I'm a huge fan of Amy Karol (of angry chicken fame) and I've always wanted to participate in her apron making/challenge blog, Tie One On. I have finally gotten my act together and finished a black and white apron for the January/February challenge. It's a simple cafe style with a kangaroo pocket from Amy's book, Bend the Rules Sewing. Yes, I had to photograph it at night again, and I had just used it to make dinner, so it's wrinkled, and I was too tired to make anything look nice, and I could give you more excuses, but what I am trying to say is I  apologize for the shot. Of course, I had to draw on it (especially since the theme was black and white. That just begs for ink, doesn't it?), and little Miss Heidi seemed like an appropriate choice. I'm quite happy with how it turned out - I could see these as potential Christmas gifts. I have two more apron patterns cut out, both from Sew Liberated, and I'm hoping to steal some time while the kids are at school tomorrow to work on them. Yes, both actually at school, amazing! It's ME who's had the cold this weekend! But since I have been pretty useless these last two days, the house could use a good cleaning... it's always that tug of war, isn't it? I should just put blinders on and sew!

Another little bit of excitement to share... there's an interview with yours truly in the March/April issue of Somerset Studio, and one of my Alice In Wonderland pieces! Wahoo! My first interview! You'll have to get the issue to see the full piece, but it's well worth your trip to the bookstore. This is a really fantastic issue, and not just because I'm in it! The diversity of styles represented is amazing, and the pieces in this issue are out of sight. Really. You'll have to see it! And maybe buy one for your mom or best friend, too. Just a suggestion.

Hooray! My Mad Tea Party mixed media paper dolls made it into the March/April issue of Somerset Studio. Got myself a whole page on 110! It's quite an honor, especially being in the same issue with Danita and judy Wilkenfeld. I have a list of potential projects to work on for future submissions, but right now I can't seem to tear myself away from altering clothes! Obsessions, obsessions...

The Spring issue arrived today!


My work was highlighted on the gallery cover page:


and both tanks were shown on page 142:


I couldn't be more thrilled! I've been dabbling with some fiber work, but these were some of the first clothing pieces I've done, and I loooooooovvvvvveeee clothes! Right now the machine is out because I'm appliquéing felt hearts on 18 t-shirts for Madeline's birthday party (I really wanted to avoid cheap plastic toys or candy as favors, and the t-shirts were on sale at Michael's for only $2!), but I have a whole list of projects to sew once those are done. The clothes pile in my closet is stacking up; not ones to wear, but to deconstruct. I pulled four sweaters out of my give-away pile this morning (shhh, don't tell Matt!) to do a little sweater surgery on. Well, maybe you can tell him - he gave me the book, after all! So hold on, Altered Couture, more is on the way!

We've run into a few technical difficulties with the new web site, so we've decided to post my Word For the Year class HERE! The posts will run daily, from February 2-6. Of course, they will still be here to view, so if you can't check in that week, you won't miss out. This little book is full of some cool techniques (you know I love the technique classes) and quick journaling prompts to focus your new year wishes. To make it an even sweeter deal, I'm giving away 7 class kits! No, you don't need a kit to make the book (you can use your own supplies), but wouldn't it be nice to win one? Just a reminder, we are going to make this:

All you need to do to enter the drawing is tell me, what is your word for the year? Don't have one? That's okay, too. We'll address that in class. You can just leave a little happiness instead! I'll pick a winner Feb. 1st!

I found this in my mailbox this afternoon: