Right now.

Today was a great day at Market Day today.  And I can't believe that the next Market Day, the big Black Friday event, is the last one for 2012.   All of a sudden, the day after Thanksgiving doesn't seem so far away!

We went on our very first visit to a pumpkin patch this week. 

I am searching  for vintage dress patterns!  I found some awesome 1940s patterns this week, but I need more.  Got some?  Give me a holler, please!

Getting ready for a big birthday party: Jacob is turning four soon. 

Wondering if I should dare trying to make the birthday cake myself this year.  And attempt to decorate it.   This seems more than a bit risky to me.  What happens if I mess it up and there's no pretty cake for his party!  Would there be a Lightning McQueen cake available somewhere in Des Moines on such short notice?  These are the kind of tough decisions parents have to make.

Thinking ahead about craft shows in other locations that I really want to try for next year.  And how to make it work. 

Hoping  that the replacement part for my corner rounder gets here soon.  Very soon. 

Super-excited for the Planned Parenthood book sale, which starts Thursday.  I've managed to make some room for my book-sale booty ahead of time.  Good thing for the vintage built-in cupboards in our basement. 

That's what I'm thinking about right here, right now.  Now it's time to get back to work. 

Mend It Better

I can't sew. 
Not at all. 
I don't even attempt to sew on a button. 
The closest I've come to sewing since seventh grade home ec class was last year when I successfully used no-sew tape to make a "hemmed" edge on a big piece of fabric to use as a tablecloth for my craft show display.  I felt quite proud of myself.  Sad, huh?
And yet, I am fascinated by sewing.  I admire those who can create something with needle, thread, and fabric.  Because I know it is not something I will ever be able to do. 
I know how to thread a needle and I can do a simple, stab-stitch binding to make books.  Any fancy kind of stitch binding (think coptic) escapes me every time I attempt it.  I've actually broken a needle before.  Which totally befuddled my teacher, Kay. 

But, I think there may be a ray of hope for me.  Here it is:


Mend It Better by Kristin M. Roach

This is an awesome book, written by the multi-talented Kristin Roach.  If her name is familiar to you, maybe you've visited her fantastic blog & website, Craft Leftovers (www.craftleftovers.com.)  I met Kristin last year at Market Day when she purchased one of my journals, and was kind enough to blog about it afterwards.  This year, Kristin is one of the vendors at Market Day.  I was super-excited to get my hands on her book, even though I don't sew. 

First of all, it's just a gorgeous book.  From the pretty cover till the last page.  It's filled with great photos.  I like photos.  I looked through the photos a few times before I sat down to actually read.  Then I was delighted that the words were just as good as the photos.  There is a lot of information in this book.  Inspiring information.  There's some history of sewing, and Kristin tells us how about the role sewing has played in her life.  I like to learn about how and why people become makers of stuff.  Then there is lots of good info about sewing tools and some basics, and then there are all kinds of great projects in the book.  I know that I likely won't attempt  many of them (for safety reasons!), but there are some projects that I think I might be able to accomplish.  Which is mainly because Kristin and the other contributors provide good instructions.  Good instructions are always important in a how-to book, but they are especially important for the clumsy novice such as myself.  The combination of instructions and photos in this book might just help me get over my fear of sewing.  And that is no small feat. 

This book is not just for the clumsy novice, though; I think that creative sewers will love it too. 

If you want to get your hands on this book, visit www.craftleftovers.com for more info.  You can get it in stores and online.  Or, you can visit Kristin this Saturday at Market Day, and get yourself an autographed copy (what could be better?).  We'll be at the Kirkwood in downtown Des Moines (corner of 4th & Walnut) from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.  (visit www.marketdayiowa.com for more info).

Happy Mending!

Today is the third day of May

A special day, to me, for a few reasons.  It's my awesome friend Kate's birthday (Happy Birthday to you!) and it's also what I like to think of as my parents' un-anniversary.  Thirty-nine years ago today my mom and dad got married:

from left to right: my mom's parents, Louie & Aurelia, Mom & Dad, my dad's parents, Bessie & Bud. 
May 3, 1973.  Note how no one in this photo is smiling.  Love it. 

They had a small ceremony just a few blocks away from where we live now, at the Park Avenue Christian Church right here in Des Moines.  Then, ten years later, they got divorced.  But if they hadn't made the terrible decision to get married, I wouldn't be here, now would I?  I say terrible decision simply because my parents are about as opposite as two people can get.  Which is probably why I'm a bit crazy myself! 

Also, it's a new month, so that means a new calendar page:

Papers are from Stampington & Co., vintage measuring tape, and yellow flower trim that I can't remember the brand.

I am a little behind here, as I don't have a photo of Jacob on this yet....but we're headed to the park in a bit, so I will snap one this afternoon and stick it on. 

This week Jacob and I also started planting some flowers.  This year I'm trying out some new ones, including lilies:

These were on sale for a dollar each at the Hy-Vee garden tent, so I figured what the hell.  Gardening is a lot like gambling for me.  I spend a bunch of money without guaranteed results.  But it's sure fun digging in the dirt and seeing if I can manage not to kill a bunch of flowers.  I did okay last year, so I'm hoping I can keep most of what I bought alive! 

I've also been busy working on just a few more things for Market Day this Saturday:

Like a batch of Nancy Notebooks, since I managed to pick up quite a few old Nancy Drews at the book sale.  Jacob has also been busy being creative:

Man, does he love using the paint roller.  He really gets into it.  I mean, really gets into it.  It's fun to watch him go. 

All in all, a good start to what's probably my favorite month of the year.  May is busy.  There's always a lot going on.  Lots to celebrate.  Hope you have a fabulous month.  If you're in Des Moines this Saturday, come down to Market Day and say hello!  It's also the opening day of the Farmers' Market, which is always lots of fun. 

You're Invited.

The first Market Day of 2012 is next Saturday.  May 5.  Just a week away!  I am so excited.   This is the day I look forward to from about say, oh, the end of December, as soon as craft shows are over for the year.  Yes, it is that much fun.  You should come.  We will be back at the Kirkwood Building again this year.  Market Day opens at 9:00 a.m.  Free admission.  So much handmade goodness.  You can check out a vendor preview on facebook, just search for Market Day Iowa.  Some of my crafty friends who will also be at Market Day include: Pajama Love, Dank Artistry, Bean and the Sprout, Jbirdstitch, Big Button Archive, Mimibird, daniAWESOME, and Purple Pincushion.  Just to name a few.  You can find most of those folks on etsy, by the way.  Can't wait to see what everyone has been making.  You're invited!  It's a perfect opportunity to get something unique for yourself.  Or to find an awesome Mother's Day gift.  And to support local artists, crafters, and vintage dealers.  We hope you will come check us out.