20 Wishes {November Update}

Here's my Original Post of 20 Wishes for 2014! 

Another year is flying past me!  ;-)  'Not a lot of updates this month, but GEE, I better get busy if the last few are going to be accomplished!  December Updates are in RED.

1.  Celebrate 28 years of marriage!  I've written about it five times!  LOL!  My first post about it is Right Here!  And here is my Second Post!  There were actually two posts in April.  HERE and THERE.  The last of the photos are right HERE.

2.  Vacation in Colorado.  Yep!  It was wonderful and I've only just begun to publish the pictures PLUS there was a cool sewing project related to the trip!   Check out my  Colorado T-Shirt Makeover!  There's a fun post about Murphy and Windmills!  Do you like birds?  At Garden of the Gods, we photographed this Mexican Jay and some Magpies.


3.  Attend concerts.  We saw Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Dan + Shay AND Neil McCoy in Little Rock!  It was a GREAT concert!  For some reason, I forget to post about local bands.  We recently saw Jed Clampit.  He is still wonderful!

Fitness Goals - Last year, one of my 20 Wishes led me to a Cross Fit gym.  Working out has taken on a whole new meaning for me and I am usually in the gym five days a week.  Since beginning Cross Fit, I've gone from a size 12 to a size 6!

So, in the month of July, I went shopping for a new gym.  Looking for the one that is right for right now.  I contacted 6 gyms via email.  Everyone was super nice.  Two didn't have a class time that worked for me and one is still being built.  So, I actually tried 3 different gyms and was very happy at all of them.  One gave me a 2 week pass and the others gave me a 1 week pass.   It was a fun little journey and I chose another CrossFit gym.  I am loving it!  'Still loving my new gym.  I am usually there each morning, Monday thru Friday.

4.  I want to be a size 4 by May 1 and maintain it thru the rest of the year my life.  'Not there yet, but the needle is moving again now that I have a new gym.  Sometimes, you need to make a change.

5.  Run four 5ks, one in each quarter of the year.  This just isn't going to happen.


6.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Handstand Pushups, no modifications.  Progress continues.  I can hold a handstand for 1 minute now!  Yay, me!  I've been goofing around with walking on my hands.  'Kinda fun!  Done, October 21!!  Now, that's what I'm talking about!  (Big Cheesy Grin)  Done!  Again!  November 17!  Yay, me!

7.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Pull Ups, no modifications.  Slow Progress is better than no progress, right?  ;-)  I am so close to doing REAL pullups!  I can get my nose above the bar, but not quite my chin.  It's exciting!  Guess who can do a pull up without a band now!  I am so excited!  So far, three is about my max at a time, but WOW what an improvement from where I began!  Done!  Just yesterday, October 28!!  S W E E T ! !

8.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Toes to Bar, no modifications.  I keep trying and am getting really close!  The rhythm is getting much better, and some can be strung together now instead of just one at a time.  This is going to happen soon.  A new movement was recently introduced that is really helping my grip strength.  I love the diversity of Cross Fit skill proficiencies.  We had Toes to Bar in our workout yesterday,  I couldn't quite get all of them done.  On some of my reps, my toes were just a couple inches from the bar, but I didn't have the strength to close that last little gap.  'So close though.  I still have a month to get this one!  ;-)   

9.  Get stretchy enough that I can do the splits again, both sides.  (You might be asking "Why?" on this one.  I have absolutely no idea.  'Just want to.)  It's going to happen!





I'm going to need lots of support and a whole lot of tenacity.  Those are going to be tough to achieve!  If you have any quotes, tips or advice, please send them my way!

I am consistently getting Double Unders, but only one at a time. 

Sewing Goals

10.  Complete a quilt for each of my children.  One down!  You can see it HERE!

11.  Inspired by Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings, sew something for myself monthly and join the fun at "Sew Our Stash"  This has been a GREAT goal for me!  I am gaining so much confidence in the sewing department!  I've made a Maxi Skirt!  Raglan Sleeve Top!  3 of The Ojai Wrap! and a couple of Commuter Cowls!  This Easy Pink T is getting lots of wear.  Here is a Vintage Baseball T created in July!  August was a little Lacy Number!  'Didn't get anything posted for September.  Bummer!  I have really fizzled on this goal.  'Just haven't felt like sewing clothing for myself.  Hmm... 

