Monday, September 2, 2013

Life And Free Fabric

*Giveaway closed*

Life, my friends, is crazy.   I know you've seen posts like this from other fellow sewing bloggers who've had babes recently.   So here's yet another.  I have no time to sew! Boo hoo hoo... [insert mini pity party here].  And I hate it because not only do I love to sew,  I so enjoy taking part in this little community as well.  I enjoy the inspiration, the sharing, the feedback and the give-and-take.  I love participating in it.  Unfortunately, I will be participating on a much smaller scale here for a while.  As you do when you have small ones it seems.  I have been able to keep up with my blog reader for the most part.   I read blogs on my phone while I'm nursing or rocking sweet little Jane to sleep.   Sometimes I have to speed-read when I'm behind because I really don't want to miss anything.  I have so enjoyed living vicariously through you all and the awesome things you've been sewing.  If you've noticed I'm not commenting as much, that's why.  It's hard to comment on a phone.  On a related note: Does anyone else have trouble with Disqus on their iPhone?  Every time I try to comment in the Disqus form on my phone, it disappears.  I doubt that there is anything wrong with Disqus.  It could just be part of Apple's conspiracy to make me upgrade and spend more money on my gadgets.   I have an ancient iPhone 4 (said with sarcasm there).  We also have an old Macbook, so we are doubly screwed with out of date operating systems at the moment.  We'll have to purchase an upgrade soon.

There seems to be some animosity between Jane and Mr. Octopus.

I'm back at work, three weeks now, and I can't explain how hectic my day is.  I start at 5:00 am on the dot and I get to sit down finally around 10:00 pm.  And then I usually remember how I have to wash bottles or do a load of laundry before the next day.  It's daunting to think about a whole school year of this to tell you the truth.  I've asked myself many times how I'm going to keep it up.  I've had a few moments of calm here lately, though.  I'm hoping I'll find a balance soon.  Being a working mother is not something you can prepare yourself for.  I thought I knew what I was taking on, but I wasn't truly prepared.  I miss my baby something fierce during the day and I've cried almost every morning after dropping her off before work.  So I'm spread a little thin at the moment and my emotions are on the surface.   But like I said before, I'm hopeful that some balance will come soon.  I see glimpses of it on the horizon :)

Ok, end of the pity party now.  It's not all work and no fun in these parts.  There is plenty of play, too.  It's impossible not to be happy when you get to wake up to this every morning.


She is quite possibly the sweetest thing ever, I tell you.  She is now four and half months old and full of giggles and smiles and drool.  Lots and lots of drool.

Several weeks ago, the lovely Carolyn of Diary of a Sewing Fanatic sent me an email out of the blue to tell me she was sending me some fabric.  She told me she wasn't taking a "that's okay" from me, that she was sending me something and that was that.  She is giving away more fabric to other fine folks as well.  I love the pledge that she made.  See, that's what I love about this community.  There is a generosity that you don't see around other communities like ours.  I think Carolyn sensed I needed a little pick-me-up and pick me up she did.  She also told me I was special.  Carolyn, I bet you say that to all the sewing bloggers ;)


I got the package the other day and it was such a treat.  In an effort to keep my karmic balance in order, I am going to give away some fabric, too.  Do you folks like free fabric around here?  I hope so.  I am going to give away one piece that Carolyn gave me, along with a few pieces from my own stash (which shall not be photographed... eep).  But don't get your hopes up about that black and white polka dot (sateen, Carolyn?).  I already have plans for that.  Leave me a comment below and make sure I can get in touch with you by email if it's not connected to your profile.  I will choose a winner by random number.  I'll ship anywhere.   Once the winner is chosen, then I'm going to look through my stash and pick a few pieces.  If the winner is someone I "know" I'd like to try and pick things that I think you'd like.  It won't be stuff I'm just trying to de-stash, I promise.  M'kay, sound good?  The only catch is that you have to be patient with me and shipping.  It may take me a week or two to get everything together and get to the post office.   I'll leave the giveaway open until this Friday, September 6th and I'll choose a winner on Saturday.

I've also been remiss in thanking some folks for sweet gifts they sent to me and Jane over the summer.  Amber from so I sewed this... made me the most adorable little baby dress out of some super cool batik fabric for Jane.  It was such a thoughtful gesture and you know I'm a sucker for a funky batik. And almost she fits in it now! (She's really not a big baby, in case you were wondering.)  And Phillipa at Gloria and Me included a copy of Growing Up Sew Liberated when she sent a couple of 60's patterns I won on her blog, which was very thoughtful and kind as well.  I am very excited about making up those bubble pants for Jane.



As a thank you to Carolyn, Amber, Phillipa, and all you awesome people out there in sewing blogland,  I made this video.  Actually I was multitasking when I did this.  I wrote a grant last year for eight of these Hue Animation Studio Kits for my classroom and they just came in the mail.  I am planning on doing a stop motion art lesson with my fourth graders and I had to test out the cameras.  It was so easy, people.  I've done a stop motion video before if you remember the couch I upholstered, but I won't go in to detail about how I made that video.  It was cumbersome and just dumb, really.  Since then I haven't been able to get the idea of teaching an art lesson about stop motion out of my head.  I even tried it with my art club last year the roundabout way.  It wasn't successful.  These Hue cameras are awesome and I'm really excited about teaching this lesson now.  I promise I didn't just buy the cameras for me to play with ;) Only thing I'm not a huge fan of is the quality of the photos. The color is off as it is with document cameras it seems. But for our elementary school purposes they will suit us just fine.


