love and repurpose.

On one of my thrifting trips I happened to spot a lovely quilt. It wasnt the cleanest of stores, and sure the quilt was dirty, had some candy stains on it (even a candy too I recall, yuck!), some dog hair, and it was pretty ratty looking. But all I saw were the colored bits of fabric, and the stitching. I tentatively touched a clean spot when I found one, and it was soft.

I think I paid a dollar for it.

I washed it up, and have been using it since. I love it. I've had it on my daughter's bed, I've had it on my couch, and happily wrapped around myself.

Funny thing is, my mother *hates* it. Thinks I should toss it since it is so ratty looking.

Well I've had it folded up and put away for the last few months, until today when I saw someone else's AWESOME post about something similar, and it inspired me. I hauled out this quilt, and one of the body pillows we've had in storage, (Why does stuff that's been stored always smell? Gag).

I sewed up the quilt to be one big pillow case, perfect for my daughter's twin bed. I still love it, and I hope she does too. You too, mom.)

Pretty.

Just do it.

Blog because you love it. Not because you want this many followers or this kind of reputation.

This is what I hear, and it totally helps to hear this on a constant basis. I too find myself getting anxiety over silly things like "my blog isnt as cool at that one!" and such. Just blog. Just do it.

So I will. Try to anyways.

This past weekend Mark and I scooted away to Victoria. Its nice to just get away from Courtenay, away from the house and the daily life. I got to do a bit of shopping and hang out with my dad. We had an awesome dinner and visit with an awesome couple we know. We had to make a stop in Nanaimo because Sophie was getting pretty upset in her seat, and we made plans to meet up with another couple of friends, and good times were had by all.

My Harry Potter obsession is rearing its head these days, and in the past couple of weeks I've made Sophie the Harry Potter costume for Halloween she's asked me for. The works. I'm even going as a Gryffindor student. I also made a Deathly Hallows necklace, wanted poster, mauraders map, and spell book. My stop in at Chapters yesterday had me leaving with the Harry Potter Poster Book.

Yay!

I feel a need...

to CREATE! The last couple of days have had my hands twitching, my brain in overload, and some serious stalking of Pinterest's craft pins. I've been on an awesome roll with making things that are fun and even sometimes useful. The only thing I've noticed is that I can usually get a project done in less than a day, and a great example would be yesterday, where I finished THREE projects. I don't usually need or want multiples of each item, and I can't always rely on Sophie to play with the things I make for her. At least she humors me with a "Oh mom, thanks so much! This is great!".... before she puts it down and plays with something else.

Octopus based on a free pattern found online.

So today I'm wishing that I had a fan/client/buyer base that would be interested in buying my stuff. It would put my growing skills to good use, give me great practice, money to buy more materials, and all that jazz. I once tried to do a craft market when I had an 'in' with the people in charge. I think I was set up for a couple of hours, but I also had my small daughter to take care of and my hubs wasn't into helping me out that day. I got really discouraged and angry, and never bothered again. I once set up a Facebook group, got a bunch of likes from friends, but never sold anything. I once had a little stand in a shop with some crochet earrings, but the only 2 sets that sold were to the ladies who worked there.

Harry Potter inspired magic wants via Pinterest.

Not that I wish to be a huge internet renowned success or anything, but, something would be nice. I like making things for people, and I like it when they or their kids like the product too. Once in a blue moon I'll get a commission for something, and its usually some of my best work. Even all of that, is a hard thing to even think of when I don't know many people on a good friendly basis in the first place, online or in life. Cant count on family either, we are unfortunately too few, and out of touch.

Crochet princess crown, free pattern here.

So here's to hoping and trying not to give up. Maybe I'll make that Facebook page again, start blogging again, nag at people to buy things, and glue a big happy smile on my face so they'll go for it. Maybe try to pimp my goods somewhere, maybe even start an Etsy shop! But, as with most things, I dont know how long this crafty spell will last, how long I'll want to bother with any of this for, how much more work I'll need to bother with if I'm selling anything online (shipping, packaging, etc).

