Three Sisterz

::American Girl and/or 18" Doll Dress Tutorial::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:30:00 +0000

I can't stop making these dresses for all the girls I know. Want to make some too? Here's how I do it:

Cut one piece of fabric 11" x 26". Cut two strips of fabric 1 1/2" x 11".

Lay the fabric out so that one of the long sides (26") is closest to you. This will be the bottom hemline.

Serge the raw edge of one 26" side and then fold and press it 1/4".

If you don't have a serger, fold and iron the raw edge over 1/4" and then fold and iron it over again another 1/4" to hide the raw edge.

Sew the hemline closed with a straight stitch.

A second option is to flip the fabric over so that the raw edge is facing down, line up rick rack with the hemline and sew a straight stitch. It will close the hem and also attach the trim.

Here is what the finished hemline and rick rack look like.

Fold the fabric with right sides together, lining up the two short edges as accurately as possible.

Sew the two short sides together with a straight stitch and a zig zag along the raw edge OR serge them. Press to set the seam. You know have a tube.

Pull the tube apart so that the seam is laying in the middle of the tube and press it to one side.

Turn the tube of fabric inside out, smooth out the layers and press neatly.

Fold the tube in half so that the pressed seam is laying on the other edge of the tube. There will be four layers of fabric.

Now let's work on the arm holes.

Lay the dress so that the folded edges are on the left side. You will be cutting out the 2 armholes at one time.

Measure:

1 1/2 inches straight across the top of the neckline and

3 1/4 inches straight down toward the bottom hem line.

Line up a small bowl or other circular shape that fits between the two measurements and trace the shape to form a curved line.

You need to make it large enough to fit around the doll's arm.

Cut along the line and discard scrap piece.

Unfold the dress and you should have two armholes on each side of the tube.

Time to finish the armholes.

Take one 1 /12 x 11"strip and fold in half lengthwise with wrong sides together. Press.

Open it up, fold one edge to the middle and press.

Fold the other edge to the middle and press.

Fold both sides together on middle line and press.

Place the raw edge of the armhole into the folded trim, much like putting a piece of paper into a file folder. Pin the trim on if desired.

Sew along the edge of the folded trim to attach it to the dress, making sure to completely envelop the raw edge and catch the trim along the back as well. Adjust as you go along to keep the raw edge from slipping out.

Cut off excess trim.

Repeat on the other armhole.

After both armholes are completed, lay the dress down with the neckline facing toward you. Press flat with hot iron.

Fold neckline over approximately 1/4". Press with a hot iron.

Fold neckline over a second time approximately 7/8". Make sure that the casing is wide enough for a small 3/8" ribbon to pass through easily.

Stitch along the edge of the casing in order to close it. Backstitch at the edges so as to secure casing.

Repeat on the other side of the neckline.

Thread the ribbon through the neckline on both sides. Put the dress over the doll and tie a pretty bow on one side.

Got questions? Leave them in the comments and I will answer them!

::My Girls, My Nails and My Vintage Goodies::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:05:00 +0000

I'm slowly embracing the camera and all the happier for it.

With the littlest after bath time.

My last Kindergarten Mother's Day celebration. *tears*

My last kindergarten picnic.

Watching my oldest play softball all spring was a great way to spend our time. Even her sister agreed on most days.

The Brooklyn Flea came to Philly! I've always wanted to go but have never made the trip to NYC so when I heard it was coming here, I was so excited. It's in the Northern Liberties part of town at a place called the Piazza at Schmidts, an Italian style open-air plaza by the old Schmidt's Brewery. Jared Kushner, aka Ivanka Trump's husband, now owns the Piazza and brought the Flea here. Ivanka was down there on Sunday but I didn't see her! If you live in the area, you should come check it out.

Some goodies I picked up at the Flea.

My new favorite vintage glasses for drinking Pellegrino with lemon. They inspired my weekly manicure. The color is OPI's Jade is the New Black.

Last week's color was Essie's Bobbing for Baubles, a dark, deep navy blue. I love it.

Happy almost Friday!

::Behind the Camera and What I've Been Up To::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 02:48:00 +0000

Hi.

How are you?

