Boody Babies

New Blog!

2011-03-02T07:21:00.001-06:00

I've started a new blog...In an effort to kind of reinvent myself, I opened another etsy shop under a new name: 1200stitches. Boodybabies in now strictly a supply/destash shop and all my sewn items/creations are listed at 1200stitches. In that same vein, I have started a new blog as 1200stitches to chronicle my sewing adventures. Head over and check it out...
www.1200stitches.blogspot.com

Check out this fabric!!!

2010-08-18T15:55:00.004-05:00

A while back I was working with a customer on a custom nursery bedding project and in the process of scouring the lands for fabric, the customer actually introduced me to a FANTASTIC designer! Emily Burger is talented artist creating adorable prints for children's rooms...she uses this talent to create incredibly cute organic fabric prints. You can check her out here Etsy site here and you view all her fabrics on flickr here
Right now she is offer up one fat quarter to each of 4 winners on her blog...check it out here.
I love her fabric and hope one day soon to be able to create a customer nursery utilizing her beautiful organic prints.

Knits!!!!

2010-07-22T20:14:00.004-05:00

So I tried my hand with knit fabric for the first time...for some reason it is a very intimidating fabric, but Patty Young came out with a line of designer knits for Michael Miller and I just couldn't resist. My friend's daughter had a birthday this month, so it was the perfect excuse to get my hands on some of this super cute fabric and jump in with both feet. I followed a tutorial for a yoga skirt that she authored on the Sew Mama Sew blog and then used an existing toddler t-shirt for a pattern (and cut it in a little for a fun shape) to make the shirt to match. I also tried a lettuce edge for the first time and LOVE it! My daughter has one of these in her future....

Modern Vintage

2010-07-15T18:40:00.004-05:00

So a while back I was browing blogs and came across a tutorial for doing cathedral windows. I'm not a quilter...I have done a few pieced items and quilted oven mitts, but that's it...but since this design is technically not quilting, I thought "Why not?". So I started thinking about it...and thinking about it...and building it in my head for a while. Then I got busy with this custom order and that custom order and so on and started sewing each night in my dreams! I couldn't wait to pair this very traditional design with bold modern prints. I had some Amy Butler scraps that I had been saving for a rainy day and they suited this project perfectly. Now I have to admit, I didn't use the traditional method for creating the cathedral windows (in that I did absolutly NO hand stitching), but it still took more time than I had anticipated and I think looks amazing. I was so inspired, that I started making a crib set using this same design...that's all I'll say for now, but I hope to have it finished by the end of the summer (although it may have to be backburnered until school starts). So without further ado....

My poor neglected blog....

2010-07-09T17:50:00.003-05:00

poor thing...this all but forgotten blog needs a little attention, although, admittedly I'm not feeling very inspired at the moment. However, last week cooking dinner one night I was very inspired by the color on my grill...check out these photos.

Spring Is Here!

2010-04-21T13:33:00.004-05:00

...and in my home once the snow is gone (or mostly gone) my hubby and kids can NOT be kept inside! Hubby loves to work in the yard and as a result we have the best backyard in the subdivision (I am by no means biased ;-). This spring's big project was replacing the outdoor garden canopy that was wind wrecked last summer in a storm. I found one that I really liked at Menard's and my husband the carpenter said "I want something that is going to stay put!" So we worked together to compromise on a design. It's very simple...very in keeping with our Prairie style house. Large posts and beams are stained dark, almost black, brown while understated decorative arches are left naked. A medium brown fabric cover coordinates nicely with the dark and naked wood and our existing outdoor furniture. He did the woodworking and I sewed the cover. So, eight 6x6, four 2x10s, 5 yards of out door fabric and about 80 grommets later we have a masterpiece! Tell me you don't agree....

Another Giveaway!

2010-04-20T07:38:00.002-05:00

Well...that new blog I found, "I'm Just A Guy Who Quilts", has revealed the last giveaway for his Monthlong Giveaway! It is two $25 gift certificates to Fat Quarter Shop.com. Last week it was Hawthorne Threads and this week is just as awesome! My only regret is that I didn't discover this until halfway through! Keep your fingers crossed for me this week and head on over to http://www.ryanwalshquilts.com/ and Fat Quarter Shop's site and try for yourself!

Giveaway!

2010-04-15T07:41:00.004-05:00

I just discovered a new blog: Ryan Walsh, I'm Just a Guy Who quilts
And the best part? He's hosting a giveaway to my absolute favorite fabric site, Hawthorne Threads!
So head on over to Ryan's blog and check out Hawthorne Threads and maybe you could win!

Boody Babies Bedding

2010-03-22T15:59:00.007-05:00

Boody Babies Bedding is officially open! After several custom requests for crib bedding, I decided I really enjoy making it. However, I did so few and far between that potential customers would have to search long and hard, sifting through page after page of previous sales for examples of my bedding work. So I decided to open up a second shop dedicated solely to crib and nursery bedding and also toddler bedding. I'm really excited and a little nervous, too! Wish me luck and if you know anyone in need of nursery or toddler bedding, send them my way :0)!

Oops!

2010-03-04T16:47:00.009-06:00

Well....I tried my hand a creating a new bag and ended up with a really cute oops for myself. Don't get me wrong, it's not ugly and totally functional, but I had a few design issues that had to be worked out which resulted in a little wonkiness that I just couldn't pass on to someone else. So I now have a new bag and I love it!

Our Family Vacation

2010-02-03T20:26:00.004-06:00

Well we did Disney! I had a blast. It was my first official visit (hubby and I spent half a day at Epcot once killing time between a cruise and our flight home 12 years ago, but you can't really count that). I think I had just as good a time if not better than the kids (both of whom got sick, ran fevers and coughed while we were there). Magic Kingdom is by far my favorite.
I didn't get a picture of the bag in action, but it served it's purpose very well travelling everywhere we went and allowing us to bring everything we needed. The only thing I would change would be to have not done the interior in black because it was difficult to see things when I wanted to.
The other thing that saved the trip was the KinderKord. I have always been kind of anti-child leash, but baby boy has such a mind of his own and when he sets it on something he goes and doesn't care if I am in his line of sight or not. So, when hubby bought the KinderKord I was somewhat skeptical. The KinderKord was invented by Joan Lunden as an alternative to traditional child leash/harness/backpack. It's less conspicuous, less restricting. I am getting way off on a tangent here...hubby bought a rather pricey lightweight stroller in anticipation for the trip (he would be the one carrying it on and off the buses/boats and in the event that baby boy got out of the stroller). Just in case he also purchased the KinderKord. Travel day came and baby boy rode in his nice comfy stroller all through the air port; we had a two hour wait so hubby hooked him up to the KinderKord so they could explore and kill time and that was pretty much the end of the stroller. My VERY independent two year old boy would have nothing to do with the stroller from that point on (so we did Disney at a two year old pace :0). But the KinderKord was great! I looks like a watch, which he LOVES to where watches, so getting him to put it on and keep it on was a piece of cake. The cord is retractable...one cord from dad's wrist band and one from the boy's and they hook in the middle...it gives about 3' so he can walk along side and I can look at all the scenery that big sis is shouting "look at that mom" without worrying that he'll get lost in the shuffle.
All in all it was an amazing trip and I can't wait to back.

New Bag!

