The Sewing Mom

Last Christmas (that’s right, a year ago), my husband gave me a present that I had specifically asked for. I had seen being demonstrated while visiting the Houston Quilt Festival in 2010 and knew that I wanted one for myself. Problem was, I really didn’t want to spend that kind of money on a basic household appliance. Well, I got it under the tree and I have to say, I LOVE IT!

I must admit, because I was somewhat in a creative funk, I haven’t sewn a stitch in over a year, until this week. So, I pulled my new Oliso iron out of it box and unleashed it on all the seams in the quilt top I’m putting together (more on that in a later post). This iron is AWESOME!

This iron always stays horizontal, no need for tilting it precariously on its end, hoping nobody bumps into the ironing board knocking it off. It responds to the lightest touch, as soon as I touch the handle, it retracts its little feet (technically I think it’s called auto-lift) and is ready to press even the thickest and most stubborn seams. It has all sorts of settings and makes quick work of pressing sewn seams. Trust me, I hate to iron, so for me to have positive things to say about an iron tells you just how impressed I am by this!

By the way, I was just excited by the way my iron performed and wanted to share my opinions. I have in no way whatsoever been compensated for this post.

I did it! I started sewing again!

My extra large cutting  mat had been stored under my bed and when I pulled it out I think it had about an inch thick layer of dust on it, it had been so long since it was last put to use!

So, I got everything dusted off, put together and sorted and away I went! I pick a simple pattern and 5 pieces of fabric and got myself busy cutting. I cut 27 strips from 3 of the fabrics and then sewed those together to make 9 strip sets. I’m getting ready to press those and the sub-cut into smaller pieces, those will actually create the blocks of the lap quilt I’m making.

So, just checking in here to let everyone know, after changing the needle, my sewing machine is still operational, even though it’s been close to a year since I last used it.

After months of not sewing, I’m finally feeling a sense of inspiration. Not at all sure where it came from, but in my fabric stash, I have several yards of Breast Cancer Awareness fabric and I’ve decided to make a lap quilt using those fabrics. I plan to donate the finished quilt to the high school softball team’s Pink Night where they do silent auctions to raise money for the Susan G Komen Foundation. I think the fact that I have a deadline ahead will keep me on track!

I pulled out the fabric yesterday and was laying in out to see what all I have. Of course, that’s when our baby decided she had to be a participant, plopped down and stuck under nose under all the fabric and fell asleep. The sound of me turning my camera on is the only reason she opened her eyes!

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To all my friends, family and loyal blog viewers, I want to wish you all the very best for today and everyday. May the Lord be with you and comfort you when you are in need and may you find strength in his love.

Merry Christmas!

This post brought to you by Slim-Fast. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am not good when it comes to any type of dieting.  I am fortunate that I’ve never been way over weight, but I know I could stand to lose a few pounds.  At this time of year it’s difficult to keep from adding pounds with all the great treats everyone is busy making.  Just the other day I was given a box of homemade chocolate pretzels.  It took all my will power to not down the entire box before I even got home!

To help me keep the excess pounds off so that I don’t look like a blimp in January, I try to eat healthy, low calorie meals that allow me to have a few extra calories worth of treats.  I think that’s why I really like the Slim-Fast 3•2•1 Plan, it pretty much allows me to follow my own plan without sacrificing taste, allowing me to feel satisfied, not hungry, throughout the day.

The Slim-Fast 3•2•1 is easy to follow and it’s flexible.  Each day I can have 3 snacks like fruit, veggies or even the Slim-Fast 100 calorie snack bar which is specifically designed to help curb those in between meal cravings for sweets.  Also, I can either drink 2 Slim-Fast shakes or eat 2 meal bars each day.  I like drinking the creamy milk chocolate shake for breakfast and the other one as a late lunch.  They keep me full while providing balanced nutrition until I cook dinner in the evening.  The shakes come in other flavors too including French vanilla, rich chocolate royale, cuppuccino delight, and strawberries n’ cream.

Finally, as part of the Slim-Fast  3•2•1 plan, I try to fix a balanced 500 calorie meal for dinner.  I’ve also learned that it helps to remember that half my dinner plate should be vegetables, 1/4 should be protein (meat) and the other 1/4 should be whole grains. 

I also like Slim-Fast because it’s available where I normally do my grocery shopping so I don’t have to make an extra trip to another store just to get it.  Heck, it’s even available at Amazon.com.  If you can’t locate it, check the pharmacy section of your grocer and don’t forget to “like” them at http://facebook.com/slimfast