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I ♥ etsy

April 12, 2008

While you're waiting...

Not too long now, I promise!!  As a teaser, here are some of my recent inspirations/projects

  • silkscreening
  • Gocco (rhymes with loco)
  • Sewing fabric chess boards (I'll have a free pattern for you)
  • New etsy store with my daughter's artwork, as well as a CD with all the podcasts on it
  • New (to me) Featherweight 221 from eBay
  • Sewing Room is finished.  Mr.Big still thinks it's his office LOL
  • Awesome site to get glasses for just eight bucks! Not an ad, just a rave review
  • Bee hive in the backyard (an actual bee hive, not the mess that is now my hair)
  • I'm going to be an auntie!

and...

  • my new coverstitcher!!!

So while I get my act together, here are some little fun films to watch, while I get the next podcast together.  I'm going to be posting a film or something interesting every day or so until I get the podcast up, so keep checking back!

Tomorrow I'm going to start a poll.  I want to print up some of my own fabric and I need you to help me decide the 'theme'.

♥ Nutmeg

How Textile Mills Are Modernizing (ca. 1948) I know this sort of starts in the middle of a sentence, but I thought it was interesting to watch.

           

An oldie but a goodie.  I know I"ve shared this before but I know some are new to my show and they might appreciate it!

           

March 31, 2008

Gone but returning soon

Nope, I've not podfaded.  I have many podcasts to load up for you and will do so shortly! Thanks for hanging in there :)

Nutmeg

January 28, 2008

Material Mama #32 Consider the Source

Click here for the direct download.

Gifts for close friends, family, kids -- yes a little late but better late than never! :)

save: Free patterns from Amy Butler

spend: Gigglebug

give: Let's Say Thanks   

3 Things You Need to Know Before Giving to Charity  also, check out Give.org created by the BBB for some great charity giving tips.

WIN!

Best Patterns of 2007

---->>>did you know? Bread ties  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday <<<----

What I'm making:

Holiday Ideas for family:

Motivated Moms 2008 chore planner
Motivated Moms 2008 planner with Bible verses

For Children:

Pretend and Play School set --make your own using  a 'science project' board and supplies from a teacher supply shop

sewn food. be sure to make a shopping bag out of canvas! (just like mama LOL)  Cake  donut  sliced cake strawberries

Make a doll representation of your family.  You can make a family using bendy tutorials, simple dolls, waldorf dolls.

Playsilks.  Good for any occasion!  Dye for great colors and fun.  I get mine through Dharma Trading.  You can use Rit dye, or fiber reactive dye, even kool aid works!  Have fun, these last from 1-100 everyone seems to love them.

fairy wings
embellished onesies
freezer paper stencils for kids t-shirts
Felt baby shoes by Martha Stewart
Sweet blanket tutorial
Soft Toys & Games
Long list of dolls, stuffed critters and more. 
 

Gifts for children to make

16+

Purchase a top like this hooded pullover tunic, and embellish! You can dye, embroider, use iron ons to make it personal to your loved one. 

Make your own Swiffers, free!

Bind a book

solid bubble bath  or any sort of soap or bath product!

Dirty/Clean Dishwasher Status Indicator

soft trees from Little Birds Handmade

Good of us all:

Sandra Betzina's new podcast   "Use Steam a seam light on tee shirt"

Rosa "LittleHands" Review of Ottobre Spring 2008

Gosh, it's funner to review when I have more criticism.  LOL Which might lead one to believe that I'm pretty pleased with this issue.  So, what do I like specifically?

I really like how the design team seems to be listening to the feedback that they're getting from subscribers. We want different, but we want wearable. We want fresh ideas, and new interpretations. I really think they delivered on this one. There are still a few styles and items in this one that I'm not drooling over, but hey, you can't please everyone, every time, eh?

I'm not totally thrilled with the grunge/punk items, but after looking at each piece, I found that even those I might sew, one at a time and put on my kids in a more conservative manner. #37 for example. I like it as a top alone, but not so much as modeled with the vest and knickers. Just not our style.

The boy stuff in this issue all got a thumbs up from me. Basic, but fresh.  Good details.  Fun appliques.

The knit items they included had some really nice things that I haven't seen them do before. I like the layered sleeve on #14 and the cross top on #12. #29 and #39 are also great for the older girls. I like the flared pants. They have similar in other issues, but these are a basic for my girls, so I look forward to different takes on this style.

