Happy New Year!

It was a beautiful day here yesterday which lent itself to the first run of the year followed by the laziest day I've had in a while...maybe even since last new year's day.  Although my body was lazy my mind was busy with ideas for the new year, not New Year's resolutions necessarily but things I want to do because they make my life better.

I spent some time hand sewing binding to a quilt and as is usually the case, my busy hands freed up my mind to dream. I'd like to fill this coming year improving my skills (so I can be a better sewing teacher and sewer).  Creativebug and Craftsy offer so many options from experts I normally wouldn't be able to take classes from.  I not only love learning new techniques but I also enjoy watching how other teachers teach and motivate people.

I started a new job in December and I'm excited to see what the new year brings in my teaching.  I'm in a new atmosphere with people like me (fabric junkies....my peeps!) and fine fabrics to die for!  I want to focus on making fewer garments from more quality fabrics (guys, I'm kicking off the new sewing year with a gray and pale blue wool skirt with fabric so soft you can sleep in it.  Yum.)

Most exciting are the plans I have for my BlueDot pattern line.  I have a new pattern in the works that will be coming out in the spring and Sew Alongs for my current patterns.  I'm excited to announce that Upcraft Club is now carrying my patterns!  It's a great site that sells only PDF patterns from indie designers.  It's the one stop shop for when you have one of those projects you need a pattern for and only a PDF will do because you need it....right now!  Don't you love the immediacy of the PDF?

There are so many things a flutter this year...it's going to be great!

What about you?  What do you want to make, do or get really good at this year?

Thanks for reading!  Happy New Year!

On The Run

I love to sew and I love to run.  In my newest project I combined both.  When heading out on a long run the question always is....where do I put my stuff?  My key, license and money (in case I run by a donut shop) have to go somewhere so it might as well be pretty....right?

I used 30's inspired quilting prints, fully lined each pouch and made a contrasting strap with velcro all the way around so my key doesn't fall out.  Plus....it makes me giggle to look down at my shoe while I'm running and see this happy holder.

I figured someone else must be having the same problem finding a cute and safe pouch so I loaded a few on Etsy.  You can check them out here.  

Surf City Half Marathon

My daughter and I ran the Surf City Half Marathon yesterday.  Congratulations baby!
One race down, two more to go!

"Hey Mojo"....Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

I know it isn't half way through the year yet but I've been questioning my "Mojo" and I think a review of my new year's resolution might be in order.  Here it is:

1. Sew 3 projects per month.  They can be anything but I mostly want to focus on garments and even more specifically on knits, pants and even some workout wear.  
2. Run 3 half marathons.
3. Give away my "Penguins on the Beach" pajamas given to me by my dear friend Carolyn.  They are so worn they have to go!  But they're so comfy I don't want to let them go......but I will......this year.....I have all year right?

Well....as painful as it was I gave away the shreds pajamas from my friend Carolyn.  Done!

So far this year, I've run one half marathon (with my daughter, her first, she was incredible and it was so fun I still think about it all the time!)  I still don't have finish line photos but when I do I'll post one.  I don't have any other races in the works and I've been itching to get a run on my calendar.  I'll work on that soon.

At bib pick up

Before the race (please forgive my mime gloves)

Now....about the three sewing projects per month:

January: 5 tops, 2 skirts and a yoga mat

February: 3 pants, Mom's nightie, scarf, drapes for staging (PIF sewing)

March: Mom's top, 2 skirts, t-shirt, scarf

April:  blouse

Hmmm....I think I lost my "mojo" in April what do you think?

It happens.  

Thankfully, we get a new start every day and it's good to remind myself of that.

Happy New Year....and New Blog!

It's 2013 and I'm excited for a new year.  I'm feeling creative and looking forward to working on the projects swirling around in my head.  I'm starting a new blog with a new name but I will continue sharing my sewing projects.  Since we have a new year it's a great time for me to state (in writing so you can hold me to it) my resolutions for the new year:

1. Sew 3 projects per month.  They can be anything but I mostly want to focus on garments and even more specifically on knits, pants and even some workout wear.  
2. Run 3 half marathons.
3. Give away my "Penguins on the Beach" pajamas given to me by my dear friend Carolyn.  They are so worn they have to go!  But they're so comfy I don't want to let them go......but I will......this year.....I have all year right?

I made quite a few things at the end of the year (I don't know how I found the time) so I'll be posting some reviews soon.

If you're here from my other blog....Thanks!

Happy New Year!