DESIgns

EEEASY Rice Bags

2011-12-15T01:27:00.000-05:00

These are so fast and easy, I'm guessing I can just explain the instructions and you will understand them! but if you need pictures I can take a few...

I got these cute towels at Target for $9.99 (Dwellstudio)
They had awesome blue and green ones, I choose yellow/grey.
so in love.

these towels are extra big, so making a rice pack out of one towel (as I usually do) would be SO big.
I split 2 towels into 3 rice packs, perfect size...this is how.

take two of your favorite towels.
unfold from the packaging.
cut lengthwise down the creases target already made for you.

now you have 6 pieces, pair them up as they will be as individual rice packs.

right sides together sew length wise up the sides.

flip right sides out.

iron.
(divide into thirds and mark with pin)

top stitch bottom closed. (no fraying because towels are already hemmed)

add 1 1/4-1/2 cups of rice.
and a few smelly oil if you want.

top stitch next divider.
add 1 1/4-1/2 cups of rice
and of few drops of smelly oil if you want

top stitch next divider
add same rice
sew closed.

finished!

Photo: {a&j} Just Married

2011-09-05T17:46:00.002-04:00

**click OLDER POSTS at the end of the blog to see pictures from the temple**

my photoshop is totally busted. but these are some of my favorite anyway...with or without editing, good lighting and posing. love these guys.

Photo:{a&j} cut the cake

2011-09-05T17:32:00.001-04:00

photo: {a&j} groomsmen and bridesmaids

2011-09-05T17:31:00.000-04:00

The rest of the wedding are just fun.... snapshots and some posed. none edited.

don't you LOVE the feathers!!

photo: {a&j} ready or not

2011-08-21T20:17:00.000-04:00

photo: {a&j} Aubrey's pictures

2011-08-21T19:12:00.000-04:00

We have so many pictures of the wedding. Many of them are candid and fun, and some of them are just different poses of the wedding couple. instead of taking all the time editing takes- I thought I'd just post them. They are beautiful as is.

this set Aubrey took.
{ok, the first 2 I edited}

Photo: {a&j} The Bountiful Temple

2011-08-16T11:05:00.001-04:00

July 1 2011

a VERY Hot Beautiful Day

photo: {a&j} a few from the temple

2011-07-15T20:11:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple of edited, and a couple of them straight out of the camera.

WAY more to come. The couple asked me to just do a few and have them printed and framed for their wedding reception the next day.

We had a lot to do the day of the reception; center pieces, food, decorations, crying babies.

so really only a couple got edited.

editing stinks. perfect pictures are awesome.

Photo: a Chocolate affair

2011-06-14T19:35:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine's family...does that makes sense? let me re-phrase that...my friends extended family owns a chocolate shop (and half of scentsy). So she has the hook-up. They asked her to do a facebook page for their shop. And she accepted. but she needed pictures. And I took some pictures.. this was back before Easter.

A few weeks ago they asked me to take some more pictures of their chocolates. mostly just stock photos. not too exciting here. but you still can't help but drool.

My kids were all about these. Jack totally stole one and ate behind my back. Other than that ONE chocolate stolen (I had already taken his photo, lucky for JACK!) they are all still sitting on my counter. chocolate anyone? sorry. you have to bring me dinner. this week the lucky members of my ward who volunteered to bring me dinner (cause I just had a baby) will be going home with a very sincere thank you note and yummy chocolate.
ANYWAY, back to my kids. (I keep getting sidetracked) Sydney got REALLY into these. She helped me arrange and rearrange. She became the towel girl, and the hand me the chocolate girl. Then she wanted to do her own chocolates. She taped up her own white background and stole my iPhone and started shooting. you can find her shots at the end of this post. funny girl.

Preece Designer Chocolates
Meridian Idaho

Sydney Pictures:

Photo: & a few more

2011-05-31T15:59:00.001-04:00

I've kind of fizzled out on editing pictures for now.
I did these ones the other day.....I LOVE them all just about the same. I need the couple to choose which one is their favorite.

Well, this one is Andy's favorite. I know that. I like it too..but I think I like the & in between best.

photo: Engagements {a&j} part II

2011-05-28T18:00:00.001-04:00

{some of} Hyde Park {pictures}

Photo: Engagements {a&j} part I

2011-05-28T17:26:00.000-04:00

Andy is my brother

Jesse is my soon to be sister in law

and they are both very trusting and asked me to take some engagement pictures of them.

We went to a couple of places goofing off :)

For their announcement they want a simple black and white photo of just their faces.

(their wedding is black and white)

(which is why most of these have no color...:(

Some I kept the color for you to see....

and added some of the other pictures.

Part II will have more of the "couple in love" theme about them.

Photo: Party for {H}

2011-05-16T13:44:00.000-04:00

This blog is for me and my hobbies.

Its my projects, my bookmarks, my portfolio and my scrapbook.

I by no means think I'm in a position to make people pay for pictures- but I REALLY like this new photography hobby of mine. and I REALLY want to learn and get better at it. (much better) So I need to practice; and love willing subjects...something other than my food and kids. haha.

I took some the other day of a birthday party.

{they need to be watermarked...no stealing}

Here are some of my favorites....

none of the pictures are altered, have actions applied or anything. I'm trying to get great pictures without photoshopping them all up. without fixing my exposure on the computer and erase shadows...but yes, I could probably make their eyes POP more and the colors vibrant. but not now.

the decorations:

THE FOOD
Isn't Steph amazing?

The CAKE

The {delicate} Birthday Girl

too much going on at first...

now we got it.

Her beautiful Mom

Other Subjects attending:

I have some more cute pictures...but blogger isn't letting me upload them at this time. I'll try again later?

Ladybug for Hazel

2011-05-16T12:25:00.001-04:00

I made another doll. She turned out WAY better this time. I did my own measurements, instead of trying to make it the same size of Sydney's. And just went with the flow my way.

but I like her lots.

Her ladybug fit her ladybug party.

Here are some of my favorite dolls, inspirations, found elsewhere...
I LOVE her Hair from Ricebabies. I should have done little red pig tails huh.
Seriously considered doing yarn for her hair... lovelyhandmade kind of gives an example. I have it different in my head though.
Not the first time I have talked about crabappleattic. mostly on my other blog she is well known. you can buy her pattern.

I don't know if I love their hair, but body's are sure cute! Kiki Creates blog post
(there is a tut on their blog on how to paint them too. Simple and Simon
There is one more I can't find anywhere!! They put dolls on a t-shirt for Japan relief effotrs. The dolls were flat of course, but looked exactly like above :) so cute. Sydney wanted one of those.

burnt on beads

2011-05-06T08:56:00.001-04:00

a little while ago a friend made the cutest bracelet, and since then I've seen them popping up in stores and blogs. Fun accessories.
This week was full of birthdays...and mothers day. so I had a lot of reasons to make my own.

I did mine very different than my friend, but in the end they don't look so different.

I like mine simple and small. Plus I'm giving these to "mom's" so I didn't want them to flamboyant.
but you can make them quite large and they still look awesome.
I'm thinking a med and small one together would be quite sassy too.

I bought several different colored pearl bracelets at Forever 21.
for a pack of 5, its $2.60
really great deal

I then bought, (and had left over) satin.
This time I added a sheer to the flower.
found the sheer sitting right next to the satin at joanns. Didn't even have to move an isle.

fabric just needs to be 100% polyester, for burning reasons.
I only bought 1/4 yard of the colors I wanted and have PLENTY left over for future flowers, or projects. This is a good one to do with friends.

I cut different sized circles.
in the Satin:
2 large ones.
1 medium
1 small

in the sheer:
1 or 2 med-large (sometimes I did two colors, hence 2)
1 small

Then I burned the edges..sometimes the milddle (for puckering)

and stacked as followed...key- do NOT stack them perfectly, straightly on top of each other. all lopsidedness is best.

2 large satin
1 to 2 Sheer
1 medium satin
1 small sheer
1 small satin
(if you need more you can end in sheer)

pinch all together and thread needle through middle 2 times, ending with the needle on the bottom
grab 3 of the 5 bracelets and wrap around the beads and up through the center of the flower.
I did that 2 times.

Then sew on the bead (or beads) stitching through the flower and down around bead bracelets. added strength!

Your done.

Make your own Moby Wrap

2011-05-06T08:26:00.000-04:00

I wanted a Moby for this baby- I've heard how amazing they are.
I've also heard they are super easy to make. And one day during soccer class a friend offered me hers to look at (that her friend had made for her) as a pattern so I could make my own.

I borrowed her Moby and made it pretty much like hers. I did this because I know it works, and works well. However- her friend sewed around the WHOLE thing. way to much unnessary work for me.

