This messy mess I could bear no longer

though I quite think

this photo makes it seem so lovely.

 In truth it was not so lovely.

Being the first thing to be seen 

upon entry to our homey home

today it greeted fair guests no more.

Gathering another canvas from Our Dear One and Her Love's wedding,

(only three more lovelies awaiting their fate remain)

some cotton batting,

an ample piece of vintagy wool blanket

leftover from projects past,

 one rather handy staple gun,

and a few minutes stolen 

from time that really should be spent

reading and preparing 

for a logic and literature class

that a handful of homeschoolers

await for me to teach

on the day next,

And voila!

Surely Now I can think

heady thoughts

of symbolism and plots,

for one little eensy piece

of my homey home

has a little touch of order

mingled with beauty,

happy reminders of days past,

and friends so dear.

Now off to the smarty books I go...

Clothes Design

Clothes design. If you have a favorite shirt or dress, have you ever thought of making another one? Without a pattern? Well, today, that is exactly what I did. Crazy, I know.

Why would I consider clothes design? Several reasons. First, I have recently perused through a few books on clothes design like this one at Harts Fabrics that really made it look do-able.

I have also seen beautiful hand designed clothes in various etsy shops. This is one of my favorites.

Clothes design from scratch is a new idea for me, but having been sewing since I was a kid, I have followed many-a-pattern so I kind of know how things are put together, although I usually don't follow all the rules. Sometimes patterns have way too many detailed steps for my liking. Patterns can also be pricy adding a good deal to the cost of the garment being made. Then there is the ordeal of going to the store to look through all the books and find a pattern with fabric that makes it work. I tend to get overwhelmed with all the possibilities and go home empty handed and too tired to sew anyways.

Another reason I decided to attempt clothes design is to be frugel. I have to admit, it has been frustrating having frugality forced upon us, but it has also helped me see things differently and encouraged the creative side in me and my children. One of my friends recently gave me some lovely fabrics, and with things being abit tight around here, I decided to turn said fabric into something to wear. I even used different colors of thread because it's just what I had on hand - two nearly empty spools. Funny thing is that all this penny-pinching has changed me. I am finding I enjoy the process of creating more than the process of shopping. I don't think I will give up the creating even when the economic tide changes.

My final reason for designing clothes - from scratch - is that I want a new Spring shirt. A fresh burst of color in my wardrobe. Now. Tonight.

Here I go...