I am Sew Lazy

So you want to make your own christmas cards?

2010-11-22T15:16:00.000-08:00

I know we all love to save money on things we think we can do our selves. I sure do. So this year I made my own Christmas card.

Now I am a advanced Photoshop user so don’t expect to be as good as me first try. But to help you out I will give you no fail tips on how to do a great layout for your christmas card.

Tip #

1. You need professional photos- Yes this cost money however you wont regret it. Ever. This is an investment, one that you will have for the rest of your lives, its memory’s. Aren’t those worth some of your cash? (In Utah? Check out my photographer Andrea Hanks!)

a. Best way to find a great photographer is friends, Facebook, and google. Everyone knows a photographer now-a-days, heck everyone thinks they are photographers.

b. Going to a portrait studio it is harder to get a photo release. You may have to pay so much for it that it may not be worth the price, just have them make them for you if this is the case. If its cheaper and you like what they can do, go for it. It will save you time anyway.

2. You need a photo editing program. I use Photoshop. You can download a free trial of it, my tutorial will be for this program. Go to Adobe’s website to download for free. If you use another program find a Tutorial for that one please.

3. You will need the ability to follow instructions. Yes I do need to put this here. I dont want 10,000 comments about how you couldn’t install the brush set or the pattern I gave you the link for. Or that you just cant seem to install Photoshop. If you can’t use a computer dont expect to be able to do this.

Lets Start!

.This link goes to my tumblr it is not a crazy link to something scary. I just dont want to double post it. Tutorial is all there!

Christmas Card Tutorial, How to make your own Christmas card with Photoshop. Layout Design, Christmas card Ideas

2010-08-10T12:44:00.001-07:00

I have been so busy what with the dog the kids and school I start next week I think and the kids start next week as well.

I did fond a really great website for my dog though they have everything I need. and more.

You all know how much i love my puppy (not really a puppy anymore) he is the cutest thing.. lol but crazy well I need a few things to train him like treats and rewards I found a great site to get them for better prices then here at the stores..

20% off Wholesome Hide rawhides with code WHOLESOMEHIDE20>

Coupons for my friends for Cherrybrook.com I love % off!

uuugg kids are on my case to take them and the dog to the park again. Now that the dog is better trained I can take him to the park with out having to worry about him running off to sniff everything he see's.

Off to the Park.

My trip

2010-08-04T22:42:00.000-07:00

So much fun on the east coast!!

did all the things I wanted to and stayed in a room with a view of the Empire state building. Went to the top of the rock and ate pizza in little Italy as well as played games at a street carnival in little Italy.

had the best duck on planet in a Chinese place and had a Beef on weck in Buffalo as well as the wings at the original inventors place for the buffalo wing.

We had a blast in Toronto at the Science museum place natural history placey ma bob. It was super cool. so much fun was had by my self and my kids. the City of Toronto is CRAZY with the trafic OMG took so long to get from one place to another and I have never had to pay so many times for parking and so much EVERYWHERE charges for parking.

The food on the trip was super.

The trip was just hot and sticky but man was it fun I want to move to the east coast if only the could get weather like the Pacific northwest.

pictures still need to be taken care of but I havnt posted them anywhere so dont feel bad.

Road Trippin'

2010-05-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

This is anouther help post. this one is more ergent.

Going on a trip to the East coast doing NYC, NY, Hartford, CT, and Toronto, ON. all in one trip.

here is our route.

So where should we eat. What should we do in these places.

First stop New York City. we are staying at the Hotel Penn. right across from Penn Station, and Madison Square Garden. we have tickets to the statue of librity and a play. but we have 3 days in NYC. where should we eat what should we do?

Next we Take the train to CT where we get a rental car (my idea I knew it would be crazy to rent a car in the city so told Jason to see about taking the train up CT and getting a rental car there. so much cheaper)

Now we are in Hartford, CT where Jason will be graduating the day after we arrive. We plan on having Steamed Hamburgers while here (a must from what i read) but where else should we go?

What should we do?

Right after Jason's graduation we are heading right to Albany. Here we have NO TIME. so no info needed. one night then gone.

here we need help. We are leaving early the next morning for:

But the plan is to stop for a Beef on Weck and some Buffalo wings in Buffalo.

But where? We stay in Niagara for one night at a nice Hotel on the Canada side. then off to Toronto:

Here we are staying at a nice Westin (sort of its by the air port)

We have NO CLUE what to do here I just wanted to go to Canada and so did the kids. lol. so Zoo? or....?

after we leave Toranto its back to Buffalo to hop on a plane and head home.. man this is going to be fun!

HELP ME PEOPLE OF THE INTERNET YOUR MY ONLY HOPE.

re doing my daughters room I need Idea's

2010-05-14T23:27:00.000-07:00

This is her room before we moved in now it is pink and green and white striped. however she likes to destroy things so her walls are filled with stains and gashes. (I had just spent oh 7 hours fixing all the stains and gashes she got from her dads poor choice in headboards) She took a small screwdriver and gashed holes in the wall right next to her closet. right where the designs meet and I am just not in the mood to re-tape it all and fix the paint job its a huge deal. so I am thinking I will just do her walls different. (we used a flat paint the first time round and I really really regret it.).

This gives me a chance to Paint it right use a gloss and a primer. Maybe do a mural not sure.. I can paint I just dont usually have the energy to do things or stuff..

Ok now I need idea's.

Things I like-

here are some pictures

I love the colors on this one but the wall is not really what I was thinking for a soon to be 5 year old girl...

this is just way to cute! But its paper.. I love that quilt though.

hmm it seems I like the rooms with the plain walls and the bright things. I just don't have the money for the things but could pull off a new paint job on the wall.

