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

[Jenny from San Antonio,Tx]

I would LOVE to test a pattern. I have now made all but one of your little girls dresses and several of the pants patterns. BIG fan of your patterns. I would love to try a new one!

[Kimberly C.]

I'd love to be a sample sewer for you! What a privilege if you would consider me! I do sew and have for many years. I am now sewing a couple of aprons for friends to give as gifts.

[Allie]

I would love to test patterns for you!
Good luck with the house hunting.

[Jen]

I sent you an email about testing out patterns and fabric...I would be SO beside myself if you let me!!! Seriously, I may pass out. LOL!

I applaud you for taking the leap. My Husband and I have the "talk" about moving back to Nashville every couple of months but then we both talk ourselves out of it. So, you have more gusto than we do right now!

Just remember to have FUN over the summer! And, I can NOT wait to get your book.

[Meghan]

Hi! Would love to be a sample sewer for you! Bummed your aren't moving to P-town (portland :) but Missoula is a GREAT place so I don't blame you one bit.

[Barbara]

I would love to be a pattern tester too (me and hundreds of others!)My girls always want to look at your blog with me - they love your music selections!
ThmpGarr@aol.com

[Tonya B]

I'd love to test any of your patterns if you needs any more help. I sew a lot for my daughter and have made her a dress from the Claire pattern. Love all your fabrics and patterns.

[Molly]

Hi Sandi! I would LOVE to be a pattern tester...looks like many others would be too! :) I have a little girl who's almost two, and I love to sew for her! Our family is gearing up for a cross-country move within 6 mos, so I can relate! Your blog is such a joy.

[Marissa]

I would love to be a sample sewer for your patterns! It sounds like you are really going to love your new home and city/town. I have a ton of experience sewing clothing and other things so please let me be a sample sewer for you! Good luck with everything you have going on in your life right now.

[Emily]

Hi Sandi, I'm a Long time reader, first time commenter :)

I love your fabrics and the inspiration your site gives me!

I am a newbie to following patterns. Being sewing for over ten years, but just recently started following patterns. I don't know if I'm what you're looking for, but if so, I would love to help :)

[Lisa]

I can't believe the energy you have for one day!!! I'm tired just reading it all. Good luck with your move to Missoula.

Oh, and I saw your boxes and basket liners at Roberts the other day. They are so cute!

[amylouwho]

Looks like I'm a little late in the game, but, I'm in too if you still need help. I'm currently making a quilt with your ginger blossom fabrics and loving it. I find your prints making it into all of my virtual quilting bee blocks! Can't wait to see your new line. I'm sure I'll love it!

[tara]

Congratulations! That is awesome you have found where you want to be.

Would love to do any sample sewing for you. I have 2 beautiful little girls with another due at any moment. So lots of inspiration to be used.

[Audrey]

Congrats on your move...I'm glad it fell into place for you, and even more glad that you'll still be doing what you're doing. :)

Oh, and good job with fun summer plans for the kiddos!

[Dorrie]

You are definitely a busy woman! Don't forget to breathe! I love Montana. . .what a good choice.

[Marie]

I am SO interested...I am going to just beg and say please pick me! I've sewn some samples for Jona before (she's pretty amazing). Either way, I look forward to seeing your new fabrics and patterns!

[Abbey Button]

I would love to test a new pattern! I love making skirts, quilts, and just about anything cute!

[Rebecca]

Dang - I wish I wasn't such a novice seamstress! I would so love to do some sampling!!!

My hubby and I loved Montana, though we were further north than Missoula. Great place to live! I've never been to Portland, but I'm sure it's lovely too!

Do you have any patterns for bigger girls? My youngest girl is 4, but in a typical size 6x to 7 right now. I LOVE your patterns, and would love to make her something similair! And for her 9 year old sister who wears a 10. : )

[Nicole]

Ack! I miss the days when I could check blogs during the days!! I would love to be a sample sewer for you, but I know you have likely had more than enough volunteers.......but just in case ;)

So looking forward to the new fabric and patterns. I just made Market Bags for teacher gifts, and they were fun to sew and VERY well received! :)

[Tonya Yarwood]

Congratulations on the move! It is sort of an adventure, isn't it? I've been reading your blog for almost a year, very inspiring, everything that you have done with your fabrics and patterns. I myself am new to the children's clothing design(1+yr), though I have been sewing for years, and smocking for family and friends. I am interested in being a test sewer for whatever project you have coming up. I'm always looking for a challenge and learning new techniques. I currently sell on Etsy www.violamaeboutique.etsy.com and I can be reached at viola-mae@hotmail.com
I wish you and your family well in this new venture!

Tonya

[Heidi]

I'd love to be a pattern tester!!!!! I own all of the ones you've written so far, and I love, love, love them.

[Jennifer]

Sandi,
The girls and I would love to test for you! After-all, I have 3 super cute models! Just let us know!
www.bowdaciousbaby.com

[Panamomma]

Congratulations on your decision. It can be tough to follow a dream and even tougher to abandon a plan. I have sewn several of your patterns and would love to try a few more out. I don't have any photos on my blog of them, but I do enjoy your creativity. Good luck.

[jaybird]

at least you have a list and seem to be all organized.. i find it is the only way when there are lots of things on my plate! i'd love to be a pattern tester for you. i've done it for a few local designers... let me know if you want me to send you samples of my work... or you can check out my blog!! can't wait to see the new fabric!

[janie jones]

I would love to test your patterns! Just started making them and love them. Have had a LOT of compliments on the things I have made so far!