tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16003144381711195852024-03-13T14:17:44.198-05:00Rooibos MomThe ramblings of an impulsive crafter.Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-50298863562652541802014-08-28T18:55:00.001-05:002014-08-29T15:47:26.829-05:00I-spy with my little eye...I just love an I-spy quilt! Don't you?<br />
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The first quilt I ever made was a toddler bed sized I-spy quilt for my daughter, and it's still in use even though she's outgrown it. Our youngest boy loves her quilt, pink mermaid backing at all!<br />
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And so when I saw the <a href="http://hopefulthreads.blogspot.com/2014/07/2014-3rd-quarter-project-announcement.html">3rd Quarter Project on the Hopeful Threads blog</a> (baby sewing), I just knew I'd be making a quilt. An I-spy one to be exact! <br />
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Maybe you can help? It doesn't have to be a quilt. Bibs, blankies, burp clothes, and so much more are needed. And all those are such quick sews and a great use for leftover fabric from projects! Click the link above, or the Hopeful Threads blog button in the right side bar, for all the details!<br />
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I just love the stripey look to the binding!! I really need to use stripes for the binding more often, it's definitely my new favorite option!<br />
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Pattern is the I-Spy quilt block from the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvqPnoiLSV0">Missouri Star Quilt Company on YouTube</a>. I changed the size a little to fit my I-spy scraps and then ended up trimming my finished blocks and sashing quite a bit, so I can't give specific instructions this go round, sorry!<br />
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I'll be back soon with more of what I've been sewing up!<br />
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In the mean time I need to give this quilt a huge hug and then mail it off, so that it can pass that big hug onto the cutie little baby that receives it.<br />
See you soon!<!--3-->Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-71819010261214023302014-07-20T11:07:00.005-05:002014-07-20T11:08:15.823-05:00So I just spent 5 days at the Houston Quilt Market... (not really...it was MONTHS ago, whoops!)Oh no!! I just realized I never published this post! Well I can't just leave it as a draft, I had too much fun at the Houston International Quilt Market to not share about it! So this is a bit of a throwback Sunday post, sorry about that!<br />
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It was such fun, and totally amazing to see the amazing fabrics, quilts, patterns and every notion or fun item they had available. And it was also utterly exhausting!<br />
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I had no idea just how HUGE the market truly was until we arrived to set up the booth. Which booth? Why the <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/blog/fall-quilt-market-2013-recap/">Fishsticks Designs booth</a>, of course!<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fishsticks-Designs/180180315352182?fref=photo">Bonnie</a> and her daughter were going to drive to quilt market, and she invited me to come along! And much to my delight <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HopefulThreads">Kristy from Hopeful Threads</a> was joining us too!<br />
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Bonnie and Samantha had driven to Texas for Quilt Market, and they sweetly came to pick me up from my home, not exactly on their way to the airport to pick up Kristy. I was thankful they did because that saved me driving down, as well as making sure my son didn't miss his art class that he loves to much with the local homeschool group.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waiting for Kristy's flight to arrive in Houston!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo nabbed from Fishsticks Designs, thanks Bonnie!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bonnie and I in the booth.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a thing for chickens, as we all know by now, so I fell in love with this display.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I just HAD to get a photo with Santa to send to the kids at home with their Dad!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">From photo stand at quilt market with Kristy and Samantha.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waiting for the bus to ferry us to the convention center in the rain.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our transportation!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The best baked potatoes I've had in a long time!</span></td></tr>
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<br />Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-73146863972067830012014-07-20T10:52:00.001-05:002014-07-20T12:45:47.054-05:00What we've been up to!I know it's been ages since I blogged, please accept my apologies! It's been a wild ride the past few months and we still haven't truly adjusted to our new home..or finished unpacking...<br />
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The bonus of moving is that I get to see my kids sleep. We generally don't risk waking them up by peeking into their rooms at night, so it's wonderful to be able to just lie there and watch them in peace and quiet.<br />
