Fabric Find-Fall Preview 1

Looking for a good deal on knits. I don't sew with knits often and therefore haven't really looked much for knits. However I have been recently inspired to try something new. My favorite place to find knits in Arizona is SAS. It is a discount fabric store. There is one located in Phoenix and one in Tempe. This is an amazing store with such great finds on all fabrics from cottons to knits to home decor. The only problem is quantity. You may find yards and yards of a specific textile or just a small amount.

So I have been looking elsewhere and apparently I am a little late in the know but there is a great website Girl Charlee with AMAZING prices on knits. Here are a few of my favorites this week:

 

So many fall ideas for these knits. Tube skirts, soft t-shirts, play dresses, and leggings. I'm definitely fall inspired.

My New Toy

I'm back...yes. After so long. After a quick family vacation to Seattle and research for a new sewing machine I am finally back and in action, crafting and sewing.

It has been a busy summer, I don't know where the time goes these days. Not to my favorite hobby, that's for sure.

Anyways here is my new toy.

I am so excited to start using it. The few projects I have worked on have been a dream. It is so smooth and easy to use. If you are in the market for a new, low cost machine I totally suggest this Brother. I actually purchased in from Costco online and got a great deal.

And since I purchased my last machine from Costco I received inspiration while ordering my new machine. Costco takes everything back. So I took my old machine into the store and received a full credit refund (I've had that machine for 3+ years). Amazing, I love Costco.

C is for Christian

Now that my in-laws are off in New Hampshire we finally have the house all of ourselves. I have been moving furniture, clothing, and children around for the last week trying to get everything in order the way I like it. Let me tell you, living in someone else's house is not as easy as it sounds. Not only do we have all our own furniture to fit but we also have all of their furniture and decorations. It has been difficult for me to put my personality into a home that is already fully furnished and beautifully decorated (but not exactly my style). We are going to be living here for the next 3 years and I would like it to feel like my house, not just a place I live.

Anyways, one of my first projects is creating a room for baby Christian.

I was snapping some pictures of him the other day and found inspiration in his red and white striped romper. A nautical theme is perfect for a growing boy.

In search of some decor I found this great tin case at Hobby Lobby for just $15. I think it was on sale because there is some wear and tear to the outside but I personally like that vintage look. I thought it would be fun to jazz it up by adding a large C to the outside.

  

I bought a cardboard C for $1.99 and some stripped trim. Then I used burlap twine to cover the letter. It took two coats to completely cover all the open areas. After the burlap I wrapped the stripped twine creating a zig zag pattern. I finished the C by using hot glue to secure it to the front of the case.

I love it. It is fun and different. I am working on many more projects to add to the room but this was a great start.

 

Sundress Series-Pintuck Ruffled Maxi Dress

I am so proud and excited to be a part of Melly Sews Sundress Series.

30 days of sundresses and there were SO MANY fantastic ideas this year I can't believe I am included in this amazing group of women.

I had so many ideas flowing when I first received the invitation. I wasn't sure which way I wanted to go. Remember last year?  My tied in a bow maxi for my expecting days. Was that only last summer? WOW it feels like so long ago.

Keeping with tradition I choose to share another maxi dress this year, but this time it is for my little Lizzy bug. I actually based my dress off of Violette Field Threads ginger dress pattern. Who doesn't love a pattern remix? I love their patterns and the ginger top/dress is one of my favorites. But of course, I added my own little twist just to make it one of a kind. Elizabeth is in love with long dresses so this was an easy choice.

I actually found the fabric for the dress in my mother-in-laws fabric stash. A good size piece in fact. (Sorry I don't have the exact measurements of the piece.) I started with the skirt portion. My daughter is 38" tall. You will have to adjust to fit your model. My skirt pieces were 36" long and 29" wide. (2 pieces). I laid the pieces out on a flat surface and started the pintuck pleats. 7 inches from the top I created 6 pleats each measuring 2" wide.