What have you been up to?

In between Tball, softball, swim team and being outdoors during the long-awaited springtime, I've managed to squeeze in some quiet time which I've needed desperately. I'm being a little selfish these days.

Like most moms, I've given so much of myself to my children and it's been to my detriment. The constant care and nurturing of my three girls over the last 12 years has left me depleted and lost. Now that they're older and in school for longer periods of time, I've forced myself to take better care of me. This includes actually showering every day, putting on make up, long walks, a nap here or there, reading during the day and all those good things that feed my soul. These are all such minor and little things that add up to a huge change in my state of mind.

Surprisingly, I don't feel guilty. I don't feel guilty and I can't believe that. I had to work at not feeling guilty that the house was a mess or that gourmet dinners weren't on the table at 6pm sharp.

But I've noticed a huge difference; I feel calm and peaceful and happy. And for that, I am grateful.

Because when the first one gets off the bus at 3pm until 9:30 at night when the last one falls asleep, I'm much more patient with the girls (and the husband) and not so exhausted and cranky at dinner/homework/bed time.

During my quiet time I've been working on blocks for the Virtual Quilting Bee with Amy Smart @Diary of a Quilter. What do you think? Do you like this one?

I think it goes well with these.

I've been reading about one women's journey to from panic to peace. I could use a little more peace and a lot less anxiety in my life and she shares some great ways to do that in her book.

Cuddling with the kiddos has been at the top of the list. My oldest just turned twelve and I feel the years just speeding by. I cringe when I think about a few short years from now when she will be out of the house. One day I'm going to look back and be so happy that I cuddled with my girls instead of putting laundry away in drawers and keeping my kitchen crumb-free.

I've been chain piecing blocks for Bloom Bloom Pow Quilt-a-Long with Lee @ Freshly Pieced while this one keeps me company.

I've signed up for Sewing Summit 2013. Cannot wait!

I've been learning to use a 60* triangle ruler to cut Bloom Bloom Pow triangles. Trying to keep the ruler from moving around while I cut has been so hard. I'm hoping my mistakes don't mess up my quilt in the end.

And I've been getting in front of the camera with my pumpkins. When I first had Colleen, my oldest, I called her my little peanut. I call each of my girls 'peanut' and also 'pumpkin'. I think I picked this up from our mom. I use the words like you would use "honey." I'll say, "Come here pumpkin and let me brush your hair." The other day, one of Maeve's friends heard me call her 'pumpkin' and roared with laughter that I "...called her a pumpkin!" I'm now wondering if they are funny or odd terms of endearment. Is it strange? I don't know but I've used them forever and I'm pretty sure our mom used those words too. They are affectionate and special to me but now that I think about it, it might seem pretty funny if I heard a mom call her child a 'squash' or an 'olive' or some other food product. But that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Hope you had a great weekend. Have a great Monday!

::Fabric Shopping::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:38:00 +0000

I went fabric shopping with my ONE and ONLY local quilting friend, Maura! It's my favorite thing to do, EVA! We were literally giddy with excitement on the one hour drive there. And giddy with sewing and quilt talk too. The store is enormous and we spent 2 hours roaming the isles and filing our carts. Fabulous. Heaven, I tell ya!

full cart

As soon as we pull into the parking lot, my mind starts racing with ideas and in my head I'm thinking, "omgomgomgomgomgomgomg." When we get inside, I usually elbow Maura out of the way, grab a cart and start yanking bolts of fabric off the shelves.

tone on tone chevron from Riley Blake

My heart literally races and I zip around aisles trying to catch my breath. The announcer from Supermarket Sweep is in my head urging me on.

I lose sight of Maura for a long while as we are both off in our own worlds. Tackling the store in our unique ways. I start right inside the front door on the left with the precuts and zig zag the entire left side of the store. Then I head to the sale section in the back on the right hand side of the store and work my way back to the front. Maura starts in the sale section and is usually waiting for me by the registers.

Noteworthy by Sweetheart

Sometimes we pass each other and peek to see what the other has gathered. Some oohing and aaahhhing occurs and 'oh, where'd you find that?'

