Swap It's: Witchy Swap . . .

Whew- 4th post today ... had a lot of catching up to do! I'm getting my Blog on *lol*
Here's another Swap It (on FB hosted by Kim) swap - the theme being: "Witch". Ince again - you sign up that you're interested in a Witch swap, get paired up, and you and your partner discuss what you want to do. can be anything as long as its related to the theme Witches!
My swap partner was Laura. And made another friend Yayyy! Laura likes grubby and darker - folky stuff. We agreed to let this one be a "surprise". So I made a cloth doll!
This is the first time I made a round head for a cloth doll. It turned out more pumpkin-y than round. I need practice, but not bad for a first timer on this kind of head on cloth dolls.

I thought a picture of this Witch next to a wood burning stove gave it a cute lil' hearth-y look for this picture! Love it!



I used a pattern from Tonya @ Back Porch Pickins. I used the vintage Annie pattern and Halloween-ified" it. I lurve how this came out! Isn't this Witch something?!
I also made a small 'wooden people' Witch for Laura. As well as a Jack'O' ornie.


I'm trying to get out of my comfort zone and expand a bit when making cloth dolls ~ with different heads, doll bodies, facial features and whatnot. I don't mind a challenge! Woot!


Until Next time . . . Hugs & Smiles!

Swap It's: Halloween Swap . . .

I'm a swap-a-holic! There I said it! =P I love to create things for other people as well be inspired!
On FaceBook- Kim has a group called "Swap It". She hosted a "Halloween" swap. The deal is you sign up that you're interested. You wait until everyone has been paired up, then you contact your partner and talk about what you want to swap. Can be cloth dolls, bowl fillers, hangers, decorations, or whatever strikes your fancy! It's cool to do it this way! Then you have 2 weeks to complete the project(s) and send it off. If you need more time - just make sure you tell your partners. Communication is KEY!!
I was paired up with Kellie and made a new friend as well. I think it's safe to post here since I don't post my blog link on FB. I know sneaky me eh?

Here's what I made Kellie- she wanted a witch and i love witchy poohs too... so this was a perfect swap!



On the doll everything is made by me except the lil' witch hat that I bought at Michael's. The doll pattern is by Cindy of Homespun from the Heart. I modified the facial features a bit. First time I painted the lips on instead of usual floss stitched lips or noses, used felt instead, - just changed things up a bit. The witch comes complete with a star wand - glittered of course ;). I also made a wooden "K" for Kellie in Halloween colors. Black with crackled orange paint and glitter (you know me). She can use it to hang in her crafts room or as a door hanger around the Halloween season! Extras included candles - everyone HAS to have candles during Autumn. some garden Pumpkin seeds, and some orange candy. According to confirmation delivery- the package has been delivered! Just waiting to hear from Kellie. She's a sweetie - a single Momma and works a lot. Bless her heart - she's doing it and rocks!


Until Next time . . . Hugs & Smiles!

YoE - Octupi swap Reveal . . .

I've been having a lot of fun with Val's "Year of Enchantment" swap. Where every month there is a new theme for making ornaments for our swap partners.
My contribution to August's "Year of Enchantment" swap hosted by Valerie was August's theme was: OCTUPI.
At first I thought - yipes - these are some seriously small tentacles to work with, but once I got the hang of it - it was a breeze and fun to do!
My partner Courtney loves Brown/Pink color combos and I knew that's what I'd make!


I loved how it turned out! I sent some extras - Swedish Red Fish gummy candies and glittered "C" fridge magnets.
Lucky us - we've been paired up on a handful of swaps and Courtney makes the most creative stuff.
Here's what I got from Courtney . . . so caute! :)

A female blue octupi with a sweet lil' pink bow in her hair and green sequins! My extras are a travel tin sewing kit and some doll yarn hair which I can use. Thank you so much Courtney! :) I love everything! :)


Until Next time . . . Hugs & Smiles!

Cherry Annie Reveal . . .

