The Material Mama Podcast

{settling}

{settling}

I have discovered I love this word... Over the last year and a half almost all these have applied to my life, and I feel more confident content and, well, settled.

v. set·tled, set·tling, set·tles

v.tr.

• To put into order; arrange or fix definitely as desired.
• To put firmly into a desired position or place; establish.
• To establish residence in; colonize: Pioneers settled the West.
• To establish in a residence, business, or profession.
• To restore calmness or comfort to.
• To cause to sink, become compact, or come to rest.
• To subdue or make orderly.
• To establish on a permanent basis; stabilize.
• To make compensation for (a claim).
• To conclude (a dispute, for example) by a final decision.
• To decide (a lawsuit) by mutual agreement of the involved parties without court action.

v.intr.

• To discontinue moving and come to rest in one place.
• To move downward; sink or descend, especially gradually: Darkness settled over the fields. Dust settled in the road.
• To become clear by the sinking of suspended particles. Used of liquids.To become established or localized: the idea settled in my headTo reach a decision; determine: We finally settled on a solution to the problem

learning how to settle for what you want.  never settling. settling in with a good book

 

 

 

 

Twitter

I have had a Twitter account for awhile now, and if you wish to follow me I'd be thrilled! I'm @nutmeg.  I occasionally post and repost stuff I like -- some current events (not controversial, I don't think anyway), crafty stuff and nerdy stuff like Dr. Who and The Nerdist.  It's the more public face of nutmeg, I use Facebook mostly for family stuff.

{Stuff for jars}

 

 

Sewing Kit in a Jar!

Great idea for the college girls or boys in your life!  I know my daughter is getting one :) Great jump on the holidays.

http://fun.kyti.me/index.php/2011/04/sewing-kit-in-a-jar/

Pesto

My family loves my home made pesto.  It's embarrassingly simple. buy oh so good.  SO much better than what you get at any store.  I grow my own basil, but you can usually get it through October at the supermarket.  You can can it, put a layer of olive oil to 'seal' it in, and it's good to go.  Here's a great recipe, buy honestly I just do it by heart at this point.I use kosher salt, which is a little bigger and has no iodine taste in it.  If you do can it, use the small glass canning jars.  A little goes a long way and people LOVE it!   Makes for a wonderful gift.

 

 

 

refurbishing

As my kids have gotten older my machines have not been running as much.  Mary loves tee shirts and jeans, Melissa loves the store Justice.  My oldest spent the summer in Cambridge going for a semester abroad, and is graduating from college a year early.  After my original site was hacked and I got very ill (that strep thing lasted over a year) I've reprioritized.  What's a mama to do?  Any ideas are welcome. I'm making some home items, embelishing tees and having fun in other ways.  Also I'm hoping Emmy will let me sew some curtains etc for her.  She lives near my mecca,  ♥ Harts. ♥

The 'Material' in Material Mama is sometimes fabric, sometimes paint.  Sort of whatever  medium I'm using at the time.  I have some art to share with you, and Emmy has some beautiful art as well. 

Thank you to all my long term listeners and readers who have kept up with my life.  I'm going to upload some pics of the girls and updates -- they won't be long essays but short and sweet.  Hope you like them!

 

PS I'll have an update on Mr. Big's coat -- no it's not done but I have a new inspiration!!! Yay!

Online sewing classes? Post to win one!

Have you taken any online classes?  I have taken some through Big Picture Scrapbooking and relly enjoyed them.  I'm sure i'll take more once my NEW CAMERA ARRIVES!  More on that in an upcoming post.

I got my master's online and upgraded my teaching credential, both of which were tedious and really difficult. I think becuase it was just jumping through hoops, not learning stuff I don't know yet.  In my creative world, I've taken a handful of classes through PatternReview, CraftyPod and a few up in the Pullyap Sewing Convention.