You will need:
5 yards of a stretchy fabric.
Moby's {I think} are made of 100% of cotton Jersey knit. and many websites suggest a knit type fabric.
Mine is kind of a cotton spandex blend. more on the spandex side. It's pretty thin.
I did most my research on fabrics after I bought it. why? I don't know. I think mine will be fine, although I'm slightly worried about getting hot in it. If I have problems, I will let you know.

5 yards is enough to make 3 moby's!
3!! so get some friends to go in on it with you....

cotton fabric to help support where baby will be sitting.
a fat quarter should work fine for that. (they are about 22x22 inches check and make sure)

Measurements of Moby material was 16 inches x 5 yards
Measurements of cotton material was 17 inches x 24 inches

The nice thing about my spandex material is that it doesn't fray. So I didn't have to hem 10 yards of fabric. just sew on the cotton.

I ironed down the 17" side and pinned in the middle. (1/4 inch)

folded over the the 24"inch side so that it wrapped around the moby, and pinned. (1/4 inch, fold again, 1/4 inch)

Sorry, Can you get past the wrinkles. They are pretty bad.

sew on the direct middle.

not a good example right? between my 32 week belly and an awkward doll this is what you get.

and my arms UP so you can't even see the strap.

I need to get a better picture.

also cute in blue.

Rose Burlap

2011-04-11T15:51:00.000-04:00

I've got to say I LOVE this bag. Last fall I saw a burlap bag; it had a rose too...but I like better :) I put fabric inside, and did it my style.

SO back to my story, Last fall I bought the stuff to make it, and it sat around. got buried and abused.

Tomorrow I have a party to go to where we have to bring something- I thought since I had the fabric laying around I would use it to make the bag finally. I'm really sad to see it go!! it better go to a good home.

Sewing with burlap was interesting. I was a little nervous cause its so course, and just DiFfErNt. I'm not much for branching out since I don't really know what I'm doing. I'm usually just making things up as I go.

But it was easy to sew on, but it made a HUGE mess. lots of fibers everywhere. I started this bag early this morning- I was in my PJ's. After making it half way though I was going to shower...but decieded not to considering my clothes were covered!

I also though later, its a good thing I didn't put in my contacts either. My nose already was itchy, can't imagine having the fibers in my eyes. ouch.

Since this was NOT a custom bag for a client, I didn't spend lots of time on fancy pockets and stitching. I didn't line the whole thing either, but I don't think it needs it. The burlap holds it shape so well, unlike the quilters cotton I usually use. If I don't line the cotton the bag is so flimsy it annoys me.

I did line the band and the handle...just for good measure.

I also thought it would be nice to have the bottom side of the handle fabric. burlap would be scratchy on your bare summer arms.

I love texture.

I think its why this is a favorite.

Springtime Girl's Dress Tutorial

2011-03-28T01:10:00.005-04:00

Springtime Girl's Dress Tutorial

Features:

Dress instructions with Options A: Bowed Back and Option B: Bunchie Skirt.

Ready to make a simple fun dress? If your little girl is anything like mine, she lives in dresses! I hope you enjoy this tutorial. It is hard to go wrong with this dress. Very detailed instructions are given, but don't be overwhelmed. Once you get started you will see how truly simple and quick this dress is! Happy Stitching...

Materials needed :

· 11/3 yards fabric*
· 2 inch Elastic
· Needle and thread (for Options A and B)

*I used a textured fabric much like a Tutti Frutti material.

STEP 1: Measurements and Cutting

Measurements will vary depending upon the size of your child. However there are a few standard amounts to add for seam allowances and hems.

A. Measure around chest of child and add about 3 inches. (2 inches for comfort and movement and 1 inch for seams.) If you are making this for a very small girl maybe only at 1or 1.5 inches for comfort. My number was 23 + 3 = 26 in.

Cut your 2 inch elastic to this length.

B. Measure from the front of the chest to the back where straps will lay. Again this will vary, mine was 12 inches. Cut a strip of fabric the width of the yard (so 45in) x 4 inches. Set a side. This will be used for straps. (Do Not Cut length of strap yet. You should just have one long 4 in. piece to accommodate for Option A).

C. Measure from chest to desired length. Add 5 inches for seams. If you would like to do Option B: Bunchie Skirt add another 5 inches or so. My measurement was 30+5+5= 40 inches.Cut fabric to this length. We will use the entire natural width of the material.

STEP 2: Sewing the Hems and Seams.

A. First iron down about ¼ of an inch on the top of the fabric.

B. Then fold again and iron another 2.5 inches and pin into place. This will be the top of the dress.

C. Sew from one end to the other close to the edge of fold, reinforcing ends.

D. Make a ½ inch inseam on the bottom raw edge.

STEP 3: Sewing the dress closed and elastic in.

A. Sew right sides together along length of dress from bottom up stopping BEFORE sew the large 2 inch inseam closed. Leave that open for your elastic.

B. Thread your elastic through inseam using a large safety pin. Once through, overlap elastic and sew together with a zigzag stitch.

C. Pull edges of fabric together over showing elastic and sew closed with another zigzag stitch.

Now you should have basically a tube top and you just need to sew on the straps!

STEP 4: Sewing on the Straps

First take your one long strip of fabric and cut it in half. Sew right sides together and turn inside out. Press flat. Put the dress on your little girl and pin straps in place. (Make sure that the material is even scrunched around the front and back to avoid large clumps of material) There is no science to the pin of the straps, just what looks appropriate and comfortable! Take off carefully; don’t poke her with a pin!

A. Sew front straps on the inside of dress where pinned. It’s okay to sew over the elastic and scrunched up material. Again on this I used a zigzag stitch. STOP- if you would like to do Option A now is the time, refer to instructions below… otherwise continue. Repeat for the back and trim off excess material!!

And you are done!! Way easy, cheap and fun!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO OPTION A: Bow Back

Instead of sewing the back straps on the inside of the dress sew them on the same location you pinned them just the outside of the dress.

A. (already done)

B. Take the end of the strap and fold it over about 2 inches.

C. Fold again overlapping about 4 inches. There should be a small gap of strap left next to the dress.

D. Take a threaded needle and in and out through the middle of the 4 inch fold making sure to catch all layers.

E. Synch tight and wrap thread around and secure. You have a bow! Now just twist it so that is lines up with the strap and sew on with the needle and thread. Repeat to the other side!

Truly the bows can be worn either front or back, but me and my daughter decided the surprise bows in the back were the best.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO OPTION B: Bunchie Skirt

This is so simple it’s ridiculous but so fun. Hang the dress up so you can visualize the skirt well.

A. Pinch together about 4-5 inches of fabric.

B. From the bottom thread needle through both layers of fabric, but only just a tiny amount. Loop through twice. Pull tight and tie in knot with other end of thread. Let fabric fall back over stitch. Repeat to your heart’s desire alternating levels on the dress! (I think I did about 10 all around.)

OTHER IDEAS TO FLUFF UP YOUR DRESS:

· Add large buttons at bottom of straps.
· Make a matching bow can be pinned in dress on one side.
· Sew on Lace border to bottom.

Flowers are all the Rage

2011-01-18T18:13:00.006-05:00

Seriously? the last time I posted was OCTObER. That is pretty sad. What is even worse is I really havent done much worthy of a post. Made some kid crafts here and there, some bags like the ones you normally see, and then a few for christmas that was fun.

But honestly, being only 19 weeks now, I feel like I have been 9 months the whole time. Getting my home and kids as they should be is big enough challenge let alone trying to throw in extra projects for myself. Makes me tired just thinking about it.

So i'm sorry I've been lame...mostly for my friends. They are the ones who get the cute presents for birthday and just plain being there. I love my friends...

So for MY birthday I got cute flowers from Amy. I couldn't help but show you...scroll down, she make me the blue and white stripe and tan with black stripe. So cute and they go with everything.

And since Flowers are ALL the rage I wanted to make some for my relatives. Sisters, mothers grandmas etc. I only wanted to share a few details on how me and a friend figured out how to make them. We combined a few of the popular tutorials out there and some of our own taste and feel they are so much easier this way ;)

We used these two tutorials. I know Amy (blue and tan flower) used the first tutorial....

which I liked. We cut 5x5 squares, but in the end thought they were on the big side. So in the end we did 4x4 sqares and they are beautiful.

However, this lady sews EACH and EVERY little flower. and when you are doing 6plus little flowers to make 1 large flower, thats a lot of sewing. especially when your making 12 flowers.

So we used this ladies technique of HOT GLUEING the little flowers. love it.

http://jonesdesigncompany.com/tutorial/flower-pin-tutorial/

With each flower I would put about 6-7 of the petal things...

we used some linens we thought were cool. But if you are worried about them fraying (linens do fray) then make sure you take that into consideration.

http://3punkmom.blogspot.com/2010/11/tutorial-chrysi-pin.html

Birthday presents to me, from Amy.

not taking credit for these cute things!! But I want to show you more ideas.

