polkanuts

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-16T19:08:00.003-07:00

Another wreath... a random combination of raffia, berry bunches, a fabric scrap and coffee filters. Just wanted to make something and needed to use what I had in my stash.

My assistant and lovely wreath model.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-29T09:24:00.004-07:00

While the blogging has almost completely ceased since the arrival of baby boy... the crafting has only slowed a little. Will I ever catch up? Probably not, but here is a little something fun we did for the "candy holiday" – a simple Halloween wreath. We took a dollar store wreath form and tied lengths of black tulle around it. My 6 yr old and 4 year old were great helpers with this part. If I were to do it again, I might cut the tulle longer and have a fuller look. I added in some purple and orange ribbon and then hot glued this spider web (also from the dollar store) to the back, making sure I didn't cover the peep hole.

The peep hole is important because of the number of door-to-door salesmen who don't seem to understand what "no soliciting" means. I put that sign up after being visited by 6 sales people in three days... a little much for pregnant mom/new baby mom. My dad also rigged my doorbell so I can switch it off when baby sleeps. Why isn't this a standard doorbell feature? OK, rant over.
Salesmen stay away! Trick-or-treaters welcome!

Happy Halloween!

Ruffle Dress Refashion

2011-08-24T11:13:00.003-07:00

I've seen a lot of cute things in blogland made from this ruffle fabric and have been wanting to try it. Until recently it wasn't available in my local fabric shops and at $17 + a yard I didn't jump on it right away. One day I saw this XLarge top at a thrift store and grabbed it for a few dollars. I thought it would be an inexpensive way to see how I liked sewing with the ruffled material.

I used the Sienna Dress pattern that I had from Lil' Blue Boo to make a cute little dress for my toddler:

Since the shirt already had some interesting details with the crisscrossing ruffles at the top of the shirt, I was able to keep that same look by my pattern placement. I reused the shimmery neckline to finish my smaller neckline adding a flower made of the ruffles to cover the spot where my new seam ended up. I think I might add a few more flowers there so it doesn't look so lonely.

Cutting the ruffled fabric and sewing it, I had to be careful to keep the ruffles laying the same direction, so it took a little more pinning than I might otherwise have needed. Matching the ruffles at the shoulder seams to the front was a little tricky too. Overall, however, it is a quick way to get a much more complicated looking dress from a really simple style. I've already got plans for a few more ruffle fabric dresses for my older girls.

I couldn't get baby girl to pose wearing her new dress and wasn't up for a power struggle over a blog post, but she does like it and looks so cute in it!

Learning our Colors

2011-08-02T10:16:00.003-07:00

So far our summer has been filled with as many indoor activities as I can dream up during the day, saving the outside time for the evenings when the temperature is more bearable for a cranky pregnant lady. This is one we did last week. I saw the idea on Pinterest, pinned from the blog Gluesticks... and thought it would be a good craft for the girls to help with as well as a fun way to have the older girls help baby girl learn her colors. I got the unfinished wood pegs and candle holder cups at Hobby Lobby. Even though they were pretty inexpensive to begin with, all their unfinished wood was 30% off last week... even better. The girls helped me paint all the solid colors and I finished the hair and faces after they were asleep. They've already had a lot of use. Now I just need to whip up a little drawstring bag to keep them together.

Maternity Solutions 5: One more dress

2011-06-18T00:25:00.002-07:00

Just one more example of using two items to make one that fits the need. I found this shirt/tunic on clearance for $7 and, of course, bought two. Again, I used the bottom half of one to elongate the other. The busy, floral print hides the seam pretty perfectly.

The leftover top half is intended for a dress for my daughter with the pintucking detail that I am looking forward to incorporating into a bodice.

Maternity Solutions 4: Pants

2011-06-13T23:22:00.005-07:00

During my first pregnancy I wore my regular pants for a long time using the rubber band trick. Now I find myself longing for the comfort of the full belly panel even before I'm truly showing. There are lots of cute maternity jeans/pants out there... even designer versions, but I also noticed a few DIY tutorials and thought I'd give it a try.

I had these white skinny jeans that had been really inexpensive but I hardly ever wore because I didn't really like the back pockets. They have a bit of stretch to them, so I thought they'd work well for this alteration. My favorite tutorial is on Grosgrain, here. She gives really great step-by-step instructions with pictures.

The one thing I did differently is that instead of making my own panel, I used a "Belly Band" that I already owned. I like the thinness, the stretch and smoothing support of this over a knit folded in half... and the panel doesn't slip down like a knit might. It also makes this alteration even easier. My favorite belly panels are from Forever21.com. Sadly they don't have them on the site as I'm posting this. They were only $7.80 each and are the most supportive, longest (covers the entire belly, not just up to the belly button leaving a line at your widest point) and definitely the most affordable ones I've found.

I think the most important step is to try on the band and the pants together before sewing, as Kathleen mentions, and make some marks where you will pin the two pieces together. You will want more of the panel in front than in back, as opposed to just attaching the band evenly. I was prepared to trash these pants if it didn't work out and was happy that it went together smoothly.

I recently saw a love/hate conversation about skinny jeans on Facebook and I had to laugh because those opposed to skinny jeans in general would certainly be appalled by my pregnant channeling of Tweedle-Dee or Tweedle-Dum here. I say to each his own. Whatever style you like, give your pregnant self the gift of being able to breathe and move without constantly hitching up your pants!

Maternity Solutions 3: Using my leftovers

2011-06-13T08:56:00.004-07:00

Remember the top half of that blue dress from the last post? Here it is with short sleeves and a new, maxi length skirt. I'd seen the fabric on clearance for a few dollars a yard and just guessed that the color might be close. The material for the skirt is slightly darker and is not knit but a silky, lightweight, polyester blend of some sort. I just sewed the whole piece matching both selvedge ends into a tube and then held it over my tummy draping it different ways and pinning. I decided to do a double box pleat in the front and just slight gathering around the sides and back to avoid too much poof, but still being able to stretch with the knit as I put it on. Then I hemmed it and made yet another sash to help define the "waist" area. Maxi dresses are really popular right now and I have been wanting to find a maxi that actually was floor length on me. To be honest, this is not the most practical dress with my toddler who likes to grab hold and hang on the skirt, so I don't know how often I will wear it but I do like the feel of the silky long skirt brushing against my legs as I walk.

This tunic is from a pre-maternity alteration that I did. I used the skirt from one and added a yoke to top to make a long slip to wear under the tunic so that it looks like a dress. I can also wear the tunic over pants and leggings. I had this leftover top part sitting around along with a bunch of the grey fabric I'd bought on clearance and used for the yoke. I decided to try another maxi dress. This time I gathered the skirt mostly across the front and left the sides and back to hang straight. Without the sash it hangs straight down. As I look at this in the pictures I've decided the top needs a little more work to fit a little better and be more flattering as well, but in a very short time, using leftover stuff in my stash I have another option.

Shabby Apple Overboard Dress Giveaway

2011-06-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

Shabby Apple Overboard Dress Giveaway

Don't miss this fun giveaway of a beautiful Shabby Apple Dress.

Maternity Solutions 2: My favorite refashioning tip

2011-06-10T14:44:00.009-07:00

When shopping for clothes I like to comb the clearance racks. Similar to thrift shopping I don't worry about seasons or sizes but look for fabrics, patterns or details that I like. My tip? When you find something you like, buy TWO!

It may sound expensive but trust me, I often get better deals than if I had purchased at a thrift store. For example, I recently shopped the final clearance at JCPenney with an additional $10 off a $25 purchase coupon. I got seven things for $25 - $10=$15. That's a little more than $2 per item... and it's new, and usually more on trend than secondhand. Several items will be altered and a few were sweaters that were out of season for the store, but will be perfect for me this fall.

When you buy new, you can also often find more than one item and there is typically more stock of the extra large sizes, which is perfect for altering/refashioning clothing because it means you have more fabric to work with. It also solves the problem I mentioned in my last post of finding fabric to match the item you are trying to alter and almost always less expensive than buying additional fabric and notions.

For example, I found the following dresses on clearance at Forever21.com in their maternity section. (Tip: if you click on their maternity section and do a search for "maternity" at the top of their site you will get different results so be sure to try both.) Each dress was on clearance for less than $10 so I bought two of each. Compared to the dresses I was eyeing in maternity stores this was a great price.

For many, this first dress would work well as is, but for me it needed to be longer. This is probably the most basic and frequent alteration I have to make.

So from one of the dresses, I cut two equal width strips of fabric, pieced them together and gathered the top to make a ruffle. Then I sewed it onto the bottom of the other dress. Because the fabric matches perfectly, it's less obvious that it was ever altered. Plus, I still have plans for the remainder of the dress... as you will see in my next post.

This next dress needed a little more work. The color was so beautiful and I loved the draping, sheer over-layer. In addition to being too short as usual, it was also cut too deep in the front and the back and a positively shapeless and unflattering top altogether.

I used the bottom of both layers of one dress to add some length to the other dress. Then I used the knit layer of the rest of the skirt to make a cap-sleeve camisole tee (technically a half-tee as it doesn't go over my belly). To do this I just traced around the front and back of one of my SHADE shirts and sewed the two pieces together . I cut the rest of the sheer layers into two long strips and pieced them together to make the sash. To finish the sash I got to use my new rolled hem presser foot.
I liked the effect of the sash both in adding to the draping of the skirt as well as giving some shape to the waist/bust area of the dress.

So, there's nothing groundbreaking about anything I did, and that is exactly the point. Altering an item for modesty or making clothes fit and work for your style shouldn't be intimidating because it's usually very simple and can save you a lot of money and help you feel more comfortable in what you're wearing. Sometimes you just have to get over cutting into that dress and going for it... which I admit, is easier to do the less expensive the item was to begin with. Start with your sister's free cast-offs and work up your confidence to try other things.

Maternity Solutions 1: Altering non-maternity dresses

2011-06-09T10:14:00.012-07:00

When coming up for a title for this series I also considered "Maternity for Less" or "Maternity Refashions" or "Maternity for the Tall Girl".... I couldn't decide. I just wanted to share some of the ways I dress the baby bump, while staying comfortable and keeping it affordable. I will spread out my posts over the course of about a week and I invite you to please share your tips and tricks as well.