12.  Inspired from Adventures in Dressmaking,  follow Susannah's Sewing Resolutions.  Basically, I should fuss and worry over my pattern and fabric choices for ME just as much as when I am sewing for someone else.  Well, DUH!  ;-)  This wish ROCKS!  Here's a fun little post about Why I Sew.



These goals are being brought forward from my 2013 list!

13.  Take a photography class.

14.  Learn photo shop.

15.  Make my own herbal salad dressing.  I've been goofing around with this one, but not ready to post anything yet.  So, I made some, but really didn't like it.  If at first you don't succeed... 

16.  Create and write down 3 recipes for artisan cheese.  Cheese and yogurt making seems to be something I like to do in the fall.

17.  Re-Vamp my "Herbs:  A Place to Begin" presentation into a one hour program.  Done, twice actually!

18.  Learn more bloggy techy things.  Hmmm...  Surely I've learned something?  I am working on adding a new page to the blog!

19.  Monetize and grow my blog.  I've been working on a Pinterest Board.  My humble little blog continues to pick up new followers here and there, and I *LOVE* meeting new people from around the world!

20.  Read and blog about 26 books.  Definitely on track and I love the monthly Literary Junkies parties!  If you like to read, please join the fun!  Jan Karon is currently my favorite author.  I continue to plow through her series of books and have loved them all.  Fall Women's Bible Study just began again two weeks ago.  Our group has lots in common and we are having a ball.  I {heart} books!  The card I use most in my wallet is my Library Card!  ;-)  This goal has easily been reached.

Whew!  So, what have you been doing?  

;-)  -Marci

20 Wishes {October Update}

Here's my Original Post of 20 Wishes for 2014! 

October updates are in this cool purplish-blue color!  ;-)
 

1.  Celebrate 28 years of marriage!  I've written about it five times!  LOL!  My first post about it is Right Here!  And here is my Second Post!  There were actually two posts in April.  HERE and THERE.  The last of the photos are right HERE.

2.  Vacation in Colorado.  Yep!  It was wonderful and I've only just begun to publish the pictures PLUS there was a cool sewing project related to the trip!   Check out my  Colorado T-Shirt Makeover!  There's a fun post about Murphy and Windmills!  Do you like birds?  At Garden of the Gods, we photographed this Mexican Jay and some Magpies.


3.  Attend concerts.  We saw Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Dan + Shay AND Neil McCoy in Little Rock!  It was a GREAT concert!

Fitness Goals - Last year, one of my 20 Wishes led me to a Cross Fit gym.  Working out has taken on a whole new meaning for me and I am usually in the gym five days a week.  Since beginning Cross Fit, I've gone from a size 12 to a size 6!



So, in the month of July, I went shopping for a new gym.  Looking for the one that is right for right now.  I contacted 6 gyms via email.  Everyone was super nice.  Two didn't have a class time that worked for me and one is still being built.  So, I actually tried 3 different gyms and was very happy at all of them.  One gave me a 2 week pass and the others gave me a 1 week pass.   It was a fun little journey and I chose another CrossFit gym.  I am loving it!  'Still loving my new gym.  I am usually there each morning, Monday thru Friday.

4.  I want to be a size 4 by May 1 and maintain it thru the rest of the year my life.  'Not there yet, but the needle is moving again now that I have a new gym.  Sometimes, you need to make a change.

5.  Run four 5ks, one in each quarter of the year.  This just isn't going to happen.


 

6.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Handstand Pushups, no modifications.  Progress continues.  I can hold a handstand for 1 minute now!  Yay, me!  I've been goofing around with walking on my hands.  'Kinda fun!  Done, October 21!!  Now, that's what I'm talking about!  (Big Cheesy Grin)

7.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Pull Ups, no modifications.  Slow Progress is better than no progress, right?  ;-)  I am so close to doing REAL pullups!  I can get my nose above the bar, but not quite my chin.  It's exciting!  Guess who can do a pull up without a band now!  I am so excited!  So far, three is about my max at a time, but WOW what an improvement from where I began!  Done!  Just yesterday, October 28!!  S W E E T ! !

8.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Toes to Bar, no modifications.  I keep trying and am getting really close!  The rhythm is getting much better, and some can be strung together now instead of just one at a time.  This is going to happen soon.  A new movement was recently introduced that is really helping my grip strength.  I love the diversity of Cross Fit skill proficiencies. 

