Baby Swaddler and Burper Shower Gift

baby snuggler & burper

I was invited to a baby shower this weekend and I had a hard time figuring out what to give as a gift.  I love giving handmade items, especially quilts.  Sometimes it isn’t possible to make a quilt in time for a shower.  I came across this free pattern for a “Baby Snuggler or Baby Swaddler” by Lotta Jansdotter and I thought I would give it a whirl.  You can print the pattern HERE.  I read a few reviews and they all mentioned it was hard to print the pattern.  I agree.  I tried a few different browsers and printed in each.  Then I pieced them together the best I could.  This was the hardest part of the project.  I thought a picture of the pattern pieces all put together would be helpful:

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The pattern calls for 1 yard of outer fabric and 1 yard of minky fabric.  I choose this cute print from Riley Blake Designs Apple of my Eye.  Instead of working with Minky (it’s a love-hate thing) I choose this sweet flannel check also from Riley Blake Designs.  I pre-washed my fabrics.  The pattern sewed up really quick.  It consists of a main body and the pouch part and Velcro closures.   I choose to top stitch my snuggler which I don’t think it said in the pattern.

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One thing I found confusing was the placement of the Velcro. I had seen this pattern sewn up in person it would have made more sense.  I made this little Velcro guide to make it clear which side of the Velcro to put where.  The pattern has the placement for the Velcro. baby snuggler

There is enough fabric left over to sew 2 matching Burpers.   They are still my favorite!  You can download my “Old School Baby Burper” pattern HERE.  Cut 2 from the flannel and 2 from the floral.    All you need is some ric rac.  Baste the ric rac to the yellow floral piece starting and stopping on a straight side.  Then put right sides together, sew around, following the basting stitch, leaving a 3″ opening on the side.  Turn, press, and top-stitch all the way around making sure to catch the opening.

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I think it makes a darling set!  I wish I had made these swaddlers when I had babies!!

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While I was at the shower, I borrowed my friends baby and tried out the swaddler.  It fits perfectly!
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I am for sure going to make more of these!!!
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{Pattern Review} The Potato Chip Skirt by The Tie Dye Diva


potato chip pattern review

This is not a paid review, I purchased the skirt pattern from Tie Dye Diva’s online shop.

I am so excited to be sharing my experience of making this super cute girls skirt called The Potato Chip Skirt by Tie Dye Diva.  I don’t think it’s possible to say how much I love this skirt, how it fits so perfectly and how wonderfully the pattern is written.  Tie Dye Diva has many fabulous patterns and this is my first experience sewing one of them.  You can purchase the pattern and download it immediately.  The pattern was easy to tape together and assemble.  The step by step instructions were very clear and thorough.  I am confident a beginner could tackle this pattern as it is so well written.  This pattern is sized from 12 months to size girls 14.  potato chip skirt 1

 

 

Baby Mufasa loves helping with the pattern pieces!  He chewed one of the pieces and I had to tape it back together!DSC_0712The fabrics are from Blend’s The Makers line.  The fabrics are a light whimsical feel with several panel prints.  I fell in love with this print of a girl sewing with her kitty!!!  The panel was slightly smaller than the skirt pattern so I added some coordinates: 5″ to each side and 6″ to the top.potato chip skirt 1 10

OK, I really can’t get enough of the girl & the kitty!!  I top stitched a little lace around the pockets.  Sally is so thrilled to have a skirt with pockets!!!!

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I also top stitched along the seams where I pieced the panel so they would stay in place after washing.

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I love the scrappy look of this skirt, with the back having a totally different fabric.  My teenage daughter was begging for one in her size 🙂

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The skirt pattern has 3 options: no lining, lining, and reversible.  I choose to make the reversible version.  I love the weight the skirt has with the lining – it hangs really nice.  The waistband is super simple because it has elastic in the back portion.  I used some Heat n Bond fusible stabilizer in the waistband to give it some strength.

