Lost from Blogging but going to put forth an effort to post again

I decided awhile back to start a blog to track my sewing over the year. I haven't been very successful at blogging. I read everyone elses blog and think I want to do the same, but I don't. I guess I feel I have nothing to comment on, but then I need to remember this blog was for my benefit, to track my sewing progress, so I need to just remember that and just write more often, especially after I have completed projects.

Since My last post I have been sewing. I actually made twenty small totes that I embroidery, with notebooks and cosmetic bags for my grandaaughter's birthday party. It was such a cute party. My daughter teaches cosmotology at a vo-tech and had the party in her room. They invited about 20 little girls and they each had a pamper day. They got hair, finger nails and toes done at the party. Their favor's was my totes. Each girl was present one when they left.

I also worked on another diaper bag for my daughter's best friends baby shower. I made her a boppy, blocks, shoes and a toy for the inside. It was so cute.

In between this I have been working on a quilt that I started about 5 years ago. I am determined to finish it someday.

Now I am making curtains for my daughter's kitchen. Nothing fancy, just simple country curtains.

I haven't made much progress on my fitting and clothing goals, that is still something I must work at yet.

Since my last blog, I have a new grandbaby, Mason who is just the cutest thing you ever saw now 3-1/2 months old. He has some small issues, but will be fine. May 7th will be his second surgery on his bowel. He will have two more surgeries that we know of before he is a year old....but he is doing great....love him so much.....

I did make him a cute little hate....but it was way to big.....

Showered with Monkey's Baby shower

Recently we had a baby shower for my oldest daughter. She is having a baby boy on December 21st. Her theme for the shower was of course monkeys. She has always loved monkeys. I had such a grand time bring the decoations together. I searched the internet for applique monkey's that I could use with my embroidery machine. I first started out making a rag quilt that I appliqued monkeys on squares and then pulled it all together with square of flannel recieving blankets that matched her cribbing. It turned out alright.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/maryheckman/6481676449/in/photostream
Forgive the side way picture...
Then I decided to start my decorations. I used the same applique to make my center pieces. I made mini diaper cakes. However, I used hand towels instead of diaper. Then I game them away.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/maryheckman/6481680945/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/maryheckman/6346609495/in/photostream

They took a long time to make since I had to make two per centerpiece and sew together. I used a dowel rod then in the middle to hold the applique. They turned out beautiful and everyone loved them.

I then made a diaper wreath....http://www.flickr.com/photos/maryheckman/6481677473/in/photostream
again sorry for the side photo...don't know how to change it once it is uploaded to flickr.

I hung it on the door as you came into the shower. I loved it. It was so easy to make and it was a useful gift for the mommy.

I then decided I needed more decorations.....I guess I started way to early, because I kept doing more and more....

I made a diaper cake and a diaper motorcycle. The motorcycle was so fitting for the mommy and daddy since they ride harley's.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/maryheckman/6346608899/in/photostream

back view..http://www.flickr.com/photos/maryheckman/6347358200/in/photostream

front view....http://www.flickr.com/photos/maryheckman/6346608461/in/photostream

yes...I did make the monkey's also. I gave them away to the youngest attending the shower....do you know how hard it is to find a monkey pattern. I search the internet for hours on end to come up with a vendor that had a pattern, Funky Friends Factory and it is so easy to make. Love it......thanks

http://www.flickr.com/photos/maryheckman/6481684437/in/photostream

Cake was also fun to make.....
I made favors that I stamped with monkey and put in candy that I made labels with monkey on and baby name and put in the bags with a poem on the back.

I had monkey cookies and banana cookies for each one attending. They were so cute.

Now the sad part.....my middle daughter was so upset that I did so much for the baby and didn't do the same 8 years ago when she had a baby. I felt bad when she reminded me, but in my defense, I didn't have my embroidery machine, I didn't have the time or the money to do it back them......

If you decided to do a baby shower for your daughter, have fun and enjoy as much as I enjoyed the plan of the shower. It was great.....

Missing in action but still sewing

http://www.flickr.com/photos/organize/

Well I haven't posted in a very long time. That doesn't mean I haven't been sewing. My youngest daughter went on a cruise the past July. I made her a total of 6 dresses and three tops for her cruise. The same daughter's best friend got married and I made her an apron, casserole carrier and potholders for her bridal shower. Now my oldest daughter is pregnant dues January 11, 2012 with a baby boy. Do you know how hard it is to find maternity clothing and sewing patterns? She is a nurse and needs uniforms. We found 2 maternity uniform tops. So now my goal is to make her some uniforms. I made her two so far and still am not happy. I have three more cut out. My middle daughter also must wear uniforms and she is a plus size, so I plan to make her some uniform tops. I have not been sewing for myself, but I am still sewing. I also am busy reading all the sewing blogs out there. I love what everyone is doing. You are such an inspiration. Thank you for taking the time to blog and make tutorials. Catch you again hopefully sooner than later.

The beginning of my Journey

Today is the beginning of my journey of blogging....
I started sewing approximately a year ago with making hand bags. I love making different patterns, quilting my material and assembling the bags. I have made many lovely bags for gifts and I sold about 20 bags to different people. Funny thing about me making purses, I do not have one for myself. Each purse was either given away or sold. So I guess I better start making a purse for myself.
Though now I am taking a different road. I am trying to learn to sew and fit for myself. I have found it is much harder than making purses. Though I plan to practice, practice to become better. I just joined a web site http://sewing.patternreview.com and hope to make many friends on the site. I also am a member of http://www.perfectsewandfit.com/forum/index.php. What a wonderful site. So many tutorials on every step of sewing, and individual help in fitting by the most wonderful lady.
I am now working on a tunic top and some pants/shorts. I plan to post my work as I go continue on my journey for help from experience sewing experts.