Reading Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing made me wish there was a more thriving sewing community near me, and a patternless sewing class!  I'd totally take one!  I got a really interesting piece of email today.  I think you'll be really interested, I know I'm signing up!  I love how

“Mary’s Fancy Sash Dress” Online Sewing Class Is the Perfect Solution For DIY Moms, Grandmothers, Aunts and Friends Who Want to Create A Pretty, Age-Appropriate Dress for Their Special Little Girls

In an age where pop culture pushes 2-inch high heels and peek-a-boo slit dresses to toddlers and preteens, Jennifer Paganelli, founder of the thriving Sis Boom fabric line, offers a modest yet, stylish alternative in her new book – Girl’s World: Twenty-One Sewing Projects To Make For Little Girls (Chronicle Books).  Girl’s World’s cover look - “Mary’s Fancy Sash Dress” - caught the eye of Judith Norman, creator and producer of the online sewing video tutorial series, Rick Rack: Thread Therapy for Sewers.  Ms. Norman suggested to Ms. Paganelli the idea of merging online learning with the publication of the “Mary’s Fancy Sash Dress” pattern in Girl’s World as a benefit to the book’s enthusiastic buyers.  The result is Rick Rack: Thread Therapy for Sewers’ “Mary’s Fancy Sash Dress” Online Sewing Class featuring Jennifer Paganelli.  The class launches on May 15, 2011. 

Jennifer Paganelli will be joined in the “Mary’s Fancy Sash Dress” online sewing class by Girl’s World’s pattern maker and sewing expert, Dolin O’Shea.  Students will receive:

(a) an autographed copy of the book, Girl's World: Twenty-One Sewing Projects to Make for Little Girls; (b) a downloadable “Mary's Fancy Sash Dress” how to sew video demonstration; (c) a downloadable project instruction sheet w/step-by-step color photos (PDF); (d) a supply list; (e) access to the student-only Fabric.com Jennifer Paganelli/Girl's World Online Class Store where class supplies (and more) will be available for purchase at 25% off Fabric.com's already low prices; and (f) a 1-hour live chat with Jennifer Paganelli (Dolin O'Shea will join in to answer any sewing questions concerning the class project ).

  The price for the class is $59.  Registration is open now through May 12, 2011 only at www.virtueradionetwork.com/rickrack.htm.

The “Mary’s Fancy Sash Dress” online sewing class marks Jennifer Paganelli’s debut into online learning and she’s excited about the opportunity.  “In a time of social media, folks are really interested in seeing the artist up close and personal.  We love our fans...and love getting to know them.  Also this gives me a way to express the lifestyle use for these inexpensive fabrics.”

According to Rick Rack’s producer, Judith Norman, sewing experience is not required.  “Rick Rack: Thread Therapy for Sewers’ classes feature high quality videos and materials, which are all downloadable.  So, students can complete the class on their own schedule.  Plus, it doesn’t matter if you’re a novice or an advanced sewer; our instructors are extremely knowledgeable and capable of presenting information in a user-friendly manner.  So, by the end of the class, you will know how to complete the project.”

They even sent a poster, you can print it out and share it around your own sewing circles!

I'll be posting a new show next week.  You can reply here (not on Facebook) or on the show post and I'll select one poster to recieve the class for FREE!  Woo Hoo!!!!  I feel it's so important to further our 'cause' as sewistas, so any time you can extend your knowledge or help others enjoy it, we should!

Happy Spring!

Cute ideas!

Hello Friends!

I just got my new computer (Hurray!!!) so I can load a web page in less than ten minutes.  I'm still figuring it out, but have taken the time to also take a look at all the fun crafty blogs I stopped checking out due to loading/crashing issues of my desktop.  I have some things added to my already lenthy "must do this".

First up, I'm making some king sized pillow covers.  I got this duvet set from Pottery Barn.  For some reason it doesn't come with king sized pillow covers OR shams.  I'm digging the Arts and Crafts and mid-century modern look that's finally coming back into vogue.  I'm trying to update the house a bit.  I'm too embarassed to show you the bedspread we had for the last 13 years, but here's what the new one looks like:

Wel on the website anyway.  I'm not super crazy about the white sheets so I bought some vintage looking yellow woven to make matchy pillowcases.

Some other things I've found that make my heart sing:

Shabby Flower Tutorial

I've seen these on purses a lot last year and always liked them.  I may try this method for a purse.  I also really like the center of the flower, I think a bunch of them would look great mounted on a canvas or sewn onto a throw pillow!  All one color or variation of say, white?

I also liked these Felt Rosette Decor Balls from Craftily Ever After.   

I think I'm seeing a pattern, I'm really liking flowers! Come on spring!!!!!

On my reading list:

Each of these books are also available on the Kindle and I think on Audible.com.  I listen to tons of books in the car or out walking or doing laundry so I feel like I read more than I look like I do.

Crafty Chica Kathy Cano-Murillo has written a new book!  All about a blogger and crafting.  What more could you ask? I particularly appreciate that no one in her real life has any respect or notion of what blogging is or why it's an important part of her life. She has a great interview over at CraftyPod and an awesome 'trailer' here.

Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing

In June, I'm headed to London for a week (and a day on my own in Paris!!) so I'm reading up on Henry and the Tudor Clan. Alison Weir is a wonderful author who puts so much research and humanity into her books. To that end I'm reading the Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir:

and listening to the The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers by Margaret George:

I'll just miss the Royal Wedding so maybe I can get some good deals on tea towels and tea cups with William and Kate on them.  :)

For those of you stuck in the house due to weather or sickies, here's some fun things for you and the kids:

The Best Websites for Stir-Crazy Kids

Cheers!

Sunday thoughts

"Mom, why are you watching the news if it makes you sad?"  Wise words from Melissa (7).  I guess it's an important event, certainly the most covered natural disaster in history so far.  My oldest felt the effects in Santa Cruz, where she goes to college.  The marina was rocked and many boats crushed and sunk. Luckily the college is high in the redwood mountains.

My heart goes out to all the people of Japan.  I'm going to be donating blood next week.  I realize it may or may not go directly there, but it will help shore up supplies.  I look forward to the day when this is all easier/faster to respond to.

In other news, it's still chilly here in Northern California so I'm going to whip together a few long sleeve tee shirts for Mary (9).  Then in the spring I can trim them to short sleeves.  I'll be using the Ottobre pattern, or maybe Burda....

In my ongoing effort to clean out, I'm going to be listing a ton of fabric, a Babylock machine, and a beautiful black leather almost brand new Coach computer bag (from the actual Coach store in The Grove in LA), hopefully this coming week.  Keep an eye out!  I've uploaded them to Picassa but need to price and add the measurements.

Take care all and hug your families on this Sunday.

Be Your Own Beauty

Hm.  I sat looking at the Simplicity pattern which was adorable.  I knew I had some GREAT, hard to find and expensive Heather Ross Munki Munki fabric waiting to be made into something fabulous.  Flipping the pattern over, I checked out which pattern I should purchase and cut out. I stopped short. According to my measurements, I should purchase a size 18.  18?  Are you KIDDING ME? There's nothing wrong with 18, 22, etc, but I wear a 12 in 'real life'.

Pffft.

I figured I knew better than these sometimes out of date pattern companies and bought the 12.  Knowing nothing of FBA (Full Bust Adjustment), and feeling too much of a time crunch to waste time with a muslin, let's just say this item of clothing has never been worn.  It sits in my closet as a reminder of my vanity and pride -- which go beforeth a fall or something.

Now I know better.  When you find a new pattern I recommend:

• Make a muslin (a muslin is like a rough draft, you use muslin or gingham fabrics to figure out if it fits you, and to make adjustments).
• Measure yourself exactly as they tell you and use those measurements to purchase the pattern.
• Make the FBA.  I'm a D/DD, so the girls need some room to move and breathe.
• You can always slap in whatever size you want into your garment!

As the mother of three girls I take raising them to feel good about themselves seriously. I guess I missed it, but February 22 was "Be Kind to your Body" day. I was taking care of myself, having gotten the stomach flu on the 21st (my birthday of all things). I napped a lot ;).

Glamour Magazine has a lot to say about beauty -- at least in this article. One of the online groups I belong to did a write up about the article. I think it's worth a read, for women, men and those with or without children.

There are more articles here, to make peace with ourselves.  Now perhaps I'll go cut out that top in my actual size, not my fantasy size!

 

 

Classroom Hacks, reset

Some of you may know, I have another blog.  It's not always been on the top of my to-do list.  Originally I tried to work on it during lunch or after school, but with little to no internet at work, or computer due to budget cuts in California, that was difficult.  Also my district has all typepad sites blocked so it was sort of hit and miss.

Here's a write on/wipe off mug I created for the site.  If you use dry erase markers, you'll have your list with you everywhere!

I'm building an online shop, and I got permssion to create this handy list mug!

Anyhoo - this is a blog for teachers and parents.Public, private, home or un schooling, I share tips tricks and ideas based on the Parent Hacks model.  Check it out!

Easiest applique ever - sew or no sew!

Psssst:   You do not need to sew to do this project!

With life going by super fast, here's an easy and fun way to celebrate your kids!   The product really is better than the sum of it's parts!  I've made 'number' tee shirts and tops for each of my little girl's birthdays since they were one.

