The Handmade Dress Patterns GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

The Handmade Dress Patterns GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

The shoe container

Sorry no pic. got some weird hits on flickr.
The shoe container, originally uploaded by twolilacs.

Who says your child has to have a bed to sleep in? This is my daughters shoe bin, that we slide under her dresser. Today she must have had a grand time playing before she decided to retire to the shoe box, pillow, blankie and all. She's even ready to go with the fancy shoes when she wakes up. Oh girl!
My son use to sleep on the floor, I can't even count how long, but somewhere around 2 1/2 until this past year. He turned 6 two weeks ago and is thankfully sleeping on his bed now. I used to put him back in his bed when he was little, but then I figured if he slept all night, then it was fine. There is no point waking him if he's perfectly happy to lay there. I can't even sleep on the floor with a sleeping bag without a sore back. Kids are so crazy sometimes, and flexible.
On the subject of beds, I am hoping to make the kids some new blankets. They each have several blankets, and it makes bedtime interesting when they have all but one. So, one blanket will be made out of flurr, and I'm hoping to back it with something. I have to find the knit stabilizer before I do that one. Then, I want to make each of them some sort of quilted blanket, something simple, with large blocks.
I checked on my son last night and found he had pulled my childhood blanket out of his closet. It's a fond memory having my blanket still around and being loved. The top is all sorts of faux fur from the late 70s or early 80s. I think it would be considered fur. I like all the texture, and think I will incorporate some of that idea into the kids new blankets. I'm thinking some woven prints, with some corduroy, lightweight velvet, and am still thinking about other touchy/feely fabrics. Any suggestions?

Made by Rae Jackpack Backpack GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Made by Rae Jackpack Backpack GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

life lately

This is an old quilt top my great grandmother made. I picked it out of a handful of others to attempt to finish, so my grandma can have a new blanket for her new space. My uncle has been in the process of remodeling her house. She's getting a new bedroom upstairs, new large bathroom, walk in closet, and a lovely upper deck, which has a great view of the setting sun.
The downstairs became part of the project after a storm blew off some of the roof tarp. Thankfully, she has been in Arizona the whole time this has been going on, but is coming home soon.
She has always wanted a porch off the front of her house, and now she has one. I'd like to find her some nice hanging baskets, if they are even available now.
I also have a school supply list to finish up, only one more week to get that done. This week would be optimal, since I have help, but I'm pretty much limited to today, since we have weekend plans. Ugh. Never enough time & motivation. I have accomplished some laundry today, and took the baby crib out of dd's bedroom. She has been sleeping on a twin mattress for 2 or 3 weeks, successfully now. Kind of sad, but she has lots going on, and is adapting well. We are almost at a month of being diaper free during the day. She has been taking naps w/o the diaper, and only wearing one at night now. She has really embraced much of it on her own.
And lastly, I got a nice bit of sewing completed while I was on vacation. I worked on a pair of baby pants for our cousin (who had a girl Monday), finished some unders for dd, and almost finished my top.

Training pants for dd

Otto4-04-girlsundies_21.JPG, originally uploaded by twolilacs.

I did my best to hack an Ottobre pattern for little girls undies into a pair of training pants for dd. It's from 4/04, pattern #34, size 86. Despite some of the sewing flaws, I think they came out pretty useable for now. Love the fabrics. The stretchy pink was a small challenge, but I kept at it, and adjusted my foot pressure to be looser or tighter as needed.
If anyone would be interested in my hack, I'd be happy to put together a quick pdf. And clicking on the photo will take you to the rest of the images.
It took me about two nights (tv sidetracked), and a few 15 minutes here and there to trace and redraw the pattern, cut the fabrics, hem and haw about doing the binding, sitting down and sewing like a speed demon so I didn't lose momentum.... until I ran out of bobbin thread in one of the legs.... no worries though, I had a spare bobbin of a close enough color. They are only undies.
For some reason, my darling daughter refused to participate in any fittings... so I finally wrangled her into them before I bound the waist. The fit is snug getting on, but wearable... next time, I should use a bias cut, or more stretchy fabric as the padding. I am wondering how warm & natural or maybe some bamboo (fleece?) would be. As far as adding stretch elsewhere, I might add a bit more fabric across the width of the hip piece.
I am hoping that the training will be short, and she'll be going on the potty sooner vs. later. She really is pretty good about it, just needs consistency from me. I have not pushed her, but she's probably been ready for training for a couple months. I didn't really want to do it in the winter time, and now that it's summer, I'll be seizing the moment.
I really miss my baby though...

