Have You Seen These?

I love these European market totes!  The first time I ever saw one was after the birth of my daughter.  A friend from my Sunday school class brought us a meal, and she carried it in one of these.  She had her initial on hers too (but without the ribbon), and I really thought it was cute.  Then, I saw one in Paula Deen's magazine, and I thought, "I need one of those!"  In case you haven't seen these, they are completely collapsible.  They fold up flat once you take out the little plastic thingies that go in the little "pockets" for support.  I monogrammed mine with the "French Dot" embroidery alphabet found here, and then I added the ribbon tie.  Now I'm ready for the next potluck or picnic.  I'm sure there are a million uses for this thing!

...Another Car Seat Tent

What do you do when you make something to sell, but you really want to keep it???  I need to make a boy seat cover next...I don't have a boy baby anymore.  :)  My camera does not take great pictures, so just imagine the beautiful colors that are in this fairy fabric. 

Nice chlorine bucket in the background, huh?!  I'll have to get some better shots before listing this!

This one is made like the one that I made for my own baby.  I used sturdy fabric ties.  I like them because they look girly but are much more durable than ribbons/ bows.  For boys, I'll either make velcro or button straps.

Looking at this picture, I realize just how bad I need that Canon Rebel my friend tells me about!!!  She has one, and I have camera envy...LOL!  You'll have to imagine bubblegum pinks, soft yellows, robin's egg blue, and mint greens...

The underside...  I love that pink!

Anyway, that is a little sneak peek on what I've been working on for the shop!  I will use sef-control by not keeping this for Isabella, but...I really want to keep it! 

Birthday Parties Galore!!!

With multiple children, it is not uncommon for us to have to juggle them around more than one birthday party on any given Saturday.  Today, my oldest daughter and oldest son both have birthday parties to go to at the SAME time.  Thankfully, my husband will tote the boys and I will hang with the girls.  Here is what I came up with for the gifts...

My daughter's friend got an American Girl doll for Christmas, so to add to all the "Hello Kitty" goodies that we got her, I whipped up this cute little doll outfit.  The top is a "pillowcase" style and is very simple to make and really doesn't require an actual "pattern."  The skirt is a wrap skirt and can be reversible.  There is a free pattern for it found here.

It was so quick and easy, that I made one for my daughter's doll too.  1/4 yard of each fabric choice will make two skirts.  Hannah liked the shirt tucked in, but it is equally cute untucked.  (I NEED a better camera!!!)

Aidan's little friend is turning four, and he is having a pool party.  To go along with the water toys we got him, I made him a hooded towel.  My children are certainly enjoying theirs, and I hope Johnny will love his too!

Have a great weekend!!!!!!!!!

Gotta Love Bubble Suits!

Isabella is already 3 1/2 months old, and I'm just getting around to making her a baby girl outfit!  I have soooo many things I want to sew for her running through my head...  Somehow, with four children, I don't have as much time for sewing as I thought I would!  So, I sew during naptime and late night (which I'm sure many of my crafty readers do the same thing!).  This is the "Carly" bubble romper (pattern found here).  It is a pattern by Carla C and Sisboom.  I love it!  I will have to say, I'd rather do buttonholes than snaps.  You have the option of either one for the bottom closure.  I did snaps this time, but next time I think I'll opt for the buttons.  I am pleased how it turned out, although it is difficult to take pictures of the outfit when my baby is too little to sit up by herself!  :)

I chose the ribbon closure option for the back, which was probably the easiest choice...

I had so much fabric leftover (this fabric was from my overflowing stash), that I need to make some matching shoes, bonnet, or both!

A Birthday Bag

My mom just had a birthday, and since mom's usually like it when their kids make them stuff (even their grown kids), I decided to make my mom a bag using this pattern.  It is called the "Metro Bag," and it is simple but fun.  It has plenty of room to also be used as a small tote bag or large purse.  It is definitely easy enough for a beginner.  There are no zippers, snaps, etc.

Here is the keychain that I made to match...  It's large enough to find if it should happen to make its way to the bottom of that bag!

Happy Birthday, Mom! 

Giveaway!!!

There is a great giveaway going on at the Regan Family Farm blog.  You could win a Marie-Madeline Street Skirt pattern and fabric of your choice.  I love giveaways!  The chance to win ends Tuesday, so be sure to head over there quickly and enter!

Hooded Towels

Hooded towels are so quick and easy to make!  There is a free tutorial on DIY dish (button on my sidebar).  I used a washcloth instead of the hand towel.  I liked that better because the washcloth is already the correct size for the hood, and the edges are finished.

Here are my three older models showing off their new warm, fuzzy towels...

I think having to sit wrapped up in towels makes kids act a little goofy!

I found a cute ladybug ribbon to use for Hannah's towel, and since we affectionately call her "Hannahbug," that is what I monogrammed on her towel (although it's hard to see in the picture).

Last but not least, here is Isabella all snuggly and warm in her hooded towel.  They work so much better than baby towels.

These are great for bathtime, but they also work wonderful for beach/ pool towels as well.  My kids love theirs, and the boys even found another use for them...superhero capes!