elliebelle

Those darn pink shoes...

Here we are!  Yes, terrible picture - I was sweaty from dancing...and well, I didn't bring my nice camera.

Oh, and did you notice, I am not wearing my shawl!  I got it done on time (the night before! eek!) but I only wore it for a short time, so no pics...  And those darn pink shoes...or should we call them torture devices!!!!  I couldn't even walk all the way up from the wedding site to the reception area - they hurt THAT BAD!  But dang, they are cute.  I just slipped them on quick for this picture.

I, of course, danced like a crazy lady all night long. (Doing this always gets you comments from the older folks the next morning...but that's ok!)  I took almost no pictures because I decided as a bridesmaid I was entitled to just enjoy the day - and of course, to get others out on the dance floor. :) It was a fantastic wedding - the sun came out at just the right time and everything went smoothly.

The bride and groom are now on their honeymoon and I'm back to work.  boo...  I really had such a fun time, it is kind of a let down now that it is over!  

I will hopefully have a chance to get some of my pictures from our trip to Chicago uploaded so that I can share some of those.  I've been trying to clean out my iphoto so that it doesn't run soooo slow! That's part of my laziness in blogging, I hate having to deal with the sluggish nature of my iphoto.  

Now, hopefully on to some wonderful crafting.  I wonder when my sewing/knitting mojo is going to kick back in...probably not until it gets cold again, huh?  Nah...I don't think it can stay away that long. 

I hope everyone had a lovely 4th!

The "Somedays"

I have grand plans.  If I didn't, I would not have accumulated so much fabric, yarn, and supplies.  Almost always when I buy something I have a vision of the beautiful garment or accessory it will be (and of course how utterly fabulous I will look wearing it! haha!)  It may be a specific "Oh I have the perfect pattern..." But usually it is, "This would be wonderful as a dress, bag, skirt, hat, etc..."  And this statement is always followed by "I will make this someday."  Sometimes "someday" comes.  But probably most often it never arrives and the fabric, yarn, trim or whatever it may be realizes a different fate - one that likely includes a folded or squashed position on a shelf or in a basket.  So I thought, in an attempt to rustle my creative feathers and get those crafty juices flowing again, I would show you some of my grand plans.  Then maybe some of the "somdays" can turn into todays, tomorrows, next weeks. (well, not actually today, as I am heading out for a weekend in Chicago after this...but you get the gist.)  And maybe, these somedays can be relegated to the oh-so-high esteem of finished projects!  How magnificent would it be for these items to have finally reached the pinnacle of their lives!

I'm going to start with some fabrics (Full disclosure here - this is a very minute portion of what I truely own, but these are the projects most fresh on my mind! There are many other "somedays" out there that I've just forgotten about. haha)

Wide leg lounge pants from Amy Butler's In Stitches.  Yes, that is the awesome-est fabric you've ever seen! Who doesn't want sexy dude lounge pants???

To be pillow shams for my blue and yellow bedroom. (and sewing room)

A fun summer dress (I better hurry up on this one it's almost the 4th of July!)  This is actually a thrifted sheet.  

Pillows for my Veterinarian student sister.

A super cute vest/jacket/thingy.  

A layer cake (large pre-cut squares) to be made into a yard quilt or picnic blanket - something I can use in the grass.

A couple of knit cardigans - purple and olive.  Oh yummy I love those colors!!!

A cute gingham check top (not sure I have enough fabric for this one, but I might be able to fudge it.

A perfect black and white striped boat neck top.  Classic.

And a fun black and white tote with hot pink handles.  This one will be fun!!

Yes, I have TONS to do.  And really, I have yards and yards of other fabrics just waiting to be used as well.  But I figured I need a starting point.

I'm not going to have enough time to post all of my "someday" knitting projects, so you will have to join me for part 2 in a couple of days!

Do you have lots of "somedays" sitting around too?

To my Oompops.

Happy Father's Day Dad!!!!

To the greatest dad ever.  

To the guy who makes everything into an adventure and is curious and inquisitive about all things he encounters.  This, of course, rubbed off on me and my siblings and we are all now very curious people, always interested, wanting to know more.  I am so grateful for being that way because it brings so much joy into my life.  Thank you for that Oompops! (of course, because of this he is also known to wander away when we are out and about - which earned him the nickname of "the wanderer." heehee)

To the guy who NEVER stops (except to rest his eyes in the chair!!! heheee)  My dad loves to be active, constantly biking, kyaking, hiking, skiing, running, golfing - any type of activity, and my dad is game!  I'm so happy that I learned this at an early age and have been able to keep fairly fit just because it was a part of me to get up and do something.  (and of course, as I said a few days ago, I'm really getting back into that part of my life.)

