Feather's Flights {a creative, sewing blog}

Boy Clothing Inspiration and The Rock and Roll Outfit

2012-02-29T15:36:00.003-07:00

Since we were given a lot of used baby boy clothing, I haven't done much looking around until recently. I'm pretty disappointed with the selection of boy clothing. Almost all have some kind of words or phrases on them, and the fabric print aren't that great either. Phrases don't really bother me unless it's all he has to wear. I know society says that girls should love clothing and they have lots of fun detailing, but what about a mom who loves clothing and has a boy(s)? I might just have to stick to thrift stores.
Anyone know of great boy clothing stores? I probably won't shop there, so don't worry about expense, I would just love to have some boy clothing inspiration!
On another note, I tried the rock and roll outfit on Henry. He's technically not the size of the item I copied, but this looks a little too small around and too long for him.

I can't decide if I should add some width so Henry can wear it or just shorten the torso for the next baby.

He does look pretty cute in this though, even if it's stretched across his belly.

UGlu Giveaway: Renter's Solution

2012-02-27T13:22:00.001-07:00

I was read for a change in my front room. I was just sick and tired of looking at cinderblock even if it did have some cool decor over it. I wanted to cover it up. I got some heavy home decor dandelion fabric to make a nice wall hanging. I tried putting it up with starch, but found the fabric was too heavy. My dad saw something about UGlu, and so I got some to try. I was amazed at how easy it was to work with and how well it held up the fabric. I ended up using a combination of starch, to make the fabric flush with the wall, and UGlu, to hold up the weight.

My pieces overlap by a little bit, so I found the UGle even bonds fabric to fabric!

I also used it to put up a fabric in my bedroom.

And the ceiling medallions from the front room were moved above the closet.

It also is strong enough to hold up Henry's jungle mobile which is surprisingly heavy.

I told the company my successful story and how happy I was with their product, so today I'm offering TWO UGlu goody bags filled with assorted sizes of UGlu.

To enter just leave a comment telling me what you would do with UGlu if you won! You don't have to be renting, and this giveaway is open to international readers. This giveaway will be open until Friday, March 2nd, at 11:59 pm MDT.

*Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by me. No monetary compensation was given, and I didn't receive UGlu for hosting.

Check Out My Table of Contents

2012-02-24T13:13:00.003-07:00

Hey, for the past couple of days I've been switching a couple things around here so sorry if you came over and it was crazy. I found a way to organize all my tutorials and past projects so that it's much easier for me to come up with. Check out my new Table of Contents along the top bar. I am sad that I can't connect pictures with it, but happy that it makes my life a lot easier. I hope you can use it to navigate my blog a lot easier!

A Video About Creating

2012-02-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

First, I want to thank everyone for their comments about Henry's teal onesie! And I just want to say my husband is very supportive and doesn't care much what Henry wears. Henry does have an androgynous face that if he were wearing a dress, he'd look like a girl. I just thought it was funny that that was his first reaction.

My sister had to make a movie for her teaching class; she's studying to become a secondary school sewing teacher. She wanted to inspire her future students to sew, and she based it off of me. You can get to know me a little bit better from this video she made. And I love the song she chose.

Mindy Gledhill-Whole Wide World

Felt Me a Story: Tutorial

2012-02-21T08:10:00.001-07:00

I have such a special surprise for you today! My sister-in-law, Angela, has put together a felt book tutorial for you, and it's pretty amazing. I've never seen anything like this before and can already see it's endless possibilities. I am really excited to make one of these for my son!

Felt Me a Story: Tutorial

First off, a big thanks to Heather! This is my first tutorial attempt, and I'm so glad Heather is letting me do this to challenge myself. And for all the sewing help and inspiration she's given me since joining the family. It’s nice to have sisters. Especially ones who give your son this for Christmas.

I love to sew. I’m not skilled, but I love it. I love short, fun projects for quick gratification. And I especially love it when it helps me save money. But with 2 little kids under 3 and other priorities, I tend to think about sewing more than actually doing it. At night, when rocking my teething, sleep-hating baby I escape mentally and think of all the crafting/sewing things I’d like to make. It’s mental chocolate and a nice challenge to create patterns in my head. This is one of those midnight creations.

Once upon a time there was this little boy who couldn’t sit through church meetings, doctor appointments, and quiet times. Sound familiar? We needed help. Enter this flannel board book.

It has an outside and inside with solid colors to works as ocean, sky, sand, dirt, etc. The book folds up, in half, and can stand up right on a flat surface. It's light, it's small and I love the little pocket in the middle for little hands to pull out their felt fun.

This project takes under an hour (of uninterrupted time, if you get that at your house) to make and opens the door for so many possibilities. In seconds I can cut up a new felt game or story pieces. And as my littles grow up, this felt book will too. There are great, giant flannel boards out there. But this little, light book can go anywhere with us. We just stuff the pockets with pieces and go!

Materials Needed:

Flannel Material

⅓ to ½ yard outside flannel fabric (solid color)

⅓ to ½ yard inside flannel fabric (solid color)

¼ yard pocket flannel fabric (something that makes your heart happy)
Foam board
Ribbon
Hot glue and gun
Sewing machine, thread and other such sewing things

Step 1. Measure and cut out pieces

outside piece 19” x 12”
2 inside pieces 10” x 12”
2 pocket pieces 11½ ” x 12”
2 foam board pieces 8½” x 11”
2 ribbon pieces 6” long

Measure

Yes, that is a hot wheel track

Cut

Step 2: Sew Pocket:

With Right sides together, sew 1 length and 1 width (2 of the four sides). Stop and back-stitch 3 inches from bottom edge.

Fold under and sew hem on the top of pocket.

Turn pocket right side out and sew final length closed, 3 inches seam allowance. Set aside.

Step 3: Sew ribbons to outside of each outer side.

Roll edge of ribbon under to hide raw edge and pin 2 inches from the edge of each side, in the middle. Sew or tack down.

(Options: there are many ways to make a closure for these books. A thin ribbon on one side and a large button on the other; magnets and strap, hooks and strap, etc.)

Step 4: Sew hems for inside pieces.

Fold 1 inch hems on one length of each side and sew. This will make for a clean edge after you slip in the board into the covers. Notice the hem on the inside of each orange piece below? That's what you've just done.

Step 5: Sew outside to insides.

With right sides together, match up outer edges and pin. There will be a 1-2 inch gap in the middle. Sew all the way around the outer edges.

Don't worry about sewing the front piece (blue here) and leaving that short, raw edge. It will tuck under later on.

Step 6: Sew in pocket.

Align pocket in the center of the covers. Spread out flaps, one on each side, so the sewn edge is touching the material. Pin down and sew on each side of the flap as closely to the pocket seam as possible. You’ll know you’ve done right if you see 2 parallel sewn lines on the outside cover.

Step 7: Insert boards.

Turn cover right side out and slip foam boards into ‘pockets’ and test for fit and tightness. Adjust and trim if needed. If the board is too small and material too loose around it, flip inside out again and take it in a little. (Note: I forgot to put the pocket in first and had to take out the boards and then sew. Thus, no pocket here. Oops. It's hard to sew when you're accountable to step-by-step pictures. Oh well.)

Isn't there something so satisfying about using an x-acto knife? Mmm, love it.

Step 8: Close inside flaps.

Now if you can fit the boards in between your needle and machine, try sewing the inside covers down over the boards. OR take hot glue along that hem and stretch over board and seal down.

and...You’re done!

Now start cutting felt!

There are SO many things you can do with felt! Just stroll through pinterest or the blogging world to find games, stories, and wonderful creations. This, this and this are on my to-do list.

The hiding hearts game kept my son occupied for much of our church meeting yesterday and we had loads of fun hiding his face all around. I'm excited to recreate some of our favorite stories and see if the kids can tell me the story. I looking forward to making more sophisticated matching and math games and flannel or felt dolls. We're going to make cars and roads and signs. And a Mr. Potato head too.

These would make such a great gift for birthdays or a sick child. Just make up one of these, a few pre-cut felt kits and some felt for them to cut on their own. I have dreams of making these for hospital-bound kids. But one day at a time.

Please let me know if you have questions and I’ll try to respond in the comments. I have such a new level of respect for bloggers and those who make tutorials. Maybe I’ll make another one, in a couple of years. Until then, happy sewing and playing.

Easy Nursing Top Refashion Tutorial

2012-02-20T13:19:00.001-07:00

I have found I really like shirts with easy access to nursing, especially in the first few months when I felt like that's all I was doing. I was at the store the other day and found a shirt on the sale rack. I added a casing around the neck with elastic.

I don't feel like you have to have this exact shirt to do this refashion, just similar features.

You have to have a shirt with a neck that's open enough that it can be pulled down for nursing access.
Since the neckline will be pulled up, the style of the shirt can't have a sleeve seam like a dolman or kimono sleeve.
You'll also need a fabric tube of matching or contrasting fabric.

First, measure out the length of the elastic. I laid some elastic around my neck and without stretching it, decided how low I wanted my neckline.

Pin the fabric tube around the neckline with 1/4" to 1/2" overlapping the original shirt neckline.

Sew an 1/8" in from the edge of the fabric tube. Stretch the fabric as you sew to keep some stretch in the neckline.

Leave the edges open so you can insert the elastic.

Sew the edge closed along with the elastic.

The sew the rest of the casing to the neckline.

Sew the seam allowance down to one side.

This is what it should look like when it's finished.

I also added some of the fabric tubing to the sleeves without the elastic.
Quick and easy nursing shirt.

It's perfect for playing with your little one.

I Need Your Opinion

2012-02-18T15:48:00.001-07:00

Today I stopped at a thrift store and looked at the baby clothes. After sorting through, I found a couple of great items. I was so excited to come home and show my husband. I showed him this teal-ish onesie and said, "Isn't this so cute?" He replied, "For a girl." What? Now I turn it over to you. Can a boy wear this color?

Wouldn't it look great with some dark gray velvety houndstooth overalls? (Another great find of today.)

Kid History

2012-02-17T09:08:00.003-07:00

Today's post is completely off topic, but something exciting happened to me! Yesterday I met the guys from Kid History. They were filming their next episode in front of my parents house. They were nice enough to let us get a picture with them. I told Henry he was meeting some movie-stars, but he just blinked in the bright sun.

You know how you tell stories of your past to kids, and then when they retell the story it is different from the original? Well, the guys from Kid History have made movies of their kids stories. It's hilarious! This is probably my favorite episode, but they all are really funny. I hope this brightens your day!

You Know You're A Blogger If. . .

2012-02-15T21:20:00.000-07:00

You know you're a blogger if:

When you take a picture, you start writing in your head what you'll say about it on your blog.
You think of blog posts while you're showering, washing dishes, vacuuming, falling asleep, etc.
No matter what you're doing when you think of a blog post idea, you immediately start writing it in your head. You even arrange it and edit it.
When talking to people, you want to bring up a story you read on a blog. You feel weird saying, "My friend told me. . ." or "This happened to a lady I know," because you've never met the person in real life and they technically didn't tell you.
You take a picture solely to put on your blog.

What do you do that makes you a blogger?

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day! I made pink cinnamon rolls for my husband for breakfast (they rose overnight in the fridge, and he popped them in the oven. Great recipe here.). He studied at home this morning, so I could sleep in. Best gift ever! Being married students has helped me appreciate the simple joys in life.

Wall Plug-in and Essential Oils

2012-02-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

As you probably know by now, my apartment is old. So old that it doesn't have a vented heating system. It has hot pipes that run along the walls. This makes for no-circulated stagnant air. Not too great. I saw this pin floating around on pinterest about DIY wallflowers. (I got a wallflower for my birthday and Christmas.) Since my brother had just given me some essential oils to try, I thought I would give this a try.

pinterest via holy crickey

I love that the wallflowers make my apartment smell really nice. I haven't read much about VOC and am not too worried about them at this moment. I'm worried about saving money, so that's why I tried this.