2010-01-14T16:24:00.003-06:00

With an upcoming vacation to Disney World, I wanted a bag that could go all day and help us keep the kids going all day...so I needed something convenient to carry but big enough to keep the kids content. So I came up with a Round Bottom Drawstring Bag...I LOVE it! I put in sooo many pockets that I can keep everything in it's place and within reach. The single strap makes it easy to throw over my shoulder and the drawstring gives me easy access. I also put on a cell phone pocket on the outside and a mini wallet that clips to the side on the inside so I don't even need to bring my big bulky wallet.
I'd love some feedback from those of you who can look at it objectively so let me know what you think!

Surf Boy

2009-12-15T07:07:00.002-06:00

I am finally getting around to posting images of my baby boy's finished room! I couldn't wait for paint to show the bedding I made, but we did paint and add a window treatment and a few things to walls. I LOVE it...and he does, too!

Ouchie!

2009-10-19T12:11:00.004-05:00

So...a while back I designed a fabric label for a fellow Etsy seller to use on her sewn products. The product she was label was a very cute idea and I was contemplating purchasing one, when this wonderful customer offered to send me one to try! It's called the Ouch Pouch and it is awesome! It is designed with moms with kids in mind...it is a small pouch that you can easily throw in your purse, diaper bag, stroller, etc. filled with first aid goodies! My Ouch Pouch (which she made to coordinate with my own handmade bag) came ready to go, filled with a couple bandaids (one was Hello Kitty for my daughter), wet wipes, tweezers, tylenol, chapstick, and a couple lolipops to make the boo boo's better. You can purchase a preloaded Ouch Pouch (basic or super) or buy and empty one and fill it with your favorite goodies. You can check out Karen's entire line at www.pillowsewcute.etsy.com

At Long Last...

2009-10-13T16:26:00.003-05:00

FINALLY!!!! I finally made myself set aside time to make my little guy's new bedding. It features Alexander Henry's Surfin' Pareo in sand and brown Minky and the skirt is a brown bamboo/linen blend. Without further ado....

Karing for Kaitlyn

2009-08-11T13:38:00.005-05:00

Kaitlyn is a girl that I have had the absolute pleasure to meet this past year. She and her family are fighting an uphill battle against neurologic complexes that I can't even begin to understand. Below is her story as told by her mother, Kelly. (just click the image for a larger, legible image).
Kaitlyn has faced countless brain surgeries over the past couple years and the family has maxed out their lifetime insurance allowance and are now turning to the public to help Kare for Kaitlyn. You can help by purchasing a "Karing for Kaitlyn" wristband. All money raised from the sale of these wristbands will help with Kaitlyn's medical expenses. The cost for each bracelet is $3.00 (Incudes S/H). To order please send payment to:
Karing for Kaitlyn
PO Box 243
Minooka, IL 60447
Please include the quanity desired and a shipping address.
Thanks for your support!!

Busy, Busy...again

2009-07-05T17:38:00.004-05:00

This month has been CRAZY busy!!! I did another craft show...this one was a French Market...and had such a great time and such a great response, that I am going back again in the fall!!! You can check out pictures of the event here: http://3frenchhensmarket.blogspot.com/2009/06/3-french-hens-market-june-27-2009.html
In all the excitement (and stress) of getting ready I forgot to bring my own camera, though.

I completed another crib set and it turned out soooo cute! I can't wait to do another one.

I also made this little t-shirt for a customer from the market...and I am really pleased with how it turned out.

Next up on the agenda is another partical crib set, a diaper bag with changing mat, and an ottoman cover. Plus, somewhere I need to squeeze in a summer top I wanted to make for myself (although that will probably not get done until next summer:-) and my Baby Boy's toddler bedding.

I'm a Yankee Doodle Baby

2009-06-16T11:26:00.004-05:00

This is a little dress I did as a pre-birthday gift for a friend's daughter. She's turning one in July but needed a patriotic dress for the summer. I used a blue fabric with white stars, added a red, white and blue star stripe trim and white star appliques. Red ribbons keep it secured at the shoulder.

Happy Birthday, Baby!

2009-06-15T11:28:00.003-05:00

My baby girl is turning 5!!!! We celebrated her birthday over the weekend with a Tea Party theme. Check out this spread:

And here's the birthday girl:

It doesn't get any better than balloons!

Mother's Day Gift...a little late

2009-05-29T10:34:00.007-05:00

My mom's birthday is the first week of May and so many a year I have combined her gifts...this year was no exception. Well, the exception is that there are just a few days left in May and I JUST now giving her gift to her! I made her a custom cushion set for her deck swing (that's partly why it's late...I didn't tell her I was doing this until her birthday and then I let her pick the fabric so I had to wait for fabric to arrive). Speaking of fabric, she picked this really cute outdoor fabric by Diversitex at www.fabric.com I made two seat cushions, two back cushions, side arm rests, a center arm rest and two matching pillows. I am really pleased with how it turned out and I hope she is, too. (The kids and I snuck down while she was at work and left them for her to find). Check out the pictures below.

On a separate note...one of my diaper totes was featured on a rockin' blog today! Check it out here:
www.PunkRockerByeBaby.blogspot.com
and you can check out her Etsy shop at www.RockerByeBaby.etsy.com for funky finds for your little one.

Surf Girl

2009-05-26T10:58:00.004-05:00

So my little girl graduated preschool! The theme was Hawaiian so I ordered some of Alexander Henry's Surfin' Pare fabric in pink (I am doing baby boy's room in the sand colored surf boards). I wanted to give the effect of a pareo in a sundress so I designed this sundress as a pseudo wrap dress. The surf boards create the wrap and the floral peeks out with a large ruffle. I think it turned out great and it was a hit with my little diva.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T18:56:00.004-05:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day. I did! We spent the day with my family at my grandma's house and played outside all afternoon. My daughter discovered the life in the creek that runs through my grandma's yard (that I played for hours in as a kid) and my son threw rocks and sticks to his hearts content. All in all, a nice day.
And yesterday...I MADE THE STORQUE on Etsy (that is Etsy's in house newspaper and the new articles are featured on the websites main/home page). WoooooHooooo! Here's the link: http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/etsy-finds-vintage-a-handmade-tale-3915/#comment-103267
So as promised, here is my daughter in her skirt and matching shirt. I had a great idea come to me for her preschool graduation dress (they are doing a tropical theme) and I can't wait to get started on it.

Just a little note....

2009-05-07T17:08:00.004-05:00

Well....I haven't done much since my last post. I did finish the cute applique t-shirt to match my daughter's skirt the other day, but she wore it before I could photo it and I now have to get the chocolate icing off of the WHITE shirt before I can show you all how cute it turned out.

I did a blanket and matching onesie for a friend to give as a baby gift. I FINALLY got to order some of Alexander Henry's 2D Zoo to do it and I sooo love it. I want to do my son's room in it, but my husband wasn't sold. So I think I am going to do Alexander Henry's Surfin' fabric with the surf boards, that will allow me to keep the yellow walls and the trees my husband painted when we prepared the nursery for my daughter. I went gender neutral with her because of the insane pregnancy hormone-induce phobia that she infact was NOT a girl and if I did her room for a girl she would definitely be a boy. So we ended up with a gender neutral farm animal theme that I am just shaking my head at....oh those wonderful hormones! (they also made us buy a light colored wood crib because the one we wanted, which was a Mission style red oak was backordered six weeks and although I wasn't due for about 3 or 4 months at the time, there was complete paranoia that the baby would get here and we would have no crib, so let's order this one that we really don't love so that the beautiful bundle of joy will have a crib to sleep in....5 months after we brought her home). Loooong tangent!

