Letters, Letters, Letters

Been having fun with my Cricut Expression!! This was an order for my good friend's sister. She had a new little girl earlier this year and got some cute letters for her room from her MIL. She wanted to get some for her older daughter's room, but saw the price and immediately called her sister. "Hey, don't you have a friend who sews?"


"Do you think she can make me some letters for Emma?" Well, OF COURSE I can!! :) First I did a little information gathering by going to the store where the MIL got the baby's letters....YIKES!! Pretty pricey for some particle board cut letters with some paint and beads slapped on. AND they were only about 3 inches big. So, I started putting my creative thinking process to work!

First we agreed on the FONT she wanted to use, then she sent me pictures of the sweet girl's sweet little room. It is a very girly garden theme, with pastels and butterflies...cute, cute. Next, I cut the letters from stiff felt for the backing using my Cricut and AWESOME software that allows me to NOT have to buy lots of expensive cartridges and just use whatever font I have on my computer....soooo easy!! Then I chose the fabric, cut 5 inch squares, ironed on some fusible interfacing, cut letters, ironed them on to their respective backings and embellished, embellished, embellished!! All of the trims around the edges are stitched on to reinforce the fusible interfacing, and the ribbons at the top are sandwiched between the backing and fabric to ensure they will hold up to wall hanging! I had a lot of fun making these, and I hope sweet Emma enjoys them!!

So...BACK TO SCHOOL!!


Had this order from a girl at my husband's work....they keep me in "business"! HA! One day I will own a VERY EXPENSIVE embroidery machine that has a FLAT bottom so that this TASK will be MUCH easier!! Hey, I can dream, right?? :D I am very happy the names are actually straight..it was soooo hard getting that pocket on my hoop....centered!!! So when it came time to do Ms. Priss' new backpack, I didn't EVEN want to deal with my embroidery machine.....back to the Cricut!!


Can't say that SEWING on these letters was any easier!!!! WHY did she want them on THAT pocket???!!!! Oh well...it is DONE!! I did hand stitch around the little flower cut outs...NO WAY was I going to get my machine around all of those little curves!! BTW, the fabric letters are from the Moda charm pack I won from SMS eons ago!!! I found them under LOTS of WIPs and TONS of yardage I keep buying...but not using!!! UGH!! MOTIVATE ME!!


While I was on a Cricut roll....I did these cutouts and Modpodged them to her binder...we couldn't find a really cute 1 1/2 inch binder, so we decided to "cute" it up ourselves...I'll let you know how it holds up!!

Ok...so I learned something NEW!!!!

Cool huh? I have ALWAYS loved B&W photos with the little splashes of color, but had NO IDEA how it was done...well, I googled it!!! This tutorial is step by step and soooo easy to follow. If you have Photoshop try it!! It was kinda difficult to be neat, the tulle is transparent in some areas so some of the floor "coloring" came through. I chose this picture, because this weekend is the First birthday for the twin girls I made these for.....AND I HAVE NO IDEA what to make for them!! Well, ok, SOME ideas...but not sure of colors, fabric, trims, etc..... GOT TO GET TO WORK!! Until later...

P.S. I will try to squeak in some visiting time soon...I owe Stephanie a Meme, Amy has been doing soooooooooooooo much, man she is my idol!! And Allie...you are supposed to be taking it easy...EIGHT posts since I've last read!!!! Tammie is pregnant with THREE kids (AWESOME pictures girl!!) and manages to get more accomplished than me....like I've said...GOT TO GET TO WORK!! :)

Everybody Loves a Handmade Gift...I Hope!

Can you believe I made it back SO SOON?! I can't, but as promised here I am to show you some things I've made for gifts. One of my best friends while I was growing up was my cousin. She was one of my main inspirations for creativity at a young age. I can remember summer days when she, her twin sister, my older sister, and I would lounge around playing cards and taking turns working on a butterfly latch-hook design, which I still have and is currently hanging in my daughters' room. She also made cute little swans out of looped yarn, a bar of soap, and some chenille stems, or as we called them, pipe cleaners. She could crochet and tried without much luck to teach me...I guess I just didn't have it in me to learn, at that time! :D One of my best memories with her is spending a week with her at her GrandMa Pat's. This woman was amazing..I can't remember exactly how old she was at the time, but to my younger self she was probably ANCIENT!! HA! Anyway, she would get us up at 4 a.m. to slop hogs and feed chickens and horses, then would feed us eggs and fried pork chops with maple syrup for breakfast. I don't remember her having a TV, but she did have one of those antique record players with the BIG horn-shaped speaker that you had to hand crank in order for it to play records that were at least a half inch thick!! We would listen to music while she and my cousin crocheted and I cut out bowties from fabric scraps for a quilt she was working on. We hand stitched alot of those bowties, but then she showed me the most FABULOUS sewing machine ever and taught me how to use it! It was an old Singer with the iron trestle peddle...no electricity used for this baby! I vaguely remember trying to sew the quilt blocks together..over and over because I messed up...ALOT!! Good times...and GREAT memories. So back to my gifts...

