With three small kids it can be a challenge keeping all of their clothes looking nice and new. I am always coming up with ways to cover up stains, whether it be upcycling the look completely and turning it into something new...or something as simple as adding applique. The easiest way I have found by far is fabric paint. This 'magic in a bottle' does wonders for any old clothing!!! And the best part for all of you non-sewists out there - No sewing is required to fix it!Ever since I discovered all that fabric paint can do, I have never looked back. I always have a few bottles on hand - and we have learned to have so much fun with it! Just like the watercolor fabric we made a while back. And now I don't worry as much when I put a plate of spaghetti in front of the kids for dinner … [Read more...]
Upcycled Sweater – FOR THE BOY!
Let the holiday Season BEGIN!!!Now that Halloween is over, I feel like I officially start thinking of Christmas presents. Of course, we all love to be generous and give presents you know the receiver will love - while trying to be budget friendly as well!This is one of the many reasons I love thrift shopping and upcycling. While I may not give a present that was simply purchased at a thrift store, I would DEFINITELY give a present I bought at a thrift store and turned into something new!Like say...an old adult sweater, turned into a new kids sweater! I actually got this idea from a Kids Gap Sweater that came out for the Fall Season, but can't find a photo of the original inspiration anywhere! I happened to stumble across this blue striped sweater at my local Salvation Army, and knew I … [Read more...]
Circle Skirt Panels Tutorial…
It's no secret that I love me a good circle skirt lately... I shared a tutorial recently on my blog at Me Sew Crazy about how to make a perfectly fitting Circle Skirt with Zipper Closure. But there is one main problem with doing circle skirts this way...you can only use fabric that has a directionless pattern. What do you do if you want to make a Circle Skirt with say...Sarah Jane's Children at Play fabric in Summer Garden cream. The little girl's in the fabric design would be sideways and upside down in areas - nobody wants to see that!So let's make a circle skirt where the fabric remains all in one direction, shall we?It is really rather simple, following the instructions for getting your main circle skirt pattern piece found HERE at Dana Made It.Once you have your 1/4 circle pattern … [Read more...]
Sailor Skirt Tutorial…
Working our way through Chloe's Fall collection over at Me Sew Crazy, today we are revealing the Sailor Skirt... Inspired by a skirt seen in the recent Anthropology catalog, I knew it would be a perfect fit for the collection. I had a hard time figuring out how to make it, as it seemed easy enough. But when I was cutting the fabric, I made a mistake - and had to improvise from there. That being said, I know there is a different way to put this together, and I may revisit it someday to show you another how-to tutorial. But for this skirt, the tutorial I did come up with works great as well! With a fitted waist, this skirt is perfect for the little girl in your life. For bigger girls, I would suggest adding a couple of darts in the back for the perfect fit! Don't you just love … [Read more...]
Bassinet Bumper Tutorial…
Our little Benjamin has arrived, and we are in love :).Born June 30th at 8:12pm, weighing in at 8lb, 2 ozI still can't believe he is 1 month old already!!! The family has adjusted wonderfully to our newest little member, both of our girls just love him to pieces. They get so excited to try to include him in their activities, it always gives me a kick. It has truly been a very smooth transition to our now Party of 5 status.The first question everyone asks, outside of health of course, is how is he sleeping? Well......ok.He is not the best we have had, but he is also not the worst. We had one non-sleeper, and one fantastic sleeper, and I would say Benjamin is right down the middle.Of course you never know what you are going to get prior to them being born, so you prepare for all … [Read more...]
Sailor Shorts Tutorial…
If you recall, a while back I made these Sailor Pants for my darling niece Sienna's first birthday.Unfortunately, Sienna doesn't live near us...which means I have yet to see her in them...doh! With temperatures warming up (ummm....try STEAMING HOT! Lol), I thought I would try my hand at these pants again. Turning them into shorts, I added a cute contrasting fabric band at the bottom with side slit. This idea came from J Crew, whom I continually thank for inspirational ideas from their spam e-mails - lol.I am thrilled with the result, and how could I not be - they are linen of course - and you know how I feel about linen (*sigh - love). The best part is that my daughter loves them...the fact that they are pink may play some small role in that :).For your free tutorial to make these … [Read more...]
Perhaps You’ve Missed It…
A little something going on over at Me Sew Crazy called Pattern Remix... The premise was to assemble a bunch of bloggers who liked to sew, and have them give a pattern they know and loved the Remix. Turning an oldie but goodie into something new and fabulous.To say the turn out has been amazing would be quite the understatement! It has turned into a month-long Series, with some of the most wonderful bloggers around joining in on the fun!Here are the 4 new patterns I was able to contribute during the month-long event: Patterns are such a wonderful way to learn how to sew clothes, as they walk you through the entire process from beginning to end. It is what got me started, and how I found my passion. The more comfortable you get wielding that thread and needle, the more you find … [Read more...]
Inverted Pleat Peek-a-Boo Pocket!
Hello everyone, it seems today is a day for pockets for me! With my kangaroo pocket over at the Pattern Remix Series going on over at Me Sew Crazy, I thought it was only fitting to feature my inverted pleat peek-a-boo pocket over here :).With the weather warming up, the shorts are coming out! And sometimes the fastest way to dress up a normal shorts pattern is with the pocket. I decided to have a little fun with some denim I had sitting around - and a little scrap fabric. I give you, the inverted pleat peek-a-boo pocket!To make this peek-a-boo pocket simply...1. Cut (2) 4" x 4" squares, Cut (1) 4" x 2" rectangle of the main fabric. And (1) 4" x 3" of alternating fabric2. Cut (1) 4" x 4" square in half, and sew to the 4" sides of the alternating fabric3. Now take the seam lines and … [Read more...]
Lina’s Dress…
When my friend had her first little baby girl a month or so back, I knew I had to make her darling little girl a fabulous Sundress. A month or so passed, and I was still waiting for inspiration to strike, as I saw one precious picture after another. It wasn't until I whipped up this belt for my Pattern Remix Series, that inspiration struck!The dress was really more of an afterthought, something to match the belt. And after I made it, I immediately kicked myself for not whipping up the tutorial to go along with it. But all things happen for a reason. Because with Lina in mind, I was able to tweak it so that it would fit comfortably on a newborn, without too much hassle for getting a dress over their precious little head.For your free tutorial to make Lina's Dress, click HERE. … [Read more...]
All That Glitters…
Sometimes a little sparkle goes a looooooong way, and that is for little girls and big girls alike :).When I was doing the photo shoot for my Snap Wrap Dress Redo for the Pattern Remix Series I am hosting over at Me Sew Crazy, I used a little bit of sparkle to accessorize. And after doing a little bit of on-line shopping, I came across another super cute glitter bow headband, and I thought - as usual - I can make that!With a quick trip to Michael's, I was all set.To make the Glitter Button Headband...To make the Glitter Bow Headband...Super fun accessories, and totally easy peasy!Don't forget to check out the Pattern Remix Series going on now over at Me Sew Crazy! Lots of super fun guest bloggers coming our way :). Want a sneak peak at the dress that inspired the headband knock … [Read more...]
