Mother's Day Present

I haven't posted that much lately, mostly because I haven't had that many projects going on. This one I made for my Mom for Mother's Day. I finished it in February. I started it in January because I was worried I might not finish it. Having never made a full sized, adult sweater before I was unsure how quickly I would be able to finish it and if I would have any issues with the yarn or pattern, etc. Needless to say, it was super easy and actually really fun to make. The pattern is from Knitscene Winter '07/Spring '08 issue. I had wanted to make it in blue, but my local yarn shop didn't have enough yarn in a blue color, so I went with purple. I love that there were no seams. Personally, seaming a sweater is my least favorite part. If I can do one without having to do any seaming I'm a happy knitter. I love the seed stitch border and the ribbon accent is so fun. I got the ribbon from the site suggested in the pattern: lesbonribbon.com. I asked my Mom to send me a picture of her in it. Once she does I'll post it so you can see it on her. Until then, here are a couple of pictures of the finished piece. I will have to dig through my stash for the yarn that I used. It's cotton and I believe hand-dyed. I got it a shop here in Bozeman called Stix.

Finished sweater.
Detail of neckline.

New t-shirt

It's been a long time. I have been working on projects for gifts and don't want to post them until they have been given . . . so, I have had some fun with a book I got for my birthday. I heard about it from my friend Jill. It's called "Generation T: 108 ways to transform a T-shirt. I added the sleeves, the original project left the shirt sleeveless. I think it turned out okay. I love the hood, and it was super easy to make. I'm hoping to make a few more of the projects, especially a bag and I've got a couple of my own ideas floating around in my head.

Baby Bolero

I've finished my first project from one of the books I got for Christmas. I made the Baby Bolero from One Skein: 30 Quick Projects to Knit and Crochet.I used a yarn I had in my stash that I think is a Wool Ease blend. I had balled it and didn't have the tag anymore. The pattern calls for a different yarn, but I didn't have anything that resembled that so I went with the wool blend. It turned out pretty good. I am still working on the picking up stitches part of doing collars. It's very tricky, I think. So, I'm happy with how this turned out, but would have been a little happier with a better collar. I had to pull it out once and didn't really want to do it again. Here are some pics:

Front view.
Back view.

I know a few women that are due in the spring so I'm pretty sure this one will be a gift. I'm playing with the idea of adding a crocheted flower pin, but I'll need to brush up on my crochet skills, so we'll see.

Exciting freelance projects completed!

These aren't so much crafty projects, but I'm super excited that I've finally finished them. Just today the Comma-Q Architecture web site went LIVE! This project has been going on for over a year, with a change in concept and a total re-design. But, in the end it is totally worth it because I think the final product better suits the office, their work, people and clients. I learned a lot and feel a bit more confident in my web coding skills. They're great clients, very creative and very understanding in terms of my learning curve. Here's a link: www.commaq.com

I also completed another web site design just before the holidays. It turned out well and I think is a much needed improvement from the previous site. More information, more current news and events makes the site more useful for the client and the visitors to the site. Here's a link: www.bpnc-chicago.org

Yay for finished projects!

Sweater ending

I decided not to add anything to the baby cardigan and am off to send it to my good friend Julie for her baby Ian. I'm sure she'll love it and hopefully it will fit him okay. I hope she'll send me a picture of him in it, or I'll get to see him in it soon. My next project is still undecided. . . I just got a few knitting books for Christmas that I'm hoping will help me use up some of my leftover yarn. They are 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders and One Skein: 30 Quick Projects to Knit or Crochet. Both have some super cute projects in them that I'd like to try. I also picked up the latest issue of Knitscene that has some sweet projects and also features my friend Jill. So, there is much to look forward too . . . I also have purse/bag ideas floating around in my head that I want to try to create . . . so many ideas, so little time. TTFN!