I got lemon, citrus blend and lavender to try. I didn't have very much lemon so I mixed it with the citrus blend. It was really easy to take the wick out and put in some oil and water.

Here it is plugged in the wall. It made my apartment smell heavenly! My oil and water didn't mix well together like the original post. I don't know if that's because I used a different kind of essential oil. I didn't put a whole ton in, so it won't last as long as a store-bought one. So far it's lasted me about a week, but I don't think it'll last longer than that. Also, I don't think this would work if I were using the essential oils for health reasons because the wallfower heats up the oils. I'm not sure if heating up the oil is bad or not.

All in all, I think it's about the same price for essential oils as it is to buy a new wallflower refill. It would be worth it if I was worried about VOC though.

Button Up Shirt Onesie 2

2012-02-09T08:36:00.001-07:00

I altered the shirt onesie pattern, and now it is now big enough for Henry. I used a shirt I actually made for my husband when we were engaged. I think Henry really enjoys looking like his pops. The print really makes me think of a cowboy.

This little cowboy is very wiggly, but looks so studly in his shirt.

I didn't cut off the cuffs for the sleeves which means the original pleats are still there. The pleats make Henry look like he has the biceps of a bodybuilder. He looks so tough. Especially with his ginormous eyes and wispy hair.

Here you can see the cuff and placket.

I made the yoke smaller like an actual men's shirt, so that the pleat gives room for arm movement. Henry needs to do his tummy time even when he's dressed up.

I added elastic to the legs this time which adds a lot to the look. I also have three buttons and buttonholes at the bottom for diaper changing.

This cowboy is ready to sweep you onto his horse and ride off into the sunset.

Faded Glamour Shirt

2012-02-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I got some Next Style products to review from FashionArtProjects.com which is a website where you'll find DIY fashion designs and instructional "how to" information for the Next Style brand of fashion crafting products available at Walmart.
The first project I did was a rhinestone shirt. I have been planning on making a glamour shirt and had planned on hand-sewing sequins onto this shirt. "Really, Self, you thought you would sew a hundred or sew sequins on by hand?!" Ya, it wasn't really going to happen. Fortunately, I got to try some Next Style iron-on rhinestones.

I used one of my shirts that had a good fit and had a stripe in the right place.

I place out all the rhinestones which was probably the most time-consuming part of the whole project. I used a pen lid to push around the rhinestones and a ruler to straighten each line. I do wish the pack came with more rhinestones, because I felt for this project I didn't have enough. It still turned out good though.

After I was done, I washed it worrying that some of the rhinestones would come off. None did! And they've stayed on every time I've worn it since.

I love this shirt because it's glam but casual. And the rhinestones were easy and quick.

*These items were provided free of charge from FashionArtProjects.com.

Blue Plaid Dress Refashion

2012-02-03T08:48:00.003-07:00

It was time for a new dress. My grandmother had been saving a bunch of clothing in her house, so when she passed away I got some of the fabulous vintage clothing. This dress was one of them. The fabric really stood out to me, but not the shape or the size. It was too big for me, and it's just a giant rectangle.

What I did was cut off the sleeves and take in the sides. I changed the rectangle shape, so now it comes in at the waist. Then I shortened the sleeves from the top and reattached them. I also shortened the belt. It was a pretty quick refashion. One of my favorite things about this dress? It buttons down the front, so it's perfect for nursing.

The huge inverted box pleat on the front is really unique and fun.

It also looks great with a cardigan. Yay for new dresses and the little pleasure they bring!

If you wonder about these funny pictures and why I'm always looking to the left, Henry was on the floor so I was talking to him and playing with him while these pictures were being taken.

Button Up Shirt Onesie 1

2012-02-01T15:11:00.001-07:00

Around here Henry and I have been working on sleep training. I tried one technique which was way hard on me, so after talking to his pediatrician we're trying a modified cry it out. It's helping me be a way better mom because I'm not so tired all the time. To help me cope with sleep training, I've been sewing a lot more than I really have time for.
I made Henry a little collared button up onesie from one of my brother's old shirts. He looks so handsome.

I used Sophie's, from Roubidou, shirt onesie pattern.

Pros:
-It's free and printable from home. LOVE!
-It has good tips to use the details from an original button-up shirt (like keeping the original sleeve placket on the baby sleeve).
-She shows how you can use it for girls or boys.
Cons:
-It is not 3-6 month size. It is more like 0-3 month size. Henry will only be able to wear this for a week or two because it's so small. He's not even a big baby; he's only in the 50th percentile.
-The instructions were a little hard to understand, so I had to figure it out on my own. This is more for an intermediate sewer.

I think I'm going to fiddle with the pattern to a fit I like better and make another one that's bigger, so Henry can wear it for longer.

Baby Leg Warmers

2012-01-30T15:57:00.000-07:00

I cleaned out my husband's sock drawer. There were lots of dress socks that had holes in them. I used some that weren't so holey to make some leggings for Henry. Argyle is "mantastic."

These aren't really tight around his ankle, so he has some good growing room.

I was getting tired of taking of and putting on his pants every time I change his diaper. Especially with his ever wiggly legs. With these man leggings, I don't have too! But Henry's legs are still kept warm.

Henry is getting good and standing when I hold onto his arms. (It was pretty difficult to hold him with one hand, while trying to take a steady picture with the other.) Sometimes he likes to stand on his toes and not the bottoms of his feet.

I didn't make a tutorial, but Erika has a great baby leg warmer tutorial. I need to get some more men's socks to make more for Henry!

Sunburst Curtain

2012-01-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

I finally got to something that has been on my list for ages. My parents have an arched window in one of their rooms and needed a curtain to stop the sun from beating in. The liked the idea of a sun burst design.

I traced the shape of the window, cut out the small half circle, and added pleats to the upper part. Then I cut up the pieces and sewed it all together.

It has been very successful in keeping out the sun's heat, or it could just be that it's actually starting to feel like winter around here. (We had our first HUGE snowstorm last weekend!)

Parks and Rec and Harry Potter Onesies

2012-01-23T07:39:00.001-07:00

Over the weekend I went to one of my friend's baby shower. She and I share a love for Harry Potter and the TV show Parks and Recreation. I embroidered two onesies to add to her gift. I had lots of fun embroidering these because they were quick.

One has the Deathly Hallows sign from Harry Potter.

The other has the band that one of the characters is in from Parks and Rec.

Coffee Table

2012-01-20T08:27:00.001-07:00

I'm selling my coffee table. It's up on craigslist. Anyone want to buy it?

Kid Pants From Dad's Old Pants

2012-01-19T10:42:00.000-07:00

I made some jeans for Henry from my husband's favorite jeans. There was just no way to salvage them anymore. Luckily, he has a new favorite pair. I used Dana's Basic Kid Pant Pattern. I kept the elastic kind of loose so that I can get it fitting him perfectly when he fits into them.

I made sure to place the pockets in the right place. They'll be huge on a little boy, but they'll sure be cute. And I bet he always be able to fill them up with something.

I also added some little belt loops and lots of topstitching.

The knees are already worn in and

they have fleece inside to protect against falls and maybe strengthen the knees, so they don't get holes. This is a little boy we're talking about though so who knows!

Baby Boy Rock and Roll One-Piece

2012-01-12T11:28:00.003-07:00

Just so you know I've decided for my new years resolution to do my best to not stress myself out. That means I'll still be posting on here, but less. I used to stress myself out to have two to three posts a week, meaning sometimes I just threw something together to have a post. Now I'm going to take more time on what I'm making, and then post when it's done. This is fun hobby and shouldn't be stressful. Hope you stick around!

Anyway, I finished a one-piece for Henry for when he gets bigger. I cut up one of my summer sweatshirts that I've had for five years or something. I wasn't wearing it anymore, but the fabric is perfect for a little boy. It'll be perfect for those cold spring days. The proportions look off to me, but I did copy a store-bought one-piece. We'll just to see if it fits!

I added fun pockets on the front and lots of topstitching throughout the whole piece.

Green scales on the hood and a green zipper.

I can't wait to see him when he's grown!

Stuffed Alligator Pattern and Tutorial

2012-01-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

I actually made this right before my son was born, but just recently got the pattern scanned and edited. It's been a long time coming. My son likes it so far, and I hope it'll be a toy he likes as he gets older.

You can see/print the alligator pattern here. It has 1/8" seam allowances.

First cut out all your pieces. I used green knit and red woven fabric. I think the knit made my alligator really round and a little lumpy. You can use woven for all if your more comfortable with that. Remember to mark the dots on the side pieces and the pleats on the belly piece.

With right sides together sew the mouth to the face and belly piece.

With right sides together pin the top of the two side pieces together from dot to dot.

Sew from dot to dot.

Clip and notch.

Turn inside out and poke out corners. I carefully used the point of my scissors.

Fold the pleats at the dots.

Pin.

Baste the pleats.

Next, with right sides together pin the alligator together matching up the legs. The pieces will sort of form a triangle. Leave an opening so that you can turn the alligator right side out.

At the tail sew around the point going over the other seam.

The face piece will start where the seam on the top ended. I used lots of pins on the face/mouth to make sure everything lined up.

Because it'll end up being 3-D, it is a little tricky to sew.

Make sure the seam allowances are open when you sew.

When you sew around the mouth, stretch the mouth straight but sew in a slight point.

Remember to clip and notch the feet.

Turn the alligator right side out, stuff, and hand stitch the opening closed.

Now give the alligator to a special little child to enjoy!

I also added some hand embroidered eyes.

Belly pleats

Argyle Pocket Mend

2012-01-03T18:21:00.000-07:00

My husbands favorite pair of jeans was starting to wear out where he puts his wallet in his back pocket. To fix them, I unpicked the inside stitching (red dotted line) of the double stitched pocket. Then I cut a piece of matching denim that was slightly smaller than the pocket size (green dotted line). I slid in the patch and resewed the inside pocket stitching (red dotted line). Then I added some matching hand-stitching in an argyle design to sew the patch to the pocket.

I did the same thing for the other pocket even though it wasn't as worn out so it would match the other. I really like the argyle and how it blends in really well. My husband loves having his favorite jeans back with no holes in the pockets.

Fish Purse

2011-12-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

My sister and I worked at a tailor shop for about a year and a half. We loved seeing all the interesting items that came through. One time a fish purse came through which my sister and I LOVED. This year I made her a fish purse for Christmas.

This one was lots of fun to make. It was a little time-consuming because I had was making it up as I went. The fish body is a light gray fabric with metallic detail. Then I sewed on some felt scales, a big button eye, and some pretty sequins. The handle is just some metallic ribbon I had.

The back is just simple with scales and fins.

I made fins out of dark gray fabric and then topstitched some details.

The top opens with a lime green zipper. . .

And the inside has two pockets with bright yellow lining.

It's pretty small, so it's not for holding a lot. It's for looking fantastic! Did you make any cool things for Christmas?

Owl Top and Lace Applique Cardigan

2011-12-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Since Christmas has successfully passed, I can show two refashions I did for my sister-in-law. First up. she loves owls so I appliqued an owl on a shirt.

I had a lot of fun making it. I really enjoy topstitching.

I just looked at a couple pictures of owls that I liked and drew my own. And got my sister's approval of course.

I found a cute, simple cardigan and hand-appliqued some lace and a doily onto it.

Its add a little bit of sweet femininity.

And I always love doilies.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas weekend!

BYU Baby

2011-12-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

I finished Henry's football helmet and matching diaper cover for Christmas.

