tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50288727288637038642024-02-20T17:40:42.173-05:00K Sera Sara ...Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-28868546450508997672009-05-19T08:23:00.003-04:002009-05-19T08:25:09.550-04:00Don't Forget ...<script type="text/javascript">...<br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>... I've moved my blog over <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.redowldesigns.blogspot.com">here</a>.<br /><br />Please update your bookmarks, feed readers, etc..., and stop by for a visit! I've written a number of new posts about all the stuff I've been working on!<br /><br />I've been busy!<br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />try {<br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-3");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br />} catch(err) {}</script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-79166856570029155342009-04-20T17:46:00.002-04:002009-04-20T17:46:00.883-04:00Movin' On Up ...<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>Do you remember<a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2009/02/i-love-red.html"> this post</a>? You know ... the one where I confessed my love for the color red by showing you the new checkbook cover that I made for my new <span style="font-weight: bold;">business </span>checkbook? And, remember when I promised to share more on that new business later? Well, today is the day, folks!<br /><br />I started a business.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jXWybTk_SsTT87AztsOb6id3BsFspP3UBJv9G9PlttIZv3X0ZOqM1jEybhyphenhyphenRNtVyPPJ1iaAvZAfVCLt0yy8e4Z13yWX2JgjqT0WZAFZmbzI_T4117Vo8gX38nwd2-epDGSC1D0LniiRG/s1600-h/red-owl-logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jXWybTk_SsTT87AztsOb6id3BsFspP3UBJv9G9PlttIZv3X0ZOqM1jEybhyphenhyphenRNtVyPPJ1iaAvZAfVCLt0yy8e4Z13yWX2JgjqT0WZAFZmbzI_T4117Vo8gX38nwd2-epDGSC1D0LniiRG/s320/red-owl-logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326821674136081538" border="0" /></a><br />It's called Red Owl Designs. Primarily, it is a way for me to sell (on etsy.com) my handmade creations (like <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/10/be-stylish-while-you-save-planet.html">these</a> and <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/07/surprise-surprise.html">these</a>, and maybe some of <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/08/new-creation.html">these</a>), but I also do custom sewing for the home (ie, pillows and curtains and such). I mean, I figured that I spend enough time in my studio already ... I may as well try to make it profitable, right?<br /><br />So I guess I'm going on a fun new adventure. At first I was scared about it (you know, the normal what-am-I-doing?!? kinds of feelings), but now I'm kind of excited to see what happens with it and where God wants to take it!<br /><br />So ... that said, I have decided to move my blog and connect it more to my business ... from now on, I'll be blogging over at <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.redowldesigns.blogspot.com/">www.redowldesigns.blogspot.com</a> ... <span style="font-weight: bold;">so, please change your bookmarks and your google reader settings, and anything else you need to update, and come join me! </span> Oh - and in case you are wondering ... nothing will change about my blog - I will still post about what I am working on (both personal sewing projects and business-related projects) ... it will just be in a different location, so that I don't go out of my mind trying to keep up with 15 different usernames, passwords, web addresses, etc... It's enough to make me crazy!<br /><br />ps - anyone know how to automatically re-direct this site to my new blog??<br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-71513902907654000872009-04-10T15:25:00.008-04:002009-04-10T15:52:30.649-04:00A Gift and a Haircut<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>The girl who cuts my hair just had a baby girl, and so when I recently went in to get my hair cut, I brought her a gift for little Avery (isn't that a great name?) ...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OROMB-xojh-p2MzaISvMgNbnLIWnfP8ejZO9sVybxd8A-_gkJQnjBDcbAvpPiTqylSzJmfjQUgIKewWd-cNNM5tl8rkot8wcYZ6HXRgLdeVdTfCyzgZk3hd69Y7qO27JKgEGZ9d218nW/s1600-h/IMG_2081+-+web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OROMB-xojh-p2MzaISvMgNbnLIWnfP8ejZO9sVybxd8A-_gkJQnjBDcbAvpPiTqylSzJmfjQUgIKewWd-cNNM5tl8rkot8wcYZ6HXRgLdeVdTfCyzgZk3hd69Y7qO27JKgEGZ9d218nW/s320/IMG_2081+-+web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323146556310825250" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sS7cSBaNkgZL6zTiKwxXNs5BLsYCEtWg6MQXo0Z9Ix8NMM9zrHS_5sbwEQlltsankMlj3zu_kdcbhsxI9_Nq55NjTvgZXjdE-iIvNPUe2cNR51jnNOY7T50SCwIFAy5T3bi3yMO9V-n3/s1600-h/IMG_2086+-+web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sS7cSBaNkgZL6zTiKwxXNs5BLsYCEtWg6MQXo0Z9Ix8NMM9zrHS_5sbwEQlltsankMlj3zu_kdcbhsxI9_Nq55NjTvgZXjdE-iIvNPUe2cNR51jnNOY7T50SCwIFAy5T3bi3yMO9V-n3/s320/IMG_2086+-+web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323146668651706210" border="0" /></a><br />I'm into customizing things with names recently ... <br />Don't believe me? See Exhibits <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2009/03/comfy-camera-strap-cover.html">A</a><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">, </span><a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2009/02/color-me-happy.html">B</a><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">, </span><a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/12/quilt-books.html">C</a> & <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/07/surprise-surprise.html">D</a>.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkUe3oV8J06uZMzbMDAULhAh-NJeL8h270jZjq8CQu431qsSj9QCLQPSAE6jcPkoTGLzi1agJfr7sR97wS2lIlctDzbWGaoZEZbuwVsKBqIhtc9dO1N9SHeXi5rM-QtfS21nROaV7AFJq/s1600-h/IMG_2090+-+web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkUe3oV8J06uZMzbMDAULhAh-NJeL8h270jZjq8CQu431qsSj9QCLQPSAE6jcPkoTGLzi1agJfr7sR97wS2lIlctDzbWGaoZEZbuwVsKBqIhtc9dO1N9SHeXi5rM-QtfS21nROaV7AFJq/s320/IMG_2090+-+web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323146881017093506" border="0" /></a>Here is a full shot of it ... including the cutie shoes I had to take off to climb on the chair in order to take the photo. I know it's a bad photo, but I'm having trouble figuring out how best to take pictures of blankets. I'm thinking a clothesline might work well? <br />Suggestions are welcome ...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VH_3gU3pTFlmo67aS3UXYbpoaDKiptnPgKdwRWo3CDgVFfsr0F68kOMMH32PeEjKhc1pk19peQY4AVGVdROHYd-kvtxlKd6DWSbn-_JdxM7UuwIXCuCuWhEX_7E99R3MjkPc1uhKPynV/s1600-h/IMG_2093+-+web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VH_3gU3pTFlmo67aS3UXYbpoaDKiptnPgKdwRWo3CDgVFfsr0F68kOMMH32PeEjKhc1pk19peQY4AVGVdROHYd-kvtxlKd6DWSbn-_JdxM7UuwIXCuCuWhEX_7E99R3MjkPc1uhKPynV/s320/IMG_2093+-+web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323146745115779874" border="0" /></a>The back is full of cutie pink and yellow and blue birds. <br />It's all flannel, so it's soft and cozy!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">What I didn't tell my hairdresser is that the gift was really a means of getting on her good side ... just before I asked her to cut 10 inches off and give me some sassy short hair.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZrMFKdwSIzbWHl9KDQE1foFXnOqJOQech5aIFDGK8kupi41DpdcRidRtvIwrFND9hyphenhyphenJaldSy2njD0CpIor_jMQG3zEWTH6v2SKaZ4j2BC7c57nbpkCkvbVuvcJjtdVW_83askRNbl4Th/s1600-h/IMG_2103+-+web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZrMFKdwSIzbWHl9KDQE1foFXnOqJOQech5aIFDGK8kupi41DpdcRidRtvIwrFND9hyphenhyphenJaldSy2njD0CpIor_jMQG3zEWTH6v2SKaZ4j2BC7c57nbpkCkvbVuvcJjtdVW_83askRNbl4Th/s320/IMG_2103+-+web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323146814946415490" border="0" /></a><br />What do you think?<br /><br />By the way ... if you can, you should cut your hair (at least 8 inches) and donate<br />to <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.beautifullengths.com/en_US/index_home.jsp">Pantene Beautiful Lengths</a>. They make wigs for women with cancer.<br />Do it!</div><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-49664494913994437082009-03-25T16:33:00.001-04:002009-03-25T16:33:05.804-04:00Comfy Camera Strap Cover<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));My My</script>My friend Deb is a photographer. Well ... maybe not professionally, but she ALWAYS has her <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&tabact=DownloadDetailTabAct&fcategoryid=314&modelid=14256">Canon Rebel xTi</a> attached to her hip, and is constantly pulling it out to "capture the moment," as they say. She is actually the reason that I opted for the Rebel when I purchased my camera last year.<br /><br />Anyway ... anyone who owns a Rebel knows that the strap it comes with is super-uncomfortable. Mine is constantly scratching the back of my neck ... so much so that I have stopped putting the strap over my head. One of these days I'm going to drop the thing because I refused to have the strap touching me!<br /><br />For Deb's birthday recently, I decided to be kind to her neck and make her a camera strap cover. Here it is ...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJeqq85TyKODA7PYUXKzop7rLRrRWUBZ6vln_k7rJBZkt6GI5N4vtO6h771gV8w63FpdXVFhyphenhyphengCktYNPtuQvd2p_CRzqgcHmTDXzN4X1rpH_xMnZhFkIzi6PPPp0oDIIF07gPG0V6pNJ7g/s1600-h/IMG_2060.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJeqq85TyKODA7PYUXKzop7rLRrRWUBZ6vln_k7rJBZkt6GI5N4vtO6h771gV8w63FpdXVFhyphenhyphengCktYNPtuQvd2p_CRzqgcHmTDXzN4X1rpH_xMnZhFkIzi6PPPp0oDIIF07gPG0V6pNJ7g/s320/IMG_2060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316485616168486626" border="0" /></a>The padded strap just wraps around the thick portion of the camera strap.<br />It's quilted and cushy.<br />I love this blue and green fabric ... I had to buy it and make something out of it!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NPEOBbjdNXw-8nY2SCtuJuXUuU9L2OLPP8mEo2D2qgtvJ3hFfgizpKsozCn75UZzEFcdEirZp2fhuq-E0t99DmRFFrYQ2dnZVxfv-_Y7EPa9O4WJkeTAeRC0wayIstEzn_a4UC7JNAJv/s1600-h/IMG_2061.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NPEOBbjdNXw-8nY2SCtuJuXUuU9L2OLPP8mEo2D2qgtvJ3hFfgizpKsozCn75UZzEFcdEirZp2fhuq-E0t99DmRFFrYQ2dnZVxfv-_Y7EPa9O4WJkeTAeRC0wayIstEzn_a4UC7JNAJv/s320/IMG_2061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316485789095113682" border="0" /></a>It's completely reversible ... this side has Deb's name on it. (of course!)<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2cDc2S38j4iSzqKkd9GTW3jEVETwoSemmUgjxBg0GH6Al8Bahr7Kr_w1exKp8FnFMp2uEZRHIqFTaRjzglQOjlFZ8CRlNygpomI-PA-wPNzPZKqyDASoM4qX2aq_RTM5065zI8sY4Y_d/s1600-h/IMG_2065.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2cDc2S38j4iSzqKkd9GTW3jEVETwoSemmUgjxBg0GH6Al8Bahr7Kr_w1exKp8FnFMp2uEZRHIqFTaRjzglQOjlFZ8CRlNygpomI-PA-wPNzPZKqyDASoM4qX2aq_RTM5065zI8sY4Y_d/s320/IMG_2065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316485949321175986" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">A little close-up.<br />I love velcro ... makes things SO easy!<br /></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-9600787702567499282009-03-23T14:41:00.009-04:002009-03-23T15:53:00.021-04:00A New Spring Project<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>Last weekend, I took a short trip to Atlanta with the women of the family to celebrate my niece's 4th birthday at the <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.americangirl.com/">American Girl</a> Store. To conserve gas, I piled into the mom-mobile with my sister-in-law and her mom, along with my niece and a friend of hers. Of course, we had to leave one of the van's seats at home so that we could fit our luggage, complete with all three American Girl dolls (which turned into 5 dolls and a llama on the way home ...). It's a good thing we left room, too, because we also made a stop at the nicest <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.joann.com">Jo-Ann</a> fabric store I've ever seen while we were in Atlanta. Needless to say, we did some shopping!