While we were in Florida last month, my mother-in-law helped me adjust the pattern for this sun hat from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing.  I have a big head and it was immediately evident from the pattern that it wouldn't fit my noggin.  We added an inch to the crown and the brim, adjusting the top accordingly (don't ask me how - she did most of that part).  We cut it out of some inexpensive fabric and I put it on my head thinking that it would definitely fit fine.  Yesterday I was finally able to sew my version.

So what do you think?  I am not sure about it.  It is still a bit snug.  The brim is super long - I can barely see when I am wearing it.  I asked Fatty if it was good or goofy.  He said, "Yes."  I guess that means it is good and goofy....hmmm.  Not sure what I think about that either.

I would like to make it again.  This time I think I would use 1/4 inch seams to give myself a bit more room around.  If I do that, I think I would have to cut the height of the crown some and I know I need to cut back on the brim.  If anyone has any tips, please pass them along.

My first choice would be to re-do this one, but I don't think I can.  I hate that I used my pink Amy Butler fabric and it doesn't fit.  I might hand it down to Kate - she inherited my big head.  I would have to cut the brim down a bunch.  I am thinking of just taking the pinking shears to it so I don't have to rip out all the top-stitching on the brim.  I know the ends would fray, but it could be kind of cute, couldn't it?  Really, couldn't it?

And I am definitely making the next one out of muslin.  Lesson learned.

It's been a busy week.  We have been going, going, going.  Wednesday Kate's school had their annual parade.  Kate's class made woodpecker hats out of newspaper and trumpets out of paper towel rolls.  They marched around the block with very serious looks on their faces, waving to the parents.  She is with her best buddy, Lainie, in the photo.  These two are funny girls.

Thursday my mom and I shopped around and ran errands.  My MOO cards came!  I don't know why I waited so long to get these.  Fun and cute!

Friday, we celebrated my dad's birthday.

Mint julep cake.  Yum!  Want a piece, Susan?

Hope your weekend is great!

Here it is:  the sewing room, or studio, if you prefer that.  I call it both.  I painted it this beautiful turquoise-y blue last August and have been dreaming of getting it organized since way before then.  I did it and know that if the machine hadn't been gone for three weeks it never would have happened.

Here is the machine in its newly spruced up home.  I hung the peg board and keep patting myself on the back because it was a great idea.  No more lost scissors, rulers, embroidery hoops - they all have a home.

Here's the view I have while sitting at the table.  I covered a piece of plywood with cork and then fabric.  It looks a bit empty, but I am excited to fill it up with all the little things I have hoarded over the years.   Fatty hung the thread racks awhile back and I added the old E and photos of my little family.  And that little painting in an oval frame is an antique that my former boss and friend Susan gave me.

Next to the peg board on a blank spot of wall, Fatty and I installed a flannel board.  It small, but handy.  I like to lay out patchwork to visualize it and I think this will help.  It can also hold all the little bits of the appliques I like to do.  No more lost pieces!

Behind the table are shelves filled with fabric and trims.  The cottons along with the trims and buttons are organized by color.  The rest of the fabric is organized, too.  You probably couldn't tell how, though.  There is a stack of wool felt and some larger flat folds of cotton.  Throw in upholstery weight fabric organized by room/project and you get the drift.

Set back a bit from the other shelves, these hold the nuts and bolts:  books, patterns, supplies and super large flat folds.

On the next wall is a little alcove covered by a makeshift curtain (it still needs to be hemmed) which hides more stuff.  The ironing board can hang out of the way when not in use.

And on the door is this collage, made my friend Suzanne.  It always makes me smile.

You can see before pictures here and more photos of the finished space over on flickr.  We have family in town and a big weekend ahead.  If it's quiet on the blog, you can probably find me sitting in my chair, soaking it all in, loving my little space.

I about jumped for joy when I read that the March/April Tie One On theme was ric rac.  I love ric rac.  I immediately had a grand plan, and of course, did not stick to it one bit.  I had this vision of chevron stripes done in ric rac - all in one color, varying widths of trim.  Well, that would have taken me forever to line up properly (and straight) and I didn't have that much time seeing that I just welcomed my sewing machine home.  I stayed with stripes and am very happy with how it turned out.

Typically I don't go for orange, but I like the way it looks with the bright yellow and green.  My favorite part is the giant green grosgrain ric rac.  I found it back in the fall and immediately had to have it because it was ric rac and it was green and it was grosgrain.  Did you know I like grosgrain?  Yup, I do.  A lot.

Oh, and for you, Dad:  Hooray, hooray, it's the first of May......

Hip Hip Hooray!  I have a sewing machine!  Just in the nick of time, too.  The March/April Tie One On deadline is tomorrow.  I am happy to say that I've got some sewing to do!  Back tomorrow with an apron and pictures of the sewing room later this week.  Joy!

Finding caterpillars

Wearing new flip flops

Fresh flowers in the kitchen

Margaritas while we cooked followed by a family dinner outside

Hope your weekend was just as nice.

...but a lot of swapping!  Let me tell you, I love good mail!

The box from my mellow + yellow swap partner, Amy, has been here unopened for over a week.  I finally got my swap package off to her on Tuesday.  Once that was done, I ripped open the box and found this:

Isn't it great?  My very own ice cream bowl and spoon!  I know two little girls that would love to get their mitts on this, but, no way.  This one is for me.  The color is a wonderful turquoise topped off by a lime green daisy.  My two favorite colors together again.  Thanks Amy!  It's wonderful.  And thank you, Marta, for organizing this swap.

I am sure tomorrow's mail will be of the ho hum, ordinary variety.  Too bad - I like the extraordinary kind much better.

...for Kirsty's vintage button swap package to get here from Australia.  Only 7 days!  That amazes me.

What also amazed me is the supreme goodness in the package.  Take a look:

Can you believe all that yummy stuff?  And the colors...greens and aquas...swoon!

I love this sweet pincushion with the layered yo-yo's.  It is sitting on a beautiful tiffany blue tray cloth.

See this vintage green ric rac (eek!) and a moo card, too?  I am so lucky!

Saving the best for last.....the buttons!  If pressed, I would have to say the big green flower is my favorite.  Or maybe the green one that is on the envelope.  Or maybe the white oval-y one.  OK, I can't pick.  They are all so fabulous!

Thank you Kirsty from the bottom of my heart!  Your package made my day!