My cousin's daughter, her first out of FIVE children, got married last weekend in Mississippi. They have lived there, I'm not quite sure how long, but I regret that I have not kept in contact over these long years. All of her children are absolutely gorgeous and I enjoyed spending the limited amount of time we had talking with her and meeting her family. The wedding was simple and beautiful, very much like the bride! She has made everyone in our family so proud and is an extraordinary young lady. She graduated high school at 16, and at almost 21 has a degree in primary education, she just has to finish up her state exam to become a certified Teacher! So proud!

She had a set of placemats on her registry, and being the lazy, not-wanting-to-leave-the-house person that I am, I decided to make her some from my stash! She is using mostly browns and earth tones so I thought these would work ok! The paisley print is a home decor weight that I've used in many other projects, and is the backing for the place mats.

While we were in Mississippi, I got to meet my other cousin's new baby for the first time. She is sooooo cute with a head FULL of black hair...just gorgeous. I didn't make it to the baby shower, so I wanted to give her something.

I just did a cute applique on the front of a onesie...

And added a couple of ruffles on the back! This was my first time doing one of these...super simple with maximum cuteness!! I chose the cherry print because I had a cute grosgrain ribbon that matched it perfectly for a bow!

My friend Jane went to Houston to visit family and needed birthday gifts for her MUCH younger twin brothers...

They are into soccer, and having some fabric in my stash, I decided to do fabric letters again instead of embroidering their names.

Add some soccer grosgrain ribbon for a binding around the hood and you have some fabulous hooded towels!!

And lastly is an order for a family whose dad works with my awesome man.

First graders at their son's school need a book pocket that hangs from their desks.

I've never seen or made one of these before so I am hoping that it is what is needed. She gave me the dimensions, and what prints and colors she wanted. I just used some quilting cottons with a baseball grosgrain ribbon for fun, and used some pre-made bias for the ties. Hopefully it will hold up!

So that's all for now! I have a few more WIPs to finish, and some new things I want to start. The summer is winding down, and I've already started shopping for needed back-to-school things, but not nearly finished. Be well and until later....

Summer of Birthdays!

If it weren't for birthdays I probably wouldn't be sewing as much!! I have been busy and highly UNmotivated to get into my sewing room this Summer. I am not sure WHAT is going on with me lately! It could be because my sewing room gets pretty warm during the day, and having the iron on doesn't make it any cooler! So you would think I would get in there in the evening...but NOPE!! By then I am tired, the children are hungry and cranky, and my husband would like to see my face. :) It also could be because, once again, my sewing room is a complete and utter MESS! I'll spare you the down-right FRIGHTFUL photos this time...but I'm sure some of you will remember!! :D Anyway, whatever the reason I am not in there as much as I think I need to be...so many items I want to make...SO MANY WIPs!! I keep counting on the fact that my motivation will come back when the children are off to school in August..let's hope that is the case! In the meantime, I will try to keep up my blog with things I DO manage to get accomplished!

My sweet niece turned 2! Here are a few things I made for her.

I know that it is hard to tell...but this is supposed to be an appliqued popsicle!! Can you see it? I've been told it looks like two tennis rackets...or my favorite, two CORNDOGS!! HA! I wasn't happy with the square shaped popsicle applique that I had, so I attempted to make my own..pitiful, I know! One day I'll learn my lesson and just PAY for designs!!

The little bloomers came out cute though! Instead of doing an elastic encased waist, I just shirred it. I love how easy it is and it tends to be more forgiving in the sizing...just in case I'm off a little!

Next, I did a guitar strap for her.

My sister got her a child-sized guitar, so I made a cute strap.

I put a super soft faux fur backing on it!

And put button holes in the ribbon on the ends to make it adjustable. See our cute little Sweetie? She and her brother, Tiger came to live with us this Summer...2 dogs....2 cats...5 kids....UGH!!!


And lastly, I decided to make her a halter top with matching bow.

This halter is based on the one I did for my sister. I combined a couple of different child patterns to cut out the fabric, then used the directions from the Weekend Sewing pattern to add the side sewn bottom straps. I decided to add the ruffle to make sure it was long enough and to crank up the cuteness!

I used Pique Cotton fabric for the front, and a solid white quilting cotton for the liner. I just wanted to make sure the embroidery didn't scratch her, since it is such a big design. It also helped to encase all of the seams. Sorry if this is all so vague...summer heat brain!


I did this beach towel for my sister.

She had a birthday party for a friend's daughter and wanted something quick and simple. I cut letters from fabric with pinking shears and used a big zigzag stitch to sew it on.