9.  Get stretchy enough that I can do the splits again, both sides.  (You might be asking "Why?" on this one.  I have absolutely no idea.  'Just want to.)  It's going to happen!





If those get accomplished:  Bonus Goals are Double Unders and Ring Dips.  Oh, and I'd like to know how many grandmothers across our great nation are choosing Cross Fit goals?  ;-)  I'm going to need lots of support and a whole lot of tenacity.  Those are going to be tough to achieve!  If you have any quotes, tips or advice, please send them my way!

I am consistently getting Double Unders, but only one at a time. 

Sewing Goals

10.  Complete a quilt for each of my children.  One down!  You can see it HERE!

11.  Inspired by Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings, sew something for myself monthly and join the fun at "Sew Our Stash"  This has been a GREAT goal for me!  I am gaining so much confidence in the sewing department!  I've made a Maxi Skirt!  Raglan Sleeve Top!  3 of The Ojai Wrap! and a couple of Commuter Cowls!  This Easy Pink T is getting lots of wear.  Here is a Vintage Baseball T created in July!  August was a little Lacy Number!  'Didn't get anything posted for September.  Bummer!

12.  Inspired from Adventures in Dressmaking,  follow Susannah's Sewing Resolutions.  Basically, I should fuss and worry over my pattern and fabric choices for ME just as much as when I am sewing for someone else.  Well, DUH!  ;-)  This wish ROCKS!  Here's a fun little post about Why I Sew.



These goals are being brought forward from my 2013 list!

13.  Take a photography class.

14.  Learn photo shop.

15.  Make my own herbal salad dressing.  I've been goofing around with this one, but not ready to post anything yet.  So, I made some, but really didn't like it.  If at first you don't succeed... 

16.  Create and write down 3 recipes for artisan cheese.  Cheese and yogurt making seems to be something I like to do in the fall.

17.  Re-Vamp my "Herbs:  A Place to Begin" presentation into a one hour program.  Done, twice actually!

18.  Learn more bloggy techy things.  Hmmm...  Surely I've learned something?  I am working on adding a new page to the blog!

19.  Monetize and grow my blog.  I've been working on a Pinterest Board.  My humble little blog continues to pick up new followers here and there, and I *LOVE* meeting new people from around the world!

20.  Read and blog about 26 books.  Definitely on track and I love the monthly Literary Junkies parties!  If you like to read, please join the fun!  Jan Karon is currently my favorite author.  I continue to plow through her series of books and have loved them all.  Fall Women's Bible Study just began again two weeks ago.  Our group has lots in common and we are having a ball.  I {heart} books!

Whew!  So, what have you been doing?  

;-)  -Marci

Sew Our Stash {August} A Little Lace

If you’re new to my blog, one of my 20 Wishes is to sew one thing for myself each month so I can participate in Sew Our Stash!  It is the brain child of Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings and Bev at Flamingo Toes.  They share what they have made for themselves the last Thursday of every month. It started because they wanted to sew more wearables and needed some accountability.  While I'm certainly not at their level yet, hopefully, my skill sets will be stretched!

That's the total point of 20 Wishes.  Making time for what I WANT to do and Wish #12 was halfway followed on this project!  Let me explain! 

Can you have  too many white T shirts?  I don't think so!  ;-)

I purchased the lace, but used leftover fabric from my White Plantain T .  That makes the fabric free, right?  ;-)  Summer has been mild, but finally got hot and humid this month!  These lacy sleeves are breezy and cool.  The pattern is the Trifecta Top from Kitchy Koo!  I love this neckline!  Did you see my Vintage Baseball T using the same pattern?

 You may have noticed I am posting this a day late.  It feels like August just flew past and this last week really snuck up on me!  How was yours?  Did you get any sewing done?

;-)  -Marci

Sew Our Stash {July} Vintage Baseball T

If you’re new to my blog, one of my 20 Wishes is to sew one thing for myself each month so I can participate in Sew Our Stash!  It is the brain child of Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings and Bev at Flamingo Toes.  They share what they have made for themselves the last Thursday of every month. It started because they wanted to sew more wearables and needed some accountability.  While I'm certainly not at their level yet, hopefully, my skill sets will be stretched!

That's the total point of 20 Wishes.  Making time for what I WANT to do and Wish #12 was halfway followed on this project!  Let me explain!  

