The Material Mama Podcast

Update from the recovery room

Boy things are happening fast around here.  I just had to have a wisdom tooth removed.  At 40 for goodness sake! Apparently this was some big deal.  No moving for 24 hours, and now I'm bored out of my mind. It's really painful, but luckily I have a wonderful family who have come to watch the girls while I'm all loopy on meds.  I hope I'll feel better for Halloween.  We've been invited to two dinners! I hope I can eat by then.

So what am I up to while I drink smoothies and nap in bed?  Mr Big brought in the big laptop so I can watch NetFlix on Demand.  Or DVD's.  I enjoy the extras on Heathers.

I've been fixing up the Sewing Mamas forum, and created a fun Holiday Boutique for the upcoming season.

Reading blogs.  This are some of my favorites!
Handmade Holidays from Sew Mama Sew
True Up -- all fabric all the time
MollyChicken
Sew Liberated, formerly Montessori by Hand

Before I had the surgery, I bought a small 29.99 plastic rolling file cabinet from Target.  I culled through my patterns and was able to get them all in.  Well, not the Kwik Sew or Ottobre.  Those are in their own accordion holders.  I'll snap some pictures when I'm not so dizzy

Listening to Hardcore History -- Punic Nightmares #2.  Fascinating. I love history and Dan Carlin makes it come alive.

Also listening to Ender's Shadow.  I finished up the Ender series (up to Children of the Mind) and decided to listen to Bean's story.  Very well written, and I like the actors he uses to read the stories.

I finished up Mad Men, up to the season shocker.  I sure hope AMC keeps filming these.  They had a great old series that never caught on, about the early Hollywood moguls and actors.  That was amazing and I was sad to see it go.  I also enjoyed Don Draper's Guide to Picking up Women on SNL.  I linked it on my facebook account.

I keep thinking I'd like to be sewing but then fall asleep.  I'll have more to write later.  Thanks to all my listeners!

Nutmeg

PS I'm lucky also to have wonderful children.  My youngest colored and cut out a crown for me to wear. In true HoneyBee style, she's glued on a hedgehog on the front to be 'fancy'. I feel like a princess now!

Our Big Day

Friday was a huge day.  First and of course most importantly, I went in for a 6:30 am tooth cleaning.  Apparently this is the only time I can assure someone will be home to watch the kids.

Next, Fog Willow Pumpkin Farm.  Boy was this fun!  Here are some highlights:

I showed this top before, pre embroidery.  I used KS for Children XS pants for the leggings.  I didn't have enough of the garish orange so I supplemented with a bit of the pumpkin.  I also did a nice stitch out of this embroidery, but it doesn't really show in this picture. I used brown FOE (fold over elastic) for the neckline.

 

Other fun events of the day.   When does riding around behind a tractor on a bumpy road stop being exciting? Thank GOD they had seats for the parents.

  

There was a petting zoo with lots of hungry goats, these adorable alpacas (baby was just 6 weeks old!), hens laying eggs, three day old bunnies, pumpkins, lots of places to climb and play.  The children got to milk a cardboard cow, pick out a pumpkin, go for a hay ride and frolic in general.  They kept thinking I was the teacher in charge.  I have decided I just have that mom/teacher thing in spades.  I thank Mr. DeRieux, my old drama teacher.  I can speak from the diaphram like nobody's business.

Later, a skating party.  This roller rink is very old and very funky.  It made me feel 15 again except for the music that was just "Too Darn Loud" for me.  Poor Sunshine was more Roller Lurching but I thik she had a good time.

  

Last but not least, little Jackson arrived.  Being an aunt is less work than being a new mom that's for sure!

Proud Auntie
  

The result of the tooth cleaning?  No gold crown for this lady.  I get my wisdom tooth pulled out next week.  Maybe I'll get some hand embroidery done in bed.

BurdaStyle Contest

I wanted to keep you up to date on some contests.  I love BurdaStyle!  You can see the contests here.  Funny thing, I was JUST thinking of pimping up my sewing machine but not sure how to do it without voiding the warranty:

Woman's Hoodie Weather is cooling down and it's time to warm up. This week's pattern will put an end to the constant search for a great cover up on those cool fall nights.

Win $50 Worth of thread There is still a chance to win $50 worth of thread it the "Pick the Right Thread" sweepstakes. Check out the awesome How To and enter now!

