Best Gift Ever: Organization for my Sewing Stuff!

Dan got me the greatest Christmas present this year! A lovely, antique hutch to store all of my fabric, threads, trims, and other doo-dad's. I packed all of my fabric into it this morning. I absolutely love it!

I have all my fabric rolled, and organized: Jerseys in one area, cottons and linens in another, all my lace is together as are all of my "novelty" fabrics, like satiny prints, velvets, etc. I have a drawer full of thread, a drawer full of "Ohhh Lulu" tags and the like... I even have a drawer with all of my lingerie elastics, ribbons, and fastenings organized in little slots.

We spent the morning re-arranging and I am so, so very happy with how much larger our small, 1 bedroom apartment looks!

I couldn't be happier! It is absolutely beautiful, matches my dining table beautifully, and completes my dining/studio area! I feel like I finally have a real work space. Before, I had been storing my fabric stash (which is huge because I worked for Fabric stores for years) in bags stashed throughout the apartment. I'm embarrassed to admit, but I kept all of my trims in a big knot in a plastic bag, which hung off my sewing chair. This is so much better. It makes me wonder what everyone else's Sewing Area's look like...

Tonight we are headed off to my Aunts for Christmas Lasagna, and tomorrow we are having our 2nd Turkey dinner with Dan's family. In my opinion, you can never have enough turkey dinner.

More Christmas Crafting...

I think I am almost done all of my Christmas Crafting. I have one last thing to do.

I had the day off today. I ran around and mailed orders to customers, spent an hour at my favourite place in the world, Fabricland, and took Oliver for a car ride (just because he loves it). It is my cousin's birthday tonight! I had been knitting her socks, but those were not close to being done so instead I made her an Apron, since she is an amazing cook!

In the background is the mysterious, large wrapped box that Dan has got me for Christmas. I have no idea what it might be!!! But, it takes up most of our hallway!

I love this yellow tulip printed fabric. I bought 2.5 meters and will make myself... something. I used the Butterick Pattern I won from Patty at The Snugbug. I hope she likes it!

I realized last night I had not gotten anything for Oliver. So, I made him this collar, complete with bow tie. He will hate it, but I am going to absolutely melt when I see it on him! Have I mentioned I have THE cutest dog in the world?

Lastly, I am in the process of making another one of these cake slices... This one is for a friend's mini-me (ie. child), I will make one for Oliver as well.

I also finished up a crafty little present for Dan today, that I had so much fun making! I can't wait until after Christmas so I can talk about what I made for him!!!

Oh Joyous Christmas!

Yesterday my phone broke and our windsheild decided to mysteriously crack out of no where, horizontally, all the way across. I think this was a gift from Santa, and must mean I've been terribly naughty this year, though I can't quite pinpoint what I must have done.

I did walk right past the Salvation Army guy, ringing the bell in the grocery styre.... twice. Maybe that's what pushed me over into the Naughty List.

Anyways, that is a total bummer. Rogers won't replace my phone, I am not eligible for an upgrade, I may have to pay for the repair, and I can't take advantage of any of the existing deals (like $0 for a Blackberry whatever with a 3 year contract) because I am already an existing customer (BASTARDS!). I could cancel my account entirely and go somewhere else but that would cost me $250! I guess Rogers knows that I am just made of money. Which is why we drive a 13 year old car with rust and now a cracked windsheild...

Sigh... At least we have a car. And for that, I am greatful. I am greatful for a lot of things, but every once and a while I can't help but shake my fists in the air and scream, "Why!? Why can't it be EASIER?!" Is it just me, or does anyone else get a twinge of jealousy (and then immediatly feel foolish and guilty for it) when they see their friends on Facebook, or in life going on vacations, and buying new gadgets, and Iphones, and cars, or expensive clothes... and you're just making it by (Albeit contributing to savings of RRSPs?). Because I do, I get that horrible jealousy, them immediatly feel foolish, but it's there.

It could always be worse. I could be in Haiti, or in flood ravaged Pakistan, or living on the streets, or jobless, or worst of all, family-less. So I've got a broken windsheild, an old car, debt I'll be paying off for the rest of my life for my silly education, a broken phone, a messy apartment, a job that is driving me clinically insane... I have a Dan, a Mom, a Dad, and bless him, a Brother (silly as he may be). And to top it off, I have the best damn dog in the whole wide world (even though he slept on my back the entire night, all 35lbs of him).