Lucky Penny by Allison Glass

She's much more thoughtfull and deliberate and sticks with her list of what she needs for a particular project. Sometimes she'll show me a fabric she loves ( like the ninjas) and then SHE PUTS IT BACK ON THE SHELF!!

How does she have such control?? Ack! If I love it, I have to have it. Even if it just sits on my shelf. (I am still thinking about those cute ninjas and wishing I'd bought them.)

Ahoy Matey by Michael Miller

After two hours of adrenaline pumping, we sit in her car eating lunch and thanking the Quilting Gods that not one school nurse called us to come pick up a sick child.

Don't Be Crabby by Laurie Wisborn

miscellaneous stash builders

stash builders

more stash

On the long ride home, we talk all about the projects we want to work on and how we wish we had more time to sew.

novelty prints that I couldn't live without

florals

And when she drops me off at home, it's all I can do to drag myself up the front steps with my bag of goodies. I'm exhausted, but the second half of my day is about to start as the kids are getting off the bus.

my loot

And then we text one more time.

Thanks, Maura!

::Fabric Selection::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 17:07:00 +0000

Here's the stack of fabrics I've pulled for the Virtual Quilting Bee. I'm happy with all the color choices but I may have too many polka dots in there. I'll have to see as I go and make sure I space them around.

This stack was used for my first Block 1. Love, love, love it and really happy with how the block turned out. This block was designed by Sherri at A Quilting Life.

This stack I pulled was centered around the top fabric~ Marmalade Floral Pink by Bonnie and Camille.
I love how it looks but ended up changing it for Block 2. I will try to use it again in another block.

Here's Block 2. The tutorial is by Sukie of Sukie Don't Ya Know and it's fairly simple.

And because I'm loving this Bee, I made a second version of Block 1. I hope to make two of each block but we'll see how that goes. Doesn't hurt to try!

::BlogLovin::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 20:53:00 +0000

Hey All,

Since Google Reader is closing up shop we are joining BlogLovin if you want to follow us there!

Lessons From My Sisters

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Hammond) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:59:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of watching Flannery & Courtenay as mothers before I became one myself. In fact, Colleen, the oldest cousin, was born when I was a freshman in college! Needless to say, I have learned SO much from them...and I'm so thankful that they paved the way for me. Let's be honest, I'd be a hot mess (in more ways than one) if it weren't for them. ;) Here are the top 5 lessons that I have learned about being a mother from my older & wiser sisters...

1. Have fun.

Court is known for making holidays, birthdays & just random days FUN and festive. She's notorious for being the one who feeds the babies their first taste of ice cream. She'll start a dance party in her kitchen - singing at the top of her lungs, making her best impression of Taylor Swift. She will let the kids play in the tub for hours, just because it makes them happy (and wrinkly!). She will go all out for their birthdays - decorate the house, make their favorite meal, let them have second AND third servings of cake & stay up waaaay too late. :) Court has fun with her kids - and it shows. It rubs off on them & it creates the BEST memories.

(source)

2. Pick your battles.

A certain cousin (who will remain nameless...) refuses to wear anything but bathing suits. Disney bathing suits. Minnie Mouse if possible. If she had it her way, she would go to the grocery store, to school, to the park, to church, etc. in a bathing suit. No shoes, no coat - just a bathing suit (P.S. They live in Chicago). Flannery, obviously, sets boundaries with Ginger (ie, school), but most of the time she allows her to wear the bathing suits. It's not hurting anyone, right? Happy baby=Happy Mommy. And if you think about it, there ARE bigger battles to fight, don't you think?!

3. Make time for you & your significant other.

It is waaaay too easy to become consumed with work, the house, the kids...all while forgetting your relationship. I never realized how quickly you can become disconnected from your partner. Court & Andy have Sushi Friday (date night at home...catching up on their shows...with a cocktail or two). It's the perfect ending to the long week & something for them both to look forward to. Flann & Gar are great about getting a babysitter (and making space in their budget!) at least once a week for them to go out together. It's a great way for them to reconnect with each other AND with their friends.

