I am a WIP

Thanks to my sewing machine deciding to freak out and stop working on Monday (read: now I'm sewing on my "backup" machine) and today being a BIG day the focus of my WIP Wednesday today is going to be slightly different.

Because I am a WIP.

We all are, really.... but today is a big day in the "Kim as a WIP" world.  Today is Day 90 of my Bikini Body Mommy 90 day challenge.  I promise this is not a sponsored post.  I promise I AM the girl who HATES running and puts exercise / eating well / making time for ME last.  But that has changed.

This photo below.... it freaks me out.   It makes me uncomfortable.  The day 1 photo?  It's almost like that nightmare where you're giving a speech and you're naked.

I am a WIP.

90 days ago - January 17, 2014 - a friend of mine posted about a "killer 8 minutes" of a workout she was giving a try.  I asked about it - and joined a group on Facebook - and thought I would give it a go.  The first day of this challenge is a fit test - 8 minutes.... psh - I could handle 8 minutes!

Holy moly.

50 seconds of activity, 10 seconds rest - immediately move to the next activity.

Speed Squats, High Knees, Push Ups, Jump Squats, Tricep Dips, Burpees, Alternating Lunges, Elbow Plank (hold as long as possible - could be more than 50 seconds).

On day 1 I wasn't sure what each of those exercises was.... but I learned.  Quickly.

Today is day 90.  90 days of a 6-days-a-week workout routine.  Alternating strength days and cardio days (though she is NOT joking anyone - the strength days are awesome cardio, too - and the cardio days are building strength!)

Over the last 90 days I have gained strength, courage, confidence, and respect for myself.  I have become accountable.  I have modeled healthy choices - food and exercise - to my kiddos.  I have battled through TOUGH workouts and "yah, right!" moments.  I did not miss a workout.  Not one.  Not when we were on a 9-day vacation.... not when life was crazy (when isn't it?!).  Not when I thought "ugh, I just don't WANT to!".

I did all this with an awesome hubby by my side - pushing himself through the workouts, too!

By the numbers:
Speed squats: 39 / 37 (though I KNOW that my squats were ALL full squats on day 90 - huge difference!)

High knees: 107 / 120

Push ups: 30 (knees) / 30 (full!!!!) - this one is a HUGE accomplishment for me. I have not done more than a few full push-ups since high school when I hurt my shoulder. To have strengthened my body enough that I can now do them - and a BUNCH of them is a HUGE win!

Jump squats: 27 / 34

Tricep dips: 18 / 25

Burpees: 9 / 12

Alternating lunges: 19 / 24

Elbow Plank: 54 seconds / 1:12

Weight: -5.5lbs (I gained in the 90 days, then lost it all and more)

But I am STILL a work in progress.

Completing this challenge is not the finish line - not even close.  This is just the beginning and a wonderful example to myself that I CAN do whatever I put my mind to (especially when surrounded by people who are pushing through with me!).

For anyone who is curious about this challenge you should definitely check out Briana's website / facebook page / youtube videos.  The workouts are FREE.  The videos?!  You'll see her sweating and struggling and having to modify and kicking BUTT!  I have tried a few workouts... and a few diets, etc.  This one just clicked for me!  Oh.... and BBM 2.0 starts May 5th!  I'll be participating - and have recruited a bunch of friends who are excited about it thanks to that "hard to post" photo near the beginning of the post!

So..... I am a WIP - but I am proud of my progress so far.  Oh.... and I don't know that I can say "I HATE running" anymore..... shhhhhh, don't tell!

Cell phone selfie (a friend of mine and I sent them to each other after every workout for accountability) - smiling after a run?!  What?!

In case you're stressing out because you feel like none of this has to do with quilting / sewing / my creative life.... a) it does!  Last night I purposefully ran before working so that I could be energized and ready to go... and b) here are a few sewing WIPs on my table! :)

Hanging kitchen towels about 90% complete

Yellow / white chevron /// black "solid" - for an upcoming project for my boys!

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Linking up with WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced - can't wait to see what everyone else is working on!

Pattern Review: Promenade Girl by Ellie Inspired

Oh my!  When Laura from Ellie Inspired posted that she had an opportunity for boutiques to do a review of one of her patterns in exchange for a bit of cross-promotion I definitely jumped at the opportunity!

Can you see why?!