To the loving dad who supports his children with all his heart.  He has a very soft heart and would be the first to scoop us up in a hug if we needed it!  

To the guy who manages to make and build things just by teaching himself!  It's so amazing!  He's built so many things over the years from doll cribs, to shelves, kayak racks, flower beds, horse shelters, fences and much more - and he managed to just teach himself how to do these things!  He's very handy! And now that he is getting into welding, he's exploring another artistic part of him - it is very inspiring! And I know I get some of my creativity from him. 

To the guy who's learned to love the hobby farm life, who can't wait for snow, just so he can plow it with the tractor. :) 

Dad, I am so proud to be your daughter.  You are always there when I need you and have helped me to become the strong woman I am today.  I love you so much!  Happy Father's Day!!!

Zumba gives me wings.

So here it is, the big reveal of my first t-shirt makeover!!!

This top had a previous life as a size large basic men's t-shirt.  (I rescued it from a bag of Goodwill donation items that belonged to Joe!!)  I have had many ideas swirling around in my brain lately on ways to alter a t-shirt.  This one came up when thinking about making athletic clothes.

I traced a tank top that I own already that fits well, making sure to utilize the existing hem of the t-shirt.  One less finishing step! Yay!  I just sewed the edges under along the armholes, and left the neckline raw - adding a strip of gathered fabric for a fun ruffle.

And since I feel like exercise, specifically Zumba has given me fantastic energy and a new drive to be healthy, I thought it was appropriate to give myself some wings. heehee

I also just really love the wing motif.  (I think it started with that cool wing shape on the FedEx box in Cast Away that Tom Hanks' character becomes obsessed with...weird...)  Anyway, I adore the way these wings turned out.  They are so subtle, but I know they are there, and that makes me feel great!

Here I am on my way out the door to Zumba class tonight.

And the back...nevermind all the wrinkles!  Geez...next time I should pay attention to how it fits in the back.

Overall though, I really had fun making this and I'm pleased with the results!  I can't wait to try out some of the other styles that are in my brain and on the pages of my sketch book.  Utilizing a ready made garment is amazingly easy way to start a project and is of course a fantastic way to recycle. Good thing I stashed away a few more of Joe's old t-shirts!!!  :)

Oh, and how did it feel when I danced away in class tonight?  It felt great!  I really loved the cut away style, I had great freedom of movement in my arms.  Definitely a perfect shape for Zumba.

Well, I'm off to bed!  Good night!

More ramblings...

No finished project to show tonight - but I did finish something that I am very excited about.  I'm hoping to have that photographed and up tomorrow! yay!

Instead, I have some other fun photos to share.  On Saturday I did this REALLY fun fitness class called Drums Alive.  My Zumba instructor teaches it.  It's an aerobic style class where you use elevated Yoga balls that you beat on with drum sticks.  It's actually a great workout!  Here are some fun pictures.

I set up my tripod to get this shot.  Can you spot me???

The reason I was taking pictures was for a fun photo event where you are supposed to document anything on June 13th that you were doing in the city of Mayville, WI.  All of the photos are going to go into a little gallery set up in the old Schoolhouse (or something like that...I think.)  I thought it would be really fun to show this class since it is so unique!  Plus it would be great publicity for my instructor's classes.  

I'm not in this one. :)

And here's the group afterwards.

So that started out a fantastic Saturday that included friends visiting, some knitting sitting out in the yard soaking up the sun, a great dinner out, and fun conversation.

Here's Chelsea and our friend's greyhound, Bita.  They are brindle sisters. heehee

Sunday was fantastic too!  Such gorgeous weather.  Joe trimmed the hedges in front of the house, I finally got my planter put together!  See, Dad???? :)

What a fun weekend!!!  I wish it could last forever.  But alas, it cannot.  Looking forward to the next fabulous weekend.  I'll see you tomorrow for my super fun finished project!!! :)

Inspiration of a different kind.

It used to be that I would get the most inspired by other crafty girls, or fashion, or home decor.  I LOVED searching out new sewing and knitting blogs. (really, I still do.)  But lately, I've been inspired by a different online community - the food bloggers, or the healthy living gals out there sharing their eats, their workout tricks and healthy life tips.  I think it started last fall when I was in Cancun with my friend Stephanie.  She is studying to become a personal trainer. (part time, but I think she would be awesome at it full time!!!)  Here we are in Cancun.