Tip #1: Shop non-maternity
Look at much larger sizes than you'd normally wear. Look for things with an empire waist. In this post I focused on dresses, because it's summer and I find them less constricting and more comfortable in the heat, but I do the same thing for tops.

I found this cream colored dress at Forever 21. The elastic waist made it a possible to add more room in the front, and the tiered bottom made it ideal for adding the length I often need because I am fairly tall. (I'm accustomed to doing this, preggie or not, but when your belly sticks out making things flare out, dresses seem even shorter.) Often I need to take a larger size in around the bust and shoulders, but didn't need to with this dress.

First, I secured the elastic at the sides by stitching over it a few times. Then, from the inside, I cut a small slit in the elastic casing and cut and removed just the elastic that was in the front. Now it is loose in the front, but still has shape in the back. I can always replace the elastic later when I don't need maternity anymore.

The hardest part was actually finding a matching fabric to add another tier to the bottom. I found something that was the right color and similar weight, but it was a crinkled texture. It was close enough and the difference is barely noticeable and even a nice detail.

When I can't find a fabric to match I often add something completely different, for a colorblock look, or a visible slip look, or for the dress below... a contrasting or patchwork look.

This dress from the clearance rack of Charlotte Russe was already a patchwork style, so I just grabbed a small piece of fabric from my stash that had a floral print in similar colors and added a panel at the bottom. It was an extra large size, so I did need to take this one in just a little under the armpit to the high waist area. Again, the empire waist cut and the adjustable ties make this one work with room to grow.
Disclaimer: I don't consider myself a fashion expert by any stretch of the imagination and am not trying to attempt that with this blog. I do love taking hand-me-downs and clearance rack finds and making them work for my own style. A special thanks to my uber-talented photographer sister who snapped this pics of me while our children ran wild around our ankles. Not only does she really know her craft but she helped get a few normal looking pictures out of me while the whole time I really felt like this:

Interested in Maternity?

2011-05-29T13:45:00.003-07:00

Here is a link to see a lot more over on the blog of A Jennuine Life. While you're there you can vote for your favorite of a number of different handmade maternity outfits in the finals of her contest... including my white tunic from the last post. I have to admit, I'm loving the red dress.

I'm back, with a pattern review

2011-05-13T15:10:00.011-07:00

So, I haven't posted for a few months but I have been busy "cooking" up another one of the creations I'm most proud of... yep, we're expecting a new addition. This pregnancy has been rough so far, and I've been in survival mode until just recently. I'm so glad to be back amongst the living with such a good excuse to sew for myself. The challenge of clothing the bump, especially during the hot months of summer is currently filling my creative time. Off-the-rack maternity often doesn't work for my tall frame, so I'm left with altering things at the very least. I also love being able to find/make things for as little cost as possible. I've come up with a few solutions that I thought I'd share, starting with a pattern review.

The tunic pictured in this post (crooked photo above courtesy of my 4 year old) was made from Butterick 4856 with some alterations. I used version D (blue in the pic below) because of the gathers at the bottom of the yoke that I thought would drape over my baby belly nicely. I cut one size larger than I would normally wear, and ended up taking in the shoulders a bit so it still fit where I'm not growing. I also cut off the sleeves a little shorter than the pattern and finished it with a lace trim instead of adding the cuff. It was a very easy pattern, especially since I skipped the cuff, and came together quickly. I thought it was loose in the back so I added a small strip of elastic (sorry no picture) right in the center (about the same height as the gathers beneath the bust) to give it some shape while allowing it to stretch as I grow.
Here's a little closer view (so hard to take pictures of myself). I used a stable knit fabric that I picked up in a grab bag of fabric at the thrift store. The whole bag was $3.oo and I have several yards of grey knit and a beautiful brown and black chiffon print still to use. The lace trim on the sleeves came off another skirt that I'd refashioned, so the only thing I bought was the trim around the bottom (detail of trims below) that I got for a few dollars with a coupon.

Nautical Themed Baby Shower

2011-01-24T13:51:00.013-07:00

Last weekend I hostessed a baby shower for my sister-in-law. She had picked a nautical theme for her nursery decor so I thought it would be fun to carry that over to the shower too. (*Added 5/13/2011: I designed the invitations myself and had them printed at the local Kinkos.)

To welcome guests and help them find my home, I made this "life-saver" wreath using a dollar store wreath that I wrapped with quilt batting and white garbage bags cut into strips. I used this bright yellow rope that I found at the hardware store ($3 for the whole roll) to finish off the wreath and throughout the party. I got to use my brand new Silhouette craft cutter (Christmas present) for the first time to cut the letters. I also used my new toy to cut the captains wheel cupcake toppers below:

I made the bunting using the same fabric that we will use to sew the bedding for baby's crib... so it can do double duty as party decor and nursery decor. A couple of bright yellow paper lanterns added a pop of color.

This was my favorite detail. I used a painter's drop cloth to make a tablecloth – reminiscent of a canvas sail I thought. I cut the stencil out of freezer paper – again, using my Silhouette – and stenciled baby's name on each corner. Then I used the same yellow rope and some grommets to add a fun detail to the edge. (Wish I had more pictures of that.) After the party, this stencil section will be cut out and sewn into a little pillow for the nursery. Perhaps another will become a cute little personalized tote bag. Who knows? Freezer paper stencil, ready to go:

One of my favorite discoveries for stenciling onto fabric was a bottle of "textile medium" that you can mix into ANY color of acrylic craft paint and turn it into fabric paint... it really expands your color options and makes all that paint you have even more useful.

I found these small treat bags in the clearance section of the paper store and filled them with individually-wrapped peppermint life savers. I used some scrapbook paper and a star-shaped punch to make the toppers. The perfect party favor for the theme as well as for everyone who ate the delicious, garlic-laced spinach artichoke dip on their bread sticks.

This was my first time hosting a shower like this. My younger sister is the undisputed queen of party planning and has set the bar pretty high with her creativity and attention to detail. It was fun to plan, though, and I hope that the mom-to-be felt honored and loved.

Sister/Friend Gift: Earings

2010-12-22T21:45:00.005-07:00

Inspired by Ashley of Lil Blue Boo, I made some of these pretty little earings for some quick Christmas gifts. I loved how she stitched her own cards to hold the earings and had fun trying out a number of random arrangements... not paying to much attention to being exact. Ummm, some of them look like tadpoles. He he, very therapeutic though.

Little Girl Gift: Treasure Box

2010-12-22T21:34:00.003-07:00

I guess we're pretty girlie girls around here, but we love pink, sparkles and all kinds of little treasures. My girls will beg me for any kind of box or container that I might be throwing out to keep their little treasures in. If that sounds like someone you know, this is an easy project for you. I found these small lunch-box type tins a the dollar store in Christmas themes. I know they have white ones at the craft supply stores too, but hey, these were $1. We spent a fun afternoon covering these with pretty paper, glitter, ribbons and flowers. Since my niece had a birthday this month we made one for her too. (See my cute, if reluctant, models?) Just the right size for little collections.

For my niece, I also made some of these arm warmers from knee-high socks using the same method as the baby legs here. Then added her favorite, gum & candy.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2010-12-06T12:44:00.003-07:00

The elves and I have been busy doing little projects to make it look more like Christmas around here. I tried to get creative with some things I had in my stash. I had these three textured paper cones that we painted with a white, pearly paint and covered with white glitter. They looked a little plain still, so we turned over these thimble flower pots and they made a pretty base.

My table runner is a green felt runner with snowmen on it that had a black underside, so I flipped that over and we placed a few glittery paper snowflakes around the trees. Finally I found this black and white small-checked fabric that I hemmed to make into a table cloth... it looks grey in my pictures.

I'd wanted to do some kind of fun advent for the kids to countdown to Christmas... one that had all the activities I wanted to be sure to do with them this month. I had this fruit-loop colored garland that my my was getting rid of from her stash, so again I enlisted the help of my elves and a few neighborhood elves to paint the fruit silver. We had a lot of fun, and I even liked the sloppy result with some of the color – more muted – showing through. To cut the snowflakes I had my dad cut them on his Craft Robo (better known as Silhouette). Yep, he has one for cutting labels and stuff for his business and I've been wanting to try it. Aren't they pretty? Each snowflake has an activity, like baking cookies, driving around to look at Christmas lights, reading a new Christmas book, and service ideas on the back... one a day until Christmas Eve.

I've done most of my Christmas shopping online and am determined to fill this holiday season with more good memories with my family, and making sure they know how I feel about the reason for the season – the birth of Christ.

They're Here!

2010-12-02T22:58:00.003-07:00

My Shutterfly cards just arrived and I'm so pleased with the quality. Putting it together and previewing a number of different styles was so easy using their templates. The ink has a kind of metallic sheen to it, which is very pretty. The premium cardstock is nice. I have to admit that I was a little worried if I would like it as much as the "linen" type paper I've used for past cards but with the offer to try it for free I thought I'd give it a chance. I am not disappointed at all with these. I'm also feeling happy that I can check this part of my long, long and growing holiday to-do list. I hope I can keep up the momentum and get them sent out quickly too. As the Christmas holiday approaches I want to feel less busy and spend more time creating memories with my kids and helping them feel the true Spirit of Christmas.
Thanks to my talented sister for taking the pics. We gave her a very hard time as my girls do NOT like to stand still. Plus, I just received my first Christmas card from a friend today. Thank you Whitesides!

Do you send Christmas Cards?

2010-11-24T14:09:00.005-07:00

A few days ago I was watching a local station’s morning show. They were talking about Christmas Cards and whether it was still a good idea to send them anymore, or if it was just a waste of paper… since supposedly in our high tech world everyone is connected all the time and knows everything you are doing anyway. They cautioned that you wouldn’t want to annoy anyone with too many pictures of your kids or bore anyone with a lengthy holiday newsletter. They advised that if you type the message then be sure to hand write the address (as if your holiday cards are so critically scrutinized!) to make it more personal.

I’m curious. Who are these overly critical people who are annoyed with a friendly gesture to stay in touch and wish them a happy holiday season? I’d be happy to take you off my mailing list. I, for one, LOVE Christmas cards. They are one of my favorite treats of the holiday season…especially if they have pictures, and even if you are my Facebook friend. It’s like a present every time I get one in the mail. I proudly display them in my home throughout the holiday season… and yes, I’ve been known to keep my favorites in a photo album that shows the growth of my friends and their families over the years. Just try to bore me with the cute things your kids are saying. Go ahead and brag about every milestone. You won’t find a more appreciative recipient than me.