Meet the "Promenade Girl" - - - and my adorable lil' model!

There are SO many adorable patterns over at Ellie Inspired - beware!

The nitty gritty:

Sizes: 4-12, and two doll patterns (for 15" and 18" dolls)

Options: skirt only, skort, and about a bazillion options for pockets / no pockets, trim / hem style

Fit: slim, average, and plus sized options are ALL included in this pattern (WOW!)

Time: my skort took me 90 minutes from printing to finished skort - breakdown of that time after another adorable picture....

Here was my time breakdown:

Taping pieces together - 3-5 minutes

Cutting time (including cutting out the paper pattern after it was taped) - 23-25min

Shorts sewing time - 17 minutes

Pockets with accents - 44 minutes (phew!  But they're sooooo cute!)

Skirt / final construction - 42 minutes

A few key things I LOVE:

Printing: there are 2 pages to print for the various pocket options - and 6 pages to print if you are adding the shorts (skort option).  If you are just sewing a skirt (no shorts / skort), you don't need to print those 6 pages!

Pattern design:  The use of different patterns for the lines for each size (like Laura does for this pattern) is one of those things that just makes me do a happy dance!  I print SO many patterns (because I'm constantly printing a different size... and because I have TONS of patterns) - and I much prefer to print in black & white.  The use of different line styles for each size makes it SO much easier to follow the correct line!!!  BIG brownie points to her for that one!

And.... there are so many options - and this makes for such a professional, fun lil' skirt (or skort) - perfect for playing!

The directions were clear and easy to follow.  Laura does a great job of explaining each step, using lots of photos, and letting you know what you can skip over (depending on what options you are including).

Play structure to climb?!  No problem!

The fit is GREAT!  this little girl wears a size 4 in ready-to-wear clothes, so I made her the Promenade Girl size 4 - average.... without getting her measurements (GASP!) - and it fits perfectly!

After all that playing.... it was time to relax for a bit....

... and soak up some sun!

If you can't tell.... I just love this pattern!  I look forward to sewing up more!

I added Ric-Rac to the pockets - because, well, why not!?

One thing to note: I used 3/4" elastic (not the 1" the pattern calls for).... mainly because I'm a rebel - but also because it was going to be a VERY tight fit to get that 1" elastic into the back waistband.... and this skort was just too cute to get all frustrated over something simple like some finicky elastic! :)

Peek!  See - look at those adorable shorts under there!  No undies will be showing when this lil' lady is busy playing!

So..... I know after all these pictures you are itchin' to sew one (or ten?!) yourself!  I know I will be sewing a bunch over at my shop - Eggo in the Oven.  You can find the pattern here:

Promenade Girl by Ellie Inspired

A HUGE thank you to my friend Heather, who provided the adorable model (Seriously, those curls?!  And that smile!?  Love her!) - and took these amazing photos.  My friends rock!

A thank-you to Laura from Ellie Inspired for giving me the opportunity to sew up this sweet pattern and share my photos / experiences with it.  This could be dangerous, though.... there are many more patterns from her shop on my wish-list now!

If you made it this far.... you should be rewarded, right?!  How about 10% off anything and everything in my Etsy Shop?!  Use the coupon code "Promenade" (without the quotation marks) through this Saturday!

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This review is 100% my opinion after sewing up this (adorable) pattern.  I was given the pattern for free to sew - but was not compensated in any other way and my review is a completely honest representation of how I feel about this pattern!  I had a really great time sewing it - and the questions / suggestions I had along the way were met by Laura of Ellie Inspired with open arms!

Linking up with The Inspired Wren - Inspire Us Thursdays

WIP Wednesday - a special project

I can't share much about this project.... but a friend approached me and of course I couldn't say no!

A peek at what I'm working on....

Last year I walked two Susan G. Komen 3-day (60 mile) walks - raising $4600 for SGK through my participation and helping with the $2300 each of my walking partners needed to raise to participate.

Me and my boys - San Francisco - Jun 2013

These walks will be something I never forget.

Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge - after a LONG first day - June 2013

I know, I know, there are all sorts of political debates about SGK and other organizations out there - or the color pink - or... you name it.  I choose not to focus on that.

My awesome friend (and walking partner) Heather and me - San Francisco 3-day - June 2013

I choose to focus on this... I am doing SOMETHING.  I know that.

