A Stitchin' Time

Christmas giveaway

2007-11-09T06:21:00.000-08:00

5 Minutes for Mom is hosting lots of Christmas giveaways. I will be an entering fool since my office/craft room is in a shambles.

I want my HDTV

2007-07-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

I have been extremely lazy about setting up my room. I have spent every weekend it seems, spending money on things other than organization tools for this combo room of mine. I have looked at some things like shelving, cabinets, even a flat panel monitor or TV, something that I could watch DVDs on while I toil away on my projects.

And guess what I saw on 5 Minutes For Mom? They have a contest for an Insignia® 37" Flat-Panel LCD HDTV (from Best Buy).

Give 5 Minutes For Mom and visit and sign up.

More onesies

2007-06-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

I was invited to a baby shower and had been so busy that I was not able to make anything major. I just did a couple of onesies. The father to be is big into RPG so he really like the Dungeon Master onesie.

Speaking of babies, 5 Minutes for Mom is holding a baby basket contest with goodies from CVS. Please visit them and enter.

Apronpalooza!

2007-06-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

I really stink at updating this blog but I haven't made anything recently so there you have it. I have however come across an AWESOME contest, Apronpalooza!

The aprons that Nan is giving away are gorgeous and entering the contests is super easy but you can only enter once per person.

The apron I made is not as chic as the ones from Jessie Steele but I love it because it has my current fave color combo, brown and blue. The fabric is cute and the best part, I got it in the clearance bin.

I did go to a baby shower this weekend and I made a burp cloth and monogram onesie like the one I made for my sister (previous post). I made some geeky geeky for the benefit of the dad who is an RPGer (plays role playing games).

More baby stuff

2007-03-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

I seem to have put the costuming on hold and taken a liking to making baby items. My sister gave birth to her son early in February. I have been making a few items since the football blanket, bib and shirt.

A friend helped me embroider some microfleece and I made a hooded blanket, Butterick 4053. I found a baby Eeyore patch on eBay (Ticklespop.com) and added that. Sister calls the nephew baby donkey. The back fabric was clearance material (and flame retardant) found at JoAnn fabrics. The blanket is so cute and incredibly soft. I almost kept it for myself.

I found a bright blue striped fabric on sale ($2/yard) at JoAnn and thought it would make a great pattern for some personalized items for baby. I used these super cute alphabet patterns here and the instructions here to create monogrammed bib, onesie, and burp cloths.

Onesie: The appliques was ironed on and I used embroidery floss to hand stitch around the edge.

Bib: Butterick4053. The blue flannel for the back was $2/yard and I used it along with the striped fabric to create a reversible bib.

Burp Cloth: I created the bean template with one end larger. The smaller end received the letter treatment because this will be seen when placed over the front of the shoulder. The same blue flannel fabric used on the bob was used for this.

The matching set turned out great. I thought the fabric might be a tad on the loud side but as an applique, it really stands out.

Football shirt and dog coat

2007-01-02T20:14:00.000-08:00

I finally have some time to post the pictures of the rest of the stuff I made for Christmas.

This is the shirt/jacket that goes with the bib and blanket from the previous post. The buttons were to toughest part of this project. I hate doing buttonholes. Sheesh! Even though the machine has the function to do all the sides, I hate doing them. But the football shaped buttons are cute!

Here is my sister's dog wearing her present, the no-sew fleece coat made from Simplicity 3960. It looked so adorable on her and she loved it. Lucy actually wore it and did not try to tear it off. Sister loved it too because she tried to find a coat to fit her but was unable so this worked out. Yeah!

Football Blanket and Bib

2006-12-14T07:40:00.000-08:00

My sister is having a baby, due in February. This will be the first grandbaby so my very first nephew and I am very excited. Since she is preparing for baby and trying to get as much stuff on her registry, I told her I would help her out. But then I thought about Donkey, her husband and he might feel left out. All this baby stuff and nothing for him to enjoy.