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This skirt can easily be downloaded, printed, cut & sewn in 2 hours.  It’s called the Potato Chip Skirt because you can’t make just one!  That’s true, I already have several more in the works!  Sally is happy because I pay her $1.00 for each modeling session 🙂
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I can’t stop gushing about this pattern.  The length is perfect and the fit is perfect.  Sally is 7 years old, wears a size 10 and I cut out the size 9/10 skirt.  It’s PERFECT!!!!potato chip skirt 8

Kitty Mini Quilt

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My Mini Kitty Quilt Pattern is available to purchase from Emily Ann’s Kloset.  The inspiration from this quilt came when I heard from a friend that her 6 month old kitten was diagnosed with a fatal disease.  My heart broke in half.  Of course this was devastating to her and her children. I have lost 2 kitties in the last 2 years and it hurts really bad 🙁  I wanted to send her something to show I cared.  I came up with this Mini Kitty Quilt.  I was inspired by folk art paintings of flying cats.

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Of course my Kitty Muasa was very helpful in making this quilt!

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Here are a few other versions of the Mini Kitty Quilt in different colors.  It is such a fun quilt to make and you can make it in about an hour!mini kitty quilt 5

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The Blythe Skirt – Magic Pattern Review

magic pattern skirt

Today I am sharing my thoughts about this super cute pattern from Amy Barickman’s The Magic Pattern Book over on the Therm O Web Blog today.Magic-large

This book is amazing with such cute patterns and styles.  There are 6 basic patterns and then variations on each pattern which give 36 different styles!  The CD has all the patterns included.  I love skirts and I especial love this A-Line pleated front skirt.  There is no zipper, not buttons, no hooks – super easy, right?

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I love the two front pockets and I also love the length of this skirt.  I can’t wait to sew up a few more!
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Happy Valentine’s Day

I thought I would share my favorite Vintage Valentines and wish you all a a very Happy Valentine’s Day – I love that it’s on a Saturday this year!I think this heart is my favorite – made from Blend’s Clementine line – and it’s not even in traditional valentine colors.  I have it hanging in my living room.

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This heart is made with Blend’s Modern Lace.  I do recognize that not everyone loves cats as much as me, so I made a few versions with vintage love birds.
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This one is also made with the Modern Lace line – which I LOVE!vintage valentines 7

This print is also from Modern Lace.

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I love this one made with the spoon print from the Clementine line.
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My daughter and I made over 30 of these hearts!IMG_2890

 

A little peek into some Valentine decor in my home 🙂

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Tic Tac Toe Valentine Pillow Tutorial

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February is just flying by!  I needed a little pick-me-up today and throw pillows always do just the trick!  A friend of mine came over and we spent the afternoon sewing.  I came up with the idea of this interactive pillow after sitting next to my little girl at church yesterday.  We brought along the quiet book (circa 1980) and one of the pages is a tic tac toe game.  I thought this would be super fun to incorporate into a Valentine’s Day pillow!

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I love how it turned out and my kids LOVE it!  They couldn’t believe I made something fun!!  I think the fabrics make it – it’s the Flirt line by Dear Stella.  I had some left over from my Valentine Bookmark & Sachet project.

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Here’s how you can make one

Supplies:

fat quarter white fabric

small pieces of fabric for hearts and Xs – can use charm squares

cotton batting scraps

fat quarter for the pillow back

20″ pillow form

22″ or longer zipper

3 yards pink trim

2 yards pink lace

1/4 yard border fabric

10″ of velcro

Spray n Bond

X and Heart pattern, click here

Begin by cutting the white background fabric 15″ square
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Measure and position the pink lace so it creates equal sections, taking into account 1/4″ seam allowances around the outside of the square.  Using Spray n Bond basting spray makes positioning lace a snap.  If you don’t have this, you can pin.  Sew with matching thread.  Next, position the next 2 pieces of lace to create the grid.  Sew into place.
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Print and cut out the X and the heart.tic tac toe valentine pillow 4

Layer a piece of fabric, cotton batting, and another piece of fabric like this with right sides facing out.  You are making a mini quilt sandwich.  These don’t have to look pretty.  I cut mine with scissors and did not measure.  Using basting spray, spray the layers so they stay together.tic tac toe valentine pillow 5

Pin and X or a Heart on the fabric.

