Good grief.  I forgot why being sick puts a wrench in things.  Especially when it’s one of those viruses that you aren’t quite sure has a handle on you or not…….so you still try to GO GO GO, pretending that it’s not there.  But then you finally realize it has a complete hold on you when you go in to pick up a crying baby from her nap and she lost her lunch all over her bed.  And then after cleaning her up and then trying to hold her, rock her, and calm her achey little body………she loses the rest of her stomach all over your chest and lap.  After a good soak in the tub for both of you, you realize that you really don’t feel much better than she does.  No more pretending, it’s time to stay in jammies and leave the kitchen a complete mess (even if it was on the “deep scrub” list for the day) and chill the rest of the day.  It’s no fun to be sick.  But my little baby girl hasn’t been sick much.  So I can’t complain.  But today is a better day.  Hooray.  (My antibodies are working over time I suppose!)

Onto more fun stuff.

Like buying a shirt at Target without trying it on and thinking it’s going to fit just fine. (Because let’s be real, who likes to try things on with 3 kids in a dressing room anyway??  Not me.  Because this is just a snippet of what I may hear;  “Mommy, why are you getting naked?”  “Mommy is that your bra?”  “Does daddy have a bra?”  “Mommy, will I have a bra one day?”  “Who’s under there mommy?”  “Owwwww, stop pushing me!” etc, etc, etc.)  Anyway, I decided to avoid any of that and snatched this little shirt up and was sure it would fit fine and just be a little flow-y and loose.  But once I got it home, it was loose alright.  And too long.  And really frumpy.  I can’t pass up a good ruffle front (and in coral no less) but my vision was different than how it actually looked on me.  I guess I should have corralled my kids into the dressing room afterall.  Haha.

However, instead of taking it back, I decided that I would change the look of it and cinch in the bottom and create a band of shirring that would sit on my hips.  And then the rest of the shirt could stay loose. But as long as something was cinched in, it would give the shirt some shape.

And turns out, I really like it.  Especially on one of those bloated/tired-of-sucking-it-in days.

 If you want the finished shirt to be even more flowy and loose up top, find a bigger shirt.  There are some tops that are really billowy and are made with more fullness, like peasant tops.  But if you only want it a little loose like mine, you don’t need it too huge/wide on you.

All it took was a few minutes to shirr it up……..and done.  (I know, I’m on a serious shirring kick lately.)

I know you have a few shirts that are too baggy, fit a little awkward, or maybe are leftover from a pregnancy(??).  Or maybe you have fallen in love with one of those loose and baggy tunic tops in the store but the cut of it doesn’t quite look right on you.  (Yeah, they rarely do for me either.  Don’t feel bad.)  So fix it.  And make it work for you.  Especially if you love the color/print…..and maybe found it on sale???  (I know, hard angle to see the band in the photos below…….I guess I may need longer arms.)

And if you STILL haven’t tried shirring, go on.  You may love it.  Elastic thread on the underside (that you put in your bobbin), regular thread on top.  (Full tutorial here.)

Sorry little coral shirt, you totally thought you were going back to the store, didn’t you? 

In case you can’t tell exactly how to do it by just looking at the pictures, I’ll explain:

You just sew one row of shirring at a time, all the way around the bottom of the shirt.  I started and stopped each row along one of the side seams of the shirt.  I also back-stitched after finishing one row, then lifted up the needle and jumped to the next row (about a 1/4 inch apart) without cutting threads.  Worked great.  I started my rows of shirring just above the shirt hem………but didn’t like how that ruffled at the bottom (like shown below) so I went back later and added another row of shirring closer to the bottom (that you can’t see here).  Just be sure to pull your fabric flat while sewing so that when you’re all done, the shirring will stretch in and out.  (More on shirring here.)

And like explained in the above link, I always steam my shirring to get a nice and even shirred look.  It also helps pull it all in……..especially the very bottom where I sewed over the bottom hem.  Because it was two layers of fabric, it shirred a little differently, but doesn’t matter one bit after you have the shirt on.

Then pull on your shirt and feel fabulous.  Because you tricked the original shirt designer and turned it into something that worked better for you. :)

Enjoy.

P.S. sometimes some of you will ask in a comment why I take some of my clothing pictures on my mannequin and not myself.  Well, here’s why.  I can’t quite get any good full shot pictures of the item on myself, by myself.  My husband is never home when I need to take the finished product shot, and my arm is only so long.  Haha.  So sometimes I can’t quite get the image I need to explain the technique used when I take it of myself.  But other times I can get away with it.  Like today??  Hopefully??? :)

It’s that time again. 

I’ve been digging through my kiddos’ drawers and finding the “too small” items that need to be weeded out and then deciding what needs to be donated and what can be………….salvaged.  And well, babies always seem to have plenty of onesies that get a little snug in the length but still fit in the top.  So why not give them a few more months of use and adjust them just a bit.  Here’s one idea that I used for my little girl:

Making a little Bubble Dress doesn’t get any easier than this.  Really.