<br /><br />Anyway ... you need to know that I get horribly carsick on road-trips ... so much so that I really would much rather take a plane and suffer through connecting flights and layovers and the ears popping and such. I do not enjoy being in the car. But, most of all, I hate that I end up wasting so many hours of precious time just sitting there doing nothing! Reading makes me sick. Sewing makes me sick. Playing games makes me sick. Sometimes having in-depth conversations makes me sick. BUT ... there is ONE thing that I've found does NOT make me sick on road-trips (besides sleeping!) ... crocheting! It's weird, but it's actually kinda soothing for me, as long as the car is on cruise control and we're not in heavy traffic.<br /><br />SO ... because Atlanta is a 6-hour car ride away, I decided to take along a new crochet project so that I could make the most of my time. I figured if I started it on the trip, I would be able to stretch it out over the whole course of the trip and have a finished product by the time we arrived home on Sunday night. Sure enough ... here are the fruits of my labor ...<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBi5u6ZwhrVQLFnfO4hBtXvb8msvxog3pKBXo0qgbY0gPJK8KbBwKVxwj4PPRoIJ8V1wRnL77o_OoGZDpXUOJ_zPmPjZCnt7F9OKt57LXxXtEA0Gd8ophO1zSHqhyphenhyphenhP68NEyQn9cMGL5hf/s1600-h/IMG_2072.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBi5u6ZwhrVQLFnfO4hBtXvb8msvxog3pKBXo0qgbY0gPJK8KbBwKVxwj4PPRoIJ8V1wRnL77o_OoGZDpXUOJ_zPmPjZCnt7F9OKt57LXxXtEA0Gd8ophO1zSHqhyphenhyphenhP68NEyQn9cMGL5hf/s320/IMG_2072.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316469271206160290" border="0" /></a>Super-fun yarn! <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love the colors ... it's fun to see the mixture of all the different colors,<br />and how different parts take on different looks.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2ky80Ld-8phJ5c6YD0SYY6UNp6XkEdSXctjGVg38ttIlF8WkBE-z-dXv4GVq3cmng5RnfkO4Q8b-egZF3yeLPLAGVJUV64kPisZLGxSfO3p8qsj4THJiIXLOE16owDgOUUa2VEFuJ6or/s1600-h/IMG_2078.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2ky80Ld-8phJ5c6YD0SYY6UNp6XkEdSXctjGVg38ttIlF8WkBE-z-dXv4GVq3cmng5RnfkO4Q8b-egZF3yeLPLAGVJUV64kPisZLGxSfO3p8qsj4THJiIXLOE16owDgOUUa2VEFuJ6or/s320/IMG_2078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316469479882921570" border="0" /></a>Here is my project hanging on a hook at home ... I can't wait to wear it!<br /><br />So, do you know what it is yet? <br /><br />I'll give you a clue ... even though I started it on the first day of Spring, think WINTER! :o)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Qc4RYSrDFRzSoSmXzlEr5u0274e4Og3qdSPVR1zOp7Mgyq7YYvHcuqZdR5o3N3WH9vKvW4hSXmPAqGWG5_teIlxvEzdOyrOLzOrd0ZhnMwEe1-WCO89cyiSBkqF4jYqW4qWAxd9vqCPJ/s1600-h/IMG_2066.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Qc4RYSrDFRzSoSmXzlEr5u0274e4Og3qdSPVR1zOp7Mgyq7YYvHcuqZdR5o3N3WH9vKvW4hSXmPAqGWG5_teIlxvEzdOyrOLzOrd0ZhnMwEe1-WCO89cyiSBkqF4jYqW4qWAxd9vqCPJ/s320/IMG_2066.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316469843814059106" border="0" /></a>(This is me doing my best to model it without getting in the way of the picture ... apparently, I had trouble getting it just right, but you get the idea!)<br /><br />It's a fun ruffle scarf! <br />My friend Andrea got one of these for Christmas from a co-worker, and I asked her to hunt down the pattern for me. I love how girly it is.<br />And it's so stinkin' easy to make! Hmmm ... these would make great gifts!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />My next project ... a fun <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/60617AD.html?noImages=">jacket</a>. <br />This might be a little ambitious, but I'm going to try it anyway. <br />Why not, right?<br /><br /></div><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-81942321258412213202009-03-05T11:30:00.009-05:002009-03-05T12:03:58.841-05:00Ladybugs for the Little Lady<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>My oldest niece turns 4 today. I can hardly believe it. It seems like just yesterday we were waiting outside the hospital room for her arrival! Time sure does fly right by, doesn't it?<br /><br />In celebration of Anneliese's birthday, I told her that I would take her to the fabric store so that she could pick out some fabric for a new dress for her and her <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.americangirl.com/">American Girl</a> doll. She eventually saw a purple fabric and said "Auntie Sara, that purple fabric is <span style="font-weight: bold;">BEAUTIFUL</span>!" I figured with that kind of enthusiasm, we had a winner!<br /><br />So, yesterday, I set to work making her dresses, so that they would be ready for her birthday celebration tonight. (There's nothing like waiting until the last minute, right?)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Disclaimer : Please forgive my pictures ... I took them last night, and the lighting wasn't great in this corner of my studio. Also, I was having trouble coming up with a creative place to hang the dresses, and in the end the thread racks won out. Ugly, I know ... but I was tired and my head hurt. Sorry.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vDjMOPyd9UXThWcNUStPy_obyHs52KcY3kXjj6mbSnM9VXgCfb0n7eynj2eRHENm7ASSpHO5NR3PRyTpYo2CVZFdfkGz8VHcl2cKJnTc32RhaAR1hYvNyZF3k64F4vmLWpCr6vwfar3y/s1600-h/IMG_2048.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vDjMOPyd9UXThWcNUStPy_obyHs52KcY3kXjj6mbSnM9VXgCfb0n7eynj2eRHENm7ASSpHO5NR3PRyTpYo2CVZFdfkGz8VHcl2cKJnTc32RhaAR1hYvNyZF3k64F4vmLWpCr6vwfar3y/s320/IMG_2048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309745008846685106" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I got the pattern for the dress from Suzanne ... it's a completely reversible A-Line. Really simple to put together ... only took me a couple of hours (that is, if I don't count the 3 - yes THREE - times I had to sew the buttons on, because I kept doing them wrong! Don't ask.)<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VLU0ZfDZ7YHI43Y8b_vchEDSpYKfnD-hlv1IlsFREJuzJCuxdge_3y78NjJrMLgNzlh1I-eeUlQ36Cv_dImTO_OXr2ycl7BDN_Gc2TLxexmcvxLp-vuBvMyS3JSnQOQyWwCBi2-w-UMr/s1600-h/IMG_2051.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VLU0ZfDZ7YHI43Y8b_vchEDSpYKfnD-hlv1IlsFREJuzJCuxdge_3y78NjJrMLgNzlh1I-eeUlQ36Cv_dImTO_OXr2ycl7BDN_Gc2TLxexmcvxLp-vuBvMyS3JSnQOQyWwCBi2-w-UMr/s320/IMG_2051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309745581997443442" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Don't you just love the matching doll dress? It's so cute!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JfnF-hmsaMfCSRRBoxL6wMUsJEuNPxP56HL5prZ86pNjO4SJmU3q0g7MRqb1GKVtS3I3ifPk8uQfPm96FyzSqdnMMNuAOTH9_foNlnT64Hub1E9J2XuqCZRv4wiZ6NGZCHxxcCCaMPm6/s1600-h/IMG_2050.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JfnF-hmsaMfCSRRBoxL6wMUsJEuNPxP56HL5prZ86pNjO4SJmU3q0g7MRqb1GKVtS3I3ifPk8uQfPm96FyzSqdnMMNuAOTH9_foNlnT64Hub1E9J2XuqCZRv4wiZ6NGZCHxxcCCaMPm6/s320/IMG_2050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309745429660083618" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I *had* to include a close-up of this adorable fabric ... LOVE the green ladybugs. <br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAP5eVyPv0THKSPAzgUvIvVV9Cx_N4C40LJBsoT9-xQ9lUMnjhb-GtULpZOOaTPCsSiY8K7J9K-tV8yk9GjgCCIawrzwjw_3l4hHbzXkF0Yq1mMGuNJ8Ft2meA_bulFE0Kn86zLPyHCDaW/s1600-h/IMG_2047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAP5eVyPv0THKSPAzgUvIvVV9Cx_N4C40LJBsoT9-xQ9lUMnjhb-GtULpZOOaTPCsSiY8K7J9K-tV8yk9GjgCCIawrzwjw_3l4hHbzXkF0Yq1mMGuNJ8Ft2meA_bulFE0Kn86zLPyHCDaW/s320/IMG_2047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309744799547083474" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I added a little green ladybug to the hem of the purple side, just to give it more character.<br />Suzanne reminded me that I always draw ladybugs with Anneliese when we color together (probably because I stink at drawing, and they are one of the few things that are simple enough to be recognizable when I draw them!)<br /><br />Happy Birthday, Anneliese! Yay for being 4!<br /></div><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-73392678168699307752009-02-25T08:40:00.000-05:002009-02-25T08:40:00.626-05:00Color Me Happy<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>My very best friend from college and her family were visiting from Philly, and I decided it would be nice to make her children a gift for when they arrive. (In reality, I was just trying to buy their affection ... I was afraid they wouldn't like me!!)<br /><br />Anyway ... I went to the fabric store and picked out some happy Amy Butler and Kaffe Fassett fabrics (and some others that I don't remember the name of), and set to work ...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iDbz-iJDTovZRUvV-QDkUP0H3Rrhu3TNcGbwQF181SGKYzdXof-hehpclWVBRfAA4beZT7whj8bcN1BxTiE5auxUA0qe8f8DFr4a_pR_FSy325ACUhB1-hGf3VxqFf3jigNS_nvX41ep/s1600-h/IMG_2042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iDbz-iJDTovZRUvV-QDkUP0H3Rrhu3TNcGbwQF181SGKYzdXof-hehpclWVBRfAA4beZT7whj8bcN1BxTiE5auxUA0qe8f8DFr4a_pR_FSy325ACUhB1-hGf3VxqFf3jigNS_nvX41ep/s320/IMG_2042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305988190885663906" border="0" /></a>Don't the colors in these fabrics just make you happy?? <br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgey7KbObVyUd0tJl009hg133Ef3IdkjYdEknDHAonBlHlKyZUhbU5B0bm7ymyQ4Wo48Gi0x8NPEUSwkcx61b5Hh5mbgxzf0dzPSbwg0QJ61nCiyCWkk6gu4bX6dmwP7Y4VgiGemzN9K4_j/s1600-h/IMG_2038.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgey7KbObVyUd0tJl009hg133Ef3IdkjYdEknDHAonBlHlKyZUhbU5B0bm7ymyQ4Wo48Gi0x8NPEUSwkcx61b5Hh5mbgxzf0dzPSbwg0QJ61nCiyCWkk6gu4bX6dmwP7Y4VgiGemzN9K4_j/s320/IMG_2038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305989351483064274" border="0" /></a>I decided to keep it simple and make the same thing for all three children.<br />Again ... I wanted them to like me. And, how could they like me if they were disapponted that their brother or sister got a cooler gift than they did?<br />(Of course, I didn't consider the possibility that they might all three dislike their gifts ...)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72gmRfgmceP6gAtrBYlkNunXxkKHMJ9pg_s2GyPcAlUzl2_pE5SbldZ6bqesued-ul0GP-ZDufJufK401sPxAKd6KvIvmeV0HJaaamf4AifS49t9GlooDKdxsYBfFdJ1hYjsIgWB85ij5/s1600-h/IMG_2030.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72gmRfgmceP6gAtrBYlkNunXxkKHMJ9pg_s2GyPcAlUzl2_pE5SbldZ6bqesued-ul0GP-ZDufJufK401sPxAKd6KvIvmeV0HJaaamf4AifS49t9GlooDKdxsYBfFdJ1hYjsIgWB85ij5/s320/IMG_2030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305989895729493938" border="0" /></a>Have you guessed what they are yet??<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQ1IBJIcZPEZlNigcbxW3XxL67C9V2DjBtUnQfFmoDwbd0gUb5cKm1FaRQ4aUn-PLYQURyv-Y5CpVbByaiXnvASo48cpnF4WLk9_376AdhAyYCEBGobkYZXpq-IXE53wEWX7ZxSg-pwQb/s1600-h/IMG_2023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQ1IBJIcZPEZlNigcbxW3XxL67C9V2DjBtUnQfFmoDwbd0gUb5cKm1FaRQ4aUn-PLYQURyv-Y5CpVbByaiXnvASo48cpnF4WLk9_376AdhAyYCEBGobkYZXpq-IXE53wEWX7ZxSg-pwQb/s320/IMG_2023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305990229445014978" border="0" /></a>Crayon Rolls!!! <br />Suzanne let me borrow a quilting magazine that had the directions,<br />and I tweaked them a little bit to fit what I was wanting to do.<br />Pay no attention to how sad my crayons look ... I didn't have time to run to the store and buy brand new pointy crayons for the photo shoot. Just consider them well-loved and much-used!<br />Mary's children love to draw in their nature books, so I thought they might each appreciate having their own portable crayon holder to carry with them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegpUeiSymIiqOUX3xrBTi1qUWtzCm_JcPJT3Tk98C2rfkTzYDadu7YyC_wCn8pPtZJlidsHfOMz2cDZRAjzqR6zr3egGYJcHSMDtRyidwXDp87IT7wwpLXIUFCeOdfR4CwytbnGfRsfRo/s1600-h/IMG_2029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegpUeiSymIiqOUX3xrBTi1qUWtzCm_JcPJT3Tk98C2rfkTzYDadu7YyC_wCn8pPtZJlidsHfOMz2cDZRAjzqR6zr3egGYJcHSMDtRyidwXDp87IT7wwpLXIUFCeOdfR4CwytbnGfRsfRo/s320/IMG_2029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305991251798570194" border="0" /></a>This one reminds me of ice cream. Yum.