Stick Horse

When I was pregnant with Gabs some ladies at church were making these adorable stick horses. It sounded like a cute idea, but I was about 48 hours from giving birth, so I never gave them a second thought. Luckily I had two of the greatest friends that came galloping over the day I got home from the hospital with a stick horse they made for my new little girl.

A couple years went by before our little pink and purple horse got any use. Finally Gabriella was interested and hasn't stopped "Knee-Ha-ing" since. It is one of the prized attractions when friends or school is held at our house.

I thought it was time that Gwen had a little friend for our pink and purple horse. I predicted that Gabriella would claim the new one and leave the older one for Gwen (poor Gwyneth), so I let her choose everything. The yarn. The fabric. And the ribbon. I made it last Saturday while Joe was gone and the girls helped stuff their new horse. Gabs thinks "she" is pretty nifty. And it's a good thing too because apparently the other one Gwen is now allowed to play with bites. Go figure! Gwen doesn't seem to mind though and is as pleased as can be that she has a horse now too.

I have the instructions for these horses, but I don't feel like I should leave them on the Internet since I don't know where they originated from. If you'd like a copy, leave your e-mail address and I'll get them to you.

I hope I got the instructions to everyone who requested them. If I missed you somehow please let me know. I will no longer be e-mailing the instructions out to anyone. Thanks!

Burp Cloths

Again, I have never claimed to doing anything fancy or anything that original. This here is no exception. But I'm posting it anyway. This is for anyone who doesn't have a baby, has never been to a baby shower, or pretty much has never seen a baby. These are the best and easiest burp cloths in the world. A little cloth diaper and some fabric or ribbon and you're set. They're great because they are super absorbent. I love simple ones with only ribbon running down the center seams. But they're also really fun to gussy up a bit with some personal monogramming and velvet ribbon. You can also line the middle with some great throw back fabric inspired by the 50's, or use bold, bright colors that have nothing to do with babies what so ever. I love them all. My mom and I found some Dick and Jane fabric and thought it was perfect for a bib and burp cloth set. They are super fun, super quick, and super cheap to make...way better than the $15-$20 sets found at boutiques!

Anyway, just in case you've been under a rock....

Summer Shirt

Having my mom in town is the best. We go to all the fabric stores within a 50 mile radius and load up on all kinds of deals. Joe watched the girls one afternoon and my mom and I set out to my favorite fabric store. No more full price fabric for me anymore. I'm sticking to the reduced, already cut bins and the "Bits and Pieces" collection in the corner of the store. The bits and pieces are pretty small, but for .99 cents, it's prefect for a contrasting bodice, sash, or straps. My favorite fabric store also has a shelf with "baby bolts" on them. They are the last bit of fabric from the bolt that they place on a baby bolt. You have to buy the whole baby bolt, but it's usually about a yard. And it's 20% off!

I saw this fabric on a baby bolt and it was in my cart within seconds of walking into the store. With my .99 cent bits and pieces fabric for the bodice and some left over Easter dress fabric for a little ruffle, I was able to make Gabs a new shirt for summer. She wanted a pocket, so I used the last of the bodice fabric for a pocket and now she's bright and summery even if the weather is not.

I'm hooked on trying to sew more clothes. I love originality. And I made this for $5. You can't beat that! Here's to trying to make more clothes!

Leg Warmers

I must say, I am not a huge fan of the 80's trends making a comeback. Not a fan at all actually. However, if you are talking about the 80's leg warmer trends for little girls who refuse to wear anything but skirts in this cold, wet state we reside in, I'll make an exception. In fact, I think they're pretty darling.

I found a tutorial here on how to make leg warmers for little babies and toddlers from girls knee-high socks. I'm addicted! It literally takes minutes and I can't stop making them.

I haven't had the luxury of shopping knee-high socks anywhere fancy, so the current 2 for $1 socks at Wal-Mart will have to tide me over. Thankfully Gabriella loves them and willingly puts them on. By herself I must add! No more hassling with tights. Just good old fashion leg warmers! I love it!

Library Tote

Well, it hasn't been because I haven't been crafting that I haven't posted anything. I just keep forgetting to take pictures. I've made a birthday cape for my nephew, tu-tu's for a few little birthday parties, a few more crayon rolls, and a shoulder tote for my niece. Gabriella thought the fun pink and orange tote was for her, so when I told her it wasn't, I had to act quick. I unloaded my stash of fabric and told her to pick what she pleased. She choose some orange and purple Amy Butler flannel that was suppose to be receiving blanket for Gwen. Obviously that didn't happen, so that's what we used. I found a tutorial here and adjusted the measurements to make a library tote for her. Gabriella quickly dumped out the books and threw all her babies, dozens of diapers and as many handfuls of wipes she could get away with, flung it over her head and shoulder and carried on calling it her diaper bag. I guess that's as good as anything. But it sure did come in handy today when we returned 5 books to the library and picked up 9 more and 3 DVDs.

I promise to take pictures and post my current projects in the works.