Do you hear that? It's the whir of my sewing machine! Now that the holidays are over and everything has settled down around here, I'm able to sit in front of my machine and work on some projects. The first, the pincushion for my latest swap (so no peeking Kelly).

Things are finally slowing down around here which means that I can make my way back into the sewing room. In addition to my latest pincushion swap, I'm planning on completing a number of projects. I've started listing them on the sidebar, but here's a breakdown of each one:

I've had the fabric for the v-neck version of Jalie 2805 sitting on my sewing table since before Christmas. I plan on working on this first so that it will become the first completed project of 2009.

My second project, Hot Pattern's Riviera Boulevard Cardigan-Jacket. I purchased the fabric and the pattern in late November and am determined to complete this before 1) spring hits and the jacket starts looking too fall-ish and 2) houndstooth goes out of style! I've got the notions ready to go on this one as well so it's looking like this may become the second completed project of the year.

Another project I'm anxious to work on is Hot Pattern's Metropolitan Good Times Dress, Tunic & Top. Even though I don't wear a lot of dresses, I'm really attracted to this design and have already purchased a lovely RPL knit to finish the look - it may even match some awesome tights that I picked up this fall.

Lastly, I'll start my transition into spring sewing by whipping up a pair of slinky knit beach print pants. For now, I'm planning on using Kwik Sew 3165 (which is the same, heavily altered, pattern that I used in my pants class just a few weeks ago). However, I may look around for a pattern that has a more relaxed\casual look to it.

I'd love to know what everyone else is planning on working on to kick start their 2009 sewing!

Wow those pincushion swaps on Craftster fill up fast! I had just signed up for the latest swap and it's already full and partners announced. This time I'm crafting a pincushion for Kelly of refibered. Hopefully, I'll have time this weekend to put some ideas to fabric and start sewing!

Speaking of fabric, you'll never guess what arrived on my doorstep yesterday evening? My order from Crybabys Boutique - three weeks (we're very close to a month now) after ordering and zero contact from the seller (even after sending 4 separate emails). The material is wonderful and exactly as described plus there was even an extra yard of material that I hadn't ordered and Taylor loved (I'm still not sure if this was a 'bonus' or just a fluke, nothing was attached to my packing slip). I really wish she would have sent back some sort of email letting me know what was going on with my package so I would feel more comfortable placing an order in the future. Consequently, I'll probably stick with the Fabric Fairy (which I have also recently placed an order with). Here's a preview of my order:

You'll notice that the headphone fabric appears in this order too. When I thought I wasn't going to get my Crybaby package, I placed my order with the Fabric Fairy and put this in my cart (you can tell I really wanted this material). Once it arrives, I'll have 5 yards of it - way too much for what I was planning! I may sell 2 yards of it sometime in the future if anyone is interested.

Lastly, I did a bit of notions shopping over the new year. Want to know what $25 will get you? Here's a shot of my goodies:

After all the box bags that I made over Christmas, I completely depleted my stash of large zippers. Since Hancock fabrics had them 50% off I thought it was time to load up, plus pick up a few separating zippers for future hoodie projects (there's some thread in there and a handful of buttons as well).

Just what every fabric junkie needs - 2009's fabric forecast!

A great way to kick start you new year by sewing up something for your home. The Sewing Republic has a new video tutorial out - napkins and matching hand towels!

The new Ottobre is about to be released - want to know what's inside? Here's a sneak preview (sorry no photos).

Don't spend $19.95 on those draft dodgers you see on t.v., make your own instead.

Know a beginner who's looking for a cute, quick project? Here's a coin purse tutorial that might just fit the bill.

I think my new, favorite animal of the moment is the owl - check out these cute owl pillows and jingle owl ornament.

I think I need to start sewing more with leather, Nikki made this laptop sleeve with it and now I'm in love. Click here for the pattern.

Ready to ditch the sweaters already? Here's a tutorial to turn yours into a purse [link via Whip Up] or turn yours into a (2 minute) hat!

Received a lot of holiday tins this year? Here's how to turn yours into something you can keep out year round.

