Sunshine Mama

Forgetful

2010-08-08T21:26:00.006-04:00

I have a bad habit of forgetting to take pictures until it is too late. Oh well. I had the pleasure of making a nursing cape for another super mom! Even better, I got to take it to her and hold her new sweet baby! Here is the fabric she picked out. I love it! But then again, I think I always say that. I guess I wouldn't buy fabric if I didn't love it.

Tutorial: To Infinity And Beyond Bubble Tunic

2010-08-03T21:06:00.016-04:00

Ok, I couldn't wait, so here it is! A super cute refashion with lots of potential. I always see lots of cute t-shirts on clearance (boys and girls styles, haha) and this is a simple way to give them a little shape and girlishness.

You can easily change the sizes to make a dress/tunic/shirt style, but I will tell you what I used. My daughter wears between a 2/3T so what I used was a boy's 3T t-shirt for the body of the tunic. The bubble hem needs to be smaller than the body of the shirt, so I used a 2T tank/shirt for the hem and the sleeves. The small shirt (or knit) needs to have a LOT of stretch.

I wanted to get as much length out of my t-shirt as I could, so I took out the bottom hem. Otherwise just cut off both hems, like I did with the tank top.

Decide how wide you want your bubble hem to be, double that number and add about an inch for seam allowance. Then measure and cut your second shirt that you have a tube.

Fold your tube of fabric in half, with the wrong sides facing. Pin at the side seams so that the ends of the fabric meet. Then fold in half the other way and pin it there so that you have pins dividing the hem into quarters. Now do the same to the bottom of the body of your shirt. Do you see how much smaller my hem is than my shirt?

Now pin your shirt and hem, right sides together (and cut ends of both fabrics meeting), at the quarters. You should expect to have extra fabric bunched because they are not the same size.

Now it is time to sew them together! You can use a zigzag stitch, but I just discovered another stitch that I have been really have with so far. It looks like a really small zigzag stitch, but then after a few stitches it does one really big zigzag. I'm really pleased with how well it stretches after it was sewn, far more than the experience I've had with a regular zigzag stitch. As you start sewing, be sure to back stitch so secure it and then as you sew gently stretch the bubble hem so that it matches the length of the shirt. Once you get to the next set of pins, make sure your needle is down and then continue stretching up to the following set of pins.

TADA! You now have a bubble hem!

I used the tutorial here for the sleeves of the dress. For the first blue t-shirt I used the hem I cut from the patterned tank top (just cut it in half). It didn't have as much stretch as I would have liked, I think I'll actually redo that one.

For the second one I cut strips from the purple shirt I used. The other change I made was to trim the "shoulder" of the shirt. I lined up my ruler and cut about an inch off just the top so that it would look less like a boy's "muscle" t-shirt.

I am much happier with how this one turned out. I think I'll end up doing the necklines the same way.

As my daughter would say, "tee ree YON!" (translated, To Infinity And Beyond!)!

I hope you enjoy and make lots of cute, unique bubble tunics for your little ones to enjoy!

Linking up here

To Infinity And Beyond! Bubble Tunic

2010-08-03T20:21:00.006-04:00

I had a problem. My daughter LOVES Toy Story, it is really the first thing she has ever gotten excited about. I really wanted to get her some Toy Story apparel, but I'd estimate that about 90% of the Toy Story anything is very obviously for boys. Sigh. Of the (very) few girl's t-shirts I have seen have been pink (sorry, but not my fav) and had the cowgirl, Jessie, on them. Of course my daughter is in love with Buzz!

Solution. Stumbling across several boy's Toy Story t-shirts on clearance. And by stumbling of course I mean, stalk for weeks until they are cheap enough for me to consider buying. haha I bought several and wanted to try several different techniques with them.

Here are the first two. I am calling this the To Infinity And Beyond! Bubble Tunic (a tutorial is on the horizon). It was a little too short to be a dress, and a little too long to be a shirt so...tunic it is!

To Infinity And Beyond!

It was so simple that I made another one.

I actually like this one better, I think I'll redo the sleeves on the blue one and then probably do the same thing to both necklines. I think that will make it a little more girlie too.

So what do you think? My daughter loves it, and that makes me happy!

My computer caught another, eh, cold so I'm trying to catch up with pictures and such. Once I do that I will have a tutorial for the Bubble Tunic, so stay tuned!

craft fail...almost (label making)

2010-07-31T08:57:00.009-04:00

Yep, I have those moments. I had seen a post by Hilda (she has been so sweet) at handmade therapy for making your own labels. It was one of those hand slapping the forehead things, so simple yet so GENIUS! I've been dragging my feet at starting my etsy shop, and one of the reasons was not having a way to label my products. I thought this would be an awesome solution. I remembered ordering a rubber stamp from VistaPrint back when I got my address labels and business cards (btw, you can often score free products there, although I think their shipping is a little high). The only trouble was that it was one of those self inking stamps, hmm. I brought it up to my hubby and before I even knew it, he was pulling that little sucker apart and "rescued" the rubber stamp part! Wahoo! That meant I didn't have to spend the extra time/money for a new one. My hubby was even more sweet and genius by sticking the stamp back into the handle portion of the stamp, wedging it with shims of all things and securing it with a little glue. I love how handy my man is!

Here is where I get to my "fail". The only matte ribbon I could find at Joann's was grosgrain ribbon. Then, I used WAY too much paint so that my felt was kind of soggy and I just couldn't get the right amount on my stamp. I was afraid that the lettering on my stamp was just too small and I would have to get another one. )= This is how they turned out.*sigh* blurry, patchy...just unusable

I was discouraged, so I went back and read Hilda's post as well as the comments. She mentioned in a comment that she used Bobbin Ribbon from Micheal's (in the scrapbooking section, seen here). They came in pretty small spools, so I picked up both a cream and a white, they were only $.99 each (less if you use a coupon).

Here is a tip for you, I had used a LOT of paint the first time around and didn't want to waste it. My hubby and I have done a lot of painting in our home and he regularly wraps paint brushes/cans/trays in foil to cut off the air and keep the paint from hardening. I used some Glad press 'n seal and stuck my paint in the fridge, several days later it was still usable!

Anyway, back to the crafting. This time I put a second piece of felt over my already saturated piece and tentatively started stamping. This time it WORKED!!! I am so excited to have labels for my products now! I feel like I am one step closer.

Can you see how he used the shims to secure the stamp?

Wahoo! I stitched the labels on my first set of products last night (a super cute matching nursing cape and change n' go)!

some great craft tips

2010-07-29T20:21:00.003-04:00

Check out these great craft tips over at Kari's blog, U-Create.

Oh, and this little show called Project Runway is back on TONIGHT! Wahoo!

flower power

2010-07-26T22:43:00.006-04:00

Wahoo! Another fun project for a friend. Flowers out of felt and fabric scraps. She sent me some pictures for inspiration and here is what I came up with. I think she is using them for scrapbooking, but I think may make some extras for my front door wreath (because she let me keep the extras, yay!). I think they would also be super cute to wear, on a headband, clip, purse or even a funky necklace.

Here is what I came up with.

It was pretty simple, cutting out and layering flower shapes, sewing down with contrasting thread. The possibilities are endless!

linking up here:

order up

2010-07-24T20:16:00.005-04:00

Lately I have been up to my eyeballs in orders and sewing projects for friends. A nice stretch of my creativity. First up, curtain panels out of a flat bed sheet. Flat sheets are actually great to use as curtains. You can find some cute prints, usually cheaper than you could buy that yardage at a fabric store. In my case, I turned one flat sheet into 4 panels, but it could easily be a no sew project if you use the top/wide hem at the top as the rod panel.

These are going to look so cute in a little girl's bedroom (they certainly go nicely with my daughter's pale purple walls).

This mama just had a new baby, she had ordered this nursing cape, so I wanted to make something that went with it. I made a couple of burp cloths, similar to these, but I drafted my own pattern (bigger!) and added a panel of matching fabric on the flannel side. So soft and cozy.

Fun stuff!

Change N Go, an awesome new diaper clutch!

2010-07-22T21:04:00.009-04:00

Whew, I've been promising this unveil for a while, hope it is worth the wait. My problem once again is picturing taking and editing, sigh. This was the other part of my baby shower gift package.

Nursing cape

peek-a-boo baby!

Ok, now it is time for a flash back. Do you remember this that I made last Christmas? She had asked me about making a different closure, so this is what I came up with. A velcroed strap, with a little elastic to allow it to stretch to fit more diapers. I wanted to keep the softness of the ribbon, so I stitched some pleated ribbon on the closure. I swear she is my product tester for everything!

Now check out this set! Wouldn't you love a matching pair in your diaper bag? This is Sunshine Baby's nursing cape (right), and soon to be listed, change n go diaper clutch (left, front)!

I'm SO excited about this! Do you think people would guess this is to change a dirty bum?

Unfold and lay it out to change baby, the pockets are currently holding a pack of 40 wipes and 3 size 4 Huggies diapers. You'll never walk away without your changing pad again!

Tada! I have one more to "practice" on before listing them.

baby gifts

2010-07-14T20:40:00.009-04:00

Did you know that Joann's sells those packs of white Gerber onesies (don't forget your coupons)? Talk about blank slate to let inspiration roll! I may have mentioned that my brother and his wife are having a little girl. Their baby shower (sadly STATES, many miles, away) was last night and these were part of the gift package that I sent.

I had SO MUCH FUN with these!

For this one I bought a pack of paper doilies from the Dollar Store (I have TONS left over), cut it into different size pieces, laid them on the onesie and then used fabric paint over the doily. I thought the pattern looked very nautical, almost like rope. I tie some little bows in matching blue grosgrain ribbon and hand stitched one at the neck and then several on the bum (LOVE it!). I also had some white cord and used the same ribbon to make a little headband.

This one has been in my head ever since I did this tutorial. I'm SO glad I finally had an excuse to do this! I used this crazy rainbow printed knit and just cut out the colors I liked, but it left some fun shading. Then I tried my hand at a little embroidery flossing. I didn't get a picture of the little clip I did for this one because I literally was blowing the glue dry as I was wrapping the packages. lol

I found a little iron on initial (the baby's name starts with "O") for this one. By way, my new favorite way to initially attach an applique is with spray adhesive, thank you Adventures in Dressmaking! The headband has a bunch of different sized hearts layered on top of each other.

Another blue one for you! My friends tease me, but I LOVE putting girls in colors you don't expect. I took a lot of tips from this tutorial for the "necklace" and then some tulle and ribbon for the flower. I made a larger version of the same flower for the little clip. Once again, I LOVE adding something fun on the bum!

Here is a little tip, if you have lots of cute baby clips but your sweet baby is a baldy (like mine was), just attach the clips to a plain headband!

linking up here:

hanging ribbon organizer

2010-07-11T17:29:00.006-04:00

Yippee! I love easy solutions like this! This was my box o' ribbons. I cringe a little just looking at it.

There was just no way to keep them neat and organized in a box. Last week, my hubby and I did some weeding out of things in our basement. In the pile to go to the attic, I spotted this (technically a pants hanger).

A light bulb went off in my head! I snatched it, and one night last week while watching So You Think You Can Dance, I got organized!

It was so simple! Just string all of your spools in the same direction (you want the ribbon to roll over the top of the spool). I even put on the few gift wrap ribbons I had. The long ribbons without spools I loosely looped/knotted on the bottom and then the smaller scraps I put in a ziplock bag, punched a hole under the seal and strung it on the hanger. Yay for a little more organization!