 

 

This creation begins with purchasing The Trifecta Top pattern from Kitchy Coo.  I love this pattern!  It's all over the web right now.  The moment I saw it, I immediately thought Vintage Baseball T!  The soft, creamy knit fabric was found at Hancock's, but there wasn't anything for the sleeves that felt quite right.

 

 

So the back of my closet was searched and this old olive T was found and used for the sleeves!  The collar was carefully picked so it could be used, too!

 

Here is the finished shirt!  I liked it, but felt it needed a little something...  Like maybe an old screen print.

 

33 happens to be my basketball / softball number from way back in the day.  After cruising Pinterest for just the right technique, I think it is the PERFECT addition.  We will definitely be talking more about how that little 33 happened!

 

With football season just around the corner, I think this will be a great top for parties on game days!

(Click HERE to see my January Project and THERE for my February Project.  May's Project can be found RIGHT HERE.  Click THERE for June)

What do you think?  Did you get to sew anything in July?

;-)  -Marci

20 Wishes {July Update}

Here's my Original Post of 20 Wishes for 2014! 

1.  Celebrate 28 years of marriage!  We had a great time and I've written about it five times!  LOL!  My first post about it is Right Here!  And here is my Second Post!  There were actually two posts in April.  HERE and THERE.  The last of the photos are right HERE.

2.  Vacation in Colorado.  Yep!  It was wonderful and I've only just begun to publish the pictures PLUS there was a cool sewing project related to the trip!   Check out my  Colorado T-Shirt Makeover!  There's a fun post about Murphy and Windmills!  Do you like birds?  At Garden of the Gods, we photographed this Mexican Jay and some Magpies.



3.  Attend concerts.  We saw Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Dan + Shay AND Neil McCoy in Little Rock!  It was a GREAT concert!

Fitness Goals - Last year, one of my 20 Wishes led me to a Cross Fit gym.  Working out has taken on a whole new meaning for me and I am usually in the gym five days a week.  Since beginning Cross Fit, I've gone from a size 12 to a size 6, almost to my goal size!!  For the most part, I've worked with two trainers, Chip and Gil.  They deserve a HUGE amount of credit, teaching me the movements as well as motivating me daily and encouraging me to stick with it.  There had to have been some days where they beat their heads against a wall after I left!  ;-)  Thanks, guys!  I couldn't have come this far without you!

This quote sums up my feelings for workouts.  Tenacity is the most valuable tool I bring to the gym.



4.  I want to be a size 4 by May 1 and maintain it thru the rest of the year my life.  'Not there yet.

5.  Run four 5ks, one in each quarter of the year.  This just isn't going to happen.


 

6.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Handstand Pushups, no modifications.  Progress continues.  I can hold a handstand for 1 minute now!  Yay, me!

7.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Pull Ups, no modifications.  Slow Progress is better than no progress, right?  ;-)

8.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Toes to Bar, no modifications.  I keep trying and am getting really close!

9.  Get stretchy enough that I can do the splits again, both sides.  (You might be asking "Why?" on this one.  I have absolutely no idea.  'Just want to.)  It's going to happen!





If those get accomplished:  Bonus Goals are Double Unders and Ring Dips.  Oh, and I'd like to know how many grandmothers across our great nation are choosing Cross Fit goals?  ;-)  I'm going to need lots of support and a whole lot of tenacity.  Those are going to be tough to achieve!  If you have any quotes, tips or advice, please send them my way!

Sewing Goals

10.  Complete a quilt for each of my children.  One down!  You can see it HERE!

11.  Inspired by Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings, sew something for myself monthly and join the fun at "Sew Our Stash"  This has been a GREAT goal for me!  I am gaining so much confidence in the sewing department!  I've made a Maxi Skirt!  Raglan Sleeve Top!  3 of The Ojai Wrap! and a couple of Commuter Cowls!  This Easy Pink T is getting lots of wear.  I love it!








12.  Inspired from Adventures in Dressmaking,  follow Susannah's Sewing Resolutions.  Basically, I should fuss and worry over my pattern and fabric choices for ME just as much as when I am sewing for someone else.  Well, DUH!  ;-)  This wish ROCKS!  Here's a fun little post about Why I Sew.



These goals are being brought forward from my 2013 list!

