The New Look!!

Thank you so much, Rebekah at PillDesigns! The new logo for The Sharp Needle is AWESOME!!!!!

Tips and Tricks?

Except for what I learned from my mom growing up (when she could get me to sit still at the sewing machine long enough) and my 9th grade home economics class, I've pretty much taught myself most of the techniques I've used in my sewing projects. Lately I've been thinking about what tips or tricks everyone else might know, but of which I'm completely unaware.

What helps you sew faster?

How do you make your products look professional?

Which tips/tricks make your projects easier?

Crisis of Confidence

To all you crafters out there, has your confidence ever taken a hit when coming across difficulties while working on a project? I recently experienced this when I was making a pillow (one that I had, consequently, made before with great success) and kept making mistakes and having to rip out seams out and redo them. As a result, my interest in sewing has suddenly decreased and I feel that I'm having a crisis of confidence.

Being the perfectionist that I am, especially when it comes to sewing and knitting projects, I have a difficult time judging when things I make actually turn out well and when they need some work. I know all the little flaws and imperfections that are in each piece, and I wonder if others can see them, and if those flaws bother them as much as they bother me.

So anyway, I'm wondering if any other crafters out there share in this crisis of confidence? What do you do to move past it? How do you judge if your projects are charming because of the little flaws that come with handmade goodies, or if they are unprofessional and need revamping?

Custom Orders

I was finally able to take pictures of the bedding set I made for my sister and brother-in-law's wedding gift. I think they turned out pretty well if I do say so myself. :-)

If you or anyone you know are interested in having custom bedding made, please let me know. I will also be taking custom orders for just about anything and everything you can dream up that can be made with a sewing machine, so spread the word! Nursery bedding, baby gifts, kitchen towels, aprons, decorative pillows, table runners, etc etc etc.

More cute pictures

(Mr. GQ)

(Sic 'em, Bears!!)

(First picture with mommy)

(Feeding the hungry boy in the NICU)

(First bath at home!)

(So cool in our swim clothes!!)

(Not feeling the swim thing so much)

Introducing Micah Haddon

We got an early Easter present this year, in the form of the cutest little bunny one could ever imagine! Our little guy's original due date was May 15, but he decided he couldn't wait any longer and came on April 20. (Happy anniversary, Aunt Marci and Uncle Matty!) Of all the scenarios I imagined might happen when our sweet boy came into the world, I never imagined that he would be a NICU baby. As it happens, coming 3 1/2 weeks early and having some fluid in your lungs gets you a five-day stay in the NICU...or at least it did for us.

There were obviously some challenging and emotional days during his hospital days, but these were nothing compared to the overwhelming love and delight we have for Micah.

(Micah with his nose hose...just like Pops!)

Even big sister, Ruthie Jo, has enjoyed having little brother home! We were a little concerned at first that she would only be jealous of the time and attention we give to Micah, but thankfully she has decided to adopt him as her own baby. She barks to let us know when he's upset, she snuggles with him on the sofa, and licks his head to comfort him. We are so grateful that she is doing so well with this huge adjustment in her little puppy life!

(Such a big boy!!)

(2 months old already!!)

Almost There!

Okay, this freaks me out every time I say it, but we are down to 6 weeks (or less) before this little guy gets here! Since I am definitely in the uncomfortable, late stages of pregnancy I am totally ready on one hand for him to get here. On the other hand, every time I look at my to do list and look around our house at everything I want to finish first, I feel like I can use as much time as possible before he comes.

I can happily say that the nursery is definitely coming along well! We still need to get some storage drawers for the closet to help with organizing little socks and shoes and other small items, and we are waiting on our glider to get here before we can finalize the furniture placement, but everything else is close to being finished! Thanks to my wonderful Granny, we have beautiful bumpers, sheets, and a bedskirt for the crib, and a great valance for the window! (Don't worry Granny...the curtain width was PERFECT!!!! No need to tweak it at all!)

I have to say, I LOVE the way the colors in the curtain enhance the colors in the striped fabric on the bumpers (a little hard to see through the crib slats in these pictures). Oh, and please excuse the mess on the bookcase and changing table in the pictures...organization is still a work in progress!