So, I have a question for all of you sewing gurus. My machine, a Singer, keeps hanging up. I have heard that it could be hung up on some thread or fibers but I have obsessively cleaned everything I can see. Is there hope or am I going to have to take it to a shop to get checked out?

tooth fairy, cake and expression of emotions... There are quite a few things that catch my eye – some unique creations that make me pause and say, “Wow!” My husband gets frustrated with me because my superlatives aren’t as “super” as they should be. It must be the Filipino in me. When the kids perform and do a fabulous job, my reaction is ecstatic but I would say, ‘Very Good!”. In Filipino, that means awesome, fantastic, fabulous. So when I say “very good”, you have to remember that I mean it to be something fabulous! I want to introduce you to a very talented artist: Polina of PoZi Designs. http://gottalovemom.blogspot.com/2011/06/tooth-fairy-cake-and-expressions-of.html

Finding your Voice

Creators of any kind must find their voice.

We are writers, musicians, designers, programmers, parents, builders of anything. But we are not truly expressing ourselves, and speaking the truth, until we’ve found our voice: the tone, style, tenor, pitch, personality we use to express ourselves.

Our voice is our essence, writ plain for the world to see.

A reader and fellow writer asked me how I found my voice. And I have no easy answer — I’m not even sure I can say I’ve fully found my voice yet. It’s a quest that doesn’t seem to end — not a Grail quest, really, but a constant retuning as the essence of who I am neverendingly changes.

But I feel I’ve found something that has the texture of truth, even if only a tactile approximation. I’ll share some of my thoughts, but keep in mind I don’t hold the answers firmly at all.

I’m learning, and I hope my learning helps yours. This is written for writers, but the ideas are the same for anyone who creates anything.

Read on here:http://zenhabits.net/voice/#more-8300

I made this DIY Paper Mache Plankton (from SpongeBob) pinata: http://momspotted.com/2011/07/diy-birthday-pinata-our-plankton-pinata-for-a-spongebob-themed-party-tutorial.html

This was taken during my daughters celebration of NUTRITION MONTH in their school....i made her the princess of malunggay.......;)

20+ Pillow Tutorials to Sew Posted by craftyamy on August 24th, 2011 at 8:49 am http://blogs.babble.com/the-new-home-ec/2011/08/24/23-pillow-tutorials-to-sew/?pid=809#slideshow Blooming Rainbows Pillow 20+ Pillow Tutorials to Sew Let’s face it, pillows aren’t that cheap. Even inexpensive pillows aren’t that inexpensive, especially if you are looking for something that is a bit higher quality, interesting or even just cute. Want some tutorials to sew your own pillows? I found some. We’ll start with this rainbow scallop pillow from Paper Scissors and Superheroes. It’s all felt; all fun. For those who are looking for a basic pillowcase, this quick envelope pillow case tutorial takes ten minutes. Now onto the rest of the pillow ideas.

14 Ways to a Handmade Back to School Posted by Marie on August 29th, 2011 at 12:07 pm http://blogs.babble.com/the-new-home-ec/2011/08/29/14-ways-to-a-handmade-back-to-school/ 14 Ways to a Handmade Back to School Posted by Marie on August 29th, 2011 at 12:07 pm DIY Sustainable Lunch Set 8 09 013web 14 Ways to a Handmade Back to School School is here, my kids start up in one more week. I’m not sure if I’m ready just yet, but it’s coming whether we’re prepared or not! So to help with some of the prep work, here are some crafty ideas for handmade projects and back to school. If you’re looking for something aside from the usual shopping and buying, try out these 14 projects. These will help you have a DIY back to school. I promise, these projects are going to give your back to school a personal touch!

Ruffle Flower Scarf http://mama-says-sew.blogspot.com/2011/01/ruffle-flower-scarf.html I took a couple of my favorite projects and combined them into something for me. After all that creating over Christmas for other people, it was fun to make something for myself. Not that I don't enjoy creating for others, of course. I'm sure you know what I mean. ***** I would like this in several lovely fall colors. Who will make them for me? LOL! =)