Needlework

Needlework

"But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
Mark 10:24b-25

In 2010, I took a trip with some Business Admin professors and peers to Egypt & Israel, which by the way, was the best trip EVER. We took a tour of Jerusalem and walked past a little door on the outside gate - I thought it was a play house for kids or a special house for little people [like the TV show!] The tour guide pointed it out and quoted this scripture from Mark. 

Ready for a history lesson? They would close the main gates at night as self defense from potential attacks but would have a guard at the smaller door (called, "the eye of the needle") to let people in. Camels are tall and awkward, they are not fluid like a dog. It takes a lot of effort for the camel to bend, squat and maneuver through the tiny door, plus the merchant or traveler would have to remove all the bags from the camel first. That's a lot of effort. Ladies, if we were the traveler.. we would have pulled over, asked for directions and made it in time to get through the main gates before dark! 

Jesus says that it is easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle then for a rich man to get into Heaven. Why is that? I think it's because we feel to much comfort and security in money. When that happens, we don't rely on God. If we're feeling upset or hurt, we'll go buy new shoes instead of deal with the real issue.

This pours into so many areas beyond finances. If we're consumed in a relationship and not keeping God as our First Love, the same principle applies. We have to take off the baggage, deal with our issues and not be afraid to get on our hands and knees to crawl through a situation or season of life. God wants to trust us with financial blessing and Christ-centered relationships but we have to prove our faithfulness and trustworthiness with what we have now. 

Right before this, God challenged a rich man to give up everything to follow Him but the man did not want to let go of his great fortune so he walked away with his head down. He had forgotten that everything we have is on-loan from God... it's not actually ours to posses! 

My challenge to us is to live with hands wide open! God will give and take away and that is okay! Life has ups and downs. Trust that God will use every situation to draw you closer to Him.

Are you spending your free time watching Netflix and eating ice cream? Yup. Or are you reading books and listening to podcasts? Lets just say that my couch has gotten some quality-Abby-time lately but trust me, I'm trying to find a balance between the two. Discover something new about your self - do something you love! Go on walks or bike rides. Volunteer for a local organization that you believe in! 

As we learn to seek God and trust Him more, He'll know that He can trust us with the next big thing He's got planned. Don't rob God of the opportunity to bless you. Seek Him when finances are tight or you're lacking the companionship you want AND seek Him even more when you see blessings in your life!

The Eye of the Needle becomes a lot bigger when we put all of our trust in God. 

"I Want to Give You Great" [Breakup Part 2]

Thanks for joining me! 

Have you ever been through a breakup? 

Me too. 

It's a pretty terrible experience. 

Let me share some encouragement with you! Because after all, these crazy emotions/experiences can't be for nothing. 

Setting the Scene:
I'd been praying and asking God during the whole relationship whether we were a good fit or not (see previous post for more details). Truly, I feel like we were suppose to be together until the last couple of weeks. Something shifted and through a series of events we started to reanalyze.

The Conversation:
It was any other day.. Sam and I were meeting that night to talk about our future. I remember sitting in front of the mirror doing my usual prayer as I'm applying my makeup. 

In my heart I heard the voice of God.

God said: "This is good"

Abby (really excited): "This IS good!"

God: "I want to give you great"

Without missing a beat, this picture popped into my head. This was the confirmation to end things with Sam.

Add caption

Ladies, God wants us to have GREAT and not settle for 'good enough'. Keep this in mind as you enter a new relationship or are trying to decide if you want to spend the rest of your life with someone. Don't get me wrong, no one is perfect and we do need to expect to work hard for any relationship but I'm challenging you (and myself) to ask and expect God for great!

“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.”
Psalm 130:5

Dear Heavenly Father, Abba, we trust that you have GREAT in our future! I pray that You would fill the hole in our hearts that so longs for a relationship. We want more of you everyday. Thank you for loving us enough to say, "no" and challenging us to wait for "great". 

We love you and honor you! 

Amen.

Just because it fits... [Breakup Part 1]

[[This blog has been stagnate for a while - so I've decided to share a bit of my story instead of another project. I hope you enjoy!!]]

My name is Abby.

I don't often date.

Never introduced a boy to my family.

Never introduced a boy to my church family.

Never introduced a boy to my extended family <-- that would scare anyone!

but I recently got into a relationship.
Sam loves God and loves me.
But just because it fits doesn’t mean it’s right.

