Attempt #1:

Note to self: Apply stage makeup prior to picture taking so as not to look like an albino ghost.

Somehow my scissors developed a mind of their own and cut this skirt a little too short… so I can’t wear it at my natural waist AND to work at the same time.  It’s also not exactly cut even… but we’re pretending that was intentional.  BUT, as I said, I like the fabric and shape– it’s a little more full, but can get away with it because it’s a lighter weight fabric.  Great for summer.

Attempt # 2:

Ah, that length is much better.

And here you may note that rather than putting wet hair in a bun, I actually took 5 minutes and straightened it styled it on this day.

Oh, and I tried as I might to make this a “midi” length skirt… but could not get past the fact that it made my hips look huge!  I mean, I know they have birthed 2 babies but still.  Was it the fabric, the style, or just me??

First, why is my face so white?  Second, who wants to build sandcastles?  Third, I guess you can’t really see what exactly I did.  Here’s another picture.

I cut the t-shirt waist band off, and added a wide elastic instead.  Then, for a little design, I added lace at the bottom.  It’s actually hem tape… but whatev.  I liked how it looked!

More awkward pictures.

this one’s my favorite.

I designed at bit after a top I saw at Old Navy.  For the first time, I used one of the silky print fabrics at JoAnns.  I don’t know what it’s made out of but it drapes nicely and is cool and comfortable.  I made cap sleeves and used elastic thread for shirring at the neckline.

It’s not perfect– the shoulders are a little big– but I hope to perfect the design and try it again.

I even linked it up for Made By Rae’s Spring Top Sewathon.  I’ve never done anything crazy like interact with other people through blogs that before.  It’s fun to see what everyone else is making and be inspired!

I didn’t really wear those shoes with that outfit all day.

* other things to get done include taking care of the random piles of clothes that have been on my bedroom floor since we moved 10 months ago, cleaning the bathroom because it’s just plain gross, putting the clean towels away rather than putting it off indefinitely, etc.

Later that day I went for a run, and it gave me some time to think.  Along with encouragement from my husband, it makes me want to start really designing and creating new pieces I don’t want to say it out loud because I just don’t know I can do that.  I don’t like setting goals and then not reaching them.  Is it just my own insecurities holding me back?  But why wait until I feel like I can do everything perfectly?  Because we know that will never happen.  Why not just start where I am?

This was made the same as my last Spring Skirt.

I’m kind of in love with simple elastic waist skirts this year.  They’re cute and are great for weekend or work, tucked in or untucked, casual or even dressed up, heels or crocs (as I demonstrate above).  Plus they are way easy to make and elastic wins out every day over actual waist bands.  Also no one told me I looked like a little school girl today, so that’s a bonus.

Anyways, I made this skirt last week and really like how it turned out.

And then my patient today told me I looked like a little school girl.  What?!  well, she was 80 years old…

So far nothing has changed… and for now I think I am just going to leave it the way it is.  It’s not bothering me as much right now for some reason.

I did get some curtains:

so that helps.  I really wasn’t sure what I wanted, except that I wanted them to still let light in.  So these are from Ikea…and I really like them!  the main feeling I want to get from my home, particularly when I first walk in, is calming.  We are getting there.

I really do need help.  I can’t figure out how to best arrange the furniture in my living room, while working with what I have.  Here are some pictures.  I did not pick up the room, so behold my [clean, folded] laundry and baby car seat.  This is what we are dealing with.

From the back side of the room.  See the couch, love seat, and bench in the back.  And empty corner.  And the fact that I need curtains.

From the front of the room.  See the 2 chairs.  Behind / to the right of the easel is the piano.

From the front left corner of the room.  You can now see the piano (behind the easel).  Also the TV hutch.

And finally the back corner of the room and a view of the doors and TV hutch.  Who can tell what this Minnie-loving 2 year old is watching?  Bonus points if you can name the episode.

The big issue is the piano.  I mean, I know it’s supposed to go on an interior wall.  There is really only one interior wall it can go on.  But, my problem is that when you sit on the couch, you see the TV hutch, and then on the other side of the door to the left, the piano which is a similar shape and size.  It looks weird.  So, either the TV hutch or the piano has to move.

These are my ideas so far:

1.  The piano goes into the empty corner on the front side of the room.  It was there for 3 1/2 months when it first came to us (from my parents’ house).  But, I don’t like how it would be blocked by the love seat.  so…

a) get rid of the love seat and put a chair there

b) deal with it

2.  Piano stays where it is and we deal with it, move the TV hutch to the right more and maybe put a chair next to it to break up the view?

3.  Leave the piano where it is, and put the TV on a wall mount.  Then, move the hutch to where the bench is by the front of the room, and put the 2 chairs (from the back of the room) on the wall by the wall-mounted TV, and find a small cabinet / end table to house the TV boxes.  (did you follow that??)  If we do that…

a) nothing for the back of the room where the chairs were

b) is it funny having that front corner empty

c) would that hutch be “too much” for the front of the room

Personally, I like having some empty, open space in a room.  I know I need to work with what I have (if I could get all new furniture, I totally would, but our couches are still in good shape and our TV hutch has great storage that we use all the time, plus I do like it).  But, I want to find a lay out that works for us!  I also have this idea of a smaller pedestal table with 2 chairs to go in here somewhere.   I do want to get rid of the love seat.  But that would involve convincing the husband.

Please help.  These are the thoughts that keep me up at night (somtimes).  Don’t judge.

While you are thinking of ideas, I will go watch my Tivo’d episode of Glee.  (I said don’t judge)

So, after church this week, we got to have some play-outside time in a new dress.

looking good running away

perfect for kicking the ball

It’s the same pattern as I used here, but with the gathered tiers.  I also made the sleeves 3/4 length.  I may add elastic to them also… we’ll see.  I made it out of a fun turquoise fine-wale corduroy.  I can see her wearing this dress many times!  As my little honey would say, it’s a great “dancing dress”!