My sis Aub made this one for me:) cute, totally different style.

~A~

2010-10-03T16:51:00.002-04:00

Amber, who always ends her emails in a loving ~A~, is my sister in law. I could not ask for a cuter, spunky, funny sister in law. It's really too bad we live at opposite ends of the country. I miss her and her sweet girls all the time. ALL the TIME.

Well, Her birthday was a little bit ago and I knew she wanted an apron. Well, Dale (MIL) informed me she wanted one so bad. And she even used the ones I made for the little girls at christmas. How can deciding what to get someone for their birthday get any easier.

I hit the fabric store and made her a full, double sided apron.

I did change the shape, the pockets, and a little but of the dimensions. It's a little too big. but She is tall like me- so No problem there.

Side one with cupcake pockets :)

Sydney picked them out- I think they are awesome

SIDE 2

AW! color

Aunt Shel

2010-10-03T15:22:00.003-04:00

Last of the bags for my Mom is for Aunt Shelly.

I loved all the bags and all the fabrics, but this fabric is the one I identified with the most. Between all the bags- I probably would have chosen this one, or at least the bottom fabric.

glazed donuts/glazed cabinets, same same.

2010-09-09T11:16:00.004-04:00

As part of my bathroom painting project I pianted the cabinets. You know the type- I think we have all lived in a place where they have looked like this.

So since I was painted everything else- why not do the cabinets too? update the whole thing.

My goal was to have them look like one of my good friends gorgeous kitchen.

She did her own too. I'm not specific on how she did it- I do know she used a glaze.

I need to find out for future projects.

Here is what you will need....

Latex paint- The color your cupboards will be. I recommend going a shade lighter. After you apply the glaze the cabinets are going to be darker...even if you don't apply it to the whole area of the cabinets the over all will be darker than what you expected.

oil Primer- found anywhere.

Glaze- you can get this smaller bottle at Lowes. It comes in many different colors. My cabinets are mocha.

(you will also need a rag...older, lint-free the better)

Sponge roller - with an extra refill

optional- Paint thinner, makes clean up SO much easier.

I got this Brand at Walmart. I like that it is environmentally safe.

2 paint brushes.

1. A really cheap one. I use for the oil primer so I can just throw away after. oil paint is such a pain to get out of the brush that I would prefer to buy it cheap and toss.

2. A Nice, I used 2 inch angled, paint brush.

After taking off the doors. hardware etc:

First you will need to apply the primer

I do the edging and then roll.

A good heavy first coat is all that I needed. But if you want extra smooth, no grain cupbards do a couple of coats.

Every time I have done oil primer, it takes a while to dry. The first time I did a painting project with it I didn't let it dry enough. it didn't feel tacky, but wasn't dry completely because when I applied the paint topcoat it made it all bumpy. so make sure you let it dry.

Throw away your crappy paint brush and roller refill.

Get out the nice brush, and fresh sponge roller.

Then-

2 coats of paint.

I did it the same way-

edging with paint brush, roll on.

dry.

NOW the fun part. The Glaze.

Do you know how you want the glaze to look on your cabinets?

There are many different ways you can do this-

1.you can have the whole facade of your doors and surface covered in glaze, so that it will seep into little cracks everywhere and rub off the smooth surfaces.

2.you can just do the corners and edging

3. you can only do the doors.

The point is, make sure you know what you want. Me and a friend both did our bathrooms and they both turned out very different....

Take a inconspicuous spot and test.

My technique was to have it DARK, in the EDGES and Crevices. I would fade it out slightly but I wanted the middle of the doors and smooth areas to be cream- the original latex paint color.

So I put a quarter size amount of paint on the rag and gently rubbed it in the corners, careful to not wipe it all away. then took the part of the rag that was just damp with glaze and rub beside the corners/edges. So it would tint that area very slightly....

If something got where I didn't want it to, i would wipe with a dry area of the rag and it would wipe away.

That easy.

Allow to dry.

apply hardware and doors.

Here are my before and after pictures. Check here for more.

family ties

2010-09-04T10:03:00.005-04:00

I made some ties for a cute family this week- They are having pictures done and She really wanted to try and get her little boys to wear the ties. I really hope it all works out. We have 2 year old boys about the same age so I understand, when they don't want to do something- they don't want to do something! and rampage, disaster, fits follow.

We went fabric shopping together. and I'm SO glad we did. I wouldn't have been able to even guess what to pick out, or I wouldn't have picked this fabric out. Besides- its always fun to be with a friend.

This first set isn't her main tie- backup or just for fun. We made one for the hubby.

Set 2- for the pictures

Create a Watermark

2010-08-19T16:01:00.003-04:00

I found this awesome tutorial for making a watermark on your pictures....But no time now to actually doing it.

Heres to bookmarking!

To make your own watermark on your pictures go HERE {Iheartface.com}

I love her blog- check it out here...Kidnapped by Suburbia

Linnae

2010-08-19T00:15:00.003-04:00

Aunt #2...Linnae.

Her birthday was a while ago, but she didn't get her bag till this weekend. So in the off chance that she looked at this blog, I didn't want to spoil her present.

Her's is a pretty standard pleated bag I make. except I tried doing two short handles....

We didn't quite love how the button turned out in the end... It needs a big white one or something? what do you think?

I LOVE the black of the band and the pocket!

another bookmark

2010-08-18T11:37:00.003-04:00

I'm out of town, reading blogs, and found another to-do project.
Like the rest of the world, I love ruffles.
and, like the rest of the world I have been meaning to make a pillow, a duvet, and a dress...with ruffles.
between moving and surgery I haven't done much.

Here's to reminding me.
Getting me motivated.
and helping me out so I don't have to figure it out by myself.

I love tutorials.

Ruffles Tutorial click HERE

Love it.

2010-08-13T18:22:00.003-04:00

I'm book marking this awesome tutorial I found while blog surfing.

These cushions would be so fun for presents and gifts, playing...oh lots of things.

To see these floor cushions click here (or on the picture) for the tutorial.

Aunt Cammy

2010-07-23T16:11:00.006-04:00

This year, for my Mom's sisters I'm making them a pleated tote.

I love that I get to do this. because I REALLY love and admire my Aunts. And I got to go fabric shopping with my mom. And spending time with her (and in a fabric store) is always priceless.

Her bag is the basic... I did do the inside pockets a little different.

Here is Cammy's bag.

Love it.

one pocket and pen holder

Two pockets and Key Hook

Big Leather button

Aunt Cammy

2010-07-23T16:11:00.001-04:00

30 minute dandelion skirt tutorial

2010-07-06T11:24:00.005-04:00

Syd pretty much wears skirts 24/7. So last year when a friend asked me if I wanted to make some cute skirts for our girls I was all in. This was the tutorial I followed. I made a couple of these and decided there were things I personally didn't like about the skirt, and I would like to change.

{I'm so grateful for the tutorial, because I did gain lots of sewing knowledge}

I like a bigger hem, a longer skirt, simplicity etc.

I also like decoration- fun pockets and crazy flowers....however- the tie has just become a nusance to the girls- no matter how I try. so I don't put ribbon in anymore.

The skirt it SO easy- you honestly don't even have to have the measurments right for the fabric...just know the steps and you can put any fabric together and make a darling skirt!

Here are some round-about measurments.

*If you know this when you go to the store, ladies will cut your fabric for you...save you a whole step.*

we are all different on how we like our skirts.... I like mine longer, chunky hem. But some of my friends prefer their girls skirts hit above the knee. up to you. just MEASURE your girl and decide where it should fall.

if your going off me- here is what I do.

5t- 14 inches overall.

you will need 12" of one fabric for top.

9" (1/4 yard) of cordinating fabric for hem

21 " waist

4t- 13 inches over all.

11"/9"

20" waist

3t- 12 inches overall

10"/7"

19.5" waist

2t-11 inches overall

9"/7"

19" waist

Other things you will need:

1/2 inch elastic, cut 1 inch larger than waist size.

Iron

2 safety pins

thread.

optional:

fabric for pockets

ribbon for tie, button, flower, ric-rac for decoration.

if the widths of your fabric are different, for instance your main fabric is wider (46") than the hem (44") cut to same size. Otherwise you can leave them as they cut them for you in the store.

(unless you are a "always wash,dry, iron" gal, then finish that step and your caught up.

Lets GO!

All Seam Allowance 1/2 inch.

Righ sides together- iron & sew the bottom main fabric to top of hem.

Iron the seams DOWN toward the hem band.

on the hem, turn edge in 1/4 inch towards wrong side and press.