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In the past few months we were surprised with the news of a last minute move to a small town. We had to say good bye to our sweet chickens as town ordinances wouldn't allow for us to keep them unless we had a huge lot, and when you're renting in a town without many rentals available, that's just not an option. We moved into our rental and adopted our first dog, Daphne! She's a total Daddy's girl and she is a total sweetheart who thinks she has to clean us daily! She's got a few bad habits to work on, but don't we all?! ;)<br />
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I have been sewing, I just haven't been sharing on the blog, sorry! I'm very active on Instagram, so feel free to follow me on there as "RooibosMom"!<br />
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I've just finished up my first BIG twin-sized quilt, and it only took me 1.5 years! Ha ha ha! To be fair I took many breaks from it, and only recently powered through the quilting to finish it up. Missy loves it and I am so happy with the finished product! It's a not-very-scrappy Scrappy Trip quilt. ;)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up. <br />
Sorry it's rotated to the right, I swear my flamingos and mermaids etc are really right side up!</td></tr>
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A few of the other items I have completed, as well as a few snapshots from the past few months:<br />
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And I promise to blog as often as possible and keep everyone updated with what we're up to!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-38266905704151981692013-10-12T08:57:00.000-05:002013-10-12T09:01:47.497-05:00Our newest chicken, Candace.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Sept 24th, we brought home out brand new gal, Candace! She's a 7mth old Ameraucana (Easter Egger if you prefer), and she has the most gorgeous coloring. And yes she's named after the sister on the TV show <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phineas_and_Ferb">Phineas and Ferb</a>!<br />
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Candace, once she's laying, will hopefully lay gorgeous light blue eggs for us to collect from the new coop...yes new coop. I'm about to construct a new one soon! The one we have is really just not the perfect solution for our very small flock that free range almost all day long in our backyard. And with us renting we want to make sure when it's time for us to leave, we don't leave behind any areas where the grass has been killed off because of our doing.<br />
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Anyhoo, back to our precious new gal!<br />
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She's getting a little more tame and used to rambunctious children, and so JBug is able to catch her occasionally on his own. She's started returning to her little temporary coop in the evening as it gets dark, so we don't even need to round her back up again!<br />
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However she's not 100% okay with the attention she receives just yet. Here she is pushing off his hands and flying off to freedom (in the yard of course). Sometimes she can be seen standing on his hands/ lap when Missy is nowhere around! Doesn't she look huge in this photo?! She's definitely bigger than the bantams, but smaller than our Marans, who is really a hefty girl.</div>
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So far the our three gals will tolerate her, so long as she doesn't:<br />
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<li>eat food they may consider eating, either now or at some point in the future,</li>
<li>drink from their waterer,</li>
<li>be in the spot they might want to be in,</li>
<li>be too close to them.</li>
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So all in all, integration into the mini-flock going as expected but not quite as well as I hoped, lol!</div>
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Oddly enough it's our tiniest chicken that is actually the meannie of the bunch. Sadly the other two are following her lead, but it really surprised me that Meep is the one to go and seek a fight with Candace! I would have imagined Candace would look at her and squawk " I can eat you for breakfast you puny little thing." and they'd both know she was bigger and stronger and not work fighting with! Boy was I wrong! </div>
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It's a good thing Candace is FAST and used to roaming quite freely, as she can definitely outrun them.</div>
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Hopefully if we keep them separate at night and free ranging together every day they will slowly come to accept her into their flock. If not, the new coop may end up being a more like two townhouses!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WfL7G_gP1Lw/UlhAXqRx4sI/AAAAAAAAA-U/sQn8M_1IRds/s1600/DSC_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WfL7G_gP1Lw/UlhAXqRx4sI/AAAAAAAAA-U/sQn8M_1IRds/s640/DSC_0031.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Little Man loves to sit and watch the chickens when they're in their coop. He can't pedal so JBug pushes him around the yard on Missy's bike and then he gets parked in front of the coop. And he just sits there watching them for ages and ages. When he's done and ready to move on he shouts for his big brother to move him!<br />