I love this one because it is just so girly and cute again the walls are plain and the colors around the room are the showy thing.. hmm. I think its time to work on a girly quilt for her room.. but I need colors first.

I think tomorrow I am going to make my self clean the house #1 then get that desk I have to finish painting done so I can pressure my husband into helping me paint Gwyn's room.

So people a little help with Ideas?

2010-02-25T11:34:00.001-08:00

Ok so I finally started sewing that dress... but i bought the wrong thread for a sewing machine and ended up with quilting tread. GAAAH!

So now I have to go to the fabric store again.. this is never a good thing.. who knows what i will find.

lol.

I have coupons!

been a busy bee.

2010-02-09T09:14:00.000-08:00

Yet have nothing to show for it. "But levity" You say "its been weeks haven't you finished anything?" why yes I have finished a pint of Ben and Jerry's. It was yummy too.

I may or may not have started playing a online game that sucks you in and never lets you go. Yes people I have started playing WoW (thats World of Warcraft to the non gamers out there). Server is down now so off to sew i go.

2010-01-08T09:07:00.001-08:00

Today is the day. My house is clean I have some Swiss Muesli in the fridge for my lunch later. I have the pattern I am going to use ready for tracing. I have my tracing fabric ready to go, and I have everything I need to make this dress. (I am going to skip the ribbon though I never like the way it looks when I do ribbon on things)

So off to Make this dress I go This is my first time using my new ottobre patters and its a test to make sure I have the right size picked out it was very hard to figure out, (freaking metric system in Europe).

I have to say the fabric I picked out for this is super cute. and it was on sale. I just hope it looks as cute once made as I think it will.

New layouts

2010-01-06T11:37:00.000-08:00

Finding just the right layout is not easy and it is made harder when your computer freezes and wont work right when you are looking at free blogger layouts. I think I might really like this one for now. mind you I had also been woking in photoshop to make my own background for my own layout but that got lost as well in the big freeze up of '10.

Things are BREAKING all over my house. My computer where I do most of my work went "pphth" then Monday I am sick just vegging watching a bad movie when my T.V goes "phhhthhh hahahaha" and the screen goes black.

Today I am feeling better but not 100% I keep waking up super early cause I cant breath I woke before my alarm today that is just sad. My kids are driving me crazy and i have not eaten more then a few bites in days. I am feeling weak. So I will work on the few things I can while I am sick and get my patterns ready for sewing.

Inspiration

2010-01-06T08:09:00.000-08:00

Why Hello internet, How have you been?

Gross and full of junk you say.. well that is the way of things it seems.

So why do I post again after so long you ask. Because I am going to start blogging about my sewing again that's why. You see I took a very long time off from sewing because sewing for etsy just took all the joy out of it for me.

I have my Joy back because I have inspiration from Ottobre the best design/pattern Magazine in the world (at least that I know but I only read English)

lots coming from me soon!

2009-02-10T17:44:00.000-08:00

New bib I just finished i finished 2 of them my daughter says she wants them but when I tried to put them on her she changed her mind.

What do you do with a cute puppy?

2009-01-29T07:10:00.001-08:00

Make him even cuter with clothing

So I know I know long time no post Andrea.. where have you been?

I have been a vegetable that is where I have been.
But today I made a few things. I got a order for a bib made taht really fast then had to work on something for the dog.

This coat is lined with this nice green fleece-

He looked so cute in that I had to make him one out of my skull and cross bone fabric.

Lined with a black fleece-

boy were these fun!
And the puppy looks SUPER CUTE!

Artist of Etsy Exposed

2009-01-20T14:26:00.000-08:00

You HAVE to check out this way cool new treasury I got

its a treasury featuring some Lovly ladys from my Utah steet team.
These girls are brave enough to show there faces on etsy for YOU the reader and you the etsy buyer.
so check it out make a comment about how hot they all are, and support one of my favorite teams.

What do you do when no one will model for you?

2009-01-15T08:47:00.000-08:00

Myspace angle and timer setting..

I had to get some shots of these on so I did my hair put on about 3 pounds of the makeup (gots to cover those spots) set the timer on my camara and this is what I ended up with.

now the My space angle didnt work out as well for me.

I look old.

those are some crazy roots I have going.. I am going natural but I think after seeing this photo my natural color is.. well, ugly.

I was on the News KSL

2009-01-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

I didnt speak but I am there the one with the 4 chins.
Also there was-
Kristin: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5712607
Kara: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5521381
Jen: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5752488
and me Andrea: http://www.levityinbrevity.etsy.com

New dress,

2009-01-05T00:20:00.001-08:00

After a long long time of not being motivated. I have finished something that i am proud of.

Description:
This handmade dress was made using my own design. Its a very classic design Full skirt dress with petticoat. and a cute puff sleeve. This dress comes with the black ribbon pictured. It is not sewn into the dress so that you can use it to cinch the waist.

Don't you just love the black, pink, red & beige color combo on this dress?

This dress is made with a stretch cotton fabric with the flower print on one side.

This dress had a petticoat sewn into the inside with a soft slip closest to the child's skin for comfort. NO itch.

This dress would be great for events such as birthday parties, weddings, church services, and special occasions.

Buy handmade

2008-12-09T07:01:00.000-08:00

Soo its that time of year again time to BUY HANDMADE for the holidays.

2008-12-02T17:17:00.001-08:00

game

Homemade for the Holidays

2008-11-24T14:32:00.000-08:00

PDF Instructions to make your own sewn Marry Christmas Garland

This super cute Garland can be made with scrap fabric or nice cheap holiday fat quarters.

