Sew Super Sweet

Bringing my total to 6!

2012-03-01T02:43:00.001-06:00

Around Valentine's Day, my family received a surprise package in the mail from my Dad and Stepmom, which included not only the cutest KU beanie hats for my boys, but also a new "Sally" blanket for me! My Stepmom, Sally, makes the BEST lap blankets ever...I mean, the BEST! And we lovingly call them "Sally" blankets around our house.

Everyone in my family...from my brother, to my Seester and her husband Joe, to my other sister and her 3 kids, have them and we all love them. We love them so much, in fact, that they are traditionally at the top of our Christmas lists every year. I did receive a different one this year for Christmas and we no sooner got it home then my 4 year old confiscated it for his own bedroom! So when I mentioned that to Sally, this one arrived shortly thereafter so I would have my own!

We are all always wanting new ones and this surprise one makes my grand total to 6!

We use our "Sally" blankets for everything.... they perfect for snuggling on the couch with my little ones, or my baby dogs, and perfect for car rides and playing outside in the grass.
We love them!

Do you have something fun like our "Sally" blankets that your family covets?

Words on Wednesday #8

2012-02-29T04:01:00.000-06:00

Thinking before you speak. Being kind. Acting with integrity.
All things that are resonating with me this week.

source

source

source

Tuesday Treasury #17

2012-02-28T04:26:00.000-06:00

My obsession this week....Chevron stripes!
I love them, but I love even more all the fun colors!

Tuesday Treasury #17

Chevron pillow in fuschia
by honey pie design

Nursing pillow case cover
by houseofhenderson

Chevron strip clutch purse
by vincent v'designs

Happy Shopping!

Happiness is....

2012-02-27T15:29:00.004-06:00

Happiness is watching your boys start to play together for the first time.

Love.
Love.

Love.

Unexpected

2012-02-23T04:37:00.000-06:00

I love finding unexpected pockets of
pure "Zach" around our house.
Undeniably him.

Words on Wednesday #7

2012-02-22T04:47:00.001-06:00

source

I love all of these and they speak to me in different ways....all changes in perspective. Love.

Wishing you a Wonderful Wednesday!

Tuesday Treasury #16

2012-02-21T05:18:00.000-06:00

This week's treasury is devoted to my beloved Kansas Jayhawks!
Rock Chalk!

Tuesday Treasury #16
(click link above to view entire treasury on etsy)

Jayhawk Onsie or Toddler Tee
by thestripedwhale

Jayhawk Standout
by sporting standouts

Kansas Jayhawks Handmade Wreath
by amyseaburn

A Sweet Handmade Suprise

2012-02-20T04:37:00.001-06:00

I love surprises! Especially when surprises are actual surprises....do you know what I mean? My stepmother knitted these super cute KU beanies for the boys and they arrived in the mail yesterday.

SURPRISE!

A typical 4 yeard old, Z didn't want to wear his at first....that is, of course, until I put E's on his sweet little noggin and then Z was quick to follow suit! Little brother couldn't be the only one getting gushes from Mom and Dad. :)

And isn't he so, SO cute in it?!

LOVE LOVE LOVE! Thank you so much Grandma Sally!!

How just $0.97 can change your perspective

2012-02-17T05:22:00.001-06:00

My 4 year old LOVES to draw. And I LOVE that he LOVES to draw. I LOVE being able to visually see what his little mind dreams up with his imagination, which in his case, usually involves either Angry Birds or obstacle course from the tv show Wipeout.

Z is the type of little boy that can re-create something he has seen only once, for example, an Angry Bird set up from the game or from an AB construction set he has.

He's pretty good, isn't he? And he loves those Angry Birds.
And he loves WipeOut too. He loves drawing the obstacle course.

And he loves the big balls of course. :)

What I didn't love, however, was the na-nillion times a day I would have to pick up his markers and crayons from the table. Or the floor. Or one of my dining chairs. Or the desk in our kitchen. I would complain and complain and complain about having to pick them up. It would be the last thing I did each night before bed and it put me close to going over the top on more than one occasion.

Then one day, it dawned on me....if it consumed so many short bursts of my time and energy, what could I do to change it? Why was I spending so much time complaining versus trying to change my situation?

So for $0.97 a piece, I picked up 2 pencil boxes from Walmart. Such a simple solution. Not rocket science. Most likely something that every other mom in America has in her home.

My kid now uses the boxes like he is supposed to instead of leaving them strung out everywhere. Go figure.

But you know what? This very simple solution is forcing me to stop and think about what else I have been complaining about in my life that if I just slowed down for two seconds to think about, I could most likely solve the problem and end the complaining. I find myself just going full steam ahead while small things like this one drain my time and energy. As a full time working mom of 2 boys, I've got more important things to spend my time on other than complaining about the small stuff.

And yes, technically it is the best $1.94 I have ever spent, but I am not sweating the small stuff.

Randomly Getting to Know Me

2012-02-16T08:36:00.018-06:00

The Rules

1. Post these rules.

2. You must post 11 random things about yourself.

3. Answer the questions set for you in this post.

4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

5. Go to their blog and tell them you’ve tagged them.

My 11 Random Things

1. My biggest pet peeve is when people let socks hang off the ends of their feet. My big brother used to torture me with this when we were growing up. Pull your socks up already!
2. I only eat Haribo Gummy bears. All other brands are completely disgusting.
3. I desperately want to a nose piercing, but my Corporate job will not allow it. But I've worked for said company for 12 years this Spring and its a good place to work. It was my first job out of college.
4. But if I were not at said Corporate job, I would love to have my own food truck, selling breakfast...biscuits and gravy, sausage on a stick, etc. My kids are up at the crack of dawn anyways.
5. I love to read cookbooks and have shelves of them in them my kitchen, yet I now find most of my recipes online.
6.. I will only eat soup if it is really, really hot.
7.. But I hate drinking any sort of hot drink.
8. I think motherhood is the single greatest achievement of my life.
9. I want to be a foster parent to neglected animals. Hopefull I can start this once my kiddos are a bit older.
10. I love getting home from work before my husband for no other reason than I love to get the mail before he does.
11. I've watched the entire series of Sex and the City during both of my maternity leaves with my boys.

Questions for me to Answer

1. What is your favorite memory of your mother/mother figure? My favorite memories of my Momma are all surrounding food...whether it is the food she cooked for us every day or working with her in one of her restaurants. This past Thanksgiving I recently told her that I was very thankful that she was a mom that cooked because it always made me feel loved and it still does. I can't go home to KS without her having cooked most of my favorite meals. Every time. Now being a mom that cooks is important for me with my boys and I hope that is how they remember me...someone that loved them enough to cook for them.
2. Knowing what you do about me, if you had 24 hours to come spend with me, what would you insist we do? Tooje, this may sound silly...but I would insist we do nothing but get our kids together to play and for us to chat and catch up. I would love to be able to introduce our kiddos so they could get to know each other like we did growing up. You could drink coke and I could drink diet coke and we could just talk while our kids played.
3. What is one trait a good friend possesses that you do not have, but would like? My friend Ll is genuinely happy for other people's successes in life, and the best part is she isn't afraid to share with you. I would love to be more like that. I am working on it.
4. What trait do you feel you possess that others would seek? I have very few regrets in my life, really only being able to think of one. Not that I haven't missed other opportunities than that whether in relationship or at work, but I do not dwell on them. I recognize what I could've, should've done differently and move on. Regret paralizes us and I am thankful I do not suffer from it very often. I wish this for more people in my life.
5. When it comes to affection, do you prefer hand holding, kisses, hugs, simple snuggling or distance and personal space? Definitely a kisser/hugger/snuggler with my boys. I love nothing more than to be close to them. But at night? I like my space to spread out to sleep.
6. Do you find yourself more often feeling superior or inferior to your friends and peers? For example, do you more often catch yourself thinking "I could have handled it better by..." or "Man, I wish I could carry myself like..."? I don't feel either and I find myself saying both things. Maybe not equally all the time, but I definitely don't feel either way about specific people in my life.
7. What is your favorite and least favorite parts of traditional weddings? I love the vows. I do not like the cheesey dancing activities like the chicken dance.
8. Do you think, hindsight being 20/20 and lessons learned over the past 50-60 years, the traditional family style of the 1950s would work today? (Men working away from home, women working in the home) I think the traditional family style does work today, I have several friends that stay at home with their children, and it is important for them to make that choice for their families. But I also think that fortunately for women like me, I have the power to choose what works best for my family, and that is that I choose to work outside the home as does my husband. I do realize that not every family gets to choose their situation, some requireing that both parents work without a choice. Both my parents worked, in fact, my mother had to work her a** off to provide for us even though my dad made a lot of money. While I honestly envy my friends that get to spend all day with their babies, I also recognize that it is certainly is work too. I often make the joke that I have to go to work just to get some rest. And it is true. Being a stay at home parent is tough. I owe a great deal of my older boy's development to his daycare, I feel they teach him quite a deal more than I could if I stayed home with him...everything from sharing, socializing, playing well with others, resolving conflict, taking field trips, on and on. I know myself well enough to know I do not make new friends easily, and living in a city where I only have a few friends, and only one with kids, he would not have the same opportunity to make friends and soclialize as he does now. Working outside the home is best for my family, not just for me, but it is not best for every family. Whew.
9. Do you ever use an actual paper/hard-back dictionary anymore? Finally, an easy one. Nope. I do not even own one.
10. What current trend in today's youth worries you the most? The overall lack of respect the youth of today seems to have for anyone and anything....from adults, authority figures, each other, themselves, and even they stuff they have....which I think is caused by a generation of parents who try to be best friends with their kids instead of being a parent because it is easier. I hope our generation of parents gets it right before it is too late.

My Questions for You

1. Besides family, friends, etc....what are you most passionate about, and why?
2. Are you a dog or cat person, or neither? Why?
3. If you had an extra hour in your day, just for yourself, how would you spend it?
4. What is your biggest regret in life? Why?
5. Would you change it if you could? (my only regret I mentioned above, I wouldn't change for the world, but I can't let it go either)
6. When was the last time you did something nice for someone for no reason?
7. When was the last time someone did something nice for you for no reason?
8. Who give you your biggest guilt trip...meaning what is the one thing that you fall for every time? Is it buying girl scout cookies? Signing up for a box of $20 chocolates from the kid of someone in your office? Who gets you every time and you can't say no?
9. What social media could you give up? How easy would it be?
10. Obviously we are all reading these because we are blogging....what is your favorite part about blogging?
11. What is your least favorite part about blogging?

