Not ignoring you

I am not ignoring you.  I am packing and making appointments for UHaul, mail stop and start, utilities transferred, bulk trash pick up (We have way too much stuff!) and keeping the laundry caught up so I don't move a bunch of dirty clothes.  After Friday the 30th, I won't have internet access because Time Warner can't hook us up at the new place until the 4th. AAAGH! 
Later.....

WE FOUND OUR HOUSE!

It has a great area for my sewing.  It's bright and airy.  I am looking forward to setting up shop there.  Not, however, looking forward to all the packing.  I certainly hope someone is out there reading this.  I am actually too tired to be writing but I wouldn't want to dissappoint my one follower. (Thanks, Jan)  I'll keep this blog going as long as my fingers work. 
Great things are coming and I am going to share them with you.
Later
Grandmabenny

House hunting

We looked at a very nice home today.  It was nearly exactly what we need.  A gigantic living room, a gigantic kitchen, a full bath, a laundry area and most importantly, a perfect room for my shop on the first floor.  Oh, and three bedrooms and full bath upstairs. We filled out the necessary paperwork, talked to the landlord and now we wait the two or three days he said he needed to go through all the applications.  If the Lord wants us to have this house, it will be ours.  Pray that His will be done.   I'll keep you updated. 

Pitfalls of Renting

Renting, as opposed to owning, has its perks.  You don't have to fix anything that breaks down.  You don't have property taxes (except those figured into the lease)  After your lease is up if you choose, you can move without the hassle of trying to sell your home.  On the negative side, if your landlord loses his property, you are put in a position of finding a suitable place to live in a hurry.  On the evening of ou return from Florida I received an email from my landlord.  Looks like we have to find a new place to live before November 4th.  We have been looking every day and have found a few places to rent.  I don't think I am cut out to live in a mobile home.  Not enough room for all my "stuff" especially my sewing room which would take up almost the entire mobile home.  I have faith that the Lord has a house for us somewhere.  We just keep looking until we find it.  He has been faithful in the past to supply all our needs (I didn't say "wants") and I am confident that He will take care of us now.
I may not post as often because of all the looking and packing and moving but I will check as often as I can to see what encouragement you might have to offer.  Or tell me about your humorous experiences with moving.  These 63 year old bones are not looking forward to all the packing, unpacking and lifting.  Anyway, keep me in your prayers and remind me daily that "God will take care of me.  Through every day, o'er all the way."
Until tomorrow.

Grandma's Travels

I am just back from a very short trip to Florida.  We delivered and picked up lots of goodies for my sewing room like cabinets and notions.  And a whole SUV full of stuff to make my life easier. 
One point of interest was a place called Fancy Gap Pottery and Fabric Outlet.  If you want to see:   http://fancygappottery.com/fabric_.html    

Don't go unless you have lots of time because this place is huge and has thousands of yards of fabric.  Their prices are very reasonable.  The only caution I suggest is at the front of the store they have a remnant area and you should examine each piece before committing to buy.  Otherwise this store is wonderful.  If you get the chance to visit Fancy Gap, Virginia you shouldn't miss this fabric opportunity.  Be sure and tell us about your trip.  We would love to hear.

It's late and I am tired.  It's a long way from the middle of Florida to the middle of Ohio.  Until tomorrow.

A picture is not just a picture

This wonderful photo was taken by my sister who is a professional photographer.  She lives too far away to do this on a regular basis but is giving me tips on how I can make my little Sony Cybershot take better pictures.  Like, did you know that an overcast day makes for better photos?  Also, I constructed a light box that is supposed to improve the quality of light surrounding the object.  Mine is much bigger than the one in the tutorial because I need to photograph clothing.  Visit my shop at http://www.grandmabenny.etsy.com/ and you will know which photo was taken using the Light Box.  If you are interested in creating your own Light Box, you can find the instructions here:  http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent
It's not too difficult and you'll probably have all the materials on hand.  Another plus to using a Light Box is that you have a smaller area to stage.  A few artificial flowers or a picture or some kids toys and you can have a more professional looking photo to post on your blog or in your on-line store.

WELCOME TO MY BLOG

The "backspace" and "delete" buttons are my friends.  I estimate that I start a sentence 5 or 6 times before I get to a version that sticks. 
I love to sew almost as much as I love my computer.  I especially like to make childrens clothing.  They are so appreciative and, if you do a good job (meaning you make their little monsters look like angels) the parents will be appreciative as well.  You know when a little girl is impressed because she twirls and dances around the room and you have to fight to get her outfit off to go to bed. 
Little boys, however, usually just get embarassed and look for the first opportunity to get out of the center of attention.  Years ago a funny thing happened involving a 3 yr old boy and a very dapper suit of clothing.  We put on the nice white button front shirt, the cute little shorts with suspenders, a very snappy tailored jacket and some knee high socks.  We didn't get the photo we'd hoped for because the moment we put the jacket on him, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and began to cry.  Crocodile tears streaming down his face, he couldn't get out of those clothes fast enough.  After  two scoops of chocolate ice cream and dressed in his favorite jeans and stained tee shirt he was fine.
Currently I am making diaper covers for Newborn to 18 Months.  It's a two-piece pattern and made from cotton fabric.  You need lots of 3/8" and 1/4" elastic and either purchased or self-made bias tape.  I like the look of self-made but I don't have a bias tape machine so it takes quite a bit of extra time to make it.  It's worth it to me when I look at the finished garment.
I would love to hear your sewing stories and your opinions.  For instance:  What do you think of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)?  Do you think the CPSC is going too far or not far enough?