This has been a busy month for me!
Weather has been nice! Just a couple of days where the temps reached 97, but overall it has been NICE and tolerable.

I've been seeing my daughter at Well Springs every week and she has been making remarkable progress. She's working very hard on her behavioral and mental health issues. It's not always easy, she still struggles in some areas, BUT she's working it! Way to Go Girl! I'm proud of you! I've been taking pictures of my visits with her as well but they're uploaded on my FB profile. Feel free to let me know if you want me to add you! My profile is set to private, but if I know ya - I'll be happy to add my friends! :)

Been crafty and creatin' too!
Diana had another Raggedy Annie swap - the theme: Cherry Ann! S.W.E.E.T.
My swap partner was Tammy Rose. Ha- luck has it that we've been partnered for a number of different swaps- and she has several Annies I've made and swapped out!
Here's the Cherry Annie I made . . . along with some extras for fun!

The pattern was made the host Momma herself, Diana! This was a fun pattern to work with! Thanks for a fun swap Diana! Wonder what's next?

Until Next time . . . Hugs & Smiles!

I've MOVED my Raggedy Blog . . .

Big News -
I've moved my Raggedy Blog Party ( this one) to a new home = "R.A.G.S" ~ Raggedy Ann Girls Society.
For 1) - it will be easier to manage 2 blogs with my "home" email, and 2) it's no longer 2009 *lol* and I'm glad that a lot of people had fun with the Blog parties and events - I'd like to keep the fun going as long as there's interest!

Yes there will still be Pattern Give Aways and fun to be had at the NEW home!

You still with me . . . Please update your bookmarks, links and Follow me over here @ R.A.G.S. ~ Raggedy Ann Girls Society.

Here's the WELCOME post! Check it out!


I'll be having a NEW Give Away posted at the New Home "R.A.G.S." blog soon. So go check out the new digs, FOLLOW me over there, and let me know what you think? Tell your Raggedy GirlFriends too! The more Raggedy Gals the Merrier :) ~

Is there something you'd like to see? A certain kind of Blog party? A doll give away?
Comments and Suggestions welcome!

Hope to see you there! I'm missing my Raggedy Gals!

Until Next time . . . Hugs & Smiles!

Raggedy Annie Pattern Shout Out . . .

Cindy of Homespun from the Heart is releasing a new pattern! THE BOO CREW! It's adorable and I want it! *lol* For one price you get 16 pages of 6 different 12" Annie characters. Yes you read right - no that's not a typo - 6 characters and patterns on 16 pages! This is a whopping GOOD deal folks!

Cindy also has other bargains as well:

*Fall/Halloween E-Pattern sale: buy any 3 for $10 (savings of $6.50) and any 4 for $12 (savings of $10). Click on this link to go to the bundle special. You'll see a listing of all patterns that qualify for this BUNDLE special. Two pages full of choices!


*Choose up to 10 colors of doll hair at a discount rate, with just one shipping rate. Great deal!
Go Here for the price list and view the colors Here. Again 2 pages of color selections!

I don't know when this ends - so it's best you go check it out! Say hi To Cindy and tell her I sent ya's!




Until Next time . . . Hugs & Smiles!

My Watermelon Annie is here . . .

Yayy! A package from my dear friend and swap partner Tara of Of Moonlit Whims came for me today! WoOhOo! It smelled so sweet I knew something GOOD was inside, before I even OPENED the box!
Oh Sweet Goodness ... I got spoiled! Lookie what I got . . .

A Sweet Watermelon Annie with a muslin watermelon! SO CUTE! Thanks Tara! Along with some watermelon treats: Jolly Rancher hard candy - how'd she know watermelon JR's were my favorite? Some Watermelon gum, Raspberry cookies (half gone already nom nom nom), a Juicy Watermelon body parfait (lotion) and sugar body scrub- I swear this shold be edible - it smells wondermous, Hot Cocoa, AND jumbo Watermelon tart melts. Out of this world!
Thanks so much for my package Tara - I LURVE everything!