4. Make time for yourself.

Being a mom is the hardest job on earth. Hands down. I tell my patients that coming to work is MUCH easier than being at home with the boys. No joke! I consider it my "me time" because I get to eat without interruptions, go to the bathroom without anyone joining me AND hang out with my friends! ;) Flannery knows that she has to exercise...not so much for her physical health, but for her mental health. She knows, she is at her best (as a mom & a wife) when she has gone for a run or to the gym. For Court, she needs her quiet "downtime" to sew, create (or check the celebrity gossip sites - shhh!) & re-charge.

5. Ask for help.

This is the biggest lesson for me. Several years ago, Court's family was unfortunately struck by the dreaded Norovirus. Court called and Pops & I went up to help out, do laundry, & clean. Granted, Pops and I were on the floor of our own very bathrooms a week later...but that's beside the point! Over the past couple years, Flann's eldest has had several surgeries, which required a lot of traveling. Not only that, but her family has had to move about a bajillion times in the last several years. Without asking friends & family for a place to stay or for someone to watch the kids, none of it would have happened! I'm now convinced (and sometimes need to be reminded!) that nobody, NOBODY can do it alone. It's not a sign of weakness, nor does it make you any less of a mom, to ask for help. :)

(source)

Alright, there you have it. I have a lot of friends who are becoming mothers soon. I wanted to share things that I have learned from my sisters, who are both amazing moms. I hope these lessons are as helpful for you as they have been for me!

::American Girl Doll Headband::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:40:00 +0000

Ruthie shouldn't be the only girl with a headband! Kit wanted one too and one that matched her dress.

Follow Flannery's original tutorial without the step of making a fabric tube. I used a small Goody hair band and 11 1/2" of decorative elastic lace .

The rubberband fits snuggly under the hair.

Kit is so happy to get her hair out of her face!

::The Three of Us::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:16:00 +0000

I was cleaning out some cabinets as I ~~often~~ never do and I came across a picture from Molly's wedding in 2008. I probably have a digital copy of this somewhere but let's make do with a picture of the picture, shall we? It's a lot easier that way and I have a ton more ~~housework~~ ~~sewing~~ Real Housewives tv watching to do.

So anyhoo, Molly was totes looking gorge in this picture, Flannery was laughing and smiling and apparently I was singing along with the band. I look like I'm literally looking AT THE BAND and singing with them like I know them. I mean, look at my eye contact for cryin' out loud. (In my next life, I'm coming back as Stevie Nicks with billowy clothes, a tambourine, ribbons on my microphone and singing "Whenever I Call You 'Friend' with Kenny Loggins. But that's a whole 'nother post)

This is such a telling picture... because Molly ALWAYS looks gorgeous (so say me and Flann), Flannery is ALWAYS laughing and smiling because she's got the best sense of humor, and me? well, I'm usually doing something ridiculous and goofy.

Here's more proof if you don't believe me:

In this pic, Molly is IN LABOR and on her way to the hospital. How cute is she? Who looks this cute while IN LABOR? Did I mention she was IN LABOR!? And just stopped to talk to a little pup from next door.

Molly, looking pretty as ever, with her little nugget, Eamonn.

And here again on her wedding day. Beautiful. She had hot pink wedding shoes and a birdcage veil. Just stunning.

Here's Flannery with her sweet, Ginger. Always, always, always with a smile.

Flannery smiling at the pool.

Classic Flannery. Laughing. Telling a funny story and when she's really, really laughing, she always points her hand out like that during the punch line.

And last but not least, much to my embarrassment, the proof that I end up doing something ridiculous when near a camera.

Like the time I met Ann Curry on national television.

Like the time I was singing along with/stealing a tie from/flirting with the lead singer of another wedding band.

(And no, my hubs is not worried that I'm going to run off with any lead singer. In fact, he thinks it's quite hysterical and he TOOK this picture because he wanted to preserve my ridiculousness for all eternity.)

Or just like when I'm at home.

Hmmm, wonder what kind of pictures we'll take next week when we're all together?!

::Block 1::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 02:46:00 +0000

Behold my pride and joy. I'm smiling today. Block 1 for Amy's Virtual Quilting Bee is done! I was able to piece it without too many mistakes and am a little amazed that I was so accurate with all those points.

