LittleBitOfOliveOil

Simple to Thread.

2012-01-14T11:36:00.001-05:00

Just follow the colors throughout the threading process. Oh, the things you will be able to create with an overlock. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. If you have a spool of thread on the purple stand just guide it through the purple tension adjuster and thread it through all the channels which are marked with a purple dot. Accordingly, do the same with the other 4 thread spools and colors. So simple. Even a gecko can do it.

Spazzy Serger Chronicles

2012-01-10T12:08:00.000-05:00

  This is the first installment of the blog where I will chronicle my thoughts, efforts, attempts and follies while learning how to use my new Pffaf 4.0 Coverlock/Serger. No, it is not a sewing machine, but an additional accessory to my sewing room ~~corner of my bedroom~~.

Day 1.
   Open box. Check to for all parts and pieces listed on the list of contents. Check. It's all there. Take out ~~destruction~~ instruction manual. Read it. Read it again. Stare at box.

Day 2.
   Find the dvd which is supposed to contain "complete step-by-step threading guide". Figure out how to turn on television and our dvd/vcr player without the help of my kids. After a while of pushing all input buttons on both remotes, shut power down to all components. Wait for kids to arrive home from school. Stare at box while waiting.

2008-08-12T14:05:00.005-04:00

Everyone needs to grow something. I have not blogged in a while, because I was growing. I had to overcome the loss of a friend. Actually, I did not overcome it, but took baby steps (I have even had to start over a few times) in learning how to miss her and not feel sadness--I plan to have to start over again probably after I write this. Losing a lifelong friend has forced me to grow up faster than I knew I was capable of or ever even have to. I've had to keep my 'game face' on for my kids when I did not think I was able to, and quietly sift through memories both good and bad of her time on earth with me.

Now for the 'meat and potatoes' of today's blog. My kids LOVE science experiments (in fact the little one just showed me one she has been working on today). Today's science feature is: How long does it take for 7 ice cubes to melt in a plastic container sitting on the kitchen counter--so far, they are half of the volume they were at about an hour ago. We keep our house cold.

Weeks back--let's say.....ooh, hmmmm, late June--we were given a gift from a dear neighbor of a little starter cell of basil. I nursed it for about 2 weeks while it clung on for its life on the edge of my sink right next to the softsoap bottle. Finally, the kids brought it to my attention that it was about to die and needed some emergency care. We hopped in the car and picked up some new pots, soil, another basil plant and a young rosemary plant. The kids planted them all on their own and have taken good care of them. Except for when we left for vacation for 10 days. I completely spaced on arranging for someone check on the plants while we were gone. The 6 hour ride home from said vacation I prayed they did not dry up while we were gone. They were a little dry--to say the least. My older daughter gave them some 'Plant CPR', which consisted of rehydrating them and singing to them. The next morning, they were perfect. Had we been gone another night, there would have been no saving them.

So, it was at that moment that I realized that lives can be saved, but only when we can visually see that they are need of help. It's not science so much as it is common sense.

Older daughter, just came up to me and said that "each square of a quilt is like a different part of your life, and you sew them together and it never ends". Which ties in my fly by thoughts that quilts hold memories for future generations, and memories should never end, but be passed on to others.

Good Morning, Gnome?

2008-03-30T21:59:00.005-04:00

The start of my day today: Phone rings, rings, rings. Husband passes it to me. It's a friend of mine--who needs to talk. It's Sunday, it's early, it's just plain wrong, but I take the call anyway. Shut bedroom doors in order to let the kids sleep, and stumble upon youngest quietly playing Mystery Date--by herself in the playroom. Okay, so far, it's a somewhat ordinary weekend morning, but for the fact that I found a Gnome on the sill outside of our living room window. I pulled the string to raise the blinds like I do most mornings--if husband has not already done it--and was quite shocked to see the little guy sleeping on the windowsill. I'm still on the phone, and try to explain to friend on other end, my situation at hand, but her tale is so much more important than this gnome thing, and I don't have a clue how to convince anyone of anything until I've had copious amounts of coffee in my system. I've heard of Gnome mischief, but disregarded it as I believed it to be myth. Still on phone. Drink coffee. Compose myself to approach the window again. Obviously, this is not myth. I was afraid to open the front door all day. All day, in fear he may try to enter our home and mess the place up (even more). Who is he? How did he get here? When will he leave? What is the purpose of the visit to our home?How can he sleep so soundly? Should we seek a new home?

Paper Art

2008-02-22T22:12:00.004-05:00

While I was on the phone this evening, my littlest made some 'paper art'. All the while I was on the phone, she kept saying 'look mom,' 'look', --yes dear, that's beautiful. Well, toward the end of my phone conversation, she ran by me and dashed upstairs to 'get more paper to make a frame'. When it was it all done, I was commanded to 'shut my eyes tight,' and then wait for the next command to open them. When I did, I was so surprised. Just look at this.---My kids' work ALWAYS facsinates me. It is sort of a mosaic of artwork. Glue, construction paper, scissors and markers at their best. This is truly an impressive piece of work which will be hung in our family art gallery (in the laundry room). A true story. And, my scanner works perfectly!!!