"Baby" brother and me ready to start the Seattle 3-day - September 2013

My favorite sign from either walk.  I got a few blisters during the first walk - and they hurt - but they didn't require chemo.

The people I met, the love I felt, the stories I heard and witnessed, the support I was shown by friends and family - monetarily, emotionally, and by actually taking steps right next to me in training and during the walks.  Those things are what I am passionate about.

(left) pausing on the I-90 floating bridge in Seattle  - - (right) My amazing hubby was a stand-in walker with me for day 2

I walked 120 miles last year in those two weekends - but I didn't stop walking when I crossed that finish line.

3-day success - San Francisco - June 2013

60 miles complete - Seattle - September 2013

So this pink project I'm working on.... actually a few pink projects... are pretty special - and making me antsy to walk another 60 miles.....

The loves of my life - supporting me (and surprising me with homemade shirts - - - even Mr. Eggo is crafty!) - after finishing the San Francisco SGK 3-day - June 2013

Linking up for WIP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced - I am link #69 -  can't wait to see what others are working on (and eventually share with you my finished projects)

Pattern Review: Love Me Knot Shorts by GYCT

There's an adorable new pattern on the market - the Love Me Knot Shorts by Chelsea of Get Your Crap Together (GYCT).

My first "Love Me Knots" - fabric is a premium quilting cotton from Joann's - "Colorbok Fabric Mono Tiny Blossom Gray & White" - it has a little bit of light blue in the background - LOVE!

I had the opportunity to be a tester for this pattern and after a couple rounds of testing and neglecting my custom orders (whoopsie!) I think the final pattern could be a great addition to any spring / summer wardrobe.

The nitty gritty:
Sizes: 6 months through girls 12
Options: pockets or none - place them wherever you want!
Fun details: adorable keyhole at the hem of the shorts, darts at the top of the shorts back (makes for a better, more bubbly fit!)
Style: flat front, elastic back, bubbly / gathered hem

I tested the 18 month size and really had a great time.  These shorts sew up pretty quick (the most time consuming parts for me were the pockets and the trim - but the pockets construction has improved from our first take at them.... and I definitely got MUCH better at the bias trim after completing one pair - the second pair went together MUCH more quickly!)

I love the little keyhole - it's such a sweet design element and sets it apart from other shorts patterns I have (and I have a BUNCH!)

I did my bias trim two different ways for the two pairs I sewed up - the first pair (the gray ones) I attached the bias trim as the pattern was written - hem first, keyhole second.

The second pair, I wanted to try out a "hmmm - I wonder" idea a few of us testers had - and did the keyhole first, then the hem (I used the cutting instructions in the pattern, and then just added a bit to the length to allow for the ties).

The verdict?!  Both are cute! :)

With the flat front and elastic back I think these look adorable over a onesie or with a tucked-in shirt.  If you're worried about that front waistband wrinkling, Alyssa from Keep Calm and Carrion had a brilliant suggestion - add a little bit of iron-on interfacing to that front piece of the waistband.  Should help it keep the shape through wash after wash!

Because of the detail at the hem and the keyhole, these will also be cute with a more flowy / looser fitting shirt.  Perfect!

Oh - and the pockets!  Honestly my first pair I mistakenly thought they went on the back (hehehehe.... oops!) - Chelsea has since clarified that they are designed to go on the front - but guess what?!  They work great on the back, too!  And one of the other testers did them centered on the side seams - making a "cargo" pocket look.  So many options! :)

Thanks again to Chelsea for inviting me to be a tester.  I learned a bunch - and it's fun to be a part of the creative process / "behind the scenes".

Want to buy the Love Me Knots pattern?  It is available from the GYCT Etsy shop here - or on Craftsy  - if you purchase through the Etsy shop you can get 30% off using the code "LOVEME" (I think this code is good through Saturday, April 12th!)

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Linking up with We Did It!  Wednesday

How-to: Share your dropbox photos

I recently started using Dropbox when my old laptop was on the fritz and I really needed to backup my photos / PDF patterns (there are lots.... of both).  I thought that would be all I'd use them for - but now I'm wondering "What did I do before Dropbox?!"

.... Yes, I'm sure that all five of you who are reading this are thinking "Seriously?!  She JUST started using Dropbox?!"

I know, I know..... I've never been trendy / cool / the first to try something.  So why change now?!