Kind of published

So, we opted out of being included in the printed annual for our GDUSA Award, but Sara Lynn Design is listed on the GDUSA site under American Graphic Design Awards Winners and I've highlighted our name in the screen shot below. My previous employer was also honored, so I highlighted that as well. Not sure yet if I worked on any of the pieces that were chosen. If I find out I did I'll be sure to post them here.

Sweater Finished . . . well, almost . . .

I've finished the cardigan except for the addition of the dump truck. I'm having second thoughts. Mostly because it will take me awhile to do and I'm pressed for time these days. I can't decide if I should put it off and do in after the holidays or give it away as it is. Anyhow, while I decide I thought I'd share a pick of the finished piece as it is now.

Baby Cardigan: Part II

I am almost finished with the cardigan. It's been going pretty well, except for the neckline and button band/buttonhole band. I have never knitted anything that required picking up stitches. I found it really difficult and I think I took out the neck 5 or 6 times before I finally thought it looked okay (not perfect, but functional and fairly decent). I only have the buttonhole band left to do and then just sewing in the ends. I am thinking I would like to stitch something into the back as well. I've never done that before either, but think I could figure it out. My husband suggested a dump truck. I'm still undecided. For now I just want to finish up the knitting part.

Just the buttonhole band left to go!

Any suggestions on what could go on the back? Leave me a comment if you think of something super cool (preferably for a baby boy).

Sweet baby Ian

My best friend, Julie had her baby on October 28. My mom was in town last weekend and we went up to visit Julie and meet Ian. He is the sweetest baby! Thought I'd share a couple pictures.

Baby Cardigan

I'm trying the baby sweater again, but this time I'm doing it with a pattern and taking my time. It's hard for me to be patient sometimes, but with this one I want to do it right. I've finished the back and one front side panel. So far it's going well, except for some curling issues, but I figure those will work out when I sew the pieces together. I had the yarn for a different project that didn't go as planned. I'm thinking of adding something to the back when I'm finished, but I haven't decided what yet.

First commissioned photo album

It's been awhile since I posted. October was a hectic, but fun, month. A trip to Vegas, parents in law for a visit and a wedding in California. Lots of fun, but not much time for posting or crafting. Anyhow, before things got too hectic I finished the album below for a friend of mine. She gave it as a gift to a friend for her twin boys 1st birthday. She asked for a "nautical/Cape Cod" type feel. The pictures don't really do it justice (I know I need to work on photographing my work better), but the album was possibly the best one I've made to date, AND it was my first commissioned photo album!

Baby Shower Crafty Fun

My best friend is due in October with her first child. It's a boy and I wanted to help plan a shower for her. She lives in MT as well, just 3 hours away (it is totally crazy that we both ended up in MT. We've been friends for 23 years). I designed an invitation, then wrapped some Hershey's minis in labels with a similar theme. I then decided I'd take the images from the invite and make some onesies. I used inkjet iron-on paper. In my experience these kinds of shirts don't last long, but for a little baby that is probably fine. He won't wear them very long. The shower was this past weekend and it was a ton of fun. She got some really great gifts. That baby will be stylin' :)

The theme for the invite was "rock & roll". Her husband plays the drums and I thought it would be fun to use that as a theme since they're having a boy. I developed the format/design based of a drum illustration I found. I made stickers that said "It's a Boy" to put over the bass drum to hold the invite closed. When opened it said "Let's Rock & Roll" . . . etc. They turned out so well I was thinking they could even work as birth announcements. Just replace the inside center page with a picture of the baby and the name, birthday, etc. info on the side panels.

This picture isn't very good, but I just made labels with the "It's a Boy" and drumset illustration and wrapped them around the minis. I used the full sheet label paper. It works well, although the color is dull due to the matte finish. I don't know if they make a glossy version but if they do it would probably work even better.

I created the designs for the onesies on the computer based off the colors and images from the invite. The only exception was one with a pic of a baby playing the drums. It's a great image. I then printed and ironed on the designs. I also gave her a "My 1st Levis" gift box that had a baby pair of Levis and a Jean jacket in it, along with a pair of socks and a T-shirt. I also gave her a Smartwool baby hat and mitten set in blue and red. Everything coordinated so she can mix and match. I can't wait to see him in everything!