I tried it on him before wrapping it up and placing it under the tree. I made each a 3-6 month size so it'll be something he grows into.

I loved BYU, my Alma Mater, but I think I love it even more now that I'm living near my Alma Mater's rival.

And my husband loves college football, especially BYU.

It's still a little big because it doesn't stay on his head when he moves.

But it'll be fun to see him wearing it when he gets a little bigger.

Diaper cover pattern and tutorial

Football helmet crochet pattern

Merry Christmas

2011-12-20T10:36:00.001-07:00

My husband is finally out for Christmas break, so we are enjoying lots of time together with little Henry. This week before Christmas there won't be much going on here on the blog. There will be lots after though when I post about the gifts I made. I hope everyone is having a great week!

My dad took the pictures and then I used a free Christmas card template from Simple as That.

Baby "Ugly" Christmas Sweater One-Piece Tutorial

2011-12-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

*This tutorial was originally posted at Michael Ann Made.*

I love ugly Christmas sweaters. The first Christmas my husband and I were married, I made Christmas sweaters for him and me. He got a hexagonal snowman, and I got an artistic tree. They were supposed to be ugly, but they turned out cool instead.

Now that we have a little babe this Christmas, I decided he needed a a Christmas sweater too. He gets an artistic Santa.

As you see you can make a cool Christmas sweater for anyone, but this tutorial is specifically for a baby sweater one-piece. You can use these basic instructions to make any size sweater. Here are the basic shapes drawn out that I have done, but you can do any shape you want. The easiest one is the tree.

Supplies
Pattern
2 or more old sweaters in the colors you want
Thread, scissors, pins, etc.
1. Get a pattern. I traced the front of a one-piece, the back of another piece with a center back seam, and the sleeve of another.

2. Draw the shape you want on the front piece. There is a seam between each shape. Cut apart pieces. I like to leave mine in order so I don't forget what goes where.

3. I utilized the hems and finished edges of the sweater. I cut out the neckline on the neckline of the sweater and the legs on the bottom of the sweater. I also did this on the back by cutting the back pattern piece in two.

4. I cut out all the pieces and laid them out in order. (See how the back piece is two?) I also added seam allowance to each piece when I cut it out. Some pieces I forgot, but I'm not worried. It's stretchy fabric.

5. Pin the triangle/rectangle pieces into the coordinating piece. Sew with the coordinating piece up.

6. You will then sew around the edge. You will have to fiddle with the fabric, but the stretch will help. Then follow the instructions on the picture.

7. Zigzag or serge all your edges to finish them.

8. Once you have the rectangle pieces in, sew in the circles. Sew with the circle up so you can easily follow the round edges.

9. Lay out your pieces. Then sew the the coordinating seams together making sure you match up the shapes.

10. Put the back together.

11. In this version I added snaps to one shoulder to fit it over my baby's head. (I used twill tape that had snaps on it. I got it at Joann's with a 50% off coupon. You can also sew on twill tape then sew on your own snaps.) Follow the instructions on the picture.

Leave the sleeve edge unfinished.

12. Sew the other shoulder seam. (Mine has random seams from the previous sweater construction.

13. Sew in sleeves with snaps closed, and then sew the sides.

14. On the inside leg seam do the same as the shoulder by folding the edge over and sewing the snaps over it.

That's it! You now have a little baby Christmas sweater one-piece.

With an easy way to change the baby's diaper.

There's a couple random seams on the back but it fits him well.

Now we have a family of holiday sweaters.

Quick tip: If you want to make an adult sweater, cut the pieces out but don't cut into the hem of the sweater. Sew the band onto the bottom of the sweater to finish it.

Henry's Owl Quilt

2011-12-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

My aunt is a very talented quilter. For the first child of each niece or nephew she makes a quilt. For Henry she made an owl quilt. Isn't it gorgeous? I love all the colors. Quilting is so fascinating and impressive. One day I'd like to try it. Maybe for my grandchildren.

I'm going to hang it above his crib once I figure out how to hang it on cinderblock. It'll tie in all the colors of his nursery perfectly.

Can't you see that Henry loves it? I kept trying to catch a smile, and this is the closest I got.

He's sitting on the branch with his owl friend.

A special thanks to my aunt! This was a lot of work for her, but I know I'll cherish forever.

Quotes To Live By

2011-12-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

I have found two quotes in the past couple of months that have really inspired me. I made little prints of them to hang by my sewing machine.

This first quote I found in the book I Am A Mother by Jane Clayson Johnson. I love this quote because it reminds me that it doesn't matter what others think. What's important is my success. Success might be to be a great teacher, to be a good person, or to be a good mother. Success might be many things. A successful day might be a shower and happy children. Success to me is to enjoy sewing to make me happy and not to make money or to make myself famous. This I struggle with because I feel with blogging I need to have the newest, coolest project five days a week. When I fall into that, I'm not creating for myself. I need to remember the reason why I sew. What is your success that makes you feel good in your soul?

This second one I found on Pinterest. When I was pregnant and thinking about my child, I had heard stories about moms going crazy because they didn't get their "me" time. I was really worried about not having time to create once I had children. Once I read this quote, I realized that raising children is in a way being creative. I could never sew something that would make me feel as fulfilled as having a child. I know lots and lots of hard days are ahead of me, but this quote will be a good reminder.

Smorgasbord

2011-12-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

*I'm sharing a tutorial for an "ugly" Christmas sweater one-piece for babies over at Michael Ann Made today. You should check it out because Henry looks good in green, and she has lots of other fun holiday stuff!

*Today I got caught up in reading Kami of No Biggie's story about her premature daughter Afton Jean. It is a heart wrenchingly beautiful story. I warn you that it will make you cry. I am grateful we have blogs to share sweet, painful stories with each other. It makes you ache for those around you, love more, and grateful for what you have in life. You can also donate/enter a giveaway for Kami here.

*A friend and I go walking a couple times a week in a really nice neighborhood near our apartment complex. We noticed the same square wreath on about seven or more houses. Most were green, but we saw an orange one too which my friend took a picture of for me. I love that it's square! It would be so easy to by a used frame and turn it into a wreath. It would be a lot cheaper than buying a wreath base at a craft store. The next wreath I make I'm going to make a square one!

Santa's Clothesline Bunting

2011-12-07T09:05:00.001-07:00

Santa is getting ready to come on Christmas Eve night. His clothes are all washed clean and hanging up to dry. For this project I was inspired by these crocheted Santa's clothing. Since I'm not a crocheter, I just made mine out of felt.

It hangs under our picture wall next to our miniature Christmas tree.

To get the same size and shape for them all I drew a simple man shape, think gingerbread man shape, and then traced each piece from that. Then I did some quick, easy handstitching to put the pieces together and give each one a little bit of character.
There's some Christmas boxers, Santa's coat and hat. . .

then there's his belt, a sock, his beard, and his boots. . . (I know Santa doesn't take his beard off, but I couldn't resist having a beard hanging up. I thought it differentiated Santa clothes from elf clothes.)

then his long green underwear with mismatched buttons (He wears red on the outside so he needs a different color underneath.), his other sock, and his pants.

They're all strung on some red yarn and hung up on temporary hooks hiding next to the frames.

Santa will be coming soon!

Button Garland Tutorial: A Ballard Knock-Off

2011-12-03T20:44:00.001-07:00

So my last post was about how I get things done with a baby. That day I posted it I didn't get anything done. I didn't even get a shower. Isn't it funny how life works like that? Life is awesome.
Today I have something Christmasy! I saw a button garland in a Ballard Design magazine that they strung up on a Christmas tree. I love that it's all pearly white buttons.

I looked through my stash of buttons and found a bag of white buttons. They aren't all shiny, but they are all unique.

I got a needle and thread. I threaded the thread through the needle and tied the other end in a knot around a button.

Then I strung buttons along trying to be as random as possible.

I made two long button garlands.

And hung them on my cute, tiny tree.

I've been wanting a garland for my tree, and this one adds a little extra sparkle!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

How I Do It

2011-12-02T07:38:00.001-07:00

This past Wednesday was free admission at the zoo which is a couple blocks from our house, so a friend and I took Henry. It was lots of fun even though it got colder as the day went on. It must have been turtle eating time because we saw lots of turtles eating.

Henry slept the entire time. When he's older he'll stay awake long enough to love the zoo. Right before I went I decided to make this ear warmer using Delia's tutorial. It went really fast, and it's really warm.

I used some leftover navy blue fleece.

The only difference I made with mine is that I lined it with some soft jersey because I don't like how fleece makes my hair static-y. And I love something that pops.

Lately, I've had a lot of people comment that they love that I still create even with a baby. This method isn't perfect, but it works for me. It will most likely change as my son is awake more and will be able to play. And this probably won't work when I have more kids. Truly, I'm not that great to sticking to it, but I'll tell you what I do. I'm not posting this because I think I'm great at it, I'm posting it because we all have little tricks that can help each other out. We can share what helps us, so we can all be a little better at getting things done.

As my son gets more in a routine, I try every morning to get up before he does. I am less tired when I wake up to an alarm than when I wake up to his crying. I'm not always successful at this because I don't always know when he wakes up. Hopefully his schedule will become a little more solidified as time goes on.
I write a to-do list every morning on my weekly list so I have little goals everyday. And yes, everyday I put on my list "shower", "breakfast", and "lunch". (Sometimes those are the only things I get to.) I don't write them up because I'm afraid I will forget to do them; it just feels so great to cross something off! On the right side I have a running list of long-term projects so I have long-term goals to look at everyday. I can't show you that list because it's stuff I have to get done before Christmas, and I don't want to give anything away.

Every morning I "eat the frog of the day first." Meaning, I do the least desirable task first. Like cleaning the bathroom. Or dusting. I try to do all my cleaning and household tasks first thing in the morning. Then if something fun comes up during the day, I don't feel guilty going because the important things are done.
I limit my computer time to only when Henry is eating during the day, so that I really use the time when I'm not holding him to be up and about. I do have to write blog posts when I'm not feeding him because I need both hands, but that is a creative activity I do after I do the important things. I also only watch TV with my husband at night or when I'm feeding Henry.
I do a part-time online job a couple hours a day that I'm really bad at getting my hours in. I took a break when Henry was born, and it's been hard getting back into it. This is probably the area I need to most work.
By setting all these limits for myself, getting to create is a big reward. Then I don't feel guilty about doing it. Not feeling guilty is very stimulating too.
I am a B type personality, so not getting everything done on my list doesn't stress me out. Since I get the most important stuff done first, I know there's always tomorrow to get a little more done.

Anyway, I hope this might help you in some way. I'm really not perfect at this and fail a lot. But having guidelines for myself helps me feel productive even if I only shower and eat in one day. I do love being a mother,and it has made me a lot better at time management. Do you have any tips for getting things done?

First Crocheted Hat

2011-11-29T20:15:00.001-07:00

I finished my first crocheted hat using this pattern. As you can see, it is way too small. (And Henry doesn't just have a large head; his head size is in the 30th percentile.) I was so scared that my loops would be too big so I tried to make them as small as possible. Oops. I'll have to make another one with bigger stitches and now I get another chance at not making so many mistakes. I have a hard time counting stitches. Maybe I didn't have enough stitches. Any tips?

Don't be so afraid Henry. I'll make you another hat that's bigger! Good thing he's a baby and doesn't know he'll be getting this hat for Christmas!

Saturday

2011-11-28T10:16:00.001-07:00

Besides spending lots of time with my husband this past week, I also got to spend Saturday sewing with my sister. It was fabulous. There was leftovers from Thanksgiving, pistachios, laughing, pinning, cutting fabric, and sewing. My sister worked on a shirt with the gorgeous fabric on the right, and she's adding scalloped edge lace. There will be pictures when she's done!

