Exercise and sewing

12/29/08 #25

lat pull down 70x10 x2
seated leg press 108x15 x2
row 50x10 x2
hip adductor 50x10 x2
hip abductor 50x10 x2

I did not do too much. In a little funk, I guess. I want to workout more in 2009.

I also got some more of the quilt for J cut and some more fabric folded. I need to tally that up. I hope that the no-sew blankets can count for the stash contest.

End of year

I got a lot of sewing done this year. I hope to sew as much or more in 2009.

ELHO Christmas dresses
doll skirt for L
10 puppet bags
McC 5135 rick-rack fabric
ironing board cover
2 blankets for Mrs. Peterson
blue eyelet NL 6710 (PR)
changing pad (PR)
romper for I (PR)
4 shirred fabric dresses (PR)
4 zip pouches for gifts (PR)
doll panties
several cloth pads
zippered pouch at PPQ
recycled skirt purse for O
placemat purse X2
Dick and Jane apron for L
pillowcase at PPQ
wallet for E
Amy Butler Nappy Bag
doll skirt for H
doll dress for H

So far I have 419.795 yards in my stash. There is more that I haven't counted yet. I hope to get that done before the new year.

workout 11/18/08

#24
Seated leg press 128 x 10, 10
Lat pull down 90 x 10, both grips
Lateral raise 30 x 10, 6
Row
Ankle raise
Seated leg curl 40 x 10, 5
Dead lift

5 min. 332 steps level recumbent Xtrainer

Of late

Mon 11/17 I made 40 oz of laundry detergent. It was roughly 6 cups each of washing soda, borax, and grated soap (handmade, of course).

while on vacation I mended/altered a lot of things. Cut off a pair of shorts to make a purse. That's just waiting for a strap. Hemmed a red dress for one of the girls that had been in the pile for quite some time. Darned a pair of tights for Lottie. Patched a hole in my red sweater. Whew! It was a busy time. I also organized a bit of my current sewing pile and folded more yardage.

Today I made a gallon of plain applesauce.

Last night I cut out O's Christmas dress.

Girls' measurements

Olivia
Chest 22"
Waist 21"
Hips 22"
Length 21.5"
Arm length 11"
To waist 8"
Crotch length 5"
Thigh 11"

Holland
Chest 22.5"
Waist 21.5"
Hips 25"
Length 27"
Arm length 13.5"
To waist

Lottie
Chest 26"
Waist 25"
Hips 28"
Length 33"
Arm length 17"
To waist 14"

Emily
Chest 27"
Waist 26"
Hips 29"
Length 35"
Arm length
To waist 13

edited 2/2/09

Apples and sweet potatoes

On our vacation (and the farmer's market upon return) we got 45 pounds of sweet potatoes, 3.5 bu of apples, and some other random fruit. There are many varieties of apples, and one bu was for a friend.

This is what I've done with it all so far.

1 gal of apple pie filling
1 apple coffee cake
1 qt of fried apples
16 C of frozen sweet potatoes to eat later
6 C eaten sweet potatoes
8 C mashed sweet potatoes to share
4.25 gal applesauce (using 1 gal to make apple butter)
numerous apples eaten

edited 11/21/08

Painless Savings

Piggy Piggy was a very heavy pig! We decided to roll the coins for our upcoming trip to NC. It was over $100!! I was floored! This is going to be a new Nov. 1 tradition for us now.

2295 pennies for $22.95
167 nickels for $8.35
280 dimes for $28
180 quarters for $45

Wow! That doesn't even include the state quarters that we took out to add to our collection. I want to see if we can get more every year.

More fabric?

My goodness! I went into the attic looking around and I found more fabric. Looks like Mom's. I may never be done going through her stuff. Speaking of her stuff....tomorrow I will send off the IRS forms. Hopefully that will be the end of it.

I think that when we get a storage unit one of the first things I will move out is those white boxes. That will free up some space to put other things away. Then we can do the garage and barn. I can't wait!!

I did some more pattern organizing tonight. Some got put into envelopes and into the filing drawer. Some got entered onto the spreadsheet. And finally, some got pictures into picassa. Fun times here. It's fun to get organized, but it takes so long.