Anyway, I haven't been up to much but I have quite a bit in the works. I have a custom request for outdoor cushion covers that I'm hoping won't ruin my machine as the fabric is very heavy-duty. I am also making new deck swing cushions for my mom as her Birthday/Mother's Day present. She picked some really pretty fabric that I can't wait to show you all. I want to make my daughter a cute sundress for her preschool graduation in a couple weeks and I am making an early birthday present for my friend's daughter for the fourth of July. The baby's room is in the future...have to finish some other things first. And, I need to start increasing my inventory for the French Market next month. I am REALLY excited! Here's the link with all the info: 3FrenchHensMarket.blogspot.com

It's May!!!!

2009-05-04T14:53:00.010-05:00

Yay! Spring is here and summer is on it's way! The occasional cool day will not deter the uplifted spirits in our house as the kids can FINALLY play outside!!! I recently started offering printed fabric labels in my shop (after needing some myself and finding them pretty reasonable to make) and they are selling like hotcakes!!! I am amazed! I'm actually considering opening a second shop because now if you want to look through my sold items for examples of sewing things I have done, you have to wade through pages of label orders!

Anyway, I haven't been doing a ton of sewing...I patterned a new apron that I am still working on. I made one and have made some adjustments and I have the next on cut and sitting down in the sewing cave waiting to come to life!

I recently did a set of pillows for a customer using the Anna Maria Horner's Drawing Room fabric that was used on the porch swing cushions I did around Easter and they are sooo cute that the customer has already asked me to make her valances to match.

Don't miss out on the It's In The Bag Giveaway...you can click the button on the right for all the details.
I signed up to sell at an open air French Market in town this summer! There are six venues...I signed up for the first and am going to see how it goes on possibly doing one more. If you live in Illinois (in the Northern part of the state or the Chicagoland area), here is the link with all the details. Three French Hens

Beyond that, I just received an order of a couple t-shirts. I want to embellish one to go with the blue/lime Amy Butler skirt I made my daughter (I really wasn't happy with the shirt I made so...)
Enjoy your day!

Done...Diaper Bag

2009-04-16T10:44:00.002-05:00

As promised...here are the pictures of the custom diaper bag set. It is my Modern Diaper Bag style which I sooo wish I had been making when I still needed a diaper bag! It has 6 pockets on the outside and six more on the inside. I made a diaper clutch to match which was a new design I tried and it turned out super cute! I also made two matching burp cloths. This set is a baby shower gift the customer is going to give to a friend. I hope she enjoys it!

Bad Blogger!!!

2009-04-14T12:36:00.008-05:00

I am a very bad blogger...in that I just don't do it enough. So...I have been busy, though. I participated in my first ever craft show; it was a local PTO sponsored show. It was so-so...I sold two bags and covered my entry cost. But, I got my name out there locally and found out about a French Market being held this summer that I think I am going to participate in.

I just completed a set of box cushions for client's porch swing. She provided the fabric and I know have another fabric favorite to add to my list. They were done using Anna Maria Horner's Drawing room fabric, which is absolutely fabulous!

I am also participating in a blog giveaway hosted by Celeste of Etsyitup.blogspot.com and Katie of TheShoppingMama.com. Click the button on the right for more details! That's about it for now. I am heading down to the sewing cave to start on a custom diaper bag...I will post pictures of that when I am finished.

It's Spring!!!

2009-03-20T10:56:00.009-05:00

I have completely blown off one of my New Year resolutions to blog at least once a week. Sorry. So, here I am updating. I completed a dress for my friend for her daughter's first birthday. I think it turned out super cute and can't wait to see pictures of her!

I listed a new product in my shop this week...coupon organizers/mini wallets. I had my coupons, store gift checks, gift cards, etc. paper clipped and floating between bags, and I NEVER had the one I wanted when I needed it, so I made a super cute coupon organizer to match my "after the diaper bag bag". It's so handy...I'm not a super coupon cutter, so it only has five pockets, but it's perfect for sorting between the grocery coupons I do have, the xx% off department store coupons, the gift cards and the reward coupons I have.

I am also posting pictures of my too cute baby boy. These are just too cute not to share. Happy Spring everyone! And don't miss the widget on the upper right column of my blog...help support March of Dimes.

Oops!

2009-03-02T16:00:00.003-06:00

Oops!....It's been a while since I posted. I've gotten a little side tracked. I don't have anything earth shattering to blog about today, but I thought I would post pictures of the outfit I made my little girl last week. I had been building it in my head for months and finally got around to it. If I were to do it again, I would change the top a bit (it ended up a bit fuller than I had intended), but still absolutely adore it!

Something Old....

2009-02-11T15:06:00.008-06:00

A while back, I had promised pictures of an antique children's dress that I was framing for my husband's 97 year old grandmother. Well....I forgot to take a picture before I gave it to her and in all honesty if I remember to bring both the kids when we visit I'm doing pretty good! So...to make up for it, I have attached a slide show of several quilts that she did. There is going to be a quilt show in our small town next month and she was asked to display hers (since hers are hand quilted and most of the quilts to be displayed are machine quilted). These quilts are FABULOUS! She hand quilted all but the two standard nine block quilts for which she did the top, but did not have access to a quilt frame to do the quilting. The tree quilt, the Texas star quilt, the grandmother's flower garden quilt and the 5 block were all done between 1932 and 1935. The aunt of a man she was courting was a quilter and wanted to teach her. So she spent a lot of time with that lady learning how to quilt. In addition to those four, she made, I think, three others that she gave as gifts. The two nine block quilt tops she made in the '80's. I did a brief research to learn the names of these quilt patterns and on a couple of them I guessed, so if someone knows the proper name, please leave a comment so I know. Enjoy....

Bake me a cake as fast as you can....

2009-02-02T14:22:00.010-06:00

Happy Monday...I was browsing through some of the blogs I follow the other day and "Making It Fun", the Michael Miller Fabrics blog, had a new post. They posted a tutorial on making a child's apron and chef's hat! It was perfect timing as I had been considering making my daughter a set; she loves to bake and cook and got an EasyBake Oven for Christmas. The blog post inspired me and so I spent yesterday afternoon in the sewing cave (aka the basement) making her an apron, chef's hat and her own (pretend) oven mitt. I had some of

Robert Kaufman's Sweet Tooth fabric on hand from a custom order half apron I had done...I absolutely love this print, it is cupcakes on pink. Michael Miller also makes a cupcake fabric; you can see it here in their tutorial. This week's plan is to get an oven mitt/pot holder set made to match the baker-style apron I currently

have listed in my shop. Other than that,

I REALLY need to go through my fabric scraps and remnants and at the very least get them organized, if not turned into something useful.

CPSIA Blog-In

2009-01-28T12:22:00.003-06:00

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

It's Done

2009-01-22T16:48:00.003-06:00

All I can say is....it's done! I am so pleased with the way it came out and so saddened that I will probably not get to do another one. Because unless the CPSIA is amended within the next couple weeks, I will not be able to continue with the baby items.

$5 off at Fabric.com

2009-01-19T13:52:00.002-06:00

WOW! A comment was left on one of my previous blogposts by a representative of fabric.com. For those of you who sew (and those who don't), fabric.com is a great site for fabric and crafting materials. I order from there very often. As a thank you for mentioning them on my blog, fabric.com has issued me and my readers a $5 off coupon code! Just enter Blog1 in the space allowed for coupon codes to receive $5 off your order. This coupon is good until December 31, 2009 and is a one time only coupon. ENJOY!

