Halloween 2010

 Mermaid, Cat Burglar and the Vampire

Jesse and Woody

 Yes, this was last years costume and I never got pictures,

thankfully they barely fit

 Mermaid and vampire

I was so excited how her skirt came out, 

I did not have a pattern.

 His cape was so easy and the perfect length

My little mermaid

They are already planning on what they want to be next year. I think we should do Princess Leia and Darth Vader. Who knows.

#5 on the List Done!

Nightgown for Sadie

Goodness, I finally got this puppy done on the List!

I started before and messed up so bad for some silly reason and 

this fabric is not forgiving when you re-sew over a couple times. I got frustrated and walked away.

I found super cute hot cocoa fabric on sale a couple weeks ago. 

So yesterday instead of cleaning the house, I decided to sew it.

Success!
Sewing all seams and going over with the serger was so nice.

The ruffle turned out better than expected and I just used the serger on it, so easy!

I admit my arms and neckline could be better, there are a few puckers.

But on the whole I think it will look so cute on the little Miss.

Kira modeled it for me and said "Is this for me?"

I replied "No, but I have enough fabric for one for you too."

"Yeah!" she exclaimed.

Kirby!!

Kira drove down to OC with my sister and her family.

To make it up to Enzo that he could not go, I planned a special date night.

As part of our special night,

we ate a special dinner of all of his favorites

rented two movies

Muppets Treasure Island

Chicken Little

Enzo loved Kirby

Kirby, the little alien kid

Enzo was pretty happy

Giveaway Skirt Winner!

RANDOM.ORG found my winner! Comment # 8

Henria O. said...

I follow your blog via Google Friend Connect!

sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com

June 14, 2010 10:34 PM

 

I will email you too!

Congratulations Henria O.!!

#9 on the List, Done!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway!

On my list I was going to make a nursing cover for my friends baby shower. Well, I had fun and I went a little over board. This is the first bib that I have ever made....so easy and I do not know why I have not made them before!
She is having a boy and had lime green, brown and white polka dots on the invite.

I made the nursing cover with brown and light blue bubble dots

Two burp cloths with brown and white polka dots

Reversible bib with a snap and yes, those are little skulls and cross bones, so cute.

I also made a drawstring bag from this easy tutorial

It is my gift bag with all the goodies inside

Skirt Giveaway!

Alright Folks, after playing around with the skirt I have decided it is not for my body type. I took in the extra fabric and it still makes me look frumpy. I need a fitted skirt. My loss, your gain.

I am giving away my skirt to whoever wants it. It is a cute simple swing skirt.
I can easily tailor it to your waist since there is room to make it bigger or smaller.

It is knee length for me and I am 5' 10''.

Rules:

1. Need to leave a comment. Any old comment would be fine, dog's name, color of bra, did you shower yet today, or whatever.

For extra entries
1. "Like" Going Kiwi on FB
2. Become a Follower
3. If you have tried one of my recipes let me know-good or bad :)

 Good Luck!

20 Minute Skirt, More or Less

Here is the skirt I made from Grosgrain's tutorial. Now I did make a slight change in her pattern and that might be the issue here. She called for 3/4 to 1 yard of fabric and I thought it might be to tight. I made it with a yard and a half, I am a big girl and hips to go with the height. So, today I am going to tweek it a bit and see if I can salvage it.

But in the mean time what do you think? Is it just my hips and the style does not work for me? It is sitting on my hips too, maybe I should shorten the elastic and make it to sit on my waist. Help! I do not know about this new style skirt, how is it supposed to look.

Leave a comment any comment, I need help people ;)

Weekend Links 6/5/2010

This is the best idea for a wall mural I think I have ever seen by Design Mom
Super easy and so much fun! I would love to do it with some other picture for our room.

That Crazy Quilty Girl asked for the SMS Giveaway for comments on best quilting advice here are her top picks The best tips every serial sewist needs to read

I found this post 10 Keys to Patient Motherhood from Passionate Homemaking over at Inspired to Action

A gossamar nightgown from Angry Chicken. I love Amy Karol, she continually inspires me.

20 Minute Simple Skirt Tutorial by Grosgrain
Alright I will admit to one more non-list sewing project Friday ;) I made this skirt and it would have been 20 minutes but I was having an off sewing day. I could not get the serger to work and I was interupted by kids but all in all it was about a 20 minute skirt. However, once I made the skirt and Eric saw me in it he ix nay on the skirt. Bad news for me good news for one of you. I am going give it away this week. More on that Monday.

