Oklahoma Blizzard 2011

Have you ever heard the saying "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute it will change."? This statement was so true for us last week.  On Saturday, January 29th, I was wearing shorts and a tank top for my afternoon run considering it was 75 degrees and by Monday evening, January 31st a BLIZZARD WARNING was issued for most of Oklahoma with temperatures struggling to stay in the double digits.  This storm included sleet, snow, and thundersnow.  If you have never experienced "thundersnow" it was...interesting.  It was a record breaking storm for Oklahoma...the most snowfall in one day, one storm, one month, EVER!  The official totals were recorded at 14"!  If you are reading this and you live in the Northern United States I know that is not much snow, but for Oklahoma it is a record!  Since this was a blizzard visibility was very limited and the windchill was extremely dangerous.  We had snow drifts that were waist deep in places.  The snow was deep enough that you could not tell where the street or curb was located.  This was enough to pretty much shut down the city.  The Oklahoma Govenor announced a "State of Emergency" for all Oklahoma counties because of this storm and the funding it would require to clean-up.  We were very fortunate to not have power outages that could have occurred with a storm like this.  Emergency vehicles were stuck all over town as well as 18-wheelers and other vehicles.  Once the snow stopped on Tuesday afternoon I began "digging out".  It took 2 full days to shovel the driveway enough to get out of the garage.  Once the driveway was clear we did venture out for a short trip to Reasor's to get evaporated milk for snow ice cream and some cappuccino (mostly just to get out of the house).  It was a good thing we didn't need more from the store because the shelves were EMPTY...no bread, no eggs, no milk and that is still the case when you go to the store 1 week after the initial storm hit.  On Thursday I drove dad to work since the snow was so deep along our neighborhood street and my Highlander sits higher than his Camry.  A plow did manage to get down the street once to get some of the snow packed down for easier travel.  We have not had trash service since the storm came through and finally got a little mail delivered on Saturday for the first time!  The city crews are working very hard to improve road conditions and everyday services such as bus routes, mail delivery, trash pick-up, etc.

Here are a few pictures from the house and around town.  Enjoy!  

 View from the front door.  The arm of the wooden bench is about 3 feet (that's a lot of snow)

View of the street...you can't see the curb the snow is so deep. 

One of the many snow drifts in the driveway. 

Snowpacked streets

Even the Casino closed. 

Area schools have now been closed since last Tuesday and remain closed due to neighborhood roads still being very slick.  Several businesses were closed most of last week and some had altered business hours.  As if 14"+ was not enough we had another snow storm come through on Friday that left behind another 3-4" and guess what...another storm is headed this way tomorrow with predictions of 6-10".  People/companies that own bobcats and large plows are in high demand around the city right now.  My office was closed last week and if the storm comes through like they are predicting we will likely be closed more this week. 

With all the time off I decided to use it to my advantage to get some sewing projects completed.

Day #1...I put together a new bag to carry my workout clothes/shoes to and from Curves.  I must say it turned out pretty nice.  I even included a couple inside pockets for my cell phone and jewlery.  I was able to use fabric I had left over from another project which means this bag was FREE!

Day #2...I made bags for my nephews.  I had found some material at Joann's a few weeks ago that I wanted to use to make something for the boys for their birthdays coming up, but wasn't sure what to make.  Before the storm hit I was talking on the phone with my sister brainstorming ideas and it came up that they each needed a bag that was not too big, but big enough for an overnight visit to see Gigi & Grandpa Randy or just to carry things around.  I added a magnetic snap to each bag, but didn't make pockets...instead I made a smaller drawstring bag that would be great for a toothbrush, comb, etc. 

Drew's Animal Bag

Josh's Puppy Bag

(sorry it is rather blurry)

Day #3...I made new curtains for my sewing room/office!  I had purchased the material a few weeks ago and was just waiting to find the time to get them made.  I guess it took a blizzard for me to get it done, but they are finished and hung!  My sewing room/office was my bedroom growing up so it hadn't changed much over the years.  The room is painted yellow with dark blue trim to go with my love of sunflowers.  Instead of repainting the entire room (ceiling and ceiling fan included) I found a fabric that would go with the existing colors yet give the room a little change.  The curtains are simple, but I like how they look and it also adds some new colors to the room.  There is still some rearranging and more decorating to happen to this room, which will happen later (maybe during the next snow storm?).  For now, here are the before/after pictures of the window. 

