calling all Cow Girls!

whining over!

sorry. I'm better (ish). thanks for your concern. :) I've decided to start listing on etsy again...

searching

Seriously. When does it get easier? When do you stop paying for ancient mistakes? Why do others seem to breeze through life? Just asking... if you know, please share. I'm searching for these and many more answers. I wish I knew a fraction of as much at 40something as I thought I did as a teenager. I don't understand men OR women now, that's different. I was coaching my daughter on dealing with mean girls and girl drama and I'm no better off than she is. I have always been prepared to be disappointed by men. But women. Women I have been friends with for years and even decades so willing to turn their backs and worse, spread lies, gossip, snicker at my expense, take delight in seeing me struggle. WTH? Some because I told the truth and it wasn't accepted and others because I worked really hard. Whatever I guess. Why do I care? Why don't they care?

Today I had my annual review at work and my boss (best boss EVER!)told me I need to work on assuming positive intent from others. Sheesh. I'm even cynical and skeptical at work I guess. She's right. But it seems like everyone in my life is ready to pick the flesh from my bones, spit in my tea, wish for my failure and misfortune. I'm considering moving back in with my ex. Yep, that's how bad it is at the moment. I may. I don't really have quality of life at the moment. Who cares. I am just going through the motions in this decade of my so called life. It would be easier for the kids. Easier for all of us. Who cares? Why not? Pride? Blech - I got none of that either. I'm just looking for things to be a bit easier. Kinder. Nicer. Gentler. Not being alone at the laundry mat on Christmas AND New Year's Eve. I mean WTF? I'm screwed.

Bu-bye 2011, Helloooo 2012!

{ Laptop Bag}

Where, oh where did 2011 go? Wow. That just flew by me. This middle age thing makes everything speed up except my metabolism. I like to dive into a New Year with some insight into what the HELL what wrong in the previous one. Those who know me best know there is usually lots of stuff to ponder:

2011 will go down as my strangest year in a long time. I lost two very good friends, the kind you talk to often, always, daily. Not lost as in passed away, thank goodness, but lost as in things changed, sides were taken, boundaries drawn, stuff said… Over a man (not mine surprisingly) and over a job. With one I saw it coming a mile away and spent at least a year trying to stay the course; the other was a surprise ending.

In some ways it was very freeing. It quieted me. I no longer had the laundry list in my head of “wait ‘til I tell…” It saddened me. It made me question decisions I’d made 30 years ago and wonder if the preteen me had been more astute than the 20 something, 30 something and middle age me. I have cried more over the demise of two friendships than I have over the ruins of lost loves. But, it strengthened me. It made me a better person. Without my gossip girls to help me calculate the hurt and pain, trivial things stay trivial.

I have a new phrase and philosophy, “Let done be done.” I found that in a management guide and it is something I am trying to take seriously. I am trying to move past being a score-keeper. Where has that got me in life?

And two curious things happened this year. First, in a moment of utter despair over the loss of my former bff and the fun we’d had making the stuff and gathering stuff, I packed all the crafting stuff I’d been making for years and took it to the grungy local flea market to rid my soul of these material connections. I sold everything pretty fast and furious – cheap works. And got the attention of a local shop owner who happened to be there looking for eclectic finds for her fabulous fabric shop. A shop I would never, ever have solicited with samples of my work. And now I have a part-time gig doing what I want – sewing and crafting without having to stand in the pouring rain, sweltering heat or risk being blown off by the friends who decided they were superior. In the ashes of one partnership, another grew.

And the second thing, I was finally noticed for the really good work that I do and smart woman that I am and was offered a job beyond my dreams, and frankly one I would not have considered possible without a degree. Another trip to France (so much better in March than November – still trying for April in Paris though…). It has been a rocky road, once again. A friendship died in the turmoil of my success; sides were drawn and it became mean girls for the middle-aged. Every bad cliché about friendship has been realized this year.

So 2012 finds me still living in my little condo. I am still the mom I was before. I am still married, but not the least bit married. I still drive my crappy car. I will still buy fabric and buttons with my last dollar. I have less friends, appreciate those I still have more than ever, and I am more protective and less judgmental of my family.

And I can’t wait to see what 2012 has in store… hoping that it finds us all in good health, that is the greatest wealth and gift afterall.
Take care!

Rule Breaker!