Gumdrop Wreath
Alicia from Posie Gets Cozy (have you fallen in love with her new book?!– Wonderful!) shares a Gumdrop Wreath Tutorial, hosted on Kiddley.

Woodland Ornaments
Meg from elsie marley (and our board) created this Woodland Ornament Tutorial (pine cones, mushrooms & a sprig of holly) series with a PDF pattern download just for you! We’re already planning the fabrics we’ll use for our pine cones.

SALE sale sale

2008-11-20T08:35:00.000-08:00

25% off sale at my shop.
Already marked down for the ease of the buyer.
So if you have been looking at my items for a while and thinking "hmm that is soo cute I really wish it was just 25% less and i would buy it" NOW is the time.

Tutorials and links on the way.
I will be making a tutorial to make a jumper soon.
also the easy way to applique.
Tree pattern and all.

Livejournal is down

2008-11-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

So here i am making a post.. lol.
Why Prince WHY!??!!
I loved you once and now... you have thrown it all away!
in other news I am pro equal rights. if you cant tell.

I finished a nice baby shower basket this last week for a friends.
it had a receiving blanket a matching bib and a cute little reversible fleece outfit. for a new born. I also recovered my old boppy for her and knitted a ear warmer/head band, with a knitted heart on it. ( I threw in 2 pairs of socks because all winter babies need loads of socks.)

The coat did turn out a bit large for a new born but everyone agrees this is a good thing because baby grow so fast.
I have a feeling it will be usable for the whole winter with the new baby due in Mid December. Its super warm and SOFT!

2008-11-10T23:48:00.001-08:00

Make your own banner

2008-11-06T11:15:00.000-08:00

Ok here are some resources for making your own banner these banners won't look as good as they would if you knew how to use Photoshop or owned it or if you bought them from one of the many people on etsy who make them for you but they will be passable.

http://www.bannersketch.com/
From now on you can create free web banners with our banner generator. Why you ask? Well that's quite simple to answer! Bannersketch.com is the only totally free banner creator currently online!

http://www.vintagewonder.com/createabanner.html
There are alot of design programs you can use to make a banner (InDesign, QuarkExpress, etc.). This is a simple tutorial on using Microsoft Powerpoint to create a great shop banner.

http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/skill-share-making-a-banner-641/
I thought I'd show you how I made the new EtsyLabs banner. I'm not a trained graphic artist by any means but I love making banners, avatars, and general photoshopping! So here's the banner and the tips:

Don't forget I have some simple premade banners in my shop for cheap.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13897619
just $4.50 for a premade banner
I also do custom banners for a reasonable price.

also don't forget to search etsy for banners-
http://www.etsy.com/category_sub_sub.php?tags=everything_else.custom.banner

2008-10-29T16:21:00.001-07:00

It's been a busy week I made a cute little jumper to trade with a fellow team memmber at cafemom.

I like it.

Sharitaki Ramen/ spicy miso flavor

2008-10-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

I lived in Guam for almost 3 years and was pregnant with my daughter while I lived there well she seemed to LOVE spicy Miso ramen cause its all I ever wanted when I was pregnant with her.

Now Ramen In Guam (or Japanese style) is not like the ramen you think of. You know that stuff you eat just to get by. College food, I am to broke to eat right food. NO while Ramen is still cheap in (for) Japan its is not freeze dried noddles with a cheap beef broth. It has many different styles and regional differences. Guam had a (what i understand to be) Tokyo style ramen. there was Soy flavor, miso flavor. Then it got to spice.. spicy soy, spicy miso, there was Chasu and non chasu (bbq pork slices) then there was the regional favorites like Kimchi ramen, and Taiwan style ramen, That was a spicy soy ramen with fried chilies and fried garlic.
My favorites?
Kimchi and Spicy Miso Chasu ramen.
I have been craving these ramens for ages but I am on a diet.. what ever to do?

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 4 oz
Servings per package 2
Calories 20
Calories from Fat 5

Miso Paste? Very low cal and good for you.
put them together with about 15 Calories worth of kimchi, garlic fried in about a 1/2 tea of toasted sesame oil, home grown sprouts, Chinese hot sauce, Nori flakes and green onion.

Click for bigger
I just want to tell you now though if texture is a big deal for you and chewing on stuff with the firmness of very firm gelatin is not your bag use regular Ramen noddles.
This was so good and very close to what I was going for. The kimchi really did it for it. Its the element that had been missing before. What is still missing? PORK. ah pork my old friend how i miss you. I have been with out red meat for some time now and I miss it.
So for less then 90 Calories I have a HUGE lunch that taste like Guam.
I miss Guam... Ok I miss the food on Guam.
There will never be a better Thai restaurant then this HOLE in the wall "King and I" . If you are ever there look it up its behind a convenience store and next to a gambling bar.

2008-10-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

links are fun

2008-09-26T11:17:00.001-07:00

Keeping a food diary has been found to help people lose more weight then any other diet plan.
http://www.caloriebalancediet.com/program.asp
new program I just down loaded it seems complicated but good there is always the calorie king web site but that cost a lot of money where as this one is free. I am all about the free. I gained 15 pounds I am not happy.
going to start back up at gym and doing soy int eh mornings again that should work well again I just have to hunker down again its nice to not have Jason on my case all the time too. I hate sneak eating.

Its like I am talking to my self here people

2008-09-26T07:19:00.001-07:00

really not fun.
lol.
anyway I will be sewing today so I wont be doing a update I may do a recipe.

chairs

2008-09-25T23:09:00.000-07:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
levityinbrevity

I wonder if this seller would be willing to make a deal with me if I bought all of these prints I love them and must have them.. I have been a good girl lately and have money to spend soon.

