look at these boys (and some of their friends and some of their candy)

It's all so cute. What a boring way to sum it all up, but it's true.













I got a jolt of Mom-guilt the morning of and quickly sewed up the elf hat, elf shoes, the scarf, cut off PJ arms for the leggings (good idea Matti!), and sewed up the hook Thomas cut out.

SO GLAD I DID!

Oh yeah, and made Asher's trick-or-treat bag to match his brother's (except Asher's is orange inside so they can tell them apart).

I haven't sewed in MONTHS and it was SO MUCH FUN! (You thought I was going to say SEW much fun didn't you? Well I didn't so you're welcome.)

It hurt my brain a little to figure out how to make things with no pattern even when they weren't complicated because it has been a while but sewing is like riding a bike in someways.... I LOVED spending my Saturday that way.

THE CAPS ARE FOR EMPHASIS OF FUN-NESS IF YOU COULDN'T TELL.

I had a ball sewing and we all had a ball seeing the boys be precious all night long.

Asher's costume gave him a new, strutting, sassy personality. Maybe that's how he is all the time, but it was extra funny in costume. Sassy elf.

HOORAY FOR SEWING and HALLOWEEN! (BOTH FUN IF YOU COULDN'T ALREADY TELL FROM THE CAPS.)

Bye.

it's getting closer.....

And I am not really ready.

Ambrose has changed his mind on what he wants to be about ten times. I think he is settled on pirate, which is hilarious since he was that for his first Halloween and that was three costumes ago and he might be wearing the same costume with a new hat and some drawn on facial hair..... the pants are just capris now. Ahhhh the benefits of buying a costume that was a little too big for an already chubby baby. Good investment.






Can you believe that is AMBROSE!?!?!?!?! Me neither. I might have just shed a few tears and laughed at the same time like a crazy.

Anyway, he's wearing that at age three and a half and it looks pretty awesome on him. Thanks to Old Navy for having that good sale way back when.

Who knows, maybe he'll come up with five more costumes before the weekend.

And Asher? I'm still thinking Christmas Elf.

It just suits him don't ya think? Only problem is the stores don't have a lot of Santa hats or jingle bells for sale right now... which I find odd because all these years when I haven't needed them they seem to be out in July or some early month like that. Oh well, we will make something happen and it will be fun!

Can't wait to scam the boys into handing over some of that trick-or-treat loot! Just another bonus of being the mother of small children. It's an action packed job so we take our perks when we can!

ladies of the society! I give you our dreamer.

1. Name:  Ashley Louise Bowen

2. Favorite type of sewing project: The simple ones that dont take a week to finish!  

3. City you currently reside in: Laie, Hawaii

4. Hometown: Riverside, California

5. Family stats: One Husband

6. Machine you sew with: Brother, that stopped working the other day, and by some miracle, decided to work again. Thank goodness!!

7. Picture of the project you are currently working on:

8. Picture of a finished project you are happy with:  (Even REALLY happy with.  We'll take that too.)

I know everyone has made these, but I really love to make baby clothes, and loved the striped one so much, I am saving it in hopes my future kid can wear it. Hopefully I have a girl.

9. Do you have an etsy site?  No

10. What fabric are you currently drooling over? Anything from this little shop in Oceanside

11. Sewing project you would most like to attempt but are admittedly frightened of or just need to learn more about: I want to make clothes for myself that are cute/fashioney, and dont make me look too homemade. I need to learn how to use a pattern.

12. Favorite online crafty blog that you draw a lot of inspiration from: I look at made, ruffles and stuff, and noodlehead all the time!

13. What sewing purchase are you saving your precious pennies for?: I am counting down the day until I go to the LA fabric district. Maybe some upholstery fabric so I can re upholster some old furniture. That sounds fun!

14. Online tutorial you plan to attempt: I am going to make the gathered clutch from Noodlehead’s blog!

15. When and how did you learn to sew?: Growing up, when I would try on clothes, I would always want to change something about the clothing. At first I would always make my mum do it, but she got tired of it, so I kinda taught myself, with helpful tips from my mum!