Turn again 1/4" and press.

fold up towwards wrong side of skirt and pin the folded hem RIGHT under the seam stitches.

as close as you can get without going over. Sew this 1/8".

Hem DONE! yay. easy right?

now the waist band.

Top of your main fabric...

Same as above- fold in 1/2 inch toward wrong side. press

and the fold over 1"....a whole inch, because this is where we will thread through the elastic.

sew 1/8" from the bottom

Now we need to close the skirt.

Pin the last to raw edges. "side" right sides together.

you will want to stop 1- 2 inches from the top. place a pin to help you remember

sew the right sides together, backstitching where you placed your pin.

*pink or zig zag this edge is a good idea*

Pin one end of your elastic to your skirt.

place a pin in the other end of your elastic. (pin ribbon here too, if you want a tie)

Thread through.

Sew the elastic. I do it in two places...nice and tight

I added pockets and ric rac... I think it needs a little somethin-somethin. but yours may not :)

Adventures in my new home- Kids room.LaMe.

2010-06-24T16:50:00.004-04:00

kids rooms are hard.

Why?

What is cute, is not always practical- for KIDs especially.

There may not be enough space, right sleeping arrangments, toys are just annoying, books always look messy. And for those reasons I don't think I will ever have a "pottery barn kids" room.

kill for one though.

I LOVE our new house. with that being said however we are kind of squished in here and I'm still trying to figure out how and where to put things. I still have a pile of pictures sitting in the corner of my living room. (you'll see how the kids walls are picture-less).

Because of that we decided to do a trial run of putting Jack and Syd together! {*calm down*} In the same room {I'm never going to sleep again}

Jack LOVEs his crib and LOVES to sleep.

Syd has ALWAYS been the VeRY opposite. no nap. no sleep. who needs sleep.

So why change my perfectly happy lifestlyle? For space?

Yup.

When we visited my parents they slept in the same bed together and loved it.

so, why not try at least try it... and use the other room as Den/study/computer/sewing&craft/toys. It's so crammed in there.

So their room started out like this.

its ok cute. nothing spectacular. little too girly for Jack. My plan was (kind still is) to put up his antique cars on a ledge and make them their own pillow shams (wanna be PBk style) and quilts so half the room/bed is boy and girl. i haven't got that far. I'm slow. I tell ya, moving this 3 times in 2 1/2 years has really taken it out of me. My house is suffering. and I don't care. ok I care a little.

*I did find the awesome duvet, shams and decorative pillow, bed skirt for $5 at a garage sale!* cant beat that.

This is the other side of the room.

I know books spilling out, blankets falling from the closet. I care so much about you that I didn't even clean up. (but honestly I wonder if there is a you out there reading this)

Here is the problem with this arrangement.

by the window my butt doesn't even slide back there. and the kids hit their heads on the window ledge.

and its a slim fit between the foot of the bed and Jacks Dresser.

So since the tikes are so little we figured they can sleep as they were on a sideways bed.

It's not as pretty- right? Tell me what you think.

It does give a lot more playing space.

*gotta find their rug...* still missing to many things.

I moved the bookshelf over under their painting.

Story about that bear? He is an MP3 bear. hook up the IPod and he sings kids to sleep. I love it. It was so cheap at a PB Outlet. Lets all write PB and get them to put an outlet here? PLEASE. You will love it, I will love it.

Things are actually reasonably priced at the outlet, some even CHEAP! (like this bear)

ummm don't know what to do with this, neon pink thing. but we need more bookshelves...I'll put it here.

yup not even 5 min after nicely putting them in, he's destroying.

I really like having hooks.

why? Because I can teach my kids to pick up their stuff easier.

They can hang up their towels and jackets here. Teaches them early...and takes 2 more things off my list.

ok. The end. Not that fabulous but it is working :) we might just keep it this way. haha.

To Heather:

2010-06-07T13:28:00.004-04:00

Guess what people, my machine is broke. I need to fix it, I don't know where. If you have a good place PLEASE let me know. The sad thing is I have about 4 tutorials I need to make and post. I'M SOOO excited for them!!!!!!!!!!!

on with what this post is originally about...

I got this sweet email from a Lady named Heather:

Hi there! Just recently found your blog and LOVE it! Made the super huge bag too ----looks like I got the fabric from Joann's online just in time. Did you notice that like 2 weeks after you posted your tutorial and told everyone where to get the fabric, they are COMPLETELY sold out??!

My main question though---I love the fabric that you used to make your church bag. I have tons of red in my kitchen and would love to incorporate the white with the red flowers into some curtains, towels etc. I have looked everywhere online but can not find that fabric anywhere. I also love the gray with the flowers that is the accent to the red and white. Do you mind sharing either the designer or where you found it? I would so appreciate it (and so would my red kitchen!)

Thanks and keep up the great tutorials. Love reading you.

Heather :)

So here is the answer to Heathers question, just in case anyone else wants to find this fabric....

Its made by Windham fabrics, called Botanical Pop! They have several other fabrics all in coordinating colors....

Happy sewing

Adventures in my new house- rugs...

2010-06-03T16:13:00.006-04:00

a secret confession...I really love rugs. But I can't afford to buy them. I have even started to fully appreciate the wool, oriental, thousands of dollar rugs that I used to despise.

I LOVE love LOVE Costco's bathmats. They are the only ones that have washed up well for me. They don't "mat" or loose all their fibers and strings in my washer. They {air} dry all nice and fluffy. They totally hold up for YEARS. I'm not talking months, or one year, I'm talking YEARS. I've had a deep purple mat (ok, it has faded some, but I wash with a little big of bleach since....oh ...4 years? and you would never know. its luxuriously soft and plush and feels REALLY good on my toes when I'm stepping out of the shower.

They are reasonably priced too. like $13 for a large mat. (that hold up remember)

Never buy Walmart mats, I've learned.

Targets are hit and miss.

Ross/TJMaxx you really need to know your fibers and construction to tell if they will hold up or wash out on you.

JcPenny's color washed out and corners turned up. trip on the dang thing every time I walk by it.

And Bed Bath and Beyond are too much {$$} for me to justify. so no, I haven't really tried them.

So- for bathmats, Costco's won my heart. I can't remember the brand name- think it starts with a D? Ill look later. We finally live by one...

oh I ALSO love their big kitchen rugs...beautiful. Hold up AWESOME.

Which is why I'm going to Costco today....to price out a large rugs.

We moved to a city. (goodbye my lovely small town life)

A new house with lots a new floors for new rugs.

ok not really. Sadly the doors are too close to the floors so I can't have my rugs by them.

BUT our new house has nice clean ivory colored carpet! I'm glad it's clean, plush and soft...but NOT that its nearly white. No speckles or anything. Everything will show.

Our kids hate the new rule of no food or drinks...not even the no-spill sipee cups allowed. because, they still spill. and then after a week you can see the drips and drops where dirt has stuck to the sticky juice.

Ive been eyeing {large area} rugs, for a very low price lately. {haha I know how it sounds, impossible right?}

I have no doubt that Pottery Barn and all those wonderful store have gorgeous rugs, but I'm on a beggars budget. So I'm not even going to look.

$100 the max, hopefully WAY less than that.

Where do you get your rugs? do you have a place you love, or brand?

I was at Target yesterday and they had some beautiful ones...Syd and I were loving looking at the wesbite today...thought I'd show you some of our loves.

my NUMBER #1 choice for my living room...

Home Exploded..neutral.

I LOVE it because it is colorful but not tooooo crazy. I can choose to decorate in any color, and change it up and the drop of a hat- without having to go out and buy another rug.

I can get sick of floral, but I like this flower, it kind of has an arts and craft feel. lovely huh.

I don't love the price.

so unless you want to make a charitable donation to my living room

....I'll just gawk at it

Syd's favorite: totally looks likes like her, match her room too.

White Floral

Other ones I love...

I didn't write this one down?

Nikita Rug

Shabby Chic Damask

Stick Leaf Carolina...love it's simplicity. It kind of reminds me of Katy's Master bedroom...wonder what color her carpet is..if it would really go?

Typography wouldn't this be cool in boys room...or office.

Flower Check rug...thought it was interesting.

Poppy (love poppy's) and in lots of colors

SUPER large Summer Tote tutorial..cheap too

2010-05-09T21:22:00.006-04:00

As Featured on Be Different Act Normal 5/10

Ruffles and Stuff 5/11 "Daily Feature"

I really don't like that when I go to the park, the beach, or whereever, I have to take 2-3 small bags AND carry things like blankets and towels in my other hand. While also trying to keep the kids from running in front of cars. YET, I don't want to buy the huge bags for lots of money.