Have a Dr. Who fan in your household? Whip them up this awesome tissue box cozy. [link via Geek Crafts]

How to prevent puckers when setting a sleeve into an armhole.

Show everyone how much you love sewing. Make yourself a tape measure bracelet.

Looking for a free sewing tutorial or pattern? Check out Free Needle, it looks as if there are several hundred to choose from.

How to make a silk scarf. [link via Craft]

Happy New Year - I hope you have a wonderful, prosperous, and healthy 2009! I also want to take a moment to thank everyone who visits this site, listens to me ramble, and allows me to share all my projects! I may not always be able to respond to your comments (at times I forget that life with a baby is so busy), but I always read them no matter how crazy it gets around here!

I spent a great deal of time this morning debating whether to put up a Linky Thursday post or making my Sewing New Year's Resolutions. Originally, I was going to skip making a list to accomplish over the coming year, but honestly, I think it helps keep me focused. So, without further ado, here's my New Year's Sewing Resolutions for 2009 (I'll post links tomorrow):

Lose the rest of that baby weight. While this doesn't seem like a sewing resolution, it really is. My body has changed significantly in the last year and I'm still not where I would like to be. Consequently, I'm all over the board when it comes to sewing patterns.

Sew more for others. This was the first year that I've ever made a large amount of gifts for other people. Not only did I enjoy the process, everything was well received.

Assess my wardrobe and create the items that I need. I'll admit, I have a bit of ADHD when it comes to sewing (which is why this doesn't read, "Participate in a SWAP"). I love projects that have 'instant gratification' and am easily distracted by new patterns. I know I can't change this about me, but I need to look at what I 'need' in my closet and go from there. Fortunately at the moment I 'need' about everything (see number one of my resolutions!) so I have a great start!

Become better at alterations. This is pretty much a 'standard' that I talk about every year.

Use more of the patterns that I currently own - including magazines like Burda, Ottobre, and Patrones. This goes back to the idea that I'm easily distracted by new patterns, so much so I've become a collector! I'm vowing to get to those patterns that I've always wanted to sew up and use the magazines that I subscribe to more often.

Stop being afraid to use my 'favorite' fabrics that are in my stash. You know those fabrics that you fall in love with and purchase, but don't have a purpose for them so you stash them for when the right pattern comes along - then the 'right pattern' comes along and you refuse to use the fabric for fear that you might mess up and ruin your favorite print (I hope that there are others that feel this way and not just me)? I intend on using those prints and will recite the mantra "There is always more fabric."

Alright, that's my list and I'm stickin' to it! What's your resolutions for 2009? I'd love to hear them!

Originally, I had planned on reviewing my sewing resolutions from last year, seeing how well I did with them and posting new ones. But seeing that I only had 3 (I think I was burned out from moving right before the holidays and being so tired from being pregnant), it seemed a little unexciting.... so, I thought I would pick out some of my favorite projects of the year. So without further ado, here they are - in no particular order:

The Jalie Racerback:

The Emmeline Apron:

The Sophia Bag:

This fun rockin' baby gift set that I sewed up for a swap:

And of course, the box bags!

I have lots of projects in store for 2009, but would love to know what some of your favorites that you sewed up this year!

Not that I'm pleased about the state of our economy, but I am happy to hear that the crafting\handmade market is seeing a boom this holiday season. This was the first year I actually sewed up a large number of gifts - around 15 items! While I thought I was going good, it's not as impressive as some other Pattern Review members.... Melissa is up to 36 (Easton was even the recipient of one of her adorable My First Christmas bibs)! This leads me to my question, "What did you sew up this holiday season?"