This issue is destined to be the "basics" issue that people refer to for wovens. The variety is fabulous. The size range great...something for everyone in each range. Stuff for both boys and girls. Tops, pants, dresses, skirts.... I love the sweet, whimsical styling of the baby items. Most pieces are very classic. My kids can wear these styles in ten years and not look "dated".

I particularly like the dress, and the two tiered skirt styles. The skirts actually hit knee or below! I'll still make them with leggings for my girls, but it's a start. They do seem to weigh heavily on shorter skirt styles and would love to see more longer styles included. Maybe fall? hint hint

All around, very recommended. I think this will be one that Suz has a hard time keeping in stock as back issues. Great issue!

Now, what to make first? I haven't even traced. Baby swap is moving up on me fast. Spring swap is right around the corner. I've been spending my crafting time digitally scrapbooking. LOL (Did I just admit that on SM??!)

Support:

Would you like to support the show?  You can help this happen by taking a look at my sewing advocacy items. I also have a  PayPal donation link here. Thank you so much!

Support Material Mama

 

January 12, 2008

Viral Bobbins!

Great scott!  I thought I had a ton of spam comments on one of my very old posts.  Turned out I had been linked at Craft and Crafting Daisies, and got a TON of great comments!  I guess it's a minor viral LOL. 

Speaking of viral, I'm better and will be posting my new podcast next week.  Sorry for the delay.  We finally all got well then my baby woke me up yesterday by throwing up on me.  Nice.  I had just changed the sheets too!  Ah well, the joys of motherhood are without number.

The link goes to my old blog, so I thought I should post it here too.

See you soon, friend!

Wow, I got a bunch of new comments!  Sorry, I just noticed them and approved them.  Apparently it was on Craft Magazine, as well as Crafting Daisies.  I am not sure where the graphic came from, it was sent to me a long time ago.  There are even better ones here

So, thanks for listening and for sharing!  I'll be uploading my most recent podcast in a few days on my new site.  This will definitely be a topic of the show!

Nutmeg

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I had no idea how this worked until I found this little gem. I still wonder why they can't make a machine that will take another spool of thread, thread it around so one can use that instead of having to wind bobbin after bobbin.....


I am at my wit's end with this computer and it's 'interesting' connection.  New podcast out soon!

:D

nutmeg

December 27, 2007

Merry Merry! And links for you

Hello everyone!

I'm so glad to get a moment to update you all.  Everything is good, my illness is hanging on and my throat isn't yet up to a podcast.

I have gotten a few questions about the links I talk about on my shows.  You can check out my 'old' site here:
http://materialmama.wordpress.com/

Or you can click here for the list of all the podcasts show notes.

 

Thank you for taking the time to listen!!!

:)
Nutmeg

December 19, 2007

Another gift for my listeners!

Nothing auditory this time. I am so thankful for each and every listener.  I wanted to do something more for you, so I have created a set of labels you can print at home!  Sew into clothing by cutting out and sewing around the outside edge.

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Click here for the free file

If you use PhotoFabric, you should be able to use these labels on clothing or other items you sew up. I recommend using the poplin, and if you go to JoAnn's use a coupon!  Here is a good tutorial.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and all that good cheer!

Nutmeg

December 13, 2007

Material Mama #31 - My musical gift to you

Here are some tunes to relax by.  They are totally 'me'.  A lot of funny stuff, I tried to keep it upbeat.  I''ll have another 'gift' in a few days perhaps more up your alley.  Have fun listening!  I hope I don't offend anyone.  The Re:Your Brains has been in my head all day.  J Coulton also sings a slow version of "Baby Got Back", which I didn't get on the podcast but is worth a listen :)

1.  Talk Talk Talk Cheryl B. Engelhardt
2.  Tuesday Night Bingo Queen Joshua Kadison
3.  Neighbor Lavicious Biddies
4.  Code Monkey  Jonathan Coulton
5.  You Don't Need an iPod  Uncle Seth
6.  Am I Awake?  They Might Be Giants
7.  Re: Your Brains  Jonathan Coulton
8.  Invincible  Bill deRome
9.  Shop Vac  Jonathan Coulton
10. Odd Bird  Lavicious Biddies
11. Songs from a Tattoo Parlour  Joshua Kadison
12. No One is to Blame (remix)  Howard Jones

Thanks everyone for a wonderful year! (And get sewing sisters and brothers!)