I was looking for interior fabrics in the back of JoAnn's when I saw a teeny tiny section of "utility fabrics" They had 2-3 beautiful fabrics that look and feel a lot like the $1 reusable bags from the grocery store. So my brain started turning.

The best part is, these fabrics are HUGE and CHEAP. $2.99 a yard to be exact. The bag I made used a whole 3/4 of a yard. pretty sweet huh.

I thought I would just show you how I made this basic bag, you can change the dimensions, do whatever you want. and once you have this down you can make any bag and with any material. oh baby, go crazy.

I took my 3/4th's a yard and cut off the bottom, STILL FOLDED 3 inches. Cut it at the fold and you will have 2 3x30" strips

UnFold your lot of fabric and cut on the fold so you should have to symmetrical rectangles. about 24x30"

On both pieces turn the top down 1/2 inch (I didn't need to iron, it bent really well)

Then turn it down 1 inch and pin, sew on both sides of the hem.

Place the fabic right sides together and sew sides and bottom. Top open.

Now comes the tricky part. Take the bottom corners and "box" them. You do this by creasing it the opposite way it currently lays. So that the seams are kissing each other and it forms a triangle.

Pin in place.

Now measure 4 inches down (up to you really, I did 4 inches) and drew a straight line.

Sew across this line.

Cut the top of the triangle.

Let your kids play with the triangle houses :)

yeah, you did it! so easy huh. Now just have the handles.

Fold in half, right sides together.

Sew and flip.

I like to flip by pinning and turning the pin down pulling through. works magic.

I ironed these and with the seam in the middle.

Fold each end of the handles same as the top hem. 1/2 inch then 1 inch.

Measure from outside seam. I liked 8" in from the outside. pin on the inside (make sure the handle seam in pointing inside too) and sew a box with a X in the middle. This will help keep it strong for ALL the goodies soon to be going in.

And your done! don't you love how small it rolls up.

Here to help put in perspective how big it is....all those beach towels...

**CARE** tonight I spilled salad all over it! blast. The instructions on the fabric bolt said to just wipe clean, but this was too messy. SO I put it in the wash on rinse/spin cycle with a drop of dish soap and it worked great. it wasn't too rough on the fabric or ruin the colors.

Camera Strap

2010-05-09T17:54:00.002-04:00

I've been meaning to make one of these camera straps for ages. They spice up the camera, add your own personality to an otherwise dull black and lifeless piece of technology.

A freind posted this link on her blog- you can check out sew cute shop's instructions and measurements....but They didn't exactly fit my strap, so be careful. My strap is much skinnier. and a little shorter.

I also wanted to line both sides, not just one. I wanted more padding, my cotton was on the thin side, and extra sturdiness :)

They turned out cute.

I made one for Aub's for mother's day.

Navy

2010-05-01T20:28:00.003-04:00

Do you remember Krissy? After her Mother-in-law caught sight of her pleated bag She wanted one! Her specs were pretty simple, pretty much the same as Krissy's...only on a smaller scale. Smaller bag, smaller strap. Same pockets and instead of a flower a button.

She requested a Navy blue bag. It was really difficult finding navy blue/white fabric that would look good as a bag. I wasn't too keen on tiny polka dots, or flannel button-up shirt looking material. But in the back of JoAnns, I found some...as interior decor fabric. It's thick and has the texture of a canvas almost. It will work great! It will hold up awesome. She chose the fabric design...stripes. and I waited for it to go on sale then bought all the supplies.

Here it is!

a Small/Med bag

Med length strap

5 Pockets...4 inside with pen holder. 1 stretchy outside

I really like the interior.....

Accessories:

Key Clip & Big Button

Aubrey's Apron +(full, reversible) Tutorial

2010-04-30T08:31:00.007-04:00

At Christmas I had all the motivation and inspiration to make the nieces and women in my family the cutest darn aprons they have ever had in their life. The little girls...I made up. they turned out PDC (pretty darn cute) but after 5 of those aprons I was fizzled.

On top of that, my sis wanted a FULL apron. This is the apron I was going to make her...not full. And My mom hardly wears aprons so motivation gone. I didn't want to make them if they wouldn't need them...?

Well, Aubrey Celebrated her birthday this month, and I finally got her present off in the mail so I can post about it with out ruining the surprise. I made her aFULL apron and gave her a bunch of kitchen things. Some of them fun (like the cheeky gloves) some of them necessities (like a fancy snancy peeler....specifically the titan peeler, LOVE IT)

I made up the FULL apron, since most the tutorials I find are all half aprons. And it ended up being easier than expected.

3/4 yard of 2 fabrics (for reversibility)

1/2 yard of complimentary (this will be the band/ties)

Pocket fabric you'll have plenty of scraps if you want to use the above fabric

bias tape (optional...instruction on another tutorial listed below)

So I started with the bottom. DUE to the numerous tutorials out there for half aprons I'm not going to go into detail on how to make the bottom. I would recommend using Mellissa's Grandma's Apron, I did some of her steps as you will later see.

I took (2) 1/2 yard of fabric, cut to shape and sewed on complimentary color pockets. Even one in the shape of an Apple. Ain't it just adorable?

Then I sewed right sides together and flipped it out. Pressed.

I really liked the look of my friends Apron with the double bias tape... I wanted to try it. She has an awesome Tutorial. Go here to learn how to do the bias tape. But this step was just for decoration, it's not needed if you won't want to spend the extra money or time.

ok so you have the bottom done. Here is how I did the top. using the left over fabric I cut 2 trapezoid shaped pieces. One in both colors.

The top length is 10 inches, bottom length 16, and the height 15 inches.

Press the 1/4 inch of the top and bottom in, so they will be easier to top stitch.

flip so the Right sides are together and sew the diagonal sides 1/2 seam allowance. Flip right side out again and press for nice clean edges.

Cut a 2x22 inch strip. fold and Sew it right sides together, flip it through and press.

insert one inch in top & top stitch the now 9 inch opening, closed.

Now for the band.

cut the following.

(2) 5 inch x the width of your apron (mine was probably about 22-25 inches)

(2) 5 inch x 45 inches (the length of your fabric)

with the (2) 5 x apron width pieces of fabric- press 1/4 inch in, on the top and bottom (long sides)....it looks like this. This is the band.

with the (2) 5 in x 45 fold over, right sides touching. Sew one end closed and down the length. Flip through. press. These will be the ties.

Take the band place right sides together. (so the seam you just pressed is facing out now.)

Place the ties in between the layers, with the unfinished end poking out of the short 5" sides, one at both ends.

The whole length of the ties coming together in the middle.

pin in place. Sew the ties into the 5" sides.

Flip right side and press.

Now pin the top and the bottom and top stitch them together.

Done!

If you give it a go...

2010-04-23T16:27:00.005-04:00

And Make those Cheeky Clean Gloves....

I would most definitly not sew around them as my tutorial said..why?

because this happens. tears off just like a perforated page after a couple of times of use.

I explained how I would REALLY do everything on an updated version of the Tutorial. You can go here to see them. I'm working on updating my blogs with the pages...bare with me for a while. but check back...

familiar?

2010-04-03T18:38:00.002-04:00

Is this fabric familiar to you? My brother Andy is serving in the Austrailia Adelaide Mission. He can only check is email...not allowed to click on any other websites or anything....not even his lovely sister's blog. Thankfully blogger lets me email his post. He can do all but watch the videos. For some odd reason, he occasionally gets my posts from this blog. He saw krissy's bag and asked me to make him a tie out of that material.

so I did, and it turned out great. good taste Andy.

Cami

2010-03-30T21:18:00.000-04:00

Cami has been patiently waiting for her pleated bag to be done.
We first played phone tag for about a week.
Then emailing seemed to work...but
I had another bag order.
I was sick.
It was spring break, and my mom came in town.
Then it was time.
I got the fabric, and finally made it.
I hope she likes it!

This is what Cami ordered.

A Large bag.
Black and white fabric.
Red or emerald fabric inside.
Long strap. with Contrasting fabric on the bottom. And hooked on by Key Rings.
Magnetic closure.
Flower or Botton accessory on outside
a Large pocket for wipes and a few diapers, HORIZONTAL
Pocket outside (maybe 2)
Three pockets on the opposite side.
Key hook.

And here is what happened.

I haven't loved the b/w fabric that is around here. They seem to be small print. Cute but small. and I'm worried with it being a bag that a small print would be TOO busy. I finally found this and was SO excited. It is a NICE expensive material. Also 40% off! the print is the right colors, and not to big or small. not to busy or boring, or cheesy or grandma-ish. I like it. It is also thick and heavy.

The only problem that I had with it, wassssss it has some spandex in it. When I sewed it with the linning the material would stretch but the lining wouldn't. causing MORE pleats. very frustrating.