Join the Pimp Your Sewing Machine Contest and win $100! What if your sewing machine flew like a spaceship, played music while you were sewing, or took part in the steampunk movement? Send in photos, drawings or videos of your pimped machine by November 30th and you could win $100.

iPod touch apps

I had an issue with my awesome iPod that Mr. Big bought me to replace the one 'lost' in the Disneyland Hotel (one maid service and it was gone :(  ).  Only one speaker worked.  Not a huge deal for me but sort of annoying from time to time.  So I waited the month or so until we had time and energy to get to the mall (shudder). Passed by the "Ho up my daughter store" (Libby Lu), rode the merry go round, bought costumes for the girls at the Disney store and finally went to the Apple Genius Bar. 

Guess what -- they are geniuses there!  But not like you'd think. They got me to trade my old iPod in for 10% off the iTouch!  I told Mr. Big I didn't really want one, but if I did get one I wanted the biggest one.  I like my Blackberry phone so I didn't want an iPhone.

Long story short, we both walked out with new ones.  I KNOW.  This is so unlike me.  I'm the "read Consumer Reports, ask friends, check out CNET, ask more friends, lose sleep" kind of buyer for anything over 50.00.  Also, when it comes to electronics one of us can usually talk the other off the ledge of purchase. We also usually decide to wait on it then never get around to buying it.  This is how we stay out debt and money issues.  However this time, not so much.  Luckily I'm really happy with it.  

I'm not a big game player.  I do wish they had more sewing or craft related apps.  I wish I could build one!  Sadly, time just slips by these days and I have to focus on what I can do.  So far, the best 'aps' I have found are:

MPG --

MPG is a log book for your car. MPG replaces the little notepad in your glovebox with an intelligent tracker. MPG tracks fuel, oil changes, tune-ups, inspections, tire rotations, windshield wipers, car washes, trips, and other miscellaneous expenses for your car. It generates statistics such as average miles per gallons, total cost of gas, and average price of gas. Fuel economy is calculated for the fuel entries. Time, distance and time per distance are calculated for trips. US, Metric, UK, and Canadian units are supported.

Facebook --

Facebook is a social utility that connects you to the people around you.  You can find me on Facebook by searching "Megan Smetzer". It's more personal than the blog, so it may be tedious and boring as it's not all about sewing LOL.  Using this App I can:
- Get the latest news from your friends
- Upload and share photos
- Send and receive messages

Pandora -

Have your music your way.  I created 'stations' using artists  I like.  So far I have John Denver, Christina Aguliara, Harry Connick Jr, Pat Benetar, and Abba. I love that it costs nothing to listen to up to a hundred or so totally customizable Pandora stations.  I use it to fall asleep at night, or for going on long walks where WiFi is available (like the gym LOL)

You can bookmark any currently-playing song or artist to your Pandora profile page, or if you hear something you really like, another click brings up the song for purchase in the iTunes music store. And yes, it's possible to create new Pandora stations from within the Pandora iTouch App.

It requires neither a computer, the way the web version does, nor a paid subscription, the way previous mobile implementations of Pandora have done. They have a 500,000-song catalog available on Pandora via the web. Songs stream in  to your iTouch, and you can give them a 'thumbs up' or down, and it will figure out other songs you'll like.

Yelp --

I've been a member of Yelp community for awhile and use them ALL the time, especially when we are going out of town.  See my facinating reviews on mostly NorCal stuff here:  http://materialmama.yelp.com

Nike+iPod

My Dr gave me the go ahead to start working out again.  Guess I need new shoes and this thingie for my shoe.  I actually like the motivation.

Units --

Great since I'm teaching conversion of measuring units right now, so I can check my work from the overhead whilst teaching 

StitchMinder

(the only creative/crafty App I could find) I've started knitting up some alpaca (YUM!) and this is helpful, when I remember to use it.

PhoneAid

For the Good Samaritan on the go

So I like the apps.  I also like that i can watch the movies and television programs a bit larger.  Right now I'm going from an obsession from Dexter to Weeds and now it's Mad Men.  I down load a few seasons and watch them before bed. 

We gave the kids Daddy's old iPod so they have Dora, Updside Down Show Little Einstiens, and other shows they seem to love.  Yes, I'd love Mr. Rogers but not only have they stopped showing him in Sacramento apparently it's being shut out all over.  Very sad indeed.

Keep on sewing sisters and brothers!  Today I'm working on organizing my Ottobre collection. I think I (once again) have a good solution I'll share with you when I publish my next blog or podcast.

Nutmeg

Introducing

Little Jackson Maddox, the newest member of our clan.  He's my first nephew and my first time being a 'real' auntie.  I'm super proud of this little 6 lb 9 oz boy, and have made him an insane (even I think so) amount of clothes, shoes, diapers and blankets.  He was born just a few miles from our house so we were lucky enough to get the text he was born from the delivery room, where we were waiting in the 'waiting' room.

