Busy Summer...

Whew!  How are you guys doing?  Enjoying summer?  I hope so!!

I knew this was going to be a busy summer.  But I somehow just keep adding things to the list.  Currently in the mix are:

Writing a book.

Writing 9 (!!!) new patterns

Editing colors and launching a new fabric collection.

Pulling off girls camp for church.

MOVING.

Yep.  Moving.  We went to Portland.  We loved it, loved it, loved it.  We saw the dream home and loved it.  At the end of the trip, we looked at each other and had this conversation:

Me:  Wow, it sure is great here.

Dustin:  I know, it's so lush and green.

Me:  Yep.

silence for a bit..

Me:  I think we should move to Missoula.

Dustin:  Huh, I was thinking the same thing.

Me:  Well, I guess I'll look for a place when I go pick up the kids.

Just like that.  But we knew it was the right choice.  We've been planning a move to Portland for two years.  TWO years!  And anytime we would talk about it, I always had this feeling of butterflies in my stomach and anticipation of the adventure.  The second we discussed moving back to Missoula-just peace.  Peace about not going to Portland, and completely void of disappointment over the "loss" of our plan.  It just feels right.  We still love Portland and may yet end up there, just not right now.

So-

I went to Missoula and found a house in .2 seconds.  I'm going back this weekend to look at one more on Monday and hopefully the decision is an easy one!  I love looking at houses!  

Our summer is going to be a crazy busy one, but we are falling into a comfortable schedule all the same.  It's going something like this..

Morning - Breakfast, getting cleaned up, packing 3-4 boxes.

Lunchtime - Lunch in the park (our town has free lunch for kids during the summer at the parks!)

Afternoon - We go to one of the activities in town.  Zoo, pool, kid's movies, etc..

Late Afternoon - Dustin comes home and I lock myself away for a good 4-5 hours of work.

Dinner - I emerge and we have dinner.

After dinner we spend some time together as a family until the kids go to bed and then Dustin and I do something together.  Usually last updates on the house that need done before it can be listed.

Whew!

I'm determined to make it a fun summer though, and to have a feel of relaxation about it.  Tips for getting through?  Anyone want to come live with me for a summer?

Oh, anyone want to volunteer to test the new patterns for me?  A couple of them are nearing that point.  Compensation is a full set of patterns (per sample sewn) and some free fabric.  You can keep the item you make.  I'm going to be looking for some sample sewers in the fall too, so if you're interested, shoot me an email!

  

Pictures?  Workin' on the book.  First deadline coming up pretty soon here.  Must shoo strike offs out the door so I can finish up this round of projects!  At least I can do bits of it outside.  :)

Sandi

Comments

[alicia]

I love that you are not afraid of new adventures-even, no especially, after having a family! I'm kinda new to your blog, where are you living now? If you ever have "beginners" patterns that you need beginners to try out, I'm your candidate!

[BlondieandCompany]

Sandi, I would love to be a sample sewer for you. Just drop me a line anytime! Thanks, and best of luck on all your new projects. **Helena

[sarah]

I loved this entry - we're currently in the midst of deciding about a major move and so far every place gives me butterflies!! I must keep looking for the no-butterfly place.

And if you need anything tested that's suitable for a 4-5 year old, throw my name in the hat!

[Lisa Peterson]

Please Sandi I am sooo in love with your patterns and would be excited beyond definition if I could be a sample sewer for you. I've tried and tried but my computer wont let me view your email address please contact me? I'm so excited about your request for volunteers!

[Joy]

Wow! Big things going on in your neck of the woods!!! What an adventure!!! So fun! Also I would be happy to help test a pattern! ;)

[Della Gardner]

I would love to be a sample sewer! I carry your patterns in my shop. We love them and have been getting a great response to the clothing and of course to your fabric. Just made some new aprons this week from Farmer's Market and they are FAB! Welcome back to Montana. I am located in
Glasgow...a bit far from Missoula but I do get there a few times a year.

[Sivje Parish]

NEATO!! I would love to be a sample sewer for you too. I love sewing samples and just got one done today for a designer friend.

And as to Portland, well, ok. I love Portland but I am sure Missoula is nice too. I have not been there, but if you love it, it must be nice. And peace is very, very important when making decisions. I am so happy for you and your family.

Sivje

[Anna Reid]

I was in Minnesota over the weekend, and I came upon your patterns. Now that I'm back home in Massachusetts, I'm lining up some summer projects. I would love to test your patterns. I've written knitting and quilting patterns in the past, so I know that testing is key.

Drop me a note, I'd love to work together!