I decided on red. It's classic. and I was worried I wouldn't get the right green.

strap, check. key rings. check.

Magnet, and accessories.

Outside pocket. I made it stretchy, so nothing falls out.

Large HORizONtaL pocket for wipes and dipes.

the opposite pockets are various sizes, but you can also fit the wipes in one of them. water bottles/ baby bottles. or a wallet.

Key hook.

Poppies in a frame

2010-03-13T22:20:00.003-05:00

Some of the Ladies around here do a Bunco night. It has a theme, this theme was "Anything Green" To celebrate spring and St. Patty's Day. So every girl must bring a 'prize' it can be something from your home you no longer use, something handmade (I usually go this route), something bought, something stolen...haha whatever your cup of tea. You just not suppose to spend to much money. (unless you absolutely HAVE to, then I don't think anyone would object...)

This theme I was at a loss at what to make. I, blog stalked a bunch of the crafty blogs, (which I seldom do) looked at websites trying to come up with some inspiration.

The irony of it all was that I was the host! I came up with the theme, and I shouldn't be having a problem. I was just out of ideas with everything though. what to make, how to decorate, what to bake.

Anyway, from the inspiration of my sister and Amy butler, and a touch of my own taste I came up with these Poppies in a Frame idea.

My sister is making a pillowcase quilt much like this "I'm blushing" quilt from Moda Bake Shop.

I wish I could have had the time or money to make a bag...but I needed something quick. I liked this idea from Amy Butlers website. {did you know she has free sewing and craft patterns on her website!} I want with the nigella silhouettes.

So I modified it all. to my taste and time.

I went to Salvation Army and found a great heavy, sturdy frame for a few dollars.

sure you can get some frames at Walmart for $3, with no backing. and they would work fine. but I liked the irregular shape of this one, its great wood construction, with the bamboo feel.

I didn't however like the moldy yellowing color nor the blue 80's watering tin. blah.

So I spray painted the frame black. AND I spray painted the pitcher...you'll see why later.

I took Amy's idea and Amy's material ( shades of GREEN scraps from bags and projects) and made poppies.

unlike the quilt and Amy's instructions I did not sew around the edges. too many details for the short day I had to make this in.

I used easy but extra strong hold Heat 'n Bond to iron on the flowers to DucK CLOTH. Love duck cloth. I think I need to make a bag out of duck cloth. Nothin like texture :)

In Amy butler's instructions she says to cut foam board to a certain size. Well instead of doing All that measuring and measuring (I'm a measure twice and cut once....ha, even then I usually have to cut twice, sad I know) so this made it simple. I spray painted the ugly picture so NO ONE would ever have to look at it again. haha ok it wasn't That bad right?. and then use a strong spray glue on both- duck cloth and thick cardboard. stuck them together and placed them in the frame.

I didn't use the glass because of personal preference and glare. and I didn't sew around because of time, but also because it is a picture. Not an applique on a shirt or something that will be used. It will hang on a wall and not be touched. much. hopefully.

There, I was done.

or so I thought.

Then my husband came home and said how he didn't like it. "he just didn't get it."

do you "get it." are you in agreement with my hubby. there is something missing isn't there.

so Added a little more to the inner circles and called it good. I think I do like the end result, better than the previous end result.

And I'm happy to say it went to a good home!!

There now, you know how I did it. you can make ANYTHING. names, cars and trucks. flowers, birds. Add lace whatever. Go. Be. Creative.

and of course, leave me your honest feedback. seriously people. lacking in comments on this blog.

Krissy

2010-03-05T16:53:00.004-05:00

Krissy is an awesome girl. I have been her friend since high school....maybe even before. We both were into the same nerdy things like orchestra. Our senior year we were stuck with B lunch, while the rest of our girlfriends had A. We also had PE together that year. So we got close. you know- when your forced to sweat with someone :) haha.

She lives far away from me now....but I still love her and keep in contact, miss her tons. What would we do with out blogs?

She emailed me for a bag...these were her requirements.... I hope you love it, Krissy!! It was made with love :) so cheesy, but true.

Color: versatile, neutral color that goes with most colors. I wear lots of different colors from black, brown, reds, greens, oranges...etc but I am getting really tired of switching my purse every morning to match my outfit just to go to work. So I need something that can be an everyday bag..If it is easier to do reversible I'm okay with that as well.

I sent Krissy pictures of fabric from my local quilting store. And she chose the following fabrics.She specifiically wanted the stripes as the main fabric.

I like the magnetic closure and the scrunchy pocket on the outside. I'm so paranoid about dropping my purse and everything in there falls out.

Long straps and the pleat on the outside. LOVE that. (I love the length of the red flowered bag's straps)

Inside: i like the 3 pockets on one side and the chapstick/pen pocket on the other w/the key strap. If possible to make it so it stands up on its own like one of the bags you did that would be even more perfect.

I decided to add my own little flare to it. It can easily be clipped off if she doesn't like it....OR when she gets sick of it.

Well guys? What do you think?

Acorn Wreath...tips

2010-02-28T22:12:00.008-05:00

My cute friend introduced me to MADE website. I didn't know that I w

as the last one in the world to know about her. She's cute, and shows us cute things. you should head over there. This month was about making stuff for little boys. Some of my favorites was the toy car holder, and the spray painted pillows. maybe one of these days I'll get aroun

d to making them.

Well I was snooping around her website and found this Tutorial here.

a group of us moscow mamacitas do a bunco night. for prizes we are suppos

e to bring something used, make something and if you really want to, you can buy som

ething. Just so you don't have to spend a dime if you don't/can't.

So I saw the acorn wreaths and thought CHEAP and SIMPLE. And it goes PERFECTLY with our THEME! (home decor)....

My plan was to do 2. One for me and one for bunco.

Spray painted Green. cause I have NO St. Patty's day Decor

and it would also work with the new season! SPRING!!

well I was wrong about one of those things...it being simple.

i guess it was simple in that it didn't take master craftsman skil

ls to hot

glue a million kidney beans on. but it ending up being way more time consuming that expected. Plus I made two. one for me and one for the winner. and I had way more complications.

This is how it turned out. and here are my tips.

Lots of glue, in the tutorial she says it takes a lot of glue, but make sure and smother them. I had a bunch of them fall off while painting :( and handling. and another mistake, I did--I threw away the beans when they fell off. save them because that g

ap becomes pretty noticeable.

If you are spray painting it with a nice color spray paint (which probably means $$) and you are doing more than one wreath.

PRiME! since the beans are so dark it took a whole can on one little

wreath. Spray paint them white first. You know, the inexpensive white paint. b

ottom shelf matte stuff.

if you are doing one wreath then plan on using the WHOLE can.

even with all that paint, it wouldn't stick on some of them?? beans.

It was a good project, and the kids helped.

The Bunco Wreath looked like this...green with wite fabric. Pic co

urtesy of MADE

I ran out of White scrap fabric so used some pink scrap fabric

These are two other versions found on her wesite. you have scroll back a lot, and there might even be more colors?! My very fav is the white and orange.

I'm in love with orange lately!

They are great though, aren't they?

I think they would make great presents for your girlfriends! who doesn't like something to spice up their homes?

Cheeky Clean Gloves tutorial

2010-02-19T16:12:00.004-05:00

UPDATE:

Although, you still can, I would advice against sewing the lace onto the glove. Just Plain ol' Hot Glue works great. and a stitch or two (or 3 or 4) around the glove to make sure it is anchored is what I recomend.

Sewing on ric-rac and various accessories though is pretty essential. Sew on accessories, then hot glue. Then buttons.

This is what happens when you sew them on all the way around. It perferates right around the top a nice little line so when you pull the gloves on...wa, la! pops right off. like tearing off a coupon. not good.

So on with the tutorial....

My friend made me some cute gloves for my birthday. I LOVE them.

So I thought I would return the favor for a few of my friends.
There is so much creativity you can add to these things. Take the instructions and make them your own.
Get grazy trim and go wild. Yourself and friends will love them!

Materials:
MEDIUM sized Mr Clean gloves
(4 come in a packet! $1.88 at Walmart!)
22 inches of the white lace trim )11 inches for each glove)
21 inches of ric-rack (10-10.5 inches for each glove)

Start by cutting the fabric to size.
Pin on.

SEW
-there are various ways that you can sew on and piece the White lace, if you don't want an open seam, you can sew it closed then pin on.

Add accessories
Fowlers, roses, buttons, anything! I like it because it fovers up the seams.
I did them all the same. I know I know, so boring but I really didn't have much time to make these. So I just got bulk items (cheaper) and got them all done fast.

Insead of sewing up the seams, as said above, I just used a no fray liquid. and t worked great! so much easier too.

Clean away!!

