THE DOMESTIC DIVA’S DISASTERS™

Michael Miller posted some new fabrics on their site…YIPPEE!!!  Here’s some of my new favorites:

Berry Ta Dot (A color reserve of their incredibly popular Pink Ta Dot fabric)

Lime Tick Toc

Lime Snow Day

Santa Yule Trees

Sandi Henderson’s Breeze Tortoise Plaid

Lagoon Camo Critters

Avocado Pod Vine

Free Sewing Tutorial from Michael Miller:

Bucket Caddy

Also be sure to stop by Michael Miller’s Blog:

Making It Fun

Happy Sewing!

Check out Burda Style’s Blog and Sew Along.

They’ve even got a sewing forum!

Lots of great stuff for sewing enthusiasts!

ummm…like Mr. Diva™ might need some.  See, dinner was divine.

Appetizing Evidence:

Crostino (Fresh Toasted Panne Bread with Proscuitto, Mozzarella and Sauteed Mushrooms in a Butter Sauce). If food is better than sex, this appetizer would be my orgasm–really).

Main Evidence:

Veal Marsala (Hand-fed Veal with Mushrooms in a Brown Sauce).

Even the kids were pretty well-behaved.

Back to the stitches.  Ok, so Mr. Diva™ and I carried up the 27 Christmas boxes to the attic…all seems to be going well.  And then I left Mr. Diva™ to carry up the Christmas Tree all by himself.  Big. Mistake.

Apparently, Mr. Diva banged his big head into the attic rafters….he’s bleeding lots.  Dumb Mr. Diva.  He should have listened to me when I suggested we build a walk-in attic during the renovations four years ago.  It’s dangerous for anyone over 5 foot to venture in there.

Will Christmas ever end at my house?  Ugh, Ugh, Ugh!!!

And the worst part about it is he’s only carried the 2 smaller parts of the Christmas Tree are up into the attic.  He still has to get the largest (and heaviest) part into the attic.  I’ll give him a month.

Oh wait.  The cleaning girl is coming tomorrow.  Guess what she and I will be doing?

Heck, I guess I shouldn’t complain…he could be physically challenged and poor, KWIM?  I had better stop making fun of him.  But it’s just so hard when you come from a family where the men can move mountains and you marry a pencil pusher.

Did I mention he’s going to Vegas where he’ll be having dinner with the Tahari Brothers?  Let’s see if Mr. Diva even mentions his wife is launching her new boys’ clothing line.

Excuse me, but there’s no apostrophe in DIVAS unless you are trying to show possession of a DIVA–just thought you’d like to know that.  Come to think of it, this is a pet peeve of mine as I was once a sign painter.  Doesn’t anyone spell check anymore?

Speaking of taxes, it’s that time again–while all of you are gathering together the receipts to bring to your accountants, some of us (waving to Ingrid and Colleen) prepare for the long cold Winter (well, except for Ingrid–she’s in California) without our spouses–the tax men.

So Mr. Diva™ is taking me out for some fine dining at Trattoria Romana.  Unfortunately those children of ours are coming, too.  So much for a romantic dinner.  Whatever–I’m jonesing for some Crostino with Prosciutto, Mozzarella & Mushrooms and Veal Scaloppine Marsala.  After that, he promises to help put that darn Christmas Tree and other holiday decorations in the attic (with my assistance, of course…LOL).

I froze on buns off played around with some pink tulle in the unheated dungeon sewing room last night.  Let’s see what I come up with.  Think Valentine’s Day.

Hopefully I’ll have it finished for your viewing pleasure tomorrow or the next day.

I spent most of today trying to get some ideas on what I want Ingrid to design for my new Downtown Joey website.  I’m thinking definitely Brown and Robin’s Egg Blue with a touch of Kiwi Green and Orange for a color scheme.  Wow…this whole website stuff is mind-blowing.  I give her a lot of credit.  It’s all too complicated for me.  And to think I learned HTML when it was first introduced millions of years ago…back when we worked on the backbone of the Internet.  Ok, I’ll stop–I’m showing my age.

Stay warm!

IT’S ALL ABOUT ME

It’s that time again–Mr. Diva’s Annual Las Vegas trip on Super Bowl Weekend.  And we all know what that means.  No–besides being stuck with the 24 hour a day job of raising his offspring, it’s PAYDAY for ME!