I worked on a Christmas gift that is A-MAZING, but I can't show you until after Christmas. It's got to be a surprise! I am not doing very many homemade gifts for Christmas this year because I don't want to stress myself out with the little guy, and we'll be paying for a lot of our Christmas with our swagbuck earnings.

And remember my Are You My Mother? onesie? It was featured on No Big Dill's Once Upon a Thread, but go check out everyone else's awesome projects and the giveaway. It's amazing to see projects inspired by kids' books.
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Did anyone do anything fun?

Win 500 Full Color Business Cards

2011-11-26T09:33:00.001-07:00

I have a giveaway from ColorFX for you today! ColorFX is the premier online color printing company. They produce the highest quality business cards and specialize in catalog printing. If you're running out of business cards or need a gift for someone for the holidays, then enter to win 500 full color business cards from ColorFX. Hurry and enter, the deadline is December 15, 2011!
To enter just complete the form below:

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"I did have a mother. I know I did." Onesie

2011-11-25T10:35:00.001-07:00

When I was younger, my favorite book was Are You My Mother? I don't remember this because I was so young, but I guess I asked my brother to read it to me over and over again. He got so tired of it that he told my mom, "I wish Dr. Suess had never written it." Well, Dr. Suess didn't write it, and it's still a children's book that I love. My mom gave me my own copy for me to read to my son. I have been reading it to him every night after his bath. To contribute to No Big Dill's Once Upon A Thread I decided to use this book to make something for Henry.

I love the color scheme of the book: brown, yellow, and red.

I love this picture of the baby bird.

The page I chose to make something from was this one when the baby bird says, "I did have a mother. I know I did. I have to find her. I will. I will." I thought the grumpy bird face goes well with a cute baby.

What I did was take a white piece of fleece and cut it to cover the logo on the used onesie.

Then I traced the bird onto a piece of paper and pinned it to the fleece and onesie.

Then I just sewed around the lines with my machine. It wasn't perfect but you can still tell what it is. Then I ripped of all the paper. I found that the shorter my stitch length, the easier it was to rip off the paper. Then I zigzagged around the edge of the fleece.

I love seeing it on Henry. I'm glad that he doesn't really care what I dress him in and that he doesn't have to find his mother.

I think he's pretty good at doing the same eyebrows as the bird. This eyebrow expression is a classic Henry face.

I hope everyone who celebrated Thanksgiving had a wonderful day and remembered everything they are grateful for! We had a great time with family. My contribution to our family dinner? Rainbow layered jello. It's a Thanksgiving tradition in our family, and this year I got to make it! We all ate LOTS of food and got lots of cuddle time with Henry. Have a great weekend everybody!

Shabby Apple Giveaway Winner

2011-11-23T07:41:00.001-07:00

Thanks to all who entered. I chose the number with random.org and #56 was drawn which is

Sam said...

Wow, what a lovely skirt! I like Shabby Apple on Facebook :)

Congratulations Sam! You won the skirt! I'll send you an email to get your information!

Jungle Mobile

2011-11-21T12:03:00.001-07:00

You all had some great guesses on the giraffe, and it's a mobile for Henry's nursery. It hangs from the curtain rod at the edge of his crib. (I have no other way of putting it up because I can't put nails in the cinder block!)

I used three sizes of embroidery hoops for the bases. Then I just used embroidery floss to tie up each animal. Each animal is made of felt and then hand-sewn together with embroidery floss.

There's a lion who has gold metallic thread in his mane. He's the king of the jungle, right?

a rhino with a braided tail

an elephant with a braided tail and a trunk that I can't get to stay up like it's supposed to.

an alligator (or crocodile? which one is in Africa?)

a fabulous zebra with a braided tail and a mohawk like mane

a giraffe with a braided tail

and lastly, an adorable monkey hanging from the smallest hoop. His tail won't stay up either, but it does look cool twisting down.

I had lots of fun putting this together, and I hope Henry enjoys looking at it when he's older and can see farther.

Sneak Peek

2011-11-18T12:09:00.001-07:00

This is a little peek at what I've been working in this week. I'll finish the whole project this weekend. Any guesses as to what it is?

Shabby Apple Giveaway! -Closed

2011-11-15T08:54:00.001-07:00

I have a fabulous giveaway from Shabby Apple for you! Shabby Apple is an online boutique with fashionable women's dresses and skirts. They have gorgeous clothing that I love looking through. Today I'm giving away the Andes skirt. The colors and pattern of the skirt jumped out at me when I saw it.

How to win:

1. Comment that you "liked" the Shabby Apple Facebook page.

After "liking" them:

2. Comment and tell me which Shabby Apple dress or skirt you love.

3. Comment that you became or already are a follower of my blog.

4. Tweet/blog about this giveaway and comment with the link.

That's four ways to enter, but remember you must "like" them on Facebook to be eligible to win! The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, November 22nd at midnight. Good luck!

In Honor of Movember

2011-11-14T13:17:00.001-07:00

Since I've got two boys in my life that I want to be happy and healthy, I decided to help Henry grow a mustache in honor of Movember. How about a little Yosemite Sam?

Or maybe some Super Mario?

Clothes Without a Belly and Thoughts on Weight

2011-11-11T11:19:00.001-07:00

There were a couple things I made while pregnant that I made to fit after too. First, was this maxi skirt which I wore basically everyday while pregnant, and I still wear it a lot. I really love that the maxi skirt trend is transitioning into fall with sweaters. How fun is that! Too bad I only have one maxi skirt. I'll have to make more.

Another was the reversible Margaret dress. I love wearing it with a belt at my waist. And when the cowl is worn in the front, it's perfect for nursing! If you'd like to make one yourself, go here for the free pattern and tutorial.

I've been thinking a lot recently about looks, weight, and size because 1) I'm reading the Uglies series, 2) I just found the blogs Advanced Style and Healthy is the new Skinny, 3) I've watched my body change LOTS over the past ten or so months. I am back into some of my old clothing if I squeeze, but it hasn't bothered me like I thought it would. I'm still me, and I'm really happy with where I am in life and feel very blessed. After going through pregnancy, labor, and recovery (nobody mentions how hard that part is!), and watching a little one grow, I am so amazed at the miracle of our bodies. Women's bodies can do such amazing things. Our bodies are so powerful and wonderful, and we each get to have one. I'm not forgetting about people who are born with different ailments, they have different hardships in this life than I do. Probably things that I couldn't handle if I were in the same position. (Usually when I meet someone like that, they make me feel ashamed of how little I've done with my life.) Anyway, I'd like you to join me in celebrating that today we are alive, and we get to live another day.

2011-11-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

Nursery Gallery Wall

2011-11-07T17:59:00.001-07:00

I finally put something up in Henry's room on the one wall I can put nails in. The door is on the right and one of his closets is on the left. You can see his elephant humidifier peaking out. This kid is so spoiled he's got two closets! J/K. When I show you the rest of the room you'll see how small it is!

All the frames were hand-me-downs. All the blue ones used to be gold and I spray painted them.
From left to right: 1. A framed scrapbook sticker that says, "A boy's story is the best that is ever told." Charles Dickens. 2. Framed boots. (All the baby shoes are put up with safety pins and pushpins so they'll be easy to take down and use when Henry grows into them.) 3. Henry's blessing outfit framed. They are also put up with pushpins. 4. A framed scrapbook sticker that says, "You will always be my little boy." 5. Framed blessing shoes.

From left to right: 1. Framed frames. 2. Framed shoes. 3. Framed card that says "baby boy happiness." 4. Gift from a friend, see more below. 5. Framed shoes. I am leaving them in the package just in case I need a different size for Henry.

Our good friends made this for Henry. It plays on a song for children from our church. It says, "I AM A CHILD OF GOD Henry Kevin, AND HE HAS SENT ME HERE September 26, 2011, HAS GIVEN ME AN EARTHLY HOME Salt Lake City, Utah, WITH PARENTS KIND AND DEAR Kevin and Heather. Isn't that sweet? We love it!

I also now have a clock to help me get through the many times he needs to eat. It was $4 at Walmart. I took it apart. . .

And put on some scrapbook stickers. It doesn't really go with the jungle theme of the rest of the room, but I really like the cloud and plane. The sky's the limit!

Crocheting

2011-11-04T08:56:00.000-06:00

I love sewing with a sewing machine. I like it because I can see my results fast. But when it comes to hand-sewing, I'm not patient enough. Well I came across this Football Helmet Beanie Pattern by Laura Betty, and thought it was so adorable.

I bought it, and I'm going to make a BYU football helmet. Now I need to learn how to crochet. I did crochet a scarf in high school, but it took me a long time and I've since forgotten. Any tips on crocheting?
Can you just imagine this face in one of those beanies?

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Textured Lampshade Redo

2011-11-02T10:30:00.001-06:00

This lamp was a hand-me-down from a family member. I didn't take a before picture, but the base used to be bronze. I spray painted it blue to match my front area. The lampshade needed a makeover too thought.

I looked around for ideas and wasn't inspired by anything. I thought of doing something with rope because I really wanted texture, but that would have taken too long. While at Tai Pan Trading last week I found some burlap ribbon. I loved the texture.

All I did was glue a bunch of strips onto the lampshade. I didn't even take off the previous shade. I just hot glued at the top.

Stretched the burlap to the bottom and cut. Then I glued it at the bottom.

I overlapped each piece slightly.

I made it all the way around except for a small strip that goes in the back. And you can see it wasn't perfect; how I got so off on the bottom confuses me.

Here is it all done! Now that I've finished it, I can show you the whole front room! I just need to take pictures.

I love the solid color and little bit of texture.

Like my favorite boss says, "As long as it works and looks good on the outside, who cares what it looks like on the inside."

Twilight vs. Jane Austen

2011-10-31T08:18:00.000-06:00

Since I'm nursing my son, I've had lots of time to read books. Growing up I read all the time. Then I went to college and didn't read anything besides textbooks. I've recently gotten back into it, and I've really missed it!

Anyway, the book I just finished is called Austenland by Shannon Hale. It's about a women who gets to go to a resort in England where women get to live in Jane Austen's stories for three weeks. They get to dress, eat, and speak just like early 1800's. The women who go are obsessed with that time period and the perfect men from the books. They parade around acting as someone they're not and having romances with these actors because they're unhappy with their own lives. Now I love Jane Austen's stories just as much as the next girl. I loved talking with girls about which male character we liked best. I love the fashions of that time period, they are flattering on any figure! I used to wish for a man like Mr. Darcy or Mr. Knightly (until I met my husband, of course).

When the Twilight books came out, I read the first two. They weren't very interesting for me, so I stopped. Unfortunately, I wasn't very tactful in the way I talked/wrote about it. I'm sure I offended people with my strong opinions. I won't get into the details of my opinions except that I was surprised at how obsessed women got over it.

When I finished the book Austenland, I was talking with my sister about how I enjoyed it and liked the ending. We did find it was sickening to read about the attitudes of the women in the book. They all acted out characters at the resort because they were so caught up in that fantasy. They were SO obsessed over finding a "Mr. Darcy" and having a romantic time. I then realized that as much as Twilight fanatics bothered me, it is exactly the same with Jane Austen fanatics. Women can get obsessed about anything. It is fun to get excited about something with your girlfriends, but I hope women don't get obsessed because they aren't happy with life. I do love Jane Austen's romances, but I wouldn't say I am obsessed. I need to be careful of what I get caught up in thought, so I make sure my priorities are straight. I need to remember what truly makes me happy. Life is hard, but that's what makes us enjoy the great moments.

I hope my train of thought wasn't too hard to follow and that it made you stop and think. What are we as women spending our time on? Hopefully it's what makes you happy because we all deserve to be happy!

