Way more about me than anyone should be forced to read.

It took me a while, but I finally managed to answer all those fun questions you asked. Maybe I should have broken this up into several small posts, I don't know, it's kind of like taking cough syrup- some folks want to get it down in one quick swallow, others need to take it in tiny increments. I'm counting on you guys being the one quick swallow type, so here you go. It's ok if you make a bad face and chase it with some soda if you like.

First question is from Shellie:

Hi! No more how do you stay so thin questions right! Where in Eastern NC? I am near Charlotte. I have been keeping up with you sewing and learned so much from you. Happy sewing.

Hi there Shellie in Charlotte, I'm about 3 hours away in a tiny town east of Fayetteville. I hear Charlotte is getting an Ikea. How soon? Happy sewing to you too!!

Stephanie asked:

What is your favorite place to visit and why?

Every summer since before we were married, we visit the beach at least once.  I'm sure that I'd love to visit a tropical beach, I've just never done it. For now, I'll say, I look forward to relaxing in the sun at Myrtle Beach.

Sunny,

If you could go back to when your kids were toddlers, what would you do the same or differently?

Hmmmm.... good question, but also a tough one. If I could go back to when they were toddlers, with the knowledge I have now, I would try to provide more structure and discipline. I believe dealing with disappointments is more difficult for them because all I ever wanted to do was make them happy when the truth is, you can't always have things the way you want them. I failed my children by not teaching them this early on. I'm sure they both could have been saved some heartaches if they had faced more disappointments and been lovingly guided through that disappointment when they were toddlers and young children.

Erin, you made me think too by asking about some favorites. I can never name one favorite anything- so I hope you don't mind if I give you more than you asked for.

favorite book: A Fine Balance, I Know This Much Is True, The Prince of Tides, Gone with the Wind, are just a few that I really enjoyed reading.

favorite movie: Fried Green Tomatoes, Driving Miss Daisy, Forrest Gump, The Princess Bride, Letters from Iwo Jima, Notting Hill, Steel Magnolias, Throw Mama From the Train, The Shawshank Redemption, ET, A Christmas Story, The Sound of Music, just to name a few.

favorite song (s): This one was the toughtest, I have so many and they are ever changing, some constants are: Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen), Desperado (Eagles), Sweet Home Alabama, Free Bird, Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd) I can't help it, those WT roots run deep. The entire Rumours album (Fleetwood Mac), Soulshine (Allman Brothers), In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel), Crazy (Patsy Cline), I Believe (Brooks and Dunn), Your Song  (Elton John), Fire and Rain (James Taylor), In My Life (the Beatles), Live to Tell (Madonna), Against All Odds, One More Night, I Wish It Would Rain Down (Phil Collins)

favorite meal: I love steak cooked on the grill, could eat my weight in crab legs, can't get enough tomato sandwiches in the summer, and I can make a meal of the chips and salsa at our favorite local Mexican restaurant.

Lisa had several questions:

Hey, Autum. I'd love to know your favorite places to get all those great fabrics! Also, how do you organize your day? Do you just go from one thing to the next, do you have a favorite time of day for crafts/sewing, do you make lists? And lastly, how do you keep your fabrics & scraps organized in your sewing room?

Lisa, a lot of my fabric is purchased online, I have my favorites linked in my sidebar, over there to the right ---> See it? (You may have to scroll down a bit) Look under fun places to shop. Locally, I shop at JoAnn and Hancock Fabrics.

How do I organize my day? Not very well. I have a one track mind and tend to get very involved in what I'm doing, be it sewing or cleaning (or wasting time on the computer)   I've not mastered the art of multi-tasking. Not a list maker and most of my sewing/ crafting is done before 4 or 5 in the afternoon.

I do try to keep things fairly organized in my sewing room. I can't work if things are too chaotic. One of my favorite tutorials e-v-e-r, was Monica's fabric folding tut. It has made keeping my fabric organized so much easier.

Glenna,

Definitely!  Dish about where you buy your fabrics!

OK, I dished- see above.

And...if you go out to eat, what's your favorite thing to order, be it humble (I like fried bologna on white bread with mustard) or fancy?

I don't eat anything fancy, but I would have to be very very hungry to eat bologna. I've made many fried blologna sandwiches, I just don't eat 'em. I do like red hots on a hamburger bun though and that's a lot like fried bologna. I guess what I order depends on what's on the menu. If we go to a place that has steak, I usually order a steak, probably a ribeye, medium-well.

Kristin asked,

what would you do if you won the lottery and had enough money from your winnings to never have to work again.

Believe it or not, I really wouldn't want to win BIG in the lottery. I wouldn't mind winning enough to maybe pay off our debts, and buy a few nice things for those I love, but I think having that much more than you need only leads to problems- you know, that old money is the root of all evil business. Don't get me wrong, I  wouldn't turn down  several hundred thousand, a million would make life much easier, but I wouldn't wish to be a multi-million dollar winner, call me crazy.

