currently

listening to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

wearing a cardigan, because it's cold in my office

drinking a ice cold glass of water, because even though it's cold, I am hot

thinking about whether to make a present for sunday's baby shower, or buy it

wishing I hadn't had that fight with the husband this morning

reading nothing right now... need to remedy that

eating m&ms

wondering how to leave early but still feel productive

enjoying the feel of the baby kicking

feeling ready for a weekend

wanting to sort out our finances so I can sleep at night

weather hot, clear sunny days, warm nights

and a picture 

My husband's view on the way to work yesterday morning.

{this moment}

As inspired by {soulemama}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

{this moment}

As inspired by {soulemama}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

{this moment}

As inspired by {soulemama}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

{this moment}

Inspired by SouleMama
{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Times they are a changin...

Gosh has it been over a month? Well - I've been busy...



Crazy right? Looks like the due date will be november 22. Thanksgiving. We are definitely thankful!

I've still been working, and sewing and working. 3 jobs on the books right now and it's just not enough.
Sigh.
Looks like the educational publishing bubble is about to burst. Is no industry immune to financial woes?

I'm hoping to start something a little more toward my original field (photography) and keep on with ButterbirdsHandmade. Perhaps that combo will be the one that finally works.

The hubbs is still interviewing for teaching jobs, still stoically accepting his rejection letters.
It's heartbreaking to watch.
He's worked so hard, and his certifications are numerous (ec-12 SPED, 9-12 Science, 4-8 Science/Math, 4-8 Generalist) but because he's only worked as a long-term sub or educational assistant for the past 4 years NO ONE will give him a chance. They all want "experience".
Silly really.
He's got the experience. he's been running classes, preparing lessons, disciplining hard-case students, and getting the grades for 4 years! That should count right? It apparently doesn't. I keep telling him to hang in there, that it's a "buyer's market" right now in Austin. There are a LOT of teachers looking for work. Not as many jobs.

We're hanging in there. I'm hoping, BELIEVING, that this is only the windy mess that comes before the slate is wiped clean. That the other side of this long, dark tunnel is bright sunshine.... and all those other hallmark sentiments.

On a better note, ButterbirdsHandmade has been featured a LOT on Etsy treasuries. It's pretty amazing how many people love a good tutu!
Also, a wonderful customer Lauren R. sent me this (amazing) image taken by their family photographer B Chase Photography (https://www.facebook.com/BChasePhotography).



Isn't it fabulous! I LOVE to see ButterbirdsHandmade stuff in action!

{this moment}

As inspired by {soulemama}

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you’re inspired to do the same, leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and see.

Bee-autiful!

Lions and tigers and piles-of-tulle oh my!

Quick update.... Life is good. Life is busy.

Life is a new scooter!

Since my internship is down off campus, parking is non-existent. Enter the parking ninja! My little Bee. Now if I could just load her up with all my market stuff it would be perfect!!

{this moment}

As inspired by {soulemama}

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you’re inspired to do the same, leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and see.

Getting used to it

Look at the great place I get to eat lunch!

Sorry I've been absent. It's been a whirlwind around here! I started my new job on Monday, (why yes I DO love it, thank you! More on that later.) and any free time I've had has been spent sewing sewing sewing.
The market is rolling up fast, and of course, since it's my first one there seems like an endless list of stuff to do. Gotta make tags and cards and get bags ready oh and I need a tablecloth oh wait I need a table too and don't forget a sign!
Yikes. I assume it gets easier?

{this moment}

As inspired by {soulemama}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Tag it

I have tags!!

I have been using printed cotton from Spoonflower, but alas I ran out last week. Time to start making my own. I knew what I wanted – Soft cotton so it won't itch. Super durable. Fulfills industry clothing content and care instructions. My problem was how to execute it. After trying a few different options (freezer paper, ribbon, 1 tag or two) I started to struggle. I just could not figure out how to do what I wanted. A few nights ago, while laying in bed (see: trying unsuccessfully to quiet the brain) I figured out exactly what I wanted.

What is it? Twill tape!

I printed my labels on transfer paper, then ironed them on to 1/2" 100% cotton twill tape. I then folded under the sides when sewing it on.

The best part is this – see on the right side there where the fabric content is? Well the underside of that part of the tag has the care instructions! I am really quite proud of figuring that out. Silly, I know, but since I sew these into every garment I make (and right now, gearing up for market, I'm making a lot) they really needed to be simple.

