Update from Mrs. M.I.A.
Posted on November 27, 2007
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I know…it’s been an eternity since I last updated this. I have been crazy (both literally and figuratively) the past month. I’ll have to update you on all the details later when I get more time. Since I got back from vacation I have been working on wrapping up my pattern, setting up all kinds of business related stuff (like that technical term?) and preparing for my first sales. This weekend I will be opening shop at a friend’s open-house AND a craft fair, both which occur on the SAME WEEKEND! Am I nuts?! Yes. Will I be ready in time? Ummm…let’s just say that I hope so. Am I enjoying all of these experiences? Yes…maybe…sometimes…yes, yes I am! It’s definitely been exciting times.
Info on the craft fair — check out my website (well…actually it’s just a glorified park page right now…so don’t wince when you see it) and you’ll see info about it at the bottom of the page.
I’m sorry for the rushed note, but I’m quickly loosing consciousness…been up for a very long time and had a very long day. I promise I’ll update you on everything soon. Come see me this weekend!! 
Hope you are doing great and check back soon!
Tap, tap, whoosh, whoosh, grumble, grumble…
Posted on October 18, 2007
Filed Under Random thoughts and inspirations | 1 Comment
…those are the sounds of our rainy beach day. The rain clouds have interrupted our plans to go to the Destin Marina today so we are having a glorious day of relaxing, reading and listing to music of Dave Matthews, Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Robert Randolf and The Family Band, Marvin Gaye (got to get funky every once in awhile), Bob Marley, The Black Crowes, and Keb ‘Mo (just to name a few). Ahh…((content sigh))…I love vacation…please don’t ever end!! We are so happy with our condo and plan on making it a regular destination spot in the future (see end of post for more details). It’s so peaceful and quiet here. I’ve slept well every night since we’ve been here, which is nothing short of a miracle. We’ve enjoyed lazing around in the mornings, soaking up some rays, reading, shopping, eating dinner on the beach at The Crab Trap, Capt. Dave’s, and Pompano Joe’s. The food has been absolutely delicious. I think I’m going to turn into a bowl of clam chowder if I eat any more…but oooh it’s so good! It’s been a glorious vacation and certainly one that will live in our memories for a long, long time. We’ve had so many moments of looking into each other’s eyes and smiling with our souls. That’s what I love about vacation. We don’t have deadlines, chores, work, errands, and stress to cloud our vision of each other and our love. Don’t get me wrong, we are a very, very loving couple and very much enjoy each other’s company every day. But when we are on vacation we are so silly and loving. I swear if there was a secret camera allowing you to watch our daily silliness you would roll about laughing until you tee-tee your pants. Thankfully you can’t see us so we can retain some of your respect. 
Alas, today is our last day of laying about doing nothing. Tomorrow we pack up and head back home. While I don’t want this bliss to end I am ready to get home and get back to work. Wha?! Who am I kidding? I’m just trying to talk myself back into it so it’s not such a shock to the system when we return.
Well, I must wrap this up so we can make a very difficult decision…where do we want to eat tonight? I think we are going to try this place. We’ve heard good things about it and it’s just down the road a bit. We have to be back by 7pm because tonight is our big TV night! We may be on vacation but we can’t miss our shows–My Name is Earl, The Office, and ER –so we must plan accordingly. Life is tough down here in margaritaville. Wishing you well and I will write again once we get home and settled. I have so many pictures to share with you! Take care dear friends!
* If you want to see the condo we stayed at then go to www.oceanreefresorts.com. Search on the following criteria: Location - Beaches of South Walton, Type - Condominiums & Townhomes, and then check-mark Gulf Front. Then find Blue Mountain Villas. We highly recommend it!
Greetings from the beach
Posted on October 16, 2007
Filed Under Random thoughts and inspirations | 1 Comment
Hello! Have you given up on me? I apologize for the loooong delay of updating you on my activities. I have been a very, very busy bee! Between designing my first purse pattern, making birthday gifts, doing laundry, packing for our vacation and running tons of errands I found myself without much time to write you, dear friends! I’m happily writing to you from Blue Mountain Beach, Florida in a very comfy chair overlooking the ocean. Ahhhh…my heaven. Last Thursday we headed south to Destin, FL for my sister-in-law’s wedding. It was on the beach during the sunset and it was absolutely gorgeous! She was a beautiful bride, the weather was perfect and everyone was so happy. I wore this lovely dress by Vera Wang — it’s from her new collection offered at Kohl’s. I bought the black dress with the blueish/gray ribbon. I really loved the cut of the dress and the fabric was dressy, yet simple chic. I loved it so much that I bought the ink colored one too! Hey, if you find something you love then buy it in all colors, right!? I’ll share some photos when we return.