This has been fun! If you decide to participate, please let me know in the comments so I can come check it out!!!

Words on Wednesday #6

2012-02-15T05:51:00.000-06:00

These should be my life mantras!!

Tuesday Treasury #15

2012-02-14T05:47:00.000-06:00

Tuesday Treasury #15

My inspiration this week? My first loves....my sweet Cav girls Mollie and Macy.

I love my dogs.

Colorful Pet Portrait
dawgpainter

The Mod Dog Collar Collection
bowwowcouture

Felt Flower Dog Collar
littlebluefeather

Words on Wednesday #5

2012-02-08T07:37:00.000-06:00

source

Tuesday Treasury #14

2012-02-07T04:00:00.000-06:00

This week I am obsessed with bags!

Tuesday Treasury #14

BOHO XL leather hobo
by mimsmaine

Large Chevron Zigzag Hobo
by fromKtoZ

Purple canvas Ruffle Bag
by kormargeaux

Customized Family Rules Sign by Signs of Vintage

2012-02-06T04:00:00.000-06:00

Don't you just LOVE these Family Rules signs that are so popular these days? I do and I have been on the hunt for the perfect one that encompasses every thing that I want my home to represent for my family, one that speaks to me every time I read it. After searching and searching and searching, I found this great shop on Etsy called "Signs of Vintage" that customizes the signs for you! All I had to do was submit the wording I wanted to include and I had a proof to approve within 48 hours! How simple is that?!

So the sign above it completely ours, for my family.
I even included our most memorable dates...our wedding date and the birth dates of our two sons!

I love it!

Stamped Initial Necklace from Celebrate Today

2012-02-02T04:00:00.000-06:00

As soon as my sweet E was born, I was craving a piece of jewelry that I could wear to remind me of both my boys. I came across this great little shop on Etsy called "Celebrate Today" and the moment I saw this gold, hand stamped necklace I knew it was exactly what I wanted. Mine arrived a few weeks ago and I have worn it virtually every day. I love it!

Words on Wednesday #4

2012-02-01T09:28:00.002-06:00

From the moment I was pregnant with my first baby,
I knew I was supposed to be the Momma of boys.

Team Studer : 25 Rules for Mothers of Sons

And this is the kind of Momma I hope to be to them.

Tuesday Treasury #13

2012-01-30T15:46:00.008-06:00

I am OBSESSED with long, dangly earrings this week!

Tuesday Treasury #13
(click the link above to view the entire treasury)

Here's a sneak peek!

Elegant Loop Earrings
by SSSJ

Gold Hoop Earrings with Turquoise
by erosejewelry

Gold & Teal Green Glass Earrings
by ilexiadesigns

Fun little weekend project!

2012-01-30T15:42:00.003-06:00

Crayon Rolls

Another quick little fun project for

two birthday parties over the weekend.

Super easy to throw in your purse when

headed out to eat with kids in tow

in hopes that you may actually get to eat your dinner!

Another Fun Etsy Feature

2012-01-27T08:41:00.001-06:00

My vintage inspired flower hand bag was recently featured in the
Treasury "I love the flower girl" by Kathleen Sciola on Etsy.
Stop by and see all the lovely items she featured!

What a nice compliment!

Happy Friday!

Words on Wednesday #3

2012-01-24T10:37:00.005-06:00

(source)

Love. Love Love. Love Love Love.

(source)

Great reminder on the power of perspective.

Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday Treasury #12

2012-01-24T09:30:00.004-06:00

Tuesday Treasury #12

(click here to see the complete treasury)

I just cannot gush enough about the beautiful goods that are on Etsy! I've made a few fun purchases recently that I will share in the near future, but until then, here are my picks for this week! To see all 16 items, click here. Now go out and shop Etsy!

Black and White Denim Bag
by CrazyBoy

Set of 3 Rings
by Ringsland

Green Jade Necklace
by Zafirenia

A Minky Blankie for my Sweet E

2012-01-23T10:21:00.002-06:00

When my oldest son Z was born, my Stepmom made him a super sweet crib blanket from super soft minky fabric, so when E was born, I wanted to make him one for his crib as well.

And here it is!

I love minky fabric, even though I find it kind of hard to sew with because it is so smooth. I used my walking foot and I still broke 2 needles sewing this one together. I still can't figure out why? Maybe the fabric was too thick in the corners?

Z still sleeps with his minky blankie and I hope E loves his just as much.

Happy Monday!

Words on Wednesday #2

2012-01-18T10:33:00.006-06:00

source

Completely true.

What a powerful reminder that you own your own life.
You. Just you.

source

I love this.

Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday Treasury #11

2012-01-16T10:18:00.007-06:00

Tuesday Treasury #11
(click above to see the entire etsy treasury)

The Color of LOVE Pillow

Petunias Messenger Bag

Texas Print

Happy Tuesday!

One more Sweet Bunny Boo!

2012-01-16T08:19:00.006-06:00

A sweet little girl Bunny Boo made for a fun weekend finish for, well, a sweet little girl.

(front)

(back)

I simply free handed the minky heart and minky tail, and while they are not perfect, they are perfectly imperfect. :)

Happy Monday!

My first finish! Sweet Bunny Boo #2

2012-01-13T09:29:00.009-06:00

I did it!
I did it!
I SEWED last night!
And I have to say, it felt so, so good.
So, what did I sew?

You may remember (though I am sure you don't because it was SO long ago) when I made two very sweet Bunny Boos for my friend Allegra's two special little kids. You can read about them here and here.

While, I was sure M would like the cute pink one I made her, I was very surprised when Allegra told me that S LOVED his. And when I say LOVE, I mean LOVE! S carries his Bunny Boo EVERYWHERE and has for well over a year. And you can tell it too by how worn and scraggely the poor little bunny looks. S loves to rub Bunny's soft minky ears and when his Bunny Boo is being washed, he sneaks into M's room and steals her Bunny Boo to snuggle with.

Allegra had mentioned to me once or twice that she could hardly allow herself to let S carry the bunny in public, but since he loves it so much she hasn't had the heart to make him leave it at home.

Fast forward to this week when I blogged that I really wanted to start sewing...my mind has been wondering since then about what projects I could start and the Bunny Boo was the first thing to come to mind. It was quick, it was easy...it was the perfect project to ease back into sewing!

So I did.

And S will have Bunny Boo #2 delivered to his home tomorrow.

And look who was back as my Project Manager!

Mollie Girl!

She slept one the desk right next to me.
What a sweet baby girl.

Happy Friday!

A Handmade Nursery

2012-01-12T08:48:00.000-06:00

With my first child, my husband and I decided that we wanted to know the sex of our baby because as first time parents we knew we had a lot of other "unknowns" that would come our way in the years to come. But the second time around, we decided to not find out and be surprised, this time figuring we survived the "unknowns" with the first child so not knowing would be fun.

And it was fun...up until I realized I wasn't going to be able to decorate the nursery until the little one arrived. I am a planner, so not being to plan the nursery in advance was really, really hard for me. So hard, in fact, that I may or may not have called my father, who lives 8 hours away, on multiple occasions and asked him to drive to Dallas over a weekend to come paint the nursery a neutral color before changing my mind and waving him off over and over because I realized I should leave it painted blue, you know, just in case it was a boy. And, it was.

And even though I personally haven't sewn in quite a while, it hasn't quenched my love for handmade goods. So when it came time to decorate my son's nursery, I scoured Etsy and Pinterest for handmade ideas.

While I was initally drawn to greys, reds and blues (you can check out my pinterest board here) I ultimately decided that I wanted the room to be more colorful after I found this birth announcement print by Kari Machel Designs on Etsy. I love the block style of the numbers of his birth date.

Also on Etsy, I then found this second You are My Sunshine print, by Nella Designs, that I alos loved. "You are my Sunshine" quickly became my song for me and my sweet E.

Once I had decided on the colors for the nursery from the birth announcement print, I emailed it to my Dad and asked him to build the "E" art I've hung inbetween the two prints. He purchased the "E" from a craft store and simply glued it to a circular piece of particle board. My son Z then helped him paint it, which was a fun way for him to be able to help with his brother's room.

The entire nursery came together, though, when my Stepmother surprised me with a beautiful "Woodland Creature" baby quilt! I knew the moment I saw it that I wanted to hang it on the wall and we just used a simple curtain rod to do so.

Isn't it awesome? The colors are absolutely perfect, and the really neat part is that she purchased the fabric to make the quilt before I had even picked my colors for the birth announcement print. She saw the fabric and pattern while she was on a quilt shop bus tour and bought it on a whim because she thought I would like it.

But I don't just like it, I love it. I couldn't have picked anything better myself. And now my sweet E has a warm and cozy handmade nursery.

WOW - Words On Wednesday

2012-01-11T08:41:00.005-06:00

Yesterday's post was all about one word, today's post is all about many! I thought it would be fun to start a new feature called WOW - Words on Wednesday! Here are a few of my all time favorites!

These words really hit home for me last week when I started my sweet E in daycare. While my head told me that it was going to be easier the second time around because Z was already in school, my heart completely disagreed. With Z, I at least made it to the parking lot on the first day I left him before I cried. This time around, I cried ON THE WAY to take E for his first visit to the classroom....and I didn't even leave him that day! I think it was Z had me to himself for 4 years before E was born, while I knew that E was only getting me to himself for the 12 weeks I was on maternity leave.

My head told me "It will be easier this time" whereas my heart said "He is your baby, stupid. It doesn't matter how many times you've done it". The heart always knows what the head doesn't.

I love this. It speaks volumes to me. Life never looks like the picture in our heads....and THANK GOODNESS it doesn't.

True. True. True. So true. We should close our eyes more often.

(source)

Again, true. True. So true.

Happy Wednesday!