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnileGkcuH5k9LSOUD13efB1LVJ0_Q3-ItT6-a1Iqr2bePIJAfmSDUYZIvOTgwSqaFu9VZoZCTw-AyjbxQoa68TuANwWZr0I-40nLyssgJ1UKy-ZMTw8Un6wTsLh8DnbCbIF7O3rnNcsin/s1600-h/IMG_2024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnileGkcuH5k9LSOUD13efB1LVJ0_Q3-ItT6-a1Iqr2bePIJAfmSDUYZIvOTgwSqaFu9VZoZCTw-AyjbxQoa68TuANwWZr0I-40nLyssgJ1UKy-ZMTw8Un6wTsLh8DnbCbIF7O3rnNcsin/s320/IMG_2024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305991525928448530" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01YjdJNS062EidR4st4ser1Wv2-SGTJgxWLwMQpZ4i-fO9SKLt9ldky82qqi_H6HHWPscw4gUPU_4_CLBoQ-VdZt3uS8D3WYmMvtmvAXB_Yx2WHV66fAsMvTrhMLsOQkuZd4tkgFAVNWH/s1600-h/IMG_2027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01YjdJNS062EidR4st4ser1Wv2-SGTJgxWLwMQpZ4i-fO9SKLt9ldky82qqi_H6HHWPscw4gUPU_4_CLBoQ-VdZt3uS8D3WYmMvtmvAXB_Yx2WHV66fAsMvTrhMLsOQkuZd4tkgFAVNWH/s320/IMG_2027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305991391957257122" border="0" /></a>This is the one I made for their son ... I figured it was boyish enough. <br />(at least I hope it is!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlscdjA_u1_aI2bYgD-6rR0BRyPwHIh7Kl-grsnShLserDEQaxsTucGS3bgbXy0TyP_VUazEAuyWYy5YqrnF_9w1RpVMxrUV3pwyUpxU8Ao-no8VVNo98yxLESsmJIYJA0_3xXjwzTqpy/s1600-h/IMG_2040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlscdjA_u1_aI2bYgD-6rR0BRyPwHIh7Kl-grsnShLserDEQaxsTucGS3bgbXy0TyP_VUazEAuyWYy5YqrnF_9w1RpVMxrUV3pwyUpxU8Ao-no8VVNo98yxLESsmJIYJA0_3xXjwzTqpy/s320/IMG_2040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305991946403993490" border="0" /></a><br />And, the best part of the whole project ...<br />I personalized them! <br />They each have their names appliqued on the back!<br />I always LOVED having things with my name on them when I was growing up, and I thought it would make for a more special gift.<br /><br />I'll let you know how they liked them after their visit!<br /></div><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-26102340375354781982009-02-23T12:06:00.001-05:002009-02-23T12:06:00.726-05:00The Big Apple ... Part Deux<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>OK, so where was I in my NYC story? Oh yes ... we had just finished having breakfast with my super-cool french parents. After that ... let's see ... oh, of course ... this will be no surprise to you, given my previous confessions of my <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/01/its-bad-sign.html">addiction</a> ... but you know, no trip to Manahattan would be complete without the obligatory frappucino in Times Square. Now, I must tell you that it was <span style="font-weight: bold;">cold</span> in Manhattan that day ... I think the high might have been 38. Being from the south, this is indeed very cold. But, as any of my good friends will tell you, it is <span style="font-weight: bold;">never</span> too cold for a frappucino. I gladly sipped my frappucino while walked through Manhattan decked out in my wool coat, warm scarf, and red mittens.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4XDnSMt_owP1q-pYiOgotk_37aJ0tBbcDpbtrmxKG96TOpewLjpr5SWjR2m48RhgSp-tU06ajXPaSvCasZbnTi9SMbP5hXpOhAEqteaTzDAcjP_MWg_bHv4Z7MVIfw-k2Ui4ulXcHswl/s1600-h/CIMG2058.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4XDnSMt_owP1q-pYiOgotk_37aJ0tBbcDpbtrmxKG96TOpewLjpr5SWjR2m48RhgSp-tU06ajXPaSvCasZbnTi9SMbP5hXpOhAEqteaTzDAcjP_MWg_bHv4Z7MVIfw-k2Ui4ulXcHswl/s320/CIMG2058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304929115574852802" border="0" /></a>This was the perfect occasion to induct Joy into the <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/07/confessions-of-coffee-cozy-addict.html">coffee</a> <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/07/surprise-surprise.html">cozy</a> <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/07/starbucks-bling.html">club</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After our caffeine-infusion, we headed down (via subway) to Soho to take in the boutiques and - we hoped - some star sightings. We hopped into a few shops, including one for designer <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.catherinemalandrino.com/">Catherine Malandrino</a>, whose clothes - I must say - are exquisite. The detail is incredible. If I were wealthy, I would definitely shop there. We also made the obligatory stop at the <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/">MAC</a> store (not to be confused with the <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.apple.com/">Apple</a><a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.apple.com/"> Store</a>), where we saw their new line of Hello Kitty cosmetics. Yes ... that's right. I said Hello Kitty cosmetics. Who would have ever known??<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nc9dp8DU7n47p_bGmz8uT2uqTzDeRcr5LOQ9-9frxhCTG-qSzNLtPl6u9tUD_XDtR89zDenTay6e_ORLVI7dCSa-2eCI7holDH1or85FGQJO51w6JHNjYA27BHUOf1A0vCjbYc5vm5jD/s1600-h/CIMG2060.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nc9dp8DU7n47p_bGmz8uT2uqTzDeRcr5LOQ9-9frxhCTG-qSzNLtPl6u9tUD_XDtR89zDenTay6e_ORLVI7dCSa-2eCI7holDH1or85FGQJO51w6JHNjYA27BHUOf1A0vCjbYc5vm5jD/s320/CIMG2060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304932373286493074" border="0" /></a>It was necessary to take a picture of Ann with the gigantic Hello Kitty head in the window.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">On the way out of Soho, while we were lamenting the fact that we had not seen any celebrities during our brief jaunt there, our luck changed when, to our surprise, our new BFF <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000864/">Mikhail Baryshnikov</a> passed us on the sidewalk. He looked directly at both me and Joy, as if he were daring us to recognize him. I knew him immediately ... not because I am a ballet fanatic, or even because he once played the golf course I work at, but - sadly - because I had seen him while (in a moment of weakness) watching Sex in the City reruns on TBS. Yes ... I admit it. I have watched that show. And, I kinda liked it ... mostly for the fashion (particularly the shoes). And, I must say that my brush with fame in NYC was on a much bigger (albeit older) scale than my recent <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/09/my-brush-with-fame.html">brush with fame</a> in Charleston.<br /><br />After Soho, we made it up to the Upper West Side, to roam around some other boutique-y places and eat a <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray%27s_Papaya">Gray's Papaya Hot Dog</a>. Apparently they are famous. Who knew?? Ann & Joy informed me that the specific Gray's Papaya Hot Dog joint that we visited was the very one in <span style="font-style: italic;">You've Got Mail</span> (you know ... where Tom Hanks & Meg Ryan go to grab a bite to eat before he reveals to her that he loves her). There's nothing more romantic than eating a hotdog and then confessing your love for someone. I mean, really. So ... the whole hot-dog-eating thing can be chalked up (once again) to my whole out-of-the-box in 2009 resolution. I <span style="font-weight: bold;">never</span> eat hotdogs, but I ate one for the whole experience, and it wasn't all that bad - not that I'm going to start eating them every week or anything, though!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9102V3x2rkTb4NabzhmUfWrQRxVXNz7FylYF4Ei3fHIP5HR51WNRoHod7MPTGLzqXKYPYLM2z9mMmje8jbWEKtsS90MGMiZ3CC_3836eOJRyXMr3N7JA9k-SEdn7p2Ot1-hAlgSEcOM9/s1600-h/CIMG2064.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9102V3x2rkTb4NabzhmUfWrQRxVXNz7FylYF4Ei3fHIP5HR51WNRoHod7MPTGLzqXKYPYLM2z9mMmje8jbWEKtsS90MGMiZ3CC_3836eOJRyXMr3N7JA9k-SEdn7p2Ot1-hAlgSEcOM9/s320/CIMG2064.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304954707589483906" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DCQjPZOW0FDYUpmxozdLCPFP_oiI-KI8l8Ezab0gMyvvpEkRRYB2f-2iiaA9doQI0Q_bew9N4PQc3-gVi8uS0sVsR-1YQEmRP25gYX3JJ6RJytOLfSQAw4mhyphenhypheneP2lCaq4btxZoyrcfev/s1600-h/CIMG2065.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DCQjPZOW0FDYUpmxozdLCPFP_oiI-KI8l8Ezab0gMyvvpEkRRYB2f-2iiaA9doQI0Q_bew9N4PQc3-gVi8uS0sVsR-1YQEmRP25gYX3JJ6RJytOLfSQAw4mhyphenhypheneP2lCaq4btxZoyrcfev/s320/CIMG2065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304954942493879634" border="0" /></a>This sign cracked me up ... the Big Bad Recession even affects hot dog prices!!!<br />Oh ... and since when do we put the words "gourmet" and "hot dog" in the same sentence??<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After our hot dog dinner, we made our way (again, via subway) back to Times Square to pick up our car and head out of the city for Dover, Delaware, to see Ann's brother and his wife. I snapped this photo in the subway ... there was this band playing incredible music for tips. It so much reminded me of the Metro in Paris, where you could always count on seeing talented artists trying to make a living. I could have stood there listening for hours ...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CrN4E4iCfJ7d_GuiLZozbEl4LDkO5MPUHBCrXtoD3M8J9ahEwF2C3ZLU2mkv33gqufrrDXPQB_HsTq1npkowfSlBpldLGkaowNsAZWQlVr-LQJIxEfyZDLZYW70yaQgNm8BKBWmQxYvC/s1600-h/CIMG2067.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CrN4E4iCfJ7d_GuiLZozbEl4LDkO5MPUHBCrXtoD3M8J9ahEwF2C3ZLU2mkv33gqufrrDXPQB_HsTq1npkowfSlBpldLGkaowNsAZWQlVr-LQJIxEfyZDLZYW70yaQgNm8BKBWmQxYvC/s320/CIMG2067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304957009233937826" border="0" /></a>That pretty much sums up our whole adventure in The Big Apple ... I intentionally left out the part about the man who was yelling obscenities while being pinned to the floor by the police in the subway, and the part about the high-speed police chase we witnessed on the New Jersey Turnpike ... oh and also the part about how we realized how bad mapquest directions are after having crossed the same bridge three times within a span of 10 minutes while trying to get out of the city. No need to mention these unpleasant parts of the trip ... let's just remember it for what it was - a super-fun out-of-the-box adventure that I will never regret!</div></div></div></div></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-34910615715126284602009-02-20T10:39:00.015-05:002009-02-20T11:59:40.935-05:00Red, My French Parents, and The Big Apple<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>Two weeks ago, I was presented with an opportunity to take a quick trip to New York City on Valentine's weekend, to see the parents of the family I lived with when I was studying in Paris. Ordinarily, my everything-needs-to-be-planned-months-in-advance self would have shuddered at the thought of throwing caution to the wind and buying a plane ticket a week in advance without knowing where I would stay, how I would get around, or what I would do when I was there. But, I have deemed 2009 to be the year when I live OUTSIDE of my box ... and so far I have to say that I have not regretted it.<br /><br />SO ... last Friday, I hopped a plane to Washington, DC and met up with my dear friend Ann and her friend Joy, who were my traveling buddies on our adventure to Manahattan. Because of the Big Bad Recession, we tried to do this trip on-the-cheap. So, we set off in the car for West Point, NY, about an hour outside the Big Apple, where Joy had a good friend who would let us stay overnight. Despite the rush hour traffic in Washington and the crazy toll booths on the New Jersey Turnpike, it was a really fun drive, and a great time to catch up with Ann & Joy. We were exhausted by the time we pulled into West Point, so it was good to have a warm bed to sleep in ... and even better that it was decked out in red and white polka dotted sheets.<br /><br />Yes, I took pictures.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB93m8o_EqlyPRAPI2IvY9UyUBqraNaT8zeOGWENT4LNFR15nSfIB7m8xN2XMQyncOuziysoEOR_qtMLP6uSecP4cyKlg4Y2i5_kcLW8br5Qwn5YgbrxObVWuznFDja9aq1nwnOfq4S49A/s1600-h/CIMG2051.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB93m8o_EqlyPRAPI2IvY9UyUBqraNaT8zeOGWENT4LNFR15nSfIB7m8xN2XMQyncOuziysoEOR_qtMLP6uSecP4cyKlg4Y2i5_kcLW8br5Qwn5YgbrxObVWuznFDja9aq1nwnOfq4S49A/s320/CIMG2051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304914514177577954" border="0" /></a>I - needless to say - felt right at home in my room.