99 problems and a stitch is... all of them

When I was a little girl my mom would make me Easter dresses and every Halloween costume I can remember. That is one of my favourite memories. We still have a few of those dresses. I decided for this year, I needed to learn a new skill or better a skill I already had. So I decided to work on my sewing skills. I want to be able to make things for my future kids, my nieces and nephews, and my friend's kids. I decided to make matching dresses for me and my cousin Sophie; we share the same birthday. I chose Violet Field Thread Patterns because I thought they were so stinkin' cute! I chose the Chloe for my little cousin and the Harlow for myself!

How cute are these:
Chloe:

Harlow:

(these pictures are the ones that come with the pattern, and are probably copywritten)

I took a sewing class in college. It was two years ago. I started with the basics and lets say I am rusty. I had to ask for a lot of help on my first project. I made a dress. Its super cute. I won't post pictures of it. This one will be much better.

One day wondering through Joann's I found the perfect dream fabric. It took weeks for it to wait to be on sale. 

I picked fabric from Joann's. Its apparel fabric. How cute is the circle lace?

Printable patterns are my new favourite thing! You can reprint them as many times as you want. I love that because now I can make these dresses for as many girls as I want. 

First I pinned and cut the lining, Lining, when cutting, always feels crunchy to me. Pinning is honestly the hardest part. Make sure the fabric is smooth and on the grain.

Then I pinned the pattern pieces to the lace and cut those.

I was really glad. The sewing really took no time at all. I was really pleased with the result.

Today I finished my second cousin's dress! Its so cute!

I didn't really take pictures in between. I will be completely honest, I get manic once the needles are involved, but here is the finished product.

My gorgeous mother is presenting:


and here is a close up:
 

The skirt is fully lined as is the bodice. I am really am proud of it.

I can't wait to see it on her!

Mid Year Goal Review

It being half way through the year it is the ideal time to reevaluate this years goals and reflect.  I have made a few of my goals already and I am very proud of me. 

I wanted to get a scholarship to help me pay tuition. And I did it. It took a lot of prayer and faith. I am very grateful for this scholarship. It will take a significant portion of my tuition payment away. 

A few months ago I went to the doctor. I found out that a medication I was on made me gain a lot of weight. When your trousers no longer fit, you know this, but I didn't understand why. It was the medication. At the beginning of the year I decided to become more healthy and work out more regularly. It didn't really make a difference and now that I am  not longer on that medication I have seen results. Yay! 

There are a few other goals I can't do until I head to grad school. I am so excited to leave. I am just waiting on my visa. It seems like I should be used to this after Saudi Arabia; being me it is just as frustrating as in 2014. 

In the past six months, I have learned a few things. I miss college. The life style was fun. I enjoyed living with friends or peers who were also at the relative phase in life. Living in that kind of support system is something I took for granted. I miss being able to flop on my roommate's bed and talk about my feelings. Or have the opportunity to stay up late laughing and dancing until sunrise. I miss classes. I miss homework. I miss learning. I want to be a life long learner. There have been measures taken in my life to do this. Yes I am that nerd. Its a good thing I am going to grad school. I miss it. 

Now I never ever thought that I would miss it. My last semester was rough. As my mother how many times I called home and said I was quitting. It was an almost weekly or biweekly occurrence. It usually involved some hysterics and dramatic throwing of myself on the floor. I can't wait to have it happen again, in an odd way. 

The next six months will be great!