Choosing fabrics that go well together is hard and takes practice. It's so much easier to start with a collection from a fabric designer~ and I've done that plenty~ but I wanted to take a risk and pull fabrics on my own.

The seam ripper is also my friend. I sooo want to just leave a mistake if it's not too bad, but I always feel better when I rip it out and redo it. I ripped out one of these seems 5 times. It was worth it.

I'm so pleased with how it turned out. I love the colors, the variety of scales and the placement of them. In looking at blocks that other quilters made, I was pretty sure I wanted the main square and points to be the focus with the background more muted and the corners to pop a bit.

What do you think? Do you like?

::Virtual Quilting Bee::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 23:23:00 +0000

I joined a virtual quilting bee. My first one evah! And I picked an awesome one for a newbie like me to do. I've always wanted to join a 'bee' but was hesitant and unsure but this one is too good to pass up. I'm totes confident I can do this. Amy of Diary of a Quilter has started this one and so far it's been awesome. I haven't even made anything yet, but that's beside the point. Ha.

I trust Amy to guide me through the process~ her blog is the best around, plus I met her at Sewing Summit '12 last fall and she's sweet as pie. I like to think I can call her a bloggy *friend* but not sure she even remembers me. I'll have to ask her in September during SS '13. 'Cause I will be stalking her, for sure.

me with my friend Amy!

Want to know all about the Amy's Virtual Quilting Bee? Go here to get the deets.

Want to get the information about Block 1? Go here.

Want to get the actual tutorial for Block 1? Go here.

Want to see blocks that the VQB members have made? Go here. I love seeing all the blocks that people have started.

I'm at step one, picking out fabric and here's what I've pulled. Gray, lime green, yellow, turquoise/teal blue, orangey red and some pink. What do you think? I seriously need opinions, people. No seriously. Please jump in with your two cents.

Wish me luck. I'm off to make Block 1!

::Almost, Just Almost::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 18:26:00 +0000

I heard birds chirping the other morning. Have you any idea just how good my soul feels when I hear birds chirping? It means Spring is almost, just almost coming and the sun too. And it means that I smile deep down inside that winter is almost over. I can't wait. Despite snowstorms all around us in Philly, we have managed to pull through without using the snowblower even once. And the hubs uses it at the slightest accumulation.

In just a few weeks, the three of us will be together for a week of spring break and Easter fun in Charlottesville, VA area with our parents. The three of us, our hubs, our kids and our parents. No easy feat. And I promise that we will take pictures of us to post on our dear ol' blog.

Courtenay, 10 *****Flannery 6 *****Molly 1

(this picture is 30!, 3-0, 30! years old! whoa.)

Spring 1983

And we will most definitely be making our mom's Easter Eggs. 'Cause nothing says swim suit season is coming like sugar. Almost.

They are delish. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter

1 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk

6 (yes, SIX) cups sifted confectioners sugar

8 squares semi-sweet chocolate

Directions

Cream butter, salt & vanilla. Blend in milk until smooth. Add sugar, blending after each addition until mixture becomes smooth, but not sticky. Mold into egg shapes. Place on wax paper lined cookie sheet. Chill several hours. Dip in melted chocolate. Mom always used a fondue pot and large fork. Another way to do it is to melt the chocolate in a glass bowl over boiling water. And let harden in fridge.

Are you ready for Spring?

::American Girl 18" Doll Dress::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 01:58:00 +0000

I've been wanting to make some doll dresses for my daughter's American Girl dolls. I think we have about nine dolls and very few clothes. It's hard for me to spend money on the pricey clothes so I've decided to make our own.

I started with the easiest thing I could make~ a pillowcase dress~ just like I make for the older girls. An applique and rick rack was added, of course! I played around with the width of the fabric and really there's no perfect measurement, it's personal preference. This dress below was made with a rectangle that was 11" x 24 " and fits like a shift dress. Super cute and not overly fancy.

This one has a bit more 'swing' to it. The rectangle was cut 11"x 27" and is just as cute. I'm definitely going to stick with the 11" length but I'll play around some more with the width staying between 24" and 27" inches.

