August 23, 2013

If you've been reading my blog at all for the past 8.5 years that I've been writing it, you know that our #1 grandson Caleb has always factored heavily into our day-to-day lives. I just looked back to the first page of this blog and sure enough, there he is :-) I kind of fell off the map in the blogging world for the past year because I had brought him home for his 6th grade education. (I mentioned it in this post and this post, pretty much the only other times I blogged this year!). I had sincere intentions about making it work for Caleb and homeschooling, but all things considered and long story short-- we both decided he should go give the public arena another try. Today at noon I dropped him off at his new middle school for orientation to 7th grade, and Monday he will officially start. I watched him walk from my car into a large crowd of seemingly unknown kids and within seconds he had joined a group of boys he recognized who were patting him on the back--happy to see him. It wasn't until then that I choked back a tear, which I must assume was a 'happy tear', so I feel certain that All Will Be Well. 

In my attempt to start blogging about creativity again, I thought I'd share a couple recent things I've done. 

I saw this skirt in a thrift shop not long ago

It was a large size (at least 18) so not surprisingly; hadn't ever really been worn. I was drawn to the sweet pink flowers as well as the ruffle on the bottom. With very little sewing I turned it into this cute jumper;

I'm always hunting the skirt aisle at the thrift stores now. Do you remember when I used a new size 14 mini skirt to make a whole quilt top? (say! I still like that. I should go find it and have it finished ;) ) 

Found a good organizational tip on Pinterest--my favorite time suck of the day! Use magazine boards to wrap yardage on.

Here's my fabric closet before (that's an IKEA Expedit shelving system)

And here's the after:

I won't say that wrapping them and standing as opposed to stacking saves or wastes any room, but you know fabric is HEAVY and thumbing through the stacks before was difficult if not impossible. I do so love the new system. I also emptied a six drawer cart full of ribbon bolts by wrapping them, too (mainly because I wanted to use this cute little cubby I found at a thrift shop.)

That's all I can think to share today. It's almost time to go back for the parent orientation and to pick up Caleb so I better get ready for that. Hope all is well in your world!

Comments

[Sue McG]

What a great foundation you have set for Caleb - he will now be able to make the most of middle school academically with the head start you have given him, and have the social development so necessary at that age - kudos to you Jen.

As for your fab crafting endeavors, I always enjoy seeing what you have been creating.

[Liz Adams]

Exciting for Caleb, but I bet it will seem quiet for awhile around your house. I hope it all goes well for him!

[Peggy Siemer]

I don't think I had seen your ribbon winder piece. Love it.