Sewing 101

2010-07-09T11:21:00.006-04:00

I often see questions from people asking for the basics of sewing. I posted several links in the past, but I saw another blog doing an almost 2 week series of

So far there are posts on:
Tools of the Trade
Supply Must Haves
Selecting Fabrics
I just want to say that the quilt (or is it simply a blanket) she has pictured is absolutely beautiful! I'm not much of a quilt person, but if I were ever to brave quilting, THIS would be the type I'd make. I LOVE it! I don't know that I'd use those colors, but that technique is beautiful. Does anyone know anything about it? Please share!
Using a Rotary Cutter (I got one for Christmas, and I LOVE it!)
Fixing Mistakes

Be sure to check out the blog, and this series through July 16!

sometimes, I'm brilliant

2010-07-08T15:48:00.005-04:00

Maybe a little cocky, but I will let you decide. I used what I had on hand, on the fly, to solve a problem that was driving me cray (and potentially costing me LOTS of money).

Here it is! What do you think?

Tee-hee! I wish I could see your face right now. I'm imagining a nose crinkled up with this thought running through your head, EWW, why is she showing us a dirty diaper? Do you want to know why I am showing you this? Can you imagine how this could possibly be the solution to my problem?

Peek on in there and...tada!

You see! My poor little tomtom did not come with a carrying case. You are not supposed to leave it in the car, between being a major draw for people breaking in and stealing, and our 100+ temperatures it is just not a good idea. I haven't had a chance to make a case, and I just don't want it bouncing around loose in my giant mom bag. That is another recipe for disaster.

So why not a diaper? It is soft and padded, moisture resistant and, if you use the little sticky tabs then it is safe and secure. One more reason to use a (clean, haha) diaper as your gps carrying case, no one, and I mean NO ONE will ever steal it! When is the last time you picked up a wadded up diaper when you didn't know what it contained?

So, what is the verdict? Am I brilliant, or just plain crazy? If you think I'm crazy, I hope I at least gave you a little chuckle with my problem solving skills.

on camera

2010-07-07T08:36:00.003-04:00

Here is the video that I mentioned in this post a while ago. A friend graciously offered to feature Sunshine Baby Nursing Capes on an up and coming website in the area.

Check out the Homeplexity website, my video is at the bottom, titled "Sarah Wommack". It is really hard for me, but I'm restraining myself from telling you all the things I hate about seeing myself on camera and all of the things I would have done or said differently. It was a last minute thing and unfortunately I didn't have a nursing cape to demonstrate with. Anyway, it is great exposure and I'm thankful for the opportunity.

sneak peak

2010-07-04T20:41:00.005-04:00

Well, I have a confession. My LEAST favorite part of crafting and blogging is the picturing taking and editing. Ugh, that is what takes me SO long to finish! I have been crafting, not blogging as much lately because of that reason. I have to finish up a tutorial for a project that I finished quite some time ago. Here is a sneak peak for you.

Ugh, I really think I need a dress form. It would be so much easier to photograph clothing on an object, rather than trying to set up the timer, run and pose...haha.

sometimes it pays to buy big

2010-06-30T22:06:00.004-04:00

I seem to find more clothing on the clearance rack that is too big, than in my size. This time it paid off to buy a bigger size! I found this little dress (ok, technically I found it with the sleepwear) for just over $3. It was 2 sizes too big, but it was SO comfy and perfect to go with my new summer obsession...leggings!

Blah, shapeless

I put it on inside out, stuck a few pins, 5 minutes under the sewing machine and...

Yay for a new summer dress!

I have been waiting to post this!

2010-06-28T16:24:00.008-04:00

I was so excited about this project! I just took part in a gift exchange between some other mom friends. I mailed out my gift, but wanted to wait until my friend received it before I posted this. This was so much fun! I wanted my sweet friend to feel like she got something special and one of a kind. She gave me a few ideas, and here is what I came up with.

She said she likes simple jewelry, so when I saw this idea for button earrings, I thought how CUTE!!! I had a hard time finding the plain, silver, earrings to work with, but I finally tracked them down. I think they came in a pack of about 30, so I could do LOTS more if I wanted. haha
I made two pair, one all black and the other was a pearl-like white with a white ribbon. I WISH I could wear these, but my ears just freak out.

She also said she wanted a storage basket to organize her daughter's loose CDs. I found two baskets that I liked the size and shape of, but not the color.

After LOTS of spray paint, LOTS of hot glue, some home decor fabric, ribbon, cardboard and scrapbook tags...This is what I had.

The smaller of the two I designed specifically for storage of loose CDs. I used fabric along the bottom and ends inside the basket so that the CDs wouldn't get scratched. Then I covered some pieces of heavy cardboard with fabric (not my original idea, can't remember where I saw it though) and attached these little scrapbook tags so she can divide and label what is in the basket.

For the larger basked I just sewed a simple slip cover for the bottom (it was easier than I expected), wrapped ribbon around the top, and added several pleated flowers with more scrapbook tags.

I really enjoyed this project! I really hope she gets a lot of use out of them. She definitely deserves something special!

favorite animal?

2010-06-24T22:12:00.004-04:00

My daughter's favorite animal is a turtle. A little random, but we go with it. It is hard to find turtle things for her, it is not really the most common animal for kids. She was never really obsessed with or gotten attached to anything, until the turtle. It was the first animal she started identifying by name rather than sound (does a turtle make a sound?) and she started pointing out turtles wherever she saw them. Thus the random turtle paraphernalia around our house. I used this tutorial and just changed the shape of the animal. I used one of her turtle shaped puzzles to come up with my shape to trace. I don't think it turned out to be the most obvious turtle shape, but she still likes it.

Here is the front and back. Oh, and I forgot to add the "eye" so I just stitched in that spot.

Here she is, snuggling with her new turtle, laying on her turtle Hugga Pet and watching a movie.

I love my girl.

feeling patriotic

2010-06-23T20:28:00.011-04:00

It is so close to July 4th, I figured I really needed to update my wreath. I whipped up a few felt flowers in white, red and shades of blue. Yay!

I hope you are not sick of my Ruffle Wreath, because here it is again!

I LOVE being able to change the season decor on this wreath so easily! If you want that tutorial, you'll find it here.

I liked up here...

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T20:46:00.003-04:00

We had a nice day together as a family. My hubby woke up to fresh coffee and homemade cinnamon rolls. Jocie and I gave him a photo card (my new favorite thing, from Shutterfly) and a "Dad" t-shirt, he already got a new set of golf clubs. My hubby has a couple of "Dad" shirts that he has pretty much worn threadbare. I really wanted to make one myself so I could come up with my own phrase. I attempted my first ever freezer paper stencil (check out a tutorial here, she is pretty much the queen of this technique). I like the way it came out!

Here is my hubby, struttin' his stuff in Lowes this afternoon. He's hot stuff!

Funny story, I got the crown silhouette from this website and save the file on our desktop. I forgot to delete it once I had adjusted the size and printed the image. He saw it and I had a good time listening to his guesses about how it related to his gift. Haha! It was a pretty simple thing to do, the most time consuming part was cutting out the stencil, I think I'll get a better cutting tool the next time I try this.

Waiting...

2010-06-18T18:12:00.004-04:00

I'm sitting at home waiting...for a camera crew to show up. What?!? I'm SO nervous! A local up and coming website is becoming a hub for consumers to find local businesses. My hubby and I are friends with the men who started it and they asked if I'd be interested in having Sunshine Baby Nursing Capes on their website. Again, what?!? How cool is that! I'm not sure what to expect, just hoping I don't make a fool out of myself on camera.

Father's Day is around the corner

2010-06-16T23:40:00.002-04:00

I want to know what your (or your hubby's or dad's) favorite "Dad" slogan is. My hubby has a couple of "Dad" t-shirts that he wears all the time. One is says "Dad 07", which is what he wore at the hospital the day our daughter was born. The other says "A man who changes diapers, changes the world". Eventually our daughter will be potty trained and he won't be able to wear that one any more.

How about you?

two new tanks

2010-06-15T21:16:00.004-04:00

Whoa! We are having some summery weather here! I really need to keep up with my spring/summer refashions. I found two plain tanks at Target, I liked the style and fit, but blah...I couldn't stand adding more plain tops to my wardrobe. These refashions were SUPER simple.

As usual, I was impatient and didn't take before pics. They were plain/solid tanks with a yoke type neckline and a bit of gather in the center.

I finished the purple one first. I cut a strip of fabric, about the same width as the yoke neckline, from another tee with a coordinating pattern. Then I pleated it along the yoke, with no particular pattern. Then I stitched both sides down. After washing it, the edges curled just a little.

I'm not sure why, but black is a very prominent color in my wardrobe. I really try to branch out, but I always seem to drawn back. Anyhow, this is my attempt to bring a little color in. A couple of bright blue flowers.

hazard pay?

2010-06-12T22:19:00.004-04:00

My hubby says that doing projects for weddings should come with hazard pay. Haha! Please tell me I'm not the only person who stresses themselves out when sewing for other people. But seriously, could you imagine messing up something for a WEDDING?

It was a relatively simple project, a friend of a friend wanted a different color tie for the corset of her wedding gown. I decided to try a new technique. I thought a bias cut/sewn piece might work better since it would have some stretch. I used this bias tape tutorial (I just skipped the ironing part). It was definitely something new, made me a little crazy, but I can see how it would be simple and time saving if I had a little practice. My hubby also says I make myself needlessly crazy over these things. I wasn't satisfied with my first attempt, so I made a second tie, this time just a straight cut. The poor bride was probably so confused to get two, haha. Oh well, I was happy to be able to do just a little something to make her wedding what she had dreamed of.

I wanted to do a little something unexpected, so I figured a pretty little flower pin was in order. I finally tried this singed flower technique. I think I'm addicted! It was so easy, and I love the result.

I hope the wedding is beautiful and live happily ever after!

Yay or nay?

2010-06-11T15:10:00.003-04:00

I made over a $0.25 headband from Target. I can't decide...I wonder if I misplaced the fabric flowers. Help me decide

SQUINT in the sun, ugh

the boys in my life

2010-06-07T09:38:00.006-04:00

My brother and sister-in-law having having a little girl in September. I've been so excited about creating cutie-pie baby girl things that I started to feel like I was neglecting my favorite little boys. I found some cute little boy fabric at Joann's and got to work.

For the older of the two boys (who my daughter just adores), who loves anything that goes VROOM...

I used Homemade by Jill's Cozy Car Caddy tutorial.

For sweet baby boy I used the tutorial Disney guest posted at luvinthemommyhood.

I think I may actually make one for Jocie too because she was obsessed with it too, lol.

I think it may be my new favorite craft for babies.

Breast feeding and baby wearing

2010-06-05T17:20:00.009-04:00

These are two of my favorite "baby" things! I already make and sell nursing capes, so when a mama asked if I'd try my hand at making a ring sling to match her cape I was excited! She had bought the last nursing cape in this fabric (pretty, isn't it!) and I had to do quite a bit of searching to find it again. But, SUCCESS, I found it, and bought enough to stock the shop as well since it is a popular fabric with mamas of little boys.

I have a ring sling of my own that I bought cheap on ebay (before I knew the wonders of etsy) from a woman who made them. It was a total life saver for me. My daughter wanted to be attached to me 23/7 and wouldn't sit happily in a shopping cart or stroller until she was at least 11 months old. I still occasionally pull it out, like when I travel alone with my toddler, or when she isn't feeling well and wants to be held although my arms are about to fall off. I love how simple they are to use (at least after a little practice), how many ways they can be used at so many stages, that they are washable and take up so little space in a diaper bag.