One Word

2012-01-10T08:10:00.010-06:00

Hello? Is anybody out there?

Wow. Almost one year has gone by since my last post, which I can hardly believe. Where have I been? Do I have a good reason for letting 10 months go by without a single word? Well, that is the funny thing about a single word. I've recently starting seeing posts by some of my favorite bloggers (here and here) where they choose a single word to emphasize throughout 2012, which of course made me start thing the word I would choose for this year. And once I chose my word, I wanted to share it.

My word is truth.

Truth.

When I first saw this pinned on pinterest (we all know pinterest, right?), it spoke to me and stopped me in my tracks. And not because I am not living with integrity in my life and suddenly felt the need to start being truthful. On the contrary, I make a very conscious effort (sometimes it really hard), to always speak the truth. And the whole truth too, not the whole truth sprinkled with little white lies (which sometimes is really hard when you have a 4 year old that asks a na-nillion questions!).

No, the part that speaks to me the most isn't even about truth necessarily, but instead is the part "...even if your voice shakes" because it takes courage to speak the truth and the most important truths to be spoken often cause your voice to shake. And those are the truths I want to have the courage to speak this year.

My word is truth.

So I will start with telling you the truth about why I haven't posted in almost 10 months. I stopped sewing about this time last year when I found out I was pregnant with my son because I was tired. So, so tired. Between working full time, taking care of my 4 year old boy and being pregnant, I was tired and something had to give. Unfortunately, that was sewing. And when I stopped sewing I felt like I had nothing else to contribute to my blog since well, my blog is about sewing. And while a part of me, the part that sometimes isn't tired and musters up a little bit of energy, misses sewing and can't wait to start again, I don't know when that will be. Hopefully sooner rather than later. In the meantime, I will be blogging about my family, and other people's sewing and maybe all the wonderful things I have found on Etsy and Pinterest lately. (on a side note, have you discovered pinterest? if not, go now!)

If you are still out there, thank you for sticking around for the last 10 months. I will get back to sewing as soon as I can, I promise.

I will leave with this....my sweet, sweet E baby is 3 months old today and really is the most precious little boy! I love him so, so much. And that, my friends, is the truth. :)

What is your word? Please share it with me...

I am sharing mine here.....

Tuesday Treasury #10

2011-03-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

Tuesday Treasury #10

A Sneak Peek....

Chiyogami Print Paper Crane
MadeByJo

Bird with Pearl Moon Necklace
BlackSwanJewels

All About A Bow Clutch Purse
DavieandChiyo

The Positive of Social Media - Giving Back

2011-03-06T10:47:00.018-06:00

Say what you will about the "perils" of the internet and social media, but I believe the positive that comes from being able to keep in touch, in being able to connect and create community with those that you would otherwise most likely not, far outweighs the negative. I have a perfect example.

Several girlfriends, most I've known since kindergarten, and I have really reconnected within the last year through facebook and we've had several discussions about who we choose to accept friends requests from, and we each have our ideas about who and what we are comfortable with. We grew up in a small town and we receive a lot of friend requests from the same people. My rule of thumb is this: If I were to run into at our local small town Maple Leaf Festival and we would acknowledge each outher because we were friends in the past, I accept. If we would walk right by each other and not say a word? I don't accept. I try to keep it simple and I have to say, I haven't had a single ounce of guilt managing it this way. Okay, I take that back. I think the very first time I declined an invite I had the "But what if I look like the mean girl from high school if I don't accept?" worry go through my head, but I quickly realize now as an adult that isn't necessarily my issue, but is that person's issue. I am not a mean girl, so it hasn't bothered me since.

But! That's not my example. My example is this! Facebook has also allowed me to stay in touch with other childhood friends as well. Friends half way around the world, currently deployed while serving in our United States Military.

My friend, Staff Sergeant Chris Benjamin, has bravely been deployed for the last year in Africa and will be coming home within the next 8 weeks. While in Africa, Chris has been deeply affected by the mass poverty and widespread suffering during this deployment and has been committed to leaving a positive impact on local orphanages by participating in English discussion groups, leading holiday prayers and spending his free time with the local children. Chris is a father himself, to three young boys, that I know are anxiously awaiting his return home along with his wife and family.

Chris and I have known each other since the 6th grade and I am so very proud of the man he has become. The messages and experiences he shares through facebook have inspired me, so I wrote him a message asking what I could do to help. Could I send some handmade things I had made for the children in the local orphanages? Chris wrote back and graciously welcomed the idea, so today I will be putting 11 pillowcase dresses, 8 baby blankets, 20 handheld lovie blankets and a handful of crayon rolls in the mail, postmarked to Chris, to distribute to the local orphanage near where he is stationed.

Here are a few things I will be sending:

Stack of pillowcase dresses

Remember this fabric I posted about last week?!

Its made from a William Sonoma tablecloth!

I struggled right up until I sealed the box last night as to whether the items I was sending were "enough". The box was just one box. Only 11 dresses. Only 8 blankets. Is this something we all struggle with? Is what we do ever enough? I only let myself think that way for a few minutes before I changed my perspective, doing "enough", being "enough", isn't something I am willing to dwell on for long because the answer is no. It is not enough. But it is something. And it is a start. And a start is something I am committed to.

I would like to thank my mother-in-law Sally and my friend Marty Lang for each contributing a few dresses, and I would like to thank my dear friend Belinda Tawney for contributing several of the pillowcases for some of the dresses you see above. I truly apprcaite their generosity and their willingness to contribute when I approached them about the idea.

If you are looking for a great way to give back and contribute your sewing skills, this week Gingercake is hosting a "You Can Help Dress a Girl Around the World! Sew-A-Long" ! If you have never made a pillocase dress before, she includes a simple and easy tutorial link and I know you could have one made in no time. Please consider joining in!

Happy Monday!

Tuesday Treasury #9

2011-03-01T05:00:00.001-06:00

Tuesday Treasury # 9

a sneak peek...

Silk Bamboo Shrug
wearableartz

Paris is for Lovers Photo Art Necklace
heartworksbylori

Oatmeal Linen HOME Pillow Cover
shannspishak

Do you recognize this?

2011-02-28T14:37:00.003-06:00

Next week I will be sharing a big "give back" initiative I have been working on the last few weeks, but until then, this is just a quick post today to give you a small glimpse into some of the fabrics I have been using....do you recognize this one at all?

I'll give you a hint....its a pretty recognizable print from a large home goods retailer and it has just been sitting in a box in my linen closet for at least the last 5 years.

I'll be back tomorrow to share the lovelies I found on Etsy this week with Tuesday Treasury #9!

Happy Monday!

Did you know about this?

2011-02-25T08:47:00.006-06:00

Today over at MADE, the incredible Dana is spotlighting an awesome fabric design site called Spoonflower (yes, you read that right, design and print your OWN fabric!) and is even
featuring a tutorial by Stephanie at Modern Parents Messy Kids on how to use the site!

Here are a few I loved!

Gossamer

Swirly Bird

So, am I the only one that didn't know this type of site existed? Have you ever tried something like this? If so, how did it turn out?

I might just have to lose myself in this site over the weekend! Happy Friday!

Tuesday Treasury #8

2011-02-22T05:47:00.001-06:00

Tuesday Treasury #8
(click to see entire treasury)

A Sneak Peek...

Weekend Tote
HaydenJ

A Perfect Pair
dearjes

She Believe She Could Print
valentinadesign

One of those "a-ha" moments!

2011-02-20T20:07:00.012-06:00

Have you ever had one of those "a-ha" moments where once you realized something you were kind of in disbelief and wondered why it took you so long? I have been having quite a few of those lately.

First though, let me introduce you into my poor, neglected, boring, drab guest room. A medium brown bed with a dark brown bedspread in a light brown bedroom. The poor thing...it is the kind of room that every time you walk by you pull the door closed because you feel so sorry for it. I mean would, you want to stay in it? Me neither.

Until today. I am standing in Target and I see some pretty cute throw pillows on clearance for roughly $10 a piece. While I stand there and wrestle with whether they are really my style, or the style of the poor room (I know, sad right? this room has no "style") it dawns on me. I sew. I can make my own pillows.

That's right. My "a-ha" minute today is in Target. And it is that I can sew my own pillows.

Seriously? I wonder what is wrong with me sometimes.

I went home and rummanged around in my stash and found these super cute fat quarters I purchased several months ago from my LQS on clearance no less. Let me introduce to you my two super cute throw pillows!

The fabric is Pretty Bird for Michael Miller and I originally planned to use the fat quarters for a tote bag, but now I am really glad I held on to them because I am so happy with the way they turned out!

I decided to make the pillows rectangled shape instead of square since I already had two sets of square pillows on the bed and I am glad I did. I like them.

To make the pillows, I used almost the entire fat quarter for each one, so the dimensions are roughly 9" inches tall X 20" long. I top stiched both of them and I am glad I did because I think the rectangle shape will remain in tact much better.

I love the bold, bright colors and I love the birds...pretty birds indeed!

Trust me, I know two little pillows aren't all it is going to take to help this room along, but at least they are a start and they do actually make a pretty big impact. The colors and print at least give me some direction I can now go with the rest of the room. And for $1.25 a piece you can't beat them. Maybe I will start leaving the door open again. :)

Happy Monday!

Linked up this week to:

The Girl Creative: Just Something I Whipped Up
Round Tuit
Made with Love
Life Made Lovely
Made by You Monday
Sew Modern Monday
Making the World Cuter Monday
Market Yourself Monday
Handmade Tuesdays
Get Your Craft On
Take A Look Tuesday
Sew Cute Tuesday
I Made THIS Tuesday
TOO Cute Tuesday
We Did It Wednesday
Creative Share
Anything Related
Sugar & Spice
Whatever Goes Wednesday
Somewhat Simple
Thrilling Thursday
Frogs, Snails & Puppydog Tails
Show Off Your Stuff
A Crafty Soiree
Feature Yourself Friday
Pity Party
Creation Corner

A Fun Etsy Feature!

2011-02-19T19:44:00.002-06:00

What a fun weekend surprise! One of my toddler aprons was included in a super cute "Dinosaur Fun" themed treasury on Etsy! I love putting treasuries together, so it is so nice to have one of my items featured in one!

