Red Door Adventures

What says "Welcome" more than a red door?

The door was a bland tan to begin with, so painting it wasn't a hard sell. 

In fact, it was a lot easier than I expected...

me: I want to paint our front door red, wouldn't that look awesome?

Sarge: sure

me (preparing to throw a tantrum if necessary): Really? ya know, I want to paint the inside red too.

Sarge: Might as well. If your gonna do it, do it.

me (now feeling empowered): I want to paint the kitchen door red too.

Sarge: sure

me: I want the inside red too...

Sarge: I think you should paint the family room door to the garage while you're at it.

And so with that conversation and a conveniently timed commercial for Glidden door paint we were off to buy some red paint. This paint comes in a limited pallet, with 2 reds.

Who knew? Another battle I didn't have to fight!

me: okay, which red? 

(please pick classic red... please pick classic red...)

Sarge: I like Classic Red

me: really?!

Sarge: Well yeah. If you're gonna go red, go red.

So, I went RED.

And I'm so glad I did! I am in love with my newly painted door.
It's just so shiny, and RED!

And I am so happy that I painted the inside too!

Next I'm going to tackle the french doors in the kitchen.
Though, I'm still not sure if I'll paint the family room door red yet...

Closing Day

For the last 13 years,

Home has always been where the Air Force sent us.

We've been stationed at

Charleston AFB , SC

Kirtland AFB , NM

San Antonio OPLOC, TX

McChord AFB , WA

Holloman AFB, NM

For the last 2 years we've been in Utah, and this will have been our last PCS.

Today we close on our new house.

Now, and for the rest of our lives, we are home.

Organizing Presentation at Quilting Guild

Yesterday I gave a presentation to the Ogden Quilting Guild on sewing room organization.

I started off pretty nervous actually, public speaking is not my specialty.

(In fact, I blush fiercely whenever attention is focused on me. Honestly, blush isn't even the right word -I don't think there is even a name for the shade of red I can turn. I've even gone so far as to buy a "primer" that is green to wear under my foundation, it's supposed to tone down that red hue. Seriously, you can't make this stuff up. Back to the matter at hand...)

By the end of the meeting I felt so much better! 

The interaction was great, the group was involved and even had some awesome ideas to contribute.

When all was said and done I had so much positive feedback I felt like a Rock Star!

And, can I just say, how freakin'

Empowering

it is

when you speak

and people actually

take notes?!

Blissful validation.

Now I just need to download my van and get half my studio my visual aides put away and my sewing room restored to normal. ick.

Score! Alice in Wonderland Buttons!

Look what I managed to pick up at the HMQS here in Salt Lake last weekend!

Is it ridiculous to plan a whole outfit around the buttons?

They are so inspiring, how could one not?

This vendor had a whole "Alice in Wonderland" collection but many were sold by the time I got there, so I plan to get in touch with her soon and get my hands on the missing pieces.

Not sure what I'll do with them yet, just know I want them!

...they are my precious...

I'm thinking something striking, like down a jacket front maybe?

Also picked up what was left of her Pin-Up Girls buttons.

This thing ran Thursday - Sunday. I went on Friday!

note to self, go on the first day next time...

No clue what I'll do with these!

And back to my small Alice obsession...

I picked up the pocket watch buttons with a little persons Alice in Wonderland themed ensemble in mind.

Why is a raven like a writing desk?

Vintage Patterns, Decisions! Decisions!

Pattern Review is having a Vintage Pattern Contest

and I can't decide which pattern I want to use for my entry!

I've narrowed it down to these 3 patterns and 3 fabric choices:

McCalls 9611

I got this on Etsy with the idea of using it in the contest.

Gotta love the back neckline and sleeve bands on this one, so elegant!

Sew-Rite 8021

Another Etsy pattern picked up with the contest in mind.

I love this dress, the round yoke with the big button detail is one of my favorites!

The drawback here is this pattern is a "perforated pattern" - no printing, just lot's o' dots to identify pieces, etc. Also the instructions are very scant. I've gone over them and it all seems pretty straight forward just means I'll have to pay extra attention during construction.

Honestly, I've got a lot on my plate right now so I don't know if I can spare the brain power and energy!

Simplicity 3203

I picked up this pattern at the DI a while back for 50 cents!

I love the sash and the collar - and yes, I admit I have a thing for neckline details.

Of course I have to go with view 3, I could never pull off those sleeves with my girls!

The good news is, I've already tissue fit this pattern.

The bad news is, it might be too tight now.

Part of the Challenge is too make the garment wearable for today, and not costume-y.

I love the fabric line Silent Cinema by Jenean Morrison

These fabrics have a bit of a vintage vibe, while still feeling modern, so I think they'll be perfect for my dress (which ever one it will be...)

Gray/Blue Palette

Okay, I know what your thinking "that's pretty bold!" Right?

But I'm thinking of using it only as an accent, like piping.

See? Not so scary now, right?

Gray/Pink Palette

Aren't they all wonderful? I'd love several yards of every fabric in the line!

Right now I'm leaning towards the Sew-Rite pattern, and the Gray/Blue color scheme.

or maybe the Simplicity in pink...

What do you think?!

Decisions! Decisions!

Happy Mothers Day!

Have a wonderful day mamas!