Hope you all had a happy 4th!

I really wanted to try the yoga skirt tutorial that was featured on Sew Mama Sew! LOVE IT!!

I did one for me, and one for my 4th of July Birthday girl...she turned 4!! But my oldest daughter wanted a dress, so it was just a quick pillowcase style. Instead of doing the armscyes in the normal "J cut", I decide to do a diagonal cut to make the top more narrow and less bulky. I also added a line of elastic thread stitching right under the arms to give it more of an empire waist.

So that's it....summer sewing, quick and easy. This was the only picture of me wearing the yoga skirt...next time, I will add pockets!! Hope your Summer is going well! I've got some orders due soon, so I will be back hopefully by next week with some more things done. I also attended a wedding this past weekend and caught up with family in Mississippi..some things were made for that trip also. I feel this post is a little erratic, so I am sorry..I have one sleeping on me, while another is screaming and playing with the mouse..hope nothing gets lost!! Until later...

Make It, Wear It

It seems that I am making it a habit to only post once a month!! What is UP with THAT?? Summer with three children is VERY time-consuming, but I have been managing to squeeze in a little sewing here and there! My older sister is turning FORTY!!! I just LOVE saying that...ha! Anyway, they went to Cancun to celebrate so I decided to make some easy, breezy, beachy items for her to wear. And wouldn't you know that my FAVORITE sewing blog is having a Make It, Wear It Challenge. You could win a new sewing machine and other awesome givings, so go to Sew Mama Sew! and enter something!! :D

Ok, back to what I've been sewing! An outfit you can wear three ways!! Love it!!

The halter is from Weekend Sewing by the FABULOUS Heather Ross! It is the Saturday Night Jersey Halter. I decided to not do the skirt that is part of the set, but instead do a shirred waist skirt to make it a little more beach friendly.

I would love to tell you what type of fabric I used, but I just don't know!! I picked it up at JoAnn's last year. It is like a cotton gauze, but it has elasticized stitching on the wrong side...anyone know what this is called? Here is another option for wearing the halter...

The fabric draped sooooo well. I used a stretch needle and "lined" it with the same fabric. I think when I make myself one, I will try to figure out how to insert a shelf bra for extra support. And perhaps make it a little longer. Once I sewed the two right-sides together, I turned it and did a little zigzag topstitch in a contrasting color. It gave the fabric a "ruffled" effect that I thought made it more feminine...don't you think?

The third option for this outfit is to use the shirred skirt as cover-up!

This fabric is also a cotton gauze with embroidered eyelets. I picked this fabric up last year when it was on clearance, also. I did about twelve rows of shirring so it could be worn as a skirt or dress. I have to say that I am getting better with my shirring technique, my lines are straight and everything!! :D My sister loved the cover-up and halter, but wasn't crazy about wearing them together...I told her she could always give it back!!! ;)

Ms. Priss went to a Girl Scout sleep-away camp this week!!! Her first camp!! We were sooooo excited, but as it is Tuesday, and I haven't been able to call or talk to her, I sure am missing her like CRAZY!! Anyway, the camp is called "Little Mermaids", so they are going to be doing a LOT of swimming. She has enough bathing suits, but the one my sister got for her this year was a one piece with a shirt cover-up. I haven't been able to find bottoms that would match it exactly, so decided to try my hand at making her some.

I used a cotton/poly blend that is stretchy and lightweight. The fabric is soooo soft, I am thinking of using what I have left to make myself a halter...or something!! :D I used a stretch needle and an all purpose thread, and used my Serger instead of hemming. I was just going to use my favorite bloomer pattern and upsize it, but found a cheerleading uniform pattern I had so I used the "panties" pattern instead because I liked the higher cut on the leg. I cut a little extra fabric around the leg, and instead of encasing elastic, I used elastic thread so it would close the leg, but also give it a little ruffle.

Ms. Priss has a funny little shape, so I knew I would have to get creative around her waistline to make it fit right. I cut the front waistline higher than the back because she has a tummy. I stitched the elastic low so it would hit her hips and stop there....and did some shirring with elastic thread so it would hug her tummy, but not cut into. I think it worked out okay, but I will know more when she gets back from camp!

Oh, I didn't line it because the fabric was pretty thick, but I did add a little patch where the seams met in the crotch so it wouldn't "itch" her! :)

Well...I did some other little things for her camp trip, but forgot to take pictures of one...so hopefully it will make it back from camp and I can share!! Maybe I'll be back before the month is over...I am working on a couple of birthday outfits..so let's keep our fingers crossed!! Until later...

May Has Been BUSY!!!