Because I love to receive Christmas cards, I also send them every year and I’ve been thinking a lot about what card I’ll send this year. I’ve vowed not to put it off until mid-December when it is impossible to get them printed and sent before Christmas. In my search I came across a wonderful offer from Shutterfly: 50 free photocards for bloggers. I had to check it out, and was even more excited when I saw the vast offering of well designed cards they have this year. Here are few of my favorites (click on the images to link to Shutterfly).

Last year we didn’t have time for a formal family portrait, so I ended up making a collage of photos taken throughout the year. I spent a lot of time designing a custom layout, and wish I’d seen this option then:

This year we do have a recent family picture so this card with the option for more pics and individual updates inside might be the perfect fit:

Or this one, where the photo is the focus and the design is fresh and uses non-traditional color-scheme?Two of my daughters were born in the late fall so our Christmas card was mostly a birth announcement. How perfect would this layout be for that?

This one is just interesting to me… perfect for my friends who were married at the beach this year… or for another special black and white portrait.

I have to admit that it has been a number of years since I’ve ordered my cards from Shutterfly. Check them out. I think you might be as surprised as I was by the overwhelming number of classy choices they have.

While you’re at it, put together a calendar for all the grandparents in your life. It's one of the best Christmas presents for family I can think of. I’ve loved both giving and receiving photo calendars over the years, but I have to say this one, with the option of adding special dates and photos within the calendar itself is a step up from what I’ve done in the past:

Thanksgiving

2010-11-10T11:29:00.008-07:00

I don't have a fireplace with a mantle, so this buffet from my husband's grandmother has become one of my seasonal decorating spots, including where we hang the stockings... but before we get to Christmas, I can't stand to give thanksgiving the shaft. I love Thanksgiving! I believe gratitude is one of the most powerful soul-filling emotions. This year my challenge to myself was to decorate without buying anything. When my friend and neighbor shared this black basket of decorative squashes and gourds it sparked an idea. I painted some frames I had in the basement. For the larger one, I mod-podged a fall-colored fabric scrap onto the backing. Then I typed and printed this phrase from one of my favorite Thanksgiving Hymns (#242 in the LDS Hymnal) for the smaller frame. The little squashes on the right actually serve double duty – in addition to being pretty, they keep the frame from sliding forward. If anyone is interested in the print of the Hymn, I'm happy to share, just leave a comment with your email and I'll send it to you the PDF (10.5" x 13.5"), or use the .jpg below for smaller sizes.

The Little Mermaid

2010-11-01T12:33:00.003-07:00

Well, we survived Halloween... barely. My 2-year old ran around the house screaming for "candy! candy!" This was her first large dose I guess and she's hooked. I'm regretting it. Oh well, the girls looked cute in their costumes. My oldest wanted to be Ariel so we came up with this costume. I loved this fun fabric that was shiny and had the "scales" on it already. It made things pretty simple. My second was Belle, and we just embellished a costume we already had with a few more sparkly touches. Baby girl wore the nice, warm plush Ladybug costume handed down from the others. They collected so much candy just going around the block. They get to pick a piece each day (one for you, three for the trash can)... but I don't want to drag this on forever. I read this idea about the "candy fairy" (see bottom of post) this morning and thought it was genius:

"So, after they get home and look through their stash, they get to pick out a few pieces to keep (5-10ish) and then put the rest under their pillow (or at the foot of their beds since it's supa hard to get that from under a sleeping kid's head). Then, the Halloween Fairy comes and leaves them a present and takes away ALL THAT CANDY outta the house and the kiddos LOVE IT!!!"

I wonder if my girls would go for it. Unfortunately I'm afraid that they love candy more than they'd love a present. I'd have to make it something pretty special.

So, How do y'all handle it? Any more ideas from you veteran moms out there?

Halloween Sweet Tooth

2010-10-26T13:49:00.004-07:00

I saw this cute idea for a Halloween craft over at A Pumpkin and a Princess. I thought it would be a fun thing to do with my daughter while her big sis was at school and little sister slept. She did a great job painting the pots for me.

I couldn't find the round tea light holders in the right scale so I ended up using empty salsa jars for two of them and a marshmallow creme jar for the third. In this shape I think they look more like lanterns than a gumball machine... even better for Halloween. I just need to find some thin wire to wrap around the top of the jar to look like a lantern handle and some Halloween ribbon to dress up the base a little.

Big sis wants to be my helper too... she wants to help me eat all the candy!

Doll Clothes

2010-10-25T13:22:00.003-07:00

My youngest just turned two. Her favorite thing right now is playing with dolls. She doesn't go anywhere without her "baby," a well-loved, usually naked doll. For her birthday, my mom thought that poor naked "Sarah baby" (as we call her) could use a new outfit. Just look what she made! This adorable, fully-lined hoodie and shorts with lace at the bottom. It's just so precious. Suddenly my older girls, who haven't been interested in dolls so much lately, want to play too. Sarah baby is back at the top of the list of things we fight over. I think we know one of the things that will be on the wish list for Grandma/Santa.

Happy Haunting

2010-10-16T18:54:00.007-07:00

I have to admit that I'm not a huge fan of Halloween. I tend to skip right to the Harvest/Thanksgiving stuff when it comes to holiday decorating. Now that I have little kids, however, Halloween is more fun. They dress up almost every day anyway, and the candy!! I'm trying to get into it a little more for them. We picked out some pumpkins this week, which we will carve into jack-o-lanterns closer to Halloween night. We pulled out the Halloween lanterns that we made last year (saw the idea here). Such a fun project to do with kids. They are so proud of them.

Then, I found this amazing banner from Moselle Design over at Blue Cricket Design. It was free to download and print, and the graphics – especially the little circles – were quite charming. I know, not the adjective most associate with Halloween... but I loved them!

I printed and cut them out, then added a little ruffle (natural coffee filter) around the edge of each pennant.

Close up. See? Charming right? I CAN do Halloween decorations. Who knew?

For Thomas

2010-10-16T18:47:00.003-07:00

I love to make these cozy little flannel receiving blankets for new babies. Here is a great tutorial if you'd like to try one too.

Beaded Wool Clutch

2010-10-07T19:15:00.013-07:00

I've been wanting to make this clutch since I had the idea last fall. The wool makes it a perfect texture for fall and I'm crazy about the olive green... maybe it's because I'm seeing so much of this military trend in clothing right now. The design is so simple it could almost be plain, but the beading gives it some interesting detail as you can see in this close-up of the back.

It's lined with an olive green satin and I used heavyweight fusible interfacing to help it keep it's shape. The clasp is made from two D rings and a clip I actually cut off an old wallet.

The next two pictures, back and front, give a better idea of the scale. It's a big clutch, perfect for my basics of cell phone (with it's own pocket inside), keys, wallet and mini-make-up bag.

My inspiration? Surprise! A thrifted wool sweater:
Someone had apparently washed it in hot water, shrinking it to an unwearable size and stiffness before I got my hands on it at the thrift store. I LOVE felted wool and the beading detail was still beautiful. The minute I saw it I knew exactly what I wanted it to become. When I showed my sis the finished clutch she thought I'd done the beading. I wish I could take credit for it, because it is my favorite detail. It took enough time just to reinforce the lines of beads as I cut the sweater to keep them from coming loose. So there it is. One less project on my to-do list.

It was raining today when I was taking the pictures. The colors of fall are so pretty, but even more vibrant with a little rain. Since I had the camera out, I couldn't resist taking pictures of everything else around. This bright yellow flower was my favorite, so I'm just throwing this in here so you can enjoy it too.

Baby Gifts

2010-10-04T10:51:00.006-07:00

I'd been wanting to try out this tutorial for an easy shirred skirt from Creation Corner for a little while now. A baby shower I was recently invited to was a good excuse to get it done. My fabric must have been a lot more lightweight than what was used in the tutorial, because it really gathered up. The first try became a new skirt for my daughter's baby doll. Try number two turned out really well. I added a lot to the width. It still gathered up so the waist looks very small, but it stretches out nicely and still looks gathered. I think this is the perfect alternative to a wide elastic waistband for a little tummy. It keeps the skirt up without being at all constrictive. I embellished some onesies to go with it. Since this was a double shower, for a boy and a girl, I made two more embellished onesies to go with a pair of the baby legwarmers I'd made recently.

Refashion: Blouse to Jacket

2010-09-29T11:39:00.011-07:00

I found this blouse on the clearance rack. It was originally $68.00 and i paid $5. I really liked beading, the gathered bell sleeve and the shape of then neckline with the mandarin collar but I couldn't really imagine myself wearing it as a blouse. So I refashioned the bottom to make it look more like a jacket. I experimented with a few different ways to make the bottom band, but in the end I left the band flat in the front and inserted a wide elastic in the band in the back to gather it just a little. Here's a closer shot:

Once again I bribed the 3 year old to take a few pics. Yes, the bribe was necessary. She loves to play with the camera, but takes after her independent mother and does not like to be told what to photograph!

High noon equals unflattering face shadows and squint... so of course I overcompensate with groovy photo effects from picnik.com.

I like it over the black maxi-dress, but think it's an easy way to dress up a slouchy tank and faded jeans too. The light-weight fabric is perfect for this extra warm fall weather we're enjoying.

Money Cuff

2010-09-19T20:17:00.004-07:00

Another easy project I put together last night after the kids were asleep was this money cuff. I was trying to find something for my niece's birthday when I came across this tutorial from Christie of A Lemon Squeezy Home. It is such a good idea, and my niece appreciates crafty things. I hope she likes it. I had to work with what was in my stash. When it comes to fabric I have a lot to choose from, but the zipper was a different matter... I stole this one from a pair of jeans I was cutting up for another project. Note to self: keep a few zippers in my stash for spontaneous, late-night projects.

Baby Legwarmers

2010-09-16T09:19:00.008-07:00

About the time I finished the bridesmaids dresses I started having some health issues. Needless to say, the long list of projects I want to complete got put on the back burner. I'm starting to feel more like myself again and thought I'd ease back into my projects with something simple: baby leg warmers made from knee-high socks. I've seen a number of tutorials for these, all over the web but this is the method I liked best at Little Birdie. I bought these socks in sets of two and used some of the striped socks to make the cuff on the solid pair, and vice versa. I always look for socks that are as smooth on the inside as they are on the outside. I hate socks that have all those little strings from the pattern on the inside.

