Monogram T-Shirt Dresses

The teachers at preschool asked the girls if they were going to dress up for the Mother's Day program. I, of course, had to make that happen but with one day til the show, I was working on a tight time frame for a shopping trip.

I bought 2 plain white Ts a couple weeks ago with these dresses in mind. I used the same basic technique as the onesie dress. These are just a bit bigger. Got 2 done in just a couple of hours and I am sure these little beauties will get lots of wear this summer.

Ella and Grace wear their monogram barrettes to school everyday. They really like them but I have been daydreaming of monogram clothing. They really loved getting dresses with their "name" in them.

I have hesitated doing this because I want them to share clothing but lately, they have decided that they want their own clothes. Can't say that I blame them. They are two very different little girls, after all.

Two very special little girls.

Fancy Schmancy Pants

Even though my space is severely limited, I have not been able to quiet the beast within that absolutely must sew in the spring. Warm weather clothing is simple to make and invites the most fun colors. My girls are not always going to be this size and so willing to wear what Mama makes for them. Can't pass this up!



Ella is in the pink. When I first put them on her, she said "Oooooo Mama, I just love my clown pants!" OK, so they may resemble what a clown wears but when you are 4, you can rock the clown look!

So Many New Babies, So Little Time!

Is anyone else experiencing a baby boom? Perhaps its my age group. I tend to do things a bit ahead of schedule. Anywho, the joy of so many babies is the opportunity for so much creativity. I made this onesie dress for a baby girl soon to arrive. She also received a trio of burpies and a Tiramisu Baby Blanket. I just loved the Tiramisu pattern. So simple yet so sophisticated looking. The mama of this baby girl loved it too. That is a pattern I will use again for sure!

The flower was made using this great tutorial. It was much easier than some of the fabric flowers I have attempted...and failed at. This went swimmingly the first try. Score!

Here is a photo of the whole gift. The mama-to-be sent this photo to me in her thank you card. I was completely touched that she incorporated my gifts into her sweet princess' room and sent me a photo to see. So thoughtful. Not often that the thank you includes such a nice gift!

Recycled Recycle T-Shirt

Now if that isn't eco-friendly, I don't know what is.

I had this t-shirt in the Goodwill pile for a while. This morning I stumbled upon this post which inspired me to make use of it.

It's cute, it's comfy and it's even twirl-able. Oh, and it didn't cost a thing...except about 20 minutes of time. Gotta love that!

One of Life's Most Valuable Lessons...

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or in Posy's case, when the groomer shaves you bald, wear cashmere!

This was a cashmere J.Crew sweater in it's last life. I took it apart a long time ago with hopes of reusing the yarn. The yarn is way to fine so I gave up and stuck it in a basket in the nook. Poor Posy girl has been shivering since she lost her hair. Upon doing some research I stumbled upon this FAB tutorial. I have already told you how very much I love tutorials and the people who create them.

Anywho, 30+ minutes in the nook and, voila, warm, cozy and very chic little naked pup. Note the little lace ruffle at the bottom. I think she will feel a bit better now that her bits and pieces are covered. No self-respecting woman should be forced show off her goods.

Playing Catch Up

I am been MIA, haven't I? I haven't posted any Christmas pictures, told you about our new year's surprise or posted any handmade Christmas photos. I got a lovely gift from my sweet darling hubby this year too. Jeesh, I am gonna have to pick it up over here!

So much to share but first things first. I handmade a couple of gifts this year. You have already seen the kitchen towels I made for my step-mother-in-law. She was here around Thanksgiving and told me how much she loves using flour sack in the kitchen. I decided to make her flour sack towels a little prettier. After I made hers, I made some for myself. She's right, these towels are great! Super absorbant and they dry really quickly. (Not really a gift. Well, a gift for myself)

For my mother-in-law, I made the cutest (if I do say myself) apron. I found this pattern at JoAnn. It is a vintage pattern that they are re-printing. I had to tackle my sister because she seriously thought about stealing it before I could gift it. She wanted to wear it as a dress for new years... think Carrie Bradshaw. I insisted that a dress version needed to close in the back lest her rump be exposed. Even Carrie Bradshaw covered her rump....I think. I promised a more appropriate apron dress in the future. She didn't believe me...perhaps rightfully so. Anywho, here she is modeling for me.

This Cheeky little hat went to my gorgeous sister. Sorry, the photo is on my other computer and I am waaayyyy to lazy to move right now:) Pattern available on ravelry.

And my lovely sister in law got a pair of Toast.

