:: A Scam Story - the details

This is a post I've been dreading to write.  It makes me feel vulnerable.  And foolish.  And it brings back emotions I'd rather not remember.  But I've had an incredible number of sweet ladies show concern and ask questions, I feel like an explanation is necessary. 

First off, I'd just like to say a huge thank you to each of you who had kind, sympathetic things to say on my Instagram post a few weeks ago.  Even though it didn't change the circumstances of my situation, it's amazing what kindness and compassion can do to a hurting heart.  So a big Thank You to each of you (you know who you are)!!

So here goes...
I bought my very first sewing machine back in 1996 with money gifts given to me when I graduated from High School.  It was love at first sight.  Nothing fancy, but she has treated me well and does all I've needed her to.

However, with the amount of sewing I do, there are some features on a nicer model that would make life much easier for me. (as I'm sure many of you feel, as well)  Over the past 3 years I've drooled over the Bernina Aurora model, but I knew it wasn't even a financial possibility, with us being a 1-income family and raising 5 little kids.  Despite that, a girl's gotta dream, right?!  So this past year I began following used machines on ebay, as well as regularly calling my local Bernina store to see if they ever got any trade-in's, in order to get a feel for their price-range. 

In November, my husband received an unexpected bonus from his work, and he surprised me by saying he thought we would have enough leftover (after paying bills) to buy one!  I was over the moon!  I began watching machines on ebay in ernest, and even tried to bid on a few.  I decided to wait till January and the higher Christmas prices went back down.

A few weeks ago, through a series of events, I found a Bernina Aurora 440 on an online classified add,  and I was able to talk the seller down to a great price.  We chatted back and forth - she told me her husband was in the military and they had been relocated, but had to leave some of their things behind with a relocating company (Perfect Trade) to sell for them.  The company's website was very reassuring, offering a 10-day-money-back gurarantee, etc.

I guess I am too trusting.  And maybe I was a little over-eager as well.  Regardless, I sent my money through Western Union (first time I've ever bought a money order) on a Sunday, and waited eagerly to get my machine that Friday.  (I know, everyone tells me NOW that was a classic mistake - and I feel even worse!) 

During the week I tried contacting the selling company twice, but didn't hear a word back - total silence.  It was then my heart began to sink.
All day Friday I waited.  Not knowing if I was going to be heartbroken, or if "Christmas" was going to come!  Just hoping against hope that the UPS man would show up on my doorstep (he usually comes between 5-6pm).  But when Josh walked through the doorway at 6:15, I knew it was over, and I just sobbed.  And sobbed.  And sobbed...

Like I said, the range of emotions I felt are hard to put into words. Extreme disappointment that I wasn't getting my "dream machine", shame at loosing so much of Josh's hard-earned money, embarassement that I got scammed, anger that someone would take money from honest, hardworking families like us...

That weekend I did a lot of praying.  I told God that it was hard, but I trusted Him, and that if/when He wanted me to have a nicer machine, He'd work it out.  Otherwise, I'd be content with the machine I DO have, and the many other blessing He's already given me.  Faith in a loving Heavenly Father got me through that emotional weekend when all I felt like doing was staying in bed and crying.  =)

A few days later I posted a small version of the story on Instagram, and that's where you all came in.  Your comments and offers to help were like balm to my heart.  And it restored my faith in the goodwill of common man (or women).  I've sewn for many years of my life, seriously quilted for the past 3.5, and been a part of the online sewing community for only the past year.  But I have been blown away by the kindness I have seen there in all of you, and the compassion.  You are amazing!  Truly.

Anyways - this is the story in full.  I wanted to make sure and let you know it had nothing to do with Ebay or Paypal, as some of you have asked.  (How I wish it did!  They have so much buyer protection).  But I'm still working at trusting God.  I'm still sewing.  Still mothering my children.  And still trying to be a loving wife to my grace-giving husband (who not once made me feel bad about this whole thing).  Thank God for good men like him.  =)


UPDATE:  to read the amazing ending to this story, click here!

:: Sew-Together Bags

I first saw this Sew-Together-Bag when a friend of mine (Krista @kristastitched) made one and put a picture of it on Instagram.  I instantly fell in love with it, and all the pockets and organizing storage it offers - perfect for teachers supplies, makeup or sewing notions.  Which then gave me the crazy idea to make one for teacher's Christmas gifts (the kids' Science/Spanish class) as well as Christmas gifts for a few of my friends.

8 bags later I can testify to it not being a super fast pattern, but a very satisfying project.  I used scraps to make a pieced strip in the front, and then added monograms to personalize each one (I love the way they turned out!).  But really, these can be personalized, or made as scrappy or streamlined as you want.

I ended up cutting out all the pieces for each bag at one time, which helped speed up the process.  And then I'd sew 2-3 at a time - kinda like chain-piecing quilts...but...bags.  On a few of them I mis-cut the front panels, and had to improvise by adding another narrow strip of fabric, and then made it look like it was on purpose! 