 

(OH my goodness those margaritas are huge!!!)

I was impressed by Stephanie's beautiful body and her drive to work out even on vacation!  (something I seriously, have hardly ever done.)  Stephanie worked with me a little bit, made me a few workout schedule type of things, had me keep a food journal.  I think I kept up with that for maybe a month.  I don't really like "schedules" or having something I have to do, so it didn't last all that long.  But at least it was a spark. 

After a month, I purchased an elliptical trainer.  You may remember that...  That helped me get some exercise during the winter.  It is SO hard to stay motivated during the cold months.  And then I joined my Zumba class which I have absolutely loved the last few months!  And I bought a subscription to this magazine...

 

Finally, I was on the right track!  And then the best thing happened, I stumbled upon Jenna's blog EatLiveRun.  After reading her blog for a couple of days, I was hooked!!!  I was learning such amazing things about food that I had never known!  I have always eaten healthy, but it was fun to see some new options for me.  Plus, it was great to hear it from a peer, rather than an "expert."  I was feeling so inspired by eating healthy, working out, and living a full life.  Then I stumbled upon Caitlin's blog - Healthy Tipping Point.  The food choices Caitlin makes feel really doable for me.  While she is vegetarian, and I am not, I have learned a bunch of great ideas on what to eat that is healthy and that I like.  And also, how to give yourself a break and to really learn to love your body and to not constantly think about your size or weight.  And lastly, I found Angela at OhSheGlows.  Angela is not what you would necessarily call a food blogger, though she does blog a lot about what she eats, but she is more of a healthy lifestyle blog.  She talks about her workouts and recipes for healthy dishes, but also what types of hair and skin products she uses - and let me tell you, she looks great so you definitely want to hear what she says!  She's also in the process of starting her own bakery business - which seems so much like all of us crafty ladies out there starting our own small businesses.  I feel inspired by her motivation.  By all 3 of them and their motivation!  I feel thankful that I've added healthier foods and exercise back into my life.  My body feels and looks better.  I am happier.  I feel uplifted and because of all of this, I feel inspired.  Not necessarily just to create - but to live!  It is amazing how nuturing another aspect in your life can make you feel happier about a different passion or hobby.  It's funny, I haven't been sewing or knitting as much lately (partly cause it is summer) but yet I feel happy anyway!  I think sometimes crafty bloggers can put so much pressure on themselves to CREATE CREATE CREATE!  Wanting to come up with the next big trend, but it seems, in the process, we start to lose other sides of ourselves.  I was always an active person, but the last year and a half, I had become so entranced with projects and making, that I let that part of me go a little.  And, now I see that was too bad.  I didn't feel as happy and my body didn't look as good.  I need a balance of both worlds!  I need to nuture all areas in my life that I feel interested in.  Which makes me start to wonder...maybe I should look into sewing some athletic/work out gear.  It would be a great way to blend both of my interests!  There are already lots of great companies that develop gear for women.  (My favorite would have to be Athleta. )  And while I love their stuff, it doesn't always fit the best for me.  I am curvy and short waisted...and the tight tops that are designed for working out are often more of a straight cut.  I suppose this wouldn't be a problem for somebody who is long waisted, but I hate that my tops bunch up on my hips and then ride up on my waist.  Uggg...Does anybody else have that problem?  I want something that is cute but that is cut for a woman with hips.  I want something that can be worn for jogging, walking, zumba, yoga.  I think I need to come up with something...so hopefully sometime soon I will have something to show...

So that was a very long story to get you up to date on what has been inspiring me.  The reason I bring it up is that I am curious if some of you crafty gals are involved or interested in other types of blogging communities.  If you are, how do they affect your creativity?  Have you ever been inspired to create something for a second passion you have?  Also, I needed to explain the lack of finished projects on here!!! :)

Hopefully that wasn't too long or boring for you.  I am really curious to hear about your involvement in multiple blogging communities!

Happy Weekend!

A dabble into jewelry.

My day of shopping, jewelry making, and movie watching was wonderful!  Throw in a dinner out with the boys followed by some live music and you make yourself a wonderful Saturday!  But of course, I had to get up early to be to a bridal shower - so man, I was exhausted after two days of fun!  Totally worth it though.

So here are my creations!  (never mind the not perfect knot tying at the clasps...heehee)

I have just been loving the aqua/turquoise and red combinations lately, so that is what I chose to do with this one.

