The BARU from Majuro

You have got to check this book out!! My friend has a wonderful story and an amazing book... Her story is under "Duluth Teacher Raises Awareness of Heritage" on the following website:
http://www.gccsda.com/?option=com_content&task=view&id=2651&Itemid=211

You can also check out the book and all the details on her website:
http://web.mac.com/jgravell

Hope you enjoy it!

I cant wait to get my copy!

MIA & Top Secret

I have been MIA again... and just wanted to catch up a bit and explain :)

Lately I have been working on various things, among them a surprise party... Reason why I cant write or post any of the cute little things I have been creating!! I cant wait to show you what I've been working on... It will be soon.

On another note, I just became a BeautiControl consultant... well, sort of... I want to try the products first (try them more than just one time)... The first time... well, the results were pretty good, so I'm giving it a shot - will keep you posted on the results!!

Today I met with my friend Kathy to go over some patterns and try to decide what our next "sewing project" will be... well, well, well... I believe we will be working on the professional tote. It seems challenging enough and I cant wait to start... She is working on her blog - so I'm pretty excited... she makes the cutest handbags...

Well, I am ready for some needed rest.
Thank God for the Sabbath!!
God Bless!

Vacation & Community

Away we went... it was one amazingly relaxing weekend!! A weekend cruise to the Bahamas is highly recommended!!! :)

Well, now that you know why I havent been around... I have also been networking on various community events... among them, I went to a meeting from the Altamonte Springs Chapter of WOAMTEC (Women on a Mission To Earn Commission). "Its a social, stress free, networking atmosphere where women can just be women" I just went as a guest and had a great time. Got to meet some great business women in this area.

I also went to drop off some of the handbags that were collected at the Handbag Event. We went to the Cancer Center in Apopka (next to the Apopka High School). It is a neat place that provides a bunch of services for cancer patients. A great experience!!

In addition to this, today I started working on some burpies... I've been struggling with "how to make it easy and cute"... well, I finally got it!! And I love it!! I promise to take some pictures soon and post them...

Hope you all have a great night... and TGIF soon!!

Gone Professional!

I finally gave in and bought the 4D Professional Software... and I love it!! It lets me do soooo much more!! I barely have enough time to figure it all out! For anyone interested in manipulating and creating their own embroidery designs, this is the way to go!!

Lately I've been busy with a couple of things... been going to several activities and fund raisers for breast cancer research... will be adding all the links to the blog for everyone to check them out!! Its amazing work and you get to meet some very wonderful people!!

Just want to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July! Enjoy the long weekend.
I am hoping to get some sewing done this holiday... yeah!
K

Sewing Machines & more...

At Sew Mama Sew its sewing month... They have some great information for anyone who is in the market for a new sewing machine - check it out! So here's my two-cents on my machine...

What brand and model do you have?
Husqvarna Viking Designer SE LE

How long have you had it?
1 1/2 years

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
a bit spendy... $6,000... but so worth it!

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
Everything from baby blankets, baby clothing, blankets, quilts, hadbags, & embroidered on almost all types of fabric (including leather, towels, silk, etc)

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
Almost every day... so it does get a bit of wear and tear...

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!! Passionate enough that I work part-time selling them!!!

What features does your machine have that work well for you?
First and foremost its the sensor system that got me sold on it (I step on the pedal, the foot goes down and it starts sewing)... the thread cutter and the "fix" option is another favorite!! And last but not least the EMBROIDERY!!

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Not yet :)

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
Nothing exciting... I just decided I deserved one...

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
Yes! Everyone I know that owns one - absolutely loves it too!! There is so much you can do with this machine, its amazing! Once you try it, you dont want to use anything less...

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
First thing is deciding what you're using your machine for (if you're just going to mend clothing or sew on home dec fabrics!) Certain machines dont work well with heavy fabrics! Buy something that feels good - make sure you try before you buy!!

Do you have a dream machine?
Yes, I own it!!

The Great Handbag Exchange

So, I just signed up to help with an amazing event... You can help out too!!!

"The Great Handbag Exchange"

You are invited to bring a new handbag to be given to women battling breast cancer or purchase a handbag from GoGreenHandbag.com at the event (A portion of the proceeds are donated to breastcancer.org)

I also have Raffle Tickets for $1.00 for a great handbag and more. So let me know if you want to help out!!

Where: 197 N. Hunt Club Blvd, Wekiva Office

When: June 20, 2009, 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Refreshments by Publix, Schakoland & Starbucks
RSVP - mikki@gogreenhandbag.com (407) 493-2523

THE Diaper Bag

For the last couple of months I've been trying to finish a diaper bag... One of those Unfinished projects (sure I am the only one with those kinds of projects laying around- LOL!)...

So I finally got to it!! I am supposed to teach a class on it this month... so, I figured it was time to get it done!

