The Wednesday Showcase

A few nights ago, I watched a fascinating documentary on the Public Broadcasting network entitled, "Unrest." It's the story of filmmaker Jennifer Brea's struggle with chronic fatigue syndrome. For quite some time, she had been told that there was nothing wrong. She went online and found that there are many all over the world who struggle as she does. It was shocking to see how some have been treated in other countries. Many think that it is all in the patient's mind, and so should be treated for mental illness. 

Jennifer shows what her life was like prior to chronic fatigue, and then documents her life now, as well as the life of so many around the world. For her, it all began when she had a very high temperature, over 104 degrees. From that moment on, her life has never been the same. 

As I watched, I thought about the word tomorrow. We put too many things off until tomorrow, a day that does not exist. I highly recommend the documentary. It's streaming now on the PBS Independent Lens site, but only until January 23, 2018. You can find it HERE. 

I had intended to continue with the Wednesday Showcase 2017 roundup today, but I thought that you might be interested in something a little different. 

You may remember that I gave away 3 little sewing caddies during my birthday week. All 3 ladies have written and told me how much they appreciate their new little toys :) Joy of Joyful Expressions sent a picture of her sewing caddy already in use. You can see her lovely studio in the background. She said that she has ordered a pack of 12 plastic frames and will be making them for all of her sewing friends. Lucky friends!!!

If by chance you haven't checked out Joy's blog, be sure to pop over. She does lots of videos, and she always has a story to tell. 

If by chance you missed the tutorial on how to make the sewing caddy, you can find it HERE along with a video. 

During the Christmas holidays, I was out doing a little shopping. I stopped at a light, looked over, and to my surprise, I saw a sewing studio that I didn't even know existed.  

The studio offers classes for adults and children. They also offer parties for adults and children. The picture below if from a birthday party. What fun!

If you are in the Chicago area and looking for a fun place to meet up with some friends and do a little sewing, take a class, or participate in a little crafting, be sure to check out Sew Crafty Studio. They are located on the corner of Clybourn and Ashland in Chicago.  

Maybe a month ago or so, I came across this picture on Facebook. Pretty eye catching!!!

Intrigued, I decided to do a google search. Sew Houston is owned by Yolanda, a previous middle school English teacher. She has had a passion for sewing since she was a child, and always dreamed of having a sewing business. 

At Sew, she offers classes for adults and children, as well as parties. Her motto is, "Creativity never goes out of style." 

Sew Houston is located on the northwest side of town, just off of Hwy. 290. 

I never thought I would see the day that sewing studios would start popping up. Remember though, to keep them in business, we need to get the word out, and use their facilities. 

If you know of other sewing studios in any part of the world, I would love to showcase them. Many of you may be just like me and have no idea that something exists right in your own city. Just leave a message below.  

I thought I would leave you with this today;

Tomorrow

A mystical land where 99% of all human productivity, motivation, and achievement is stored. 

I'm Celebrating My Birthday!!!

I had a wonderful evening last night. I had the opportunity to attend the annual fashion show at Fleet Feet Sports here in Chicago. The store has a very inspiring history. In 1976, running was a male dominated sport, but 2 women, Sally Edwards, and Elizabeth Jansen, only 28 years old, both teachers, and best friends, decided to go against the odds and open a running store. They purchased a run down, old Victorian home in the poorest area of downtown Sacramento, CA and opened Fleet Feet Sports. This powerhouse combo began a lot of firsts in the area, the first marathon, the first fun run, and the first triathlon. It wasn't long until they opened a second location and people began to ask about opening their own Fleet Feet stores. Now it's a chain that spreads across the United States. Each store is locally owned and operated, and committed to enhancing the local running and walking communities. 

Saw lots of fun things last night. There was a jacket that was a combo jacket and vest. It was held together as a jacket with magnets, so just a matter of pulling the upper jacket portion away from the vest. There was a zippered back pocket for storing the upper portion of the jacket. Such a great idea for days when you begin the workout and it's cool and then you heat up and need to pair down. When the model pulled away the top of the jacket, she threw it to me, so I was able to take a closer look. Then she came back and had me push the piece into the back pocket. Fun! They also had a jacket that had a built-in piece that would go over the hand and act as a glove. I really loved that as I am always starting out with my sleeves pulled down over my hands until I begin to warm up.

The only negative part of the evening was that the store was so, so crowded after the show, rather claustrophobic actually. I'm planning to head back next week to take a closer look when things are not so chaotic. If you live in Chicago, you might want to check out the show. The cost is $20.00, but you come home with a great goodie bag, and a really nice store coupon. So between the bag and the coupon, the experience more than pays for itself. Hey!, and it's fun on top of it all :) 

It's that time of year...another day older, and thankfully, not deeper in debt!!! By all means, a good thing :)

My actual birthday is December 12th, so a few days away still. I always like to do a little something fun for my birthday, so this year I thought I would host a giveaway that you might enjoy. You may remember the sewing caddy I made HERE back in October. It has become my favorite sewing companion.