13.  Take a photography class.

14.  Learn photo shop.

15.  Make my own herbal salad dressing.  I've been goofing around with this one, but not ready to post anything yet.

16.  Create and write down 3 recipes for artisan cheese.  Cheese and yogurt making seems to be something I like to do in the fall.

17.  Re-Vamp my "Herbs:  A Place to Begin" presentation into a one hour program.  Done, twice actually!

18.  Learn more bloggy techy things.  Hmmm...  Surely I've learned something?

19.  Monetize and grow my blog.  I've been working on a Pinterest Board.  My humble little blog continues to pick up new followers here and there, and I *LOVE* meeting new people from around the world!

20.  Read and blog about 26 books.  Definitely on track and I love the monthly Literary Junkies parties!  If you like to read, please join the fun!

Whew!  So, what have you been doing?  

;-)  -Marci

Patterns from My Closet / Why Do I sew?

There's an interesting link party at Get Your Crap Together titled Why I Sew.  I plan to answer that question tomorrow!  Please come back and visit with me about it! 

 

Here's my latest creation for Sew Our Stash!    An easy, soft pink T.

 

 

(Click HERE to see my January Project and THERE for my February Project.  May's Project can be found RIGHT HERE.)  If you’re new to my blog, one of my 20 Wishes is to sew one thing for myself each month so I can participate in Sew Our Stash!  It is the brain child of Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings and Bev at Flamingo Toes.  They share what they have made for themselves the last Thursday of every month. It started because they wanted to sew more wearables and needed some accountability.  While I'm certainly not at their level yet, hopefully, my skill sets will be stretched throughout the year!
 

That's the total point of 20 Wishes.  Making time for what I WANT to do and Wish #12 was completely followed on this project!  So, here goes! 

 

This T is from Maurice's (no, I did not get paid for that, but wouldn't it be cool if I did?!)  It's one of my faves.  While this fabric is seriously cool, I wanted a solid color, too.  So this shirt became my pattern!  I found a soft pink knit at Hancock's and whipped up a T in one afternoon!

 

  This comfy little top is getting worn a lot!  Now that I know I can sew them, I want one in every color!  If you have any simple tops hanging in your closet, keep in mind you can use them as patterns!

What are you wearing this Summer?



 

;-)  -Marci

20 Wishes {June Update}

Is it really the end of June?!  We are halfway through 2014!  I guess this is a good time to pause and evaluate my 20 Wishes Progress!

1.  Celebrate 28 years of marriage!  We had a great time and I posted about it five times!  LOL!  My first post about it is Right Here!  And here is my Second Post!  There were actually two posts in April.  HERE and THERE.  The last of the photos are right HERE.

2.  Vacation in Colorado.  Yep!  It was wonderful and I've only just begun to publish the 200 plus pictures PLUS there was a cool sewing project related to the trip!   Check out my  Colorado T-Shirt Makeover!  There's a fun post about Murphy and Windmills!

3.  Attend concerts.  We saw Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Dan + Shay AND Neil McCoy this last weekend in Little Rock!  It was a GREAT concert!

Fitness Goals - Last year, one of my 20 Wishes led me to a Cross Fit gym.  Working out has taken on a whole new meaning for me and I am usually in the gym five days a week.  Since beginning Cross Fit, I've gone from a size 12 to a size 6, almost to my goal size!!  For the most part, I've worked with two trainers, Chip and Gil.  They deserve a HUGE amount of credit, teaching me the movements as well as motivating me daily and encouraging me to stick with it.  There had to have been some days where they beat their heads against a wall after I left!  ;-)  Thanks, guys!  I couldn't have come this far without you!

4.  I want to be a size 4 by May 1 and maintain it thru the rest of the year my life.  'Not there yet.

5.  Run four 5ks, one in each quarter of the year.  This just isn't going to happen.


 

6.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Handstand Pushups, no modifications.  Progress continues

7.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Pull Ups, no modifications.  Slow Progress is better than no progress, right?  ;-)

8.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Toes to Bar, no modifications.  I keep trying and am getting really close!

9.  Get stretchy enough that I can do the splits again, both sides.  (You might be asking "Why?" on this one.  I have absolutely no idea.  'Just want to.)  It's going to happen!





If those get accomplished:  Bonus Goals are Double Unders and Ring Dips.  Oh, and I'd like to know how many grandmothers across our great nation are choosing Cross Fit goals?  ;-)  I'm going to need lots of support and a whole lot of tenacity.  Those are going to be tough to achieve!  If you have any quotes, tips or advice, please send them my way!

