about patterns from books is that they sometimes don't give enough diagrams. Personally I think you need to have a diagram for every step. Needless to say, I won't be buying the book myself. But I do think that I will post my first tutorial about how to make an apron with a bib top. Yes, I said bib top. Bib top because I have no other words for what it looks like.

My tutorial will have detailed photos, steps and good measurements for height etc. The pocket is so low I can barely reach it...and attaching the bib to the bottom was just way to interesting and frustrating that I won't even comment. After re-reading the directions multiple times, I just did it my way. It looks good from the front....

Look for my tutorial...and just read it just so I feel good!

Cheers!

Organization, little bug, and business

Oh, my life all rolled into one ball. That ball, my brain. I seem to get great ideas for multiple things all at once. Therefore, it tends to feel like my brain is rolling in a dozen directions. So sometimes I just have to put it on hold. And sometimes, life just puts it on hold for me.

My sweet pea was ill this week. Oh, it was not fun! I can handle spit up. I can handle poop. I can even handle messy, wet cookies and bread at dinner time...but vomit and diarrea-I almost couldn't do it...until I looked at my little girl and she just gave me those eyes, of "help me mommy". And I just sucked it up and made it all better. I know that this is probably 'tmi' for most people without kids, but those of you who have kids, read on. Those who don't read on anyway....it'll open your eyes to what having kids really means....kindof like getting married, good times and the bad.

So, this morning, after 2 nights of no sleep for me and Anna, I had finally had only 2 interruptions. Anna's fever had broke around 9:30pm the night before, so things were looking better. I heard her peep this morning at 7:34am...I waited to see if she was really up. She started moaning. I jumped up out of bed and ran to see what had made her upset, as she generally is quite the excited little girl at the rising of the sun.

And ohhhh was there something bothering her. Her torso was covered in poop....there was poop down the front of her pants and of course all over her sheets and blankies. And I'd just woke up! But there was no doubt that it was poop. I, of course got right to work cleaning it up, like any of us mommies would do. She laid on the change table whimpering, then in 2 inches of warm water in the tub crying. But once she was clean and wrapped in a towel, she laid on my bed as I dressed her and sucked her thumb. All happy or at least content. It was quite the clean up, some of which I left in the laundry basket at the top of the stairs to let Daddy get a bit of the real effect when I told the story later on.

See it wasn't so bad to read....I left out more of the details for you non-kid readers. Seriously though, as I sat there and feed her after the morning ordeal, I realized that I'd do anything for this little ball of fire, even though her flame has been a little dim these last few days.

My wonderful mother in law came over this afternoon and helped me get my house back in order...she insisted. So I let her. Oh and dinner was good. And I actually got to sit down and rest a bit.

So that takes care of the little bug part. And the others...organization and business...well I guess all you get to know is it's in the ball in my head, and that eventually you'll hear all about it...once I sort it all out! Ahhh!

To love, laughter and all that life throws...good night!

And here's my first photo

I took this while taking photos for my etsy site. I thought it was great...but not great enough to show detail to a buyer, so here it is for your enjoyment!

...Oops...there were two....and probably more:)

Sewing, photography, writing, cooking, baking....

Ok, so my hobby list is getting a little long. What to pick next!? I think I've nailed it down-I like to be creative. Add to that list decorating and scrapbooking...oh and folding laundry. Yes, I actually like to do that. I have no idea why. I think it is because I am creating organization from a chaotic pile.

I've been reading through various blogs from different fabric & pattern designers. It's a pretty neat world. I flipped through a magazine I got from the library today and it had the best craft room, or should I say most functional. You know when you look through magazines, say Martha Stewart, and there on a 4 page spread is her absolutely amazing craft LOFT, yes, I said LOFT! Well, that just isn't practical for those of us who have more than 1 child, or for those of us who are learning to part with their toys from 1989...or who are teachers. So...needless to say, I am now mulling around what area of my house I can transform into "MY" space, without disturbing "OUR" space.....

The thinking continues.....

Up and running...sort of

Hey all!

So I just set up my etsy.com site. Here's the link: www.daisyscanada.etsy.com

This isn't permanent, but it is what it is for now. And yes, there is one item online. It took me wayyy too long to put it up there. It must be because it's late, and my body is shutting down. Although, part of me is a tad bit excited, I mean, I just jumped...ok...so you might not agree, but I think I just jumped. I jumped into the mommy work at home world. A whole new world....lalala...can you hear me singing that song?

So, here's where I'm at....the book....2 chapters left...then I started editing. I started another project, a storybook about Miss Daisy and her little friends...but it isn't quite on paper yet. I sit, playing with Anna and tell her the story as it's formulating in my head. I haven't slept before 12:30am each night and I think it's because I keep thinking about this little story. And all the other little projects I have on the go. Oh, the places I will go! (Again another hint at my past career...I love kids books!)

Which brings me to a personal note. My husband and I are finally tackling the basement project. The project only includes building at this point, not organizing or purging. But as I moved yet another box up the stairs to the garage, I realized, "I have a lot of stuff"...a whole rubbermaid-large size-of "Krystle's Journals"...oh don't some of you want to get your hands on those:) Well, the garage is locked:) hehe!

So, for now, my sewing materials are in the spare room upstairs, behind the big screen tv. So until the basement is done, I am concentrating on my writing.

I have no idea why my create juices start flowing this late at night, but they just do. I've heard many authors have this difficulty. Hopefully it will land me on the New York Bestseller's list...maybe someday...

Good Night!

K