Two years later.. an introduction

Ok Ok... I've been blogging just over 2 years now so it's not really an introduction to you guys. Well, maybe to the newer followers... I was asked to write an intro of myself for my sewing newsletter. Thought I'd share a less detailed version of it. Enjoy! and relate! *if you can...*

Hi everyone! I’m Val, the newest Sewing newsletter editor. Someone suggested that I tell you a bit about myself as a way of introduction.

I live in Iowa and am married to Robb, have 3 kids, Ryan (19), Maddy (16) & Meredith (11). And if you must know, we have 3+ dogs, one just had puppies *will be sent out in June* and a hedgehog. I work from my home office for a small computer company out of California programming computers.

When I’m not working, hanging with my family, sewing or playing with this newsletter, I’m a Sunday School teacher, the vice president of my churches ladies guild as well as secretary for the Central Iowa Lutheran mission society. I also write a blog about my sewing and life in general. If you’re interested, it's www.sewnotmyday.blogspot.com. I also enjoy scrapbooking, but rarely get time anymore.

I was first interested in sewing clothing by making clothes for my Barbie’s out of toilet paper. You didn’t need a scissors for that… Gradually moved up to scissors and fabrics for them, things for me and by the time I was twelve sewed myself a jean skirt for 4H where I got a blue ribbon! By way of that encouragement, I took off sewing more for myself. I made several skirts with huge ruffles that ruche up the side in the 80s and at the request (or rather demand) of my 6 sisters I made the same ruffle skirts for them. I still have that pattern!I lived at home while at college. During that time two of my closest in size sisters got married a month apart, taking with them all their clothes. I was desperate to refill my wardrobe, so every day after classes I’d stop at the local fabric store on my way home. Sew a new shirt for the next day, not even bothering with hems, because they’d be tucked into jeans anyway! *I was super skinny then.* I did do some homework and worked part time jobs… but mostly sewed in whatever free time I could muster. *times haven't changed much*

Currently, my girls enjoy the brunt of my sewing exploits. So far since Christmas, I’ve made a Sweetheart ball dress, a prom dress and 3 Easter dresses as well as confirmation dress & baptism gown for nieces. *which of course you all have heard about ad nauseum...* Also a pair of slippers and a few pairs of gloves for kids that I sized wrong at Christmastime. Every time a new Burda magazine comes in the mail, my girls tear through it and place orders. Whether they’ll get those items remains to be seen. So far, I’ve only made one thing out those magazines, but I hope to do more soon.

Since I joined this group 2.5 years ago, my daughter Meri has really shown more interest in sewing too and became a member too just before Christmas 2009. Her love for sewing and creating clothing has really taken off. She hopes to enter another dress in the 4H county fair this summer, as well as sewn items in the State Fair along with me.

I’ve really enjoyed being a part of this group and have learned so many things about creating clothing that I’d never even dreamt of. Every meeting I learn something new and am inspired in a totally new way. And you know what? My hems are getting done and are SEW much better than they were before!