Exercise and project

We went to the Y on the 27th.

Seated leg press 128 x 10, 128 x 10
Lat pull down 70 X 15, 70 x 8
Lateral raise 30 x 10
Row 50 x 15, 50 x 8
Ankle raise 25 x 15
Seated leg curl 40 x 8
Dead lift 25 x 10

I also ran out of laundry detergent. So I just made some more. Love it! It's so easy and cheap.

Fabric Stats

This is a post I will update as I complete my count. So far the balance is:

38.375 yds solid knit 12/31/08
19.5 yds non-solid knit 12/2/08
17.375 yds seersucker 12/31/08
3.25 yds suede, fur, velvet 11/24/08
4 yds satin, linings 12/2/08
154.535 yds solid woven 12/31/08
47.895 yds floral woven 11/24/08
74.335 yds print woven 12/31/08
48.115 yds stripes/checks/plaids 12/31/08
33.625 yds Christmas 11/30/08
11.5 yds fleece 12/31/08

452.505 yds total 12/31/08



I'd like to have all of this done by the end of the year so I will be able to really keep track of my stash-busting. It's kind of fun, but tedious. I think I'll take another box to Beth's tonight. Or I will take my knit shirt muslin to sew. Even muslin counts as using stash, but it isn't as exciting because the stuff isn't wearable.

Fraction to decimal yardage conversion
.125 = 1/8
.250 = 1/4
.333 = 1/3
.375 = 3/8
.500 = 1/2
.625 = 5/8
.666 = 2/3
.750 = 3/4
.875 = 7/8

Exercise

Yesterday was stressful and I drove to the Y after dinner.

#26
Seated leg press 108 x 15
Seated leg curl 40 x 10
Overhead press 30 x 15 basic, 39 x 5 advanced
Lateral raise 30 x 10
Row 50 x 10, 50 x 6

Today was better but still busy.

Exercise

Well, last night I tried to do the kickboxing video again. It's kind of fun. But, the kids weren't helping. I managed 10 minutes. It's better than nothing I guess. I feel it just a bit this morning. Actually, I'm hungrier than usual which means some aerobic activity happened.

Today is day 1 for the newest AFB.

At Beth's

I took some fabric to fold and got that done. The fabric looks so neat and tidy folded and takes up so much less room. I want to get it all done. I also took some patterns to organize. I finished putting the pattern info on my list and into google pics.

Moving Monday

Bailed on the Y today. blech. right now it just seems impossible to fit it in around Isaiah's schedule. Here are the stats from the last 2 workouts'

Sept. 15:

Seated Leg Curl 35 x 10

Dips 5 (assist 76#)

Pullups 4 (1 asst 76#, 3 asst 82#)

Lat Pulldowns 80 x 10

Sept. 22:

Bench Press 45 x 3, 55 x 12

Leg Press 88 x 10

Seated Leg Curl 40 x 10

Lat Pulldown 60 x 13

Lateral Raise 30 x 10

I only made it to Publix last night. I did get a few good deals though. The deals aren't fantastic, but I feel better just trying to save money.

Hairspray clearance
GM cereal 4.29/box BIGIF with a $1 cpn on 3 boxes. I got 4 boxes for $7.60 or $1.40 a box.
Publix wipes BIGIF baby club cpn
bottle of alcohol free baby club cpn

Baking day

Today is Day 10 for my AFB. Tomorrow is Day 1 for the new batch. I put banana in this one to make banana bread. It made 3 loaves. Yum! I hope that the kids like it. I hope to start another batch of sourdough tomorrow.

We had spaghetti for lunch. I like using the spelt pasta. It tastes just like regular pasta to me, but it has a lot more nutrients. We're working harder to eat more at home and less out. It's easy for some, I know, but very hard for us. I want to be a better steward of our money and resources.

Tonight I'm going to Walgreen's and CVS to see what's on sale. I'll pick up the freebies of course. I might also go to Publix and check out their sales.

Boy have I been slack

I've gotten many things done, but I haven't felt like posting. A little bit of a funk has settled on me I guess. I exercised a couple of times and bailed once. I am still working on the second blanket for Mrs. P.

