Nothing Fancy

Bib and Zig

2011-06-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

I found out in February that my cute twin sister is expecting her first baby girl in July after having two boys. I was so excited to get working on a little quilt for her. I have been deprived of baby girl sewing for quite some time and my fingers were itching to do something pink!

I had started making squares using the string quilt technique even before I left Washington about a year ago for new quilts for the girls bedroom. But I never finished. So there sat beautiful Amy Butler fabric squares with no new home. I decided I would have to make something brilliant for Bryn. I agonized what to do for a quilt for her, because I just wasn't happy with lining up all the squares and sewing them in a straight line. After days of walking into my sewing room, rearranging squares with white fabric, walking away, coming back, rearranging more, etc, I dug through my boxes to find my one and only quilt book. I saw a pattern for a big zig quilt. Bingo.

I cut all the squares into triangles and used that pattern as my inspiration. But we all know how big chevron anything is right now, so it's not like this is revolutionary. I am happy to say that I worked it out to accommodate what I already had, and I loved the final outcome. I am not a big "quilter" so I just ran a zig zag running stitch through each chevron strip and called it good. I'm a less is more kind of gal anyway. We are short on fabric stores here, so I went to Joanns and found some subtle ticking strips in the perfect pink for a dainty backing fabric.

With a few extra squares, I made this totally impractical bib. I had to add some fabric flowers since the fabric flower craze came well after my little girl was born. Oh how fun it is to sew for little girls!

I gathered some adorable little outfits, a hot pink stuffed elephant, little Sunday shoes and sewed up some burp rags in coordinating fabric to send off just in time for her shower. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to keep everything for myself! There is no one else I would rather send it to though! Can't wait to meet my new little niece!

Please excuse the poor quality of pictures. Not enough light, not enough time, and certainly not enough creativity to come up with anything more fancy!

Easy Canvas Backpacks

2011-01-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

I, for one, absolutely hate my girls Easter outfits thanks to the months and months of seeing them at the top of this sorry blog. Blek! So for the sake of so many (and by so many, I mean the 7 maybe that might come back every now and again to see if there is anything new) I am adding a recent project.

I try to make something homemade for my kids for Christmas. I saw these backpacks near the beginning of school, but refused to pay $38.00 a piece for canvas backpacks. I guess I filed them away in my head subconsciously, because when I needed an idea a few months ago to help keep my kids happy during church with my husband no longer sitting with us, I remembered these babies right away and thought they would be the perfect Christmas gift to sew after having a baby. Simple, quick, and easy.

Luckily I had also filed away a tutorial for these cute, Valentine chair backers and thought I could adjust for what I wanted. I am so happy with the results. But how hard was it? I mean really. I copied someones overpriced (although extremely cute) idea and pretty much copied someones tutorial. There wasn't a lot of creativity or originality involved, but at least I sewed something for Christmas that my kids love. And they were cheap-cheap to make...my favorite kind of project.

I put inside some Color Wonder books and markers (love those for Sunday clothes and no mess). They also got a small notebook with one of those pens that have the four colors to choose from. My girls think those are the greatest pens ever. And that's it. Less is more when we're at church. I've found that if they have a few markers and a pen with a notebook things go a whole lot better than when I have a duffel bag full of everything but the kitchen sink. I keep the bags up in my closet until Sunday, and put them right away when we get home. That way, hopefully, the novelty won't wear off. But what works for you at church? I'd like to add a rotation of a few things to keep them from getting bored. Any ideas out there?

Easter

2010-03-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

I wasn't going to make the girls Easter dresses this year. Things are busy and Easter has snuck up on me. And frankly, I had no idea what type of dress I would make. I wasn't feeling inspired and I didn't want to make a trip to the fabric store without an idea in mind. So I was just going to pass on Easter dresses.

Then, last week, I ran into Wal-Mart to get some photo sleeves. I walked right passed the fabric and next thing I knew I was miraculously standing in front of the bargain shelves. I saw this yellow fabric and LOVED the color. I have always loved mustard yellow, but most of the time, the yellow I see is not exactly the right color yellow. This was perfect, and for $1.50 a yard, I hurry and got 3 yards cut. I knew immediately I wanted gray to go with it, since that is my favorite combination with yellow these days, and wouldn't you know it, I found the gray buried under a few other bolts for $1.50 as well. 2 yards later, I had Easter dresses on the brain.

I love the blog Katie Did and the Easter dresses she made last year for her girls. So I searched through her archives (because I don't have the patience for adorable little roses on a collar...and I know my girls pretty well. They would have refused something so cute!) and saw a dress she did a few years ago and that's what I did for Gwen. Pretty much copied her idea straight off her blog. What's not to love about a simple dress with a huge ruffle right down the middle. Simple enough for me. Thanks Katie. You're a genius.

Being the smart mom that I am, I showed Little Miss Picky the dress I was planning on making and she told me she didn't want it like that with the big ruffle. So, I asked if she's like a skirt with big ruffles instead. Lucky for me, she said yes. I improvised and made Gabs skirt based on a skirt Gwen had just gotten from her Grandma that has been a huge hit.

Now, both girls are happy with their own Easter outfits. Mom's happy she doesn't have to feel guilty for not making something. And it only cost dad $7.50.

Now I just have to figure out what to do for Henry.

Scrap Swaddle Blanket

2010-03-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

That's scrap. Not crap (although some may think otherwise). I had limited time to get a baby shower gift put together, so I didn't have time to go to the fabric store. Plus, I'm trying to get through the fabric I already own before I buy more. I started with my bag of endless scraps. I realized as I started pulling pink fabric out that most were about 4 inches wide. I didn't have a ton of time to sew a baby blanket full of 4 inch squares, so I decided to just leave the scraps the size they were but cut them into 4 inch strips. Some strips are as short as 2 inches, some as long as 18 inches.

I wanted the blanket to be lightweight, since it's a Spring baby. But also because I find with a lot of baby blankets, they're just too bulky to swaddle a baby in. A little newborn can get lost in all that puffy fabric. And there's nothing newborns and momma's like more than a nice tight swaddle to cuddle with.

Instead of batting (which I didn't have anyway and sometimes adds too much loft), I added two layers of muslin to give the blanket a little weight and structure. I know there are fantastic quilters out there, but sometimes I think blankets can get over quilted. I personally, don't like a lot of crazy designs going all through my blankets. I like straight, simple, clean lines. So instead of quilting, I skipped that part all together and decided to tie the blanket. I lined the back with nice, soft white flannel, and tied it with yellow embroidery thread at the corners of each scrap.

I know it looks like a million other things I do, but when you have scrap fabric, things tend to start looking the same. Thankfully, I like the fabric combination and I think it suits a Spring newborn girl rather well. My favorite part are the Small World looking pieces from Alexander Henry's Good Earth line that I used for our game bag. So cute for babies.

The blanket is about 35 inches square. It's the perfect size and weight for swaddling a newborn this Spring. I hope she likes it.

