Past Projects: Back Injury

I made this collage in the Summer of 2007, when I tore a disc in my back.  The doctor gave me Prednisone, which turned me into a crazy person.  I barely slept for almost 2 weeks, and kept all my friends and family members on the phone for hours at a time talking nonsense.

Luckily there was a Hobby Lobby (the greatest craft/fabric store EVER, and I mean, seriously) less than a mile away.  I could barely walk, yet I was so freaking bored out of my mind I dragged myself over there (in a car, yes) at least once a day and hobbled around finding random crafts.  And this store is as big as WalMart.

For this piece I printed out quotes and images that inspired me during this trying time, and some reminders to embrace the moment so I could relax and heal.

My soldering work is a bit shoddy, but I chock that up to the drugs, as they made me restless and impatient.

It now hangs at my desk as a reminder to take care of my back, and my body.  And to sit up straight.

I should hurry up and make a lot of money so I can buy a franchise of Hobby Lobby for New York City.  If you live near one of these wondrous establishments, please frequent the store so they stay in business!

I Want a Pencil Skirt!

This gorgeous lipstick red pencil skirt is from my favorite blogger, Gertie.  She has yet again inspired me.

I've been dreaming of making this pattern since the moment I saw it, and finally made the decision to make it.  So I ordered the pattern, Burda 8155, from Etsy and I can't wait till it arrives!

I set off to Mood fabric store yesterday to browse and drool over the amazing array of fabrics.  As many of you know, this is where the Project Runway designers shop.  It's three floors of bliss.

Not only did I find the perfect lipstick red wool to make this fabulous skirt, but I fell in love with two other wools.  Since I was in pencil skirt mode, I immediately thought of these two woven wools in the same pattern, and love the idea.

The colors are a bit different than the picture really captures.  The yellow is so warm and buttery with cream and orange flecks.  The orange is just the perfect shade of orange, without being too Halloween.

Now keep in mind that I at this point have no idea if this pattern will even look good on me in a muslin, let alone the 3 other versions I have in mind.

But that butter yellow keeps whispering my name.

Last night however, I thought to myself, "Do I really want to drape my butt in butter yellow?  How good will that REALLY look?"

Since I am the Queen of Justification, with a capital Q, I figure it's only around $25.  I could spend that much at a bar in a night and still have a terrible time.  So why not?

I'm going to try the pattern in a material I already own and make any adjustments, then dive into the red one first.  If that works out, maybe the frivolous yellow pencil skirt.

But wouldn't it look just dreamy with a creamy chiffon blouse?  No one else would have one!  I would be a walking ray of sunshine.  I keep thinking of that Chanel suit in Pepto Bismol pink.  If Chanel can do a pastel skirt, then why can't I?  (Yikes!)

I'd certainly be in some good company.

  

And a quick Google search reveals....I wouldn't be the first...

I want it!  And the beige knit top....fantastic!  (squeal!)

Coincidentally just after leaving the fabric store I brushed past a hurried Chrisitan Siriano, Project Runway winner.  Not wanting to bother him, I sent him a silent "Fierce!" and went on my way.

Past Projects: 3rd Grade, 1957 Necklace

I thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the larger projects I've done.  So I created the "Past Projects" segment, and here we are.

This necklace features the kids from my moms third grade class...Hamilton School, Mary Hammer, Principal, Grade 3 - Mrs. Carey (pictured row 1, 3rd from Left).

My mom is in the first row, 2nd from Left.

I made this a few years ago.  Thought it would be a fun way to remember childhood friends.  It took forever, but it was fun!

What I Did This Weekend

Since our house has been visited by the Swine Flu, we have spent quite a bit of time at home.

We're all feeling much better, thank you.

Between mandatory mealtimes and 13 hours of sleep a night, I personally spent a lot of time online, specifically on Etsy, one of my favorite sites.  I like to check up on my favorite sellers to see what new amazing items they have in their shops.

One of my favorite sellers is theblackapple.  She is a painter who sells prints of her work.  I have been admiring her work since the first time I looked around on Etsy.  I am attracted to her work because it's similar to the paintings I used to do.

But I think theblackapple has taken this idea to a much more sophisticated level than I had.  I haven't done any painting in a long while, but looking over her work I was inspired to go back to it.

Hence my weekend activities.  :)