decisions, decisions.

way, way back, what seems like a zillion years ago, i thought i had things figured out. of course that particular quilt was more purple-y & girly in the traditional kind of way. but i pretty much assumed it had been hung on the wall to stay. but now that this quilt has arrived home & is currently testing out the spot on the wall, i'm having a hard time making a decision. it really isn't that big of a deal, or at least that's what the hubby is continually telling me. but, right now it is a big deal, at least to my sanity. this simple decision will have a huge, no astronomical impact on the entire room. whichever quilt is chosen will ultimately play a big part in the decision regarding what color to paint the powder blue dresser (perhaps a bright tangerine for a little pop! or maybe we don't paint it at all?). it will also effect (or is it affect?) the wall hangings, light fixtures & all the other little odds & ends that will play apart of making this room "hers"... in the end, this simple quilt decision could totally & completely shape this little lady's personality & life-to-be. okay, so maybe i am being just a bit over dramatic, it's just the hormones talking. but seriously, this is a big decision, & i hate making decisions.

something old, something new...

vintage bed sheets, some new onesies, &  just a wee, little bit of trim, & this little girl of mine has some new dresses to lounge around in. thank you carrie for the inspiration & chelsey for the instruction. another "to do" has now been crossed off the list.

something pink-ish is hanging in the closet.

three weeks to go. wow! as i re-read that sentence i get chills up & down my spine. but it's really happening. & after much assurance from my doctor that she really is a girl, i've finally started to give in, just a bit, to the power of pink.

here's my first attempt at crafting a little ensemble for her to wear. (click on picture to enlarge). but i couldn't make only a dress, every little girl needs some matching accessories. so, i whipped up a blanket to match. i'm sure once she sees it, she'll be drooling to wear it.

this is what happens when i go the bathroom...

no, no - this isn't the result of an edward scissorhands inspiration that came to me suddenly while sitting on the pot. instead, this is the work of my own personal edward scissorhands - my 2 year old. apparently he didn't think that my carrie-inspired re-usable shopping bag had enough flair to it. so, he found some scissors (& i'm using the term "found" very loosely here. what i really mean to say is he went to my locked sewing cupboard, i guess the "child locks" no longer are a match for him, & purposely got out a pair of scissors) & started snipping away. who knows? he may have had a real vision here, unfortunately for him, i caught him in the middle of the act & prevented him completing his "masterpiece". now, my over-the-shoulder bag is more of a clutch, but it's okay, it's still cute. hopefully, this will be owen's "scissor story". it seems every child has one, & this is way better than the story of gavin giving himself a haircut.

progress.

her walls are still (& probably will remain) a boring shade of beige. the recently purchased dresser is still powder blue & there isn't a whole lot hanging in her closet. but yesterday, i did manage to hang a quilt on the wall, silently proclaiming the room "hers". granted, i'm not promising that this particular quilt will stay on the wall, i am retaining the right to possibly make a change, depending on how this quilt turns out. but for now, it'll due. so, just in case you were starting to worry that she was going to make her grand entrance into this world, & i wasn't going to be prepared (because let's face it, you might not be worried about that, but i certainly am)... i am still taking those "baby steps", slowly, ever so slowly i'm making progress.

just in case you doubted me...

just in case you thought there was a slight possibility that i was exaggerating just a touch regrading my current mental state - here's some proof. randomly & totally out of the blue, this week i decided i needed to sew a quilt for the baby. mind you, i've already sewn one quilt & several blankets. what i really should be working on is stocking her boudoir with clothes, that she might actually wear. but no, the bee in my bonnet insisted i sew another quilt... i was a little worried that my the other quilt i had made was a bit too girly - because it had purple & pink in it, gasp! so, i thought i needed another, more subtle-ly pink quilt. anyway, long story short - i sewed the quilt. but, when all was said & done, there were two patchwork squares driving me crazy. one square had two pieces of the exact same fabric touching at the corners (yes! just the corners were touching). the other square had two pieces of the exact same fabric separated by only one small square. when i actually thought about it, i knew i was being crazy. hello?! the ENTIRE quilt is patchwork. lots of different fabrics going on there. no one would ever notice, except for me. & yet, all day long, i kept looking at that quilt, letting those two little squares eat me up inside. until finally, i picked up my trusty seam reaper, un-picked my way to those devilish little squares & fixed the problem. when i was done, i really & truly felt like i could breathe again.

believe me now? i'm definitely on the fast-track to the funny farm. hopefully this baby arrives before i make it the entire way.

