Backstitch Baby

Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes! - Making over an old pair of flats.

2012-01-19T22:28:00.000-05:00

If you haven't checked out Aunt Peaches' blog, do yourself a favor. Ever since I saw this post, and this post, I've wanted to revamp an old pair of shoes. I would live in flats and flip flops, if the Michigan weather would let me, so I thought I would give some new life to a sad, doggie-chewed, pair I found in a local thrift store. This is a perfect project for the pretty

Mother's Day Floral Topiary: Easy, Beginner's Project, No-Sew

2011-04-29T14:12:00.002-04:00

While browsing floral arrangements online, I saw a beautiful topiary arrangement. The price was less beautiful, as the flowers were fresh. It was, however, something I'd love to give my own mother and grandmother this Mother's Day. Just between you and me, I got my supplies at the Dollar Store. It's not that I have anything against spending more on a gift... but why, when you

Quilt in a Weekend: Pinwheel Crib Quilt, or Wall Hanging

2011-03-28T10:27:00.000-04:00

As my siblings, cousins, and I all get a little older there has been a lull in the births in the family, so we were very excited to learn of a new little bundle of joy on the way. One of the things I just love to make is a baby quilt. It's a quick project and when else can you use those cutesy fabrics? Since cousin A. is expecting a little lad, I delved into my blues

A Quick Gift Bag Idea

2011-03-09T20:07:00.001-05:00

I recently attended the 14th birthday of my nephew. Seriously... what do boys want!? Well cash is pretty much the answer, but I also threw in a package of candy bars and a bottle of his favorite soda. It's not glamorous but he liked it. However, there was the little problem of presentation. Wrapping paper wasn't really going to cut it, and the gift bags I had on hand were Christmas themed.

An Announcement and Link Party Features: MMBCreations & The Crafty Scientist

2011-02-15T12:13:00.001-05:00

I really enjoyed seeing the guest room transformation by MMBCreations. I know how hard it is to get all the crafting supplies organized. I loved the pictures of the spool table and floral arrangement. Great way to set a theme! The Crafty Scientist, gave us a quick and easy way to decorate with her Ribbon Wreath. I think I will keep an eye out for clearance ribbon, now. ;) And now

Link Party Monday

2011-02-14T09:56:00.000-05:00

You know the drill. Link to something that is your own work of awesomeness, new or old doesn't matter as long as it's yours. Link to the specific post not just your general blog. Then, grab that button on the left and let the whole world know you were seen on Backstitch Baby! :)

Fabric Stained Glass: Faux Stained Glass Wall Hanging

2011-02-11T10:13:00.000-05:00

Another project for my Pay it Forward 2011. I love the beautiful Faux Stained Glass Wall Hangings I've seen. My mother has made some beautiful ones the "right" way with the black bias tape leading and everything. For my first attempt, I thought I would try a pot holder size and I knew just the picture I wanted. Luckily, I found this great instructional video from Details By Diane. She make is

Jewelry Making: Pistachio Shell Necklace

2011-02-09T04:07:00.001-05:00

The reason I started this blog is not just my love of crafting, but because I was so inspired by others. Adventures in Dressmaking, NewDressADay, and Aunt Peaches challenged my thinking and how I look at the materials I have on hand. Aunt Peaches especially made me take a second look at things I found pretty and think of ways to use them. One such item was Pistachio Shells. I'm not sure why

Link Party Favorites: The Crafty Scientist and Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom

2011-02-08T16:17:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry this blog is getting out late today. There was a difficulty in getting online, but all's well now. I really liked all the crafts from yesterday's link party, but I must say Suzy's Faux Inlay project rocked my socks. I love, love, love old wooden furniture and that was a great way to spruce up a side table! The printable from Mel ,The Crafty Scientist was perfect for Valentine's

Link Party Monday

2011-02-06T19:05:00.000-05:00

Alas, Linky Tools has decided to start charging for all their services. What's more, if you don't pay for a subscription, your account with them gets deleted starting today. BUT, never fear! Thanks to Inlinkz from BlogHer, the Link Party continues! The rules are the same: Post as many links as you want but it needs to be your own work. Doesn't have to be sewn or a traditional craft (could

Friday Inspiration

2011-02-03T22:16:00.000-05:00

I love looking around in the blogosphere for the happy-haps on crafts. Check out this gorgeous Round Robin Quilt from Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom: There is nowhere better to get your funk on than with Aunt Peaches... and there's her less Funky still Fab Wax Doily Valentines too... Along those Valentine lines is the cute Heart Necklaces from Tatertots & Jello Of

Valentine's Day From-The-Heart Pillow

2011-02-03T09:41:00.000-05:00

If you have wanted to pick up quilting, but would like to try a smaller project first, or maybe you are looking for a beginner's project... a pillow is a great place to start. It makes a quick and easy gift, and perfect for a young sewer, too! You Will Need: Scraps of fabric Craft Stuffing or a Small Pillow Form Cut: 2 Rectangles of the Heart Fabric: 3.5in x 6.5in 4 Squares of the Neutral