I've purchased a bunch of the original Baby Legs for my youngest and they are great. My older girls love them too. They are high quality and the elasticity is impressive fitting my smallest to my oldest without losing their shape. I definitely think they are worth the $ but it can add up. As easy as they are to make I think we'll finally have enough to go around. (This is not a sponsored endorsement. Just my opinion.)

Back to School

2010-08-16T11:49:00.004-07:00

My oldest is going to start kindergarten. I wanted some "save this moment in time" photos. Meredith always does such an amazing job. My Sweetie and I have a little collusion going on. She will not pose for me to take pictures of her. So, I dropped her off with Meredith and anxiously awaited the results. Ta da! Meredith really got her going for some fun shots. Sadly, it helped a lot that I wasn't there... another topic entirely. Anyway, you can see more of the photos here. I'm so pleased. The more I learn about photography the more I value Meredith's skills and the beautiful portraits she creates. There is a big difference between having a nice camera then applying tons of Photoshop actions like I attempt to do and a true, quality image. There are few things I treasure more than the pictures that capture these most precious little daughters of mine. Plus, for a short time she is offering a mini-session just perfect for back to school shots at half her usual rate, including a print and a selection of fully-edited digital images.

I'm having a hard time believing she is old enough for school already. She asked me if I'd miss her while she is in school. Of course I will. It will be a big change for us. Then she asked what I'm going to do when she goes to college. Whoah! Let's not rush things. I'm definitely not ready to be thinking about that moment. The girls are growing up too quickly as it is.

Bubble Dress by Jen

2010-08-09T14:27:00.003-07:00

Jen from thesellers.net shared this post with not one, but two adorable little bubble dresses that she'd made made using my tutorial. What a cute little model, non? I'm loving her blog, especially all the cute projects she does with her daughter. Thank you so much for sharing Jen!

Pattern Review: Butterick 5320

2010-07-21T10:30:00.009-07:00

My cousin recently asked me to help her make a bridesmaid's dress for an upcoming wedding. They could choose their own pattern, but not the fabric. Good thing she is a gorgeous blonde with bright blue-green eyes. I don't think I could pull off this electric blue as well as she can. As far as the dress itself goes, I think it is a really feminine style. I love the ruffled collar, but I'm just loving ruffles right now. The collar is not a simple ruffle. It has a a lining underneath that is almost a spiral. I've pressed the collar down here, but you could get pretty dramatic with this collar if you let it stand up a little. The dress is fully lined, and has deep pockets at the side. I felt like I was cutting out pieces forever, but once I started sewing it came together pretty quickly.
My least favorite part of the dress is the sleeves. I don't think half sleeves are very flattering. I was worried that they'd look like football shoulderpads. Luckily, again, my cousin is very petite and can pull it off. Sleeveless was not an option, and I tried a couple of different sleeves, but decided, too late, that to get the sleeve I'd like I'd have to alter the entire arm hole. So, I stuck with the original sleeves this time around. If I were to make it again, I'd try a different sleeve making adjustments to the pattern BEFORE everything is cut out. I'm imagining it in a charcoal with long, non-puffed sleeves, over a turtleneck and boots... kind of like a trench coat. Yep, already thinking of fall clothes... don't get me wrong. I'm not wishing away summer. I just love fall clothes – especially boots.

You can see I lengthened the skirt a little so it hits just below the knee instead of just above the knee.

One tip for the collar: I wanted the pleats to be exact so I wouldn't have any problems attaching it to the dress. It is the focal point of the dress. I created a template piece from the collar pattern out of another piece of stiffer paper, cutting out the notches. I used this to guide my markings which I made using a disappearing ink pen. It took a minute to make the template but made the marking easier and more precise.

Refashion: The Cropped Pant

2010-06-30T18:13:00.011-07:00

I liked the cropped pants on this jumpsuit... how they hit just below the knee. It's a little different length than the other cropped pants/shorts I have.

I had this pair of pants below that are linen. I like how they fit at the waist and hips, but they were too short to be pants and only tied on one side so they hung funny when they were rolled up. So I chopped them off, moved the ties higher and made a casing for elastic to gather the bottom.
Now I might actually wear these pants again. Thanks again to my 5-year-old photographer. I actually kind of liked the unusual angles and cropping that resulted. The rain was just beginning to fall as we were taking some pics. You can see the drops on the ground. It turned into quite the summer down-pour. Mmmnnn. I love the smell of rain.

Beautiful Cause

2010-06-30T03:59:00.005-07:00

I just read this post over at Blue Cricket Design. Cindy has an etsy shop called Button of Hope. She makes the most simple and lovely little accessories. I loved the jewelry, but more than that I love that it is for a good cause. Each item is so affordable, and yet helps someone too. 100% of the proceeds goes to The American Cancer Society. What a great way of using her talents to bless others. I had to pass the word along.

p.s. I'm adjusting to our summer schedule and having a blast with my girls. I highly recommend Toy Story III in 3D! More projects are on the way though.

My first Flickr Share

2010-06-15T09:58:00.004-07:00

I just wanted to do a little show and tell. Christie from A Lemon Squeezy Home was kind enough to share a photo of this beautiful version of the bubble dress that she made based on (and I daresay improved) my tutorial. Isn't her little model the cutest? Christie is also the very first (other than me) to share something in the Polkanuts Flickr Group. I love to see what you are making, whether it be from a tutorial I've shared or not. I hope this is the first of many. Perfect craft therapy!

Bright Star

2010-06-15T09:35:00.003-07:00

Have any of you seen the movie Bright Star? I enjoyed it, but wouldn't say that it was a favorite. I did however, fall in love with the costumes and a few of the scenes – especially the opening scene that is a closeup of a needle and thread being pulled through the most gauzy-looking white fabric. As soon as I watched it I had the urge to sew something by hand. So, I bought some silky sheer fabric and hemmed it by hand to make a scarf. It looks pretty rough if you look closely, but the urge was satisfied. Like scratching a little itch you know?

Favorite

2010-06-15T09:15:00.005-07:00

So you're probably tired of seeing these bags, and I wasn't going to post any more of them... BUT this one turned out to be one of my favorite combinations yet. So, this one is just for me I guess.

I've been very busy trying to organize a permanent craft/sewing space for myself in our unfinished basement. Not pretty, but hopefully functional so I'll have more time to work on projects and will spend less time pulling things out and then putting them away again so we can use our dining room table.

I've also done a number of "repeat" projects like this bag... more swaddle socks, baby burpies... that I haven't posted about.

Leftovers

2010-06-08T13:31:00.015-07:00

Wonder what happened to the bottom part of this dress that I cut off in the Summer Dress refashion? Baby Girl #2 is now wearing it.

Another super easy refashion that would work using any full skirt with a ruffle at the bottom. I took the ruffled, bottom edge of my dress and cut out the button placket and then cut it exactly in half so I had two lengths that were the same. Then I decided how much lower I wanted the bottom ruffle to hang below the top tier and added that much (plus a small seam allowance) of another strip of white fabric to the top of one of the layers.
Next, you will sew each layer together with itself at the open sides (not shown). To attach the two layers you need to put the shorter (top layer) tube facing right side up inside the longer tube/bottom layer, also facing right side up. The photo above is just an example to see the layers better, but your sides will actually already be sewn together. With the top layer inside the bottom layer, stitch them together across the top as show by the orange line above.

Then, flip the shorter layer back over the top of the longer layer as shown above, and press. Make the casing for your elastic by stitching all the way around, very close to the top. Then stitch another line, far enough below the first to leave the right space for your elastic. I used 20" of 1" wide elastic to fit my daughters waist. Be sure to leave a gap (between orange dots) to insert the elastic. This will be stitched closed after the elastic is in place.

Done:
Now, bribe your daughter with candy to model it for you. That $2.50 is really getting stretched this time... and I still have some projects in mind for the remainder of the hand-me-down skirt I used in the Summer Dress refashion as well:

This detail from the yoke will probably become part of a sleeve, and the remaining lining below will be a lining/petticoat for a small girl's dress. Already hemmed. I like shortcuts!

Beach Towel Dress Idea from "MADE"

2010-06-04T15:16:00.007-07:00

Just in time for two swimming-themed birthday parties this weekend, Dana from MADE posted this cute idea for turning a beach towel into a swimsuit cover-up dress. Dana made it for herself, but it was easy to adapt it for my daughters.

I had these towels I'd purchased on clearance to make hooded towels for my girls, but I hadn't used them all yet. Can you go wrong with pink towels when you have three girls? Right. So I bought a bunch. They are kind of thin and measure 27" by 52" wide.

I cut about 14" off the 52" length and set it aside to be used for a hooded towel later.

Then I did the shirring as Dana describes. She said she used about 5 bobbins of the elastic thread for hers. I used about 2 1/2 for this size. Shirring is so satisfying! Craft therapy indeed. I love to watch the fabric pucker as I go.

Before sewing the sides together I attached this ribbon along the bottom edge.

I used the same ribbon for the straps. I measured the length of elastic I would need, then cut ribbon 1 1/2 times as long. Then I stretched the elastic to the length of the ribbon as I sewed to get a ruffled look, and to make sure it could stretch along with the elastic. You have to hold on tight on both ends as you sew so this step was a little bit tricky.

Attach the straps and ta-da! Baby girl loves it. I left the towel width at 27" which made this a maxi dress length on my daughter. I might have to shorten it a bit for daughter number two.
Here's to a sunny, swimmy weekend. Thanks Dana!

Refashion: Summer Dress

2010-06-02T18:05:00.012-07:00

I love white dresses in the summer. I've been looking for the perfect one for years... "perfect" meaning it be long enough for my tall self, have a modest cut at the top... and a number of other small details to match my personal preferences. I wouldn't say I've found perfection, but I am really pleased with how this refashion turned out.

If you read my previous post, you'll know that I've learned a few things about my cameras. These were all taken with my little point and shoot camera. I adjusted the settings and handed it to my five-year-old and told her to snap away. Yep, these two photos above were taken by my daughter with much better results than I've had from that little camera before. I also tried some Photoshop actions from The Pioneer Woman on one of them.