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<br />Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-75595239046920014742013-10-11T09:21:00.004-05:002013-10-11T15:17:52.236-05:00The Newest Marvel Superhero!I'm ashamed! It's been almost 2 months since my last confession...okay, more like blog post... and I swear I really HAVE been busy, I just haven't been blogging!<br />
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I would like to introduce the newest Marvel Superhero....or at least what young superheroes wear to bed. ;)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WzE1gVvZ0yw/UlgBrN65FZI/AAAAAAAAA7s/T2eB45K_6_M/s1600/DSC_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WzE1gVvZ0yw/UlgBrN65FZI/AAAAAAAAA7s/T2eB45K_6_M/s640/DSC_0006.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is he Spiderman?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66yHilN3oVI/UlgBucjIpkI/AAAAAAAAA8E/zVzoLvr6Dho/s1600/DSC_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66yHilN3oVI/UlgBucjIpkI/AAAAAAAAA8E/zVzoLvr6Dho/s640/DSC_0011.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or maybe Hulk?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJjLy0-2d-A/UlgBsp3rYHI/AAAAAAAAA70/soIpSieC1TI/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJjLy0-2d-A/UlgBsp3rYHI/AAAAAAAAA70/soIpSieC1TI/s640/DSC_0001.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nope, he's just a handsome little Jbug ready for some superhero dreams!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRDciqdhFss/UlgBuJ9j0MI/AAAAAAAAA8A/becF9HXP3Q0/s1600/DSC_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRDciqdhFss/UlgBuJ9j0MI/AAAAAAAAA8A/becF9HXP3Q0/s640/DSC_0004.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't that cool fabric? I seriously wanted to steal it from his pile of fabric and make a dress for myself!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jp44HdQHwO4/UlgBuNwpc0I/AAAAAAAAA78/R-EdUW7Nl2c/s1600/DSC_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jp44HdQHwO4/UlgBuNwpc0I/AAAAAAAAA78/R-EdUW7Nl2c/s640/DSC_0019.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His hair is usually flat as a pancake but I gave him permission to just pick a style for the photoshoot....20 minutes later he finally emerged from the bathroom! Lol!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SP3MuRTIjy4/UlgBvTc0BzI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/lZNxxclxRDE/s1600/DSC_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SP3MuRTIjy4/UlgBvTc0BzI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/lZNxxclxRDE/s640/DSC_0027.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmm.....what shall I ask Mom to make for me next time?</td></tr>
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And by now there are a few of you reading this that are saying to yourself something along the lines of: "Doesn't she know the buttons and buttonholes are on the wrong side for a boy?". Why yes, yes I do...however my sweet guy BEGGED me to ignore my sewing rules, and put Iron Man on the top so that he would be able to see the whole picture. Who am I to say no?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hMKbyifqQmQ/UlgBwwXSNII/AAAAAAAAA8c/q1tKtyHwjZM/s1600/DSC_0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hMKbyifqQmQ/UlgBwwXSNII/AAAAAAAAA8c/q1tKtyHwjZM/s640/DSC_0029.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iron Man from and center!</td></tr>
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<i>Pattern:</i> The ever fabulous <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/patterns/pajama/the-pajama-party-pjs-big-kid-sizes/"><b>Fishsticks Designs - The Pajama Party PJs</b></a> in size 12.<br />
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<br />Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-19964569873048454262013-08-16T07:48:00.001-05:002013-08-16T07:56:54.725-05:00Jersey Love Blog Tour - The Downtown V-neck & Giveaway!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Welcome to my little corner of the blogging world. :) I am so excited you are joining me today on Day 4 of the Jersey Love Blog Tour!</span></div>
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I have never hidden my love for <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/">Fishsticks Designs</a> patterns, and these <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/patterns/jersey-love/">Jersey Love</a> patterns are no exception! I never have to guess if I am putting the neck trim in correctly, or if I am joining the correct pieces together. <a href="http://fishsticksdesigns.com/blog/">Bonnie</a> always includes fabulous, step-by-step instructions and even a clear photo to go along with EACH step. And that, my dears, isn't always as easy to find in a PDF or paper pattern as you may think!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLqmKLJSuyo/UgqFPr1KvQI/AAAAAAAAA2I/0yN9f7jrB0Y/s1600/DSC_0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLqmKLJSuyo/UgqFPr1KvQI/AAAAAAAAA2I/0yN9f7jrB0Y/s640/DSC_0065.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little minions in their Downtown V-necks!<br />
(This one is going on the wall!)</td></tr>
