I Can't Decide
I've been trying to find a cool gift to make for my teenage niece. It's a tough age to buy a gift for, even tougher to make one for. But I think I might have found just the thing at U-Handbag. Cause every girl, no matter what her age, needs another bag right? I was thinking this or maybe this one instead. Any votes?
Ruffles, Ruffles Everywhere
With three girls and 5 nieces you would think I'd be tired of ruffles, but I still can't seem to get enough of them. I never liked them much when I was a kid, maybe I'm making up for all the ruffles I missed out on back then. Don't get me wrong my wardrobe never lacked for ruffles, my mom made sure I had my fair share, I just wasn't that into them. It could have had something to do with wanting to be as cool as my big brother.
Now, however, things are a little different I have girls and nieces and I am happy to make sure these girls never want for ruffles. My big brother is still cool, but I've learned that ruffles make anything sweet and pretty and oh so girly!
This is a little surprise for just one of those sweet, pretty little girls and I'm having lots of fun (mixed with a bit of swearing at breaking threads) making these ruffled treats for her. I can't wait to show you the finished product. In the meantime check out these ruffles I just found from Candace at Sparkle Power, I'm definitely gonna have to whip up a few of those before it gets too cold.
A Toddler Purse
Here's the birthday surprise I've been working on and she loves it, Yay! She is always taking her big sister's purses so I thought it was time she had her own. One that is just right for a 2 year old.
The button opens to reveal a snap pocket and a lace up and tie pocket. Then there is a zipper pouch on top, just like a real purse and the strap is held together with a belt buckle. Now she has her very own place for her very own treasures and she can button. . .
lace and tie, or untie. . .
snap, unsnap and stuff. . .
zip, unzip and zip some more (she loves zippers)
and loop a belt to her hearts content.
Independant Crafting
We had a wonderful guest last night, my niece. She is a huge fan of anything crafty, so whenever she stays over the three older girls plot and plan and come up with crazy crafty ideas, usually requiring some kind of sewing and always requiring some help from me. Well, today I just wasn't in the mood. I told them, to their shock and dismay, that I just wasn't up for a big project today and that they were on their own. I did feel a little guilty but, come on, gimme a break my man's been working crazy hours and school starts soon, I've been a little stressed. Well the kids were not deterred, even the little ones were bit by the crafty bug.
There was dinosaur drawing by my 4 year old. I do love this boys monsters, they are the best.
ripping seams, more sewing by hand and machine, and lots of working together to solve design issues.
And all this was done smoothly, to my suprise, with no help from me. I just sat back, snapped a few pics and watched them work it out. I was really impressed with how much they figured out on their own.
Not everything was done by the book, but the end result was a cute bag they could call their own and a couple of very proud girls. Sorry I didn't get a picture of the finished product before it went home with my niece. I'll try to get one next time we see her.
There was dinosaur drawing by my 4 year old. I do love this boys monsters, they are the best.
Coloring with brand new markers while I tried not to worry about the mess they were making.
And as expected an elaborately planned project including sewing and cutting,
ripping seams, more sewing by hand and machine, and lots of working together to solve design issues.
And all this was done smoothly, to my suprise, with no help from me. I just sat back, snapped a few pics and watched them work it out. I was really impressed with how much they figured out on their own. 
Not everything was done by the book, but the end result was a cute bag they could call their own and a couple of very proud girls. Sorry I didn't get a picture of the finished product before it went home with my niece. I'll try to get one next time we see her.Just in Time
It's almost done, just a few more details to finish by tonight.
It actually came together much easier than I expected, except that button hole right there. The button is bigger than my button hole maker can go so I had to do two and cut through the overlapping end so it's a little messy looking. Other than that I'm pretty happy with how it's turning out.
It actually came together much easier than I expected, except that button hole right there. The button is bigger than my button hole maker can go so I had to do two and cut through the overlapping end so it's a little messy looking. Other than that I'm pretty happy with how it's turning out.Sewing Together
My oldest who is 8 took quite an interest in sewing last year. She got her own sewing machine for Christmas, which was as much a gift for me as her since she wants to sew only when I do, of course. It's more fun that way right? And so, when her birthday rolled around, her super cool Aunt and Uncle bought her, her first skirt/pants pattern New Look Kids 6661 and all the fabric and trims needed to make view A.
It has two layers which I had never done before and turned out really cute! The slippery flowing fabric in my daughters current favorite color combo, light blue/teal and dark brown, were just perfect for this super girly skirt.
She says her favorite part is the little bow in the front and of course the colors. I know she also loves the fact that the fabric seems so grown up. It was a little slippery to work with, which I think a lot of people avoid on beginner projects, but if you can handle the imperfections that come with learning a new skill I highly recommend using it early. There is a lot that can be learned by simply doing it, then when you look for tips, you'll know what everyone is talking about.
A super cute skirt, a little more grown up feeling than her others, but with plenty of little girl twirl action. Thank you Aunt Rie and Uncky Tom.
It has two layers which I had never done before and turned out really cute! The slippery flowing fabric in my daughters current favorite color combo, light blue/teal and dark brown, were just perfect for this super girly skirt.The pattern was a little difficult for this young beginning sewer, but not so much as to discourage. She cut out and put together each of the skirt layers and the waistband with minimal help from me (other than deciphering the directions). I then took over for the tiny rolled hem and assembly of the pieces. She could have done the last part herself with a little help, but she needed a nice skirt for a family function so we had a deadline I wasn't sure she could meet.
She says her favorite part is the little bow in the front and of course the colors. I know she also loves the fact that the fabric seems so grown up. It was a little slippery to work with, which I think a lot of people avoid on beginner projects, but if you can handle the imperfections that come with learning a new skill I highly recommend using it early. There is a lot that can be learned by simply doing it, then when you look for tips, you'll know what everyone is talking about.A super cute skirt, a little more grown up feeling than her others, but with plenty of little girl twirl action. Thank you Aunt Rie and Uncky Tom. A Birthday Project
Here's a peak at a special little something for a special little birthday girl.
I hope it all works out, I have no pattern (once again) and I'm not sure yet how everything will come together, but I think she'll love it.
I mean really how could she resist rainbows, laughing whales and purple polka dots!? It's every little girls dream is it not? All Better Buddies
I don't really know how to kick off a blog, this is my first time so be gentle with me. I hope to have some fun sewing stuff to share soon, for now, I guess I'll just start with one of my bunnies. This is my All Better Buddy and I hope to have some in my etsy shop soon. He has a pocket in the back to slide a wonderful, lavender scented rice pack into. You can store him in the freezer and use him to treat small bumps and bruises. The rice stays cool and he's soft and cuddly with a comforting lavender smell. Or heat the rice pack in the microwave for a minute or two, and you have a cozy friend to ease tummy aches or just to cozy into bed with. What do you think?
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