Shepperds Pie

2008-09-25T17:37:00.001-07:00

My kids Loved it
Shepperd's Pie
my easy shepherd's pie
1 pound ground lamb
Salt pepper to taste
1 onion, diced
1 pack brown gravy (I use McCormick)
1 cup water
2 cups mash potatoes
1 cup shredded cheese (I like Irish cheddar)

brown beef and onion/ salt, pepper.
add brown gravy mix and water
mix til thick put in baking dish top with mashed potatoes and cheese bake at 350 for about 20 minutes until the top it kind of brownish and bubbly
My husband likes me top add corn to the mix but I just serve it on the side.

make your own stickers

2008-09-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

First some images you can turn into your own stickers and a recipe to do it.

Sometimes it is hard to find just the right sticker for the situation, and they can get expensive. Why not make your own? Use them on time-lines, in workbooks, as rewards, just to be goofy, etc.

Sticker Sticky Stuff

Ingredients:

1 packet (1/4 oz.) unflavored gelatin (such as Knox)
1 T. cold water
3 T. boiling water
1/2 t. white corn syrup
1/2 t. lemon extract*

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin into cold water. Put aside until soft.

2. Pour softened gelatin into boiling water and stir until completely dissolved.

3. Add corn syrup and extract. Mix thoroughly.

4. Brush mixture thinly onto the back of picture that you want to turn into a sticker.

5. After is dry, you just moisten to apply.

Design your own stickers, print something from the computer, cut pictures from magazines, etc.

*You can make this fun by alternating the kind of extract you use....try orange, strawberry, or rootbeer for variation. But be careful, you might catch the kids licking all the sticky stuff off trying to find the flavor they like best. Another idea is to vary the extract flavoring by the subject of the stickers...use coconut for a tropical theme or peppermint for the Christmas holidays.

If you store the gum mixture (the sticky stuff) in a pill bottle or other airtight container, it will keep several months. It will gel, but to return to a liquid, just put the container in a bowl of hot water.

Yields about 4 oz.

homemade Play-doh

2008-09-23T19:03:00.000-07:00

1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

1 cup water

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

3 tablespoons cream of tartar

Assorted Food Coloring

Uncolored play dough: In a large saucepan over medium heat, mix the ingredients together with a wooden spoon. Stir constantly until the mixture forms a ball. Pour the play dough ball out onto a clean work surface and knead for two to three minutes. The ball will be hot at first so be careful when you start the kneading process. Allow the play dough to cool completely. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The play dough should last several weeks with proper storage.

Colored Play dough: To produce pastel colored play dough, use the same basic play dough recipe but add the color medium before the cooking process. To produce bright, vivid colored play dough, add the color medium during the kneading process. Liquid food coloring, frosting paste or powdered tempera paint work well in this basic recipe.

oh fun!

2008-09-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

must MAKE THIS SKIRT!

I am talking about the first skirt in this pic

I am going to use this fabric-

should be fun

going to use this idea I have made a dress for Gwyn using this idea before and it turned out like a circle skirt and was very cute.
I am then going to make a dress like this one-

(my niece by the way isn't she cute?)
for either my shop or Gwyn

OMG guys i cant beleive what they said about me!!!

2008-08-25T23:05:00.000-07:00

http://mixedspecies.blogspot.com/2008/08/levityinbrevity.html

lol mixedspecies did my reveiw and I have to say there is a very big lack of mention of my rack.

its a nice rack too.

Check out my etsy:

www.levityinbrevity.etsy.com

Utah Etsy

2008-08-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

I would now like to talk to you about my street team Utah etsy. we are a group of people living in and from Utah, This is was you call a local street team. We work together to promote each other and get the word out about Etsy Don't know what etsy is? well then you have not been reading my blog have you?
from wiki-
Etsy is a website which focuses primarily on providing the general public with a way to buy and sell handmade items. The site follows in the tradition of open craft fairs, giving sellers personal storefronts where they list their goods for a fee.^[1] It has been compared to "a crafty cross between Amazon and eBay"^[2] and "your grandma's basement"^[3].

Utah etsy is a great group
we are planning a few things for the future to hopefuly get us going for Christmas.

I really should..

2008-08-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

Have a contest..
what do you all think would you like to win something from my shop?
let me know what you think.

first time quilter

2008-08-04T16:23:00.000-07:00

I just made my first line of quilting squares.

I wasn't sure what i was going to make with this but I think I might finish it up and make a quilt for church. I am a Unitarian Universalist and rainbows are fairly prominent at my church so I think I will finish this and then give it to the church.

I hope i have enough squares.

and here is all I got done today-

One of my best

2008-08-03T10:02:00.001-07:00

I have been working on this Jumper/dress for days.

Nothing is selling in my shop so I thought I would work on something new something that is different and more "in style" I guess. So I had a look at what is selling in women's clothing got some idea's and drafted my own pattern again, here is what i came up with-

I made the pattern for the tree useing photoshop if anyone wants it I can send you a copy.

What do you think I haven't added it to my shop yet I am going to try and get my daughter to model it she has not been wanting to model for me at all lately
she let me do it after I offered candy-

dinner

2008-06-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

Clock wise
Red rice (just white rice in ricer cooker with Goya cilantro and anatto packet)
black beans (canned black beans with a Goya ham flavored packet and a few other spices)
turkey loin (tequila lime flavor /store bought)
Soon I will post my Pollo con orzo pictures (last nights dinner)

2008-06-02T15:31:00.000-07:00

A new shirt I made for my self. I think this is the first shirt I have ever made my self. Now I need to go get more of this knit fabric to make more for my self.
lol. What do you think?