It was a good crafty Christmas. Not great because I didn't make many gifts but good because I managed to eek out a few and I was stress-free. Perfect!

Last Minute Handmade Christmas?

There is nothing like waiting for the last minute to get those so very important Christmas presents finished. I wouldn't be me if I wasn't scrambling the days before. I have accepted that's how I roll.

I have had this project on my to do list for a while. Thankfully these are super quick to make. Just grab a 5 pack of flour sack towels, a few inches of lovely flower fabric, a pack of ric rac and, in about 20 minutes, you will have an adorable set of dish towels.

I have found a deep love of spray adhesive. I don't even bother cutting and ironing web. I just spray that little applique, stick it on and sew. I used the same method for the applique pillows. Love!!

New Pillows and Day 7 of Giving

I have been wanting new throw pillows for my family room for a while. I finally got around to making them. These were super quick and easy. They have an envelope back so I can easily take the covers off to wash. Very important with 4 kids and 2 dogs!

The inspiration for this whole project and especially the tree came from a Sew Mama Sew post.

Day 7

Last week I picked up 3 $10 Jewel gift cards for the days that we don't have anything planned. Sammy and I dropped the girls off at school and headed to the grocery store for something for dinner. While we shopped, we looked for someone to share a gift card with. Mission accomplished!

Meditative Walking = Inspired Thought

What the hooey is that? Well, I was standing in the grocery isle the other day and I saw an article on the cover of a women's magazine and it said "Lose 9 lbs. every week". Skeptical but intrigued, I grabbed a copy and gleaned as much as I could in 3 minutes. The gist of the concept was that you can increase the loss of belly fat by meditating while walking. No music, no TV, no books, just positive thinking. Apparently it has to do with hormones released when you focus on positive things in combination with light to moderate exercise. Do I believe that I, or anyone for that matter, will lose 9 lbs a week? Absolutely not. But a little positive meditation instead of trash TV can only do good things, right? 

So I jumped on the treadmill a day or two ago and forced myself to exercise in silence, focusing only on my thoughts. Don't get all excited, I didn't lose an extraordinary amount of belly fat, but what did happen is my mind went bonkers. I started with thanking God for all of my blessings and then the creative stuff started pouring out. I created a line of little girl clothes in my head. I got all worked up about it that I hopped off the mill at the end of my workout and headed straight to my good friend, JoAnn's. Here is the first finished piece. 

I have been wanting to make a jumper forever but just never have. This little frock is made of the same polyester herringbone that I used for my own dress. The ruffle down the center was made by cutting a plaid cotton double the length of the dress x 6". I created a tube, pressed it flat, gathered it to the length of the dress and stitched it down the middle. I added the ruffle before constructing the dress so all ends are tucked in. The shoulder straps are obviously secured with covered buttons. Love those!

Now lets be honest, will I really produce a whole line? Probably not, but I will get back on that old mill of mine for some more meditative walking. Go ahead, try it and let me know what inspiration you conjure!

In Celebration of Reclaiming Me

And to lift my sometimes sinking spirits, I hit the Nook. I haven't tackled a big project in a while. Life has been a whirlwind to say the least. Nap-time, which is my favorite time to spend in the Nook, is nearly non-existent these days. The littles are in afternoon classes now. Not my fave but what can I do? Next year when Sam is in first grade, the girlies and I will head back to mornings but in the meantime I have to work with what I've got.

Anyhoo, here is what I have been up to. I bought this book a long time ago and had yet to make a single thing. This tunic dress screamed my name and I was more than ready for a challenge.

This dress was fun. It has darts, a big center pleat and a cool collar, all of which are new to me. Sometimes a forget how good it feels to learn something new. 

Overall I am happy with this little number. I was impatient and rushed through the hem which means that I am gonna have to take it out and redo it. Oh well, one day I will quit doing that....maybe. 

Bridal Crafting

Here comes the bride, all dressed in white. This past weekend I hosted a small bridal shower for our dear Aunt Shelly.

Her wedding is in less than 2 weeks now. Brian and I will be heading to Colorado Springs so that I can stand next to her as her matron of honor and celebrate this joyous occasion.

The little shower included 4 flower arrangements for the table and for the guests to take home with them.

I made these candy wrapper sachets (pattern from One Skein) for the favor. Actually, my lovely friend, Heather, made 2 and I made 2. Thank heaven for good friends! Jo Ann had cute heart charms in the bridal department. I thought that they would bring a touch of love to the mood of the party.

