I've been on creative overload for the past couple weeks and I can't stop!
I found some old contracts (from publishing companies) from my designing days, and as I was reading them, I noticed that I had signed allowing them first rights. That means that I still own ALL rights to my patterns that I created for them. I'm just giving them the right to publish my project before I publish it anywhere else. So I'll be creating those items and releasing them in the future. I did get one finished earlier today and released it. It's the cute little gingerbread recipe holder you see above. It was in a Christmas book that was published in 2003. I'm also mid-stream on another pattern that will be listed later this week. I also took some time to sew for myself when I made Ollie the Owl from my friend Heather's pattern (post below). And it doesn't stop there. I've created a couple new graphic sets the past couple weeks. Just over the last few days I listed a whole bunch of Premade Etsy Banner, Avatar, and Graphic Sets which will be customized for my customer. That's something new for my shop. So tomorrow it's back to work and my creativity must come to a slow-down. But I'm not going to stop!
Sometimes a pattern designer just wants to follow a pattern that was designed by someone else. No stopping and taking notes, no photographing steps, no proof-reading, and no long, long hours at the computer writing up the pattern. Sometimes it's nice just to make a project! I did just that today. My friend Heather from the Sewing Loft was telling me about a pattern she was preparing to release. When she showed me the picture, I jumped on the opportunity to test it out for her. It was just too cute to pass up! The pattern was well written, easy to follow, had lots of full color photos, and took well under three hours to complete. Naturally I decided to make it in the colors to match my craft and sewing room. Doesn't he look cute sitting up against my jar of beads? That is where he is going to stay. I thought I'd take full advantage of National Sewing Month and work on some projects I've been wanting to stitch. I can't tell you what they all are though because some are Christmas gifts and my recipients are probably reading my blog! If you want to make up your own Ollie the Owl, you can pick your pattern up at Heather's shops! Sewing Loft Blog Sewing Loft on Etsy Sewing Loft on Craftsy
It was a year ago when I announced that I had become a great aunt for the first time. Well, it's hard to believe that it's already been a year! Yesterday we celebrated Layla's first birthday with family and friends. We had a Minnie Mouse theme, lots of presents, cupcakes, cake, and a healthy luncheon menu. The weather could not have been any better. What a cute birthday girl she is! Image in photo is from my "What a Face" graphic/clipart kit which is available at my shops.
Another goal has been met. As of this past weekend, I've lost a total of 20 pounds! At first it was slow going down a very rough road. Now, I've got a good grip on things and it seems so much easier. There are many things that have helped me along the way such as a supportive family, having access to our own elliptical (more on that later), and a husband who is a pro at watching what the eats and making sure that he works out regularly. Those are just to name a few. One of the things that has been a big help to me is my myfitnesspal.com (screenshot above). It's a website where you can log your weight, measurements, food, and exercise. They also have a community if you are interested. I don't join in on conversations or groups, but I find the smartphone app helpful to log my progress. It remembers the foods you use most often and it also stores your favorites so you never have to enter that food again, you just scroll down to it. It tells you how many calories you have at the start of your day, then adjusts as you eat and exercise. You know exactly how many calories you have left. My favorite part is at the end of the day when you choose "complete" and it says, "If you eat like this everyday, in five weeks you will weigh 135 pounds." Or whatever the case might be. And it's all FREE!!! Free is good! This has been a big help to me. I think that logging and keeping track of my progress has added to my success. Whatever program you use, it does help to keep a log. Images in the photo above are from my "Health and Fitness" clipart/graphic sets which are available at my website, clipart shop, and Etsy.
Do you ever go past an old abandoned house and ask yourself a million questions about it? I do! I'm actually fascinated by them. I wonder what the people were like who lived there, when was the house built, and how did it become vacant? Did the owner's lose it to the bank, did they die, did they just walk away from it? Were there kids and pets, and did they have parties out in the yard? Did they have electric when they first moved in, or was that added later? And most of all, I wish I could go inside to see if any of that old charm is still there. As we all know, they don't make houses like they used to. This is an old house that I pass on my way to and from work. I know nobody lives there because the windows are out and I never see life or cars. I do question the lawn. It's neatly mowed all summer long. I wonder if it's the owner who does it, and why keep up the yard and not the rest of the house? You can't tell by looking at the picture, but the house sits on an amazing property! It's out in the country and there are no close neighbors. After looking at the photo I can see that roof actually doesn't look that bad. I wonder if this house is savable. Breaking and entering is not for me, so now I'll just drive by and wonder...
Did you know that September is National Sewing Month? If you've never sewn a stitch before but thought it would be fun to learn, now is the perfect time! My friend and fellow pattern designer Heather, will be celebrating BIG all month long! She has some pretty talented guests that will be participating, as well as some incredible giveaways. She also has lots of fun projects planned. I for one will be stopping by her blog daily and you should too! Look for the sewing machine graphic at the right side of my blog. It will be there all month long so all you have to do is click on it to take you there. The dress form graphic in the photo above is from my "The Sewing Room" graphic and clipart kit which can be found at my Etsy Shop, Website, or Clipart Shop. Links at the right.