There’s something about that little bubble layer on the bottom that adds more fulness but also looks so clean and polished.  No worrying about a bottom hem.

And because I don’t do well leaving things alone, I added a little flower up top. Ha.

I think she likes it.  (You know what I like?  When babies learn how to blow kisses.  I adore it!)

You could use knit or a woven cotton for this but I used knit.  So it’s still soft, stretchy, and cozy from top to bottom. 

So it’s still a great dress for playing in.  And well, for being curious.

Would you like to make a quick little Bubble Dress out of a Onesie??

Grab a onesie from your baby’s drawer.  Or even go and buy one.  They are a really great base for making a bubble dress.  Then decide on your coordinating fabric for the bubble section of the dress.  (I found this teal knit at Hobby Lobby.)

Then decide on the length you’d like and cut the bottom off the onesie.

Next, decide how long you want the bubble section of the skirt to be.  Then double that number and add an inch for the seam allowance.  For the width, measure the bottom of the onesie all the way around and then double that number and then add an inch for the seam allowance.  So, I wanted to add 4 inches of length to the bottom of my dress and the bottom of the onesie was 18 inches all the way around.  So I cut a piece of knit that was 9 inches tall and 37 inches wide.

Then, fold the strip in half width-wise, with right sides together, and sew the two ends together (shown on the left).  Then, fold that circle in half inside itself, with the right side facing out, matching the raw edges together (shown on the right).

Now, with the horizontal seam along the center back and the raw edges at the top, sew a basting stitch along the top front half and another along the back half, leaving the ends free for gathering.  (Need help with gathering?  Go here.)

Now gather up the skirt section and evenly space it along the bottom of the onesie, matching up raw edges.  Pin in place and then sew.  TIP: Increase your stitch length just a bit while sewing, to prevent stretching and pulling.

Now, you can either do another seam right next to the one you just did, to reinforce it, or you can do what I did next.  (This will just keep it clean and finished but isn’t necessary if you’d rather not.)  I folded the skirt section down and then top stitched right at the very bottom of the onesie section, making sure that the excess seam allowance from the skirt is tucked upwards and is included in this seam from the bottom. 

Then, add a flower if you’d like.  Just fold up some of the flower and sew the base down to the onesie.  (Tutorial for the flower here.  I just added 3 layers, not just 2.)

 And that’s it.  A little Bubble Dress made from a onesie.

I know you have a Maxi Dress (or more?) that makes you crazy. 

You love the print, the fabric, or something else about it……but after you wore it a time or two, you realized it did nothing for your shape.  So instead of throwing it out or donating it, fix that sad little Maxi Dress into a fabulous MAXI. SKIRT.  What?!!  You’ve never worn a Maxi Skirt?  You may have to stop everything you’re doing right now and make one.  (or buy one!)  They are the most cozy little thing you can wear.  And I love them more than a Maxi Dress.  Because Maxi Dresses can be finicky up top and you may not like the neckline/waistline/sleeve length/etc.  But you can pair a skirt with whatever top you want.  Done.  And holy smokes, there’s nothing better than a Maxi (dress or skirt) during the warmer months.  Yeah, they allow some serious air flow. :)

While my friend Ashley and her family were visiting last week (yep, same name as mine……sometimes confusing), she wore a Maxi Dress one day and by the end of the day, she hated it.  Something about the elastic and the fit of the top just wasn’t doing it for her.  No biggee.  I reminded her that instead of throwing it into a donate pile (or the back of her closet)……..that we could transform it.  And that’s what we did, right before they left Saturday morning. 

Nothing beats a little last minute project.  Especially when it takes like 15-20 minutes.

I made the skirt using my favorite waistline {because it’s so darn cozy}……..a nice shirred waistband.  Who doesn’t love an elongated waistband?  (Don’t let shirring scare you.  I share a tutorial how to do it, here.)

So go on, whack that dress in half, and turn it into a skirt that you’ll love.  (However, don’t you love that lace at the top?  I know, such a shame it didn’t fit her right.  I’m saving that for some other future project though.  Who knows what……but something.)

And if you don’t have a Maxi that you hate…….maybe you have a shorter length dress that looks you can’t stand the top.  Go on, turn it into a skirt of any length.  It’s a quick fix to something that you may have decided to throw out.

But ooooh, a Maxi.  I love them.

By the way, if you don’t have a Maxi Dress to cut up, no worries.  You can just create a Maxi Skirt by following this tutorial as well.  Just make a long tube of fabric out of some knit (or other fabric), that can be cinched into a skirt at the top.  Nice and easy.

Would you like a quick little tutorial on how to turn a Maxi Dress into a Maxi Skirt??

Okay, first of all, cut the top of the dress right off.  If you’re cutting into a knit dress, you’re in luck.  Because it doesn’t fray.  And that makes it easier.  However, whatever fabric you’re using will work.  Just be sure that you have enough fabric at the top to either just fold over a 1/2 inch and make a casing for some elastic at the top (like I did), or you may need a little extra to fold down a 1/4 inch and then fold down another 1/2 inch to make your casing.  (You would do the 2 folds if you were using a woven fabric like cotton.  You don’t want it to unravel.)