On a side note, my sister and her family are arriving in LAX around 7:00 in the morning. Yippee! Yippee! We will see them on the 15th when they head up this way. It has been two years since we have seen everyone.

Swiper, No Swiping

First off let me explain I do not like Dora the Explorer at all. We do not have any her videos in the house. She really annoys me, sorry for those of you that are fans. Dora is not my favorite kid character by a long shot.

That being said, we do have a Nick Jr. coloring book with Backyardigans, Blue's Clue's and Dora. This morning Enzo asked if he could dress up like Swiper. He really wanted a mask. It is so cute because they know I sew and make things and he asked if I could make him a mask. How do you say no to that cuteness 

You don't say no, just make a mask in few minutes

because it does not have to be perfect and he will love it either way.

(By the way I know it was not on the list but I did not buy anything for it and it took a few minutes)

Three Down Nine to Go

Alright I posted my dutiful dozen last week and here is an update.

I have finished three items on the list

Brown Shirt

I took this old favorite shirt of mine 

made it into a pattern

I love this fabric,

(Here are the pleats and I just sewed buttons on because I never unbuttoned it) 

it has such a great peasant look to it

Kira's Striped and Polka Dot Dress

It is similar to her Easter dress

I put a zipper in this one and finished it in about two hours

Lastly, I restyled my striped shirt

(I just cut one sleeve and remembered to take a before pic)

Eric got this shirt at the Army Surplus store for him

It shrunk and became mine
I wanted it to be more fitted in the arms and sides

I wanted to add a little flair

I have been seeing a lot of little fabric flowers with buttons

I cut the sleeves to 3/4 length then after figuring out the rigth fit I used the serger to easily re-sew the arms and sides. I was going to sew the cuffs, but I like the raw egde.

With the leftover sleeve material, I cut different size circles

Using a zig zag stich around the outside while stretching the fabric it created a little ruffle

I stacked them alternating the stripe pattern and added a button

Instead of sewing the flower on,
I decided to simple put a safety pin on the back and put it on when I want to wear it.

Yeah! I have two new shirts and just in time for my new job.

Weekend Links 5/29/2010

It has been an busy week. I accomplished two out of the twelve things on my list. I will have a big reveal on Monday, just in time for Made it on Monday hosted by Skip to My Lou. I realized that this weekend six years ago I was hired at a little family owned restaurant as a hostess. Only to move on to server and then manager. Hmm, I just hired at a little family owned restaurant as a hostess. Not that I want to manage again but I find it interesting. Anyways, this is the official beginning summer for us and I am starting off beginning a new job, training Saturday and Sunday! So I putting up links in hopes to have an easy Saturday day with the family.

2010 Sunscreen Guide by Enviroment Working Group

I personally do not like to use sunscreen, seriously! We try to stay out of the sun during peak times of 10-2. I only use it if we are in the pool. Otherwise, we use olive oil. I am not kinding and you heard me right I use Olive oil. It is a natural sunscreen. I tested it on myself one day and was fine. The next day on my fair skinned children and nothing, they were protected. You do have to re-apply more frequently but it is natural. I buy the Trader Joe's spray can of olive oil, no joke and I spray it on my kids and I and it works.

DIY: Super Simple Market Bag by Simple Organic
Perfect timing to make new ones out of old shirts and get rid of my plastic ones.

Sonlight Curriculum is celebrating 20 years and a chance to win curriculum

We Remeber and We are Thankful Here is what this weekend is really about! Our soliders! Thank you to the men and women who protect our freedom with your lives. I am thankful and blessed to know you do what you do. These photos are amazing!

Mango Salsa and Cilantro-Lime Rice

We have been eating a lot of rice and beans and beans and rice around here. I am trying to make it different and change it up a little. I know they are not the best but we have been eating tostadas with them and it is a fun change. It is definitely a treat and the kids love it! They are journeying out of the normal just beans and are trying new toppings! Kira had lettuce on hers and Enzo had sliced tomatoes on his. Both of them dip them in guacamole.

We went to Chipotle on Friday night with Eric's parents. I had never been there, so it was fun to try something new. I had a bare burrito with vegatarian black beans, cilantro-lime rice, roasted chili-corn salsa, lettuce, and fresh tomato salsa. It was yummy and fairly inexpensive, nothing was over $6. I love new ideas.