We’ve had a wonderful time so far. Until today the weather has been perfect and we’ve enjoyed spending time with family, eating seafood and watching the waves. Yesterday we went to Seaside, FL for a little shopping in the town’s square. Josh bought me a gorgeous pair of earrings at this store and I bought a blue starfish paperweight. Check out their glass chandeliers - AMAZING! Then we went for a margarita (or four!) at Bud and Alley’s on the roof deck bar while watching the sunset, which was heavenly! I can’t wait to show you the pictures! If you are ever in this area I HIGHLY recommend you add this to your itinerary. It’s the most beautiful little beach town and the view at Bud and Alley’s is incredible. The only rough spot in our trip so far was the first condo we stayed at was not very nice so we moved to another one (which is perfect!) and the Red Tide moved in so our allergies have flared up. Otherwise we’ve had a wonderful, relaxing time and I never want to leave! Which leads me to asking for volunteers to pack up all our belongings in Nashville and bring them to us! Anyone!? Okay, you can all come!
The last time I updated you I made the Crimson Swirl Purse. I absolutely love the design. It’s such a comfortable purse and it holds so much stuff! I made another one in black twill with velvet paisley designs and red suede lining. It was gorgeous! Where is the picture? Well I finished it just in time before we left so I didn’t have enough time to schedule a photo op. And it was a gift for my aunt Jane so it’s in Toledo, Ohio. But don’t fret - I promise to make another one because I loved it so much. This week I am using this down-time to decide on the final tweaks to the design and naming it. When I get back this purse is number one on my production list so I’ll be able to share many pictures with you soon. I really think you are going to love it as much as I do.
Well, I’m going to return to my “rough day” of reading magazines and watching the waves. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it! Sending you happy beach vibes!
Crimson Swirl Purse
Posted on October 1, 2007
Filed Under Handbags | 2 Comments
I’m happy to announce the purse I have been working on is finally finished!! And I really like it! I love the fabric — it’s called Crimson Swirl. The handles are made of black suede - very soft and cushy. It hangs very comfortably on the shoulder and it tucks right under the arm. And most importantly it holds a lot of stuff! Click here to see photos.
What do you think of the design? Any comments are welcome!
I’m going to tweak the design a bit more to make it easier to construct — the original pattern for assembly is ridiculously difficult. The next one I make will be made of corduroy. Still trying to decide on a color. Any votes?
Conspiracy theory
Posted on September 20, 2007
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I’m convinced this purse is conspiring to drive me nuts. “What’s the deal!?” you must be saying to yourselves….I agree…I’ve said that many, MANY times! I swear when I’ve finished this thing I’m going to throw it in the corner and stick my tongue out at it. So there! Sit there all by yourself you are going to be difficult!!! Actually, I think I should throw a grand parade and proudly display this little monster so everyone can see what a week of torture and $40 of sewing machine repairs produces.
I have learned a valuable lesson during this experience — if I like the design of something but would like to tweak it a bit then I should attempt to make it the way it was originally designed FIRST before tweaking it. There are reasons why the designer made it the way it is. Unfortunately I had this realization after I’ve stitched most of it together. But I have found the solution and currently taking the whole thing apart to fix it. I must persevere! As Tim Gunn would say “Make it work!”
Any way, now you know what I’ve been doing. There has been a bright spot in my week — got some new music and HIGHLY recommend the following:
The lead singer of Train has gone solo and it’s great! Pat Monahan - Last of Seven
Jet - Get Born This has been out for awhile so you’ve probably already heard of them and/or have it. I love it! Great stuff! If you listen to “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” and not have the urge to dance and toss your hair around wildly then there is something wrong with you. Go to the doctor immediately!
Well, I’ve got to get back to my insanity. I hope you are having a great day!
Getting back on track…slowly
Posted on September 19, 2007
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Five days and $40 later I will have my sewing machine back (I’m going to pick it up this afternoon).
