I'm back...but some place else

So, I'm back... sort of. I'm back to blogging, but I have a new blogging home stop by and let me know what you think! I look forward to connecting with you guys again.

www. meekandchic.com

Progress!

I know I am a bit late, but Happy New Year! As I reflect on last year I am so amazed at the way the Lord has blessed me spiritually, naturally, and creatively. If I had to sum up the year in one word it would be "PROGRESS."

Not long ago I was pregnant and very discouraged. I wanted desperately to use the gifts I believed the Lord had given me but I couldn't find the time or the confidence to use them. I thought I would never be able to create and sew until my children were grown and out of the house. I thought I would be here for years: in front of this computer admiring all the beautiful things the women in cyberworld were able to create ... because they were more talented and disciplined than me. I used the excuse that my mother wasn't a homemaker and because I was "starting from scratch" with no idea of how this whole thing worked, I was at a disadvantage and as a result I couldn't successfully juggle all my responsibilities and my creative desires.

In October of 2009 these self-defeating thoughts along with morning sickness prompted me to email Rae of made by rae. I had long admired her work and wondered "how did she do it all?" Honestly, I wasn't expecting a response but she gave me some of the best/honest/comforting advice I had ever heard ... she doesn't do it all! In short, she told me she prioritizes her (really cute) kiddos, doesn't watch much TV, and doesn't post every day. Then she encouraged me to just go for it and start the etsy shop I've been thinking of starting because it would be a major confidence booster. That email along with support from my hubby and friends (and lots of grace and wisdom from the Lord) helped me and motivated me to move forward.

Since then -- with the Lord's help -- I have sewn 3 skirts, 4 hospital gowns, 4 aprons, 2 chef hats, 1 dress, 1 pair of shoes, 1 bow tie, 2 neckties ... refashioned 1 cardigan and 1 t-shirt ... stenciled wedding decor,8 t-shirts, and a tote bag ... helped design Christmas cards & birth announcements ... maintained a family blog and started this blog ... all while growing as a Christian, a wife, a mother, a homemaker and a daughter! Even though I have not yet started an Etsy shop I know I've made progress!

This blog and you, my followers (though few for now), have pushed me to make major creative advances and for that I say thank you! I believe bigger and greater things will come this year and I hope you stick around...for even more progress.

The Dress

I completed the dress and thankfully it doesn't look like a knock off Gordon Gartell! I used white silk dupioni and this McCall's pattern. I combined the bodice from view F and a shorten skirt from view B. It was challenging but I'm happy with the results...and it seems Chloe is too.

Merry Christmas!

I hope you had a Merry Christmas. Mine was beautiful (and super busy). Things are still kind of busy around here so, I hope to get back to blogging soon. I have tons of things to show you guys...including the dress! Above is our Christmas card this year. I was able to get the quality and style I wanted for a fraction of the price. I love the design and styles of Tiny Prints and Minted but was looking for something more cost effective. I thought I would go with Pear Tree Greetings but couldn't find a style I felt complemented our photos. So, I went with the trusty Vista Print. I was able to get double-sided flat cards on 100lb matte paper for as little as 40cents each! To add more style and color I paired the cards with envelopes from Paper Source rather than the free envelopes that came with the cards. I was very pleased with the results, and especially pleased with the price.

Photo: Amy Tripple

Design: Hubby using PhotoShop

Printing: Vista Print

Envelopes and Labels: Paper Source

Christmas Cookies (Project Update)

So, I have not finished the dress. I was on a roll then needed a creative change of pace. So, I have been Christmas card distributing, cookie baking, gift stenciling, Christmas brunch planning, and gift wrapping (actually I watched my hubby wrap gifts). I will post pictures of the dress soon, but until then I'll show you guys what I've been working on. Above are cookies we gave to our neighbors...a sweet treat as well as an invitation to church!

My Current Project (and Gordon Gartrell)

I am currently working on a project for my daughter--a dress. Not just a dress but a special dress. Did I mention I am giving myself less than a week to complete it? Did I also mention I've never made a dress from start to finish using a pattern? Crazy, I know. I just pray it doesn't look like a Gordon Gartrell knock off once its done. If so, I won't be posting pictures...in fact I may act as if I never even mentioned it!

Addition: After watching the clip I realize Denise and I had the same budget and time constraint (sigh). Well, at least Chloe isn't old enough to complain.

MIY: Christmas Wreaths

I've been busy gathering supplies and trying to block out time for Christmas crafting. I hope to make this pretty wreath from Martha Stewart before the Christmas cards start rolling in! Below are a few other wreaths, from recycled materials, if you too are feeling crafty--or if you just want to look at pretty things.

Martha Stewart

Good Housekeeping

Good Housekeeping

Good Housekeeping