Today, I am sending away two orders from last week and filling an order from this week. Here's a great thing! Ohhh Lulu seems to be starting to get fairly consistant orders... This is my dream.

Sad at the state of equality in my workplce...

I work in a car repair shop, manning (HA!) the front desk. When I first started here the "staff room" was decorated with posters of half naked women. Needless to say, I found this embarrassing and offensive. When I brought this up to someone else here, I got the responce "Yeah it's not really right but it's tradition." They got moved into the staff bathroom... I use the customer washroom.

Today there were lovely half naked lady magnets everywhere provided to the guys from one of our suppliers. I'm already struggling with this job, I don't think I should have to be subjected to sexually offensive materials while I'm here as well. I don't think I'm asking too much.

I am at work right now and I am so frustrated and angry that I just want to walk out and cry.. Cry, or punch someone. I've had lots of hard jobs in my life, but never one that left me feeling so... worthless as a human being. Not only do I have to deal with customers thinking I'm a complete idiot because I have boobs, but I get to look at half naked Pamela Anderson's all over the place. All the power to all the Pamela Anderson's out there, but not so professional in the workplace in my humble opinion...

I feel like when I voice my opinion, the overwhelming response is that I'm over reacting and shouldn't be so sensitive. But, I really feel that making this behavour is not okay, it's not professional in the workplace, and it is offensive to me, any other woman who enters this shop, and to the men here as well, not to expect a certain amout of workplace professionalism. Actually, maybe it is the most offensive to men, as it strengthens the stereotype that men only think with their penis and are only intersted in busty blonde airheads in thongs, splashing around on the beach.

I'm frustrated, I'm frustrated and angry. I remember thinking, while I was working on my degree, that things couldn't be nearly as bad as people were makign things out to be. Well, I am learning as I make my way through the world, that they are, things suck and I wish I could grow a penis and speak with a deeper voice because I think my opinons and thoughts would be better received.

I don't bring my lingerie to work and I don't want to see "Matco model of the year's" lingerie while I'm at work either. I think that's fair enough,.

End Rant.... But I'm still pissed off.

A Ruffle Obsession...

This One Piece Romper has been in my sewing pile for a week or so... Yesterday I got called in to work, which threw my sewing schedule way off... However, I think it worked in my favour because this turned out way, way more cute than I had anticipated. Sometimes I get this foggy vision in the back of my mind of how I want something to turn out, but I don't quite have all the details... It is fun to see it come to life in front of me!

I stopped by our Best (wo)Man's place for coffee this morning and chatted about wedding stuff, and guys, and her little one, then stopped in a new antique store that just opened up Downtown. They had some great stuff and cheap too! The owner said she will keep her eyes peeled for vintage patterns for me... Here's hoping.

After I finished the Romper, I dug out a piece of fabric that my best friend donated to me out of her stash and came up with my Ruffled Abigail Bloomers, which you can see more pictures of Here . I cut out a matching top which I will sew on Sunday if I'm not too busy... I still have some Christmas things to do...

And last but not least, I made these fleece lined knitted leggings. I literally was dreaming of this fabric. It was expensive (in my books), at $20/yard, But these are the warmest, snuggliest things I own! Pair that with the sweater my mom knitted me and my Sorrel Boots and I am ready to drop-kick winter!

Our Staff Christmas Party is this Saturday. I'm excited to not have to wear my hideous, oversized uniform shirt!

Christmas Crafting...

Every year I plan on making a whole bunch of gifts... and this year I've actually done it! The last thing I have to do is something for my Grandma!

On my gift list are chunky knitted socks, polka dot lingerie set, and fabric flower broach! I have two more gifts that I can't post because of prying eyes.

I am super happy with these fabric flower broaches! My mom stopped by for coffee this morning (the weather was way too bad for her to get to work), and I gave her one made of Candice Olsen drapery fabrics - grey silk with rhinestones and silk velvet with a burnt out lattice design. I should have photographed it! Or I should just make another one for me!

Tomorrow will be an Ohhh Lulu sewing day... today, I am winding down making dinner for when Dan gets home, Chicken breasts, turnip and carrots! Yummy.

DIY Christmas Tags with Picnik!

