New project!

A while back I saw a fabulous Anthropologie dress. I found out it was called the River Fade dress. But I discovered it well after it it had been in stores and well after it had been on sale (which is the only way I would have been able to afford it to begin with). I pinned the photo thinking that I could make a dress that was similar. I have been searching for the prefect pattern for months now and nothing had come close... until I found the Cinema Dress from Leisel & Co. It is the closest I have been able to find. Now I have yet to find the fabric that would enable me to replicate the dress from Anthro and make a few alterations to the pattern to match. But I decided that I should go ahead and make up the dress per the pattern. (Well... expect I can't seem to do anything by the exact instructions, whether it is sewing, crafting, or cooking.)

I had a gift card that my aunt sent to me for my birthday, get this, four years ago. It finally came in the mail... four years late and because it was one of those prepaid visa gift cards that begins deducting $2.00 every month after a year of inactivity it had a $0 balance (much to my dismay). I called the number on the back and told them my story. The rep on the other end wasn't very kind... but a few days later I had $15 back! Yay! So what does this have to with my story? Well it was the amount that need to buy the pattern, which I did. Then I had some other birthday money that I used to buy some gorgeous mustard yellow 100% cotton fabric that I found at the local fabric store. And it was half off since it was a remanent! Plus I have birthday money left over! Wooohooo! So yesterday I spent every moment I could making a dress. And it is glorious. So comfy and flattering. It hides that mama pooch that I am looking forward to diminishing (but can't right now due to nursing). I made the dress to button down the front and not the back, changed the sleeve finish from a cuff to simple pleated and hemmed edge, and moved the pockets from the "belly" seams to the side. It was the easiest pattern to sew and alter and I really didn't have to alter the dress to fit my body (like I have had to with so many other patterns). I nipped it in the waist a touch since the fabric  chose made it look a bit too boxy. But if I use a fabric with a much more soft drape/ hand I don't think I will even need to do that next time. And yes... I am planning a whole slew of these dresses – a linen one, a hand stitched jersey knit one, a chambray one with big patch pockets, a floral one with big pockets, etc. I think it will be my go to dress. So I am sure this will not be the only time that I write about this fabulous pattern. And when I get to recreating the lovely Anthro dress I will be sure to include lots of photos!

It is currently waiting for buttons. I know I have some that would be perfect for it... but they are some where in storage and haven't been uncovered yet. Hmmmmm

Land

Shortly before I had my daughter, when we still lived in the West Nashville house, we found some property in Fairview, TN. The owner offered this little 1.5 acre plot for $9,000 (he had been asking for $18,000). We had been paid $10,000 for moving out of the East Nashville house and Adam felt the need to tithe on it... leaving us with $9,000. It seemed too good to pass up (well, at the time it seemed that way to Adam; I wanted nothing to do with the property). So we bought it. Our hopes were to move a tiny home onto it, then time began running out and we bought a vintage RV camper only to find out that it was in way worse shape than we had initially thought (more about that sometime later). But the Lord worked a miracle and provided a small apartment for us to live in while we planned what to do with the land.

The property (which I have named Hickory Hill) has water, electricity, and a septic. Only... the septic is now illegal and we were told that we have to put a new one in. Adam build a permanent 'H' frame for the electricity. Meanwhile we have gone from one idea/ plan to another – strawbale (which is my absolute favorite), small shed/cabin type structure with a loft, back to a tiny home. It has been a roller coaster of ideas... a "schizophrenic" at times. People are constantly asking what we are doing and we tell them one thing one week and another thing the following week. It is very clear that we haven't a clue what to do. Our funds, unfortunately, are limited and the local county codes limit us even more. It is frustrating to be told that even the cleanest, most environmentally safe plans are not acceptable. We just want to live freely, with out any hassle. And, as tempting as it is just to do what we want, we would like to stay within "codes" to live without the fear of "getting-into-trouble".

Today, I have realized (yet again) that the Lord is in control. We can plot and plan but ultimately the Lord is in control. It is a hard lesson for an American Christian to accept. We have become so inundated with what society says we should have (comfort, luxury, space, convenience, etc) that we really don't know what it is to live "by faith." That faith (that is, faith in the Almighty God) is not something that is "comfortable" or "convenient", it is raw; the complete surrender of one's entire self... which includes all plans, hopes, and dreams, etc. It is not always rosy and warm. But it provides EVERYTHING one needs. WE have EVERYTHING we need right now and then some. When the Lord wants us to move He will provide and all these random pieces of our life will come together to make something uniquely beautiful. Lord help my impatience!

Until then, I am slowly learning to recognize and love the gifts the Lord gives to us on a daily basis. Even in a three windowed 585 square foot apartment (hey! at least we have windows!).

Overwhelming...

The word of the year. At least for us.

Our lives have be turned upside down in so many ways. Started with moving from a packed 1300 sq ft house (with a full basement) in a quiet neighborhood within walking distance of practically everything to a 1500 sq ft house on a super busy street and walking distance to major conveniences to moving yet again, this time into a 585 sq ft basement apartment in a very quiet neighborhood where we can only walk to a small park. All of this happened whilst I was pregnant and post birth. It all seems kinda jumbled in my mind; like it has been 5 years in one (expect we all only aged a few months). 

Overwhelming...

Each time we had to move we have had no idea where we would go next, yet God provided miraculously at the last minute with each move. And with each move we have begun to realize what is important to us and what we can live without. We began to realize that we were beginning to become controlled by "things". We discovered the living "small / tiny" movement and felt it calling our names. We discovered how living close (literally) to each other has strengthened our relationships. We have discovered (even though we have heard it thousands of times) that God's plans are bigger and better; that He will provide ALL of our needs and even some of our desires. Faith. A simple word with such depth of meaning.

Faith. A bit like a black hole. Once you truly commit yourself to faith it sucks you in and transforms you. But you have to be willing to fully commit or you will miss the beauty of not being in control. Something that I am still learning. But with a rough pregnancy, two moves, and major down sizing I feel like it is getting easier.

I want to share so much. I apologize in advanced if some of it seems jumbled and a bit confusing. I, myself, and still reeling from all of the changes. But I hope that by sharing what the Lord has done for us I will be able to maintain a thankful heart and bless others in the process. 

It is messy, as most works in progress are. I can't see the entire picture yet. It is still a work in progress, I have to keep reminding myself. A wonderful, amazing, original work of art lovingly being hand crafted by God. If that isn't humbling... then I don't know what is. Praise God for humility and for grace.