Before

After

Day #4...I began working on some knitting projects, but haven't finished those just yet. 

Day #5 and Day #6...no sewing projects and the driveway was finally clear.  I did get out on Saturday evening to go to dinner and a movie with some friends.  It was nice to spend time with others and start to get back to a normal life again. 

Today, I am back at work, although not much is happening around here...it is hard to pour concrete when there is snow on the ground.  Until this all clears I will just enjoy the quiet days at the office, because Spring is just around the corner and business will be crazy!

I am also sharing this post with a few link parties...CraftoManiac Monday, Look What I Made, Get Your Craft On, and Sew Cute Tuesday

A New Year!!

January is a time when people get many new ideas and set new goals for themselves. Here are a few of the things I hope to accomplish this year...

1. New "Curves" Bag (I have been using one of the "resuable bags" from Wal-Mart for my workout clothes & shoes)
It is time to make something for myself! I went through some of my extra fabric and found just enough material! All I need is some interfacing to make it sturdy (and I happen to have a coupon for 40% off at Hobby Lobby since that stuff is never on sale when I need it).

2. Reorganize the "Yellow Room"
This room has become a shared space for my computer/office, sewing, and Dad's computer rebuilding. We call it the "Yellow Room" because it was painted several years ago bright yellow (even the ceiling is yellow) and the trim was painted blue to coordinate with my sunflower decor. Instead of repainting I have found some fabric that will give everything a fresh/new look and still go with the colors already there. When I arranged things last year I moved my sewing table into the far corner thinking it would be perfect in that location, but after sewing all my bags, towels, & aprons with my machine turned at an angle I realized rearranging is necessary. I will try to post "before & after" pictures when all is completed.

3. Red Rover Designs Logo
In all my blog reading I came across the blog Say it on the Wall. She has some great ideas for using vinyl lettering. She even does custom orders!! I have ordered my logo so I can post it on my wall and make my work space "official". Right now she is offering 30% off orders that involve Resolutions...use the code NEWYEAR30 at checkout. I can't wait to check the mail and put it on the wall!!!

4. Offer new items in my Etsy Store
If you have any suggestions I would love to hear them.

And last, but not least (probably the biggest goal of all)...

5. Half Marathon
As most of you know in the past year I began running. I started running with a friend and our goal was to run a 5k (3.1 miles) by using the "couch to 5k" plan. After the first race I decided I wanted to keep going and worked on improving my time and then decided to take on a 10k (6.2 miles) so I asked another friend to would join me on this part of my running adventures. We took on the challenge of training together and finished yet another race. After the 10k we kept running a few nights each week and began saying "now what?" We had run a 5k and 10k...half marathon? (My friend ran her first half marathon last April) I always said I had "no desire to ever run a half marathon", but I am reminded of the saying "never say never". New running shoes were purchased last weekend and training began for the May 1st OKC Memorial Half Marathon! This weekend we will be joining Runner's World for another training run...6 miles and over the next few months add mileage to the 13.1 miles on race day!!!
**Yes, it is WINTER in Oklahoma and yes, we are CRAZY!! Monday night it was wet and snowing as I bundled up for a quick run around the neighborhood and last night it was a FRIGID 18 degrees for our run! Hopefully we won't have too many runs like that, but thanks to all the Christmas presents of fleece jackets, pants, ear warmers, & coats cold runs are possible!!!!

Sorry, there aren't any pictures to go along with this...check back for progress and "before & after" posts!

Custom Orders

On occasion I get requests for custom orders. I enjoy being creative with the fabrics yet meeting each personal request. My most recent order was for a quilted diaperbag for a friend from Middle School/High School. I had made a quilted diaperbag for another friend earlier this Spring and ever since have had requests for similar bags. My friend told me what type of material she was wanting and then let me create what I thought would look best. I can't wait to deliver this bag tonight and to meet her new little girl that will get to use this bag!

This bag features 2 side pockets, 2 inside pockets, 2 front pockets (under flap), adjustable strap and removable solid base.