Dr. visits

Hate 'em. I weigh too much. They seemed surprised that my bp was so low. Good. I know I'll feel better after losing a few pounds, but I really didn't want to see the scale.

Monday's moving

Today I didn't go to the Y for my workout. Kids in trouble. sigh. Anyway, I did get the 2 littlest in the stroller and take a short walk. I really just wanted to be moving, active. We'll see how it progresses. The weather is better so maybe I will start taking the kids on walks in the morning before school.

Monday's exercise

Charlie and I went to the gym Monday. This is what I did. I hope that taking off Labor day doesn't mess me up. I am just starting to feel like going regularly.

Leg Press 20 X 88

Bench Press 3 x 45, 5 x 55

Calf Raise 15 x 25

Dips 5 (assist 76#)

Pullups 4 (assist 88#)

Lat Pulldown 15 x 70 (+20 lbs)

Lateral Raise 10 x 15

Row 10 x 50 (+20 lbs)

Situps 5

Yay me.

Exercise

I went to the gym with Charlie Monday afternoon during gymnastics for the big kids. This is what I did. (rep x wt)

Seated Leg Curl 20 x 30

Squat Press 15 x 88

Lat Pull down (both grips) 15 x 50 (good job!)

Sit ups 5

Lateral Raise 15 x 15

Row 15 x 30

My heart really wasn't in it, but I did it anyway. Especially when restarting, it's more fun to have company. I. did well in the nursery. He usually does.

What's next

Do I want to change my blog? Can I mix recipes with sewing with home school? I don't really want more than one blog, but this one has turned into a sewing blog. Will it feel the same if I start talking about home-made remedies and such?

I want to try making this cream deodorant from Tipnut. http://tipnut.com/homemade-deodorant-instructions/

3 TBS shea butter
3 TBS baking soda
2 TBS corn starch
2 TBS cocoa butter
2 vitamin E oil gel caps (squeeze out the oil)

Mix and melt all but the vit E. Add E and any EO. Put in fridge to set. Rub a small amount under arm to use.

Why my posts are all catch up posts

I've just been busy. And lazy. A lot has been going on but I just didn't feel like writing anything. So here is all of it in a nutshell. Maybe.

1. I did a bad finish in the stash contest on PR. About 16 yards. I could have done more, but I kept getting side tracked. I made an ironing board cover, play napkins, a romper for I, a shirt for E/L, a skirt for me, a diaper changing pad, 4 shirred tops, 3 zippered pouches, and 4 puppet bags. And I managed some mending in there too. I like putting patches on holes in clothes.

2. We went to Birmingham and Fountain Inn to see family. I took the Janome (as usual) and got some done. L got a tea set for her birthday. It came with some tiny, cute paper napkins. I thought to make some napkins for the girls for their sets.

3. Most of our school books got ordered. The kids are pretty excited. We are also trying uniforms this year. The girls are very excited about that. Jacob, not so much. I need to get a picture for the yearbook.

4. Mimi isn't sewing anymore. Not sure about permanently, but definitely not right now. She gave me several patterns and a lot of fabric. I'm glad she thought of me, I just don't want to lose her too.

More later.

From Projects

From Projects

From Projects

From Projects

Catching up again

I have not posted in a bit. Partly because I have been upset about my Mom's death. And today I have been sick. Yuck.

This week is VBS. I had intended to get some sewing done. So far, nothing. Maybe tomorrow. I may go to Jessica Fraser's house to get some Mary Kay things. Or maybe it can wait until Friday. I did get Mrs. Peterson's blanket done Saturday night. It is a very nice blanket. Next on my sewing list is an ironing board cover and a top for one of the girls.

More done

I finished the skirt! It took 2 yards of stash. I made it out of an old blue eyelet material. I kinda threw it together towards the end because I was tired of looking at it. That seems to be a problem with me. I need to figure out how to get over that. It was great when I didn't know anything about tracing patterns and such. I'll have to put it on PR and get a picture. I plan to wear it tomorrow.

From Projects

Looks much better on me than on the hanger.

**edited for picture

Fabric

I bought a fat quarter from PPQ yesterday. It's a cute flannel for I. I also picked up a yo-yo maker. That thing looks a lot harder than just doing it by hand. I wanted E to have a project to complete. We'll see.