I wanted to venture out beyond the pillowcase dress and bought a pattern at Joann's. Bleh. I don't know how to read a pattern and it seems like it would be easy to read, but it took my friend and I two days to figure it out. We wanted to make it without the lining but that made the directions hard to follow. The next day, my friend Suzanne, had an epiphany as to how to do it and we ran to my sewing room to get it made. (Things have changed since high school! LOL.) Turns out, you have to use a lining or else it doesn't work. Good thing Sue was in town for two days, otherwise I don't know how I'd figure it out. Good thing I have a friend, "in real life" to sew with.

I love the fabric and I added the trim along the bottom. The pattern called for just turning the hem under and sewing it but the dress needed a little something extra. Honestly, the dress reminds me of a hospital gown. I like it, but it's not my favorite. The pattern is the A dress from Simplicity 0293 and you can get it here, on Etsy.

I do love the fabric though.

I'm looking around for easy doll patterns~ if you have one to suggest~ leave it in the comments!

::Sewing Kit::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 20:10:00 +0000

In between sewing customers orders...

... I've been making more for myself. I love this travel kit~ it beats using a lunch baggie and is prettier too. I'm almost positive that I won't have any (more) loose pins sticking out that will inevitably prick me.

Giving credit where credit is due:

I found the directions for the patchwork version of the travel sewing kit from Amy of Lots of Pink Here!

It was adapted from Tamiko of Patchwork Notes hexie travel sewing kit.

Thanks ladies!

All fabric comes from Denyse Schmidt's lines at Joann's. I used 20 fabrics~ 2 squares each~ for 40 squares total.

I machine quilted and it was great practice. Hoping I get better at machine quilting an entire quilt.

And voila! I love it.

::Revisiting a WIP::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 20:33:00 +0000

These two ladies were instructors at Sewing Summit and they were awesome.

Kati (left), from From the Blue Chair, taught how to put together 45 diamonds~ I have not mastered those and need some practice and instruction. Those triangle points are just tough!

Faith (right), from Fresh Lemon Quilts, taught us how to use partial seams to piece quilt blocks.

Partial seems are so easy and quick for me and I can see myself using this technique again. I'll stick with squares and rectangles for now. Faith makes some beautiful ones with triangles. Her starfall quilt is just gorgeous.

Here's the first one I made while in Utah.

Here's sweet Amy of Diary of a Quilter. I was thrilled to meet her and she sat next to me in this class.

Completed squares.

I made 20. Wasn't sure if I should put sashes between the blocks or not.

Decided NOT to do sashes.

Keep blocks in identical position or mix it up?

Mixing things up for sure!

Looking at the pieces through the pictures helps give more perspective to the overall look and placement of the fabric squares. Makes for a much easier decision making.

Now to start sewing them all together!

::New in the Studio::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:49:00 +0000

My sewing machines are staying busy these days. I actually have both of them set up and use them all the time. My old school Bernina 1008, which I call the 'work horse', is mostly for quilting projects. The walking foot stays on it as does the white thread. My newer Bernina 215 model is used for the smaller projects, especially the appliques and burp cloths. The needle down feature of the 215 is a must for those.

a skirt

birdie skirt

gift set~ gender neutral

tied with floss

turtle applique

gift set ~ gender neutral

gift set~ girl

ready to be mailed

Another reason for keeping the two machines in use? My girl can sew next to me. Can I just tell you how much I love that? She made her own initial bag and learned how to use the zig zag stitch around the edge of the applique.

While waiting for my help in finishing her bag, she absently-mindedly doodled a cat and we turned it into an applique for the back of the bag.

A picture of our NYE celebration. The three of us met up in North Carolina with family for a couple days and it was awesome. How can you not have fun with all these kiddos?

in order from left to right:

Maeve 5

Coleman 2

Sarah 5 (a cousin)

Eleanor 7

Bridget 9

Phoebe 2 (a cousin)

Colleen 11

Mary Larkin 5

Ginger 2

and baby Eamonn, 7 mos, was already fast asleep.

It was a fun night of s'mores and a countdown at 8pm. My kinda night!