So here I go, I started at the back, folded the top edge a 1/2 inch (towards the inside of the skirt), then sewed right along the bottom edge of that folded over fabric.

When I sewed all the way around, I stopped about an inch before completing the full circle.

Then, I flipped the skirt to the right side and started making rows of shirring, about a 1/4 inch apart.  (Need help with shirring?  Go here.)  My first row was right on top of the seam that I made to create the casing, then I moved down from there.

When the waistband was to the desired height of my friend, I threaded some 1/8 inch wide elastic through the top casing, pulled it in, knotted it off, then cut the ends off.

Then I sewed that little opening closed. 

Then, like I shared in the shirring tut0rial here, I always steam my shirring and flatten out that top casing so it’s not bulky or bunchy. 

And that’s it.

A quick little fix for an unloved Maxi Dress.

Enjoy.

Nope, didn’t forget.  Just having a little too much fun.

First of all, do you want to know how to get a free dinner?  Here’s how:

• Have a reason to celebrate and find a really good restaurant to eat at.  (Yay, my husband passed the PANCE, his national exam!!  He is now officially certified.  I’m pretty sure my insides have never felt so nervous.  But, now that’s over.  Whew.  Hooray.   ……….sigh)
• Then, skip on just ordering water and happily ask for a nice and sticky strawberry lemonade.
• When the server comes to deliver it, be sure to make him nervous somehow…….and allow him to spill said beverage all down your front.  (my husband was the recipient)
• Then, be sure that your server doesn’t have any control over his language and throws out a few colorful words in front of your 3 young children.
• Next, jump up quickly out of sheer shock and head to the bathroom.
• When the manager arrives, tell him everything is okay, and no you don’t need to dry clean your blue jeans.  And even when he insists on making a great big huge enormous deal, tell him it’s not and that everything really is okay.  However, mention that you are disappointed at the language used in front of your children by the clumsy server.
• When the manager insists on paying for your whole meal, gladly accept.
• And then learn from our mistake.  And order dessert. :)

Edited to Add: I may have confused a few of you who read the above story about our free meal.  We didn’t intentionally enter the restaurant with the idea to trick our server into making a mess.  That’s just what happened (and has probably happened to many of you too) and so I decided to re-tell it with a little sarcasm.  Mostly because I figured it was relatable.  We weren’t really trying to receive a free meal……that’s just what happened.  Sorry if I confused any of you.  And no, I don’t really think you should follow the above steps to receive a free meal.  And yes, even though our meal was free, we tipped him.  He did great other than the spill (and his language) and we totally understand that the spilled beverage was just an accident. :)

We were little stress buckets for a week and a half…….but hallelujah!  My husband is done with school, done with tests (until he has to re-certify), and done with rotations.  We’re not really sure what to do with ourselves.  He feels a little guilty not having his face in a text book in the evenings and it feels strange to have him sit right next to me on the couch after the kiddos are in bed.  Weird.  But we’ll adjust.  Ahhhhhhhh. 

And to kick off our school-free celebration……….we have had some great friends come for a visit from Idaho.  We couldn’t be more thrilled.  Except we feel a little bad that they have been sleeping among a few unpacked boxes and completely naked walls.  (Sorry friends!)  When we have a free week when friends have a free week, we must take advantage of it.  Unpacked boxes or not!

But we have been trying to squeeze in a little something each day.  All 10 of us (4 adults, 6 kids).  And so far, the zoo has been the most fun.  We kind of adore those animals, the winding paths, and this beautiful weather.

And you know, giraffes never disappoint.

And are friendly little buggers.

I’m not sure we could have asked for more beautiful weather.

This little lady always liked to be in charge of the map.  She looked at those trails, studies the colors, and told us right where we should go.

Until we found the animals she was looking for.  Like this mountain lion.

And this little monkey?  We didn’t really here much of a peep out of her.  She looked and listened and studied everything…….while kicking back with her feet up.  I’m pretty sure I’m going to trade her spots next time.

These little rascals ran from here to there and everywhere.  Everything was so interesting.  Definitely a great place to go with our good friends.

And this little guy was an angel, even though he was feeling a little icky.  And holy smokes, those big blue eyes kill me every time. 

It’s been so fun to get together after not seeing each other in so long.  Our kiddos play like little cousins……and we love that!

But they’re not related……..so we can oogle over this all we want.

Today?  We’re off to the aquarium.  Hooray.

I’ll be back to normal next week.  We’ll be flying solo again and my husband starts his first day of his real job.  Pinch me, I still can’t believe our school days are over. 

See you soon!

-Ashley

Whew, did you think our new home (rental) sucked me right into its mess of boxes and random homeless piles of stuff?  Uh, well, it did.  Haha.   But I’m mostly back.   And wanted to share with you a little something that I made before we moved.  I can’t keep it to myself any longer. :)

Remember how I made these little baby sandals last summer?  A boy and a girl version?