I was referred by a few friends(thanks Heidi and Alyse!) to order the rings here and tutorial here (btw, they have some great instructional videos for use and wearing as well). I asked the mama if she'd like me to add anything to it and she requested a large pocket and loop to hook keys or a paci clip to.

As usual, I forgot to take the time to get good pics of this project. I was about out the door to take it to my mama friend and asked my hubby to take a few quick pics. I didn't even take time to make sure it was really straightened out, ugh. You'll get the picture though.

This has a shoulder cap (mine didn't) which distributes the weight a little better

close up of the pocket and loop

Yay for baby wearing!

Think Pink! One wreath for all seasons (a mini tute)

2010-06-03T14:49:00.014-04:00

Hi all! Do you remember my Ruffle Wreath? Here is what it has looked like since I finished it a while back.

I had said that I wanted to be able to use this wreath year-round, changing the decor for the season (or just because I get bored, lol). But I hadn't really figured out a good way to do that...until yesterday! I first created the decor I wanted to use (will get to that later). Then I pulled out a piece of felt, and cut it in the general shape of the section of wreath that I wanted to cover (be sure it isn't larger than your wreath). Next you will want to attach your decor to the felt (I laid them out on the wreath to get the placement I wanted), I simply used hot glue. Trim your felt piece so that it is not visible around your decor.

Then you'll want to pull out some sticky backed velcro. You'll only need the scratchy side. I cut several lengths and stuck them to my wreath where I knew the decor piece would be (I used two at the top/inside edges, and one at the bottom/outside edge). Note: this would certainly be easier to do with a wreath that had a flatter surface, but I made do.

*Update*: my sticky back velcro became gooey and not so sticky after a few days of my wreath hanging on our front door in the heat and humidity. If your wreath is going to hang outside, I would suggest using some strong adhesive so that it stays put. I swiped some of my hubby's liquid nails, and the velcro hasn't budged since.

All you need to do now is firmly press your felt-backed decor piece onto your wreath, and hang! Wahoo! Now, when you get bored or the season changes all you need to do is cut another felt piece in the same general shape and decorate!

Here is my Ruffle Wreath (you can find the wreath tutorial here) with its updated decor!

Right now I am thinking pink for Breast Cancer Awareness! I used pink fabric and ribbons from my stash to make these flowers (the white in the center of the large flower are little pom poms).

This Saturday I am participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. My grandmother and cousin both lost their lives to breast cancer, and there are several member's of my husband's family who have been touched by the disease as well. I am humbled to be just a small part of this.

Go team WoCoChaJo Girls (although we may need to change the name as my father-in-law is walking with us as well, lol)!

Linking up here

Warning

2010-06-01T18:55:00.005-04:00

Anybody else have one of these to watch out for? lol

A cute new summer tank for my very own toddler. The plain tank was $0.97 last summer at Old Navy, add a $1 iron on transfer from AC Moore and the ruffle from my fabric stash. $2 of awesomeness.

I'm in the spotlight!

2010-05-30T21:48:00.004-04:00

On Jessica's blog, Happy Together! Remember the bracelets I made using her hoop earrings tutorial?

She featured them along with several other projects readers have made using her tutorials. Go check out her blog!

ugly...

2010-05-28T15:03:00.003-04:00

Have you ever been to Lil Blue Boo blog? She is all about upcycling (reusing/recycling clothing) and creates the CUTEST clothing for little girls, combining old and new knits. She issued a challenge to use ugly knits to create something, anything (doesn't have to be clothing, or even sewn for that matter) cute. Check out the button below for contest rules and PRIZES! I hope to enter this one.

awkward posing

2010-05-25T20:18:00.005-04:00

Ugh, I really hate posing for pictures but it was about time I had a picture of one of my nursing capes on a real person. I made this nursing cape for for a mama expecting a baby boy soon. I just love this fabric.

Holding my imaginary baby

Not sure why I am grabbing my thigh here...

I'm considering finally starting up an etsy site. What do you think?

Fabric Wrapped Bracelets and a mini tute

2010-05-24T15:45:00.021-04:00

Here I go again in my quest to accessorize and vamp up my wardrobe. I saw this tutorial for hoop earrings at Happy Together. They are SO cute! Unfortunately, I cannot wear "fake" earrings. Boo. HOWEVER, I figured I'd try the idea with bracelets. I had a few dollars left on an A.C. Moore gift card so I picked up this pack of thin bangles for $2 (cheaper if you have one of their coupons), I think there were 7 in the pack.

Once of these days I'll hit up the Dollar Tree and see if they have some wide bangles to try this with. I dug through my bag of scraps and decided to do several in neutral tones, I included one that had a pale blue/gray in the pattern. All colors often found in my wardrobe. I LOVE how they came out!!!

With this set, I simply wrapped the blue/brown fabric, and with the solid fabric I first wrapped, and then used her knotting technique. I think this one may be my favorite!

With this set I wrapped using a strip of the the print fabric, and the other I used the "ragged" selvage edge the solid color fabric. I love the different textures!

I used the same size bangle for this bracelet. Want to know how I changed the width of this one and created the pleats?

Here is a mini tute for you. I hope these pictures don't make your eyes bleed. I thought of taking pictures while I was in the middle of this project, which I did during the finale of LOST. I couldn't tell if they were coming out or not and I was a little preoccupied. lol

First I cut several long strips of canvas type fabric (anything on the heavier side should do) that were 1/2 inch wide. Using hot glue, I covered the INSIDE of the bracelet with my fabric strip. Then I took another strip to create the pleats on the outside of the bracelet. Pinch your fabric and fold it up over the strip that is already glued down. When you have it were you want it, put a small dab of hot glue under that fold so that it stays put and then continue all the way around until your reached the spot you started. I varied the size of my pleats and let a few tilt to one side or the other so it didn't look too uniform.

Let me know if you have questions. Now wear your one of a kind bracelets with pride!

Linking up here

free

2010-05-22T07:30:00.006-04:00

I've scored a couple of free items at Target recently. Did you know that the Target website has printable coupons? Head down to the bottom, and under "Stores" click on "coupons". Lately they've had a bunch of Merona coupons.

They actually paid me to take these off their hands, lol. I had a $5 off purse coupon, and found this $5 purse. Then I had a $3 off sandals coupon, and these sandals were $2.48. They still credited me the full $3, so they paid me! Love it!

For those who use coupons, I joined two groups on facebook that alert me when there are new printable coupons and when to match them with sales. They are The Krazy Coupon Lady and The Frugal Girls. I find it saves me a lot of time, I don't have to constantly be checking for new coupons myself, I just wait for them to tell me.

Have you seen any of Target's Liberty of London line? I think some of it is really cute. The clothes seem to be marked down 75%, yes I managed to restrain myself until then. I got these two halter dresses, LOVE the print on them, that several sizes too big but that just means more to work with! The striped skirt I got at old Navy for $2.

have you given up on me yet?

2010-05-20T16:59:00.011-04:00

Well, my new (month old) netbook has a virus and we've had cool, rainy weather for the last week. The combination of those two things has made it hard to get any good pictures or get them uploaded. I actually have two tutorials to post, but I haven't been able to take and upload pictures of the final product. Grr.

Finally, today we had some gorgeous weather, so I took my daughter to the park and got a few pictures of my latest refashion. My netbook is still "sick", so I'm using my old laptop that is on its last leg.

I found this shirt on clearance at Target ($2.50 if I remember correctly) and then used the remnant of one of my hubby's old t-shirts that I'd already cut up for another project. Here was the before

I used the gray t-shirt to ruffle a bunch of 1 1/2" wide strips. I sewed one row of ruffles all the way around the shirt where I wanted my neckline to be, then I added another row on the front, under the first row. It wasn't quite what I had pictured, so I added another smaller ruffle in the middle above my ruffles, and then added one more up the one side of my neckline (the opposite side of the print on the bottom to create a little balance). Once I was done I trimmed the shirt away from above the ruffles.

I'm really happy with how it turned out! The other thing I would have changed would be to make the neckline a little less wide. The ruffles are kind of heavy and can pull the shirt a bit. What do you think?

I love it! I don't think my daughter appreciates my fashion sense though. I told her it was time to go to the park this morning, and instead of running to the door like she usually does, she ran to my closet. She pointed and said, "please", and then tried to pull one of my shirts off the hanger. Hmm, thanks kid.

Linked up on

my kitchen

2010-05-15T16:26:00.011-04:00

We have owned our home for a year now. We bought a major fixer-upper. Something we have learned through this process is that when you are a homeowner, you are never "done". lol We still have a lot of little (and big) projects to do, but it has been a lot of fun and it is awesome to be able to make it our own.

This was our kitchen before, the previous owners had a thing for olive green and stenciling.

It was stripped down to basically the studs, lay out changed, and all new cabinets and appliances installed. (these pics were taken as we were moving in)

We hadn't done too much else to the kitchen, choosing instead to focus on several other rooms as well as the exterior of the home. This was in part because we agonized over paint colors. I had originally picked one out...then decided it was too close to a peach, I really wanted to go with something in the orange family, without being too bright or obnoxious. We chose another color, my hubby even brought home a quart of it and put some on the wall to see if we liked it. It looked like neon orange sherbet. Ugh. It was seriously blinding. At that point my hubby decided he did not want any shade of orange...back to the paint chart again. I really didn't want something too light, or too brown, but we were kind of stuck.

I had some fabric that I'd gotten really attached to and wanted to recover some roller shades for the kitchen. I loved how bright and cheery it was and liked the colors, but it still didn't seem to help us pick out a paint color.

We had given ourselves a deadline and finally just picked a color, I liked it, but I wasn't in love with it. But hey, it was a decision. The color was Sherwin Williams Eastlake Gold.

We finally got around to painting (we are not done, just finished one section), and you know what? I LOVE it! Wahoo! And do you know what is even funnier? Do you see that great big flower near the center on the bottom?

I had tried to talk my hubby into trying to match the outside color on the flower for paint, but we didn't wind up doing that. I brought the fabric up after we painted and my jaw dropped. It was almost the exact same shade!!! I really do love it. We have a lot more to do, but I thought I'd share the update.

Happy Birthday to me

2010-05-12T12:00:00.007-04:00

I got a couple of Joann's giftcards for my birthday and got the chance to spend some of them last week. I get a little carried away with their clearance fabric, and wouldn't you know that it was an extra 50% off that week!

I'm always on the lookout for things with turtles on them for my daughter. It was one of the first animals that she identified by name (rather than sound) and she's been a little obsessed with them. I thought this fabric was SUPER cute and would look great with this pink polka dot I already had. Maybe I'll finally get around to trying this bubble dress tutorial.

I also found some dark denim for $2 per yard, and it was SUPER wide which is awesome! I'd love to make my daughter some cute little shorts for summer. I would love to find a tutorial for some flat front shorts, hmm.

I can rarely pass up a good knit, they may make me a little crazy trying to sew with them, but I LOVE that it doesn't fray and is a little more forgiving than some other fabrics. I found these two thick ribbed knits in a beautiful teal and bright pinky-purple (bummer, the color did not come through at all in the pic).

And this is technically the reason I went to Joann's in the first place. I wanted to restock this fabric in my shop and a friend who bought the last cape I made in this fabric had asked if I could custom make her a ring sling to match. After checking another store and not finding it online, I finally tracked it down!