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9F9A2NxkKR-25gWZNlYtP_AQqdaT9ITPUd_PNSxWdo3LXIJPXT1G04zYd61axTBDefmu_yBCEGPHN2WWBK4PPQEZ5sWVc914BMi3Cd-MiItRgGN7veOBBIAvKT1psn-IwR-IwB5RSkvf/s1600-h/CIMG2053.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9F9A2NxkKR-25gWZNlYtP_AQqdaT9ITPUd_PNSxWdo3LXIJPXT1G04zYd61axTBDefmu_yBCEGPHN2WWBK4PPQEZ5sWVc914BMi3Cd-MiItRgGN7veOBBIAvKT1psn-IwR-IwB5RSkvf/s320/CIMG2053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304914682888587026" border="0" /></a><br />I mean ... look at these pillows. Have you ever seen happier pillows???<br />Whew ... it's a good thing I didn't leave my new <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2009/02/i-love-red.html">checkbook cover</a> on the bed ... It might have gotten lost in the polka dots!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">OK ... enough about my <s>love for</s> <span style="font-weight: bold;">obsession</span> with the color red.<br /><br />We woke up early Saturday morning and drove into Manahattan to see my french parents. It was a fun drive ... there is nothing like driving right through Times Square to get you excited about being back in New York. Seriously ... nothing like it. I mean ... just look at it!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sjB6wL98_ZlwKojflDggOCVosliV8FbaYQv1g22yJp3h_gEGI0CcRlNrccNZDwAkiIa-W8Vft1ciBvbEGs4C8vUFEJo5tKJeKN-GWk5f1e69-JBsSae6owamspaov1JDmiXdW0ycaPu_/s1600-h/CIMG2069.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sjB6wL98_ZlwKojflDggOCVosliV8FbaYQv1g22yJp3h_gEGI0CcRlNrccNZDwAkiIa-W8Vft1ciBvbEGs4C8vUFEJo5tKJeKN-GWk5f1e69-JBsSae6owamspaov1JDmiXdW0ycaPu_/s320/CIMG2069.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304921958928522146" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzB_8v-W0BfPOTpe_JUfupztk__ww0IkxEVL7r9_bziNGKy5ACqvvxPX6SSn6YYsUrdHxqRZrz1fMrKAP2N0ZN5Nyn3Qn72kGbt_c-DjlMs8vtwo5IJZva14Z9fMnJWDs_UxiA7x_Nd3-9/s1600-h/CIMG2068.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzB_8v-W0BfPOTpe_JUfupztk__ww0IkxEVL7r9_bziNGKy5ACqvvxPX6SSn6YYsUrdHxqRZrz1fMrKAP2N0ZN5Nyn3Qn72kGbt_c-DjlMs8vtwo5IJZva14Z9fMnJWDs_UxiA7x_Nd3-9/s320/CIMG2068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304923586546671826" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRMcC7xqh3mer6DIUo3zgrvdVQOlmc08xm58wFkF0Y5tbFGJC6hNcLiCPovmqmGTOX-g_Abv_YzkS0cUPbEGyLZVO1FBFl9ez7ACKZJtfmFZ2HbWTb9PNdZLvWtUuz7U_eKppUujoxwhs/s1600-h/CIMG2070.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRMcC7xqh3mer6DIUo3zgrvdVQOlmc08xm58wFkF0Y5tbFGJC6hNcLiCPovmqmGTOX-g_Abv_YzkS0cUPbEGyLZVO1FBFl9ez7ACKZJtfmFZ2HbWTb9PNdZLvWtUuz7U_eKppUujoxwhs/s320/CIMG2070.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304921207531025730" border="0" /></a>These pictures were taken later in the day (probably more like evening-time).<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love that there is no want of things to grab your attention in Times Square.<br />It's overwhelming!<br />I mean ... let's face it. I grew up on an island. Times Square is <span style="font-weight: bold;">unreal</span> to me.<br /></div><br />Anyway ... back to my story. So, Virginie & Daniel didn't have much free time in their schedule, so we met them at their hotel and had a lovely breakfast together. They are just as warm and friendly as they always were, and it seemed like we picked right back up where we left off the last time I saw them (four years ago, when I was in Paris for the Paris Marathon). They are the kind of people that you want to introduce all your friends to, because you just can't stand that someone you care about doesn't know them. You know what I mean? Do you know people like that? I do ... and it was SO good to see them again.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNN9U1VqhiXtUwvj2gCb-KivSWtJBvlZzPCFvhxKFynUyeKoph5qICRC4ywgXXp2qbx37VyLt4MR4oh4KMJHi_qsUo1CclioNajfvc31SegNiAKWbxErydFXGIVpSN3GO_T5vSpY9oYAM7/s1600-h/CIMG2056.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNN9U1VqhiXtUwvj2gCb-KivSWtJBvlZzPCFvhxKFynUyeKoph5qICRC4ywgXXp2qbx37VyLt4MR4oh4KMJHi_qsUo1CclioNajfvc31SegNiAKWbxErydFXGIVpSN3GO_T5vSpY9oYAM7/s320/CIMG2056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304918224028505154" border="0" /></a>Here we are after breakfast.<br />Maybe I should work on getting out of my black-clothing box in 2009 ...<br /></div><br />There's more to the NYC trip than just this, but this post is getting pretty long, so I think I'll end with one thought, and continue with the rest in another post ... As much as I would love to be married and have children right now, I will say that the freedom afforded by singleness is really quite nice. Many of my married friends have often reminded me that I should take full advantage of my single years, since they are only for a season, and with the blessing of marriage comes responsibility and commitment and a surrendering of one's own needs & desires for the benefit of others. So, as much as I plead with the Lord for a husband and a family of my own, I am thankful to Him in my singleness for providing this opportunity to take off for the weekend and see dear friends on an adventure in NYC! Yay! More to come ...<br /></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-38927208958794445882009-02-06T14:33:00.007-05:002009-02-06T14:46:59.741-05:00I Love Red!This Wednesday ... on my day off ... while I was battling a cold ... I decided to try something new in my studio ...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuuU5I1AD9jlQln_QSYUjsvlMS7_6aM1Do8TEKLUbvNzef_kwW6B5o6ArEKsxh4PyGjObZaBj_yep6RUgNRTYIvbfvmbyNwL7a-YI_fz4jWsKdakAQjFgenschD_IsepTRoV084LLK5XQ/s1600-h/IMG_2015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuuU5I1AD9jlQln_QSYUjsvlMS7_6aM1Do8TEKLUbvNzef_kwW6B5o6ArEKsxh4PyGjObZaBj_yep6RUgNRTYIvbfvmbyNwL7a-YI_fz4jWsKdakAQjFgenschD_IsepTRoV084LLK5XQ/s320/IMG_2015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299770455593530402" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I am a sucker for red ... and linen ... and cute polka dot fabric.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4oaw9CL2xJEmyoBsh2QQzgqPOK7HOtCcFE8vXwbHY1S638sV_crfvogmyQrZSdTEmkNFAwUNHY3swHqr1Srv_KIQ_h29w3Fxoi0pV4w0LwzZrQqw5LhYins31EOIAs94g7Z04xKqmd-_/s1600-h/IMG_2011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4oaw9CL2xJEmyoBsh2QQzgqPOK7HOtCcFE8vXwbHY1S638sV_crfvogmyQrZSdTEmkNFAwUNHY3swHqr1Srv_KIQ_h29w3Fxoi0pV4w0LwzZrQqw5LhYins31EOIAs94g7Z04xKqmd-_/s320/IMG_2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299769937241397618" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have you guessed what it is, yet?<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlltyUE9Kj5o4w0cXt-detrKo6xqlzCig9YnBJYpk03oP1rx_P2U4aX-M34KitH5Ggn2GsVAa0efoFIBYdu9U_AVZlOSOflgAxqt2f8E4sw7XkUQJswjk5cugQ2DyPXGBaJ4GCZXf8Y02H/s1600-h/IMG_2016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlltyUE9Kj5o4w0cXt-detrKo6xqlzCig9YnBJYpk03oP1rx_P2U4aX-M34KitH5Ggn2GsVAa0efoFIBYdu9U_AVZlOSOflgAxqt2f8E4sw7XkUQJswjk5cugQ2DyPXGBaJ4GCZXf8Y02H/s320/IMG_2016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299770672269652466" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Yep ... a checkbook cover<br />... for my new checkbook<br />... for my new business!<br />More on that later.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1hQjrcsgOm1JfEut_s0VgDtaqtifSorwlqRxxHiZZZnQnPWZ42kRYa_thK6iArSwqOOosNDhCpANyojg5mqVMXHrVqVaMG7IJISuI82AwhynitAi8ear0I6VGI5OYU6P1BKDklm9zgMF/s1600-h/IMG_2018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1hQjrcsgOm1JfEut_s0VgDtaqtifSorwlqRxxHiZZZnQnPWZ42kRYa_thK6iArSwqOOosNDhCpANyojg5mqVMXHrVqVaMG7IJISuI82AwhynitAi8ear0I6VGI5OYU6P1BKDklm9zgMF/s320/IMG_2018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299770790984705986" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I put a little pocket for business cards, too,<br />because you know I'll be handing them out! ;o)<br /><br />This project really came together just exactly as I had envisioned it ...<br />and it wasn't too hard, either!<br />I am already thinking of a few variations,<br />and I could imagine it in all sorts of fun colors and fabrics<br />... and personalized with initials.<br /><br />What do you think ... would YOU use one of these?<br /></div><script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-30646201500762656812009-02-02T11:39:00.009-05:002009-02-02T12:11:11.797-05:00It's Official ... I am a Procrastinator<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>OK ... so remember way back in September, when I posted about <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/09/well-always-have-paris.html">this</a> really fun fabric and the plans that I had for it? And remember also when I posted a <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/10/sneak-peak.html">sneak peek</a> of the almost-finished final product like a month later?<br /><br />Well ... I am here to tell you that today - 4 months later - I'm done. I would be lying if I told you that it took me every bit of those 4 months to put the finishing touches on ... in reality, it just took some searching for the right kind of clasps and about 5 minutes of sewing. I got the clasps well over a month ago, and I finally sat down for the 5-minute sewing session this weekend. I think it's safe to say that I have a procrastination problem ... that, or a time-management problem. Either one is disturbing.<br /><br />Ann ... if you are reading this, I plan to put your laptop case in the mail this week! Finally! Hope you like it!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMygVpKdcV3vCJ3VYxPMySD5NqDwI8mDl6zoEwIuEO7gbrcP_4nAYkABicLWtaKiIdtkX1S0simkYZsAPGKdOvIsQMOu4TQn0l7OHG1AjJ4-uk_6bGSjqo9njlR-zZTpASSw-Rc78XRmXf/s1600-h/IMG_2007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMygVpKdcV3vCJ3VYxPMySD5NqDwI8mDl6zoEwIuEO7gbrcP_4nAYkABicLWtaKiIdtkX1S0simkYZsAPGKdOvIsQMOu4TQn0l7OHG1AjJ4-uk_6bGSjqo9njlR-zZTpASSw-Rc78XRmXf/s320/IMG_2007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298243514952639474" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here it is!<br />It has two short handles and a detachable shoulder strap (thus my need to find clasps!).<br />Besides the big, roomy zipper-compartment for the laptop, it also has a pocket for papers on the outside and another zip pocket for cords, etc...<br />Oh, and the little ribbon bow is detachable. Just a fun little girly addition.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWekY-Rr0Q97bX2fdIbam0UTtaq-ri4s3jbOXcGlV8HsSYNxP4vM8Bv3ReE8sW2ZOFGM7mcrv-171tllLHvZ6a7f2-WEvGpX9eCe7barbbK6vMkjp3he8yuspTj-KRCumVE2DZfb3GMm5/s1600-h/IMG_2009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWekY-Rr0Q97bX2fdIbam0UTtaq-ri4s3jbOXcGlV8HsSYNxP4vM8Bv3ReE8sW2ZOFGM7mcrv-171tllLHvZ6a7f2-WEvGpX9eCe7barbbK6vMkjp3he8yuspTj-KRCumVE2DZfb3GMm5/s320/IMG_2009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298243705196532146" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">A close-up of the inside. Polka dots everywhere!<br />You can't really tell, but I definitely finished ALL the seams, so that there are no raw edges showing. It took a LOT of sewing to do this, but I think it was worth it.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dvhXe9frPxbNIsJZGR1Sx7muzVgbKn6pi_hnfUH4x8LOx36M64bL-ui_J-Mv4eJU94f0ov2FInHP2DR-B7iIkXegcPDaYQwjhgQs3AYcdH4w__ySScG9UIODtBCe7gZB0wJOlSrrTYS8/s1600-h/IMG_2010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dvhXe9frPxbNIsJZGR1Sx7muzVgbKn6pi_hnfUH4x8LOx36M64bL-ui_J-Mv4eJU94f0ov2FInHP2DR-B7iIkXegcPDaYQwjhgQs3AYcdH4w__ySScG9UIODtBCe7gZB0wJOlSrrTYS8/s320/IMG_2010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298243870023307650" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a close-up of the outside pocket and zip pouch.<br />Don't you just LOVE this fabric?</div><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-25410542704108824482009-01-29T09:30:00.000-05:002009-01-29T09:30:00.795-05:00My New Favorite Purse<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>I never win anything. I mean <span style="font-weight: bold;">never</span>. I am just not what one would call "lucky." (Of course, I don't believe in luck. I believe in the Lord's providence. But, that's a whole different conversation ... for another day) Today, let's talk about the fact that whenever there is a contest involved, I end up losing. Don't get me wrong ... I'm not bitter about it. Really, I'm not. I just - over time - have come to accept the fact that I don't win things.