Fall Friday Afternoon

2011-10-28T19:53:00.001-06:00

My birthday was a couple weeks ago, and one thing I asked for was a trip to Tai Pan Trading with my mom. Tai Pan Trading is a wholesale (great prices!) decor warehouse, and it's only in Utah and California. I LOVE finding decor and decor ideas there. This fall I've had a hankering to decorate with acorns, but couldn't find a way to make them and didn't want to spray paint them. I did find two twigs with acorns on them while shopping today, and they immediately jumped in my cart.

I chopped off all the leaves and acorns. I love the slight glamour of them. The acorns have glitter, sequins, and jewels on the top.

The leaves are just velvet cut in the shape of leaves and treated to make them not fray, then they have gold 3-D paint tracing the leave details. They would be super easy to make!

Then I stuffed them all in a little bowl for the table. Awesome. This is going to stay up until Thanksgiving.

It was a big outing for Henry, and he was a happy, calm guy the entire time. That is until I parked at our apartment. Then he looked like this. He's still adorable when he cries though!

Sweater Refashion Update

2011-10-27T09:13:00.002-06:00

I finally got a picture of my sister wearing the sweater I made for her! She wears it well, and I think it looks great with a belt over it.

I also love how she put two black and white patterns together.

Sorry for not very much action on here. The wedding dress fitting went well, and now the bride took the dress because she wants to do her own beading. She'll send me professional pictures once her bridals are done which will be in the next couple of weeks. I almost took a picture yesterday, but it was in the evening so it was really bad lighting. You'll just have to wait.
I almost had a great outfit picture yesterday until it got spit up on. I'm glad my clothes are all washable! And sometimes I just want to hold my baby as he sleeps, so I only get some laundry done and dinner made. I haven't done much sewing lately. Little babies grow so fast, and I don't want to miss it!

Wedding Dress Preview

2011-10-24T10:43:00.003-06:00

I've been working on a wedding dress for the past month or so. I almost had it finished and then Henry came early so I've finally now getting around to finishing it. Good thing the wedding isn't until December! My friend got a simple dress on sale, and I'm altering it to her liking. I'll only show you part of the alterations and have the full reveal later this week after the final fitting.
The dress had a square neckline with beading around the edge and on the sleeves.

I took the beading off, made it a sweetheart neckline, and added lace. I hand sewed the lace on in the shape of a cropped jacket.

I added the scalloped edge of the lace to the sleeves and neckline.

The back comes up with a standing collar and then has a keyhole with the scalloped edge of the lace. I haven't put hooks and eyes at the collar so that's why it's a little floppy looking.

I love the look of the delicate lace. The bride chose a great look for her dress. I can't wait to show you the rest of the dress!

Reupholstered Slider

2011-10-20T10:02:00.002-06:00

I did this right before my baby was born, (I wouldn't have time to do something like this with a newborn) and I am finally getting around to posting it. We bought this slider and foot stool for cheap from a neighbor who wanted to get rid of it. I was going to leave it the dark green color because I thought it would be too much work, but I got really tired of the color. I took off the cushions and found it would be really easy to redo. I don't have a full tutorial, but I do have some steps to show you.

First I took off the velcro straps the hold the cushions to the chair.

Then I laid the cushions down on my new fabric and traced 1" bigger around them. I didn't worry about gathers or shape that much.

I cut out the pieces and sewed them together leaving one side open. Then I cheated and just slipped the new piece over the existing cushion and dark green fabric. If I had wanted to make it nicer, I should have bought new cushions.

To finish the opening, I just pinched it closed because nobody was going to see it. (I did add a layer of fleece to give a little extra padding.

This is my new chair! You can see I should have bought a new cushion because there's a pillow under the seat part for comfort. I sit in this chair A LOT to feed Henry.

A special thanks to my dad who ~~let me borrow~~ used his staple gun to staple the fabric to the foot stool cushion. And made the corners look really nice.

I had planned on decorating the nursery then Henry was born, so I'm slowly working on it. Have a great day!

The Little Gentleman Blessing Outfit

2011-10-17T09:19:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was my son's blessing day. For the occasion I made him a gentleman's outfit. I made a vest, pants, and shoes. The fabric is a semi-sheer striped fabric. I had always planned on using the fabric leftover from my wedding dress, but because of a mix-up and less-than-kind client of my seamstress, I never got my extra fabric back. Instead my seamstress bought me this striped fabric. It's probably a good thing because this fabric is a lot more suited for a baby than my wedding dress fabric. And there's even some leftover to use on a baby girl's blessing dress in the future. I lined everything with a white cotton fabric.

I drafted the pattern for the vest myself. It's not the best fit, but he's a baby. He'll always look cute. It even has a little faux pocket.

The pants are basic elastic waistband pants. The shoes are a scaled down version of the shoe pattern I always use. They are so tiny! I hope everyone had a good Sunday!

Baby Boots in Action

2011-10-14T13:11:00.002-06:00

My niece isn't quite big enough to wear the bunny boots, but she's modeling them to show how cute they look on little baby feet.

She'll fit into them about the time she starts walking, so they are the size I wanted them to be.

Isn't she just delicious? I guess the boots are too.

Now its time to make some of your own baby boots!

A Little About Me and Baby

2011-10-12T11:35:00.000-06:00

I've loved having this blog, but I tend to be very private about my life. It's for protection for myself and my family, and even though I'm friendly and talkative, I keep most things to myself. Well Jordan at based on a true story nominated me for the versatile blogger award where I have to tell seven random facts about myself and nominate other bloggers for the award.

Maybe this will get me to be a little more open.
1. I could eat cereal for every meal of the day and would never tire of it.
2. I'm really enjoying Fall this year, and I think it's because it's the first Fall I'm not in school.
3. When I'm making a decision about a project, I always text my sister a picture and question. I can't make a decision without her input. My sister and I need each other's input, but we usually end up disregarding it. Luckily, we are never offended.
4. Growing up I always said I would never get engaged/married quick. Then I met my husband, and I knew it was right. We met and got married all within seven months.
5. I love creating things, but I get really shy about it when people talk to me about it. I've found that I don't make things to say, "Look, I made this." I make things because I like creating. That might sound contradictory because I have this blog. This blog has helped me improve immensely, and I hardly see people face to face that read my blog.
6. I used to think Christmas wasn't all that great until I married my husband. Now it's one of my favorites because it's fun to share it with someone, and his family gets into the Christmas spirit really early. Let's just say I've already listened to Christmas music this year.
7. I keep my fingernails cut really short. I can't stand having long fingernails. And filing takes to long. I usually cut them once a week to keep them short.

To update you on baby boy, his name is Henry and he is a really good baby. He is so fun to have around. After having an easy pregnancy and labor, the hardest part of the whole process was the recovery after he was born. Nobody tells you about that part. Luckily, I have kept my expectations really low of what I want to accomplish everyday so I don't feel bad about not cleaning, sewing, getting ready, etc. I have been able to nap guilt free and hold him as much as I want. I have really LOVED being a mom. It has been a big adjustment, but it is completely worth it. I'm already sad that he is growing. I want him to stay little!
Also, I love the faces newborns make. It keeps me smiling to see faces like this.

Baby Boots Pattern and Tutorial

2011-10-10T13:47:00.001-06:00

I was going through some of my pictures and found this pattern and tutorial I had prepared but never posted. Last winter I saw a little girl wearing these Robeez bunny boots at church and just fell in love. They are so cute! I luckily had a niece that was due in the Spring so I decided to try to make them.

This is what I came up with.

It took some figuring out and a couple different patterns. Here is one you can print off for yourself; just make sure the heighth of the back is 4.5 inches tall. I'm guessing it fits about a ten month old depending on how big your baby is. This pattern is great because you can make it into an animal or not. You could just make a basic boot.

Supplies:
Pattern
1/8 yard vinyl
1/8 yard fabric- I used pink chenille fabric
1/8 yard lining- I used a tan knit
2 pieces of 6.5 inches of .5 inch elastic
Optional: 1/8 yard fleece, button noses, eyes, ears, tails

All seams are 1/4" inch unless noted.
1. Take the back pieces and sew the 4.5 inch sides together right sides together at 1/4".

2. Take a front and pin the less curved side to the cut out curve on the back. Sew it together at 1/4".

It should look like this. It will be tricky to pin it together. The back piece will have to be stretched/clipped to fit.

When sewn together it should look like this. This is a lining piece.

3. Before sewing in the front pieces to the fabric backs, you're going to sew in the elastic. With the piece inside out, lay the elastic down just above the cut out curve with the ends going into the seam allowance on the back.

4. Sew the elastic into the seam allowance like this.

5. Then sew in the front piece.

6. With right sides together place the lining inside the fabric piece.

7. Pin together the top and sew at 1/4".

8. Turn the boot right side out and topstitch at 1/8" around the top edge.

Optional: add a bunny tail and ears now. I made the tail using half of this technique and made some simple ears. I hand sewed on the tail and machine sewed on the ears.

Opstional: machine sew or embroider the face lines on just the fabric piece. Add a button nose.

9. Line up the bottom lining piece and then the fleece, if using, and pin to the boot. I did not use fleece, but if I did, you would see it and not the lining. Sew all the way around at 1/8" with seam allowances sticking out.

10. Then sew on the vinyl at 1/8". Trim anything that goes outside of the vinyl.

This is what it should look like. (I sewed my ears on last, but it's easier to do it earlier.)

Repeat for the other boot and that's it! A fun shoe for fall/winter.

Wouldn't it be fun to do lots of different animals?

I kind of wish I would have used bigger eyes to be more proportional with the rest of the shoe but oh well.

I love the little tails in the back. To see my niece modeling them go to this post.

The Little Things

2011-10-04T19:42:00.001-06:00

I'm really enjoying the little things right now. Like baby feet

and lots of snuggle time. I hope everyone is doing well!

He Came!

2011-09-27T20:30:00.003-06:00

Surprise! My baby came yesterday, so that's where I've been. I'm not going to have much on here for the next couple of weeks because I'm going to be kissing and loving this face!

I hope everyone is well and happy!

Birds of a Feather Diaper Bag Tutorial

2011-09-23T07:23:00.001-06:00

I finally have the diaper bag tutorial! Yay! This is a VERY long post so settle in for the long haul. I put the tutorial together with random fabric, and it's a half size so keep that in mind as you look through the pictures. I also kind of left the creative process up to you. For example, I didn't tell you where to put in topstitching. I want you to decide that at make it yours. Be creative with fabrics, colors, straps, binding, and the placement of fabric and lining pieces.
*Remember that it's 1/2" seam allowances unless otherwise stated. I tried to say 1/2" seam allowance every time, but I might have missed one or two.
All supplies and measurements are provided on the diagram that you can find here.
1. Cut out all the pieces. Baste all the interfacing pieces to the fabric pieces at 1/8". Keep the inside pieces and outside pieces separate. In this tutorial the floral print is the fabric while the gingham is the lining fabric.

2. Start with your outside pieces. Take four of your big pleated pocket pieces: two fabric and two lining.

3. If you haven't already, mark where the pleats are using the measurements on the diagram.

4. Sew each fabric piece right sides together to a lining piece at 1/2" so you have two long rectangles. Iron seams open.

5. With wrong sides together, lay one rectangle over the other alternating the fabric and lining. Pin box pleats and around all edges.

6. Sew around edges at 1/8" sewing the pleats in place.

7. Finish top edge with bias binding. (Yes, mine is fake bias binding.)

8. Pin to a long side.

9. Sew around edges at 1/8".

10. Sew down the center separating the pocket into two. Its hard to see in the picture, but I did sew down the center. You can get creative here.

