tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41164411202477652082018-11-21T11:02:34.379-08:00The Lonely WalnutSewing, Crafts, Food and GardeningTessanoreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-32318011660195603422018-11-21T11:02:00.003-08:002018-11-21T11:02:34.296-08:00Come Check Out Our New Blog!It's time to say farewell (kind of) to Blogger. This site has served me well, but it's time to move on. I'm going to keep this archive alive, but I've migrated the newest posts to Wordpress. I will continue updating the new site with new projects. I hope you'll come visit :)<div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://walnut.tsbazelli.com/blog/" target="_blank">The Lonely Walnut on Wordpress</a></h2>Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-32156203477892972392015-08-24T08:12:00.000-07:002015-08-24T08:12:00.645-07:00Recipe: Melon Cream PopsiclesHave you ever tried Melona? It's a Korean popsicle brand. I've been craving them like mad, but I can't do dairy at the moment, because the baby's got a sensitivity. (That also means ice cream is out *weeps*) SO what's a girl to do but try to recreate the taste dairy free?<br /><br />My first try was a fail. They look pretty, but I added lime zest into the mix and it overpowered the melon. The popsicles were also a little too icy for my tastes.<br /><br /><img src="https://igcdn-photos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11379821_1620239818214276_1551719231_n.jpg" /><br /><br />So I tried again with honeydew melon. The taste was close but the texture was too pulpy for my taste.<br /><div><br /></div><div>The third try was the charm. The trick is to strain the melon before freezing it. However, if you want extra fibre in your diet, this step is totally unnecessary.<br /><div><br /></div><div>It doesn't get much simpler than three ingredients.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Melon Cream Popsicles</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Ingredients</b></div><br /><ul><li>3 cups melon (2 if you aren't straining)</li><li>2 tbsp honey (more or less depending on the ripeness of your fruit)</li><li>1/2 cup coconut milk beverage / milk / cream (cream would make this especially decadent)</li></ul><div><b>Method</b></div><div><ol><li>Blend the melon.</li><li>Strain it through a mesh sieve.</li><li>Mix with honey and milk.</li><li>Freeze 1 hour, insert sticks, and freeze at least 4 more hours.</li></ol><div>I told you it was an obsession. At least I'm getting my fruit servings for the day! It's practically health food!</div></div></div></div>Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-58655360181428163522015-07-08T11:51:00.000-07:002015-07-08T11:51:00.542-07:00How Does Your Garden Grow?Here's the latest update!<br /><div><br /></div><div>Things are looking better out there. The lettuce has come and gone. Now the other plants are growing fast. We have a few tomatoes growing. Still green but there's enough summer heat left for them to ripen.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4g6EeVpDij4/VZWIEOex86I/AAAAAAAACc0/Go9jbUCRu5Y/s640/blogger-image-968110677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4g6EeVpDij4/VZWIEOex86I/AAAAAAAACc0/Go9jbUCRu5Y/s640/blogger-image-968110677.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The lavender has been resuscitated from near death. It's amazing how many bees and butterflies it attracts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-swdklII881w/VZWIGSFbPlI/AAAAAAAACdE/hCCpCFw3rwI/s640/blogger-image-1397580126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-swdklII881w/VZWIGSFbPlI/AAAAAAAACdE/hCCpCFw3rwI/s640/blogger-image-1397580126.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are tiny tiny cucumbers on this vine and plenty more flowers. It seems to gain an inch or three daily.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cD2-VbM0CNc/VZWIFSnJoXI/AAAAAAAACc8/pjP-4k1FL_c/s640/blogger-image-1517017993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cD2-VbM0CNc/VZWIFSnJoXI/AAAAAAAACc8/pjP-4k1FL_c/s1600/blogger-image-1517017993.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And here's a giant pot of lime basil and sweet basil. I spilled some parsley in there too. Oops. I'm harvesting it already.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hz3XdfFAKiY/VZWIDPIGxVI/AAAAAAAACcs/eSq1Ci89sLs/s640/blogger-image-1089428384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hz3XdfFAKiY/VZWIDPIGxVI/AAAAAAAACcs/eSq1Ci89sLs/s640/blogger-image-1089428384.jpg" /></a></div><br />The raspberries and currants are done. Now I'm still waiting for blueberries and grapes. There's jam in my future.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Surprised how much I'm enjoying gardening. Plants are like really low key pets. I haven't named them but it makes me smile when they grow.</div>Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-80302576722585340962015-07-01T11:13:00.000-07:002015-07-01T11:13:00.672-07:00Recipe: Strawberry Papaya PopsiclesHappy Canada Day! In honour of the occasion we have appropriately red popsicles to nom.<br /><br />These popsicles are even easier than the last batch. A little bit of rum to the mix, and then you'd have strawberry daiquiri on a stick! These are intensely strawberry flavoured, and my favourite so far.<br /><div><br /><a href="https://igcdn-photos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xat1/t51.2885-15/1971384_299880000135677_1567224247_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://igcdn-photos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xat1/t51.2885-15/1971384_299880000135677_1567224247_n.jpg" /></a><br /><div><b><br /></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Strawberry Papaya Popsicles</b></div><b><br /></b><b>Ingredients:</b></div><div><ul><li>1.5 cups strawberries</li><li>2 tbsp granulated sugar</li><li>1 cup papaya</li><li>1/2 cup coconut milk beverage or cream or yogurt</li><li>Liquid sweetener to taste* ie. honey, corn syrup, maple syrup, simple syrup</li></ul></div><div><b>Directions:</b></div><div><ol><li>Add 2 tbsp of sugar to the fruit, mix, and leave in fridge to macerate for 24 hours.