Goodbye, Maryjane

I cannot remember if Maryjane was my classmate in Grade School or in High School. All I can remember was how she can be quiet and not showy as the other girls, but at the same time knowing how to make one laugh. She's humble, kind, caring ... and I've met her again last year, as we were part of the different committees which headed our Batch Reunion in August 2012. I caught an eye of her last Friday      (the 15th), while she was with her kids on the other side of N.Bacalso Avenue - probably waiting for the light to turn red so she and the kids can cross the street and take a ride home. I was then on my way to the city center, and as the jeepney was packed, I did not have a chance to call and wave to her. I did not know it was my last time to see her.

March 22, 2013, she was on her morning jog when suddenly someone just grabbed her and stabbed her fourteen times. She was rushed, but unfortunately, did not make it to the hospital. Poor Jane! I couldn't think how someone who doesn't even know her, can do something like this. She, who's sweet and loving - who actively lends a hand in giving back to the community and helping the less fortunate.

Jane, you have touched so many lives.
You have touched mine. Thank you!
I pray that wherever you are right now, I hope you find peace.

Bye, Jane...
till we meet again.

Fun Weekend

So many years ago, I was never able to do this. Not until "mein Mann" told me to quit my job and be a fulltime mom. Yes, I did! And though I found that I do not anymore have that extra personal money for my massage/beauty salon time, I have not been stress-free but I am so, so much happier than I was before, when I was then a working mom.

Before the weekend came, the kids accompanied me to different government offices, as we are slowly preparing our documents to submit to the German Embassy. They cheered me up when it was too long a wait, or entertained the secretaries. And because they are really good kids, we went to SM City (here in Cebu City) - as promised. We painted, ate our favorite hotdog and grilled cheese sandwich, and simply had FUN!

It will be summer vacation for the kids soon, and I am sure, they're already looking forward to 1,001 ways to enjoy the Summer. :)

Thank you for stopping by...
See yah!

My Little Munchkin Girl

My friend's daughter was chosen to play as the Munchkin Girl in their school play, Wizard of Oz.  And knowing what I do, she's asked me to make the costume for her daughter.



And yes, I did! 

I used a dark green Oxford for the bodice, white Peach Twill (here, with 1/4" satin ribbons that I've attached). The inset (upper right pic) shows green/white stripes for the skirt, light green satin for leaves, white satin for the petals, yellow and green soft tulle and materials for a petticoat.

I also had to make the boots using a black satin cloth and some leatherette for the soles. For the hat, that should be just felt cloth, with a daisy attached in front. We had a hard time looking for the daisy, but good thing I was in the Mall, at the Home Decor department... yep, there it was ~ the daisy!

Here's the finished costume, with my daughter as the model (so the costume's a little big on her). Of course, she did not mind. She loved it, in fact, and would like me to make one for her!

Thanks for stopping by ...
See yah!

Crochet - ing

I come from a family who is very much into Crochet. Verrrrrry much! My Aunts (paternal & maternal sides) and mother used to crochet curtains, table runners and all sorts of doilies. I would look at them with awe and wonder, silently making a vow to myself to learn the craft.

I have tried it so many times, and everytime I'd say I quit. It was too complex for me then, and my fingers ache in trying to control the tension. I never thought I'd get it one day, but it started with a broken sewing machine, and I am left for hours doing nothing. So, I searched in youtube for a teacher, and ... *poof*
VOILA!

My cellphone case and Renate's coaster doily

My daughter's really happy with all of her new headbands!

And beanie ... 




I want to make an infinity shawl/scarf and hats, but we don't have a use for them right now so those projects can wait. I think, I'll just make a duplicate of Renate's coaster (coz it looks nice, and I don't have a pattern for it. I just made it up and I might forget the design. LOL! but YES! that's one thing to do for this week :D )

So, I  wish you all a good week ahead.
See yah!

Sophia Yvonne's Project

Whew! I realized I have not visited this site for ages!
I got busy with a lot of Motherhood Stuff, plus my laptop acting up ... but finally, I'm back! :D
My youngest daughter's school project is to make a doll from an empty Yakult bottle, yarn, scrap fabric, and just anything that I kept inside a box for a long time. This is never my thing so, I tried to google instructional videos and blogs to help us with it. Here's where I got the idea from:  http://papemelroti.blogspot.com/2012_07_01_archive.html
Thank you, Papemelroti!

And here, I wanted to show you how I did it.

The basic things that you'll need: Yakult bottle, fiberfill/foam, glue, wire/paper clips, scissors, old pair of stockings, scrap fabric. Of course, you are free to add anything to use as props and accessories for your doll.

There's the Yakult bottle, and the first doll that I made. Oh, and I also needed sand to put into the bottle, to give it some weight.

Next thing to do is to make the head by stitching a circle at the center of a piece of stocking. Gather those stitches, and fill it up. Here, I used a fiberfill material as stuffing. Don't cut the extra stocking. It will be the doll's skin later on.

I hot glued some foam at the front and back to form the chest and behind. I also attached the cardboard circle to cover the bottle and keep the sand inside.

Attach the head and cover the bottle with the stockings (that's hanging from the head).

Now, it's time to work on the arms. Here, I used craft wire, and I know in the first picture I showed 2 red paper clips which I intended to use for the arms. Well, I changed my mind. I realized that craft wire is more pliable and is easier to work with. :D The wires will serve as the bones, and I have added some foam to become the muscles... Again, you'll be needing some stocking, to cover both wire and foam.

That's the base of doll #2

Get ready to dress your doll up. I have tons of scrap fabric, which I have collected from my dressmaking projects ... And I wanted to make Alice in Wonderland, so I picked this blue and white. If you want a fluffy skirt, then go ahead and put some tulle on. ;)

There's the 2nd doll, with her blue skirt. I put a nice white apron in front, and since I messed up with the hair, I decided to put a beautiful red cape to cover her head. Now I have Little Red Riding Hood, who is on her way to visit her grandmother. The green placard that she's holding? Well, it says, Submitted By: Sophia Yvonne. :)

Sophia's dolls: Little Red Riding Hood and Empress Orchid!