I think he looks just like my brother in law and mother in law, but at two hours old you never know.  Almost makes me want #4 but once I calm the yearnings of my insane uterus, I realize this really isn't in the cards for us again.   

He's very cute, sweet and they plan to keep him.  :)

Nutmeg

New for Fall

Hello friends --

Some updates.  I'm doing better than I was last week. We didn't realize how much we had wanted this baby until it had died and it was too late.  Luckily the surgery went fast and I have had no after-effects.  I have to go under again to have a wisdom tooth pulled, and they said it could take 2 weeks to recover from that!  Ack.  That's longer than my fractured ankle.  Ah well.  Life is what happens when you are making other plans.

My sister in law is going in to the hospital today, so I should have my first nephew any day now.  Woo Hoo!  I've not really been an auntie so I"m looking forward to a lot of spoilage.  Turn about is fair play, right?

Miss Em is a senior in high school and filling out applications to our local UC system as well as a few private colleges, had a wonderful time at Homecoming, and instead of dinner first they went to In and Out Burger after.  Her idea.  She is one cool chick.  Here she is with her date on their way.  I'll not say anything about my maternal heart pounding out of my chest until she was back safe and sound at home. I seem to recall my own Senior Homecoming.  I think as a toddler she used the dress to play princess.

I've been shopping for fabric online since early 2001.  Sew Baby was one of the shops I went to, and until now it's always looked the same.  They recently did a site upgrade and I think it's worth a look!

Sew Baby  They also have a new area for customer photos.  Fun!

Kwik Sew has come out with new patterns.  I like that with just three employees they are able to keep up the pace of giving customers what they need/want (is there a difference?)  There is a new free pattern up as well.  Cup and can cozies.   I actually made a coffee cozy by tracing one from Starbucks, adding a seam allowance.  But the can idea is a good one as well.

When I was in bed recovering from my surgery, I did a little therapeutic shopping.  I got a beautiful dress from Karen, for my little Sunshine.  She got four compliments on this dress the first day she wore it!  She kept track LOL. The funny thing is, Karen's daughter looks SO much like mine it was like it was meant to be.

I also purchased the following books. I realize one seems out of place but I heart Phil:

       

On Etsy I've found the most cunning jewlery (and here) for teaching, as well as these awesome decals.  Mr.Big is not so hot on driving around in a minivan with "Sewing Girl" on the back so these are relegated to my binders, sewing machines, etc.  This one I put on my iBook.

I also got some temporary tattoos.  I may get a permanent one and I'm testing out if they will bother me.  Since my leg surgery, I've hated the scar on my ankle.  So I was thinking about putting something like a tattoo over it.  If I hit my goal weight this is one possibility as a "hurray for me" present.

Using Burda 9614, and the Ottobre Design Creative Workshop 301, I traced cut and sewed these fall tops for the little girls. These are both great designs!  I love the way they fit each girl.   Today I'll be adding some embroidery.  You can still see the vertical line so I can line it up properly:

Then on a tear (did I mention that Honeybee is now in school three days a week so I'm here alone 7 hours a day Tues and Wed?) I used a few patterns to Megyuver (I can't say I drafted them, but they are my own design based on a few patterns I like) these reversible dresses.  They can also be aprons.  I plan on making some orange leggings and white turtle neck tops to go with for Thanksgiving.  I like to use pumpkins rather than Jack O Lanters so they have a longer lasting holiday season.
 

With the extras I made cloth napkins.  It's my part in going green!  I did break off the little handle that helps you thread the serger so I'm hoping I'll never have to change out my orange thread ;)

Last, I was trying to do that hemstitching thing I mentioned before.  Total bust.  Apparently you need a machine and these cost between 300-3000, so I'm not really pursuing that anymore.  But I did make this adorable set for my new nephew who should be born this week!  The weird thing is, on the Hemstitcher.com site she says she never washes the flannel first.  She says it's much prettier before washing.  I agree, but when the new mom washes the blanket set for the first time she's going to be shocked.  So I prewash, then pressed, sewed, then pressed again.  Very pretty and no post dryer suprises:

That's it for today.  I realize that for some of my new blog readers this looks like I'm insane.  That may be.  I'm a stay at home mama and I love to sew for the kids. I'm also very creative, if I don't sew then I paint or sculpt or photograph or do web design.  I can't help it.   It saves a lot of money as I try to make unique pieces, and it also instills pride in my girls when they wear something mama made.  I realize this will not last forever.  I have a huge closet of fabric and am trying to sew through it before I turn 50.

Ciao!

Fabric Contest Alert!

