Red Coat

My jacket is done! It has actually been done for awhile, but I wasn't happy with the pictures. I was going to re-shoot, but I finally decided that if I do that, I'll never get any pics up at all. So here they are! Grainy and not so great, but you still get the idea and I can be free of this post!

front

back

ya like the lining

Overall, I'd say I'm, like, 80% happy with it. I don't work with patterns much, but I knew that my off-the-rack size would be different from my pattern size. But even thought I followed the sizing on the pattern, the jacket came out a couple of sizes too big. I had to rip the sleeves off and re-sew them on almost 2-inches back. And I had to take in the waist quite a bit, too. I also feel like it makes me look a little bit...well, I was going to say fat, but that's not right. Squat. Like my torso looks too short and my shoulders too broad. I chose the most flattering pictures here. Alright. I'll put up a less flattering one:

See? Something funky happens across the chest there. But at least my goofball kids are cute!
Anyway, yeah, I know I'm pointing out the flaws. So I should say that I don't hate it, but I don't love it, either. I love the color and I think when I add a scarf or my cowl, it helps a lot. And maybe some skinny jeans or a short skirt and tights would help balance it out a bit more?



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A Christmas Post!

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I have been busy, busy, busy and keep meaning to post about this reindeer hat that I made in one night! Huck's school had a "Holiday Hat Day" last week, and I found out about it the night before. So I queued up Mad Men on the Netflix and had myself a little crochet marathon. It's not from any pattern, but I can't claim it is a wholly original design, either. I looked up "reindeer hats" on Pinterest and a whole slew of red-nosed hats popped up. I think I still may felt this guy to get the wonkies out, but it is cute and warm and I'm impressed with myself for being able to whip it out.

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The boys also made some reindeer. I have a giant box of empty toilet paper rolls. Why? Because that is what crafty people with kids do. We collect toilet paper rolls. So one day I pulled out some glue and pom-poms and pipe cleaners and wiggle eyes and the boys whipped these cuties up.

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And finally, I want to share my Christmas wall. The boys and I painted this wall yellow a few months ago, but it took me ages to figure out what to do with it. I had wanted a wall of silly pictures for a long time, so I had these printed and mounted them on foam core. I made the felt snowmen stockings a few years ago and the "Be Good" piece is from a handmade gift swap I participated in, and it fit perfectly with what I already had up.

I have more to share with you, but they are all Christmas gifts, so I can't put up pictures until all of the gifts have been received!

Have a holly, jolly weekend!





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Miranda R. Mueller Original art for children and their rooms ❀ DIRT Cosmetics Made from earth Hearts & Home A vintage inspired life ❀ Literary Tease Customizable word-based jewelry and accessories

Last Chance!

Last chance to order Stinky Boy monster totes and Dreadful Girl tissue cozies! The shops close tomorrow morning (12/20) and will remain closed until the new year. Use the code LASTCHANCE for free domestic shipping!



My Wonderful Sponsors!
Miranda R. Mueller Original art for children and their rooms ❀ DIRT Cosmetics Made from earth Hearts & Home A vintage inspired life ❀ Literary Tease Customizable word-based jewelry and accessories

A Handy Guide to Receiving Gifts

It's the most wonderful time of the year! In light of all of the presents that will be exchanging hands in the coming days, I thought I'd put together a little FAQs guide on how to properly receive a gift.

Q: What should I do when somebody gives me a gift?
A: Smile and say, "Thank you!"

Q: What if the gift I received isn't really my style? Should I gently point out all of the reasons I don't like it?
A: No, you should smile and say, "Thank you!"

Q: What if somebody gives me a really crappy gift. I mean really, really crappy? Should I talk about how I intend to return it first thing in the morning?
A: Nope! You should smile sweetly and say, "Thank you!"

Q: What if I open a gift and it is, like, ass ugly? Should I make a face like it stinks? Should I throw it directly into the fireplace and laugh with glee as it burns?
A: No.  Instead, try this technique: Curve the edges of your lips up and say, "Thank you!"

Q: Alright, but what if it was my mother/spouse/sister that gave me the terrible gift? I can say I hate it, can't I? S/he WANTS to know how much I dislike it, right? So s/he can do better in the future?
A: I get where you are coming from, but no. You should put a freakin' smile on your face and say, "Thank you!"


Well, I hope that was helpful! And for those of who need a little help in the gift giving department, I wanted to re-share my Perfect Gift Wrapping tutorial!

Part 1: Preparing your package • Part 2: Wrapping your gift • Part 3: Finishing touches

My Wonderful Sponsors!
Miranda R. Mueller Original art for children and their rooms ❀ DIRT Cosmetics Made from earth Hearts & Home A vintage inspired life ❀ Literary Tease Customizable word-based jewelry and accessories