16. Your biggest sewing disaster story (picture if you have would be entertaining):
Last Christmas, I decided to make a board bag for David. I (secretly) outlined one of his favorite boards on a trash bag. And when I went to Cali (a little earlier than David) I bought all the fabric and started cutting away. Well, because I am soooo awesome, I cut out the fabric to the exact shape of the board, leaving no room for the board to slide in and out of the bag. I was freaking out because canvas is not that cheap. Fortunately, I pulled it off and added some white and it turned out great, and kinda looks like a cool space ship!

17. Favorite sewing book: I dont have any sewing books, I just get any ideas, or tips online.

18. Sewing hero you look up to: I would definitely have to say my mom, she has been sewing for me since I can remember, prom dresses, skirts, bags, etc.. and she has taught me all I know! (and she always helps me fix all my sewing oooops)


19. Anything else that would be interesting or funny or lame or sa-weeeeet to share with all your society pals: Im excited to see how creative everyone is with their projects!!!

20. If you could nominate yourself for an officer in this most prestigious society- what would your title be?: I would be the......dreamer?

It's slipping away all the while

Do you find yourself romanticizing portions of your life?

Like Mates of State sing: "But any time is better than now..."

I know I do this.

I've really tried to focus on enjoying the present lately and it's the best gift I've ever given myself.

But, I have to admit that tonight I laid in bed and thought about when we were first engaged and I lived with long lost bosom buddy Deanna and I surfed and skated and went to shows with my Anna too. And Tee Driggs was all around providing the thrift inspirations and new music and hilarity. My heart misses these names. I can still see Lisse's inspiration wall in her kitchen and if I close my eyes I will be sitting on her bed, laughing and going through all those CDs. Being amazed at the armful of clothes she found for me at Savers while looking for herself. I dressed all crazy and lived my own artistic reality as I finally allowed myself to be who I wanted. I was a little chubbier and didn't notice. I drove around and around an island all night, most nights, singing at the top of my lungs with a boy who had all kinds of things to say that I had never heard before. And all those times I wanted him to kiss me when he hadn't gotten up the courage yet. Precious each and every one. I want to hold on to that giddy uncertainty. I love him for it. I got in trouble for talking in Hula class and frequently dug up nerdy mischief with my fellow geek reporters in the newsroom. I hitch-hiked with my roommate and giggled in bunk beds and danced like a fool. I got good grades for the first time in my life. I fell in love with literature and figured out how to write well. I camped on beaches in unhealthy gulps and got lost in the pursuit of adventure.

That gulp of time is mine forever. I'm happy to remember it.


I wonder when I'll start romanticizing these days?

These days that seem to stretch out endless where selfless acts abound and little hands reach for mine.


I think I'll start now.

here's the outside

Today Ambrose and I went inside. We moved silently room to room with members of our faith and other interested parties all pressing forward and driven by a feeling of serenity, and calm, and a soothing, direct whisper that I have missed in my life.

So much has happened personally while the temple has been closed for renovations that I feel like the temple and I can face each other after much refining and a few setbacks better than we ever were before.

Focused, changed, and ready to move forward.

After the open house I walked home hand-in-hand with Ambrose and whispered, "How did you feel inside the temple buddy? Was it pretty in there?"

"I felt happy even inside my bones," he admitted.

"Oh me too," I agreed. "Me too."

Click here to make your reservation

ladies of the society! i give you our resident seam pinker.

1. Name: Meg (it's really Meagan, but please don't call me that) Nicole (Knudsen) Thomander

2. Favorite type of sewing project: Kids stuff, or household projects

3. City you currently reside in: Hau'ula, Hawaii

4. Hometown: Park City, Utah

5. Family stats: 1 husband, 1 girl baby, 1 boy baby

6. Machine you sew with: Basic Kenmore, given to me by my mom as a wedding present

7. Picture of the project you are currently working on: Just finished the Warhol Dress from Made, but I am making another one in black and white gingham. We will see how it turns out!

