Life-Changing Magic

Is it magic or just motivational? I'm talking about the book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Back in June, I shared my motley summer reading list, you can see it HERE. The books encompass everything from true stories, novels, and even a little history. All have been entertaining, and I'll share more in upcoming posts, but The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up seems to have unleashed something in me.
There are some wonderful quotes in the book;
*To truly cherish the things that are important to you, you must first discard those that have    outlived their purpose.
*It is not the memories but the person we have become because of those past experiences
  that we should treasure. 
*The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your    life. 
We recently had dinner with some friends and I commented that I'm cleaning out. The comment was made that my house is perfect and how could there possibly be anything to clear out. Well, trust me, there's plenty. As an example, I opened one closet yesterday, took everything out, and this is what I ended up with. Over the past week, I have not kept count, but I would say that at least 10 bags have gone out the door. My husband commented that he's afraid that the ladies at the Salvation Army are going to think he's lost his spouse!!!!!

Yesterday's closet clean out was probably the most interesting so far. In that closet I had a number of vintage pieces that I have held on to for the mere fact that they are vintage and for some reason held some sort of hold on me. As I really looked at them I realized that they were not something I want to wear, it's not how I want to present myself, and so, in the bag they went. I felt set free.
As I read through the book, there were other epiphanies of sorts. The author talked about the home and  how we live within our home. When I was growing up, we had very little. I had very few clothes and so the best was saved for school and church. At home I wore old things that were just that, old and worn. They were comfortable, but not attractive. Being comfortable at home is a wonderful thing, but comfort can and should be attractive.    
Then I came across this statement,
When we really delve into the reasons why we can't let go, there are only two: 
An attachment to the past,
Or a fear of the future.
While it's wonderful to have memories and cherished mementos, what struck me was that I want to live now, fully and wholly...NOW! I can hold on to the things that truly bring me joy and let go of the rest.
So, a lot has gone out the door, and there's so much more to do. I put myself on a one year plan, taking a closet, a space at one time. As I work along, I know that I will learn more and more about myself and some of the realizations may be a little difficult. But I think it's a little like losing weight, initially it's difficult, your stomach and your mind scream that they want to eat. But, you stick with it and then comes the exhilaration of the accomplishment. In the end, the mental and physical pain was worth it, you achieved your goal.
In the spirit of letting go, I have decided to pass along the book. It has done it's job and there is no reason for me to hold on to it. I'm hoping that in giving it away, that the next person will be as moved as I have been. If you think you would like to have the book, just leave a message here on this post, United States addresses only please. I will draw a name on Monday, August 17, 2015. If you do think that you would like to have the book, I ask two things;
1. Read it.
2. Once read, pass it on. Do not keep the book and please do not sell the book. My hope is that my small investment will go on to help others in a manner that I cannot even imagine.

I'll leave you today with this statement that I once heard,
The more things you own, the more your things own you.

On The Cover and Celebrating

It's not everyday that a girl gets her handmade items on the cover of a magazine!!! I actually found out by accident as Sew News never mentioned that they had chosen the bags for the cover. A picture of the August/September cover came up on the Sew News website and low and behold, there were the bags. Fun! In case you missed the previous post, the bags are from Grainline Studio and they are the Portside Travel Collection.

So, for those of you who have followed the blog for more than a minute, you know that I love nothing more than being able to share the joy. Sew News graciously gave me 4 copies of the magazine to share with those of you who drop by the blog. Well, to be honest, they gave me 5 issues, but selfish me, I'm keeping 1 for myself :) 

Of course I'm a little partial, but it is a fun issue. There's a super cute clutch pattern. It's a free pattern until the end of September. You can find and download the pattern HERE.

 For those of you who enjoy painting and embellishing fabric, there's a fun article on stamping.

The beautiful wooden stamps are hand carved and for sale in the Sew News store. You can find them HERE. I have a vintage wooden stamp that I actually use as decortive art in my home. So the stamps make lovely artistic pieces when not in use.

The drill will be the usual;
1.You must be a follower of this blog. Let me know in the comment section how you follow the blog, email, Bloglovin, Feedly, etc.
2.And of course, just leave a comment and let me know that you would like to be in the running. 
I will draw 4 names on Saturday, August 15, 2015, so be sure to stop back by and see if you won!
Good Luck!!! Maybe my good fortune will rub off on you :)

Sunday Night Reflections

The power of a gun can kill, and the power of fire can burn

The power of wind can chill, and the power of mind can learn

The power of anger, can raise inside until it tears you apart

But the power of a smile,

especially yours,

can heal a frozen heart.