And remember, before you throw your scraps away, think about how they can be made into something nice, easy, and cute. And free.

And yes, I could have asked my daughter to smile and done her hair for the picture-thanks for noticing.

Block Challenge

2010-02-26T12:32:00.000-08:00

Oh my blog. Where have I been? The projects are getting completed and the sewing is still continuing, but I am the WORST about posting pictures and keeping this blog updated. I apologize for my lack in motivation when it comes to posting pictures of the things I am working on. Too many other things are filling my plate at the moment. I have a slew of ideas and sewing on the brain. I can not wait to get my hands on all the fabric I have been spying for our new home. I have ideas filling folders and notes and sketches on papers scattered throughout our house. Once we get to Kansas and settle on a house, I'll finally be able to sew all the things I have been saving for years for "when we get a bigger house" and have more room. It's one of the most exciting parts about moving-decorating!

But since I posted a picture of my "work room" and a few mentioned my fabrics, I thought I'd share what I was up too. I wasn't going to mention this unless I won, but here goes anyway.

I went to my favorite fabric quilt shop a few weeks ago and they were throwing their first ever block challenge. Basically they were handing out a packet with a 5x7 image from Elizabeth's Studio's "Face the Music" collection. The fabric has a Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street flair. The packets were only being handed out from February 1st through Fat Tuesday (February 16). I showed up on February 15 without knowing they were doing this challenge. The lady explained what they were doing and asked if I wanted to take a packet home. Sure. So I took it home wondering if I would ever do anything with the fabric.

The rules were that you had to use the entire 5x7 piece of fabric and make a 15.5x15.5 quilting square with whatever other fabric you'd like. There are three prizes all worth $50.00. The owners pick, the staff's choice and a drawing with anyone who completed the challenge. The choice awards will go to the blocks that demonstrate the best craftsmanship and creativity. For $50, I'd give it a whirl.

I came home and opened the packet and saw the piece. Not my style at all. So, I decided, I'd think outside the box a little and cut the piece into strips and go more the abstract route. I liked it better that way. I had seen a tutorial for a string quilt and had been wanting to try it so what better chance than for a contest? I shuffled through my scrap fabrics and pulled out pieces I liked and went to work. I really like the way it turned out. I LOVE the idea of this quilt and am glad I at least did the challenge, so now I know I would love a baby's quilt or twin bed quilt with this design.

I am filled with self doubt. So, even though, I like it, I'm convinced it will be laughed and pointed at when it gets among all the other quilters pieces. I surely won't win for best craftsmanship, but maybe for creativity. Who knows. No matter what though, they will be using all the blocks to make a quilt to send to Haiti and that makes me happy. I'm taking it down to the fabric store tomorrow (last day to turn things in is on Sunday) and the winners will be announced March 15. Wish me luck!

A Tie For My Little Guy

2010-01-17T19:29:00.000-08:00

It's been killing me that I haven't made Henry anything to wear. I sew tons of girl clothes, but for a boy, I didn't know where to start. The options for cute boy wear are a little more limited in my opinion. But when I saw a pattern for ties at my favorite fabric store, I knew I would become hooked. Nothing says "heart melter" like a little guy in a tie. I'm a sucker for little boys looking like grown ups.

I picked up the adorable seahorse fabric for Henry's nursery, but I decided to wait until we move to decorate a room for him. It's SO hard for me to find boy fabric I like. It has to be the right colors, masculine, not too gimmicky, not too baby, but still cute. Anyway, I loved this fabric right away and bought a bunch. It's been taunting me for months to do something with it. I thought a tie would be perfect.

And yes, I know, this is probably nothing new or exciting to most of you, but to me, a new mother to a boy, this is both new and exciting. I made it in no time and want to make dozens more. I'm actually thinking about taking orders (Is that illegal? I looked on the pattern but I don't see anything about selling products made from the pattern.) Hmm, I wonder how much I could charge?

Drawstring Game Bag

2009-12-18T09:47:00.001-08:00

When I was a little girl, I would stay the night over at my grandparents home often. I loved it because my grandma had few toys, but they were classics. She had wonderful paper dolls and little glass figurines from Brazil (that I'm dying to find for my own children). Well, she also had a deck of playing cards which had a boy and then a girl from different countries. We would play go fish and try and match the boy to the girl. I loved these cards and the outfits that they were wearing. The ones that I remember most vividly is Holland and Australia.

Just in September we went to my grandparents in California and I looked at those cards and wrote down all the information to try and get myself a copy. I have the fondest memories playing with them.

A few weeks ago, I was wandering through a fabric store when I looked down and saw this Alexander Henry fabric that looked exactly like the people on the cards at my grandma's. I got misty eyed from all the nostalgia I was feeling just looking at it. I bought some not knowing what I was going to do with it.

Then a few days ago, I was putting some of the girls games away in the closet. What a mess that closet was. We have limited space and things were piled everywhere and completely unorganized. I took out all our mangled puzzle boxes, cut the picture off the box and put them all in separate Ziploc bags. I decided the perfect project for my fabric. A drawstring game bag. I followed this tutorial but made it much bigger and added pom poms. So now, instead of having piles of boxes in our closet where my girls can't reach them, we have this bag on the floor that is easy to get too and much tidier. I love that we now have a little organization in our game closet and that I get to see this bag and think of my childhood. I made a miniature version of this bag and sent it to my grandma for her to hold her many decks of cards. I can't wait until she gets it.

Ruffled Tulle Tiered Skirt Instructions

2009-12-03T19:03:00.000-08:00

I mentioned posting a tutorial for the tiered skirts I made before. I decided not to, because I really didn't have much of a tutorial. I basically used someone elses tutorial for the skirt and added tulle. But after showing a couple friends, receiving a few e-mails requesting instructions, and a couple phone calls asking for the how-to, I thought I would just post what I did here. It's not a tutorial, because I never took pictures as I was making one, but here are some written instructions. I think you'll be just fine without the pictures. Just keep in mind that this is how I did it. It may not be right or the best way to do it, but it's what works for me, so I can do it however I want. Kidding, kidding. (kinda!)

To begin you'll need about 1 yard of cotton fabric and a minimum of two yards of tulle (you may want a bit more to be safe, because two yards will barely get you there, but it will work). The instructions for this skirt should fit an average 3-5 year old.

First, read the instructions here on how to make a tiered skirt. I will then explain my modifications after you read through the tutorial...go ahead, read that tutorial, things will make a LOT more sense if you do that first.

Follow the instructions for the first three tiers in the tutorial, but omit the ruffle. Instead, add another tier. I took the length of the strip in the last tier (67.5) and multiplied it by 1.5. That means you should have a length of fabric 101.25 by 5 inches. (I had to piece two lengths together to get it that long, but that's okay, it's covered up with tulle in the end and you'll never see the seam). Hem the bottom.

Then, take your tulle and cut it into 3 inch strips the length of the yardage so you have very long strips of tulle. I then layered two strips of tulle on top of one another and ran it through my machine right down the middle on the longest stitch length and highest tension. Don't backstitch at all. Pull the thread to ruffle the tulle. If your machine is anything like mine, the tulle will pretty much be ruffled as you sew it. Do this for all the strips you have.