Misty wanted to know,

What is the most meaningful/memorable thing you have sewn and given away?
I think any time I've made a baby quilt, I've put a lot of heart into it, but the quilt  and crib bedding I made for Bayleigh were extra-special to me.

I loved this question from Christina:

okay...heres a good one. Do you ever get insecure about the things you make? I make bags also and whenever I have orders they are never good enough for me. I end up feeling like I should just give them to the people...I see all the faults. Do you ever feel that way, how do you overcome it?

Do I ever get insecure? All. The. Time! I find fault in everything I make and I doubt I will ever completely overcome it. I do feel better about my abilities than I once did, but I will always be my worst critic. I just have to remind myself that the appeal of something handmade sometimes lies in those tiny "imperfections".

From Anne:

When you painted your kitchen cabinets did you just sand them or did you strip the wood finish? I'll be painting my with oil paint too.

I sanded lightly, just to take the shine off, using a scotch-brite pad. I also cleaned them thoroughly with TSP to remove any greasy residue. Before painting I primed with 2 coats of kilz primer.

What are the top five things that make you laugh?

My husband. He has such a quick, dry wit. He makes me laugh every day. The newest thing making me laugh, is watching Bayleigh. She makes the sweetest, funniest faces, I could (and do) just sit and watch her for hours. The dogs are a sure form of entertainment around here most days. Spending time with Alyssa is sure to include some laughter and I never talk to my friend Kelli without laughing. Casey shares his dad's quick wit, so when he isn't making me want to scream, he can be pretty funny.

Just a comment... I love your sense of color and style, from your sewing, to your house to your clothing. More importantly your strength.

Awww, thanks Anne! You are so sweet!

Lisa is sweet too!

I think your work is beautiful! My question is: Do you come from a sewing/quilting family or have you taught yourself?

Thank you Lisa!! I do come from a sewing family. I've said before that my granny was the original Martha Stewart. There wasn't anything she couldn't do. I never had any interest in sewing though until about six years ago, so most of my sewing has been self taught. I do turn to my aunt Mary anytime I get stuck with something and she always knows how to fix whatever mess I've made. A couple of years ago I signed up for a beginners sewing class but was able to attend 3 classes (the instructor had to return home to Japan for a family emergency).  Those 3 classes were quite helpful, though.  I want to try it again.

Leonie, I think that answers your question. You also asked to see my craft area. Here are some pictures.

Good grief, this is getting long. Only 2 more. Bless your heart if you've read all this.

Hi June! 

I'm from N.C., too (born in Kinston but never lived there, lived in Jacksonville and Wilmington). My favorite beach is Topsail Island, followed by Wrightsville Beach. Where in eastern N.C. do you live? And, do you go to S.O.S. in Myrtle Beach?

Wilmington is beautiful isn't it? We live east of Fayetteville, sort of between two very tiny towns that I doubt you've heard of. Stedman and Autryville. Stedman has one stoplight. Autryville has a caution light.
We don't go to S.O.S. but we've been to Myrtle Beach that weekend many times. It must be the first weekend in May, our Aniversary is May 2nd, so we've been there many times when the shaggers converge on the shore.

Amanda asked about the bedding I made for Bayleigh's crib.

I want to know how you made the bedding for your grandbaby? did you use a pattern or just figure it out? the bumper doesn't seem to hard to figure out if you had one to reference but i could never figure out the sheets. I'm asking because I am having a baby and there is NOTHING just right to buy.

I emailed Amanda about this, but in case anyone else had the same question, yes and no. I did have a pattern and read the instructions to get an idea where to begin. I didn't end up using the pattern, but it was a good starting point. I followed these directions for making the fitted sheet.

Happy Friday y'all! Go out and have some fun!

My cool new shoes are Camilla Engman Lil' Red Riding Hood Converse Allstars. I first saw these modeled by my buddy LLA (who I really miss, by the way) and knew I had to have a pair.  I was never able to find my size on the Converse  site, but with some searching, I got lucky and found them here.

Comments

[Amy]

I am a lurker...but had to come out of the dark shadows to say...AWSOME SHOES!!!! Those have got to be the coolest ever!
Have a BLESSED day!

[lisa]

I'm sooo glad that you answer the question about your shoes. I have been looking for a summer pair, and haven't seen anything I like. Those are so cute, and they really look like you with the blue and red little birdies. By the way, would you mind coming to my house and fixing my showing room/guest room/office just like yours? It's awesome.

[John]

Thanks for the idea -- I just ordered my wife a pair of those shoes as a (late) Mother's Day gift (from the kids, of course!). I'm a NC neighbor, writing from Cary. Love your blog, and congrats on the arrival of your granddaughter!

[happy zombie]

OMG... The shoes! The shoes!

[Sharly]

Hey! Glad you took a break from "Bayleigh Watch" to update us!! I have to echo the comments already made about the shoes, too!! Have a great weekend!!

