from a yardsale in October

At the end of our family vacation a few weeks ago, I went to a yardsale with my mother-in-law and sisters-in-law.
It was the first one I'd been to a very long time (kind of sad that the first one this year was in October - the year is almost over!). There have been a few nice looking ones in our neighborhood over the spring and summer, but I almost never have cash on me and so haven't stopped to shop.
I still didn't have cash this time, but my mother-in-law did. :) (thank you again!)

Anyway, while there I scored a box of canning jars that had these in it!

Aren't they gorgeous?! There were four in the box, three round and one square. None of them had lids, so I decided to keep the square one to put pens, or scissors, or knitting needles or ...... something in, and added the round ones to the shop.
Lucky for you I'm willing to share. ;)

Yes, so, lucky for you. :)

Scallop Garland Tutorial

Remember the garland tutorial that I mentioned a few days ago?

Well, it's about to start - 3, 2, 1 .......0.

 

The first garlands that I made were white, but I used a really pretty orange for this tutorial because, well, it's pretty. And it shows up better in indoor pics than the white did.

First, cut (or tear) a few 1" strips of fabric.
Fold each strip in half, in half again and again and so forth, until there are 12 layers (I found that 12 was about all that I could cut through).
Cut your stacks of strips into 1 1/2" sections.
Trace a half circle onto the top layer. I used a spool of thread for this one, but I've used other things too.
And then, cut 'em out!

Next, you'll need your pile of half circles, 2 6" strips of ribbon, thread and scissors. And a sewing machine. That really helps too.

Take one of the ribbon strips, fold it in half and lay it on top of one of the half circles.
Lay another half circle on top of this stack, sandwiching the ribbon between two pieces of fabric.
Run this stack through the sewing machine and line continue to sew the half circles, making a line of scallops as you sew.
When you have achieved a length that you are happy with, make another fabric and ribbon sandwich and feed it through the machine, back stitch and cut the thread.
That's it!


What do you think, want to make one too?

 I'm linking this at some of these blogs - head on over and check 'em out!

I did it!

You know the "Ideas" page on the blog? And how it's getting rather, well, long?

Well, I finally made something from it!
I found the Heirloom Cut Chenille Baby Blanket on Aesthetic Nest a while ago and immediately knew that I needed to make one - or maybe more? - for my little ones.

It took me what seemed like forever (Ian has learned to sense when I'm sitting down at the machine and then decides that he needs to eat right NOW and that the blanket can wait!), but it's finally done!

 I used cotton seam binding instead of the satin blanket edging that she recommended since I wanted the whole thing to be 100% cotton, and I really, really love it. The "flat" side of the blanket is a light moss green with cream dots, and the chenille side is made of light green, yellow and cream. I've washed it a few times since it's been finished (it is getting used!) and it gets a little softer each time.

Can I say again that I just love this blanket?


I'm linking to a few of these great craft blogs - head over and check out the creative ideas!

an idea + bits of fabric + thread = something pretty

Well, hello there! It's been a few days since I've posted anything ...... but I have a good reason (I mean, other than being a mommy to two little ones, that is)! We took a week of vacation to visit family, and now are back. It was a good time of reconnecting with everyone,and my family especially enjoyed meeting Ian. His Grampa and aunts and uncles were completely smitten. :)

Things are settling into their routine again, the laundry is all washed and put away, and I am getting a few new things ready for the shop. One of the new items is something that I probably would never have made if it wasn't for someone else's idea.
A few days ago a woman over in England sent me a custom request for a garland that was similar to others that I have listed, but different - made out of fabric and white.

After a few emails back and forth, this is what we came up with:

I am so glad she contacted me - otherwise I might never have ventured into making something like this! It's really gorgeous, fluttery and delicate. It reminds me of snowflakes, dandelions, and almond blossoms. And mini marshmallows. :)
It would be sooooo pretty adorning a wedding. Or a nursery. A party. A Christmas tree. A mantle piece or doorway. Above a headboard. Pretty much anywhere!

There are more in the works for the shop, and I might just squeeze time in to photograph and post a tutorial. Maybe. :)

Once again, I'm posting a link to this on a few of these craft blogs - head on over and check out the amazing ideas other people are posting!

Mommy + Me (+ Me, too)

KCWC (again)

Well, it sure is taking me a while to finish posting about what I made for the Challenge! Here's the nightie that I made for Emma.

Emma's much loved Disney Princess nightie was getting quite small on her, so I decided to refashion an adult sized nightshirt into a little nightgown for her. I didn't take any photos along the way, but here's how it turned out.

Using the Princess nightie as a pattern, I cut the original shirt down and cut off the sleeves and collar (all of which I saved to use).

I wanted to keep the original neckline and buttons down the front, but they were out of scale with a toddler's body size - so I put in a cute little gather in the back! That took care of the neck sizing, but then the original collar was too big so I put three little tucks on each side of it.