</li><li>Pour all ingredients into a food processor or blender, then pour into moulds.</li><li>Freeze one hour, add sticks, then freeze another 4 - 6 hours.</li></ol><div>*I added 1/4 cup corn syrup because it has a neutral flavour. You may need more or less sweetener depending on the ripeness of your fruits. More sweetener also results in a less icy popsicle. You want it a little sweeter than you prefer because freezing dulls the sweetness.</div></div></div>Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-79750583311598836782015-06-23T11:02:00.001-07:002015-06-23T11:02:22.780-07:00Recipe: Mango Coconut PopsiclesHome made popsicles are my latest obsession. In part it's because they're so quick to make! If you can make a smoothie, you can make a popsicle. <br /><br /><img src="https://igcdn-photos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11386572_464254880404124_765963966_n.jpg" /><br /><br />In the height of laziness, I spooned in the mango, then coconut milk, then added more mango on top. I skipped waiting for layers to freeze! I like the way it looks all marbled and sunny. It's a tropical beach on a stick.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Mango Coconut Popsicles</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Ingredients:</b><br /><br /><ul><li>2 cups canned mango pulp (I used Kesar brand)*</li><li>1 cup canned coconut milk</li><li>2 tbsp water or coconut milk beverage</li><li>1 tbsp vanilla extract</li><li>honey to taste</li></ul><div><b>Directions:</b></div><div><ol><li>Mix honey in mango pulp. Freezing dulls sweetness so a little extra helps.</li><li>In a separate bowl, mix coconut milk, water, vanilla extract, and honey to taste.</li><li>Pour half the mango pulp mix into your popsicle molds. </li><li>Pour the coconut mix into your molds on top of the mango pulp.</li><li>Pour the rest of the mango pulp mix on top.</li><li>Freeze one hour, insert sticks, and freeze at least 4 hours more.</li></ol><div>* You can also throw fresh mango into your blender if you don't have pulp available, but it's extra work!</div></div>Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-10524414994739886482015-04-18T17:33:00.001-07:002015-04-18T17:34:39.501-07:00Armchair Slipcovers<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HJZGRMTFw60/VTL31o5fhyI/AAAAAAAAB-g/0VdytrOxRpE/s640/blogger-image-1513108782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HJZGRMTFw60/VTL31o5fhyI/AAAAAAAAB-g/0VdytrOxRpE/s640/blogger-image-1513108782.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This was the last sewing project I had on my list to do before baby arrived. Amazingly, the day after I finished sewing them, I ended up going into labor! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Yk_npBw7ko/VTL3zgi94TI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/o7vRNfwUdFM/s640/blogger-image--1309340428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Yk_npBw7ko/VTL3zgi94TI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/o7vRNfwUdFM/s640/blogger-image--1309340428.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The construction consisted of pinning and hoping for the best. I think they turned out alright! I used some faded old linen drapes for the fabric and like the way it matches the dining table set.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bDQOaldZvHc/VTL30nZWvQI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/ISkbl9HEY6M/s640/blogger-image--747212054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bDQOaldZvHc/VTL30nZWvQI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/ISkbl9HEY6M/s640/blogger-image--747212054.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've already got some splashes of soy sauce and baby drool on them so I'm glad to have them! I <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">can just pop them in the wash without worrying.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Posts will be a little irregular for a while. We're still getting used to being parents for the first time! It's crazy, exhausting, but also a really wonderful thing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-26447396313227542822015-04-07T08:00:00.000-07:002015-04-07T08:00:04.917-07:00Recipe: Mom's Banana Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-U3Mjbt4SYe4/VRWz8pHNjjI/AAAAAAAAB9k/dNFb4pDhksw/s640/blogger-image-1215610399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-U3Mjbt4SYe4/VRWz8pHNjjI/AAAAAAAAB9k/dNFb4pDhksw/s640/blogger-image-1215610399.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Confession time - I used to hate banana bread. It was the only dessert my mom knew how to bake, and I was allergic to most other fruits so it made regular appearances. Instead I dreamed of cheesecake and cookies.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Fast forward to today and I've got a new appreciation for the humble loaf. I've tried other recipes but mom's is hands down the best. It's light, fluffy, not overly sweet, and comes out with a cracked domed crust. It's also practically fool proof. Trust me, I've made all kinds of substitutions and fumbled measurements or added extra bananas and it still always turns out good. Thanks mom!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dy5MduWdoNw/VRWz9qCmvgI/AAAAAAAAB9s/nCo7J0wTQsc/s640/blogger-image--452890722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dy5MduWdoNw/VRWz9qCmvgI/AAAAAAAAB9s/nCo7J0wTQsc/s640/blogger-image--452890722.