WOW!! I know that I am not alone when I say that May is CRAZY BUSY!! The end of school always brings lots of goings-on and this past month has been no exception!! Today is the last day of school and it brings lots of HOORAYS and lots of UGHS!!! Hooray...no getting up early, no having to be SOMEWHERE all of the time, no homework and scheduled events that I am ALWAYS late for!! Ugh...all three kiddos home ALL DAY wanting to snack and BE ENTERTAINED!! Having to hear "I'm bored" and the bickering of siblings that is usually brought on by bouts of boredom! No matter what kinds of activities I plan or crafts we make or MOUNTAINS of toys, videos, games, etc...boredom is inevitable...UGH!!! But I am excited about the end of the school year and will hope for a fun, relaxing Summer!! So...updates...The MIL has been in the Nursing Home for about a month now, and it was a good transition. Other than a few "issues" with her roommate, she seems to be happy and getting along well. My SIL came in from Phoenix for my MIL's 80th bday....MISS YOU GIRL!! We grilled enough Ribeyes to feed a small country, and The MIL LOVED her new flat screen TV and CD headphone set....which is perfect for tuning out irritating roomies!! :D So without going on and on...once the MIL was moved out there was LOTS of cleaning, packing things away, and furniture moving (most of which I did myself because of my impatience to wait for help....dumb, I know!!) And now I plan on the 20 yo moving home...AGAIN, shortly!! That is what I expect..hopefully it will be temporary, but I will enjoy having a grass-cutter for the Summer!! HA!
So...anyway....I have been sewing a little. Lots of events for May...a couple of birthdays, teachers' gifts, Mother's day, and miscellaneous gift-giving!

I have decided that if I can NOT embroider directly on tee-shirts, I will be much happier and LESS stressed!! The hardest thing for me when I monogram shirts and onesies is the centering. I always worry and then PRAY when I am pulling the shirt off my hoop that the design is centered and that I haven't RUINED it!! So from now on...at least for my kids..I will be doing all monograms on scrap fabric squares and then sewing them on tee-shirts!!! I have declared it, and it will be so!! :)

Next up, a couple of hooded-towels for some SAINTS fans!!

My friend Jane's twins celebrated their 7th birthday!

I've made a couple of these before and through feedback have learned that the vinyl tends to get stiff and "holds" its shape when hung for long periods of time. So I added some cotton fabric for a backing to see if it works out better!

For Mother's Day, I decided to try my hand at making an updated version of the Fanny Pack for my Momma.

I got the pattern and instructions from the book, One-Yard Wonders...fabulous book!! I look forward to making much more from it!! My sister was not very pleased with me, since she is trying to get my mom AWAY from Fanny packs...oh well!! :D While my SIL was visiting, she noticed my mom's Pretty, Pleated Purse I made using the pattern I won from Tenth Muse Studio, so I guess I will be making my second one soon!!

Then came gifts for Teachers!! Really WHAT can you give teachers? They do soooo much for our kids and I know they appreciate gift cards, but they are so impersonal. Well, my good friend "commissioned" me to make a couple of Rice Heat Therapy bags, which I've never gotten around to making after seeing THIS awesome tutorial featured on Sew Mama Sew! last year.

So I made one for Ms. Priss' teacher, also. Instead of using Velcro, I just did a pillowcase style closure. I used muslin for the rice bags, and 100% cotton fabric for covers. Here are a couple more:

Now, the embroidery thread is a Poly/Rayon blend so I was a little worried as to how they would react in the microwave....no fires or meltdowns..YAY!!

I had a couple of family friends that had babies in the last year and I wanted to make something for them. Now one friend is a corporate lawyer with twin girls....THEY HAVE EVERYTHING!! They are coming up on a year and I still hadn't decided WHAT to make for them!! She would send me emails every day and there would be a new outfit (BOUTIQUE, OF COURSE), or a new toy or baby "needs" item...so my options were LIMITED to say the least!! Beatrix to the RESCUE!! Her Elise Doll pattern is the gift that keeps on giving!!! Thank you sooooo much for allowing me to "test" your AWESOME pattern!!

The one in the middle is for my other friend who had a sweet baby girl in March...can you believe I am ON-TIME with something?? Well, sort of! I decided to monogram names on the back because of the twins...I think it is something I will do from now on!

And lastly....FINALLY, sorry ya'll I know this post is soooo LONG!! Another good friend of mine gave me this outfit in DECEMBER to add an embroidery design to...I just gave it to her last week!! Thankfully she IS a good friend!! :D

I don't know if you can tell in the picture, but this is a Fringe design...my second...so I was worried I would RUIN the outfit...that is why it took me soooo long to do! I am pleased that I didn't mess it up! :) Here is the whole outfit...the little bows are on clippies, just something to "girl" it up some!

Well...that's it!! May has been busy, so I am looking forward to getting back to my lazy days of sewing and reading sewing blogs!! Hope to catch up with all of my sweeties real soon!! Until later...