A couple of friends turned me on to a great website for purchasing the rings and sling making information, if you are interested it is here.

How did I miss that?!?

2010-05-10T08:29:00.003-04:00

If you frequent Disney's Ruffles and Stuff blog, you've probably noticed that she will feature projects from other blogs on her left hand column. She had requested people send her projects to feature, so I emailed her my tutorial for the Ruffle Wreath. I was just checking out her Previously Featured page, and there it was! I totally missed the feature, lol! Anyhow, I am grateful for the feature even if I missed seeing it posted.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T13:53:00.006-04:00

When my Mom was here for my birthday she asked if I could make a case for her glasses to wear on her belt at work. I had some really cute fabric, so I whipped it up and got it in the mail in time for Mother's Day. I hope she loves it, she deserves so much more.

I let my hubby's glasses do some modeling

Scandalous

2010-05-07T21:19:00.006-04:00

Bringing tube tops back! Yesiree, I'm going to be wearing these around all summer.

Ok, before you run for cover...or your sunglasses, hear me out. These are for LAYERING! I saw this awesome tutorial and had to try it! It is basically just the bottom of a shirt, stitched so that it will fit without falling down. That way you can layer (at the bust, or the waist) without all of the bulk of wearing a tee or tank under your top. Genius! I also thought this would be awesome for nursing moms. Wish I had known at the time I was still nursing my daughter. You should try it out, SO simple!

my park bag

2010-05-06T17:10:00.009-04:00

I always carry a purse. A big purse. I try for small bags, but I always go back to my BIG ones. I lug half our house with us, and the fact that I'm a mom means I have that much more. My big purse just doesn't work for the park/playground though. Especially since my toddler is a total mommy's girl and usually wants me to climb/swing/slide right along with her. I usually just shove my keys, cell phone and sometimes camera in my pockets. This is not comfortable, nor is it a flattering look. I've been meaning to make this bag since last Fall, but just never got around to it.

I had this old pair of bermuda shorts that had an ink stain on them that I thought could work. They were this crazy black and white palm print that I had rarely worn out of the house anyhow, but they had been really cheap...you know, lol? I cut 2 rectangles from one pant leg and kept the bottom cuff intact so it looked a little more finished for the body of the bag. I wanted it to have a divider in the middle, so I cut a shorter rectangle and used a top portion that had one of those little front (watch?) pockets so that I would have another section in the bag. I stitched one of the belt loops inside the top of the bag because my keys are on a carabiner and I like to clip them onto something so they don't disappear into abyss that is most of my bags, lol. I wanted a long strap, but was stuck on that for a while because I didn't really have any long pieces from these shorts. I decided to cut a strap off another purse (really just double fold bias tape I think), and then cut the rest of my shorts up into strips as long as I could and then pieced them on the front and back of the strap, sewing them down with different size zigzag stitches.

Over all I am happy with how it turned out.

Now if I can just remember to take it to the park with me...

Tutorial: cut circle flowers

2010-05-03T21:29:00.019-04:00

Do you remember this cute little dress of Jocie's from Christmas time?

I tried a new technique for applique on the top. I think it turned out cute, so I wanted to try it again, and show you how to do it too.

I chose to use two colors of knit fabric (you just need something that won't fray, but will curl when washed). Then, for each flower, cut three different size circles, or as many circles as you want each to have. Alternate the colors (mine was dark, light, then dark). Then, place them on your main fabric (I chose an old t-shirt to refashion). Place your circles down, the largest on the bottom to the smallest on the top, and pin in place.

You are going to use a straight stitch, all the way across the center of the flower, several times, letting your stitches cross in the center. The bigger your flower, the more stitches you will want, as those will become your "petals".

After I stitched my flowers, I turned my shirt inside out so that you could see my stitching a little better. I was using rather larger flowers, and wanted some variety so I used different numbers of stitches.

Next you will cut your flowers, in between each of the stitches, just up to the center where the stitches overlap. Just be sure NOT to cut your clothing.

Then comes the easiest part. Throw it in the wash a time or two, and watch those edges curl up into cute petals.

I have to say, I prefer the smaller ones I did for Jocie's dress. I think it would be cute to do a whole bunch of little ones and stitch "stems" to make a bouquet.

There you have it! Now have fun flowering! Oh, and if you can think of a better name for them let me know. I totally blanked last night trying to come up with something.

Linked up on

stripes and roses

2010-04-30T16:22:00.011-04:00

I just love this whole refashioning thing! I don't normally end up with what I initially intend on, but I guess half the fun is trial and error and seeing what I can come up with. In case you don't know, I'm a Target fanatic, lol. There are at least 3 Target stores within 15 minutes of me that I frequent. I would likely spend a lot more time there, just perusing their clearance (people have asked me where I find it...usually there are clearance signs, towards the back of the clothing depts and the back/ends of the aisles), but my toddler just isn't that patient. I frequently pick up clothing on clearance without trying it on, because seriously who does that with a toddler in tow, because I know I can just return it then next time I'm there if I don't like it. (=

I found this kind of boring tee, super cheap and I really liked the color of the stripes. I got it home to realize that I had a cotton print with tiny flowers in the same shade of green. I was originally going to attempt a tank with a yoke color, but my yoke turned out smaller than I wanted. I didn't want to totally scratch it, so I sewed the yoke on the shirt, and trimmed around the top portion. Then I hand stitched 3 rosettes onto the yoke. I think it turned out cute! Not just another boring tee.

linked up at

Easiest. Refashion. Ever.

2010-04-28T22:41:00.006-04:00

I had started a project that wasn't going so well, so I wanted something quick and easy to make me feel a little better. lol My daughter had this long sleeve onsie that never fit her very well and I had meant to do something with it. I chopped off the snaps and shortened the sleeves. I had seen a tutorial for creating a ruffly/lettuce edge on knit clothing and thought I'd give it a try. I couldn't find it, but thought I remembered it enough to give it a try. I just used a small zigzag stitch along the edges, pulling it slightly as I went along. I think it turned out cute, and seriously quick and easy.

Have you ever tried to get a toddler to stand still long enough to get a good pictures?

She is cute none the less. Here is what it looks like on the hanger. A cute wearable top for the spring.

my birthday outfit

2010-04-26T22:23:00.003-04:00

I've been slacking in the blogging department lately because my Mom was in town for my birthday. We had such a nice time. I miss her already. It really stinks being so far from my family.

Anyhoo, I finished a couple refashions before she got her and was able to wear a new outfit on my birthday because the weather was warm(ish). We spent a beautiful morning at the playground with my Mom and aunt.

Hmm, not the most flattering pic of me

I LOVE this shirt! I used this tutorial and I'm excited about it. Once the weather warms up more I'll probably shorten the sleeves. This was my first experience with fabric paint (that is since bubble paint with my grandma), and it was fun working with tulle.

Here it was before

And after

These super cute cuffed shorts used to be this horrible pair of slightly tapered cropped pants. Sorry, no before pic.

I had seen this tutorial over at Adventures in Dressmaking (LOVE that blog, btw) and had really wanted to try it out. My friend Rachel beat me to it. With the type of pants I had, I wanted to create a cuff a little different (not using the inside of the pants, KWIM?). I also had to be a little creative since my pants were tapered and not flared like hers. I think they came out cute though.

My mom and I got to do some shopping (thanks to my hubby babysitting), so I have some new crafty materials to use. Can't wait to figure out what is next!

Wahoo!

2010-04-26T13:42:00.001-04:00

My shirt dress was featured here, at Under the Table and Dreaming.

AND I have 20, yes TWENTY followers! Thanks!

another spring refashion

2010-04-21T23:24:00.004-04:00

This was a really simple refashion. I loved the print on this shirt, but the color isn't that great on me. I wanted to find a way to break up all of that flesh tone. I used the hem from a black shirt I had used from another project and stitched in under the shirt sleeves (used a zigzag in between the two seams so it was hidden). Then I used a strip and used the same technique along the neckline, I let it be kind of loose and almost a little ruffle like.

Here is what it started at.

Here is how it turned out!

Discovering the joys of belts!

2010-04-20T13:09:00.006-04:00

It was CHILLY this morning when my girl and I left for the park, so I saw my plum colored sweater in the closet, grabbed my new belt and tried it out! Wahoo! I think it looks cute! Fun stuff!

Does any body else use clothes and big sunglasses to compensate for not doing anything with your hair? I seriously need a haircut, I have no motivation to do anything with it right now.

And just because she is cute, my girl LOVES her big floppy straw hat. SO glad that I don't have to fight with her this summer over hats. We need to protect our pasty white skin.

Hoping to get some more sewing done this afternoon! Oh, which project to start...

My first dress!

2010-04-19T21:14:00.014-04:00

Dresses really seem to be "in" lately. They have never really been my thing, I think because I can rarely find a dress off the rack that fits me correctly. When I started discovering sewing blogs, I realized how many ways you could simply make a dress for yourself. And I've been itching to try ever since.

When my hubby decided to get rid of several of his button down shirts, I had to hide my glee! A shirt dress seemed like the perfect first attempt. He had this white shirt with blue and plum stripes, I LOVED the colors and had an old blue tank in the same shade. The tank was a little short and snug in the waist but I hoped the skirt attached would fix that.

I posted this a while back, at first I put the pieces together incorrectly and sewed my shirt inside out. Ugh. Not a great pic, but you can see the little gathered detail on the tank.

I finished the dress last week, but wanted to make a sash or belt to make it look a little more finished. Today was the first chance I got since having my wisdom teeth out, and even then I was a little spacey since I'm still on percocet. lol

My poor hubby usually gets to be my photographer. Sadly I waited too late and we had to take these inside...thus the poor lighting...blurry because our camera stinks. I'm just an awkward model, and my arm is bent (not as cool as I thought I was) because I have a HUGE bruise from the iv. Unfortunately the tank is still kinda snug, bummer.

I do however, LOVE this rose belt. I had seen this tutorial and a couple pictures in this post. I kind of winged it from there. I really want to make another. I'll probably use a more neutral color, not as wide and a larger set of d-rings.

We'll see if I'm brave enough to wear it out. Maybe layered, with skinny jeans and a cardi...hmm

Linking up here...

Let's hear it for the ladies!

2010-04-17T17:45:00.003-04:00

Disney, at Ruffles and Stuff and Dana, at MADE are celebrating MOMS for the next 2 weeks! Can't wait to see what they come up with! Check it out!

It starts tomorrow!

Saving $ by...

2010-04-16T15:30:00.001-04:00

Cutting my own bangs. Yep, I've been doing it for years. I go through phases where I cut them short, let them grow longer and side sweep them, get sick of them and grow them out, only to chop them again. Anyhoo, I found this video instruction on how to cut bangs correctly. Check out these great tips on That's So Cuegly. Just thought I'd share.

bargain shopping

2010-04-14T20:39:00.001-04:00

I had a rare departure from my bargain shopping at Target, lol. I was out, alone, with time to spare and a few bucks in my pocket. Not a normal occurrence for me. I popped into Wet Seal, not somewhere I normally shop. Not really the kind of things I usually wear, but I had time to kill, remember? Wouldn't you know they had a "last chance" clearance rack. The highest price I saw was $5. This is the type of thing my family teases me about, they swear things like this only happen to me.

I found some cute accessories, each for $0.50:
1 pink, light weight looped scarf and 2 white lacey, pompom scarves (totally made me think of Disney)

and since I've been meaning to try wearing wide belts: silver, stretch wide belt, bronze braided wide belt, and some crazy blue/white tights which are likely to be made into a headband

This black, sequence asymetrical tank was $2. Not necessarily my "style" (not entirely sure what that is), but I'll make it work - thank you Tim Gunn, lol.

