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Showing posts from September, 2013

So Sew! Day 1: Introducing my Craft

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New here? I'm glad you are visiting! You may want to follow this blog so you don't miss miss a post! I’ve decided to do it. I’ve been debating for weeks whether or not to commit to 31 straight days of posting, but here I am. The first day. Can I admit that I’m a little bit scared? Welcome to 31 Days of Sewing Basics! I have a fun month planned out, and pushing those scared feelings aside, I’m really thrilled and over-the-moon excited to be doing this! This series is not a complete Sewing School or Sewing 101 class, but just some tips, ideas, and easy projects that even a beginning seamstress can take on . You’ll get a look at my processes and what all is behind So Sew Organized , as well as some sneak peeks at our Christmas collection! I hope that even if you are a self-proclaimed anti-sewing person, or feel like you have three hands that are all thumbs when you sit down at a machine, that you will follow along and learn how you can at least begin to tolerate the experience. :)

Shop Update: Zippered Pouches!

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Every since changing the name of my shop to So Sew Organized, I've been dreaming up some pretty fun updates that combine those two things - handmade items, that are also organizational! I'm thrilled to be able to share one of those products with you today... 7" zippered pouches! Not only do they meet my two qualifications, but all three designs are a great addition to your Fall wardrobe! Ooo lala!  Each one has 3 fun prints on the outside, and a coordinating print on the inside! Plus, they are lined with a layer of felt for added protection. They would make a great, safe place for your phone! Here are some of the uses I've tried out...but there are oodles and oodles more! Wouldn't this make a great gift? Hurry over to So Sew Organized and get your pouch - or pouch es - today! You could even snag a Tote to match... So fun! What are you waiting for? Note: for the month of October, I am participating with the Nester to bring you 31 straight days of posts on a parti

Upcoming Series - So Sew!

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I'm so excited to let you in on a secret... I'm planning to participate with a fabulous community of bloggers and write every day for the 31 days of October!! Have you heard of this event? It is called "31 Days" and is hosted by the beautiful Nester. I've always loved reading other blogger's 31 Days series, and secretly wished I was talented enough to do my own. Well, talented or not, I've decided to join in! I'm part thrilled to pieces...and part scared to death. What if I don't make it all 31 days? What if no one reads my posts? What if I sound like I don't have a clue what I'm talking about? If I kept focusing on those hiccups, I'd probably never do it. But instead, I decided to just bite my lip, grit my teeth and do it! And I'm so excited about how the month will play out! Oh wait, did you want to know what I'm gabbing about all next month? That is all I'm saying. You'll have to come back Tuesday (actually late Monda

Fighting Coughs and Colds

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I mentioned the other day that we are definitely in the middle of cough and cold season. With temps all over the place the last few weeks (80s? Check. 40s? Check. And everywhere in between!) it is no wonder that people are getting sick. My siblings caught colds several weeks ago, and for some the cough and congestion is still lingering on. I’ve managed to steer clear of it already this season, so I thought it was time for an update about my fighting-a-cold methods! You might remember that last winter I got tired of being sick all.the.time. {that is no exaggeration} so I started implementing some natural methods to help strengthen my immune system. Now, I am no doctor and don’t know much about natural remedies.I just gathered some info from other sites and tried a few things. And it worked. Remember how I got so sick after I stopped? Yes, I am fully a believer in these remedies now! This year I’m streamlining the process a little to be more cost effective and a bit easier. Let me expla

Goals for the Week, September 24, 2013

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 Happy Monday, everyone! How has the beginning of your week been? Our weather is a bit crazy right now...yesterday it was 80 degrees and today it was mid-50s!! No wonder this is cough and cold season, right? I picked up these beauties over the weekend. This will be part of the Christmas collection at So Sew Organized! I can't wait!   Here are the goals I was working towards last week: Finish girl's shorts Memorize Philippians 4:3-4 Practice piano 2x Continue to plan for the upcoming holidays Write one hand-written note Work at a teen retreat And here are the ones for this week! Memorize Philippians 4:3-4 Practice piano 3x Write one hand-written note Spend 1 hr. purging and organizing Post one new shop item - squeal! I'd love to hear how things are going in your neck of the woods, and what goals you are setting for this week! Any Fall activities going on?

Goals for the Week, September 17, 2013

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Happy Monday er, Tuesday, everyone! My week was great, I spent a bunch of time with different friends. I even got taken out to lunch... 3 times ! That never happens! Did you see our new line of Fall printables ? They include everything you need to plan a successful fall or Thanksgiving. Here are the goals I was working towards last week: Finish mending Have a shop planning session for the upcoming season Finish girl’s shorts Go through one tote of stuff in storage Memorize Philippians 4:1-2 {chapter 4!!!!} Clean at church Practice piano 3 times This week, we're headed for a teen retreat and to help get the camp grounds ready for winter. I'm only setting a couple of goals, and I probably won't be blogging too much this week either. Priorities, you know! =) Finish girl's shorts Memorize Philippians 4:3-4 Practice piano 2x Continue to plan for the upcoming holidays Write one hand-written note Work at a teen retreat What are you working on these days? Has fall weather set

Shop Update: Autumn/Thanksgiving Printables!