Weekend sewing gift

HR-WkndSwng_20090612_003.JPG, originally uploaded by twolilacs.

Here is a tiny little baby shirt I made with Heather Ross' kimono pattern. It came out pretty cute. Our cousin is having a baby in August, and they will find out then if they have a boy or a girl. I was going to make a changing table cover, but decided to make this top, and some burp cloths. I use a little bit of a couple fabrics and it was a lot of fun.
I thought the Hungry caterpillar fabric would be cute since they were asking everyone to bring a book for the baby. Of course, I didn't buy that book, but she did receive it from someone else. Anyways, I only had a fat quarter of that fabric, so I used white for the sleeves and back. I think this was a good choice, so that it didn't end up being to busy of a design. I cut the red dot fabric on the bias, and made 1/4" bias tape. Oh boy, that's much smaller when you're actually making it. I'm really surprised that the dots came out straight.
I have really liked some of the sewing books that have been coming out, Anna Maria's, Heather's, Amy Butler's, Lotta Jansdotter... and I think there's a few more. I have a hard time returning them to the library... and only checking them out once. I have resolved to buy a few now and then, so I will always have them to peruse.

Other than that sewing, I haven't been doing much. I stitched a little bit of fabric to a pair of plain training pants for dd, and put away some of her new and old things tonight. Apparently she welcomes change (and clothes)... when I put her to bed, she had gone in there before me, and changed out of pajamas into the "new" training pants and her new Little einsteins shirt.

The kids had a big day today, but I didn't think to take the camera. We started summer gymnastics today, both in classes at the same time to save on driving. He starts at 9, she starts at 9:15. She didn't like sitting while the first class got on its way, and that she wouldn't get a turn. It took a few minutes of aerobics on my part to keep her on my lap. Poor thing. She ready to run when it was her turn though. As expected, she did great on the trampoline.
Then this afternoon our library hosted a traveling reptile show. The man was very kid friendly and entertaining, and he included them during his show. My son was volunteering almost every time help was requested, but he didn't get picked. He did get to pet an iguana, a tortoise, an albino boa constrictor (named Chiquita) and a mid size alligator. My daughter was a brave little girl, she sat in the front row with the boys (my son and our neighbors) while the guy walked around with the iguana. However, as soon as he laid the iguana on his table, several feet away, she didn't like that. So, she spent the rest of her time on my lap or in front of me. She did ask to pet the tortoise and the boa constrictor though, and did willingly when taken.
I'd say overall they had a great time, and were very patient sitting and hour and a half through the show.

Pondering

There is no sunshine today, and it's not helping my mood. Feeling a bit bummed about dh's work circumstances, the load of things that need to be done this week, and that tomorrow, will be 1 year since my Poppy has left us.
I am thinking of what kind of flower I can put at his grave. I really think I should put a single spring beauty bulb there as a reminder of the yearly debate between him and grandma over mowing the grass. (The yard was a blanket of these tiny flowers, and grandma always made him wait til they seeded before he could mow.) Regardless, I'll be going to visit this week or this weekend. I have posted a little memorial message on findagrave.com for him, and an American ribbon for his service in the Korean war.
I have found a lot of interesting websites since I started researching our family history for my grandparents. I will probably take some grave marker photos for others who also have family in the same cemetery and one nearby to fulfill some requests.
Well, off to a happier note. My kids are ready for lunch, and I am hoping for some wonderful, pick-me-up fabric mail this week.

eta: Found an interesting idea on etsy for a small tribute

today's mail

today's mail, originally uploaded by twolilacs.

