Jessica Peck

We bought a house!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:16:00 +0000

This spring swallowed me whole, and I admit, we've got some catching up to do!

So what's new?!

I'll fill you in on our end:

-we bought a house! (and moved!)

-we got a puppy! (i know...i still can't figure out why i made that decision)

-i'm going back to work!

-and while i've been absent from the blog, i've been feverishly working on Sweetie Pie Bakery things and am having an awesome year!

We're still unpacking boxes and have a long list of remodeling we'd like to do, but for now, here is a quick peek!

We are really so excited to have been able to purchase our first home. It takes a lot of sacrifice and sometimes doesn't seem to work out perfectly, until it does...and you are sitting in your new house with your crazy puppy (wondering why he doesn't understand to potty outside?!) and then realize-I'm living the dream...and truly we are. To be able to spend my days and nights with my favorite people is really the best.

Oliver & S and Mini Boden!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 22:06:00 +0000

How many of you had the same thought as me when you saw the new Oliver & S Roller Skate Dress pattern that it could instantly be a Mini Boden inspired piece?! Not long ago I was longing over $40 dresses at Mini Boden and figured I can make my own now! I found a pink and red knit at Joanns so I scooped up the last yard and hoping to find some time soon to sew it up! Do you have any fun projects planned for spring? Now if only we could get the snow to melt!

International Pie Day-get ready!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:19:00 +0000

Tomorrow is Pi(e) day! We love pie and pi around here.

Jason is making some deep dish pizza for dinner and I'm working on a peanut butter cup pie today! Here are some of my favorite pie recipes to get you ready for tomorrow!

Peach Pie via Smitten Kitchen

Blueberry Blackberry Pie via Joy the Baker

Scrumptious Apple Pie via Pioneer Woman

Do you have any favorite pie recipes?

I Speak for the Trees! A Quick Lorax Costume DIY

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:06:00 +0000

I'm loving kindergarten so much! Like many other schools, we're celebrating Dr. Seuss and his birthday by dressing up as characters from his books. My little red head dressed up as The Lorax. I thought it would be an easy costume and comfortable for him to wear all day. But boy, did I underestimate it all! The whole school was dressed for Halloween it seemed! Next year, I'll know to go all out. Not just a tshirt. Oye.

Anyhow, I made some Lorax tree pencils for him to pass out to his class. I hope the kids had a lot of fun using them on their school work today!

Did your kids participate in Dr. Seuss's birthday? What did you dress them as?

Snuggling up with Comfy Cozy

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:59:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I was looking for a scarf. I cannot knit at all but desperately was trying to find something that fit exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a scarf that had chunky yarn, was soft, not too bulky, and beautiful. I came across this fabulous Etsy shop The Comfy Cozy, and fell in love. Turns out, designer Chelsea, had created the perfect knit pieces I had been searching for so I immediately contacted her!

Chelsea's shop is very new and couldn't wait to tell more people about her beautiful products and friendly prices! Here's how she got started..."A friend taught me to knit my freshman year of college but I didn't stick with it. I wanted a new scarf for the winter but wasn't really finding anything simple and chunky and warm- which is what I wanted. I decided to pull out my old knitting needles and try to knit one. I picked the perfect color/weight of yarn for my scarf that I had been looking for in stores but wasn't able to find. I knit a simple twisted circle scarf and added some fat wooden buttons I had set aside from an old sweater. I have been wearing it almost everyday since!"

"My sister fell in love with it and asked me to make her one, once her friends saw it, they wanted one. One thing led to another and I took the plunge and opened my Etsy shop. It has been so much fun hunting to super soft beautiful yarns and I am always scouring second hand shops for old sweaters that have interesting buttons that I can use."

Star Wars Valentine Tutorial Roundup!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:53:00 +0000

Ephraim is in kindergarten this year, which means it is our first year to do a school Valentine party!

I'm so excited to work on a box for him. That will be a different post, however. I've been looking for ideas and found these amazing Star Wars Valentines and thought I'd share them with you!

from Brooke at Inchmark

from Megan at Brassy Apple

from Cute as a Fox

from Katie Cook at Katie Can Draw

Which ones are your favorite? I think the kids get enough candy that I try to not pass any out myself. I think the pencils are a great alternative!

Oh, January...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 22:35:00 +0000

It has been down right frigid here in Wisconsin. Yesterday, it finally warmed up to a whole, one degree! I'm sure with wind chill it was about fifteen below. Just, brrrrrr.

