baby things . . .

A friend requested limey green and chocolate brown for a nursing cover I offered to make her. It was just the excuse I needed to buy some of this fabric at our local fabric store. I made a little pouch to match using this tutorial. I hope it goes on sale so I'll have an excuse to pick up some more in pink.

Baby Booties

A close friend of mine had a baby boy last night and since she really likes the sock monkey fabric, I decided to make a pair of baby booties and matching bib for her new little one. I used the Stardust Shoes pattern and it was so quick. I'll have to add this pattern to my list of great last-minute gifts.

A charity quilt

I was given a bunch of fabric from an aunt and wanted to make some quilts for the Pro-Life Society with them. Then Amanda-Jean, one of my all time favorite bloggers, started a baby quilt week because she also wanted to make some for charity. So yesterday I got the first top done. I want to make a couple more and then quilt them all at once so I can drop them off together. My biggest challenge when making gifts for others seems to be one of my girls trying to claim it as theirs first.

First Alphabet Pal

Well, I'm off to a late start but here is my first alphabet pal in the alphabet challenge. His name is Artie (and if you were ever addicted to Saved By the Bell - the original class - than you might recognize where I got the name from, the funeral song keeps going through my head). I'm working on a baby quilt to go with him because I enjoy making up quilt tops more than sewing animals. And next in the challenge, I hope to make a batch of matching pals to get caught up a little.

Car mat blanket

My nephew turned 5 on Saturday and since I started quilting after he was a baby, he never got a baby quilt from me. So I decided to make him something for a big kid - a car mat that can also be used as a blanket. He loved it and wanted all his cars on it right away. I've seen some more panels like this and especially like this one.

Waitress or Sewing Apron

One of my sisters is in need of a waitressing apron and I was inspired to make one by this. My version is simpler with one row of pockets. The finished size is about 15" x 8.5". It was so easy to put together, it took me less than a couple hours and that was with figuring out measurements myself. I think it will especially come in handy the next time I take my quilting with me somewhere and want to keep my rotary cutter, ruler, and scissors on hand.

Baby Bibs

So there's been so many babies born lately that I started buying gifts instead of making them, simply because I wasn't going to get any of my own sewing done otherwise. But I think it's still nice to include something handmade or if I'm mailing a card to still include a small gift. So I decided to try making some bibs and see if I enjoy it and how long they would take. I used this tutorial for the bibs but wanted to be able to tie them (my little one loves taking them off) so I added strings. I also wanted the project to be quick and avoid handstitiching so I used this tutorial on machine sewing the binding. It worked so well! I even used the same method on a smaller quilt and found it much easier to pin for 20 minutes than hand-stitch for hours. So now I have something new to do with my scraps as I'm sure I'll be making more of these.

Crinolines - done!

My "little" brother is getting married at the end of the month and between him and his fiancee there are nine little nieces aged 6 months to 7 years. And besides the two youngest, they will all have a part in the wedding. Which means they will ALL be dressed up and gorgeous. I ordered the dresses from Ebay from a sellers store awhile back (and saved a tonne of money that way) but the dresses needed a bit of a slip or crinoline. So I offered to make them - seven of them. They are done, it was boring, but it's done. I made them fairly simple and not real poofy since the dresses are full enough on their own. Total cost - about $25.

Apron Swap Again

My swap partner just let me know that she got her apron too! So now I can post some pics (if the pics looks a little fuzzy, it's because my 5 year old took them).

Apron Swap

I got a great start to my day today - the apron from my partner in the apron swap! I just LOVE the lotus fabric from Amy Butler's damask rose collection - so beautiful! And the fact that it's pink! I actually get to hang something pink in my house and my husband can't stop me! Thanks Tangee!

another quilt top . . .

I was supposed to be working on 7 crinolines today for the flowergirls for my brother's wedding. And I did get one done, but then all my kids fell asleep so I had no one to try it on to see if it turned out they way I wanted . . . so I decided to cut up some fabric and make another quilt instead. This is a crib-size quilt using the Yellow Brick Road pattern.

Quilt top - done!

Well the Quilt till you Wilt night was successful. I completed all of the stars there and just finished piecing it together this morning. And Chantel can't wait till it's done and on her bed!

All packed up and ready to go . . .

I made this bag a while back and just love it for those nights that I have lots of crafting stuff to pack. It has lots of nice deep pockets inside and out - and I filled most of them up!

I packed a couple extra projects in case I actually get done Chantel's quilt top tonight. This one is for a lap sized quilt for me (isn't this such a creative way they arranged the fabrics?) . . .

and this one is for a baby gift (I just love the way berry and pink mix together) . . .

I won!! I won!!

Remember a little while back, I made these booties . . .
Well I submitted them in the Michael Miller baby bootie contest. I didn't know if I had a chance or not because there were so many great entries, but they contacted me this morning to tell me I won one of the runner-up prizes!! First prize was a sewing machine and a $100 gift certificate for fabric, and three runners-up get a Michael Miller Fabrics fat quarter bundle (retail value - $80.00) and a $20 gift certificate to Repro Depot Fabrics. I'm so excited!!

another upcycled item . . .

I also came across a blouse that didn't fit right, but it had such a nice texture and stretch to the fabric that I didn't want to get rid of it. So I turned into this little skirt for my oldest. Now I can enjoy watching her wear it.

Upcycled shirt . . .

Upcycle - the practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value.

I received a bunch of clothes awhile back which included this top. I liked it but it didn't fit right and I knew I wouldn't wear it. So I turned it into a top for my little one instead. I think it looks much cuter on her than it ever would have on me!

Strawberry Shortcake outfit

I had fun during nap time today . . .
The ruffled skirt is from this tutorial and was so quick to whip up - I'll be making more of these! And Chantel has been asking for Strawberry Shortcake for so long now so she is just thrilled with this outfit.

a new sundress . . .

Since Elayna's the oldest, she's been in need of some new summer clothes. And since my gals love to wear sundresses, and they're pretty easy to whip up, off to the sewing room we went. Elayna picked out the fabric, ribbon, and approved of the pattern. We had to add the ruffle and headband at her request and she was quite happy with the finished result.

Baby Booties

I made these baby booties for a contest and had one of my wonderful sisters take some pictures of them for me. They are reversible mary janes with removable flowers, a self-covered button in center, and rick rack trim. I couldn't resist making the matching outfits and headband which also has a matching flower on it.

a little outfit

Yesterday I sewed up this little outfit from this pattern. It was super quick and easy and I love the finished look. The pattern doesn't have set in sleeves, so it gives it a different look - and I just love the ties. I've been in a nice sewing groove lately and it helps when you're inspired by beautiful fabrics.