Bridal Shower Gift......to go please

I received an invite to a bridal shower for a friends daughter and at the last minute my schedule cleared up so I am able to go! I refuse to use a registry for a bridal shower since this is a day for the bride and since I don't really know the bride, I was at a loss.

Then it came to me, a cute spunky apron for the soon to be newlywed. I have had this pattern for awhile but had not found the time to use it. This apron is simple yet has a beautiful drop waist and flutter to it. Add a few fabric flower pins and viola, it is ready to go! I hope she loves it and wears it during her first "domesticated" years so it can be a part of her fond memories.

Anthropologie Inspired, Ready for Baking!

I fell in love with this apron at Anthropologie and thought......how fun would that be with Amy Butler fabrics?
So here is my interpretation of the Spring Mix Apron. I would change a few details if I ever made another one but I am happy overall with how it came out!

No Peeking Mom

I just thought I'd share one of the fun projects I did yesterday as a birthday present for my mom. I had picked up this adorable turquoise embroidery hoop from JoAnn's ages ago with an idea in mind to use it with my kids hand prints.


So last night I traced my kids hands on to card stock for a template. Next, I used some fusible interfacing on the fabrics for stiffness and durability then I attached them to some white cotton that I put in the hoop with some embroidery floss. For fun, I added the button border this morning and voila, an adorable keepsake stitched with love.....no machine required! Oh, and I almost forgot...I did use a small amount of batting to add some dimension.

A New Look for me and Etsy

I have been taking some time off from the "retail business" and dabbling in new crafts and techniques. Today I revamped my Etsy store with my first "home made" banner which is actually a layout that I scanned and cropped.

Along with the new look I am adding new types of products...paper crafting. You see, paper crafting can move room to room with me when I can't be in the studio for long without the toddlers attempting to kill each other plus.....I just love it!

How do you like the new look? You can see it better here

I'm Lovin' it Monday

I have had a very creative last few days (posts to come) so I had to narrow it down for today's picks.

First, I am lovin' this great Jane Market Bag pattern from Alicia Paulson over at Posie Gets Cozy . I can't wait to use mine out shopping and what a great, easy gift to make. Added bonus, downloadable pattern....talk about instant gratification!

If I have mentioned this before let me tell you again how much I love Tattered Angels Glimmer Screens and Mists. The stencils are easy to wash, sturdy and reusable and are such an easy way to add an elegant and subtle detail to your paper craftin, layouts, etc. You don't even want me to get started on how great the mists are....we could be here all day!

I'm Lovin' it Monday

My new issue of Ottobre Design arrived this weekend and I am Lovin' their new summer line! Ottobre Design is a magazine created in Finland that specializes in baby and children's clothing patterns. Each magazine contains over 40 patterns and you will love them all, don't believe me? See for yourself:



What attracted me to Ottobre last year was that they had boy clothing that you would want actually want to put your sons in which is very hard to find. Also, it covers such a great age range so they can grow with you and/or take care of most of your families needs! The magazine does ship from Finland but after receiving these for so long, I can tell you I haven't run into an issues or delays. You can even buy past issues and single issues from their site. Here are a few peaks from inside this issue:

I'm Lovin' It Monday

This Monday I am Lovin' this great custom ribbon over at J Caroline Creative. She has turned these great prints from fabric designers Jessica Jones and Patty Young into these great jaquard ribbons and I love the Proud Grosgrains by Keri Beyer!
They are a little pricey but worth it for an extra special project! What else am I lovin'? I am lovin' my Meiko CD , she has such an amazing voice and you can't help but sing along!

You + Me = Meant To Be

I must begrudgingly admit, I have been nervous about my package coming from my partner from the We The People Swap 4. This Amy Butler Weekender Bag is no simple task and the price to make it adds up-quickly! I loved the one I made and was hoping my partner would be able to make me a bag that matched my style. I know this sounds a little selfish, I usually have more fun with the creating and giving and don't worry so much about what I get in return but did I mention this bag was no simple task?

Well, all worries were quickly thrown out the window once I opened the box, it is so beautiful! I had to take a picture straight away (even without my lipstick) because this bag and I were CLEARLY meant for each other. Look what I was already wearing when the package arrived-from my top to my shoes, it was destined to be!

Business Card or Tea Wallet

I made this fun little business card holder for a Fat Quarter Sewing Challenge on Swap-bot that I am in. My partner likes miniature things, loves color and I thought this would be a fun little accessory that she may actually be able to use!

I used this great tutorial found HERE , with the size modified for a business card (instead of the tea wallet) and added my own little twist of embellishments. I made fun little stamped cards to go in the business cards slots since I figured 4 C Berry Baby business cards might seem like advertising! This project is so simple to make and lots of fun, I think I will make a tea wallet for myself as well and maybe a "Splenda Wallet" for my mom!

I'm Lovin' it Monday-Seams to Me

I picked up this book awhile ago and instantly fell in love. The book is bursting with great patterns that you will want to make, from the "I'll have one of Everything" bag to embroidered dish towels, an apron, skirts and a quilt with circles!

Another thing I truly value in this book are the tips and techniques in the begininng. As a new wave self-taught seamstress there are terms and tricks that I am not familiar with and this book covers them all with illustrations. I often flip to these pages when I want to try a new stitch or get a quick tip on my bias tape binding!

Still not sure, check out the Seams to Me Flick Pool to see all the beautiful things people are making!

Mermaid Ruffle Dress

Today I just finished up this custom order dress for one of my customers on Etsy. Every time I make one of these dresses I fall in love with it and dream about having a little girl so I can dress her up! It's hard to tell on this mannequin, since it is smaller then the dress size, but it is such a "poofy" and fun dress. It takes a lot of gathering but the end result is well worth it (at least I think so). And here is my little picture ham who can not let me take photos without getting some of him!

What a GOOF!