::I Spy Quilt::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 17:46:00 +0000

One thing I did for Sewing Summit was to join a fabric swap. Wasn't sure what it was all about but I'm so glad I did it. I got all these awesome squares of fabric in the exchange! They are so cute and it's fun to see what you get. This one was an I-Spy swap so all the fabrics have cute, little images.

Coupled with Amy's inspiration and my daughter's teacher having a baby and voila!

Oooopssss. I always have trouble with the darn corners. Any suggestions to avoid that?

I decided to pin baste it and skip the spray. I used the knitting/crocheting needle to help pull the pin tip up and out of the fabric. Super easy. All I could think of when I pinned was visiting my gram and watching her sit on the floor with her head and shoulders bent over and pinning her quilts on her family room floor~ most were very large. She still quilts at 96 years young and it's so sweet to watch her work.

More work to be done and I hope to do it soon!

::Valentine Heart::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 20:58:00 +0000

Admittedly, I'm not much of a holiday person. I like a small celebration here and there, but I don't go over the top. Case in point, some of our ornaments never made it onto the Christmas tree. Yup, they sat there in a box next to the tree, but not on the tree. And those that were put on the tree didn't get placed until the 23rd. Please don't call me a Scrooge. It's not that I don't like holidays, I do... I just don't like the disruptions and the fuss. Most years, our tree is taken down Christmas day 'cause the hubs and I like to vacuum up those needles and put everything back in place as soon as possible thankyouverymuch.

So, it is a bit ironic that I bust out the Valentine Hearts early. Not so much 'cause I love 'love' and all that mushy, gushy romantic stuff but because the shape of a heart makes me happy. It just does. And pink and red together are eye candy. I just like 'em.

::Finally Finished A Quilt::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:04:00 +0000

I finished a quilt! What a great feeling. I did the entire thing on my own from start to finish. I cut and pieced it way back in April. See it here. And then summer got in the way.

I love, love, love cutting and piecing the fabric that came in the Vintage Modern layer cake. It's so much easier to focus on the process of quilting when the fabric is coordinated and I don't fret about fabric colors and placement.

Basting the quilt top, batting and fabric backing is a little tedious in that I get so frazzled trying to keep everything smooth and flat. I spray basted but I'm going to use pins next time or maybe I'll try the spray again one more time, but spray it on much thicker. I'm just not ready to give up on it.

Quilting on my sewing machine is not easy but will get easier with time, I'm sure. I was a bit disappointed that I missed quilting two lines that I had intended to do but by then the binding had been added so there was no going back. I attached the binding on the front by machine and hand sewed it closed on the back. I love hand sewing the binding, especially in the winter when I use the blanket to keep me cozy.

I gifted the quilt to Flannery and family and maybe she'll take some more pics of it for us to share.

Happy New Year!

:: Fabric Scraps Ornaments ::

noreply@blogger.com (Flannery @ Three Sisterz) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 18:51:00 +0000

Super Easy. Super Cute. Kid Approved.

Adapted from the fabulous http://zakkalife.blogspot.com/2010/12/kid-craft-fabric-scrap-ornaments.html

Supplies:

-styrofoam balls (Michael's or any craft store)

-fabric scraps, cut in 1-2 inch squares

-pins

-ribbon, ric rac, pom poms

-a pointy device with a dull nose. We used the dull side of a skewer. Our inspiration used a knitting needle.

-hot chocolate, coffee, cake pops, Christmas cookies (for consumption while crafting)

We had SO much fun doing this with a friend today. Mary Larkin, my kindy girl, and I took our fabric scraps over to Amalie's house for a playdate. When another mom says she likes being crafty, a girl's gotta capitalize, non?

These Christmas ornaments turned out super cute. Our balls were about four or so inches wide; I would do a smaller ball next time so that they hang from the branches easier. These rest on the branches. Either way, they are very cute.

Take your skewer or knitting needle and center the tip on the fabric square, gently pushing it into the styrofoam ball. Continue with more fabric squares until it is covered. Be careful not to put the fabric squares too close together. If you do, the styrofoam will start to break apart. Put the fabric just close enough to ensure no styrofoam is showing.

Cute, non?