Probably directly related to the weather, I have not wanted to leave this week. We've eaten everything in the pantry and were left with pancakes for dinner. As a kid, I always enjoyed having breakfast for supper. It was backwards and silly. I still feel that way about breakfast for dinner now and I think my children feel the same way. Besides, pancakes can be catered to everyone! Blueberries, chocolate chips, peanut butter-how do you take your pancakes?

How are you staying cozy this week? Do you have any good pantry meals you'd love to share?

Oliver and S Silk Fairy Tale Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 23:31:00 +0000

Dresses are my favorite. Silk dresses are even better.

I wanted to create something special for Aeris to wear for the holidays this year. I wanted something that could transition out of the holidays, but still work for Christmas. With gold being a very popular metallic this holiday season, I initally went to look for some gold fabric. I'm sure the Oliver and S Fairy Tale Dress would look amazing in gold, but when choosing the fabric for Aeris, I was afraid it would wash out with her red hair and pale complexion.

So, back to the drawing board I went. I remembered there was an amazing silk at Joanns from when I made the wedding dress over the summer. It's amazing! Purple and blue are woven in such a way that the dress appears purple but shimmers to shades of reddish purple as the fabric catches light from different angle. This gave it the metallic feel I was after, but much more appropriate for my little red head!

Working with opinion silk is not too terribly difficult, in my opinion It is much easier than satin, as the fabric isn't very slippery. The only problem is that the fabric is delicate. Meaning, when you need to rip out a seam, it better only be once.

I think it turned out perfect for the occasion. The pattern was wonderful, as always, and will be used over and over. Have you worked with this pattern?

Happy Belated New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:58:00 +0000

This blog post isn't a sign of how the New Year is starting out. It's going to be a bring shiny year! I can feel it!

From my family to yours, have a bright shiny year!

Free Christmas Cookies Sewing Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 20:35:00 +0000

I'm sharing this Felt Christmas Cookies sewing pattern for FREE to all of you. The pattern is available via pdf download. All you need to do is sign up for my monthly newsletter (over on the right under the projects) or click here and I'll get you this free pattern via pdf download!

The pattern includes step-by-step illustrations for each cookie pictured, a santa plate, and hot cocoa mug!

I wanted to just thank you all for being such great readers and so supportive. I truly appreciate the time each and every one of you take out of your day to stop by, read and comment.

I hope you're enjoying a wonderful holiday season with your family!

Pink Tulle Ballgown

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 20:01:00 +0000

I'm not going to wax on about how I've been gone lately, but sometimes, life outside of the blog is important and more energy needs to be put there. That said, I love sharing with you and am glad you're still here!

I made this beautiful dress for a photoshoot I'm planning on doing this weekend and thought you'd like to take a peek! The dress is separate parts as it's "photo ready" right now. I don't have measurements yet to complete the garment.

You can be the wind, you can be the leaves

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Today, it is freezing. All I can think of is a warm cup of cocoa in my hands as I'm sitting here typing this blog post. It is funny how the weather just creeps up on you. I suppose it is only so because I let it. I rarely living in the moment. Always rather worrying about what should be done later or should have been done earlier. I like to think that it is productive to worry and plan, but really, I'm realizing it is so wasteful.

The other day when Ephraim was at school, I took Aeris outside to just play-to rake the leaves, to listen to the wind chimes, to smell fall. She had such a great time and I realized it was the very first time she had ever jumped into a pile of leaves!

Maybe it is my old age but I'm feeling like the todays are more important than worrying about the tomorrows...

Monarch Butterfly Petal Skirt-Halloween Costume Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 06:30:00 +0000

This post was previously shared at Handmade Halloween.

I love Halloween, but more importantly, I love easy comfy costumes. I think elaborate ones have a time and place in competitions and such, but for running around trick or treating, warmth and comfort is the way to go! Plus, this costume can be worn year round!

Aeris turned four last month. I can hardly believe it. She still seems like a two year old to me...two going on 14 maybe...

For as long as I can remember, Aeris has loved butterflies. So when it came time to plan her birthday, the theme was simple, a butterfly garden party.

I originally planned on making her an entire dress inspired by the monarch butterfly, but with the August temperatures soaring, and my time dwindling, I went with a skirt only. Plus, a skirt is much more practical for a little girl to romp around the back yard in.

I think this skirt is also great for Halloween. I love costumes like this for school especially. With a black shirt and leggings, add some wings, you have a costume that your little one can put on themselves and be warm in for outdoor festivities.

Materials:

1-2 yds black fabric

1/2yd hot pink felt

1/4 yd white felt

1yd 2'' wide black elastic

1. Create a circle skirt-I'm going to direct you to Dana, because her tutorial is awesome and will help you out if you've never made a circle skirt before! Do NOT assemble the skirt yet. Go ahead and put the bottom hem in, but don't attach the elastic at this point.