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Stitch all the way around the pattern piece.

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Cut out the X close to the seam.  Cut 1″ piece of velcro and position the soft piece in the center of the X.  Make sure you use the same side of the velcro for each piece or they won’t be interchangeable 🙂  I had to use the seam ripper on one of mine 🙁tic tac toe valentine pillow 7

Sew around the velcro square. Do this to each heart and X.  I made 5 hearts and 4 Xs.  Sew the opposite sides to each velcro piece in the middle of the tic tac toe squares.tic tac toe valentine pillow 8

Prepare the boarders by cutting (2) 15″ x 3″ strips and (2) 20″ x 3″ strips.
tic tac toe valentine pillow 10Sew the 15″ long strips to each side using 1/4″ seams.  Press toward the boarder.

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Sew the 20″ pieces on in the same manner.  Press.  Sew the decorative trim around the pillow front, rounding the corners.
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Prepare the back of the pillow.  Cut a 21″ x 20″ piece of fabric (I add 1″ to the length just in case the zipper or the zipper seam differs).  Cut at the 4″ mark.  Insert the zipper.  Trim off the excess zipper.  With the zipper partially open, place the pillow front to the pillow back, matching the top edge and the side edge.  There should be about 1″ extra at the bottom of the back piece.  Cut this off after sewing all the way around the pillow.  Sew all the way around the pillow using the trim seam as you guide.  I like to sew just a little larger seam then the seam I created when sewing the trim on.  Turn right side out.tic tac toe valentine pillow 13

Insert the 20″ pillow form and then place the game pieces on the velcro squares – whose ready to play!!tic tac toe valentine pillow 14

This is the back of the pillow – you can make it how you want – this is just a super fast & easy way to finish a pillow.

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The fabrics are amazing!!!

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Sally was being silly 🙂

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Valentine Bookmark and Sachet Tutorial

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Don’t you just LOVE February!!  I love all the cheerful colors, flowers, fabrics, and blossoms!  It’s even been 80 degrees around here in the daytime!  I’m super happy!!!IMG_3280

These fabrics from the Dear Stella Flirt line just scream Valentine’s Day.  They make me want to throw a Jane Austen inspired Tea Party…..maybe I will!!dear-stella-flirt-fabrics

I love giving little gifts on Valentine’s Day and these sweet projects can be sewn up quickly.  I love using fabric bookmarks in my books, this bookmark is flat and thin so it won’t damage your book.
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This lovely lavender sachet is perfect to toss in a drawer or even in your car!
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They make a lovely pair.  I can’t wait to sew more of these!  My full instructions are on the Therm O Web Blog.  This project uses Heat n Bond Lite for the appliqué which makes it a snap.  There is also a little Heat n Bond medium weight stabilizer in the bookmark to give it stability.  I can’t wait to sew a few more!!
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DIY Cat Post

IMG_3273We have a baby Bengal Kitten in our home, his name is Mufasa and he is super spoiled!  Pretty much my life is devoted to keeping him happy and teaching him everything he needs to know.  Part of raising a well adjusted cat is having places for them to scratch, climb, and perch.  I looked online and I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted.  I sent hubby to the home improvement store and last Saturday he spent the day creating the perfect cat post for Mufasa.  I will explain a little how we made it; if you are somewhat handy, you can follow along!

We began with a wood base 29″ x 19″, a 6 foot 2″x3″ and an oak log (bark removed).  Here you can see they’ve been attached to the base.  (We recommend not using particle board).

diy cat post

We cut a piece of corrugated plastic pipe the same length as the 2″x3″ and slid it over.  We used long staples and some liquid nails to anchor the post to the 2″x3″ at the bottom.  We cut a board smaller than the base and cut out a circle for the pipe to extend through.  This was secured to the oak log.

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Making sure everything is level.

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Here you can see where the staples were inserted to secure the tube to the 2×3.

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We put Liquid Nails on the pipe and wrapped sisal rope tightly around.

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We anchored the sisal with a staple.

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This is a good job for the kids to help out with!

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We continued in the same manner adding 2 more perches.  We needed something extra on the lower level for support, so we added another piece of wood.