8. Picture of a finished project you are happy with: (Even REALLY happy with. We'll take that too.) Woodland house for a birthday gift. I had fun making it, and I made it up, so I am proud.


9. Do you have an etsy site? Yes What is it? Indie Pop Shop There isn't anything posted right now. I will get on it when I am adjusted to having two kids, scouts honor! Once upon a time there were custom silhouette pillows for sale.


10. What fabric are you currently drooling over?: Alexander Henry Canyon Butterfly, I want to make roman shades out of it in the kids new room. It is cuter in person.

11. Sewing project you would most like to attempt but are admittedly frightened of or just need to learn more about: Clothing for myself. I guess I just figure it wont turn out, or will fit funny.

12. Favorite online crafty blog that you draw a lot of inspiration from: purlbee and made

13. What sewing purchase are you saving your precious pennies for?: a serger and a high end fancy sewing machine

14. Online tutorial you plan to attempt: cozy car caddy tutorial

15. When and how did you learn to sew?: When I got married my mom gave me a sewing machine, so about 5 years ago. I just kind of taught myself, but recently took a beginning sewing, and advanced sewing class at BYUH, with some fellow sewing society pals.

16. Your biggest sewing disaster story: The Aloha Shirt from Advanced Sewing Class. Not that I didn't sew it well, it's just that I despise the shirt. I still haven't finished it, and I have no desire to finish it. Sadly, all it needs are button holes and some hemming!

17. Favorite sewing book: Not necessarily my all time favorite, but definitely a good one...Cute Stuff by Aranzi Aronzo

18. Sewing hero you look up to: My Mom. She can figure out any sewing project and sews so perfectly and precisely. She is the master!

19. Anything else that would be interesting or funny or lame or sa-weeeeet to share with all your society pals: It ruins my sewing day when the bobbin runs out, I genuinely dislike taking the time to rewind it. I love to pink seams. It is practical and looks cool.

20. If you could nominate yourself for an officer in this most prestigious society- what would your title be?: The Resident Seam Pinker (is that a word?)

everyone needs a thomas...

...to capture these times in this way over and over so you can look at this on days like long, tiring, whiney today and know that life with two little ones is so unique, and fleeting, and sweet.

today feels like christmas time

I'll take what I can get.

And then I'll wear a Christmasy shirt all day.

And be happy all day even if I have bad hair.

Dear Hawaii,

I love you, but would it kill you to give us at least one good wintery Christmas and while you're at it why do you make me give up on trying when it comes to hair, make-up, and personal appearance in general. It's just no fun blow-drying, but doing hair in humidity? A losing battle.

We can still be friends though. I will love and hate you for years to come. And look very homely as I do so. I've made peace with that.

Hooray!

Stephanie

ladies of the society! i give you our silent partner.

1. Name: Lorie
(You can also find her photo blog here.)

2. Favorite type of sewing project: Any and all. I'm really into hand embroidering right now. It's something short and sweet that I stitch while I'm watching tv with the hubs at night.

3. City you currently reside in: Bakosville =)

4. Hometown: Bakosville (which is a pet name for Bakersfield, CA represent!! woot woot)

5. Family stats: one hubs (HA) and two mini men. Henry is 2.5, Ben is 8 months (GASP, my baby can NOT be the old. shutter) (Another side note- that baby is at least a year now... that's how slow I've been to post these. Shame. Here's the FABULOUSLY crafty party she pulled off for his first birthday. You'll die over the sheer perfection and homestyle, yet modern fall creativity of it all. I know I did.)



6. Machine you sew with: the $100 Kenmore special from Sears 5 years ago. Which was also the last time I was actually in a Sears. My machine needs updating. Pronto. I have a little envelope I'm saving up for a new one.




