Just 3 Things | #37

Last week I was out of pocket and enjoying being a grandparent. So, I just didn't get around to creating a Just 3 Things post. I sort of started out in the hole this week due to the rainouts of the state baseball tournament that took me out of town and had me sitting round waiting for the skies to clear and finally getting to see Harris's team capture the state title. I got home after midnight on Monday - well, actually on Tuesday's wee hours. I can recall that there was a day once a long time ago when keeping such hours was really not even a hiccup for me. This week did not have that day!

- What I've Been Working On -

I felt like winning a state championship as a baseball team was a big deal. So, I wanted to do something for the team beyond assisting with fundraising. I remembered that when Bryan went to a World Series as a kid the boys exchanged pins. It was a far bigger thing than we were prepared for at the time. I thought maybe we could have pins made for the boys to swap. So, I asked if that was still a 'thing' or not. It turns out that tradition is still there and the boys do indeed swap pins and the state league provided a big bag of pins for the boys to swap. So, I decided I would embroider a towel for them that could hold all the pins they get at the swap. 

Diamond Youth Baseball Team Tennessee 2026 Towels

I shopped online for some towels and found that orange is a bit of a difficult color to discern with online shopping. I landed on an 18x26" pinstriped orange and white kitchen towel and ordered a couple bundles. 

I first did an example, pictured above to show Coach Bryan what it might look like. I explained that, obviously, I would not put a bow on the boy's towels. I also explained that I would use a bolder, more masculine font for the guys. He gave me the green light. So, after my towels arrived, I set up the design on my new sewing machine and started the creation process.

My favorite player's towel

So, that is what I've been working on for the past couple of days. I found out today that my creations have the approval of at least two of the mothers. I sent a message to my daughter-in-law with the picture of all the team towels as well as the photo of Linley's. I explained that I had some extra towels and asked if she had ideas for what else I could do with them. She was monitoring some of the team as they were working a fundraiser and one of the other player's mother said she thought it would be a good idea to make a 'Mama Towel' for the mothers!

- What I've Been Reading -

I've just deleted several offers of bargain Kindle editions all this week. I'm struggling to stay awake when I sit down and get still and I'm nodding off in bed before I even get a chapter read. It certainly isn't the quality of the writing or the book that I've chosen.  I think it is just fatigue from multiple road trips and enduring the July heat and humidity and all the rain. (Whoever heard of such a wet July before?!)

I chose one of my favorite authors for this week and, honestly, I'm just savoring it a bit. I'm taking my time and I'm even going back and reading a page or two at times just to make sure I don't miss anything. Two sisters who are seeking to uncover a long hidden family truth take a road trip from Savannah, Georgia to Ireland in search of information which might authenticate a portrait that has hung in their family's homes for years. 

Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews

I was hooked from the first page - maybe even from the cover. (We had sheep when my children were young. I have a red headed sister. My sister and I are almost polar opposites.) I'm about halfway through this one and I like the characters and the journey that they are on.

- What I'm Loving -

Back in the spring the Mister and part of the grands brought an old water trough down and put it at the basement entrance right in front of the retaining wall. They filled it with dirt and I sowed some Zinnia seeds in it in hopes of having a cutting garden right outside the door. For some reason the Zinnias have not prospered. Did I not water enough? Was the soil too rich? Did the critters do too much damage? I don't know but I only have a few spindly stems of Zinnias in that trough. 

I also sprinkled a few seeds into the two sixteen inch pots I have sitting in front of the window of my office/sewing room as well. Those seeds have flourished and look so cheerful as I am looking out my window. For the past couple of days I have also had a visitor. A beautiful hummingbird has found those Zinnias. Then, just on the other side of the driveway, a doe is also making a regular sashay through.

Sometimes, when I step outside she will look up at me and pause for a bit. Then, she goes right back to grazing. I don't like that the squirrels and chipmunks and even the deer seem to want to nibble on my flowers and have prevented us from having a vegetable garden in the back yard but I must admit, they are beautiful creatures to watch when they are so close. I'm loving that.

Dodging the Raindrops

Lately we have been dodging the raindrops! We've had some heavy downpours - our neighbors' driveway washed away just before Independence Day. So, we had a bit more traffic on our driveway for a few days. Since then, we have had some downpours and some days with a couple of steady showers or drizzles. 

Last week and into this one, our eldest grandson was playing in the state baseball tournament for his league. There were a couple of days of complete wash outs. Who would have ever dreamt of having a day of wash outs in mid-July? 