The tulle is then going to be placed on the skirt at the seams of each tier. Therefore, you will have three rows of tulle. Place the stitch you put in the tulle right on the seam of the skirt and stitch back over that exact stitch. Be sure to set your machine back to a normal tension and stitch length. (I know this sounds confusing, but you should see what I mean when you are at that point in the process. Enlarge the picture to get a better idea of where the tulle lies on the skirt.) You'll probably have to cut the tulle at some points to piece it onto the skirt to get it to go all the way around on all three rows. Once the tulle is attached, presto, you have your own ruffled tulle tiered skirt. And the little girls in your life will want to wear it everyday. Be sure to make multiples in every color!

Any questions?

Baby Doll Bassinet TUTORIAL

2009-11-15T15:22:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season. It's a giving season and I am in the spirit, so I decided that I will post this tutorial. Keep in mind, I have never posted a tutorial before. If something doesn't make sense or you have any questions, just leave me a comment and I will reply in the comments and fix the tutorial as best I can. Also, please link back to this post if you are posting your finished project so others can find the tutorial as well. And only use this tutorial for personal use...that would be the right thing to do. I would love to see your finished projects too, so leave links to yours in the comments. I hope they make lots of little girls happy! Enjoy!

Supplies:

You will need two coordinating fabrics. One for the outside and one for the lining. From each fabric you will need to cut-

14" x 5" for the hood

14" x 2" for each strap (2)

21" x 17" for the basket

18" (half a yard) of coordinating lace for the hood.

High loft quilter's batting

* All seam are 1/4 ".

First, I choose to quilt the batting onto the outside fabric to give it a more "moses basket" feel. This is obviously optional, and takes a significant amount of time, but I think it is definitely worth it. And it is easy, just time consuming. Cut your batting to fit each piece of outside fabric. Starting on one corner, sew on the diagonal across the fabric. Repeat sewing parallel stitches every inch. Once you make it across the fabric, rotate the fabric and repeat sewing one inch stitches perpendicular to the newly existing stitches. Do this for the straps and basket portions of fabric before you do anything else.

(These pictures are examples of what it looks like to quilt the fabric and batting, do not quilt the hood before reading the "hood" section first).

FOR THE HOOD:

Take the rectangular piece of fabric for the hood and fold in half. Grab a bowl or something with a curve to trace onto your fabric so you can cut a curve in the hood. It should go from the bottom corner to pretty close to the top. Cut hood. Then quilt 1 inch triangles on the outside fabric with batting. Line up the lace with raw curved edge. Pin. Lay lining fabric over, right side facing. Pin. Sew only the curved part of the hood. Remove pins, turn and press.

FOR THE STRAPS:

With the outside fabric quilted, lay lining fabric on top, right sides together. Pin. Sew along the long sides of straps. Repeat for second strap. Using a chopstick (or something like that) turn straps and press.

FOR THE BASKET:

Once you have the outside quilted cut 4" squares from each corner of both the lining and outside fabric. At this point, I got my girls names embroidered to the quilted fabric (just be sure to have it embroidered correctly so you don't end up with the name upside down- you'll know which way is "up" by reading ahead to next step).

Next, line up cut edges from each corner. Pin. Sew together. (Before you embroider, pin sides so you know where the name is going, then remove pins for the embroider). Pin and sew lining fabric as well.

You should now have one hood, two straps, outside basket and lining basket. You're getting close!

Next, find the center of the top of the outside basket and find the center of the hood. Line those two points up and pin the hood on the basket, upside down, so raw edges line up and matching fabrics are facing one another. Where the hood ends, right next to it, pin one side of the strap with right sides facing. Leave about 4" then pin the other side of the strap to basket with right sides facing. Repeat on the other side with other strap.

Finally, turn lining fabric inside out. Pin onto basket being sure to line up those 4" seams as best as possible. Starting at the bottom (not where the hood is) start sewing around basket. Leave about a 4" hole at the end to turn basket through. Turn basket. Because I am lazy and avoid hand sewing at all costs, I then pin the hole, press and sew a stitch around the entire basket part again being sure to catch and close the hole. Also, sew a stitch around the curved part of the hood to finish it off.

Lastly, I decided to sew "in the ditch" of those 4" seams on the corner so that the lining would stay put a little better. If my seams didn't line up perfectly, I pinned them so they were perfect (as possible) and sewed in the ditch of the outside fabric. It's okay if it's a little off on the inside since you can't see it very well, but it's important to keep the seam on the outside as hidden as possible. Does that make sense? You'll know what I mean when you get there and actually have your finished bassinet in hand...I hope. Let me know if this part isn't clear.

And viola! You are now the proud owner of a very cute, hand made, storable baby bassinet. Congratulations! I hope the little princess in you life loves it

Disclaimer: This is intended for dolls, not real babies. I shouldn't even have to write that, but we all know there are some not-so-smart people out there.

Baby Doll Bassinet

2009-11-09T14:55:00.001-08:00

Mine from when I was a little girl:

I like classic, simple toys. Toys that remain popular through generations and generations. That's why I made the playhouse tent, mail center, and bean bags. These things aren't made with bells or whistles or lights. They don't have batteries or speaking voices coming from them. They are just good old fashion fun. And I think good old fashion fun is a great way to get kids imaginations working. These kinds of toys serve a different purpose each time you play with them. They can be anything you want them to be. The playhouse tent can be a cave, or a doctor's office. The mail can be love letters, or homework. The bean bags can be used for hopscotch or hot potato. I love to watch my children and their imaginations run wild. That means they're exploring and developing and growing. I like that I played with bean bags and had a table tent. I love imagining my grand children playing with the things I've made. Remaking classic toys for my children to play with really makes me happy.

(Sorry to go off on a little tangent)

But that's why I had to make a bassinet for my girls dolls. Last Spring we went to Arizona and Gwen toted this little doll carrier around the entire time. She slept with it right next to her and filled it with all kinds of treasures. This was my little bassinet as a girl. I vividly remember housing my Cabbage Patch dolls in it. Wasn't my mom brilliant to keep it? Thank goodness she did. I love that she made it and kept it after all these years.

Well, I asked my mom if we could bring it home so that I could recreate one for each of the girls. After all these months (and finally getting my sewing machine fixed) I have made the girls their very own doll bassinet (they're for Christmas, sshh, don't tell).

They were quite simple to make. I actually have a tutorial for them. Step by step instructions that anyone at any skill level could follow.

But I have reservations about posting a tutorial. Here's why,

1. I am a self taught seamstress. It's something I tried once on a boring day when I was pregnant with my first baby almost 5 years ago. I don't claim to be very knowledgeable. And I do things the way they make sense in my head. It might be the "wrong" way to do it, and there may be a more simple way to do them, but I just do it the way I can imagine it. If I post a tutorial, you might see that I am crazy and go about sewing all wrong. But the outcome always works. I just don't know if I want to expose myself like that or not. What if you laugh at me?

