I <3 sewing!

I always wonder what other people's work areas look like. I'm still revamping mine, so I will be posting a photo or two every once in a while.



This is the sewing machine I most frequently use, it was my mother's. My dad actually got it for my mom as a present in the 70's. The brand is "New Home". It's super basic; zig-zag, straight, reverse, buttonholes...I got it fixed up after my mom let me borrow it. It weighs at least 30lbs and is mostly metal, and thankfully has a great carrying case, because I dragged it all the way downtown by subway to a mom&pop shop to get it fixed and cleaned. It now works like a dream! Let's hope my mom never finds a reason to want it back! =) There's something to be said about older sewing machines.

Speaking of...my other sewing machine is a 1947 Singer that comes in a table. I inherited it from my grandmother once my grandfather passed away. It's actually what the "New Home" is resting on. I use the small table when I make small things, like baby shoes and coin purses. Anything larger? I move the New Home to a full desk an old roommate gave me. I will take pics of everything soon.

Here are my newest baby shoes, item 5/10 for January:



I'm off to sew up 6 and maybe 7/10 for the month of January.

<3 Always,
--Taina

January 3/10 and 4/10

I've been cutting tons of fabric recently and finally sat down at my sewing machine late last night to stitch fabric pieces together. I told myself I could watch "Baby Mama" only if I sewed the entire time I watched it. I have had "Baby Mama" from Netflix for more than two months and still hadn't seen it!

So while watching it, I made two pairs of baby shoes:

The pair above is definitely one of my favorites I've made so far. I think they are just darling!



(As always click the photos for more info!)

And right now? I have FIFTY items in my shop! I don't know if I've ever had 50 items in my shop before. I have another showcase date coming up in a couple weeks, so hopefully I will sell some of these items!

So today I hope to sew a couple more pieces. First? I have to go to the Post Office. I now have two penpals and I feel like I'm slacking! I already missed the drop-off time for my corner blue mailbox and I should probably drop off my netflix dvds. eeps!

<3 Always,
--Taina

Birthday Ideas

My ::gasp!:: 28th birthday is coming up in a little over a month and my father keeps asking me what I want for it. My answer is always "I don't need anything." Which, I really don't.

For Christmas? I wanted a rollingpin and another cookie sheet. Those were perfect gifts, as I can now make gingerbread cookies and all cookies I bake take 1/2 the time, as I don't have to wait for my only cookie sheet to cool repeatedly.

I truly don't know what I need/want for my birthday. First? I won't even be here to celebrate. I am due to be in Michigan for a United Auto Workers Health & Safety Conference the week of my birthday. Note to self: buy snowpants!

So I have been wandering around Etsy.com all morning and finally remembered that a couple years ago, I asked my dad for a few things on my "Favorites" list, and it was AWESOME!

So that is what I'm going to do, compile a list of items that he can pick one or two off of to purchase for me.

So far? I like these: (Click photos for more info!)


I think these birdies would be really awesome above my window in my bedroom. Especially in either nut brown or light brown.


(My first name is "Taina", afterall!)


I love the thimble photo and want it! I already have her photo of thread spools.


I also have always been a fan of HeavenHelpUs's shop. I think it's hysterical. Being that my Etsy shop consists of many sewn things, I think St. Ann, the patroness of seamstresses would be the way to go.



I've always loved Lollibomb's products! She's also a total sweetheart. Now, to choose a scent? That would be difficult. I was thinking either Almond Biscotti or Green Tea/Cucumber.


And last but not least? I REALLY want one of these:

Erin/CocoBoudoir is an amazing hair accessory creator and this one called to me. However, it was a custom order for someone else, so I don't know if she will be making any more. I just contacted her to ask.

So that's my Birthday wishlist! yay. I will have to send the link to this blog entry to my dad and see what he thinks. I definitely don't want all of the items but one or two would rock my socks!

<3 Always,
--Taina

Terrariums - Step By Step!

So you want to make a terrarium?

Here is what you need:

1 small bag of small stones
1 small bag of charcoal
1 small bag of soil
a few tropical plants of your choosing
1 clear glass or plastic jar with wide opening (so you can get your hand in!)

Instructions:


1. Wash your terrarium container with antibacterial soap, rinse well, dry.



2. Layer about 1" of stones at the bottom of your jar.







3. Layer about .5" of charcoal on top of the stones.




4. Place approx. 2-3" of potting soil on top of charcoal.



5. Decide where plants should go in soil.



6. Carefully remove each plant from containers and remove all excess soil off of roots.



7. Plant each plant carefully in terrarium container.



8. Water terrarium, if there is a lid, close it.


Care Instructions:
Water again every 2-3 weeks.
If condensation occurs on a regular basis, keep container open for a few hours to allow for evaporation.


Voila! You've got an awesome terrarium!

Oh...so...DIY!

About a month ago, one of my friends made two of our co-workers terrariums as "thank you" gifts and a week later, Etsy.com featured a seller who makes and sells moss terrariums in really great small jars.

Now those of you who know me know that I am terrible at keeping plants alive. I've successfully kept two hearty cherry tomato plants, three bamboo plants and one aloe plant from dying. Everything else? Has had a terribly short life.

I love greenery, I volunteer at my local community garden, enjoy nature and live by the only primordial forest in all of Manhattan. I would love to be able to have some well-kept plants in my apartment, things that do not need to be tended to frequently.

I looked up books on terrariums on Amazon and found one that comes out on my birthday! I thought it was a sign.

I was originally supposed to go to a "Bon Voyage Bush!" party tonight but my kidneys are acting up again, giving me some pain in my lower back, so I decided to go to The Plant Shed and pick up some soil, gravel, charcoal and small plants. I already have a few empty jars at home.

So I'm off to start my afternoon project! I will take photos and give detailed instructions in the next blog entry!

<3 Always,
--Taina