Big Changes or the truth about location, location, location

A big plunge for me. A couple months ago I bought a new home for me and the kids. It was excitng, scary, liberating and exhilarating all in one. I can't even tell you how much I love this place. When "they" say how important location is, they really mean it. I've moved to the absolutely best neighborhood, EVER. I could have gotten a bigger house somewhere else, but then it would not have been THE HOUSE. This was the one that when I took the kids to see it, everyone loved it. Sure there was some sadness and nerves about moving, but this is was the place we could actually see our futures in. So after some brief negotiating, an inspection and a few weeks of anxiety waiting for everything to be finalized, we moved into to the house I expect to send my kids off to college from. It's not a huge place...in fact by some standards it's quite small. But, haven't you heard small is the new black. The space is so well configured. I feel like this is my forever home. When I drive through the neighborhood my heart just sings. I love being in an established neighborhood within walking distance to parks and funky little shops and eateries. I could go on and on...but I wont, lol.

Check it out...doesn't it look inviting? I'm still sprucing, tweaking and settling in. That's how it is when you've got a fulltime job. You do things in fits and starts. But, it'll get there. I've already been able to host family comfortably which is something I had a hard time doing in our old home. It feels good. Sharing your home.

Oh, that's E. preparing to show me how he can hit a homerun

The end of matriculation

Today I will officially have completed my graduate degree. I cannot believe I made it. It's been a hard journey, but I survived and I'm incredibly proud of myself and thankful for the support I got along the way. I hope the future brings me new opportunities. I know that it changed me and had enhanced my life as well. And that brings me to my bucket list. For the last 2 years I've put so many things on the back burner, but now I think I have time to really explore some new adventures.
There's a ton of changes coming soon (I'll get into those more later), but let's just say I'm excited and looking forward to the future.
Now that I have more time, I'm ready to take on some new projects on the home front. I've been scouring tons of shelter blogs getting awesome ideas, can't wait to try some out. I also have some crafting in my future as well, I have a couple quilts to finish and my little sister is having a baby so I have somethings I want to work on for her as well.
Anyway, one adventure is ending and another is just around the corner!

Hysterical

I have to share a dirty little secret. I adore Korean Soap Operas. Actually I love all soap operas. Korean soap operas are extremely addictive, but certainly have a predictable formula to them. Essentially they are all Cinderella love triangles. Cinderella, because it's almost always a poor girl/rich guy and usually two guys are vying for the girl. The girl is usually spunky and not considered beautiful or a real catch, but always has a heart of gold. Oh, and at some point she get's a makeover and everyone ends up realizing she's super special. But, I found this vid on you tube (my new obsession for a fast laugh) by StillnotDavid that really explains how Korean Dramas explain the meaning of life. I don't know how to post the vid, so I just linked you to it above. Be sure to check it out. It's freaking hysterical.

First planned project of the new year

Knitting is still hot, just check out the amazing site Ravelry if you don't believe me. Cowls are the new black. Super cool and chic. For my 2013 crafting kickoff, I thought I'd whip (haha) something just for moi. I plan to make the Honey Cowl and keeping with my ongoing commitment to be frugal in my crafting, I'm going to find some yarn from my stash that will work. I'm sure I have something. I'm thinking something in green, wouldn't that be fun and unexpected?

I'm back?

My little sister reminded me recently that I had not blogged in forever. So, true...apparently almost a year has passed since my last post. My life has been crazy busy and I had to prioritize. However, things should be slowing down very soon. In the meantime I still sew, although other than lounge pants I haven't sewn many clothes in the past year. I've quilted though, in fact I've probably completed 4 or 5 quilts and have 2 tops finished that I need to quilt. Anyway, the point is, I'm still here. I'm excited about the new year. Hopefully there are bright things in my professional future as I finish up my graduate degree (fingers crossed). And I hope that the slowing of my life means I can spend more time with the family doing things that we love. That I can focus on the homefront. That I can craft and share the stuff I'm working on in my blog. Come back and see what's up, I'm still here. I'm excited for 2013 to get here already

Sewing in Pictures

Believe it or not, I totally sew on a regular basis. I love it. I live for it, ok...not really, but it absolutely keeps me sane. What I don't do is take pictures. Sort of a bad thing for someone who is keeping a blog about the things they make. I'm going to try and be better. It's super neat to be able to look back and see what I've made. I've been sewing much more quilts lately than clothes, but that's all going to change as I plan on stash busting over the next few years. So I pledge to sew in pictures, not just the finished project, but the process too.

Hello old friend

I created this blog ages ago (I'm talking years) at a time when I was sewing a lot of clothing for my children. Then life got in the way, distracted me and I promptly abandoned it. Lately though, I've been feeling that old pull. I really am a garment and accessory sewer. It's really what I love best of all.
So I'm dusty of my alter ego, Serena (that's the name I game my dressform) and getting my groove back. Don't get me wrong, I like quilting...especially the quilting community, which is vibrant and inspiring, but I love nothing better than to slip on something I stitched myself. And as my sweet sweet boy told me just today, " I like it when you make me stuff, there's just something special when you make it for me". Well, if that just doesn't tug at your heart, I guess you don't have one.
Anyway, I'm dusting off my pattern box and getting back on the garment sewing boat, I hope you'll come along for the ride.