Dreaming of warmer places!

 

The frozen tundra that we call home has kept us inside A LOT lately.

 

Which means I've found some new things to sew!

 

 

I decided I needed a new beach bag for a trip in March.

 

Then I decided it needed accessories!

 

And I always hate how everyone's suitcases look the same at the airport.

Problem solved with a few cute scraps and a new luggage tag!

 

Can't wait to use these in a few weeks!



A little flour sack fun!

I have a bunch of Blue Bird Flour sacks in my sewing room.

 

 

I had NO IDEA what to do with them.

 

 

Until I talked to a sweet lady at The Kalona Junction who gave me the idea to make super cute bags out of them.

Why didn't I think of that!

 

 

 

I came up with a couple of adorable Market Totes!

 

I am positive each one that I make is going to be different.

Good thing I have lots more flour sacks because I have lots more ideas!

 

They will be at the Kalona Junction soon!



A little birdie skirt for Peighton

Preston and I wandered around Kalona a few weeks ago while we waited for Dustin to meet us for lunch.

 

We went to one of the cute fabric shops there.

Preston likes it...they have toys.

I like it...they have fabric. ;-)

 

 

I got some cute little birdies and matching polka dots to make a new skirt for Peighton.

She is getting so tall and growing out of things!

 

 

 

I used this Oliver and S pattern to make the skirt.

 

I love the little scallop at the bottom!

 

 

 

It's so fun and cheerful and ready for spring!!!!!

 

 



Sweet little piggy dresses

Sometimes fabric just shows up on my doorstep!

 

I love when that happens.

 

My friend dropped off this adorable pig fabric:

 

 

She needed a few coordinating dresses for her two little girls.

 

 

I love them!

I know they will have lots of fun twirling around in them this summer.

 

 

There was even enough fabric to make an adorable tote.

Peighton thought the pigs were cute too and now wants a pig dress!

 

One Strap kids bag

My two kiddos LOVE to carry their own stuff.

 

This one strap bag featured on Sew Mama Sew looked like a great one to try!

Picture from sew mama sew.

 

I had pinned it awhile back thinking it would make a great summer bag for trips to the pool, the park or on car trips.

 

 

It was fairly quick and easy to sew (even making two of them) and they are just the right size for carrying a few important things!

Try to ignore the outfit choices Peighton made...the dress is quite cute by itself ( or with normal leggings) but when paired with floral leggings and turquoise reindeer socks it's a bit random.
 

 

They LOVE their new bags!

And so do I since that means they will actually carry some of their stuff and I won't be quite such a pack-mule this summer!

 

 

 

 



Pattern Testing!

I love when I get to test a pattern!

Mostly because I get a free pattern. ;-)

 

 

The Eden dress from Petite Kids Boutique looked like one Peighton would love.

 

All of her favorite things:

 

A dress

Lots of ruffles

Lots of twirl!

 

 

It will be for sale soon on her site.

But until then, check out a few shots of Miss Peighton enjoying her new dress!

 

She loved the back of it.

 

 



A sweet little wristlet for me

One thing I was missing on our trip to the Domincan Republic was a tiny little wristlet to carry a few things in the evenings.

 

 

 

I have been looking for one this week for our next trip and just couldn't find one I really liked.

 

So I made one.

 

 

I think it turned out pretty cute and is just the right size too!

 

It's pretty tiny.

It measures about 6" across the top and it's 6" tall.

 

Two things I love about this bag:
1. I made it out of my scrap box

and

2. I just started cutting so there were no pattern pieces or directions to follow!!!!

 

 

 

Peighton must have liked it too...she asked if she could borrow it sometime!

Guess I'll be making a few more of these.

 

 

 



Hello Kitty Room!

Peighton has been LOVING Hello Kitty lately.

 

I kinda like her too.

 

We decided to do a much needed room makeover during Christmas break.

 

It is SO MUCH cuter!!!!!

 

 



 

Dustin painted her room a light pink.

It was green on the bottom and yellow on top with a weird "wave" connecting the two.

It looks MUCH better now!

 

I designed the quilt (there was A LOT of math involved!!!!) and we love how it turned out!

A little Hello Kitty, zebra, chevron and hot pink and black minky.

It's C-U-T-E!

 

I also ordered some Hello Kitty artwork from a seller on etsy.

 

I painted a bag canvas hot pink and put the vinyl picture top of that.

It's BIG and looks great on the wall.

 

 

 

 

I did a quick valance for the window out of the leftovers.

 

 

 

I also made a pennant out of the scraps and reused her name letters that were originally in her BABY ROOM!

 

 

Peighton loves it and so do I!

 

We have also added a very cute Hello Kitty clock too!

Maxi Dress for me!

I bought Amy Butler's Cabo Halter pattern awhile back.

 

 

 

 It sat on my desk as I decided what fabric to use and if I'd actually wear it once I made it!

 

 

I've made myself LOTS of bags (I have no idea how many!) but have only made myself a few items of clothing.