They started play last Tuesday afternoon with an exhibition game. The game following theirs was a wash out and carried over to the next day. That pushed all of the Wednesday games till later and then there were rain delays and on and on it went day after day. They finally finished up the tournament with the championship game at nine o'clock on Monday night. The families all celebrated with medals, game balls, and photos all around.

The boys on Harris's team all played well and won it all. They outscored all their opponents big time, scoring a total of 63 points while their opponents only scored a total of 3 against them. Harris hit three home runs - one was a grand slam! A couple of other boys hit home runs as well but it was the good, solid, base hits that carried them to the winners' circle.

These players and coaches have spent at least six years building this team to develop into winners. The best thing about this team, though, is that they are also winners beyond the scoreboard. During rain delays they would joke and visit with other teams and get to know the fellows from all across the state. Last week there was another team staying in the same hotel. All of the guys got together and played games in the hotel as if they were all one crew. When an opponent made a good hit, they would high five one another on the bases. It was really rewarding to watch all of the guys and their interactions with the other teams as well as their own team. It was almost like watching a big old family reunion. The coaches spent countless hours working with the fellows and poured their hearts into the team as well.

The smiles on each family members face really tell the story. It was a once in a lifetime experience for certain and now they are preparing for the next step - another once in a lifetime opportunity - to go to the World Series. They will no longer be Decatur County's baseball team. Now, they will be Team Tennessee. I can't wait!

One Zip Pouch - Three Different Looks

I've been immersed in the world of zip pouches. I thought it would be a fun way to share some of my creations with the family and, of course, the grands always seem to come first when it comes to gifting!

I started with a little color blocked zip pouch pattern shown at Polkadot Chair. I added some embroidery decor to personalize it for one of our granddaughters. The outside of the bag features a cute blue and white polka dot on one side and a color block of fabrics that are yellow, yellow gingham, and blue and white polka dot on the other.

Her school and her brother's baseball team mascot is a panther. So, I added a cute split paw print. On the color blocked side, I added her name. The bag is lined with yellow gingham.

Since I also had created her a bag tag and included a carabiner with it, I added a D ring. I also rounded the corners of the bottom edge. Bright and sunshiney for Linley but not frilly - she would have none of that!

For our middle school granddaughter, I made a simple zip pouch that is the same size but does not include the color blocked design. It is crafted from an upholstery-weight beige fabric with black random spots. 

 I decorated one side of it with her name stitched in her favorite color. Then, added her school team name in a school color to the other side. The bright orange zipper's ring pull has a little tab of purple and purple gingham ribbon knotted onto it.

She is a volleyball player. So, I figured she might have items that she would need to corral for game day. The inside of the bag is a simple purple broadcloth. The pouch is colorful, has squared off corners, and measures about 5x8" in size. Super simple in design but handy in size and rugged in construction.

The third zip pouch is for our youngest grand. It also features the color block design similar to the first one. I started off with a bandana sort of print one one side and added an applique of a beef heifer. The fabrics are red, white, and black cotton.

The opposite side has those two fabrics color blocked with a red microcheck which has her name stitched on it. The bottom corners are curved similar to the first one. Then, I tied a red gingham ribbon on the ring zipper pull. 

One pattern, three different style little pouches. All of them are about 5x8" in size. It is the perfect size for a smart phone and a few other small sundries. It could hold loads of treasures for a little girl. It would be handy for a bit of cosmetics or any number of things that could be dropped down inside a larger purse or tote bag. I just love them!

Today I noticed...I hit a milestone.

When I sat at the computer this morning, I noticed that I had posted over 1400 times on this blog. I hit that 1400 milestone on Friday of last week. When I first started writing and posting to this online space, I intended for it to be a way to share what goes on in my life and share with my family. I'm not sure if any of them really read it anymore but it has turned into sort of a journal that chronicles my life and thoughts. 

When I started writing it, I had just turned down a book deal offered by Heinemann Publishing. They approached me at an educators conference and asked me if I would be interested in writing a book. At the time, I thought they were asking me and the gals who had collaborated with me to put on the workshop I led at the conference. Later, as I talked to her, the rep told me that the company was just interested in me sharing my voice as an educator. 

I worked and wrote and started all over a couple of times. Then, I decided that I really didn't feel like I had anything to share that other educators had not already shared. So, I contacted the rep and told her that. She was quick to let me know that there was nobody who had the same voice and exact same ideas as mine but she understood that my priority was in my classroom. 