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I haven't used many jersey fabrics before, and even fewer stretch jersey fabrics, as they just aren't available locally. I'm also what I call a "touch and feel" sewist. I don't like guessing what a fabric will look and feel like "in real life". And I don't like it when fabric shows up at my door that was called "mid-weight" and it turns out that it will need another layer under it (thereby foiling my plans for it completely) because I can see skin through it! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ol7pMfLm13s/UgqFK1PLtXI/AAAAAAAAA1c/zMFkHeivKcY/s1600/DSC_0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ol7pMfLm13s/UgqFK1PLtXI/AAAAAAAAA1c/zMFkHeivKcY/s640/DSC_0028.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The littles running at full speed, while the tween ambles behind them!</td></tr>
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This new <a href="http://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/shop/category/riley-blake-designs/available-now/knit-basics-3/">stretch jersey fabric from Riley Blake</a> is absolutely fabulous! The colors and prints are enough to make you drool. And fresh out of the dryer it is just buttery soft and I may *cough* have snuggled with it a bit because it was just so soft! Admit it, you would have too! ;)</div>
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Even better is the fact that they so very sweetly mailed us the fabric needed to sew up our goodies for the blog tour for FREE! Can we get a huge round of applause for the fabulous <a href="http://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/">Riley Blake</a> please? Thank you so much, I LOVE this fabric!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Riley Blake!</td></tr>
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And for all the sewists out there, like me, who are nervous to order jersey fabric online...you don't have to have any of the fears I usually have, not a single one! This stretch jersey a great weight, isn't sheer, has wonderful recovery, the colors don't fade or run, and it sews up like a dream! Worth every single penny!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQYvEB7Ofa0/UgqFLF5K9tI/AAAAAAAAA1g/ty1i7RbSVOg/s1600/DSC_0041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQYvEB7Ofa0/UgqFLF5K9tI/AAAAAAAAA1g/ty1i7RbSVOg/s640/DSC_0041.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys look so cute in their matching V-necks! The trim being a different color on each of their shirts was just enough difference to make big brother happy, and for them to still look utterly adorable together. </td></tr>
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Honestly the most difficult part of this whole experience wasn't sewing 3 Downtown V-necks, or even mastering my twin needle for all the hems, as those two were easy..yes, even the twin needle! It was getting all 3 children to co-operate in one photo, all at the same moment! And because it was a weekday I couldn't even beg hubby to help me prep and wrangle children. *feeling a lot more gray than when we started this shoot*<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jmLIia1AZ74/UgqFLUak9kI/AAAAAAAAA1o/4f6r9AKGOEE/s1600/DSC_0044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jmLIia1AZ74/UgqFLUak9kI/AAAAAAAAA1o/4f6r9AKGOEE/s640/DSC_0044.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't you just love cute little toddler toes?</td></tr>
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Our yard is suffering from a bad case of Texas heat and lack of rain, so we went into town in search of green grass and cute photo spots. Thankfully the first place we tried delivered on both! Surprisingly our wild little toddler who normally tries to jump off everything in sight, wouldn't stand on the bridge's railing without some serious coaxing and help from Mom and big brother!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zjeQeLL_asw/UgqFNaFmgcI/AAAAAAAAA10/r5r21vm4MlI/s1600/DSC_0050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zjeQeLL_asw/UgqFNaFmgcI/AAAAAAAAA10/r5r21vm4MlI/s640/DSC_0050.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy bare-footed kiddos!<br />
The kept professing their love for their new shirts that were "so comfy Mom!!".</td></tr>
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Another wonderful thing about Fishsticks Designs patterns, is they are incredibly easy to adjust to fit your child! All of our children have had growth spurts recently, so I decided to sew their sizes without any alterations to length or width.<br />
As you can see, the 3T on Little Man is as good as spot on. His toddler chubbiness means that I often need to shorten the length of clothing, but it appears his new height is evening things out.<br />
Missy's size 5 is going to be great and fit for a long time, but for as petite as she is I could easily have shortened it to a 4T length in the body and sleeves.<br />
JBug's size 10 is spot on, but as you can tell with the next tween growth spurt his sleeves may quickly become too short. I have to sew a size 10 for him because he's a tall bean pole kind of boy, but I need to remember to cut it to a size 12 length from now on to accommodate his ever-growing length!<br />
