I know I’ve talked a lot about “non-planning” a “non-reception” (at least it seems like a lot!) but that’s not to say I’m not absolutely looking forward to celebrating our marriage with our dear ones.   I only want to keep stress at bay and although there is a part of me that would love to go over every detail and make things “perfect,” it probably better if I take a more casual approach to things.  I even considered not sending out paper invitations but I figured, when would I get an opportunity to do this?  And I do love paper goods so…

We are having at least two parties.  The first one will be with our friends; it might seem a little disjointed to do it this way but it seems like the most convenient thing for everyone and convenience is a good thing, in my opinion.  The festivities are to be held in October; something low key but fun…wine, cheese and plenty of finger foods, a cake (not a fancy wedding cake but perhaps it still will be tiered, just for fun), and even some Halloween-inspired goodies and decoration.

I made these silhouettes based off some wedding photos that had our profiles in them.  I like the old-fashioned look and color theme.  These scalloped cards are great, aren’t they?  I got them at Staples of all places!

I had to make matching address labels, of course.  And don’t you love these stamps?  They may be my favorite, next to the Edgar Allan Poe ones.

The invitations that I’ll make for the November’s Texas BBQ and Country Western Dancing Reception (!!!) will be similar but perhaps with a few difference like the colors, for example.  And then perhaps we’ll have a family gathering around Christmas, like a post-holiday brunch.

I’m really trying to be productive this weekend but I can’t help but feel fried by the heat.  Hmm,  it doesn’t seem like something I ever tire of complaining about! Well, I think I’m more of a cool weather person anyway.  It is supposed to be only in the 80s this weekend so hopefully we’re getting a break from the hot temps.

I hope you all have a magnificent unofficial last days of summer!  Any fun plans this weekend?

I’ve been working on this pattern in conjunction with the Wendy Reversible Tote Bag.  *Phew!*  I was going to wait until my new shop opens to post these for sale but since I’m a little behind on that I might put up these patterns in Etsy.

Which reminds me, the Blog Housewarming Handmade Giveaway ends tonight – I’ll announce the winner Wednesday!

Welcome!  the fabled needle will now live at thefabledneedle.com/blog.  My old blog, http://thefabledneedle.blogspot.com, will still be online so you can refer back to it, if you wish, but is no longer live but all new posts will be right here;  So I hope you’ll visit often as I have posts a-plenty in store for you!

To celebrate my new blog location and to thank my dear readers (Thank you for all the blog-love lately!), I’m giving away this handmade Scalloped Lemon Tote based on my Wendy Reversible Tote Bag pattern (Coming soon).

A pretty and festive summer bag to start off the season.  Just leave a comment in this post (giveaway is open to all readers, worldwide) and I’ll randomly pick a name and announce the winner July 1st. (Giveaway closes June 30th at midnight PT.)  Good luck, sweets!

Do you remember, very long ago, when I said I would make some sewing patterns for the shop? Well, I barely do, it was so long ago. I’ve had the “Coming Soon” text on my Sewing Patterns page (on my fable site) for. ever. I think I was actually not going to do any because of the time it would take to produce them but I can’t seem to get the ideas out of my head. Anyway, I’ll be adding some pdf sewing patterns to the shop and I need your help!

I’m looking for a few people to test this pattern. It should be fairly easy and could be completed in an afternoon (depending on your speed and sewing skills). All skill levels are welcome to volunteer – if you are beginner it would be best to have some experience sewing from a pattern.

Also, I would like this done relatively quickly – in the next week or two (max). That way I’ll have time to make any corrections/adjustments if needed. All testers will get a completed copy of this pattern once it’s posted to my shop.

Please email me at: dearliette {AT} gmail {DOT} com if you’d like to test this for me.  Thank you in advance!

UPDATE: I’ve got my testers for this round – thank you so much!