<br /><br />But, I haven't let my long-standing track record of losing stop me from trying ... which is why, when one of my favorite <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://craftapple.wordpress.com/">blogs</a> announced a fun giveaway, I entered. "You have to be in it to win it," right? I read about all the <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://craftapple.wordpress.com/2009/01/07/c-cubed-giveaway2-3-4-5/">fun stuff</a> Linda was giving away, and about how she was going to draw 5 lucky winners from her comments. "<span style="font-weight: bold;">Wow!</span>" I thought ... 5 winners ... that means 5 chances to lose ... um, i mean win. (Think positive, Sara!) So, I added a comment and went about my day. A couple of days later, I got an email from Linda saying that <span style="font-weight: bold;">not only</span> had she drawn my name as a winner, but i would have <span style="font-weight: bold;">first pick</span> of all the items! I honestly didn't know what to do with myself. It was like my whole world-view was crumbling. Could I really be a winner??!!?? What do winners do when they win things? Should I have prepared an acceptance speech? Do I need to thank anyone? Are you sure you didn't mean the <span style="font-weight: bold;">OTHER</span> Sara who entered? You couldn't possibly mean me ... could you??<br /><br />After a lot of jumping up and down squealing in my office, I composed myself and wrote a brief reply asking for the "lotus bag" because it was made from some of my very favorite Amy Butler fabric. I thanked her profusely for her generosity and waited patiently while the United States Postal Service transported my bag all the way from Texas. It arrived about a week later, and it has been attached to my arm ever since. I might have had to surgically remove it to take the following pictures...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaaV8kX0is_6tg0IBrtn5m9ll4Yx6KewhZUEDkSdCOkA7DCCP8fhhlnVdGUZ0rhGV9J5i7lYQF5jQeBCp919ZYa4kuOlxEQ4D-Y3MVy18qdCWZ1mK3HZ7GRf5iArzj36vDaolNGjUrozQ/s1600-h/IMG_1999.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaaV8kX0is_6tg0IBrtn5m9ll4Yx6KewhZUEDkSdCOkA7DCCP8fhhlnVdGUZ0rhGV9J5i7lYQF5jQeBCp919ZYa4kuOlxEQ4D-Y3MVy18qdCWZ1mK3HZ7GRf5iArzj36vDaolNGjUrozQ/s320/IMG_1999.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295989528786371858" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Isn't it awesome??!!?? <br />It's this fun tangerine-ish color, on an ecru background. <br />It's nice and big, with a roomy inside to fit all my junk.<br />And the shape ... isn't it fun??<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYOPvmlleoSWE5A6pJzGKlcPq3Sjh-SHdkXLvK3dB5ym40bSW7d3aPojRSSo4BkOjhFXS2qUThUpB6UK6-UO4RjwsXP5NfPU-wzn7Slf13nE1Xrtv715Dp1PAK1_Ka3jkPDSlf93rw_gE/s1600-h/IMG_2002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYOPvmlleoSWE5A6pJzGKlcPq3Sjh-SHdkXLvK3dB5ym40bSW7d3aPojRSSo4BkOjhFXS2qUThUpB6UK6-UO4RjwsXP5NfPU-wzn7Slf13nE1Xrtv715Dp1PAK1_Ka3jkPDSlf93rw_gE/s320/IMG_2002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295989686406238034" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Look at the fun polka-dots on the inside. makes me smile.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9kllMmo7OCoP43gNtXb2FJuNaHr-mcd9MrWgUKSD5qn406hk2-HlFaYGmgaTRHTz83siBM2v8KR87AVm-EI-4NXLFj94Ac-OayhEOJhqrXqBGdPsV8lZ4yk_I54cJmsDVK8i_aagOIHM/s1600-h/IMG_2003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9kllMmo7OCoP43gNtXb2FJuNaHr-mcd9MrWgUKSD5qn406hk2-HlFaYGmgaTRHTz83siBM2v8KR87AVm-EI-4NXLFj94Ac-OayhEOJhqrXqBGdPsV8lZ4yk_I54cJmsDVK8i_aagOIHM/s320/IMG_2003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295989838042131426" border="0" /></a><br />Linda even included a matching fabric envelope thingy to hold random stuff in. <br />Isn't that nice??<br /></div><br />The only problem is that I'm running out of outfits that match it, since my wardrobe is primarily made up of black or red items. Maybe this is a good excuse to go shopping! :o)<br /><br />THANKS, Linda!<script type="text/javascript">/>var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-43224017818884942782009-01-27T09:07:00.004-05:002009-01-27T09:23:40.507-05:00Little People<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>We had Brett's birthday party over the weekend, and I think the little house went over well (as well as can be expected for a gift that has nothing to do with Yo Gabba Gabba, right?). I definitely was prepared for her to look at it in disgust and set it aside in favor of other store-bought gifts. But, she actually took time to play with it after she opened it, and that made me happy.<br /><br />The house wouldn't have been complete without dolls to play in it, so I made a family of little people to go inside ... I figured there aren't many dolls small enough to fit in the house, and I wanted her to be able to play with it right away. SO ... I went to A.C. Moore and found these fun little wooden people shapes. They are only about an inch an a half tall. So cute ... and yet so tedious to paint! I painted them for each member of Brett's immediate family ... her mommy, daddy, sister, and brother, as well as one of herself. Mama (Brett's grandma) promptly asked where her doll was ... I guess I have to make a set of "extended family" dolls now ... with Gram, Pops, Mimi, and of course Auntie Sara. Maybe I can get that done before Christmas!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N-HSnY9-5iu6GynEsXShgCuk_fvo9Eo2xpqQEOrfroHuL3lWH2DVRP_rtfNEvuD9AI8YM3wm804izCm4P5a0VsYNSULHxoRpCdIvF1XXg5OZzWJ5VfQe_1Lq4xf8R7pP8wlNvah2pT9z/s1600-h/IMG_1979.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N-HSnY9-5iu6GynEsXShgCuk_fvo9Eo2xpqQEOrfroHuL3lWH2DVRP_rtfNEvuD9AI8YM3wm804izCm4P5a0VsYNSULHxoRpCdIvF1XXg5OZzWJ5VfQe_1Lq4xf8R7pP8wlNvah2pT9z/s320/IMG_1979.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295977794767550754" border="0" /></a><br />I love this picture ... it makes me laugh that the window is bigger than the dolls ... I wasn't really thinking about proportion when I made everything. ha!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqFhP4213V2GWnRQHNNQ3O_JHCSEP88vwTV7Z-A0z0Vch0Pwya5PoNNqcTv6DvUXOCi7MBGyiMBmHGNg_qV6uzy_13kVsPMsBUd3YmVFUwvJYbte6J2hSB3VhKb_xmkCR7gZxW7JgrRCA/s1600-h/IMG_1994.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqFhP4213V2GWnRQHNNQ3O_JHCSEP88vwTV7Z-A0z0Vch0Pwya5PoNNqcTv6DvUXOCi7MBGyiMBmHGNg_qV6uzy_13kVsPMsBUd3YmVFUwvJYbte6J2hSB3VhKb_xmkCR7gZxW7JgrRCA/s320/IMG_1994.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295977947885823458" border="0" /></a><br />Five little dolls, all in a row. I'm hoping that you won't be able to see how the eyelashes are smeared on the purple doll. I accidentally got too close with the clear spray stuff. Oops!<br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-80011694322014736112009-01-09T12:15:00.010-05:002009-01-12T08:40:18.685-05:00Brett's House<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>For Brett's birthday, I decided to try something new ... I found a tutorial for this fun little portable doll house made out of fabric. Unfortunately, I can't remember where I found the tutorial ... no doubt on one of the blogs I read regularly ... I just printed out the instructions and forgot to list where I found it! aargh. If I figure it out, I'll update this post with the link to the tutorial.<br /><br />*** updated ... here is a link to the tutorial online ... <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://uklassinus.blogspot.com/2008/08/fabric-dollhouse-tutorial.html">http://uklassinus.blogspot.com/2008/08/fabric-dollhouse-tutorial.html</a> THANKS Jen! ***<br /><br />Anyway ... here it is :<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgt_G5A2OTPLd-lv3eYl7YlCM6GT4XV5ZlEdS-Ig8zXYN9MvZyukwgYtiIvOGQJMRfq5xrfRc8mGSlEd12NTJTmxVGMxPsX0MjvHR-y1nkelLMJqJHHapdsUWdBaYqVWLWA9KvRYSVPT50/s1600-h/IMG_1955.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgt_G5A2OTPLd-lv3eYl7YlCM6GT4XV5ZlEdS-Ig8zXYN9MvZyukwgYtiIvOGQJMRfq5xrfRc8mGSlEd12NTJTmxVGMxPsX0MjvHR-y1nkelLMJqJHHapdsUWdBaYqVWLWA9KvRYSVPT50/s320/IMG_1955.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289345559901402482" border="0" /></a>Do you think I'm trying to subtly nudge Brett to love black & red as much as I do???<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3o-HoeX7NNR8F3nzLBABm8GXNH6UIPWUBqrpZirptJISOOHKUcDICL_Crfmoz2yrVtfxC1CGQt7hJMFH1IrNBKn2JLtfY6ryCD6cSdx1UBJSx3JMvRVHJlRfTLk76_8_FsRrxbEktUGKS/s1600-h/IMG_1954.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3o-HoeX7NNR8F3nzLBABm8GXNH6UIPWUBqrpZirptJISOOHKUcDICL_Crfmoz2yrVtfxC1CGQt7hJMFH1IrNBKn2JLtfY6ryCD6cSdx1UBJSx3JMvRVHJlRfTLk76_8_FsRrxbEktUGKS/s320/IMG_1954.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289345738548866834" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRa9wkFDT4Q5BGhoRjU49vcdukvs5-VSM07QY0gzve0zexyJ-UseamLAJh-eEUdMWQ4cKkvWAqulBr5CL1rF6ZvV_mO35q5IJuK4drXvEKMNMZPSBS5Tws1Bi5l5l8h9E-sdqfdrv1pOW/s1600-h/IMG_1967.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRa9wkFDT4Q5BGhoRjU49vcdukvs5-VSM07QY0gzve0zexyJ-UseamLAJh-eEUdMWQ4cKkvWAqulBr5CL1rF6ZvV_mO35q5IJuK4drXvEKMNMZPSBS5Tws1Bi5l5l8h9E-sdqfdrv1pOW/s320/IMG_1967.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289345913979414690" border="0" /></a>The house measures about 6 inches wide by 4 inches deep and maybe 7 inches high ... it's I guess about the size of a small lunchbox? Perfect for a little kiddo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEuiA5QKXk2lMVGc-W-8i57jTz_Nb_86ZtVD7tIfCkfnLI9CUzwD5FHTunTbMQQlDl7Ddb20a-e3BVr_iTeVFLBNXB9PBzS1uhD29WI92CWtU6HO7QhKYmITY0caQ96yhVUWs3TK3UfKj/s1600-h/IMG_1964.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEuiA5QKXk2lMVGc-W-8i57jTz_Nb_86ZtVD7tIfCkfnLI9CUzwD5FHTunTbMQQlDl7Ddb20a-e3BVr_iTeVFLBNXB9PBzS1uhD29WI92CWtU6HO7QhKYmITY0caQ96yhVUWs3TK3UfKj/s320/IMG_1964.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289346054156913346" border="0" /></a>Button closures to hold it together ... I'm sure mommy will have to help with that at first, but it shouldn't be too hard.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaQC6W_1F7TMX0G3eocZtjtgJrkyBGYGY6C-cgLaMSWXUptACF6vh_BfL4nS36WRBYyW38BmXBuJoCUuXX26yUKksgpGkp6PreDYvVNZtZST-c9oBf-aXHnK9xB_yEhLzGN1_B70X51vm/s1600-h/IMG_1966.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaQC6W_1F7TMX0G3eocZtjtgJrkyBGYGY6C-cgLaMSWXUptACF6vh_BfL4nS36WRBYyW38BmXBuJoCUuXX26yUKksgpGkp6PreDYvVNZtZST-c9oBf-aXHnK9xB_yEhLzGN1_B70X51vm/s320/IMG_1966.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289346195292865922" border="0" /></a>Here's the button at the top, just below the handles ... a vintage button from my mom's collection. Love it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnWfLim9iJLZRdihbVpmCNHxqMxPy5HHh4C1Ld5_GVlhT2UzHvjl30E6Q9kQz-1RdKNXG7HghH_TSvyKFf3GrSljXH2wlf2XK_b-Cfa5p9fbjvuTtlNQ1TfiKaXwqnPnnXLJv4nwvAon4/s1600-h/IMG_1970.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnWfLim9iJLZRdihbVpmCNHxqMxPy5HHh4C1Ld5_GVlhT2UzHvjl30E6Q9kQz-1RdKNXG7HghH_TSvyKFf3GrSljXH2wlf2XK_b-Cfa5p9fbjvuTtlNQ1TfiKaXwqnPnnXLJv4nwvAon4/s320/IMG_1970.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289346341715972930" border="0" /></a>And - of course - when you open it up, you can see the fun red "wallpaper" on the walls and the blue "tile" floor. I also used a green striped fabric to simulate the lawn, in case Brett wanted to pretend her dolls were playing outside. I'm sure I could have gone crazy with embellishments and stuff, but I prefer to leave all that to Brett's imagination. :o)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNCKijvpDyvmRkyoJIKJOgr3eN6ZvFkXUu2qqvnLWrqagWXmOl36AxOxYBmCMouwmUms4xoZIa6baTGqaVWG0d3HsHtrxz0JerriuTK6e9-QebsMvv3x7NLEXuo8KBYMLPLX8sCfTXHxR/s1600-h/IMG_1973.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNCKijvpDyvmRkyoJIKJOgr3eN6ZvFkXUu2qqvnLWrqagWXmOl36AxOxYBmCMouwmUms4xoZIa6baTGqaVWG0d3HsHtrxz0JerriuTK6e9-QebsMvv3x7NLEXuo8KBYMLPLX8sCfTXHxR/s320/IMG_1973.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289346642559619010" border="0" /></a>It wouldn't be complete without a label on it!