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And just as I typed it, is as easy as it will be to adjust the pattern to fit your precious child! Really! Bonnie's patterns are all nested (think Matryoshka dolls here) biggest on the outside, and inside are all the smaller sizes one at a time with the smallest in the center. Need longer arms for your tall guy or gal? Simply cut them to the next length line. Need a wider body and arms? Simple cut one size up in the width, and the regular size in the length!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-fU8Drgtug/UgqFQL9TmGI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/dkQr19O3Z_Y/s1600/DSC_0060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-fU8Drgtug/UgqFQL9TmGI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/dkQr19O3Z_Y/s640/DSC_0060.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The perfect portrait shirt pattern!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Soq4VXwMhyc/UgqFRpyeNzI/AAAAAAAAA2c/W3-Zd-tl78s/s1600/DSC_0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Soq4VXwMhyc/UgqFRpyeNzI/AAAAAAAAA2c/W3-Zd-tl78s/s640/DSC_0068.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's go home, it's really getting hot out here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGfhHOynL5w/UgqFRgvRltI/AAAAAAAAA2g/CWVt9lznQcc/s1600/DSC_0072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGfhHOynL5w/UgqFRgvRltI/AAAAAAAAA2g/CWVt9lznQcc/s640/DSC_0072.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little man had to make sure Missy was going to be coming too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5sKkBncnZR8/UgqFS-ODl6I/AAAAAAAAA2w/PVLFqFEivmw/s1600/DSC_0078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5sKkBncnZR8/UgqFS-ODl6I/AAAAAAAAA2w/PVLFqFEivmw/s640/DSC_0078.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missy dashing to join her brothers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fV20cPUQZ4/UgqFSvANhgI/AAAAAAAAA2s/63o_IRtAl_E/s1600/DSC_0081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fV20cPUQZ4/UgqFSvANhgI/AAAAAAAAA2s/63o_IRtAl_E/s640/DSC_0081.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see these V-necks are fabulous for running and playing around, and looking cool at the same time!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Be sure to join us for every stop on the Jersey Love Blog Tour!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tuesday, 8/13: <a href="http://ajaire.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Call Ajaire</a> & <a href="http://www.rockthestitch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rock the Stitch</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1037742524" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday, 8/14</span></span>: <a href="http://imaginegnats.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">imagine gnats</a> & <a href="http://www.busybeautifulbudget.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Busy, Beautiful and On a Budget</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1037742525" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday, 8/15</span></span>: </span><a href="http://shaffer-sisters.blogspot.com/" style="line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Shaffer Sisters</a><span style="line-height: 19px;"> & </span><a href="http://bluesusanmakes.blogspot.com/" style="line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Blue Susan Makes</a><br style="line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1037742526" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday, 8/16</span></span>: </span><a href="http://rooibosmom.blogspot.com/" style="line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Rooibos Mom</a><span style="line-height: 19px;"> & </span><a href="http://mama-says-sew.blogspot.com/" style="line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Mama Says Sew</a><br style="line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1037742527" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday, 8/20</span></span>: </span><a href="http://www.designsbysessa.com/" style="line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Designs by Sessa</a><span style="line-height: 19px;"> & </span><a href="http://hopefulthreads.blogspot.com/" style="line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Hopeful Threads</a><br style="line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1037742528" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday, 8/21</span></span>: </span><a href="http://makingmorewithless.blogspot.com/" style="line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Making More with Less</a><span style="line-height: 19px;"> & </span><a href="http://www.sewcanshe.com/blog/" style="line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Sew Can She</a><br style="line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1037742529" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday, 8/22</span></span>: </span><a href="http://www.craftyhour.com/" style="line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Crafty Hour</a><span style="line-height: 19px;"> & </span><a href="http://winterwonderingswanderingswhatnot.blogspot.com/" style="line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Winter Wonderings ... Wanderings & Whatnot</a><br style="line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1037742530" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday, 8/23</span></span>: </span><a href="http://littlekidsgrow.com/" style="line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Little Kids Grow</a><span style="line-height: 19px;"> & </span><a href="http://www.max-california.com/" style="line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Max California</a></span></div>
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GIVEAWAY!</div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b03c8c2/" id="rc-b03c8c2" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></div>