Had a great VACA

2008-06-02T12:18:00.001-07:00

just got back we cleaned the hosue and now I am cleaning out my sewing room!
De-stashing my stuff. Here are just a few scrap peices fo fabric I have for sale right now. just $1.50 each with 50cent shipping

OH- SHINY!

2008-05-22T21:17:00.000-07:00

My freind Sara Just open her shop on etsy. She just sent me one of these GREAT bath Bombs for mothers day (what a sweet hart!)
LOVED IT!
first time useing one and I have to say in my huge tub it was great her bath bombs are HUGE.
Then I found out.. Her Boyfreind proposed the other day!
so check out Sara's shop.
treat your self.

Magnifique

Same shirt differnt kid

2008-05-19T18:16:00.000-07:00

This is my other neightbor she is a cutie.
This shirt will fit up to a 8 the color looks good on just about everyone!
Your daughter would look great in it!

a new shirt

2008-05-19T17:09:00.000-07:00

This is Hali modeling a new shirred shirt I made.
I love this fabric

2008-05-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

My new summer dress

2008-05-13T17:26:00.000-07:00

yep I made this
I drafted the pattern I sewed it

Can you tell I am proud of my self?
lol

This cute fabric has a great beach border and a cute blue fabric the blue fabric has a cornucopia of sells and star fish on it.
My daughter picked this fabulous fabric out. I came up with the design and sewed it.
this dress is a size 7-9 girls dress it hits a little below the knee on most girls.
26+ inch top (elastic in the top)
27 inch long from top to bottom.
the skirt is full and playful.

That is my very nice neighbor Andrea's daughter she was a very willing model. She looked so cute!
What do you think?

his was a fairly easy thing to draft too
I used the arm wholes from another pattern and I just used 2 yards of fabric for the very very full skirt. I used my ruffler foot to gather the 2 yards of fabric.
I did a little gather in the middle of the front fabric. I used a gather stitch for this not my ruffler foot.
Made a stay of about the size I wanted the final to be and sewed it to the front turned right side out and there ya go the front is done.
the back I just used a but of elastic.

(I only bought 2 yards I have to go but more now to make one of these for my daughter.)

Cute things on etsy!

2008-04-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

2008-04-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

I have been sewing ll week NOTHING has turned out right.
Not happy
its been a bad week.
More later.

What to advertise with me?

2008-04-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

Just 2.50 to be in my TopSpot over there.
thats right be at the TOP of my blog ad's be seen by thousands (thats right i have had over 1500 views in the last few weeks alone!)
My ad;s are clicked on a average of 3 times a day and those are just google ad's YOUR AD WILL BRIGHT AS DAY AND SEEN!
thats 2.50 for a month!
a whole month.
(this is a introductory price. goes to $5 for a month in just one month)

has it been a while?

2008-04-16T11:26:00.002-07:00

Again?
lol.
sorry guys but I am a busy busy girl.

boy this was a lot of work I had to draft the pattern. I have been wanting to make one of these Mod shirts for soooo long but I just couldn't find a pattern so I sat down one day took my sweetish tracing paper and just did it made a pattern.
it took much longer to get it right, I must have worked on this shirt for on.. 2 days.

Great Stuff on etsy

2008-04-16T11:26:00.001-07:00


Girly Goth (medium)
TheEliMonster	$19.50


Punk Rock AIO cloth...
TheEliMonster	$19.50

Why buy handmade?

2008-03-31T00:20:00.000-07:00

Reasons to buy handmade

From EtsyWiki

You are purchasing higher quality products, made with love and care by the artisan.

You are purchasing unique items that are not mass-produced. Even if the same product may be made a thousand times each will be unique in some tiny way.

Buying handmade supports artists, crafters, designers and small business owners instead of large corporations - if you buy handmade you help someone live their dream.

When you buy handmade art objects you are also getting a piece of the artist’s soul. Those who value handmade are usually eager to know about the artist that made their piece and they value the skill and passion that went into its creation. Handmade pieces have life, unlike items that are mass-produced by machines and basically untouched by human hands during the creation process.

You are helping to promote local economies and fair trade. Investment in the creative sector brings a huge boost to the economic, cultural and social vitality of communities.

Handmade products are increasingly being made with recycled materials. This is excellent for the environment.

You as the buyer vote with your purchase. This offers immediate feedback to the artisan and allows them to gauge which items to further develop. This feedback loop is vital to the handmade indiepreneur.

Handmade items appeal to trend setters, not trend followers.

Handmade items can push boundaries - they aren't in thrall to the dictates of the mass market.

Handmade items can often be custom-made, fit, and colored, to the buyer's specifics or wishes making it even more unique and, often, practical.

I know its been a while.

2008-03-24T11:42:00.001-07:00

Yes yes yes I know its been a really long time.. I have been slacking in my blogging dutys.

What can I say I got a job I am working out when ever i am not working. I sew when I can.

here are some tutorials to make it up to you.

Basic Purse Tutorial

this is the tutorial I used to make my new spring purse listed on my etsy.

Free bib pattern!
also the pattern I used for my etsy

thats it for now more later

2008-03-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

ok here is the new bag.
it took a while for me to finish it. I hurt my back at work yesterday so I coudlnt sew long.
This one has NONE of the other bags issues I used almost all the same stuff as the other bag only I ran out of d rings so I didnt do that I also didnt have any more of those magnetic snaps so I used a regular snap.
(better for your cell phone anyway)

other side

what do you think of this one?