To add the ribbon, I cut a piece of ribbon to the desired length--double however long you want to hang from the branch. Loop it in half and pin the ends together to the styrofoam. The fabric scraps will cover the pin.

Here are the girls with theirs. They chose pom poms to hang theirs. I used two pins to secure this to the styrofoam because it is a bit weightier then the ribbon.

ML and I each made one for our tree. It is always a pleasure crafting with my girls.

Here is the finished product. I love it.

It's not an exact science, but if you have questions ask away. Or, you know, if you just want to add a comment and tell me you love it, you can do that too.

Oh and remember that fabric scrap wreath I made Court? I would totally use this method with a styrofoam wreath form instead! Much quicker and arguably a similar effect.

::I Had a Lunch Lady...::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 01:32:00 +0000

... who worked in our high school cafeteria and she was a true Southern woman. She was a curvy woman and witty and friendly to her co-workers and students alike. Kind of the antithesis of women outside our hometown of Washington, D.C. She was slightly out of place~ either a transplant from somewhere down south or a true southerner who was a native Virginian from before this area became "Northern Virginia." We used to walk through the lunch line to get our lunch and she was always chatting and talking to us unlike most of the ladies; I looked forward to seeing her. One day, a group of us were standing in line (early and patiently) waiting for the lunch ladies to start serving food and she said one of the funniest things I've ever heard in my life and never forgotten even 20 years later.

She said, "It's so quiet in here, I could hear a flea piss on cotton."

And that my friends, is how it's been around here.

I'll be back soon.

p.s. You can find me on Instagram... I'm pretty addicted. My name is CSHOMAN

::Planes, Trains and Automobiles::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:24:00 +0000

My trip to Salt Lake City for Sewing Summit 2012 was beyond my expectations. I'm not sure I can even fully articulate my experience yet. The friends I made, the classes that I took, all the great information I learned is rolling about in my head and I need some time to process. What I can tell you is that it was a life changing experience and if you ever have the chance to go to Sewing Summit or anything like it- no matter you what your hobby/interest may be- you should do it.

I sent this pic to both my sisterz to make sure I was looking acceptable ;) and they both loved it. That gave me the courage to walk into a big group not knowing a single soul!

::Getting Ready For It::

noreply@blogger.com (Three Sisterz) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 18:54:00 +0000

I leave for Sewing Summit 2012 next Wednesday.

I can't believe I'm going.

My littlest one has been helping me get ready

for my class by cutting out hexagons

with the Go Cutter.

Only a little more prep work to do

and then I need to start packing.

a whole stack of flea market fancy

happy friday!

There I Said It: Flannery's Dream

noreply@blogger.com (Flannery @ Three Sisterz) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 21:44:00 +0000

Do you love Miss Mustard Seed? We love Miss Mustard Seed.

Of course I am always inspired by her style.

So when I read her blog post today, I knew I had to skip on back over here and follow her instructions to share my "pie-in-the-sky dream." So here you go.

I WANT TO WRITE A BOOK. THERE, I SAID IT.

Now it's your turn Three Sisterz readers, what's your dream? Big OR little?

Tell us in the comments or, like Miss Mustard Seed, write it in a post and link it back to us and Miss Mustard Seed.

Dreams can come true.

xoxo

::Thou Shall Covet:: Vintage Doors

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Hammond) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:41:00 +0000

Flann recently bought a beautiful home outside of Chicago. I'm having major house jealousy being that I am currently in a two bedroom condo with a husband, two little boys & a dog. ;) So, let's just say that instead of being jealous...I'm living vicariously through her. Sound good?

Anyway...Flann found this a-ma-zing old (barn?) door in her basement which the previous owners left behind. She posted this picture on Instagram and the wheels immediately started turning.

She hit the jackpot, don't you think?!

Check out the (original?) paperwork:

And the knob (swoon!):

Flann posed the question, "What should I do with it?"

I couldn't send her my ideas fast enough - I was so ~~jealous~~ excited!

One, use it as a headboard. Maybe for one of the girl's beds?

source

OR two, use it as a sliding door (my personal favorite!):

source

So, dear readers, which idea is your favorite?! Or do you have another idea for Flannery?! We want to hear what you think!