Award Winner

Jim and I designed, printed and assembled our wedding invitations. We also created a booklet for our out-of-town guests so they would know a little about Kalamazoo, where to get a good sandwich or beer, what time to be at the church, etc. We entered the package in a couple design contests and yesterday received a certificate and notification that our design was chosen for the American Graphic Design Awards 2007. This contest is held by GDUSA. Pretty sweet! Only downside/s is they mispelled my maiden name on the certificate and it costs $250 to get it published in their annual. Still pretty sweet though!

Baby Album

A friend of mine had a baby girl at the end of June. I finally finished an album to send as a gift last week. It turned out really well and I love the fabric I found for the cover. It was a remenant at Jo-Ann's. I think it is upolstery fabric. Anyhow, the blue sheen went well with some chocolate brown fabric and ribbon I already had. I also had chocolate brown paper on hand for the interior covers and for the binding. It's a smaller version of the album we made for my parents, but without the window mattes. I put a custom card in the front that states the album was created in celebration of the birth of my friend's daughter. I love giving hand-made gifts. They always feel more personal. And I love making them.

Wedding Album

Jim and I created photo albums for our parents as Thank You gift following our wedding. They turned out really well. We had the photos printed locally and then mounted them in the albums and sent them off. This is the one I created for my folks. The cool thing is that the pages are mattes around the images. We cut them and folded them in half so that it created a kind of envelope. Then we cut out the matte windows, mounted the photos and tied them into the binding. It was a process, but the final result turned out so well I definitely hope to make some more in the future.

Baby Sweater

Well, I finished the baby sweater. It looks pretty cute but I'm not entirely sure it will fit any baby. The neck isn't very big and it doesn't have too much give. The sleeves actually ended up being too long, but I cuffed them and think they would work fine this way. I asked a friend of mine with a 4 month old how big his head is and she said she wasn't sure, maybe 16" around or so. I'm not entirely sure if I'll give it to someone or not, but at least now I know I can knit a sweater.

In the works

Well, I haven't gotten very far with my next dress, but here is a sneak peek at the fabric and style. Sorry for the crappy pic. I'm doing letter "C" in the bottom left corner with this yellow on white cotton flower patterened fabric. I'm actually really excited for the dress, but can't seem to motivate myself to finish cutting it out. That is my least favorite part of sewing—cutting everything out. It takes me so long and I just want to SEW!

In my break time from slacking on my dress I decided to give knitting a sweater a try. I've never knit a sweater before and instead of knitting an actual size from a pattern I decided to wing it and try this pattern in a baby size. Go figure :P I think I'm doing alright so far with the front and back pieces and the pattern is super simple. The sleeves are making me a little nervous, but I'm taking good notes on what I'm doing for the first one so that I can just recreate it for the second one. Wish me luck :) Hopefully it will at least be good for a stuffed animal or something . . .

Crafty Fun: Part 2

It has been so hot here lately it's crazy. I think they're going to have to rewrite the record books. The airport reported 106 yesterday! Today is much better, but all this hotness made me wish I had more summery dresses. The kind you can just pull on and be comfy and cool in. I hit Jo-Ann Fabrics post July 4th and they were still having a sale. I got 3 patterns and enough fabric for 3 dresses for $30. Sweet! Anyhow, here is dress #1:


I was inspired by our recent trip to the rodeo :) The fabric was only $2 a yard and it's super soft. One thing that I found out is that pattern sizes are totally whack! I should have read the pattern closer before I cut it out. I tried on the top before finishing it at the shoulder seams and it's a good thing I did. This dress has no zipper, it just slips over your head. If I had finished the shoulders I don't think it would have gone over my head. So, I improvised with the ties and I think it actually adds a bit of fun to the dress.

I'm hoping I can get the other two finished before summer is over :) But, we'll see. . . .