                                                                                                    2Pac

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Sew Independent

As I typed out sew independent in the title, the thought occurred to me that I really like all the implications. I think that describes me as well as everyone who visits this blog, we are so very independent! We like to like to sew, we like to be creative and in all of our endeavors, exhibit our individuality and independence. 

As you may remember, I participated last year in Sewing Indie Month as....The Pattern Hacker!!! I love that title :) Well, as it turns out, Sewing Indie Month is coming up once again. Since I have yet to take the little box off of my blog, I was asked if I would do a post announcing the upcoming event as well as a fabulous sale that will kick it all off. The sale is all about a pattern bundle which is rather fun. So before I get to the details, let's take a look at the patterns.

First up is the lovely Dixie of Dixie DIY. You may remember that I just completed her shorts for the Sew News sew along. A picture of me in my shorts is coming up this week. Dixie has designed a super cute new dress pattern. Look closely and you'll see the little cutout design on the side. As cute as the cutout is, I'm thinking that it could also be a design detail with lace or even leather.

Next up is a designer that I have enjoyed for some time. You may remember her free Newsboy Cap pattern that I made a while back. Her Cookie Zippered Jacket is a great into fall jacket. Yuki is offering a free add on pattern of a hood, so the jacket is all the more versatile.

Sew House Seven is a new to me pattern line. Their Mississippi Ave. dress is just as breezy and feminine as a pattern can be. Not only is it a lovely little dress, it would also make up into a lovely nightgown. You can find all of their patterns HERE.

Muse Patterns are designed by Kat Haristy of Wellington, New Zealand. Her Melissa dress and blouse pattern is feminine with a vintage touch. The lovely detail on the front of the dress is echoed on the back. The pattern also comes with a skirt pattern that features the detail on the pocket. A super versatile pattern! You can check out all of her patterns HERE.

Next up is Miss Mari of Seamster Patterns. Her brand new Sorrel Dress and Top Pattern has been in the works for a while and I'm so happy to be able to finally tell you about it. The collar detail is just that, a detail, not a seperate collar. 

She has also provided this option which I really like.

Lolita Patterns is offering their Sugar Plum Dress pattern, perfect for the business woman on the go. You may remember that I tested this pattern. You can see my version HERE. 

Another new to me pattern designer is Jennifer Lauren, She is offering her Cressida Skirt Pattern to the bundle. The skirt can be made with a double row of buttons or a single row and belt loops can also be added.

The Saltbox Tank or Tee from Blueprint Patterns has a very interesting inspiration. Be sure to check out her blog and see what inspired this top.

The Sutton Blouse from True Bias features an easy to wear design with kimono sleeves, one piece yoke, a pleated back and side slits.

The Ultimate Trouser Pattern from Sew It Over is a pant for every wardrobe. A slim leg with and ankle grazing hem, perfect in summer and winter.

Now here's a little information about the pattern bundle. Please take note that I'm a little late in getting this post out, the sale ends on Wednesday August 12th!!!!

• The sale will run from Monday August 3rd to Wednesday August 12th.
• 20% of bundle proceeds will be donated to the International Folk Art Alliance, which provides education and exhibition opportunities to folk artists from around the world. Just a few examples of what the International Folk Art Alliance has been able to accomplish by helping artists create stable, year-round livelihoods includes helping shelter women from domestic violence in Ecuador, building a school for children in Pakistan, empowering women in repressive cultures around the world, and feeding villages in Niger.
• Sewing Indie Month (SIM) is a month-long celebration of indie sewing patterns where designers collaborate to bring you fun blog posts and informative tutorials. This year SIM will take place in September. It's accompanied by a sewalong contest with fantastic prizes. Since the patterns in the SIM Bundle 1 are mostly wovens, this sale gives you time to make muslins before the contest begins in September while supporting small women-owned businesses and raising money for charity.
• This year the Sewing Indie Month HQ will be Sew Independent, which Mari from Seamster Sewing Patterns took over from Donna, who decided to step back from the site. You may buy the bundle and keep up to date with the latest SIM news at www.SewIndependent.com 

Pricing:

Pay what you want for the bundle! The more you pay, the more rewards you'll receive. 