He loves football so I found some football themed flannel and pattern Butterick 5220. The blanket just called for two layers of fabric but I wanted it to be fuller and softer so I added batting. This was an easy pattern to make, the only difficulty was dealing with a bulkier peice when adding the bias tape. It's so soft and fluffy, I love it!

I also made a bib. I still have another yard of this fabric and have a shirt in the works. Since flannel isn't a stretchy fabric, I really can't make some of the other peices that I want to, like the diaper cover, cap, booties and mittens.

No-sew Fleece Poncho

2006-12-11T06:46:00.000-08:00

I am the worst costume blogger in the world. I have not updated this blog in ages. With Christmas, I have put all the costume projects on hold. Instead I am making various items for presents.

Simplicity 3960 and Simplicity 3963 are two no-sew fleece patterns that I have been having fun with. I've never worked with fleece and thought the no-sew concept would be easy to do while watching tv.

Simplicity 3960: My sister has a dog and I am making one of the coats for Lucy. I also bought some foam using a 50% of coupon at Joann so I could make the pet bed for my cats. I did not realize foam pads were so expensive. If I have time, I will make a pad for Lucy's cage.

Simplicity 3963: I didn't really like the dog poncho style of this pattern. But I made the human poncho using once color. I bought Alpine Fleece in charcoal grey color for $2.99/yd at Joann and the pattern only calls for 2 yards. I like the look of the two tone but I saw the charcoal grey and thought it would look good as a monochromatic poncho. The only difficult part was trying to tie the stretchy part of the fleece. I think it turned out pretty well.

This was made for me but since it turned out so well, I think I may make one or two for a gift. I just have to figure out what color to choose.

November Joann promo codes

2006-11-01T07:58:00.000-08:00

Joann.com
40% off the regular price of one item online with promo code NOVE640
Good through 11/07/2006

Joanndesigns.com
20% off entire purchase of $40 or more with promo code HAPPYBDAY20
Good through 11/04/06

Pink Diary's Costume contest

2006-10-24T10:51:00.000-07:00

Pink Diary is holding a Halloween Costume Contest.

The categories are:

* cutest kid’s costume
* scariest kid’s costume
* best pet costume
* best adult costume

Prize in each category will be a $20 Amazon.com gift certificate. Each winner will also receive a card design by Lil' Duck Duck whichy you can print our yourself or pay to have her print and ship.

Contest runs from October 25th - 31st so get the pictures up!

What does a costume reveal?

2006-10-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

Ever think about what costume choices one makes says about a person? Here's a list of some costumes and what they may reveal about the person inside.

Costume: Superman
Masini: “He’s telling you he wants to be your knight in shining armor, the guy who saves you and does it all for you. He’s got a traditional sense of values and a conventional heroic outlook on his being a man. If you’re looking for a white picket fence and a couple of kids, this could be your guy.”

McHenry: “Superman is the cherry-red sports car of Halloween costumes. He’s covering something up. Anyone who feels the need to sport the big “S” emblazoned on his chest wants you to think he’s super—because he’s afraid he’s not. Run.”

Verdict: Hung jury. Does he make you feel like Lois Lane or does he make you want to find some Kryptonite?

Costume: Pirate
Masini: “He’s got a bad boy thing going on. He recognizes his dark side, and celebrates it. He may be selfish in bed. He may also be a bit of a player and less of a commitment guy. If you’re looking for a good time, short-term, this could be your guy. If you’re looking for Mr. Right, you may want to keep on looking.”

McHenry: “Pirates are tricky. If he’s an old-school pirate who has cobbled his costume together from some old sweats, a bandana, his roommate’s girlfriend’s blouse, and a $2.99 eye patch, plus a sword he made himself from cardboard and tinfoil, that makes him resourceful and fun. If he has bought the entire Disney-approved Jack Sparrow-branded Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest™ outfit and worn it exactly according to the package directions, don’t do it. You want a man who thinks for himself, not one who follows the crowd. Yarrrrr.”

Verdict: If you like mischievous men, you can sail into the sunset with this guy. If not, tell him to walk the plank.