They also had a number of semi-formal dresses for $3:
I LOVED the color of this skirt, hate the top but I can change that.

Ok, funny story with this last dress. The zipper was acting kind of funny. I got the dress on, but then the zipper got stuck halfway up. I couldn't get it all the way up or, more importantly, DOWN! This dress is what you would call a serious MINI, it would not cover my booty in a million years. I worked for several minutes trying to get the zipper down, trying to get the dress up over my head, or down over my hips. NOTHING! I really thought I was going to have to wear it up to the register. Then suddenly the zipper just worked. Phew. Anyhoo, I plan to hem this and add straps to make it into a cute summer top. I just love that pink on black print.

All of that for under $12.

Another nursing cape

2010-04-13T12:53:00.004-04:00

This is the last nursing cape order I filled before my little break (wisdom teeth removal and then family in town). I just love this fabric, so unique and a beautiful combination of colors. For a sweet mama of a little boy.

I'm actually disappointed that I didn't have more of that fabric left over. I have enough for more more nursing cape, but I thought it would make a really cute skirt.

Just because

2010-04-12T18:43:00.006-04:00

I had a few extra minutes over the weekend, not enough to tackle a big project, but enough to whip up something simple. My nephew is almost 6 months old and is at the phase where he likes to grab things and put them right into his mouth. I had a couple cute new flannels from Joann's remnant bin (yay!), so I made him another crinkle taggy blanket.

Sorry for the blurry pics, I took them right before I walked out the door with it.
(front)

(back)

all I can say is...WOW

2010-04-12T17:45:00.002-04:00

Another craft blog featured my ruffle wreath. Wow.

Tatertots and Jello's weekend wrap up

Are you kidding me?!?

2010-04-11T20:57:00.003-04:00

My ruffle wreath was featured on Fireflies and Jellybeans as well, here! Another super cute blog for you to check out. I am so honored that people like my wreath, especially when there is SO much talent out there! Wahoo!

Now I get to use THIS button!

New fabric at Sunshine Baby Nursing Capes!

2010-04-11T09:57:00.006-04:00

I've added two new fabrics to my shop, Sunshine Baby Nursing Capes, so go check them out! I just finished one in this beautiful blue and white damask. I love how clean and fresh it looks.

I'm always looking for fabrics for mommy's with boys (not that it wouldn't be cute for a girl too!), so I picked up this minty green with white polka dots. So cute!

However, this purple and white polka dot, is definitely my most popular fabric.

Come check out my shop sometime, or join the Sunshine Baby Nursing Capes Facebook group.

BIG NEWS!!!

2010-04-10T18:31:00.004-04:00

Ok, at least for me! This is the biggest thing that has happened to me since I've started my little blog. I linked my Ruffle Wreath Tutorial on a couple of craft blogs I frequent (I LOVE when blogs to link ups, such a fun way to see who else is out there and what they come up with). If you haven't been to Blue Cricket Design, you are missing out! She is so creative, and blogs often. Anyhoo, I participated in her last Show and Tell Wednesday

Today as I was reading her blog, her latest post featured her favs of the crafters that participated. I think I nearly gave my husband a heart attack when I saw the picture of MY RUFFLE WREATH about half way down HERE!!! My heart is still pounding! I can't believe she picked my little diy! Ok, you can laugh if you think I'm silly...just wait until I'm not around so you don't burst my bubble.

Be sure to check out her blog!

One of those days

2010-04-07T13:35:00.001-04:00

Yep, I some times have days like this...

That is my cute new shirt dress (old tank and hubby's button down shirt)! Too bad I didn't realize the tank was inside out before I had it almost completely stitched. Sigh. I guess I need to spend some quality time with my seam ripper soon.

First SPRING refashion!!!

2010-04-05T20:59:00.007-04:00

I have quickly discovered that it is impossible to take a picture of yourself to show off a new outfit (sadly we have NO full length mirror in the house). Oh well, you'll have to get the picture with it on the hanger. I showed you my gathered sleeves, here is my finished shirt!

(front)

(back)

I think this boosted my excitement to get working on my spring refashions!

AH-mazing ruffles!

2010-04-05T09:32:00.002-04:00

Disney at Ruffles and Stuff has posted ALL of the ruffle entries that she got for her contest, to see them go to her entry here. All I can say is...WOW! I got a little giddy seeing my entries among all the others, if you want to see them they are on page 10 of her Album II. Yippee!

From boxy to gathered: a mini tutorial

2010-04-04T21:48:00.009-04:00

Do you remember me talking about this shirt?

I had a few minutes tonight so I figured this might be a quick refashion I could whip up. I never loved the sleeves(shoulders?) on this shirt, they just seemed boxy. Here is what it looked like on. Blah

I might have done this by machine, but I didn't have thread that matched. Anyhow, using a contrasting thread makes it easier to see in the pics. I grabbed a needle, threaded it, and looped it all the way around so that I could knot the two ends of the thread together (then you have the thread doubled up, KWIM?). Flip the shirt inside out and start your first stitch on the neckline and then stitch into the inside hem of your shirts shoulder.

If you want a tight gather, you'll want your stitches wider apart. Stitched all the way down the hem and through the sleeve seam.

At this point I tried the shirt on so I could decide how much I wanted to gather the shoulder area. I held on to one of the threads and pulled the other and the shirt began to gather. When I got it to the point that I wanted, I went ahead and knotted the two threads and snipped them off.

Then repeat with the other side! A quick and easy fix, and I'm happy with the results!

I also made my first attempt with appliques and Heat n' Bond. I'll try to get pics of the finished shirt tomorrow since I THINK we are going to have some warm, sunny weather!

Ruffle Wreath: a tutorial

2010-04-02T16:09:00.028-04:00

Can I tell you again how much I love this wreath without sounding obnoxious? Haha, oh well. I'm really excited to share this tutorial with you! I think it is pretty simple, and because I used materials I already had, it was FREE. My favorite price!

Materials needed:
cardboard box (mine was 18" at its smallest width)
2+ yards of solid color (front and back), medium to heavy weight fabric
glue gun and LOTS of glue
Measuring tape/ruler
pen/pencil
utility knife (or something to cut the cardboard)

Let me note that most of my crafting is done in our basement, which means poor lighting, which means poor pictures quality.

First I pulled out the widest box I could find. We have lots, having moved twice in the past 2 1/2 yrs they have accumulated. I didn't want to use a typical round/tube type wreath because of how I wanted to add the fabric...and because I didn't want to buy one. (= I figured I could just cut out a wreath shape from the cardboard.

You could use a large plate or bowl to trace the shape, but I didn't have anything big enough. So here is what I did. I measured the SHORTEST width of the box's side, mine was 18 inches.

I made a mark the middle of the shortest width, and generally in the middle of the longer width. Now to mark your 2 circles. I lucked out because when I got out my ruler it had these little holes it in. I used a mechanical pencil and put it through the last hole in the ruler and poked it through the cardboard. Then I used a pen and marked two circles, using the second and third holes I traced all the way around the middle. Sorry if that doesn't make sense, maybe the picture will help.

Then I pulled out one of my hubby's handy dandy razor knives (you know, the ones that retract into them selves) and carefully cut along my two circles. Pop that bad boy out and then trace your wreath shape on to the opposite side of your box and cut out your second wreath shape. You might be able to get away with one, but I wanted to make sure it was sturdy enough. Then you glue the two together to make one sturdier wreath.

Ok, here is where you can learn from my mistakes. I've had 3 yards of this heavy, almost canvas like fabric laying around for years. I bought it for a project that I never finished. It was really stiff so I thought I'd wash/dry it in hopes that it would soften up...not so much. It came out a crinkly mess. Let me tell you, ironing it was no fun. I would probably recommend a home decor weight fabric.

Now it is time to wrap the wreath with fabric! I cut several strips, each 3 inch wide, from the longest length of my fabric.

Heat up your glue gun and get started. I glued the first strip to the back of the wreath at an angle and started wrapping, just making sure that the cardboard was covered. I used a little glue every couple times I wrapped the fabric to secure it.

By the way, my toddler LOVED playing in the box after I taped it back together. The holes are perfect to crawl in and out of.

Here is how it looked after I was done wrapping. I think it looks kind of like a mummy. haha

It is ruffle time! Again, I cute strips of fabric along the longest part of my fabric. I varied the width of each strip, from 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, and 2+ inches. Then I cute each strip into several varied lengths. This next step is where my fabric gave me the most trouble. It did NOT want to ruffle easily. If you don't know how to ruffle, here is a good tutorial. I wound up having to do most of it by hand, pulling the threads to gather them (breaking a lot in the process). Here is my pile of ruffles. Ruffle away!

Pull out that glue gun again! Grab a ruffle, fold the width in half and pinch the end so that the two edges of the ruffles are between your fingers and the seam is on the bottom. Put a small amount of glue on the bottom of your pinched ruffle, along the seam and press it on the outside edge of your wrapped wreath.

Continue gluing down your ruffle strips, varying the wide and lengths of your ruffle as you go. Wind them around the circle until you've covered the front of your wreath.

I love how FULL the wreath looks despite being a flat surface (now do you see what I mean about not using a typical foam wreath form?)! I want to use this wreath year round, so I plan to change the way I decorate the wreath each season/holiday.

I was pressed for time so I just made this colorful flower out of a fabric scrap. I ruffled and then loosely glued it down (starting in the center and working my way into a larger circle) on a piece of felt. I glued a pin on the back of the flower because I loved it so much that I'd like to use it on a bag or something once the season changes. (=

If you use this tutorial, I'd LOVE to see what you come up with! If you post it somewhere, please link it back to me. Thanks, and enjoy!

*UPDATE* If you want to find out how to use this wreath all year, changing your seasonal decor, check out my new tutorial here.

***update***
Check me out at Blue Cricket Design! I joined her Show and Tell Wednesday and she picked THIS tutorial for a part of her Readers Rock! I am OVER THE MOON excited!

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!! Ack! My wreath was featured at Fireflies and Jellybeans as well! Thank you ladies! I am so honored.

another feature here

Gulp...

2010-04-01T21:54:00.004-04:00

Well, I emailed my submissions to the Ruffle Your Stuff Contest.

The Jersey Ruffle Necklace (hoping not to get laughed off with this one)

And, drum roll please, my Ruffle Wreath (I LOVE this one!!!)

I liked the flower on this so much that I attached it to a pin, so I can change it with the season and use if for other things (like on a big obnoxious headband!).

Yay for health, nursing capes, crafting, and SPRING!

2010-03-31T20:02:00.005-04:00

Wud up peeps?

Ok, sorry. Not sure why that is the first thing that popped into my head when I saw this picture of my daughter. After a week of runny nose and fever bouncing around, all thanks for her first ever ear infection, my girl is back to "normal(ish)". Pheshooo, now if I could just regain my energy...

I've managed to do some sewing and crafting recently. I finished one Sunshine Baby Nursing Cape order and am working on a second. Wahoo for shameless plug there!
Can I just say I STILL love this fabric, and it is one of my most popular.

In case you were wondering, those are fresh clippings from my Magnolia tree. Yes, I have a Magnolia tree! I can't tell you how excited I was to see those blooms. The tree was blooming just before we moved into our house last year, so I really missed getting the full effect. Here there are again, just because they are so BEAUtiful!