For my friends that sew, I added a little felted wool rectangle (from a shrunken wool sweater) for pins/needles.

Since I needed (24) 9" zippers, I bought mine from a little shop over at Etsy, called ZipIt.  Bulk pricing ended up being much better than buying individually at JoAnn's, and I was very pleased with the quality, not to mention it was so fun to pick colors from such a nice assortment! 

Packaging got creative when I went to mail these - and necessity is indeed the mother of invention.  My pantry provided the perfect mailing package, and after I wrapped the oats tubs in brown paper they looked "inventive" if nothing else.  Even the Post Office employee commented on them being unique.  At least she made me feel like it was cute - even if it was ghetto.  =)

Overall they were a hit, and after Christmas was over and I could catch my breath, I made one more for me.  Now I can't wait to fill it with all my sewing notions!

At first I hesitated a bit when I saw the price of the pattern, but when I realized how many bags I'd be making, averaged out, it ended up being a steal. =)  Plus the pattern is brilliant. 

Oh yeah - if you want to check out pictures of other Sew Together Bags, head on over to Instagram and look up @sewdemented's #sewtogetherbag.  And be sure to let me know if you make one too.

 

Bag Info:

Pattern: Sew Together Bag - pattern at Craftsy.com

Outside Fabric:  Essex Yarn Dyed Linen - in black

zippers: ZipIt (Etsy.com)

 

 

 

:: weekend

I know it's been a while since I've written on this blog of mine.  That usually happens whenever I am up to my eyes in projects and keeping everything else going.  But boy has has it been fun!  Now that Christmas is over, things have slowed down a bit and I have so much I'd like to write about and show you.

But first things first - it seemed appropriate to share a few of these snowy pictures from our cold weekend.  We enjoyed talking and relaxing by the warm fire, but were also driven (by our children's energy levels) out to do some snow shoveling, hauling up firewood, and also fun. 

 

 

 

 At this point, fingers and cheeks were freezing, and children began heading indoors.

(funny fact:  I have no idea how these snowflakes started moving or how to make them stop!  I guess my photo uploading software noticed the flakes in the picture and automatically added them - haha!)

Jack and Ellie did a lot of whittling and carving by the fireside, too.  We had wood shavings everywhere (yes - everywhere), but it provided hours of creative entertainment.

A few weeks ago my Mom suggested setting this little man on the counter beside me while I work or cook in the kitchen.  She said she did that with us kids when we were little.  And from the first time I lifted him up, we've never gone back.  It's been a lifesaver - he's happy to be near me and able to see what's going on, and I'm able to get things done without him holding onto my legs and fussing.  Don't know why I didn't think of it myself - and I'm so thankful for others who give pointers along the way.

 Overall - it was a great weekend: warm - cold - AND I began my January de-cluttering, and boy does it feel good! (more on that later).

 



{this moment}

. . . . . . . .

{this moment} - Every Friday.
A single photo - no words - capturing a simple, special moment from the week.
A moment I want to savor and remember forever. 

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .
If you're inspired to do the same,
leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for others to find and see. (SouleMama)

:: What a little (or a lot) of work will do

I've been looking for a sewing hutch - a place to store my extra fabric and supplies, as well as my patterns and quilting tools.  About a month ago I found this beauty at our local GoodWill store - AND it was on Half-Off Saturday!  (Yes - I was practically dancing right there in the store).  Even though it was a little bit bigger than I had in mind, the bones were exactly what I was looking for, the detailing was beautiful, and it was a Thomasville - which means high quality craftmanship, real wood, and dovetail drawers.  It wasn't the color I was looking for, but we all know THAT is how you get a good deal.  You can't have Pottery Barn beauty and quality, AND a Goodwill price tag.  =)  Good thing I know how to paint.  So it came home with me.

 With the first few brush strokes of primer, I began getting very worried.  I knew I was either crazy...or brave.  I decided crazy.  It was a bear to paint every surface of every shelf and door, but at that point I knew I didn't have a choice but to continue.  Let me just warn you: if you're thinking of painting your first piece of furniture, don't start with a china hutch.  =)
But now that the final coat of creamy paint is on, I'm so glad I did it - despite the many hours of work. 
Our eating table and countertops are covered, so the family's been flexible and we've enjoyed eating on a folding table.  It's so funny, things that adults find an inconvenience, the kids' think exciting.

Can't wait to show it to you finished!



:: Baby-doll shirts

A few weeks ago I went shirt shopping for my oldest girl, who is just about to turn 7.  I was amazed at the dismal selection of cute, feminine shirts.  It seems like most of the stores only had shirts that looked way too grown up.  She had one shirt I loved from The GAP (bought at a consignment store), so I found a shirt pattern that was similar, and bought it when JoAnn's was running them for $.99.  This baby-doll style of shirt seems to be flattering on any little girl, and looks adorable with leggings or jeans. (McCall's 6388)

If you haven't noticed, I have a thing for polka-dots.  =)  Now I just wish I could make a few for me.