Sewing Goals

10.  Complete a quilt for each of my children.  One down!  Check it out HERE

11.  Inspired by Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings, sew something for myself monthly and join the fun at "Sew Our Stash"  This has been a GREAT goal for me!  I am gaining so much confidence in the sewing department!  I've made a Maxi Skirt!  Raglan Sleeve Top!  3 of The Ojai Wrap! and a couple of Commuter Cowls!  Yay, me!  ;-)








12.  Inspired from Adventures in Dressmaking,  follow Susannah's Sewing Resolutions.  Basically, I should fuss and worry over my pattern and fabric choices for ME just as much as when I am sewing for someone else.  Well, DUH!  ;-)  This wish ROCKS!

These goals are being brought forward from my 2013 list!

13.  Take a photography class.

14.  Learn photo shop.

15.  Make my own herbal salad dressing.  I've been goofing around with this one, but not ready to post anything yet.

16.  Create and write down 3 recipes for artisan cheese.  Cheese and yogurt making seems to be something I like to do in the fall.

17.  Re-Vamp my "Herbs:  A Place to Begin" presentation into a one hour program.  Done, twice actually!

18.  Learn more bloggy techy things.  Hmmm...  Surely I've learned something?

19.  Monetize and grow my blog.  I've been working on a Pinterest Board.  My humble little blog continues to pick up new followers here and there, and I *LOVE* meeting new people from around the world!

20.  Read and blog about 26 books.  Definitely on track and I love the monthly Literary Junkies parties!  If you like to read, please join the fun!

Whew!  So, what do you WANT to do?  

;-)  -Marci

Commuter Cowl Sewing Challenge

If you've been hanging around my blog lately, you may have noticed my sewing machine is seeing quite a bit of action these days!  Each completed project makes me feel a little more confident, ready to attempt new patterns!  It was so exciting to stumble across monthly sewing challenges over at Lil Pip Designs!

 

The pattern for June happens to be The Commuter Cowl by Very Shannon.  There are versions of it all over the web!  It's a pattern I had noticed and already wanted.  The sewing challenge was just the little push I needed!  This is a great pattern for beginners or anyone that likes working quickly.  I actually made two of them in one afternoon!

 

 

My first one was made with a soft, blue and white floral vintage sheet snagged at a thrift store.  Who knows how many times the fabric had been washed?

 

It's very soft and drapes beautifully, but it's kind of difficult to notice the cool knots at each shoulder. 

 

For my second Commuter Cowl the fabric may seem like an odd choice.  It's a couple of white bandanas pieced together!

In our area, there is a big PRCA Rodeo every year in July with lots of great summer activities.  Folks wear bandanas in all kinds of different ways.  I thought this might be a fun twist (pun intended) on the regular ol' bank robber bandana.

 



 

The bandanas are quite a bit stiffer than the vintage sheet and make the cowl feel and look more substantial.  They are also a bit bigger than the pattern requires, but that's the really fun thing about sewing for yourself - adapting patterns to whatever you like! 

 

I think it would be cute with a red dress and denim jacket.  Which one do you like better?  Soft blue floral or the bandanas?

 

Is your sewing machine seeing much action these days?  This is a great pattern for beginners.  There are all kinds of ways to make it your own!  If you have time, come join The Sewing Challenge!

;-)  -Marci



Sew Our Stash {May}

It's time for Sew Our Stash!  (Click HERE to see my January Project and THERE for my February Project.)  If you’re new around here, one of my 20 Wishes is to sew one thing for myself each month so I can participate in Sew Our Stash!  It is the brain child of Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings and Bev at Flamingo Toes.  They share what they have made for themselves the last Thursday of every month. It started because they wanted to sew more wearables and needed some accountability.  While I'm certainly not at their level yet, hopefully, my skill sets will be stretched throughout the year!
 

That's the total point of 20 Wishes.  Making time for what I WANT to do and Wish #12 was completely followed on this project!  So, here goes! 

May has been a busy sewing month for me thanks to Justine, the author of Sew Country Chick, one of my FAVE blogs.

 

 

She invited me to be part of her pattern tour!  One look at The Ojai Wrap pattern and I knew I wanted to make one!  It's a great shawl collar cardigan with a slight high low hem - a fabulous pattern for beginners!