Costume: Elvis
Masini: “Chances are he’s got star quality (or at least he thinks he does) and would love to have attention. He’s just not ready to do it every day of his life. If you like men with artistic streaks and some moodiness, and you don’t need to be center stage yourself all the time, this Elvis is for you.”

McHenry: “If he’s dressed as Elvis, he’s eager to please. This is good. He wants everyone’s attention and he’ll get it. He’s got a sense of humor—he doesn’t want you to think he’s sexy, just funny. And what’s sexier than that?”

Verdict: Love him tender… just remember that he loves the limelight, and that’s got its pluses and minuses.

Costume: Vampire
Masini: “A vampire costume exhibits his sexual prowess. This fella doesn’t want to save you, rob you or sing for you like Superman, the pirate or Elvis. He wants to ravish you and make you his.”

McHenry: “A dude dressed as a vampire is probably going to come on too strong. He’s looking for an excuse to put his mouth on your neck. This costume is the most blatant excuse for groping since that guy you knew in college with the scrubs and the ‘Free Mammograms!’ sign.”

Verdict: If you’re looking for a Halloween hookup, he’s the man. Just have him home before dawn. If not, keep that garlic necklace handy.

Costume: Devil
Masini: “The devil sees himself as the one to rile things up. This man will never be boring. He’s always going to look for the fun in things.”

McHenry: “Girls wear devil costumes to be sexy. Guys wear them because they worship Satan. In my book, there is almost no good reason for a man to be walking around a Halloween party with a pitchfork, unless he’s dressed as a farmer. Stay away from this one.”

Verdict: If you’ve got a devil-may-care attitude, carry on! If not, keep looking for your angel.

Snow White: One of the most popular costumes of all time, and single guy Chad Pebbley of Minneapolis, MN says he might go slowly if his date was donning this one. “Snow White was good and pure and kind,” he says. “But maybe she was so pure she wouldn’t be interested in a little trick-or-treating, if you know what I mean.”

Expert analysis: Now, now—sometimes a costume is just that… an outfit that disguises one’s true nature. “Behind that Snow White exterior could be a wild love goddess,” says Dee Kent, a communications specialist in Dallas, TX. “Don’t judge this book by her cover.”

Geisha: A woman who dons this costume is telling you one of two things, according to veteran dater, Howie Schwartz of Sunnyvale, CA: “Maybe she’s eager to please—which would be kind of cool. To a point. I want her to think and do for herself, too, not be some kept woman who expects a lot in return for looking after my needs.”

Expert analysis: “Although initially alluring because it can be endearing, a selfless pleaser is dangerous,” says Marc Rudov, author of The Man’s No-Nonsense Guide to Women. “Overdoing the pleasing is actually a sign of passive/aggressive behavior.”

Wonder Woman: The famous super-heroine remains a perennial favorite at Halloween time. “Any woman with the guts to don a Wonder Woman costume is going to be self-confident,” reckons Houston Rogers of Chicago, IL. “After all, it’s pretty skimpy. And I’d like to think she was self-reliant and capable. Although you’d have to wonder if she’d ever let you do anything for her, you know? A guy wants to feel needed, after all.”

Expert analysis: Jason Pebworth, lead singer of the band Orson, wrote a song called “Saving the World” about dating superheroes. “You’re sliding on my favorite boots/and those tights are such a tease/But you never wear that stuff for me.” The message: Don’t assume this woman will embrace the Wonder Woman persona once October 31st passes. Also worth considering: It could be cool dating a confident woman. Or she could be too busy saving the world to give you the attention you need. Says Rudov, “If you like to feel important to your woman, she is so wrong for you. Don’t rationalize or fool yourself into thinking otherwise.”

Oompa Loompa: Nostalgia for a favorite childhood book leads some women to dress like Willy Wonka’s helper. “I guess it could mean she’s sweet like candy,” suggests Charles Grey of Long Island, NY. “But if you listen to the lyrics of the Oompa Loompa song from the movie, they’re a pretty strident bunch. So that costume could be a tip-off that she’s bossy, nagging and lecturing.”