I just started wrapping my Christmas Presents to go under my tree... Dan picked up red and silver wrapping papers today and I was so excited to come home and wrap... However, as usual, I totally forgot to ask him to get tags! So... with the help of Picnik, I made my own personalized Christmas Taggies. Voila!

Over the weekend I made the snuggliest Leggings out of fleece back knitted fabric. I am going to make some little sleep shorts for sale and will post pictures of the leggings tomorrow!

I left work a little early (a little being 5 hours) today because things were so slow... Tonight I will try to finish some Christmas knitting and some flower broaches. I spent most of the day in wedding day dream land... I keep re-thinking my colour schemes but am finding some really fun things on Etsy!

Speaking of Etsy, check out this great Treasury, Meet me under the mistletoe. So dreamy and romantic! Exactly how I've been feeling lately, especially since we've been practically snowed in the last two days.

Because we were snowed in, I finally got around to having a painting lesson from Dan. My painting turned out way better than I ever anticipated, and now I have a great gift idea for someone special! I can't wait for Christmas!

Too sick to sew...

It's official... I've got the flu or something. Goodness me, I feel really, really terrible. I had wanted to finish a Romper I had started yesterday. It is mostly assembled, waiting to be adorned with lace and ribbons and ruffles.... but not today.

I sewed this last night before throwing in the towel. I'm really, really pleased with it, even though I thought sewing it might just push me over the edge, everything that could go wrong went wrong with it... It was just one of those days yesterday.

I really like it though, it reminds me of Marie Antoinette, or the Old West. I've notice a real "country" theme in what I've been liking lately... This small town is getting to me!

Now I am going to snuggle with my Pugalug, Oliver on the couch and feel sorry for myself while posting stuff on my Etsy.

New Years Dress?

I hate New Years. I really do. I hate the pressure to do something special, I hate how expensive it is... It just fills me with anxiety. What do you wear? What should you do? Where should you go? I'd rather just stay home...

But, I made a dress that is suitable for new years. It's Butterick 6582, one of my favourite vintage re-print patterns.


I am so in love with this fabric. It was in the Clearance room at Fabricland, only $4 a meter. It is a nice weight linen an the most sumptuous colours that are not done justice here. I bought 3 meters of it and am trying to decide what to do with the rest!

I've sewn this dress three times; once with the full skirt, once as a blouse and now the fitted version. No matter how many times I sew an attached neck and arm hole facing, I end up cursing. I find it kind of funny, I mean, I went to school for this! These things should be a breeze... but I still find myself dreading arm hole facings and fly zippers.

Along the way I seem to have lost half of the pieces for this dress so I ended up redrafting some facing pieces... which is easy to do if this ever happens to anyone else, you basically trace the piece you are facing and deduct 1/8" to make it slightly smaller so that it pulls towards the inside.

I woke up sick today and am very sad about this... headache, upset stomach, runny nose. Oh Joy!

New Set...

During our Oscar's Best Picture Movie Marathon, we watched some black and white, 1950s era movie that starts out (I think) with a couple getting dressed after a romp in a hotel room. There is a shot of the woman's back, who has on the most interesting bra (I thought). I wish I could remember which movie it was! I re-created what I could remember here:

I wish I had taken a daylight photo of it on my dress form. I'm really happy with how it turned out! I will be posting one on Etsy soon!

I also played around with my undies pattern and created this thong, with a little "keyhole" cut out in the back.

I sewed this set, a lace and velvet thong, and have started a romper and dress which will be finished tomorrow and Etsy-ing will commence soon after. I am having serious iron issues which has been slowing down my process; it keeps spitting rusty, gross water on everything! I have wiped the plate down, cleaned it with vinegar and water... I think it may be time for a new iron...

A Very Long and Boring Day...

Today is going to be both long and very, very boring. Good thing I brought my knitting.

I am sending off my last few orders today. I found I've been making a lot of stupid (fixable) mistakes, like sewing things on backwards, sewing the bottom of a garment into a top seam (real dumb), and other things like that. I wonder if other sewists make the same, silly mistakes.

Often my mistakes come from me trying to cut corners by not pinning, or rushing, or by trying to play tug of war with Oliver while I sew. I also melt things with my Iron... that is the worst.

Anyway, long story short, I made good use of my seam ripper, and everything turned out fantastically.

I am hoping to get some Christmas Sewing done next week for my mom and myself, and to get my Christmas tree up next weekend! I am so excited about this Christmas. This is Dan and my first Christmas living together. I can't wait to spend Christmas Eve sipping Egg Nog and watching Christmas Movies together. So In Love!