(click on either image to visit tutorials)

Those were seriously so fun to make.  But I know, things in small sizes can sometimes be a little tricky.  And from the comments, a few of you struggled with the binding around the edges of the sandals.  So, I made a new pair of little girl sandals that are even easier.  Without the strip of binding.  (But if the binding doesn’t bother you, try either of the sandal tutorials above……they are a lot of fun to make too!)

And yep, you got it, made from an old faux leather pouch.  I love a good “something outta nothing” project.

 And yeah, these sandals don’t have sturdy thick manufactured soles, so this would be best for babies or small toddlers who only walk outside minimally.  They’re not really intended for walking miles on hiking trails.  However, the soles are fine for indoor and just a little bit of dry outside use.  (I let my little one walk in them on the sidewalk out to the car, on the grass, etc.)  I even added some canvas material inside the sole to sturdy them up.  (More on that below.)  It worked great.

This was one of those, “wow, this turned out even better than I thought it would” type of projects.  I love a good surprise!

And really, they were a lot easier to make than they may look.  (Or, I don’t know…..maybe they look easy?)  And would be even more simple if you skipped on adding those soft little flowers on the strap.  But hey, don’t go doing that.  Those soft little flowers make the sandals POP! :)

They are especially interesting to little fingers.  But don’t worry, they are sewed on nice and secure.

And remember, if you are recycling from old stuff……..making these sandals won’t cost much.  So even if you mess them up terribly on your first try, you’re not out much.  Try again.  And just think, you may surprise yourself like I did.  So give it a try.  Dare ya. ;)

I have said this before and I may say it a thousand more times…….but little feet in teeny tiny little shoes may be one of my most favorite things to gush over.  Yeah, impractical.  But dang it, so cute!

Want to make your own little flower sandals?

To begin with, you’ll need to find a small amount of faux leather.  You can sometimes find faux leather for sale by the yard at the fabric store but they generally don’t have a very good variety.  That’s why I head to the thrift store.  And look at all of the old purses and pouches.  There are always great colors and textures that you can cut up and use for other projects.

Next, trace around a pair of shoes (or sandals) that fit your subject.  Then let the child stand on top of that traced drawing to see if that will be a good fit for the foot.  Adjust as necessary.  Remember, you’ll want a little extra room around all of the edges for the little seam all the way around.  Then, for one sandal, you’ll use that pattern piece to cut out a top piece and a bottom piece of vinyl that are cut opposite each other so that they can be placed with wrong sides together.  Then cut another pattern piece that is an 1/8 of an inch smaller around all the edges than your fist pattern piece. Then cut 2 pieces of felt, and 2 pieces of fusible adhesive/web (what’s this? go here).  You make these smaller so that when the sandal sole is sewn together, you are only sewing through the 2 layers of vinyl…….not the felt and adhesive.

Next, turn one of the sole places face down, then place a layer of fusible adhesive/web down, and then a piece of felt.  Iron the felt down until it’s securely attached to the vinyl.  (Be careful how hot your iron is so that you don’t melt or shrivel up your vinyl.)

Do the same thing to the other vinyl piece.

Next, you’ll cut some strips of vinyl that will be used for the straps of the sandals.  And because vinyl usually only has the pretty color on one side, ach strip is made with two strips of vinyl, placed together with wrong sides together, then sewn along each side to attach them together.  Everyone’s measurements will be different, depending on the size foot your subject has.  But I will tell you what my dimensions are for my size 4 sandal for my 13 month old daughter.  (Remember, you will need added length for each strap so that they can be tucked/folded under/etc.  If you read on, you will understand better.)

The strip all the way to the left is the one that goes over the toes.  It is about 5/8 inch wide and 6 inches long.  The second strip from the left is the one that goes under the heel and reaches up to each side of the ankle.  It is 3/8 inch wide and 6 1/2 inches long.  The strip on the right is used around the ankle and is 3/8 inch wide and 8 inches wide.  And one end of this ankle strap, I curved the end just for looks.  But you don’t have to.  That will be the end that wraps around and velcros the strap in place.

Then, I cut slits into the top layer of vinyl/felt that will be directly under the foot.  The bottom layer of vinyl/felt (the part that will touch the ground) doesn’t need slits in it.  Make the top slits right where you want the wider strap to cross the toes.  You may need your subject to stand on this sole piece, to get a better idea of where you should place the slits.  Then place another set of slits toward the back of the vinyl piece, right where the ankle is.

Then, place your top toe strap through the slits from the front………and then the other strip through from the bottom.  Make sure they fit nicely and are positioned how you want them.

Now, time for the flowers.  I cut up old jersey knits scraps from my knit scrap box to make them.  I cut 10 circles for each circle (mine are about an inch in diameter).  And remember, the circles don’t have to be perfect at all.  Just eyeball it and then cut.  Then, I cut one piece of felt that was slightly smaller than my knit circles, that I would use as the backing to each flower.  Then I stacked all of the circles on top of each other and then sewed them together right in the middle, with the felt circle centered on the very back.  (To sew them together, I lowered my stitch length really low, lowered my feed dogs, and then sewed a little circle right in the very middle.  But I realized that’s not the easiest way for everyone.  So another option is to just turn your machine stitch to zig-zag, decrease your stitch length all the way to zero, and then stitch several stitches.  That will tack all the circles together.)