To see the complete Dinosaur Fun treasury, click here.

Quilting #3 : Fabrics Coming Together

2011-02-17T06:00:00.001-06:00

My quilting fabrics are coming together! I've found a few in my stash (the black & white star pattern, the solid purple, navy circles and the light purple polks dots) and also am very happy that several of the fat quarters I purchased last week will work as well (olive dots, tangerine stars and grey big blooms).

So that's 8 fat quarters down, 2-4 more to go! What do you think so far? Any suggestions on colors or prints?

A Quick Finish - A lovey (or two)

2011-02-16T06:06:00.003-06:00

Sunday morning we joined some good friends for lunch so I decided to make a super soft little lovey blanket for their super sweet 6 month old baby girl.

On the front I used a super cute and super girly flower flannel fabric (you may recognize it from here) and on the reverse side I used some left over super soft green minky (you may recognize from here and here).
Because I was so happy with the way it turned out, I actually made two, and the second one will be going to a another good friend's baby girl.....Tooje, if you are reading this, Evie's will arrive early next week! Surprise! :)

Linking up to:
Round Tuit
Made with Love
Life Made Lovely
Made by You Monday
Market Yourself Monday
Handmade Tuesdays
Fabric Tuesday @ QuiltStory
Sew Cute Tuesday
Too Cute Tuesday
Whatever Goes Wednesday
Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice
We Did it Wednesday
Creative Share

I will never do it justice...Pioneer Woman Book Signing in Dallas

2011-02-15T09:18:00.012-06:00

Last night two of my besties and I decided to spend Valentine's Day with the one and only Ree Drummond - The Pioneer Woman as she so graciously spent her's signing books in the Big D.

And because I will never, ever be able to do it the justice it deserves, I am just going to have to post this and hope that I at least do a somewhat decent job of explaining the phenomenom that is The Pioneer Woman.

Here she is making her introduction to the crowd....she introduced her family, Malboro Man and all four of her children were here for this signing. She also answered several questions from the crowd and one of the most endearing qualities about her I think is that nothing was off limits...she answered a wide variety of questions and she answered them candidly....everything from whether the Food Network has offered her a show (they've discussed it but she isn't sure she is willing to commit the time) to whether Black Heels & Tractor Wheels is going to be a movie (it is in "option", meaning it could or could not be made).

And then she got down to signing. While the book tour is to promote Black Heels & Tractor Wheels, she more than graciously signs cookbooks too. (I made my friend Shea go first because I was speechless! Really, I couldn't say a word! )

She is everything you imagine her to be...genuine, gracious, witty, and simply stunning in person.

She asked us how we became friends and when we told her we went to the University of Kansas together she said she applied to KU and it was her second choice, after USC of course. I thought it was so neat that she attempted to make a personal connection with us.

What's that in the top left hand corner of the book you ask? Oh, only Marlboro Man's signature. That's right y'all. Not only did we get PW's signature, we got Malboro Man's too.

If you haven't been to see her in person at a book signing, you have to go! But before you do, I would definitely drop by the bookstore beforehand and find out if there are any special rules or guidelines you need to know. For example, here in Dallas there were close to 1,000 people who came to see her the year before and she signed books until 2am because she wanted to sign them all (isn't that so cool?!). This year our bookstore decided to give out color coded wristbands the morning of the signing so you could approximately know what time you would need to be there to get your book signed. Don't get me wrong, the place was packed the entire time regardless of the wristband color, but it helped to get in the earliest grouping you could. My besties and I were in the second group of 100 and we waited in line for 2.5 hours. Worth every second.

So, have you been to see her? Do you plan to if she is coming to your area?

Tuesday Treasure #7

2011-02-15T05:50:00.001-06:00

Tuesday Treasury #7

A Sneak Peek...

3D Butterfly Cake Rainbow Wedding Butterflies
butterfly bazaar

Pumpkin Bag in Apple Green
tippythai

Flower Garden Cuff
ticklebean

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T08:00:00.002-06:00

Good thing to know that boys will always be boys.....

Happy Valentine's Day!

(ps my camera cord is still missing! SAD!)

A teeny tiny panic attack.....

2011-02-13T20:31:00.003-06:00

Here is it Sunday evening and a teeny tiny panic attack has taken over....I cannot find my camera cord that I use to upload pics to my computer anywhere. What started out as casually looking for it this morning, turned into slight annoyance this afternoon and now full fledged
panic has started to set in.

I have a huge "give back" project I am working on that I wanted to share this week, a few finishes, as well as show y'all how my collection of fat quarter fabrics
is coming along for my first quilt.

Plus, I am going to the Pioneer Woman Book signing here in Dallas tomorrow night.
How can I not share pics from that?!

WHERE IS MY CAMERA CORD?

Come out, come out wherever you are!

Please?! Pretty please?!

This will be a really sad week if I can't find it.

Now what?

2011-02-11T05:00:00.000-06:00

Have you ever gotten home with some fabric that you loved in the store,

but you really had no idea what you were going to do with it once you got home?

Welp, I have.

And here it is....

I picked up this cute little birdie bundle at JoAnn's

this past weekend, because, well, it was so cute!

I think maybe I got caught up in that I was going

to a baby shower for a little girl this past weekend.

But, did I make anything for said baby girl out of this?

No.

And now what?

Please tell me this has happened to you.

Are you a Brave Girl Yet?

2011-02-10T05:16:00.000-06:00

Are you a Brave Girl yet? I first heard about this awesome little dose of daily inspiration and affirmation from Heather at Blessed Little Nest when she posted about one of the A Little Birdie Told Me - Daily Truths that really spoke to her and after reading it I instantly knew I needed to sign up. And, I cannot tell you how glad I am that I did.

Her e is one of the many, many daily truths that has spoken to me recently....

--------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Unique Girl,

Everyone has a different journey. So different, in fact, that new lessons can be learned every single day from each other's journeys. Your friends' journey are different from yours. Your children's are different, too. Your parents also went on an entirely different journey than the one that is meant for you.

That is why it is so important not to compare, criticize, or complain. We often have the tendency to compare the worst of what we are living through with the best of what others are enjoying. Everyone has the exact path, with the exact battles and the exact joys that are meant for them. We all learn in different ways, and we can all learn so much from each other, too.

So live YOUR life. Love YOUR life. Make the most of YOUR life. And whenever you have the chance to meet another fellow traveler along the road of life, lend a helping hand whenever you can. An encouraging smile or a kind word or two. Be happy when good things happen to others and show compassion when difficult things come along. Remind those you know that ALL of it is good. ALL of it.

All of it is meant four our growth and our ultimate joy.

Keep being the fabulous YOU that YOU are.

xoxo

"A little bird told me" - your Daily Truth from The Brave Girls Club - http://www.bravegirlsclub.com

-------------------------------------------------------

I LOVE these so, so much I have forwarded several to my friends because almost every single one has spoken to either something I or them are going through each and every day. Sign up! Because really, who doesn't need a little birdie in their corner encouraing them each morning?
I know I do.

Quilting #2 : Finding Fabrics

2011-02-09T05:00:00.001-06:00

In my hunt for Fat Quarters for my first quilt, I scoured all the fun Fat Quarter bundles at my favorite fabric shops on Etsy, but unfortunately I wasn't finding a pre-arranged bundle that was in the assortment of colors I was looking for.

I then came across a custom listing you could create with your own selection of Fat Quarters at a great Etsy shop called Mimis Fabrics and More....perfect! I loved that I could select my choices from any fabrics in her shop under $9/yd and y'all she had hundreds of fabrics to choose from!

Most of my choices were Amy Butler fabrics, which I thought would work well since the them of my first quilt is around Amy Butler's Bliss Bouquet in Emerald. So, here are the 6 Fat Quarters I chose for my custom bundle:

Amy Butler Momento in Burgandy

Amy Butler Floating Buds in Gray

Amy Butler Sunspots in Olive

Heather Bailey Hop Dots in Tangerine
(see, I said almost all Amy Butler fabrics)

Amy Butler Bali Gate in Grass

Amy Butler Araesque in Ivory

Buying fabric online can sometimes be daunting because it can be so hard to guage the colors correctly, so I definitely don't expect for all 6 of these to be a perfect fit for my first quilt. But, I am pretty sure they will go to good use eventually, right? I can't wait to see them in person!

Tuesday Treasury #6

2011-02-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

Tuesday Treasury #6

(click link above to view entire treasury)

A Sneak Peek.....

Ruched Polka Dot Tote

marielou

Pod Pillow

dognamedbanjo

Sunburst Wedding Ring Pillow
woomi

Sew Super Sweet Apron Party Favors!

2011-02-06T18:57:00.048-06:00

Last week I posted about a special custom order I was working on for party favors for a 3 year old's birthday party in March....and ta da! Here they are! I am having a really hard time choosing my favorite!

One of my great friends asked me to make 13 aprons for her daughter's birthday party, which she is hosting at a local bakery. The kids are going to frost cookies...how fun is that?!

We originally discussed making the aprons all the same, but ultimately decided it would be much more fun if they were all different and they got to choose them as they arrived.

Because the party invite list is going to be a combination of both 3 & 4 year olds, I made the aprons for the 4 year olds a few inches longer and distinguished those with blue flannel, which you can see below. The pink and red flannel ones are all for 3 year olds.

There will also be 2 boys in attendance at the party, so they have the choice of either Robots or Dinosaurs!

And last, but definitely not least, the super cute one picked out for the birthday girl!

The party is in March, so I hope to share pics of all the sweet little ones in their aprons!

Linked up this week to:

Happiness is....

2011-02-06T06:00:00.001-06:00

Happiness is...

the first time your kiddo makes a snow angel.

Ever.

My perfect angel.

Quilting #1: I am going to learn how to Quilt!

2011-02-05T08:00:00.001-06:00

True to my New Year's resolution to try new things and challenge myself, I've taken another few steps in the right direction towards another challenge.....I am starting to collect tutorials and fabrics for my very first quilt.

Deep breath.....breathe in....breathe out.....I can't actually believe I just said it out loud....because I've now put it out there into the bloggy universe and now I can't not do it. And I am nervous about it. Really nervous.