Also - Thank you Diana for a great swap. This was a LOT of fun! Waiting for the next one! Woot!


Until Next time . . . Hugs & Smiles!

Home Sweet Home in South Dakota . . .

I cannot stress how healing South Dakota has been for me since I've moved here in June! So wanted, deserved and NEEDED!
I thought I'd share some simple beauty and simplicity that I'm surrounded by . . . (these are also in my FB album)


Friendly Fam of horses and Mules that I greet everyday when I'm walking the Fam dog Shunka. They will eat fresh grass out of my hand.

This one is a sweetie! Will kiss my hand! :)

The Fam dog Shunka! She doesn't bark so she's not that great of a watch dog, but she is a real sweetheart! I'm trying to work with her to play fetch - no luck so far. But she did learn "sit". She used to think the 'sit' command was "speak or bark". I had to show her what "SIT" means! She finally got it! Perseverance & patience paid off! lol!

The town Post Office! Cracks me up - a single wide mobile! Just 1 lady employee works in there! I've NEVER seen a PO that small! But they're around! lol


I love this pic. Just a charming photo! This is an old run down Hotel.

I absolutely LURVE the old rustic stove and vintage Coke machine. I'd love to get my hands on that stove, have to find the owner! But then what would I do with it? Hmm! Oh and you can't see - but another funny thing in this pic. - above the door is a sign that reads: "Danger-Cyanide". How cool is that!

A rustic water hand pump that rests on the property! Love it!

a 2-seater OutHouse. This is also on the property! How unique is this?! lol

2 families of Wild Turkeys. Never seen one live IN person person until today! The babies were adorable!

Up Close! Isn't it pretty?

Life is Good! Are you surrounded by Simplicity? Beauty? Tranquility? Share things that make you (-s-m-i-l-e-) and blog about it!

Ok- I'm off to bake some Oatmeal Raisin Walnut Cookies while the house is still cool!

Until Next time . . . Hugs & Smiles!

Health Update. . . 7-16-2010

It feels weird posting about my health updates, but a handful of you, you know who you are, have really touched me that you care and inquired about how I am doing/feeling?
Some days are better than others! Some days I'm zapped of energy. Other days - I'm pretty good!
Went to the Dr's on Thursday for a Radiology appointment. Yep- for a totally different procedure other than my WBC blood testing! *sighs*

Caution: TMI - Female Schtuff below. . .
I have been experiencing severe cramping and flow during my "time of the month". U-G-H! Totally uncomfortable, painful and NOTHING seems to be helping. Heating pads, almost HOT baths, frozen Veggie packs, Ibuprofen, Midol/Pamprin (I swear these are placebo's), NOTHING! It's been ongoing for more than 6 months. I thought it was due to stress - nope!

So I said - "That's IT"! I'm going to the Dr's as this isn't normal, and it seems to be getting worst. My last cycle I had more clots and bigger ones - so RED FLAG! and with my low WBC health issues already going on- I don't want to become anemic. It's a miracle I'm not! *knocks on wood*

Soooo- had 2 testings done - 1 ultrasound and 1 inner probe. I'm fortunate and happy that my Mom works at this Dr's office - I can get my results faster! Woot!

The Findings:
I have 1 ovarian cyst on my right ovary and 2 on my left ovary. AND I have fibroids that are 1.3 cm in the uterus. NO WONDER I'M IN SO MUCH PAIN! Glad I trusted my instincts and got this checked out.
So we will figure out what to do next- if anything is necessary. And no these are not causing my low WBC.
So prayers, mantras, and vibes are much appreciated!
I'll keep y'all in the loop on that as well as my next blood testing to continue the monitoring of my blood/plasma issue.

But for now . . . today - I continue to be grateful that I have my family, friends- that I'm alive and breathing!
I'm also enjoying the sunshine, even though it's warming up, the birds, the bunnies, the deer, the wild turkeys that I saw for the first time today, just LIFE in general! Because it can all change when you least expect it!