This one above was taken by my 3-year-old. She cut off my head, but it shows the detail of the dress a lot better than any of the others. You can see the yoked/tiered skirt look that I was going for, leaving the fullest part of the skirt below the hips.

So, on to the details of the refashion. I started with this tunic-length shirt dress that I found on clearance last fall at Kmart. See the $5 price tag? It was 50% off that. I liked some of the details, so I grabbed it. You can see where I cut it off to leave the top and a sort of yoke for the dress.

Next, I snagged this skirt from my sister's "donate" pile when she moved. The waistband was stretched out and it is only half-lined so it bunches and it is super sheer. Still, it had some nice details – especially the ruffle at the bottom. I cut it of at the yoke and gathered it to match the top of my dress and sewed the two together. Finally, I made a gauzy slip to go underneath the sheer skirt while keeping things breezy. $2.50 and 30 minutes later, I had my new dress.

Here's one of my little photographers. It was really a lovely day and a lovely view.

Camera Class

2010-06-02T17:32:00.006-07:00

I have a confession to make. Several years ago we got a nice camera for Christmas... like entry level professional. It has been on auto ever since. I've read some of the manual and some online photography tips... but it was so intimidating. I'm better with Photoshop than I am with working my camera. But there is only so much you can do in Photoshop if you start with a poor quality photo. In three short hours, I learned more than I have in the three years since having the camera. In fact I learned that even our little point and shoot digital camera I have is capable of a lot more than I thought. What changed? I took a class, taught by my favorite photographer. It was awesome. Right on my level. Hands on. So cool. If you are in the area or can get to this area, you really should check it out. There's another class next week. I learned so much that I need to practice.

When I can stage a photo, with good light etc. things are okay. Most of the time, however, I am trying to capture a spontaneous moment with my girls, who are moving fast, with poor indoor light. Now I know a few tricks to compensate for that. For example, I learned how to make a photo that looks like this:

look like this:I'm just beginning. I love my camera more than ever. I hope my progress shows as I practice with the photos I take for this blog.

Gathered Clutch

2010-05-31T16:49:00.005-07:00

I wanted to make something personal for my sis-in-law's birthday in addition to a group gift. She is always so kind and willing to help me out. I decided to try this tutorial from Noodlehead. I love how it turned out. Now I just need to make another for myself!

For the inside I did the variation with the divider pocket on one side, and added a second row of credit card pockets on the other. Thanks Anna for a great tutorial!

Personalized Totes

2010-05-28T09:53:00.004-07:00

A. was invited to her first birthday party for friends where she went without her older sister... "just me?" she asked incredulously. She was so excited! The girls hosting the party are twins, so we wanted a gift that was similar, but not identical.

These bags have become my go-to gift for birthdays I guess. I try to keep a number of the plain, inexpensive canvas totes in my stash and then embellish with whatever fabric scraps I have on hand. They are cute and personal and double as wrapping... just fill with fun little goodies. This time I included a flower hair clip and clipped it on the outside of the bag... where I thought it looked kinda cute as well.

For the applique, I cut the letter from my fabric square (already backed with Heat N Bond) using a template I printed out from my computer. Then I iron it onto the bag. If I have time, I like to hand embroider around the letter edges with a blanket stitch. Recently, however, I have been using a bead of Liquid Glass from Close to my Heart scrapbooking to finish the edges. (Confession: I don't scrapbook, but I love this stuff.) This works really well – looks nice and dries really fast too. Then I sew a coordinating ribbon or ruffle around the top of the bag, but beneath the top hem where the handles attach... that part of the bag is too thick to sew through (learned that the hard way).

Birthday skirt

2010-05-24T15:15:00.009-07:00

Every girl needs a fun new outfit for her birthday right? Here's the pettiskirt I made for E's birthday this week. I left it hanging on her chair in the kitchen so it would be the first thing she saw when she got up that morning. I woke up to her squeals of delight... totally worth staying up late the night before to work on it while she slept! She decided that this skirt, a leotard and the cowboy hat that grandma gave her would make the perfect outfit for her party... even though she'd instructed all her friends to dress like their favorite princess.
I had some silk charmeuse in lavender that I had intended to use for the waistband section... but when I saw the chiffon laying next to this Kaffe Fassett print on my table I couldn't resist making a last minute switch. I am so glad I did. I think the beautiful print made a cute thing even more beautiful. Kaffe Fassett, I am obsessed!

The last time I made a pettiskirt, I made some notes here. This time went a lot faster. I've learned even more tips and tricks that I need to document too.

If you'd like to browse a lot of other really great projects, check out the link parties going on at:

Straw-ba-ba-ba-ba-berry: Cheater Quilt

2010-05-20T12:57:00.006-07:00

My girls are HUGE fans of Strawberry Shortcake and can be heard singing the songs from the movies all the time. Even the baby attempts to sing the main theme, joining in with an impressively synchronized "ba ba ba ba" at the right moment.

E saw this fabric panel at JoAnns and begged for a blanket out of it. It was on clearance for $1.50. I bought the last two panels. But how to finish it into a blanket? I know the standard way would be to purchase quilt batting and a cotton print for the back and quilt it ... but since I had to make two to keep the peace, I was looking for a shortcut. I decided to try using the same technique for making a self-bound flannel receiving blanket. (There is a great tutorial here at Everyday Mom.)

I used fleece as the backing/binding fabric which made it really soft and cozy. It also made for a nice quilted effect (with no batting) when I top stiched around some of the designs in the print to secure the two layers together.

Let her eat cake

2010-05-20T09:09:00.009-07:00

First birthdays are so fun. There are so many milestones in that first year. It has always been a tradition in my family to get pictures of the birthday baby smashing cake into her mouth. For me that just means a few snapshots in the highchair. As a photographer, my sister takes it to a new level. So, one final post here of my adorable niece enjoying her birthday cake while sporting her birthday bloomers and mostly NOT wearing the birthday hat I made to go with them.

For the bloomers I used McCall's pattern M5834 and added my own cupcake applique. The "frosting" is just a ribbon that I ruffled by sewing a basting stitch down the center. So many of the infant/toddler dress patterns also have a pattern for bloomers. Any of them would work. I think is easiest to put on the applique, ruffles or any other embellishment onto the cut out fabric before you actually sew the sides together.

The cake was made by another talented family member, my cousin Mindy. Just ask if you want her contact info as well.

My girls thought this hat was a pretty fun project. E wants one for her upcoming birthday too... although I was thinking more along the lines of a crown for this little princess. We'll see. We just took a party hat that we bought in a pack from the dollar store, gently removed the elastic, and undid the tab so that we could lay it flat and traced the shape onto a piece of 12 x 12 scrapbook paper. Then we used ModPodge to adhere it to the hat. We reattached the elastic and added the rest of our embellishments.

Tutorial: Easy Bubble Dress

2010-05-10T15:28:00.011-07:00

Just in case you didn't get enough of this cute little model from my last post, I decided to post one more photo and a tutorial on how to make this dress. This is a super easy thing to sew... basically a tube with straps. To get started, you'll need to have a few measurements of the baby for whom you are sewing: Chest circumference, just under arms, and the length from armpit to knee.

Materials:

3/4" elastic to equal chest circumference + one inch

1/4" elastic to equal chest circumference + 4 inches.

Fabric for straps: Two 4" x 22" strips

Fabric for body:
1.5 x (Chest circumference) = width
armpit to knee measurement + 4" = dress length.
My baby's chest measurement was 20 inches and the knee length was 15 inches, so I cut a rectangle 30 inches by 19 inches.
(With a 45" width fabric, you should be able to get the width with some to spare, so when buying your fabric, purchase by your length+4 measurement above.)

I took a lot of photos to go along with the instructions, so I'm going to try posting the tutorial on Flickr. Follow this link for step by step instructions with photos.
This link will take you the first step, then click on the next photo at the right to get through the rest of the tutorial. Please leave your comments and questions if there is anything you think could be made more clear. Thanks and enjoy!

A Dress for Audrey

2010-05-09T15:55:00.002-07:00

This delicious little baby is my niece, Audrey. When people mistake her for my own in public because of our matching hair, I don't even correct them. Her sweet personality is as lovable as that little face. My girls and I can't get enough – which is admittedly a problem at times for my 18 month old whose "love" can be a bit much for a defenseless baby. Audrey just turned one and it gave me an excuse to make her a dress and matching hair clip out of some fabric that I thought would look so cute on her. Combine her cuteness with her mom's photography skills and this is what you get... check out the whole series at Meredith Carlson Photography.

New way to gather fabric

2010-04-21T08:58:00.003-07:00

I just found this great tutorial over at Gracie Lou's Quilt Shoppe blog showing another way to gather fabric. I've never seen this method before, but will definitely be giving it a try. I love learning new techniques!

The reluctant model

2010-04-18T21:15:00.004-07:00

So, I got my birthday present a little early... a serger! I have wanted one for a long time. This little green shirt is the first thing I made with it. I haven't even changed the thread from the test thread it came with. This top used to be a tank top of mine, but I wanted a shirt for baby in just this shade of green, so the tank was sacrificed. I had to have it to match the adorable skirt made by my neighbor friend at Bugaboo Kids. Isn't it beautiful? I love the Amy Butler fabrics, and all of her stuff is so perfectly finished.

I made up the pattern for the shirt... a variation on the traditional peasant top with sleeves that don't wrap all around the arm, which seems to bother baby. This was the rough draft, and I've figured out the right dimensions etc. so the next one will be easier and fit her even better.

Much more challenging was getting a few photos of my little model who refused to hold still and seemed determined to avoid mom and her camera at all costs.

The Picnic Pack

2010-04-16T09:33:00.005-07:00

Here's another super simple gift idea: The Picnic Pack. I like to keep a basket or tote ready for picnics, BBQ's or potluck dinners. Being able to grab it and go is a big deal for me. Here's an easy way to organize your cutlery and napkins.

I just took a placemat, folded the bottom up and stitched pockets every two inches, until I had six pockets. The remainder is just the right size for napkins. Before stitching the right side, I inserted two ties (ribbon would work too) between the layers. Each "pack" can hold two sets of utensils.

For a recent gift, I paired this with a vinyl tablecloth and a mini-cooler that could hold a six-pack of soda. I put it all in a big tote bag with a square bottom that was just the right size for the cooler. Throw in some disposable or sturdy plates and cups and you're set.