I'm So Excited.....

2009-01-14T16:57:00.005-06:00

OK, so maybe I am a little pathetic for being sooo excited over a sewing project, but....I've been dying for months to do a crib set, but because of the upfront fabric cost, I haven't done one to list and because I haven't made one, I have been unsuccessful in my bids to get a custom order since I don't have any photos. So, I had a customer inquire about a black and white blanket I have listed in my shop (the Elegance Minky Blanket); she was wondering if it was crib sized and if I had any other pieces as she was trying to assemble a black and white-themed nursery. I offered to make that blanket crib sized along with the matching pieces (crib skirt and bumpers and personalized pillow). After two very busy, interrupted days of cutting and laying out for all the pieces, I was able to finish the pillow today and I am absolutely THRILLED! I can't wait to get it all together and put it in my crib to see how it looks! I just thought I would share a preview with you all!

And...a fellow EtsyMom teammate featured my blog on her blog today! You can check out her Etsy shop here (Gifts from the Heart by CraftGirlAlli); she sells hand painted gifts for all. You can visit her blog here.

This, That and The Other

2009-01-10T15:44:00.007-06:00

On New Year's Day, I set a goal of Blogging once a week (I'm already a day late....and probably more than a dollar short)...so here is this week's post.

I decided to follow some general advice and be my own advertisement by using something I made. So, I made myself a super cute tote bag that I had been wanting for ages and low and behold I was approached by someone to make another! So I did...and I have enough fabric left over that I am planning on doing another take on it using the accent fabric for the main part. It was very rewarding to know that other's really do like my work!

I completed a custom order for a customer wanting an apron. This customer is a hairdresser and wanted a stylish apron that would protect her clothes from the chemicals she works with on a daily basis. So...I laminated a fabric print of her choice, trimmed it, made pockets for her to use for her gadgets, tips and appointment cards. I am hoping to offer more of these in the future.

And in that vein, with the CPSIA kind of leaving things up in the air, I am looking to branch out by doing more aprons, etc. I have done several baby shower gifts and would like to start offering bridal shower gifts. I recently assembled a bridal shower basket for a customer by monogramming kitchen towels and dish cloths and filling the basket with things many new brides could use. I am currently working on a set to offer in my Etsy shop that can be customized....check back soon!

Lastly, I made a full apron using a fabric I adore! I am waiting for a model to be available and then this will be up in my shop!

In an effort to stick to some of my other resolutions for my blog, I have been brainstorming ideas for regular features and kind of hitting a mental block. I would love some input as to what you all would like to see...what is going to bring you back each week or each month. At some point this year, I am hoping to do a giveaway, although I have nothing specific in mind. If you have something you would like to be featured or just have an idea you would like to share, please comment!!!

New Year's Resolutions

2009-01-01T12:34:00.003-06:00

Happy New Year everyone! Here's to another year past and a fresh new beginning. How was your '08? What do you hope for '09? Here are some of my resolutions and goals for the new year:

Blog....

1. Blog at least once a week.

2. Create a recurring feature (maybe weekly, maybe monthly)

3. Be more interesting.

4. Do a giveaway.

Business....

1. Do a craft show.

2. Create 2 new bag designs.

3. Create 2 new little girls' dress patterns.

4. Advertise.

Personal...

1. Be a better mom.

2. Lose some weight.

3. Try at least 5 things I've never tried.

4. Cut back on my pop consumption.

2008 went out very quietly. We spent the evening with my family...eating, laughing, playing games. We were home early and I don't think any of us saw the new year in this year....maybe next year. (How boring are we....) It is said that how you spend the first day of the year sets the tone for the rest of the year...what are you doing? I worked and we are cleaning and putting away Christmas. I am blogging right now so hopefully I will be better with that in the new year.

Below are the last few projects I completed last year. I FINALLY made myself and after-diaper bag tote bag (you know, once you no longer need a diaper bag, but carry enough that the purse just doesn't cut it). I also made a gift set for a friend to give as a shower gift.

Best Wishes for 2009!

CPSIA-Save Handmade Toys

2008-12-18T08:12:00.003-06:00

For those of you that haven't heard about the CPSIA(consumer product safety improvement act), it is very flawed law intended to help protect our children. It increases regulation and testing requirements for basically all items manufactured for children. However, there are unintended consequences...such as the cost of testing (which is required on every batch and each component, so if you applique a fabric initial on a onesie, you have to test the fabric and the snaps) is going to put many, many small business owners, crafters and thrift shops (the law is retroactive) out of business. It is also going to increase the cost of goods coming from manufacturers that can afford the testing but who won't eat the cost of it. Not to mention all the adaptive equipment and toys for children with special needs which is already very expensive since most of it is custom made for each child.
I believe the intentions of this law were good; as a parent I was appalled at the lack of regulation that was made evident with all the import recalls last year. But, I also think it was written and passed by lawmakers without any consideration or knowledge of what it says or how it will affect things. Please support our economy and our kids by voicing your opinion and making it clear that many amendments need to be made to make this law effective and not detrimental. The following link is a starting point. You can sign on and "vote" for this topic to get addressed by members of the new administration's transition team. You can also write your congressmen & women and ask them to take a look at the situation.
Here is a link to the Consumer Product Safety Commission as well as to the CPSIA.
If nothing is done, handmade children's items will disappear, commercial children's items will skyrocket in price and organizations like Good Will will no longer be able to sell children's items to help those in need.

Change.org

CPSIA FAQs and explanations

The War Room

National Bankruptcy Day

Busy, Busy

2008-12-04T15:39:00.008-06:00

It's that time of year. Running, running, running. It seem's like it never will end and in a storm of ripping paper it's over and done. Well, this week has been about the running. I completed an apron that I started a while ago, I made a blanket for a friend's son, I made part of my nephew's Christmas gift (the cute little Bear's pants and hat, I have some fabric left I think I will try some matching mittens), what else......I have a custom order coming up for a shopping cart cover. I will post that as soon as it is done. Still waiting on the fabric for mounting that 90 year old dress, but I will post pictures as soon as it is completed.

I'm trying to get in the Holiday spirit...I lit the tree, although, it remains free of ornaments because I am anxious about what my one year old will do to them and there is no gating him out of that room. We will have my daughter's preschool Christmas program next week. I can't wait she has been working so hard and is looking forward to her roll as one of the "dancing ladies". A wedding this weekend will keep us fully occupied and then on to another week! Happy December everyone!

2008-11-28T16:41:00.005-06:00

I'm having a sale!!! The EtsyMom team is having a team wide Christmas Shopping Season Opening Sale. I am offering 10% off every purchase, including custom orders!!! You can also click here for a complete list of participating shops.

I had a very productive week. I made a cellphone case for a returning customer to match the shopping cart cover and plush ball that I made her earlier.

I made two pillow covers for an Etsy client with a custom order that turned out fabulous!

I also made three custom art rolls: a crayon roll for "Stella", a colored pencil roll for "Summer" and a marker roll for "Logan". I LOVE making these; it is sooo much fun to play with the different fabric combinations and to come up with ways of personalizing each one to the child receiving it! Stella is getting a colorful crayon roll using the Very Hungry Caterpillar fabric with an applique

heart. Summer is getting a custom crayon roll featuring a Michael Miller print with monkeys doing yoga and her brother, Logan, is getting a marker roll featuring pirate sculls with an appliqued jolly roger symbol.