Hug your family! Say "I Love you" and mean it! Smile! Spread Kindness! Do a good deed! Just Be!

Until Next time . . .

Watermelon Annie Reveal ...

Yippy - just got word that Watermelon Annie made it safe to her new home. She went to the Host Momma Diana!
Remember the warped teaser??


LOL! Well here is full reveal .... Watermelon Annie ...

From head to toe - Annie measured about 7 inches. I used a pattern from my sweet friend Nicole of Raggedy Old Annies.I thought the fabric for her dress was PERFECT for this cutie! A splash of pink and watermelon red polkas. Ya know I'm a sucker for polkas! :)

Her bloomers were light greenish polkas. You can barely tell, but they're there. Click on the photo for a close up shot. Of course rick rack on her dress!

Ahhh the loot! Extras are always fun! Some Waterlemon Sour Patch *puckers*, Watermelon KoolAid drink mix, Red Starburst candies (Fruit Punch, Cherry, Strawberry & of course - watermelond flavors), Watermelon seed packets, a Prim "Blessings" stamp, and some Watermelon gum. Also included, but not pictured - was a Watermelon shaped chocolate candy on a stick. So pretty and cute! You can view it on Diana's blog here

Thank you Diana for hosting this sweet swap! I had a lot of fun making your Annie for you! Enjoy!

More sewing to be had ... Take Care! Sunshie & Smiles!

Watermelon Annie . . .

My sweet friend Diana hosted a Watermelon Annie Swap. I got the host Momma, Diana, herself as my swap partner. Now- I asked that she NOT peek at my blog or FaceBook page, but still *claps hands* ... I'm back to my sweet ebil ways and will do what I've always done - when posting my finished creations... a TEASER! Yep - the teaser is back! Mwahaha!

Here's a 'Teaser' preview of my Watermelon Annie...


Pretty warped and warped pretty eh? *giggles* Well I mailed it off today and she should get this by the end of the week. So I will do the FULL reveal once I have confirmation that it's safe and sound at Diana's! It is SOOO cute! You'll see *winks*

Off to sew some more ... Until then - take care!

Still Catching Up....

What a nice Sunday it was today. Even though I didn't sleep too well last night, I was ready for today! Got up outta bed and drank some Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa with some whipped cream and ate breakfast. Hot Cocoa - good for those cool mornings. I can just hear you saying to yourself - "What are you talking about? It's hot in July!" Haha - normally I'd agree with you, but not here in South Dakota! I'm tellin' ya - things are backwards here in SD. They are - honest! We had a lightning storm last night and it rained here in July! YES - RAIN in July. Things are STILL pretty green around here too! It's NICE! I ain't complaining! At first I was - cuz I left California and it was nice n sunny and low 80 degree weather and then I come to SD and it's over cast, cold, and wet! Blah! I'm getting used to it.

Anyhoot- went to to a Yard Sale today. Most of the good stuff had already been sold. I was kinda disappointed - the left over stuff was WAY overpriced so we left. Must not be my day! No biggie!

Then I remembered that I never posted about my out-of-town adventure 2 weeks ago. Mom needed new tires for her car so I went out of town with her and her best friend B. Kinda a "girls day out"! We went to Edgemont,SD. We dropped off the car and walked around. Stopped at this quaint store called Granny's Attic. I knew I was in trouble heaven when we passed by the window. Lots of old stuff, vintage, and retro/kitschy things in there. The store was appropriately named! We browsed Granny's Attic and we oohed and aahed over things that my Mom grew up having around her house when she was a little girl - even things my Mom had in her kitchen while I was growing up.
They had a bunch of old mason jars, butter churns, LOTs of neat things in there! I was on the hunt for some vintage pyrex bowls. Now I kick myself in the patootey for getting rid of the 1970's "Friendship" pattern Pyrex bowls that I had when I lived in Ca. I was running out of room in my car and needed the money for gas for my cross-state trip - so I sold them at a yard sale that my friend was having! You gotta do what you gotta do sometimes!:(

I didn't have the complete set of Cinderella bowl set (as shown in the pic) but I had the 2 smaller bowls and a casserole dish with the lid. I REALLY wish I hadn't sold it! :( I'll buy it again someday!
However - I did find 2 Pyrex bowls at Granny's Attic that I couldn't pass up! For 3 buckerooni's - I bought these 2: Black and White "Golden Gooseberry" patterned bowls. Good deal eh?! Perfect condition - no chips, cracks or fading of the paint.

