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.

Last Week's Theme: Celebratin' the Boo

A birthday and huge store opening all in a week's time = lots of girly fun! It all started with a sisters trip to the spa. Boo picked the place. She did some research online and found a spot that sounded great. It wasn't so great. It was not a luxury type spa, you know, the kind you hope for for a frivolous birthday experience. It was the more therapeutic sort that caters toward women seeking women. Fret not, we made the most of it with lots of giggles, a chat in the napping nook, finished off with a claustrophobic herbal wrap and a nice massage. Sometimes laughter is the best therapy!

We then headed to a yummy french bistro for wine and a croque monsieur. More chatting, more giggles. After lunch, we stopped by Sophia, the store my sister opened with a good friend. The girls there had the nicest little birthday party set up. Too sweet!

We went home for a veg-session and then got dressed for the night.

Here is the birthday girl in her new vintage Chanel blazer. Lovely.

Good friends, good food, good fun.

4 days later, I headed back to the city for the store opening party. I didn't take any pics that night. If you are my Facebook friend, you can see photos there. I am over the moon for my little sis. Sophia is fabulous! These girls worked so hard and the opening was a huge success. If you are ever in Chicago, you must check them out (Sophia on Oak Street). It is a mix of vintage and new. There are treasures beyond comprehension in the store. Kudos ladies and a super huge congrats!!!

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!

And for the Baby Boy on His Way...

Baby Dutch Onesies
Originally uploaded by shannonleighdesigns

Baby girls, baby boys, good heavens we are about to be blessed with all kinds of bundles of love. Can't forget about those boys. Stuff for them isn't frilly or pink, but I had just as much fun making these onesies. I can't wait to see baby Dutch in the tie!

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!

In My Next Life...

My princesses will one day have a party that looks a little something like this. Holy inspiration! I am amazed at the lengths some crafty mamas will go. Totally incredible and so memorable for those girlies!