Weekend Stitchin' [ Weekend Projects #1 ]

With summer just around the corner and school finishing up this coming week, I decided it's time to get going on planning some activities for the girls and I.  Of course those plans include lots of beach time. ~YAY!~  But other than that it's about time my eldest daughter, who turned 8 two weeks ago, gets sewin'.

Luckily my Mother-In-Law and I think alike, being Sewing Geeks and all (this is what my husband calls us... a name we embrace *wink*), she picked up this adorable little starter machine for Trista's birthday, complete with all the necessities to get stitchin'!

Trista's first project is going to be these little dresses using Simplicity pattern 2228.

The plan is to sit this weekend and go over using her machine with some of my scrap fabric, of which I have lots and lots of!  Then, I'll help her read the pattern, cut the fabric and stitch, stitch, stitch!  I mostly want to just guide her so that she learns by doing... we are both very excited about this project!!

Isn't this machine A.dor.able?!

Some pretty ribbon to embellish the dresses.

Grandma even included thread. *wink*

Tutti-fruitti fabric from Joann's (This one has pirates, way cute!)

Some pretty pink tutti-fruitti.

There is even enough fabric for Trista to make some dresses for little sister (Natalie is 2-and-a-half).  Trista is pretty excited about this, too!

This should be a fun weekend for us as I pass my love of sewing on to my daughter, who I'm sure will be a Sewing Geek, like her Grandma and I, in no time!!

I enjoy projects that take time, but more than that I enjoy the gratification of something that can be done quickly in a short amount of time... like in a weekend! Do you plan for projects that can be done in a weekend, (they can be anything... sewing, baking, knitting/crochet, DIY around the house)?  Leave a comment to tell me what your fav. Weekend Projects are!

I'll come back on Monday with photos and the scoop on how we made out with our Weekend Stitchin' !  If all goes well, and I'm confident it will, I'll have to plan some more Weekend Stitchin' Projects to share so that we can all have some easy, fun, quick, projects to boost our creativity through the summer months!

Have a wonderful weekend!

XxOo~ Melissa

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It's Fabulous Fabric Friday! ~Yay!~

Keeping true to my commitment, another first for this week is Fabulous Fabric Friday. ~Yay!~  I'm a self proclaimed fabric addict, so what better way to end the week than with browsing around and drooling over fabulous fabric finds?!

Each Friday I'll post about fabric I have used, would like to use or just plain ol' love for the sheer feeling of joy I get from seeing it being used in other folks' projects... because let's face it, my 'to-make' list is way long and in the meantime I can fill the need with pictures of what others have made and call it inspiration!

This week for Fab. Fab. Friday I'm going to chat about designer Amy Butler's newest line, Soul Blossoms.  Amy's fabrics are always fresh, fun and of excellent quality.  I have used her quilting cottons as well as her cotton sateen home decorator weight fabrics... and am completely in love with them all!

The 'Passion' colorway absolutely makes me think of  summertime, with the use of bright colors like coral and orange, with splashes of aqua and lime.

Source: amybutlerdesign.com via Melissa on Pinterest

I picked up some Soul Blossom fat quarters at Sewing Expo back in March and can't wait for you to see how I put them to use... you'll have to hold out, though, but I promise it will be So worth it!

  Here is a beautiful quilt I found on Etsy which uses Soul Blossoms...

Source: etsy.com via Melissa on Pinterest

... are you hooked or what?!  Don't you want to wrap up in that quilt on the front porch swing with a good read and a summer breeze!? (With a cold... lemonade?!) *wink*

"Beauty is in the way you live. Enjoy your surroundings. Let them inspire you. Follow your own path, and approach everything you do with love in your heart." ~Amy Butler

I hope you enjoyed this week's Fabulous Fabric Friday as much as I enjoyed writing about it... I wish I could drool over fabric every day... wait, I do... almost. ;-)  Have a wonderful Friday!!


XxOo~ Melissa

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Inspiration Workshop [Week1: Handmade]

  Last weekend I made a Commitment to Blogging and today is the start of something new and fun for SoChick~TheBlog. This is the first installment of Inspiration Workshop, hosted by Gussy Sews.  Every Thursday I'll be sharing something that inspires me based on Gussy's Inspiration Prompt, this week it's Handmade.  (Notice I told you that in the post title? *wink*)

Handmade, by Me

  I decided to use this photo of the first quilt I made, which was for my youngest daughter.  Knowing that this is something she loves inspires and reminds me why I sew and create the things I do.  I love the personal and emotional connection to all things Handmade, whether it's something I've made myself (like this quilt or my bags), something I've bought or have been given... all things Handmade share that connection of being crafted with loving care... can't beat that!
  Friday is a day away... I'll be sharing my love of Fabric with you! (I can't wait!)



XxOo~ Melissa

Committing to Blogging

  I know I've said it before and then I fall off the bandwagon... I am going to blog more... I WILL Blog more!

I always read the blogs of other crafty folks, like myself and I love that I feel like I'm getting to know them.  So, after reading some here recently I thought, "I need to do this, make a plan, and stick to it."