Then fluff up all those layers of circles……and those center stitches will be hidden anyway.

Then, flatten those layers back down again, remove the toe strap from the sole, and then stitch the flower down to the strap the same way you did in the previous step.  Add two more flowers the same way.

Then place the strap back through the top sole of the sandal and then pin it down in place.

Then add plenty of glue.  I used Amazing Goop (purchased at Michael’s) that works awesome!  I used clothes pins to pinch each end in place, until the glue dried.

Then, to make each sole even more stiff, I cut out little sole shapes out of plastic canvas to add between the two sole layers.  This is optional but it really helps to stiffen up the sole.  Maybe there are other ideas out there……..but I had extra of this from another project and it worked great!  However, be sure to make the canvas piece 1/4 inch smaller (not just an 1/8 of an inch like the felt) around all of the edges of the vinyl sole shape.  You don’t want it in the way when sewing around the sole of the sandal.

Then, make sure the bottom strap is centered in place…………..and then put a generous amount of glue on the bottom of the sole, then place the canvas layer on top, add another layer of glue, and then place the bottom layer of vinyl on and sandwich it all together.  Just be sure that the right sides of your vinyl is facing outward on both sides of the sole.  (When applying the glue, try to keep it about a 1/4 inch away from the edges of the sole.  You don’t want it to gum up your needle when sewing in later steps.)

Then use more clothespins to sandwich your layers together tightly…….or throw a heavy book on top to press all of the layers together.  My husband was done studying this dang book, so it came in handy.  I’m just trying to get our money’s worth out of all his pricey P.A. books. ;)

After the glue has completely dried, put your zipper foot on your machine and then sew all the way around the sole, an 1/8 inch from the edge.

Then, fold over each end of this strap towards the inside of the shoe, about 3/4 of an inch.  The loop that it makes at each end needs to be big enough for the ankle strap to fit through.

Next, slide the straight end of the ankle strap (if you made one straight and one curved) through the OUTSIDE strap loop.  Pull it through about a 1/2 inch and then sew it in place with a few stitches.

Then place the other end of the strap through the other loop.  Then add about 1 1/2 inch strip of velcro to each end.

Lastly, inspect your sole.  If you see any gaping holes, use a toothpick to place a bit of glue in that opening…….

……….then pinch it closed and hold until it dries.  Repeat with any other gaping sections.

And that is it.

Now, try on for size.  And adore your teeny tiny little sandals.

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Does anyone need a little project to do during the next few weeks?  Maybe a little project to work on for Mother’s Day?  Or Father’s Day?  Your friend’s birthday?

Oh, you do?  Good.  This one is FREE.

I just have to share this really cool promotion going on, because yep, I’m always loving a good deal.  Have you heard of Paper Coterie?  (If  not, hurry on over and check them out.)  They are offering a $15 gift credit from now until May 14th.  (Enter GIFTFAVES at checkout)  Yep, totally free.  You don’t have to order a minimum amount and if you want to make something bigger, you can just apply the $15 to a bigger project.  Perfect.

Here are some of my favorite things from the Paper Coterie Site that I’m going to have a hard time choosing from:

This sweet little Desktop Sentiment that folds up to celebrate the recipient…..but also folds down into a little box that holds up to 12 cards with a special note or memory.  Great for any occasion, really.

Or how about a special Journal (spiral bound or hard bound).  What a lovely and personalized gift.  Journals are great for moms to jot down favorite family memories, to quickly write down some of the funny things heard from her kids, or to just write down thoughts or ideas.  I need to start one about the funny things my kids do ASAP……and a pretty journal is really motivating me to get started.

Paper Coterie also creates photo canvases……but they also carry these really cool Photo Posters.  And they’re a lot less in price.  What’s extra cool about them is that they have a re-usable adhesive on the back that is safe for walls.  So you can position and re-position.  You could use these in so many ways.  I’m totally getting some to decorate this new home we just moved into.

Ooooh, oooooh.  Something else I really love………are these clever little Memory Keeper Boxes that you can stuff full of all sorts of little trinkets/tickets/announcements that you’re just not sure what to do with.  (Do you have a pile in your closet/drawers?  I do too.)  I have 3 kids and 3 sets of hospital bracelets/cards/etc that I need a home for.  3 baby Memory Keepers for me, please.

I could go on and on.  Okay, I will for just 2 more seconds.

I really love these little Swatch Books.  Makes a simple and sweet last minute gift.

And also their Calendars.  No more boring ‘ol calendars.  These have such great shape and design to them.

And another favorite idea……making a family Recipe Book.  I love tried and true recipes, especially from a friend or family member.  Great gift idea!

And of course, Paper Coterie carries Photo Books.  Lots of styles, options, ideas.  I love them all.