2. And most importantly, I don't like it when someone takes another persons idea and claims them as their own, never giving credit to the original person. I didn't understand this before, but I do now. This is the first time I would post something that I didn't use someone else's tutorial for. This was something I didn't look on the Internet and find. This was all mine (and my mom's, since I used her work as a pattern). I don't want someone taking credit for this. I don't want someone making money off this. That would really be dishonest. And I really dislike dishonesty. But I know it happens, and that's why I hesitate to post a tutorial. How hard is it to give credit where credit is due? A little link back to a posted tutorial is not a big deal.

On the other hand, I love when people share their tutorials. I wouldn't sew half the things I sew without them. THere are some amazingly talent people out there with great ideas. I usually change them up to fit me and my personality and style, but I do link back to the original. Why can't everyone do that? Seriously?

Anyway, I do have a tutorial. Should I post it? What are the thoughts out there on tutorials and other people taking those tutorials and claiming ideas as their own? And would you laugh at me?

PS. Just the other day I saw this at Pottery Barn Kids. I was half way through making my own and liked the idea of having them embroidered with my girls name. So I quickly got mine embroidered before I finished putting them together. These sure are cute, but I can promise you that you can make your own for well under $29.00 and they would be original. Plus, I like picking my own fabric, that's half the fun of sewing.

Tulle Twirl Skirt

2009-09-16T14:39:00.000-07:00

Last year I made a tulle skirt that I was dying to have for my girls. I liked the idea behind it, but it wasn't executed perfectly. I was new to using my ruffle foot and although the skirt was really cute, it wasn't perfect and it become more of a dress up skirt (or dress).

I have wanted to try to make a new one ever since. This time, I am much more pleased with the outcome. I love tulle on little girls. I am planning on using it in their clothing for as long as they'll let me get away with it.

I have a few more ideas in my head that I think will help me achieve the perfect tulle twirl skirt. Probably for the holidays I'll try again with fun colors.

I am showing some friends tomorrow how to make these, but was wondering if there is any interest in a tutorial? I have never done one before, but I may give it a try. It's not hard, and paying $5-$10 for materials sure beats a $35 price tag at the mall.

I know the details of the ruffles and tulle are hard to see in the white, but click on the picture to enlarge and you'll have a better idea of what they look like.

Crazy Quilt

2009-09-16T14:31:00.001-07:00

For my mom's birthday I decided I wanted to make her a quilt. I can now say that I have successful made my first non square quilt. I have never done a binding before and for not having anyone show me, I think it turned pretty well. The quilt pattern was a little "crazy", but it was really fun to try something different. I like the colors and hope that my mom has stayed warm under it. I hear it's cold in Arizona in August.

Picnic Quilt

2009-06-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

I'm a hoarder. Not the kind of hoarder who has things stuffed in her closest from the 90's, but the kind that can't let materials go to waste. The kind of hoarder who holds onto 4 inches of ric rac "just in case" or the strip of 2 inch wide fabric that I love and can't bring myself to throw away. I always buy more fabric than I need, because I love having leftovers for those spontaneous projects.

Needless to say, my cedar chest was overflowing with remnant fabric that I had to hold onto, but never actually did anything with.

The girls and I have been meeting friends at the park, spray fountains, for picnics and barbeque's. And each time we go, I think how much I hate our pathetic excuses for picnic blankets. We have fabulous tie quilts from Joe's mom, but they could fit on a California King sized bed. They're way to big for me to carry when we walk to the park. Then we have throw blankets that I just don't like anymore for my house and so they're my picnic blankets. But we can all barely fit on those. They're tiny. And not really meant for dirt and grass.

So the other day I decided I was just going to make a scrap picnic blanket for us this summer. Lots of fabric cut into seven inch squares, with a few smaller squares thrown in. I have a simple, clean cut sort of style, so I wanted it to be straight forward and basic. Nothing complicated or time consuming. I love the randomness.

A few days of sewing, a Friday fun day held on Thursday, and we have a great picnic blanket for the summer. I decided to add the large ric rac, because it seems I can't get over my love for it. Then I tied the corners with yarn I had laying around.

I am so happy to finally have a picnic blanket I love. It holds a sentimental value too. I can look down and see the fabric I made the girls first Easter dresses with, or the spool people bits and pieces, or Henry's car seat cover, or the Black Apple dolls I made for the girls for Valentines day that they love. And the girls love it too, because they recognize that fabric as well and tell me where it's from.

I think this is a picnic blanket that I won't ever let go of.

Pet Store

2009-04-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

"You know what I want to be when I grow up?" Gabriella asked one afternoon.

I figured she would say a doctor like daddy, or a librarian like she had said days before. She's mentioned being a school teacher or a police officer. I was expecting something along those lines.

Nope. It wasn't any of the above. She told me she wanted to be "a pet owner."

I smiled that being a pet owner was her goal in life, her career even. She must know full well that it's not going to happen under my roof.

We were playing at home one morning after rushing and leaving the house early for weeks straight. I was playing baby Cabbage Patch dolls with the girls when Gabs suggested in her best Cabbage Patch voice that our dolls go to the pet store.

That's when I remembered this wood carrying case I had kept in the garage since Christmas. It originally stored magnet dolls, but the plastic that slid over it had broke and it was no longer a good carrying case. I kept it because I knew something great would come of it. I was thinking of painting it and hanging it near my sewing machine to store thimbles and thread and some of the old wooden spools I have. But nothing had come of it, until yesterday.

I got it out and we cut scrapbook paper to fit each "kennel". I got down my bag of notions and the girls picked their do-dads to decorate it with. Gabriella got out her markers and colored pictures to decorate the walls of the store.

I suggested the store name "GG's" but Gabriella wanted bigger. Brighter. She said "The GG Sisters Pet-Pet Store." So that's what we did. Every princess, polly pocket and cabbage patch doll has been to that pet store a million times to buy a new pet since.

This didn't require any creativity of special skill. It was completely free and finished within an hour. It's hardly worthy of being on a so-called craft blog, but it was something we worked on together and something the girls felt like they created. It isn't glamorous or fancy. But it was fun. And it reminded me what I should be doing more often with my free time. Playing with my kids and helping them use their imagination.

Mission accomplished.

Hooded Bath Towels

2009-04-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

I know I know. I'm sick of the peanut butter balls too. It's been awhile. Trust me, I've been sewing. Lots and lots of sewing. Just not a whole lot of motivation to take pictures and post my happenings. Some friends and I have started "Friday Fun Day" where we do a project each week. We've tackled a lot of sewing. Maybe one day I'll get around to actually posting pictures. Maybe.

One thing that I have been wanting to do for years are hooded bath towels. My friend showed us how one Friday and the girls love their new towels with hoods. They were simple and easy and fun to individualize with ric rac and pom poms. I know hooded towels aren't anything new or original, but here they are none the less.