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Next we covered all the perch surfaces with carpeting.  We had to create a kind of template to cut out where the pipe and the wood pieces were.  We used Liquid Nails and staples to secure.  On the bottom level we didn’t wrap the base in carpet, but added some wood pieces to finish off the edges.  The upper perches we wrapped in the carpet.
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It looks great and we couldn’t wait to bring it in the house and let Mufasa play on it!

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That crazy little kitten climbed it all the way to the top!  It was his first time ever climbing something that high!
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We put it in front of the sliding glass window so he can perch and look outside.  He LOVES it!!!!diy cat post. 17

Deco Foil Hanging Heart {DIY project}

 

deco foil hanging heart valentineI didn’t quite know what to hang on my front doors this Valentine’s Day season.  Do any of you have the problem of having 2 front doors?  It’s always a delllama, do I hang just one item on the door we use, leaving the other one bare?  Do I hang two of the same thing?  Two different things?  If I hang 2 wreaths, does it look like my doors have eyes?  I came across these sparkly scalloped wood heart hangers at the craft store and I thought they might solve my front door problem.  They were just screaming for some embellishment, don’t you think?  I ran around the house, gathering items that might be cute all while eating cinnamon gummy hearts (highly addictive).  If you don’t have wood heart hangers like these, you can add this heart to a pillow, a frame, or pretty much anything!  Here goes!!foil valentine craft

Supplies:

fabric scraps for the hearts, I used Riley Blake Designs small dots, pink & white

a few yards of small lace and larger lace to hang

Heat n Bond Lite EZ Print sheets

Heat n Bond Lite

Deco Foil silver
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Don’t you just love all the colors this Deco Foil comes in?  This was my first time using it, I was a little intimidated; now it’s my new favorite product!

Begin by drawing your desired heart shape onto the paper side of the Heat n Bond Lite.  Roughly cut around the heart and iron it to the wrong side of the fabric.  I choose to use Heat n Bond Lite rather than fusible stabilizer because I like the texture it creates when applied.  Leave the backing paper on.foil valentine craft 2

Print out the words in reverse onto the EZ print sheets.  You can download the words like I used or make up your own.

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Press the words to the wrong side of the Deco Foil.  Then cut out with scissors.  The XOXO were easy to cut, the Love was a little intense, I might not choose such an intricate word to cut with scissors next time 🙂  But I like how it looks.
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Once the letters are cut out, peel off the backing paper and place the words as desired.  I covered my letters with tissue paper because I was afraid to put the iron directly on the foil.  Press into place.

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I LOVE the foil!  I can’t wait to try it on more projects!  To finish the heart, peel off the backing paper of the heart.  Center it on the wood heart.  Using hot glue, glue the lace all the way around the heart.  You will burn your fingers many times while doing so 🙁  If you have another favorite glue, you might try that.  I was in a hurry 🙂  You could also use any kind of trim: ric rac, small tinsel, pom poms, ruffles, etc.  I wasn’t in love with the cheap ribbon hanger the hearts came with, so I snipped them off and added some wire.

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I added a lace bow and also hung it with lace.  I don’t have a wreath hanger, so I tack the lace with a tiny nail to the top of my door.  Maybe that’s not a good idea?

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A little peak at my front porch….

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chalkboard frame front porchMy teenage daughter is in charge of all the chalkboard writing in our home.  It’s too nerve racking for me!

I found this desk literally on the side of the road.  I spray painted it grey and made it look rustic and it lives on my front porch.  In the spring I have flowers growing out of the drawers!!  I also found the chair on the side of the road.  People probably think my porch looks junky – I like it!!


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valentine front porch

Little Girl’s Western Outfit

My sister and her friend asked me to sew western outfits for their 4 year old girls.  I just finished them – I think they turned out pretty cute!  The hardest part was finding plain tops – all our stores are in-between seasons and there is not much to pick from.  I was lucky to find 1 white and 1 black shirt!  The cow print is my favorite 🙂
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I used Heat n Bond lite for a quick appliqué on the shirts.  Then I added a denim & lace rosette accent.IMG_3094

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