Coming up, I will be finishing a retro-style full apron in blue and gray. I will also be framing a dress...my husband's 97 year old grandmother was going through some things the other day and came across a handmade dress that she wore when she was about 5 years old. This dress is absolutely beautiful!!! I am waiting for fabric to be delivered that I will use for the background and the dress will be mounted on that. I will post pictures as soon as it is complete.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and you were all able to look around you at the abundance of things to be thankful for; sometimes it takes a holiday to truly examine our lives and see all that we "have".

This 'n That

2008-11-18T10:32:00.016-06:00

This post is a little of this and a little of that.

I made a gift set featuring pink and brown.

I used Pink Paisley-Embossed Minky and backed it with a brown and pink paisley satin charmeuse and then bound it with pink satin. I then made a matching bib and two burpers from the left over fabric.

For the boys, I made a super cute blanket using Michael Miller's Bobby Plays Pretend fabric which I backed with a denim-blue flannel and bound with red satin binding. I appliqued a cut-out of Bobby pretending to be a baseball player.

Yesterday, I made another bag using Joel Dewberry's Ginseng fabric. This one features the Orchid and Wildflower prints in Raspberry and Mulberry (which is really a very Cranberry color).

And...my EMCA prize arrived!!! Yay!!! I won the first EtsyMom Curator Award for curating the most Etsy treasuries featuring EtsyMoms. For those of you who don't know, a treasury is something you put together on the Etsy site. It is a grouping or "exhibit" that you "curate". You can feature sellers that you like or chose a theme or feature colors; the possibilities are limitless. It is a fun way to highlight fellow artists and it is also a great way to find new shops. Anyway, as the recipient of the award I was to chose a prize from one of three sponsors and I chose this super cute frame made by Gifts From the Heart by CraftGirlAlli.

And in the prize winning vein, I also won one of the SuperGiveaways. I won a beautiful print from FoodChic who takes spectacular artistic photographs featuring food. Here is the link to the print that I won, it is a 7x5 vertical print of a guava.

Wow...I am totally neglecting this poor blog!

2008-11-14T15:29:00.011-06:00

To be fair, though, I have been really busy. Life in general has kept me pretty occupied, running kids and doing chores, etc. etc. But, I have also found a little spare time in which I have been sewing (instead of blogging). So I am bringing this poor, neglected blog up-to-date with the recent projects I have completed. I also WON!!! a prize in the month-long EtsyMom Street Team SUPER GIVEAWAY! You really should visit the EtsyMom blog; you can enter two giveaways everyday.

So, here we go...

The first project I completed was a set of pillows for my new sectional (which came in the day before my son's first birthday party to which we had invited 40 people!). I used Joel Dewberry's Ginseng fabric, which I have been dying to use since it came out. I bought pillow forms and made envelope style pillow cases (that way if I change my mind later, or some designer comes out with something I like better, I just have to make another set of cases).

When I showed my aunt the super awesome fabric I would be using for pillows, she instantly declared she wanted a bag made from that fabric.

Then I tackled the two dresses I wanted to make my niece

for Christmas. For the first dress, I used a Robert Kaufman print...I love damask and my sister's favorite color combination (which she used in her wedding) is pink and black. I used a Butterick pattern that I adapted to fit her size and also added the banding at the bottom and made it sleeveless.

For the second dress, I used a fun Alexander Henry print and just patterned a very basic jumper. I am hoping that she can use them as dresses with tights and/or leggings and long sleeve shirts this winter and then as dresses in the summer and I think I left enough room that in the fall they can be long, oversized shirts she can pair with leggings. I am having a fellow EtsyMom team member (and seamstress) make matching headbands. You can check out WeezaWear's Etsy shop for some great items!

So, hopefully, that will bring us up-to-date. I have several projects awaiting my attention: I am assembling a blanket for friend for Christmas, I have 2 no-sew fleece blankets to make for gifts, and several blankets to be made for my Etsy shop. I also have some lovely fabric that wants to be an apron.

It's Been A While...

2008-11-01T17:44:00.004-05:00

Well.....it has been a while! My computer crashed and I have been trying to replace it (changing over files, setting up a new system, switching to a wireless network...all of which is pretty new to me). Then my kids have been sick........again. In the midst of all that, we threw a 1st birthday party and celebrated Halloween. Baby Boy did not want to get his hands dirty and snubbed the mess cake in a brutal fashion. He did enjoy opening his presents; chewing on the boxes is the BEST! And while we didn't have a single duplicate 1st birthday card....he go 4, count 'em 4, Fisher Price Tool sets (daddy's a big time carpenter, big sis got her first hammer on her first birthday).

Halloween was way too cute! The baby tolerated the Mickey ears for waaay longer than I expected and a meek-looking (the fever disappeared right before we went out) big sister enjoyed trick or treating.

Hopefully, next week will be back to normal and I can get back down into the sewing cave (a.k.a. the basement) and possibly get something done! In the meantime, enjoy:

Oh...don't forget to stop by the EtsyMom Street Team blog and enter the SUPER GIVEAWAY!!! We are giving away 2 prizes every day the whole month of November!!!!! Don't miss out!

Feeling Good...

2008-10-20T16:07:00.002-05:00

I won!!! I won the EMCA (Etsy Mom Curator Award) for curating Treasuries featuring Etsymoms. I won the October award and it is such an honor to be recognized for promoting the team...especially because it was sooo much fun! You can check out the new EMCA blog for screenshots of all the participating entries and to view some the items created by talented teammates. I won the choice of a prize from one of the three sponsors; I chose a painted frame from CraftGirlAlli and I can't wait to see it in person!!
I would also like give a big thanks to Kimberly, from CinnamonSpice for featuring me on her blog!!!! She also has an Etsy shop: Cinnamon & Spice Crafts. She makes beautiful photo albums, scrapbooks, keepsakes and much more!

On a separate note, I had a productive week. I was able to complete two blankets, a set of burpers, and a tote bag!

EtsyMom SUPER GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-10-16T19:14:00.006-05:00

Etsymom SUPERGIVEAWAY is coming!
The Etsymom Street Team is prepping for the holidays by taking the time-honored tradition of gift-giving to another level! Riding the wave of unity, harmony and excitement inspired by the Etsymom Trunk Show in September, our team tossed around a few ideas about our next team event. A little idea of having a giveway, where Moms would donate an item to be given away each day of November on our blog has morphed into a SUPER GIVEAWAY!! When the call for volunteers went out we had an overwhelming response of over 60 shops willing to donate a $10.00 in value item to this cause. Two winners will be randomly chosen everday to receive one of over 50 prizes. Donations will range from an assortment of hand embroidery, vintage finds, hair clippies, baby accessories, papercrafts, earthenware pottery and more. Perfect for gift-giving! There is a little bit of everything, so whether you like trendy, shabby chic, traditional or retro styles, you're sure to find something! Don't miss this ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA. Visit us here beginning November 1st for giveaway rules and deadlines!

"Feels Like I'm Falling For Fall...."

2008-10-15T08:27:00.006-05:00

For those of you with pre-schoolers, you may recognize the title as the lyrics from Moose A. Moose's fall song on Noggin (It runs through my head all day!) But it is so befitting of the lovely weekend we had this past weekend which we capped off on Sunday with a family trip to a local state park for a picnic and a hike. Most leaves were just barely starting to turn, but some were in full color and falling down, down, down. We made a game of who could find the most colors and we collected leaves for a scrapbook. We even found a fuzzy caterpillar! And my kids, my city kids who don't always know the difference between a horse and cow, got to see horses on the trails! (I grew up on a farm and we now live in town and I am constantly amazed at how much of a city kid my daughter is.)