I also got this sweet Blue Ball Vintage jar with vintage lid: 5 bucks! Not bad!

I'll go back there again. There were a couple more things I wanted to get, but didn't want to carry while walking all around town (since Mom's car was in the shop for a couple of hours). My hands were getting full. lol I really want the Mrs. Butterworths pancake syrup amber jar that Martha, the store owner had. Remember when they had those jars? They don't come in jars anymore and I always loved Mrs. Butterworth! She had a few other items that I wanted - I'll get them - just you watch.

We also stopped at a Quilt shop so I could go in and look! The store was called " Nuts n Bolts". Sweet Shop. I bought some FQ's there! I must have browsed for a good hour or so - taking my time! Lots of patterns, finished quilts and they even have classes! Woot! I shall look into that!

By this time we were getting hungry so we walked across the street to a 50's diner/grill called "Remember When". Lots of nostaligia, 50s memorabilia, and old black and white movie star photos. Good food! Here's a couple of pics of the inside of "Remember When".


Don'tcha just love the aqua n red sitting area? Oh and the checkered floors? And yep - that's me on the right and Mom on the left!

I've got lots of SD touring to do and I plan on sharing them with you here on my blog. But right now I've got a sweet tooth - and I know just what have. Some Chewy Raspberry Oatmeal bars I made yesterday! 'Til next time - Stay Cool and Be Good to Yourselves!
Hugs & Smiles! ~S~

Simple Summer Pasta Salad

It's getting hot these days and we don't feel like cooking or using the oven right?! Well here's a Simple Summer Pasta Salad recipe that I made up years ago. It's so good ... Bon Apetit'

I call this my simple Summer Pasta Salad. It's quick and easy AND yummy!

What You'll Need:

1- box of Tri-Colored Rotini Pasta
1- 4oz. jar sliced Pimento
1- 10oz. can of White Chicken meat (in water)
1- 6oz. can of Large Pitted & Sliced Olives
4- Hard Boiled Eggs

To Do:
Cook pasta according to directions and drain. Set aside. Cook 4 eggs to a hard boil and drain. Run hard-boiled eggs under cold water for several minutes. Crack shells and remove hard-boiled eggs. Set aside. Open the canned chicken and drain excess liquids. Open the sliced olives and drain. Open the pimento and drain. Assemble all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.

And there you have it.....Summer Pasta Salad!

You may wish to add salt 'n' pepper (my fave) or top with your favorite salad dressing.
Note:
You may choose to opt out of draining the canned chicken liquid. Some people prefer to use this liquid for added flavor. I, however, drain it. Same goes for the pimento liquid. It's up to you!
I hope you enjoy this recipe. I like it because it's quick and easy, and doesn't require a lot of time to prepare. *lol* This recipe is perfect for potlucks, barbeque's, and parties! Enjoy!

It's July already.... Grab a Drink... long post...

Hi Y'all!