I have never regretted that decision. I could always share the ideas that I used and still have in regard to teaching and guiding student learning. I just don't know that I feel that what I have to share about educating children is earth shattering nor is it new and fresh. 

Yet, here I have been writing along all these years. Sometimes I wrote about education. Sometimes I have written about life in general and that all seems to work for me. Thank you for stopping by and taking in what I have to share!

Happy 4th of July!

Just 3 Things | #36

I think I am a little bit obsessed. I have worked at my sewing machine every single day this week. It has just been so much fun! Of course, it has been so very hot and muggy here that even when I went outside to water the flowers, I would come back inside wringing wet with sweat. So there is that, too. We did get a bit of a cool-off today after a strong shower late yesterday afternoon. Maybe the next week will be a bit cooler. I sure hope so because I have plans that will take me outside.

- What I've Been Reading -

This week I have been reading LOADS of tutorials. I have sort of fallen into the zip bag world and have found several different ways to create zip pouches and tote bags. I have found so many ideas that I like and I think those pouches are something the granddaughters and their mothers will like - and actually use. I mean who doesn't need a pouch to hold earbuds, or coins, or pencils, or personal items? 

I found that I like Melissa Mortenson at Polka Dot Chair, who has a couple of tutorials for cosmetic zip pouches. There is a flat bottomed one and a simple one. Then, she has one that has a curved top where the zipper closure is located. She also has several other tutorials for making bags and loads of other concepts and ideas. One of her tutorials sent me to a site called We All Sew where I found a tutorial for a Pencil Case that is sort of unique. I gave it a whirl and let me tell you that the geometry of that one had me scratching my head, picking out seams that I had sewn incorrectly, and, finally, ending up with a couple of cute little zip pouches. 

I love the little twist to them which makes me think of a tricorn hat for some reason. It had been YEARS since I had sewn a zipper. So, that was a big refresher. Of course, I had to do a little embroidery decorating on them as well. So the back side of them is stitched up to personalize them.

The fun thing about these little bags is that I am using scrap fabric that has been in my stash for years and years. Combining the different prints and colors makes it fun and the decorating/embroidery is my favorite part. 

As I walked through the basement kitchen each day, I would look at a couple of bandanas that were sitting there on the table.  One was orange and the other was purple. I kept thinking that they would make something bright, colorful, and cute. Then, this morning I saw where Leslie Saeta has a tutorial for crafting a tote bag from a bandana. Again, my mind started dashing to and fro thinking about how one color bandana could be used as a tote and a coordinating color lining it and then using the coordinating color for the zip pouches for cosmetics or ear buds or other little necessities. One could also have a bandana tote and have the smaller pouches made up in other colors for a multicolor effect but have monograms that tie them together. So many possibilities!

- What I've Been Watching -

Of course, one cannot stop at just reading tutorials. Sometimes it is helpful to watch a video to see how something is done in a step-by-step manner. So, I've been watching tutorials about zip pouch making as well. Polka Dot Chair also has a YouTube Channel where  Melissa shows how to make lots of different zip pouches and projects galore. My favorite so far has been Two Ways To Make A Zip Pouch. It set me off on a journey to make different pouches for my granddaughters, daughters, and daughters-in-law.  One pattern/two styles of pouches!

Zip Pouches Ready to Assemble

I didn't have twelve-inch or fourteen-inch zippers. So, I went ahead and cut out my bag pieces and did the decorating and have them laid out on one of the beds where they are ready to assemble them in a day or two when my zippers arrive!

I have also been doing a bit of reading each evening and that doesn't involve tutorials, pouches, bags, or pausing to think about how I can apply what I'm learning. I finished up Seven Days In Summer by Marcia Willett and began reading Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews. 

- What I've Been Working On -

Needless to say, it has sort of been craft central around here this week. I've been working on all sorts of different zip pouches but only have a couple that are actually complete. since I'm waiting on supplies. I did complete some other projects like Bag Tags and Wreath Sashes. I'm not sure I would call these projects work but it has been filling my days. 

I guess longer names make bookmarks!

I learned to stitch on ribbon this week. I was a bit nervous at first but found it t be really easy to do. Now, I'm just wishing everybody in our family had a short name! I don't know what anybody will do with their name on a ribbon but it was fun to try and it is cute and unique.