The changing pad is done and took 1.75 yds of stash fabric not including batting. I also adjusted the straps on the shirred top for E. I think it will be cute on her.

Misc.

The one garment a month skirt is cut out. I think it will go together quickly so that I will be able to enter it in the sew-along. It will also qualify for 2 yards of stash. Cool.

The baby changing pad is also almost done. I'm finishing it before I change thread color for the skirt. I like the pad, sorta. It was really fun to sew.

Done!

I finally finished the bug print romper (McCall's 6899, view A) for I. I have to enter it in the stash contest for PR. I was so lazy and tired of looking at it half done. I cheated and just sewed the leg seam instead of making it a snap-crotch. Oh well. He looks cute as a bug in it! 1 yard stash out.

Library day 6/11/08

We went to the library and signed up for the summer reading club. fun. not.

Between the lions, the spider and the lie VIDEO DUE 6/18/08 Returned
Kids' favorite songs 2 VIDEO DUE 6/18/08 Returned
Kipper tiger tales VIDEO DUE 6/18/08 Returned
The Hindenburg NEED TO FIND DUE 7/2/08 NR
You can't buy a dinosaur with a dime : problem solving in dollars and cents DUE 7/2/08 NR
24-hour sewing projects DUE 7/2/08 R
ABCs of serging : a complete guide to serger sewing basics DUE 7/2/08 R
Baa baa, black sheep DUE 7/2/08 R
Creative spa : make your own skin care products DUE 7/2/08 R
I love you just the way you are DUE 7/2/08 R
Moo in the morning DUE 7/2/08 R
One, two, buckle my shoe DUE 7/2/08 R
S.E.W. : sew everything workshop : the complete step-by-step beginner's guide DUE 7/2/08 R
The silver chair DUE 7/2/08 R
Trash to treasure : the year's best creative crafts. DUE 7/2/08 R
When you are happy DUE 7/2/08 R

Sewing update

I cut the pre-shirred fabric for tops for the 4 girls and sewed up the back seam. Now I just need to add straps and hem if necessary. I made self-fabric straps with my serger. I did a rolled hem on the long edges instead of making a tube and turning. The rolled hem thing is so cool! The romper for I is all cut out and the interfacing is fused to the correct pieces. Now I'm cutting out a skirt for me from the Sassy Skirts (TMD) pattern.

Sewing plan

So far here's the the plan for my stash sewing contest on pattern review. Planned after going to Beth's house last night and playing with my sewing machine for a bit.

This one in a lizard print knit for I. It's the same knit that my Mom used to make a shirt for J many years ago. We're saving the shirt for I to wear later.

I have an old Noah's ark fabric print and some blue terry to make the changing pad. I already made the bag.

I want to make the middle skirt out of a tropical print from Mom. It's a dark burgundy that should go with at least two of my tops.

Hopefully I will put more pics on another post. I also want to put up a pic of the fabric choices. More fun every day.

Need a plan

Here is a rough idea of what I want to sew for the contest:

ironing board cover - woven, batting, elastic
nursing shirt -
boxers for Charlie -
pillowcases - woven
shirred dress/top for girls - woven
twirly skirt for O - gingham
gored skirt - woven
- blue eyelet

Location of fabric

1. LR -- print woven (green tub), solid woven (blue tub), solid woven (green footlocker), recycled flannel and terry (tan tub)
2. under bed in spare room -- baby, wool/flannel, seersucker, recycled denim
3. under crib -- print knit, solid woven
4. under bunk beds -- solid knit, woven floral/coordinates, stripes/plaids/checks, corduroy
5. FROG --

On the mend

Cute pun. I've been on a mending kick tonight. I fixed an old canvas bag, the pocket in a pair of J's shorts, and one leg of cut-off-into-shorts also for J. And last night I finished another pad which adds 1/4 yd to my yardage out tally.

I had a class at PPQ. We made a zippered pouch. It is so cool. I want to make more.

Off to mend some more.

Contest

I entered a contest on Pattern Review yesterday. It's a fabric stash contest to see who can sew up the most fabric from her stash in 2 months. It starts 6/1 and ends 7/31. I can gather fabric and patterns but no sewing or cutting until then. That will be a good time to work on my WIP pile. I also want to complete one review before the start date to practice.