11. Take the two front flap pieces.

12. Sew them together wrong sides together at 1/2" and trim 1/4" off each side. Round the two bottom corners.

13. Finish three sides with bias binding making sure the fabric you want showing has the good side of the binding.

14. The flap will be sewn over the two pockets you already did. Depending on where you want your straps placed, you might want to sew them on first.

15. About 3/4" above the top of the pocket sew the flap on at 1/4" with the wrong side out and lying up. (You can't see much of a space between the top of my pocket and my flap because I'm working with a half size.)

16. Fold flap down and sew along the folded edge at 1/4".

This one side is all done.

17. Next take the side pleated pocket pieces and put them wrong sides together. Pin the pleats.

18. Sew around the edges at 1/8".

19. Finish the top edge with bias binding.

20. Pin pocket onto a short side piece.

21. Sew around at 1/8". Do the same to the other short side. You now have both ends done.

22. Take the three zipper pocket pieces. On the two longer pieces mark a line 4" down.

23. Cut on the lines.

24. Take your 9" zipper. I have a strip of fabric acting as mine.

25. Sandwich the zipper between the two fabric pieces right sides together.

26. Using your zipper foot sew down at about 1/2" or as close to the zipper as you can get. When you're done you can fold both pieces back like this.

27. Topstitch next to the zipper to make the fabric lie flat.

28. Do the same to the other side.

29. Take the last two big pleated pocket pieces.

30. Like the other side sew two pieces together and two pieces together to get two long rectangles.

31. Pin in the pleats and with wrong sides together pin the rectangle lining piece to the front piece.

32. Sew around the edges at 1/8".

33. Finish the top edge with bias binding.

34. Sew the pocket onto the other long side at 1/8". Sew down the center to separate the two pockets. This side is done.

35. Sew bottom to both long sides.

36. Pin a short side to the main body right sides together. Make sure the flap won't get caught in the seam.

37. At the corners clip in 3/8" on the long side next to the seam at the bottom. This makes it possible for the fabric to swing open at the corner.

This is another view of this step.

38. Sew at 1/2" making sure you have pivot at the corner. Use a short stitch at the corners for reinforcement. You have to play with the fabric when sewing around the corner to not get any tucks. If this is too hard, skip the clipping and just make a rounded corner at the bottom.

This is what the corner looks like when it's done.

The outside of your bag is done.

39. Gather your inside pieces. All the pleated pockets can be done the same as the outside pockets. The one different pocket is the flat pocket. Take the fabric and the lining. (I ran out of gingham at this point.)

40. Pin and sew wrong sides together at 1/8".

41. Finish top edge with bias binding.

42. Sew pocket onto a long side at 1/8".

43. Divide length into three and sew two lines to separate the pocket into three.

44. Assemble the inside just like you assembled the outside sewing the long sides and bottom together first, then sewing the short sides on. You should now have two "bags". (I didn't full assemble my inside.)

45. Put the inside bag inside of the outside bag with wrong sides together.

46. So your pieces stay together at the bottom you'll want to sew the seam allowances together. In this picture you're looking at the inside bottom. I lifted my bottom piece to see both the seam allowance of the inside and outside. For you, you'll have to do some turning inside out.

I lifted the bottom and now you can see both seam allowances. Do a strong stitch sewing these together to make sure your inside stays down inside.

47. Once you have a couple places sewn together on the seam allowances, pin the tops together and sew at 1/8". Make sure you don't sew over your straps if you have them sewn on.

48. Take your four zipper flap pieces and the 16" zipper.

49. You're going to sew the zipper in just like the zipper pocket, so sandwich the zipper between two pieces right sides together.

50. Sew with your zipper foot at 1/2" and then topstitch the pieces back. Do the same on the other side.

51. At the bottom of the zipper, finish the edge with bias binding. This side of the zipper will not separate.

52. Since you want the top of the zipper to be able to separate, finish each side with bias binding. Make sure the binding next to the zipper is finished with a fold.
53. Line up the zipper top with the top of the bag. Pin in place and sew at 1/8".

54. It should look like this, but don't mind my have finished side of the zipper.

55. Finish the top edge with bias binding.

The inside view of the binding.
56. Sew on your straps if you haven't. If you sewed straps on on one side already, go over the stitching again. This gives lots of strength to the stitching because because you're sewing through a couple of layers.
Use your creativity and make your own cute bag; there are lots of possibilities! I can't wait to see what you make! Let me know if you make one!

Rose Nursing Cover

2011-09-22T08:49:00.004-06:00

Guess what? I will have the diaper bag tutorial up tomorrow! It's almost finished. It's been some work getting it together, so I hope y'all use it!

I've also finished a nursing cover and nursing pads. I'll spare you that lovely picture, but I will show you the nursing cover. I am having a boy, but I wanted something girly for me. I'm the one "wearing" it right?

So I went with a pretty flower print I had leftover from this apron. I did have to piece it together to make it big enough, but no one can really tell. I don't care that much anyway.

I cheated a little and used horsehair instead of boning at the top because that is what I had. It works just the same though.

Here are two nursing cover tutorials I kind of looked at to make this one:
Little Birdie Secrets Nursing Cover
Sew Much Ado Nursing Cover
And this is the nursing pad tutorial:
DIY Maternity Nursing Pad Tutorial and Pattern
I don't feel comfortable making up a tutorial for something I don't know about, so sorry about no tutorials for the baby/nursing stuff. I hope I can learn quickly to be able to make some tutorials for you after this little guy comes.

Wearing What I Made

2011-09-21T09:24:00.001-06:00

I feel like I'm running out of interesting outfits as I get closer to my due date. I don't really care what I wear because usually I'm cooking/cleaning/sewing at home, but they aren't that fun for you guys! I'm wearing this today to go to the doctor.

Right now I'm working on a wedding dress which is turning out beautifully. I'm hoping to get it done in a week or two so I can show you! I've started working on the nursery. I mean we have all the furniture and stuff, but I'm redoing the slider cushions. I'm also deciding about wall decor in there. I'll have the slider done this weekend after I can borrow my dad's staple gun. It's going to look awesome!

shirt: hand-me-down, tank top: reworked by me, jeggings: Wal-mart, sandals: Target

I Need Bedroom Decor Ideas

2011-09-20T08:08:00.001-06:00

We have a pretty small bedroom. It's only big enough to fit our bed and two little nightstands. I'm not complaining though because we have two closets. This is the view standing just outside the doorway. I have put up a fabric headboard and curtains.

If you walk to the opposite corner and turn around, this is what you see. The bedroom door and a closet on each side. (I would SO choose a tiny bedroom with two closets than a big bedroom with one closet!) On this side I could nail holes in the wall so I put up our dream board which we change every once in awhile. I also put up our marriage sealing and a wedding picture to remind us of our commitment to each other and remember what a happy day that was. It's right by the light switch so we can't miss it.

My dilemma that I need help with is what to do above the headboard. It's so empty and bland. We live in a place where there's been an earthquake threatening to hit for over a hundred years, so I really don't want anything heavy hanging above our heads. There is a hook from the previous tenant I could use. I'm not willing to spend money on this, but I'm willing to make something. I'm just all out of ideas. A garland? a quote on fabric? Let me know what ideas you have or links to cool pictures. Thanks!

Ballard Design Wall Plaque Knock-off

2011-09-19T09:21:00.000-06:00

I was looking through a Ballard Design magazine the other day and found that they have wall plaques just like the ones I did last week! They didn't paint theirs, but they have lots of different choices.

Go here to see/buy them

It's encouraging to see that something I like, a major design company liked also. Maybe great minds do think alike? At least I keep telling myself that!

Baby Tutorials and a Gift

2011-09-17T21:52:00.000-06:00

I've been making some fun baby stuff lately and trying out some great tutorials. I had some solid thermal knit fabric so I decided to make a stretchy swaddler blanket. I just made some bias binding and sewed it around the edges. I couldn't leave it plain so I added a baby applique. I think it turned out really cute, and I don't regret the extra time to put the letters on.

Then I traced one of my store-bought burp cloths and made some with flannel I had. I happened to have a sporty print and navy blue. I'm thinking of making some more burp cloths, should I make a tutorial?

I made the cargo baby pants with some of my sister's capris she was done with. I made sure to include the original pockets and hem, which makes making pants SO quick and easy. The striped pants are just knit leggings. I used these two tutorials which are great.
Made By Rae Baby Pants
Make It and Love It Baby Leggings
I also won a giveaway over at buttons and ribbons a couple weeks ago, and when the package came it was like Christmas morning. Inside there was a pattern that I might be able to use for maternity, some fabric dye, thick twill ribbon, and some pretty fabric.

There was also lots of colorful zippers, lots of colorful bias tape, and hem facing. Fabulous! This all gets my creative juices flowing!

What great baby tutorials have you used? I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

Circle Decor On A Cinder Block Wall

2011-09-16T10:26:00.001-06:00

In our apartment any wall that is an outside wall is made of cinder block. Technically we're allowed to use these special three pin hook things that we'd have to buy. Instead I chose to put all my photos on one wall, and then do some decor with circles. I got my original inspiration from this photo on Pinterest. The yellow circles are painted ceiling medallions.

via

This is what I came up with. I decided to have blue and brown for my circles. My front door is on the right.

I got three small ceiling medallions (they are surprisingly NOT cheap!) and painted them blue.

The other blue circle is a plastic lid that I cut out designs and painted blue. I got the idea from this clock.

via

My cut out design turn out a little bit different than my drawn design.

Then I put up two brown fabric circles and a carved wooden plate my husband has from Ukraine.

The ceiling medallions and cut out circle are put up using the removable sticky backs.

The plate is hanging on one of the special pin hooks from the previous tenant. The two fabric circles are put up with starch.

This circle is my favorite. I love the intricate details.

I think maybe one day when my husband is done with law school I'll get the huge medallions like the inspiration picture, but I'm still happy with how it turned out. I'm just glad I was able to decorate without buying any special hooks.

How to Sew a Flat Flower Embellishment

2011-09-15T08:12:00.002-06:00

Well I'm not a bumblebee today with my bright skirt, but I do have a tutorial for some of the embellishments on the shirt I wore yesterday. I like to call it a flat flower because it's flat. And I'm a fan of flat flowers. There are two on my shirt one on each side in the lighter gray.

First start with a long tube of fabric. The wider your tube, the quicker and easier your flower is. Make sure it's pretty long too.

Take one end and decide where you want the center of the flower to be on whatever you're embellishing.

Tack it down with some stitching. (I just went forwards and then backwards.) Fold the fabric over at the tack. You're going to start shaping the fabric and folding it in a circle. So decide where you want your next fold to be and tack it. Fold the fabric on the tack.

Keep going so that the fabric folds around in a circle.

Keep doing this to the make the flower get bigger. Make sure that the fabric slightly overlaps the inside petals. My tacks are more angled on the fabric because the fabric folds at a different angle as the flower gets bigger.

When you get close to the end leave a slight tail. Notice I still have a tack where my tail will be folded.

Fold the end over itself, and fold on the tack.

Then I just topstitched it down. If you don't want topstitching and your fabric tube is wide enough, you could tuck your end under a previous petal and stitch it down.

Lastly, iron your flower flat. I like to iron it to make sure my folds are all folding in the right places to hide my tacks.

Then you're done! It might be a little tedious, but I feel like most fabric flowers are a little bit tedious. And it's a lot less tedious if you have a thicker tube. Here's another example of a flat flower I did on a skirt. The tube was much thicker so I was able to hide me end under a petal.

I also added some lace next to my flower and . . .

a small flat flower, lace, and a gathered flower to the other side.

Now I have a nice little flower garden on my shirt!

Now go make a flower on something you own! Flowers can always brighten a day!