Thank You from Liza Jane on Vimeo.

Thanks, guys.  I'll be popping in from time to time when I can.  Hope you'll stick around with me!




42 comments:

  1. Oooh! I'd love to put my name in the fabric giveaway hat if that's okay. You always make such good fabric choices.

    And good luck/well done with learning to adjust for little baby Jane. I'm sure you'll get used to it sooner than you think. My sister is about to have her second bub, and it has taken a long time for both her and her husband to adjust to having a little guy running riot round the house, but it does happen.

    (craftylittlebugger@hotmail.co.uk)

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  2. Coming out of lurk-dom :) to say thank you for the offer! What a sweet, beautiful baby. I would love some free fabric.
    becky at mckeent dot com

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  3. What a lovely offer - thank you. Jane is such a cutie, I'm sure mine were gorgeous once.....

    Good luck and take care of yourself - it can be really tough being a working Mum.

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  4. I love reading Diary Of A Sewing Fanatic blog. The fabric she sent you was beautiful. Hope you get you some time to just relax, your day seems long. Enter me in a chance to win some fabric. I can be reached at msyp1@aol.com

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  5. Hang in there. My first day is tomorrow (teacher as well) and while I don't have a baby I have a puppy (dogsitting for a good friend). Early starts and long days. Remember to take care of yourself! Thanks for the giveaway, I'd love a chance to win some fabric. I'm at jkachkar(at)shaw(dot)ca

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  6. Woah that video is so cool! I wish I could come to one of your art lessons :) Sending you balancing and calming wishes. It does get easier, I promise! X

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  7. First - take each day one at a time. Don't look ahead or you'll get overwhelmed. You will get into a routine, once you do, don't stray from it, it will make handling everything so much easier. That was my philosophy when I raised my daughters and it worked.

    Second - I'm glad that you like the fabric and it is a cotton sateen. There's a cotton lawn (I was trying to think of your weather), a linen, a knit and the flannel was for Baby Jane. It was the only "feminine" looking piece in my flannel collection. I wanted to send something for both of you!

    I loved the video...very cool! Oh and please don't enter me into the drawing since I'm still giving fabric away.

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  8. Oh wow, love that "slide her on in" baby Jane video cameo! Made me laugh out loud. Especially the spin around from face to butt shots. See ya when you can and take care.

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  9. What a fun gadget! I hope you can show some of the videos that your students create. My heart goes out to you with the challenge of working full-time and having a little one at home. And don't worry - we'll stick with you!

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  10. I'd love to participate in the giveaway :-)
    I love your video! Baby Jane looks so happy and cute.
    Btw When she grows older, she'll love to play with other children and it gets a little easier to leave them at daycare... And give yourself some time to get used to it all. It'll get better, even though it seems you're juggling and have to keep all your balls up in the air.

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  11. Your wee video is awesomesauce! Baby Jane's cameo was excellent.
    I can sympathise with the child/job/home juggling act - it is never quite as smooth sailing as you imagine. But hang in there, and it has a way of sorting itself out :-)
    I would love to be entered in your giveaway - wenznz(at)gmail(dot)com

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  12. no advise in the baby department as i don't have one, but she sure is a cutie! please enter me in your giveaway too!

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  13. Don't sign me up for the giveaway .. but just wanted to say - I can identify of the fierce feelings that motherhood brings.. Hang in there! And take one day at a time.

    Lovely fabrics up there, the black and white polka dot is lovely, so are the other fabrics. But honestly I don't need more fabrics. What I have is overwhelming enough. [Just remind me this when I'm about to click on another online fabric order!]

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  14. Oh gee... I love the video. Baby Jane just so cute. I loved your sofa make over ages ago and as I am thinking of doing mine, I'm glad for the reminders a) that I can do it and b) that it won't be a quick job, ha ha.
    On mothers and working... I remember getting to a point where everything was running smoothly and me thinking "ha, I've got it, it's all working" and then everything changing again. Embrace change... you, the baby, everything... but there is light and it gets... not easier,just different. What a lovely thought from Carolyn - she knows you'll get to sew again! Relax and look after you! Thanks for sharing!

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  15. Forgot to add. Cannot comment on Disqus on my iPad. It's not your ancient tech!!

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  16. Sweety, I'm sending you virtual hugs!! Like everyone else said you will find your groove and it will get easier. Then when you think you figured it out, there will be a new fantastic twist (my not so little one is driving now). It is an amazing adventure that you have embarked on and you are doing just fine:)

    Love the video!

    Please add me to the giveaway.

    ~Renae

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  17. Please throw my name in the hat! Such beautiful fabric you received there. And cute little baby - congrats!