Crafty Fun: Part 1

I've had the last few days off and in the last month or so have had the itch to get crafty. Especially to sew. I made these onesies for a friend of mine who is due next month. She lives back in Michigan and invited me to her baby shower but I couldn't get back to go. I wanted to send her a gift and knew she is having a boy so I started looking for unique and cute boy baby clothes. Boo to what is out there. I was disappointed. I went to the fabric store to look for patterns to make something and there was 1, maybe 2 patterns that were for boys. I found someone making onesies like these and thought I'd give it a shot myself. They turned out so cute!! I think I may make some for ANOTHER friend of mine that is due in late fall (and also knows she's having a boy).

Oops

I cancelled my saralynndesign.com account and apparently there were images from my blogged still linking to the server for that site. Ooops. It's for previous posts and my header so I'm not going to worry about it for now. I plan to overhaul the look for this blog anyway, but I apologize for things not showing up if you're surfing into the archives.

New Project

I used to write in journals almost every day. Up until a few years ago I'd usually finish a blank journal in a year. I've slacked big time and it's been on my mind lately to start up again. I thought maybe one reason I haven't done it so much lately is because my current journal is really hard to write in. It doesn't lay flat, which I think is totally annoying when you want to write a lot. So, I've decided to try using the computer and typing out my entries in snazzy designed pages created by me :) Then, every 6 months or every year I'll print them all out and bind them into a book. What do you think? I found a program that will create imposition layouts for me. That was the one thing that made it seem to daunting a task at first. Mine won't be nearly as complicated as the one shown on Wikepedia, but having to figure out how to match up pages for printing when you have over 10 can be a big pain. I will post some page designs as I get them done and of course pics of the books when they are bound. It will be a slow, ongoing project but I think it will give me the incentive to start writing again.

Pictures . . . finally!

It's been awhile since I posted pictures. This is where we went camping this past weekend. Isn't is amazing? I couldn't believe how beautiful the lake was (Cliff Lake) and how clear the water was. If you block out the mountains and trees you'd almost think you were in the tropics! I posted these pics on our Man, Woman, Dog, House site as well. We had a great time camping with our friends. Weekends like that are what makes living out here so great. It took us an hour and a half, maybe two to get there, pitched a tent, set up a campfire and just relaxed. I am still getting used to sleeping in the wilderness though and didn't sleep too well on Friday. It was sooooo quiet and I'm used to having a fan on and earplugs in (Jim snores). It was great, although 2 days with no shower is about as long as I can stand. Actually, the only thing that starts to bug me is having my hands and face be so dirty. I hate the feeling of dirty hands, it drives me crazy. Anyhow . . . these pics are to lure my friends and family out for a visit :) I miss you all.

Fun stuff

I just got the latest Liquid Treat and it profiles a couple of great blog/sites. One called "Obsessive Consumption" was started by a shopaholic who began creating illustrations of her credit card statements and selling them to pay off the minimum balance. What a great idea! I love people who take the ordinary and make it interesting. The other is a woman who made a list of 101 things she wants to accomplish and has given herself 1001 days to do so. It's called "Daily Guilt". The set up is great because along the left side of the blog she has crossed off the ones she has completed, but you can still go back and read the post. Great stuff. I wish my blog was that interesting.

New job!

I have accepted a position with Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply in Bozeman to start July 9. I am really excited about this new opportunity. It is with their internal marketing department and I'll be working on anything from ads to in-store signage to possibly new product packaging. The women I met with are super cool and I think this is a great next step for my career. Also, no more commute :) Which is somewhat hard for me to grasp since I've commuted for my entire professional career so far. I'll be 5mins from work! Crazy!

Sorry for the lack of pictures lately. We went camping this weekend at a really awesome lake and I got some good pics that I'll try to post this week.

Lucinda Williams in Bozeman

We went to see Lucinda Williams last night at the Emerson Theater in Bozeman. I thought it was a good show. She is super talented. Her lyrics and songwriting have this simplicity to them that I love. It kind of takes you back. I've seen her before when I lived in Chicago and last night made me miss that music scene. I saw a lot of great shows when I was living there and there was almost always a show worth seeing every weekend. I miss that.

