Easter Dress: American Crafter

When I found out the theme for this week I was instantly inspired and knew exactly what I was going to make. I wanted to do something in my element (sewing) and challenge myself. So I came up with a great Easter dress design. It keeps up with current trends: solid color, lots of ruffles, and very feminine. I added a little bit of southern bell flair with a bustle, big bow, and some extra color in a violet petti skirt. The hair piece is a collection of vintage style flowers from the scrap book section of the craft store. The whole ensemble together is the perfect combination of vintage and sweetness. I love how it turned out, and am so glad my fingers are still working after making all those ruffles (lol).

For all of our readers I wanted to add a little to this post. I originally wanted to make two Easter outfits, one for my daughter and one for my son. This dress ended up taking so much time that I didn't have time to work on something for my son. BUMMER, don't worry it is still in the near future and will be blogged about.

Back to the dress, it is Kona cotton and if I could make it again I would use a stiffer and fancier fabric. Something with some weight to it would make this dress look crisper. And after making this dress I have decided my new sewing purchase will be a ruffler foot and an invisible zipper foot. Those would have cut the time in half :). Other than that my daughter loves this frilly dress and I am satisfied with the final product (I am a perfectionist and knowing all the things I would do differently has left a sour taste in my mouth.)

Anyways, don't forget to go and vote for me this weekend,
I really want to make it through to next week.

AC Sneak Peak-Kids

So I made it through round one of American Crafter, phew. This contest has some series players and I need to step up my game. This week I worked really hard on my project. I am only half way done but until Friday here is a sneak peak.

The theme is kids...who knows where the other contestants will run with it.

Coffee Table to Tuffed Ottoman

This week's challenge was so much fun. I have this large coffee table that has a top that lifts up and after 6 years, 2 kids, and 5 moves the table has seen better days. The top is warped and splitting and there are lots of scratches. So I had two options: refinish it or make it into an ottoman. Enter American Crafter. The hardware store inspiration was the perfect platform to take my idea and make it happen. I started with a piece of plywood from the hardware store and a non-slip rug mat (to protect the table top). I also used a few key tools from the hardware store like an electric drill and staple gun. I didn't want to drill directly into the table top so I used the plywood. I drilled 18 holes in the plywood for the buttons. Then I laid down the supplies in this order: fabric, batting, padding, and plywood. Next was the process of placing the buttons starting from the fabric and going all the way through the plywood hole and then back down through the fabric where I secured the button in place. Once all the buttons were in place I pulled the fabric tight around the bottom of the table top and stapled it underneath. I finished off the table by lining the drawers with a grey polka dot fabric.

I love how it turned out. The tuffing was a great learning project and now the table is multifunctional as a table, storage unit, and extra seating when we have a group of people over. A great addition to our home.

NOW GO AND VOTE THIS WEEKEND!

American Crafter Sneak Peak

I am so sorry, I totally spaced today on the link party. I have been so focused on the competition that it skipped my mind. I promise it will be back next week. But until then I thought it would be fun to give you a preview of my project for American Crafter this week.

Don't forget to vote on Friday!

Something Exciting!

I just found out today that I am going to be a contestant on 

AMERICAN CRAFTER by Naptime Crafters!

I am so excited as it has been awhile since I have been in a competition. I really think this will get me motivated and moving in the right direction towards completing some of the ever flowing inspiration I have received lately. The competition begins next Friday so please keep track and vote each week for your favorite (ME, jk hehe). There are some great competitors this season so I have got my work cut out for me. Wish me luck and let the competition begin!