<br /></div><br />This was a whole lot easier to make than I thought it would be, and I'm happy with the way it came out. Now I just have to figure out how to make dolls small enough to fit in there, so that Brett can play with it!<br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-27855912153043643412008-12-30T08:49:00.000-05:002008-12-30T08:49:00.378-05:00Quilt Books<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>If you are not a quilter, I apologize in advance for this post ... because it's really quilt-y. ha!<br /><br />My sister in law and her mom are quilters. I love that about them. I especially love that it makes them easy to make gifts for. ;o) I always know that they will appreciate anything that I sew for them, but especially if it has to do with quilting! So ... this year, for Christmas (and for mama's birthday), I made them each a quilt book. My mom had one of these for when she started her <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/03/ephesians-320-21.html">Southern Album Quilt</a>, and I have used it often when assembling my own quilts. It's basically a big (like 18inch square) "book" with fabric pages, so that you can lay out the pieces of your quilt blocks and keep them from being strewn all over the place while you are working on them. It's also a great way to store your quilt blocks until you are ready to sew them together ... it keeps them flat and wrinkle-free, and doesn't take up much space at all.<br /><br />Anyway ... here are some pictures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKY_hyphenhyphenJgD0hQ0_5n1F2jVIvZVZTzcbJSqiPTsXIhR5ojuYcPKnbcufieBRrixoIoDmmE4LGjseUgJJDwdv13TyVL4swsbh1CCUZmJFOzwHPb46QDWYXc8Wib-j0uCxXjAIblUhMQllGov8/s1600-h/IMG_1801.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKY_hyphenhyphenJgD0hQ0_5n1F2jVIvZVZTzcbJSqiPTsXIhR5ojuYcPKnbcufieBRrixoIoDmmE4LGjseUgJJDwdv13TyVL4swsbh1CCUZmJFOzwHPb46QDWYXc8Wib-j0uCxXjAIblUhMQllGov8/s320/IMG_1801.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282984280738945154" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This is Suzanne's quilt book. I saw this fabric at Hancocks and *had* to have it. It's so much fun.<br />My dad cut 1/4 inch plywood squares to slip in the front & back covers, so the books wouldn't be floppy. What a nice guy!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvu7vwUGxndmtCOX5e0as8gDcnrZAI4ovmf3fVdQ4RTCH05PkhvqFxxSc1vBYNj1u2LVe5tqFwhxuWKHgXWL8O3CqDys5Q07ONuf0aWwaYABHwBVQ2SBK6TorztPWcmkR8hyXAFu09UHb/s1600-h/IMG_1806.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvu7vwUGxndmtCOX5e0as8gDcnrZAI4ovmf3fVdQ4RTCH05PkhvqFxxSc1vBYNj1u2LVe5tqFwhxuWKHgXWL8O3CqDys5Q07ONuf0aWwaYABHwBVQ2SBK6TorztPWcmkR8hyXAFu09UHb/s320/IMG_1806.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282984564777226946" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">See the pages ... I made them out of quilter's flannel, so that the cotton quilt block pieces would "stick" on them. I think there are about 12 pages in each book.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhml5S0jM5XrgRCDaTVT1PdKJgYHwjnmt0BENktTqQynLDhAj5DI_XfdQkArXThBc7UXaWN-cibtYDxxhRSwaUN-Prm7tsMpz2c58r4VnovDXNK6ZUhsUi42kh0569SD8ur3-l_ANfPsksi/s1600-h/IMG_1802.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhml5S0jM5XrgRCDaTVT1PdKJgYHwjnmt0BENktTqQynLDhAj5DI_XfdQkArXThBc7UXaWN-cibtYDxxhRSwaUN-Prm7tsMpz2c58r4VnovDXNK6ZUhsUi42kh0569SD8ur3-l_ANfPsksi/s320/IMG_1802.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282984440753130002" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I love personalizing things with initials.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJVyjiNrVLV91tiDwyGER7PgikVJKi_33sgIQCqwNhU05CAgP8pu4MHS_lmIShces2WspnDGiiViIj3CwR6u-Sdfhn6YDN3t5MrPrEILcGQtyiXjHh_D2W6XtzHxQmvYP9lOu31A-kZvl/s1600-h/IMG_1809.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJVyjiNrVLV91tiDwyGER7PgikVJKi_33sgIQCqwNhU05CAgP8pu4MHS_lmIShces2WspnDGiiViIj3CwR6u-Sdfhn6YDN3t5MrPrEILcGQtyiXjHh_D2W6XtzHxQmvYP9lOu31A-kZvl/s320/IMG_1809.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282984943100686930" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here's Mama's book ... that's an "M" for Mary Anne, not Mama. ;o)<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEX5RD9_8A9Np9VK2f7FhmE5zSUEcQG6MQYQLnrdIfKQy2ip4hL-k-4gxi5pxRL1Q_KJ7CTfdbEtDVPZZLELiVoLMI2Y0d3XlwO8aU-0XWaQeNj_wDuzydzHiVzAA3OaaEvnSEZGsbYQSA/s1600-h/IMG_1808.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEX5RD9_8A9Np9VK2f7FhmE5zSUEcQG6MQYQLnrdIfKQy2ip4hL-k-4gxi5pxRL1Q_KJ7CTfdbEtDVPZZLELiVoLMI2Y0d3XlwO8aU-0XWaQeNj_wDuzydzHiVzAA3OaaEvnSEZGsbYQSA/s320/IMG_1808.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282984728417278594" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTii4OC8Q8lj15HGNGyaMfvXo3kGm4LZDMMn7aCU6spFug8KQwYQw7RCaSauO9I0VncvurEoQ9UYPQbYLTCLzEwUWcki4kn66hyphenhyphenJMQnwRRRBNvdPrWsgJaTBfFVUgZbX8XCBB4yiQNuEr/s1600-h/IMG_1812.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTii4OC8Q8lj15HGNGyaMfvXo3kGm4LZDMMn7aCU6spFug8KQwYQw7RCaSauO9I0VncvurEoQ9UYPQbYLTCLzEwUWcki4kn66hyphenhyphenJMQnwRRRBNvdPrWsgJaTBfFVUgZbX8XCBB4yiQNuEr/s320/IMG_1812.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282985122448412978" border="0" /></a>A close-up of the button closure. I used one of my mom's vintage buttons.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUucB5gikNUL80V48_NidpAkUtLSCMTJ2wy_eTlSEq89NyLiNddhJSLyPR9inLAvgg99ZIa64XA2KUmOYMUF-dAGaExirp2NktpMW_Q6OBHeYWfIWAtZgCdqrNr9K2lCzvXi4lYPORjs_/s1600-h/IMG_1810.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUucB5gikNUL80V48_NidpAkUtLSCMTJ2wy_eTlSEq89NyLiNddhJSLyPR9inLAvgg99ZIa64XA2KUmOYMUF-dAGaExirp2NktpMW_Q6OBHeYWfIWAtZgCdqrNr9K2lCzvXi4lYPORjs_/s320/IMG_1810.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282985331270692034" border="0" /></a><br />I put a little 1/8 inch strip of red fabric in all the seams on the front, just to set off the patchwork. Is there a name for this? I don't know ... but it made it look more fun to me.<br /><br />So, now I'm debating if I should make another quilt book for myself ...<br /><script type="text/javascript"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-82810089716827531122008-12-29T08:32:00.000-05:002008-12-29T08:32:00.749-05:00Curtains for Sarah Jane<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>My friend Sarah Jane asked me to make curtains for her. It was super-fun going and picking out fabric with her. I love the brown & blue combo in her bedroom, and I think these curtains tie the room together. Most especially, I love that she picked out a pattern that isn't super feminine, so that her husband can really enjoy the room just as much as she does. yay!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxMT9KAXucVrOVwfsGUX5NwEgM0PK3LaWIMQPMdz739sA10kmWPbwS7s4stLC9iCsvNptQSBIcUmkC1HEYkvn0mK1BaB8iU7yna2HAKBqhj194b_yObZElVFaUEOGTxy0kc8xeIvPjrIl/s1600-h/IMG_1797.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxMT9KAXucVrOVwfsGUX5NwEgM0PK3LaWIMQPMdz739sA10kmWPbwS7s4stLC9iCsvNptQSBIcUmkC1HEYkvn0mK1BaB8iU7yna2HAKBqhj194b_yObZElVFaUEOGTxy0kc8xeIvPjrIl/s320/IMG_1797.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282978764489504594" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmw7uFfXnN0j20XWhK1by_oDcsoVlcXMPpROVo3t_HlbGbflPPGrImL79OWNHt8CH9iMNOEpbk2IivP3Axy41suZcLpMw0KDyVHHbHLB9IPaY2yxkzqFSVbQHanLs7orr2eqwOHTJlXkei/s1600-h/IMG_1798.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmw7uFfXnN0j20XWhK1by_oDcsoVlcXMPpROVo3t_HlbGbflPPGrImL79OWNHt8CH9iMNOEpbk2IivP3Axy41suZcLpMw0KDyVHHbHLB9IPaY2yxkzqFSVbQHanLs7orr2eqwOHTJlXkei/s320/IMG_1798.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282978927890335154" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOL0MVjPrUEEPRz-EKDDMTLuw4ioVIxeQApCQTlUPjfBUCQnCgtQsScKgTKD2cO8_AGE2sXOwRepvLJMaAWVnzI-8kO_IXz-L3-NcAw4Owy8ou54TwPVWD8wSh8IkaZhYOikBcmQ9cB9e/s1600-h/IMG_1800.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOL0MVjPrUEEPRz-EKDDMTLuw4ioVIxeQApCQTlUPjfBUCQnCgtQsScKgTKD2cO8_AGE2sXOwRepvLJMaAWVnzI-8kO_IXz-L3-NcAw4Owy8ou54TwPVWD8wSh8IkaZhYOikBcmQ9cB9e/s320/IMG_1800.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282979097200666130" border="0" /></a><br />Now ... on to the pillows!<script type="text/javascript">br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-48351273186253914942008-12-23T11:04:00.002-05:002008-12-23T14:14:07.925-05:00It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ...<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));I'm not really</script>I'm not really a Scrooge. Honest, I'm not. But, ever since I graduated from college and have been out on my own, I have decided against decorating my house for the holidays. Everybody I know thinks I'm weird. I typically enjoy making my house a home and spending time on "crafty" projects. I should love Christmas decorating, right? Wrong. The problem I have with it is that I hate going through all the effort of decorating when I'm just going to turn around and take everything down a few weeks later. I'm sure if I had a family of my own it would be very different, but with just me, it's a lot of effort. And, besides ... I'm rarely home during the holidays ... opting instead to be at my brother's house, or my dad's house.<br /><br />But, (hear the angels singing hallelujah in the background) this year is different. My friend Cynthia insisted that I have a tree this year. Not only that, she came over and helped me decorate it. We made an evening of it ... I made soup. She brought wine and made yummy authentic Italian garlic bread. It was great. And the result ... my house looks (and smells) like Christmas, and - for the first time since my mom died 6 years ago - it makes me happy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmmYjPnFwLilObOCEOH9gL-BUi9N1ICQYkkw_VUqDcQ5yI9EyGEKh6lKfx9BObmz9Qx8iTvqd_wYLhWLv903Pfyvj897A28lExEeHT_3XdJ_Z-qt3C2HPLBEtMHJfKkF-lixQaVlbU3TF/s1600-h/IMG_1947.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmmYjPnFwLilObOCEOH9gL-BUi9N1ICQYkkw_VUqDcQ5yI9EyGEKh6lKfx9BObmz9Qx8iTvqd_wYLhWLv903Pfyvj897A28lExEeHT_3XdJ_Z-qt3C2HPLBEtMHJfKkF-lixQaVlbU3TF/s320/IMG_1947.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282651963889455346" border="0" /></a><br />Here's the whole tree ... Halfway through decorating it, Cynthia & I noticed that I only had red ornaments on it. Hysterical. I guess it's pretty obvious that I'm a freak about red stuff, huh?<br /><br />Here are some of my very favorite ornaments ... some new, some old. All dear to my heart.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RIXnvbhHH89b4wCl6z-tksHoeAPtsrQg_nBJ3AIGGzdaQ2ASvrbWetjDlISmqg1LQL1mgYXa79MxgQdiWd15oWSsOVUP8YXxE0ggsUg6ipcT5UWUZO8xciFQa6Ahpv40ZCNi-qnMdOsX/s1600-h/IMG_1930.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RIXnvbhHH89b4wCl6z-tksHoeAPtsrQg_nBJ3AIGGzdaQ2ASvrbWetjDlISmqg1LQL1mgYXa79MxgQdiWd15oWSsOVUP8YXxE0ggsUg6ipcT5UWUZO8xciFQa6Ahpv40ZCNi-qnMdOsX/s320/IMG_1930.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282650774368861682" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I am addicted to Starbucks. Enough said.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmBoczTDfXpVu7x4B3SeOjYPD7eyabx4hXN2pK3NR1k2n4UR6pWjE7n-wLYmT6vTdP24uYP-TAScFedlcN5zAJnXLBoEnt6zIlg7YESl1pM_c9g-BUsxYfDto41HuM1fuWbt-J5M7_TEO/s1600-h/IMG_1932.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmBoczTDfXpVu7x4B3SeOjYPD7eyabx4hXN2pK3NR1k2n4UR6pWjE7n-wLYmT6vTdP24uYP-TAScFedlcN5zAJnXLBoEnt6zIlg7YESl1pM_c9g-BUsxYfDto41HuM1fuWbt-J5M7_TEO/s320/IMG_1932.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282651197722650722" border="0" /></a>This is one of the ornaments my Great Aunt Germaine made me growing up. She is the reason I now make a Christmas ornament every year for my friends & family.<br />Gotta keep the tradition alive!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGFcKVSbls5dEZA7qFgDqEksUhtt7L-b6mtdSrL1m6AEVgeiS_d3x28sWa9E0qMAeUDm2jn4Vne0I-VRp8swxleqKiF1GW7i5q6FsjlL1Z6zMQafF5Xfltur8284Qui9tfksmbTre3Tiv/s1600-h/IMG_1949.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGFcKVSbls5dEZA7qFgDqEksUhtt7L-b6mtdSrL1m6AEVgeiS_d3x28sWa9E0qMAeUDm2jn4Vne0I-VRp8swxleqKiF1GW7i5q6FsjlL1Z6zMQafF5Xfltur8284Qui9tfksmbTre3Tiv/s320/IMG_1949.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282652099543014530" border="0" /></a><br />This is my 2006 (I think) ornament ... in memory of my mom. I actually made the same ornament in like 5 different fabric combos ... This one is my favorite.