Today I put a lot of stuff in boxes in the sleeping room. EJLH now have a box for socks and undies. Many of the toys are now in stackable matching boxes that fit under the new beds that Crunchy Geek got finished yesterday. The space is very cramped, but it looks so much better. This evening I got more boxes. One for my mat/nursing clothes and one for more attic clothes. And a few more for some sewing things. I may use those black bins that go in a 5-gallon bucket for my sewing gear.

Library day

Today we went to the library. It was a fun but also a chore. I'd like to make it a weekly or bi-weekly. The kids have been so good for 2 days now. Maybe tomorrow will be a good day, too. We are going to Jennie's graduation drop-in at church. Tonight was H's K4 musical presentation. What a hoot! K3, K4, and K5 kids all singing. Some were scared, some were nervous, some were hyper, but all were cute.

Here is a list of the books currently out on my card due 6/6:

(vid) Between the lions, but, mama, but... (5/23)
Amazing crochet lace : new fashions inspired by old-fashioned lace (6/4)
Herbal homekeeping (6/4)
The impatient embroiderer (6/4)
Baby signs for bedtime
Curious George visits the library
The Hindenburg
I can't talk yet, but when I do--
Ice-cream Larry
My garden = Mi jardin
A pig is moving in!
Queenie Farmer
Space launch disaster : when liftoff goes wrong
You can't buy a dinosaur with a dime : problem solving in dollars and cents
You're broke because you want to be : how to stop getting by and start getting ahead
Too many time machines : or, the incredible story of how I went back in time, met Babe Ruth, and discovered the secret of home run hitting

Sewing Thursday

Whoohoo! I added a picture!!

It's totally irrelevant, but adorable. I was 11 days old and cute as could be.


Last Thurs. night I finished one place mat purse and almost finished another. I used ribbon from the stash for both. The second one needs a bit more work to finish it. I also have ribbon to make one more. This one will be a purse for me. Beth worked on her pads and I finished the edges of one that was in my bucket. All it needs is a snap.

Tonight is an AWANA event for the leaders so I sewed with Beth last night. She will be there tonight, too. I worked on the baby blanket that I am sewing/crocheting for Mrs. Peterson. Maybe I will get a burp cloth done. It's tedious but going faster than expected.

Not half bad

The Geek family went to Chuck-E-Cheese for L's birthday today. It was a lot more fun than we (the parents) expected. A blast was had by all. O was the funniest! She loved getting the little paper tickets that she traded for candy. L liked her apron and E wanted one, too.

I took kids EJLOI to the health food store while H was at PE. It is emptying the shelves to re-stock for an upgrade. We spent $80 and saved $121. Awesome! I'm going back tomorrow to see if anything is left. I sure hope they don't remodel themselves out of my business. I like that they are close so we can get odd or organic products without the drive to Mt. Pleasant.

I'm looking for school books. ABeka, ToG, things to round out the things I already have.

The last birthday gift

I finished L's apron except for the snap because I need her to try it on first. It is very, very cute though, and used 1 1/4 yds of fabric. While I was at Beth's I started to make a pattern for doll panties. I still haven't figured it out.

Beth told me all about the beef they got. It's a great deal. Maybe Crunchy Geek and I can do that. We'd get bones and everything. Our grains arrived too. Time to get baking and eating better. I did fix a good lunch Friday. It was a chicken and rice dish from "Make a Mix." I also made cream 0f whatever mix to have in the freezer.

New stuff

Last night I went to PPQ for a Janome Club meeting. It's a once-a-month thing where they provide a kit to make something. I just pay for the kit. Last night I made a really cute pillowcase. It would be a great way to use some stash fabric. I'm going to try going again. It wasn't as friendly as I would like, but I think some of the people change which would change the dynamics.

I want to learn how to add pictures to this blog. I have a ton of good pics all over the place. I'm moving them all to picassa web. I still want to print out most of them and use real albums.

I think I need a blog for homeschool because I'm not sure it fits in with the way this blog has turned into a sewing blog.

