Gifts

I've been having fun making gifts for birthday presents. We had a birthday for my little cousin Nolan, who turned 1. His room is blue and brown and I had a bunch of blue/ brown print fabrics laying around and I happened upon this site http://www.purlbee.com/ and it has tons of fun patterns. I found this ball pattern and figured , what 1 year old boy doesn't love balls. so I made it in about an hour and embroidered his name on it :) it was a lot of fun to make.

back view (tutu)

flower clip

front view (tutu)


We also got to go to a fun bday for my friends daughter who turned 3 and she loves dress up! I had some extra tulle and luckily it was pink! so I took some brown silk and made the elastic waist band. I measured my daughter, who happened to be about 23" so I doubled that and cut the silk fabric..so that there would be extra for ruffling. Then, I sewed the two wrong ends together. Then, I cut about 110" of the tulle, which had 4 layers (width can be whatever length you like) and I sewed it onto the silk waist and ruffled it as I sewed. Once that was done, which I forgot to mention, I created 2 button holes w/ bias tape for the elastic and satin ribbon. I then sewed where the elastic would go through and then pulled it through, then the ribbon.
For the shirt: I just got a plain white shirt and ruffled the tulled (sort of like a base stitch) and curled it into a rose and sewed it on to the shirt; starting from the middle and going around until you're on the outside. The sleeves were easy.. just ruffle on about a 1/2 " of the tulle, 2 layers thick around the sleeve.
The clip, was easy. I ruffled on about a 1/2 " of tulle onto a piece of brown satin ribbon and then curled it into a rose and then sewed around, like previous. then hot glued on the small ribbon and then the button and last the clip.. and there you have it.. once complete tutu outfit :)

Cooking in the kitchen

I was so excited to make these.. especially now that I have a matching mitt to my apron.. I'm set! These are super easy! all you need is your outer fabric, lining fabric, bias tape, and 2 layers of batting (2 sets). you can also use poly mylar..but I just used an extra layer of batting. It's also quilted, which is super easy.. you can do any design; I just followed the pattern on the fabric and it blends in nicely. We made these at our "sewing sisters" group!

Cord Covers

This is a very simple project. Measure the length of cords you wish to cover and double the length in fabric. Cut 2 strips and sew raw sides together and turn right side out and hem both ends and you have a decorative cover for the ugly cords.

Family Home Evening Plaque

A while back we made these Family Home Evening plaques for mid week and I forgot to post it. Anyways, this project is fun!
First you need a pre-made wood plaque..or if you or your husband is handy and you have the right tools, to can rout a piece of wood. So, then antiqued the edges after painting them white first, using some dark brown glaze. Then I used modge podge for gluing the scrapbook paper on.
Then, we had the vinyl letters pre-made from a friend who had a vinyl letter cutter.. once again another tool that would be useful.. but you can buy the vinyl lettering elsewhere, rather than buying your own vinyl lettering cutter..which is quite expensive. So, you stick on the letters and use modge podge again over the whole thing. then I screwed on the hooks and done! One day I will have tags made for each family member.. they are ready to be made, just haven't been done yet.. are kids are still a little young, but soon I will make them and when I do, I will post, since so many people are just dying to see them ?

Aprons

I made this apron for a friend's birthday, and I really enjoyed making it! maybe one day I can have downloadable patterns, but I would have to figure out how to do that first.. although I didn't have a pattern for this, since it is just a simple apron. It's a vintage fabric and I think vintage goes well with anything in the kitchen :) makes it funner to cook..right?

for the pocket...I sewed the bias tape onto it partially first.. (perhaps next time, if someone is actually interested.. I can made another one and take pictures of each step) then, I sewed it onto the apron. then I pinned the neck strap and ties around the back and sewed the edges on. Then, the flower is ribbon and fabric petals, with a button sewed on.. then I used a little bit of glue to secure it even more. Anyways, super easy.. a little time consuming, maybe just me, but I don't do things quickly. they make great gifts!

Dolls and Curtains

These curtains were fairly easy.. I didn't even use a pattern, just measured the length and width of the window and made panels to that exact measurement (with lining.. I used old sheets!)

I then sewed on plastic rings 10 inches apart, then at the top 5 inches apart and pulled them with a cord and tied it. sew the top for the curtain rod (about 2-3 inches thick)

These dolls weren't very hard, but a little time consuming :) you can get the pattern on Martha Stewart website "black apple dolls."

The face is used with embroidery floss and the hair and flower is felt. The body is muslin and the legs are old jeans. The body is any fabric!

(The yellow hair doll is for my blondie girl and the red hair doll is for my auburn haired girl )

Toddler Bibs

These are coordinating pocket Bibs!

(Can you tell I have 2 girls?)

These will soon be available on my site: http://www.momandmedesign.net/

They are lined in vinyl for easy wiping and cleaning and creates a nice large pocket for food to fall in, when eating. has a velcro neck; easy for Toddler to put on and take off. Snaps for the pockets that can easily be unfolded for cleaning!