Expert analysis: “If a girl is dressing as an Oompa, a guy will think she is not looking to meet someone,” observes Andrew Feinstein, co-author of Opening Lines, Pinky Probes and L-Bombs: The Girls & Sports Dating and Relationship Playbook. “It is impossible to make an Oompa Loompa provocative. So basically, no single girl that is looking to meet guys on Halloween dresses like an Oompa Loompa.”

Sexy Angel: Probably the most-requested sexy costume, along with the naughty nurse. “If my date wore that to a big party, I might think she was taunting the other guys,” notes Roger Fedorovsky of Los Angeles, CA. “Of course, I’d look like a stud for bringing such a hot date, unless she started flirting. Then I’d look like a chump.”

Expert analysis: If the woman wearing this is single, she’s telling you she’s available and looking for contact. But if she’s your date, well, that’s different. Very different. “This behavior is akin to the oil light flashing on your car’s dashboard,” Rudov suggests. “She is telling you, in advance, that she is insecure, immature, and a great candidate for infidelity. Is that what you want?”

See the full article here.

FamilyFun.com Halloween Video Guides

2006-10-19T23:50:00.000-07:00

FamilyFun.com has a monster ton of ideas for Halloween. And the best part is they provide the how to video so you can see the materials you need and the step by step guide to completing any of these:

Food:
Creepy Cupcakes
Edible eyeballs
The Pear Witch Project
Cake O' Lantern

Decorations:
Bat Mobile (the one you hang, not the one your drive. I was sorely disappointed when I found that out)
Trash Bag Tarantula
Mini Pumpkins
Witch Crash

Child Costumes:
Franken - Monster
Mr. Rattles
Quick Cape
Fairy

365 Halloween

2006-10-18T07:06:00.000-07:00

Found 365 Halloween while surfing the blogs. The site features costume ideas with tutorials, Halloween decor ideas and recipes. Lots of great ideas so check them out.

They had a contest where they were giving away a costume with an entry by linking to 365 Halloween. I missed it my a few days but better luck next year.

Costume Idea Zone

2006-10-16T19:14:00.000-07:00

Halloween is creeping up so you better get a move on the costume for the Halloween party you you'll be attending.. Of course you can go to any Party City, where they have thousands of costumes.

But the longer you wait, the less likely you will get the costume you want and you may just end up with a Pee-Wee Herman costume that was stuffed in the back of the warehouse, forgotten since 1988.

If you want unique costume ideas that will not cost an arm and a leg, check out costume idea zone.

There are costume ideas for couple and groups, traditional and quick & easy. They have great ideas and many of them are tongue in cheek.

Little Dead Riding Hood:
Wear the usual Little Red Riding Hood costume and then use fake scars, wounds and blood to make it look like the Big Bad Wolf got you. Don't forget your basket!
Submitted by Maria

You can submit your costumes ideas too.

Costume Ideas for Couples

2006-10-13T02:58:00.000-07:00

I found this on thenest.com.

Over the years, the more Halloween parties you go to, the more fabulous costumes you have to retire. And now, with a mate in tow, it’s likely you’re tapped out of fresh ideas. But there’s no need to go the ghost route just yet. With these eight costume ideas, you still can be the star of the party. Actually, that leads us to our first idea...

Big Dipper and Little Dipper
For him: Wear all black and use glow in the dark paint (adhesive stars won’t stick as well) to draw the pot-like formation on your shirt. Each star that’s part of the constellation should be big, but splash smaller stars around your back and legs to give the night-sky effect. See a pattern.
For her: Do the same with your all-black outfit and glowing paint, but make sure your dipper is the upside-down version of his. It should also include the North Star. See a pattern.

Napoleon and Deb
For him: Pair one of these movie-inspired tees, like a Vote for Pedro ringer, with tapered, stone-washed jeans and huge glasses. Go the extra mile with a blond curly wig and ’80s moon boots.
For her: Grab some ’80s clothes, preferably an off-the-shoulder shirt with pastel stripes and tight cropped pants. Add some flats and a pink fanny pack, put your hair in a side ponytail, and you’re ready to go.