Thankfully, so thankfully, the incredible talented and inspiring Rachel at Stiched in Color was so nice to respond to my question about the best way to get started learning how to quilt...in fact, she pointed me to her incredibly comprehensive series she documented for quilt beginners on her blog called the Stiched in Color Colorbrick Quilt Along for Beginners. Y'all, let me tell you, if you have never quilted before, this should be your first resource! I am still reading through it all because I want to familiarze myself with all the steps before I start, but she covers everything from selecting fabric, to how to cut and chain fabric together, to how to baste, quilt and bind. And it is all broken down into individuals tutorials. Check it out today if you are thinking that you want to learn how to quilt...it is AWESOME!

Plus, I know my brilliant stepmom will be there to hold my hand, every step of the quilting way.
In addition to starting to familiarze msyself with the quilting process, I am also starting to collect fabrics that I love for the Colorbrick quilt in Rachel's beginner series. This quilt calls for at least 10 coordinating Fat Quarters, so I went through my stash this evening and found a few base pieces that I think I want to use and build my quilt around.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Amy Butler's Bliss Bouquet in Emerald! Isn't it so pretty?! I made may favorite Amy Butler Birdie Sling in it last year and I think it may be one of my absolute most favorite fabrics, not only on my shelf, but of all time. Bold statement? I know.

Eek! I can't believe I'm really getting started, though I know it is going to be a long process because I am not going to rush it, which is going to be hard for me. Wish me luck!

A Fun Surprise Gift!

2011-02-03T05:00:00.000-06:00

Look at this super fun surprise gift from my MIL!

A Sewing Calendar!

Have you seen this before?

It is a desk caledar with a new fun sewing project, complete with

a fabric list and instructions, every couple of days!

Here are a few projects I can't wait to try!

A Scrappy Belt

Picnic Placemats that roll up!

Wouldn't these be so fun made from oil cloth or lamenated cloth?

Fat Quarter Throw Pillows

What is also super fun about the calendar is that in addition to instructions, it includes the name and website or blog for each of the contributors, so not only do I get to try out several new projects, but I get to view a ton of new blogs as well!

Want your own calendar? I found it here on Amazon.

Here's How It Turned Out!

2011-02-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

Remember the cute pink camo fabric I picked up a few weeks ago?

Here's how it turned out!

The pink camo minky is paired with a mint green minky, making it SO, SO SOFT!

My sister requested this fabric for one of her oldest and dearest friends that is

going to be a grandmother for the first time! I hope she loves it!

I also will be putting this cute pink jungle blankie in the mail for a

special couple that is adopting for the first time in February!

This one is made from super soft flannel, making it also super snuggly!

Making gifts for others is just one more reason why I love to sew!

Especially gifts for sweet little babies!

Treasury Tuesday #5

2011-02-01T05:00:00.000-06:00

Treasury Tuesday #5

(click the link above to see the entire treasury)

a sneak peek...

Whale Love 5X7 Watercolor

The Barber Shop

Airi Earrings - Rose Quartz

Illumina Jewelry

Rose Pink Hairpins
lailee

Vacation is Definitely Over

2011-01-31T05:00:00.000-06:00

My hubby and I had a wonderful time in Mexico! I received lots of compliments on both this and this, which made me feel so great since they were both first time projects for me!

But, I have to say, vacation is over and boy don't I know it already! Not only did I have to return to work today, but I also had to get down to business on several upcoming projects I have in the works. Later in the week I will be sharing a super cute pink camo / green minky blankie I made for a baby shower, but first I wanted to share some fabrics I am going to be using for a super fun custom order for a 3 year old's birthday party in March. I've been asked to make the party favors!

I will share more details as the favors start to come together, but I will be making 13 different favors, so these are the fabrics I am planning to use.... at least as of now. Who knows what cute fabric I could find between now and the end of February!

Happy Monday!

A Fun Wristlet! (and my first time sewing a zipper!)

2011-01-27T05:00:00.006-06:00

This past weekend was a great weekend of finishes for me! Besides my first shirt (which I still can't believe I made) and a few cuter than cute pillowcase dresses, I also finished up my first zippered clutch!

Hopefully I am carrying this on the beach in Mexico this very minute! (I am in Mexico for a work incentive trip and pre-scheduled a few posts this week)

I am so happy to be crossing not only projects off my "want to" list, but also tackling my New Year's resolutions as well...in this case...I tackeld sewing a zipper for the first time and I am happy to report I only had to tear the whole project apart only once! I started off by following Gussy's tutorial, but it left off a few too many steps for me, especially at the end, which is why I had to rip it all apart and start again. I ended up switching to this tutorial from Noodlehead and was able to put it back together in no time! Great tutorial!

Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of the interior, however, it is the same yellow print as the stripe on the front of the clutch and the handle, so hopefully that gives you a good idea. I also made it slightly bigger than the tutorial, and used a 12" zipper, because I knew I wanted it to be large enough to carry to dinner in the evening and include my phone, camera and smaller wallet for cash. I also added a wrist strap to my clutch, and while it is okay, I would make it slightly longer and slightly wider next time around.

And before I go, can I tell you something that I love about blogland? I made a New Year's resolution to try new techniques and to challenge myself, one of those things being sewing with a zipper for the first time. So what does Courtney at The Paisley Abbey do? She emails me with a link to a great tutorial on sewing zippers simply because she knows that is one of my goals this year. Isn't that super nice? ! Thanks so, so much Courtney! Blogland is a great place to be. :)

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Linking this week to:
Fabric Tuesday at Quiltstory
Take A Look Tuesday at Sugar Bee Craft Edition

Treasury Tuesday #4

2011-01-25T05:27:00.000-06:00

Treasury Tuesday #4

(click above to see entire treasury)

A Sneak Peek at this week's finds....

Hammered and Polished Mixed Ring Stack

forkwhisperer

Rosette Handband with Vintage Jeweled Accent

SweetlyFallen

Pleated Fabric Wristlet
By Judianne

Why didn't someone tell me?

2011-01-24T05:00:00.000-06:00

What didn't someone tell me that these pillowcase dresses were super easy to make and can be made in so many different super cute color combinations?

And why didn't someone tell me that once I started making them I wouldn't want to stop, regardlesss to if I have a little boy and not a little girl?!

I finished these two over the weekend, so it is a good thing I know a few little girls with birthdays coming up. On a previous post where I shared my first pillowcase dress, Sandy from Life Began in a Garden shared the great idea to make dresses for little girls in Haiti through an organization called Real Hope for Haiti....has anyone else every done anything like that before? It is something I am seriously considering...I'd love to hear about or read your previous posts about giving back like this...feel free to link up!

Happy Monday!

You are not going to believe this!

2011-01-21T20:47:00.006-06:00

Y'all, I MADE this!

I made it!

I can hardly believe it myself!

And I made it without a pattern. And by taking my own measurements.

And by guesstimating most of it.

I still cannot believe it!

I think why I am so excited is because finding a great top has

aways been difficult for me because I am big busted.

Always have been.

Imagine I always will be.

But this is so encouraging that I can make something in a super cute style

and in a super cute print and have it actually fit.

And fit well.

The length is perfect for me.

The width is perfect for me.

The bust is perfect for me.

I have never had this experience in my life.

Just what I wanted! And just in time!

2011-01-21T05:00:00.000-06:00

Just about this time last year, I was so sad when I lost one of my favorite necklaces when my husband and I were traveling in Mexico. My hubby had given me one of the Tiffany key necklaces as a gift for my birthday the previous year and I wore it almost everyday, so you can imagine I was pretty upset when I lost it. And if you can also imagine, it has taken me nearly the entire year to find an "everyday" necklace I liked just as much.

But I did! And I am so happy that I found it at a great shop called GNVesigns on Etsy!

The picture doesn't even begin to do it justice, the necklace is so much prettier in person! I love the rock crystals and once I immediately tried it on I noticed it is the perfect length and size to wear everyday, just as I had hoped!

And, it arrived just in time....the hubby and I are headed to Mexico again next week! I will be sure to come home with my new necklace this time!

Have you made a great purchase off Etsy lately? Share it with me!

High & Low, Near & Far

2011-01-20T05:00:00.000-06:00

I looked high, I looked low,
I searched near, I searched far....
and I finally found it!
So I bought it!
Pink camoflauge minky for a special baby gift request!
Can't wait to see how cute this one turns out!

On a side note...
Do you know how many stores I had to shop to find pink camo minky?!
Unbelievable!

My Favorite Verse

2011-01-19T04:00:00.001-06:00

When something speaks to you in a way you haven't been spoken to in a while, your heart takes notice, and it listens, because it simply cannot not listen.

For me, that something was this Sunday post by Julie at Joy's Hope.

While I enjoy all of Julie's Sunday posts, this one spoke to me and I found myself back at her blog reading it again and again and again. And then I realized, I was reading it again and again and again because it was waiting for me to recognize that I wanted to share it. With you. With everyone.

So here it is.

Wow. Awesome. Powerful. Humbling.

My favorite verse.

Treasury Tuesday #3

2011-01-18T05:23:00.002-06:00

Treasury Tuesday #3

(click on the link above to view the entire treasury)

A Sneak Peek:

Women's Pillowcase Dress

BoutiqueMiaByCXV

Red Light Ring

onegarnetgirl

Little Wool Shoes

GraciousMay

A Little Something For My Girls!

2011-01-17T09:48:00.002-06:00

It is no secret that I love these two girls....and I mean LOVE! So it was only fitting that I made them their own cozy little bed so that when they join me in my sewing room they have a soft place to sleep. Mollie and Macy are my best girls and they deserve to be treated as such!

I found the super cute pink bone fabric at Hancock's for 50% off right around Thanksgiving, but unfortunately it became one of those fabrics that just sat on my shelf patiently waiting for me to use it. When I finally realized that it would take me all of 30 minutes to make the bed, including the time it took me to stuff AND change my regular presser foot to my walking foot on my sewing machine to sew through the thickness, I decided to do it. Yep, 30 minutes. Start to finish.

