Thursday, March 24, 2011

All Tied Up

There are not a lot of opportunities to sew for my little guy, but for Easter I thought I would gussy up his outfit a little bit. I ran across this brilliant tutorial for making "little man ties" - soooo quick and easy! You'll have to try it for your favorite little man.

Ian's tie for Easter

Being a SAHM means I have to be creative with the clothes budget. Shirt was free at Kohls (with their $10 coupon in the mail), pants from Target on clearance for $2.50 and I "splurged" on the hat at $7. The tie was made out of a dress shirt of Craig's that he never wears.


I dressed up the pants a bit by adding a cuff.

And this tie is for my nephew - this may be addicting...
Now for a Easter photo shoot!




Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Travel Art Kit

So I thought I would try writing my first tutorial / pattern. I designed this art kit, because Breanna likes to color anywhere, any place. I love this project only uses scraps and makes a great present for kids. Please leave me a comment if any of the steps are unclear.
Here is the pattern. Just cut out the pieces to the correct dimensions as the pattern is not to scale.
I used a 1/4 inch seam allowance unless otherwise stated.

1. Trim the corners off the interfacing and iron onto the wrong side of the front cover.
2. Optional: Use wonder under and a zig zag stitch to attach an intial to the front cover.
(that's a whole other tutorial!)



3. Fold the pencil pocket with right sides together and stitch down one side of the pocket.
Turn right side out and press.
4. Fold the handles with right sides together and sticth down the sides.
Turn right side out and press.

5. With right sides together sew down the long side of the crayon pocket. Optional: Sew small ric rack into the seam. Turn right side out and press.

6. Fold notebook pocket in half with right sides out and place the pencil pocket as shown. Sew down left side of pocket and baste around the edges.

7. Fold the inside panel in half and lightly press. Unfold. Lay the crayon pocket about one inch from the centerfold on the left side and sew in place. Baste edges, leaving the top (ric rac side)open.

8. Starting 1 1/4 inches in, mark every inch using a water soluble pencil or pen. Sew down lines to create the pockets for the crayons.



9. Measure and mark every 3/4 of an inch on the pencil pocket and sew down to create the pockets for the pencils.
10. Line the notebook pocket up with the right hand side of the inside panel and baste arond the outside edges.

11. Place rubber band in the center edge of the panel and place handles 1 1/4 inches on either side of the rubber band. Baste into place.
12. Baste handles onto opposite side.



13. With right sides of the front cover and inside panel together sew all the way around the pieces. Use a 3/8 inch seam allowance. Leave about 4 inches open to turn. Trim corners, and turn right side out.
14. Press edges. Sew opening closed.



15. Sew large button onto cover.
Fill with goodies!
The art kit holds 10 crayons, 7 colored pencils and one 6 x 9 notebook (found at Target or Dollar Tree)
Hope that wasn't too difficult! Would love to hear feedback if you give it a try. Have fun!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Robots and Rocketships

I recieved a package in the mail today that brought me smiles. It is the fabric for the quilt that I want to make Ian. Of course, getting new fabric always makes me happy, but I am so excited about these finds. Moda just came out with this new robot fabric and I just love the grey! Breanna's "big girl" quilt took much longer than I anticipated, so I wanted to start early on Ian's. For his quilt I am invisioning horizontal stripes of various widths and making a sham with an appliqued robot.




The fabrics are Full Moon in tangerine and slate by Amy Butler
Robots by David Walker in Aqua, Orange and Red (I have had these since before Ian was born)
Robotics Squares and Robotics Rockets in grey by Moda

I am thinking of doing something similar to the Dr. Suess quilt from Pottery Barn


These are some vinyl wall art from etsy that I think might look really cute in the room.



It's so fun designing and planning, but then I am actually having to admit that baby boy won't be a baby forever. Also, when am I going to have time to sew when I make a 2 minute phone call and find this....??

my boy who is ALWAYS hungry!