Bird Flu
For him: Dress in doctors’ scrubs and wear a stethoscope around your neck. Stick feathers randomly onto you with fabric glue.
For her: Dress in all black, and cover yourself in feathers. We suggest grouping a small bouquet of feathers together with a rubber band and pinning them to your tail and ponytail holder. Then glue feathers onto your sleeves and shirt collar (we’re hoping this is an old shirt), and wear a rubber bird beak.

War and Peace
For one: Find military fatigues or anything camouflage, and stick a water gun in a holster around your waist.
For the other: Go for the hippie look with a tie-dyed T-shirt, ripped jeans, and a bandanna in your hair. Be sure to cover yourself in peace signs.

The Beckhams
For him: Grab a pair of soccer shorts or Adidas warm-ups, and add a long-sleeve white soccer jersey, taping the number 23 in black electrical tape. Be sure to wear your hair shaved or in a faux-hawk style.
For her: Posh it up with a tight England-flag tank top, over-size sunglasses, a short black skirt, strands of necklaces, super high heels, and bling -- lots and lots of bling.

Celeb and Paparazzo
For him: Get comfortable in a pair of cargo pants and ratty T-shirt. Stick US Weekly in one pocket, In Touch in the other. Sling a pair of binoculars over one arm, and a camera on the other.
For her: Bust out an old bridesmaid dress and call it an Oscar ball gown. Or go for the everyday look you see captured when celebs are out shopping: huge sunglasses, layers of necklaces, and a small dog.

Crime and Punishment
For him: Dress as a classic jailbird in black-and-white stripes. Go the extra mile with a plastic ball and chain attached to your ankle.
For her: Dominate the scene with a little dominatrix outfit. Wear a short leather skirt, fishnets, and a black tank top, and carry a whip or handcuffs.

Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash
For him: Become the Man in Black with a long-sleeve black oxford shirt, black pants, black cowboy boots, and a black scarf around your neck. Go the extra mile with sideburns and a guitar over your shoulder, pushed around to your back.
For her: Wear a short dress with a full skirt, southern-belle-style. Wear your hair in soft curls, or part it down the middle and put it into two braids. Carry a tambourine.

Cheesecloth Ghost

2006-10-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

This isn't related to costumes but it does involve dressing up your house for Halloween.

I had bought pumpkin lights to put on my tree but decided against it because I didn't want an extension cord running the length of the yard so I will try this to put in my scrawny oak tree.

I found these on hancockfabrics.com and they have free shipping until Oct 14th with promo code PFSVX.

Cheesecloth Ghost

These instructions can be used to create various sizes of “ghosts” - large ones used to decorate the trees and bushes around your home to small party favors.

Materials:
• Aleene’s Fabric Stiffener
• Cheesecloth (amount varies with desired finished size of “ghost”) approximately 3/4 - 1 yd. for a medium size “ghost”.
• Balloons (sizes and shapes depend on the size and shape of “ghosts” desired)
• Wax Paper
• Plastic Bag
• Black felt for eyes or movable paste-on eyes
• Glue

Directions:
1. Cover work surface with wax paper.
2. Inflate balloons, set in cups or bowls for support and then set on wax paper.
3. To determine the size to cut cheesecloth, drape it over the balloon as follows:
a. For “flying ghosts”, cut the cheesecloth so the ends do not touch the flat work surface and cut.
b. For “standing ghosts”, cut the cheesecloth long enough to drape in a “pool” at the base of the cup and cut.
4. Pour stiffener into a plastic bag. Dilute with 1 part water to 3 parts stiffener to make it easier to work with. Mix well.
5. Unfold a piece of pre-cut cheesecloth and place it in the plastic bag. Squeeze the bag until the cheesecloth is fully saturated.
6. To remove the cheesecloth, hold the open edge of bag (about 2 1/2” - 3” down from the top edge) almost closed with one hand. Slowly pull cheesecloth out through the small opening squeezing as much stiffener out of the cheesecloth in the bag as possible.
7. Drape cheesecloth over a balloon and arrange as desired. Use one or two layers of cheesecloth for each “ghost”. If necessary, use a paper towel to remove any excess stiffener from holes in cheesecloth.
8. Repeat steps 4-7 for the rest of your “ghosts”.
9. Let “ghosts” dry.
10. Remove “ghosts” from balloons and cups.
11. Cut round or oval eyes from black felt or use the movable paste-on eyes. Glue eyes on “ghosts”.
12. Optional: decorate with ribbons, spider web, etc. and hang with fishing line.