Recycled wool slippers, no pattern, suede bottoms, hand cut and sewn.

All the pictures posted here, are the projects I started and finished in a two day span. Peace out. <3

on potty training

I LOVE how quickly Sophie has taken to using the potty. Sure, a number of accidents here and there but she's getting better, and I am so proud of her. Already noticeable is the lack of diaper reek in the bathroom, and a smaller garbage load for the week. Her latest pack of boy short style panties are SO. CUTE.
We're still using pullups at night time obviously. Also having another potty trained kiddo around the house every day is a huge help, as they tend to make bathroom trips together. Good thing I had two potties already. Outings are getting better as well, as Sophie tells me when she feels the need to go, whether she does anything or not. Sometimes I think she's playing games with me.
I have the book "How to potty train in one day!" and I think I only ever got a few pages in. Sophie finally clued in to it all around her 3rd birthday. For a while I was rewarding her with M&M's, and I've slowly been moving away from that.
Mark mentioned he hopes to have them using the toilet in a week, and just keep a little stool in there for them, and get the potties out of the house. (He has a habit of stubbing is toes on the mini land mind of potties, cleaning caddy, and stool that I leave in the bathroom. HAH!) Baby steps I think. Baby steps. Also? THANK GOD that I still have the diaper sprayer attached to the toilet. YouknowwhatImean?
So what am I not digging? Or rather, what is totally grossing Mark out? (HAHA!) It is the "Come and see!" side of it. No one wants to see it kiddo. Not even Grandma. Thanks.

In LaLa Land

I'll admit it, I'm pretty much in sweet sweet love with the Lalaloopsy dolls. Our little collection consists of 3 big dolls, a little, the mouse plush, and a dozen or so mini's that live in a Fisher Price doll house. I've also picked up outfits, the new movie, and a cute little drawing book. I'm pondering how much Sophie actually likes them (not as much as I, me thinks!) and if I want to buy more or not. It's silly, I know. I'm 30 and still collecting cute dolls. Sue me?

Ahh, but here she and they are, watching the ceiling clouds in her bedroom. Love.

I hate the tiny bits of extra stuff that come with the mini's, as my OCD kicks in when something goes missing, and it drives me bonkers. The mini furniture packs are fun though. I've got my eye on the camping mini. HAH.
Sophie's been great with all of them, not much lost or broken, even though she's just turned three, and has had all these dolls for a while now.

I love the different colors and patterns, the stories behind each doll. In my internet searches I know there are plenty more accessories and junk to go with everything, so god help my wallet. Guess I'll ask the boss first, yeah?

Goodness!

Where have I been? Being my homely little house wife self, that's what! As it so happens, I have nothing of importance to note. Holidays happened, good times were had, hobbies continued, people were seen.

All is well with the world.

This one keeps me on my toes.

This is my new favorite hat, from a free pattern that I found online. I've tried it a few slightly different ways, seeing what works, and what doesnt. I've also tried a big slouchy, that I'm not sure how I feel about yet. I've been crocheting more these days, trying my hand at different hats and styles. Keeping house and raising the kidlet keep my days content. And I so love the people I've been hanging out with. They save me from the insanity that lurks in the dusty corners of my quiet house.
I've taken up pot smoking.
I've taken up fun.
Trying to start some new habits, but old ways are much easier. I've lost the attention span to sit down and read a book, or perhaps I just havent picked up the right one yet. Either way, I miss reading.

Birthdays are looming in the near future, and I have no idea what to do. SIGH. Here, read this.

i thrifted...

again! oh, how i love a nice successful thrift!

another beautiful blanket with nice pops of color! i think i'll keep this one on my computer chair, since i'm right beside the patio door to the deck. BR!
these wonderfully broken in vans that FIT! a couple cuties for myself sophie, and some bigger clothes for her as well.

yay!