at home

The Xtra Large 'Surprise Me' Custom!

Necia, a super sweet mama, bid on an auction I had for a Surprise Me slot. And boy was I surprised! Far beyond all hopes I had, the slot sold for $400.  I had so much fun working with her to get a list of items she'd love. And now, pictures...

Customs Update

I wanted to let you all know about a few changes in the way I run my Customs List.  As most of you know, I have three beautiful children: 4, 2, and 1. They're my number one priority, my family before my business. In order to achieve the fine balance between work and play, I've decided to set a regular schedule.  I have broken my Customs List down by work weeks.  I will do my best to complete each week's work on schedule and have it shipped out by Monday of the following week. I know this might slow things down a little bit, but I think it will better for you, my customers, in the long run. I'll be able to give you a better estimate on turn around time and not feel the rush I feel now, sewing between meals, in the middle of the night, et cetera, therefore allowing more time for your order.  This is a sort of middle ground. I have considered closing .jjbb. inevitably but I do feel this is my place right now, where I'm supposed to be.  In order to make that work with my family life, I need balance. I hope these adjustments provide that. 

We appreciate your continued support.

Stephanie + family

'Surprise Me' Custom Slots

This has been a lot of fun for me and I hope you're all enjoying it as well.  I'm finished with this  round of Surprise Me Slots! and I can't wait to start the next group.  

$50 Slot

$60 Set:

 

$75 Slot

$75 Slot (For some reason I thought it was a $100 slot so she got an extra):

$100 Set:

$100 Slot

$100 Slot:

My Apologies

In all honesty, this blog has become a place for me to track my orders (the customs list in the upper right corner).  I jot down my orders there and keep them so people can track progress, giving some finality with a photo, uploaded to my album.  I know it wasn't my original intention but it works well so I'll continue to utilize it. 

I'll get back to this in a proper way, soon.  Until then.

Avoiding Tradition

You know how husbands can do that thing.  That thing most women dread.  "Oh honey, this is just like Mom used to make."  I just despise it.  I'm not your mother...and if you wanted to marry your mother, you're some kind of fruitjob.  That said, I made the most delightful cinnamon rolls this morning.   Or last night.  Just like Mom used to make.  Because this is not my secret family recipe, and I don't know that it's supposed to be a secret, I'm sharing it here.  Actually, I wasn't given a recipe, I was given a lecture.  And this is what I took from it.

• 1 Loaf of Frozen Bread Dough
• 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar
• 1/2 cup White Sugar
• 3 Tbsp Butter (no substitutes)
• 2-4 Tbsp Cinnamon (I prefer Chinese)

1. Thaw bread dough according to package.  Once risen, roll out to 1/4-1/2" thick.  Spread butter over the surface.
2. In a small bowl mix the sugars.  Sprinkle onto buttered dough.  Sprinkle cinnamon liberally.  Very liberally.
3. Roll tightly, jelly roll style.  Slice in 1" increments and lay flat in greased 9x13" baking pan, sides barely touching.  My mother-in-law reiterated  "barely".  Cover with saran wrap and allow to rise again.
4. At this point you can move the covered pan to the refrigerator until morning for quick and easy baking or continue now.
5. Preheat oven to 350.  Bake cinnamon rolls, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes.  Cover a jelly roll pan with aluminum foil.  After removing the rolls from the oven, flip immediately onto the jelly roll pan.

Saturday mornings have never tasted better.  This is a tradition worth keeping.

Nicely Organized

Nicely organized, originally uploaded by domesticjukebox.

I spent hours, literally hours, folding fabric this weekend while tending to sick kids.  No one ever tells you that ruler folding makes your bum sore.  Like, 'I did 100 squats' sore.  If you want to see things up close, skip on over to my flickr.  Enjoy the post flood, prefold shots as well.  Man do I look like a slob.  I'm not.  Seriously.  Not.

Mail Party

On Monday, I received twelve packages.  My carrier loves me, I'm certain.  Lots of diapers for a diaper shower I'm putting together, a little fabric, two pair of replacement shoes for the one pair I bought that had a faulty squeaker.  Among these packages was a fabulous box from Stef at Artsy Momma.  Lots and lots of fabrics and notions...vintage and current! 

A big thanks is in order.  You rock, Stef.  And even your name is cool.

Headkerchief Tutorial

Measure and cut one piece as shown.

7-8" of 1/4" elastic, 10-12"x1.5" for fabric

Fold casing piece right sides together. Sew along outer edge. Turn.

Put safety pin into elastic and insert into casing.

Tack one end.

Use safety pen to pull the elastic through and tack the other end.

This is a picture of the finished casing.

Fold each of the short sides inward 1/8" then in again, 1/4". Press. Stitch with straight stitch.

First short side.

Other short side.

Fold corners in approximately 1/2" and press.

Fold in along bottom edge, 1/8" then fold again, 1". Press. Stitch close to edge.

Insert elastic on either side and stitch down to secure.

Finished.

Modeled.

This tutorial/pattern is not to be sold under any circumstances.  Feel free to sell your finished items but please give credit where credit is due. Never claim my ideas as your own.  If you have any questions please feel free to comment or email and I'll get back to you.

the Challenge

Talking to a friend yesterday I came to the realization that I don't sew for myself.  I'll sew for anybody else, for any reason, but never for me.  One t-shirt, one halter, and one handbag.  That's it.  So she mentioned challenging me to one wearable item, for myself, every month for a year.  So I'm upping the anty, I'm challenging all of you.  And I'm offering a craft-worthy prize.  Something fun, something you'll like.  So here's the deal:

1. You must sew one wearable item for yourself, every month, for one full year beginning in January, 2008.

2. Item can be sewn, knit, or crocheted.

3. Post a picture of you wearing your item, here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/at-home-challenge/

4. I'll keep a spreadsheet and everyone who completes the 12 months will be entered, lottery style to win a box of crafty goodness.  I'll use random.org to pick a winner on January 1, 2009.

Are you up for it?  Comment to get on the list. 

Crisp, veggie goodness....ahem...greatness

Crisp, veggie goodness....ahem...greatness, originally uploaded by domesticjukebox.

Seriously, who doesn't love a good Gardenburger?  I buy so many different brands of veg* burgers and I should really try making my own.  My freezer is a lovely showcase of the local coop's frozen goods department.  Apparently some have been living in there longer than others.  I made these delicious sandwiches for the kids and myself: Whole wheat toast, shredded carrots, sprouts, lettuce, onion, tomato, cream cheese, burger, and swiss cheese.  I can honestly say it was the most dreadful thing I'd ever eaten.  Freezer burn, anyone?  I pulled the burgers off and trashed them and instantly, this was the best lunch ever.  Seriously, ever.  Fresh veggies on toast, delightful.

On another note, I finished J*'s Valentine's set, only to discover this lovely XOXO fabric is signature Victoria Secret.  Something about a toddler in VS fabric is just wrong to me. You think?  Now I must sew something else.  Maybe a little less 'Euro', a little more traditional. 


On another note, thanks to Stef!  I won her giveaway over there for a box of crafty goodness.  You rock!