I started searching around for ideas on how to better schedule my blogging time and how to actually have content that you, the reader, wants to see... then it hit me, again,  I love making friends and meeting new people.  I also love to talk about my ideas and what inspires me. (Both creatively and in life in general.) I also love to learn and share my knowledge.  I will tie all of this into SoChick~TheBlog, my own sweet little piece of internet where I can meet, connect and share with all of you!

What better time to get into the swing of things than with the launch of SoChick's Summer '11 collection?!  For starters, I have already signed up for the Inspiration Workshop through Gussy Sews, see the cute little button on the right ... yeah... over there... see it?...  That will kick off June 2nd with weekly Blogging on what inspires me.  Then I will add topics such as The Chick, which is me, Melissa, the woman behind the business; Sewing Tips, self explanatory *wink, wink*; How To's, Fabric Picks, what inspires me and such.  These topics may change as I finalize my Blogging plan.

 *Here's a little taste of inspiration.

I took this photo on our trip to Savannah, GA.

Go ahead and follow SoChick~TheBlog so you don't miss a thing!

I am SO looking forward to this, it's going to be a great venture and sew much fun!

Talk soon~

XxOo~
Melissa

In my garden...

  While my youngest is at preschool for a few hours this morning, I'm free to get a lot of work done... but, I like to be centered, relaxed and ready.  Nothing does this as quickly as a short walk around my little gardens.  Not that they are much to brag about as far as size, the front garden houses some heavenly bamboo, two knock-out roses and a Star Jasmine which is potted along with some dahlia friends. The back yard-garden... almost literally the size of a postage stamp... is currently 'under construction' as I've dug a trench around the whole thing where I plan to put in some more day lilies and border plants.  I love color, and I love anything that lends to the 'Southern Garden' feel... which is why, along with the one I currently have potted, I have added two more Endless Summer Hydrangeas to the yard, as nothing screams Southern Garden (in my opinion) more than Hydrangeas!
  Here are some pictures of  what's blooming now:

My Endless Summer Hydrangea.  In the process of turning it blue again with Acidic Soil, notice that it is more lavender in color now.  When I first bought it, I had planted it in the ground where the soil was too alkaline and it quickly lost its blue and turned pink.

 My Stella D'Oro Daylilies which were divided from my Stepmom's garden in NY

 (before she and my Dad moved down to NC), 

they are doing wonderfully here in NC... my parents and the plants!

Beautiful rays of sunshine :-)

 Ahhh, relaxed; off to cut more fabric... my sewing studio is blooming with color from it all, too!

XxOo,
Me

Happy Monday!

  I hope all of the Mommies, Mommas, and Moms out there had a wonderful Mother's Day!  My sweet soon-to-be-8 year old made the most adorable card for me saying the most wonderful things.  She really made me feel special.  She and her little sister, who is 2 1/2, gave me a singing card to which the little one danced around and sang along to for most of the afternoon.  Such sweet girls I have!  
  My husband and I went to Charlotte, NC this weekend for a concert, which was loads of fun.  When we got back to town yesterday afternoon we cooked out with my Dad and Stepmom... it was a really nice time.  This past weekend made me really appreciate having family so close by, not that I'm just realizing how nice it is, but it just really stands out when we're able to all get together for something as simple as cooking out and just hanging out while the girls run around and have a good time.  I think mostly because it reminds me of growing up and us all being together for special occasions. :-)

Going to be a busy month as I try to get SoChick's summer collection ready... so I'm going to get at it... Have a wonderful week!

Talking about summer fun!

  I love meeting people and chatting about, well, just about anything!  What better to bring out folks to chat with than beautiful spring/summer weather and sunshine?! 
  I took a trip to New Bern Farmer's Market with my eldest daughter yesterday and we met a friend of mine up there.  What. a. great. time!  Of course I love supporting the local, homegrown, homemade, handmade, folks.  They are such a wonderful bunch up there and I adore Historic Downtown New Bern.  After hitting up the Market, picking up some great fresh produce (namely Green Tomatoes, of which I fried last night for dinner... yum!  I may share my recipe... one day) tasting and purchasing some wonderful wine, called Blackbeard's Choice (so fitting for the area, I know), we strolled along Middle Street and into some great shoppes.
  I have walked around downtown at least a dozen or so times, I love it so much.  Yesterday we went into a brand new little shop, Saffron & Spoons, which is a Kitchen Boutique... a.dor.able!  I picked up my first gurgle fish aka Gluggle Jug (I'll add a picture later)... and love it.
  Between our spring break trip to SC and Savannah, GA, which I will post about shortly... with pictures, I have been sew inspired for summer accessories!  While I plan to have a few larger totes for beach fun and farmers market outings, my main focus will be that perfect little summer accessory.  From classy kiss-lock framed clutches to summery fun mini-totes, SoChick's summer line will pair with any summer outfit you care to mix it with. From brunch with the girls or a day of shopping, to an afternoon at your fav beach bar or night out on the town, SoChick will make sure you are accessorized and fabulous.... after all, a handbag (or clutch) does "make the outfit"!
  Here's a taste of what's to come:

FYI, it's been said that these mini-totes will make for perfect Mother-Daughter pairings as well!! *hint-hint*

  So, when will you see all this fun summer goodness, you ask? Starting in June, just in time to grab them up before you head out on your summer travels!

  Have a wonderful week! See you soon!

XXOO~
Me