I got the most adorable fabric ever from Craft Pudding's etsy shop. She had it printed at spoonflower (and she won the weekly contest). I also got a little bunny person stamp from her. I love all of her stamps. It all came packaged nicely, and quickly. The little round chip was tied into the fabric. A nice touch.

I'd like to make the Oliver + S swingset tunic for dd, with some little cuties on the yoke, and maybe a brown tiny dot on the bottom. I only have a tiny bit of the fabric, so I'll probably use it sparingly. I'd also like to try my hand at making some covered buttons, with some vintage ones I have. These weren't quite the right size, so I have to keep looking.

The bunny stamp will be the perfect size to stamp on the size tags and hang tags for dd's clothes.

We had a bad storm system pass over last night, but thankfully it skipped around our house. Today was beautiful. I did manage to get the grass mowed, with exception to the little puffs where my spring beauties are still flowering. I won't mow them until they set seed. I'd love to have a front yard full of them, like my grandma's.

We only have a few days of preschool left for ds. It's hardly seems like he's gone for 2 years. I can't believe he'll be in kindergarten in the fall. I am sure he will love the bus, and I hope he and his best friend get the same class room. That would be so great for the both of them. Dd will be staying at home another year with me. She is much more interested in books and such, so maybe I can help her along vs. send her to preschool when she's going on 4. Both my kiddos have October birthdays, so they miss the age cutoff for entering kindergarten. I don't mind so much, it gives them more time, and maybe it will make life easier for them later on.

Lastly, I am working on a shirt for myself. I have traced the pattern, but need to figure out where to raise it. It's about 4 or 5 inches too long on me as it is. The joy of being short. =)

It's a beautiful day

... in the neighborhood... =)

Today, I'm trying to clean. I'm imagining there is only one dirty barbie plate in the sink, and not 20 other dirty things. The dishwasher just finished. Need to empty, and reload, LOL.
Rooms are cleared of stray socks and dirty clothes, and laundry is sorted. I can see most of my desk now.

We are heading to the PO shortly to send a quick package. Then to scout a few garage sales over by a friends house... not that we need any more stuff..... ah! I did list at least one item on craigslist today, so that's a small accomplishment.

I have 3 pairs of pants for dd to add buttonhole elastic into, since they still don't fit.... since last fall. If I don't do it now, she'll outgrow the length by next fall. Oh, girl!

My 5 yo has declared that he has a vacation day from work, and something about 60/30... uh huh. Little does he know, he'll be helping me with the recycles later. =) (that's an evil grin).

And, now I'll go hunt for a photo, because photo-less posts don't sit well with me. (That would be my back yard garden.)

Hope you are having a productive day!

Blame it on the rain

Originally uploaded by BethieBoonuttz to Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bethieboonuttz/2287718194/

No, not quoting milli vanilli here... but I sure felt motivated yesterday morning and I made a big list of stuff to do (sort of dropped enthusiasm today). Here's some of that list, in no particular order:

• Make a shirt for myself in the spirit of Top Week (See Made by Rae icon in the sidebar)
• Practice lettering and preschool stuff with ds
• Go to his teacher conference (done)
  
• Clean the drawers, silverware, tray, utensils (mouse sighting/capture--UGH!-done)
• Take some in progress photos of Ottobre stuff to make a helpful file
• Find the grass seed
• Reclaim the dirt at the bottom of the driveway and put it back where it belongs (thank you rain runoff and sloped driveway)
• Get some office supplies for organizing my sewing patterns/tracings
• and of course, pay the bills (so I know how much I can spend with my 40% off certificate to the sewing store) =)
• and get some books on hold at the library (on hold, now to wait)
  

Here's a sampling of the books I'd like to explore at the moment:
Anna Maria Horner's "Seams to Me", Heather Ross' "Weekend Sewing", Amanda Soule Blake's "Creative Family" and "Zakka sewing". I'm also looking forward to Amanda's newest book, coming out "Handmade Home".
And after all that, I'm going to go enjoy some chocolate moose tracks ice cream and watch a show.