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div><b>Mom's Banana Bread</b></div><div><i>Makes one large or 2 small loaves (2 small ones in the photos above)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b>Ingredients:</b></div><div>• 2 or 3 ripe bananas </div><div>• 3/4 cup yogurt or buttermilk or 2/3 cup regular milk + 2 tbsp lemon juice</div><div>• 2 eggs</div><div>• 2/3 cup oil</div><div>• 2 2/3 cup flour</div><div>• 1 cup sugar</div><div>• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder</div><div>• 1 tsp baking soda</div><div>• 1 tsp salt</div><div>• (optional) 1 cup chopped nuts</div><br /><b>Method:</b><br /><br />1) Preheat oven to 350. Grease loaf pan.<br /><br />2) Mix bananas, yogurt, eggs, and oiL.<br /><br />3) Mix all other ingredients in a large bowl and add banana mixture to it. Add nuts.<br /><br />4) Pour into prepared pan and bake 35-45 minutes. Done when top is golden brown, cracked, and stick inserted comes out clean.<br /><br />Go forth and use thine overripe bananas.<br /><br />Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-26810124555867192002015-03-31T11:42:00.000-07:002015-03-31T11:42:00.709-07:00A Matching Set<div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/16293009831" title="bagset (2) by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="bagset (2)" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7484/16293009831_d6cd2238e6_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Somehow I've ended up sewing a matching set of bags! They're all packed and ready for the hospital. One is for mom, one for dad, and one for baby.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/16108665389" title="bagset (1) by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="bagset (1)" height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7473/16108665389_e79a5c36b0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The first one I sewed was the <a href="http://www.lonelywalnut.blogspot.ca/2014/02/sew-tell-canvas-and-denim-duffle-bag.html">canvas and denim duffle bag</a>. It's the largest and heaviest of the three, because I wasn't sure how to make the bag bottom sturdy. I ended up using some old jeans and cotton batting to reinforce it, but with hindsight that was overkill, hard to sew through and heavy. It's still so useful. It's become our weekend trip bag of choice, and it fits almost all airline carry-on restrictions (which was the point). I'm glad the straps are sturdy canvas, because we usually stuff that thing full!</div><div><br /></div><div>The second bag I sewed is the <a href="http://www.lonelywalnut.blogspot.ca/2014/05/faux-leather-bottom-tote.html">faux leather bottom tote</a>. It's simple and zippered. It's my favourite bag, because it's lightweight, holds a lot of things, and doesn't take up too much space. It was my first time successfully sewing with faux leather, and I loved it. Faux leather sews up as smooth as butter, but it's a one shot deal because once you make holes they're there forever. I wasn't sure about the straps and just tacked them on. The strap angles aren't quite right, so the bag bunches a little if I wear it on my shoulder. Who knew that made a difference?! Lesson learned. I also messed up because I realized I needed an exterior pocket AFTER I finished sewing it. Consequently, there's only a tiny zippered pocket on the inside (it used to be bigger), because the stitching on the outside pocket goes through both the exterior and lining.</div><div><br /></div><div>The last bag I sewed was the <a href="http://lonelywalnut.blogspot.com/2015/02/sew-tell-diaper-bag.html">diaper bag / weekend bag</a>. It has the most complicated shape of the three, has the most pockets, a leather bottom with purse feet, and an inset zipper. I didn't quite have enough faux leather for the straps, so they're quite thin, but I'll see how well they hold up. Maybe I should have added some padding inside them? But, so far so good.</div><div><br /></div><div>3 bags, many lessons learned. All useful.</div>Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-46083110560480208842015-03-25T14:55:00.000-07:002015-03-25T14:55:00.231-07:00Sew & Tell: Smiling Yeti<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15955052855" title="Softie 007 by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="Softie 007" height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7522/15955052855_c865b7d6cf.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />Isn't she a cutie? I found a pattern online and blew it up about 50% to make this softie. I'm kind of in love with her smiling face! I think it would have been better if I'd used fabric with a little stretch: fleece, or terry towel for extra fluff, but I didn't have any of those on hand so the cotton bunches a little. Still, the color combo is pretty, isn't it?<br /><br />You can find a tutorial to make your own <a href="http://crafts.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-make-a-kawaii-yeti-monster-plush-softie--craft-8553">Kawaii Yeti Monster here</a>.<br /><br />SO many baby birthdays! This one is a gift too.Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-91830739354986985932015-03-18T11:21:00.000-07:002015-03-18T11:21:00.207-07:00Sew & Tell: Laundry Bag<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/16108663629" title="laundry bag by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="laundry bag" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7544/16108663629_2a82fbb151_z.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><br />Need a breather from all the baby stuff? I do! Here was a quick weekend project. I needed something to hold laundry in the bedroom that wouldn't take up too much space. I really like how this turned out. Former sheer curtain ends were turned into a simple drawstring bag. A pant hanger holds it up. It's just big enough for a week's worth of laundry, and easy enough to hide if people come over. <br /><br />Maybe it's too simple to even post, but it's one of the most useful things I've made lately.Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-69158209494409766022015-03-11T15:02:00.000-07:002015-03-11T15:02:00.149-07:00Sew & Tell: Simple Plush Bear<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15955053455" title="Softie 005 by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="Softie 005" height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7512/15955053455_7417a34ec6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />This was the easiest plush toy yet: two pieces of cloth plus felt. I made him for my friend's baby shower. I suppose baby won't be playing with it for a long time yet, but it's still fun to gift a little something homemade right? I made him a little larger and wider than the original pattern.<br /><br />Get the tutorial and free pattern here: <a href="http://craftschmaft.com/2013/07/18/teddy-tutorial-softie-plushie-pattern/">Mr. Ted Tutorial</a>.Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-50062159040522264602015-03-04T08:46:00.000-08:002015-03-04T10:30:55.411-08:00Sewing for BabyFor someone that sews so much, I haven't done much sewing for our own baby! Most of the sewing I've done for baby so far has been practical rather than sweet. We received a bunch of hand me downs which I'm SO grateful for and there wasn't much that I needed to make.<br><br>Take for example these burp cloths. I cut up some old towels and lined the back with more colourful fabric. Not exactly heirloom material, but they'll do for wiping up the spit and spills that are bound to happen.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/16294801265" title="baby 004 by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="baby 004" height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8587/16294801265_70b4581cdf.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br>Then there's the nursing pillow. I sewed it from some leftover cotton curtain fabric, and then made a washable cover from old flannel. I'll be the first to admit the flannel is UGLY, but it is soft. There's an envelope closure at one end so it's removable.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/16107439990" title="baby 003 by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="baby 003" height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8655/16107439990_d246f43cf1.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br>And you can never have enough storage. I sewed 3 fabric bins and they're already full of baby socks, hats, and bottles. They're at the bottom of the changing table. The last bin is a cardboard box I covered with fabric. The fabric bins fit in the bookshelf that is off to the right outside of the camera view, but it's more useful to have them in the changing table for now.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/16107440490" title="baby 002 by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="baby 002" height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7523/16107440490_d57c279654.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br>Lastly, I made a changing pad. Right now it's covering the foam that came with the changing table. It's vinyl over a sandwich of cotton fabric that came from a crib bumper, with a thin hand me down receiving blanket for padding in between the cotton. At least the moons and stars match the nursery theme.<br><br>Maybe you're a practical person too? Here are the links to tutorials so you can make your own:<br><ul><li><a href="http://cloud9fabrics.com/tutorial-contoured-burp-cloths/">Contoured Burp Cloth</a> - I lined mine with towels instead of flannel.</li><li><a href="http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/nursing-pillow-pattern.html">Free Nursing Pillow Pattern</a> - How to make both the pillow and cover.</li><li><a href="http://haberdasheryfun.com/fabric/diy-reversible-fabric-storage-bin">Reversible Fabric Storage Bins</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.allfreesewing.com/Sewing-for-Baby/Travel-Diaper-Changing-Pad-Pattern">Travel Diaper Changing Pad</a> - I opted not to make the extra pockets, and made mine wider.</li></ul>Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-85369187756574640662015-02-25T14:50:00.000-08:002015-02-25T14:50:00.222-08:00Sew & Tell: Owl Softie<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15767651778" title="Softie 001 by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="Softie 001" height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7560/15767651778_d878f7bd78.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />I'm addicted to sewing stuffed toys. Luckily, there are plenty of kids' birthdays to go to lately! I whipped this little guy up based on an owl I saw in a photo. I think the owl was originally from West Elm but isn't available anymore. This one is jumbo sized, almost big enough to be a toddler's pillow. You might not be able to tell so well from the photo (cursed, dark, rainy, winter, with bad lighting), but there are embroidered scallop shell feathers on the chest of the owlet and the wings.<br /><br />Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-80130487493786728292015-02-11T09:28:00.000-08:002017-08-25T08:53:40.628-07:00Sew & Tell: Diaper BagSince I've started sewing I've gotten very picky about my bag needs. Most of the ones I find in the store are missing one or two elements that I really love (like a hook for my keys or extra pockets), so I decided to sew my own diaper bag. This one is inspired by the <a href="http://www.katespade.com/baby-accessories/designer-diaper-bags/nylon-stripe-stevie-baby-bag/PXRU3369,default,pd.html">Kate Spade Striped Stevie Baby Bag.</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15171908854" title="Diaper Bag (1) by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="Diaper Bag (1)" height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7557/15171908854_1851413c11.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />It didn't turn out exactly the same. I wanted the bag to be a little larger, I simplified the shape, added a pocket to the front, plus a faux leather bottom with purse feet.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15793421272" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Diaper Bag (2) by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="Diaper Bag (2)" height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8628/15793421272_9909be52ae.