For the Boys blog hop with a giveaway. . .

Today I'm participating in the For the Boys blog hop over at Sew We Quilt . . .

I've dedicated my sewing time to my little guy all this past week and made him a Classic Oxford short sleeve shirt, a bathrobe, and a backpack with matching lunchbag. You can check back on my past posts if you'd like to see more pictures or info about any of them.

And today I have the long-sleeve version of the Classic Oxford shirt (pattern from Peekaboo Patterns) and some matching ties to go with it (tie tutorial found here).

Seriously, is there anything cuter than a little man all dressed up?!

Peekaboo Patterns is offering a giveaway to one of my readers - use the rafflecopter below to win three patterns of your choice from their shop (over a hundred patterns to choose from!).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And for you chance to win a fat quarter stack from the blog hop host, just leave a comment below.  And to increase your chances, visit the other blogs on the hop today:

I like to QuiltBlog

Marjorie's Busy Corner

My Fabric Relish

Feathered Nest Studios

Moose Stash Quilting

QuiltnQueen

Grandmama's Stories

Words and Stitches

robot backpack and lunchbag . . .

Another sew for my little guy this week - a new backpack and lunchbag.
 

These Robot Factory prints from Robert Kaufman are so fun, and I picked up a basic backpack pattern for a $1 at my local fabric store.

I made a couple changes to the pattern - I wanted a big front pocket with a velcro flap for his gym clothes, and I wanted the straps to be adjustable.  I used a free online tutorial for the lunchbag, but tweaked it a bit.

The inside fabric is Kona Flame, and there's a divided pocket for some of his treasures.

Linking up to Purse Palooza.  And Thursday is my day in the For the Boy Blog Hop - one more boy project to finish up this week!

more sewing for the little man . . .

This past week, I've been spending all my sewing time on items for my little guy. Here's the second item I've completed - a new bath robe.

He had outgrown his old one, and wasn't really interested in his sister's purple hand-me-down.  I used a $1 pattern from the clearance bin at my local fabric store, and the fabric was given to me by my mother-in-law.

He loves how cozy it is, and there's lots of room to grow so it should last a few years.

I just finished off a couple more items for him, so there will be more handmade boy items being blogged about this week.  And Thursday is my day in the For the Boys Blog hop, so check back for your chance at some giveaway prizes.

Sewing for the boy . . .

I'm joining in the For the Boys Blog Hop over at Sew Incredibly Crazy that's going on right now.  My day isn't until the 14th, but I've decided to dedicate all my sewing room time to my little guy this week, and share some boy sewing over a few blog posts.  The first on my list was trying out the Classic Oxford shirt from Peek-a-Boo Patterns.  The fabric I used is from Joel Dewberry.

I went simple for my first try at this pattern, and chose the short sleeve option and snaps for buttons.  I love all the details - the pleat in the back, front pocket, back yoke, and how nice and sturdy the collar is. My little guy loves it too, and it fits him perfect.  I have plans to make a long-sleeve version with cuffs and convertible sleeves next.

So check back with me next week for some more boy sewing, and a giveaway on my day to host!

A new bag for me!

I cut out two complete sets of pattern pieces for this bag quite some time ago.  I made one with a snap-closure option, and then gave it away.  The other set was forgotten about, until last week I came across it in my craft room.  So I got to work sewing it up, and I'm so happy with my finished bag!

The pattern is called Steph in the City and it's from Emmaline Bags.  Her instructions are really well written - she made the interior zippered pocket and top-zip closure really easy to make.  The adjustable strap is great for cross-body or on-the-shoulder wearing, and I added a swivel clasp for my keys.  The fabric is from Wholeport.com - prints can be found here and here.

Linking up to the Purse Palooza at Sew Sweetness:

Bloggers Quilt Festival: Please VOTE!

I've entered two quilts in the bloggers quilt festival and voting is now open.  There are some fabulous prizes up for grabs, so if you like my quilts, please vote for me!  You can vote once in each category.