Spring flowers

20090424_17.JPG, originally uploaded by twolilacs.

There is a small collection of blooms happening now in the yard, these sky-blue, forget-me-not flowers on varigated bugloss are one. The flowers themselves are teeny tiny, and usually the plant is loaded with them for a little while.
There are also lots of daffodils and spring beauties about. I noticed today that the one or two spring beauties I planted behind my hostas have spread in a huge mass around the tree base. I'll take a pic tomorrow if there's no rain. My goal is to have my front yard loaded with little white flowers, just like grandma's house.
I have a lot of work to do in the garden this year, mainly tidying up and dividing. It will be hard to buy stuff for the yard with my new passion (fabric). LOL! I just got the new kids issue of Ottobre, and there is quite a bit of cute, practical clothing in there. I went to the kids resale Saturday and did not find much for ds, so it looks like I need to make a list of things I can sew for him. I ordered some Michael Miller bot camp for him, so that should be fun. I have such a laundry list of things I'd like to make, but I really overwhelm myself with grand ideas. I am sticking to sewing though. I forget when I started last year, but I'd say it's been about a year since I committed myself to treating sewing as more than a hobby. I'd like it to be a lifelong thing, and something that maybe my two will enjoy themselves. DS has learned that my machine is not a race car, and finds great pleasure making colorful, decorative or zig zag stitches.
I did use my embroidery machine for a real project last night, too. I put a small sanrio kitty cat head onto a sundress I got dd at the kids resale. it didn't come out perfect to my standards, but it still looks pretty good. I thought she'd choose the bunny, but she picked the cat. I'm trying to accommodate her with fun characters and patterns in her clothing, she's pretty choosy at 2 1/2.

Time is getting away from me

The crocus' are withered away and spring has come, some of my flowers are blooming. I'm so excited to see that my handful of Prairie trillium have multiplied. It will be years before they all flower, but last year I was graced with one full beauty. I grew up calling them bloody noses... but my curiosity as a gardener wanted to know the real name. They aren't a typical looking flower, but one of my favorites. I think second in line would be Spring Beauties, as far as bulbs go.
We'll see what this year has in store for the garden. I have some lemon drops that I bought at a plant sale, and last year my one or two plants turned into at least two dozen seedlings... and now there is a full crown starting. My mind tells me I should be dividing them soon. It's suppose to be 70° here friday, so maybe then, if the kids allow me to wander away from the playset. Whatever I did with that helpful sheet with suggestions of when to divide and deadhead.... I always try to look before I dig since I can't remember all the plants likes and dislikes.
I finished my aunt's purse last week. I made it from the Ottobre pea pod purse pattern(free download). It came out pretty well, she was excited to have something made for her, too. I've never used the fusible batting before. It wasn't very difficult, but I had some challenges putting in the zipper and stitching along the top. I had to restitch some of it because the fabric was folding over itself, so I had lost about 1/4" in a few stretches. I'm glad I didn't just leave it and move on. I thought putting the bottom on would be hard, but it was just a matter of maneuvering the fabric around. I didn't get any puckers there. The expanded instructions were great. In a few weeks, Tuula and the Ottobre staff will be posting the rest of the bag photos they received on their new blog.
I'll come back and post some photos after lunch.

It's midnight... and I'm still up.

...Watching the first half of the Oprah/Dr. Oz, extreme life extending show. I caught the last half this morning. I thought what I've seen was pretty interesting. There was a man that had an accident while working on his hobby airplanes. He cut off part of his finger. His brother was a doctor, and so he used some powdered stuff, "extracellular matrix material found in pig bladders" to regrow his finger (in 10 weeks). He said the nail actually grows faster on that finger. Like I said, it an interesting show.
I just got home today, and am now caught up reading my loads and loads of messages from my yahoo groups, and my email. That's what I get for being gone 4 days. Whew!
We are enjoying spring break for the rest of the week, and this weekend I'm headed to a kid's resale to scout for some things for my kiddos to wear this spring and summer—right after I take stock of what's in their closets and drawers. I agree with Kathleen, I love to find a deal, that's half the fun.

