handmade (squirrel) Easter dresses

You may remember that instead of having the girls wear vintage this Easter I mentioned that I wanted to sew them dresses, and I am SO happy that I made the time with a little motivation from KCW - I love how these turned out!

I used a vintage pattern but made some alterations, like changing the zipper up for an open button closure in back, skipping the peter pan collar so they would read a little more modern, and using piping on the bodice instead of bias tape. Since vintage patterns only come in one size I was lucky that I had a size 4 which is right between LM and Lark's sizes. Having sewed vintage patterns before I knew they run a little big (at least on my girls) so I was pretty sure that I could make two size 4 dresses and it would fit them both. Luckily, I was right!      

I would have added length to LM's skirt, but I had just enough of this darling squirrel fabric to eek out both dresses. The purple chambray is from a Target shirt I found at the thrift store in the XXL section. I used almost every inch of that as well, including using the sleeve cuffs as one of the dress belts.

I received the organic cotton squirrel fabric c/o Sew Fine Fabric. Squirrels are totally the new Easter bunny, right? ;) But seriously, this fabric was such nice quality and sewed like a dream! I believe the main difference between your sewing project looking more professional versus homemade (I don't really want to put a negative spin on that word, but you know what I mean, right?) is all in the fabric choice and Jodi is 'obsessively selective' when it comes to stocking her shop with only the best. I have my eye on all of these fantastic prints 1/2/3/4/5 and am thinking about using one in particular for a baby boy quilt. And... I just now realized I have never sewed anything for a boy before, ha. That will be different!

The girl's and I almost can't wait for Easter now that they have these new dresses to wear - bring on the egg hunt!

See all of my KCW projects here.

the musn't spoil your frock smock

Up until this weekend I was still using the bibs I made for the Little Miss when she started eating solids at 6 months old. Needless to say they were too small and barely covering her chest - food was getting all over her clothes. So I bought some laminated cotton fabric thinking I would make her some bigger ones. And what would you know but Danielle emailed me to try out her new Musn't Spoil Your Frock Smock pattern. Perfect timing? I think so!

This pattern is great! It doesn't take very long and you know there is no food (or paint, markers, etc.) getting past these smocks. The most challenging part for me was working with the laminated fabric and clear plastic vinyl which were materials I had never sewn before. I found using a longer stitch on the vinyl helped a ton and that I didn't really need to iron the laminated fabric bias tape which saved time. All in all I would definitely make this smock again (which I did as you can see).

And here is the smock in action, catching all of the yogurt that didn't make it into her mouth. Just wipe it clean and it's ready for another use. We have also advanced her to a booster seat at the table - in her words she is a "super girl" now (big girl). I totally agree.

Find the pattern here or wait to see it in in the upcoming book, "Fabric Extravaganza: One Yard Wonders".

trafalgars square

Recently I did a trade with Kit from Trafalgars Square and received these two sweet prints in the mail. I must say they are even more gorgeous in person and I can't wait to get them up on the nursery wall once we re-paint (which we haven't found the time to do so far this busy summer). She is having a sale in her shop so now is the time to snag yourself a print or two. She is great to work with!

shop love {midstate vintage}

I run across so many well curated vintage shops that I thought I would start sharing some of my favorites. Midstate vintage is a recent find for me, but I am blown away by the selection. There are some amazing pieces for bigger kids, several of which I am completely in love with, and the models couldn't be more adorable either. See more here.

(all pics from midstate vintage)

you make me happy

I received this print by Ashley G in the mail right before the Little Miss had her accident. In the craziness of that moment it was left half forgotten until today when I gave it a temporary home on the wall in my craft room. Whenever I look at it I think about Husband and the Little Miss, my family and friends, my faith, and everything in my life that brings me joy - including you and this little space. I have a lot to be grateful for and countless reasons to be happy. So thanks for being a part of that.

studio of mae

Studio of Mae makes the most amazing reusable fabric wall decals. I've had my eye on the doll sets for awhile now, so I was happy to have the chance to win them (and much more) by entering the competition they are holding for new ideas. I've sent in my ideas and am crossing my fingers with my eyes scrunched shut in anticipation. Check out the details here.

These would look so cute in the Little Miss' room which I am in the midst of redecorating into a more toddler friendly/interactive space.

hello

Happy Memorial Day! I love weekday mornings when I get to wake up next to Husband, and especially ones when he gets up with the Little Miss and lets me sleep in. We took a walk to the park this morning and now are about to have my family over for a bbq and games, oh how I love holidays!

Here are a couple of pictures we took before church yesterday. The Little Miss is wearing a vintage dress I got from 3 Ring Circus. I LOVE it! I want to get some 'official' family pictures taken soon and she will be wearing this dress again. And I am obsessed with her curls in the last picture. I don't know where they came from, but I hope they stay forever!