Trick or Treat Tote Bag Tutorial

2008-10-12T16:15:00.021-05:00

This year, my daughter chose to be Minnie Mouse for Halloween (I am not making it, Disney store had it on sale so my son is going to be Mickey...too cute!). So, since I bought the costume, I wanted to make her a trick or treat bag because the pink Princess pumpkin from last year just seems to clash with the red & white Minnie polka dots. It turned out so cute that I thought I would share this project.

It worked great for Minnie with the red and white polka dots with black trim, but you could coordinate it to just about anything for your little girl with the right fabric.

This project is really pretty easy, so give it a try! It is inexpensive (I found fabric on sale and made this for under $5) and doesn't take too long (probably between and hour and a half and two hours). This is my first attempt at creating a tutorial...I would love your comments on how it went, if I explained things clearly enough, anything you think should be done differently!

Material List

1/2 yard of main fabric

1/2 yard of contrast /lining fabric

1 yard of 7/8"-1" ribbon

Interfacing (optional)

Coordinating thread

Tools

Straight edge ruler

Fabric marking pen/pencil

Pins

Scissors

Iron/Ironing Board

Sewing Machine

1. Start by folding your main fabric to create two layers. Then, cut

your fabric 16.25" wide by 8.75" high. Starting at the left edge of the fabric, mark 2-5/8" in at the top and at the bottom. Then make a mark 6-3/4" down from the top mark (this should be 2" up from the bottom mark) and connect that to the mark on the bottom edge. Then make a mark 2" back to the left and connect; then, using a straight edge, connect it back to the upper left hand

corner.

2. Fold the fabric in half and cut along your lines.

3. To cut the lining fabric, start by creating two layers and cutting a 16.25" by 10.75" section. Starting at the left edge of the fabric, make a mark 2-1/2" down from the top on the left edge and then marks 2-5/8" in at the top and bottom edges. Then make a mark 8-3/4" down from the top (this should be 2" up from the bottom mark) and connect it to the bottom mark; measure 2" back to the left and connect. Using a straight edge, connect that point to the mark on the left edge of the fabric.

4. Fold the fabric in half and cut along your lines.

5. Cut the exterior contrast piece by layering your contrast fabric and cutting a section 16-1/4" by 3".

6. You will need to cut two straps from the main fabric, 3" by 19".

7. Cut 2 lengths of ribbon 16-1/4" long.

8. (optional)For the bow, cut 1 main fabric and 1 lining fabric 4" by 6" each.

9. (optional) Use the lining fabric as a template to cut your interfacing for the body of the bag and then cut interfacing for each of the straps and the bow. (Interfacing just beefs it up and adds structure for use beyond Halloween; it can be used without.)

You should now have all your pieces (2 main exterior-front and back, two contrast exterior-front and back, two lining-front and back, 2 straps, 2 trim, one main bow, one contrast bow)

10. With satin/smooth side facing down, place one piece of ribbon on one main fabric piece; with right side facing down, place one lining piece on top of main fabric and ribbon, pin and stitch together using a 1/2" seam. Press seam open with ribbon/trim up. Repeat for back panel. Set aside.

11. (optional) Apply interfacing to front and back main panels, straps and bow.

12. Fold strap piece in half length-wise, open and press in edges to center. Fold back in length wise (enclosing raw edges) and stitch close to edge to finish.

13. With right sides together, stitch bow pieces together using a 1/2" seam allowance and leaving a 2-3" opening to turn. Turn right sides out, press and edge stitch all the way

around, closing opening.

14. Orient bow piece lengthwise (like a note card), fold and crease to mark center line. Form 2 pleats (one above center line and one below) press and then fold up the top and

bottom edges, pin in place and stitch vertically down the middle.

15. Attach bow to exterior front, reinforcing the stitch down the center.

16. With right sides together, pin the exterior front and back pieces together at the sides (matching trim seams) and bottom only(do not stitch corners). Stitch together using a 1/2" seam allowance; press seams open.

17. With bag open and wrong side out, bring side seam and bottom seam together(matching up) and stitch corner with a 1/2" seam allowance. Repeat for other corner. Trim corners and turn right side out.

18. Repeat steps 16 and 17 to make interior/lining.

19. Pin straps to exterior of bag on the outside.

20. With lining wrong side out and exterior right side out, slip exterior into lining and pin. Stitch all the way around leaving a 3"-5" opening for turning. Turn bag right sides out and slip lining inside bag.

21. Edge stitch all the way around the top closing opening and finishing the bag!

Week in Review

2008-10-09T10:16:00.003-05:00

Well...I have had yet again, another busy week. I completed a custom order for an Etsy customer; I made a shopping cart cover with Heather Ross' Fish in Bags fabric with a contrasting brown. I sold a tote bag a made ages ago. I finished a really cute apron using Robert Kaufman's Sweet Tooth fabric. I made two flannel baby blankets for that friend that apparently is keeping me in business! I also made the invitation for my son's first birthday party. I can't believe a whole year has gone by already! It's like somebody hit fast forward....I just wish I could find the slow motion button because it is going waaaayyy to fast. Today, I am planning on making a Trick or Treat bag for my daughter; she is going to be Minnie Mouse (the baby is going to be Mickey) so I bought some black fabric and some red with large white polka dots to make her a bag. I haven't quite worked out the pattern for that yet, but I've got all day (waiting for the cable guy to install new (faster!!!) Internet service).

I'm really excited for the EtsyMom Team-wide Month long Giveaway coming up in November. We have had a HUGE response and it should be a lot of fun. We are giving away two prizes everyday the whole month of November! So, check back often for more details. In the team vein, I also got another treasury; this week I featured cupcakes....yummy!!! My next one should be tutu cute!

Another Busy Week...

2008-10-03T11:15:00.002-05:00

This week was another busy week! I completed a custom sewing project for an Etsy customer, a baby blanket for a friend, and a dress I listed in my shop. Oh, and a blanket and onesie set to list in my shop also. I am going to start work on designing a website with the goal of being up and running by the end of the month, just in time for Christmas shopping!!!

Tag You're It

2008-10-01T12:53:00.003-05:00

So I have been tagged by J.LeighDesignz.

The game is 6 Random Things.

Here are the rules:

Link to the person who tagged you.
Post the rules on your blog.
Write 6 random things about yourself.
Tag more or less 6 people a the end of your post.
Let each person know he/she has been tagged.
Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

So, here goes...

I am over thirty and grossly overweight, but much to my husband's surprise, I can still do a cartwheel (my four-year-old, however, was unimpressed when she saw me do it).
I can install vinyl siding on a house (actually cut it and put it up), as well as plywood sheathing(on the exterior walls, I DON'T go on the roof), and drywall.
I used to be a natural blond, but then I had kids who turned it dark, and now I am a slightly unnatural blond.
I am pathologically honest. (Literally!)
After much resistance, I relented to friends several years ago and read a little children's book called "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and fell hopelessly in love(with the series, not Harry).
Extreme Makeover Home Edition is my favorite show, with Grey's Anatomy running a close second...Desperate Housewives is my guilty pleasure.

So that's me in a very small nutshell. I am tagging CinnamonSpice, Rebeccas Rags, Tote-N-Tots, Two Zany Zebras, Wyles Style, and Rosies Cozies.

I have had another busy week and will post on the fruits of my labors as soon as I finish a few ongoing projects. Stay tuned!