Her thrifty dress giveaway.
Summer of 69 Thrift Store Refashion Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Look Mom!

1stdollquiltswap_13.JPG, originally uploaded by twolilacs.

Sad to say, I didn't make this for dd, but she is a wonderful helper, and will be getting her very own soon. This was my first quilt, first free motion quilting, first quilt binding... you get the idea. I participated in a doll quilt swap, so this is going off to my partner in sewing, shortly.
I tried to incorporate the following things based on her answers to some of the swap questions... including, flowers/roses, green (for grass), white (for freshness), children playing... and some little secret hidden things - there is an apron hanging on a line in the yellow roses, her dd's name is free motioned in the bottom corner, kind of on a slant, and a heart above that...
The children playing is from my grandma's stash. I basted it with another piece of cotton because it was kind of thin. Hope I did that right.
I actually felt like the binding took the most time... but maybe it was because I was trying to get done.. Oh yeah, and cutting those stinking roses with my giant ruler... LOL.
All in all, this was a fun project, and I hope she likes it. If you want to see other pics of it, you can check my flickr.
References I used: Sew Mama Sew doll quilt sew-along, Vicki's binding tut, and some free motion reference from Crazy mom.

On the bandwagon

Before & After Do, originally uploaded by twolilacs.

Well, it must be the time of year that everyone is looking for something new. I have decided that my hair needed a change. A drastic change. Honestly, we have a well & septic, and incredibly hard water. It was, literally, taking about 20 minutes to comb after a shower, with leave in conditioner. I did a rinse with baking soda and water while it was still long, and that did make it feel better.
On the bright side, I have been wanting a new hairstyle for a while. I grew out so long, so that I could put long layers and a little style into, and then I went and cut all my hard work right off. I am really happy with it though. It's probably been 15 years since my hair has been this short.
Other than the hair, I am just trying to stay somewhat organized around here, keep at the sewing, and keep the kids busy. I'm working on a little doll quilt at the moment. Hope to have it finished up in the next few days, since I need to mail it out.... my eyes are bulging out of my head because I should be done already. In my defense, I have not had much time to myself the last couple weeks, and the next few weeks will likely be the same.
Oh and on that note, lunch is little late today.... haha.

Christmas doll

Well, she's not really a doll, but she's my doll. Her dress is the Cilla dress from Otto 06/08, #5. (The toys are her brothers.) I thought the dress went together pretty well. I cut the yoke upside down the first time, even after reminding myself... oops. It was tiny, so I recut and moved on. I used dark green for the inner yoke, and snaps instead of buttons. Snaps were a new challenge for me. I chalked the back and lined them up where they needed to go, and they work.
I love the style of this pattern. I was thinking about a valentine's dress, but it would be great for everyday too.
Most of our family lives a few hours away, so we are usually traveling over the holidays. We spent Christmas eve with my family and Christmas day with dh's family, and then had our own Christmas at home friday morning. The kids got to play and visit, and bring home some goodies. I made my MIL a cover for her huge toaster, that came out nice. I'm glad I made a stp dummy to have at home. The cover is in the same waverly print she has as wallpaper. I got the fabric free off of my local freecycle. I didn't think I'd be lucky enough to find any since it's several years old. So that was cool! I didn't really do any other hand made gifts, but I did make my mom a nice red/green plaid gift bag (to wrap her robe). I also bought some yummy smelling soap from WashableArt on etsy, including legos, oatmeal cookie dough, and some pink cupcakes. I'm not sure if it was her or another soap maker, but I saw bubbles, round bubbles in a small mass somewhere and cannot relocate them... wish I would have favorited them. Oh well, that's it for now.
Happy New Year!