2. To create the petals, I drafted each one individually on newsprint. Make the petal shape a few inches longer than your skirt length. I drew each one free hand to create an individual look for each petal.

3. Cut the petal shape out the black fabric. Serge around the edges to finish them. (If you are not going to be serging the edges, leave a seam allowance to hem the petals)

4. Cut the wing details out of the felt. Pin the felt to the finished skirt petal and sew around the perimeter to attach each one. Since I was in a bind for time, I honestly hot glued each section down, which you can do, just note that it won't really be able to be washed.

5. Repeat steps 2-4 to create enough petals to go around the entire skirt.

6. Pin the petals to the top of the waist on the skirt. Overlap the petals and layer shorter ones and longer ones.

7. Baste the top edge of the skirt to secure the petals.

8. Now you can go ahead and attach the elastic to the top of the skirt to complete it!

A Butterfly Garden Party

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 15:55:00 +0000

Aeris turned four this past month. I really love celebrating her birthday because of the opportunity to have it outdoors! With her love for butterflies, we chose to go with a butterfly garden theme.

I chose to split the parties up this year: one for friends, one for family. It seemed to work out well dividing them, plus, Aeris was able to sneek a nap in between.

I used the Silhouette to create these fun favor boxes for the girl, filled with a butterfly shaped bubble and temporary tattoo. I also made each girl a felt butterfly hair clip. I scored on the wings earlier in the year and got each pair for $1 at Target!

Since she had two parties, I had to make two cakes. Cupcakes for the girls and this cake for family.

It was pretty hot that day, can you tell?! So smart to have the children's party at 10am to get around the heat. I cut butterfly shapes out with the Silhouette machine and hid some around the yard for the girls to go on a butterfly hunt.

I made this shirt using the Silhouette also. I'm sure having fun with that little machine! Everything is coming out of this house with gems on it, it seems...

This was one of her favorite presents. Life sure is great when you're four!

Handmade Halloween-Twirly Butterfly Skirt Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:33:00 +0000

It is chilly! It feels very much like fall today. I want to bake some pumpkin cookies and get out the fall decorations.

I just wanted to pop in and share my post that is at The Train to Crazy. Andrea has a great Handmade Halloween series going on and I'm sharing a twirly butterfly skirt tutorial. Go check it out!

Preserving Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 18:14:00 +0000

We signed up for a CSA this summer. In theory, it was a great idea. Supporting local agriculture and all. Turns out, not so much. Maybe it is the particular farm we are working with but it has been a pretty big bust. It is so unfortunate because we researched our options well.

These beauties are from the local farmer's market. We paid so much for this CSA and still buy all of our produce from the market on Saturday mornings.

Sometimes we have the best intentions and they just don't pan out.

The house has been quiet this week. Very quiet. I miss Ephraim.

He seems to enjoy school. It is only the first week and I question the work he brings home. He wrote his name wrong. Very wrong. ERRRPHRE Ephraim has been able to write his name since he was three and a half.

After I got to the bottom of it, I realized it's because his school emphasizes on phonetics. I understand the benefits of phonetics, but believe they have their time and place. The English language doesn't really work that way. If so, his name would be EFRUM. And never in his name do you put extra emphasis on the R.

I know it's the first week of school, but I'm afraid he's going to regress. I felt as though I sent him off into the world with a good set of skills, even reading, with just the education of homeschooling. I'm hoping this will be the right choice for us...

Holy Summer!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:44:00 +0000

Summer kicked my butt this year! With my first little one off to kindergarten, summer is officially over.

Miss Aeris and I are trying to get into a new routine with just the two of us. Adjusting to life without Mr. Personality is interesting...and quiet.

The first day of school was bitter sweet. Ephraim was so very excited. I did my best to reserve my tears for the car on the way to school. After he got on the bus, we drove separately to the school along with all of the other first time parents and stood in line like Mamarazzis as they descended the stairs to their independence.

Here's to a great school year for you all!

Darling Ranges Dress with Valori Wells Fabric

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 20:27:00 +0000

I have been waiting for the weather to cool off to show you this dress I made.

Towards the end of last spring I came across the Darling Ranges Pattern by Megan Neilson and I can't say enough good things about it. The packaging was super sweet and I found the directions very easy to follow. I can't wait to try out her new skirt pattern.