I've looked for ways to stay inside and avoid the heat and mugginess of outside. So, the fabric organizing has continued. I now have a tub of checks and plaids, a tub of solids, a tub of prints, a tub of small scraps, and a tub of stabilizer scraps. I don't see this organizational method lasting well but it has helped me to see what is in my stash and actually use some of it. That is making all of these bags, sashes, and pouches cost me very little because all I have had to purchase is some zippers. (I'm not counting the sewing machine, thread, and stabilizer because that was simply an upgrade in my equipment.)  

UPDATE!

I am so glad that I was working in the office area of the basement this afternoon. A storm blew in with windiness, thunder, lightning, and rain blowing sideways! I was watching out the southern facing window as I stitched and crafted. All of a sudden, I heard a pop and then water running back on the north end of the basement. I went back there to see what was going on and found that one of the vinyl dropped ceiling tiles had filled with water and it dropped out of the grid holding it. Water was already ponded on the floor, an upholstered wingback chair was saturated and dripping, and water was still drip-dropping at a pretty good clip from the ductwork that had been exposed. Evidently we got so much rain so fast that it ran down the hill and into the space where the HVAC unit sits and ran into the house. I mopped up five or six bath towels worth of water, left one towel on the floor beneath a tub catching drips, another towel below the dripping chair, and took a dish towel to continue mopping and drying the floor. What a mess! This is one of those times when my Daddy would tell me, "If you ain't got nothing, you won't have nothing to take care of. Just be thankful you got something and take care of it!" I am.

Today I noticed...Mess ups and mistakes are not always a bad thing.

My daughter, Bridgette, sent me a photo suggesting I give a new project a try. As if I don't already have loads of ideas that I'm wanting to give a try and can hardly make up my mind which to work on next! However, I did think it looked like a fun thing and something the granddaughters might like. So, I saved the photo and spent a couple of days thinking about it.

Link to product pictured above

Yesterday, I spent a little time digging round in my ribbon box and crafted something similar on a smaller level to add to the grands' and Bridgette's bag tags. I truly just used scraps of ribbon and rick rack and found a few beads to string onto some ribbon and thread. I didn't go for the gigantic size that was my inspiration because, after all, that could get a bit heavy in my mind.

Since Linley is basically a basketball player, I stitched up a little basketball bag tag for her. I know I said I had decided not to decorate the opposite side of a bag tag anymore. I guess I just lied. I just couldn't resist.

Then, I worked on Abby Lee's bag tag by adding a bit of ribbon and rick rack and beads. I found that pony beads really seem to work best and can be threaded onto a narrow ribbon that is knotted at the end.

Like previous bag tags and projects, I searched for tutorials and found one that I liked. I just looped the ribbon over a two-inch split ring and tied the ribbon off with a bit of thread and a a narrow ribbon wrapped round it to make a little tassel.

Knowing that Bridgette is a bit of a gypsy inside, I made hers bright and colorful. Much as I hate to admit it, I do like these little tassel additions! They are a great way to use scraps of ribbon.

My intentions when I went to my sewing room were make a wreath sash for a gift I need later this week and give the ribbon embroidery a try. Well, I had too many irons in the fire, as my dad used to say. I got distracted and made some mess ups.

I put the stabilizer on the wrong side of my fabric for one end of the sash. I didn't even notice it till I took it out of the hoop! My brain was not functioning on all cylinders or I was having a senior moment or something. Of course, I had already decorated the opposite end of the sash. I decided I could salvage it by just cutting off the messed up end and piecing a new end to it. The print of the gingham checks would be forgiving and make the splicing of two pieces together not so noticeable and I had plenty more yellow checked fabric. So, I hooped up another strip and set it up to stitch a second time. When the machine finished embroidering, I took it off and was trimming away the stabilizer from the back side and sliced right through the yellow checked fabric as well. Wah! Wah! 

Even though it was almost dinner time, I decided I was not going to let this project beat me. So, I hooped up a third strip of fabric, set it to stitching, and swept and cleaned up my workspace. When it finished embroidering, I stitched the wreath sash together and wound up with a cute, completed project. I had already stitched a cute patriotic themed strip to make the wreath sash reversible.

I think the finished product really turned out cute and was a successful venture despite a couple of setbacks. However, I did not tackle embroidering on ribbon. I decided that was a learning experience that could wait till another day. So, today I gave it a try.

Sometimes my mess ups and mistakes really frustrate me. Sometimes they make me more determined to see an idea through. Sometimes they are a learning experience that nudges me forward. Notice that I was smart enough to try with the granddaughter who has a short name! Since it was a quick and easy endeavor, I've decided that it is worth my giving a longer name a shot. What do you think?