It's much more intimidating than bags!!!!!

 

I've boughten quite a few maxi dreses lately.

Sometimes they fit really well in one area but not so much in others.

As I kept looking at this halter top pattern I started to think how cute it would be if it were a dress....made out of knit!

 

So, what started out as Amy Butler's halter top with woven fabric and an invisibile zipper turned into a comfy knit dress with no invisible zipper!!!!!

 

Kinda hard to take a picture of a dress on the floor but I'm just not willing to model at the moment!!!!!

 

 

The best part of making this is that I was able to choose a different size for each of the pattern pieces to fit ME perfectly.

I tried it on multiple times as I went along and it fits like it was made just for me-oh wait, it was!!!!!!

And I got to make it the perfect length for me too-most maxi dresses are quite a bit too long for my short self. ;-)

 

I am super happy with the way it turned out.

A great addition to my summer wardrobe for going to the beach or the pool or just hanging out!

 

 

 

Someday when I'm feeling super brave I might try the woven version with the invisible zipper.

I think it'd be really cute and summery in a bright white fabric!

 

 

 

 



Take Flight Handbag

 

 

I've checked another bag from this book off my list!

 

 

I tried out the "Take Flight" handbag and it turned out really cute!

 

I had filed this one away as something I'd never make.

This oversized flower/fan thing on the front of the bag was just not for me.

 

 

 

But I kept coming back to the pattern.

Over and over again.

I finally decided if I left that part off I'd probably like the bag.

And I do!

 

 

I've had this bright, cheery chevron in my stash for awhile now and hadn't found it's purpose.

It's purpose has now been found!

 

It's a nice medium sized bag which is good...I've made a lot of LARGE bags lately!

 

Of course I had to add a little flower!

 

 

My little helper thought he should have his picture taken too.

His facial expressions CRACK ME UP!!!!!

Look at that raised eyebrow!

 

 

 

I'm glad I tried it out.

It's a good sized bag and has a zipper too!

It might make a nice carry on bag someday soon to a tropical destination!!!

 

On a side note, I think my chair in this picture needs a funky new seat cushion!

That might be my next project.....maybe in a little chevron???

 

This chair has quite a history.

It was originally my grandmother's chair.

Growing up, it sat in my parent's living room.

When Dustin and I got married, it went along with us to our very first house in Nebraska.

It has moved with us to each new house since then.

From Nebraska to North Carolina to Indiana and then to Iowa.

This chair is well-traveled!!!!

I have sat and rocked both of my sweet babies in this chair too.

I think it's the only piece of furniture that has been in ALL of our houses.

It's been like a little piece of home wherever we have moved.

 

I think it deserves a little face lift, don't you?!

 

 

 

 



A Beach tote for me!

There was a big snowstorm Wednesday outside my windows.

 

I was fine with it though...

I have a few really fun trips to look forward to and to make new bags for as well!

 

I finished one while that yucky white stuff was coming down.

 

 

 

It's from one of my favorite "go-to" bag books.

 

 

It's acutally a bag I never thought I'd make because of the handles-I HATE the kind of handles that the pattern has you make.

If you've ever made them  I'm sure you know why.

 

 

 

But I sat and thought about it and really liked the rest of the bag-especially the ruffle.

Finally, I decided there had to be a way to modify it and I was going to try!

 

I knew it would be a super cute beach tote for a few reasons:

*It's big-I need lots of room to carry all of Dustin's stuff ;-)

*It's open at the top-great for throwing everything in

*I can fold it into my suitcase easily

And did I mention it's cute!

 

 

The big change I made was the handles.

It's supposed to be one continuous piece-

I HATE sewing those where you have to cut the center circle out and then tuck in all the raw edges....HATE IT.

 

So I cut the piece in half horizontally and also made the opening a bit bigger.

If you look closely you can see my extra seams on the handles but it doesn't really bother me!

It turned out perfectly and it was much easier!

 

Who doesn't love a good ruffle?

 

I can't wait to use my new bag on a sunny beach in a few weeks!

 

 



Amy Butler + Grey Chevron = :-)

Two of my favorite things:

Amy Butler Bag Patterns

 

AND

Grey Chevron

 

 

Naturally, combining the two of the makes me smile!

 

 

I tried out Amy Butler's Field Bag

 

 

Super cute.

A little larger than I thought it would be but still very cute.

 

I did not use the piping because I just don't like it.

I also chose the "tote" version which does not include a zipper.

 

I made it in my current fave, Chevron.

I LOVE it.



 

I will definately be making this again and adding the zipper.

 

It is a LARGE bag though.

I was hoping it would be more of an "everyday" bag but it's just too big.

I think I could easily size it down a bit.

 

I used it thanksgiving day to put all of our "stuff" in and take to Mom's house.

I had :

Preston's diapers

 nap things,

 extra clothes

 a box of crackers

 a container of batter for our fried cheese curds

and a cheese ball in there with room to spare!