Jackie

2010-02-13T16:49:00.000-05:00

My new work-out buddy got to talking the other day...about making bags. up and down on the eliptical we decided to do it.
1st we would go fabric shopping
2nd we would let the kids run footloose and fancy free on day and make the bags together.

So we did it, this week!
I made her a diaper bag, and she worked on a simplier bag, for church. I wanted to teach her the basics then she can go crazy and make the coolest bags. She totally has it in her.

We went to the local quilting store and she picked out the fabric. SOOOO cute. It's Amy Butler

I went home and cut, then we sewed.

She wanted it longer, than taller. large, but not too large- so when she is running errands by HERSELF {ahh, serinity} {Did I meantion she has 3 kids under two? Twins and a newborn.} It doesn't look like she has all of africa in it, or could fit it in.

She choose 6 pockets-
4 inside (3 on oneside, 1 chapstick/wallet)
The pockets aren't REALLY that short, just the way the pic was taken. I was flashing fast.

1 outside (specifically scrunchie)

and one REALLY large pocket outside for whatever.

2 Long Handles
magnet closure
all the good stuff.

Valentine's Idea

2010-02-06T18:44:00.004-05:00

I know the blogging world is busting at it's seems with Valentines Ideas, and on top of that you have probably seen What is below on a couple of blogs. They are cute, easy and fun. You can switch them up and make them fancy, simple, crazy- whatever. They take 2 minutes, and cost about 2 cents too.

Here is how I did my take on them.

The Cards

I got the $1 cards at michael's. NICE! right, Envelopes and all. They had a small message on the outside- but I'm planning on covering the front anyway!

Sydney helped me out by gluing and pasting the hearts, and writing a personal message.

Common, can you get a more heart felt message than that?

I sewed them on using various stitching.

For the hair, I bought the clips for $1 at Walmart

Cut out two matching hearts, slipped in the clip

sewed them together using various stitching :)

Easy.

Crochet thread looks really cute on these. Or stick in a little lace before you sew? so many possibilities. I was feeling like going the simplistic {easy} way today. I got vacuuming and dinner to make.

But I still think they are stinking cute.

Entry Way

2010-02-01T17:42:00.004-05:00

Other than a few accessories and pictures I think my entry way is finsihed. Take a look of the before and afters and tell me what you think!

Although our house has plenty of space and lots of closets it does lack one thing. A hall closet or a place to store coats, shoes, umbrellas etc. So I need to have something for our coats and our shoes- for guests coats and shoes.

This is the BEFORE.

We have had this mirror/coat rack forever...since we were married. I love it, but not so much for the entry way. it just looks cluttered. un-impressive. blah.

and the little rubbermaid fake wood cabinet thing is a recent move-down from upstairs to try to hold all our winter accessories.

As for the mirror we moved it to the bathroom. It holds our towels perfect. Enough of ours, and the kids. The towel rods only hold two, and our towels don't always dry on them. I hate it when towels are wet and smelly. Hanging them here solves all our problems:) and looks better!

{If you are looking for it, I think wal-mart is still selling them. like I said ours is 6 years old, but I swear I saw them there recently. around $30...more than we paid!)

Back to the entry way!

After all my projects were done I put them on nicely.

Found some bargan baskets- one for boots, one for scarfs and gloves.

Great hooks at IKEA, super cheap! 4 of them for $4

although- I would say THESE are my favorite. just a little

more dough. 3 for $10, so w

e would have needed 2 packs. and not all the hooks.

I LOVE how they fold right up- disappear.

Other than the mirror the accessories on the table will change according to season and how fast I get sick of them.

Here is the Final product!

I will add, I think I will like the likes of this better in the spring when there will be bulky coats 0BUT when you open the door you are no longer bombarded by coats!

The GOLDEN ticket

2010-02-01T16:39:00.002-05:00

After painting the table, it needed accessories.

I really want a LARGE mirror to go on top of the table (maybe hang over) because there is NO {artificial} light in the entry.

There is however a window in the door- so we get some light. and the mirrow would be perfect to reflect what little light we get sneaking in- to light up the hallway.

That's way- the bigger the mirror the better.

So I went shopping. We have limited stores here in Moscow. and the few that I went to this is what I found.

I went to Ross- and found a big mirrow for $50. out of my price range.

a small mirror for $12.99....I didn't want to settle for a small mirror YET.

Wally World (walmart) a med mirror that was..soso for $30 and up.

THEN a day or two later we walked into the local Salvation Army.

and I found it.

a GIGANTICALLY HEAVY mirror for $15.50

I mean- sure you can get a cheap mirror at IKEA, or an expensive mirror somwhere else- but its mass produced! its' not unique. this mirror is one of a kind. That is the beauty of thrift stores!!

With Flash..yes I like my sweats.

W/o

What did I do next? Well, I knew I would have to prime it. so I did that while I decided on a color.

Here are my thoughts on a color.

I had none. I wanted it to be bright- but not flashy or cheesy. Neons OUT. I wanted it to go with the rest of my living room and house- BUt I wanted it to be different. I don't exactly love the style of my house. I kind of want to re-vamp it. and Seeing that I'm not make of money, I will have to do that slowly. I can incorporate things into my current design scheme that are new but still go with the flow.

I then had it.

GOLD.

but I don't have the money to buy gold sheets, nor did I want to with all the crevices. blah! way to much work for the time I had to put in this.

spray paint?

I tried. it.

I think I like it.

well, I love it. I love the gold color- but the overall look sometimes looks a little too...something?

it totally does it though. IT works perfect for me!

Tables

2010-02-01T15:50:00.004-05:00

Since I moved into my new place I have been searching for the perfect entry way. I think entry ways are awesome, and so many things you can do with them. Benches, chairs, tables, cubbies, paint, decorations.

But I have also become addicted to the thrill of thrift store shopping. When I'm buy a thrift store, or driving by one I just pull in- run in and walk around. It's not like they are HUGE here. I usually have a few things I'm on the hunt for- so I know exactly what I'm looking for. If they don't have it I leave. it cost me 15 minutes or less. If they do have it! adrenaline rush and hello I just saved us so much money by buying it here and not new.

And I must say another plus- whether I find something or not the kids ALWAYS find something. and common, a book for 10 cents or a car for 50 cents isn't going to break the bank- but it will keep them busy for the rest of the day, while running errands. win win situation! haaha.

First of all- I've gotta say, I ALWAYS forget to take the before pictures. I'm sorry. That kind of blows the big finale, you'd think I'd learn haha. Well, I haven't. but I'm trying for the future to REMEMBER!

So one of my first hunt involved a side table for my living room and I found this table for like $10.

I didn't mind the color. I liked the cool arches and it was a good size. wasn't too 70's as thrift store end tables tend to be now-a-days.

The only real problem was it had big scratches and places where the top had rubed off.

This is the only pic I have of it! and you can't even see it. maybe a little?

Next was a sofa table. THIS is the real find. I was chatting with my friend- Queen of Garage Sales, we will call her.

I had just run into her at JoAnn's.

She told me she was recovering a bench for her entry.

I told her I'm dying to find a bench or sofa table.

Then she offered me her sofa table she got a a garage sale. {for $5 I must add}

and I took her up on it.

So the painting began.

Syd and I primed the tables with an oil based primer.

Then I decided on a navy blue. All my {hard} furniture is black or brown. Navy would be a nice variation.

I got Midnight blue...and we painted.

While I was doing the primer on the end table I noticed how the original stain was darker in the arched and seams and ridges. It was nice. It added depth and a subtle beauty. So then, I also decided- as a finishing touch I would add some left over stain to the surface of the tables. and it works. It totally made the tables.

BEFORE in Natural light

BEFORE in FLASH light

Stain

In Natural Light

With FLASH, so you can see the stain (You CANNOT see these streaks when you plan look at it)

Lastly, I made a mistake. {still haven't fixed it...} I did a spray varnish. It totally did NOT go on even. parts of the table are no shiny, and other parts are perfect. It makes me mad because not only did I spend SO much work, but I did follow the directions to a T.

I tried to fix it by adding a wipe on poly to the top- and I LOVE the wipe on poly.

USE it in the FUTURE! its great.

It didn't exactly fix my problem. It helped a little. But I have learned my lesson.

VERY LAST- was some great hardware from HomeDepot. (I didn't try LOWES) but around here, that was the best price!

AAA-shee

2010-01-16T19:21:00.004-05:00

My dear pregnant friend Ashley, or as Jack says it..AAA-she, is about to have a bouncing, baby girl! and a million light years ago she asked me to make a diaper bag for her. She picked out the fabric, ribbon showed me the pics and discussed the details. I will say this, There was no rush on the order- because she is not due for till Feb. but still, I did want to have the bag done by now. haha. well, holidays happened.

