One down, one to go...

I've decided that, because we've been in our house for a year now, and because I'm now at the end of my long seminary journey, it's time to make some drapes. My mom and I bought fabric over a year ago just for this purpose, but with time and financial constraints it's been put off...until now! Yeah!

I love the decorating we've been able to do so far in our house, but I've always felt a little bit that there was something missing. The beautiful fabrics, with their colors and texture and design, will fit the bill perfectly! My goal is to have the drapes for our formal dining and living room, our family room and breakfast nook, and one guest bedroom (where my in-laws will be staying when they come) done before the whole family comes over to celebrate my graduation. So, without further ado, here's a sneak peek at the fun stuff I'm doing in Guest Bedroom #1...



I just have to sigh with contentment every time I see the delicious trim... :-)

She's ENGAGED!!!

Well, I feel old...really old. My "little" sister got engaged last night. We're so excited for Megan and Michael! She claims she's going to wait to start planning until May 1 (the wedding date is in May 2010), I have my doubts. ;-) Given that she's already been asking me questions about churches, receptions, etc etc etc, I don't think she'll last that long. Anybody care to wager when she caves? LOL! And by the way, Michael, we're going to have to work on your secret-keeping abilities! :-)

HALLELUJAH!!!

After six looooooooong years, I have finally come upon the light at the end of my seminary training. I actually emerged from the deep, dark abyss that is the land of research and response papers, and am now in the land of the living again. I turned in my last two papers last week, so now am just attending classes until the end of April. May 9 is the big G-day...GRADUATION! Wahoo!

Car Seat Covers!

At the suggestion of my brother and sister-in-law, I added car seat covers to my list of products being sold for The Sharp Needle. May I just tell you, I am so grateful for the suggestion! I've already sold several, and that was just through the Spring Shopping Soiree and word-of-mouth marketing (thanks Marci!). I thought I would share some pictures with ya'll of the infant car seat cover and canopy sample that I made. It fits most of the infant car seats that are on the market today, and is waterproof and machine washable. The canopy is made to encase the supports that come with the car seat. Have a particular fabric, pattern, or color scheme in mind? Let me know and we'll find exactly what you want!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

We celebrated my mom's birthday in March. I made her a very cute (if I do say so myself!) tiered ruffle apron with ribbon tie, and a decorative tea towel. The apron was made with the FruFru shoe pattern that she and I drooled over on another apron I made earlier. The decorative tea towel was inspired by a sweet "Two Peas in a Pod" pill box mom gave me years ago. I plan on making one for myself soon so that we can truly be "two peas in a pod." Corny, I know, but we love it! :-)

Spring Shopping Soiree

A HUGE thank you goes out to my SIL, Marci. This past Saturday she generously hosted a Spring Shopping Soiree at her house, which became the first-ever showing of The Sharp Needle. Basically, Marci invited me and several other friends that are building home-based businesses to come and show off our goodies and enjoy some great food. The main goal was to generate interest, spread the word, and get a few sales out of the deal. I can only speak for myself, but it was a BIG success for The Sharp Needle! Not only did I get orders for the infant car seat cover and canopy sets I have been working on, but I also sold some hair clippies, onesies, bibs, and other fun stuff.

I also have to give a HUGE thank you to my mom and sister. Mom has been so supportive and encouraging as I try to start The Sharp Needle, and has put up with endless questions and frustations in the whole process. (Check out Mom's new book here...shameless plug, I know! :-) Heehee!) My sister, Megan, has also been very supportive and spent all night baking for the Soiree...the best pastry chef I know! Let me know if you have a shower or wedding or party coming up, because she makes the best cakes, cupcakes, fruite tarts, and the list goes on and on and on. (Yes yes, another shameless plug!)

I'm excited to show off the pretties I've been working on the last couple of months, so here are some pictures...

Decorative Tea Towels

Hair Clippies

Baby Block & Wrist Rattle

Baby Booties

Receiving Blankets

Burp Cloths

Orange & Pink Onesie

Cowboy Onesie & Burp Cloths

Puppy Onesie & Burp Cloths

Cupcake Onesie

Monkey Onesie & Burp Cloths

As always, if you are interested in placing a custom order for any of the goodies found on my blog, please email me at thesharpneedleATyahooDOTcom. Blessings!