Nutmeg

December 12, 2007

Happy Holidays, enjoy It's a Wonderful Life (The radio play)

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My first holiday gift to you!

This is the radio production of It's a Wonderful Life.  Starring all the original actors!  Back in the days before movies were on TV and recorders were available, each year the Lux Radio show would bring to life a movie for free to radio listeners.  Take a listen and enjoy!

Nutmeg

December 09, 2007

Short delay due to laryngitis

Hello everyone!

I hope you are all doing well during the busy holiday season.  My 5 year old has had a virus for about 3 months, similar to Mono. We had the fun  bloodtests, but it's not Mono.  Just Mono like whatever that is.

Last week, I caught it.  I knew what was coming so I recorded my next show.  I listened to it later and it wasn't up to even my standards.  Lots of cold medicine induced random discussions.  So I tossed it and decided to re record it but then was hit with laryngitis, that has lasted four days.  NOT fun with little kids around, as I"m sure you can imagine.  I did sew up one outfit for the Christmas show at my daughter's preschool.  Click the picture for more information :)
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I also have two upcoming shows, my gifts to you.  The first is a virtual 'mix tape' of some of my favorite songs.  It's all podsafe and in my humble opinion, a fun listen.  Nothing to deep or holiday, just songs I've been listening to and enjoying and wanted to share with you.

The second gift to you is a radio show.  I'm keeping it under wraps for now, but it's an old favorite around here.

So as soon as my voice comes back I'll jump on the computer and record my show for you.  I'm spending a lot of time on the couch napping and listening to the UK version of Harry Potter.  I'm in the middle of the second book.  Pretty good!I never had time to read it and I really enjoy being able to listen with my iPod.

Thanks for your patience!

Nutmeg

PS I don't think I shared this pic of my oldest when we went to the preview day at UC Davis.  It was such fun!
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November 20, 2007

Show #28 Best Laid Plans of Mice and Mamas

Show #28 Best Laid Plans of Mice and Mamas

Trip to Disneyland and last minute 'outfits'.

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Great d-land sites: MousePlanet et al., discussed in Podcast #8

Lunch at Club 33 -- click for a closer peek

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save: Production Sewing at Home

spend: Buy Handmade

give: Twirls for Girls

win: Craftster is holding a contest:

Super Ugly to Super Awesome - Due Dec 1 - Dec 5 Your challenge this month is to spend $20 or less at a thrift store and buy something super ugly, tacky or otherwise abominable and revamp it to be something awesome.

Making money on your crafts site -- Craft Boom

What I'm making:

  • Disneyland dresses
  • Home crafts, a tablecloth for the holidays, matching napkins and apron
  • Thinking about Christmas gifts
  • Planning my parent's 50th wedding anniversary!

Near Chicago?  Check out the Vogue Fabrics Warehouse Open House!!!!

What I'm working on:

Home Dec
Dresses for the little girls for the holidays
Jammies palozza

Holiday Ideas for co workers, teachers, mailcarriers, life helpers:

Motivated Moms 2008 chore planner
Motivated Moms 2008 planner with Bible verses

checkbook cover
photo album
button thumbtacks
magnets
Key Fobs
custom buttons
custom coasters from Martha Stewart
Custom Coasters from Purl Bee
large bowl, filled with Netflix coupons, popcorn, cocoa
pillowcases
aprons
luncheon napkins over at the Purl Bee--
hand towels
mp3/ipod/cell phone holders
wrist bags
take a look over at Dharma, and you can embelish,dye, customize many objects.  Hats, cell phone holders
Kleenex Pouch - Japanese Origami Style By Sarah
Sew, Mama, Sew blog is linking to tutorials for handmade gifts to give this season.
Eco-friendly reusable tote bags
fabric fortune cookies
potholder
Placemat Purse star

Free pattern: Advent Calendar

Next time:  Sewing holiday gifts for close friends, family, kids

Listener Feedback Links:

Sparks People Weight Loss Program (free!)

Brother Embroidery Machines, under 500

Official Web Site of  Embird Software Authors

Sew Forum
 

Support:

Would you like to hear more shows? I’d love to be able to afford the webspace and find time. You can help this happen by taking a look at my    sewing advocacy items. I also have a      PayPal donation link here. Thank you    so much!

      Support Material Mama      

I also have a list of online shops    you can click through and I’ll get a small percentage:

 

I Took The Handmade Pledge! BuyHandmade.org