The beads are from JoAnn's and the pendant is from this Etsy seller.

Here I am modeling it...(I had the best photographer - Joe!  Of course he thought it looked like I was getting a mug shot!)

I am really pleased with how this turned out.  It's just like how I envisioned it!  That doesn't happen all the time when I make things.  Do you know what I mean?  You have this completely fabulous idea for something you plan to make, and you can picture everything in your mind, and then when you go to make it, it never seems right.  Has that happened to you?  I must say though, it is so wonderful when it actually DOES turn out how you imagined. :)

And here is the second one I made.  (purple, of course!!!)

The purple beads are from this Etsy seller, and the gold beads and discs are from JoAnn's.

This one I kind of just winged, I wasn't really sure what I wanted.  I had bought a bunch of beads on Etsy.  But because I am not a beader - I didn't realize that most of the beads I ordered were tiny! haha! They sure looked nice and big in their photographs.  ;)  So I needed to go to Joann's to buy some beads to fill in.  I came across these cool gold discs and thought they looked awesome with my purple beads. It lends such a gorgeous Indian vibe to it.  And, since the beads are purple, this necklace will probably go with half of my wardrobe! haha

Here I am wearing the necklace...

So what do you think?  How did I do for my first foray into jewelry making.  Well actually, I used to make all kinds of jewelry when I was young - in fact I remember a time in middle school when I made a ton of clay beads (the kind you cooked in the oven).  I thought they were pretty cool, but I remember my band teacher asking me if I was wearing a turd (or something like that) around my neck!  AHHH!!! I am pretty sure that bead was supposed to look like the earth.  Anyway, I guess this is a little more sophisticated type of jewelry.  It was really fun.  I enjoyed working in a medium that I don't often get to play with.

Have any of you done jewelry?  Are you into it, or do you prefer other crafts?

Work has been crazy this week, so I haven't gotten to do much crafting.  But here's to hoping for more time later this week and weekend!

Ta-ta!

A couple of things.

So here is what I've been working on for the past few weeks.  I think I am about half done.  At this point though I need to kick it up a notch, because I need this for my friend Gena's wedding on July 4th!  I am a bridesmaid and I am wearing a beautiful sapphire blue dress, hot pink sassy heels and I figured I needed a little shawl, just in case it was cool that evening.

I am using a recycled yarn (from some 80s sweater, I'm sure!).  A friend of mine spotted it on Etsy and knew it was exactly what I was looking for.  I wanted something white with maybe a little gold running through it. (My hot pink shoes have gold accents)  I got a TON of yarn for a very inexpensive price.  It's been fun to work with recycled yarn, though there is more lint and the yarn separates more when using it a second time.  But of course the fact that I am recycling something that could have instead gone to a landfill, well, I'm happy about that.  And I do like how the shawl is turning out.  It will be almost scarf like, not very wide, but perfect for throwing over your shoulders for just a touch of warmth.

And just for fun. Here's the bridesmaid dress...

(I'm going to look just like this girl when I wear it!  heehee)

And the TO DIE FOR heels...

OOO...I love them!  I hope I don't cry in pain when I wear them.  At least I'll look cute. :)

And on to something else....  My dad has recently purchased a welder (a birthday present to himself) and he has been making all sorts of things.  I just LOVE to see him get into an artistic/craft like adventure.  He's always been artistic, he's made wire sculptures since I think he was in high school!  I remember when we were little and he would draw with us, his sketches were great!  I'm so pleased to see him have the chance to express some of this side of himself again.  My first lovely welded gift is this hanging basket.

I believe he said the hanger portion is made of both brass and steel.

I just think it is so cool!  I bought a Wave Petunia is Deep purple (of course!!) and some vinca vines to go in it.  (I'll have to take some pictures when I get around to actually planting them!)

He even welded a corner hanger so that we have something to hang it from on our back porch.

I am just so proud of him for taking on a new hobby and learning all about it.  With my dad, he's either all or nothing in all of his pursuits. ;)  Love ya, Dad!

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend.  I think we are going to have crappy weather here.  Good thing I have lots of fun, INSIDE stuff planned with some friends. 

Ta-ta!

Some pictures and thoughts...

Geez, I have been distant lately!  I need to reconnect with my bloggy space.  So for today, there will be just a bit of randomness.  I unfortunately have not been finishing any projects around these parts.  I've been spending my time at friend's engagement parties and bridal showers, jogging, going to zumba, cooking, laundry, etc.  Excuses, excuses, right?