Description This bag is made with a great stretch black and white tropical printed fabric.
The black on the bottom is a pocket.
2 pockets on the inside one for your pens, and one for anything else.
this wonderful bag also fetures a reinforced handle made with the purse fabric and a heavy weight nylon purse strap used for luggage. it has a snap closer.
it is lined with a black and white polka dot polyester fabric.

new item for my shops... soon I hope

2008-03-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

I just made this purse this first one is for me but I am thinking of adding this design to my etsy.. (this one is not perfect but what do you think?)
its lop-sided-

the closeur things are not put in all that great-

the run down

2008-03-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

Things I have worked on in the last few months/ weeks/ days

mom's here no sewing

2008-02-18T11:43:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys not really working on any thing and I dont have time to make up a link post (they do take time ya know) but oneis coming soon.

My slaking has been for good reason.
I got a job.
so ya know.
anyway more tomorrow or later tonight... i hope.

2008-02-11T07:09:00.001-08:00

This dress would go so well with...-
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9123370
and-

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8886799
Shoes!-
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9206068

new dress

2008-02-08T14:58:00.000-08:00

went ahead and listed that dress for cost.
Check out my etsy for more info!

I am loveing the fabric I have found

2008-02-07T22:43:00.000-08:00

Finished
click for larger

click

I added some of that stiff stuff that you use on a tutu... dont know what its called. and a Organza underskirt so the stiff stuff wasn't itchy then hemmed it and added the other sleeve.
I wont be selling it it has FAR to many problems. I may give it to my niece or find someone willing to pay cost... I dont know.. its cute.
but its done.

new dress.

2008-02-01T21:02:00.001-08:00

I altered a basic pattern and used a great fabric I just picked up.. I think I need to change it up a little before making any to list.. maybe do the top on black or the top in this fabric and the bottom in black?
what do you all think?

Pettiecoat

2008-01-28T12:32:00.000-08:00

How to make a petticoat
http://home.scarlet.be/fenicia/tutoral/petticoat/petticoate.htm
I have found myself in the past wanting a fuller skirt..
this is how to get it.

Red Carpet rundown

2008-01-28T08:37:00.000-08:00

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

check out my new patterns

2008-01-23T22:47:00.000-08:00

Save the environment! make your bags

2008-01-21T11:25:00.001-08:00

Make a difference make your own shopping bags.
How to make a canvas bag.
how to sew your own canvas shopping bag
Reusable shopping bags
Bring your own shopping bags.
Tutorial on How to make your own shopping bags.

LINKS LINKS LINKS~!

http://www.pieandcoffee.org/2005/11/12/canvas-bag/

Or just buy them
-use the search right over on the side bar to find canvas bags for sale.

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=177482.0

Enjoy! these wernt easy to find... lol.

2008-01-18T17:41:00.001-08:00

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

But mommy!

2008-01-18T09:12:00.000-08:00

Gwyn didnt like her new dress.
She wanted another jumper.
Brat

© Me Andrea Shearer
Attribution-ShareAlike Creative Commons

Loads of patterns for sewing on sale at my etsy!

2008-01-16T11:14:00.000-08:00

Ok here are just a few of what i have on sale right now at my etsy.

SOOO MANY PATTERNS TO LIST

2008-01-15T22:37:00.000-08:00

I cant wait until I can teach my kids to sew!

I bet A.J will Like it more then his sister.
lol Jason will love that but a guy taht can so will so get way more girls.

new jumper for Gwyn

2008-01-15T15:01:00.001-08:00

made Gwyn a Jumper yesterday.
it is green and brown right.. Whne i ironed the fabric it smelled like mint.. lol it looks like mint and smells like it.
hahah
anyway here is the jumper/dress.
I was made with a nice thick suiting fabric.. looks much cuter as a fabric then it does as a jumper.. now I dont think I will be using it to make my self a baby doll jumper its ok I havnt made my self anything since I first started sewing anyway.. lol. always mess up adult clothing really bad I will stick to children's clothing.

Project Runway!

2008-01-15T13:54:00.000-08:00

Oh my oh my am I excited about Project runway?

Sort of...

what? this season isnt that good. The designers just dont seem to NEED it. They have no personality's they all kind of are Blah.. the only person I know shouldn't be there is Ricky.
oh shoot I made him cry

Sweet pea is the only person on the show I LIKE and I know she wont make it.
ah well.

If you dont already so check out
http://projectrungay.blogspot.com/
Project Rungay. Best blog about a reality show ever!

2008-01-11T18:23:00.001-08:00

Some easy Warm ones for you.

2008-01-08T12:29:00.000-08:00

Warm easy and always cute on those little feet
Cloth Baby Shoes
Joanna’s Cloth Shoe Tutorial
You all know i love recycled fabric idea's so I give you-
Recycled Slippers
Nichola shows how to repurpose woolen fabric in her Recycled Slipper Tutorial.

Cozy Towel Slippers
Cat runs the Cut Out + Keep site and created this Cozy Towel Slipper Tutorial to help you make some soft (and soon to be well-loved) slippers for your very own.

2008-01-05T23:06:00.001-08:00

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

My own Tutorial - XXL Mens Shirt into a dress

2008-01-05T10:49:00.000-08:00

20% off pet costumes with code PETCOSTUMES

Now I couldnt not have done this dress with a smaller shirt. (if you havnt seen it yet I got this Idea from this Tutorial)
Useing this shirt I was able to gather a skirt and make it nice and flowy.
We start like the old tutorial. BUt I just cut the top bit off. I didnt do it all in one piece like the other tutorial did so that i could gather the skirt. I also cut it to size after cutting this top part. so I was sure I had enough fabric.
this is the skirt. If you know how to sew you should know how to do a basting stitch. then just gather the faric to the same size as the top.... (what ever size your top is I use one of my daughters other dresses to size it.) I dont really have sizes for you but I would say the skirt before gathering is about double the size of the top

I then put the top right side to right side with the gathered skirt and sewed together I used my serger so it was strong. I then turned it right side out and pressed it > that is what it looks like after a pressing.

