baby needs a new machine

sew mama sew is giving away a husqvarna/viking sewing machine this month. to win would be dreamy...so here we go. a sewing machine meme:

What brand and model do you have?
~singer 401A slant-o-matic
How long have you had it?
~almost 10 years...it was a wedding gift from the smiths (xoxoxo!)
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
~i've seen them go on ebay for around $225, but i have no idea!
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
~clothing, small quilts, home dec, bags, dress-ups, toys.......
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
~i go in bursts. my machine acts up sometimes and frustrates me, so it gets hibernated for a bit, then wham-o. i make a ton of stuff.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
~i'm attached to it, but like i said, it acts up and i get annoyed. i think i'll always keep it, as it is SO sturdy and handy. but a new one would be amazing!!!
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
~solid straight stitch, fancy stitch "cogs" that are fun.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
~how it jams up regularly despite countless tune-ups.
Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
~a surprise gift from friends of my new hubby...sewed my finger lots of times....nothin' too interesting.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
~yes...it is sturdy and good...just get one that is kept up well.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
~what do you want to do? how often do you sew? get the best you can.
Do you have a dream machine?
~i've been looking into janome's memory craft 4400. i want to do more quilting, some embroidery would be fun.

so go check out sew mama sew's sewing machine info...and enter to win yourself!!

a little dress

stella had a violin recital this weekend and earned her "twinkle certificate," meaning she successfully completed all of the twinkle variations and theme in the suzuki method. we were very excited and proud of her, as she has worked very hard, practicing so much (even on vacation!) i felt she deserved a new dress for the occasion, especially since lately she's been growing like a weed and the ones she has are a bit short! i've been hoarding this great linen print i had grabbed from superbuzzy for awhile and planned on making up a dress to be similar to the girls dresses on the fabric. this is what i came up with on saturday night before the sunday recital. maybe one day i'll make a pattern or give some kind of instructions. it was fun to just make it up as i went along. love my little girl...

the fabric...

the front...

the back...

the faced hem...

the performer...

the awards - twinkle certificate and mcdonald's coupon for listening contest...

the little guy who wants to be just like her (on the american girl violin!)...
this last one was taken today amidst toys, blankies and pjs. unfortunately, after an amazing recital, we tried to celebrate at friendly's but spent an hour in their bathroom with stella throwing-up in the trash can. eli followed suit in the car...so today is a sick day at home. thankfully, we're all on the mend!

hello!

wow. it has been a loooooong time, my friends, and, well...a lot has been going on. not all to be revealed quite yet, but soon!

i've been up to a bit of makin' lately. of course, i only have two photos of the same thing to share (tried to grab last minute shots but had a dead battery!) but, it is my favorite thing i've made lately...and wear quite a bit! it is mccall's pattern 5620 and the cover of said pattern is so incredibly cheesy...but i don't think this is at all. in fact, i've gotten more compliments (and inquiries to purchase!) than ever...here she is...


ugh...sorry about the wrinkles. you'd think i'd been wearing it all day...which i had! oh well. you see it in its true form. well loved.

i'll do my very best to get some other photos up asap of my two other favorites: a tunic and a top both made from the same oh-so-popular built by wendy pattern (3835). very comfy. but i do say, all of these make it with the fabric. the styles are way simple. so gotta love great prints. and free fabric. more on that next time (with the photo!)

today was our first day of our csa. i was so excited! we got: 3 pickle cucumbers, 2 bunches of scallions, bok choy, baby bok choy, purslane, green kale, red russian kale, 2 bunches of swiss chard, summer squash (3 zucchini, 1 yellow, 2 8-ball), 2 bunches of leaf lettuce, vegetable amaranth "calilou", a BIG bunch of basil, parsley and dill!!! i already made 2 cups of pesto (1 is frozen for later), an amazing tofu stir fry with the bok choy and scallions, some amazing lime-ginger-soy soup with the kale. planning on pickling all of the cucumbers for my week, enjoying a yummy salad in the next two days, sauteing some of that amaranth and chard (maybe add it to pasta sauce, too)...oh the fun! i get a little too excited, seriously. hope you don't mind the details...i plan on using this to keep track!

ah...so, chris is out with our friend kris k from seattle, so i'm home alone tonight with the kids asleep...i made some cherry crisp to take to our friends tomorrow, and now i think i'll sew. i'm loving new summer dresses.

here is to a fresh start on this summer and this blog! see you soon!