Leopard Print Romper

I love fun things to wear to bed... though I have to admit with the cold weather coming this Romper isn't probably the most practical but pretty nonetheless!

I made this with the nicest weight of jersey I have laid my hands on in a long time, and I am a total sucker for anything leopard. It is so soft and stretchy and comfortable! I added snaps to the crotch and little pink bows at the side seams. This is going to be one of Ohhh Lulu's newest offerings (but this particular one is for me).

I finished up two of my orders today, including this padded lace and jersey bra. I am loving the light padding so, so much. I wish I had time to make some for ME! I haven't had a new bra in ages!!!

Yesterday was the One of a Kind Show, which was awesome! I am doing all of my Christmas Shopping there next year. I picked up two things for Dan, and something for my soon-to-be sister in law and her husband, as well as something special for my mom. My mom surprised me with this beautiful, hand scuplted miniature pug. It is so life like and looks just like my Oliver. I am so in love with it and will cherish it forever.

Funky Monkey and Polka Bear

A little later on this morning we are going to my cousins for her second son's 1st Birthday Party! I am so excited to see my family and all the dogs and babies! What could make for a better day, really?

I didn't know what to get for the little one... so I made a trip to the fabric shop picked up a baby Booties pattern. Here are the Results:

And Here is a sample of the Little Tag I made to attach to the booties. I hope my cousin likes them, and I hope they fit! After I started cutting, I realized I have no idea whatsoever how big a 1 year old's foot should be.

I have made more sales on Etsy this week and will be very busy the next few days filling and shipping orders. I am going to a One of a Kind Christmas Sale in Toronto tomorrow with my some relatives and my mom. I can't wait!

Busy, busy, unproductive week...

This has been a busy yet unproductive week.

My Grandma seems to have taken a turn for the worse, though she always seems to pull through these things. My Days off are all different... I am going to a Wine and Cheese tomorrow night to meet and greet with local business women. Should be good, but I will be exhauseted by the end of it. I am already tired. I am in the process of cooking tonights and tomorrows dinner.

Sunday is my "nephew's" (for lack of a better term!) second birthday - really he is my cousin's second son but I think of him like a newphew. In typical Sarah-style, I have not yet picked out a gift yet... What do you buy a one year old anyway?

Next weekend is my Fiancee's side of the family Christmas Celebration... which I suppose we also need to find time to buy or make gifts for.

Every year I hope for a handmade Christmas, and every year I leave it way too late.

I've had a few bites from Ohhh Lulu on Etsy ... I really want to re-photograph a lot of it but the weather here has been so dreary (and not a bit of snow!), and not at all suitable for photographing.

I hope my business cards from Moo.com get here before the end of the day tomorrow!

Sigh...

Sigh... back to my day job today. Just a Measly 11 hour shift! Trying to find ways to fill the time...

Dan and I went out last night and had dinner and drinks and great conversation. I feel so lucky to have re-met him. I often think about how random it was, which makes me think that maybe, just maybe it was written in the stars. I was living in Toronto, quite happily, he was living in this small town (I'll never get him out of here!). Randomly, I decided to meet up with an old friend at go out to a bar here, which is something I had never done (I hated the idea of running into old highschool "friends") But I went, and we ordered a pitcher of beer, when: Surprise, Surprise! Who walks in but the guy I had a huge crush on in high school. I think I turned to a pile of mushy, lovey goo at that very instant.

And here I am today, marrying that guy with the leather jacket that I figured would never be interested in a nerdy, stay at home, girl like me. I really can't wait 'til the big day! I sent out Thank You cards for the Engagement Party last night. It made me even more excited, though I have realized I am going to have a serious hand cramp when I write all the Thank You's for the Actual Big Day!

Dan has been one of the biggest supporters of my little business venture, and I'm really greatful for all of his understanding and help. He is the one that made me realize I really suck at working for other people but and great at working for myself! I did some early morning Etsy posting (just two items), and will be shipping out my first sale this afternoon! Last night I cut a size run of brushed cotton, plaid panties (Ever so warm for these cold, Canadian Winters!) to present to a local shop owner. I have the highest of hopes, but no expectations!

Speaking of Winter, I am going to curse myself for saying this... but I really hope we get a Traditional "Canadian" Winter this year, with lots of Snow, and snow days... I want to go snow shoeing or skiing.