What silly thing have you struggled with?

 

 

 

Hitting the big time

Check it out! I am an official "sponsored" listing. Fancy.

Today I have spent sewing, and working on the site here. I must say I am getting used to (albeit slowly) the WordPress format. It's quite functional, and pretty. Lots and lots of fancy widgets and stuff. I could really play for hours. But work must be done.

On that note, I finalized a day for the first public butterbirds booth! Saturday March 17, St. Patrick's day for those in the know, I'll be setting up shop down on South Congress. This falls dead smack in the middle of SXSW, so should be  v e r y interesting.

If you're in Austin that Saturday, come on down and see me! 9am to ... South Congress pop up markets (by the trailers).

 

As an aside - I was able to procure more standardized employment, as an intern at a local publishing company. I am way over-experienced for an intern, but I also need to learn some new tricks to keep me marketable, so this is a good thing.

How was your Sunday? Getting ready for a fabulous Oscar party? We plan on eating french toast in our pajamas while watching. It's good to be ok with the lazy.

xo

 

Easy wearing

Measure seven times, cut once!

Yesterday I finished drafting the pattern for my essential shift. I'm really excited about this one as its such an easy wearing dress... Love me some easy wearing!

Look for it soon in the shop.

 

In other shop news... I reserved a spot for our local street market. Butterbirds in the flesh! (or fabric as it were)

Very exciting. Now to get to sewing. I have stock to make!

 

Moving day...

I have moved to Wordpress! I have updated the feed, but for those of you who's feeds are NOT updating, please find me here:
http://butterbirdshandmade.com

See you soon!!

Rainy days

Boy the weather is nuts this week. Last Sunday we had snow (ok like seven flakes but still) then it got up to 86 this week, and now it's cold and rainy. Really rainy. Like its been raining for DAYS.

Good day to stay in.

We started our day with scones from Smitten Kitchen http://smittenkitchen.com/2006/11/dream-a-little-dream-of-scone/ (I subbed chocolate chips for the fruit. It's SATURDAY) and then snuck out to the studio to whittle away at my towering sewing pile.

Oh and sew up this cutie...
(sorry for the sad sad photo, I did mention its raining right?)

Tonight, the boy has a school dance. Yes. A dance for 3.5 year olds. I am ALMOST scared to go.

The waiting

You know I L.O.V.E. waiting. Oil changes, doctor's offices, hair salons. You name it! I am the person sitting in the waiting room happily knitting or playing on my phone.

Today consisted of a tire check AND an oil change AND a visit to pick up an Rx. It was the waiting day of all waiting days.
I got a chapter read (the horrible bodice-ripper I carry around in my bag), caught up on my facebook, worked on the boy's re-enrollment paperwork, AND cast on for a pair of socks. Oh, and I wrote this post.

Waiting = productivity (for me anyway)

When are you most productive?

This is only a test

Please disregard this test post.

For your trouble I've included a photo of the boy.

 

Sometimes we need to test things. 

Edited to Add -
Please bear with me. Apparently I completely broke my blogger template. Not sure why. All I know is this has forced my hand with moving to WordPress. So, I'll have the new site up in a jiffy.

Thanks,
mamabird

Jasper watch

Oh oh oh I
l o v e
that he's interested in "knitting yarns" (his term).

I had to find the most non-pokey needles I had (size 17!) added some friendly worsted weight and VOILÁ!

Though in the interest of FULL disclosure, his technique needs a LITTLE polish...

Grrr and Hooray!

So my template has decided to break - again. Guess I'm moving over to wordpress. This week has really been plagued with tech woes. I would just like to get everything slightly operational so I can get back to sewing and knitting and LIVING.

I have always been such a fan of blogger - it's ease of use and generally nice templates. I didn't have to hard code unless I wanted too. But lately - meh. It doesn't show a nice mobile template (even though I selected quite a nice one) and then weird things like this happen.

Where exactly is my sidebar?
Oh it's in my footer?
Well, that make sense.

What's your blog service? Do you like it? Why?

On another, much happier, note - Dana from Made (one of my favorite reads) packed her bag and baby belly off to the hospital yesterday to birth her third.
Wow. I am so happy for her! Please join me in congratulating her and her family on this great event!

Sigh - I love babies. Mine is such a big-boy now... although sometimes, when I'm VERY lucky, he'll let me snuggle him as if he were a baby.







Pictured: Jasper, 3.5 years.