I did do 20 min. of PM this morning. The kids did it with me instead of the work they were supposed to be doing. I'm also going to do it tomorrow. No time for the Y.

One more birthday gift done

Emily's wallet turned out very cute. I used tan denim from an old pair of jeans and 4 colors of bandanna fabric. I followed directions much better this time than when I made mine. Now I have to finish L's apron. Then there is the catch up on some mending. I'd like to make something for I, J, and Crunchy Geek. Any hope of something for me?

Master Cook has been found!! I'm delirious! We need to get the recipes off the thumb drive. whoohoo! Then I can I start putting in new recipes.

On another note, I have not exercised in a while. I'm sick. I'm cranky. I'm running around like a nut trying to clean. Many plates spinning on sticks.

Finally finished!!

The Amy Butler bag is done! I am so happy because it seems like forever since I finished a project. It's kinda cute, but not as comfortable as I would like. I may wind up using it for another purpose. I used my Birthday fabric and canvas from the stash for the bag. There is some fabric leftover. The reviews on PR all said the lining measurements were off. All total it was 5.75 yds of fabric, 1 from my stash. This is the cover of the pattern. I will look for a pic of the actual bag soon.

Catching up

I worked out at the Y twice last week. It was good to start getting back into the routine of working out. I am planning on going again tomorrow. Today I also saw Dr. B. for my headaches. She does make me feel a bit better, but I think the bite guard will be the most helpful. I need to call the dentist and check on that.

I'm working on the wallet for E and the Nappy Bag for I. I want to finish the bag before we go to the Dramatic Arts Conf. this weekend. I can work on the wallet in Columbia or Beth's house. Crunchy's parents will be there. Maybe it will work out OK. Tammy will be there, too, and that should be some fun. She really likes O. She and Danny are riding up with us on Friday. I wonder in the hotel has a gym.

More later.

Happy Resurrection Sunday

I drove by the Seventh Day Adventist church yesterday (Saturday, their worship day) and wondered how they as a church body celebrated this day? I can't see Easter on any other day of the week.

This evening we went on another family walk. Tonight it was just walking, no bikes or skates. We went around the short block including a stop to the Leviner house to introduce I. Only Joey was able to see him, because Amanda was sick. They are a nice couple, but I don't get them completely. Oh well.

I have sewing to do, but I feel guilty doing something besides cleaning. Maybe E would like a wallet for her birthday. I can make a cool one like mine. I'll look for some unique material. I need to take measurements of all of us to get better fits when I sew. H seemed to like the doll dress I made.

Time to sew.

My how time flies!

It's been 2 months since my last post! Sweet little Isaiah James came on Feb. 12th and I've not done any sewing since my last post. Awful, isn't it?

I finally got back to the sewing machine this past weekend to make something for H's birthday. I made her a doll dress in the pink/green camo she liked. It's cute and super fast. I've cut an apron out for L using the Dick and Jane fabric she likes. I hope it goes together quickly. I need to think of something for E's birthday since it's coming soon.

And finally, tonight I went back to the Y for the first time in ages. I worked out a bit. Just to see how I could do. There were too many people there.

I is crying and wants food now, so more later.

Note to self

Cut out all possible sewing patterns before the last 10-12 weeks of pregnancy. Sitting and cutting is AWFUL right now. I just want to get some sewing done before the baby comes. My legs are killing me at the end of every day. yuck.

Old year/new year

I'm trying to decide what to start for the new year of sewing. All the fabric in the house is officially stash fabric. Lots and lots and lots of it. That's OK though. I'm going to use it. Most of it has been sorted and it's easier to see what I have. So much of it was my mom's. :(

I think I'm going to finish some projects in my mend/UFO boxes and work on the diaper bag first. Over all, I'd like to use a yard from the stash for every yard I buy. Using 2 yards would be best budget-wise. It's a lot of fun to keep track of this info as well as being pretty motivating. Here's all the info from last year.

• 16 3/8 yards out
• 58.5 yards to date added

Completed sewing projects

• tunics, robes for WLCD puppets
• 4 Christmas dresses
  
• Holly jammies for H
• shirt for L
• several pads
• 3 bibs
• skirt and shirt for H
• pink diaper for O
• 2 leotards