If you've been redirected here from my old blog "The Faerie Wysperer" - Welcome to my NEW blog!
There's a story behind the new name... I wanted a new blog that expresses ME! Bright, Spunky, Vivid, Out Going, and Unique! I originally wanted "So Me So What", but it was taken at the time, figures it's available now LOL. No Biggie! So I used my intials "S.E.W." and incorporated that in the title. Hence the new name of my blog
"S.E.W. Me ... So What!".
I got tired of hiding folks! Tired of hiding myself, my TRUE self. Yep - got tired of using online aliases. Got bored tired of being "underground". LIFE is too short ~ and is a beautiful thing! So much out there! *swoons*
I will still go by AwtemNymf or Awny (for short), but the blog ~ The Faerie Wysperer itself, will be closing. :O( It's time! I will continue my commitment to Val's "Year of Enchantment" monthly swaps and complete them. I will continue to do swaps - BUT I will be picky and they will be fewer, depends on time and health. Plus I'm on my own income now. I will continue to craft for Causes and "Random Act of of Kindness". Give Aways and Shout Outs remain! I love to blog and blop - so not much change there! :)

I have emerged from the underworld and have taken flight like a phoenix (long overdue) ... and will go by true identity. LOL - just like a sign that I have: Take it or Leave it! "S.E.W. Me ... So What!" is perfect.

Part of what brought this CHANGE on are some current health issues that I'm having - I have what's called Leukopenia. In a nutshell - abnormally low white blood count - the average human WBC is 4.0 - 11.0. Mine is at 2.0. YIPES! We don't know why. And we've ruled out a lot of stuff, which is good. But we're still monitoring and running tests.
I had a Bone Marrow Biopsy & Aspiration in May of 2010. WOW! THAT was painful! The results of that: Something is going on with my Plasma, but we don't know what. I just went to my new Doctor here in South Dakota today, and they will order a blood test kit and we will continue the blood work testing up here. New Doctor means New opinions! I welcome that!

Sometimes life changing events can really 'hit ya' ya know! I've had a couple of big ones ... but I've survived!

Another life changing event that is taking place is... I'm currently in the middle of a divorce, which will be finalized this Oct. 20th. We've been civil - were able to agree on a settlement, and no lawyers were involved! Whew! No worries though - it's for the best! Without goig into a lot of detail - I am no longer nonexistent in a nonexistent marriage. I walked away, with my head held high (not snootyish) knowing that I gave my best (110%) and did the best I could.
Yep- packed my things that were mine - hauled it in my Explorer and took a long distance drive from California to South Dakota - by MYSELF! Yes I did! So proud of myself for that! I'm living with my Mom & stepDad until I get back on my feet and let me tell ya folks- being here in SD has been SO healing! Mom and I have always been close and she's glad to have me here with her! They both are. The slower pace lifestyle here in SD is exactly what I needed. I'm settling in nicely and am slowly getting my groove back. Woot! *claps*

Started crafting again last week. Been so nice to hear the hum of my sewing machine again.
I still have things in boxes, in storage, but I've got my supplies in totes and have a small area where I can create! I'm very grateful for that!

Oh I will be building my fabric stash again! It'll be slow growing this time as my income isn't the same, but that's okay! I'll be wiser this time around. Pffft - I'll be honest - I'll TRY to be wiser this time around. But if's got polka dots - I have no control - i am NOT denying polka dots -OR- Halloween and Autumn fabby's! Yippy!

AND I get to see my daughter more too - now that I'm MUCH closer (next town over). THAT makes my heart happy as I love my daughter very much. She may have some mental and behavioral issues, but we are working on those in treatment. That's another post altogether.

Starting over and change CAN and IS a good thing! Life is good! I'm Good! I'm alive and breathing!

It's good to be blogging again. Good to be crafting again!

I've had a FULL plate the last few months ... and I've overcome the 'bumps' in the road. Life is FULL of surprises! It's what you do and how you handle it that counts and makes all the difference!

I've missed y'all! It's good to be back!

Annie Give Away Shout Out...

Good Evening....
(waves* Told ya I'd get back to blogging.... this isn't exactly the posty I had in mind, BUT I couldn't resist giving a SHOUT OUT about a give away - especially since there's an Annie involved! Woot *claps* And it was a nice day out - the sunshine stole me! lol

Jess of Little Dirt Lane is having a Follower Give Away
Click on the graphic and you'll be whisked away to the details on Jess's blog! Good Luck!