Wearing What I Made

2011-09-14T08:03:00.002-06:00

I know that gray and yellow is a gorgeous, trendy color scheme right now. But what about black and yellow? I wore this around the house and to take the garbage out yesterday. I really felt like a bumblebee all day long.

Does this outfit look bumblebee-ish to you?

shirt: made by me, skirt: made by me

Want to hear about one of my favorite family traditions? Jordan at Lost and Found is doing a family memories series in honor of her mother who passed away last February.

UPrinting Winner!

2011-09-14T07:39:00.002-06:00

And the winner of the UPrinting giveaway chosen by random.org is comment #2 Kelsey from Silver Rose Sewing! Congratulations, and I hope you enjoy your brochures!

How to Applique an Argyle Design

2011-09-13T08:20:00.002-06:00

I love argyle. I think it's such a fun, funky design that can be masculine or feminine. I made some corduroy baby shoes with an argyle applique, and I took pictures of the process for you!

First, decide the size of diamonds you would like. On these shoes I made mine 2" tall and 1" wide. I wanted tall skinny diamonds. I drew them out so that I knew how it would look.

Then I cut the diamonds from knit. I used knit because knit doesn't fray. If you use a woven, make sure you finish the edges.

Pin them in place. I would suggest at least two or more pins though. It got kind of tricky for me with only one pin because the knit would stretch on the corners.

Sew around the diamonds at an 1/8" or less. It should look something like this.

Then draw two lines the cross each diamond like this. Sew on these lines.

You are now finished with the applique! Wasn't that easy? Just finish the rest of the item you are making.

There's lots of possibilities with colors and stitching.

Have fun with it!

My Sewing Space

2011-09-12T10:17:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I had a busy weekend and didn't get any sewing done, but I thought today I could show you my sewing space. (If you want to hear some of my thoughts about law school, check out my guest post over at Yours, Mine, and Ours!)
In our apartment we have a front room/kitchen area, our bedroom, the baby's bedroom, and a bathroom. It's really small, but there is lots and lots of closets/built in storage in our apartment. Luckily, in the little hallway between the front area and bedrooms there is a little built in desk where I have my sewing machines.

I decorated with inspiring things on each side to keep my creativity flowing. On the right side I have one of my bridals that my brother and sister framed for my wedding. A t-shirt that says, "never mind the cloudy days" that I cut up and framed. A handkerchief that I put on the wall using starch. My sewing scissors that I always wear around my neck hung up with a removable hook. All my sewing rulers/forms that are sitting on two removable hooks.

On the left side I have a boot shaped felt that I got from school. Another design school came and handed these out in a presentation. I just flipped it over so you can't see the words advertising their school. Then I have an embroidery hoop with some of my favorite fabric that I also used here, and five fabulous buttons. The story behind the family painting is when my grandpa was in his forties, he saw a book titled "Anyone Can Learn To Paint" or something like that. He decided he would test it to see if it was true. He then made some beautiful oil paintings that decorated his house for years. He didn't do very many, but I always hoped I would get one. I bugged my mom about it a lot, and she ended up giving me one that she had. I just find the idea so inspiring of starting something and succeeding no matter where you are in life. Then I have a framed card and old sewing machine feet strung up on a ribbon.

When I turn to the right, there's a little closet. Above it is a sign that says "fitting room" that my mom found on sale somewhere when I was in high school. It couldn't be more perfect! In this picture there is a wedding dress hanging up that I'm reworking right now. It's going to be so pretty when it's done!

Open the closet and all my fabric, scraps, and craft stuff are in there. It's pretty packed, but at least I can close the door on it!

I love my little sewing space instead of having to get my machine out everyday. And I can close the door to the hallway so nobody will see my messes except me and my husband.

Do you have a little space to like to sew?

UPrinting Giveaway-Closed

2011-09-09T07:38:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone! UPrinting is an online printing company that offers all kinds of products. Today they are offering you some free brochures!

At first I thought, what would one of my readers do with these if they don't have a business? Well if you're planned far enough ahead you could make them into your Christmas cards or something. The possibilities are endless because you get to design them online.

The winner will receive:

50 pcs Brochure printing for One (1) Winner

size 8.5" x 11"

100lb Paper Gloss

With Folding (Half Fold, Trifold/Letterfold, Z-Fold, Roll Fold, Accordion Fold)

Outside and Inside Printing

2 Business Days Turnaround

*Free shipping

Restriction: Limited to *US residents 18 years old and above only

4 Ways to Enter:

1. Leave a comment with your name and email address. If you win and these two things aren't on there, I will choose another winner.

2. Leave a comment that you follow my blog.

3. Leave a comment that you like UPrinting on Facebook.

4. Leave a comment that you follow UPrinting on Twitter.

The giveaway will end September 13th at 11:59 PM MST and the winner will be chosen the next morning. Good luck to you all!

Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting.com, an online printing company. No monetary compensation was given, and I will receive brochures for hosting. See more information about brochure printing and other brochure information on UPrinting.com.

The Margaret Dress Free Pattern and Tutorial

2011-09-08T08:27:00.000-06:00

I'm glad to hear some of you liked the Margaret dress!

Here's the pattern. Sorry it's just a bunch of measurements. I don't have a way to digitize patterns yet and probably won't for awhile. But to make you feel better, I used these measurements to cut out the pieces too. I didn't have a paper pattern to use for myself.
You'll need 2 yards of 60 inch wide KNIT fabric. The fabric should have lots of stretch. All seam allowances are 1/4".
It's pretty straight forward. Two skirt pieces, two non-cowl bodice pieces and one cowl bodice piece. Make sure the cowl piece is cut on the bias!

Once you have your pieces cut out, sew with a stretch stitch up the sides of the skirt.

The pin the two bodice pieces together at the neckline and sew with a stretch stitch. Then understitch the neckline.

Next, lay the bodice down with right sides out. Then you're going to fold the cowl piece right sides together around the bodice piece matching the shoulder seams. The picture explains it better because you can see what's going on. Pin all four layers together.

My bodice piece was a little bit longer than my cowl piece so I just stretched it to fit.

Starting at the neckline, sew all four pieces together at the shoulder seam. Do the same on the other side.

When you turn it right side out, it should look like this.

Turn it right sides in; pin and sew the side seams together.

My cowl piece was about an inch longer than my bodice piece. This is because the cowl piece was cut on the bias and stretches as you handle it. You can stretch your bodice piece to fit the cowl piece if you'd like or cut it off like I did.

With right sides together, sew the skirt to the bodice matching the side seams.
To finish the sleeves, I just rounded my edge a little and left it unfinished. I tried a couple different hems but it made it so the fabric didn't drape well. You can finish the sleeves how you like.

The finished sleeve look

I finished the hem with a double needle. You can finish your hem however you'd like, even no hem to match your sleeves.

That's it! It's a pretty dress that comes together really quickly! Please ask me if you have any questions!
The finished circumference from just under the arm to the hem is 36" plus the stretch in the fabric. I used the same width as this shirt so it does fit a non-pregnant body. I'm planning on belting my dress at my natural waist after the baby comes.

The Margaret Dress: A Reversible Cowl Neck Dress

2011-09-07T10:21:00.000-06:00

I've had this dress floating around my head for awhile. I was going to wait until after I have this baby, but I'm really glad I made it now. My inspiration came from the 1930's cowl back dresses. I think the deep cowl back dresses are just so gorgeous. As I was thinking of a name, I looked up popular names of the 1930's and Margaret was one of the top which was my grandmother's name. I thought it was fitting to name a dress after her.

And guess what? I made a pattern for this dress to share with you! It's not a maternity dress, don't worry; it's just a basic shift dress that can stretch. I'll have the measurements and tutorial up tomorrow so you can make one too! It's very simple and straightforward so I even think beginners could make it. It is made out of jersey, but I think jersey is easier to sew with than having to worry about ease and closures on wovens. The other great thing about this dress is you can wear the cowl in the front or the back! Here's the dress with the cowl in the back.

And the simple neckline in the front.

Right now I think it looks great with a belt just under my bust. I'm planning on wearing it with a belt at my natural waist after I have the baby. Then it will be a cute belted shift dress.

The simple neckline.

The sleeves are really easy flutter kimono sleeves. This makes the dress so it can be reversible.

Now here's the dress with the cowl in the front. It's just as pretty in the front!

My brother calls cowl necklines cow necks, but they truly are beautiful in the way they drape!

The simple neckline in the back.

Would you like to make this dress?

Wearing What I Made

2011-09-06T08:27:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I'm switching things around today because I didn't do much sewing so I don't have anything to show you yet. My husband and I have been focusing on getting baby stuff because I'm 36 weeks now. If this bugger would've come early we wouldn't have anything to put him in!

I have a question for you that's been on my mind lately. My question is, how do you be confident? What do you do to be comfortable with yourself? Did someone teach you or was it learned? Is it something you'll always have to work on? Let's help each other out with some tips.
And how would you teach that to children or people around you?

Shirt: Burlington, vest: hand-me-down, belt: hand-me-down, capris: made by me, sandals: Target, necklace: I've had it so long that I don't remember

Birds of a Feather Diaper Bag Measurements

2011-09-05T10:56:00.001-06:00

I have been working hard on this diagram for you! This shows all the sizes of the pieces for the diaper bag. I'll work on a basic tutorial for how to do put it together that I'll probably post later this week. Please ask me if you have any questions about this! I hope everyone is having a wonderful Labor Day Weekend!

Birds of a Feather Diaper Bag

2011-09-02T11:31:00.000-06:00

When I started looking for baby stuff, I didn't like the choices of diaper bags. I didn't really like anything the stores offered; and, knowing myself, I knew I would hate carrying a bag around that I hadn't fallen in love with. I'm not a snob or anything, I just knew a pretty bag would make me happy when I needed a little lift. I did like the Petunia Pickle Bottom line, but I couldn't justify paying that much. Feeling a little discouraged about not liking anything, one day at church I saw a girl carrying an adorable diaper bag. I stared at it as long as I dared and memorized as much as I could. When I looked it up later online, I found it was a Fossil bag that wasn't being made anymore.

The only place I could find it was on eBay. It was a pretty expensive, but I knew I liked it. I put one bid down and went to bed. If I found I hadn't won in the morning, then it just wasn't meant to be. Well, guess what, I didn't win. After thinking it over, I realized I didn't love the colors. I only loved the birds and the turquoise, so I went on a hunt for the perfect fabric. I found two fabrics I loved on fabric.com, a bird fabric and chevron fabric that I used for this bookshelf, and quickly ordered them because one was almost out of stock. Then I copied the Fossil bag as much as I could from pictures and the given measurements, and this is what I came up with.

I love it. I'm worried that it's too big, and my husband is worried that it's too small. I guess we'll have to see! One side has two pockets with a flap.

The other has two pockets, and one has a zipper.

There are two pockets on each end. I got the leather handles from Joann's because I think it'll be stronger then just fabric. Hopefully!

There's zipper closure on top.

Inside there are lots and lots of pockets to hold things. There are pockets 7 inside and 7 pockets on the outside. Ha ha do you think I have enough pockets?

This bag turned out to be a lot more work then I realized because I had to line each pocket, sew lots of topstitching, and work with bias binding (which I'm not so scared of anymore after working with it a lot.).

I don't know if I'll ever make a bag this intense again because it was so much work! If you want the measurements click here. What do you think? Will it work as a diaper bag? I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
Oh and since there's a purse contest going on right now, I decided to add it. Go check out everyone else's purses and get some inspiration!

Honeycomb Pleated Pillow

2011-09-01T08:05:00.000-06:00

I saw this picture on pinterest and fell in love with it. I knew I wanted to do something with it, and luckily, it had a tutorial. So it sat on my pin board for awhile until I was trying to come up with some new couch pillows.

via

After reading through the tutorial a couple of times, it seemed hard and confusing so I did it my own way. First decide how big you want you pillow to be. Mine is 16"x16". For the pleated side, triple the measurement. I cut one back 16"x16" and one front 16"x48". Then on the pleated side, I drew a line every 2" for the pleats.