• Pay $25 or more to get the Sutton Blouse, Cressida Skirt, Sugar Plum Dress, Mississippi Ave Dress & Top, and the Ultimate Trousers.
• Pay $32 or more to get the Cookie Blouson and Bonnell Dress.
• Pay $38 or more to get the Melissa Dress, Blouse & Skirt, the NEW Saltbox Top, and the NEW Sorrel Dress & Top.
• The 10 people who spend the most will get printed copy shop versions of the patterns mailed to them as a free bonus.

New Patterns:

The Saltbox by Blueprints for Sewing and Sorrel Dress & Top by Seamster Sewing Patterns are brand new patterns that are being released with the bundle. During the sale you can only buy them as part of the bundle.

So if you would like to have all 10 patterns, you may have all 10 for the bargain price of only $38.00! But since 20% goes to such a worthwhile organization, pitching in a few extra dollars would be great too. Be sure to check out www.sewindependent.com to buy your patterns and learn more about Sewing Indie Month. Have fun!

Sunday Night Reflections

It's not our memories,

but the person we have become

because of those past experiences

that we should treasure.

                                                                                                       Marie Kondo

Eating For Your Future/Fresh Gazpacho

As much as I love to cook and put a meal together, I often think about how nice it would be to have a personal chef. How lovely it would be to just show up at dinner time to a lovely prepared meal. This past week, some friends were visiting. Whenever they come, they always prepare at least one meal. It's like a dream come true. I get to just show up at dinner time and sit down to a lovely meal!! What's even better, they go out of their way to prepare something that they know I will love. On this week's menu was a glorious Gazpacho, hearty and absolutely delicious. 

But this wasn't your everyday Gazpacho, avocado and crab meat was first put in the bowl and then the Gazpacho was ladled on top. Digging through the bowl and finding the avocado and crab meat was like finding gold! 1/2 avocado was added to each bowl.

Chunky Gazpacho

1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped green onion
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups tomato juice
*for a little extra spice add 1 chopped cayenne pepper

Combine all ingredients and chill well.

This recipe could also be pureed for a super nutritional drink, minus the avocado and  crab meat of course. My friend doubled the recipe so we would have leftovers for another meal. Guess what, as good as it was the first time, it was even better on the second go around! Word to the wise, double the recipe and enjoy the leftovers :)
If you would prefer a vegan/vegetarian version of the soup, just leave out the crab meat. But if you like seafood, shrimp would also be a nice alternative to the crab meat.
Enjoy!
Rhonda

My Portside Travel Collection Makes The Cover!

I was so excited when I found out that the bags I made for the upcoming Sew News Sew Along made the cover of the magazine. What an honor! The bags are the Portside Travel Collection from Grainline Studio. 

I thought I would share a few of the pictures that I took in preparation of the article. The bags were a blast to put together. The fabric that I used was purchased at The Needle Shop in Chicago. I have had someone inquire about the fabric, so I went to the website and sadly, I didn't find it. The sew along will not begin until sometime in September. In the next week, I will pop over to the store and ask the owner if by chance the fabric is still available. If it is, I'll be sure to let you know. Check out the website though as there are a number of fabrics that would be fabulous for this collection. 

The dopp bag and the bottom of the duffle were done in a faux crocodile embossed leather. Be sure to check out the home dec department at your local fabric store as they are now carrying some great faux leathers.

I had some turquoise and coral on hand, so I made little zipper pulls.

The dopp bag is fully lined. It also features a great side pocket for combs, or any other flat items that you might like to easily find.

The set also features a travel pouch. I recommend making more than 1. The pouch is great for passports, cords, or even delicate things that might get snagged in your bag.

When preparing for the set, I found this great webbing for the handles and straps.

And I was able to pull it all together with black hardware. For those of you in America, the webbing and the black hardware came from Joann's Fabrics.

The duffle bag is very roomy. Once I finished it, I thought I would check out just how much I could get in the bag. Believe it or not, it will hold a week's worth of clothes. But....if you are like me and take 10 pairs of shoes for a five day trip, it might be a little tight ;)  

The duffle also features a side pocket on either side of the bag, great for stashing your boarding pass. 

If you would like to purchase a paper pattern, you can find it HERE on the Sew News website. If you prefer a PDF pattern, you can find it HERE on the Grainline Studio website.
Hope to have you join me in September for the sew along. I think it's going to be especially fun!