I'm not sure I actually did a craft/sew along, for this, it's so easy that typing it up and photographing it took longer than actually doing it.  If I haven't posted it before, here it is.  If I have, forgive me and here's another.  If I'd been thinking the last 9 years I would have kept them all to create a quilt.  Oh well. I passed them on to other children.

1.  Make or purchase a tee shirt that will compliment your child's coloring.  I used to use only white tees, but they do get worn a lot and white tends to get dingy. A solid color works best, unless your applique will be solid.

2. Purchase an 'iron on patch'.  I got mine in a pack of four from Tuesday Morning near my house.  You can also get them at any fabric shop, JoAnn, Michael's or WalMart.  Sometimes even the supermarket, but you will have less selection.

3.  Print out  the number your child will be turning.  Use a bubble type font, set to between 300 and 400 dpi.  I like African or  Agent Orange.  If you're doing a tee shirt with an initial instead, I like Basic Font.  You can really get lost in free fonts, they are great for lots of appliques.  When printing you don't need to do anything special or print it out backwards or any different way.  Line up with the patch to make sure it will fit.

4.   Using any sort of chalk or fabric pen or pencil or marker, trace around the number or letter on the RIGHT SIDE of the fabric.  (Yes that's my hand and yes I'm very freckl-y)

 

5.  Cut out the paper printed number (or letter).

6. Following the manufacturer's directions, iron the applique onto the tee shirt wherever you want it.  The smack dab middle of the chest looks cute in most cases.

7.  If you're not sewing, that's it!  Viola!  Instant hero mama!

8. To make it more secure or to stand out a bit, and if you want to sew around it to secure it onto the tee shirt, you have a few options.  Use a universal needle.  I do this because the tee-shirt is knit and the applique is woven so I'm not sure what is 'right' so I just wing it ;)

8. For boys and older girls I use a stratight stitch a scant bit from the inside of the applique. For little boys, and girls you can use zig zag, catching the tee shirt and the applique.  You can also use a satin stitch, but I'd use interfacing if I did that.

This is a wonderful gift to have waiting in the morning for them to wake up to!  Have fun!

Oh and I did almost the same thing for a trip to Disneyland.   I used the font MickeyEars.  We get compliments on it all the time! 

You can use this easy peasy technique on pillows, dresses, canvas bags, almost anything from Dharma or the like.  Give life to old tees! Have fun!

PS I got these fun tags from my favorite label service, Miss Label.  I used a stamp set and permanent ink to put the size above The Material Mama.

New (to me) Machine

Here's my new Singer Stylist.  I traded it in for another old one I had gotten from the thrift shop.  It works SO WELL, and is really heavy duty.

They tried to get me to get a 'better' machine, but I don't want a computerized one.  I'm sick of the motherboards going out.  I do have a Babylock Creative something, but it can only straight stitch right now. $140 to fix.  Boo.

So I like the all metal, heavy construction!  My first item I'm sewing up is the jumper from Oliver + S using the Amy Butler 'Laurel" fabric..  I got done with the bodice while the girls were at school.  Hoping to do the skirt while they do homework :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New and improved photo, as well as the instruction manual:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheers!

 

Oliver + S try out, review to follow

I'm going to give one of these more simple patterns from Oliver + S a try.  I found a new, less 'fussy' or 'euro' pattern I think both of my girls will like.  It's the Music Box Jumper:

                 

 

Something appealed to me, I think it was the box pleats. I really like all the information and ideas on their blog about it.

I found it on Amazon (Oliver + S Music Box Jumper Pattern Sizes 5-12), but you can order directly from them as well.  It is quite similar to the  Little Vintage Jumper pattern from Favorite Things, except the one from Oliver has a box pleat skirt and more of an empire waist.

Something I really liked about the Oliver site were the blog posts about fabric selection.  I'm always in a quandary about what fabric goes with what and what will look good on my kids.  After reading about how I DON'T need to use juvenile fabrics on my girls, I headed out to my local quilt shop and picked up some great things.

First, I got enough of this s woven to make one dress. This is "Laurel Dots" in the Cilantro color. If it goes well, I'll pick it up in the pink colorway for another dress for my younger daughter.

While at the quilt shop I traded in an old Kenmore I had for a Singer Stylist.  It looks like a cross between the Rocketeer and the Touch and Sew.  So far I'm totally in love with it!  I'll post a picture when I can get it off my camera.

Oh and I updated my blog header. Yay!

Cheers!