Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

Toddler Bibs 1

Toddler Bibs 2

Toddler Bibs 3

Toddler Bibs 4

Toddler Bibs 5

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

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

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).

Birthday Banner 2

Birthday Banner 1

Sunday, July 25, 2010

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.

NICU Blankets #2

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.

NICU Blankets #3

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:

NICU Blankets #1

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!

Friday, July 23, 2010

Summer Pajamas

My Sweet Pea has been slowly outgrowing all of her pajamas, which is actually a good thing since they were all long sleeve and too hot for the summer.  I decided to try making some pajamas, since I already know how to make pants/shorts by using another pair of pants/shorts as the pattern.  For the top, I just traced the outline of another top for the sizing and made it my own pattern.  I used a cotton knit fabric that happened to be on sale a few weeks ago.  I like how it turned out, but I'm going to try to tweak my patterns a little to make a better fit the next time. (Also, please excuse the crazy-bed-head-hair and uncooperative-toddler-frown in that last picture. LOL!)

Summer Pajamas #1

Summer Pajamas #1, top

Summer Pajamas #1, bottom

Summer Pajamas #1, modeled

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Monday, June 28, 2010

Prairie Girl

I finally had some time today during a wonderfully long nap time to sew a peasant dress and bonnet for my Sweet Pea.  I used this pattern for a peasant blouse and added a few inches to make it a dress.  The pattern was so easy though that I'm already planning my next projects.  I might even make some modifications to add a pocket or a ruffle on the bottom and maybe even an apron to complete the prairie girl look.

Prairie Girl 1

I bought this pattern off of Etsy to make a bonnet and made the 12-24 month size.  I forgot to add a 1/4" seam when cutting it out and should have made the rim wider so it was more of a prairie bonnet than baby bonnet.  It was obviously a little small, but V loved it so much she wouldn't let me take it off.  Also, my stitching was a little crazy, since it was my first time making the pattern and it took a lot longer to make than the dress.

Prairie Girl 4


Prairie Girl 2

Prairie Girl 3

Tomorrow, I'm hoping to use the same pattern to make a fourth of July dress out of some cute patriotic fabric I bought last week and then I will make another bonnet and peasant dress set from some super cute "prairie-esque" fabric I found.  That is...if the kids both decide to take wonderfully long naps again... 

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

NEW In My Etsy Shop




 (modeled by my sweet friend, Veronica, and her little Alivia)