I am ALMOST done with my wreath, just need to attach the flowers/rosettes and then take a few pics to submit it to the ruffle contest, yikes! Wish me luck (or at least that I don't get laughed out by all the REALLY talented people)!

More ruffles!

2010-03-27T17:26:00.002-04:00

This time I am working on a wreath for our front door. I've been wanting something that was neutral that I could just add something to for each season. I came up with a fun idea and it is coming together just the way I wanted!

It is kind of hard to see, but I definitely burned a nice hunk of skin off my hand with the glue gun. I tell you, that thing and I have quite the love/hate relationship.

I need to cute/ruffle one more strip and then I should be done with the body of the wreath. Just need to decide how I want to hang it and then add my "seasonal" item. I had a fun idea for Easter, but I'm not sure I'll have enough time to make it worth it.

one thing at a time...

2010-03-23T13:59:00.001-04:00

Am I the only one who has a hard time focusing on one project at a time? It is hard enough not to start the next project stewing around in my brain, let alone keep myself from spending WAY too much time obsessing over it.

I did say bold...

2010-03-21T20:32:00.003-04:00

I finished my bib/ruffle necklace! I'm pretty excited about it! It definitely makes a statement, my "neck skirt" as my hubby calls it. I tried to get some pics myself today, but they didn't come out great. I'll need to enlist some help to get pics good enough to enter the Ruffle Your Stuff contest.

I googled bib/ruffle necklaces just to prove to my hubby that I'm not crazy, and found these that I thought were so unique an beautiful.

Here is my new necklace!

if you don't want to know the answer...

2010-03-19T21:15:00.005-04:00

Don't ask your hubby. lol Ok, I've found that there is no quicker way to throw water on my crafty fire than to ask my hubby what he thinks about my new project. It's not that he is not supportive, he really tries, but if it is a little "out there" he just thinks it is weird and doesn't know what to say.

I should know better, but...Tonight I trotted upstairs with my partially finished new necklace on and asked him what he thought. After a few seconds of watching his brain work in overdrive, he came up with, "it looks like a skirt...on your neck". I stared at him and then busted out laughing. I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to wear it without snickering a little and thinking of his eyes trying to hide his panic.

Once again, I'm trying to boost up my wardrobe with accessories. I'm still stuck on the jersey necklaces, and wanted to try my hand at a ruffle version, something kind of bold. I love these here...

Lacey ruffle necklace by Disney at Ruffles and Stuff

Ruffle necklaces at Tater Tots and Jello

Here is a sneak peak at what I'm working with.
I really do love the ruffles, and I just happened to have a ribbon the same exact color for the necklace. Sorry for the poor pic quality, I took this quickly inside tonight. Once it is done I'll take better ones out doors. I LOVE the color of this fabric, pale blue with a hint of green.

I glued this applique on felt to stabilize it, once it dries I'll add it to the necklace. I did say bold...

Once I finish it I will finally have something to submit to Disney's Ruffle Your Stuff contest!

we wore our green

2010-03-17T20:42:00.004-04:00

I managed to get my first side panel shir done for today. I totally guessed at how much fabric to add to the sides and wound up over estimating. So I used some little scraps to create a little "x" in the back to cinch it in some.

Sorry, that is as good as my pics got today. Only so much you can do to photograph yourself.

I LOVE this little headband I made. I used the inside seams that I cut out of my shirt, braided them (I did NOT pull them as I braided), stitched the ends and added another piece to each side so I could tie it to the size I want. I seriously don't throw any scraps away. lol

I made some quick and dirty leg warmers for Jocie out of these cutie little leprechaun socks I got last year. They didn't look great with the rest of the outfit, but still cute.

We definitely got some looks wearing our green out today. (=

don't forget...

2010-03-16T22:10:00.000-04:00

To wear your green tomorrow! I know it is silly, but every year I get a little giddy about getting decked out in green for St. Patrick's Day. I made a few fun things for Jocie and I to wear. Hopefully we'll get to enjoy the beautiful outdoors tomorrow and get some good pictures to share.

new look

2010-03-15T22:28:00.001-04:00

Yay! My blog has a new look! Much better than the last. Hopefully I'll keep figuring out what I'm doing.

I have a few new projects to share with you. If I could just get some pictures taken of them...

if there was an ugly blog award

2010-03-12T21:39:00.002-05:00

It would go to me. Seriously, I don't think I've seen an uglier one. lol I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to these type things. I just pick one of the stock backgrounds/layouts and call it done. Help me out here. I need a cute background and header. How in the world do I do things like post other people's buttons, or create one of my own. How do I post things, like a link to Sunshine Baby Site? Ugh, I'm so clueless.

Help me de-uglify my blog!

cheap, no-sew headband

2010-03-11T20:35:00.009-05:00

I saw this tutorial, a headband from the hemline of a shirt and a piece of elastic! Frickin' awesome! This is just the kind of thing I needed right now. I've been trying to had a little fun to my wardrobe. Far too often I feel dowdy, slapped together. Anyhoo, I thought I'd get "brave" and try headbands, lol. I have a LOT of hair and I never feel like headbands look right on me. But, I figured a free project was worth finding out.

I took it one step further (cheaper), I cut my hem long enough so that it would reach at least behind each ear and then threaded a piece of elastic all the way through the hem, and then tied it in a knot so that it would fit my head. Ok, this is a little embarrassing, but do you want to know how, um, frugal I am? I keep those little elastic threads that they use to keep shoes paired when you buy them. I had one piece that was long enough for a headband, and for the second one I just tied two elastic pieces together to make them long enough.

sorry for the crappy, dark pic

I also made a few pins that could be worn on the headbands, on a top, purse...whatever. (=
Recognize these?

I think I decided this one was too big for the headband, but it is a cute pin with 3 rosettes.

Sewing tips and basics

2010-03-09T13:17:00.002-05:00

I've learned a lot about sewing in the last year, just by reading other people's blogs. I'm just amazed at all of the information on the internet and those who freely share their skills. Two of the blogs that I frequent have sections that address many of the questions including, bobbins and threads, straight stitches, ruffles, fabric and grains. I just thought I would share them with you in case you are interested.

Ashley at Make it and Love it is one of the first craft blogs I started reading. She has a number of sewing tips posts that are very helpful.

Disney at Ruffles and Stuff is definitely one of my favs!. She just started a section on her log called Sew Basic! and is continuing to add to it.

I've always enjoyed sewing, but it has really blossomed this year, partly because I now have a space devoted to my sewing crap, eh, stuff, but I think the discovery of so many inspiring crafters online pushes me to create.

toddler friendly jewelry

2010-03-08T20:20:00.003-05:00

Does anyone else feel like they lost some style when you had kids? I pretty much gave up wearing jewelry and haven't been brave enough to start wearing it again. I've been wanting to try and make some jewelry that is a little more "toddler friendly". Has anyone else seen those jersey/t-shirt necklaces? SO cute! I thought I'd try my hand at one of these first. If you are looking for a tutorial, there is some great info here.

This is what I came up with. I used 2 plastic rings and covered them with satin ribbon, and then cut up one of my hubby's old charcoal gray t-shirts.

I'm not in love with it, but I think it is cute.

Sure enough Jocie managed to pull one of the strands off today, I think I'll have to go back and stitch it together.

The Truck to Go!

2010-03-04T20:29:00.013-05:00

Wahoo! Are you ready for this? The "Truck to Go", ready for a little guy who has a LONG flight ahead of him. My friend has a long flight and asked me to make something to help keep her little boy entertained. I hope he loves it. I promised one for my nephew as well, so maybe I'll get my act together and do a tutorial with that one. I decided against velcro after experience with the felt Mr. Potato Head, I found that it snagged everything and drove me crazy. Felt should stick to itself, right?

Handles for portability

A great little pocket to hold all of the pieces.

Open it on up to see the truck shape. I decided to use glue for the truck shape (one I hadn't used before) and you can see it in a few spots. )= Although, I do think it looks better in person.

all of the fun pieces

Several different hauling options:
ladder/lumber
boulders
sand

Hauling...

A ladder (or cinder blocks as my hubby thought), and lumber

Boulders

Sand

linked up

can never have too many ruffles...

2010-03-01T20:49:00.002-05:00

Wahoo! Today, Disney at Ruffles and Stuff announced that she is launching a new contest, Ruffle Your Stuff! It goes through April 2. How exciting! My wheels have definitely been spinning. I have an idea right now of what I want to do, and I THINK it is a pretty original idea. Oh man, I so don't need another project right now. lol

refashions to come

2010-02-26T14:25:00.014-05:00

Hi all. I don't have any pictures of finished projects because I've been working on something for a friend (keep an eye out for the "Truck to Go"). I wanted to share some refashion ideas I can't wait to start on. Spring and summer here we come!!!

I have been picking up shirts as I find them on clearance, I paid an average of about $2 per shirt. I have a bad habit of having a wardrobe full of solid color shirts, and I did it again. lol I think most of my ideas will create some variety and color. I guess we'll see.

I think this dark purple shirt (using several ruffles from the light purple) would be really cute to try out this "proud as a peacock" shirt. I think I'll use the light purple to try out the cascade tee, a JCrew inspiration.

I saw this tulle corsage shirt and I HAVE to make it! I think I'll use the blue (only I'll make it short sleeves or sleeveless). Not sure what exactly I'll do with the maroon one...although I did come across this JCrew shirt and may use it as my inspiration.

The tan of this shirt is not the greatest color on me, but I loved the print so I'd like to use the black shirt to create some sort of fabulous top that does actually look good on me. lol

another couple tops to combine into something cute. I may try this tutorial for a side panel shirt.

I'd also like to try my hand at a couple of appliques with this tank and a couple of over sized t-shirts that I picked up super cheap.

Wow, that is a little overwhelming and exciting to see it all in print! What do you think? Am I crazy, lol? Is it too many similar things? Do I have enough variety? Anything you love or hate?

pretty valance

2010-02-24T14:34:00.004-05:00

While I was in FL I helped my mom redecorate their front bathroom. It is super cute, bright and FL themed. Hot pink and turquoise are the main colors with flamingos, flip flops and palm trees to accent. With the snow storm I had a chance to finish her valance for the bathroom! My camera is terrible at showing the ACTUAL colors, but here is what I can show you. So artfully draped over Jocie's crib. The main/top portion is turquoise and the bottom strip is pink with white polka dots. Super cute!

baby time!

2010-02-22T19:09:00.002-05:00

My brother and sister-in-law were thrown a quick baby shower (in FL) so I managed to whip up a few burp cloths in time to send them down. Remember this tutorial? The only thing different I did was finishing off the edges, maybe I'm just lazy, but I actually like them better all frayed. lol I had found some cute flannel in the remnant bin and picked it up not knowing what I would do with it. It had little turtles on it (and lizards, hibiscus...) so I thought Jocie would like it, but turns out it was just right for this project. (=

snow, snow go away...

2010-02-20T21:28:00.007-05:00

Well, 12 days without internet and more than a week of not being able to get out in my car did get me one thing...a little more craft time. (= There is still LOTS of snow on the ground, but at least Jocie and I are able to get out and around now.

I managed a couple new refashions, this time for Jocie. She had a couple holiday shirts that still fit, but the holiday was long past. Have I mentioned that I LOVE holiday shirt refashions?!? Here is what I came up with...