 

 

When I saw this fabric at Hancock's, I immediately fell in love!  It makes me think of a waterfall.  (Wish #12 from my 20 Wishes totally rocks!)  For this version, I added the tab and button detail at the shoulder.  'Nice touch!

 

 

I'm wearing it with a black camisole and skinnies from Stitch Fix so the cardigan is the star of the outfit.  For work, though, I wear it with a black top that has a fitted 3/4 length sleeve.  Those black skinnies are seeing the office a lot these days!

 If you'd like to see the other two cardigans I've sewn with The Ojai Wrap pattern, click HERE for the T-Shirt Makeover and HERE to see My First Ojai Wrap.  Everyone on the pattern tour was amazing!  Click HERE to see the Ojai Wrap Wrap Up!

What have you been sewing?

;-)  -Marci

20 Wishes {May Update}

Here's my Original Post of 20 Wishes for 2014!  Below are my February updates in BLUE! March updates in Green!  April updates are in RED!  May updates are in Purple!

1.  Celebrate 28 years of marriage!

Done!  My first post about it is Right Here!

And here is my Second Post about it!

There were actually two posts in April.  HERE and THERE.

The last of the photos were posted right HERE.

 

2.  Vacation in Colorado.

Check!  You can find a teaser post HERE.  We took so many photos, you'll be reading about our trip for quite a while!
Handsome Husband bought a T-Shirt that did not fit him when we got home,



so I turned it into a cardigan!  Check out my  Colorado T-Shirt Makeover! 

Here's a fun post about Murphy.



3.  Attend concerts.
Some tickets have been purchased for June!

Fitness Goals - Last year, one of my 20 Wishes led me to a Cross Fit gym.  Working out has taken on a whole new meaning for me and I am usually in the gym five days a week.

A little setback in this department!  Between being out of town for our anniversary and having a yucky stomach virus, my workouts have been pretty weak in February.
March has been a better month for workouts.  I haven't missed any.  With the Opens going on in CrossFit, there's a lot of added excitement about giving your very best effort.
While on vacation in Colorado, I visited CrossFit Thornton and had a great time with them, working out three times!  It was fun to mix it up a little.  Everyone at this gym was GREAT!  I am so proud of myself for making it to the gym even though we were on vacation!

4.  I want to be a size 4 by May 1 and maintain it thru the rest of the year my life.

This isn't going to happen by May 1, but I'm leaving on the list and will let you know when it does happen!  ;-)
It took me three weeks to lose the weight I gained in one week of vacation.  OY!

5.  Run four 5ks, one in each quarter of the year.

My running schedule has been inconsistent, at best.  I need to either make time for it or scratch this one off the list.  We'll see.


 

6.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Handstand Pushups, no modifications.

Exciting progress!  I completed a modified workout with my toes (not knees) on a box, the last modification before going for the 'real' ones!  It's hard to describe the sense of accomplishment when progressing to a new level!  I'll now start splitting reps between real ones and toes on a box.

7.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Pull Ups, no modifications.

8.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Toes to Bar, no modifications.

Definite progress here.  Yesterday I completed a workout with Toes to Rings!   Every single one would have counted.  Also, my trainer, Gil, kept encouraging me until I got my first real Toes to Bars this month.  Thanks, Gil!
Toes to Rings keep getting stronger.  In attempting Toes to Bars, the rhythm is still a struggle.

9.  Get stretchy enough that I can do the splits again, both sides.

Did you see my Word of the Year Craft?  It's about flexibility!

If those get accomplished:  Bonus Goals are Double Unders and Ring Dips.  Oh, and I'd like to know how many grandmothers across our great nation are choosing Cross Fit goals?  ;-)  I'm going to need gobs of support and a whole lot of tenacity.  Those are going to be tough to achieve!  If you have any quotes, tips or advice, please send them my way!

Sewing Goals

10.  Complete a quilt for each of my children.

One down!  Wanna see it?  Click HERE!

11.  Inspired by Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings, sew something for myself monthly and join the fun at "Sew Our Stash"
January's deadline snuck up on me, but at the last second, I made a Maxi Skirt!  I love it!
February's project was a Raglan Sleeve Top!
OK, so March didn't happen.  If you read This Post, you'll understand why I'm not being too hard on myself!  ;-)
I've done lots of sewing in May!  It was so exciting to participate in my very first pattern tour of The Ojai Wrap!