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<i>**I did receive free fabric and a free pattern for this blog tour, but the views expressed are 100% my own!</i></div>
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Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-15033338688478662672013-08-14T15:22:00.000-05:002013-08-14T15:22:04.010-05:00Fidget apron #2!Woohoo! Both <a href="http://hopefulthreads.blogspot.com/2013/07/july-2013-monthly-project-announcement.html">"Fidget Aprons"</a> are done and on their way to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRagBagShelby">The Rag Bag of Shelby</a>! I actually mailed them a few days ago, but I have been busy prepping for another project and haven't had a chance to get the post about the second apron up until now!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nogaqciA7YM/UgvhbNeY6YI/AAAAAAAAA3o/LESw0ZB4GSw/s1600/DSC_0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nogaqciA7YM/UgvhbNeY6YI/AAAAAAAAA3o/LESw0ZB4GSw/s640/DSC_0035.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My handsome husband...and the face of a man up to nonsense! Needless to say, it was difficult to keep even a semi straight face during this shoot! </td></tr>
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The second apron was made using as many as possible of <a href="http://hopefulthreads.blogspot.com/2013/07/apron-kit-giveaway-in-support-of-our.html">the wonderful goodies I received in the mail</a> from Kristy, over at <a href="http://hopefulthreads.blogspot.com/">Hopeful Threads</a>. All the goodies I didn't use have been kept aside to use in future <a href="http://hopefulthreads.blogspot.com/">Hopeful Threads</a> monthly projects!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-inr5jFnJBzM/UgvhcJSVvMI/AAAAAAAAA30/JhRIh4miJ9s/s1600/DSC_0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-inr5jFnJBzM/UgvhcJSVvMI/AAAAAAAAA30/JhRIh4miJ9s/s640/DSC_0036.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are several big buttons, a spring, and a stretchy snapping strap!</td></tr>
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Can I just say that I LOVE being able to help our with her monthly projects! I know I don't always manage to help out every month, but I know that even one of anything helps towards the goal! Kristy's post here is truly inspirational and a fabulous reminder of how much difference you can make with just 1 item: <a href="http://hopefulthreads.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-significance-of-one.html">The Significance of ONE</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pocket was edged in a pretty woven ribbon. There is a ribbon strung across with roses to move around. Also there are tags all around the edge to play with.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added extra fabric ribbons, flowers and beads to help adorn the already gorgeous apron panel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkzVTW_mO3k/Ugvhdqtnl0I/AAAAAAAAA4I/DLNCwLe7Sfo/s1600/DSC_0041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkzVTW_mO3k/Ugvhdqtnl0I/AAAAAAAAA4I/DLNCwLe7Sfo/s640/DSC_0041.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A removable empty magic tape roll was added on the left of the buttons.<br /><i>Sorry for the blue color-cast on this one, my editing skills are better but for some reason the photos that day came out with strange color casts that I couldn't eliminate completely.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then I added a ribbon with a stretchy hair tie and beads to slide back and forth!</td></tr>
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And don't forget:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Hopeful Thread's August project can be found here:</i></span><br /><div align="center">
<a href="http://hopefulthreads.blogspot.com/" title="Hopeful Threads"><img alt="Hopeful Threads" src="http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy239/designsbyjenn/August2012250.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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<br />Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-38755298638126614142013-07-25T09:42:00.000-05:002013-07-25T09:42:44.522-05:00Fidget Apron #1Yay! I finally finished my first <a href="http://hopefulthreads.blogspot.com/2013/07/july-2013-monthly-project-announcement.html">Fidget Apron</a> for the <a href="http://hopefulthreads.blogspot.com/">Hopeful Threads</a> July Project!<br />
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<br /><br />It honestly didn't take me long to make as it's a quick and easy sew, but I kept getting distracted by the items I was adding to "fidget" with! I kept thinking of new things to add. And I wanted to make the best use of the goodies I won in a recent <a href="http://hopefulthreads.blogspot.com/2013/07/apron-kit-giveaway-in-support-of-our.html">Hopeful Threads giveaway</a>, between the two aprons I am sewing up for donation.<br />
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Apron #1 was supposed to be modeled by my handsome husband, but with his current work schedule and my absent-mindedness...well...let's just say it didn't happen as planned.<br />
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So I had to BEG our big boy to model this apron for me, and he was <i>MORTIFIED</i> to be seen in an apron (ha ha!), so I had to promise his face wouldn't be in any shot - hence the headless model! He's also super slim, so I actually had to tie the apron around his body and arms to make all the fidget items show! LOL!<br />
