Thanksgiving Applique

Most of the sewing I've done lately has been in secret, because I'm busy making Christmas gifts.  But, I was excited to find some time to sew up some quick and super cute Thanksgiving outfits for my little ones.  For Valerie's dress, I started a plain long-sleeved t-shirt from Walmart.  I used some knit fabric to add a skirt and then made ruffles with three pieces of coordinating cotton fabric.  For the applique, I made my own pattern and used heat n bond, an iron, and a zigzag stitch.  Then, I used some of the extra fabric to make a little hair clippie to match.  For Almanzo's shirt, I used another long-sleeved t-shirt from Walmart, the same applique technique, and my own pumpkin pattern.  I love how easy and fun it is to turn a plain t-shirt into a cute and unique outfit!

Fleece Longies

Today, I finally got around to sewing two more pairs of fleece longies for Sweet Pea.  Fleece longies are a great diaper cover alternative for the winter and also make cute pajama pants.  I'm hoping to sew a few more pairs of these for Sweet Pea, so we can use them when she decides to start potty training.  So far, every time I've asked her if she wants to go on the potty, she says, "No!", but she always tells me when she has "poo".  I have several Gerber training pants my aunt Sheri gave us and plan to use those with fleece longies instead of Pull-Ups, because it's more like underwear and will be easy for her to pull on and off by herself.  Plus, since I use cloth diapers already, I hate the thought of buying disposable training pants, because it seems to defeat the purpose of potty training.  For the first pair of fleece longies, I sewed a zigzag stitch along the edge of each leg cuff and for the second pair I just folded them over and sewed a straight stitch hem. I'm not sure which style I like best.

Owl Party Favors

I was watching the first episode of season 2 of The DIY Dish a few weeks ago and decided right then that owls would be the theme for Almanzo's first birthday.  I couldn't wait to find some cute fabric and sew up some of these cute little owls for party favors.  I picked out three coordinating fabrics for his birthday banner (including one with owls!) and decided to match the stuffed owls to the banner.  I also found some minky fabric in the remnant fabric bin and, since I already had two other coordinating colors of minky fabric from previous fabric store trips, I decided to use the minky fabric for the base of the owl and the polka dot fabric to match the birthday banner for the wings.  I had some felt in my fabric stash, so I used that for the eyes and the beak.  I love the frayed look of the wings and the soft minky fabric.  I'm planning on making enough of these little cuties to give as party favors to all the little ones that come to his birthday party.  And I'm also going to use some coordinating paper to make owls to use as decorations. 

Birthday Shirts

Just a little something I whipped up yesterday to celebrate our little man's birthday.  I'm doing an owl theme for his birthday and, since I was making one for him, I just had to make a number 2 shirt for his big sister.  I ran out of fusible web, so I just decided to let the edges fray and do a regular straight stitch.  They turned out really cute after washing them.  Now I just have to work on the owl party favors and birthday banner.  I can hardly believe he's going to be ONE soon...somebody please SLOW down time!

Wordless Wednesday

(Note: I made these toddler bibs using this pattern, but hemmed up some towel fabric from JoAnn's instead of using an actual towel.) 

Birthday Banner

I found this tutorial for the cutest birthday decorations before Valerie's first birthday, but didn't have the time to make one for her then. This year, I was so excited to make one for her second birthday. Of course, I waited until the day before, but it was so easy to make that I was able to start and finish it during nap time. I love how it turned out and can't wait to make one for Almanzo's birthday in October. I love the idea of having unique, handmade, and reusable party decorations. Next year, my plan is to add handmade tablecloths and napkins to Valerie's birthday decorations and maybe another banner (which reminds me that I better get some more of the fabric I used so everything will match).

NICU Blankets

In lieu of buying a gift for Valerie's birthday this year (which she doesn't really need, because she is very blessed with plenty), I decided to use my sewing skills and all the fleece and flannel fabric I've accumulated to sew some blankets for the NICU.

Since both my children spent their first week of life in the wonderful care of the NICU doctors and nurses, it is a very special place to us.  When Almanzo was in the NICU, I gave the nurses several blankets I had made him to cuddle up with and so he would have a piece of me there when I wasn't.  The nurses commented on how soft and cute his blankets were and how they wished they had more blankets like that instead of the boring receiving blankets that were beginning to show their wear.

The blankets I made are approximately 15" x 15" squares with a little ribbon tag that were turned-and-topstitched. I added another little tag to each blanket with these words written on it:

We delivered these as a family on Valerie's birthday.  We are so thankful for all they have done...and, even more so, we are so thankful for God's protection and healing.  What a precious blessing these little ones are!