JJ's Dance Costume

Right before school ends, it's probably the busiest time of the year.  Life seems to be jammed in the midst of finishing up assignments and tests, band concerts, class parties, and preparations for graduations.  Swim competitions are already in full swing since May.  Dance rehearsals for end of the year performances take up at least a full week.  And taking dance pictures is in the middle of all activities.
JJ's dance costume is not much different from last year.  Well, I remember the same puffy tutu, polka dots and the feathers...fine, this year is hot pink instead of sliver and black; but basically, same same lah.

Phew.  Glad the hour long dance photo is done.  Now everyone could smile.
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Tutorial: Miss W Bag

 It's that time of the year when I feel like shouting woo-hoo to the teachers for persevering through a long, yet fast-paced and fruitful school year.
Teachers have so many amazing qualities: patient (to both the students and the parents), loving, smart (let's never forget this one!), encouraging, creative, resourceful, patient (did I mention this one already?) and energetic (what time do they need to wake up so that they could greet the kids in the morning @8?).
They also possess a sense of humor (especially when the unexpected should happen in class), strong, projecting voice that should last all day, everyday, strong legs (to be able to stand all day long), strong back and knees (being able to bend down to talk to little ones without having to call an ambulance).
They are also great readers in every way (stories, books and scratchy hand writings that are just impossible to recognize) and attentive listeners (being able to listen to 5 different versions of the same situation during a playground fight IS a talent.)
So, hats off to you, teachers!
Inspired by how the teachers are carrying the students through the school year, I made this bag for Miss W.
I wanted this bag to be roomy, simple, durable and fun so I could have fun making it, too.
This is how I made it:

Body of Bag:

Cut 2 pieces of denim (19"x16"), 2 pieces of printed fabric (19"x12").  

Overlock the raw edges to prevent fraying.

Turn under 1/2" on one side of each denim piece.  Iron well then stitch.

Applique letter "W" in the center (lengthwise), a few inches below the stitched line.

With right side facing, piece in the order of "denim, printed fabric, printed fabric, denim" (with the stitched lines of denim on the far ends).  Top stitch on the right side.

Note: I only lined the printed fabric (hand stitched the lining) since denim is quite sturdy so the bag is not heavy.

Making Handles:

Cut 2 pieces of 16" long denim at 1 1/2" wide and 2 pieces of 16" printed fabric at 1 3/8" wide.

Note:The extra width of the printed fabric will wrap around to the denim side to create that faux piping look.

 Top stitch.

 The Bottom of Bag:

Almost done!

Stitch both sides of the bag with 1/2" seam allowance.  Iron the seams open.

Turn the bag right side out and iron well.  I cut a board to size to support the bottom.

The sides of bag will have two beautiful triangles (pictured in the right center).  I am fond of this "paper bag style".  I hope this bag will bring a smile on Miss W's face.

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Trash or Treasure--Great Finds @ Goodwell

 You never know what you will find at thrift stores!  Earlier this year, I got this whimsical Sewing Room sign for about $1.  One woman's trash is another woman's treasure.

One Saturday last month, while I was waiting for F during her dance class, I dropped by Goodwell in hope to find a tall glass container for the growing avocado plants in my kitchen.  Instead of coming home with what I was looking for, I ended up with these four items.

The first is the doll bed that only needs a coat of paint, a foam mattress, a bed sheet, a pillow and a comforter.
JJ has a dolly named Jimmy (I know, I know, it's a boy's name.  But JJ wouldn't change the name!) that she loves.  She carried her to BxSF classes when she was younger and still sleeps with her today.  Jimmy needs to move out, she needs her own bed.
When I googled for a dolly bed, I was surprised to see how pricey one could be.  This one, priced at $4.59 is a sweet deal.

What is this?  Apparently the person who priced this item did not know.   It was labeled "Home and Garden--Stationer".

This is a Sock Loom/Adjustable Wood Knitting Board!  In excellent condition for only $2.49.  (new in store could be up to $20-$30++)

  Hand Jingle for $0.79.  Fair.

And, finally, a new thread rack that fits 9 bobbins and 60 spools!  It had a Mervyn's (don't know how many years ago) tag for $9 but was priced @ Goodwell for $3.49.

Grand total, $11.46 for all four items! Perfect thrift store trip for a craft nut!! 

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HK Mousepad

We've had this mousepad on our computer table for about 4 years now.  It was a raffle prize F won in the walk around years ago.

We love the kitty image on it and use it so much that the remaining backing (3 quarter of its original size) is peeling off.  It is definitely screaming to be replaced.
A terrific reason to sew!!  This is the new kitty mousepad I made in its place. Bahahahaha.

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Beautiful Christine

Christine went to be with the Lord last April.  My letter to her upon the news remained as draft until today, perhaps I was still not quite ready to say that good-bye.  Now, Christine, this is for you.
============================
Beautiful Christine,

It was God's divine appointment that we met and grew to know each other through the Sunday school class.  Whenever our eyes met across the room, you'd give me the sweetest smile and whisper a hi.