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I turned the lace from <a href="http://hopefulthreads.blogspot.com/">Kristy</a> into a flower and added a big button in the center. A cute owl iron on design will be smiling at the wearer as they look down at the apron. The purple shaggy strip is another item from <a href="http://hopefulthreads.blogspot.com/">Kristy</a> and the perfect strip to add a few hanging items on ribbons, like buttons, beads, a stretchy band, and spring.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7KkUc3Bn2M/UfEvuUvOdEI/AAAAAAAAA00/0hFAiHQFEfs/s1600/DSC_0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7KkUc3Bn2M/UfEvuUvOdEI/AAAAAAAAA00/0hFAiHQFEfs/s640/DSC_0034.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had a big open space under the spring that I wasn't sure how to fill, until I spied a little pile of buttons! I made a very light outline of a heart with my washable fabric marker, and then proceeded to sew on buttons into that heart shape. I knotted the thread at the back after each button to help secure them for the many wash cycles they will most likely endure.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wc5q5B_Fx9w/UfEvsi_tMXI/AAAAAAAAA0k/FYv4cUDfay0/s1600/DSC_0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wc5q5B_Fx9w/UfEvsi_tMXI/AAAAAAAAA0k/FYv4cUDfay0/s640/DSC_0028.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The beads and spring are on split rings (like for keyrings) and can easy be removed by those in charge of washing these aprons. I also made good use of my poly snaps and made up a little snap-strap. That strap can either be used to keep fingers busy, or to attach extra items onto the apron if the person can't easily unsnap them.<br />I also had fun using my prepped hexies to make a cute flower to look at, and I used the loop strip of a diapering brand of hook and loop tape as the stem.<br />
The fluffy white strip and the blue bobbles below were both 1/4 yard impulse purchases at Joann for the apron, and I am so glad I grabbed them when I did. The white strip is so comforting and soft to touch, as are the bobbles.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NxVUxpG-EhI/UfEvuKiFOuI/AAAAAAAAA0w/xWwkPuvXlHk/s1600/DSC_0032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NxVUxpG-EhI/UfEvuKiFOuI/AAAAAAAAA0w/xWwkPuvXlHk/s640/DSC_0032.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I made a silly mistake when I started sewing up the pocket, and it ended working out fabulously! I sewed the backing piece to the bottom of the zipper instead of the slightly smaller bottom piece, which means I now had nothing to back the pocket with! I looked at the fabrics I had sitting on my cutting table and saw this pretty tulip print I've had for ages. And one *lightbulb* moment later, my pocket now has a fabulous contrasting inner that will be great to peek in and see!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eRqQqgHAz5Y/UfEvskMxYBI/AAAAAAAAA0g/QfbsjkI7GsE/s1600/DSC_0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eRqQqgHAz5Y/UfEvskMxYBI/AAAAAAAAA0g/QfbsjkI7GsE/s640/DSC_0033.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'll be starting on the other apron today using the panel and the rest of the wonderful goodies I won! Stay tuned!</div>
<br />Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-11198553118247923052013-07-23T14:38:00.000-05:002013-07-23T14:38:18.551-05:00KCW Day 4,5,& 6: The Lazy Susan!Day 4 of KCW was really a bit of a bust. I was so tired and busy that I didn't do anything more than sew the dress's flutter sleeves right sides together. Yes, 2 lines of sewing ... that's all I did!<br />
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Day 5 was a much better day! I sewed up almost the entire dress, except for the buttons / buttonholes (because I didn't buy them beforehand, silly me) and therefore I couldn't attach the skirt to the bodice.<br />
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Day 6: My sweet husband dropped me off at Joann with only the little guy, which means I could take my time finding the buttons, thread and anything else that caught my fancy. And back home I finished up the dress in no time at all while hubby and the big kids went to watch Despicable Me in 3D! I was slightly jealous but I haven't had quiet sewing time in ages, and besides 3D makes my eyes hurt. So I wasn't too heart broken staying behind while Little Man napped. ;)<br />
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Without further ado: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/150035900/bg-originals-the-lazy-susan-pdf-pattern?ref=shop_home_active">The Lazy Susan</a>!<br />
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What's you secret to make the kids smile and behave for photos? Today it was promising her that she could make silly faces afterwards, and a few really weird sounds to keep her giggling!</div>
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Have a wonderful day!<br />
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<br />Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-81429962287903358842013-07-21T19:15:00.002-05:002013-07-21T19:32:14.195-05:00KCW Day 3: 6 Boxer Briefs and 2 Tanks DONE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This post is a bit delayed, whoops!</div>
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I spent quite a bit of time on Wednesday (KCW Day 3) finishing up the majority of what I had planned for the week. I'm glad I didn't plan more because on Day 4 I hardly managed to get any sewing done at all!</div>