Food 4 Less had mangos on sale for $.78 each. I got three and decided it was time for some mango salsa! A true sign summer is coming!

Mango Salsa

2 mangos, peeled and chopped
1 medium jalapeno diced with seeds
2 green onions chopped
juice of one lime
salt to taste
handful of cilantro chopped

Mix all ingredients and chill for about an hour for more flavor. You can make it the day before and it will be spicier. *Blend a little if you want it less chunky.

Cilantro-Lime Rice

2-3 cups of cooked rice
juice of one lime
handful of cilantro finely chopped
salt to taste
1 lime sliced
Mix all ingredients together in a dish and serve with one lime slice on the side.

Clockwise: Refried beans, guacamole, tostadas, limes, mango salsa, cilantro, cilantro-lime rice, and non-jalapeno mango salsa. Those are napkins I made from $2.50 a yard fabric, red and white gingham and orange and white gingham. So fun and easy, I ran them through the serger and made ten of them in less than an hour.

So for dinner I decided to put everything on the table, instead of on the stovetop. I find I am constantly getting up and fixing more food for the kids and I do not get to sit. It was only a few extra dishes but TOTALLY worth it! I was able to sit the entire time for dinner. I am doing this every night if I can.

The List

Alright, I finally decided to get the ideas/projects on paper. I made a list and I am not starting a new project until I finish the list. Ahh! There I said it out loud and I am now held accountable.

Here my dutiful dozen:

1. Kira's Quilt Duvet Cover

2. Finish my new brown shirt

3. Finish Eric's Hat

4. Fix Kira's dress

5. Finish Sadie's PJ's

6. Make Enzo's Quilt Duvet

7. Make Curtains for my room

8. Make Kira's striped dress

9. Make Nursing Cover for Shiloh

10.Restyle striped shirt

11. Make Napkins for Jebraun

12. Make Floor Pillows for Kids

It is in no particular order but I am determined to finish them as soon as possible. I pieced together the majority of Kira's quilt today, hence the late post. The whole center is done and now I have to do the sides. I

This is the layout of the center that I sewed today. Obviously not the best picture, I just took it after laying out seven different possible patterns, so I would not forget it.

The edges will be the strip patchwork border. I had to stop tonight since I have to cut more strips.  

Well, there you have it my list, my vision, my duty. I know that when I finish this list it will be liberating.

I am excited and nervous at the same time.

What are you putting off? How many unfinished projects to you have?

Weekend Links 5/22/2010

Weekend Links:

I found so many amazing blogs this week at the SMS Giveaway Day! I will be covered in links for years!
Here are some from SMS and other favs too.

Turn little girls jeans into a skirt, super easy tutorial by Skip to My Lou she is one of my favorite crafty gals!

Cute tutorial for a twin bed duvet by Sew4Home I found it via Sew What!

Seriously such a cute dress and I so want to do this Mojito Refashion Frock by Grosgrain

It is a super fabulous way to make a dessert serving tray from Flamingo Toes

Craving pizza? Garlic, Kale and Tomato Gluten Free Pizza by Hey, that tastes good

Well, I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend. We started it out with family movie night. Grandma and Grandpa treat us all to dinner at Chipotle and a movie, Shrek the Fourth in 3D. Yummy food and a funny movie. My first 3D movie in the theatre, kind of interesting. The kids had a blast!

May Giveaway Day!!!

I am feeling REALLY generous!

So there are THREE items to WIN!!

A set of napkins, fabric covered journal or a eight crayon roll-up

A set of four napkins 16x16

(if you have more in your family, I have enough fabric to make two more, just let me know :)

This a journal covered with some fun fabric

It is 5x7, journal included

I got the journal for a buck at Michael's

Here is a crayon roll-up for eight

crayons

(crayons not included)

Here is what you need to do:

Three ways to win and if you do all three you get an extra entry!

1) Leave a comment on which one you want

2) Become a Follower or Subscribe Via Email

3) Find me on Facebook and "Like" Going Kiwi

4) Do all three and comment you did all three

****What I need is a SEPARATE comment for each one****

If you did all three then you should have four comments, four entries

Then I will randomly pick from the total comments.

Alright Ya'll it is on and I am excited to see which THREE of you will win!!