This is a pic of a bag that she saw and wanted one like it. The problem is that is costs a measly $175. Its super cute, but I don't know about you but I can't afford a bag like that.

So she bought the fabric (didn't I say that already :) and I sewed. a whole lot cheaper.

We chaned the style a little bit- to how Ash wanted it.

For instance she LOVED the brown fabric, and wanted it to be the main fabric. but if she put the light green on the bottom it would show the dirt easy. So we did brown on botton, and more of it. Green on top and less.

We did the ribbon, and pockets galore.She wanted a thick long strap.

The bag is lined top to bottom- so it stands up on its own!

inside pockets & colors

We also decided to have 2 stretchy pockets (my favorite part) on the outside. WE ALL know how handy those outside pockets are!

for my Bruders

2009-12-25T18:24:00.006-05:00

These were for my Brothers and BIL this Christmas....

SOME Christmas gifts...

2009-12-23T15:50:00.003-05:00

After I made these aprons I didn't know if I ever wanted to look at a sewing machine again? I was floundered with aprons and tie orders and in the back of my mind I still I was thinking of all the other gifts I had to make. (brothers, dad, SIL's, neighbors!) And all of them were to be sewn. blah.

I think my major problem is that the gifts were replicas of each other- 5 of the same aprons. After one your sick of it. I was going to make 10 towels, 6 ties (outside of orders) yadda yadda yadda. Sewing is fun when I can make different things and add my own creativity to it. ya know?

But still here is some of what I have made sew far (haha snort snort, get it?)

Haha I love this pic, its so how she feels sometimes being my model. I just couldn't crop out the bottom lip.

So I made 5 aprons, 3 different fabrics.

I made them long enough, and the ties long enough- so they can wear them up or down.

This is for a brother...6 more comin...

Bracelets

2009-12-15T22:25:00.004-05:00

Some girls and I got together today and made the flower clips, headbands (below) and these bracelets. I didn't make any bracelets- just watched. BUT they are SOO super cute in all different colors and sizes and you can add things on the outside...make necklaces. IDEAS!

You can do it, and it makes a great Christmas gift. They are pretty easy too.

The instructions can be found on littlebirdiesecrets.com go to the left, click on Jewelry..second post down. I tried to link it but- it won't work right now!

Thanks Hannah for Showing us! seriously talented chica.

Things I've found

2009-12-09T19:11:00.008-05:00

I love this website that friend told me to use...its called Delicious.com. It's like a online bookmarking website or something or other. I don't know all its features but I use it to bookmark the things I find. I'm hardly ever on My comp- I'm usually on NAtes, or can be visiting family. So no matter where I'm at I bookmark it on "delicious" and then can pull up the craft or tutorial I found. Try it out.

so anyway, here are some of the things I've bookmarked to make- at a later date...

Aren't they precious- and SUPER easy. I can see BIG ones, little ones, sparkly ones.
Just go HERE for the tutorial...

Along those lines- I like these too. Its a tutorial on how to crochet the flower :)
Click HERE From Katiedid.squarespace.com I feel in love with this skirt. I WILL make this soon.

It has cute buttons in the back

And this cute apron is going to be someones christmas present. I love the variety of different fabrics, and the wrap around tie :) I'm going to make mine longer though....Long and luxurious, haha.
here is the tutorial for the apron!
So what do you think? Feel inspiried? Wanna come over and make any of these with me?

Extreme Makover -Hobo Style

2009-11-22T18:41:00.007-05:00

Do you rememeber THIS post? Well, I was so proud of my bag and loved it to pieces- almost literally. So I put it away, and made the pink one, but I've been missing my old bag, so I Fixed it up- and changed somethings about it. Like I said before, everytime I make a bag I learn things. so here are the things that I learn.

this is the new bag....not TONS different but I'll show you how....keep scrolling

The pocket was not sewn close enough to the edges- so the sides were folding up. It looked tacky.

Plus I didn't make this pocket big enough- since this bag I have made them deeper

For some reason the pleat (on both sides) pulled out of the band?
the strap was TOO long, TOO thin and so it drove me crazy when wearing it and it would fold up and get all wrinkly.

The band was also a problem. It was too thin, skinny and flimsy.

HERE is the new and improved Pleated Hobo Bag. I kept the same bottom bag just used scraps to make new stuff.

I shortened and linned the strap. I also made it wider and made 2 of them- not one.

I sewed the sides a little closer on the pocket. I did keep it the same size. I didn't have any more scraps of the circles and I really like that fabric so I left it as is.

I made a nice wide new band, LINNED it (nice and thick), and I did it in a little less busy pattern. It's not like the bag is busy enough as it is right? I also changed the pleat...inverted.
Thicker, better, and two of them...I also have changed the sewing on them a little to.
Isn't it so much better. ok, NOT that much different in looks but in function I think it will pass the test I guess we will see in a couple of months how it holds up. I like this one a lot. A lot, a lot.

Switcheroo

2009-11-20T21:34:00.007-05:00

A good Friend from college agreed to do a switch of products with me! (which I'll totally do with you too!) She makes the cutest stuff- check out her etsy site- The Blooming Button. One of the things I have wanted for awhile now is her newsboy caps. Isn't Jack Studly in it? I LOVE THEM.

As a trade I made ties for her two little boys. She picked out the front fabric, its a Michael Miller design. I really like it, great for all year- but will be perfect for christmas, huh!

I really wanted to find a redish pink that would match the flower- but none was insite. It was hard just to match the green too :( but it all worked out. I shipped them out today- but here is a little preview for you Nicole

More of the Glorious

2009-11-12T15:32:00.004-05:00

Here are some Reds for the upcomming holdiays! To order yours- go HERE
or www.thetwirlingdandelion.etsy.com

Golden Arglye
my fav

Lines and Dots

CandyCane

Ginny

2009-11-07T17:48:00.008-05:00

Ginny, a good friend from college asked for a bag! here are her specs and how I did it...

So I think I want a med-large bag. Big enough to hold some snacks, a sippy cup, diaper, wipes etc. And I really like the pleats on the bag.

I am not too picky about fabric. I did link to a couple of your pictures of fabrics that I like. Something more neutral like greens I really like. And I think I would prefer the designer fabric. I want it to be unique and a good quality fabric.

Here in Moscow I dont have as much as a selection as I would like....but I think Gin will like this fabric and its colors. I like it. The whole bag (INSIDE and OUT) is made from Amy Butler. She has really great stuff, and really good quality. The fabric is thicker and stronger. The designs are different and totally unique.

I feel I do need a disclaimer- The colors are little brighter than what they are in actual lighting. just because of the afternoon sun and my camera.... the blue is like a dark baby blue- not bright blue as it appears in some of the pics, and the green isn't neon green either....

Look at me all frumpy.

I like the 3 pockets on one side and one on the other, and I think I would like one on the outside.

So here are the pockets- three on one side, and one smaller in a contrasting fabric on the opposite. Its good for chapsticks and quick notes. Very handy
I gotta have an outside pocket! I put cell and keys there 1oo percent of the time. a must.

I think I would like two straps that are longer. Is that possible. I want to be able to wear it on my shoulder and have it lay around my hip. I'm short though so it would probably be a little shorter for me than it would be for you.

I LOVE these straps. I lined them too, so that they wouldn't fold over on each other and get super crinkly...like the very first bag I made...yuck. I need to fix something on my first bag, and I think I might convert to a two strap person :)

I like to wear mine across the body for the crazy moments when I'm juggling kids, grocerys and holding hands finding keys- I just can't deal with the purse slipping off my shoulder a million times.

And I would like the magnetic closure.

Is the key clasper thing to hold keys? Cause if so count me in, I can never find my keys.

I also did the Key strap in another contrasting fabric- so when you have just a sec to glance in the purse you can find things quicker.

BOLD Enough for you?

2009-11-04T17:38:00.002-05:00

I went shopping yesterday and picked up this fabulous fabric. I love the bold design and colors. Don't you think it is fun?

The good news is that I didn't make it for anyone in particular, so if you love it you can have it! Usually I only make bags for people who ask :) but I thought I would go out on a limb. This is the bags listing. Has all the sizes and stuff, no new pics though.

This pleated hobo bag is BIG. Great for a diaper bag, or just because- cause ua know BIG bags are in.

I made the strap my favorite length- long enough to cross over my body for crazy moments, but not too long that it is swinging all over the place. and Extra wide. site secure.

magnetic closure

Three good size pockets and one chapstick and pen pocket.

Oranga' Glad?

2009-10-29T16:16:00.004-04:00

I'm starting to sew for the holidays, here is one I've been dying to make- and finally had the opportunity to make it for someone. its awesome right?

So anything you would like to see for the holidays? Is red and green stripes to predictable??

please {PLEASE} leave your imput...