All the Christmas decorations have been taken down and packed away for another year, the house has been (almost) thoroughly cleaned, and the slow cooker (and recipe book) has been 'tested out'. Needless to say, not much has been going on in the sewing room. I'll take that back, not much that I can show you. I've been spending some of my spare time creating a project for the spring issue of Sew Simple. While this is a magazine devoted to beginning sewers, I tried to make a project that might be something even the most advanced seamstress might take a stab at. My initial design changed quite a bit from the final outcome (my original idea seamed like it could be frustrating for a novice), but I'm really pleased the the result. Since I don't want to show you exactly what I'm working on (you'll have to wait for the issue to arrive for that), here's a quick peek:

Do you ever find that when you buy fabrics you tend to gravitate to the same color palate? I'm beginning to think that I do (please tell me I'm not the only one!). Here's the fat quarters I came home with the other day after visiting a local quilt shop:

Apparently, I'm in a pink phase.

I was so focused on my rant yesterday that I completely forgot to talk about Christmas. Ann had tagged her readers asking them what they had received for Christmas this year, so I thought I would share:

• A new (programmable) slow cooker and Gourmet slow cooker recipe cookbook

• The Tales of Beedle the Bard

• Scene It? Seinfeld

• The Office - Season Two and The Office DVD Game

• My new favorite perfume

I plan on gathering 'supplies' and testing out the crock pot tomorrow night and the DVD games have already been cracked open (great fun!). Now that I've shared my haul, I'd love to know what you got for the holidays!

Christmas was wonderful - everyone had a great time, Taylor was thrilled with all of her gifts, Easton felt better (after having a high fever on Christmas Eve) and played with all of his toys, we ate wonderful food, and all enjoyed each other's company! So where does the disappointment come in? My experience with Crybabyboutique. I placed my order on December 9 and still have not received a package (according to the USPS website, it still hasn't been shipped). I've used their 'contact us' section of their site 3 times, emailed once and still have not received a response. I know that other people have ordered from this site in the past and had a good experience, but I can't say that mine has been stellar - in fact I'm about ready to contact my credit card company and paypal to dispute the charges if I either don't hear from the seller or have my order in my hands in the next few days. What a pain in the rear!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! Have a wonderful holiday.

Lots of love from our family to yours,

Stacy

Remember The Office swap that I participated in awhile back and was flaked on? A wonderful Craftster moderator (the swap organizer also flaked on the whole group) set me up with a great angel and my package arrived today - just in time for Christmas (in fact, she wrapped everything, too). Not only did she create this awesome Dwight stuffie from my Wist, but she also made something for each of the kids. For Easton she made a bib with the quote "The Schrutes make thirsty babies." For Taylor, she made a Toby plush (one of her favorite characters). The rest of the package included a DWIGHT t-shirt, a Schrutebucks necklace, and a "I'm dreaming of a Dwight Christmas" ornament (I love it). Here's the rest of the goodies:

Can you believe Taylor is still in school? We are the only district in our area that isn't on break for the holidays. Of course, with Taylor continuing her 'usual' schedule, things are extremely busy - and there's lots of quick projects to show for it. First, I created some 'mittens' for a candy relay race for her party this afternoon (you have the kids wear mittens and unwrap Hershey's Kisses). Originally, I had intended on making several 'nice' set - something that could be used over again. Instead, I was sewing last-minute presents for Taylor to give to a few of her friends (more on that in a few minutes) and wound up doing a very quick and easy version. Actually, I'm not sure that they could even be considered mittens, they're more like hand sleeves! Oh well, considering their purpose, they'll work!

I also sewed up 3 clutches from Bend-the-Rules Sewing. Taylor selected the fabrics from my stash and I sorted through my buttons and came up with these:

I have a feeling that I will have a request for more clutches once she comes home tonight.

Now that the sewing is done, it's time to finish up last minute party details. Thank goodness today is the last day of school!

Whew, what a weekend! It was not only fun, but busy and downright cold (darn those bitterly cold temperatures) all at the same time! Now that we're back, I'm attempting to read all of my emails and favorite websites - I've determined it may take me days before I'm caught up....

In the mean time, if you're looking for a quick-to-whip up, last minute gift don't forget to check out some of the fabulous postings at CraftStylish. One of my favorites is this fantastic Tool Roll-Up complete with embroidered pockets.... what a great idea for a guy gift!

Now back to reading... oh yes, and some last minute mitten sewing. More on that tomorrow.