If you know me you know that I am all about following the rules. So, I went from sooo pleased that Donna from FJI posted a comment, to not too happy to realize that I have been breaking the rules at SNS - I wasn't supposed to be posting stuff I sell unless I add a tutorial to show how to make my stuff... so without further ado... How to make a JunqueyGal tote - Lesson I - think like a JunqueyGal!:

First, hoard all fabric scraps you can find. Same goes for ribbon, pretty trims, grosgrain ribbon on gift bags. No scrap is too small. Think like your Grandma who lived through the Great Depression in her sister’s hand-me-downs. Cut the pockets off of your kiddos’ stained and worn pants – repurpose later on a new tote, scrapbook page. My person motto - never let a button go to Goodwill when you can stick it in a mason jar for 20 years!
I start with a pretty scrap of fabric or theme. Insects anyone? Paris anyone? Birds anyone? All are super popular right now! I then look through my suitcases and gray totes of fabric – seriously, my bed is on risers and my storage unit maxed out because of my love of fabric. I always go with a mix of similar tones and I like the fabrics to be of the same weight or texture for the most part. I don’t like to swap out needles (frugal!) and adjust the tension (lazy!), but it seems to work for me. I always think about the rule of 3rds. And try to give the eye somewhere to rest – poor little Plain Jane scraps are my friend! They make your busy prints pop. Same with graphic stripes and patterns – I like to really mix it up – but I have to watch scale – too many small prints look busy – too much big stuff gives you a crazy look.

When asked how I do it I like to say that I sew myself into a corner. Interestingly enough, I sew in the corner of my living room. So/sew literal and figurative – wow. That’s as deep as I can go with that…

What I mean is that I don’t plan. I don’t sketch. I never, ever measure. I usually start by cutting a large, odd chunk of fabric and then sewing another odd shaped piece onto it. No logic. Always using the selvage and rough edges – a rough loopy selvage is like free designer trim! Instead of sewing the old way (right side to right and pressing seams open) just fold over a raw edge and top stitch it to another piece of fabric. I love the pop of contrasting top stitch – I’m not a perfectionist so I go for the really wide zigzag which can camouflage errors. I just randomly sew fabrics and start thinking about a front and back. When I get a piece all sewed together and measuring at least 24 inches (guess-timate!) and 14 inches wide, I fold it in half sandwich style – right sides together. I peek inside and see if there are any glaring issues – like the same pattern being sewed together in different directions. I may add to it, or I may only use a part of this. I may hate it and toss it aside for future use. If it’s good to go I sew up the sides – viola! A purse is born. Any excess I put aside and often incorporate in other totes or future projects (key chain anyone?).

I make a lining in the same way - usually one big scrap of fabric though – fold sandwich style. It should be about an inch larger on both sides and a few inches taller. I sew the sides, drop the lining inside the exterior, fold down excesses and pin together. Topstitch it all together. For the handle, I get out a tray and once again, think about my color palette – then raid my buttons and baubles for any that add interest. I usually pull twice the fabric and gems that I need. I like a big variety. I generally start with about 2 pieces of thin ribbon. The 2/$1.00 craft stuffy is perfect for this – it is strong, thin and cheap! Then I start stringing a button or two, knotting the ribbons together, weaving the ribbon through. No two are ever the same – it just comes to together naturally. While I watch TV with the kids. When I get a nice long strand I sew the ribbon ends to the ends of the purse. I hand sew a big old button with a ribbon closure and call it done!

Happy sewing! Use your imagination and don't go for perfection - there is a time and place for a perfectly crafted handbag - this isn't it. This is quirky, original, crafty...just like you! (Lessons with more details along the go will be added)

How Stella got her GROOVE back...

Poor Stella. She's been banished to my room - stuck in a corner. She loved to go to antique shows and craft shows and model my jewelry, purses, and aprons. But, I'm pretty over that (for now!) I don't have time on the weekends due to my gals hectice schedules and I don't miss the stress of packing all my stuff up and hoping for good weather, good sales... I decided to dress her up with the goodies I took to Loom today... Here's a religious icon inspired purse, I wasn't sure which way to go, but I think Mary looks lovely... the beads were inspired by some wooden rosary beads I have...

I hand sewed about 60 small mother 'o pearl buttons for a unique handle of this purse...Stella is getting back in action by modeling my Loom stuff, here's a wristlet...

and last but not least... a little Halloween fabric, I had some left over from a little pre-school outfit I'd made for Olivia a few years ago... Boo!

Thanks for stopping by! Get crafting and sewing!

Fabric Fashion Cuffs & Fun Sewing Fabric!

What better sewing tote than one covered in this witty comic-strip fabric - 50s style but oh so current for me! I would rather sew than just about anything. Right now I'm loving the new season of Project Runway aren't you?

what I love about this fun cuffs = instant gratification. they are a quick fix. My little daily dose of creativity. I seriously spend so much time with the suits at work - in meetings, talking strategy, forecasts -It is nice to have this at my finger tips at night. Fabrics and cuffs available at LOOM!

Happy sewing!