Busy, Busy, Bee

2008-09-25T17:40:00.008-05:00

Fall is here...(and with it come those little bees, you know the ones). Well, I took a page from their book and I have been busy, busy, busy. I made a small daycare/toddler tote for a friend to give as a gift, a custom diaper bag (LOVE the fabric) for an Etsy customer and 2 custom crayon rolls for an Etsy customer. I also managed to snag a treasury, you can check it out on the EtsyMom blog. I have loads of fabric waiting to become something and I can't wait to get to it. I have one more custom blanket to make for that same friend to give as a gift and then I can go to town on all the things running through my head!

What Happes When Mommy Blogs

2008-09-23T10:03:00.002-05:00

So this is what happens when I don't wait until nap time to get on the computer....

Fabric.com's "Sew Sweet Giveaway"

2008-09-23T09:43:00.004-05:00

If you sew or if you know someone who sews, you have to check out this contest! It runs through October and you can submit one entry everyday. The prizes are a seamstresses dream! Free shipping for a year, a fabric.com shopping spree, an Amy Butler bag, scissors....much, much more. There are two prize groups you can register for: one for seamstresses and one for quilters. Both groups are amazing.

On a separate note...I completed yet another bag. This one is a mini diaper tote and I really like it. I am planning on making some more of these and changing up the shape a little. I am

making a custom bag for a baby gift for a boy; it will have his initial appliqued and will be used for daycare. I also am offering a few as part of a "Baby Gift in a Bag" or an all-in-one gift with the bag, bib and burpcloths, possible a changing mat as well. Check it out in my Etsy shop.

Finally...the other bag is done!

2008-09-20T17:50:00.004-05:00

After weeks of waiting and cutting and waiting and prepping and waiting and working and waiting (the waiting is to complete and is caused by the wee ones needing...) I have finally finished the other diaper bag featuring Amy Butler's August Fields fabric. I am even more pleased with how this one turned out! It features all the things everymom wants (organization, key thingy, zippered pocket, bottle pockets, diaper pockets...did I mention pockets), plus it is sooo stylish. Just listed it in my Etsy shop. One of these days I will actually make a bag for myself...now that the baby is past the "need to bring half the nursey with" stage, I can make myself a nice cute small bag for the bare essentials (spare passified, toy, diaper, wipes, maybe a snack for big sis). I also finished this super cute duckie dress for an Alchemy custom request; that little one will be sooo cute for her birthday!

Oh Baby!

2008-09-17T08:13:00.008-05:00

Sorry for the break...pre-school started and with it came the colds; first my daughter and then she so graciously shared with me. All better now and just in time. My sister's friend had a beautiful baby girl and the name was finally revealed so work began on her gift. Monograms abound in this gift set. I found this SUPER cute Marcus Brothers print that features pink and brown with baby buggies, balloons and flowers and stripes.The set consists of a 35"x35" blanket with a 2.5" ruffle, 3 burp cloths, 3 onesies and 3 reversible bibs all wrapped up in a functional cloth basket and tied with a bow. Now with that complete I can begin work on a custom order for an Etsy customer...a cute birthday dress with duckies. That is today's project and then hopefully the rest of this week and next week can go to finishing the bags with the Amy Butler fabric and starting some of the inventory for the Christmas season. I hit the fabric store yesterday and walked away with way more than I had intended, but found some prints that were just too cute to pass up. I will post the results of those projects as I get them

completed.

And the Winner is....

2008-09-05T07:12:00.008-05:00

I WON!!!! I won this SUPER CUTE portable pocket made by Brandy of WyleStyle, check out her Etsy Shop. I won playing a question/answer game at the EstyMom Street Team Virtual Trunk Show last night. It was so much fun. There are soooo many very talented mommies out there. Check them out using the Etsymom links to the right.

Beth from Beth Thompson: Art, Jewelry, Crochet and More won this bib and burper set I made by answering a question about my inspiration. Check out her Etsy Shop, very cute.

Well, now it's back to the old grind stone, the excitement is over for now. Hopefully, we will be able to do another event soon, with the Christmas season upon us. Next weeks' goal is to complete the other diaper tote using the other Amy Butler August Fields fabric I have. I also have a few custom orders coming up for friends and family and I can't wait to show you all how they turn out.

I FINISHED ONE!!!

2008-09-02T16:42:00.005-05:00

I have been dying to finish at least one of the diaper totes with the Amy Butler fabric that I have had just sitting and teasing me on my supply shelf. Well, today I finished one! I am very pleased at how it turned out. I almost don't want to sell it!!!! Check out my listing on Etsy and don't miss the matching changing mat!! (It has a built-in pocket for diapers & wipes).

Right now I am gearing up for the EtsyMom Street Team "Fall Into Holiday Cheer" Trunk Show, Thursday September 4 at 7pm EST in the Etsy Virtual Lab (The badge on the right of the page is a link directly there.) It promises to be a fun-filled evening featuring some very talented EtsyMommies and the possibility for winning a prize!!! Don't miss it!

My INsecurity Blankets

2008-08-27T21:32:00.005-05:00

Will this sell? Will anyone but me like this? Did I really do a good job? Good enough to expect someone else to pay money for?

The questions that plague my every creation. This sewing thing started as a hobby for me. I needed something to help the transition into the SAHM world. See, I have worked pretty much full time since I was sixteen/seventeen and so to not work came as unnaturally to me as being a mom came naturally (not sure if translated that thought right, I think it sounded better in my

head). But, I am plagued by insecurity. Don't get me wrong, I am passionate about the things I make and the Pink Minky Quilt (with the Joel Dewberry) was one of the first blankets I made and my disappointment grew with each passing month that it sat in my shop unbought, but after months of sitting it sold and I almost cried to have to pack it up and send it away. However, I have a split personality...a Type A side and a Type B side. It is the Type A side that fuels the insecurity. I see things in the items I make...little things, imperfections, "character" if you will. That

make me question if I am truly a legitimate artist/crafter/seamstress whatever. At times, I get a vibe from certain places that I am merely a "poser" if you will. I have no training in my craft, I am entirely self taught (well not entirely, there was that one pattern and patchwork pillow I made umpteen years ago in freshmen Home Ec.). I am not a proclaimed artist. And I battle these demons with each piece I make...especially the custom pieces, that someone chose me (picked me) to make.

I'll bid on a project and hope and hope I get it. Then, when the

notice comes that my bid was accepted, I am ecstatic (somebody likes me, really likes me) but then the Type A side says "Wait a minute...do you really think you are skilled enough to charge this person to do something that is just a hobby?" And then the nerves set in...will I get it done in time...will it be perfect (that elusive condition)...will the buyer be happy (never had a negative comment or unhappy customer, but...)

But, I persist on, each creation better than the last...improving each imperfection so I don't have to fret it on the next project...at times even admiring what I have done and actually wishing I could keep it for myself (I need to sell the pieces I make in order to continue

being able to make pieces since I have chosen not to win bread, but to

stay home and raise my children). I take glee in the positive feedback and the votes of confidence from strangers on this vast world of bits and bytes and digital signals (because who can trust the positive feedback from friends and family who love and care about you?)

Well, that was probably waaaayyyy more information than I needed to share, but I still felt the need to share my "process" if you will. I would love to read your comments on this...anyone else feel this way? ...how do you cope with it? ...think I am completely over analytic to say the lease?