I promise I will obey the #1 Sewing Rule for now on: Never sew when tired.
Which is why I have to go to Starbucks BEFORE picking up the sewing machine…because we are out of coffee. GASP! I know! It’s like not having…oxygen! Can’t function without it! I firmly placed blame on my husband, Josh, this morning for this catastrophic event. He didn’t tell me that we were down to the last bag of coffee so I could pick some up before running out. AND we are down to the last 10 beans (seriously!) so I couldn’t even make one cup of coffee! I think he should have to do jail time for such an offense. I DEMAND JUSTICE! Okay…must leave now…loosing control of my emotions…must have caffeine soon…
The purse won
Posted on September 14, 2007
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I fought the purse…and the purse won. 
It’s a very deceptive purse…while I was at lunch it broke my sewing machine! It showed me who’s boss! I have no idea what the problem is - the stitches are getting knotted up inside the machine. I’ve tried everything. (sigh) I will have to take the machine to get serviced. I just hope it won’t take too long. Sometimes these places are three weeks behind on service requests. Yikes!
Shhh…I’m going to let you in on a secret…little does purse know but I have another sewing machine…it may have won that battle but the war is not over yet!!
As the purse turns
Posted on September 14, 2007
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The purse drama continues…I may have beat the purse in one challenge yesterday but I was defeated last night. So tired…had to go bed. I was starting to go cross-eyed and couldn’t think straight anymore so it won. The problem is I am altering the pattern a little and that gets complicated. Of course I wouldn’t make it the standard way the first time I make it — I have to ((shake)) things up and make it the way I want it. And I wouldn’t start with a pattern I’ve already made…nooooo…I have to try something new. So silly and stubborn…so typical of me.
Getting a late start today — didn’t sleep well so my head is still in a fog– so will post it as soon as it’s done.
Sew confused…
Posted on September 13, 2007
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Okay, so I thought I would finish the bag this afternoon. I’ve hit a wall and can’t for the life of me figure out how to get two of the pieces together without making it a jumbled mess. I’m sew confused!! So I am going to take it to the sewing gurus tomorrow (Fri.) and ask them for their help. So anticipate a picture tomorrow (hopefully)!
6:07pm update… I figured it out!! I had to walk away from it for awhile - frustration was getting the better part of me. I’d like to think that I walked away from it, then snuck up on it, arm-wrestled into submission and pinned it down. (< Holding my arms up in the air >) TIFFANY IS THE WINNER OF THIS CHALLENGE! Whew! Who said I needed to go talk to those sewing gurus?! Puhh! I’m offended!
I did get a few injuries during the fight - a couple of bleeding spots from stick-pins and a burn on my pointer finger. Note to self: DO NOT iron your finger — only the fabric. Got it. Moving on.
Come to think of it… I figured it out when the Footloose sound track started playing on my i-Tunes…coincidence?? I think not!! I love me some Kevin Bacon.
Okay, I”m going to trudge on. I WILL finish this bag tonight!!! Persevere! But first I have to go cook some dinner. Gah! 
Sew, sew, sew my purse…
Posted on September 13, 2007
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…gently down the fabric…merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily…life is but a dream!
Do you like my new version of that old song? That is my motivation music lately. Actually my motivation music has been a strange mix of AC/DC, Dave Matthews, and INXS — strange mix, don’t you think?! I’m taking a short break from sewing to write this quick update. I should finish the bag this afternoon which I will share a picture with you.
I spent most of yesterday afternoon happily sewing which was peppered with enthusiasm, confusion, cursing, and then back to enthusiam. I ended the evening with confusion thinking I sewed the wrong things together and then I threw in the towel. I told Josh that the universal #1 rule of sewing should be: Never ever sew when you are tired. Bad, bad, bad mixture.
Also, thank you everyone who took the surveys! I really do appreciate your time and the information will be most helpful. I’m so glad I setup those surveys because it is giving me a lot of insight as to what colors will be popular. And I’m really surprised at some of the results — it proved me wrong on a couple of assumptions.
Note: Some of you may not have noticed that there are three surveys. Be sure you take the Colors and Shapes survey — I think five of you missed that one. If you haven’t done them yet there is still time! Thanks again!
I’ll check in with you later! I hope you are having a great day!