<br />Because of the red, of course.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZl-wkfR-C6ol0mJo29AMuUPmv9zgGQ7BiOkL9dPC08cQSXj-_3sZrT_LTR97QLRpSAnvlPan0WLtt7FaeYZKuyYwgFkWbAyhPQxm96uBYVNUTUpcx4BE4NUfsztfrLyWJZbhUxu75L-a/s1600-h/IMG_1931.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZl-wkfR-C6ol0mJo29AMuUPmv9zgGQ7BiOkL9dPC08cQSXj-_3sZrT_LTR97QLRpSAnvlPan0WLtt7FaeYZKuyYwgFkWbAyhPQxm96uBYVNUTUpcx4BE4NUfsztfrLyWJZbhUxu75L-a/s320/IMG_1931.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282651053093977810" border="0" /></a><br />My sister-in-law's mom (AKA "Mama") made me this last year ... LOVE the red & white!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedoeeZt-lM51ufTLPCZ0mNnG_HeV_EAqOR0EcSioI1SmF0UE4O_RKc1g67Wp4bIAf4Cox4EQ8FO4w-Qi1E4XvEbDWlI_oM5LX5rOmqdWaZQMKu9Y_mATXm7MjZTnXWhV_9-pOC23_Kx8k/s1600-h/IMG_1937.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedoeeZt-lM51ufTLPCZ0mNnG_HeV_EAqOR0EcSioI1SmF0UE4O_RKc1g67Wp4bIAf4Cox4EQ8FO4w-Qi1E4XvEbDWlI_oM5LX5rOmqdWaZQMKu9Y_mATXm7MjZTnXWhV_9-pOC23_Kx8k/s320/IMG_1937.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282651657750629378" border="0" /></a><br />This is one of my grandmother's vintage hand-painted ornaments. Dad generously gave it to me a couple of Christmases ago so that I would have something of hers. I love it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXta9I51BIEONCjaRfMvb3-967RLHWPIm3hywARh5PZrB_4DmmcuOVDZsvLtnpTLyHXQCgBeCiKXLv5Pflae-Ml0oV06fKyUpLWrKgyCIibVMUQjvUuKl_YeuH89GfB4rS14LB42JXfeir/s1600-h/IMG_1935.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXta9I51BIEONCjaRfMvb3-967RLHWPIm3hywARh5PZrB_4DmmcuOVDZsvLtnpTLyHXQCgBeCiKXLv5Pflae-Ml0oV06fKyUpLWrKgyCIibVMUQjvUuKl_YeuH89GfB4rS14LB42JXfeir/s320/IMG_1935.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282651481629564402" border="0" /></a>No tree of mine is complete without a touch of Paris.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMOHJgYSvC_zJALtyribYs2oWP6HJKDPGfnDAReXwp3ibtYU5Q8j0VKkXQQOqJUAqDgNFEpwRqJ8YEevm4rX8EA8AeCitvSMIOQaD2oL4GzAEPrue-Ii7NPxcIOpx6lvPWXLNF0RJdJs9/s1600-h/IMG_1933.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMOHJgYSvC_zJALtyribYs2oWP6HJKDPGfnDAReXwp3ibtYU5Q8j0VKkXQQOqJUAqDgNFEpwRqJ8YEevm4rX8EA8AeCitvSMIOQaD2oL4GzAEPrue-Ii7NPxcIOpx6lvPWXLNF0RJdJs9/s320/IMG_1933.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282651356088121026" border="0" /></a><br />This was my all-time favorite ornament growing up. She's made of corn-husks, and I always thought she was the most beautiful ornament ever. Seriously. She always went in the same place on the tree every year ... right up near the angel on top. Scottie has a matching one ... I guess it's her husband.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cCUB21u2RuvHUcU5BTpfsRwDcRqEV45lV5FXrNZ57YRAhrJoI6YUDRvCqbZFWMZ8HkqUx9qiAxiXwxZB6vb2qmjhZqb9u0emkOwbOBsj73PXSzixg7UNasZwrDDbxjQOCj207jKjFGF9/s1600-h/IMG_1944.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cCUB21u2RuvHUcU5BTpfsRwDcRqEV45lV5FXrNZ57YRAhrJoI6YUDRvCqbZFWMZ8HkqUx9qiAxiXwxZB6vb2qmjhZqb9u0emkOwbOBsj73PXSzixg7UNasZwrDDbxjQOCj207jKjFGF9/s320/IMG_1944.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282651775977373074" border="0" /></a><br />And, to top it all off ... the angel. This is the tree topper that I grew up with. It was always a thrill to put it on top of the tree. Dad would lift Scottie or me up to finish off the decorations. She isn't in the best shape anymore, but she's still special to me.<br /><br />I'm taking some time off to spend with friends & family, so I'll see you after the holiday!<br />Merry Christmas, everyone!</div><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-81894768053207910112008-12-22T10:37:00.006-05:002008-12-22T10:56:02.978-05:00A Doll for Faith<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>My friend Emily's niece, Faith, needed a new doll for her birthday, and I was happy to make one for her. Emily picked out the fabric ... a happy blue with little white daisies. Lovely. I love how bright and cheery she turned out. Here are some pictures ...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjjRDdqdD4Ur1Bmu_T6gBhmHUQlFC4zq8zYZ9fp8AOeG4QydffIPLW2p2mmYp0wnLAISar_59IIXG-FaiasI16syrW40fTfcWkmHjJ314DKCpw5Vb7cjK5Low_Nn97BMSU_qwkcf8E5T1/s1600-h/IMG_1922.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjjRDdqdD4Ur1Bmu_T6gBhmHUQlFC4zq8zYZ9fp8AOeG4QydffIPLW2p2mmYp0wnLAISar_59IIXG-FaiasI16syrW40fTfcWkmHjJ314DKCpw5Vb7cjK5Low_Nn97BMSU_qwkcf8E5T1/s320/IMG_1922.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282642229424862722" border="0" /></a>I used a vintage button from my mom's stash to embellish her collar.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHpF3f0M9odQWIrjoIJDzzeCC6o-M4wrk9rkeULg2OttKX9tbcL2iniUsPZAJKMNjuGPmKUKDGfHniJZQfaU4dCjNBsSso8e_XYNYSao1BrmqU08wfzQOctMSx4Bs7GPiaZPOQQog5HEX/s1600-h/IMG_1925.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHpF3f0M9odQWIrjoIJDzzeCC6o-M4wrk9rkeULg2OttKX9tbcL2iniUsPZAJKMNjuGPmKUKDGfHniJZQfaU4dCjNBsSso8e_XYNYSao1BrmqU08wfzQOctMSx4Bs7GPiaZPOQQog5HEX/s320/IMG_1925.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282642366557093890" border="0" /></a>She has soft flannel skin and hair, and a cotton dress. Her face is hand-stitched.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdho-f4muW8rT-kfSv3hwiwD-fcEkEohJpgeX1oN_nqSadmHYbnfWKP2UQDb2cxe86PAi-QTVlMxJ2u-OAgAalDfj8TZ4O6RoMiJv1JZYCBl4MoTCAtfXeO-rXop1iCQ7biWxMvTZLVU4/s1600-h/IMG_1921.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdho-f4muW8rT-kfSv3hwiwD-fcEkEohJpgeX1oN_nqSadmHYbnfWKP2UQDb2cxe86PAi-QTVlMxJ2u-OAgAalDfj8TZ4O6RoMiJv1JZYCBl4MoTCAtfXeO-rXop1iCQ7biWxMvTZLVU4/s320/IMG_1921.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282642073830863826" border="0" /></a>I admit I'm a little jealous of her yellow shoes ... too much fun.<br /></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-29850375046866297052008-12-15T11:09:00.004-05:002008-12-16T10:38:48.500-05:00An Open Letter ...... to the computer virus that forced me to have to re-install everything on my PC.<br /><br />Dear computer virus :<br /><br />It was so nice of you to drop by unannounced on Thursday afternoon. It's been so long since we've seen each other, and we obviously had a lot of catching up to do. I do hate to be rude, but really I must ask you to leave. While I have somewhat enjoyed the forced break from my otherwise pressing work duties, I can no longer afford to be gracious & hospitable. You simply must go.<br /><br />I have taken the liberty of packing your bags for you. If I've missed anything, I'll be sure to send it along after you.<br /><br />Again, thank you for your visit.<br /><br />Yours truly,<br />Sara<br /><br />P.S. If you need me for anything, I'll be at the Apple Store ... buying a Mac.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-9118028137009177832008-12-02T15:58:00.006-05:002008-12-02T16:16:28.489-05:00Black & White<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>My friend Jodi asked me to make some reusable bags recently. She wasn't sure what fabric she wanted, so I told her we could go to the fabric store and pick some out especially for her. Of course, neither of us knew how dangerous that would be. You see, Jodi & I live in a black & white world. Color very seldom enters into our existence, except - of course - for the red that appears regularly in my life. Seriously, though .... The other day, Jodi was getting ready for a date and asked which top she should wear ... the black long sleeve sweater, the black button down, or the fun frilly black top. Black is our go-to color. Black is the new black, right?<br /><br />Anyway ... the point is that we came out of Hancock's with - yes, you guessed it - black and white fabric!!! But, how could we resist??? Just look at the fun reusable bags I made out of it!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3nUeyClV_tthgHTOa0GHT2wnEjhbkQvGsIuj70ruN9lPqujo4MZCRvnPiIYohEHZoeC9aZZ9v94A2VJJJwbrY95X071_T6szFfMUooowNrxH9GIRPTLg0FpWpYlOz5rZ4e9GRDJYZBWM/s1600-h/IMG_1701.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3nUeyClV_tthgHTOa0GHT2wnEjhbkQvGsIuj70ruN9lPqujo4MZCRvnPiIYohEHZoeC9aZZ9v94A2VJJJwbrY95X071_T6szFfMUooowNrxH9GIRPTLg0FpWpYlOz5rZ4e9GRDJYZBWM/s320/IMG_1701.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275302720439039362" border="0" /></a><br />This is the outside ... fun white swirlies (is that a word?) on a black background. I mean, really ... this fabric was just calling our names from the shelf!! How could we walk out of the store without it??<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5kdORFtHC8CJf7rqeIOYcpaj_C0-X-ONrqBTVhoow-KRb8j0q-DujvA9PFgmEPhUjfZsOOyjUQT4r0mHtQ10RXS5gWo_ZFmbZvzDHjAf4AgcK8r2BwSD70DNKUXLFzilIspYHkeSviyr/s1600-h/IMG_1713.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5kdORFtHC8CJf7rqeIOYcpaj_C0-X-ONrqBTVhoow-KRb8j0q-DujvA9PFgmEPhUjfZsOOyjUQT4r0mHtQ10RXS5gWo_ZFmbZvzDHjAf4AgcK8r2BwSD70DNKUXLFzilIspYHkeSviyr/s320/IMG_1713.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275302768906232578" border="0" /></a><br />Here's the inside ... little white dots in stripe formation. Love it. Almost like pinstripes. I love that it's more formal than the whimsical outside. Opposites attract.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZcvTt7prE1yu010-ENRzKGz2scgUjOlsfeNGsmKPpxaNKpzSf08tfC7FhfTjVWmf41EVEOH7OO5Rp8sKIkFE0PXqsnvvSQ6arqxrfHU0l6GXhJKn3v6zUvDv9aJ_zad9-kP7vkYfBiK2/s1600-h/IMG_1706.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZcvTt7prE1yu010-ENRzKGz2scgUjOlsfeNGsmKPpxaNKpzSf08tfC7FhfTjVWmf41EVEOH7OO5Rp8sKIkFE0PXqsnvvSQ6arqxrfHU0l6GXhJKn3v6zUvDv9aJ_zad9-kP7vkYfBiK2/s320/IMG_1706.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275302829451781746" border="0" /></a><br />Here it is, modeling with some books inside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5uLnMhbSawiOd4QtBqOa86ZX_mMeXyRENFx7EwArA1OgKs3sH5229OZ7FqeJzVSN0RVlZq9Zb2th2wcpeX3uDSWb8XAT3CE7lMtjgDQYLruvmWBjdqHRjCF89KPiZbBWY2i7ltbZs0BH/s1600-h/IMG_1714.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5uLnMhbSawiOd4QtBqOa86ZX_mMeXyRENFx7EwArA1OgKs3sH5229OZ7FqeJzVSN0RVlZq9Zb2th2wcpeX3uDSWb8XAT3CE7lMtjgDQYLruvmWBjdqHRjCF89KPiZbBWY2i7ltbZs0BH/s320/IMG_1714.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275302882005298866" border="0" /></a><br />I added snaps to the handles so that it will be completely reversible. That way, if Jodi (or her sister in law, who received one as a birthday gift) wants to change it up every now and then, she can do it with ease. <br /><br />Of course, there still won't be color, but that's ok ... baby steps, people. Baby steps.<br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-2148089288619203512008-11-25T16:43:00.005-05:002008-11-25T17:01:00.201-05:00Foofa<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>I have a niece who <s>loves</s> is INFATUATED with <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.yogabbagabba.com/">Yo Gabba Gabba</a>. I have no idea why. I have tried - many times - to sit down and watch this show with her, looking for some kind of redeeming qualities in it that would explain why she jumps up and down and squeals with delight at the sight of it, but I can't come up with anything. It's just plain weird. The characters are weird. The songs are weird. The dancing children are weird. And, what does "Yo Gabba Gabba" mean, anyway??? Weird.<br /><br />But ... I will admit that one of the characters on the show ... Foofa ... is actually kind of cute. She's pink ... with a daisy on her head. Very girly. And Brett likes her. A lot. I was coloring with her the other day, and I made a very rough drawing of Foofa with pink markers on a plain sheet of paper. When I gave it to her, you'd have thought I gave the kid a whole tub of candy or something ... she was so excited and played with it - yes, the paper drawing - for the rest of the time I was there. Amazing.