She has a new album out that is pretty good, however "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" still remains my favorite. I think I can say I love every song on that one.

Blue lobster?

I did not know that a blue lobster could even exist. Look at that color? It's so cool I just had to post the pic. The way nature creates colors sometimes blows my mind.

saralynndesign.com

Hello. I have decided that as of July 1, 2007 www.saralynndesign.com will no longer exist. I will instead be directing people to this blog for the time being as I re-evaluate my career and freelance work, etc. Please come back to the blog often as I hope to keep it up to date on progress. Thanks to all who have visited in the last two years or so.

S

Addict

So, I think I'm becoming a bit of a blog addict. There are sooooo many, many awesome sites out there. I just came across one today for a mag that sounds totally awesome. Most of you crafties probably already know about it, it's called ReadyMade. I think I might have to subscribe . . . although it could be totally bad for my already insatiable craft addiction. I've added a link to my list. Check it out sometime.

I've also added a link to our new family blog. We're having fun with the house and Bill and are trying to keep our friends and family up to speed with what we're up to. It's called "Man, woman, dog, house".

Check it.
S

Phasing out . . . .

I've been taking some time lately to re-evaluate Sara Lynn Design and my goals for my career and personal life. I've decided to take the time to get serious about creating a design business and feel that this step requires a full overhaul and review of Sara Lynn Design. Therefore, I am beginning the process of phasing out the Sara Lynn Design business name while I work to create a new business plan. This blog will remain active as it is for now, but may change in the future. This is just a heads up to anyone who may visit this site or saralynndesign.com.

I'll be sure to post on any progress. Thanks!
S

Moved in!

We've moved into 511 North 3rd Avenue! Not everything is moved yet, we've hired people for the bulk of the stuff, but we are staying there and have Bill with us. We've even started some renovations and put a coat of paint on our bedroom walls last night. It looks better already. We're hoping to get a large chunk of painting done before the furniture is in on Friday morning. A bit ambitious, but will be easier that way if we can pull it off. I have to finish packing our stuff at 120 South Black tonight and then we should be set to have the movers just pick everything up and go. Last night Bill got a bath. He was filthy. So much so that when you pet him your hand came a shade of dirt brown. He's better now that he's had a bath, although he didn't enjoy it so much and was scared to be upstairs for the rest of the night last night. I took him for a walk early this morning and hope to start running with him soon. We just can't wait to be moved and start to settle in. It's all very fun and somewhat overwhelming . . . . but so exciting! Come visit! We have an "official" guest room now :)

House, dog . . . what's next?

Well, we've bought a house . . . and a dog. Pretty awesome news. We are so excited to move (we close in two weeks) and Bill is such a sweetheart we can't wait until we can have him at home with us. We have a very exciting summer ahead of us.

LillyJean Shop OPEN!!

Hello! I have officially opened a LillyJean shop on Etsy.com. It took me all day to get photos ready and posted, but it looks good and I hope will provide me with some exposure beyond Bozeman. Please visit and see if there is anything you might be interested in. I am working on increasing my inventory, but for now this is what I have available for immediate sale. Shop at www.lillyjean.etsy.com

If you like what you see, but have something more personal or custom in mind send me an email or give me a call. I love custom orders!

Thanks!
S

Married!!

It's official, we're hitched! It was such a great day, perfect really. Jim and I wouldn't have changed a thing. It was so special celebrating with all of our closest friends and family. I loved my dress and felt so beautiful. We danced and partied on into the night. There was snow on the ground and everyone looked fantastic. We headed to Mexico the week after and laid on the beach, drank Tecaté and margaritas and came back with a nice brown tan.

In other less exciting news, I am currenlty revisiting my portfolio section of the site and hope to have an updated portfolio up very soon. I am also still trying to execute a more proper site for LillyJean. There just don't seem to be enough hours in the day :) More soon . . . .

