Well, I haven't been kept away by such wonderful things as Kate has encountered (free machines??!!?? Wow!), or any major health issues, but I haven't been able to actually post anything in a bit.
See, next year is officially my LAST year as a member of MOPs (Mothers of PreSchoolers) - after 10 years, I think it's time to move on....unless I have another child, which is NOT going to happen! I'm one of 2 people working with "creative activities" and so have been spending most of my time working on finding crafts to fit all levels of skill, and then finding and organizing the supplies we need for each craft (we inherited a large tote from last year's creative activities people and really, there was a lot of stuff that we tried to use for this year, but most got put into a separate tote for the children to use for their crafts), oh, and of course, making samples of everything. I think we now have 6 different crafts ready to go, with enough for 40 women to make them (we are hoping for greater attendance, but 40 is what we ended this past year with).
In addition to that, I was just interviewed for one of the local papers (!) and had a photo shoot yesterday. We have a local column called "CheepSkates" where the offer and ask for frugal tips and hints. SInce I've responded to the blog posts when there is a topic that I actually know quite a bit about, the writer of the column emailed to see if I wanted to be interviewed. So....interview was Tuesday morning, and lasted about an hour. We covered everything from how I cut my grocery bill in half, saving on clothing by making a lot of what the children and I need, even saving money by having a garden and cutting the boys' hair!! We had a great chat that was only slightly interrupted by my ill daughter being a goof and teasing the MUCH larger dog. Yesterday she called about the photo shoot - she couldn't get ahold of the photographer, so wasn't sure if he wanted to meet at the house or not and asked what I preferred. Well, since it was supposed to rain all day yesterday, I went to the studio....loaded with things for the photo shoot.
The writer said: bring samples of clothing you have made for the family, and what about some of the jewelry you make and the soaps and stuff.....oh, but I'm thinking maybe a picture of you surrounded by fabric with scissors and thread, looking like you are mending something. Ok....so with 3 garbage bags (used to cover the hanging clothes) and 2 small totes, off I went. I took the Elizabethan court gown and DDs civil war costume, 2 of DDs dresses and her dress coat, plus a nightgown; 2 of DSs button up shirts (where he picked out the fabrics), a pair of sweats and a pair of pajama pants; DHs first "LRV Original" Hawai'ian shirt (still wearbale after 9 years!!); this year's Easter dress, fake leather skirt, 2 blouses.....think that's all the clothing.
I also took one of my fleece sleeping bags, some of the scarves that I've made, a mess of patterns, fabric bits, shears, spools of thread, box of bobbins, rotary cutter, quilting ruler, teacup pin cushion that I made (MOPs sample), apron that I made for DD, quilt top of Mariner's Compass.....phew!
SO, after about 45-60 minutes, I was sweating, but laughing with the photographer, who asked if I ever thought about doing clothing for re- enactors and such. He took my card and said he may get in touch with me (I told him that I am always willing to consider sewing projects, but to be honest, I will only accept them if there is enough time to do them properly - I don't want my name associated with inferior work).
HAve sent email to writer about photo shoot, and she may end up wanting me back to do the one she had in mind...we shall see.
SO....that's what I've been doing...in addition to the regular day-to- day stuff and trying out new items to sell...oh and trying to build my wardrobe out a bit (have to get past the jeans and tshirts).
Larisa