I won't bore you all with the details of my craft supply odyssey today.  It is over and I have what I need now, but, man, it was hard getting it.  Instead, I'll share the bright spots...

The maple in front of our house has finally reached its peak - I love this tree and its red leaves.  And, yes, it is probably time for the spider webs to come down.

Tomorrow's Friday's birthday girl, Lisa, will be getting this belt tonight over good Mexican food and margaritas.  Yummy yum yum!  Time to pick up the babysitter.

Did you vote?  I did.

My sewing room (I have trouble calling it a studio) is a walk-in closet on our third floor.  It is adjacent to the kids' playroom/guest room.  When we looked at this house for the first time, I am pretty sure that I didn't even see it.  Fatty was the one who pointed it out.  So, lucky me, I have my own sewing room.

And this closet, like my clothes closet, is a mess.  So I am outing myself in an attempt to get it cleaned up, organized and maybe even stylish.

The built-in's were already there - I had new shelves cut to fit them and painted the walls and trim this summer.  That pile of pillows could use some sorting and probably some tossing.

My work table is mostly cleaned off - that is only because I have been sewing a lot this past week.  The collage and some other art need to be hung on the walls.  Maybe some kind of thread storage too.

But, then there is this pile UNDER the table that needs major folding and sorting.

More bits and scraps that need to be put away or tossed.

I like this window and the shelf below it.  The vintage fan is for the hot summer because there is no vent in here.  I would love to see more cute accessories lined up on this shelf.  In my dreams, it might look like my personal version of this or maybe this.

Here goes nothing!

I spent most of the day sewing, but don't have anything to show for it.  No photos, that is.  That's okay, though.  I finished the project and was very happy with the results.  Now it's packaged up and on its way.  All good - very good.

I have no reason to show you Fatty's truck other than I love it.  It makes me smile: all that turquoise with chrome and a little red to spice it up - vintage and smart.  So there - that is reason enough.

Here's my nephew Ian modeling the shirt I made for him awhile back.  I snapped this photo today before he and his parents started their road trip home.  We had a fun weekend hanging out with my brothers and their families.  Playing the ponies, eating and drinking too much, and staying up late have left me dragging.  I have a long list of things to do and some deadlines to meet, but am not feeling productive at all.  A nap on the couch while the girls watch Alice In Wonderland sounds like heaven.   Catching some Zs will energize me - at least, that is my hope.  Keep your fingers crossed - I am off in search of a cozy blanket....

Getting ready to cut these fabrics.

Knitting at soccer practice and in the carpool line.

Sprucing up for our house guests.

Making Cheddar Corn Chowder.

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Four times a year, friends and I have our own little craft swap.  It works like this:  if there are 9 participants, you make 8 of one thing.  We meet up, everyone swaps and you go home with a craft from each of the other participants.  Sound like fun?  Yup, it is!

What with Halloween costumes to make and other pressing life duties (read:  parenting, laundry, grocery and cleaning), I managed to finish my craft in the nick of time.  I have told you all before that I am a procrastinator so it shouldn't surprise you that I spent all day yesterday sewing.  You got it - 8:15 am until 5:00 pm with about an hour break at lunch and 20 minutes to go get Jane at school.  I even had time left over to take a shower!

I made more patchwork belts - super easy and lots of fun.  It justtakes me a long time to pick which fabrics should go together and getthem in the right order.  Once that is decided, it takes no time atall.  Unless, of course, you are making eight!

But the payoff for all that time was stupendous!  Look at my new goodies!

This very cool animal doll by Brenda - inspired by artist Lisa Simon.

Wood and stone earrings by Suzanne and Ribbon Bracelet by Cynthia.  I think I will be wearing these together

Felted Cell Phone Cozy by Shawna.  The alpaca she used to knit this is from her mother-in-law's alpacas!

Green Serged Napkins and Hose Clamp Napkin Rings by Laura and Wire and Beaded Spreader by Lynette.  Both handy for entertaining!

Luggage Tags by Robyn - we need these!

Pajama Shorts by Marcia.  Please excuse the wrinkles - I slept in them last night!  Cute and comfy!

Nothing like a bunch of gifts to get me in the holiday spirit a little early.  Thanks ladies - I love them all!

We had a great time trick or treating!  Too much candy was consumed, but that's to be expected, right?

Here are a couple photos.  Before:

And after:

We got drenched!  Thank goodness I didn't go as the Wicked Witch of the West - I would have melted!

Back tomorrow with lots of handmade goodies!