I don't know if you can actually get a good look at them, because the only pictures I have of them are from Henry's first sponge bath. Needless to say, he hated it and the girls could hardly watch with all the screaming...but the towels sure looked cute!

Christmas Treats

2008-12-12T14:25:00.000-08:00

Here is just an idea, in case you are stumped and are looking for an easy way to wrap up some holiday goodness for friends and neighbors. It's quick, easy, simple, inexpensive, and cute! Just what we need things to be this time of year.

These take out boxes can be found at the craft store in a variety of colors and designs for about $1.25. I made snowflake fans using some Amy Butler scrapbook paper and made gift tags to be tied on the handle. Another idea is to spray paint the lids to mason canning jars and fill the jars with the treats. This year I used Ivy Leaf Krylon spray paint for the lids and added the snowflakes and tags. It's just as cute, and a little cheaper way to go since you can find a dozen of canning jars fairly cheap.

The boxes were of course filled with my families favorite traditional holiday treat...homemade peanut butter balls! It's always fun to drive the girls around at night listening to Christmas music, delivering goodies and seeing all the neighborhood Christmas lights and decorations!

And who doesn't love receiving Christmas treats?

Holiday Party Skirt

2008-11-17T13:20:00.001-08:00

Tis the season for fancy, frilly and foofy. I saw these adorable holiday party skirts at places like Gymboree, Gap and Crewcuts, but seriously refused to pay anywhere from $30-$90 for them. Plus, my favorite holiday color is this wonderful lime green color and I wasn't seeing any skirts in this shade green. I can't get enough of it, and it's nice to be different. So I went to the fabric store with my coupon in hand and bought a yard of this perfect green taffeta and a yard and a half of matching lime green tulle. I wasn't quite sure how I was going to come up with the skirts, but I bought the stuff anyway.
Luckily, I was led to this tutorial and knew right away what to do. I basically followed the sewing instructions, but subtracted the different layers of fabric and added tulle to the sewing. Because I bought the fabric first, I ended up having to make Gabriella's with lots of pleats in the taffeta and only one layer to tulle, and Gwen's with less pleats but three layers of tulle. Both are equally as fluffy, and I saved a trip back to the store. Thank goodness!
In doing these super fun skirts, I learned how to use my gathering foot and over lock foot, which has opened a whole new world of sewing for me. If I wasn't already addicted to gathers, ruffles and pleats, by doing them by hand, I sure am now! So all in all, each skirt, $7 and a few hours labor. And I don't have to take them to the dry cleaners, taffeta is machine washable and it can be ironed. Bonus! I think my girls might have one in every color and for every season. So fun.

Maternity Skirt

2008-10-31T16:50:00.001-07:00

I was facing some major maternity skirt woes. Bryn and I have shared maternity clothes and have quite the extensive wardrobe. I love it. However, over the past 4 years of maternity clothes shopping between the two of us, we have only ever bought 1 maternity skirt. The skirt is black and great, but this time around I'm pregnant through the winter and it just wasn't going to cut it with boots. And you don't want to see these legs outside of boots during winter. Trust me.

I tried shopping and realized that I am very particular about the way skirts fit and all the maternity skirts I was finding (which was only one by the way) was above my knee and flowy. I don't do flowy. I'm too stick thin and tall. I was desperate. And desperate times call for desperate measures.

I searched the Internet for a maternity skirt how to. I have never made any clothing for myself so this was a long shot to make maternity wear, but I had to try. I found what looked to be a super simple tutorial and thought I'd go for it. The next day I happened to find this great wool at a Thrift store for $2. What better to experiment on than cheap fabric? As a little secret, I buy fabric at thrift stores all the time, you can't believe the neat, cheap stuff out there.

Any way, I used an old tent style maternity shirt for the knit waist band, elastic I had, silk for the lining I had and went to work.
Two or so hours later I had something pretty acceptable. I bought some lace to add to the lining for a little extra length, style and to protect my legs from that crazy, itchy wool. The sewing isn't perfect. I didn't use a skirt pattern, I just used the measurements of one of my favorite non maternity skirts and went from there.

Now that I made a great skirt for about $2, I can't wait to go to the actual fabric store and get myself some tweed and herringbone for a few extra Sunday skirts! I wanted to share because I know I can't be the only one who has found themselves in this position and it is so easy to do!

MacGillivray Family

2008-09-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

Honestly! I couldn't look at those 4th of July dresses one more second. I am holding off all crafting projects until we find out what we are having. Then I will be in full sewing mode. I promise.

For now, let me share with you a quick, little photo shoot I did for my sister's family at the beach. They couldn't possibly be any cuter! I love these boys to pieces! I wish I could share more, but Bryn has the memory card! She's keeping some pictures secret for Christmas cards...sneaky little thing.

I know we don't have the beach here in Washington, but Puget Sound is beautiful. So if anyone else is looking for a Christmas photo shoot...

4th of July Dresses

2008-07-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

I went through a couple of years having a hard time finding anything I loved for the girls to where on 4th of July. Picky I guess. So this year I decided I would make the girls something a little different than the norm. (I debated whether I should even post these pictures or not. The dresses look much cuter on. If you want to see them on and in action, look to my family blog soon for a 4th of July post).

My very fun sister Nicole, who always keeps an eye out for fun things to make, sent me this tutorial awhile ago. I loved the idea and thought a 4th of July halter shirt would be perfect. I splurged and bought 1.5 yards of fabric from a great high end store near by called Wal-Mart for 1.99 a yard. I planned on making the girls shirts with the flag print fabric and using the stars fabric for straps and trim. Once Gabriella saw the fabric, that changed and she wanted the stars for her shirt.

I made her shirt and adjusted the straps, because I didn't care for them coming from the middle of the shirt. I opted to make Gwen's into a dress and just make hers with criss-cross straps. Once Gabriella saw that Gwen had a dress, she changed her mind and wanted a dress too. So, I took the rest of the fabric and made a wide, loose ruffle trim to go along the bottom. And then I loved it.

We went today to pick out buttons for details and again Gabriella had an opinion. Gold it was. She designed her dress herself, and I am so proud of her. She knows what she wants, and I'm grateful for that. I can't wait to see the girls in them both at the same time. I know the sewing is simple, but I love taking an idea and making it fit my personal taste (and Gabriella's) and seeing what comes of it.

Card Table Playhouse Tips

2008-06-22T08:28:00.000-07:00

I used our piano bench and made a home for puppies and dolls that match the girls new playhouse. This playhouse was much, much easier and much quicker to make because I didn't add any windows. I opted to make a tent style door with two panels instead of the door flap like in the playhouse. It was a breeze to make while Gwen napped.

I thought I would post a How To Make A Card Table Playhouse with tips and hints for those curious minds out there. I tried to find some for myself when I was making mine, but didn't come up with any. So I didn't use a pattern or a tutorial for my English Cottage Playhouse. I would love to include a tutorial, but I don't have a plan to make one again any time soon, so I'll just share with you the basics from what I learned from doing mine. Hopefully with these simple guidelines you'll be on your way to creating a fabulous playhouse for your little ones.