In case you missed it, I did a video on making 1 for yourself. 

   

The fun news is that I have 3 to give away. I will draw the first name on my actual birthday, Tuesday, December 12, 2017. The second on Wednesday the 13th, and the final on the 14th. 

If you would like the opportunity to win one of my little caddies, just leave a message on this post by Monday, December 11, 2017, 11:59 pm, CDT.

Good Luck!
 Rhonda

Make a Sewing Caddy

Finding a fun little project that will also enhance your life is just the best! I made up my little sewing caddy and was immediately so happy that I did. Such a wonderful place to store everything you may need while sitting at the machine. My husband even thought it was a great little item.

You will need to cut;
1 rectangle 6 1/2" x 15"
3 rectangles 6 1/2" x 6"
1 rectangle 6 1/2" x 11"

If you would like to quilt your large rectangle, you will also need a piece of batting (I like wool batting the best) 6 1/2" x 15". Quilting the backing for the pockets really makes for a much nicer caddy, so please don't skip this step.

Check out the video below for my how to. Once again, I apologize for my weak voice. I feel a sore throat coming on, so it's a little quivery. 



For those of you who enjoy written instructions;

You will need a 5" x 7" acrylic document frame. I found mine HERE. 

Cut 1 rectangle 6 1/2" x 15". Back it with a piece of wool batting and quilt it.

Cut 3 rectangles 6 1/2" x 6". Press in half. 

Stack on top of each other leaving 1 1/4" at the top between each layer. To reduce bulk, the top 2 rectangles do not extend to the bottom. 

For the opposite side, cut 1 rectangle 6 1/2" x 11". Fold in half and press. Line up with the edge on the opposite end of the long rectangle. 

Baste the pockets to the large rectangle. Find the center and stitch from bottom to top on the 3 stacked pockets. 

Serge the lower edge to to give it a nice finish. 

Fold the large rectangle in half, fold up the bottom edge and stitch the sides with a 1/4" seam allowance.

Clip the corners and turn. 

And voila, you have a fabulous little caddy!

This little caddy can be made for a multitude of things, a desk organizer, maybe a place to keep paint brushes easily at hand. So get those creative juices going and sew up a storm!

Enjoy!

Rhonda

Tuesday Tips

It is a spectacular day here in Chicago! So needed after the rainy weekend. A gift :) But...I feel a sore throat coming on, ugh. My acupuncturist's partner is a phenomenal herbalist and he makes what I call a potion, it's actually a tonic, called Cold and Flu Tonic. With the first sign of a sore throat, I begin taking a swig every few hours. You can find it HERE. It's quite potent, but works so well.

Karen sent a message after yesterday's post on Stephen Burrows and said that she has, of all things, a Stephen Burrows pattern. I had no idea! So, I decided to take a look, and here's what I found;

The shapes are quite basic, but now that you have seen what he did with them, the possibilities are endless for chopping up and color play. You can find all of these patterns HERE on Etsy. I did find a few on Ebay as well, but not as much of a selection as there was on Etsy. 

I purchased the pattern below.

I like the wrap top, but what really interested me was the cut of the skirt. Looking forward to making it up.

The shape of this pattern works well with how he drew his skirts. Look at the center illustration below, and then the 3rd piece from the left, the skirt with the red circle on the hip. Take note of how the skirt fits through the hips, but is flared at the hemline. Love this. 

I met up with a friend yesterday and she was wearing a fabulous pin. The leaves of the flower are leather that has been stitched. The swirly stamens are plastic wire. I plan to copy this as I loved it. 

While I was in Kalamazoo, one of the ladies had this little caddy sitting beside her machine. 

The front side had 6 little pockets, perfect for your seam ripper, a pen, scissors, and a needle can be stuck into the cloth.

The backside had a large pocket where she stored her phone. 

I am going to make one up today and I'll have a tutorial for you on Thursday. Such a great little item, especially for me as I have everything laid out so haphazardly on my sewing table. 

Last winter I worked with a massage therapist who really believes in the power of essential oils. She encouraged me to begin using 3 oils at night,

I use the Vitamin E oil on my feet and legs, the serenity oil on my forearms, and the breathe oil on my chest. What a difference it makes in how I sleep at night. On the occasion that I fall asleep before I apply the oils, I don't sleep as well. Then, the next morning, I'll remember that I forgot to apply the oil. The vitamin E oil I purchase from my local drugstore. The doTerra oils can be found at various sites. Just a little something I thought I would share as I think that a good night's rest is one of the best things in the world!  

Do you have a fun tip, or something that makes your life a little better, or easier? Let me know. I would love to feature it on the blog. If for some reason you can't leave a message, you are always welcome to email me at sewbussted@yahoo.com :)

Have a wonderful day!
Rhonda