I then folded it in half and put it over the button part to make sure I had 2 sides about the same size I made the skirt part on my back a bit bigger so it would still be flowy.I added a 1/4th inch elastic to the back ( in two pieces) for a gathering effect and a better fit

Here I sewed it together and found it seemed a tad low cut for a 2 year old. so I took the collar I had cut off in the begining and gather stitched it
then right side to right side to right side again I sewed it on. Pressed it out.

Now this part I didn't get any pictures but I just took one of the shirt cuffs and cut in in half then hemmed it added some 1/4th inch elastic and made it gather a little I also had to add two buttons one to the top and one to where I put the elastic.
Here is what the back looks like.

20% off pet costumes with code PETCOSTUMES

New shirt dress

2008-01-03T15:08:00.000-08:00

I again started with a mens shirt but this time I didn't really use the tutorial.
Little girls dresses are the easiest things on the face of the planet to make.
For this one I did a LOT of de-constructing of the shirt. I really should do a tutorial on how to do it. Maybe I will if enough people ask for it.

I did the top part like the old tutorial said to do it. but then I (because i had a mens xxl) took a HUGE bit of the shirt and did the gathering. to make the back I did it like this Tutorial says to do but I added a elastic to the part where the top meets the bottom so the back gathered a little like the front does and for a better fit. I used my serger to do the hem and I again used the cuffs for the straps but I lost one of the cuffs so I had to cut one cuff in half. I then sewed some 1/4 inch elastic into the strap so it had some stretch and gather.

There it is with the shirt I bought to go with it.
She was so excited while i was making it she called it her princess dress.

2008-01-02T21:54:00.000-08:00

I have been working on some cute stuff.
will post pictures of the finished project after I finish it. Its been taking me a while but its worth the time.
some of my best work.

Sugar cookies I made

2007-12-30T11:49:00.000-08:00

Serves/Makes: 66

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter -- softened
3 ounces cream cheese -- softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Directions:

In a large bowl combine the sugar, butter or margarine, cream cheese, salt, almond extract, vanilla and egg yolk. Blend well. Stir in the flour and mix until well blended. Chill the dough overnight. This is very important the dough is too sticky to roll out unless well chilled. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough 1/3 at a time to 1/8 inch thickness, refrigerating remaining dough until ready for it. Cut into desired shapes with lightly floured cookie cutters. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Leave cookies plain for frosting or brush with slightly beaten egg white and sprinkle with candy sprinkles or colored sugar. Bake at 375 degrees F for 7 to 10 minutes or until light and golden brown. Cool cookies completely before frosting.

met some interesting people

2007-12-29T22:13:00.000-08:00

2007-12-22T22:13:00.000-08:00

I will be away for a few days.
Vegas baby!

2007-12-18T16:07:00.000-08:00

ok I started out with this shirt. Its a Western style Wranglers Boys shirt size XL. that is boys XL a mans I would guess small.
(tomorrow I am making a dress out of a mens xxl this one should have a very very flowy skirt)
I ended up with this after useing this Tutorial.
I linked to it yesterday but it really was as easy as the person made it out to be. I had a long sleeve shirt though so I used the cuffs (cause it had those cute buttons on it) as the straps. I think I will be doing a few more the the tutorials I have posted here and showing the out comes and letting you all know how easy or hard they are and showing how they turn out.

check this out!

2007-12-17T21:22:00.001-08:00

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

Sunny Day Dress and Top Tutorial

Man is this a cute one.. and its recycling fabric. Who doesn't love to do that? (well I hate to throw anything out.. I freecycle my sewing scraps to quilters)

button shirt to toddler dress recon

Man these are cute.. I wish wish wish I had the money to buy fabric this cute.
My daughter would be the cutest little girl on the block

Ruffled Skirts Tutorial

Thats if for the day I have many many more and even maybe a tutorial from ME
LOL.

Zip pouch

2007-12-17T14:05:00.000-08:00

I just used this tutorial to make this pouch.
I took the basic idea and the rules from that bag really making my own its not the same size style or anything but I got the idea from that tut.

It has a great Pink fabric on the inside its the same fabric I used on my pink and brown pleated purse. The blue is the same as I use on my robins egg and brown purse.. I have sold all of those though.
Get it now while I still have it these sell fast.

Your author

2007-12-15T14:23:00.001-08:00

2007-12-15T10:56:00.001-08:00

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

what a day

2007-12-15T10:35:00.000-08:00

I am selling my car today.
I am very busy I have to get the house clean and do a few loads of laundry I was planing to make a few things today and post them here just do a real Tut but I cant seem to find the time.
maybe later for now. I give you LINKS!!!
yes boys and girls (that I only imagine writing to because no one reads this blog)
Links to tuts from other bloggers and from loads of sites.
This little nummber can be found here-
Silk Pleated & Darted Purse of Prettiness Tutorial http://u-handbag.typepad.com/uhandblog/2007/03/silk_pleated_da.html

And the tut for these can be found at-
Easy kids pants http://www.rookiemoms.com/make-some-easy-kids-pants

this cute things tut can be found at.
http://missgioia.com/2007/03/patchwork-cube-tutorial.html

I have more but that is all I have time for right now.