Not to mention, it’s DOUBLE BONUS this year…meaning not only do I get to buy a big ticket item just for me, but I get to go on my OWN vacation ALONE without him and the kiddos.  I’ve decided on Los Angeles.  Going to source my knit fabrics and beg my buddies, Lady M™ (who now owns Fabric Hound, the Euro Fabric Mecca!!!) and Jessica the Boutique Toffee Queen™ to be my tour guides.

 Still have to decide if I want to go in late February, March or April.  I’m thinking I should try to coordinate my trip with one of the fabric shows or children’s clothing trade shows.  That way I can make it a business trip.

So, I’m thinking I just might get myself a industrial coverstitch which I’ve been jonesing for…what do you think?  Or should I save the extra cash for LA?  Decisions, decisions…LOL!

BUTTON BUTTON

Get these neat buttons from EMBLAZON YOURSELF

WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

I’ll give you ONE guess…

If you guessed the FRIGGIN CHRISTMAS TREE laying in the middle of my Living Room, you’re right.  Yes, Mr. Diva™ has walked past it dozens of times during the last week.  But I’m not going to nag him (see first paragraph).  Just wanted you all to see what I put up with.  I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried!

Hope your husband is more helpful than mine! oh, and as generous, too!

With friendship,

Lisa

200 Already?

Umm…how did I manage to post 200 times?  I obviously have way too much to say…LOL!  Hope I’ve entertained you all with my Diva Disaster!

Sew Mama Sew

Head on over to Sew Mama Sew for lots of quilting fun all during the month of February.  I am definitely going to challenge myself to make something quilted as I’ve NEVER quilted anything…go figure.

Sew Cold

photo of Staten Island, NY by Ed Bailey 

Although I love NYC, I dream of living in Tahiti, Monaco or some other beautiful climate.  Winter is my least favorite season.  I have no use for driving on ice and shoveling snow.  I’d much prefer warmer temperatures.

I dislike the cold so much so that I’ve turned down Mr. Diva’s offer to go dining at my favorite restaurant tonight.  I’d much prefer to just to order in so I can stay warm at home.

And don’t worry–I’ll be sure to use paper plates and disposable plastic cups as dishes are not on my agenda tonight.  I’m too busy playing with my colored pencils trying to come up with some new designs for my boys’ clothing line…LOL!

Have a great weekend!

Sewing Tutorials

Came across these two cool tutorials:

Felt Fortune Cookie Tutorial

Super Easy Ironing Board Cover from U-Handblog 

Busyness

And while I’m sharing…here’s an email I received from my Mom that made me laugh:

“Did you see at Joanne’s, they have Domestic Diva aprons?  I don’t think you need one.  You’re so busy.”

I’m trying my hardest to be “busy”–sketches and colored pencils clutter my dining room table–To Do Lists are scattered all over my desk in hopes of accomplishing something–yet, I was bad this morning.

After I drove the kiddos to school, I took a little bit of a nap while watching a TIVOed episode of Cashmere Mafia (love this new show) and then the trashy mothers on The Maury Show try to pin one of the possible 5 candidates as their “baby daddy.”

Martha…Do You Need My Assistance?

I finally submitted my information for an upcoming Martha Stewart show (Show:  People Call Me “Martha Stewart”–Do your friends and family say you are just like Martha? Are your recipes, crafts, and other creations award-worthy? If so, now is your chance to show off. Send us a videotape telling us why people call you Martha Stewart and display your very best decorations, recipes, crafts, Good Things, and anything else that is “so Martha,” and we may broadcast your video on the show, or even invite you to be a guest.).  Let’s see if Martha bites…

Hope everyone’s day is more productive than mine!

My dear friend, Jen of Olive’s Pearls, surprised me with a CD of cool tunes and a yummy bar of Lavender Chocolate!  The CD’s first song was “Let’s Get It Started” by the Black Eyed Peas…how appropriate…LOL!  Not to mention, “Stronger” by Kayne West–now th-that that don’t kill me, can only make me stronger.  I giggled while listening to “I Want Candy” and “My Sharona.”  Thanks Jen!