making big things small.

just by looking, you'd never guess that the original size of these t-shirts were MEN'S XL. a few snips of my scissors here & there, & the sewing of a straight seam or two, & ta da! new t-shirts my little munchkins can be proud of! for a little more instruction & how-to, go HERE.

work in progress.

i have to admit, it's still hard to believe that i'm having a girl. already outnumbered 3 to 1, i was totally prepared to hear that another boy was on the way. so, it's taken some time to adjust to the fact that this little one will be bundled in a little bit more pink than blue. & to tell you the truth, the thought of all that pink kinda scares me! so i'm starting slowly, i wouldn't want to overwhelm my senses. this first quilt is actually more blue, with just a few touches of pink... it's all about the baby steps.

it's beginning to look a touch like christmas.

just putting the finishing touches on my newest quilt. (featuring michael miller's christmas line, it's called "christmas with a twist". fitting don't you think?) this is definitely putting me in the holiday spirit. i can't wait to hang this bad boy on the wall.

twofer.

here's a sneak peak at a custom apron i just sent out. besides being one of absolutely favorite apron patterns, i love that it's reversible... a twofer. hope she enjoys.

happy everything.

who says you can't celebrate the "every day"? gather your supplies, break out the sewing machine & let's make some "happy everything" banners. they are super easy & pretty quick... you'll be done in no time at all.

supplies needed:
* somewhere between 4 & 24 different fat quarters, depending on how many "different" fabrics you want in your banner (you can get about 6 double-sided flags from one fat quarter, and each banner has about 24 (or 18) double-sided flags total, depending on the length of your bias tape)
* bias tape (which style you use, is totally up to you... i've used both single fold bias tape & double fold bias tape... personally, i prefer the double fold, simply because i think it's easier, but, the single folds over into a really cute & tiny edge. i usually use whatever i have on hand. it should be noted that most bias tapes come 4 yards in length, however some are 3 yards. if you are using the yard variety you'll have a total of 24 double-sided flags, however if you use the 3 yard variety you'll end up with 18 double-sided flags)
* basic "other" sewing supplies... rotary cutter, cutting mat, ruler, sewing pins, pinking shears (although not totally necessary) & a sewing machine


fold your fat quarter in half so that it's measurements are aprroximately 22" x 9". using your ruler, cut the fat quarter down so that it is is only 8 1/2" inches tall... the new measurements (while still folded in half ) are approximately 22" x 8.5".


keeping the fabric folded in half (that way, with each cut you'll actually be making 2 flags, instead of just one!) & making sure the end that you are going to start cutting on, is on a whole number (it's just easier for me to count when there's a whole number involved). use your ruler to cut the first side of your triangular shaped flag. (i find it easier to lay my ruler on the lower right hand corner, & angle it so, that at the top it is 3 inches to left of my starting point. make sense?)


for the second cut, start with your ruler at the top (the point that is now 3 inches in from the side) & angle it down, 3 more inches to the left of the center point. for example: if you look at this picture closely (if it's not big enough, click on it it enlarge). notice how on the right hand side, the lowest corner starts on the 25" mark... for the first cut, i layed my ruler starting at the 25" mark on the bottom & angled the ruler up & to the left 3", so that it ended on the 22" mark on the top. for my second cut, my ruler started on the 22" mark on the top, & then i angled the ruler down & out 3" from this middle point, so the ruler crossed the lower edge at the 19" mark.

when all is said & done, you'll have all these pretty little triangle that measures 8 1/2" tall, & 6" wide. have i lost you yet?


after you've cut the first triangle, you start all over, simply angling your next cut 3" inches up & to the left.... as you can see (in the picture), the triangles will alternate with the "points" being up on top, & then on the bottom. when you are all finished, you should be able to get approximately 6 (double-sided) flags from one fat quarter.

repeat this same "cutting" process for your remaining fat quarters. remember, you only need 24 double-sided flags (a total of 48 individual flags, hopefully that doesn't confuse you), or 18 double-sided flags (36 individual) if you are using the 3 yard bias tape.


after all your flags are cut, sew two individual flags together (wrong-sides together, with a 1/2" seam) so that you have 24 (or 18) double-sided flags. it's not necessary to sew shorter straight side of the triangle (i'm sure there is some correct, mathematical term for this side, but i have no clue what it is), because that side will be enclosed in the bias tape.


now, this next step is totally optional, but... if you use pinking shears on the long sides of the trianlge (yet another technical term i don't know), it gives the flags a very cute, finished-looking edge. (click on the picture to enjoy the cuteness.)