[erin]

so fun! thanks for taking the time to do this, autum. i like a great grilled steak and chips and salsa too.

[Sarah]

I am not sure how many people read the comments, but another way for them to figure out how to make things like crib sheets and changing pad covers and so forth is to just thrift one and cut it apart and use it as a pattern.

BTW, that wasn't too much to know! :-)

[Leonie - Australia]

Thanks for answering all the questions and showing me the pics of your sewing room it looks really cosy! Hope you are enjoying being a grandma
Best wishes

[lisa powell]

I think, dear Autum, that f you ever put your exact address out there, not one of us would be able to resist the urge to drop by for a visit and to check out your latest project! I sew for a shop and put my own designs in another shop and my creative days are so supported by yours and others' blogs (but especally yours). I am a transplant recipient and want you to know that not only can it go well, but life can absolutely soar after; so many, many prayers will always be with you! Thank you for all the sharing.

[KBG]

Oh my - I grew up near Pinehurst and my sister attended UNCW (and now lives in Wilmington still) and I got a speeding ticket in Stedman one time. I hate how the speed limit drops - No fun when you're in a hurry to get to the beach! Now we take a different route when I'm visiting (which isn't often enough), so I don't drive through there anymore. (That is a small town!)

[Susan Ramey Cleveland]

I love the shoes. I just got me some Converse All Stars in a beautiful patchwork design. Can't wait to wear them to Quilt Guild. Enjoyed reading your answers. I agree with you about lots of stuff, including winning the lottery. I think I'd buy all our kids houses and new cars then give the rest away. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to you and the new Mommy.

[lindsay]

Love, love, love the shoes - I have them too! Just a tip if they can't be found on the Delia's site, I got mine on zappos.com - love free shipping!

[christina]

I'm so glad to know that I am not the only nuerotic person out there about their sewing. I think I'm finally learning to relax and not obsess about my mistakes...ok...maybe not really, but I am trying, honest!;)

[Lisa Clarke]

Autum, I am totally with you on the lottery thing. I would love to win enough to live comfortably, but I have no desire to be filthy rich. At all.

[Ruthie]

Autumn, I loved hearing all about you--I like to read my fav blogs in what I imagine their voices sound like (not out loud tho, lol!)...now that I'm thinking about where you live, I'm wondering if I've got yours wrong and you have an accent? Do you? :) *not creepy, just curious, I'm not really thinking hard about where you live, just the general direction* ;)

[Tonya Richard]

I so agree with you about winning the lottery! I would just want enough money to pay everything off and be able to live a comfortable life without worrying. I would NOT want to be rich, like you said, too much money complicates life : )

Love your new shoes : )

[June]

This was fun to read and I loved all the answers as well as the initial questions. I do indeed know the towns near Fayetteville you mentioned. I did live for a year in Fort Bragg when my father was posted there. My first year of college was spent at Mount Olive College before I transferred to UNC.

[Liz]

Great shoes. And I cant imagine you being insecure about anything you might make! Your such a talented woman! Great post.

[Samantha]

Hey girl! Thanks for your sweet comment a few days ago. I'm all better now. It's nice to let it out every now and then, and it's even nicer to have sweet friends to pick your tail back up. Thanks.

xoxox,
Samantha

[Michelle]

LOVE those shoes..You are such an inspiration to me! :) Congratulations on that beautiful new grandaughter!

[Pamella]

I've been reading bits and pieces of your blog lately. I'm tempted to start my own blog but haven't a clue how to go about it. Anyway - love your site and all your creative work. We seem to have similar tastes - quilting, handbags, LOST, same books, same music - and my daughter is expecting our first grandchild! Keep up the great work - I'll be checking in.

[Tiff@Three Peas]

I enjoyed reading all of your answers. It was a fun way to get to know you! I live in NC about an hour from you!

[Vikki]

Love your Blog, your beautiful home (Will you come decorate mine?), and your awesome creative works. I would love to purchase some of your things and was wondering how to go about that??
Again, really love your Blog and know that if I lived closer to you we would be great friends!

[Charity]

Hi Autum...guess you've already heard how cool your shoes are, so I won't tell you again LOL :) Anyway...your the second person I've ever left a comment for, I feel so encouraged by your words, your talent, and your honesty. Just thought you may like to know you really do make a difference in women's lives everytime you post. I coninue to visit your blog often, so keep it up! Cheers to you, Little Lady!

[nicole]

Yea! I found you again. I had revamped my blog and lost my blogroll. The typepad were the hardest to remember. So I have some catching up to do.

I just took my first sewing class today and I thought of you. any pointers for me? I made a pillow that I will post soon. Just a plain ol' pillow. But I'm so proud of it. I'd like to get a book and a sewing machine. Any suggestions for me? I am supposed to be making a really ugly apron next week, unless I can find a simple apron pattern I like better.

O.K., now I'm off to catch up on your blog and new grandbaby! Have a wonderful rest of the week.

blessings, nicole