Something Homemade

Inspiration Renewed

2011-01-14T10:18:00.000-06:00

I have been in a slump lately and haven't wanted to do much crafting or sewing even though these are two of my favorite things to do. I have been newly inspired through some fantastic fan pages I have found on facebook. This has led to finding some interesting blogs and has inspired me to blog more and about more interesting things.

I also have a new sewing and crafting space that I am currently moving into and organizing. It is really exciting for me because this is something that I have wanted for such a long time. It is painted a nice turquoise with accents of lime green, raspberry pink, orange and brown. It will be a really nice space to be in to create and sew and become more inspired. Now I can get my house better organized without all my "stuff" in the way.

I had some before pictures but the computer I had them stored on crashed and they could not be retrieved. I will post some after pictures when I have things better organized. Hopefully, someone will be inspired as I have been. Happy crafting and sewing!!

My Baby Boy Got Married

2009-05-08T09:28:00.003-05:00

As you know, my blog is titled "Something Homemade." If anything is homemade, it's our children. My youngest son got married on April 25th. He's 24 years old. I'm proud that he waited and didn't get married as a teenager!! This is the happy couple. At this time this is the best picture I have of them. I will post more on myspace and facebook when I get them.

I just thought I would share this happy occasion with all of you. I would hope that everyone would be as happy as they are right now. I surely hope they will always be happy.

Purse Organizers

2009-04-21T15:09:00.007-05:00

I made these cute purse organizers to take to a craft show in town but it was canceled because of severe weather. I have just got around to taking pictures of them and adding them to my online store. I think they are really cute and would make a nice gift for someone. Mother's Day and Graduation are coming up. Think about it. This is different from the norm that you might give on these occasions. Or you could just get one for yourself!!!!
You can check these and others like it out here. Or you can look at the Artfire Rapid Cart on the right sidebar of this blog and you won't have to go to Artfire.com. I really enjoyed making them and deciding on the fabric choices. I hope you enjoy also!!! Have a great day!!!

Need to Get Busy

2009-01-24T17:55:00.003-06:00

I have so many things that I want to do this year. One of them is to get my etsy shop back in business and to set up shop on Artfire. I've basically just been lazy and have no excuses for getting these things done. I have some things made and ready to photograph and upload but just haven't done it. I get side tracked doing other things and getting my house organized that it seems to take back burner.

I really need to change that because I would like to see some income from my items that I have spent time making. My embroidery machine is sitting idle and the hubby doesn't appreciate that for sure. He would rather see me busy at it and getting some things listed. I did purchase it for the purpose of making a little extra income. Time to get off my lazy behind!!!

I know that the best thing for me to do is set aside certain hours every day to devote to my business. Think of it as a job that I have to leave home for and work at it like someone else was paying me. More discipline, dedication and determination. I really like making things so I really don't know why it has been an issue. Tomorrow is another day and it will be a better day for me and my business.

Matching Christmas Outfits

2009-01-05T15:18:00.004-06:00

I made matching Christmas outfits for my niece's two daughters. I wanted to show them to you. I think they are really cute
She bought the fabric of her choice. I had patterns for her to choose from and she picked the one she liked best. I made these adorable outfits and embroidered their initials, as you can see.
I didn't see them wearing them personally but I did see a picture of them wearing these outfits. They were sooo cute, of course. I'm happy that mama likes them. I always worry about whether or not they will like what I do and if they will fit properly.
I always enjoyed sewing for my children when they were little. The advantage is that they were present for me to try on as I go and make sure they fit correctly. I had to take measurements for these and hope that I cut it right so it would fit. My niece said they fit very well so I'm happy with that.
I take pride in my work and want my customers, whoever they are, to be happy with what they get from me...satisfaction guaranteed, you know. Most people that make things like this know what I'm talking about. We want it to be liked and appreciated.
I'm looking forward to making more clothing for nieces, nephews, grandchildren and anyone else that would like me to make something for them.

Christmas Gifts

2008-11-21T11:29:00.003-06:00

I'm trying to decide what I want to do for my grandsons for Christmas. They really don't need anything, especially clothes and toys, but what else do you give to little boys. I think I will make them something from their Granny for Christmas. Even if it is clothes, no one else will have anything like it.

I know homemade gifts are appreciated from past experience, unless they lied to me about it. My skills have gotten better and the ideas are better, too. Back in the day some of the crafts that people learned to do were pretty tacky. These days I'm focusing more on sewing and quilting. These seem to be more appreciated. If they don't like it, they can give it to someone else. Just don't tell me.

Most of my family members don't sew and I don't think very many of them even have a hobby. So sad. It sure is nice to be able to do something like this when you don't want to watch TV or if it's cold or raining outside. I guess the computer and the internet can be considered a hobby now. I know there are several that spend time on the internet...I do. I just don't want to do it all day for lack of nothing else to do.

I Love Sewing and Crafts

2008-11-17T21:07:00.005-06:00

I really like to sew and do all kinds of different crafts. I enjoy it when something turns out really great. It's nice when friends and family like what I do, also. It's even nice when strangers like it, too.

I thought I would start doing crafts for arts and crafts shows and festivals and try to sell some of my wares. It's very flattering when someone buys something from you that you have put time and effort into to make a quality product. I've been to three craft shows since I decided to do this and have two more coming up before the end of the year. I was sure hoping this would be a way for me to make some money and help the family finances. As it turns out, I sell just enough to cover expenses for the day. I knew I wouldn't be able to make a great living doing this but was hoping for something better than what it is. I'm not giving up just yet, though. I still enjoy making things and will continue to do so as long as my body will let me. Who knows, maybe one day I will find that perfect niche.

The picture has some of the things that I have made. I'm planning on adding more stuff to my inventory. I've already made some keychain wristlets. If you see anything in the picture that you like, just let me know. I can make another one. Even if I don't sell much to the general public, I will still like to make things for my family. My mind is always thinking about what I want to do next. I have so many ideas some days that I can't remember them all unless I write them down. Ta Ta for now...Happy Crafting!!!

Learning to Quilt

2008-10-15T14:32:00.003-05:00

I decided to learn how to quilt earlier this month and have found that it will probably be very addictive. The lady teaching me is very patient and I'm learning a lot from her. She told me about the local quilter's guild that meets twice a month. I decided to attend last night.

There were quite a few ladies there. I'm told there are 33 members of the guild. 34 now because I joined last night. I feel that this will help me learn more about quilting and meet new people and make new friends. I'm not working right now and don't get out much to meet people. This will help in that area.

This quilter's guild also makes "comfort quilts" for the police department to keep in their vehicles when there is an emergency that involves children. This is something that I will be able to help with and give a little bit back to my community. I feel I need to be involved in something worthwhile.

I'm also selfish in my reason for wanting to learn to quilt. Both of my grandmothers quilted but my mother doesn't and is unable to do so. My sisters (I have three) don't quilt, either. I want to learn so my grandmothers won't be the last generation in our family that knew how. I also want to be able to make something to give to my children and grandchildren that they may consider an heirloom and treasure for many years and pass down to their children. These will be labeled and signed so 100 years from now whoever has it will know who made it.

I know quilting isn't for everyone and allot of people may not cherish them or own any. This is something that I'm very interested in learning how to do. I love to sew and make all kinds of crafts and now quilting is added to that list.

Starting a New Blog

2008-10-12T20:47:00.000-05:00

I guess I might as well get into this blogging thing in a big way. I've started one already at www.thebusyhomemaker.typepad.com...here goes another. Today's blog is to basically get me started here but I will be posting more blogs and hopefully about something of interest to someone out there. Please check back and read...you never know, you might enjoy.