Okay, okay.  I’ll stop now.  I just got so excited.

Go here to see even more great things that Paper Coterie offers.  You’ll fall in love too.

One of my very favorite things about Paper Coterie (besides the incredibly nice quality), is that you always always get to see your final product and how it will look, before placing your order.  Because, you know, sometimes I have a good idea in my head but it doesn’t turn out as well as I thought. No worries here though.

And to be able to spend $15?  Just because?  How nice.  I know your little creative brains are churning out some great ideas too……..so hop on over and use up that $15 credit before it expires May 15th.  Remember to enter GIFTFAVES at checkout (expires 5/14/12).

They also have a sale that’s exclusively for Mother’s Day going on, where you can save 40% off your entire order.  So if you’re making a larger order and would save more than $15 by using the 40% off promotion, enter BEINGMOM at checkout (expires 4/30/12).  That may be useful for some of you purchasing several things all in one order.

Okay, I’m off to look at my pictures files.  I need to order some wall posters.  And a few gifts. :)

Talk to you soon.

-Ashley

Well, in case you missed it, we moved again.  And yeah, unpacking is a little slow going.  I haven’t been doing much emailing (so I’m sorry if you’re waiting for a response) but I have read all the comments from my last post.  Thanks for the well wishes.  My favorite comment was from Sewil from Russia (Hi Sewil!!)……..she said that in Russia, 1 move is equal to 2 fires and 1 flood.  Ha.  Made me feel better.

And whoever mentioned that the master bedroom tends to end up with all the junk and random boxes of stuff…….you’re totally right.  Same thing happens here.  Now hmmmm, where will I put those Easter baskets that are stacked on our unmade bed.  (I think it’s a rule that if your room is this messy…….you don’t have to make your bed.  So I’m stickin’ to it!)

One good thing about moving…..is that you find lost things.  Like our box of dress-ups.  This little lady has been flitting around in random pieces of dress-up clothing, happy as a clam.

And don’t worry, these 2 are keeping themselves busy.  I keep overhearing their make-believe games that they’re playing amongst all the chaos.  My favorite one so far was that they were dragon slayers…….and all of the boxes were dragons.  That round of make-believe kept them VERY busy.

While those 2 flit around……..I keep trying to tackle the mess.  But the more boxes I open, the more mess I create.  Ha.  I’ll get there one of these days.  Or weeks.

Oh, and this one.  She thinks she’s a master un-packer.  Well, she is.  She rips things out of those boxes faster than anyone around.  Here she is, plotting her next move.

But things really are going well.  Don’t worry about us for one minute.  Especially since the owners of this home left their hot tub out back.  Like, all heated and well taken care of.  I guess since they moved to FL, they can just go hop in the beautiful ocean water……no need to haul a hot tub along with them.  We sat in it last night, under a chilly starry night, while those samurai jets pounded our aching backs, and wondered why we haven’t ever purchased one of these before.  (Oh yeah, they cost money.)  We’re happy to take care of it while we’re here.

Oh, did I hear you say you wanted to help?  I’ll save this box for you.

Anyway, in case you’re wondering, I do have a little something saved up…….I just need to finish adding a few things to the tutorial.  I’ll put it up next week.  I’m kind of in love with it!!! :)

Enjoy your weekend.  And find someone with a hot tub…….and relax.

-Ashley

We have so much junk.  And I’m happy to say that this move (the 6th one in our 6 1/2 years of marriage) is the first one where we didn’t have to haul the boxes onto our moving truck.  Steve’s new job paid for it.  (Hallelujah!)  So we packed it all into boxes……..while someone else hauled it all upstairs and onto a truck.  I felt a little guilty watching someone else haul my heavy stuff and had to tell myself several times, “leave them alone. this is their job. they don’t want your help.”  It was strange.  Besides, my body isn’t made for that kind of back hauling work.  Whew.

And while the workers worked and Steve and I finished up last minute craziness, the little ones were watching a little “Super Why” to keep busy.  Completely oblivious to what was going on around them.  In fact, when we were all done and we flipped off the TV, they looked around completely confused, and asked where all of their stuff was.  TV really sucks the life out of them. 

Glad that part of the move is over.

Now, onto round 2.

We just received keys Monday night (yes, still renters) and have moved back into a home of our own.  Remember how we just barely left Savannah, GA last June?  And then we drove and drove some more and then dropped off a stowaway cockroach in Kansas (do any of you remember reading that? ha, cracks me up to read that again!)………before finding ourselves in Colorado?  If you remember, we moved right into my parents basement apartment while my husband finished his clinical rotations for P.A. school in surrounding hospitals and clinics.  Living in my parents basement for the past 10 months has been so helpful.  And perfect for our situation.  We have really been so spoiled.  I will miss the days that I say to my kids, “What?! You’re bored?! Uhhhh….me too.  Let’s go upstairs and see what grandma and grandpa are doing!“  Or, “Hey mom, my kids are sleeping………will you listen for them on the monitor while I run to the store?“  Or what I may miss the most is while trying to drag all 3 kids out to car in the freezing temps, and my mom stops me while trying to step out the door and says, “hey, why don’t you leave the kids here?  I’m not doing anything.“  And then my dads chimes in, “Yeah, me either.  Leave them here!“  I will miss that.