My baby quilt can be found here (#41):

 My Group Bee quilt can be found here (#20):

And my friend Alisa submitted a gorgeous quilt in the Throw Quilt Category here (#56):

Princesses and Super Heroes . . .

With three little girls, we have had many dress-up princesses and princess-themed birthday parties . . .

And our little man is growing quite the collecting of Super Hero toys and costumes . . .

Kids know what they like, and these are the toys and dress-up clothes that get used the most around our house.  So when Kinder released their new Disney Princess and Marvel Heroes eggs, they were more than a little excited. Check out their new collections on their Facebook page.

Disclosure: I’m part of the KINDER® Mom program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group.  The opinions on this blog are my own.

Baby Quilt for Bloggers Quilt Festival . . .

The Bloggers Quilt Festival is being hosted right now at Amy's Creative Side.  Hundreds of quilts will be linked up, so inspiration will be bursting over there.  Each quilter is allowed two submissions, and the first I'm entering is in the Baby Quilt category. Entries can be nominated at a chance to win some fantastic prizes, so if you like mine, I would be thrilled with a nomination!

This is a quilt I made for a friend's baby girl.  I purposefully steered away from pink and pastels, since she's not that kind of person.  The fabrics are mostly from Carnaby Street from Art Gallery Fabrics, with a couple coordinating prints from my stash.

The quilt design is strips pieced together on the diagonal, cut down into rows, and gray sashing strips added.  The letters were done with fusible web, and the edges are machine stitched.  The backing is a couple strips of minky from my local fabric shop.  It was free-motion quilted by myself.

Bee Quilt for Bloggers Quilt Festival . . .

The Bloggers Quilt Festival is being hosted right now at Amy's Creative Side.  This is my second submission, and I'm entering it in the Group/Bee Quilts category. Entries can be nominated for a chance to win some fantastic prizes, so if you like mine, I would be thrilled with a nomination!

This quilt is made using the Hugs & Kisses quilt block tutorial from LittleMissShabby.  I changed the dimensions a bit to have larger finished blocks.  The finished quilt is 62" x 49".  The backing is a flat flannel sheet, and the binding is an orange polka-dot that I had in my stash.

Once again, the Joy circle from Do Good Stitches did a fantastic job on their blocks.  I love being a part of this wonderful group of ladies and seeing the quilts we create every month!  This quilt was given to our local cancer center to be given to a cancer patient.  I hope it brings some warmth and comfort to someone during their difficult struggle and treatments.

Win a Kitchen Makeover . . .

A few years ago, our kitchen was completely renovated and we had a custom kitchen installed.  A wall was removed, flooring was redone, new appliances were purchased, a door was removed, a patio door was installed, and much more.  We have enjoyed our new kitchen so much, and I can hardly remember our old kitchen with pink walls and pink cabinets (the people that lived here before us REALLY loved the color pink). Here's a before and after picture (the wall between the kitchen/dining room had just been removed on the before picture).

A kitchen makeover completely changes the functionality and appeal of a kitchen.  And Finish® in partnership with Bosch® is giving away TEN kitchen makeovers valued at $10,000 each!  It's part of their Buy One Get One with mail-in-rebate in-store promotion. Just think of all the custom touches you could put into your new kitchen - our island with deep drawers, and pull-out recycle and garbage station are my favorite features.

For a chance to win, just purchase two participating Finish® products (20ct Finish Quantum, 25ct Finish Powerballm, or 25ct Finish Gelpacks) and mail in the official refund form to receive refund by mail. When you mail in your form with receipt, you’ll get a rebate AND you’ll also be able to enter for a chance to win 1 of 10 kitchen makeovers!

Disclosure – I am participating in the Ultimate Kitchen Makeover Blogger Campaign on behalf of Finish. I received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion. The opinions on this blog are my own.