Now, before you think Mollie is a bed hog and won't allow Macy to sleep on it, you have to realize that Mollie is a momma's girl, as well as the princess of the house, and only wants to be wherever I am at all times. While Macy loves her momma, she also loves being on squirrel patrol on the back of the couch down in our living room. So Mollie may get a little more use out of the bed than Macy, but that's okay, I love the company while sewing.

Happy Monday!

My first one!

2011-01-16T17:16:00.006-06:00

My first pillowcase dress!

(Please pay no attention to the terrible picture)

I have been wanting to try one of these cute pillowcase dresses for a while, but with a little boy, it has been hard to come up with a good reason to make one. But I know a few little girls with birthdays in the next 6 weeks, so I plan on making a few for each of them. I also think these will be the perfect project for using some of my favorite fabrics that are patiently sitting on the shelf!

Unfortunately, because I take terrible pictures, you cannot see the super sweet pink swirl pattern on this particular dress. (note to self, get better at taking pictures)

As for the pattern, I reviewed a few different tutorials online, but really ended up free handing the pattern again on newspaper until I found a size and shape I liked. I like the versatility of the style....I like that it can be worn as a dress with tights and a long sleeve shirt underneath, or as a tunic over a tshirt and jeans, and then again in the summer with sandals.

I know the pillowcase dress is nothing new....in fact, its probably one of the oldest, simplest patterns out there...but don't you love it?! Feel free to link up ones that you have made, I would love to see them!

The Way She Was Meant To Be Loved

2011-01-16T15:10:00.005-06:00

Sweet Girl Bunny Boo Found a Good Home

With a Little Girl That Instantly Loved Her

The Way She Was Meant To Be Loved.

(sweet boy bunny boo went to her little brother,

who I hope loves him just as much one day soon)

Just one of the numerous reasons I love to sew.

This is only a test...I repeat...only a test....

2011-01-14T20:07:00.002-06:00

This is only a test....I repeat...only a test.....

to try out my new signature!

What do you think?

Simple. Easy. Pretty.

I like it.

Want one? Sassy Sites has a great step by step post about how to get a free signature!

Head over there and check it out!

Happy Friday!

Its been a while...until tonight!

2011-01-13T21:17:00.005-06:00

I have exercised incredible restraint when it comes to buying new fabric and it has been a while since I would allow myself to buy some (like, since before Thanksgiving I think!)....until tonight. Look at these lovely Tina Givens fabrics I found this evening at the fun etsy shop Poppyseed Fabrics!

I love the cool greys with the bright pops of turquoise blue and golden yellow...aren't they pretty? I love them!

Now, of course, I have to decide what to do with them once they arrive in the mail next week. Any suggestions?

Treasury Tuesday #2

2011-01-09T20:33:00.011-06:00

Treasury Tuesday #2

This one's a fun one!

A sneak peek....

Song Bird Baby Mobile

Pink Perch

Peacock Teal Quartz Candy Necklace
GlitzGlitter

Sweet Conversation Heart Soaps

LoveLeeSoaps

To see the whole treasury, click here!

Fun feature!

2011-01-09T20:02:00.004-06:00

Thanks SO much to Jill at Creating my Way to Success for featuring my Whimsy Bag on her weekly link party A Round Tuit! Isn't that such a cute name by the way....a link party for projects you want to complete with you get around to it. :)

Happy Monday!

Sweet Bunny Boos X 2

2011-01-09T19:21:00.010-06:00

So I've had two little Sweet Bunny Boos living in the back of my mind for quite a while and just this morning I decided to bring them to life! In keeping with my New Year's resolutions, I challenged myself by sketching them out on some newspaper and making my own pattern. Any time I sketch my own pattern, I always use newspaper because I like the size and I do not feel bad using a ton of it because it is only going to end up in the recycler any ways.

(Sweet Bunny Boo free hand pattern)

I made Boy Bunny Boo first and his front seemed like it was missing something, so when I made Girl Bunny Boo next I decided to add a flannel heart, which I think makes her super sweet!

Sweet Bunny Boo Girl & Sweet Bunny Boo Boy (front)

I also challenged myself to use fabrics already on hand, so the bodies are made out of terrycloth, which I thought would keep the Bunny Boos soft, but also make them easy to wash. I made both sides of the ears for Boy Bunny Boo out of minky and I made Girl Bunny Boo's ears out of both minky and rose printed flannel out of my scrap bin. I also used the same rose flannel for Girl Bunny Boo's heart and tail and I used a dreamy blue flannel for Boy Bunny Boo's tail.

Sweet Girl Bunny Boo

Sweet Boy Bunny Boo

This pair of Sweet Bunny Boos are going to a sweet sister and brother next weekend and with how easy they were to make, I definitely see the Sweet Bunny Boo becoming one of my favorite "go to" baby shower gifts!

ps I loved making these Sweet Bunny Boos! I am so happy to be sewing things I love again!

Winter wonderland?

2011-01-09T13:49:00.009-06:00

I was all prepared to show a project I finished up this

past week, but look what is happing today in the Big D!

SNOW!!!

Lots and lots of SNOW!

And there is no end in sight!

It has been snowing now for over three hours and

these pics were taken during

the first hour!

Thank goodness we actually bought a winter coat this year!

I will be back tonight to share the project I finished up!

Happy Sunday!

Happiness is....

2011-01-07T18:02:00.000-06:00

Happiness is snuggling on the couch

with your baby dogs after a long week at work.

Happy Weekend!

I aspire to be....

2011-01-05T14:38:00.003-06:00

I aspire to be the person who can sew this pattern.

It is my dream project.

Dream.

Christmas isn't quite over yet!

2011-01-04T20:16:00.008-06:00

Target currently has all holiday items at 90% off!

Now is the perfect time to buy for next year!

I picked up this cuter than cute Santa night light for 1.00!

I also picked up these 3 holiday flags for $1 each because

I simply couldn't choose just one!

I love the Peanuts ones, but I love Santa too! :)

I also purchased several individual ornaments for

less than $0.50 each, most for$0.20 each!

Hope you find a good selection!

Treasury Tuesday #1

2011-01-04T13:38:00.006-06:00

Once I took the pledge last Fall to make it a handmade holiday for my friends and family, I can not even begin to tell you how much fun I had shopping for the perfect handmade gift for those on my list! And to be honest, I was more than a little sad once the holidays were over because I thought my handmade shopping days would come to an end.

But! I've decided to start a new segment on my blog called Treasury Tuesday in which I share all my fun find from Etsy with all of you! And nothing is off the list...whereas my Holiday Treasuries were put together with gifts for specific people in mind, my Tuesday Treasuries will contain goodies of all kinds....anything I see that I love qualifies to be on the Treasury! In the future I may decide to do themes, bur for now, anything goes!

Without further ado, here is a sneak peek into Tuesday Treasury #1 (click here to see the entire treasury on etsy)!

You Are My Sunshine Typography Wood Art Sign

Barn Owl Primitives

Greensleave-Vintage Glass Jewlel Earrings

EclecticOrchid

Handmade Change Purse - little ovals on red
oktak

Do you have a favorite Etsy shop that you just LOVE?! Feel free to make a recommendation in the comments below and I will check it out (but please don't submit your own shop, support those you LOVE!)

Whimsy Bag - A Good Start to 2011

2011-01-02T19:53:00.012-06:00

After finishing my Top 10 on Saturday, I went into my sewing room and started the Whimsy Bag, a generous size tote pattern from Lazy Girl. I have never tried a Lazy Girl pattern before, but I found the directions very clear and easy to follow, even though I had to read through them a few times before getting started, which was more just me still learning how to read patterns than anything else.

What I like about this bag is that it is very roomy without being as gigantic as the Amy Butler Birdie Sling and I love the 6 outside pockets. In being true to my resolutions for this year, I tried something new where I had to figure out how to work with directional fabrics and I had to use my walking foot because of the thickness of the batting I used for firmness.

I also used fabrics I previously didn't want to use...and you know what? I am SO glad I did because I am so happy with the way it turned out! I think my choice of 3 boldly colored fabrics and prints actually compliment each other well instead of competing with each other like could have easily happened.

Whimsy Bag indeed!

One thing I did not like about this particular pattern is that it did not include any inside pockets, which with 6 on the outside, you may not need or want. But I am a girl who likes my pockets for things like cell phones and keys, you know, the important stuff, on the inside. I'll include them on the next Whimsy bag I make.

Lastly, in keeping true to myself, I hereby pledge to no longer sew to "keep up"....I hereby sew because I love it! If I finish a project, great. If I don't, great. Either way, I am happy.

---------------------

I am linking up this week at all the fun parties on my "Place I Party" page...check them out!

My Top 5 Sewing Resoluations for the New Year (and a confession) ((and a new project!))

2011-01-02T11:40:00.010-06:00

Towards the end of 2010, I honestly started to feel like I was sewing without purpose....or, I guess if I am being honest, I was sewing for the wrong purpose....that is, I found that I was sewing more to "produce" and keep up with weekly link parties, then sewing because I loved it. And honestly, it just felt wrong, so I took a break. There was almost a month that I didn't even go in my sewing room.

But after reading my Top 10 posts of the year, it helped me remember all the projects that I loved finishing for the first time. And so I have decided to put out here my Sewing Resolutions for 2011:

1. Sew because I love the project.
2. Try new projects requiring new skills....like sewing zippers.

3. Try new projects for my home....like throw pillows and table runners. Why shouldn't my home be on the receiving end?

4. Visit more brick & mortar quilt shops using my Quilter's Travel Companion. I love the convenience of ordering online, but I am never 100% satisfied with my choices because maybe the coloring or pattern was hard to see online. I also love to see and feel the fabric in person.

5. Not be afraid to use my pretty fabric out of fear of using it all...why should it sit on the shelf? I am always happier after I use it anyways.

6. Bookmark more of my favorite posts...the blogging community is so supportive and so creative, I want to be able to both refer back and feature those ideas and projects I love more often.

After I read through my Top 10 posts, I walked into my sewing room and picked up this pattern

and picked up these fabrics off the shelf

and I started cutting. And I am once again feeling the joy of sewing. It feels good again.