Then pin the pleats into inverted box pleats.

Sew the back to the front with right sides together and leaving a hole on one side to turn inside out. Then turn inside out.

Then I drew lines every 1 1/2" horizontally. I didn't take a picture of this part but I hand tacked where the lines crossed the pleats. One row I left the box pleat closed, the next row I alternated and tacked the box pleat open. The tacking took FOREVER. It was worth it though! I'm really happy with how it turned out! It looks luxurious to me.

When I stuffed the pillow, it made the pleats flat instead of 3-D like the original picture, but I'm okay with that. It's got to be on a skirt or something to not get flattened.

This is my back which is fabric I adore. I used it for the lining of this jacket.

So these are my three couch pillows. I love them and love that I'm done with this part. I've only got two more front room projects before I can show the big reveal!

Wearing What I Made

2011-08-31T07:32:00.000-06:00

I didn't go anywhere special in this outfit except to a little picnic with my husband at school. So far this one organization he's apart of has done lots of activities with yummy food. I love that I get to go too.

I did find a new trick I want to share with you. I came across this video for curling your hair without heat. Her hair comes out better than mine, but I'm still pretty happy with mine. I think I need to keep trying it until I'm happy with it.

This is me in my pajamas in the morning after sleeping in my hair. I put a band over my wrapped hair because my hair doesn't stay in overnight. It's too short and smooth.

Here you can see my hair wrapped. I slept with my hair wet and then didn't take it out until later in the morning so that my hair could dry some more. My hair takes a pretty long time to dry.

Here's my hair after! I did curl my hair with a straightener a little bit in the front and my bangs. My problem with doing the no-heat curls is I get really, really tight curls in the front and loose curls in the back. By curling my hair a little in the front it makes the tight curls loose. I might do this hairstyle a lot from now on. It might not look that different to you, but I think it's easier and better for my hair. And I like that I hardly have to use product so my hair is smooth and natural.

Dress: made by me, scarf: made by me, bag: hand-me-down

How I Keep Myself Organized: My Weekly List

2011-08-30T08:27:00.000-06:00

You probably wonder what I do all day now that I'm not working full-time. You probably think that I sew all day long. This is only partly true. I was pretty nervous that I would waste my time once I stopped working so I set up a weekly list for myself. To tell you the truth, when I was working full-time, my husband did more of the cleaning than I did. I'm not great at working full-time and being a wife. I was determined to tackle the cleaning myself so that my husband can focus on school.
Anyway, I remembered seeing a weekly cleaning list that Erika had made a long time ago. I decided to make one of my own for myself. I decided how I wanted my cleaning to go, added my meal spots, and left room to write in any extras. Then I framed it and got a dry erase marker so I can check things off my list. I know this won't work when I have lots of kids and am even more busy, but I think it'll keep me organized with at least this first child.

I hung it in the kitchen facing away from out front door, so nobody can really see it but me. (There is a doorway right behind this little wall that leads to the hallway and bedrooms. I'm just not finished with all the decorating so I'm not letting you see everything.)

It's right next to the sink. (I totally love that anybody standing in the front door cannot see my sink. It's not like we have dishes in there all the time, but it's just nice.)

Above it is a card I framed that makes me happy every time I see it. Its just some happy birds in happy colors.

I write out our dinners and breakfasts and anything else I need to remember to do. Then I've split up the cleaning throughout the week so that it's easy to accomplish one or two things a day. So far, it's been perfect for me! I really should have done this a long time ago to get myself organized.

If you want to make one of your own, here are two a blank ones you can fill out yourself. I used picnik to do mine. I'd love to see what you do with yours if you decide to use this method! How do you keep yourself organized?

Refashion a Sweater Into a Cardigan Tutorial

2011-08-29T08:16:00.001-06:00

I had a great sweater from the blog swap that I had cut the sleeves off to lengthen a coat. I had the sweater hanging around, and I couldn't think of anything to do with it. My sister suggested I turn it into a 3/4 sleeve cardigan. I thought it was a great idea even though I don't look good in mustard, so I made this cardigan for my sister. Thus the lack of pictures of someone actually wearing it.
What I did was cut straight up the middle, add binding to the sleeves and center fronts, add buttons and buttonholes, and then add a gathered piece to the neckline. Today I have a tutorial for the binding.

First, cut out strips of fabric on the bias and sew them together. My strips were an inch wide. Then I pinned a piece to the inside of the front edge lining up the edges.

Sew at 1/4". (I sewed at 1/8", but it's much easier at 1/4"!) Be careful not to stretch or pull the sweater as you sew.

Now to finish the top and bottom, cut the strip so there's about a 1/2" seam allowance past the edge.

Then fold the end into an "M" with the right side of the fabric in the middle of the "M".

Sew straight across lining your stitch up with the edge of the sweater.

It should look like this.

Trim the edge to an 1/8".

Fold right sides out and you will have a clean seam that lines up with the bottom of the sweater. The edges of the binding will be sewn folded inside.

Fold the unsewn edge over at 1/4" and then pin to the sweater.

Do this to the whole front edge and then sew the edge down.

Once you have one side done, do it to the other and anywhere else you might need it like the sleeves. The sleeves you won't have to do the "M" edge though because it connects to itself. Add any other embellishing that you want to for a cute cardigan!

I took my extra bias strip, folded it in half and gathered the raw edge with my serger. I sewed this piece onto the neckline.

My sister was pretty excited when I gave it to her. My mom even wanted one too! My mom's coloring is like mine though, and we can't do warm colors so my sister will get to enjoy the cardigan all by herself.

We celebrated our anniversary by going to breakfast, a farmer's market, the zoo, and getting ice cream at my most favorite ice cream shop. It was an awesome day! How did you weekend go? I hope it was fabulous!

Another One of Those Anniversary Posts

2011-08-27T09:03:00.000-06:00

It's our two year anniversary today! I feel like August is THE month to get married because I've seen lots of anniversary posts this month. Well, today I'm going to be spending time with my sweetheart and hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! If you'd like to see more pictures of my wedding dress that I designed, there's a bunch of great pictures here.

Two Twin Duvet Covers To One King Duvet Cover

2011-08-26T08:08:00.000-06:00

You know when you're looking for that perfect piece to add to a specific room, and you look and look and just can't seem to find it? Then you find the PERFECT piece that you completely fall in love with, but it's the wrong size/shape? Well, this is what happened to my Aunt. She had been looking for a king size duvet cover, but fell in love with two twin duvet covers. Yesterday my sister and I spent a chunk of our day working together to make the two duvet covers into one. The first picture is an illustration of what we did. There were three panels on the top of each twin duvet cover. We took off the two middle panels and sewed them together. Then we used the extra fabric to add length to the top of the kind duvet cover. It was a lot of work and thinking, but we were really happy with the result.

Here's the result. The duvet cover is made out of really thick, nice velvet with a beautiful sheen that changes colors in the light. The part we added which will be at the head of the bed is at the bottom of the picture.

Aren't the designs gorgeous? They're probably my favorite part about the cover.

Another gorgeous thing about the duvet cover is it had gorgeous Dupioni silk on the other side. We could never put a name on the color because it wasn't pink, orange, red, or coral but a mix of them all. (The picture makes it look coral, but it isn't coral in real life.)

I was really lucky to have my sister help me because she thought of so many shortcuts, and it was great to have someone bounce ideas off of. It would've taken me more than twice as long to do it on my own.
Anyway, what do you do when you fall in love with that perfect piece? Do you get it even if it's expensive knowing you'll have to change it?

Popsicle on a Fork

2011-08-25T07:28:00.000-06:00

I'm a big fan of Popsicles. I wanted to make some homemade ones this years, but we don't have a way to freeze them. Instead I used some disposable bathroom cups and forks.
You mix one part yogurt, one part thawed frozen berries (whichever kind you choose!), and 1/4 part sugar. I actually added a little bit more because I'm a sweet tooth. Pop them all in a blender, blend, then freeze. I froze mine when they were still frothy so there are frozen bubbles in ours.

The cup twisted off surprisingly easy! I was worried I would have to stick it under hot water or something.

Even the number from the bottom of the cup froze into the Popsicle.

I really liked the small size of the Popsicle because it was enough to feel satisfied but not overdoing it.

One empty fork=one happy girl

What summery food do you love that you're going to miss?

Wearing What I Made

2011-08-24T07:53:00.000-06:00

I made this dress for my college graduation and love that it's been stretchy and comfy. It's great that I still fit into it!

I also made the little flower pin. It was another handkerchief I got from my grandmother. I used this handkerchief rosette tutorial. It's really easy to make!
And yes that is my wedding ring on a necklace. I'm really nervous that it'll get stuck because I have such big knuckles, and I swell up every once in awhile. I've just heard crazy stories about girls having to get their rings cut off, and I don't want that to happen!

Sorry, I forgot to put shoes on! I completely forgot that I was wearing my house slippers when I took these pictures.

Dress: made by me, necklace: my wedding ring and chain, cardigan: thrifted, pin: made by me, slippers: made by my grandmother

Raising Shoulders on a Low-Cut Tank Tutorial

2011-08-23T08:39:00.000-06:00

I haven't done much around here because yesterday was my husband's last day off before he started law school. I've been trying to spend as much time with him as possible. Now that he's in school, I will be devoting a lot more time to sewing and decorating.
Well, I ordered some maternity tank tops to wear under some of my maternity shirts. I didn't get to try them on so I knew they wouldn't be perfect fits. Well, I like how they fit and I have some room to grow except they are pretty low cut in the front.
I put on my tank and tried pinching up the shoulders. The armholes are big enough that when I raised the shoulders, the arms weren't cutting into my armpits. If you want to do this, make sure you still have room under the arms.

I measured that I wanted a 1" pinch, meaning I needed 2" total to come up.

Flip straps inside out, mark the amount you need from the shoulder seam and pin. I marked in white so you can't really see that I marked 1" down.

Sew across. I sewed with a straight stitch because I don't need this area to stretch. If you'd like to keep the stretch, sew with a zigzag. Then trim to 1/4".

Because I didn't care how mine looked, I sewed a topstitch across the top to keep the seam allowance towards the back. If you care how yours is going to look, stitch on the stitching that's already there to hide your stitches.

That's it! Now you have a tank that fits the way you want it too! Hope you're enjoying your last days of summer!

Blue Skeleton Keys and Picture Wall

2011-08-22T11:38:00.001-06:00

I found some great skeleton keys at a yard sale at the beginning of the summer and I finally got around to painting them. They were originally gold which is cool but didn't match my style. So I painted them.

This is after! When I started painting them I was really worried that the blue was too light. I couldn't do anything about it though because I didn't want to buy more paint. Once they dried and I took them inside they were perfect!

I think the color adds some nice pizzazz. I didn't use the ring to hang them up because then it wouldn't fit in the frame. I used some twine instead.
We finally got some pictures up in our new apartment too. I decided to have a horizontal line base and have all my frames come from that.

It's weird because half of our apartment is cinder block, which we're not allowed to put holes in, and the other half is regular walls. This is the only wall in the front room that I can put frames on. I guess it makes me group all my pictures together instead of having them spread out.

I love having two sets of skeleton keys.

These two frames are from my parents. They used to have their wedding picture and my mom's bridal picture in it. When my mom asked me if I wanted them I got so excited because they are so beautiful. My dad was surprised I liked them because to him they are an old style. I love how intricate they are.

Have you done any spray painting lately? Hope you had a great weekend!