now it's time to break out the bias tape. (don't worry, we're almost done!) so what you want to do is enclose the "shorter" edges of the triangles inside the bias tape. it's much easier (although it takes a bit more time) if you pin the corners of each flag, inside the bias tape. as for spacing of the flags, that's totally up to you, personally i like the flags butted up against each other, with little or no space in between.


baby, it's time to sew! after everything has been pinned & you've made sure you've caught all those little triangle corners inside the bias tape, sew as close to the open edge of the binding as possible. (you may or may not have noticed that one side of the binding is slightly shorter than the other side. it's easiest to sew the binding, if you sew with that slightly shorter side on top.... and then, ta da! you are all done. your very own "happy everything" banner.

fancy nancy apron

ruffles, tulle & a whole lot of sass! what more could a girl want? any & every little girl would love baking, dancing or twirly in the kitchen, in this hot little number. & with just a touch of gingham, it's perfect for this summer's tie on one apron project.

crafting sophisticated onesies.

today our crafting was inspired. as moms to boys, chelsey & i were feeling the itch to make something cutesy & frilly... perfect for the little girls we don't have. now, we just have to figure out who to give them to.

hello lover.

sorry to break the news to you this way jeffy, but i think i'm falling in love. i think the blame lies mostly with carrie, she was the one that introduced us. although chelsey didn't exactly help, by constantly reminding me how wonderful he was. but the semantics don't really matter. because it's time i declare my feelings & intentions to the world. & i'm not embarrassed at all to do so. if necessary i'll shout it from the rooftops... THIS bad boy has swooped in and captured my heart & i'm looking forward to spending lots of late nights (maybe even a few early mornings, and most likely several afternoon quickies) with him. looking to start a love affair of your own, but don't want to have to break the piggy bank? check out ebay for deals & steals.... everyone deserves a good fling now & then.

nymcn: crafter's give back

summer has been crazy, leaving little, if no time, for crafting. luckily, last night we managed to get in a not your mama's craft night summer session. we've done the green edition, we've made freezer paper stencils & done mod podge, we've played with our food, & recycled t-shirts. so we thought it was high-time we did something with a service-oriented twist. that's how we happened upon good 4 girls an organization "making the world a better place... one pad at a time".

you've probably already seen the ad campaign sponsored by tampax & always... you know, the commercials that explain that "for some girls in southern africa, getting their period means missing school for several days each month. that's because they don't have access to something many of us take for granted: feminine protection." wow! to be honest, i'd probably never thought of it before. but i can't even begin to imagine have to rely on rags, camel skin, or old newspapers.

so, we rallied the forces, gathered some supplies & set about to make as many of THESE (with a few variations, like adding a waterproof layer) as possible. as usual, the evening was full of laughter, good treats & lots of crafting. together we helped make "the world a better place... one pad at a time". as always, feel free to craft along from the comfort of you own home.

arts & crafts.

i originally bought the oilcloth to make a table covering for kitchen table. i figured it would be perfect of all sorts of arts & crafts projects with the kids, nymcn & just about any other time i might need to protect my table. unfortunately i forgot the one rule i remember from 7th grade home ec: measure twice, cut once. maybe it was because i was cutting at 2 am, maybe it's because am i'm blonde, maybe i actually just measured wrong. whatever the case may be, i ended up cutting my fabric way too short - it would never fit my kitchen table. so i had to figure out something to do with all this oilcloth. and then i spied my patio table, with the boring green chair cushions that we inherited, along with the table & chairs, & inspiration struck. so i whipped up a new tablecloth (& when i say whipped, i mean cut it to size), & then sewed up some matching seat covers. i love the buttons smack dab in the center, which help the pillows gather & poof in all the right places. thanks carrie & chelsey for that brilliant idea. now i just have to host s summer bbq, & show off my newest creations.... look for an invitation coming soon to a mailbox near you..

nymcn wrap up.

how did you let me forget to post about not your mama's craft night? we had the best time doing t-shirt transformations. the house was full of gals, sewing machines, good snacks & lots of conversation. using some old t-shirts we made tons of infant gowns (check it out up close & personal-like by clicking on the picture). some of the gals re-fashioned some men's tees into shirts fitted especially for them, t-shirt dresses, bedazzled lounge pants (& yes, i said bedazzled!), & tons of of tee's were transformed into pint-sized clothes for the little kiddos in our lives.... lots of stuff going on. everything was so dang cute. i made my infant gown as a gift, & i'll admit i had a hard time giving it away... it was so soft, & boy how i loved those cowboy boots. i'm too lazy to post any other pictures... so check out what carrie, chelsey & chloe made. want to make your own? check out some of the links HERE.

who doesn't have an old t-shirt?

it's the first thursday of the month. do you know what that means? not your mama's craft night (nymcn) will be in full force tonight. interested in crafting along from the comfort of your own home? then grab an old t-shirt, or two or three & get ready to transform them into anything & everything... make a cuter, more fitted shirt, or pants, a bag, or children's clothes. seriously, the possibilities are endless! check out the following links, & get ready to get your craft on.

