catching up

So, if anyone still reads this, we're still alive! I've gotten so terrible at blogging. But here's to a renewed sense of dedication to keeping up with it. So, to start things off, here's Emmett lately:

His top two teeth finally popped through! Which means that he's been much happier lately. I had almost forgotten what a happy Emmett was like. 

And Chad and I had our three-year anniversary! And look at what my wonderful hubby got me: 

Isn't it beautiful?!!

Chad called my sewing-pro sister (yes, I know! Chad told me :) to see what sewing machine she has (which sewing machine she also really likes) and got me the same one.

I love this machine. (Heck yes it can sew through four layers of duck cloth!) I've been sewing up a storm since our anniversary. Which means that our house has been a mess lately :) So I've got to reign myself in a bit I think. Anyway, wanna see my fun projects? 

To break 'er in, I made a nursing strap for a friend who's expecting a little girl on Labor Day (heh). 

I got the tutorial from here. It's super easy, and super handy. It's meant to turn any blanket into a nursing cover so you have less things to pack in your bag, and you can use those swaddling blankets made of super light muslin so the both of you don't sweat so much, etc. Cool, huh? 

Next on the list, my awesome skirt!

I'm a terrible model so feel free to laugh it up. 

Sewing this skirt was my first experience with polyester and, decidedly, my last. Polyester is not fun to work with. But I love the way it hangs and flows, so it was worth it. 

And my last project was this tote. I had been needing a new purse, but I couldn't find one I liked for a price that wasn't outrageous, so I made this tote instead, and I love it! 

Isn't it cute? I sort of have this thing for stripes. It's a pretty big thing. And sailor-y stuff. So naturally, I love this bag. I used this tutorial, and again, super easy. You paint the fabric before you sew it so it looks a little more professional. 

There's a pocket inside, and you can see the bobbin thread from the outside, which I wasn't a fan of. So I sewed over it with a triple-thick zigzag stitch so it looks more intentional. I think it looks a lot better that way. 

The pocket:

I sewed it with two compartments to fit my phone and keys; I'm always losing those in whatever bag I'm carrying. The super nice thing about this bag is that it's the perfect size to double as a diaper bag or just a purse. 

So that's what I've been up to. Chad is busy working hard every day. I don't think I could do what he does. He frequently gets 50+ hours in four days. That isn't ever fun. And he got stung by a hornet the other day. He wasn't too bothered by it, but I'm pretty sure I would have quit. I hate hornets, and Chad gets to be around angry hives every time he works with a dish that's been up for more than five minutes. They love building their nests in the dishes. But he does get three days off a week, which helps to make up for it. 

Anyway, I'm off. But I promise to be better about blogging. At least on the days when we do things more interesting than hanging out at home and doing housework :) Have a great day!