[Patricia]

Hello Sandi! My name is Patricia and I'm writing from Toronto! It's still a bit chilly up here so we haven't had much of a chance to go outside. I love your site, blog, fabrics, patterns, everything! You are so talented. I would be honoured to test out some patterns! My kids are 6 (boy), 5 (girl), and 1 (girl)...I spend all my free time sewing for them. Thanks for sharing your beautiful creations. All the best to you!

Patricia

[Stacy Johnson]

I have been sewing for about a year, and I just love using your fabric! If you want any of your patterns tested by a "beginner" I would love to help you out! So much fun . . .

[Anita]

I would love to volunteer to test one or two of your new patterns. I've made the apron dress from the Claire pattern a couple of times and was very happy with the end results. It looks like you have a very busy summer planned.

[Terriaw]

Congratulations on your move news! That's big, and exciting! And you sound happy with this adventure, which is such a great feeling. I can't wait to see that book AND your new fabric collection. That's exciting too!

I have always wanted to be a pattern tester, so if you still need help, I would be honored!

[Shawnta Cermeno MamiGirlBoutique]

um, I would love to sew a sample or two :) ;)
Hugs, Shawnta

[Amber]

Looks like you got lots of pattern testers (but I'll be happy to volunteer if you need more). What a great post too - I'm so excited for you and all the big plans in the future - how fun! And I love Portland too but it's so nice when you know for sure you are going where you are supposed to be (does that make sense?). Can't wait to see the new line and patterns and book! Wow!

[Lou Lynn]

I have made your Claire and petal knot dresses so many times I know them by heart :) The Analise is a staple around here!.... I would be honored to test ANY of your patterns for you.... I have 2 little girlies, and I love dressing them in your patterns and fabric.... I just finished a twirly skirt and embellished tee out of Farmer's Market.... I NEVER get tired of that line!

[Jen]

Count me in! If you need help, I'd be happy to assist.

[Dawn]

Wow you sure are a busy lady! Its so hard to make the "right" choice about big life decisions but somehow there's always that feeling that they are going to be the right ones in the end.

I would be honored to test one of your new patterns! I think I've made just about every pattern you own. I did post one on flickr, of my girlfriends daughter in your Claire.

I cant wait to see what you've been working on so hard!

Dawn

[heather hales]

add my name to that hat- I would LOVE to test sew for you!!!

You do sound like you are having a crazy summer- and girls camp on top of everything? You are amazing!

Glad you have peace about your decision to move, knowing you are doing the right thing is SO comforting. And- my tips- hire packers! We had a company move once and oh my heck- it was SO nice not to have to pack a single box!!!

[Denise]

I would love to test patterns for you any time. Now and in the fall would be fine with me.

[Annette @ Designs By A Rose]

That's great about your move! My hubby and I do that a lot...we'll go to an area and decide to move there. (funny thing is...we haven't made it out of the same county we grew up in)

It would be an honor to sew samples for you. I love your prints, my daughter does too. I love to sew...everything from curtains to pageant dresses! Shoot me an email when you get a chance.

[Krystin]

Well I don't have a fabric store or a blog or a fabric line but I sew a lot for my soon to be 5 yr old and have several of your patterns (I made the Gracie dress and skirt and the Claire round apron dress-her fav was the Gracie Dress)). I would love to test a pattern or two of yours!

BTW so glad the idea for moving was made clear with your visit to Portland. When it feels right it usually works out without many hiccups. Good luck with packing and still making summer fun!

[Kelleigh]

I'm more than willing to be a pattern tester! I fall under the "haven't got a clue, but can sometimes sew a straight line" category, though. Sure, I know how to follow a pattern. Sometimes I have to go to bed and sleep on it, but in the end I figure it out. If you ever want to test your stuff out with someone of my level of expertise, I am more than willing to be your guinea pig!

[Deborah]

Sandi, I too would be interested in test sewing a pattern or two. I thoroughly enjoy your blog, admire your fabrics - wish my LQS's (in Calgary, Alberta, Canada) would carry your lines, can't wait to have your book and I have a few of your patterns. I have a new niece who looks precious in anything and she is a joy to sew for. If you already have enough people for right now I would be interested in being a fall test-sewer. Now or then count me in.

[Shelley]

WOw. You rock, that's all I have to say. :-)

[Ivey Crenshaw]

Congrats on your move to a new place! Sounds like the right choice!
I would love to do any sample sewing for ya! I make store samples for Sew Blessed and we loooooooove your patterns(can't keep them on the shelf!!!).I can make any size, anytime!