Printable version with diagrams (opens in new window)

Halloween Decor

2006-10-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

Hancock has free shipping on orders of $25 or more with promo code EFS07VX. Good until Oct 7th.

JoAnn has their Columbus Day sale going on from Oct 7-9.
Check their sales flyer

They have some cute Halloween decoration ideas too:
"Welcome" Halloween Garland

Fun-kins table decor

Pumpkin Placemat

Tricks & Treats bag

Spider favor boxes

Halloween lampshade covers

They are also offering free standard shipping on orders of $25 or more with promo code OCTFSH625

or

Free 2-day Express shipping upgrade with an order of $25 or more with Promo code OCTUH625 ((only good until Oct. 6th)

10% off your entire Joanndesigns.com order of $25 or more with coupon code SAVEP1010. Good until 10/20/06.

Halloween Ponchos

2006-10-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

I found these ponchos on Simplicity's website. They are so cute and easy to make with minimal materials.

How to make a Bat Poncho (check out the site for instructions with diagrams)

Materials Needed

2 yards of black polar fleece
4 yards of black sequin trim
fabric glue, chalk for marking fleece
Poncho Sizes

Size 4- measure 22”
Size 5- measure 23”
Size 6- measure 24”
Size 7- measure 25”
Size 8- measure 26”

Instructions
Step 1: Fold the fleece in half, bringing selvage edges together. Mark the center of the fleece along folded edge. Measure each side of center point according to the desired size of poncho, see Poncho Sizes. For example, if you want a size 4, measure down 22”. Then measure down the center. Draw two straight lines connecting these points. Cut out poncho.

Step 2: Measure a 5” square for the neck opening. To do this, measure 2-1/2” from each side of center and down. Draw lines to connect the points and cut out opening. Cut a 3” slit into one corner of neck opening for center front. To shape lower edges of poncho, draw arched lines along one edge. Cut out shapes. Then bring the newly cut edge to each edge of poncho and cut out shapes.

Step 3: Using a sharp scissor, make small clips 1” below neck edge. Be sure to cut an even number of slits. Make small clips 1/2" above lower edge, spacing clips 1-1/2” apart.

Step 4: Cut Fleece into 12-15 strips measuring 1/2" wide by 11” long. Starting at center front, insert one piece through two openings and tie the ends together in a square knot. Repeat this around the neck edge. Glue sequins along neck edge.

Step 5: Cut remaining fleece into strips measuring 1/2" wide by 6” long. Fold each piece in half and insert looped end through opening. Insert the ends through the loop and pull to make a slipknot. Repeat this around the lower edge. To form outline of bat wings, glue eight strands of sequins to poncho from neck edge to lower edge.

Serenity: Inara - Update 2

2006-09-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

I finally found the last fabric element that I needed for Inara's costume. It was really hard finding a gold, paisley pattern fabric with a just the right texture and thickness that I could crinkle up.

There was a floral/feather brocade on eBay but it was much too thick and entirely too expensive. I almost bought it because I was having such a hard time finding what I needed, but then the auction ended early and it as never relisted.

It worked out because I found the perfect gold fabric at Hancock and the price was right. Sorry for the bad fabric scan, it's dark and dull in color and does not do any of the fabrics justice.

Bodice - 1.5 yards black velvet
Pants - 3 yards black babysilk
Obi - Dark brown Windsor satin (this was really supposed to be silk and I was wanting to find a duller silk like Shantung. But being cheap ruled out and I found a chocolate color fabric so I took it.)
Shawl - 2.5 yards Gold Paisley Satin Jacquard

I plan to get started on this again this weekend.