- Your table playhouse can be made for any table size you want. Square or rectangle. I don't think a bigger table will result in a more difficult experience, it just may take longer to sew. Especially if you will be adding more than 1 window per side.

- First measure the table top length and width. Add two inches to each measurement when cutting fabric-I say fabric, but sheets work great and is much cheaper.

-Measure each side of your table lengths. Measure from the table top to the ground. Add one inch to each measurement and cut fabric.

-Label each piece that is cut so you remember what it is and where it goes. This is especially important if you are cutting coordinating fabric to line the tent with.

-Cut and sew your windows. Just a tip about the windows...don't make your window too big or too close to the bottom of your playhouse. If you do it starts to sag and doesn't hold it's rectangular shape. For the windows I simply cut a rectangle in the fabric, then cut slits in the corners, folded them in and sewed.

-Cut and sew your door. For the playhouse door, I cut slits in the fabric and made as small a seam allowance as I could and sewed so there wouldn't be a gap. For the puppy house, I measured the front of the piano bench and added 2 inches. I cut that piece in half, then sewed in the raw edges.

-Cut and add any borders to each individual piece.

-Start sewing the front door to the side walls and then to the back wall.

-Finally, sew the roof to the entire structure.

* It's important that you don't sew the walls and roof together before you sew in windows and the door. Trying to sew in the window and doors with that much fabric sewn together is hard work. So complete each panel fully before sewing it all together.

* I also lined the entire playhouse which is nice to give it a little bit of a stiffer structure, but not necessary. It also makes it a little darker inside which may be something you would or wouldn't like.

I hope that with these beginning tips, you can come up with the rest. I love the idea of these playhouses, because you can cater them to your child's personality...boy or girl. You can make one that looks like a pirate ship, or a barn. Or you can have a castle looking one or a ladybug house. If your child is obsessed with Cars or Dora, buy those sheets. Whatever it is your child loves, you can probably translate into a great little playhouse for them. Please share any that you make...I'd love to see them!

Table Playhouse Tent

2008-06-11T19:09:00.000-07:00

When I saw the idea of a fabric playhouse tent to go over a card table, I had to do one. I thought it was the best idea ever. The girls are always trying to build homes out of pillows and blankets, and I thought that they would love an actual little playhouse. Luckily, my friend Jen wanted one for her kiddos too, so we were able to tackle them together.

I knew sheets would be the cheapest way to get the amount of fabric I needed, so I set out to find the perfect set. I never saw anything I loved that wasn't $30-$40 dollars. Those who know me, know I'm kinda thrifty (aka cheap) when it comes to that kind of stuff. I hate spending money on something, when I know I don't have to. But, I did remember a Pottery Barn duvet cover I bought at a garage sale a few years back that I never used. It was too cutesy to ever put in our bedroom, too matronly to put in the girls room, and too frilly to use in a guest room. I have looked at it several times for other projects, but I never liked it. I guess it was never the right project, because for some reason when I pulled it out again for this project, I loved it! I thought it would make an adorable playhouse.

I gave Gabriella the choice between if she wanted pink or orange coordinating colors. She choose pink. Shocker! So I bought a pink twin sheet set for $7.99 at Ross that I used to line the inside (yes, I'm crazy, I lined the entire thing) and for the roof. The pink pillow case was used for the drapes in the windows on both sides. As I was searching for the right color sheets, I saw a pink scalloped twin bed skirt for $4.99 that was perfect for the banner. I had no intentions of making the door frame, but there was a slight gap between the door and walls from the seam allowance, so I used the bed skirt to frame the door. I added the ribbon on the windows and door so they could be tied up. I also attached the flowers to add a little fun to it.

The girls have loved it so far. They especially love jumping in and out of the windows, which resulted in a tear. I'm sure it is only the first of many patching that I'll have to do.

It only took me about a day and a half to do it. It was nice having my friend over so I wasn't feeling guilty about neglecting the girls. We did feed them during the day didn't we Jen?

Honestly though, it was one of the most fun sewing projects I have done. I loved it. It was like I was making my little dream house once upon a time for my little girls. Jen so cleverly called it an English cottage. I liked that. So, here's my $13 English cottage. Much better than the $200 ones I found on line.

Stick Horse

2008-04-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-16T21:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-09T22:05:00.001-07:00

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

2008-04-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

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.

Spool People

2008-03-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

I have been working on these little guys for 3-4 hours a night since Sunday. They were fun, but oh, how happy I am to be done with the Easter gifts. It's been a love-hate relationship.

I first spotted them on etsy. I loved them immediately. They reminded me of the old school Little People that I played with when I was little. The girls absolutely LOVE playing with them at grandma's house. Round body, no arms, no legs, and a head. Somehow, limbless, they're still the favorites .

With my obsessive compulsive disorder kicking into high gear, I called my mom, mother-in-law, and grandma within minutes to see if they had any old wooden spools. To my delight, they all did. My mother-in-law sent me all she had and my mom let me pick out a dozen or so of my favorites from her collection. Both my mother-in-law and moms spools came from their moms. So each doll is made from the old sewing spools that the girls great grandma's, Ola and Mable, actually sewed with. I marked on the bottom with an "O" or "M" so we will always remember where they came from. My other grandma just had back surgery so I'm hoping when she's all recovered I can make a few more using her spools as well. Three different great grandmas spools...what a legacy! It makes me so excited! I just love one of a kind things with sentimental value.

I made a set with three beds, 2 tables, and 20 spool people: 1 Grandpa, 1 Grandma, 1 Joe, 1 Jamie, 1 Gabriella, 1 Gwen, 10 friends, 3 Bears, and Goldilocks. I don't think I'll ever tell the girls who is suppose to be who, I'll just let them use their imagination to pretend how they want.

The doll house is actually a CD holder dollhouse from Michael's. I got the idea here and thought it would be perfect. Small and put-awayable...yes, I made that word up, but that is a huge criteria for toys around here. Can it be put away so I don't have to look at it all the time? Yes? Okay, good, I'll take it.

I hope the girls enjoy their town full of spool people. I'm thinking I might put a few in Easter eggs and hide them along with the other eggs. We'll see. But for right now, I'm just glad I don't have to paint another face on any wood heads for a while. Not so crafty with the paint brush over here!

Surprise

2008-03-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

Surprise is right!

If you want to see what knocked my socks off the other night, click here.

How exciting is that! I found this site about a week ago and it is fabulous!

I have big plans to make that play house for our old table that has just become my sewing table in my bedroom. I first need to finish the Easter presents. Which by the way are almost complete, I should be done tonight. Thank goodness! I'll post pictures soon.

Easter Dresses

2008-03-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

I remember saying in January of last year that I had a goal to make the girls their Easter dresses. It never happened. I don't know if it had to do with having a six month old, or having not used my sewing machine in months. Whatever it was, I never even thought about it after that day in January. This year, however, I knew I would absolutely make their dresses.