GOOD LUCK

I will ship internationally

You have until Midnight Pacific Time on May 20th!

Weekend Links

Since I decided to run a half marathon my weekends are going to be more full with the addition of long runs. In order not to be on the computer while my hubby is home and spend more family time I am going to do some links of what I have been reading throughout the week. Hope it is fun for you and find so cool new stuff.
Have a fabulous weekend!

Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen by Kitchen Stewardship

Beautiful Skirt and bag made by a talented young lady at SimpleVintagegirl
I love her blog it is full of God's beauty, pure and youthful.

Strawberry Freezer Jam made without sugar at Simple Organic

The most adorable swimsuits for her girls at Angry Chicken

Ruth gives 12 Random Tips of Style/Fashion over at GraceLaced

Enjoy

More Felt Food

On Thursday and Friday I decided that we would all make felt food. I wanted to start getting some of my unfinished projects done since I have a sewing machine again. The list is extensive and I do not want to even write it down in fear of what it might say. I can easily think of about ten off the top of my head. Anywho, I thought if I included the kids we might actually finish one project together and they would have a great time too.

I really wanted to make more whole food so that they would not only be eating it at meal time but practice fixing the meals themselves during playtime. So we made a list of the felt food they wanted. Then I made up patterns as we went. I kept it simple for time and for the kids.

Baked Potatoes
Sweet Potato and Regular Fries
Spinach
Pickles
Mustard
Tomatoes
Red Bell Pepper
Snow Peas
Baby Carrot Sticks
Avocado

                                                 Clockwise: Baked Potatoes watermelon, tomato slices,
                                                  spinach, carrots, bell pepper, snow pea, pickles,

                                             and in the middle:  potato fries, sweet potato fries and avocado. 

I was so happy and they had a blast. They helped me cut, pin and sew. We used Kira's sewing machine. They pressed on the petal while I moved the fabric. It was pretty hard for Enzo and he had to used two hands for the pressure, so it was theraputic too.

My little snow pea....isn't it cute?

Now I consider myself a bit of a perfectionist...my husband would be laughing right now. Okay I am very much a perfectionist. But only on certain things. Sewing is a hit or miss with me. Sometimes I just want it done and if it does not need to be perfect it will not be. That being said, I am happy to admit that I let go of my perfectionism and let the kids have a ball.

These are the ones Kira sewed by hand

Kira and I sewed quite a bit of them by hand. It was great she sat there so quietly and did an amazing job for a five year old. We spent about two hours each day on the project. They were great and so patient. Everytime Kira would finish a piece I would ask if she wanted to stop. Each time she looked at me like I was crazy, "I want to do another one." with a sass in her voice. I loved it. I found something that she enjoys, keeps her busy, educational and fruitful. She was so cute at on point, she said "Opps, I did what you told me not to do" I replied "What was that?"  She giggled and said "I let go of the eye" It was great because I had been telling her that in order for the thread to not come out of the needle, she needs to hold the eye when she is pulling the needle and thread through the other side of the stitch. She finally understood it after about ten times. Came to the conclusion herself that I knew what I was talking about. What a great lesson. I think the life lesson of listening to instructions and understanding why is very important.

Easter Dress and Pants Done!

I finished Kira's Easter dress.

I added a cross stitch at the bottom of the bodice late last night.

I got her and I matching red flip flops for $2.50 each,

first time we have ever had matching anything :)

I used the same pattern for Kira's dress as mine

but I did a tie in the back instead of a zipper.

I made Enzo a pair of linen pants using the serger.

It took about an hour to cut, sew and do the waistband with kids around.

Yee Haw! I love this serger!

Enzo is growling and trying to show off muscles

Here he is showing off his backside too

Super Heroes to the Rescue Part II

I made these felt superheroes and never took pictures of Superman. I thought I would post about them today. I got better as I made more. Hulk was the first one I made and he is almost Gumby-ish. Then Wolverine was next and I had fun with him and his costume. Superman was last and by that time I had it down what stitching worked best. I used a zig-zag stitch and setting for stretch fabrics, the plus/minus setting on my Viking and created the super close wrap stitch. I had fun with Superman's hair too. The curl was little harder than I thought it would be. I kept on cutting out the opposite curl and on the third try I got it. Not bad for no pattern
Enzo loves them!

Superman

Wolverine
The Incredible Hulk