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />There's an inset zip so that the bag has extra capacity and I prefer zippers because I know that things aren't going to fall out. The interior is sewn from water resistant nylon and has 9 pockets. It may sound kind of excessive, but I love organized bags, and all of them are full already. The bag turned out so large that there's enough room for that many pockets, plus the three exterior ones. There's one long pocket along one side that isn't visible in this photo, but is big enough for the changing pad.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15801124542" title="Baby Bag Interior by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="Baby Bag Interior" height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7503/15801124542_e8a9b75fbd.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />It's a bit hard to photograph the lining of a floppy bag! I hope you can get the idea from here. I figure I can use this as a weekend bag even when the diaper days are done with. It's lightweight which is a bonus so I can stuff a lot in there and still carry it around.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15674928243" title="diaperbag_hang by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="diaperbag_hang" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7575/15674928243_0e1d2faae1_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><br />I also sewed a couple of stroller attachment straps so I can clip it on if needed. The straps are made of nylon, hooks, and velcro.<br /><br />Now, I'm not the biggest lover of pink, but it makes me smile that the interior is unexpectedly bright while the exterior is so subdued. I almost grabbed my sunglasses while I was sewing it up.Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-51816319798042092542015-02-04T09:26:00.000-08:002015-02-04T09:26:00.602-08:00Nursery in Progress: Cloud Wall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15793360282" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cloud Wall by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="Cloud Wall" height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7500/15793360282_8935152683.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />We're almost done! The mobile is hung, the crib and changing table are assembled, and we finished decorating the wall with a cloud design. The clouds are cut out of white contact paper so can easily be removed or repositioned if necessary. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15789925951" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cloud Wall (1) by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="Cloud Wall (1)" height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5605/15789925951_3201d4a953.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />I downloaded three different cloud templates and traced them out. I cut out 8 of the largest, 12 of the medium sized, and then 18 of the smallest sized ones.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15791790895" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cloud Wall (2) by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="Cloud Wall (2)" height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7535/15791790895_ec279ae1f7.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />I think the wall would look amazing if it were blue, but our walls are yellowish so I outlined the clouds with blue permanent marker so they would show up better.Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-68987118990599598132015-01-28T08:59:00.000-08:002015-01-28T08:59:00.640-08:00Dining Seat CoversI'm a messy eater, and with the baby on the way, things are only going to get messier around here! So, to save our new dining set, I sewed some washable seat covers.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15789849451" title="Seat Cover by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="Seat Cover" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7575/15789849451_e94d5eb58b_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><br />Why white? Because I can just throw them in the wash with bleach if needed. I sewed them out of the old curtains that used to hang in the nursery.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15768048916" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Seat Cover Detail by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="Seat Cover Detail" height="364" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7493/15768048916_4e7ddb3b93.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><i>Here are a few of the details:</i><br />1) Traced the top and sides of the dining chair with newspaper, and cut it out of fabric.<br />2) Sewed the sides to the top, using top stitching along the top edge.<br />3) Left space for the wooden chair back.<br />4) Added velcro to the back edges so that they could attach securely to the dining chairs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15606563007" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Seat Cover 2 by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="Seat Cover 2" height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7566/15606563007_f8d8ae5fe3.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><br />And this is what it looks like from the back, when attached. I used the basic idea from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCQBgF_D7LQ&noredirect=1">this video tutorial</a> but modified it slightly.Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-53908657883112675052015-01-21T13:15:00.000-08:002015-01-21T13:15:00.749-08:00Recipe: Quick(er) Sourdough Nut Bread<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/14968003743" title="Nutty Sourdough 2 by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="Nutty Sourdough 2" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3947/14968003743_3c50e44e55.