more pattern testing

I jumped on the chance to do another pattern test for Whimsy Couture; seriously, people sign up so dang fast that you basically have to be online right when the designer posts a need for testers.  Luckily, this time I was.  :) 

This is a shirred skirt in ladies' sizes (though I think she also has a pattern for girls).  I made a skirt in my very own size, which is weird, because I've never sewn anything for myself.  Ever.  But it was fun and I was pleased with the result! 

Here are some pics. (Click on the pic to see a larger view.)

Write it Out!

One day, as I was perusing blogs (which I do regularly), I stumbled upon Service Boot Camp on a blog called We Talk of Christ, We Rejoice in Christ. I'm always looking for service opportunities, and since sewing for others is my favorite pastime (lately), this looked like it was right up my alley.

I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the Write it Out project.  Alida, who designed this project, is an Iraq war widow.  Her first husband was killed in 2007. As the three year anniversary of his death approached, Alida wanted to do something to commemorate it, so she decided to help other grieving war widows.   

Seeing the need for newly widowed women to have a place to express their feelings of loss, Alida designed a beautiful, handmade journal that costs very little to make but can make a huge difference to a mourning wife.  The tutorial is found on the link above, and I'm sure more journals are always needed, so check it out if you're interested in helping!

I pledged 10 journals, but didn't realize that the deadline for the Service Boot Camp challenge (which had PRIZES!) was two or three days later.  Thankfully I had most of what I needed to complete all 10 journals.  It meant a lot to me to be able to work on these.  When I make things for people, I think about them.  This fact made this project a little tough, because I can't imagine the pain of the women these journals will go to.  I cried a lot (which brought extra hugs from the kids) and pondered the service of these great men who gave their lives serving their country.  It was a wonderful experience, and though it took me a whole month to actually mail the journals to Alida, they should be in her hands by now. 

(While I was making these,  Peter, Lily and Will all mentioned they would LOVE one, so I made 3 extra.  They use them to draw pictures, make plans and write down their feelings.  I love it!) 

Here are some pics:

I LOVE this fabric!  I bought it to make something for Sophia, but this is just as good.  :)

This was the perfect opportunity to use the Amy Butler fabric

I had sitting around waiting for the perfect home. 

(my second favorite):

(the one I thought I would like least but ended up being my favorite):

This project also gave me the chance to use some of the amazing antique buttons

my grandma gave me.  We decided buttons would be a fun thing to collect

from grandmas, and Nana Kelley had quite a collection!

Thanks, Alida for the opportunity to help grieving war widows.  I loved it.