Top 10 of 2010

2011-01-01T10:25:00.021-06:00

Since I started sewing in the Spring of 2010, and started Sew Super Sweet (both the blog and the shop) in August, I thought it would be fun to reflect back today on what I accomplished in 2010, so I can be encouraged going into 2011!

Many bloggers are sharing their own Top 10s of the year, so I thought I would also share mine.

Here are my Top 10 Posts of 2010 (by most post views)!

1. What Was I Worried About Again?

2. Japanese Knot Bag

3. My Hometown

4. A Good Start to a Handmade Holiday

5. An Oldie but a Goody...

6. Fun Holiday Tees

7. Maple Leaf Festival - Part One - The Booth

8. A Few More Fun Little Wallets

9. I Still Want To Party!

10. Countdown!

Do you know what I love aboout this list? I love that my all time most viewed post was about the very project that was the entire reason I wanted to learn how to sew, but also the very project I was the most intimidated by. I love that every almost all the posts in the Top 10 are about entirely different projects, from different styles of bags, to blankets, to coffee cozies to holiday tees. I also love that my post about my first booth at the Maple Leaf Festival made the list!

What great insipiration to try NEW projects in 2011! Thank you so, so much for being a part of my life this past year!

----------------------------------------------------
I am also linking up one of my own favorite links of 2010 to The Lettered Cottage's party! Head over there to see which one is my favorite!

New Year's Eve Wishes

2010-12-30T22:02:00.007-06:00

My childhood friend Tooje (you remember me talking about her before here and here ) posted something wonderful today on her blog Circling the Square Table and I wanted to share her kindness as it has inspired me going into the New Year!

There are a few truths I have learned about real and meaningful friendships, regardless to if you have been friends since childhood or you've just made an instant connection, regardless if you have met in real life or simply met over the internet. Friendship, to me at least, is about creating a connection, a community between two people regardless of where, what or when.

1) Real friends tell you what you need to hear, when you need to hear it, regardless to if you want to hear it or not.

2) Real friends push you in the direction of tacking your greatest fears, but only because they know you will succeed even when you don't, because they believe in you, even when you don't.

3) Real friends always, always, always want only the best for you.

Tooje inspires all those things, you only need to read her latest post, New Year's Eve Eve Wishes, to understand for yourself. Like most everyone, Tooje is experiencing her own "real life" moments as I call them, yet she takes time to "wish" her friends....some old, some new, some real life, some virtual...the very best in the the New Year. Her "wish" for me?

"Emily, I hope the year brings you continued hope and patience and even more wonderful family moments that catch you by surprise."

Just what I needed to hear, in the moment I needed to hear it, by an old friend who only wants the best for me.

So here is my wish for all my friends, new and old, real life and virtual:

Peace.

Peace at heart.

Peace of mind.

Peace in spirit.

Peace.

I wish each of you a happy, a safe, and a peaceful New Year!

(google images)

Sew Darn Cute - the book!

2010-12-29T20:11:00.002-06:00

(pic from Amazon)

Another fun sewing book that was under the tree this year was Sew Darn Cute : 30 Sweet & Simple Projects to Sew & Embellish....do you have this book?

I cannot wait to try the "Neckace Tank" and the "Merit Badge Wristlet"!

One of my resolutions for 2011 will be to challenge myself to try new things in sewing,

which for me includes finally trying a zipper! While I am sure that seems super easy to most,

it has been something I have been avoiding, though I am not quite sure why.

But avoid no longer!

Shortly into the new year I will be posting all my resolutions,

are you making any for 2011?

Do you have one of these?

2010-12-28T12:26:00.003-06:00

Look at the super fun book that was a surprise gift from my stepmother this year! You may remember my post on my stepmother, Sally, because she is the one that has insprired to me to take up sewing this year (read about it here)! Anyways, along with a few new cutting mats (one that is really cool it rotates!), Sally gifted me the Quilter's Travel Companion for 2010-2012! Do you have one of these books? Do you use it? She and my dad takes a lot of weekend road trips through the Midwest and she thought I might like it to for as much as I travel for work. I immediately suggested she and my dad road-tripped on down to Texas and we could take a quilt shop "tour" of the DFW area.

I was thinking it might be fun to either write notes or specially mark the shops I have visited in the book...what do you think? Do you ever do anything like that?

I will be back in a day or two to share another book, this one of patterns, gifted to me by Sally this year. I am still working my way through it to pick out the first project I am going to try!

Happy Tuesday!

The best gift....

2010-12-26T20:02:00.002-06:00

This was the best gift under my tree this year!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas yesterday! This week I will be sharing a fun new books of patterns, a Quilter's Guide to Quilt Shops (a fun gift from my Stepmother!) and a fun pic of my friend's little boy in one of my handmade holiday tie tees!

Happy Monday!

Merry, merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T21:40:00.003-06:00

Wishing you and your family a merry, merry Christmas!

On Vacation....I like the way that sounds!

2010-12-14T10:41:00.007-06:00

Hi All! Beginning on Saturday my shop will be "on vacation", so if you need any last minute handmade gifts for the holidays, today is the day to still have it in time for Christmas!

(I ship 2 day priority, so you could even have it by the end of the week!)

How about a fun "frenchy" handbag for a girlfriend?

Custom hand towels for your mother-in-law?

Know a sweet little girl getting a kitchen for Christmas?
She needs an apron!

A Sling Bag for your sister to run errands?

And don't forget that crayon rolls make great stocking stuffers!

(crayons included!)

I will be back tomorrow with my final Handmade for the Holidays Treasury!

Treasury Time #6!

2010-12-08T09:17:00.003-06:00

So...how is your Christmas shopping coming along? I am happy to report that mine is almost finished and I am even happier to report that they are MANY handmade gifts wrapped and under the tree this year. While I cannot say that all the gifts are handmade, I can say there are many, and that is 100% more than last year.

If you still have some shopping left to do, check out my Handmade for the Holiday Treasury #6 on Etsy I put together this week. Here is a sneak peek of what is on it:

Celia Wallet

Happy Kathy on Etsy

A pretty little holiday package from Allora Handmade

2010-12-05T20:10:00.006-06:00

On Saturday I received this pretty little package in the mail from Jessica at Allora Handmade! I know you know the Allora Handmade shop....right? She only has the most beautiful handmade accessories on the web and after months and months of admiring her work, I finally decided on a little something for myself...you know...from my husband and for my stocking of course. :)

But! Before I share my purchase, I had an interesting experience with the USPS and this package....so I was tracking the delivery and the USPS confirmed on their site that it was delivery to my door on Friday at 5:02pm...however, my mail had already been delivere when I had returned home from work and sadly, no package was on my doorstep. So, like any normal person who is slightly apprehensive about packages being left on her doorstep, I started to panic. I emailed Jessica at Allora Handmade just to let her know of the situation, and she responded quickly and was fantastic of course, and after sharing with her that the package was stated as delivered but actually had not been, we agreed to give it a few days to see if one of my neighbors ended up with it or not. Well, lo and behold, my mailman delivered it on Saturday afternoon. Has that ever happened to anyone else?

Okay, sorry for getting sidetracked.....here is my fun little gift to myself! I love Jessica's handmade roses and while I was really crushing on her Modern Pearl Rosette Statement Necklace, I decided to start with the Rosette Handband in this beautiful shade of plum. And it is totally okay that I decided to wear it to work today versus waiting until Christmas, right? I thought so.

Umm..don't you just love it? I do. Please, please, please do yourself (and everyone else still left on your holiday shopping list) a favor and visit Jessica's beautiful shop at Allora Handmade! You will be in love!

I think I found my motivation....at least a little of it anyways!

2010-12-05T19:52:00.006-06:00

Over the weekend I decided to work on a simple little festive project to encourage my motivation to return and I am happy to say I think it worked! At least long enough to make these fun little holiday kitchen towels.

These are going in the mail tomorrow to my momma and my two sisters and I hope they enjoy the surprise!

I found the festive fabrics at JoAnn's in a fat quarter bundle and unfortunately what you cannot see is that all of the fabrics have sparkles throughout the material, so the towels are much more fun in person.

I hope your holiday projects are coming along as planned!

Happy Monday!

Have you seen my motivation?

2010-12-01T10:22:00.006-06:00

Well. A lot of "life" has been happening around my world lately and in the midst of it I seem to have lost my creative motivation. In the last two weeks, heck, three weeks if I am being honest, I have barely even glanced in the direction of my sewing room, let alone actually stepped foot into it. If you happen to see my motivation while you are going about your own life, please tell it I miss it and I would like it to come home.

What I have to have to admit though, is that since my motivation from sewing has waned, I have gotten quite a bit of preparations done for the holiday. My shopping is started, my tree is up, my stockings are hung, the outside of my house is decorated, and the date and menu are set for my 8th Annual Holiday Baking Bonanza (I gift my friends homemade Christmas candies each year). The weather is turning colder here in the Big D, I have actually found a station I like on Pandora that plays my kind of Christmas music, my travel plans are finalized for Houston and plane tickets purchased for my trip home to Kansas to be there just in time for Chrsitmas Eve.

For the next four weeks I am going to slow down, enjoy and be thankful for every single minute. My husband and I are truly fortunate and we plan on enjoying every minute of the holiday with our family.

And speaking of family, I wanted to get back to sharing my handmade purchases for the holiday and today I am sharing two prints I have purchased from two different shops on Etsy.

First, I love this Olive Tree watercolor print from a fantastic etsy shop called JellyBeans. All of her items are wonderful and I almost ordered several othe prints for myself. This one I ordered for my mother-in-law and I think it will go perfectly in her new kitchen workspace and pantry area.

This one I purchased from a shop called How Fab Designs which I found by "pouncing" on etsy. (have you "pounced" before?) My sister-in-law just recently moved into her

very first condo and I think this will go perfectly in her kitchen.

Do I even have to mention that she loves champagne?

Have you purchased or made any really great gifts that you just know the recipient will love?

I would love to hear about them!

Handmade Holiday Picture Frames - Miss Bee's Specialities

2010-11-28T20:46:00.007-06:00

Are these not the cutest holiday picture frames you have ever seen or what?!

My very best (and super talented) friend Becky is offering these

and more in her shop Miss Bee's Specialities just in time for the holidays!