And while it was so nice to have our own space in the basement……….we were kind of bursting at the seams.  So we are pretty excited to have our own home again.  My husband is finally done with P.A. school and just has to finish certifying (a big test and lots of paperwork).

Anyway, we have only moved a few hours away from family (still in Colorado though)…..but we will miss being so close.  And holy smokes, I will miss taking turns making dinner with my mom.  And my sister.  We swapped dinner duty the entire time living there.  Totally a win-win for all.  Maybe I can find a next door neighbor who wants the same gig? ;)

Anyway, changes are keeping us busy this week. 

But, I have a few things saved up.  So you’ll see me around. 

Wish me luck trying to decide which drawer will be the silverware drawer, the hot pad drawer, and the tin foil drawer.  Oh, and someone please tell me where I should store those few boxes of junk that just sit around while you’re unpacking because you just don’t know where to put the items that are inside.  Ugggh.  I know you know what I’m talking about. ;)

-Ash

Oh my word, I have such a treat to share with you.  My newest sponsor, Kangaroo Care, is great little shop, filled with all sorts of natural and safe teething jewelry, which babies can yank on, chew on, and teeth on.  All parts are made with chemical free wood, untreated cotton thread (which they use to knit covers for the beads…..so cool), and lots of love!  Perfect for little hands and little teethers!  Also, Kangaroo Care also creates jewelry (and toys) for kids, which I love the look of!  And because it’s all made naturally, it’s completely safe for babies/children.  To top it off, shipping is crazy low.  I know 3 little kiddos (yeah, mine) who would all LOVE something from this shop.

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Turning pants into shorts is nothing new.  I know.  (I’ve even done it before on this ‘ol blog.)  But sometimes we need a good reminder that we don’t have to go out and buy all new shorts for our kids (or even ourselves) for the warmer weather.  Okay, maybe I’m the only one that needed the reminder. 

So I recently dug through all my kids pants and set them in a pile……..and turned them all into shorts.  It was an instant wardrobe update for my little ones.  (Okay, and I also bought a pair of clearance pants that I changed into shorts.  Now is the time to buy pants for really cheap.)  Do you need to hurry and do the same thing?  I bet your kids have outgrown many pairs of pants and maybe you were planning on donating them?  Wait!  Don’t donate!!  (ha…..that sounds horrible!)  But keep them and make those little pants last another season.  And then thank yourself for saving your budget some money.  (And then consider buying a new purse with all that saved money.  Because who doesn’t need a new purse for spring?!)

And here are my 2 preferred methods as of late.  The double hem for a cleaner (and more store bought) look or the frayed and weathered look.  Both are great and are quick fixes.

I can’t help but love this weathered and cutoff jean look.

Even though some may cringe at the sloppy cutoff style……I kinda love it.  You know adding frayed sections to your clothing goes against all traditional sewing rules, so don’t tell your mothers/grandmothers that I purposely damaged the fabric.  Eeeeek, she’ll want to try and help me mend them.  (Because I think my mom sort of flinched when I told her I put those frayed spots there on purpose.)

Cutoffs always seem to come back into style.  Maybe because all it takes is one little whack, and your old jeans still have some life in them.  Thank goodness!

Love them.  (and that kid!)

However, if you want to keep things a little cleaner……..how about making your alterations look store bought.  And add a double hem.  (Don’t be afraid……the double hem is super easy with a double needle.  And definitely something you want to try on your regular ‘ol sewing machine.)

And after sewing them and giving them a good press, they look like they came from the store that way.

I’m sure you have mounds of long pants with holes in the knees, maybe some pants that are outgrown in length and are now high-waters, or hand me downs that are just now fitting but it’s the wrong season to wear them.  Don’t get rid of them…….use them!

And then marvel at your handiwork.  And your bigger bank account. ;)

Need a refresher course in turning pants into shorts?

First of all, decide on the length that you want.  For boys, I like them around the knees or a little longer.  And since it’s early in the season, I want them to be long enough until the end of the summer.  So I went with “plenty long” in length.  The easiest way is to set a pair of shorts on top of your pants, that already fit your subject.  Then add an extra inch to that length and then cut.

Then fold that pant leg over to the other side and use it to cut the second side.  This will assure you that your pant legs are the same length.

Then, serge or zig-zag the raw edges.

Then, fold under each pant leg one inch, pin in place, and then look to see if they look straight and even.  Adjust if necessary.

Then pop in your double needle and use about a 3/4 inch seam allowance.  Remove the pins as you go……and remember that you can backstitch just like normal with the double needle.  (Need help with the double needle?  Click here.)  However, if you don’t have a double needle or don’t like using one……..just create 2 seams right next to each other, about 3/4 of an inch from the bottom. 

**As a side note, if you are sewing your 2 seams separately, go slowly and keep those lines and straight and as evenly spaced as you can.  Otherwise, it will look extra homemade if the lines are squiggly and all over the place.