So in lieu of projects, I have some fun photos.

First, look at cute little Callie

I finally got some decent photos of the elusive black kitty!

And this is what I saw the other day when I walked into the bedroom.  Hmm, what is that little lump?

Well, when I touched the lump, it meowed...so, let me guess, Sophie?

Hiding inside like a little burrito.

Since I'm including fun pictures of the kitties, I must include some shots of Chelsea!

Doesn't she look regal?

And here's my hunny looking bad ass with his doggy. (It's so senior picturey - minus the beer bottle!)

And of course, you have to see Joe's most recent purchase -a sombrero.

Yep...he wore it mowing the lawn.  So, I had to come after him with the camera!

So that's what is going on here.  I did get a chance to visit my LYS over Memorial weekend.  This is what I came home with.

I can often be a yarn snob, only the best wools and cottons for me, but, I wanted some fun and funkiness in my collection, so I went for the crazy pink!

With that fun pink yarn and the varigated red and purple in the background, I want to try to recreate this hat from Zack and Miri.

(image found via Google Images)

Anyway, yes, the movie may sound dumb.  But seriously, Joe and I laughed our butts off at it.  And the best part?  Miri supposedly works at a yarn shop so throughout the entire movie both she and Zack wear fantastic hand knit and crocheted hats, scarves and ponchos.  It was my favorite part of the movie, obviously!!!  I am guessing the costume designer for this movie had to have been a crocheter.  Anyway, I just LOVED the hat in this scene.  So I'm going to try to make my own.

I guess that's it for now.  I'm sure there will be more crafting this week.  And definitely this weekend. My friend April is going to teach me how to make jewelry!  I'm really excited!  I've already ordered a bunch of beads and a super cool pendant from Etsy to make myself some pieces.  Hopefully I will have some show and tell at the end of the weekend. (but I really am going to try to post a couple of more times this week!  No more of this once a week junk!)

Ta-ta for now!

Hello Summer.

I'm so glad you're here.  Please stay a while...

In honor of the lovely weather and lush greenery, Chelsea and I thought we'd take you for a short walk through Horicon, our little home town (this is our fairly regular route - shortened some as we had to make a vet appointment!)  

Here we go!

Our first stop is the little park by the river, about 2 blocks from our house.  You have to watch your step here - there is geese poop every few feet!  Horicon is known for its very large marshland.  With this marsh comes a great amount of wildlife - especially the Canadian Geese and right now they all have goslings.  It's pretty fun - but very messy!!!  I think Chelsea sniffed every little turd.

From there we walk up to the downtown area - now we can survey the progress on the construction! The main road running through our town is all torn up this summer making for a very difficult town to navigate.  Because there is a railroad hub and a river - there are very few routes through Horicon, so when you close one down - it becomes crazy!  But it's fun to watch the progress.  (Oh the joys of small town life...)

Look at those beautiful old buildings.  Too bad most of them are empty, except for the few taverns. Now here is the sadness of small town America - empty buildings, lonely downtowns.  Can't you imagine what it was like back in its hey day?  I think of the small businesses, owned by the people of the town. Places where you would see your neighbor as you passed through.  Somewhere to grab a loaf of bread and some eggs. (We don't even have a grocery store in our town anymore...)  I bet Joe remembers when there was more going on in Horicon, being that I've only lived here a year, I obviously don't know the history of the town.  But I like to imagine what it must have been like.

Onto some neighborhoods - admiring the lovely canopy of green as we walk through...sigh...I love that!

We wind through a few more neighborhoods and circle our way back to downtown. (we didn't quite make it to the second park and wonderful pool on this trip - not enough time!)  Passing by John Deere - the heart of Horicon...

Back to the river - this time looking down from the bridge.  You can't see it but to our right is the end of the river, opening into the marsh.

About to turn the corner onto our street - admiring, again, the loveliness of the greens out now...

And Home, Sweet, Home!  Chelsea knows which house is hers and she excitedly runs for the door awaiting her ice cube treat.  Isn't it great that dogs think ice cubes are special treats??? 

 

So, I'm guessing this post isn't all that interesting to people outside of my immediate family.  These walks have been taking up quite a bit of my time lately - so there has been less sewing - hence the lack of blog posts.  But hopefully I can continue to make time, even in small increments, to keep sewing and knitting in my life, because without them, I just wouldn't be me!

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday weekend!