<br /><br />SO ... I was racking my brain trying to come up with a fun gift for Brett for Christmas, when it dawned on me ... she would love a Foofa doll! They carry them at Target, I hear, but I have yet to see one on the shelves. And, with Christmas around the corner, I decided it was time to break down and MAKE one for her ... yes, I said MAKE one for her. I know I must have had a lapse of judgment when I made that decision, because let me tell you ... it wasn't easy. I had to HAND-DRAW the pattern, and I'm no artist - believe me<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgpX78yuEomRjqRcB0DlbwIoLmuv3cau84v_tHzBAHJHPEUe-7owDvTqAEqABiOAMx6LbedJ4P_7wxOZDEEWd4ks6-4rMXkecQcsUrY8G1bKBAGAfBiQYzhsS2Q2QNsMZks4hD4bxcOTG/s1600-h/100_3831.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgpX78yuEomRjqRcB0DlbwIoLmuv3cau84v_tHzBAHJHPEUe-7owDvTqAEqABiOAMx6LbedJ4P_7wxOZDEEWd4ks6-4rMXkecQcsUrY8G1bKBAGAfBiQYzhsS2Q2QNsMZks4hD4bxcOTG/s320/100_3831.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272717115750637362" border="0" /></a><br />Here she is ... I think the final result came out pretty well. I definitely think the body is a little wonky, but Brett is 2 ... she won't care. She'll be happy that she has her very own Foofa, and that's all that matters, right?<script type="text/javascript">br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-89690337026575942992008-11-14T12:01:00.000-05:002008-11-14T12:01:00.288-05:00Proverbs 31:24<script type="text/javascript">"She<br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>"She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes."<br /><br />This is a little glimpse at a fun project I've been <s>working on</s> slaving over since I bought my fun <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/08/i-farted-over-weekend.html">1930's fabrics</a> at Mary Jo's. Please someone stop me the next time I want to spell out long quotes with small appliqued letters!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiT4GJSU0TZWgPB-_uHsu8bekiS1_aXJxuvLAkAkkhA4gEIOpkQPmEwdQjacNVECW0jg6CK5ZFuo3_x_bIZfwEk7_RhtL6yjnCFEy-mAmKMBxRIPHMY0E1LFW1YI49rfoSV9lNG4KU-dG/s1600-h/IMG_1555.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiT4GJSU0TZWgPB-_uHsu8bekiS1_aXJxuvLAkAkkhA4gEIOpkQPmEwdQjacNVECW0jg6CK5ZFuo3_x_bIZfwEk7_RhtL6yjnCFEy-mAmKMBxRIPHMY0E1LFW1YI49rfoSV9lNG4KU-dG/s320/IMG_1555.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261929585998393026" border="0" /></a><br />Even though this has taken a LOT of time and energy to put together, I'm happy with the way it is shaping up! I love the happy colors. I plan to finish it (hopefully soon) and hang it on the wall in my studio for inspiration.<br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-78646211179455929412008-11-06T15:10:00.008-05:002008-11-06T15:26:26.132-05:00She's in Business!<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>My friend Jodi recently had a birthday, and I wanted to make her something that she didn't already have, and that she would get a lot of use out of. Before you start jumping to conclusions ... no, I did NOT make her a <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/07/confessions-of-coffee-cozy-addict.html">coffee cozy</a>. (although, I did make her one last year, since she does enjoy coffee just as much as - if not more than I do). No ... instead, this is the gift I made for her :<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXXKUFktBPLC2O6Wf_IAPMUvJ9fmij0-qtUuKZi22NKA6ZnP5533B23yAC5j-qtfEmx2PC8CZKE_qakxjhrjGA6OmppQDbGIKpHTrARkdn87fS-mSukgo6ez-OkhPMUduF-uvXCWrh5G5/s1600-h/IMG_1594.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXXKUFktBPLC2O6Wf_IAPMUvJ9fmij0-qtUuKZi22NKA6ZnP5533B23yAC5j-qtfEmx2PC8CZKE_qakxjhrjGA6OmppQDbGIKpHTrARkdn87fS-mSukgo6ez-OkhPMUduF-uvXCWrh5G5/s320/IMG_1594.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265640599220258658" border="0" /></a><br />Can you guess what it is? I'll give you a hint ... Jodi just started her own private counseling practice (woo hoo!) and has been handing out business cards to let everyone know she's up and running. Well, I thought she would appreciate being stylish while she handed them out. <br /><br />Have you guessed yet??<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_uDA_MDM4dXIwIS-ZDpnkWKmBwdO0OWFoVfH7lzD2sqSK_5OGJDhogiZFnXi4eISIbR12KawYPpaahCmBVX3OQtEoFWKY8k0x8v1ySgvrM-fRdf4yeChRwpQLoJRl0uOrQOGkaSHSxXp/s1600-h/IMG_1595.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_uDA_MDM4dXIwIS-ZDpnkWKmBwdO0OWFoVfH7lzD2sqSK_5OGJDhogiZFnXi4eISIbR12KawYPpaahCmBVX3OQtEoFWKY8k0x8v1ySgvrM-fRdf4yeChRwpQLoJRl0uOrQOGkaSHSxXp/s320/IMG_1595.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265642389666185650" border="0" /></a><br />It's a business card holder! I saw some metal ones at the store, but didn't like the designs on them, so I went home and designed this simple little pouch that would serve the same purpose! It turned out just the way I had envisioned it, and was SUPER easy to make. If I ever manage to get a business together myself, I will be keeping my business cards in a similar pouch ... except mine will be red, of course.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodg32Mjr8Dq5gRvstVJUIuHT6WceTDygd5ip2KLSiJZV6vUe4o5oqnJQ141E4szwFdrzkzeU3ZvPhN3PE_5B7b1JVZtYbCnpHQcdMJpUZO3MrOVWkUyVBmFQq48-ac9wYh9ql454QfLTO/s1600-h/IMG_1598.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodg32Mjr8Dq5gRvstVJUIuHT6WceTDygd5ip2KLSiJZV6vUe4o5oqnJQ141E4szwFdrzkzeU3ZvPhN3PE_5B7b1JVZtYbCnpHQcdMJpUZO3MrOVWkUyVBmFQq48-ac9wYh9ql454QfLTO/s320/IMG_1598.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265643006511225810" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a close-up. <br /><br />So, what do you think? Would you use one of these?<br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-39544333145544278052008-11-03T13:25:00.000-05:002008-11-03T13:27:27.514-05:00Vive La Toile!<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>Well, I finally got around to making something out of the <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/07/yay-for-pink-toile-flannel.html">pink toile flannel</a> I picked up a few months ago. A new friend of mine from church just had a baby girl, and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to make something cute out of it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJoR35FGId71EEK_F6BPKUqlctcRZndZHnXQNXEUc4O8dfflVm3sgvhdA-atfmw_YiJBfhoB7B983cO5i8QU38ig02UcnJ5l9tO2Klm9FK2CvM4NKnsoMuUfa-9Nhn273C4KlKnw7GKmx/s1600-h/IMG_1563.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJoR35FGId71EEK_F6BPKUqlctcRZndZHnXQNXEUc4O8dfflVm3sgvhdA-atfmw_YiJBfhoB7B983cO5i8QU38ig02UcnJ5l9tO2Klm9FK2CvM4NKnsoMuUfa-9Nhn273C4KlKnw7GKmx/s320/IMG_1563.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261928075224719362" border="0" /></a><br />Instead of making a quilt, I opted to just take the two layers of fabric and crochet the edges together. It makes for a light-weight comfy blanket, perfect for the not-so-cold winters we have here in the South.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPzty-fX01teUZclZfdkDcIwdkNTDR9O1m1oOp2oVeXRM_DsmEGAnRtUIiOYzbvb8B2VW7M9raq6QNpbXf6UgU7JVdeoWiEebaxkpS6YxH70tMk2I0b-UETf-Mp7r3LhzZWj4a2TraGlz/s1600-h/IMG_1564.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPzty-fX01teUZclZfdkDcIwdkNTDR9O1m1oOp2oVeXRM_DsmEGAnRtUIiOYzbvb8B2VW7M9raq6QNpbXf6UgU7JVdeoWiEebaxkpS6YxH70tMk2I0b-UETf-Mp7r3LhzZWj4a2TraGlz/s320/IMG_1564.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261928220480701714" border="0" /></a><br />I love how the toile matches the fun tea cup that I bought in a hole-in-the-wall shop the last time I was in Paris. Hopefully little Katherine Grace will love it!<br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5028872728863703864.post-85710810090279184962008-10-30T08:57:00.001-04:002008-10-30T08:58:05.097-04:00Be Stylish While You Save the Planet!<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>So, I've been trying to be more "green" lately. I mean, it IS the responsible thing to do, and we must take care of this beautiful earth that God has given us. I have to admit that changing things up after this many years of routine has been hard (Yes - Ani - I admit that I still have a long way to go), but I have found that a motivating factor has been making things that are FUN and STYLISH while still being environmentally friendly! Baby steps, people.<br /><br />My first step was the <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/04/today-is-earth-day-in-my-world.html">coaster</a> I made for my desk in place of the 723 cocktail napkins that I would use under my drink every day. Ani told me once that paper napkins are the worst offender when it comes to being wasteful and environmentally unfriendly. I was pretty proud of myself when I made this step.<br /><br />The next step I took was creating a whole assortment of <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/07/confessions-of-coffee-cozy-addict.html">coffee cozies</a>, which I use faithfully in place of the cardboard sleeves they give you at Starbucks these days. And, you know, with my addiction to Starbucks, I figure I probably save at least 150 sleeves a year (plus the ones that my friends are saving since they received a coffee cozy from me ... like <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/07/starbucks-bling.html">this one</a> and <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/07/surprise-surprise.html">this one</a>). That's got to count for something!<br /><br />SO ... naturally, when I was looking for another earth-friendly project, I decided to make these super-fun REVERSIBLE grocery bags!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHStBxG3BzbfNCMxzcPjJCaOAxdxRBXg_Q6p7161ygcQHDs52foksThyyZth36XfLD8j5IS3UyTVkaO1ZLIFa_0OFWLAUnPRCB3epWtV3Ml6s8ZFxfR-Ht1EKLAGxsu-Y690f4OZDU-bD5/s1600-h/IMG_1545.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHStBxG3BzbfNCMxzcPjJCaOAxdxRBXg_Q6p7161ygcQHDs52foksThyyZth36XfLD8j5IS3UyTVkaO1ZLIFa_0OFWLAUnPRCB3epWtV3Ml6s8ZFxfR-Ht1EKLAGxsu-Y690f4OZDU-bD5/s320/IMG_1545.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261932798853629330" border="0" /></a><br />I love them. I actually look forward to going to the grocery store just so I can carry one of these bags with me. They are designed just exactly like a regular plastic grocery bag. In fact, I just took an Earthfare bag and cut it apart and used it as a pattern. Easy as pie. AND ... the cashiers at Publix and Walmart don't scowl at me, because my bags fit right into their little plastic bag holder while they are filling them with food ... unlike the normal canvas bags you can buy at tons of stores these days.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlqxFVQr_e1wev105KNROkT9AvrOPWyMcvqE7dmhtcYzg2lhOJTKruskCdZd0wat2Q3zw-a7Xv5KIV745xHN50mC3u3jSUrqwMIuDol8iv9Y_ju91d84Ox5BmE4wlpH7Y4_Et-xPz8x4J/s1600-h/IMG_1549.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlqxFVQr_e1wev105KNROkT9AvrOPWyMcvqE7dmhtcYzg2lhOJTKruskCdZd0wat2Q3zw-a7Xv5KIV745xHN50mC3u3jSUrqwMIuDol8iv9Y_ju91d84Ox5BmE4wlpH7Y4_Et-xPz8x4J/s320/IMG_1549.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261935697204718882" border="0" /></a><br />The hardest part was figuring out how to make them reversible. In the end, I got to use my little metal snap tool. I had been intimidated by it before, but not anymore ... it's so easy to use! By the way ... I made the switch to organic milk about 6 months ago, and I don't ever want to go back. It's so tasty, and SO MUCH better for you than regular milk!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Y42ufhyRMfCB6fDyi1e9r-loDScc6Zisk-7_lLT_632kwGTMVwA4gtycWXVV_ZKLvdy5tfsZhyMDn6Hz010-37d3DGPctIw3hsGKXl4z47Az4THI87lSZ0S0_qpWS4xuOHKlL-Tr7Ftb/s1600-h/IMG_1548.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Y42ufhyRMfCB6fDyi1e9r-loDScc6Zisk-7_lLT_632kwGTMVwA4gtycWXVV_ZKLvdy5tfsZhyMDn6Hz010-37d3DGPctIw3hsGKXl4z47Az4THI87lSZ0S0_qpWS4xuOHKlL-Tr7Ftb/s320/IMG_1548.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261932986111012786" border="0" /></a><br />I made two more, too ... one with pink flowers on it and the other with blue paisley (the same as my <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://kserasara.blogspot.com/2008/10/my-new-purse.html">new purse</a>).<br /><br />What do you think? Would you use these, or are they too flashy? I was also thinking they'd be fun out of linen.<br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4359376-1");<br />pageTracker._initData();<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07364439526252924764noreply@blogger.com6