In addition to these adorable holiday frames, she takes custom orders

for personalized picture frames, handmade invitations,
handmade stationary and personalized wall art as well.
She is also a vendor for those super cute personalized stampers,

embossers and Embossed Graphics Stationary.

Here are just a few pics of the super cute invites and

frames I have from Miss Bees Specialities:

Stop by and see Becky today!

Happy Shopping!

Let the Shopping Begin! Go! Now!

2010-11-26T07:54:00.004-06:00

Or wait, are you already done? I realize that as far as Black Friday shopping goes, I might as well be posting this on Saturday since it IS already 8:00am CST and most people are back home in bed already!

But, that's actually a great place to be because now you can start your online shopping snuggled up in bed or on your couch in your pajamas and with a hot cup of coffee. Or, if you are me, a glass of diet coke on ice (no judgements please). There is no place I would rather be than snuggled up on the couch with with my little guy and my puppy dogs, watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and starting my shopping online this morning. But sadly, I....am....at....work. Boo! So I guess I am going to have to start my online shopping this morning with an ice cold diet coke from my office. Which, I bet my money spends the same from here. :)

Now, on to the good stuff! There are two AWESOME handmade shopping events taking place today, Stephanie at Somewhat Simple is hosting her Holiday Boutique event and Mandy at Sugar Bee Craft Edition is hosting her Sugar Bee Shops event as well!

I am participating in both and am offering a 15% discount on all items in my shop, just use promo code HOLIDAY when checking out! You really must check out all the shops participating, over at Somewhat Simple each vendor is offering a promotion, either a shop discount or a free giveaway with purchase!

Somewhat Simple's Holiday Boutique Event Nov 26th - 30th

Sugar Bee Shops Event Nov 26th - 30th

So go! Get started! Go now! Shop! Have fun! Enjoy! Go! Now! Shop! Go!

And then come back here and link up so we can see what you've purchased and we can shop there too!

Have fun! Now go!

Treasury Time! Handmade for the Holiday Treasury #5

2010-11-24T09:12:00.005-06:00

Soooooo......I am not quite sure where the last week went exactly, but boy did it go quickly, and the next week is showing no signs of slowing down! I CAN.NOT.BELIEVE that Thanksgiving is tomorrow, I will be preparing a full traditional meal and I HAVE.NOT.EVEN.STARTED! Should I be freaking out?! Uh oh. Now I am starting to freak out.

But on to more fun things....like shopping handmade for the holidays! Here is the lastest Handmade for the Holiday Treasury #5 I've put together on Etsy, this one has a lot of fun little gift ideas, but here is a sneak peek of course!

Red Polka Dot Burlap Pillow Cover

myadobecottage

I also wanted to let everyone know about a fun little event I am taking part in over the Thanksgiving Holiday......Somewhat Simple's Studio Boutique! Stephanie is hosting a fabulous collection of online boutiques and stores selling handmade gooods and Sew Super Sweet is a vendor! The event will run from Black Friday through Cyber Monday and I will be offering a discount of 15% on all items in my shop!

I will be back on Black Friday to post the direct link to the online boutique and the exclusive promo code you can use for shopping Sew Super Sweet, but you will definitely want to check out all the shops because most of offering similar promotions and/or free gifts with purchase!

Before I go, I really do need to get started preparing for tomorrow, I would like to take a moment to wish everyone a wonderful, a safe, and a thankful Thanksgiving holiday! Enjoy the day!

The first Link!

2010-11-20T20:46:00.004-06:00

Thanks so, so much to Kellie over at Greenhab: The Browns Go Green for linking up her handmade purchases from what sounds like a worthwhile Alternative Gift Fair in her area in CO!
My "I Bought Handmade this Holiday" link party has definitely gotten off to a slow start considering here it is mid-November and the only one besides me to link up is Kellie! Surely some of you have already started your handmade holiday shopping like I have, especially with all the awesome holiday events going on all over blogland! What events you say?

THESE HOLIDAY EVENTS!

So, let's see your fun handmade purchases! I know I still need a lot of help with handmade gift ideas and I will be linking up several new ones tomorrow that arrived in my mailbox this last week!

I am also going to be participating in a few holiday shopping events starting on the 26th and will be offering 15% off everything in my etsy shop! I will announce the promotional code a little later in the week!

Somewhat Simple's Holiday Boutique Event Nov 26th - 30th

Sugar Bee Shops Event Nov 26th - 30th

Happy Saturday!

Thomas, Monsters and Ties - You know - Boy Stuff

2010-11-18T08:21:00.003-06:00

Okay, this is finally the last of my "What I accomplished last weekend" posts. But before I talk about these fun boy tees I made for my nephew for his birthday, I had to put it out there that I am kind of experiencing a burn out of sorts....since I started sewing this past Spring, this is the first time that I have actually NOT wanted to go near my sewing machine. Not quite sure what it is about, but here's hoping it doesn't last very long because I have holiday gifts to make! :)

Okay, on to the tees! A few months ago I made my 4 year old nephew a twin size Thomas the Train blankie from a super soft flannel and a super soft blue minky and he LOVES it! So with a little of the left over fleece fabric, I decided to make him both a pillow case and a cute little tee. I cut out two of the Thomas emblems and then just sewed them on the tee using a zigzag stitch around the outside of the circle. Pretty easy!

I then made him both a matching Monster shirt and a matching holiday faux tie shirt like I made my little one a few weeks ago.

I can't wait to get pics of both Z and my nephew in these at Christmas!

My sister called me last night to tell me that my newphew LOVES the shirts and had actually insisted on wearing two of them that same day, first the Thomas one and then the Monster one! Isn't that the sweetest thing?

A Few More Fun Little Wallets

2010-11-17T07:42:00.003-06:00

Over the weekend I made a few more little fun wallets for Christmas gifts, and the more I make them, the more I think everyone I know should have one! (see the original one and the pattern here) They really are the perfect size for cash, credit cards and business cards, but what I like most is they are the perfect size to fit in your back pocket without being too bulky. They are also the perfect size for my nieces to carry as well.

I already envision a few gift cards being given away in these this holiday!

Happy Wednesday!

Treasury Time #4

2010-11-16T11:16:00.003-06:00

Handmade for the Holidays Treasury # 4

So many fun gift ideas in this week's treasury!

Click here to see my picks!

Here is a sneak peek!

Cabbage Rose Snap Purse

Jimmy Pickles

Rustic Barn Wood - repurposed

2010-11-16T08:10:00.004-06:00

A few weeks ago I told y'all about my talented stepmother and how her love of sewing inspired me to give it a try, but I have to tell you, she is not the only crafty person in our family! Her and my father are seriously two peas in a pod because I recently asked my dad to build a jewelry holder out of old barn wood and chicken wire and after about a na-nillion phones calles to discuss measurements, barn wood color, etc (my dad NEVER calls just one time), he was ready to get started. My intention was to hang it on the wall in my bathroom and be able to hang my earrings and necklaces out where I could see them.

So he made me one. He actually made me two. So...the problem is this..... instead of hanging them in my bathroom, I headed straight to my sewing room and immediately hung them on the walls to use to hang my bags from! I think they are AWESOME!

(pay no attention whatsoever to the card table being used as my sewing table, it is sad I know)

Yes, they have paint blemishes on them and yes, they are pretty rustic. But I love them. And I love my dad for making them for me! Now I just need a few more!

(and one for my jewelry too, please dad)

I am linking up over at two new parties today:

Mail box Monday @ Funky Polka Dot Giraffe

(since I got these in the mail this week from my dad)

and

Tuesday Trash to Treasure @ Sassy Sites!

(old barn wood definitely counts as trash to treasure!)

Pretty Cool Coasters from A Pretty Cool Life

2010-11-14T17:15:00.006-06:00

I love all the projects Cheryl shares over at a pretty cool life and the minute she posted this one about quilted coasters, I knew it would be the perfect gift for my Seester who just recently moved into a new home!

I was able to make these using less than a fat quarter each for both the tops and bottoms and I used two coordinating fabrics. I totally forgot to take a picture of the bottom side, but you can slightly see here in this stack of coasters that it was a solid darker purple. And while I am giving mine as a birthday gift, they would make both the perfect housewarming or hostess gift too!

Happy Monday!

Where did the weekend go?

2010-11-12T20:40:00.019-06:00

First, thanks SO much to Jill over at A Round Tuit for featuring my holiday shirts this week, it is such a nice way to start the new week! A Round Tuit is such a cute site because you guessed it, it is for all the projects Jill hopes to accomplish when she gets "a round 'tuit".

And speaking of getting around do it, where did the weekend go? Between errands, shopping at the Junior League of Plano's Neath the Wreath holiday market, enjoying what is sure to be the last of the beautiful weather outside with Z and.....SEWING......I hardly remember Friday evening even starting!

This weekend I tackled a lot of different projects and I will be sharing the rest of them over the course of the week, but I am starting with more of my Sling Bags since they were my first finish on Friday. It is no secret I love them (see them here, here, here and here), but I love the way these turned out because I have neve made Sling Bags with these fabrics before. The pink and green large bloom bag is my favorite!

Later this week I will be sharing wallets, coasters, tee shirts and even a fun project made by my Dad!

Enjoy your Sunday evening!

Fun Little Wallet

2010-11-12T09:57:00.008-06:00

Last weekend I picked up a fun little pattern at CityCraft for this 3 pocket wallet and I had a few free minutes to try it last night!

And with a few free minutes, that's all it took! This pattern was so super simple, with the longest
piece being having to sew the snaps on by hand. (anyone have any helpful hints for sewing snaps?)

I made this one using scraps of fabrics that I used to make several new sling bags I will be sharing next week and adding to my shop in preparation for a few online boutique events I am participating in during the Thanksgiving shopping madness of Black Friday through Cyber Monday (more to come on those later).

So, what do you think? I love they 3 rows of pockets, perfect for business cards, credit cards or a little stash of cash! Wouldn't these be cute additions to a listing for a matching sling bag? Or even the perfect little stocking stuffer...picture receiving one with a gift card to your most favorite store tucked inside! If you are on my holiday list this year, you know what you are getting! :)

Happy Friday!