Thank you for your genuine sharing and transparency.  You and D's faithfulness to the Lord and to each other was a beautiful testimony.  It caused me to look at myself and ask if I have the same commitment in my marriage.  You two did not allow the hardship you faced steal the strength and joy God gave you.  in the midst of your pain, you still smiled brightly.  It was evident that God was your anchor.

When you and D announced your engagement, my heart sang with joy.  The phrase "happily ever after" rang in my head that entire day.  I pictured you in your white wedding gown walking down the aisle toward your groom.

Our class had just scheduled to visit you in three days when Ester's last update of you came in the inbox.  I lost words in my prayers.  I was not ready to let you go, either.

Our God always knows best.  He sees you and He knows you.  His love for you is so high, so long, so deep and so wide.  Being in His everlasting presence is the best place to be.  You are now living the happily ever after.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."   
                                                                                                                --Revelation 21:4

With teary eyes, I am saying my temporary good-bye.  But I am looking forward to seeing you again with your twinkling eyes, sweet smile and that whisper of hi to greet me.  Say hi to Jesus for the class.  We will see you again soon.

lots of love and many hugs,
debbie

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Water Lily

The water lilies are back!  JJ enjoys watching this one she picked "go to sleep" at night and "wake up" during the day.
This collage is composed by pictures taken by two different cameras.  H and and I are debating which camera to keep and which one to let go.  Being sentimental, I feel strongly about keeping the bulky, heavy and aged one.  But...

this picture was taken in 2011 from the same pond.

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Me & Mommy Journal

I won this journal at the Yun's baby shower by sculpturing this green dough baby.  I seriously thought brother Alex's baby Yoda would have won the prize.  Come on, what could beat Yoda?  Nothing!!  Obviously, I got lucky.

    

Baby Yoda

A few days ago, I decided to decorate the cover of the journal and make it into a Me & Mommy journal for F and I to commemorate her tween/teen years.

You could read more about my thoughts @ Tell Me More About You.

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Wristlet Pouch

Hope every one had a great Easter celebrating Jesus' resurrection!  He is risen!!

A few years ago, I saw a cute puffy wristlet.  Even though I could no longer remember what it looked like, I still wanted to sew something just as cute and puffy.  All I knew was that darts on the bottom would give any pouch the puffy look.  And out came this pouch/wristlet. (I have yet to make a strap).  I like the look with the snap, but Velcro might be needed to keep small items from falling out.  On my next try, I would add piping, a pocket or a divider or choose a contrasting fabric for the flap.

Just for fun, the Hello Kitty pouch has a linen flap to break the busy pattern on the fabric.  HK makes me smile.  It's a big part of my childhood memory.  It's interesting to note that HK makes JJ sing with eyes brighten and eyebrows raised (though it's just one long note of "lah".) 

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mini Tutorial--"I Love U" Coin Pouch

 F learned cross stitching this past summer and loved it.  She made an "I Love U" piece and wanted me to incorporate it into a sewing project for grandma.  Being the daughter of an engineer, my problem solving mode went auto pilot.  Before I knew it, I had accepted the challenge.
The project went pretty smoothly (in other words, I did not have to use my seam ripper...)  Here's how I made it:

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JJ's Reflection Award

In the beginning of school year, JJ participated in the PTA Reflection program.  The theme this year was "The Magic of A Moment..."  Since JJ had been exposed to acrylic painting (started with my canvas painting for the girls' room) and seemed to get a hang of it, she happily choose her favorite colors and painted away.  Originally, she told me that she was going to paint a beautiful rainbow and our house with all her favorite animals.  But as soon as she dipped her paint brush into the paint, the picture looked nothing like her description.  I chuckled and asked, "where's the rainbow?"  With a sheepish smile, she said, "I changed my mind."
She had titled her work "Hide and Seek" (for obvious reasons--see her writing on the left corner).  Though this is a colorful painting, it's a bit far from reality.  She told me she is the tall one on the left with "golden" hair.  Interesting...
So her work was submitted.  Then, a few weeks later, when I picked JJ up from school, her class buddy Andy ran toward me and pull on my sleeve, "Guess what, JJ did something really good today!  She's the only one from our class to win a ribbon!"  It turned out that JJ was placed 3rd in the lower grade category.  I am very thankful for the favor she's received from the judges that among all the beautiful art work, they would pick her work to be top 3.  And I am also thankful for the supportive friends she has in her class to cheer her on and share her happiness.
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Spring Blossoms

JJ and I love walking in the neighborhood.  We could feel spring (itchy eyes and runny nose), smell spring and see spring everywhere.  God has created spring to be such a beauty.  Just LOVE it!

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Behold the Power of Catnip

Lala has claimed his night time spot right next to my pillow for a long while.  While it's really sweet to cuddle, his loud happy purrs do wake me up (and hubbie is like: "honey, you're hugging the wrong guy.")  Lala has a nice cushioning bed which is rarely used.  So, I have to bring reinforcement.  As soon as I rub some catnip on the his bed, Lala is glued to the cushion, purring like there's no tomorrow.  "Don't bother me" is written all over his face.  All he needs is his bed now, not mommy.  I am cool with it.  (sniff, sniff)  Really.  I think I need a hug from my hubbie now.
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