So the design sketching begins…my favorite part of it all!  I need to come up with 5 different looks…with a total of no more than 16 pieces.  This is where I get to put it all on paper.

Now, I’m not a fashion sketch artist, but I’ve been able to draw decent sketches using my daughter’s favorite fashion drawing book, Fashion Sketchbook by Bina Abling.

Over the last few months, I’ve kept a Pattern Making Requirements list of things I want included in my new boys’ line (welt pockets, buttonhole elastic waistbands, etc.).  It helps me remember the little details I want included in my first patterns.

I’m giving myself a full week to complete my sketches as I can only sit for no more than an hour at a time.  I’ll give you some sneak peeks when I’m done.

What details do you like in boys’ clothing?  Do you have a favorite boys’ clothing line?  If so, why?  What makes it special?  I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Hope everyone’s day is off to a marvelous start!  I’m off to my son’s book fair and then the gym (see above Lavender Chocolate).  Today is also my sweet nephew, Eric’s, 6th Birthday!  Happy Birthday Little Man!

I’ve gotten several emails over the last few days from fellow sewing gals inquiring about a Bella embroidery design which is somewhere on my blog.

Get it at Embroidery.com for $10.

I’ve certainly gotten my money’s worth…I must have embroidered it more than 100 times over the last 5 years…

Here’s some other cute Valentine Day machine embroideries:

Sketched Unlock My Heart Machine Embroidery

Four Heart Applique Machine Embroidery

Large Applique Heart Machine Embroidery

You could always head over to Ann The Gran for FREE Machine Embroidery Designs!

Ok…I’m really off to the gym…I swear…LOL!

Procrastination

Why does Mr. Diva™ always get the burning desire to invite company over for Sunday Dinner when the house is trashed?  Did I mention Mr. Diva™ goes bowling Sunday morning until 1pm?  How convenient.

Seems I’ve been slacking off (what’s new? LOL) and had yet to put away the Christmas decorations.

So the mad rush was pretty successful…except for that honkin’ big green thing in the middle of my living room.

In my defense, I tried to disassemble the pre-lit tree three times…I’m just not strong enough.  So it will sit there until Mr. Diva™ can no longer bear to hear my nagging–that, or perhaps my strong cleaning lady will come to my rescue.

But as payback, I offered all my guests the above beautiful chocolate confections after dinner.  HAHA…they’re fake (one of my painted ceramic creations)…and they fall for it EVERY YEAR…duh!

New Fabric Finds

Moving on…how about a Sneak Peek of Michael Miller’s New Fabrics?  Here’s my favorite:

Sandi Henderson of Portabello Pixie

Pre-Order at I WANT FABRIC for only $7.99/yard

Sandi’s Ginger Blossom fabric photos

and some more new Michael Miller fabrics:

I am so jonesing to see this full collection at Michael Miller as it just might work for my new boys line (if it doesn’t have pink in it–I just don’t do pink for boys…sorry):

While perusing the web, I came across the New Arrivals from Repro Depot Fabrics:

Love these, but unfortunately, I can’t pay $18 a yard (plus shipping) for these awesome Japanese Imports.  I’d never make any money…LOL

But I did find these there at a much more reasonable price:

Holy Cannoli!!! Look at this new J. Caroline Creative collaboration with Jessica Jones of How About Orange:

Modern Flora Collection…LOVE IT!!!!  J. Caroline will have it available within the next two weeks.

I also visited the Robert Kaufman website to see if there was anything new and spotted these:

This yummy Michal Sparks fabric is available February (ummm…isn’t that cutting it close?  I mean, Valentine’s Day is February 14th, right?).

Hot Couturier in Mint

Carnaby Street Turquoise for Project Runway

Just Another Manic Monday

Off to the gym I go—oh, how I HATE EXERCISING.  Nothing is more unenjoyable to me…mindless, stupid activity, if you ask me.  I just can’t wrap my head around how others get off on this crap.  I could think of 100 other things I could do with my time if my butt wasn’t expanding.

And to make my day even better, those rugrats are home from school today…

Hope everyone’s day is off to a great start!

P.S. - I’d update you all tomorrow on the awesome sewing manufacturing workshop I took this past Saturday in NYC!