Tutorial: Easy Apron

2010-04-07T10:54:00.015-07:00

Need an apron for summer barbecues... or an inexpensive gift?

Or to protect your clothes while you hurriedly cook splattering spaghetti sauce as your hungry kids cling to your legs? C'mon, I know I can't be the only one whose pre-dinner scene looks something like this (smile added for photo): This apron is very simple to make, don't let those pockets fool you ... and avoids all of the most tedious parts of sewing. No hemming. No cutting out a pattern.

All you need is two dishtowels (*note added* these towels were 15" x 26") and a few strips of fabric:
2 strips 5" x 45" for waist ties
2 strips 4" x 22" for neck ties
I used coordinating, but not matching strips that I had left over from a quilt.
Optional: 8 inches of thin elastic

To begin, lay on of your dishtowels face down. Fold the bottom edge (if there is a specific pattern you want to keep at the top) up 5 inches.

Turn the towel face up, holding the folded edge in place. Fold bottom edge again, another 5 inches:

Take the second dish towel and, with the long edge perpendicular to the short, folded side of the first towel, tuck it under the fold... making sure it is centered:

Another view to show the second towel layered under the top fold of the first towel:

You now have something that looks like this:

Now, make the ties by folding each strip lengthwise, right sides together and stitching across the end and down the side. Leave one short end open to turn. Turn and press. Top stitch if you desire:
Now, tuck the unfinished edge of each tie, under the edges of the top fold, lining up the tie with the top edge of the bottom half of the apron. Pin in place and secure by stitching as the red lines show in the picture below. This joins the two towels, attaches the ties and creates two pockets:

For the apron top, there are two variations. One uses a small pleat (blue). The other uses a little elastic (lime green). Choose which option you like best then follow the corresponding instructions below.

If you like the pleated top, fold the top corners over 1.5" (point to fold) keeping short sides of the triangle perpendicular to the top and side edge. Pin and stitch around edge of triangle.

For the top with the gathered sides, fold the corners over 2.5 inches (from fold to point) keeping the short sides of the triangle (blue lines) perpendicular to the top and side edges of the apron top. Pin. Take your elastic and cut it in half, leaving 4 inches for each side. Tuck the elastic under the fold (red line), pinning in place at each end. Using a long, zigzag stitch, stitch over the edge with elastic sandwiched in the fold line (red line), stretching the elastic to fit the length of the folded edge. Using a straight stitch, sew the corner (blue lines) of the triangle in place.

For either apron, attach the neck ties by pinning the tie (unfinished edge) right next to the edge of the corner triangle. Sew a small rectangle to hold the tie in place.

If you are making the apron with the pleats, now is the time to fold a small pleat just inside of each neck strap. The size of the plead depends on the size of the person (probably unnecessary if the apron is for a man) but 1/2 inch worked for me. Stitch along top edge to secure pleat.

Enjoy your apron, or the compliments from your friends when you give them a handmade gift.
A special thanks to my sister Meredith for her help with the photos. She got these shots in just a few minutes, with three little ones underfoot. Love her!

Messenger Bag

2010-03-10T16:46:00.004-07:00

Continuing the theme of hand-made gifts, here is one I made for a little friend's birthday. I followed this easy tutorial by mmmmcrafts. Sweetie #2 modeled it below (our friend is a few years older and a little taller), before we filled it with a notepad, coloring book, fun pencils etc.

The pocket under the flap was just the right size for the notepad. I only had about a half yard of each fabric, which is less than the tutorial recommends, but it worked out almost to the inch.

Bridal Shower

2010-03-10T16:36:00.004-07:00

There is a tradition in our family, started by my grandma. When a couple gets engaged we have a shower for the couple. My grandma just didn't think it was fair that the bride gets all the fun... or maybe she just wanted an excuse to get us all together even more often. It's a chance to meet the other family in a low-key environment. We have a pot luck dinner, listen to the bride and groom tell the story of their dating and engagement, and then "shower" them with gifts. I'm trying to give more handmade gifts. I guess I'm hoping that the time and talent that go into making something sorta makes up for the fact that I can't spend as much as I'd like. When my cousin had her shower a few weeks ago, I gave her a hand mixer, but to make it a little more special, I sewed up another pretty apron.

Flower Clips

2010-03-10T16:29:00.003-07:00

It's hard to be the middle child. Big sis gets to go to preschool, and you're not the baby anymore. That's why when baby naps, and sis is at school, mom and the middle child have some one on one time. On this particular day, she wanted to do something special. She wanted to make some hair clips like she'd seen on her friends. We pulled apart some silk flowers and then layered them back together with a paper punch center and held together by some cute brads. A perfect project for little fingers. Mom took care of the hot glue part to stick it to the hair clip. Doesn't she look so proud? She even made one for her sister.

The last-minute dress

2010-02-15T16:43:00.003-07:00

As you may have read in my previous post, my brother just got married, and we got all decked out for the wedding. At first I was just going to put baby in a hand-me-down black dress, but I had some fabric left over from my dress and had an idea.

First, I used the left-over fabric to make this little sheath dress in a peasant style. I didn't have a pattern. I just measured her and drew my own on a piece of paper.

Then I took a couple yards of black tulle, folded it in half and sewed an inch from the fold. Then I threaded this sash (that came with the dresses I ordered for my other daughters, but which wasn't going to be used) through the waist and bunched it together. Because the sash is thick and the waistband area a little narrower, the gathered tulle doesn't slide.

Like an apron of tulle, this just ties around her waist for a full skirt. Super fast! I even had time to make a little rosette headband to match. I love this dress. The skirt is full and fun, but when pictures are over, you can just un-tie it and baby can be comfy in her simple sheath dress.

The little black dress

2010-02-15T16:13:00.005-07:00

I needed a new one for my brother's wedding. I couldn't find any that I loved and so decided to make my own. I started with Simplicity pattern 2497 ...and then made lots of adjustments... combined sleeved and ruffled versions of the dress, lengthened the skirt, raised the neckline and extended the ruffle to the waist. I don't sew clothes for myself very much and was pleased at how it turned out. I recommend this pattern (on sale today at JoAnn's for $1) but would cut a size bigger than you usually wear, and adjust from there.

My favorite details were these perfectly puffed, cap sleeves and the hidden zipper down the side... you can just barely see the zipper pull there in the armpit.

It was such a busy night, combined with the constant chasing of kids... the photo above is the only one I have of me wearing it. On the hanger you just don't get the same effect. I'm hoping my sister has a few on her camera.

The ruffle around the neck is only attached to the dress to the bottom of the neckline and then the end dangles like a necklace. I tried it a couple of ways and thought this was the most flattering as I moved in the dress.

Another detail that doesn't show are the perfectly placed pockets, also hidden along the side seam. They don't add bulk to the hips, but are at a flattering position when you put a hand in one on your hip.

Two of my daughters were flower girls and while I thought of making their dresses too I decided against it when I found these that were less expensive than what it would cost to buy the fabric.

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-15T16:06:00.002-07:00

Lots of sugar cookie making going on around here. I have a special recipe that has sour cream and a hint of nutmeg that is my absolute favorite. The girls and I had a lot of fun making and eating them. We shared a few!

I also made this "valentinish" apron for a friend. (A very belated birthday gift.) I loved the cherry on black fabric and got it in a hand-me-down fabric stash. There was just enough for this apron. I'd love to get my hands on more of this print. My girls want their own. Anyone know where to find it?

Swaddle Pod

2010-01-20T12:43:00.004-07:00

In addition to Christmas crafting, December was a month full of birthdays and babies being born in my family. I was not good at taking photos before I actually gave the gifts away... but this one is a fun one I thought. It's like an extra large sock, just big enough to slip over a swaddled baby. Lots of photogs are using them in newborn shoots as well. This is the one I knit for my new nephew.

You can see some photos of the cute little guy in the "pod" at Meredith Photography.

Wallet

2009-11-29T10:49:00.002-07:00

I made this wallet as a birthday present for my sister. Lots of pockets, but lightweight... I have so much to carry around these days, I'm really into lightweight! Does anyone else with kids ever start to feel like a pack horse? I figured since she's always lugging around a big camera bag or a carseat/diaper bag, she'd appreciate that feature as well. I started with the tutorial I found here, but added to it so that instead of just folding in half, I'd have a tri-fold wallet with a flap.

Pettiskirt

2009-11-23T18:29:00.010-07:00

Ava has wanted one of these fluffy beauties for a while. Her birthday was coming up, but when I saw the boutique prices I thought I'd try making one myself. I admit, I'd always wanted one as a little girl too. I followed the tutorial I saw here on Martha Stewart's website, along with the tips and fabric purchasing source here on one of my favorite blogs: Grosgrain. 15 hours later (pieced together after the little darlings were asleep), I had an adorable pettiskirt, a realization that the boutique prices are cheap if you count your time (minus materials I figure I would have earned about $3/hour or less were I to sell this at a boutique price), and some additional tips of my own. The next one will go faster, and yes there will be a next one. With three daughters and regular play dates, one fluffy pettiskirt is not enough.

So here are my tips:
1. The measurements on Martha's site are for a very short, toddler size skirt. For older girls, you will need to add an inch or two to the width of each strip. You'll probably need at least 6 yards of the nylon chiffon.

2. Martha's tutorial suggests 1 1/2 yards of the satin charmeuse, but there is enough gather in the waistband to skimp a few inches and just get enough for the width of the band you need, from 8 to 12 inches of a 45/46 inch wide yardage for example.

3. Instead of measuring all those rectangles out of the fabric, I did a little math and approximated the following so I can just use my cutting pad and ruler and cut straight strips across the width of the fabric. The nylon chiffon I ordered was about 46 inches wide so I cut:
1st tier: 6 strips at 3.5 to 5 inches wide (depending on length of skirt)
2nd tier: 14 strips at 4.5 to 6 inches wide
Ruffle fluff: 38 strips at 2.5 inches wide (you don't need to make this wider regardless of skirt size)

4. It took me almost exactly one roll of elastic thread to finish all of the shirring for one skirt. (To shirr: hand roll elastic thread, without stretching, onto your bobbin and set the stitch length to a long setting. As you sew, the chiffon will gather up.)

5. When sewing the tiers together, put the ruffled/shirred layer on the bottom and the smooth layer on top so the ruffles don't catch on the sewing machine's presser foot.