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  18. I'd love some fabrics as I'm working on building my stash. I like the pink and black fabric in the set you just got. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  19. Love the video! And thanks for the free fabric offer. My stash is dismal and could use a little attention. I have an iPhone 4 too and blog commenting is difficult, I agree. But I'll do it for selfish reasons -- like fabric giveaways!!! :)
    acbrown28 at gmail

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  20. Great video and what an adorable baby! I can totally relate to your feelings since I am in a similar situation with my 15-month-old. But, you know, I've recently found energy after baby's bedtime for sewing. And I never thought I'd sew again! I didn't sew much during her first year of life, and that's ok. In fact, that year just flew by, and although I really missed sewing, I'm pretty sure I was too tired all the time to do any good work anyway. Congratulations on becoming a mother and thanks for your generous giveaway offer.

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    1. I'm glad to hear that there will be sewing in the future!

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  21. You are so sweet Liza Jane, and so is your adorable baby, of course! Sending you a big virtual hug from me too, and remember easier times will come back. I stopped sewing for about five years after my youngest was born.. working full time and life was just too hectic to even think about, so I have distant (!) memories what you are going through :) Obviously I got back into it with renewed enthusiasm, eventually!
    Please don't enter me in the giveaway, just wanted to send you some love and best wishes.

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  22. Your little Jane is so gorgeous and I love the little video you made, very cute. I'm sure your readers will stick with you during this hectic time - I will certainly! Sending you some love and best wishes xxx

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  23. A very cute baby! And a cute video, too. Thank You for the fabric giveaway. B.r.,

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  24. You have the most beautiful baby girl and you should spend you time with her. No matter how amazing sewing people of the Internet are, they come second to your family and yourself. Spend the few seconds you have for yourself doing things you love! Please put my name in for the fabric giveaway, it is such a wonderful idea!

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  25. Your baby is delightful and your video is cute and fun! Thanks for sharing.

    I went back to work when both mine were 4 months old too. The youngest is 13 so its a while ago but I well remember feeling the same as you describe and how full the days were. The weekends and days off were bliss!

    Having a routine worked well for my family as well as great child care and a partner who did more than his share of chores.

    Don't enter me in your giveaway. Your fabric is lovely but I don't need any more and postage to Australia is probably the worst eva.
    -Sewingelle

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  26. you ARE special!! Your spreading of the good fabric karma is just more proof. I do feel for you, life with a new baby sounds like such a mixture of emotions, and always feeling spread thin, but also so much joy and love. Take care of yourself and your little family! We'll always be here for you!

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  27. I would love to win! I like sewing for my three babies :)
    Dilellabecky @yahoo.com

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  28. I will miss you! But I know you're seriously busy! Post when you can!

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  29. Cutest thank you video ever! (ok so also the first thank you video i've ever seen) love the stop-motion and love seeing baby jane pop in the middle =)

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  30. Just thought I'd send you some reassurance...you are going through tough stuff at the moment, but it will get better and easier, and you will return to the sewing machine. Enjoy your baby, and be kind to yourself :)

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  31. the video is adorable! and of course baby jane is cuter every time you show us pics. spend time with her when you can-- believe me, you'll never look back and think "gee... wish i had blogged more..." it's hard with a young baby, especially the first one! i can't say it gets easier, but you do learn to adjust your expectations. hope life begins to balance out!

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  32. Just when {I think I've nailed a schedule something changes and I'm back to square one. And still not sewing. One day it will happen. It will for you too. I hope things settle down for you soon. Enjoy baby Jane and I look forward to seeing you when you return!

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  33. What a gorgeous baby, there is absolutely no need to apologise, you just have other priorities at the moment :) I hope you find your balance soon and can get back to a little bit of sewing, see you soon :)

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  34. What an awesome woman Carolyn is!! I'm glad she bullied you into taking the fabric! You deserve a little boast. That transition away from your baby is a hard time. It sucks for everyone!! I'm sure you'll find the balance, soon.

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  35. I so feel you on being a working mom. It really is hard and exhausting. It makes you want/need to be two places at once, which of course, isn't happening. It got easier for me when my daughter was old enough to enjoy being with other kids. I'm on a year leave of absence, and although that leaves us with just one income, I don't know how in the world I'd manage if I had to go back to work with a baby and a toddler. So I know there's nothing to say to make it better, but you're not alone in that very difficult boat!

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    1. Oh, something I do to try to keep my head up on really tough days/hours/minutes is imagine high school and college graduation. I picture the moment when my daughter or son's name is called and they walk across the stage ... It helps me remember that these moments are not forever, and that it will turn out okay in the end. And sometimes it makes me cry, but what doesn't make me cry these days? :) I hope you continue to find balance and that things settle down.

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  36. On man, i'm thinking of you! The start of school is so crazy anyway - I can't imagine doing it on top of parenting a delightful newborn! Bug hugs to you for pull it off!

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  37. Awww man, I'm so sorry to hear how taxing your days have been. I really hope you're able to draw from some sort of super-mysterious wells of secret mom energy. I hope that you guys are letting go of nonessential chores in this busy time, too-- frozen pizza is totally a meal, even if it's every night of the week, and a clean house is overrated. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers, for sure.

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