Quilted Valentine's Day Card

2011-02-02T10:37:00.000-05:00

Everyone hunkering down for the blizzard? We've got plenty of snow so far in Michigan...my front steps are somewhere under the drifts. Bright side? Snowy Day = Perfect time for a quick craft! When I wanted to do something special for my kids on Valentine's Day, I stumbled upon the idea for Quilted Postcards online. I thought this was one of those projects a little like coloring... quick, easy,

This Week's Feature: SewHappyGeek @ Excell Crafts

2011-02-01T11:24:00.001-05:00

I was very happy with the link party yesterday. We doubled in the amount of links! OK, doubled to three...but let's focus on the positive and the Quality not quantity. I enjoyed seeing the Valentines Soaps from Suzy's Artsey Crafty Sitcom. What a cute idea! You all know that thrifting and scavenging salvaging is near and dear to my heart, so when I saw all the pretty

Link Party Monday

2011-01-30T22:38:00.000-05:00

Link it up! Please show off those great projects you have been working on. It doesn't necessarily have to be a sewing thing, but it does need to be your work and a link the the specific blog post (not just the general blog).Tomorrow I will be featuring my favorite(s)! Begins 12:00AM Monday, Ends 11:59PM Monday

Link Party Coming Tomorrow

2011-01-30T13:01:00.001-05:00

Don't forget, I am starting a regular Link Party on Mondays. Show us something you made and link to it's specific post (not just your general blog) starting tomorrow. On Tuesday I will feature my Favorite(s)! P.S. You can now follow BackstitchBaby on Twitter, and "Like" it on Facebook.

From Frumpy Sweatshirt to Cozy Wrap-Quick Fix!

2011-01-28T10:29:00.001-05:00

I can not believe the things I find at the Dollar Store these days! I bought two of these sweatshirts with plans of making one of those pretty and cozy wraps. First, I cut the front off of one sweatshirt following the side, sleeve seam, and shoulder seam. On the second shirt, I cut straight up the sides through the sleeves, and then across the top just under the collar. Then,

Pretty in Plaid: Link Party Feature Plus Another Clothing Makeover

2011-01-26T10:07:00.000-05:00

So the Link Party wasn't a smashing success. I still hold out hope, though. I would like to make it a regular feature here, so please let me know in the comments if you would actually participate. Remember, Link Parties are a great way to cross promote your blog and find new favorites. Emma from Flytape was lovely enough to share her recent makeover of a side-of-the-road-find. Check out the

A Link Party!

2011-01-24T13:35:00.000-05:00

I love a good link party! I get so many ideas and new blogs to follow that way. So I thought I would host one myself. Here's the dealio: Post a project you have completed yourself, more than one is fine Then, check out what your fellow crafters/artisans have been up to. Simple as that. Since Tea Rose Home has such great ideas, I think I will follow suit and post some of my favorites from the

Make Your Own Sackboy Doll/Plushie

2011-01-21T12:19:00.002-05:00

You may have heard the video game Little Big Planet 2 has recently made it's debut. My sons loved the first version and have been begging for the game and game system for months. Well that's a little out of the reach of my budget. Luckily they have cousins that own the game. ;) What I can provide is a character plushie. If you don't happen to have a sewing machine, this is a small

Homemade Laundry Soap and Liquid Fabric Softener

2011-01-20T12:32:00.001-05:00

I know. I was a little aghast that one could make their own laundry soap, too. But as that thought always does, it ended with a 'well why not'? Someone has to make the stuff that is on the store shelves. Not only that but pioneering women had to make their own soaps for centuries. So why not? It's not the science experiment you might imagine it to be. You still use some store bought

Still Here

2011-01-19T13:47:00.000-05:00

No, I didn't go anywhere. I haven't posted for so long! Don't worry though, I have many projects on the plans or in the works. Coming up: How to Make a "Sack Boy" based on the Little Big Planet Character A Nifty Necklace Stained Glass Sewing Easy Peasy Purse A Jacket or Vest with Fun Fur Lining and Something with a plaid jumper...I haven't decided yet Meanwhile... be inspired: Make some

Make Your Own Scrappy Belt

2011-01-06T23:16:00.001-05:00

Matching your outfit perfectly, laying smoothly, moving with you instead of holding you back or cutting into your abdomen... all great reasons to make your own belt. It's also easy to do and fun fun fun! You Will Need: Various fabric scraps A Belt Buckle (you can either scavenge one from an old belt or buy one at your local sewing store) Optional: Grommets I chose my fabric colors to

Egg Carton Fire-Starters

2011-01-05T20:04:00.000-05:00

OK so this really doesn't fall into the crafty category... so sue me. It's the time of year our wood stove is making the Michigan Winter a little more cozy and, let me tell you, getting that fire started some days is like pulling teeth...without anesthetic...and rusty a rusty pair of pliers. To make this task easier, I was told to make egg carton fire-starters. They. Are. Awesome! So, if you

A Super Last Minute New Year's Eve Decor- Another Disco Ball

2010-12-30T22:09:00.004-05:00

I really had no plan of making this little ditty, but I saw shiny foil cupcake wrappers and as I find myself influenced by Aunt Peaches creative uses for culinary accessories, I was sold. So to start with, I bought 3 containers of the cupcake wrappers and it ended up being just enough. P.S. You get double the papers since there is a white liner between the foil ones...just look at the pile of