I had an idea in my head of what I wanted the dresses to look like. I found the fabric at my favorite fabric store and looked for the easiest pattern I could find. I modified the pattern to fit my idea. The dresses turned out to look like what I saw in my head...except I pictured sleeves. But do you know how hard it is to find a spring dress pattern with sleeves? Easter is a little early this year to have a sleeveless dress, but nothing a little white cardigan can't fix.

So I finished Gabs and still have Gwen's to complete. I said I would have them finished this week, so I better get working on it tonight! My problem is, I hate to start something and not finish it. I can't stand the thought of putting everything away, then digging it all back out again, then putting it away, etc. My house turns to shambles and dinner doesn't get made. I need a craft room! But at least I have one dress to show for it. I can't believe my mom would make 5 of everything for us girls! Two is sounding crazy at this point.

Easter Baskets

2008-03-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

The last several years we have spent Easter in Utah with Joe's family. I'm ashamed to admit that we always just borrowed Easter baskets from Joe's mom for the girls. With this being our first year at home for Easter, I thought it was time to get the girls their own Easter baskets. Then the thought came to me that I should make them. And once I've had a thought, it is hopeless for me to concentrate on anything else. I was now going to make them no matter what.

I thought about making fabric baskets...that seemed much too difficult. I thought about metal pails...but the colors I found were all wrong. One day, while walking through Target I saw these plastic serving bowls for $1.99. I loved the colors. They were springy, but not too pastely. I thought about how I could do a handle, and saw a string of beads in Joann's. I remembered that we have a huge bead warehouse near by that I hadn't ever been to. I decided it was time to check it out. There were beads everywhere, and I walked out with three strands each for $2.15. I bought some memory wire to serve as the handle support.

Joe drilled the holes for me and for FHE Gabriella strung her beads on her basket. She picked the yellow basket with pink beads, Gwen's is pink with blue beads, and we even made an extra for some future date that is a blue basket with green beads. I used rub ons for their names and added the ribbon to hide any visible wire.

So here are their 2008 Easter baskets, straight from my own head (I know, shocker I didn't copy someone). Their not perfect. I wish the handles would stay standing on their own, and I wish I would have been patient enough to wait for vinyl lettering to have been ordered, but I can always replace the rub-ons with vinyl lettering later. With those few exceptions, that I will fix for next year, I am pretty pleased with the results. I'm especially pleased they only cost about $7 a piece to make. A nice, cheap, but personal project, that's my kind of project.

Dove Bib

2008-02-29T09:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I ordered fabric for an Easter project I am so excited about...I'll surely post pictures when it's complete. I can't make it to the fabric store to pick up a new pattern until after naps this morning, so last night I had to do something. Being away for several weeks on vacation has left me eager to sew. So I rummaged through my scrap fabrics and pulled out some ribbon and came up with this lovely dove bib. Again, I backed it with the brown baby corduroy, but something like ribbed chenille would be so soft and perfect to wipe up the after meal mess. I hand embroidered the dove on just to add a little more homemade, personal feel. I wasn't in the mood to sew on Velcro, sometimes it just ends up looking messy, and I wasn't willing to take the time to sew a button hole, so I place the ribbon lengths in and called it good. I actually love that it ties in the back for an adjustable neck hole size. I think I'll be making more of these. I can just imagine cute, fresh, bright patterned fabric in orange and white for another bib! Now, here's a question...is this a bib for a boy or girl? I don't know, you tell me so when I give it away I'll be giving it to the right mom to be.

Belts and Barrettes

2008-02-07T15:28:00.000-08:00

These two ideas are easy peasy and almost not worthy of a post, but I said I would share my ideas, so here they are. Maybe my amateur attempts at craftiness will spark something in you more creative people and result in something far more brilliant.

I mentioned on my family blog that Gabs is getting less and less interested in having her hair done. Well, luckily for us, these little clipy do-dads have saved yet another battle of the wills. We have found a compromise. Ever since Gwens hair has grown long enough to hold a clip, Gabs has insisted in having a clip too. I bought Goody barrettes, scrapbooking flowers and used buttons I have saved from clothes for years. Apply a little hot glue and now you have a mom and a little girl happy with the hair wardrobe situation. I choose more spring colored flowers, but can't wait until Fall rolls around when we'll make red, brown and orange ones.

And, if you're anything like me, you see a little more of your little girlies behind than you'd like. Gabs has a serious problem, I have yet to find any pants that stay on her. So I bought d-rings and some ribbon and sewed a little seam, and there you have it. I added the floweres for fun, but they were cute without too.

So, now hopefully I'll be seeing a lot less bum and lot more groomed hair around here!

Crayon Roll

2008-02-05T10:01:00.000-08:00

Another project that was so so super fast. These crayon rolls was my ticket to a peaceful sacrament meeting...unfortunately I only made one and Gwen was more interested than I expected. I need to hurry and make another before next Sunday! I went with the twistable crayons because Gabriella likes to peel the paper off normal crayons. Although that would keep her quiet and occupied for several minutes, probably not such a good idea in the chapel! I also made some with colored pencils. You can make the roll as long as you need, and each pocket size can be adjusted to fit whatever writing tools you have. I also added the pocket for paper. The instructions on how to make one can be found at http://www.skiptomylou.wordpress.com/. Fun for a gift as well!

Colored Rice

2008-02-05T09:08:00.000-08:00

Since many of you inquired about this on my family blog I thought I'd share it here. This is not a sewing or craft project, but it is nothing fancy, and oh so popular with my girls. Ever since I made this with Gabs last Friday, she has asked to play with it every morning! We put it in a storage bin that we have here, but I think the best one would be those shallow, sweater tupperware that fit under the bed. The girls have loved filling all their bowls and cups and making "picnics." I cut up an egg carton and those have provided hours of joy as well as ice trays, especially if you have fun shaped ones. For boys, I'm sure trucks and G.I. Joes will be just as entertaining. We've also buried pennies, buttons, clips, and yarn and searched for them in the rice. So, here's how you do it, so easy...

Take a plastic baggie and add a tiny bit of vinegar...like 1 tsp. or so.

Drop a few drops of food coloring in...the more you put in, the darker the rice will turn out.

Add 1.5 to 2 cups rice.

Shake bag to coat all the rice.

Lay out on cookie sheet and put in oven for 30 minutes at 200.

Use same baggie and repeat with different color food coloring.

Total we made about 5 cups because I was out of red food coloring. I'm sure if you have a big bin, you'll need more. We just layed out a big oil cloth mat and they went crazy...what's vacuuming the house one more time than we already do anyway?

I got this idea from a a web site called write, mama write. There are millions of ideas for little toddlers.

Poodle Skirt and Mail Bag

2008-02-01T13:34:00.000-08:00

Next Friday Joe is taking Gabriella on a daddy daughter date. There is a Valentine's dance at the elementary school down the street for girls and their dads. The theme is a sock hop, so Gabs I went to the store to pick out the felt for her skirt. She choose purple and wanted a purple leash too. I added a little pink tuille underneath to fluff it up some and give it a little someting extra. She wore it all around the house the day I made it, but you'll have to check out the family blog next week so you can see pictures of her all dressed up. She is so excited to go "dancing with daddy."