Let me explain. I use to carry about 60 extra pounds and I got into the habit of buying any piece of clothing that fit because I rarely found anything I liked (hence, my roommates will attest that I have quite a shoe collection!). I’ve been finding myself in dressing rooms lately thinking, “Abby, you don’t have to buy it just because it fits!” – um, or am I the only one who talks to themselves like this? smile emoticon

I’ve literally had to adjust my mindset from “This is the only opportunity I’ll have to buy a dress that fits” to “Is what I’m going to pay for this dress, that fits nicely, worth it?”

My point is that just because it fits doesn’t mean it’s always right. This week I heard God loud and clear in my heart and mind that Sam and I are a good fit but we’re not right. It’s a heart wrenching lesson, decision and an even worse conversation to have.

God reassured me that this is not the only opportunity I’ll have to find a man who fits into my life!

I tell you this, friends, not to find sympathy but to encourage you to SEEK GOD and LISTEN to His voice. He wants to give us direction, to protect and guide us through the best life that we could have. TRUST in Him! Being in the right relationship at the right time is so much sweeter then just being in any relationship.

I think God gave me the last couple of months with Sam to teach me this lesson. And I am very grateful! ‪#‎lessonlearned‬

God loves us. First. Forever.
(Do you hear God through music? Me too.. check this out:https://youtu.be/RbWQV3OiRqA)

Father, we trust You with our hearts, minds and love lives. Guard our hearts for the right relationship. Open up the floodgates of Heaven and pour down Your perfect love. We want to honor You with everything we say and do! Thank you for caring enough to gently guide us through life. Let us hear from You. You are our first love – our #1! heart emoticon
(Another good one: https://youtu.be/qv-SXz_exKE)

DIY Waterfall Cardigan

I found a few lovely pieces at Goodwill this week and asked for help decided which to start with.. an overwhelming amount of votes chose dress #1!

Floral Dress - Waterfall Cardigan

I started with folding the dress in half sideways with seems together.

Chopped it at an angle for the waterfall effect starting in the back and gradually getting longer toward the front. You want to make sure that you start cutting straight out then start going down so you don't get a pointy spot in the middle when unfolded. I ended at a pretty sharp angle because I want the waterfall effect in the front.

Next, I snipped it down the middle, starting at the center of the neck to create the cardigan.

This is where we are so far - low to high seam and open front!

Took it in about 8 inches.

Cutting off the extra material after it has been sewn, leaving some extra (to the left) to work with for the sleeve.

I cheated with the sleeve and folded it straight in just extending the side seam.

After folding and ironing well, I ran it through the sewing machine and ironed again - here we are!

Finishing with hemming the bottom and both sides around the neck.

Paired with leggings, a belt and boots - we're ready to go!

I have A LOT of extra fabric so I experimented with high waisted shorts! (I did not do a step-by-step because I was reeeeeally experimenting)

Say "hi" to my little brother, Jake, in the reflection!

More then just a hobby...

As I mentioned, I put three photos up on facebook & instagram for friends to vote on the dress that they want me to refashion first. The overwhelming winner was this dress - hence, the blog! I did not expect this one to be chosen but was hopeful.. let me explain why.

But first... a friend asked me on Sunday which dress I was going to start with and I asked which they voted for. He said, "I voted for the first one.. that one seems the least savable! I don't even know what you will be able to do with that!" I was a little taken back because to me this dress had the very MOST potential! It was just waiting to be taken care of and given the right shape & style, therefore, purpose. 

God spoke to me then... some people look at us and say, "She is unsavable" or "I don't even know what anyone will be able to do with that!" "You're no good" But I promise you - God sees more potential in us then we can ever see in ourselves! He gets excited about all He can do and where He can take us!! Have hope in a God that knows our past, all our flaws, our future and STILL loves us enough to sacrifice His beloved child. 

I'm humbled by this truth. Refashioning clothes has become more then just a hobby to me. It's an escape, a release and worship.

enjoy,

Abby

Recent Projects

Here are a couple of recent projects! More how-tos to come! But for now, check these out.

Bridal Party Gift: Apron

I anticipated it being a little sexy apron that you can cook in AND play in. With the apron, I gave some choice items including but not limited to a duster and red lipstick. Here are a few shots of the process!

I love pleating!