Enjoy your day!

baby bean vintage daywear

Today I am dreaming of warmer weather, especially since spotting the Baby Bean Vintage Daywear Spring/Summer collection. I can't wait to dress the Little Miss in cute dresses and rompers and I would love to stock her closet with these one-of-a-kind creations made from vintage fabrics.

p.s. I am loving the plaid tights and ankle boot combo in the middle right pic, are you?

(all images from Baby Bean Vintage Daywear)

love

I obviously have embroidery on the mind this week, but I'm sure these beautiful wall hangings by Dottie Angel would have caught my eye anyway...



Don't you think the one above would make a great Valentine? You could just add a pocket on the back for a little love note and, of course, some candy.

christmas cards

I realized this year that I am all grown-up with a family so I should probably start sending out Christmas cards. That thought lead me to realize I had the perfect excuse to get us all dolled up in festive outfits and have a family photo shoot and so now I am determined to be all grown-up and send out Christmas cards. With that said, if I had as much money as I wanted to spend on them, I would choose these cards to send out with our picture... mmm... can you smell the scents through the screen?







(spotted on you are my fave)

august giveaway!

I am so happy and proud to announce that my sister Shelly just opened her own etsy shop - Hairblooms! She is selling these and many other adorable headbands for babies and toddlers. They are so beautiful, yet simple enough to go with any outfit whether fancy or casual.

I'll let her tell you in her own words why she decided to open up shop with this snippet from her etsy profile:

"Hairblooms began as an idea I had one quiet afternoon while I was holding my daughter. She was born with a bright red birthmark, called a hemangioma, on the tip top of her head. And, although everyone who knows her agrees that she is cute as can be with a “cherry on top,” I noticed that sometimes in public people would stare at her birthmark and miss seeing the beautiful girl she is inside and out. So, in thinking of ways I could teach her that she and every little girl are beautiful just the way they are, I came up with the idea to celebrate her beauty by making headbands for her... I decided to name my shop “hairblooms” because I like to think of each of my headbands as a little heirloom I’m giving to my daughter. And what they represent – teaching your little girl that she is beautiful exactly the way she is – is an invaluable gift that I hope can be passed down from every mother to daughter."

To celebrate her grand opening she has offered you a chance to win one of her gorgeous headbands!

You have two chances to win,

1) Just visit her shop and then come back and leave a comment saying which headband you would like if you win!

2) Link to this giveaway on your blog and then come back and let me know!

The giveaway will close on Sunday, August 30th.

Good luck!

mid-year resolution

Last year for Christmas my mother-in-law gave me a nice calendar in which she had marked all of the important dates for our family with stickers. I was really grateful because, unfortunately, as many of my friends and family know I am horrible at remembering birthdays. Like how earlier this week I forgot to call my oldest sister. You see. I just don't keep track of the date like I should.

So, I think I should keep up the marked calendar tradition and hang it up where I am certain to see it every day. And I really like this fabric calendar from September House where you can embroider fun little designs around the important dates. Maybe if I sat down and did that the dates would finally stick in my mind!

I am making a mid-year resolution to be better!

(via oh so beautiful paper)

belle and boo

The illustrations of London based Belle and Boo remind me of a favorite of mine, Sarah Jane Studios, so it's no wonder I fell in love at first sight. The adorable Belle and her best friend and confidant Boo the bunny inhabit the most charming world full of many friends and fun adventures. Wouldn't it be lovely to spend the day with them?

I am especially loving the birthday cards pictured below (party planning mode is in full swing).



And lucky for all of us, Mandy, the imagination behind Belle and Boo, has offered a free download on the Feed Your Soul Project!

today i love

These fabric covered buttons from Aimoobaroo. These little critters would look so cute on my little critter.

today i love

this tea dress. i must be on a flower kick.

nursery art

Barking Bird Art

Bold & Noble

The Yumi Yumi Shop

Mae, Charmed I'm Sure spotted on Love it A Lot

ninainvorm

Ninainvorm's happy colors and mix of vintage and contemporary style has me swooning! I dream about having a white kitchen and would love to brighten it up with dishes like these!






{all images from her shop}

beehive bazaar finds

Last night was the opening of this Spring's Beehive Bazaar. Its runs through May 2nd and I highly recommend dropping by if you want to find some unique and imaginative wares - or to get your own creative juices flowing from all the inspiration you can garner from hundreds of handmade items. Some of my favorites (click on banner for link):

Also check out her lovely blog.

Darling crocheted jewelry, scarves, etc.

Cute stationary and an adorable matryoshka doll pillow (which made it home with me!)

Unique illustration and design.