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />Some weeks I'm lazy and don't want to feed my sourdough starter, because I've accumulated too much or I don't have 8 hours to make bread. Here's a recipe that takes about 3 hours from start to finish, and uses unfed starter. It's a good way to use up extra starter, plus it's packed with nutty flavour.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15402547300" title="Nutty Sourdough 1 by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="Nutty Sourdough 1" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3951/15402547300_34f90a6098.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Quick(er) Sourdough Nut Bread</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>makes 2 loaves</i></div><br /><b>Ingredients:</b><br /><ul><li>227 g unfed sourdough starter (1 cup)</li><li>340 g lukewarm water</li><li>2 teaspoons instant yeast</li><li>14 g sugar</li><li>2 teaspoons salt</li><li>300 g unbleached all-purpose flour</li><li>300 g spelt flour or whole wheat flour</li><li>1/2 cup sunflower seeds</li><li>1/2 cup flax seeds</li></ul><br /><b>Method:</b><br /><ol><li>Mix sourdough starter, sugar, instant yeast, and water. </li><li>Add flours and nuts.</li><li>Add salt.</li><li>Knead on lightly floured surface until you get a smooth dough ball.</li><li>Let rise in a covered, oiled, container for 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled.</li><li>Cut into two and shape as desired. </li><li>Cover with plastic wrap and let rise 1 hour.</li><li>Slash the bread loaves.</li><li>Bake for 35 minutes at 400 degrees F, or until golden brown on the outside.</li></ol>Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-16685933597088521002015-01-14T10:38:00.000-08:002015-01-14T10:38:00.569-08:00Nursery In Progress: DIY Velvet Back Tab CurtainsI figured I'd tackle decorating the nursery before it gets too hard to move around. The first task was to replace the existing dull cream curtains. One of those curtain panel was 5 inches longer than the other (WHY!?!), and it was driving me nuts!<br /><br />Enter some plush velvet in navy blue and forest green. We're having a girl, but I wanted to keep the major accessories neutral, and go with an enchanted forest sort of theme. I sewed two panels, each made of half blue and half green fabric.<br /><br />Making back tab curtains isn't complicated. All you need to do is hem 3 sides of each curtain panel as normal. The top of the curtain requires a little more work, but if you can sew a straight stitch, you can totally manage this.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15199305480" title="TabCurtain1 by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="TabCurtain1" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3882/15199305480_df947003f0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />Here's what the top part of each curtain panel looks like. I made a 4 inch wide hem, and folded some heavy duty black webbing under the bottom seam, and added another two lines of stitches to secure them to the top of the curtain. Each strip of black webbing is roughly 5 inches apart. Putting the strips closer together will make your curtain ruffles smaller and more full.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15385676092" title="TabCurtain2 by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="TabCurtain2" height="333" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2946/15385676092_6a3e8ae0c8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />Here's what it looks like all stitched together. You could make tubes of fabric out of the same color fabric as your curtains instead of using webbing, but in this case, the velvet would have been too thick, and it was faster to use the webbing. It hangs just fine this way. The best part about these curtains is that they pleat well without the need for any extra curtain hardware.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15277024380" title="TabCurtain5 by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="TabCurtain5" height="500" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2945/15277024380_a9a0c350ac.jpg" width="491" /></a></div><br />Interested in making your own back tab curtains? Here are two tutorials that go into more detail:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.simplesimonandco.com/2012/10/tab-top-curtain-tutorial.html">Tab-Top Curtain Tutorial</a> by Simple Simon</li><li><a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.ca/2014/08/curtain-call-diy-tab-curtains-for.html">DIY Tab Curtains</a> by Dans le Lakehouse</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15277054768" title="TabCurtain4 by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="TabCurtain4" height="640" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15277054768_784e37b808_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><br />And here's what they look like hanging at full length. The nursery doesn't get a ton of natural light, so the dark curtains were tricky to get a good shot of. Hopefully things will look a little more put together when the nursery is complete.Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-28534365435503365662015-01-07T11:00:00.000-08:002015-01-07T11:00:00.150-08:00Nursery in Progress: DIY Woodland MobileNever leave me alone in a room with a glue gun and scissors. I went to town on some felt, and many drips and scattered pieces of felt later, this is what happened over two nights of madness:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15277053598" title="MobileIP by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="MobileIP" height="640" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2950/15277053598_864e7aa303_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><br />The hardest part was figuring out the hanging contraption. I ended up taking two wooden dowels, pressing them between two pieces of felt, and gluing like crazy. I hid the join with even MORE felt and glue, cutting out leaves from some of my scraps. Getting the strings to hang even, took more time than I expected, but I think I managed it in the end.