Crinkle Monster

2009-11-23T18:22:00.004-07:00

I've seen variations of these crinkle/taggie toys all over the internet and when I got an invite to a baby shower I thought I'd try making one myself. I think the imperfections add to it's quirky cuteness.
Minky fur on the front, soft flannel on the back, different textured ribbons around, and a crinkly layer of plastic inside.

Refashion: Clearance Rack

2009-11-23T17:59:00.003-07:00

I love the end of season clearance rack. I know, it's always picked over with extra large or small sizes, but I look for fabrics and details that I like and deal with the fit later. For example:

This creamy tank had some beautiful lace detail and was only .33 cents! (Good timing at Old Navy one day.) However, it was an XXL and the snow was flying the day I bought it. I took in the sides and left it long, which is perfect for tall me. It looks pretty layered under cardigans and jackets:

Example number two:

I don't know who could pull off this sun dress, even in the warm weather. It was large and let's face it, not a lot of coverage going on up top there. The bottom of the dress seemed heavy compared to the flimsy top. But, in addition to the clearance price, I loved the detail at the bottom of the skirt and the fullness of it. So sundress, becomes pretty skirt:

Example 3:
Another "i don't know who could pull this off" outfit, this one started as hoodie attached to very short shorts... but for cheap cheap cheap and a little adjusting I have a comfy tunic.

Sweater Dress How-to

2009-11-11T22:34:00.001-07:00

So, how'd I make the sweater dresses? It was so easy! I took some wool sweaters and felted them by washing them in hot water. It shrinks them down a lot, so for Emma's dress it was a good thing I started with a XL men's sweater. I like to work with felted sweaters because they don't unravel at all when you cut them. You will need a sweater comb, or de-fuzzer to remove any pilling. I have seen similar projects made with sweaters of other fibers, I just haven't tried it yet and don't know about unraveling.

For the sleeveless dress I just used one of Emma's dresses as a guide, matched it up to the neckline and cut the sides. If you need to make the neck opening smaller you just take in the seam at the shoulder. I cut the flower from another sweater, lined it with iron-on interfacing to keep it from stretching, and sewed it onto the front. Then, I sewed down the sides and used a black binding around the armhole to finish it off.
For Ava's dress, I literally put my sweater on her inside out, and pinned (with a safety pin or two) the sides about where I needed to take it in. I sewed a seam down each side. Then I tried it on her again before I trimmed off the extra just to be sure... I did have to unpick and sew one side over, so I'm glad I hadn't cut yet. After making sure it fit, I trimmed off the extra. I took the collar off another sweater (I have a bag of unwearable, but full of potential sweaters) and sewed it into the neck. I used pieces of the same sweater to make the flowers for her hair clip and the front of her dress.

Refashioned: Sweater Dresses

2009-11-10T11:34:00.011-07:00

A couple of old wool sweaters became cozy new dresses for the girls over the weekend.Ava's favorite part was the matching hairclip that she has worn every day since and keeps in a special place (her toy refrigerator) at night.

Want to know how I made these? Check out my next post.

Dried arrangement

2009-11-10T11:01:00.004-07:00

As I drove up to my parents home in the mountains I was so taken with the subtle variations in the pale colors of the dried grasses and the sagebrush in contrast with the dark, bare branches of the trees. It was so beautiful. I gathered a bunch of branches and dried grasses and put them in a vase to remind me. Emma added the pumpkins in a special arrangement of her own. We've been thinking of painting the pumpkins silver...
My favorite are these "silver dollar" seed pods that are so irridecsent and catch the light from the lamps.

Fall Leaves

2009-11-10T10:50:00.004-07:00

On a table, door, or wall,
a little quilted square for fall.

Warm and stylish ears...

2009-10-26T12:09:00.007-07:00

My beautiful sister-in-law crochets these lovely headbands with felt flowers that double as trendy accessory and ear-warmer. Just check out how cute and affordable they are... now available in her etsy shop.

Stenciled Pillowcase Tote

2009-09-16T10:41:00.003-07:00

Here's another pillowcase tote that I made for a church auction. I added my own stencil to embellish this one and I like how it turned out.

Stencil how-to: I just enlarged and printed the flower pattern from my computer and taped it to a window and traced it onto freezer paper. Then I cut out the design and with the waxy side down, ironed it onto my fabric. Then I used fabric paint medium to turn a custom-mixed color into fabric paint and sponged it onto the stencil area. After it dries, you just peel off the freezer paper and you have such a clean edged pattern. I love this method because the st encil doesn't shift or let paint bleed under the edge.

A pretty floral print pillowcase for the inside/reverse side of the bag and the handles.

I love that so many have expressed interest in making this bag. I will try to put together a tutorial here soon... watch this space!

Idea Book

2009-09-16T10:29:00.002-07:00

I subscribe to a lot of magazines... a guilty pleasure passed on from my mom I guess. I remember stacks near her bed. Now that I have three kids, my leisure time is limited and the magazines seem to stack up pretty fast. I used to read them. Then I started thumbing through them and dog-earing the pages that I liked. Now, I've realized that I'm never going to get back to the stack to look at those pages so I've come up with a new plan. I immediately tear out any picture that I like and "scrap" it into my idea book. I also jot little notes about projects I 'd like to try. I write the date too and it's become a kind of creative journal. I tear out any articles of interest and keep them in a folder I can take with myself to a doctor's office or read on a long drive... much smaller than that daunting stack I had growing. Now I can find my "inspiration" pics a lot easier. I love the idea of an "inspiration" bulletin board too. One day, when I have a personal space for crafting/sewing I will do that too. My favorite notebooks are the inexpensive composition books that I cover with pretty paper, or in the case of my latest, vintage contact paper I found at a thrift store. I love this print and it made it easy to add a little strap to hold the notebook closed (those adhesive velcro dots are the best!)

Thrifty Decorating

2009-07-29T23:33:00.011-07:00

One of my neighbors is a really great decorator and does home staging. She shared some of her secrets in a short class and I was amazed to learn that her expensive-looking decor was accomplished so inexpensively. She really inspired me. I'm trying to look at things that I already have in a new light or for different purposes. I've since found a number of home decorating blogs with similar themes of thrifty decorating. I love re-using, re-making and "upcylcling" things when sewing and want to learn more about doing the same for decorating. I have a few projects in the works, but here is a really simple one:
A glass cover that I found on its own for $1, plus a dish and a candle pedestal...
... become a cute serving stand.
I can just picture little cookies or cupcakes in here, or even some fruit:
Speaking of thrifty things, I went to a local thrift store in search of some picture frames and found some great ones that just need a little love, along with a few other treasures:
This is a Leacock Prints tea-size table cloth with the most charming design, and it is in perfect condition! It fits perfectly on the little table my girls use for their tea parties. So sweet!

Below, this shabby-chic looking tin was just calling me to take it home and fill it with hydrangeas or one of my mother's beautiful dried floral arrangements ...
... and, a little bird to sit on my kitchen table.

White Fluffies

2009-07-16T22:04:00.005-07:00

I've been surrounding myself with white fluffy things lately:

One day, while experimenting with elastic thread and ruffles, I made this little pillow...

Today, I decided that I needed another pillow to go with it.

I started with a pillowcase.

Then I had some fun with a stencil.

And now my white ruffled pillow doesn't look so lonely on that chair.

More car seat covers

2009-05-12T16:22:00.001-07:00

I've made a couple more car seat covers – one for me and one for a friend. I am having a hard time choosing which one I want to keep. I think I'll let her choose. I went for a less bulky bow on these, even though I adored the look of the other. I also tried different snaps on the straps with a lower profile so they would lay flatter. Velcro would probably work too, I just didn't know how durable that would be. On the blue cover I used the same geometric black and white print on the inside, but I really love the larger print I found for the lining of the tan and black cover. The buttons on the blue/brown version are my favorite so be sure to click on the pic for a closer look!

I've had a few requests for my pattern. I will have to send it via snail mail, so email me your mailing address if you are serious.

No pants allowed

2009-05-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

Since my girls will only wear skirts/dresses, I've decided to sew some to add to their collection. I have some much cuter ones cut out and ready to sew but these were super simple and therefore were finished first. Ava picked the fabric for hers. She loves Tigger and Pooh. I couldn't resist – one seam and some straps made from an old T-shirt so they would have some stretch.

Emma's skirt used to be a tunic top of mine. I cut it in half and used one part as the petticoat. This is my kind of recycling!

A is for Audrey

2009-03-31T09:39:00.000-07:00

Baby Audrey (to be born to my own baby sister) will be here soon, and we just had a fun baby shower for her. Val, the Martha Stewart of our family, hostesses the best parties and this one was no exception. I especially loved these classy invites and the little tags she had on the box lunches she'd put together:

I had fun sewing a few things.
First, a nursing cover (on the left). Don't you love the Amy Butler print? At right is one I made for myself – fabric from JoAnns.

Second, a car seat cover. I love this idea. You can cover the babe while sleeping or shade from sun etc, and still have access to the car seat handle (not the case with a draped blanket.) Also, if you're like me, the blanket is always falling off and you have kind strangers chasing you down in store parking lots to return it. Plus, isn't it so pretty?

My favorite detail is this beautiful button. It doesn't show well in the photo, but they are kind of shimmery, like mother of pearl with the floral pattern engraved into it.

This might seem like a strange choice for the lining, but I heard that the black and white geometric patterns are stimulating to baby's vision, and since this is the side that baby gets to see...

Both fabrics for this project, the buttons, ribbon, and magnetic snaps are from JoAnns. I made up my own pattern.

Another Activity Bag

2009-03-25T09:27:00.001-07:00

I'm making these regularly for gifts, but I don't always remember to take a picture. This was for Emma's friend Peyton.

Flower cuff

2009-03-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

My beautiful mother brought me some flowers last Sunday when I invited her to dinner. They were so fragrant and lovely! I'm so ready for spring and inspired by all the flowers I'm seeing in fabrics and fashion right now. I decided to make my own flower accessory: a flower cuff.

Material Girl

2008-12-27T21:49:00.000-07:00

As expected, I haven't had much time for sewing in the weeks since baby N joined our family. I did squeeze in one little project for a Christmas gift. It was for my mom, a fabulous seamstress and quilter. I can't remember a time when there weren't stacks of fabric around her sewing machine. It has been something my dad has teased her about for years. There are those of us, however, that can completely understand the addiction.