  While checking in with Pattern Review, I came across this contest hosted at Fabric.com

Here's the Scoop:

Who says sweet things are only for kids?!  Enter the Fabric.com "Sew" Sweet Giveaway for your own grown-up treat package custom tailored for a sewing fanatic.  We have 2 grand prize packages that were designed with apparel designers and quilters in mind.  Both prizes come with a selection of items specific to your sewing "flavor" as well as a $300 gift certificate to Fabric.com and 1 year of free shipping.  You can even enter once a day, every day - so come back often!

Back to your scheduled programming...

Let's see, where were we.  Oh yea, Booty Camp.  I finished up, and lost just those six pounds.  Since I was pregnant, I wasn't too worried, but I did lose three inches from around my generous midsection so I'm uber thrilled about that.  I can't do it again because I don't have anyone to watch the kids.  Also I have to take three weeks off of anything strenuous, so I'm back to the Gym next week with my good friend Anne (the writer who wrote about my podcast for the Women in Labor symposium at the local university) .  Four days a week rain or shine.  Hawaii is coming up in five weeks and I'd like to not be hiding under an umbrella with the big glasses and hat on the whole time.  Well, with a Mai Tai would be fine ;)

'Sup with a hem stitching?  Do I need an attachment or can I use some sort of wheel to cut the holes?  My Sister in Law would love for me to make some flannel blankets, with holes all around so she can crochet lovely motifs. Some for my nephew and some for her friends.   But I'm stuck finding or really even understanding hemstitching.  It's something that makes holes in the fabric, but also sews around each hole.  I wonder if a wing needle will do this? 

I have a sewing machine/embroidery machine, a serger (that a piece of metal just broke off of the upper threading mechanism  :(  ), a coverstitcher, and a Featherweight 221.  I really don't want a whole new machine.  Any ideas?

Next up, before the pregnancy issue sort of stopped my life in it's tracks, I had joined in an apron swap with a few close sewing friends.  I got three LOVELY aprons from bArb over at Club Thread.  The first was for me.  Very Donna Reed.  I have been watching a lot of Mad Men and I feel like I could step into the show with my pearls and heels on:

And the other two were for my little girls.  Here they are with my oldest on her way to the Homecoming Dance.  The love the kittens on the fabric, and they recently wore them while we made organic play dough with KoolAid (which may negate the organic part):

Here's my part of the swap.  Allison's girls are homeschooled and up on politics and super cool.  I hope this fits with their view of the world!

Front:                          Back:
  

And for Allison herself, a little retro number to go with her new retro stove she just bought.  Modeled by my oldest.  She was making homemade guacamole for her AP Spanish class tonight.:

So that's what I'm up to.  Oh and I planted the camellia right in the front yard, then added in some vinca minor and some english lavendar.   Thank you for all of your kind words.  I really am fine, I just had a bump in the road of life, as we so often do.  I have a wonderful husband and we're lucky to have eachother to hold on to.  Plus the kids keep us pretty busy, as many of you know!

Take care and keep on sewing' sister and brothers!

Nutmeg

Hi everyone!

Things are almost back to normal here at Casa De Material Mama.  Apparently I got pregnant last summer.  We were not planning this and it took some time to get used to the idea. We were getting very excited and ready to tell everyone, but at the last ultrasound things had stopped developing.   Sadly, it didn't work out and I had to undergo an emergency procedure last week.  I'm physically fine, and just getting used to the idea of not being pregnant again.

So that's what's been going on here.  I really don't try to get too personal here, but I've been pretty bummed out and it's been hard to even think about sewing or podcasting. I'm 40 and this was absolutely my last shot at having a baby.  We won't be trying again (not that we were trying this summer, but we felt it must have been Meant To Be, but it wasn't)   I felt that my listeners deserved to know what was going on I've gotten so many wonderful emails and thougths and prayers I must say a very humble thank you.

The wonderful mamas over at Sewing Mamas sent a lovely pink camellia bush --my favorite!!! and I'll be getting Mr. Big to plant it this weekend.  It makes me smile every time I see it.  They were also so kind as to send over a gift certificate to Panera so we'll be fully stocked on food for a few weeks.  I truly am blessed.

I was involved in an apron swap so I'm rummaging through patterns and fabrics.  I'm amazed at how theraputic touching fabric is for me.  Yes, I know it's weird to those who don't 'get it'.  But I've collected all my apron patterns and I think that's the gift du jour this year for the holidays.

I'm posting a lot on Facebook, so please feel free and 'friend' me!  You can check out my link here:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=541090109&ref=name

Free Patchwork Dog Pattern

I just finished up this free pattern/sew along, enjoy!

Download patchwork_puppy.pdf