Organizing Patterns

Trying to figure out how to organize patterns?

It took a while for me to figure it out.

And I didn't get this idea from anyone else.

I'm sure it has been used a million times.

So it isn't likely to be an original but it works really well for me.

It is a pretty simple system.

First, I bought a bunch of sheet protectors from Target.

{one of my fave all time stores}

Then I print out my patterns.

Do all the tracing for the sizes.

And on the white part of the protector, I write the name of the pattern.

Stuff the pattern in there.

I categorize my patterns in a file cabinet.

Dresses.

Tops.

Rompers.

Pants.

Anything else you can think of.

It is YOURS to customize.

Not too difficult.
Easy to keep up.

The sheet protectors keep everything pretty.

And that is it.

The file cabinet sits right under my sewing machines.

Easy access fo sho!

Now, go on and organize your patterns.

Oh, did I mention it was a cheap way to do so?
Yeah, not too shabby!

Have fun!

My Hobby ~ Photography

I've always loved taking photos.

Something that is in my blood.

My dad use to be a photographing maniac.

And he was pretty good.

It just took me a while to get there.

And a good camera.

And a few reasons to use it.

Those would be my beautiful children.

Secondly, the clothing {SIG} makes.

We all know that photos sell products.

Ya gotta make them look good, right?

Last Christmas I got my Nikon D3000.

Love it.

Adore it.

Then I got an awesome lens for my birthday.

It became a hobby.

Trying to learn how to use it.

I'm still learning.

By no means an expert.

As a matter of fact, I would like to take a class.

I'm a hands on kind of learner.

Can't read and get the concepts.

Someone.must.show.me.

Much like my sewing was a hobby and now a business,

my photography is branching out the same way.

I've gotten a few paid gigs.

They have been lots of fun!

My style is a bit different.

I'm not really in to the posey-posey stuff.

I have been told I fall in to the photo journalism category.

I like to tell a story.

To capture a moment in time.

I was fortunate enough to have been hired to take photos at McKenzie's

birthday party this weekend and the above photos captured her perfectly.

And while I am at it, I am learning Photoshop hence the 2 versions above.

I much prefer the black and white.

Hunter was such a sweet and curious little boy.

I had plenty of opportunities to snag some beautiful photos.

Again, playing in PS & did an edit.

But that isn't all I like to do.

I really like things off the beaten path.

When my friend Kris hooked me up with a local artist, Solomon Kane,

I was able to photograph these awesome longhorn skulls he painted.

I absolutely LOVE the colors.

I have many, many more.

Just not enough time to share them.

But if you like what you see, check out my new Facebook page.

Smoke n' Lens

Have a wonderful Monday!

Christmas Photo Update

You know I have to share what the outfits actually look like on.

And despite the cooler weather, the kids did pretty well.

I know Candace will have gotten quite a few good shots.

Now the waiting begins but until then, check out these photos I managed to get.

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!

I know I have a busy Saturday & get to test my photog skillz at a birthday party.

Peace out!

Christmas Card Photos

Last year at this time, I had just really gotten in to sewing clothes for the kids.

Yes, really...for my kids.

Before that, I was making things for other kids.

Not too much before that though.

Hmmm...has it really only been about 1.5 years?

Geeeeeezzzzz!

Now that makes me want to blog about something else.

Eh hem...back to the topic at hand Miss Astrid.

Which is really our annual photos.

Last year I went simple.

Peasant dresses.

And Ian got a vest.

Yeah, that was all the time & skill set I had.

I was even able to make some head pieces to match.

But this year, I fell in love with some fabric by Ann Kelle.

I had used it to make this adorable pinafore and Ally bloomers for a customer.

Photo by Eye Candy by Candace.

And I think I have a new obsession with chevrons.

That is the zig zag black and white print you see.

Yep, their official "design" name.

The only problem is as much as those ladybugs were cute,

I wanted to just work with the patterned fabric.

Gotta love me some argyle and some chevrons.

AND...

they are gender neutral so I could use all prints for all 3.

Once the fabric arrived, I was stuck.

Call it an artistic block.

It just wasn't coming to me.

Then I started laying out the fabric.

Finally, I had figured it out!

Sofi claimed the red.

She is a red lover.

Just like her momma!

{reverse knot dress w/ apron & ribbon detailing}

Ian is going to wear the argyle pants and suspenders.

{flat front country club pants w/ pockets}

Gabi wanted the blacks.

That's what she got!

{apron knot dress w/ ribbon detailing}

Now all I have left to do is figure out what to do with their hair.

I'm thinking bows by Melbows Place.

And to top it off, it finally got cold in Houston.
Photos are at 9:30 tomorrow morning.

So I have to add long sleeve white shirts to keep them warm.

Now, let's hope they wake up in a good mood.