Journal project

Yo! Happy New Year! So far 2007 is off to a good start. Wedding plans are being finalized, people are responding, it's going to be a fantastic party.

I finished a project I was commissioned to do by my sister-in-law. I've uploaded the photos so take a look. They are small journals, about 4.25" x 5.5". She asked me to make 20 of them. I think they turned out nice and I plan to add this style to my "Signature" collection of albums and journals. It feels good to finish such a large project and have it be successful.

I think we'll be hitting the mountain tomorrow for some skiing/snowboarding. We were going to go today, but the web site for the mountain said the wind speed on the ridge was 424 mph. What? We think that was a mistake, but it was really windy. Hopefully tomorrow will be calmer.

Later . . .

Another for the list . . .

I was reading through some old posts and realized I haven't added anything to the Top 10 list lately. I'm not even sure what number I am on? 6? 7? Well, I'll check it out, but whatever number I'm on this should definitely be on the list:

RoShamBo (Paper store, overall AWESOME store!)

RoShamBo is the closest thing to The Paper Source or Kate's Paperie out here in Bozeman. Being the paper crafty person that I am it is such a cool place to visit for supplies or just for inspiration. They also carry really great gifts, bags, cards, jewelry and baby stuff. The ambience of the space is warm and inviting and I could probably spend a whole day in there :) J/K. It's an awesome store though. Check out the link in the links list to the right.

Word up.

Updates & Mimes

Hi all. It's been awhile. Things have been semi-hectic with wedding plans, etc, but it's going well. We're making our invitations ourselves and we're still in the printing process, but I think it will progress smoothly.

I have recently been commissioned for a fun new project. My sister-in-law wants me to make 20 small journals for her to give as gifts to her clients after the new year. I made a prototype this weekend and am sending it to her. It's going to be great and a nice series once they are finished. I plan to take photos of them and post them and I am thinking I may add this type of book to my "Signature" series. It's slow going for the update to the LillyJean site, but I hope that I can pay it more attention after our wedding invitations have been sent out.

Jim and I were mimes for Halloween. It was fun and an easy costume to put together last minute. I've included a pic. Chao for now.

S

Just saying "Hi"

Yo. It's been a little while. Thought I'd check in. I'm busy, busy with wedding plans and invitation designing. We're doing them all by hand ourselves so it's going to be a lot of work, but I think they'll be totally unique and awesome! I've been researching some new binding techniques for a guest book creation. I'm hoping I can make it without stressing out too bad.

We took a trip out to AZ a few weeks ago and comboed it with a wedding in WI. Good times. It was hot (100+) and sunny and great to have a week without work. I'm looking forward to our honeymoon, which is looking like it will be in Mexico. Sweet. I would love to know a little more Spanish before then, or do you think I can get by with "hola" and "quesidilla"? Not sure I spelled those right.

Well, it seems I've become very sleepy in the last few minutes. Off to slumberland I go . . .

Mountain climber

Yo. It's official. I am a mountain climber :) Jim and I did a short trip this past weekend over the Beartooth pass and into Yellowstone. I found the most awesome hat ever, and we climbed Mt. Washburn. I've included a picture of me at the top with the elevation sign so you can see for yourselves. Good times.

Last week was my first week at the FM with LillyJean. It went pretty well. I sold 2 sets of notecards and one photo album. Progress for sure. A lot of people took my business card which is always good. My goal after next weeks FM is to start working on a site redesign that allows people to place orders and pay through my site. I would also like to try going into some shops in Bozeman to see if they would be interested in selling the albums. I'm currently working on a wedding album for friends and hope to start on a baby album as well. I have also recently realized that these albums are more awesome than I initially thought :) The paper is so great because you can write on it as well, so you can make these albums into little scrap books of a special trip or day or person or whatever you want. I think that is pretty cool, that you can just write directly on the page and create these mini pieces of art within the album.

Dress shopping is this weekend. Bring on the lace! TTFN.

S