Here are a few pictures of the completed project!

This week I will be linking up to CraftOManiac Monday, Sew Cute Tuesday, Look What I Made, and Sew & Tell Friday

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

As we enter into the busy holiday season our to-do lists become longer and longer. We have shopping for that "perfect gift", baking, parties, gift exchanges, decorating, etc.
Red Rover Designs has some great gifts at great prices! I can also ship the items to you.



Here are a few of the newest items to come off the sewing machine. Please keep in mind I can also do custom orders, so if you don't see the colors you are looking for just send an e-mail to redroverdesigns@hotmail.com

Additional items and designs available here.

No time for sewing...vacation and a 10k

Not much has happened at the sewing machine in the past few weeks and this is why...
After my last post with some of my new Fall designs I headed out of town to spend a week with my sister, brother-in-law, and 2 adorable nephews at the "Happiest Place on Earth". That's right...we went to visit Mickey Mouse and all his friends at Walt Disney World! I was so blessed to be invited to join the Wiggins on their family vacation and loved every minute of it! As we all know, vacations can be somewhat exhausting. Trying to get back to reality and life as usual has been a bit of a challenge. It just seems there are not enough hours in the day to get everything accomplished.






Another reason I haven't been sewing...
Last Spring a good friend of mine asked me to take on the challenge of running a 5k. Together we trained for a 5k race and accomplished our goal!! I decided to continue my training and keep on running. A few weeks before I went on vacation I decided to register to run a 10k (6.2 miles) and began running more frequently to help prepare myself. Another good friend joined me on this challenge and just a few days ago we crossed the finish line of the 2010 Tulsa Zoo Run!! My goal for the 10k was to finish in under 1 hour 15 min. With beautiful weather, good music on my Ipod, friends and family waiting at the finish line I accomplished yet another goal!! My official race results: 1 hour 8 min 42 sec!!!!! My Ipod was on shuffle throughout the entire race and the song that was playing at the very end when I needed that "extra push" was Tim McGraw's "How Bad Do You Want It?" Ironic? I like to call it a "God thing," and at that point I knew I was not running alone. Who knows maybe next year I will be up to running a 1/2 marathon...only time will tell!


All of this to say...I am getting back to life as usual and will be back to the sewing machine soon! In the next few weeks I will be sewing a variety of items to sell at 2 local craft shows. The first show will be October 30th at Berryhill Elementary's Pumpkin Patch Festival and the next show will be November 20th at the Jenks Church Student Ministry Craft Show. These will be great places to get some shopping done before the Christmas rush is upon us. Hope to see you there!

New Fall Designs!!!!

Another productive weekend at the sewing machine!

Quilted Messenger Bags will be one of the new designs for Fall 2010! I have a variety of material that I will be working with the next few weeks. Stay tuned to see which design is next!

Messenger bag has an adjustable shoulder strap, large back pocket, 3 front pockets, and 2 inside pockets. It also features a removable bottom for easy washing. Bags will be available for sale at my Etsy.com Shop as well as directly from me through e-mail or Red Rover Designs fan page on Facebook.



Another new item for the Fall will be kitchen towels! Needing to replace some older kitchen towels or looking for the perfect gift for someone? These are great for House Warmings, Teachers, Brides-to-be, etc.
The towels will be sold in matching sets for $10. I will be making several designs in the next weeks, but if you have specific colors you are looking for please let me know!


I am linking up to a few blogs that I have recently come across and sharing my creations!

Fall Craft Shows

Fall is in the air (well...some days still feel like Summer) and the holiday season is just around the corner! I have begun sewing a few new items for Red Rover Designs...new items will include quilted messenger bags, purses, kitchen towels and possibly a new scarf design. Christmas will be here before we know it and most people will be on the hunt for that perfect gift for someone. I am planning to have some items that are Christmas specific while others can be put to use year round.

Thanks to a few friends of mine I have been encouraged to sell my designs at another Craft Fair. I am currently trying to decide which Fair I would like to be a part of the most. I will keep you posted on what I decide as well as details so you can come out and support Red Rover Designs as well as the other vendors.

As always I will still be taking custom orders and requests as I prepare for this event!