2008-02-15T21:32:00.006-05:00

The Place That I Go

2008-02-15T19:39:00.003-05:00

I have two really great friends. They are always by my side. They constantly tell me how great I am, and never notice if I'm showered--or even dressed for that matter. And they must think I'm a terrific cook because they really love whatever I am eating. I know this because they nudge my arm to knock it off of my fork. Over the past few months, they have taught me that I have to play often--at the park. They are park addicts I tell you. We have to spell the words "d-o-g p-a-r-k" in the house, because the second they hear those two words together, they are at the door waiting to jump in the car. I took some shots today while there--to show you what it's all about.

Post Valentine's Day Blues--I think

2008-02-15T09:43:00.008-05:00

The kids gave my husband and I some adorable cards for Valentine's Day. They take it so seriously that I have to pinch myself to remind me how lucky I am. The hubster came home--late--for a change, and pulled our cards out of a white drugstore bag and handed out them out. The youngest's had a picture of a ferret on the front--which is great cause she wants a pet rat in the worst way and we will not back down on our standards to get her one, and the oldest has a puppy on hers, which is great, cause it was just a little over a year ago, that she looked at her father and I with teeny tiny Ginger in her hands and said, "please, daddy" (note that Ginger is now 80 pounds). She is our dog lover! My card is beautiful, it is embroidered with the word 'love' across it. Which is sweet, cause I love anything that is sewn, and the sentiment was beautiful--he even added his own words to personalize the message. But something was missing. When I was a kid, Valentine's Day was something almost like Easter. I would wake up, and find surprises at the end of my bed or on the floor in my room, etc. I do the same for my kids. When they sat at the table for homework yesterday, I had on the table a four-pack of Stewart's root beer (their favorite which I hardly every buy cause it is soda and they seem to think they have to guzzle every bottle within an hour), and a box of Little Debbie's (again, which I hardly ever buy cause they seem think they have to eat all 12 in one sitting). They were thrilled!! It was so wonderful to see their faces and to watch them drink the whole 4 pack in 15 minutes. The empty bottles are still in my sink waiting to be brought out the recycling bin. At this point in my life, I send surprises to my parents for the big holiday. I sent them a box of chocolate covered strawberries. How wonderful that I can do that for them. I love being able to return at least a portion of the surprises they gave me when I was a kid. Of course I'll never measure up, but I'm passing the love on to my kids. So, at this age, I realize that in fact, nothing was missing. I am able to give the girls the same Eastery feeling that my parents gave me as a kid. I'll never forget the Valentine's morning that I woke up and there was a cute little pink flamingo hanging from the pull string on the ceiling fan in my bedroom. I was 16. I remember it like it was yesterday and will always hold it dearly.

Bathing Suit Browsing

2008-02-14T23:48:00.009-05:00

This just cracks me up, and I must share it. I was doing a little online browsing for the upcoming seasons' new bathing suit, and I could not get over how much this models' body looks like mine. A few years ago, I pinky promised my right hand with my left hand that from that moment on, I would only wear the 'skirtini' suit. It hides EVERYTHING, and I feel comfortable enough to spend the day at the pool with the kids and actually swim too, if I want. The only thing they are missing is an UNDERWIRE!! Why do designers think that my boobs can fit in a shelf bra? What is that all about? However, if you are the SLIGHTEST bit concerned about how you look in a suit, this is the style for you. I can play volleyball in it (if I wanted to, and if it were made with an underwire to accomodate DD's), chat with the ladies, comfortably walk the entire length of the pool to the snack bar--without once picking my suit out of my butt, dress it up with heels (if I wanted to), wear matching jewelry like the model is sporting (if I wanted to), dance (I sometimes do this even though I sure miss the underwire), do laps (if I wanted to--but I'd have to stick the shelf bra back under my boobs BEFORE I get out of the water), dive off of the high dive (if I wanted to, cause these suits don't come with underwires), slide down the water slide (I actually do). And the best part of all is that I really don't have to suffer from razor burn anymore, cause nobody can see what is under the skirt except for little kids wearing goggles while I'm in the pool. And, frankly, if they are that close to me it is only because I stayed in after the whistle blew for all the kids to jump back in the water and that rarely happens anymore as my kids do their own thing in the pool--at least they did last summer. Soooooo, with all that being said, I'm still chuckling to myself. Okay, so her body does not look exactly like mine, I'm a bit shapelier and definitely much, much whiter. In fact, I'm so white that I'm blue. Which happens every winter. You can see a lot of veins, whiteness and long black hair on my legs. Which reminds me. Buy your razors now, ladies. After February all the razors in pink, lilac and peach drastically increase in price for 'vacation' season. This happens even if you are not going on vacation. If you rush out now, I'm sure Target still has some left at a decent price. If you wait a minute longer, they will be $10 a 3-pack for your basic ladies disposable.