12.  Inspired from Adventures in Dressmaking,  follow Susannah's Sewing Resolutions.  Basically, I should fuss and worry over my pattern and fabric choices for ME just as much as when I am sewing for someone else.  Well, DUH!  ;-)

I have an exciting sewing project for May that I can't wait to show you.  Last night, I went to a fabric store and TOTALLY followed this one.  It took me a  L O N G  time to choose fabric, thread and buttons, but I am so thrilled with my choices, I just can't stop grinning!

13.  Take a photography class.

14.  Learn photo shop.

15.  Make my own herbal salad dressing.

16.  Create and write down 3 recipes for artisan cheese.

17.  Re-Vamp my "Herbs:  A Place to Begin" presentation into a one hour program.

This one is complete, too!  My 30 minute program became a one hour class.  I gave a presentation in January and have been invited to give another one in April!  This time, they want a 15 minute program!  ;-)  Another re-vamp will be needed!  That's OK, though.  Each makeover gives me a new idea.  Did I mention my Word of the Year is about flexibility?  ;-)

18.  Learn more bloggy techy things.

19.  Monetize and grow my blog.

20.  Read and blog about 26 books.

This goal is on track so far.  'Still reading and posting book reviews.  I wrote about my 100 Books to Read in a Lifetime, too!  Do I get bonus points for that?  ;-)
'Still on track!  Being part of Literary Junkies makes it even more fun!
 This goal is looking good.  What can I say?  I {heart} books!  ;-) 
My reading is slowing as I'm doing more gardening in the evenings.

Whew!  It's very rewarding to check off items on my 20 Wishes list!  I hope you'll join us on Wednesday for the link party!  I'd love to see what you've done!

;-)  -Marci

Sew Our Stash - February

It's time for Sew Our Stash!  (Click HERE to see my January Project.)  If you’re new around here, one of my 20 Wishes is to sew one thing for myself each month so I can participate in Sew Our Stash!  It is the brain child of Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings and Bev at Flamingo Toes.  They share what they have made for themselves the last Thursday of every month. It started because they wanted to sew more wearables and needed some accountability.  While I'm certainly not at their level yet, hopefully, my skill sets will be stretched throughout the year!
 

That's the total point of 20 Wishes.  Making time for what I WANT to do!  So, here goes! 



I made this splashy orange top for my February project.



 I used a pattern from Stitch Savvy by Deborah Moebes (It was at my public library!) along with fabric from Yards and Yards of Yard Sales. 


Here's the back and a closer look at the fabric.

 

I love the retro vibe of this material!

 

Today, our weather is kind of chilly and I need to run about a bazillion errands, so it's being worn with boots, Levi's and a jacket.

How do you think it should be styled for work? 

I always want to call Patty and the Visible Monday Ladies!

;-)  -Marci

Sew Our Stash - January

I’m super excited for the first Sew Our Stash of the year!  If you’re new around here, one of my 20 Wishes is to sew one thing for myself each month so I can participate in Sew Our Stash!  It is the brain child of Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings and Bev at Flamingo Toes.  They share what they have made for themselves the last Thursday of every month. It started because they wanted to sew more wearables and needed some accountability.  While I'm certainly not at their level yet, hopefully, my skill sets will be stretched throughout the year!

 

'Gotta be honest.  This first one snuck up on me!  I knew what I wanted to sew, but didn't get around to it.  I guess that's the total point of 20 Wishes.  Making time for what I WANT to do!  So, here goes!  I followed Marissa's directions for making a Maxi Skirt!

 

For these photos, I wore it with red peep toes and my favorite Arkansas Razorback shirt! 

 

Go, Hogs!

 

 

One minor difference when sewing mine was I left a slit in the back.

 

Gasp!  You can see my slip!  (Blush!)

 

The fabric was a total steal from Yards and Yards of Yard Sales.  It is the gray with tiny polka dots in the photo on the right.  The pictures make it look shiny, but it really isn't.  Perhaps the dots are playing tricks on our eyes?

 

 

I'd love some feedback on other ways to wear it!  Patty?   Visible Monday Ladies?  Please help!  Not only do I need to stretch my sewing skills, I'd like to improve styling, too!

 

;-)  -Marci