Now I am thinking it should have ONLY been the white part... next time!

Making progress...

The finished apron took a lot of fighting and reevaluating. I did end up pleating the chest part to make fit and it looked sexier then before so I am okay with it! Next time, it will be a smoother process!

Baby Shower Gift: Bibs!

My friends are having a baby boy so I threw together a couple of baby bibs for her baby shower! I may do a tutorial down the road. 

Baby Gift: Diaper Clutch!

My friend just had her first baby girl! I made this clutch and a coordinating changing pad. With the gift, I included wipes and diapers so she can grab this and go when on the run. [Please just imagine the diamond button I finished the clutch with.] 

Thank you,
Abby

DIY Cord Strap

I impulsively bought a beautiful laptop case - problem is: it's wide open with no pockets or sections. My computer cord ends up unwrapped from itself and engulfing everything else in the bag. SO it need some TLC. This is an easy project for headphones, phone charger or any long cord.

I decided to make a strap to keep it in place. It took me no more then 30 MINUTES - I promise, it's that easy!

What you need:

• Two scraps of coordinating fabric
• Velcro (button or snaps work too)
• Thread
• Sewing machine (DUH)

For Christmas, I made a computer case out of these fabrics and I LOVED them together

How-To:

• Cut the fabrics 2.5"X12.5" for an Apple computer cord (adjust as needed)
• Pin right sides together

I curved one end to give it some character

• Sew the edges leaving an inch gap to pull fabric through
• Flip inside out
• Iron well
• Iron and pin the hole in place
• With coordinating thread, sew along the outside edge making sure to secure the gap you pulled the fabric through.

• I used iron-on velcro but a button or snaps would work well too. Pay attention when ironing these on - with the curved edge, put the velcro on the back side. Measure it around your cord and place the second velcro on the front side toward the bottom.  

•  Tada!! Your computer cord, head phones or phone charger will be kept clean and organized while being bounced around throughout the day!  

lots of love & coffee,
Abby

Easy DIY Pillowcase Dress

Good afternoon!

I received an email from my Aunt a while ago about an organization who's mission is to create a world where every little girl owns at least one dress! Women from all over the globe partner with this organization called Dress a Girl Around The World (http://www.dressagirlaroundtheworld.com) to send dresses to every part of the world. I have decided to join the cause!

Here is the easy step-by-step process of making cute pillowcase dresses for little girls! 

Start with a pillowcase - of course, mine is zebra print. :]

Fold the pillowcase in half the long way to cut the arm holes

Cut the arm holes out - for the pattern, go here!

 Unfold the pillowcase and cut the top seem off.

Time to pull out the iron! Fold both edges at 1/4inch to get a clean hem pressing with the iron.

Fold one more time at the 1inch mark, iron and pin.

 Pin and run through the machine as close to the edge as possible!
** If you want a ruffle at the top of the dress, as you'll see below, sew a second line measuring 3/4' from the previous sewn line to create a tube for the elastic to be stringed through. You'll want to make the fold a bit deeper as well. I have been doing 1.5' instead of 1' (see previous step).

Cut a piece of elastic and put a safety pin on one side to thread through the neckline. Sew the first end going back and forth on the machine then pull the elastic through with the safely pin to the other side and sew again - you will be creating a ruffle so don't be afraid if you feel like your elastic isn't long enough.

Can you see where the elastic is securely sewn?

Next comes the hard part - binding! Choose your color and make sure there is a double fold - to give you a clean look. You'll want lots of extra on both sides to tie a bow at the top. Find the halfway mark and pin the binding at the center of the arm hole. Carefully pin up the sides of the armhole.

Thread your machine to match the color of you binding and began to sew! I usually do a small zigzag because it is CUTE and can catch any fabric that has shifted.

Add decoration and taduh!!

Special thanks to my lovely models! You can see I took the zebra dress up a few inches from the first picture and used it on the bottom of the blue dress. Then I added the pink piece to the zebra!

Notice the ruffle? My favorite part!

I ended up shorting this dress to just above her little knees! 

I am selling my dresses for $12.00 and with every purchase I'll be shipping a dress to my favorite orphanage in Guatemala called Casa Angelina. 

I hope this will help you create your own wonderful masterpieces in the future!

Let me know if you have any questions or would like to purchase a dress and in turn purchase a dress for a little girl in Guatemala.

God Bless,

Abby