Halloween then:

Any day cutie shirt now:

Christmas shirt then:

Just the shirt to go with her red Valentine heart pants:

pins, pins everywhere

2010-02-03T16:17:00.003-05:00

I have a problem...with my pins. I can't seem to keep track of them. I have been using the little box they came in, but the top doesn't stay closed anymore. They were driving me a little nuts until I had an "aha" moment. How silly of me to forget, I had not one but TWO pin cushions that had been given to me sitting in a box. Of course, all this time they were right there. Anyhow, old habits are hard to break, but I'm using the pin cushion now and it is a definite improvement.

pretty darn good (for you) cupcake muffins

2010-02-03T16:09:00.003-05:00

Jocie and I were stuck inside today, more wintry weather and a car that doesn't like the snow. I've been meaning to start making more (healthy) bread items for breakfast, we seem to get bored so quickly. I remembered the cake recipe I had used for Jocie's first birthday and decided to give it a try as muffins (cupcakes?). It was a no sugar/eggs recipe and I added dates for some extra yummy goodness. I used the Apple Spice Cake recipe on Wholesome Baby Food.com.

1/2 cup molasses
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1-3/4 cup flour
1 tsp ginger

Mix the molasses and applesauce in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.

I added about 1/2 cup of chopped dates and then popped the muffins in the oven at 375 for about 18 minutes. They turned out very yummy!

love it

2010-01-31T20:55:00.004-05:00

A blog I periodically read gave a new name to one of my favorite places to shop, Red Dot Boutique. Can you guess? It is Target. (= Lately they've had LOTS of long sleeve shirts on clearance, my kind of price range too, between $2-$2.50. I've already got some great ideas for how to transform them into spring/summer shirts!

Wahoo, can't wait for some WARM weather!

for the boys...

2010-01-30T21:10:00.003-05:00

If you've spent much time in the crafty blogosphere(sp?), you will have noticed that there are far fewer crafts and sewing projects for boys than there are for girls. That is while I was OVER THE MOON excited when I saw this post by Dana at MADE. She and fellow blogger Rae are going to "Celebrate the Boy" for the month of February. Wahoo, looks like I may get to do some fun new things for my nephews!

Oh, and more exciting news, I am going to have a BRAND NEW niece or nephew before the end of the year! (yay for my baby brother and his wifey) Can't wait to find out!

it is fun to give!

2010-01-27T20:16:00.003-05:00

I just put this most recent nursing cape in the mail. A friend's mom group is having a fundraiser and asked if I'd donate. A Sunshine Baby Nursing Cape is now in Pennsylvania! I hope the mother who receives it gets a lot of use out of it and enjoys it!

I chose to use this fabric because it was neutral enough for a boy or girl. Isn't it pretty!

Now if I can just get over this cold (yes, another one), I can fill another cape order. Yay!

I'm back! Here's a new FL outfit for Jocie

2010-01-25T15:51:00.016-05:00

We made it back alive! It has been a whirlwind since we got back. Thought I'd take a break from projects and update the few followers I might have left. I wanted a new outfit or two for Jocie for FL, the weather was rather unpredictable (much chillier than "normal") so I dug up a few things to work with.

I found these adorable little shorts at Gap (for about $2.50), brown corduroy with little red polka dots. They were too cheap to pass up and I thought they looked wintry. I had an old onsie and scraps from the pants I used for the turtle cut-out lounge pants. I had seen a tutorial for using outgrown tights into knee socks.

Here is what I came up with! We certainly can't go to the playground in MD wearing shorts.

I LOVE these little knee socks

the little ruffly flowers and bow I added to the shirt

FL here we come!

2010-01-10T20:06:00.007-05:00

I can't believe I'm already packed, just sitting here relaxing! Just those few things you can't throw in until the last minute. Anyhow, I can't wait to spend 10 days in warm(ish) FL with Jocie and my parents! Wahoo! And my sweet hubby is staying home, working and trying to finish up our kitchen.

I showed you a sneak peak of my new bag and wanted to post it before I forgot and left. I don't know about you, but I've accumulated lots of tote bags over the years. It never seems like one has all of the features I want/need though. I figured for this trip I'd attempt to MAKE one with everything I thought I'd need when attempting a 1,100 mile trip with my 2 year old.

I had this old braided belt that I thought would work for a handle and I had been given some nice heavy gray fabric that would be perfect for a bag. I had an old pair of black corduroy pants that I cut up and used for the contrasting pockets. I went looking for a tutorial and found one for a clasic tote bag I thought I could use.

I wanted a longer handle so that I had the option to wear it over either shoulder (over my head or not). I added one big pocket and then on the other side I pleated the pocket so that a sippy cup would fit perfectly. Yay! I made my first ever french seam (so the inside is pretty too!) and then made a successful gusset (that is apparently what gives you that nice big flat bottom to the bag). I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. It is packed for our plane ride, we'll see how it does. (=
Remember the flower I showed you?

see the sippy cup tucked in so nicely?

I used the tails on the belt to create a draw string closure for the bag. That is another thing that always bugs me about tote bags, the way they just hang wide open.

Anyhow, I probably won't post any more until we get back from FL. See you then!

Totally worth it

2010-01-10T18:20:00.015-05:00

For those who don't know, we bought our first home last summer. It is definitely a fixer-upper. We had a contractor redo the kitchen and bathroom before we moved him. Billy (along with help from friends and family) did a LOT of other work, including refinishing our wood floors and completing all of the work in Jocie's room before we moved in. We have completed some other projects since moving in, including the dining room and creating my space in the basement. Last week, on a whim, Billy mentioned trying to get our bedroom completed before Jocie and I left for FL (tomorrow morning). We had a long week of late nights, but last night we finished! Check out the transformation!

Here is what it looked like when we bought the house. I told you it was a fixer-upper

Once the wall paper came down we discovered this lovely color

Billy finished the floors, patched the walls (no small thing with plaster), and primed the room before we moved in. This last week the room got a much deserved coat of paint (including all of the moldings), our curtains are hung, the new ceiling fan/light is up, and after sleeping for a week in our dining room our furniture is back in the room as well.

I cannot tell you how excited it makes me to have a ceiling fan in my bedroom!

We spent all day walking in and out of the room with a big grin saying, "I just love it!" We still have some decorating to do. The major color missing is teal/blue. I have an old curtain panel that I am turning into a padded headboard. I also have throw pillows and some other accessories in the attic somewhere. I'll have to find them when Jocie and I get home. Just wanted to share my excitement!

I should have another room to share when I get home as Billy is working on our kitchen while we are gone!

FL here we come...with new DVD case in tow!

2010-01-08T17:26:00.007-05:00

I'm so excited about our trip to FL! Jocie and I are going to spend 10 days with my parents. It's been so cold up here, I really hope FL warms up before we get there. lol I think I've finally finished that projects that I "had" to get done before we left. Remember me mentioning the DVD case when I made the case for our camera? Well, it is done and will be great for taking the DVD player on the plane with us.

I bought this purple fabric a while ago to make nursing capes, but I wound up with almost 6 yards so I have LOTS of it. I did make my sister-in-law a cape with the fabric and love the way it turned out. I figured it would work well for this project too. I used this great tutorial again, only I made a shorter strap for simply carrying it by hand.

We just have a portable DVD player so I debated whether or not to add the divider inside, but Billy thought it would be good to have a section to carry a couple DVDs as well. The only thing I would change is that I would have skipped the batting for the divider, it really wasn't needed for this one and just added bulk.

Here it is with the player and 2 DVD cases in it. I found two cases that house two DVDs each, I took out the paper cover and put two of Jocie's DVDs in each. That way we have 4 movies that only take up the space of two.

Here is the back pocket with the cords. Yay!

Here's hoping I remember to have it fully charged for our trip! (=

Tutorial: EASY fabric flower (and a sneak peak)

2010-01-07T18:59:00.011-05:00

Alright, I really hope this makes sense because it is late and I am tired.

In order to make this fabric flower you need at least long strip of fabric, several inches wide. I used two colors, a gray cotton and black corduroy, but you can use whatever you'd like.

You are going to cute squares out of your fabric in varying sizes. My squares ranged from 6 to 3 inches, I cut seven total squares.

Here is a really easy way to cut semi-even squares without having to measure, mark and cut. Grab hold of one corner of your fabric strip and identify approximately how tall you want your square to be. Now make one cut into your fabric at that point. Take your first corner and fold it into your strip so that it forms a triangle. You want to line up your existing edge (the side) with the cut you just made. Press your fold down and hold it with your thumb/finger and cut along your triangle shape that was formed by your first corner. Open it up and now you have a square. I hope that makes sense, it is a lot harder to explain it in writing than it would be to show you.

Now that you have your squares you need to cut out some flower shapes. Take one fabric square and fold it so that you have a rectangle. You are going to make two curved cuts, one on either the left and right. You can trace a small round object with a flat bottom if you want your curves to match (I usually just eyeball it, after all flowers aren't perfect, right?). Here I used a spool of thread and a piece of chalk to mark the curve on my black fabric. Notice that my fold is at the bottom and the curve goes out to either of the top points. YOU WANT TO BE SURE TO LEAVE SOME OF YOUR FOLD INTACT, DO NOT CUT ALL THE WAY THROUGH! This is important for your flower to stay together.

Open up your fabric after your first set of cuts. You should have a bow tie type shape. Notice the center is the portion of the fold that you left intact.

Fold the "bow tie" in half with the curves on top/center. Your fold should again be at the bottom between your fingers.

Repeat your previous curve traces and cut along those lines. You can round the tips of the curves at this point if you'd like, I left mine. I liked the slightly pointed ends.

Once you unfold it, you will have a general four petal flower shape. Repeat this with each of your squares.

Starting with the largest working to the smallest flower piece, lay them one on top of the other. Arranging them so that they create a full flower, you don't want pieces laying directly on top of each other blocking the one behind. I cut a small circle out of the black fabric and used that as my middle, you can use anything you'd like though. I put a few stitches through the flower to hold it together and then stitched the finished flower on my new tote bag (for the upcoming plane ride to FL, yipee!). Sorry for the blurry pics

Sneak peek at my new bag! Love it! I'll try to post it soon

Tutorial: use old socks to lengthen sleeves

2010-01-05T12:30:00.010-05:00

This idea has been floating around in my head for a while, as I mentioned in my post before, I seem to have longer than average arms and have a hard time finding long sleeve shirts in the correct length. I fear that I may have passed this along to my daughter. She's kind of thin and her little wrists (and tummy) tend to stick out of her sleeves WAY before the shirt is too tight. I just had to buy her all new socks because her feet are growing and I've procrastinated far too long. Now I have all these little socks where the soles are either holey or so dirty that I have a hard time justifying keeping them.

I found this super thick and soft sweat shirt on the clearance rack (see the soft pink fuzzies on the inside). It was a little boring, and it was an 18-24 month, but Jocie is really closer to a 2T. It actually fit ok, but I knew the sleeves wouldn't last too long. I happened to have a little pair of ribbed, fold over socks (triple roll would be even better though!) in the same pale pink in my stash. I figured the ribbing would mimic what was already on the sleeve, so here is what I did!

I cut the top off the sock, straight across right before the heel.

I turned the sleeves of the sweat shirt inside out and then stretched the top (ribbed) part of the sock so that it would fit over top of the sleeve.

There really wasn't a right/wrong side of the sock so it didn't matter which side I paired with the inside of the sleeve. Figure out how far you want the ribbed part of the sock to stick out of the sleeve and pin it securely to the sleeve. Be sure that it is not crooked (you can line it up with the seam on the sleeve) and that both sleeves are even. Because the sleeve was so small it was easier to simply hand stitch it on. I didn't want the stitches to show on the outside so I simply felt as I went and only stitched through the sock and the first layer of the sleeve.