<br /><br />I took some inspiration from mobiles I saw online, and picked some of the animals I wanted to include: a bunny, a fox, a fawn, and a squirrel. To speed up the process I used my sewing machine to sew the animals together instead of hand stitching, and trimmed the excess felt afterwards.Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-70413162487146986702014-12-17T14:25:00.001-08:002014-12-17T14:25:25.764-08:00Happy Holidays!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/arild_storaas/821307719" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fireplace by Arild Storaas, on Flickr"><img alt="Fireplace" height="374" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1164/821307719_411e777416.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[ photo: Fireplace via Arild Storaas CC ]</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I hope your holiday season is filled up with good memories and good food. See you back here in January :)Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-22980144424678521472014-12-10T09:21:00.000-08:002014-12-10T09:21:00.132-08:00Sew & Tell: Faux Leather Wristlet & Pencil CaseI'm mildly obsessed with mint green, so much so that I've been hoarding this faux leather / pleather remnant for months. I wanted just the right project for it, and I think I've found it. Drumroll please...<br /><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15332654309" title="clutchPurse (1) by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="clutchPurse (1)" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3929/15332654309_5859e23483.jpg" width="500" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>TA DA! It's a simple clutch purse or wristlet. The wrist strap is detachable. It's unlined because the faux leather is fairly thick and won't fray. I also wanted to whip up something pretty quickly and this came together in about 20 minutes.<br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15516393411" title="clutchPurse (2) by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="clutchPurse (2)" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3954/15516393411_fdc533c2b9.jpg" width="500" /></a></div></div><div><br />I also made a monogrammed pencil case. The "J" is cut out of felt.. It uses the exact same method as the wristlet, but it's slightly narrower. It also lacks the wrist strap.<br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15332814500" title="clutchPurse by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="clutchPurse" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3949/15332814500_0f145089e6_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>They would both make easy presents for the holiday's, right? </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://lonelywalnut.blogspot.ca/2009/09/tutorial-sew-small-lined-purse.html">Here's the method</a> I used to construct both, skipping the lining, so it's even faster. The dimensions are different but the idea's exactly the same!</div>Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-24358605806672258622014-12-03T08:00:00.000-08:002014-12-03T08:00:06.555-08:00Sew & Tell: Bunny Softie<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15199490317" title="Bunny2 by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="Bunny2" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3872/15199490317_88f5fc4c00.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />Baby's coming soon, and I want to welcome her into the world with a little something handmade by mommy. <a href="http://whileshenaps.com/2014/01/free-pattern-sophia-the-bunny.html">Sophia the bunny</a> is made of one of El's old sweatshirts, plus some of the softest jersey scraps I could find (leftover from this <a href="http://lonelywalnut.blogspot.ca/2014/09/sew-tell-summer-kimono-style-top.html">kimono top</a>). Isn't she adorable? Check out her fluffy pom-pom tail.<br /><br />She'd probably make a quick and easy last minute Christmas gift for all the babies and toddlers in your life too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15382810931" title="Bunny1 by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="Bunny1" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3900/15382810931_190600d76c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />I probably won't get much crafting done after baby comes. El and I are in for a whole new adventure.Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-83968016084889652902014-11-19T08:00:00.000-08:002014-11-19T08:00:01.803-08:00Sew & Tell: Pom Pom Pillows<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15199241679" title="PomPom1 by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="PomPom1" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3892/15199241679_2f872080e2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />Here are more throw pillows! I covered some of our old mismatched throw pillows with blue and pink fabric. The pom-pom trims are yellow and lime green. The two blue pillows have a simple envelope back, but the pink pillow cover isn't removable. <br /><br />It's simple to add pom-pom trim to your pillow covers. It just takes the extra step of pinning and sewing on the trim to the front piece of the pillow fabric before sewing the cover together like normal. <a href="http://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/2014/02/03/diy-decorative-throw-pillows-sewing-tutorial.html">Here's a tutorial</a> that shows how that's done.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15385679602" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="PomPom2 by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="PomPom2" height="333" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15385679602_16a1d78f35.