It's Here! It's Here!

My brand new sewing machine is here! And it is beautiful! I am currently reading the owners manual of my Brother xl-3750, desperately trying to figure out how everything works. (I knew there were a lot of options, but there is a lot for me to learn!) Tonight I am going to try "sewing" my notebook paper and hopefully tomorrow I will actually thread the machine. lol

I bought three yards of sage green cotton to start with, along with a few fabric scraps that I found in the bargain bin at Joann Fabrics. I will use it to test out the machine and see if I can get the tension right. After that, I bought a shopping bag pattern to try. I am crossing my fingers to see that it works!

I also bought a pair of Fiskars sewing scissors with the spring-handle, a leather thimble, some pins, a pin cushion, and some white thread. I still need a rotary matt and cutter, and I still really want a chenille cutter.

My baby girl, Kaelyn, and I got to browse Joann Fabric for an hour or so on Sunday. I saw sooo many different fabrics that I wanted to buy, and I know exactly what I want to make from all of them. I am trying to remind myself to be patient, however, because I am still new at this and I don't have room to store random bolts of cloth. But next week I have two coupons for 50% off a cut of any fabric, along with a 40% off coupon for any one item, sooo.... I will be back in their store soon! My first big project will be a blanket for baby girl, and then one for our toddler, so I know exactly what I need. I think.

I really want to try making a quilt, but I am not sure how to get started. I might try taking a class at one of the local fabric stores, but it makes me nervous! I feel too unprepared to hang out with the quilting crowd, even though most people in the craft world are insanely friendly and helpful. Another option is one of those quilting kits. I love that it is all laid out for you- you don't have to cut the squares or figure out the batting or anything- but I hate the fabrics that they come in!

I am also starting to knit a new hat for Kaelyn. She loved this soft purple yarn at the fabric store, and the color looks amazing with her skin. I have never knitted an infant hat, so it will be a bit of an adventure. Wish me luck!

Onward and Upward!

Thanks to my marvelous tax return (yes!), I just ordered my first sewing machine! It is a Brother XL-3750 and it is beautiful! Even though I wanted to order it from one of the local fabric stores (you should always support local vs. huge chains), none of them carried it and I ended up having to order it from Amazon. But at least it was on super sale! It will arrive on Wednesday, and I cannot wait!

I am thinking about taking a sewing class at Joann Fabrics in the upcoming weeks as well. The Sewing 101 class is generally $35, but tomorrow is one of their super sale days, so it will be half off. I need to check and see what supplies I will need for the class.

And then I get to sew notebook paper! I know, weird huh? But the ladies I know who sew told me to practice sewing straight lines by using blank notebook paper, without thread. Once I have that down, they recommend taking coloring book pages and trying to sew along the lines.

I think my first project will be a blanket for my toddler, Nathan. Something very simply and not too complicated; and probably VeggieTales related. :) In my hunt for sewing machines and fabric, I discovered some VeggieTales fabric and Jackman Fabrics. It was pretty cute, and Nathan seemed to adore it. Once I buy it I will post a pic.

I also want to make a bedding set for Kaelyn, make a chenille blanket, do some quilting, and try to make some clothes.

So I still need: good Scissors, a pincushin, fabric, a cutting matt, a rotary cutter.... plus fabric and thread for my projects! Wish me luck!

(On my get healthier goal: I have exercised 3 of the last 5 days, and managed to loose 3lbs!)

Hello World!

Welcome to my new blog! I am making some new, huge changes in my life and I started this blog to help me record this journey.

I want to start by laying out my goals for the next six months to see how I progress.

1) I want to explore new areas of photography that I previously overlooked; starting with photographing children and babies. Now, I still want to photograph weddings, portraits, and products, but it is time to really start challenging my skills! (If you are into photography, Laura Winslow Photography is hosting a huge giveaway on her blog. Check it out! http://tinyurl.com/6zhkdge)

2) I want to learn how to sew. I am tired of not knowing the basic skills on how to make clothes, bedding, etc when it is something I should know how to do. I am tired of being limited by what I can find in a store!

3)I am going to get into shape! Two pregnancies (one of which was almost entirely on bedrest) have done a number on my abs. This summer I am determined to take my children to the beach and be proud in my bathing suit! I WILL exercise, I WILL get muscle definition, and I WILL be healthy!

4)I am going to eat healthy! I am going to severely limit the amount of processed foods in our home, I am going to buy mainly organic produce, and I (and my husband, of course) will make most of our meals from scratch.

5) I will do an amazing job in school this semester.

Finally: I will have a Nike mentality: Just Do It!