I just found a "how-to" on line. It was very straight forward and easy. Very little sewing...I even cheated and hot glued the leash and poodle on. So fun for a dress up box! Now if only I could make saddle shoes...

As for the mail bag, I found another easy, easy tutorial. I decided to go the inexpensive and free route and use muslin and ribbon I already had for the bag. But the possibilities are endless for this fun bag...bright fabrics to carry pool toys to the pool in, or a book bag for the car, or to put goodies in for your neightbor...lots of ideas. It's amazing what kinds of ideas you can find on the internet. Thank goodness for talented people out there!

Mail Center

2008-01-28T14:14:00.000-08:00

At the first of the year, my sister e-mailed links to a bunch of things she wanted to attempt to make this year. There were so many cute things, but I fell in love with a felt mail box set. I'm a little obsessive about things. Once an idea is in my head, I really can't seem to let it go until I see it through. So, I found these tin mailboxes at Michael's for $2.99 and went to work. They also have these at the $1 spot at Target, but they're a bit smaller. I also seem to have a knack for turning a simple idea into a complicated, tedious project.

A paper mail center simple wouldn't work, and the felt was driving me crazy because I didn't care for any of the colors I saw. Finally I saw an idea where fabric was used, so that's what I stuck with. I used fabric I already had, placed pellon (a stiff felt), which I already had in between the two pieces of fabric, and used sticky Velcro, which I already had to attach the different pieces. It would have been quite simple to do, but I decided to sit an embroider everything to give it a little more flare. What started out nice and easy turned to tedious and time consuming. But in the end, I think I love it! And, it only cost $2.99, how could I go wrong?

I know Gabs will have such fun playing "mail center" with actual play mail and not just scraps of paper she finds me cutting apart for her and envelopes that bills came in! Total, the girls will have 2 mailboxes, 2 envelopes, 5 stamps, 5 letters, 4 postcards, and 6 mail recipients. The last thing I have to complete is a small bag that says "My Mail Bag" for all the loot to be stored.

I will give this to the girls on Valentine's day. Since we will not be with them for the next several days, I am going to supply my mom with stickers, candy hearts, valentine crafts, lip gloss, or anything else I can find at the dollar store. Each day my mom will put something new in the mailbox for them and say that we "sent" them mail. I hope it's a hit and helps with the separation anxiety they may be feeling!

Aprons

2008-01-22T10:36:00.000-08:00

I really think aprons are the most fun things to make. I love to get carried away with ric rac and pom poms and fabric combinations. It's fun to have something a little saucy and sassy to wear in the kitchen. I made these for a few friends for their birthdays and they were so easy. No pattern, just more straight cutting and sewing. Sorry if you're sick of seeing this fabric. I'm tired of it too, but when there's a good deal you have to get lots right? I've finally finished it off, now I will allow myself to go out and get some more!
Oh, and try to ignore the cheesy pictures, I really didn't know how to best display the aprons for a decent picture! If anything, this crafy blog is helping me with my still life photography, I really stink at taking pictures without living subjects!

Placemats

2008-01-18T12:06:00.000-08:00

My friend once said that she was raised with the philosophy that as long as there was nice dishes, candles and music, any old meal was instantly great. I always remembered that. I love sitting down to dinner with my family! Joe and I got a few sets of place mats when we were married and those have been what we have always used. Not my first choice of place mats, defiantly not my style and really they are now in terrible shape. It was about time that we ate dinner on something that was worthy of putting dishes on. I enjoy cooking and spend lots of time in the kitchen, our meals deserve some good place mats.

I really should be embarrassed about the not so difficult level of my projects, but you gotta start somewhere to get to where you want to be right? Really, this is something that any one who can sew a straight line can do. Maybe we're not quite to the candle lights and music, but who knows, maybe we can pull off a good looking place setting on Sundays.

Bibs

2008-01-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

These are definitely not fancy, or original for that matter, but personalized bibs are fun, easy, inexpensive, and cute. I think these are the perfect little gifts for those friends that didn't have a baby shower because they had baby number 2, 3 or 4. Or for someone that you are taking dinner to after they've had a baby. Even for visiting teachers or teachees. Really, I just think they are perfect for that mom who has everything, but their new little baby needs something of their own.

I bought brown baby corduroy for the back, because it works with boys, girls, and unknown genders. Dig through some of your left over scrap fabric-they hardly use any, find a cute font, embroider the name, add a little ric rac and viola, you're done. I like the idea of using "bebe" for friends that don't know what they are having, or just monogramming it with the babies initials. Anyway, really don't inspect the sewing or the final product, just thought I'd share what I think is a great little gift idea.

Fans

2008-01-08T16:57:00.000-08:00

I love when I can do something that doesn't cost a thing and has a huge impact. I admit I am pretty cheap when it comes right down to it...except for coats, I'll pay a pretty penny for coats. Anyway, I saw these wonderful fans on a gals blog that I knew back in my BYU days. I had to do it.

The girls room is a cozy, small square room. The room consists of old frames painted white with some of my great grandmothers doilies inside, a bed we got from a neighbor that we put new hardware and crown molding around, bedding from my mom that is on loan to us until both girls are in beds and I'm ready in invest in bed sets, a crotchet baby dress that my great grandmother made for my mom, a vintage baby cradle and highchair, a shabby chic light fixture, crib and home made baby quilts. Not a whole lot of money has gone into this room, but I really do love it's girliness and charm.

I felt the room lacked a little spunk and color, especially during these winter months, so these retro feeling fans were exactly what it needed. They were a breeze to make, and completely free, using the supplies I had right here in my house. Just what the room needed...a free makeover! Don't you just love it? I might just be adding a few to the master suite I love them so much! :)

I'll try to take pictures of the other side of the room so you can see all the nostalgia items later!

Ornaments

2008-01-02T10:50:00.000-08:00

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I have no idea where this little ornament came from. Was it from mom, grandma, a great aunt? I don't know, but it's an ornament that I've had forever. I noticed Gabs playing with it yesterday, so I thought I could make her and Gwen their very own versions. It doesn't have quite the perfect craftsmanship as mine does, but it will do. Joe thought I was kinda crazy for making a red bird with blue and cream wings, but I wanted the ornament to reflect me and my tastes at this point. I think it's fun to look back over your ornaments, or anything and see the decades and style they represent. Most of my ornaments say 80's, but that's what they should say. My favorite christmas colors are this bricky red, and light blue. I don't know if it screams 21st century, but it certainly expresses in a small way my style. I want my girls to always have pieces of me, and this little 2007 bird ornament fits the bill.

Oh yes, Gabs reminded me that she needs a necklace too, so I'll have to come up with some way to work that out.

Bean Bags

2007-12-26T15:04:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-23T14:55:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-23T13:54:00.000-08:00

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.