The best way I have found is to measure, pin in place, iron down, flip the flap up, sew along the ironed line, flip the flap back down and press flat.  

Repeat for all 6 pleats on the front and 6 more for the back.

Then I created the top. I followed the instructions except I added a placket to the front with ric rac peaking out the sides. Fold a piece of fabric in half measuring 4 inches wide and the length of your top piece. With RST sew the placket together. Then flip right side out and iron flat with seam on the middle backside.

 Place the placket in the center of the top. Adjust your ric rac to the outsides.

 Pin well. Topstitch along the placket making sure to catch the ric rac.

 Add the buttons.

The placket is stitched to the front of the top before I added the lining piece. I also added ric rac to the collar pieces.

I followed the instructions for the remainder of the dress, just make sure to match up your pleats for the front and back of the skirt so that they are even all around the dress. The only other adjustment I made was adding length to the straps. I made the straps 2x as long for a nice full bow in the back.

This dress turned out better than I had hoped for. I love the pleats, it gives the dress a lot more body and flow. And the print and colors are perfect for a season of teals, turquoise, and mint. Of course little Lizzy loves her new LONG DRESS too. I can't stop her from twirling in it.

Thanks again to Melissa from Melly Sews and all the other Sundress contributors. I sure have added a lot of sundresses on my to make list.

Pinterest Summer 2013-Week 1

This weeks pins are totally crafty. I haven't been on Pinterest a lot lately. NO TIME! TOO MANY PINS! TRY NOT TO GET OVERWHELMED! These are some of the themes that run through my mind when I look at Pinterest. Anyone else have the same thoughts?

But like most of you I am sure, I just can't seem to stay away. So with my limited glances here are my favorites to kick off the summer.

Animal Ladder Back Dress

 I always love a simple dress with a twist. Plus the tangerine print is amazing.

Toilet Paper Roll Cars

 

GENIUS. Perfect for boys in summer. Especially since I go through toilet paper twice as fast now that I have two kids potty trained. Why is that? HUM

Crochet Edging for flannel blankets

Beautiful. And this tutorial seams like something I could handle with my limited crochet experience.

Messenger Bag the opens to a car play mat

Can we say church inspired? This will be a great gift for Christian for his 1st b-day to play with during those 3 long hours of church before he gets to enter the nursery. Only 9 more months, but who's counting?

Bold Patchwork Skirt

This skirt is just too beautiful and fun not to pin. Definitely goes into the "I Can Make That" series.


That is 5 more projects added to my ever growing list.

Happy Pinning Everyone

Introduction-East Valley Moms Blog

Great Opportunity coming your way. I have been invited to be a part of the East Valley Mom's Blog. A wonderful collection of mommy bloggers in the Phoenix area who want to share their talents with the world. I am so honored to be included in this group. The contributors range from health/fitness, home decorating, photography, party planning, crafts, sewing, fashion, and everything in between. I will be posting 2 times each month including tutorials and other DIY projects. If you live in the area and are interested in being a part of the group please check out our fb page and leave a comment.

I can't wait to get started and see what the other mom's creative minds come up with.

Flash Back-Flip Flop Week

I feel like things around my house are finally calming down. The in-laws are on their way to New Hampshire and we have the house all to our selves again. It was a long process but my home is finally organized and unpacked enough that I feel like I can start crafting again.

I decided to get started by visiting my old friend, my sewing machine. However after months of not touching it I came to realize that my machine is broken. YUP broken. In fact so broken that repairing it would cost more than what the machine is worth. Therefore I get to buy a new machine! YAY. My gift from my hubby for all the patience I have shown living with his parents over the last 4 months. My new machine hasn't arrived yet so no sewing projects for now but I have big plans once it arrives.

I was looking back on past posts and was reminded of our first big series. Flip Flop Week. Just in time for Old Navy's big flip flop sale. All flip flops are $1 this Saturday. It is flash back time, check out these creative ideas and go buy yourself a new pair of flip flops for $1 this Saturday.









Just a few of my personal favorites.