Then iron flat.  Always iron.  It makes a world of difference.

If you use the double needle, here’s what the other side will look like.

Now, onto those crazy frayed jeans. 

First, chop them off……right at the length you’d like them.

Then, reduce your stitching length a bit.  I lowered mine from about a 3 (which is the standard length on my machine) to a 1.5.  Using a smaller stitch at the bottom of the jeans will hold the fabric in place where you want it to and won’t allow it to fray past the seam that you make, after lots and lots of washing/drying.

Then stitch about a 1/4 inch (or less) from the bottom of the jeans.

Here’s your seam.

Now, for the fraying.  Grab some sand paper and start rubbing.  Here’s my tip though………only sand an area right to left.  That way, you’ll still have some of the base threads to cover the actual hole.  If you rub left to right, you are cutting through the vertical threads in the fabric, but the horizontal ones will stay intact.  So don’t go crazy……..you don’t want gaping holes.  Just keep rubbing until you get the look you want.  And remember, it will always fray more after you wash it.

Then throw those jeans in the washer and dryer (you need to do both for optimal fraying) and that’s it.

Now you have some quick shorts for summer.

Enjoy.

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How was your Easter weekend?

Ours was nice and calm…….with family around.  Including lots of rascally cousins, keeping my little ones extremely busy and happy. (Oh, and some really good food.  Yum.)

I didn’t make anything fussy for my kids to wear Easter Sunday……just a few simple things that are perfect for spring weather.  (And maybe I made them late Saturday night.  Eeek!  That’s why I didn’t share these ideas sooner.  Sorry, if you were hoping for Easter inspiration earlier on.)

And yeah, maybe the kiddos are a little matchy-matchy……..but when I found this tulip fabric in my stash, I couldn’t resist. 

(And I think I found the fabric during a random “hmmm, I wonder what they have” stroll through the Wal-Mart fabric section, months ago.  Or maybe Joann’s??  The designer and fabric name isn’t listed on the fabric selvage.  It only says, “Fabric Traditions”.) 

And these two, ahhhhh, they have the funniest relationship.  They tease and giggle at each other all the time.  When the baby sees her big brother coming her way, she bats her arms arms around and swats his face and tugs on his hair, while he shrieks and laughs.  She’s actually pretty rough with him…..but they both love it!

Check out these Easter Photo Shoot bloopers?    The lean.  The fall.  And the rescue.

But this captures the sister relationship in our family.  My big girl loves on her baby sister like a mommy would…..and the baby usually lets her.  They play a little softer with each other than with my little guy.  And I love it.

Haha.  That same thing happened about 3 other times.  The little lady in the middle is still figuring out her balance.

If I would have been on top of things, I would have posted about their little Easter clothes a few weeks ago, to give you some really quick and simple clothing ideas.  But spring is here and summer is coming.  So maybe you are needing a few really simple outfit ideas for the warmer and brighter weather??

The baby’s dress is really simple.  There’s no special design or cutouts for the arm section of the dress.   Only straight lines and one basic piece of fabric.

The dress is just a shirred tube of fabric.  With some attached straps at the top.  I first created a casing at the top, then shirred about 9 rows with elastic thread below that.  Then I threaded the elastic through the casing, cinched it up, and steamed it to shrivel everything up. Then I created some narrow red tubes of fabric, and sewed them right to the top of the dress for the ties.  (And as a point of reference, the measurement of the tube all the way around, was about 3 times the measurement of my baby’s chest.)

(Need more help?  The whole shape of the dress with the casing and rows of shirring is exactly like the Lily Skirt pattern, sold here.  But if you want to wing it like I did, here is my tutorial for shirring.  Go and tackle it!!)

My little boy is wearing a tie made from my tie pattern, available here. 

Okay, yeah, and I made it about an inch too short.  I’m not sure what I was thinking (well, it was late…..I wasn’t thinking) but I made him a size too small.  Ha…..whatever, it’s still cute! :)

Little rascal.  I love his spunk.

And for the skirt, I was going to shirr it just like the dress above (and the pattern in my shop)……but I ran out of elastic thread.  So I just made a very basic skirt.  With plenty of fabric so that it would be nice and full.  And twirly.  I used a piece of fabric that was 4 times as wide as her 20 inch waist.  (Whereas I generally double the width of something when I want a basic gathered look.)  Then I serged the top and bottom, folded over the top an inch and created a casing for the elastic…..and left the bottom alone (because it was serged).  **TIP: If you are gathering in a skirt that is 4 times the measurement of the waist, be sure it is very thin fabric.  Otherwise, the bulge of that much fabric will be way too bulky at the waist. 

A few quick outfits for Easter, that probably took 2 hours to complete all three items.  Not bad.

Sewing for little ones is way more fun than should be allowed.  And these crazy monkeys are such good sports, wearing all of this stuff made by their mama.  I’m sure that will change one day…….so I’m going to love it while I can!

Hope your weekend was beautiful.