Bra with pre-formed cups...

So, I normally don't do padded cups because I always hated the overly padded La Senza bra's (no offence, La Senza). However... I LOVE THIS. It really doesn't add any more "bulk" to the bust, but will add more support. I did this as a custom request and might do a lot more this way.

I absolutely love this black velvet. It is the softed, most plush, most yummy crushed velved I've ever laid my hands on. The owner of this is one lucky lady... wish I could keep it for myself!!!

Now to start working on complete size runs...

I have not been nearly as productive as I have hoped these last few days off. I spent one day relaxing, one day running around with my mom, and I'm on my second day of sewing. I have a bunch of sewing I'd like to do for myself (like another pair of pants), but this is so much more fun.


I picked up a couple yards of this yummy black and pink polka dot satin. I tweaked around my bra pattern to be a three piece cup, as opposed to a two piece and it turned out really well! You can't really tell from the picture, but the top of the bra cup is made of lace.


I also worked on this set (which is my favourite) of nude lace over black jersey. The bra is sooooo comfy and is going to become a part of my personal collection, but will be making more for sale. I slightly ruched the lace and topped it off with dusty rose ribbons.

I approached a local store owner about carrying a few of my pieces and she seemed super interested. So, my goal (after I make myself a new pair of pants) is to make some duplicates of my panties and bras, in different sizes.

So, in essence, my next day and a half is going to be terribly boring... so I am hoping I get some positive feedback from my new stuff to get me through the ho-hum.

Purple Ruffled Cardigan

Not asleep... and the sounds of drunk people...

I have finished a 52 hour work week, over 5 days. Surprisingly, it went really, really well. I've realized I much prefer to be the boss over the mindless, lowly counter clerk... I am sad to be going back to the mindless, lowly counter clerk on Wednesday, but am happy to have Monday off (with pay) as a bonus for meeting (and exceeding) financial goals for the week. What I really want is recognition that I am not an air head and run the shop exceptionally well. I have a funny feeling this is one of those instances where credit will not be aptly received and I will have to bite my tongue.

Always with the tongue biting...

Now, I'm sitting here, after one in the morning, not sleeping... trying to pump myself up for a week of sewing and creating and doing all of those things I love. Maybe I'm not sleeping because I'm so darn excited.

Bars must be kicking the drunks out because I hear a long murmur of drunk, violent voices trailing down the street.

I can't wait to get a small house in the country.

Pre-Wedding Celebrations have started...

We had our engagement party on Saturday evening. It was a total blast, we are so lucky to have such great people supporting us.

We practiced the cake cutting, opened presents, introduced parents and friends, it was really great. I am getting even more excited about getting married and having everyone together again.

We were totally spoiled with gifts and help from our friends. My maid of honour got us this amazing picture puzzle of my favourite picture of us! From my parents we received a beautiful frame, with pages like a book, that we can put our wedding photos in. Dan's mom matted and framed one of his drawings, I can't even believe how amazing it looks (they are both so talented). I got a wedding organizer from my cousins (and brides maids), which made the wedding look a little daunting to Dan, but will help us out so much as we get more and more busy.

The best thing though, was just having everyone together. I am so, so very lucky.

Today I start my evil, 52 hour work week. It's already off to a terrible start, but I'll survive and hopefully have a whole wack of time off to re-cover.

Dan is off but got up to warm the car up for me. He's a keeper.

Goodies...

I am feeling depressed as I said in my last post... so I made sure I was super productive today. I have been dreaming of these silk cuffs for a little while now and finally got around to making some. They turned out pretty and I am going to make one for myself to wear at work. The old Car Repair Shop uniform shirt is just a Tad (by a Tad I mean I hate it and want to burn it) bit unisex for me.

I also finished a pair of "peek a boo" panties that I started a few days ago. They have a heart shaped lace panel on the behind and look super cute on. A little cheesy, I admit, but I love cheese.

Lastly, I have been drooling over this leopard print jersey for weeks now and yesterday, it went on sale... so I bought 2 and a half meters and made some Bustle Panties to start.

Tomorrow it's back to work... then engagement party, then working 52 hours over 5 days. I must admit, this whole moving back to my small town, shit job thing has been terribly humbling. I vowed I would never have a job that would require me to wear a uniform, and well... here I am.