Serenity: Inara

2006-09-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

I have been slacking. I started on a project a month ago and have not had the motivation to finish it. I made excises like I need a serger or I need a new sewing machine. But I have decided that I need to stop with the excuses and stop with the buying of the patterns and fabric and start with the cutting and sewing.

I am making Inara Serra's black jumpsuit (second from the left) from Serenity. I scoured the internet for close-up pictures of the outfit and was lucky to find this from The Prop Store of London. It gives me details of the back of the top and the obi (cumberbund), especially the top closure and how the obi hooks.

The patterns I found that resemble the outfit:

Simplicity 4145 - Bodice (view B) and pants (view E)

Butterick 6698 - Obi pattern, view C

Online promo codes

2006-09-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

Joann Fabric
Free shipping on your Joann.com order of $25 or more
Promo code: SEPFSE6252
Expires 9/27/2006

Hancock
Save 40% on regular priced fabric up to 5 yards
Promo code: E40EX
Expired 9/23/2006

Bluebird Blog Contest

2006-09-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

Even before I started this blog, I struggled with how I wanted it to look. There are lots of free templates available that one can tweak and lend a little personal flair to but it's still not truly one of a kind. I can't tell you how many templates I went through and even now, it's not what I envisioned.

In all my blog surfing, I also amassed a list of about 10 blog designers. One of the designers whose style I really like is Bluebird Blogs. Susie designs blogs using illustrated art and real life photos beautifully and consistently. Most of the designers I researched typically design with just illustrated artwork and do very little with photos, which I find limiting. I happen to have a photo that I have been hanging on to for a bit until I found the right person to design a template for me.

Bluebird Blogs is running an Autumn special where 2 lucky winners will receive a free, customized blog design. Entries will be received until 11:59 pm EST on 9/22 Friday. So fly over to Bluebird's and enter.

While you're there, check out the design gallery. And her prices are so low, they're nothing to peck at!

Costume Boo-tique

2006-09-15T19:46:00.000-07:00

I was looking through the Oriental Trading Company catalog recently and did not realize they carried costumes. They always have a wide assortment of candy, toys, party favors, decorations and other party supplies but they have quite a large selection of costumes as well. Big enough to dress your entire family.

There's the usual superhero costumes but they also have movie costumes from Zorro, Corpse Bride, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Narnia and Pirates of the Caribbean. The catalog shows a pretty amazing Davy Jones mask but I can't seem to locate it on the website. I think it may only be available via mail order.

Lots of costumes for kids too: Backyardigans, Toy Story, Lazy Town, Thomas the Tank and Kim Possible

Halloween Ideas

2006-09-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

I'm still working on organizing my room and I think I will never find a place for all my crap. Whoever thought of the phrase, "A place for everything and in its place" must not have had a lot of stuff. I bought some photo boxes at Joann for $2.99 to store my sewing notions: thread, needles, elastic, measuring tape, buttons, etc. They fit perfectly in the bookcase and makes the shelf look neat and tidy.

While I was there, I picked up a flyer that showcased some Simplicity and McCall's patterns. There's also coupons, good until October 31st, that would help you save lots on your costume:
50% cut of suede
50% cut felt by the yard
50% cut of fleece
50% any one wall notion
50% off cut of fur or velboa
50% off cut of Booville cotton solids

Hancock has 50% off Halloween costume collection fabric until Sept 27.
Check out their Halloween Headquarters for costume patterns, feather boas (you can't have too many of these), accessories, masks and project ideas. They even have project ideas for yarn wigs.

It's easy just to go pick out a costume at the party store but just think how many people are doing the same thing. With the use of accessories, you can get a cut of fabric and make a unique costume.

Cutting Table and Hancock Coupons

2006-09-07T23:28:00.000-07:00

I took advantage of the sales this weekend and bought a cutting table at Joann's. It was on sale for $59.99 down from $99.99 and I had an additional 10% coupon off my entire purchase. Whoohoo!

I haven't unpacked it yet but based on this review, I hope the 3 foot tall table won't be too high for my 5 foot munchkin frame to stand and cut against. Otherwise, it's back to cutting on the cardboard mat on the floor

Some more coupons