7. Picture of the project you are currently working on: Gah. I have many. But hey, maybe you all can help me out with this one. I'm stuck on what to do. I'm in MAJOR pillow mode right now. Which flower looks better in the center? The doily flower? Or is that too much doily? Or the orange velvet? Or the green floral? Thoughts? I think I'm over thinking it. (Uhhhh, you probably already finished this. I am the worst. Ok, let's just put the pics up for kicks shall we?)





Also working on a double sided cover for the top of Henry's train table. On one side I'm doing a town with streets for his cars and trucks. On the opposite side will be space with planets and such because his train set is actually a "space" train set complete with aliens and robots =)



8. Project you are happy with: (Even REALLY happy with. We'll take that too.) I love to make things for people I love. My favorite COMPLETED project of late was a birthday book for my bf's baby boy who is now ONE. I'm really proud of how the whole thing turned out.

9. Do you have an etsy site? What is it?: Yes I do. But it's seriously lacking in loot right now. I have a ton of quilt tops sewn, just not all put together. Here it is!

10. What fabric are you currently drooling over?: It's hard to find, but it's the mustard lotus by Amy Butler (pictured in the all the pillow pictures). I keep buying it up on Ebay. But I also really really really love this. I like REALLY love rain. And all things rain related. So these umbrellas are calling my name =)

11. Sewing project you would most like to attempt but are admittedly frightened of or just need to learn more about: I would LOVE to sew my own clothes. Not all of them. But I would love to attempt a great dress or a great skirt.

12. Favorite online crafty blog that you draw a lot of inspiration from: I check Cakies daily. I LOVE Frenchie & Flea. Smile and Wave might just be my new favorite. But ebbing in real close is the adorable Elise. Seriously, scroll down to look at her wedding. Gray and Orange? GAH. ADORABLE.

13. What sewing purchase are you saving your precious pennies for?: A new machine. Something that can actually sew and not just chew my projects to bits. Not sure what I'm going to buy though.

14. Online tutorial you plan to attempt: Nothing in particular right now. I'm mid-wedding season right now and don't have any plans to do any major sewing in the next month. (Remember she's a photog.)

15. When and how did you learn to sew?: My mom sort of taught me when I was youngish. Like junior high maybe? Pre-sewing I used to hot glue clothes together for my stuff animals. (side note: does anybody else have a life long love affair with hot glue like I do? I even love the smell of it. Yes, I'm weird.) But it's mostly all self-taught.

16. Your biggest sewing disaster story (picture if you have would be entertaining): I don't have any pictures (thank God). But when I first got married I thought (dumby) that it would be cute and chic and cheaper (double dumby) to buy a dozen cute cloth napkins to sew together to make a shower curtain for our apartment. It was horrible. Horrible horrible horrible. It never got finished and never got close to being hung. =)

17. Favorite sewing book: I don't really have a favorite sewing book. With sewing, I am much more inspired by the people around me and all the blogs out there. Oh and Etsy. HUGE on inspiration, that place.

18. Sewing hero you look up to: Same as my crafty blog inspirations. Oh, and one of my BF's. Davi has such ways of putting things together, or visualizing things that I never could. She inspires me ALL. The. Time.

19. Anything else that would be interesting or funny or lame or sa-weeeeet to share with all your society pals: I've always had a dream to be a fashion designer. I wanted to go away to the Rhode Island School of Design and Merchandising. My mom laughed at me and wouldn't even sign the application form. I don't blame her. And my life would not be what it is and where it is if I had gone away to the East Coast. But I still dream of owning a little boutique full of whimsical, romantic clothes and knicky knacky vintage stuff. Think Anthro, but on a smaller, less expensive scale.

20. If you could nominate yourself for an officer in this most prestigious society- what would your title be?: I would be the silent partner. Not silent because I'm quiet (Lord KNOWS I've never been that) but because I'm not ON your island, so I'm a remote "investor" if you will. Someone who stops in every once in awhile to see what's going on, but not all that involved because they have 14 other ventures they're working on at the same time. =)