Change of Plans

So, I had this great post already written in my head about craft rooms that I love, reason being because we were due to close on our home in two weeks and were going to start building a new home... one that included my very own sewing nook!

*sigh*

The wind was taken out of my sails yesterday when our buyers terminated their contract on the house.

*weep*

So now we're back to being "on the market" again... keeping the house clean, making it smell nice, and cleaning up my sewing dining room so it doesn't look like a fabric tornado swept through it.  I'm hoping to finish up another clutch this morning before I have to put everything away neatly...

I better go get started...

Gathered Clutch, Round One

Yes!  I finally figured out the zipper portion and completed my first Gathered Clutch last night. 

This is the entire reason I love this bag - the gathered front peeking out from behind the solid band... but wait til you see the inside!

I just love that happy polka dot lining hiding inside.  I added the optional divider pocket and credit card holders - I'll be tucking little gift cards in there for the teachers along with a thank you note from me (and the girls).

Look!  I put in a zipper!

It's going to be hard letting this beauty go, but no worries.  There's more fabric where that came from!  I've got two more to make - hopefully I'll be able to finish them this week while I remember how to put them together!

This is what's been on my mind while I'm sewing these:

My oldest daughter.  I can't believe she's going to be starting kindergarten.  I very well remember those first moments with her after her birth, the first words, the first steps, the first, well, everything.  And now it's almost time for the first day of school.

*weep*

Zipper Hell

Ok... so no pics of any gathered clutches today cause I got a little, um, stuck on the zipper part last night!  I swear, I read the tutorial instructions, looked at the pictures, and still got it wrong... my tired, full-of-sinus-pressure eyes couldn't take any more by 11pm, so I called it a night. 

Tonight... I will try, try again.

***On a good note-- the HB fabric is frickin' amazing!

The Little Things

Do you love caring for your fabric?  I do.

Last night I spent some time ironing the fabric that I'll be using on gathered clutches for the teachers at my girls' school.  I can not tell you the joy I felt as the steam hit the fabric, releasing the scent of fresh laundry as it smoothed the wrinkles away.  I then carefully folded the pieces and stacked them, admiring the beauty of the colors and prints.

These two made me particularly happy:

Now tell me those colors and prints don't make you smile inside... I think Heather Bailey's Nicey Jane is one of my favorite collections ever.  So bright and cheery and sunny.

It's the little things people...

Hi.

I'm Rhonda... hello!

I'm a full-time working mom of two gorgeous girls, and wife to the most amazing man ever.  You might have known me as the woman behind Mommy Needs a Time Out, but when I realized that my mom blog had turned into more of a crafty mama blog, I found a new home: home.  made.

I love making beautiful things with my hands; for my girls, myself (occasionally), and my home.  Most of the time, this is with my trusty Singer but don't be surprised if it's something I whip up with my (also trusty) Kitchenaid... as in baking. 

Hey, a girl's gotta have her cake and eat it too, right?

Easy (and Delish) Italian Cream Cake

I love italian cream cake... so naturally I made it for my husband's birthday last week (so I could eat some!)  Since the recipe is so incredibly easy, I thought it fit to share: enjoy!

Italian Cream Cake

Ingredients:

1/3 c buttermilk

1/2 c oil

1 c sour cream

4 eggs

1 box white cake mix

1 small box instant vanilla pudding mix

1 c sweet flake coconut

2/3 c pecans

Combine buttermilk, oil, sour cream, and eggs.  Add cake and pudding mix and beat on low speed to combine for two minutes.  Add coconut and pecans, mix for two minutes.  Spoon into prepared 9x13 pan.  Bake at 325 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

Once cool, ice cake with cream cheese icing (store-bought or homemade), and sprinkle with more pecans.  YUM!

LBB Round Two!!

Okay - I don't have pics of Lil Sis wearing it... but here are some pics of the LBB halter dress. 

It turned out really cute... dh even thinks so!

Things I did differently this time... I serged the inner seams rather than straight-stitched (for durability).  I think I might try serging on the outer edge next time, but I'm liking this look for now.  I also added three rows of the bottom section to make the dress longer and give it a ruffle-y feel.  Can't wait to see it on her!