Once you turn the sleeves right side out, you can either use the sock as a cuff or pull it all the way out to lengthen the sleeve. If I do this for myself I will likely snip a small whole for my thumb, but I knew my 2 year old wouldn't go for that.

Now to fix the "boring" part of the sweat shirt, it now had pink cuffs to match the inside fuzzies, but I wanted something else. I cut the top foot part of the sock, as much as I could use that wasn't dirty. I cut as many flower shapes as I could, in a range of sizes. I stacked them, largest on the bottom to the smallest on top. I had some "bling" in my stash and I just stitched it all together on the shirt. Tada! A much cuter sweat shirt that should now last her through the rest of the winter.

I LOVE being able to make use of things that would otherwise have been thrown away!

a refashion, new camera case and one less craft for me to tackle

2010-01-04T22:59:00.010-05:00

Why do I buy things that don't fit me? Oh, that's right, because it was stinkin' cheap. Oh well, at least now I am able to do something about it. I think I bought this shirt postpartum because it was loose in the front. I do tend to buy long sleeve shirts a size too big because apparently I have longer arms than the normal people. There is not much I hate worse than having sleeves that are just a little too short. Anyhow, back to the refashion. I snipped up the front, cut the back panel straight across at my waist and then cut a deep angle to the front. I had some cotton in about the same shade of green, so I created this this tie in the front. I think it looks a lot cuter in person than it does in the picture. By the way, sorry for my crappy picture taking "skills".

At some point during our moving around this summer, our poor little digital camera lost it's case. I found an old zippered change purse that it (sort of) fits in. I'm not sure Billy appreciates that it is pink and flowered though. I had seen a tutorial for a tote to carry a portable DVD player and was able to use the concept (yay for quilter's batting in Joann's remnant bin) to make a little padded case for my camera. I think it turned out cute!

the front, with velcro

the back

I'm actually planning to do the same type of thing for my new TomTom GPS that I got for Christmas, it makes me nervous to just throw it in my purse. But first, I hope to get one made for our portable DVD player. I need to get on that so it is done by the time Jocie and I leave next week! Yikes!

I had planned on making Jocie an apron, I even had a couple old, but unused, dish cloths that I was going to use. She has her own little play kitchen, and she has really started to enjoy "helping" me in the kitchen. Then, on one of my (frequent) trips to Target I noticed a cute little apron, AND chef's hat, in their "one spot". It was marked 50% off, but when I got to the register it rang up at $0.25 each. I got both for a whopping 2 quarters! I can't beat that! She surprised me and was actually excited about wearing the hat!

just call me...The Bargain Finder

2010-01-04T17:55:00.002-05:00

This was my "loot" today. I spent $11.92 at Target today, and I saved $64.21. Ahh, it was a good day.

$1 crafts?

2010-01-03T09:05:00.004-05:00

Did you know that there is a whole website dedicated to Dollar Store Crafts? Even better, they have their projects broken down into price categories, the one I like is the $1-free section, lol.

I saw this idea of using a shower curtain (liner) as a play mat, you can draw designs on it and let the kids color the whole thing. What a great idea for those cold days that you are stuck indoors. It might be a little better for older kids who understand coloring a little better, but still cute! Just thought I'd share.

Another homemade Christmas gift: diaper/wipes/changing pad

2010-01-01T17:01:00.003-05:00

I told Billy that next year I'd love to make most, if not all, of our Christmas gifts. I really enjoyed the few I made this year. My other sister-in-law requested another nursing cape (for those who don't know, I make and sell nursing capes) so that she could have one in each of her bags. I went on the hunt for some new fabric because I didn't have too many that were "boyish". I was excited that Joann's had some new blue/brown patterns so I picked a couple up. This is the one she picked. I think it looks really cute as a cape, bummer that I forgot to take a pic.

I still really wanted to make something else, so I figured I'd work on an idea that had been floating around in my head for a while. Does anyone else have a pouch that holds diapers/wipes and a changing pad? Now I want to know how long it was before you walked off and left your changing pad somewhere, never to see it again? I really wanted to find a way to create something to hold diapers and wipes that was also a changing pad so that you could wrap it all up when you were done and not leave the pad behind. I've looked(some)to see if I could find anything similar being sold. I couldn't find what I was looking for so I figured I'd create it myself. I used the same fabric as the cape for the outside material, and then I used the same tan flannel as the nursing cape's pockets so that the side you lay the baby on is nice and soft. When it is folded up it looks like a cute clutch purse with a ribbon tie.

I added two pleated pockets so there is LOTS of room for both a wipes case and several diapers. I used a strip of the patterned fabric in between the pockets to add some visual interest on the flannel side.

I stitched one seam parallel to the pockets so that it would be obvious where to fold the changing pad.

I'm pretty happy with how it turned out! I think I'd make it a little smaller next time and possibly use a different fastener, but we'll see what she thinks after using it for a while!

It's snack time! (shh, don't tell the kiddos it's healthy)

2009-12-31T17:10:00.004-05:00

I was looking for a recipe that was tasty, healthy and used ingredients I already had. Haha, I know, I want it all! I found a recipe for peanutbutter clusters, it wasn't quite what I wanted, but I thought I could work with it.

Here is what I came up with. It is something nice and easy that you can have the little ones help you with too.

Crispy Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:
10oz creamy peanut butter (I used approximately 1/3 of my 28oz jar)
3 TBSP honey (I just gave a couple good squirts)
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup oats
1/2 rice crispy cereal
1 tsp cinnamon

Put the peanut butter in a microwave safe dish and heat until it thins (it took me less than 60sec). Stir in the honey and cinnamon. Next, add the raisins, oats and cereal. Mix well. Use your hands (or even a melon baller) to tightly roll 1 inch balls. Chill them in the refrigerator on wax paper for several hours. Then enjoy!

These were Jocie's after nap snack today. She loved them (I thought they were pretty tasty too)!

the evolution of a Christmas gift

2009-12-31T13:16:00.014-05:00

There are some people that I have a really hard time shopping for. Billy's oldest sister is one of those people, I don't know why but every year I struggle. This year I was hoping something would just jump off the shelf at me with her name on it, crazy, I know. I saw this super soft, comfy, cozy looking cowl neck scarf and thought, this totally looks like her! At the same time I thought, hmm, maybe I could make some cute accessory to go with it, a pin or broach or something...maybe.

For those of you who don't know me well, I am a very indecisive person. I knew I wanted to do some sort of pin/or set of pins for her to wear on the scarf. But, oh man, to narrow it down. There are just too many good ideas out there!

I came across this really cool, not so traditional, wreath. I loved the stacked circles, random stitches, and groups of buttons. I figured I'd try this concept as a set of 3 pins that could be worn together, or individually.
This is what I came up with (before buttons)

I actually kinda like them, although I wasn't in love with my stitching pattern on the largest one. My problem came in trying to group buttons, ugh. I just couldn't seem to get it right, or to the point where I liked it enough to give it as a gift.

On to my next concept. I had seen this tutorial and thought maybe one big flower would be cute.
Attempt #2:

Blah. The colors, the fabric, it just didn't work for me. So I took it apart, added some cream and dark blue tulle and a new button.
Attempt #3:

Ok, this one was better. Definitely an improvement, but still not good enough. I had a hard time with the gathering(?) on the back and it didn't seem to have enough oomph. Have I mentioned that I tend to be my own worst critic?

It was the week before Christmas and I was getting a little discouraged, my grand idea was turning out to be a bit of a dud. I picked up some simple black gloves at Target in hopes that I could come up with something to coordinate the two, but I really didn't know how.

Then I came across a tutorial for a simple pleated flower and I LOVED it! This might work! The first I did was a large flower with a pin on the back for the scarf. Ok, a moment of honesty here. I don't always get along with my glue gun. I'm either too slow and the glue dries before I'm done, or I can't stop burning myself. Apparently that day burnt fingers were the ticket. I got the pin done and wanted to make two smaller, matching flowers for the gloves, only this time I got out my trusty needle and thread. It may have taken a little longer but I felt like I could take my time with the placement of the pleats and I was more confident that it would hold up together. This time I was THRILLED with the results!
Attempt #4:

I was so glad I kept going because in the end I loved it all, the fabrics, the buttons, how it all coordinated! Yay! I think my sister-in-law liked it too because she put on the scarf when she opened the gift and still hadn't taken it off when we left.

I liked it so much that I decided I need new(er) gloves too! I had two old, rather boring pairs of gloves sitting in my pile of winter gear so I grabbed a few fabric scraps, buttons and let myself go!
Here is what I came up with for myself

For the black gloves I simple ruffled a small strip of white jersey and stitched a black button on top of it. For the cream I wanted to use all similar tones. I used some taffeta(?) to create my first ever yoyo some, added a little tulle and button.

I thought the yoyo flowers turned out too small so I cut another strip of the taffeta and tulle and stitched a quick ruffle about half way around each flower. I think it turned out pretty cute!

Two pairs of old gloves, not so boring anymore!

2 new sweater refashions

2009-12-28T20:32:00.009-05:00

I've had this sweater for a couple years but hadn't gotten much wear out of it because it just never fit quite right. I loved the knit and the collar so when I saw this sweater refashion I knew what to do I just love that site!

I love how it turned out! I snipped the sleeves, it was such a loose knit I did have to stitch where I cut and then I adjusted the fasteners to correct the fit.

I didn't think the vest needed a belt, but I wanted to make use of the sleeves so I thought, arm warmers! I snipped them so they were even, turned under that side a few times and stitched it down. It stretched a little, but I think still turned out cute! I love the scalloped(?) edges and the fact that when I wear it over another colored shirt it peaks through! I would have cut a hole for my thumb if it hadn't been such a loose knit. Wouldn't you know that they very next day I saw the "slove" posted on My Mama Made It! I'm telling you, her refashions rock!

I thought I had another old sweater that might not be such a loose knit, so I dug through my pile and found this.

This time I was able to do a true "slove". I cut the sleeve right off at the arm pit so I can really slouch it. I may still add an embellishment...we'll see.

I've seen a lot of cowl neck scarfs this season and so far had been able to restrain myself from buying one, lol. I've been dying to try one out. I looked at the rest of sweater and thought, hmm, YES! Wouldn't you know that the same site has a similar refashion. I cut the body of the sweater just below the armpit, above the thin gray stripe. I think this sweater will hold up without stitching it, so I just left it! Boy, this was the easiest refashion ever!
sorry for the dumb look, I hate taking (and being in) pictures

Yay for several new FREE looks!

Woo, I think that is it for tonight!

Felt Mr. Potato Head = great plane toy

2009-12-28T20:08:00.009-05:00

I think I my have swooned a little when I saw this felt Mr. Potato Head tutorial. What an amazing idea! I'm not sure if velcro is quiet enough for a church service, but it would be PERFECT for a plane ride for FL. I had hoped to get this done before Christmas, but my final goal was to get it done before Jocie and I leave for FL on Jan. 10th (wahoo!!!). I started it during nap time yesterday and then had some unexpected craft time when Billy had a friend over last night to watch football. I guess I really go into my groove because I got it DONE! I really love how it came out. Jocie found it today and had fun with it. I'll have to find a better hiding place for it until our trip, hmm.

Meet Mr. (I love his jaunty mustache)

and Mrs. Potato Head

Here are all the pieces, potato with velcro, and the big back pocket

Jocie preferred the mash-up face