semi-circle knit top

a couple months ago, my cousin did a clothing swap with a friend of hers and received this in the exchange: 

she showed me the shirt in exasperation, wondering what possessed her friend to

1) buy a shirt with a giant hello kitty face on it

2) thought she'd want it  

my cousin quickly admitted that the top has a cute cut and is extremely comfortable.  she then very generously gave me the shirt, and said i could use it as a pattern to make her a new shirt.  

ha.  

so i did.  

if you can't tell from the photo, the shirt is basically a semi-circle.  i chose a navy knit for her.  

fun sleeves, no?  sent it in the mail, and it was well received.  two of our other cousins saw it and immediately texted me asking me to make them shirts too.  maybe after i make one... for myself. 

mymemories digital scrapbooking software review + giveaway

a few weeks ago, i was asked to review mymemories software, a digital scrapbooking program. naturally, i said yes, even though i was in the throws of an intensive course and didn't have a single second to spare.  but now that things have settled down a bit, i took some moments to play around with the software.  

keep in mind that i have not made a real scrapbook in about... eight years, if i'm remembering correctly.   it took me ten months to complete a scrapbook about my first trip to europe, and not only did i spend approximately $300 on supplies, the album weighed a ton.   i never made one again, as i found this traditional form so darn cumbersome.  i have made photo albums using other online programs, but that is a story from another day.

what i find most interesting about the mymemories software is the way it merges traditional scrapbooking with the modern digital age.  i have wondered if traditional scrapbooks, with various patterned backgrounds, ribbons, brads, would be soon be completely obsolete.  with this software, however, i think they can live on in a better form.

i think the mark of a good software program is the ease in its' use.   the mymemories software IS easy to use, just random clicking here and there and i was able to produce a page out of a calendar to my liking in a short while.  here's a screenshot:

i was more interested in trying something other than a traditional scrapbook page, which is why i tested the calendar options.  i think i need to do some more playing around before i fully understand how to make the best use of the program, though.  there are many options for layouts and backgrounds, pre-designed and design-yourself.  there are additional digital kits that you can buy at an additional cost, but you could get by just fine with the available choices.  the program costs about $40, which is pretty inexpensive considering how much money a regular scrapbook would cost.  

oh, and i nearly forgot the giveaway!  i have a copy of the mymemories software for you... ONE of you. you can have up to two entries to win:

1. (this one is mandatory) please visit the mymemories.com website and leave a comment on this post telling me which digital paper pack or layout is your favorite.  

2. for an additional entry (separate comment letting me know), follow my blog.   

*don't forget to tell me how to reach you if you should win*

i will draw a winner in one week.   

for those of you who want to go ahead and purchase the software for yourself, mymemories.com is offering my readers a $10 discount offer.  just use code STMMMS8931 at check out.  

good luck!

------------

thanks for everyone for entering.  the winner is #2, faith!! i'll be contacting you shortly with more info.  

felt. flower. headband.

i realize i'm a little late in the game here, but happy new year!

i wanted to share this headband with you.   a very good friend of mine made it for me for christmas.  isn't it absolutely adorable?  the flower is made of felt petals that are both glued and sewn to the headband.  

did you receive any great handmade gifts over christmas?

i've been incredibly busy lately, but a couple weeks ago managed to whip up some easy projects.   here are a couple bibs made out of my kiwi bird parade and chunky olives fabrics.   have a great weekend!

kiwi? berry?

have you ever seen these before?

have you ever tasted one? 

have you ever tasted one??

my mom is forever introducing me to new foods, and this has been the latest treat:  KIWI BERRIES.  apparently you can get them at sam's wholesale club.  they are grape-sized but taste exactly like kiwis.

delicious.