For Jules, February, 2008

2008-02-14T09:55:00.005-05:00

This is strictly for Jules a lifelong friend of mine

who asked me to add some words to my blog. Here are the words. I love this phone!! It's totally new made to look old. The receiver has some substantial weight to it too. The bad part about this phone is that when I talk on it, I feel as though I may have well be in a phone booth. I feel like I'm tied to the wall when I use it. I'm a multitasker, so the cordless is really a way of life for me. Without it, I'd get nothing done. And, I don't need anymore else donothingness in my life.

For The Dogs

2007-10-18T17:17:00.000-04:00

I took this shot yesterday. I cannot get over that I have two such beautiful daughters AND two beautiful dogs AND not such a bad looking husband either. I love these girls. Ginger is on the left and Trudy is on the right. Only my husband and I know what Trudy is thinking in this shot. If you notice, her right shoulder is what is facing Ginger, and she has set herself just far enough away from Ginger so people (or other dogs) will not associate the two of them as being related. Trudy was here first, and she reminds Ginger of that every chance that she gets.

Hemming Jeans and Creating Quilts For The American Girl

2007-09-10T21:14:00.000-04:00

Well, I cannot begin to go on about how much fun I had hemming my kids' pants this weekend. See the link I found about hemming jeans like a pro. I really do feel like a pro. My girls went to school this morning looking like I spent a fortune altering their pants. Please try it. I feel like a fool for ever even thinking about paying someone to hem their jeans!! After the seventh pair of pants, my eight-year-old picked up all the denim scraps off of the floor and proceeded to explain how the bits of denim mixed up and then sewn together would make perfect little 'casual' quilts for the American Girl Dolls we have living with us. Hmmm.....anything to put a smile on a sweet little face. We spent most of Sunday afternoon creating miniature denim patchwork for our dolls in residence, Felicity and Emily. Then, when I was all finished, the kids decided the quilts should be monogrammed so they would know whose quilt was who's, and then kicked up a notch by selecting patches to be ironed on. Pictures will be posted soon. These were actually the second set of quilts made for Felicty and Emily and I am getting quite good at it. I can crank one out in about an hour. My kids help by choosing, sorting and handing me the fabric and they even press the pedal once in a while. My creation for the weekend--plenty of beautifully tailored kids clothes and doll blankets. P.S. All MUST praise Dacia Ray for sharing her know-how on the jeans. Thank you!!!

How To Do Nothing

2007-09-07T20:10:00.000-04:00

For me, today is day four of having both kids in school full-time. For the past 4 days, I have worked on my house trying to recouperate from the summer. I realized this morning that I have not made time just for me to do nothing. The kids' closests are organized, the drawers are in order--even under the bathroom cabinets are in order. All laundry up-to-date, floors cleaned, etc. Today, I carved out some time to do nothing. I started by scrolling through TIVO to catch up on a few shows I have missed this summer, but then I soon found myself dozing and did not stop myself. About 45 minutes later, I was myself again and back on my feet. And, boy did I need that. I cannot remember the last nap I had. When dh arrived home from work, he asked what I did today, and I was so quick and pleased to announce to him, 'nothing.' How do you do nothing? For me, it means turning the television on and losing complete focus. I love it.

2007-09-06T10:02:00.001-04:00

I added a self-portrait. This totally captured my emotions for today. Unbelievable. I'm colorful, very much full of thought and reflection today. I'm not going to hem those jeans I talked about yesterday, but I am going to make a difference in my household today. As soon as I am done here. I'm going to carry up every, single item that should be upstairs. Then I'm going to carry down every, single item that should be downstairs. I will then update my calendar with all the school vacation days. A realistic estimate of time for these tasks should be 30 minutes. I'm going to spend quality time with my dogs today. I'm going to brush them, give them their heartworm prevention meds and flea and tick protection. Today is going to be a good day. And, as for tomorrow, even better.

I need help hemming jeans

2007-09-05T16:54:00.000-04:00

Okay, it is the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year in our home. I'm here. Rather than hemming my kids' new jeans for this school year or making capris out of their old ripped jeans, I'm here. I have tons of fabric which I carefully purchased througout the summer to work into fine pieces of art for our home, but have not yet started on those projects. I'm choosing to be here right now rather than doing anything else. I spent the past 5 hours shampooing the carpet in our house. It looks great. All the summer dirt is gone from the floor of our house. What a major accomplishment that was!!

My story is interesting today. I have about 7 new pairs of jeans for my kids which need to be hemmed. I love my sewing machine and only use it for quilting. My sewing machine is soooo special to me that I am actually afraid to use it on fabrics as heavy as denim. I purchased Heat-n-Bond at a friend's suggestion, but then another friend told me not to use it because she says that 'after two washings it comes off'. So far, I've done nothing to shorten the kids' new pants, but folded and stacked them neatly. Any home remedies out there to cure my problem and settle my fear. Our local seamstress charges $12 a pair to hem and, frankly, I am not in a position to shell out all those beans!!