Every Monday, I have a column that appears on Threadbanger's site - Celebrity DIY Style which describes how you can 'knock-off' a celebrity garment for yourself. I would love to do a segment on how DIYer's have done this themselves so I'm looking for anyone who's re-created clothing from a celeb (I would need an inspiration photo or a link to the celebrity wearing the garment and the sewer's finished design). If you or anyone you know, fits this description, please send me an email (it's at the bottom of my website) - I'd love to feature them!

We're now headed off to celebrate the holiday's with Bret's family - so there will be no post tomorrow. But I'll be rearing to go on Monday! Have a great weekend everyone!

With Christmas just a few days away, I've been busily wrapping packages and getting cards ready to send out (they may be New Years cards instead of Christmas) - so I've accomplished very little in the sewing department (I do have the V-neck version of Jalie 2805 cut and ready to go). Instead of showing you the state of my current project, I thought I would share pictures of the kiddos enjoying the first 'good' snow of the season. As you can see, I bundled Easton up so much he looks like Randy in A Christmas Story. In fact, he's so puffy, Easton actually tipped over and could get himself up (as shown in the photo on the left) - at least he thought it was funny.

A fantastic tutorial on how to make a traveling doll house or barn. [link via The Crafty Crow]

A variety of seam finishes when you don't have a serger.

Want to make sure that no one wears an identical dress to an important upcoming event? You may want to check DressRegistry.com to see what others have planed. [Thanks to Bernadette for the link]

Keeping warm in style with simple shot cotton scarves.

How to make a patchwork ball. [link via Chickpea Sewing Studio]

Transform two t-shirts into a new top with a flounce!

Adorable, (free) food softie patterns! [link via Pimp Stitch]

Dress up your holiday table with these Christmas tree napkins.

Let your toddler create Christmas ornaments. [link via CraftGossip]

Not that most of us need this advice - How to build up a stash of fabric.

Need a last minute gift? This hostess apron tutorial is sure to be a winner - not only does it sew up fast, but it also only uses a fat quarter. [link via Craft]

Don't forget your pets this holiday season! If you need a quick gift, try this no sew dog cushion tutorial.

A cute mini messenger bag - perfect for tweens. [link via Some Art Talk]

Some of you may know that in addition to this website, I also write for two other sewing community blogs. I make it a point to never duplicate the information on my site and theirs (because who wants to read everything twice?), but this time I'm making an exception because I feel the cause is very important. Read on:

If you remember this time last year, thousands of "Made in China" toys were recalled due to high levels of lead found in their paint. The U.S. government has decided to take action against something like this happening again - but at small business owners expense. What does this have to do with sewing and handmade goods and how will it effect you?

CPSIA legislature (which goes into effect February 2009) mandates that all children's products (toys, diapers, dolls, clothing, bags, etc.) must be tested for lead by a third party and labeled. The costs for these tests will depend on the each particular item but could range from $150-$4,000. While these prices may not seem like much for large manufactures, for those of us who sell goods on eBay, Etsy, or individual websites, this could mean the closure of numerous home-based businesses.

If this new piece of legislature will effect you, someone you know, or you just want to help protect the hand-made industry then be sure to write you local congressman. You can keep up with the latest news via Fashion Incubator (she has also opened up the CPSIA & Consumer Safety section of her forum to non-members) and National Bankruptcy Day.

Normally by now I've put up a post - so I'll have to admit.... I'm a bit distracted. What's the distraction? Facebook (I know, I'm a bit slow on joining). I decided to join last week and have been spending a great deal of time catching up with people I haven't seen in years. And I've been having too much fun! But now it's time to crack down - I have Christmas cards to send out, presents to wrap (thank goodness I'm finished shopping), laundry to fold, a house to clean, and a new top waiting for me to work on in the sewing room! I have the V-neck version of Jalie 2805 traced off and have selected a geometric print from Fabric.com picked out for the material. I can't wait to get started!

So now I'm off to shovel some snow off the driveway and to start on my cards! By the way, if we haven't 'found' each other on Facebook, let me know!