Jacky-boy so graciously modeled the arpon I made for Aunt Shelly. This went along with the Anthropologie measuring cups and spoons.

I have photos of the actual shower that I will post soon. Happy Monday!

Fun Summer Ruffle Pants

I had a request from a bloggy friend to create a pair of ruffle pants. She sent me a few photos of what she was looking for and I used my judgment to choose the style I thought I could best complete. Here is what I came up with.




After completing the pants, I wore them to pick the kiddos up from camp and they were a huge hit with the other mamas. I was even asked if I bought them at Anthropologie. Being that that is one of my favorite stores, I felt pretty good about these fun pants:)

This prototype pair is made from black and white seersucker. They are super light and airy and will be comfy even on a hot day. I will be heading back to the fabric store to pick up some more fabric to make Jen's pair. Too fun. I love a good challenge and I am glad that I could make a bloggy friend happy.

If you are loving the awesome hand-painted tee that I am wearing, stop by Jen's Etsy shop and pick one up. She is one SUPER talented woman!

Pattern: Vogue 8584
Modifications: I cut about 2" off the waistband (no one wants their elastic waistband pants to go above the belly button). I used the cropped pant pattern and then doubled the circumference of the bottom of the pant to make the ruffle.

A Little Something for Me

Does anyone else find that most of their sewing/crafting is done while the kids are napping? I wish I could stay awake after the munchkins go to bed at night but I just can't. I am a sleeper. That leaves nap time...you know, the time I should probably spend cleaning up or doing laundry. Not a chance. Mama needs a little personal time too.


And speaking of personal time, I actually made something for me today. You are probably as bored of seeing little girlie clothes as my girls are. They have resorted to sneaking around me when they wake up from their naps for fear that mama has made something else that they have to try on and get their picture taken in. I decided to give them a break.

I went shopping with a girlfriend a few weeks ago and saw quite a few tank dresses in the department stores. The price tags were outrageous and I just kept thinking that those dresses couldn't be all that hard to make (total issue for me now that I can sew). I have been pondering this project for a while and today I decided to go for it.

I used an old tank of mine and added a cotton/spandex waistband. The skirt is made from a thrifted table cloth that I bought last summer. I over did it on the gathers of the skirt. Used a bit too much fabric. Other than than, I am pretty happy. Not the most flattering silhouette perhaps but truly comfy and easy to throw on with flip flops. I will attempt this again for sure. It is just too easy and cute!

Today's Naptime Project: Pillowcase Dress

I scored this pillowcase at the flea market a couple of weeks ago. I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to do with it but I thought my girls would probably wear it.

This dress took less than an hour to make. I cut the armholes out and bias taped them and I made a pocket for the ribbon. Voila! Sweet, vintage sundress.

Naptime Project

This is why I asked:) Thank you for all of your advice and encouragement!

I have gotten so much inspiration from blogland lately. The things that people create are just incredible. Gets me all excited to do a little creating myself. This fun little skirt was inspired by this talented lady.

Maybe Ella can wear the new skirt while Grace wears this. I finally finished it. Good thing I still love it!

Another 5119 Dress

The girls' picture day dresses were a hit. I crocheted them headbands and flowers to match their dresses. We got lots of compliments and a couple moms want dresses for their girls. Not sure how I am going to handle that. I think I will just charge for the fabric because I am not really interested in doing this for a living, I just love to do it:)

I've had this toile fabric for a while and I wanted to make something with it. I made another matching headband for this little number.

Don't mind the messy hair. This girlie just woke from a nap.

I love the shape of the dress but I wanted it to come in a little at the waist. I made a sash for the waist of the other dresses but the girls didn't dig tummy restriction. This time around I added a ties so I could pull it back a bit. I like the outcome.

Ella is pretty happy too!

A Little Sewing for the Pups

Since having the floors done, I have been trying to be a better hardwood floor owner. You know, like trying to sweep every other day and cleaning up drips when they happen. The dog bowls are a major source of water drops. My furry friends take a drink and, what do you know, the floor is soaked. To combat this little issue, I whipped up a couple doggy place mats, complete with a terry cloth bottom. Absorbent and kind to the freshly refinished wood. And they don't look to bad either:)

Our sweet (some of the time) new addition is in the process of potty training. She is pretty good when I am paying attention but she doesn't know how to let me know when she needs to go out yet and her bladder is too small to hold it when she does have to go. So I made her a little doggy door bell. I'm working on training here to ring the bell when she has to go out.

And here are the furry bundles of love. I had so much fun sewing for them because they aren't too particular.