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Last year I had a custom request for some Thanksgiving/Autumn printables. They were so fun, I thought I’d re-vamp them for this year! That is right, there are new Thanksgiving and Autumn planning printables at So Sew Organized! It is fun to do themed work for special occasions such as a holiday. For my yearly management printables I like keeping things simple and streamlined, but with holiday stuff it is fun to add specific colours and even some graphics. I still keep these simple and easy-to-use, but I think they can be fun for everyone, too! Some of these stayed the same as last year - but a few got updated. I also better designed them to work for both Canadian and American Thanksgivings. There is a calendar for both October and November, and the countdowns and such are not specific to a certain month. That gives flexibility no matter where you live! If you already have some of these printables from last year, but would like just the updated ones for 2013, just leave me a comment o

Autumn Etsy Favourites

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From time to time, I enjoy sharing with you some of my favourite items currently on Etsy! The Etsy community has great features that allow us to interact with other sellers and learn from their advice. But for those of you that aren't on Etsy, you miss out! This once-a-season virtual window shopping allows you to see what my current faves are, without having to have an Etsy account yourself. Any of these items would make great gifts for someone on your list this year. I hope you'll hop over to Etsy, following the links beneath each picture, and show these sellers some love! Which items are catching your eye? Button Headband from Button Top Sugar Shop Flower Pendant Necklace from Crystal Girlz Starfish Ring from Beach Daisy Jewelry French Beaded Flowers from Lauren H. Creations Terracotta Earthenware Ceramic dishes by YviBJonesCeramics. I can't even tell you how much I love these. They are real, handmade doilies made into handmade Earthenware dishes. Love. Handmade Porc

Goals for the Week, September 9, 2013

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Happy Monday! I'm here reporting after a successful first week of school for the kiddos and a more definite schedule for myself. It feels so great to be on a schedule again and see things getting done! The slower days have been a welcome enjoyment as well. Anyone else feeling this way?  Our linky party was last Friday and it was so fun! There are a low number of linkups so far but it is still fun to learn from these creative ladies. The above burlap wreath was one of the link ups, isn't it adorable? Such a fun fall accessory! You still have a few days to link up your posts, so click here to head to the party! And now, on to my weekly goals update:   Last week, I worked on the following: Work on mending Finish custom orders Finish girl’s shorts Review Philippians 3 Practice piano 3x Begin implementing winter schedule Write one post for another site Donate bags of unused clothes This week, I'm setting these goals: Finish mending Have a shop planning session for the upcoming

Home Improvement: the DIY Homemakers Edition! {August Party}

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Yay, it is here! Our monthly Home Improvement Linky Party !! I just love looking through these link-ups and learning from you creative readers! Remember, I'll be sharing your projects on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest over the next week. And I'd love if you would share this party with your friends!

2013 Goals: August Update

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When I decided to publish my goals for the year 2013 , one thing I was looking forward to was the accountability I would receive from my readers! To keep myself on track, and let you know the areas I've been working on, I'm posting an update today from the month of August. I'd love to hear how you are progressing with your goals for 2013, whether you set several or even just one! Spiritual goals : {this is the most important area for me!} Draw closer to and be more like my Saviour . I know this sounds vague and non-specific, but at the end of 2013, I want to be able to say that my relationship with Christ has deepened over the year. If I accomplish nothing else all year but this, 2013 will be worth it!       **Ongoing goal Finish memorizing Philippians. I have the first chapter completely down, and half of the second. I need to be more intentional about plugging away at this!       **I've finished chapter three - anxious to start 4 next week! The end is finall

Happy Accidents + Inspiration

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Psst, did you see the sale we have going on at So Sew Organized right now?? Click here to find out more! Over the time that I’ve had my own handmade shop , all that creating and designing has taught me some things. One main thing that I am still learning is that inspiration is everywhere, and I need to be looking for it ! Sometimes I don’t even realize a prime source of inspiration right away. Does anyone else do that? I have a feeling I miss a lot! One of these instances happened recently. I noticed two spools of thread sitting side by side - one red, one brown. And I thought, “ Hmm, red and brown...I haven’t played with that colour combo yet !” I filed the thought away for later, thinking it didn’t apply to the present. I was wrong! A couple weeks later, I was busy making a custom order. The lady had requested this pansy material inside and out, so I was finding a couple trim pieces that I had on hand to compliment it. I had the red band cut out along with a yellow trim piece, all r