The fabric I chose was Cocoon by Valori Wells. I think it was a nice geometric print and versatile for spring or summer, depending on how I accessorize it.

our wedding day, nine years ago!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 17:54:00 +0000

Jason and I got married nine years ago, today. As I was going through our wedding album to put together pictures to scan, I kept thinking of how we looked like kids. Funny how time changes you. At the time, everyone told us to wait, that we had plenty of time...but it didn't matter. We knew what we wanted and now, nine years later, we still do...

As a parent now, I think I would have to dig deep to remember how it felt to be twenty-one and in love and so sure that you wanted to spend the rest of your life with someone.

I put together a few images for you to see our wedding day.

It was a simple wedding with a ton of family. My husband wore white linen, everyone was barefoot, my step dad played acoustic guitar and learned some Ani Difranco for the occasion.

Also, we had 1,000 paper cranes. Just for the beauty of it. Thank you to my sister for all of her hand cramps. What a trooper she was!

What's in a name....

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 23:11:00 +0000

So, the name changed. The title I had for this blog "Sweetie Pie Bakery" was representative of the Etsy shop I had, still have. When I began this blog back in the day, it was merely a space to support the shop-a behind the scenes, if you will.

Since then, this blog has developed into much more and the title just didn't feel right. I've switched the name back and forth for a while, not sure if you've noticed, but I am afraid of confusing people. What are your thoughts?

Thank you for subscribing and reading! It really means a lot :)

If Only...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 15:34:00 +0000

If only I had the time!

I saw this video today. I thought it was super cute and am putting this hair clip on my "to-diy" list. Credit goes to one of my new favorite blogs Make My Lemondade.

I had to get glasses yesterday. I'm old. Like actual, hey you need a correction on these eyes Miss Thirty Year Old.

Ephraim starts kindergarten next month. Holycowwheredoesthetimego?

I still have yet to do a photoshoot of my pretty dress for you guys. I need to do that.

It is finally raining here! We've had a huge drought!

I finally watched Project Runway from last week. Thoughts??

Everyone is having blogger meetups! Jealous! Any Milwaukee area meetups?? I'm out of touch!

Whew! Now i can go back to work. I'm glad we had this conversation!

Kids Playroom Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 15:26:00 +0000

With Ephraim going into kindergarten this fall, I've realized that they are outgrowing their current playroom. I'm swapping the Brio Thomas the Train table for something that allows more space for them.

They need a space to play games with their friends, create masterpieces, and build on. I found these great chairs at a very reasonable price. Wouldn't it be fantastic if I could build a table? ha. In my dreams. I could draft it but execution is a completely different story. Have any of you had success as first time builders? I'd love your input!

For the space, I'm thinking white walls to allow their creativity to shine by hanging their artwork on the walls. Some fun fabrics and a simple light fixture should do it! It's a bit on the girly side though.. I don't want to do anything with strictly primary colors though and I love me some hot pink. I could scrap the pink chair but not sure that would help. Maybe some black and white and scrap the pink chair...I'll keep thinking...

1. fabrics 2. light 3. chairs

1950s Vintage Wedding Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 18:37:00 +0000

Is this the post you've been waiting for? Thank you so much for reading about the process of making this dress!

The concept: My friend wanted a 1950s style dress. Tea length is what she told me. You can read more about that here. I really wanted to create something for her that made her feel like a princess. It is so important for a girl to feel the most beautiful as she has ever felt, on her wedding day. (I think I succeeded in that.

The process: I created this dress for her using a v-neck bodice, mid drift panel and rouched waist band. The skirt was gathered with bias strip flowers. For each flower, I cut a bias strip, gathered it, pressed it, then formed the flower working concentrically, from the outside in. I pinned the outer shape and sewed down the center of the bias strip on the machine. After the entire skirt was covered, I gathered the skirt and attached it to the waist to finish the dress. After I put the zipper in, I went in and added the few in the back that were near the zipper. I didn't want there to be a seam in the flowers so for those, I had to attach them by hand. Yes, they took a long long time, but very worth it. I would do it again. I really love this dress.

Congrats to the happy couple!

Let's be Instagram Friends!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 21:55:00 +0000

I'm out of town but I'm always on instagram! If you want to follow me I'm here! I post all of my pics through twitter or I'm @jessicapeck. Who you be? ;)

Truly a Party Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Peck) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:05:00 +0000

This is the weekend of the wedding! Remember? The one I sewed the wedding dress for? I wanted something beautiful to wear and immediately thought of this dress. I've always wanted to make it and thought this to be the perfect opportunity. I cannot wait to put the dress on for the night! It fits great and I feel so beautiful in it. I'm very excited to share pictures of the upcoming weekend with you! Have a good one!