it's still winter, darnit.

I know, I haven't updated this spot in weeks! It's been busy around here. I think I can officially say that February is my busiest month. Seriously, everyone wants me to sew something or alter something for them all at the same time! I'm not complaining! I'm really grateful I have a lot of work, but I admit there was a moment a few weeks ago when I broke down because I was feeling totally overwhelmed. But I actually think that the break-down helped, because I started thinking about how un-productive I had been. I'm feeling a lot better about my schedule these days and I'm putting together a budget. (Did I mention I finished my taxes and I got a REFUND?!!!!! This never happens. NEVER.) PLUS, I am starting some new clothing patterns and hope to have some made for spring/summer. I've got about a trillion ideas up my sleeve with absolutely no time for any of them. This seems to happen a lot... About my clothing "line" or whatever you want to call it, I'm basically just going to make clothing I would wear. So it might not all coordinate, but we'll see. Maybe it will! I'm getting lots of inspiration from past collections of jackson, johnston & roe (i am jealous they came up with that name and I didn't...I love it!). I am not crazy about their current collection, except I love those button-crotch shirts (or whatever they call them). I have a 1940's pattern for a similar shirt and it sounds like a super nifty idea!

Okay, times up, I have to get to work. Have a great Wednesday! Hopefully I will post again before spring! Also, I have a cinnamon roll recipe I've been meaning to share... One of these days I'll get around to that too.

winner!

Sorry guys for taking so long in posting the winner to my giveaway! I was thinking about writing out all the names on pieces of paper and picking one out of a hat, but then I decided probably best to just get it done tonight. So I picked a random number using this. And the winner is Vanessa! I will email you shortly. :)

Thanks everyone for entering my little giveaway! Have a great week!

giveaway::

This giveaway has already ended. Thanks for all the comments!


Everyone loves to get loot in their mailbox, especially free loot. So today in honor of finishing (well, mostly) my taxes and because it's Friday, I'm hosting a giveway. Awesome, right?

::Unfortunately the giveaway is only for those of you in Canada or the US, but hopefully I will have other giveaways in the future that will include everyone.::

OK, so to enter just post your name and make sure you have a link to your contact info or include your email in your post. That's it! Unless you want to tell me something else about yourself. Like who's your favorite band or what your plans are for the weekend or if you like coffee or tea. The giveaway ends in a week, Feb 5th, around midnight central time. Good luck!

What you get if you win (pretty snazzy, no?):

Vessel Fusionware™ Flask and Eight Cup Set

Here's the description from the site:

Bring a little extra to the table. Originally conceived as drinking vessels, the Fusionware flasks and cups are endlessly versatile. Use them together for serving wine, water, coffee, or juice. The 5 oz. cups can be used separately to hold chopped ingredients while you’re cooking, for serving scoops of ice cream, or even as votive holders. The elegant flask features a subtle pinch at the ridge and can also be used for watering plants, or even as a vase for unexpected bouquets.


Features:

• Includes one flask and eight cups
• Stoneware
• Dishwasher safe
• Microwave safe

Dimensions:

• Flask: 50oz (1500ml)
• Cup: 5oz (150ml)
  
  

loot for sale.

Finally got some stuff put up on eBay for sale! I'm calling it the "Help Anna get the most Freaking Amazing bathing suit ever known to man auction." Hah. If I make enough, I'm getting that suit. Okay, even if I don't make enough, I'm probably going to get that suit. Unless it sells out or something (noooo.....). I think I talk about bathing suits too much on here. Bathing suits and the 1930s. But that's a good thing, right?

summertime, please.

Hey, guys! Oh man, I am pretty much ready for summer. I've been coveting that bathing suit from Anthropologie. I decided that if I can sell some stuff from my closet on eBay and make enough, I'm going to get it. I don't care if it's way more than I would normally spend on a bathing suit. It's the perfect suit. I dream about it...okay not really. Anyway, I think bathing suits are on my mind because it's freaking cold here and it's only the end of January. Which means in Iowa that it's basically just the beginning of winter. Also I have taxes on my mind, which makes me want to vomit. Every year it's like this and every year I think somehow the next is going to be better. Ah, well...it's what I get for having my own business. But I guess it's worth it. Maybe one of these days I'll get organized.

Speaking of organization... You know what else I've been up to? I've been cleaning my bedroom like crazy. I've spent almost two weeks up there clearing out the clutter, sweeping and generally being ruthless in what I am going to keep and throw away. I have a pile sitting in the hallway waiting to be given to some sucker...I mean, someone who wants my crap. Or I'll drop it off at a thrift store. It feels pretty good to get rid of stuff. Stuff I never use and have almost forgotten about. My new motto is, "out of sight, out of mind." And I'm trying to remind myself of this when I'm cleaning.

I've been doing much more than cleaning lately, but there is way too much to tell in just one post. I will mention that I went to a Bowerbirds concert at The Mill last week and it was fabulous! I'm SUPER excited to go to see Camera Obscura in April. Really hope I don't have anything else planned on that date.

Well I hope y'all have a great week! I'll be back here before too long. I'm getting rid of a few vintage inspired frocks I made and some Regency (Jane Austen) style dresses, if you're into historical attire. I'll let you know when I list them for sale. Be well!

pattern drafting and knitting.

While I was away house-sitting, I decided to spend my time learning to draft patterns. I've been meaning to do this for years, but all I really needed to do was set some time aside. I used this book and it was super helpful. Next I'm going to grade the pattern and make it up in some nicer fabric to sell. I'll probably set up an Etsy shop or Big Cartel. I'm leaning more towards Etsy, though...

Also knitted up the Red Riding Hood pattern I found for free on Ravelry. Super easy to knit and I adore it! Of course I make it just as the snow is beginning to melt. Argh. I kind of hope it gets colder just so I can wear it. Hah!

the new year::

Whenever the New Year comes along, I'm always at a loss of what I should write. I'm not huge into making lists, because I never seem to DO any of them (or at least very few get accomplished). But it is sometimes fun to write a few things I am looking forward to or things I'd like to try and accomplish in the New Year. I'm going to start a list of some of these things. Perhaps one of these days when I have time, I'll make a list of things I did last year.

• Start growing heirloom seeds inside early.
• Plant an herb garden (mostly, if not all planted in pots).
• Draft a few patterns and make some clothes to sell from them (wish me luck!)
• Go back to Shape Note sings.
• Turn twenty-six.
• Go to the lake A LOT more this summer.
• Start running again when the weather gets warmer.
• Smile often.
• Keep a one sentence journal each day (or often) of the good things in my life.
• Take better pictures.
• Knit.
• Celebrate my brother and my best friend's weddings.
  
• Travel.
• Try real hard to actually get a banjo and learn it!
• Wear red lipstick in public (I swear I'm going to do this...)
• Celebrate my grandmother's 80th birthday!
  
• Continue reading for the book club I attend. (Btw, our next book is called "Love Medicine" by Louise Erdrich.)
• Do something for someone without anything in return -- often.
• Clean my room. :)

Okay, that's all I can think about right now. I bet I'm leaving a lot out, but that's okay. Hope you all have a lovely New Year's!

merry christmas!

merry christmas!, originally uploaded by gracefullady.

Hope you all are enjoying a lovely day. It's snowing here!