• the incredible shrinking T (take a large T & make it into a fabulous fitted T, instructions available HERE.)
  
• t-shirt lounge pants (make a large T into comfy crop pants). instructions available HERE.
• transforming adult T's into clothes for kiddos. (toddler pants or infant gowns)
• or, check out here if you are ready to take your t-shirt refashioning to the next level.

image via flickr.

a little bit of sass & a whole lot of fun.

here's what kept me up until 3 in the morning (seriously, will i never learn?). my latest apron creation. crafted specifically for the havana nights tie one on apron project. i don't even really know what a havana night emcopasses, but as soon as i heard the theme, immediately i had a vision... something a little sassy, maybe even sexy, but definitely flirty & fun. you know, an apron you could almost wear dancing. so what do you think? does it scream havana nights?

i spy with my own eye...

i've been collecting little doo-dads forever (paper clips, foam stickers, confetti), wanting to make "i spy" bags for the boys. (click on pictures to enlarge.) finally, this weekend, i actually got around to making them. they came together easily & were super quick to make. the best part... the boys love them. here are the directions, they might be wordy, but it's just because i'm trying to explain everything the best i can. really they truly are easy. looking for an even easier way to get your little kiddos there own little "i spy" bag? you can buy them HERE, HERE & HERE.

prep:
2 fleece squares that are 7" square
a 4" square of clear vinyl (at least 4 mm or thicker)
1 inkjet fabric sheet (can be found at most craft stores, or you can make your own HERE)
poly-pellets (can also be found at craft sores... it's usually used for doll stuffing)
aprox. 30+ small doo-dads to fill bag (peruse craft stores, etc. for "little" stuff. buttons, scrapbook stuff, household odds & ends. for ex: paper clip, button, penny.)

assembly (click on the pictures, to enlarge them for a pictorial how-to):
1. on the wrong side of one piece of fleece, using a ruler, find the exact center of the square. using your ruler, measure out from the center & draw a line 1.5" from the center on all sides of the square (make each line about 3" inches long). then using scissors or a rotary cutter, carefully cut along the lines to make your "window".
2.center the vinyl over the window, on the wrong side of the fleece. you might find it helpful to use a bit of tape to hold it in place. very carefully sew the vinyl to the fleece. *vinyl can sometimes stick to the sewing machine, so you might want to test it first. if you find it sticking, you can use a piece of tissue paper between the vinyl & whatever it's sticking to & just tear it away when you are done.) i personally like to sew with the fabric side against the pressure foot, but do whatever works for you. be sure to double stitch to prevent anything from falling out! i do a straight stitch around the window, and then go over the straight stitch with a decorative zig zag stitch.
3. if you haven't already, now would be a good time to gather all your little doo-dads, type up your "i spy" list in a word processing program like word. i like to type it in a 3x3" square text box. then, print the list out onto the fabric paper. cut out your list, make sure to leave enough room around the list, so you can sew around the edges (i figured this one out the hard way.) place your "list" on the solid (back) fleece square, with the right side facing up. zig zag around the edges to prevent it from fraying (you can also dab a little "no fray" on it as well).
4. now that your front "window" square, and back "list" square are done, pin them together, wrong sides together, & carefully sew around the bag, making a sem of about 1/4" - 1/2". again, i like to double stitch - the first time around i did a straight stitch, & then i did a decorative zig zag stitch the second time around. *be sure to leave a small opening on one side of the bag that you can use to pour the contents in.
5. fill your bag with your doo-dads, then start pouring in the poly-pellets, a funnel is really useful here. i start with about a cup of poly-pellets & slowly add. personally i like the pellets to fill the bag, to the top edge of the window, but it's all personal preference. you just don't want to add so many pellets that it's hard to manipulate the bag & objects.
6. when you are down filling, carefully shake everything to the bottom of the bag & carefully sew up your opening. & then, ta da! you are finished.