But... it's great.  I use it constantly.  I pull up my PDF patterns, I back up my photos... and even better?!  I can share photos without having to send 18kazillion emails with just as many attachments - simple dimple, one link or one email and the person can see all the photos - and download them if they want.  And I can add to the folder I already shared with them if I add more!

I can also allow others to add to the folder - which has been great when working with photographers / friends who are taking photos and trying to send them to ME! (a separate how-to for that is coming soon!)

So.... a really quick how-to for sharing photos from Dropbox - because there were a few people in a pattern tester group I'm in that were having a hard time figuring it out! :)

Step 1 - open the folder that has the photos you want to share.  Here you see I'm sharing the "LoveMeKnotsTester" photos - you can see all the pictures there in the list.

Now click on that little "link" icon....

This will pull up a window - as seen in the next photo.

You now have a few options!

Option 1: type the email address(es) you want to share the folder with.  You can even include a message in that bigger box.  Then click send!

Options 2 and 3: click on the Facebook or Twitter icons to share using those methods

But maybe you just want the web address....?

Option 4: click on "Get Link" and the link (web address) to your folder will be copied to your clipboard.  Then you can paste (ctrl+v) the link anywhere you want (an email, blog post, Facebook post, message.... the possibilities are endless!)

A little tip: You'll notice the link is also visible in your browser bar - it's the same link!  So you can also copy and paste from there!

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Simple de-dimple, no!?

Happy sharing!

Note: this is a how-to for sharing the photos so that others can see them and download them.  If you are wanting to create a collaborative folder (where the person / people you share it with can add to / remove photos from the folder) the process is a little different.  I'll get some photos made up for that and write up another post for that process! :)

Let me know if you have any questions - or if this was helpful - I love to hear from you!

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I am not affiliated with Dropbox.... at all.  I just use it! :)

ALYOF April Goal

Phew - I've been in a funk for nearly a week - but it's time to get to work... and April is going to be a VERY busy month (we have plans all but one weekend in April..... and that weekend will probably involved the hubby working Saturday... so it will be a one-day weekend!)

Time to make my April goal for A Lovely Year of Finishes!

I'm sad that the official Season 5 of Project Quilting is over - but Kim from Persimon Dreams was quick to get the first off-season challenge posted - yippee!

This month's challenge involves this "calendar of colors"

We are to find the numbers that represent our birthday - and make something that features those two colors (we can add in other colors.... but it must be obvious the two colors our original inspiration came from)

It must be completed by April 27th and linked up over at Persimon Dreams - perfect!

My birthday is June 8th - 6/8 - so my colors are:

A medium / dark purple and gray!

I can definitely work with these :)

As I said.... April is going to be crazy busy - with custom orders, travel to visit family, events with people from Hubby's work, a blog hop, pattern testers and reviews..... phew!

Guess I'd better get sewing!

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Linking up with ALYOF at SewBittersweet Designs - can't wait to see what everyone else is working on this month!

I've lost it

.... my motivation, that is.

I'm 99% sure I'm not the only one that feels like their creativity / productivity / motivation goes in waves.

It's crazy - one week I'll be knocking out custom orders left and right, dreaming up new ideas and fabric combinations, blogging like crazy, making great meals for my family, checking off every single workout we had planned.

And other weeks / days...... I look back at the end of the day and say "what in the world did I DO today?!"

Yesterday I wrote some things on our family calendar in a variety pretty / fun colors of Sharpie pens.  I know I did that because I have proof.

I know I did not clean - because I have proof (my house is a disaster).

I know I did not sew - because the same projects are sitting on my cutting table / ironing board.

I did, however, spend a little time playing with my boys and a bit of time (okay.... obviously more than "a bit") recharging / "vegging out".

I always hope these dips in productivity / motivation will be short-lived.... but the truth is, they have to run their course.  And most of the time I find they are not accidental / completely random.

We do a ton.  All of us.  And sometimes we need to allow ourselves the minutes / hours / days / weeks?!  (I hope not?!) to re-charge.  To ignore many of our responsibilities.  To just be.

So.... that's where I find myself right now.  But at least today I got some laundry put away (before 9am!) :)

I also put on this shirt... a cheesy freebie shirt we got in the mail for participating in a wellness program through our insurance.  But I like what it says.