I used quilted fabric for the most part... originally thinking I wouldn't need to line-it... but ended up making a lining anyway!! I guess I'm a bit picky when it comes to the "finished-product"!

Needless to say, I am really happy with the final product :)

:)

Have a great week!!

...K

One-Piece "Bombacho"...

The last of the baby boy ensembles... I guess it has become one of my favorite ones... I think its adorable!! And its the first time I add snaps (to clothing)!! So I was pretty tickled when I finished! This is the back part and the snaps are there (they're just white!)

Now its time to create some new ones, with different colors, designs, etc... so, my mind is already going in miles per hour...

Here is the one-piece "bombacho" for baby boys...

Wishing everyone a happy week!!! :)

...K

Back in the game...

I have been totally out of the picture for some time now... Sorry about that... Life happens!!

Well... For one thing, I have to admit that I have been working on some things - just havent had the time to document! :)

I have a good friend that's dear to my heart who has an incredible talent... She has helped me create some wonderful patterns for baby boys (finally!). I had never done this type of work, but I am loving it way too much!!!

In Puerto Rico men use what they call "guayabera". Its a linen shirt with vertical pleats and pockets... so, using this theme we created a baby guayabera - I think its adorable!! Its made in irish linen ("estopilla") with tiny pleats and vertical designs. To make the set, we created some shorts to go with it. Check it out...

Here's the set...

We also worked on some "bombacho" shorts which are some baggy-baby-trousers/shorts... these are my favorite!! We also added a different shirt to go with this one which closes in the back side and added a cute embroidery in the front. Used a baby blue irish linen for this one... Here's what it looks like...

Here's the set...

So, just a quick update... I do have a lot more to share... but I will pace myself this time... THANKS a bunch for checking out my creations... it means so much to me.

Have a wonderful week! ...K

The SKIRT...

A friend at work brought a patchwork skirt a couple of weeks ago, which she had done herself (mainly in the serger)... she said the trick was to multiply the amount of squares by 1.5 for each layer... well, it was easier said than done...

I started doing the numbers (8, 12, 18, 27, and 4o). Even when that last number gave me the chills, I decided to do it!

Once you start, its quite easy...

I made a "smaller" version of that skirt for one very special girl. This is for Natalia and I will be delivering it personally this week - and I cant wait!!

Check out how cute it turned out!! I think its adorable!!

I will get pictures when she actually wears it... I was too excited and needed to share right away :)

Have a fun week...

Too much to do... too little time...

I have been quite busy lately with many things... among them, my sister & hubby came to visit, its spring break so we get a lot of friends comming out to get some fun in the sun, and orders, orders, and more orders (and I love it!)!!!
I thought I'd share with you some of my latest creations...

So... I have enjoyed making these baby blankets... they're all so unique (no pun intended) and specially made for each baby... I love my job :)

Hope you all have a blessed week! ...K

Baby Dress

Lately I have been working on designing my own baby dresses. With my mom's help we finally came up with a beautiful baby dress!! To make the pattern we used an "old" baby dress that my grandmother (Lita Nona) made for me (33 years ago). We used a technique that my great-grandmother (Mercedes) used in her dresses (without the side seams)...

I absolutely love it!!

Well, I am also working on my etsy store, so I will keep you updated with that too.

Hope you all have a Happy Week!

Genesis...

Today I will share some of the projects that I have completed since I started this new journey...

The first christening gown I made was for my friend Lourdes' baby girl... Cecilia... and that was THE BEGINNING!! My mom helped me out with this one, since it was a BIG thing for me... What can I say, she's my mom and I think she's the best!! Well, after this one I made two more on my own :)

Then I started doing baby blankets in flannel... I wanted to find a fabric that was soft and cuddly... these are some of my pride and joy to show...

Well, then comes the packaging... I do fold them a certain way so the front and back can be seen when packaged... here are some of them packaged and ready for delivery...

So, this is it for now... I have to get back to work... Have a Happy Friday!!

Imagination Station

Here's a little glimpse at what has become 'My Imagination Station'. It 'used' to be our office (or at least that's what I'm hoping for in the near future)... it began with the sewing machine, then a serger, then a good/steady table (very essential)...

...its now full of fabrics (and hopefully many more to come)

...ribbons, threads, and all that good stuff that you end up needing when you least expect it!

I just love this little space! It's just amazing to have an area where you can be free to imagine and create!!

If sleep wasn't necessary, it would give me another 8 hours in a day!!! Oh, don't we all love to dream!!

Work in Progress & Burnt Rice

I have finally started working on my blog!! It has been interesting enough that it suddenly took away my ability to multi-task!! I tried cooking rice for dinner while I was working on this... Needless to say, I ended up with a pot of burnt rice!!
...and yes, the picture was my second batch!!

Well, it's been fun and challenging at the same time... Its a work in progress but I cant wait to dive into this!! Hope you're all having a great day!!