2007-12-13T08:51:00.001-08:00

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

my poor dog

2007-12-12T10:59:00.001-08:00

yeah Toby is gone.

A purse for me

2007-12-11T19:20:00.000-08:00

I wanted something flashy to get people to notice my purse to ask me about it find out where i got it so I could say "Oh I made this would you like a card?"
so I took my sequined Corduroy fabric and some bright ribbon.

We start with this the fabric. I like the colors mix's in it and I wear alot of brown.

Then I draw the design a pattern for me to cut. I never work with a pre-made pattern I let the fabric decide how it will look then I draw it right on the fabric and cut it.

I end up with this my basic design

I then serge it.

Then I make the pleats.

sew the pleats in

I then got to busy to take photos.
but here is what it ended up looking like.
and the new bag I just made

this one if for sale on my etsy.

2007-12-11T11:24:00.000-08:00

Check out our advertisers please!

2007-12-06T13:53:00.001-08:00

I hope you all didnt miss me.
You know all my readers out there. Did you miss me? What I have no readers you say. well then never mind.

I need to go sew.
I will do that now.
maybe some pictures?
do you want pictures of me sewing?
ok.

wow shocker

2007-12-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

Sewing a hat

2007-12-04T12:10:00.000-08:00

So it took me 2 days but I am finished making the hat.
next tiem I make them it wont take as long.
its the pattern cutting that takes so long.
but this hat was very easy to make and it looks super cute on so lets see how we got here

This is what we are starting with the pattern.

a little music to set the mood.

We take the pattern and cut it.

we end up with some cut fabric. I am useing a high quality fleese fabric for these hats its warm and it sews well.

A little music to set the mood for sewing

I then take the hat peices and serge the parts that need to be serged.

then I sew the lineing to the outside.

then I make it look nice. lol.

And we end up with this.

there ya go
I didnt do a great job. but I did it.
lol.

2007-12-03T11:09:00.001-08:00

The day

2007-12-03T09:24:00.000-08:00

Today I will be working on Christmas gifts.
you see I took the buy hand made chalenge but cant aford to buy anything this year so everyone is getting hand made gifts this year.
that means aprons for the women
and hats and gloves for the little ones.
its a good thing my family likes it when I make them stuff. the kids love it. and who doesn't love a apron?
everyone does.

I will be making a few of those as well for my nieces. I have a pattern for boys ones as well and I will be making a boys one for my nephew.
Today though you will fallow the making of a hat.
from cutting the pattern to sewing the fabric.
that post coming up.

(man I am talking to my self no one reads my blog yet.
how do I get people to look at my blog?)

2007-12-02T22:18:00.000-08:00

So I have this room all clean again.
tomorrow i will be making some pants and taking pictures as I go to post a tut on here.
its really very simple and easy. maybe i will work on my Christmas gifts and post pictures and a nice long blog entry about that.
That is what I really need to do I have so many things to make for gifts I have to finish my mother in laws gift then cut and sew a bunch of fleece hats.
I still have to make a few more shirts too.

so much work so little time.

Braaaaaaaaaaaaaaains

2007-12-02T18:03:00.000-08:00

moose albumen
lol.
What I want to be on the top of Google.

check out my etsy!!!

sorry people been supper busy
cleaned like a bitch today and I am sick so that is fun
but my guest room is clean and so is my basement. even the floor in there is fairly clean

I should not watch Zombie movies.

I have said it 100000000 times don't let me watch zombie movies
I love them but HATE them too.
ah
why do I feel I have to see every zombie movie that comes out.

I made a few pairs of pants too. I made a pair for my daughter this evening she looks cute. I made a pair for my son A on Friday.

them enjoying their new pants and their ice cream

check out my flickr for more photos and info

dont forget to check out my etsy as well I have custom children's pants for sale... So your kids can be as cool as mine.

I am Sew Lazy

So you want to make your own christmas cards?

My trip

Road Trippin'

re doing my daughters room I need Idea's

been a busy bee.

New layouts

Inspiration

What do you do with a cute puppy?

Artist of Etsy Exposed

What do you do when no one will model for you?

I was on the News KSL

New dress,

Buy handmade

Homemade for the Holidays

SALE sale sale

Livejournal is down

Make your own banner

Sharitaki Ramen/ spicy miso flavor

links are fun

Its like I am talking to my self here people

chairs

Shepperds Pie

make your own stickers

homemade Play-doh

oh fun!

OMG guys i cant beleive what they said about me!!!

Utah Etsy

I really should..

first time quilter

One of my best

dinner

Had a great VACA

OH- SHINY!

Magnifique

Same shirt differnt kid

a new shirt

My new summer dress

Cute things on etsy!

What to advertise with me?

has it been a while?

Great Stuff on etsy

Why buy handmade?

Reasons to buy handmade

From EtsyWiki

I know its been a while.

Basic Purse Tutorial

new item for my shops... soon I hope

the run down

mom's here no sewing

new dress

I am loveing the fabric I have found

new dress.

Pettiecoat

Red Carpet rundown

check out my new patterns

Save the environment! make your bags

But mommy!

Loads of patterns for sewing on sale at my etsy!

new jumper for Gwyn

Project Runway!

More links to Tutorials.

barrettes

covers for your Barretts very cute. and cheap to make.

Some easy Warm ones for you.

My own Tutorial - XXL Mens Shirt into a dress

New shirt dress

more links!

Sugar cookies I made

met some interesting people

check this out!

More linky links

Sunny Day Dress and Top Tutorial

Ruffled Skirts Tutorial

Zip pouch

Your author

what a day

my poor dog

A purse for me

wow shocker