Brillante Weblog

2008-08-24T20:31:00.006-05:00

Thanks so much to Jaime from JaimeSews for nominating me for the Brillante Weblog Premio 2008 Award! It is so nice to be recognized by a peer, especially as I am just beginning this blogging endeavor. You can check out her blog through the link above and don't forget to check out her Etsy store.

Here are the rules for the nominees:

Add the logo of the award to your blog.
Add a link to the person who awarded it to you.
Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
Add links to those blogs on your blog.
Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

So...to live up to this honor I would like to spotlight a few new blogs I have found and enjoy and a few not so new blogs as well.

Firstly, I would like to recognize The Taffy Box. This is a great fellow Etsian and blogger who helped me get on the right path to creating my own blog. On her blog, you will find highlights of the beautiful things she creates. Don't forget to visit both her Esty shops: thetaffybox and motherspreciousgems.

Secondly, I would like to nominate J. Leigh Designz. I know she has recently put a ton of work into creating a VERY cute blog where she highlights her great talent for paper crafts, as well as fellow artisans. You can also check out her Etsy shop.

I believe I came across the next nominee through another blogger (but I honestly can't remember). Our Busy Little Girls is a SUPER cute blog chronicling the projects and lives of the author and her family.

Happy At Home Handmade is the blog of another fellow EtsyMom team member. She blogs about the things she creates, her inspiration, and her passion for what she does and her family. Don't forget to check out her Etsy shop.

See Jane Run, Go Jane Go is the blog of a fabric fanatic! I encountered her through an alchemy request and found her blog to fuel my fabric addiction!

Sugar And Spice features all the wonderful baby accessories she creates. She is new Etsy and working very hard to get it all up and running! Check out her Etsy shop!

Lastly, but certainly not leastly, is Rozies Cozies. I discovered this blog in the EtsyMom forums. This is such an inspiriational blog about family, life and spirituality. Don't forget to visit her Etsy shop, too.

So, thanks again to Jaime Sews, and thanks to the nominees above for sharing their craft, wisdom, and lives with the rest of us.

A Very Productive Day

2008-08-22T16:44:00.002-05:00

Today was a productive day. I completed the accessories to the diaper bag that I finished yesterday. Then, the fabric for the custom order blanket I am working on came early and I was able to get it washed and finished this afternoon. So...today was a productive day!

My goal for next week, is to turn the fall Amy Butler fabric into diaper bags (I worked out the pattern today...was a productive day). I would like to get at least one done by the weeks end, accessories included.

2008-08-19T14:34:00.002-05:00

I hit the fabric store today! I intended to stop by Joann's to pick up a flannel for a custom order (I am too impatient to wait for the yard I ordered on line) and they didn't have the flannel I went in for, but they had a really cute patchwork animal flannel and then there was the really cute dinosaur cotton and then the puppies....So I am adding to the mountain of pending projects instead of actually starting them, but with kids and life you do what you have to do. I'd rather have fabric and no time to do things, than time to do things and no fabric. Plus, I do need to start building my inventory for the Christmas shopping season.

Black and White

2008-08-17T11:52:00.005-05:00

I finished them! I made a skirt for myself from a white cotton twill with a Michael Miller accent band and a coordinating dress from my daughter from black with the Michael Miller accents. I have no background in garment construciton, so I used McCall's patterns for both pieces, altering as needed to get the right feel with the accents.

Wrong time of day inside for pictures, however, I think you get the idea....

I will be pairing the skirt with a black shirt with the same neckline in my daughter's dress and the same cap sleeves. We are having pictures of our family, extended family, done next week as a birthday gift for my grandma. My hubby and son will be wearing white shirts with black pants. (I thought about making them ties from the MM fabric, but I needed to have thought of that earlier, because I don't have the time to do that).

So...this coming week, my goal is to make a messenger style diaper bag with matching accessories from the same Michael Miller fabric family that I used in the dress. And, I have enough scraps that I am going to try my hand at a quilt (or maybe just a patchwork minky).

Enjoy this beautiful day!

It's My Party!

2008-08-15T21:40:00.002-05:00

I promise I will eventually blog about sewing...that is what I intended this to be. But, today was my birthday and it was such a nice day I had to share. My best friend drove to town with her brand new baby girl and we went to lunch (she gave me Gingher dressmaker's shears engraved with my name...how sweet!). Then my hubby came home from work and he took our 4 year old daughter to the store (always the last minute shopper) to get what I assumed would be my birthday card. With the baby napping and them out of the house, I actually got down to the basement to sew. They were gone a really long time and when they came home I was instructed to stay in the basement (a present in itself). When I came up, they had a cake with candles, party hats (Dora the Explorer), cards and presents (one of which was a "Monkey Sock" that I "could share with" my daughter since I'm "not a kid"). It was a lovely evening and next week as part of my birthday, we are sending the baby to grandma's and taking my daughter to see the Backyardigan's live!

On a sewing note, I did get my skirt done (not my best work because I'm tired and I really "needed" to finish something, so corner's were cut, etc, etc) I will post pictures when I finish the dress for my daughter that will coordinate with it.

Nothing New...

2008-08-13T10:33:00.002-05:00

Upon returning home from a short weekender on Monday, my baby spiked a fever and after 24 hours of that, I have nothing new to report. The fever's gone, but the teeth are still trying to rip through those tender little gums, causing much pain and discomfort, requiring much comforting from mom. Therefore, the mountain of projects awaiting me in the basement will have to continue to do so (baby has not been sleeping therefore neither have I, therefore, nap time will be for all of us). Hopefully, all will be back to "normal" tomorrow and I can get started; I think I'm having withdrawls. (More likely, the type A side of me is just climbing the walls knowing something is left incomplete).

Yeah! I figured it out!

2008-08-07T14:26:00.002-05:00

So, after much research and much trial and error I figured out the link button thing and have posted link buttons for a blog and an Etsy shop. And....I love the background and am pretty OK with the layout (it'll do for now, I'm board with messing with it). Back to the good stuff. Vacation this weekend and when we return I have a host of projects waiting for me. I am making a skirt that for myself, a dress for my daughter, and possibly matching ties for my husband and son for family pictures at the end of the month. I also just got in some of Amy Butler's new fall fabrics for making diaper tote bags (and a small messenger if I have enough left). I have some Michael Miller waiting to become a messenger-style diaper bag. And, my sister needs me to make a gift basket of goodies for her friend's baby shower! Whew! I'll post pictures of everything as I get it done. Can't wait to get started (it's been about a week since I made it down to the basement to sew).

Day Two :-|

2008-08-06T16:49:00.002-05:00

OK, So with a little help from Taffy Box, I found a website with some backgrounds (I will probably change this one; I had a really hard time trying to decide between several). So this afternoon, I am trying to customize a little more and arrange things more to my taste and I am having loads of errors. I tried moving my blog list and am now unable to add the blogs I had (sorry, I will get those back up ASAP). Again, bear with me as I figure all of this out. Soon this will look exactly as I like and hopefully be much more user friendly and I can start writing about some of the new projects I will be working on.

First Day!!!

2008-08-05T14:31:00.002-05:00

So this is my very first blog! This will definitely be a work in progress. I need to figure out how to make my own blog template so it looks a little more me and little less template.

I am beginning this blog so that I can chronicle my sewing escapades and connect with the outside world. Since joining Etsy, I have connected with many fellow Etsians and it seems blogging is the thing to do...so when in Rome....Also, hopefully this can be an outlet for all the things running through my mind throughout the day. Some days it seems I have a million and one ideas and my children don't quite comprehend all them. So check back and bear with me as I get my blog legs (poor analogy but let me find a groove).