Bean Bags

While this is less of a sewing project and more of an embroidery project, I just wanted to share these fun bean bags. This September while we were in California, we visited with my grandma and grandpa. Gabriella and Dax quickly found these bean bags that my grandpa's sister had made for my dad and his sisters. They thought they were great. Bryn and I remembered playing with them when we were little. We loved them. We decided that we needed to replicate them for our kids, and maybe our kids kids, since bean bags are one of those timeless toys that all kids seem to love. Yesterday they opened them for Christmas, and while they aren't the favorite thing right now, I can't wait for this summer when we can go outside and take sidewalk chalk and make a hopscotch and I can teach them a game or two with these cute, little bean bags.
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Jammies

Well, not so much jammies, but I tried.

I had this idea to make the girls jammie bottoms for Christmas this year instead of buying them like I have the past several years. I went and picked out the fabric and my friend loaned me a pattern. I saw the pattern also had a night gown pattern. So, knowing my own daughter, I thought Gabriella would be much happier with a "jammie dress" (that's what we call them around here), then jammie bottoms.

I guess I have a bit to learn on fabric selection, because the jammie dress looks more like a church dress. Gabs informed me when I tried it on her, "that's not my favorite mom." Oh well. It'll probably make her cry, but she WILL wear them to bed one night! Horrible, but I'm going to be a little selfish about it. At least Gwen won't mind her elf looking bottoms.

Besides the less pajama feeling fabric, I really like them and am happy with my first attempt at clothes. I learn something however, I don't understand patterns for anything! It's like another language. I do much better going with how I imagined it in my head than trying to follow those instructions.

So reluctantly I give you, Jammies 2007!

My Resolution

All my cute friends have amazing scrapbook blogs where they show glimpses of treasures they are creating for their families. I love seeing what they're doing, but mostly, I just feel guilty for not having something for my own family. Countless times I have said that I am going to start scrapbooking-usually around January 1 and I never have.
I've been thinking a lot about New Year's Resolutions. Among family, spiritual, and motherly resolutions, I have resolved to do a few more things that I enjoy doing, things that make me happy. When we first moved to Washington, my mother-in-law taught me how to crochet. I made a baby blanket for Bryn's little Dax. I loved making that blanket. I told myself that I needed to learn more skills like that.
I got a sewing machine for graduation about 3 years ago. I have loved having that machine. I've made a few things like quilts and bedding for the girls crib, and I'm working on a quiet book now. I've done little crafty things but not nearly as much as I would like. I come from a long line of seamstresses. Both my grandmothers were fantastic seamstress'. I have dolls, quilts, dresses, and stockings made by each. My mom made us pajamas, and dresses when we were little. Joe's mom sews always, and so did his grandma. Like my mom said on the phone the other night, sewing is kinda a lost art. Not too many sewers these days. I want to be a sewer.
I walk into a fabric store and I love it. I feel inspired. I always catch myself saying, "I can do that." So why not? Why haven't I? Well, this is the year. I am going to sew!! And I can't wait! I want to do this because I love originality. I want to make things for my girls that they will be able to hold on to because it was made with love for them. It may not be perfect, but it will have come from me. That's a treasure I can pass on.
So here is my blog of creations. Trust me, it won't be anything fancy, so don't expect greatness. I will post my projects, just so I can remind myself what it is I promised to do for myself. I am fueled by words of affirmation, so please leave kind feedback and share any information about where are fun places to look for ideas on sewing projects. I want to make it all, dolls, clothes, aprons, bibs, books, toys, shoes, anything!
I promise not to bore you with my thoughts anymore. Here's what I'm working on-remember though, Nothing Fancy Schmancy.