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Email me at cls1981 {at} att {dot}net for details.

About me

"The ordinary acts we practice every day at home do more for the soul than their simplicity might suggest." 

-Thomas Moore

Hi.

Don't let the title fool you--I am not cool. Not even a little. But...

My life is.

I aspire to be no more than I am right now: the stay at home mom to two preschool aged boys and their baby sister. I love the ordinary days I spend with them, and desperately try to enjoy each one because the time is flying by too fast. We spend our days playing, building, chasing, snacking, watching too much tv and trying to inspire a little creativity. One day we may add homeschool to that list.

By the way:  I'm very intentional in not posting my little ones' pictures or mentioning their names.

I've lived my entire life in the Chicagoland area, although I think there is really a southern girl somewhere deep down inside. I went to college to play volleyball, and managed to emerge with a degree in English and a Master's degree in education. My husband and I met when I was 19 and have been married for 7 years. He lovingly supports my projects and has the decency to wait until I leave the room before rolling his eyes at my latest hair-brained idea. We love living in our 1946 Cape Cod, which we have and will continue to renovate.

I just love making stuff. I sew, craft, assemble, decorate, re-decorate, bake and build daily. Our house is messy and we eat too much carry out, but I love the feeling of doing things myself. I'm drawn to stacks of pretty fabric, colorful paper, sprinkles, ribbons, yarn, polka dots, gingham, little chairs, white dishes, spray paint and tools. I could lose myself for hours in flea markets, IKEA and antique and thrift shops. One day I may actually use all the fabric and supplies I've amassed over the years.

Probably not.

I'm a casual girl. I live in my Uggs in the winter and flip flops in the summer. I wear jeans nearly every day but don't leave the house without make up and ironing my hair. I'm sarcastic, shy, silly, and pretty dorky, but you probably knew that already.

Want know anything else? Just ask.

ps. You can also read my interviews here or here.

Email me

Have a question?  Comment?

Looking for a custom item from my shop?

Maybe you just want to chit chat.

Email me at cls1981 {at} att {dot} net

I'll try to help ya out.

xoxo

Since you asked...

Where do you buy your variety of colorful fabric?

I shop all over, really, and mainly find myself in the big chain stores since I usually have two wiggly, impatient boys in tow.  I very rarely buy fabric online, because I think fabric shopping is such a tactile experience.  That said, when I find something I like, I buy it and worry about what I'll use it for later!

What kind of sewing machine do you have?

I have Singer Protege (which isn't made any more), Janome 8077, and a Brother 1034D serger.  They are all wonderful machines.

I'm just learning to sew.  What machine do you recommend?

Until recently, I'd only ever used Singer machines.  I think they are the easiest and most straight forward to use.  I would suggest buying a middle grade machine, so you don't need to upgrade too quickly. 

But whatever machine you buy, learn how to use it.  Read the manual.  Seriously.  I'm the kind of girl who doesn't read directions and likes to just figure things out, but I've learned about all kinds of functions and cool things my machines can do just by reading the manual.  I'm a dork.  I know.

Also, regular maintenance will save you a lot of aggravation.  I clean the lint out of mine with compressed air at least once a week, and take it to be serviced once a year.

Okay, I bought a sewing machine.  What else do I need?

Check out this post for a list of my sewing essentials.

What kind of white boxes do you use for treats?

I use these boxes by Wilton.  I usually buy them at Michael's.

Where do you sell the things you make?

There's a link to my etsy shop in my menu bar, as well as a mini-etsy on my sidebar.  Clicking on either of those links will take you directly there. 

How do I make a ruffle?

I (finally) put together a mini-tutorial on how to create a ruffle here. 

What kind are/where did you get the shoes you're wearing in your header?

They're maryjanes made by Diesel and I got them 7 or 8 years ago at Bloomingdale's.  I can't find a link to them anywhere.  Maybe try eBay.

Anything else you want to know?  Ask away in the comments or email me.  I'll continue to add questions and answers here for everyone to see.