 

This one's a keeper!

CHEVRON tree skirt!

I've been meaning to make a tree skirt for about the last TEN years.

I bought a cheap one our very first christmas.

Each time I've pulled it out the past few years I have thought to myself how much I needed a better one!

 

I finally took the time to get it done.

 

I had pinned Amy Butler's version on Pinterest and I think that's what finally inspired me to do it.

 

 

I did download it and read through it.

But that's about as far as I got.

I decided to just start cutting and do it my own way- I figured it couldn't be THAT hard, right!?!

 

And hers had felt for part of it....I didn't want felt.

I used a cream colored duck cloth.

 

 

I was right, this was such a super easy project!

 

And I used my most favorite thing....green Chevron!

 

 

 

I think it turned out pretty cute.

 

 

It is a LARGE improvement from what we had before!

And it was easy too!

 

Follow Amy's directions if you want to make your own...or just start cutting circles like I did!
Either way, it's a fun project that made a big difference under our tree.



Hello Kitty Christmas!

Peighton in the fabric store usually costs me money.

She likes to pick things out.

A LOT of things.

 

I don't usually do much (other than pajamas) with character fabric.

I just don't love it.

I often tell Peighton that there "just isn't enough for a dress."

 

But when she saw this Hello Kitty fabric she asked me with very hopeful eyes if "there was enough for a dress."

 

I told her "maybe" knowing that I was probably going to have to do it...

 

So, I did.

And I don't mind it too much.

 

 

 

I cut off a t-shirt and added a very full skirt to it-her favorite kind. ;-)

 

And I thought a little flower with a peppermint button in the middle would be pretty cute too.

 

Preston was "dozing" the dress while I was trying to take a picture.

Boys...

 



Tummy Time Travel Mat

(I actually made this blanket a few months ago but forgot about it!)



My sweet niece and nephew were in need of a Tummy Time Blanket that they could take on the road.

(Actually, my sister-in-law, Katy had seen one at Target and gave me the idea.)

Super easy though and cute too!

I went through my scraps and was able to find lots of textures and black and white prints for them to play on.

There is a bit of chenille, some minky and some super soft white fabric too!

I included lots of ribbon tags to hook toys onto while they play.

Even though there are two babies I didn't make it very big because it is for traveling.

So, they can just fold it up and go!

Peighton was talking to them while they laid on their new blanket.

And Preston likes to see just how close he can get before someone stops him!

A quilt in a day....

I pinned a picture on Pinterest and the title was "Quilt in a Day."

 

 

There weren't any directions because the link led nowhere....annoying.

 

But it was obvious from the picture that it was just strips of fabric which made a quick and simple quilt.

My kind of quilt!

 

I thought I'd try it out and get started on Preston's "Big Boy Room" at the same time.

 

 

I LOVE this John Deere fabric and have been hoarding it to use for his room.

I figured I wouldn't be able to find it when I needed it....so I have quite a bit of it!

But that's a good thing because I have big plans for it.

 

 

 

I just used big strips of the John Deere fabric and small strips of the solid white.

If I'd had some light blue or a navy blue I would have used that instead of the white...but I didn't have any!

 

I think it turned out pretty cute!

 

I used a solid yellow flannel on the back and it's super cozy and warm.

 

Preston drug it to his room as soon as he saw it and it's now in his bed where he insists on using it every night.

 

 

I did get it done in a day but it's not a very big quilt.

I would call it "crib size."

 

I think we'll use it as a throw on his John Deere furniture and we can snuggle with it during story time!

 

Not sure why this is so small but this little couch is going to look really cute in his room!

Made another bag....and it's REALLY cute.

Oh dear, this one is C U T E !!!!!

 

It has everything I love:

1.Grey Chevron

 

2. A big bow

 

3. lots of room!

 

I'm planning on taking it to the Itsy Bitsy....if I don't keep it for myself!

 

 

One of my favorite parts is that the bow can be changed to match an outfit, or the season or just about anything!

 

 

 

 

 

 



Racecars, Monsters and a bit of Ballerina

We were in need of winter jammies around here!

 

Peighton and I found some cute knits on a girls shopping trip that we thought would be perfect for PJ's!

 

 

I used this adorable pattern from Peek a boo Pattern shop.

I have quite a few of her patterns and have even tested a few and they have all been wonderful!

 

 

I love that this one goes up to size 8 and is appropriate for boys and girls.

Perfect.

 

The tutorial was very well written and easy to follow.

It was pretty quick too-I made 3 pairs in about an hour and a half!

Quick and easy AND cute is my kind of pattern.

 

 

 

 

 

What a lovely stack of cozy jammies!

 

Peighton is getting so TALL!

Look how long those legs are on her pair!

 

Preston likes to be in most pictures right now.

He's a pretty good helper.

 

I love using a rib knit for the trim.

I only found it in the red though...I need to stock up on that in every color!

 

 

Can't wait to put them on my kiddos after their bath!