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />It's much needed pop of colour against all our neutral furniture.Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-11511346601244509422014-11-12T08:00:00.000-08:002014-11-15T21:36:41.172-08:00Sew & Tell: Dino Softie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15199489467" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" title="Dino1 by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="Dino1" height="333" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2948/15199489467_714d53cdd7.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />When I was a kid, I went through this long obsession with dinosaurs, and one day I fell in love with this plush velvet triceratops that I never got to take home. So when I came across this <a href="http://www.welivedhappilyeverafter.com/2012/05/diy-dinosaur-tutorial.html">dino softie tutorial</a>, I just had to make one! Isn't she a cutie pie?<br /><br />She's made of sweatshirt fabric, felt, and some blue fabric scraps for the spine. She's stuffed with leftover bits of fleece and poly-fill for extra squish. She's going to be a Christmas present, but I may just make another one for our baby to be :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarlotus/15362983796" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Dino2 by T S, on Flickr"><img alt="Dino2" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3900/15362983796_ebc1fa1b3b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>Tessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116441120247765208.post-10654808607572597152014-10-29T14:29:00.000-07:002017-09-28T09:49:15.926-07:00Maternity Capsule WardrobeAs much as I love sewing, my energy is way down these days. Coupled with all the house renovations, I haven't had much energy left to do too much maternity DIY.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Up until the second trimester I managed to fit mostly into looser regular clothing, but 5 months in, non-maternity wear isn't comfortable most of the time. Buying maternity clothing was overwhelming at first, because I had no idea what I might need, but I'm happy with the basic wardrobe I've ended up with.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bnu1UDCc2go/VAkm0gY5-3I/AAAAAAAAB6g/PPC38PmOIF0/s1600/capsule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="473" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bnu1UDCc2go/VAkm0gY5-3I/AAAAAAAAB6g/PPC38PmOIF0/s1600/capsule.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div><br /></div><div>In case you're not sure what you might need to buy for maternity wear here's my list of essentials:</div><div><div><br /></div><div><b>Casual</b></div><div><ul><li><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5868&vid=1&pid=978153002">Maxi skirt </a></li><li><a href="http://www.target.com/p/merona-petites-sleeveless-maxi-dress-assorted-prints/-/A-15045364#prodSlot=medium_1_51&term=maxi+dress">Maxi dress </a></li><li><a href="http://www.thymematernity.com/Striped-Maternity-Sweater/733197,default,pd.html?dwvar_733197_color=White&cgid=TM-Maternity-Clothing-Sweaters&start=5">Sweater</a> </li><li>T-shirts <a href="http://www.thymematernity.com/Now-After-V-Neck-Maternity-T-shirt/727097,default,pd.html?dwvar_727097_color=Plum%20Purple&cgid=TM-Sale&start=3">1</a>, <a href="http://www.thymematernity.com/Maternity-Top-With-Tribal-Print-Screen/731722,default,pd.html?dwvar_731722_color=White&cgid=TM-Sale&start=20">2</a></li><li><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=12941&vid=1&pid=294415002">Full panel maternity jeans</a></li></ul></div><div><b>Work and special occasions</b></div><div><ul><li><a href="http://www.thymematernity.com/Sleeveless-Maternity-Scuba-Dress/311636,default,pd.html?dwvar_311636_color=Black&cgid=TM-New-Arrivals-Dresses-Skirts&start=8">Black dress</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.thymematernity.com/Maternity-Top-With-Body-Tie/732178,default,pd.html?dwvar_732178_color=Plum%20Purple&cgid=TM-New-Arrivals-Tops-Blouses&start=22">Blouse</a></li><li><a href="http://www.thymematernity.com/Maternity-Tunic-With-Faux-Leather-Details/733082,default,pd.html?dwvar_733082_color=Feather&cgid=TM-Maternity-Clothing-Tops-Blouses&start=0">Tunic </a></li><li><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5868&vid=1&pid=855627002">Black maxi skirt </a></li><li><a href="http://lonelywalnut.blogspot.com/2014/10/maternity-pants-diy.html">Black pants</a> (DIY)</li></ul></div><div><b>Around the house</b></div><div><div><ul><li><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=41780&vid=1&pid=897101002">Yoga pants</a></li><li><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=41780&vid=1&pid=778942002">Leggings</a></li></ul></div></div><div><ul></ul><div>Mix and match with oversized or tops, cardigans, tie waist coats, flat shoes, sandals and boots. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>For pants and bottoms, I've found that low waisted styles tend to slip and I prefer a full tummy panel which will be wearable for all nine months. Until about 4 months, <a href="http://lonelywalnut.blogspot.ca/2014/08/sew-tell-diy-maternity-band.html">belly bands</a> and elastic waists were enough to see me through until I was big enough for maternity wear. You may be different so go with whatever feels most comfortable for you.<br /><br />When it comes to undergarments I don't recommend spending too much, because your size can change rapidly and you might need a new bra in a week's time. Buy them as you need. </div><div><br /></div></div></div></div><div><i><b>Tips:</b> You can find maternity wear that can work both post-pregnancy and as non-maternity wear. For example, look for maternity dresses or tops without obvious side ruching. You can also find maternity shirts that look good slouchy. I'm a fan of long shirts and oversized sweaters any day, so I know some of these will still get regular wardrobe rotation afterwards.</i></div>Tessanoreply@blogger.com