Marie-Thérèse Gown GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-10-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

Marie-Thérèse Gown GIVEAWAY!!!!

This is the most amazing little dress. Someday I might attempt something like this. I could never ever give it away! I don't know how she does this, but I think you can see why this is one of my favorite blogs to follow.

Paper dolls for little fingers

2008-10-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

This is an idea that I've been dying to try for a while now. A little background: I love paper dolls. My favorite are Dolly Dingle. I had a huge collection when I was a little girl. My sister and I spent hours cutting them out and playing with them. We each had a little yellow pencil box that we kept them in. When I saw some Dolly Dingle books on eBay I couldn't resist. Emma is still too little to manage the paper tabs and since these seem to be out of print, I came up with an idea for how she could enjoy them without their being destroyed. This is the result of my trial. I copied a set onto window cling and cut each outfit out, trimming off the tabs. The color isn't as vibrant, but is good enough. Then, I laminated the doll. The window cling dresses adhere perfectly to the lamination and to the glossy folder I am storing her in. Emma can stick and pull off the dresses and hats over and over. I have no idea if the color will begin to wear off after awhile. I guess we'll play with this set and see how it goes. A friend who saw this thought it would be cool on the inside of a car window while taking a longer trip. Great idea!

Activity Bag

2008-10-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

Not much time or energy for all the projects I want to do these days... but I have managed to squeeze in one or two more little things. First is the Activity Bag. I think these are great for church, for longer doctor's office visits or even for road trips. Similar to Emma's preschool bag, we personalized a tote for her friend Morgan's birthday present. Then I made a crayon roll in coordinating fabric. These are so easy and so handy! (You know the box or ziploc baggie full of crayons will inevitably be dumped all over the floor.) Then we filled the bag with a princess coloring book, a few other coloring activities, notebook, flash cards, and other little toys. For an older girl I think paper dolls or lacing cards would be great too. I've already started a second crayon roll for Emma who had a hard time parting with it. It should be finished before she is home from the birthday party.

I've also been sorting through and getting clothes ready for new baby and realized I needed some more drawer space. I found a really inexpensive, narrow set of drawers at a yard sale (just perfect for a small corner or closet) and repainted it white and added a few decals to girlie it up. I have a lot to learn about refinishing furniture! This was my first ever attempt but it was fun to try on something that wasn't valuable.

Personalized tote for Emma

2008-09-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

Big "E" little "e" what begins with "e"? Emma's starting preschool... E... E... E! (There are so many cute alphabet books, but Dr. Seuss is still my favorite!)

Emma is starting preschool this week and she needed a bag for school. I already had this pink canvas tote and I decided to embellish it with some ribbon and felt to make it special for her. She's been carrying it around since I finished it, so I guess she approves. With Emma, you really can't go wrong with pink and polkadots!

Applique detail.

Baby Rattle: Take Two

2008-08-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

So I made a few adjustments to my pattern and made up another version of my baby rattle. I like how this one turned out even better.

Handmade Baby Rattle

2008-08-26T21:16:00.001-07:00

Made from flannel and felt scraps, she's asleep on one side, and awake on the other. When you shake her you hear a little rattle from muffled jingle bells sewed inside. I've been wanting to try something like this for awhile. I've never done much embroidery, so don't look too closely. I did enjoy making her though. I'm in the mood for baby things.

Reversible Pillow Case Tote

2008-08-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

I found these great pillowcases at a thrift shop and I loved the print so much I knew I could make something out of them. There was another set in a sage color, and I could picture the two together in a bag. I've never sewed a bag before and I kind of made it up as I went along. I lined everything with interfacing because the fabric was kind of thin. The finished bag seems pretty sturdy and I even love that the fabric is used and really soft. There are a few things I will do differently if I make another one... mainly I will make the pleats go the other direction than I did on the floral side. I've never done this before, but I made my own little label based on this blog because I liked that other crafters "signed" their work this way. The grand total for materials was about $3.55 so I'm feeling pretty thrifty.

Thanks Electrasol

2008-08-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

I finished using all the dishwashing tablets that came in this tin and thought it would make a handy storage container. (I've been trying to organize my craft supplies.) Emma and I got out some paper scraps and the Mod Podge and turned it into the perfect storage container for my glue sticks.

My Quiet Book

2008-08-02T22:13:00.001-07:00

My mom made the greatest things for me when I was little. I have such great memories of them now. One of my favorites was a felt quiet book that she made for us to look at during church. Last year I signed up to make a quiet book for my girls with a group from church. It was taking a lot of time, and the truth is, I didn't really like it. It wasn't even half as cool as the one my mom made. So, I trashed that one and decided I was going to design my own. Well, it has been over a year in the making (working on it a little here and there) but it is finished at last! Unlike my mom, however, I cheated and used a number of pre-made things on some of the pages. I think it turned out pretty cute though and hopefully is sturdy enough to make it through a few kids... we'll see about that. In case it doesn't, I decided to make a record of it.

The animals were these little ribbon bookmarks I found. You can pull their feet and they slide down into the boat. The dove fits in the pocket or in the sky with velcro.

The farm animals are foam stickers, double thick. They fit in the barn (the door is a big pocket) or you can arrange them around the farm on different velcro spots.

I found the terry cloth duck pouch and sewed foam numbers into plastic circles to make the bubbles. The bubbles also fit inside the "rubber ducky".

I "felted" an old wool sweater and used it for this notebook pocket and the pencil pouch. The best part was that the zipper was already part of the sweater so this was the easiest page of all.

Aren't the ladybug and flower buttons the cutest things? I crocheted the flowers and they button on or off around the little flower buttons. You can match the flowers to their background colors, or mix the colors to "grow your garden" any way you want. The ladybugs don't come off (even though Ava sure has tried) but are just there to look cute.

This page is really similar to one in the book my mom made with a worm that lives in an apple. She made her worm out of felt but this one is just different sizes of pompoms strung together... he is really soft though.

This is E's favorite page. You can turn the wheel at the top of the page to change the weather outside, and then pick an outfit for bear. I found the foam bear shapes, and made the outfits. They attach to bear with magnet strips.

I'll probably just carry it in our ginormous diaper bag, but after I had finished it I decided to add a handle down the side so it could be easily carried on its own if I wanted.

Window Makeover

2008-06-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

When we first moved into our house I put these curtains up in my kitchen, and have disliked them ever since. I've also never liked the cheap plastic blinds that were there. They were too long for the window and too heavy to lift up to let more light into the kitchen. The other day at the fabric store while I was getting a zipper for Emma's dress, I found a pretty colored brocade fabric in the remnant bin and it inspired an idea for a new valance for my kitchen window. I found another remnant of the cream colored fabric that I thought would look really nice in contrast to the dark brocade. I kind of made up the design as I went along, and I like how it turned out so much better than what was there before. The plastic blinds are history, there is room on the windowsill to display some of my ceramics, and just having more light in my kitchen every day lifts my spirits. I even found a small rug that matches.

One funny thing about my whole makeover project was Jeff's reaction. The first thing he said was, "skulls?" I was pretty confused until he pointed out that from where he was standing, a part of the pattern in the brocade looked like a skull to him and the lighter color crossing behind it like crossbones. I would never have seen it. Crazy! Now that I've said this you all are going to notice it too. Oh well, I still really like it much better and will just try to forget about the skull thing. He assures me that he does like it and thinks it looks a lot nicer than the previous curtains too. He has to say that right?

Child's Apron

2008-03-08T17:43:00.000-07:00

At Walmart there is a little bin in the craft/fabric section that has end pieces of fabric at a discount. Emma loves to dig through it while I shop and pick out her favorite pieces. That is where her blankie came from. It was a scrap that she carried around for days and I finally pieced and edged it and made it into a blanket. Months ago, before Christmas when I was busy with the quilt she found this cute green floral fabric. I've been meaning to do something with it for awhile and finally got my inspiration to make a pretty apron for my little chef when I found this cute pink ruffle – also in the remnant bin. Emma seemed to like it enough that she didn't want to stop playing to pose for a photo. It reminded me of going through my mom's fabric scraps and making things for my dolls. Ava helped by taking a little nap, and Emma helped by handing me pins (pokeys) and giving me directions. I was really impressed that she sat and watched me the whole time. It made for a fun Saturday afternoon.

Family Photo Quilt

2007-12-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

For the past several months I have been working on a gift for my parents. It was a small quilt that features our family, starting with my parent's wedding date and then listing the birthdays and photos of each child. I've never made a quilt before, and I did all the quilting by hand. I don't think I've ever put so much time and effort into a gift and I could hardly wait to give it. It has been a lot of years since I've been so excited about giving at Christmas and I'm glad that this year turned out to be such a blessed one.

Knit Snowball Ornaments

2007-11-30T17:45:00.001-07:00

Every year one of my neighbors hosts an ornament and cookie exchange party. The ornaments are supposed to be hand made, or at least embellished or customized in some way. In the past I've taken the easy route, but this year, I decided to make the ornaments myself. I knit little white tubes, cinched up the ends, and filled them with cotton and jingle bells. Then I used some yarn to stitch a snowflake on the front and a loop by which to hang them. I didn't have a pattern, experimented with a different number of rows, and I eyeballed the stitching of the snowflakes... so they are all different sizes. While they aren't the most lovely things I've ever made I'm proud of myself for the attempt. Luckily, I know the hostess will appreciate the effort more than the result. Best of all, I have discovered that they are perfect for indoor snowball fights!

Plates as frames

2007-09-17T17:30:00.002-07:00

My sister gave me a plate hanger some time ago and I have been searching for the perfect plates to display ever since. The challenge was to find something I liked, that also wasn't too heavy for where I wanted to hang it. One day I thought I'd use the hooks to hold pictures instead of plates and that sparked an idea that some of my friends have asked me to share. I found some lightweight plate chargers and painted and crackled them (they were gold and had a hawaiian scene on them before). Then I took some recent family photos and had them enlarged (8x10 was the perfect size) and printed in black and white. I cut them to fit inside the flattest part of the plate and used acid free spray adhesive to stick them on. I didn't put anything over the photos because I didn't want to ruin the finish. I guess Mod Podge would be an option for a different kind of a finish. If you don't look too closely they look pretty good as is, but I would love to hear more ideas.