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First up are 2 matching PJ sets for Little Man. Both were sewn using the fabulous and free <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/TheTank.pdf">The Tank</a> pattern, as well as the fabulous <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/patterns/undies/undercover-bottoms-boxer-briefs/">Undercover Bottoms Boxer Briefs</a> pattern that we love so much!</div>
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Set #1: Ooga Booga</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4uUZX3glmUY/UehxvQhw0HI/AAAAAAAAAzA/i3XipBnGdUY/s1600/DSC_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4uUZX3glmUY/UehxvQhw0HI/AAAAAAAAAzA/i3XipBnGdUY/s640/DSC_0031.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Set #2: Dinosaurs</div>
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The poor dear has hit the terrible twos with a vengeance, and his days as a sweet and willing model appear to be over. And by this point he was DONE with me chasing him for photos! Ha ha!<br />
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Don't you just want to hug and love on his pitiful little self? Yeah well, don't believe for one second he would let me, he was so very upset with me for taking photos of him against his commands to stop!<br />
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And then we have 4 (I ran out of elastic and "approved" fabric) <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/patterns/undies/undercover-bottoms-boxer-briefs/">Undercover Bottoms Boxer Briefs</a> for Jbug. He says he loves these and wears his mama made undies more than his store bought ones. Isn't that awesome?! :)<br />
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I think these are his favorites...I don't blame him. Those are some pretty snazzy cars!<br />
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And of course, no project of ours would be complete without coordinating woven labels! JBug was happy to choose the ones to match his undies, and his absolute favorite is the one on the pirate boxer briefs. That one says "Handmade to cover me booty."<br />
And you can only imagine the almost never ending giggles that spilled out of the kids as I read that tag aloud!<br />
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Seeing as Day 4 was basically a bust, the KCW Day 5 and 6 post will be up soon!<br />
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Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-66450943017509867832013-07-17T08:34:00.000-05:002013-07-17T08:34:01.149-05:00KCW Day 2: The Assembly Line Chugs OnI do so love assembly line sewing, but the sad thing is that you don't have show off photos quite as quickly as when you're just sewing one item from start to finish.<br />
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Oh well! By the end of today I'll have a bounty of boxer briefs to show off, and a happy big boy who can finally remove the "I-don't-know-how-he-still-gets-them-on" sized boxer briefs from his drawer! ;)<br />
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A few photos from yesterday:<br />
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The assembly line of boxer briefs are finally all to this point in the process. Yippee! Just the leg and waistbands are left to be done!<br />
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Missy entertaining herself by using my canning funnel as a camera!<br />
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And back to the sewing machines I go...Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-88615330349333891342013-07-16T08:26:00.000-05:002013-07-16T08:26:30.267-05:00KCW Day 1: Sneak peeks!Sadly I never even got to fire up my machines yesterday, but I did spend a couple house cutting out the rest of the pieces for 5 pairs of <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/patterns/undies/undercover-bottoms-boxer-briefs/">Undercover Bottoms Boxer Briefs</a> for Jbug, and one <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/150035900/bg-originals-the-lazy-susan-pdf-pattern?ref=shop_home_active">The Lazy Susan</a> dress for Missy. On top of that I also cut out 2 pairs of the same boxer briefs and 2 matching <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/blog/sewing-to-rebuild/">The Tanks</a> for our Little Man, to supplement his summer jammie selection!<br />
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A few photos from yesterday:<br />
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We had an accidental head-on collision<br />
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6 pints of strawberry-blueberry jam (+ 2 little 8oz containers into the fridge...seriously, when will I learn to prep an extra jar every time?!) was canned. It's delicious by the way!<br />
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A peek at the Lazy Susan I eeked out of an almost-yard remnant I found at Joann - the fabric I'm using for the contrasting hem,lining, and flutter sleeves will remain a mystery to you for a little longer. It is one I have been eyeing for a while and finally had a reason to buy it - so exciting!<br />
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And the pile of <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/patterns/undies/undercover-bottoms-boxer-briefs/">Undercover Bottoms Boxer Briefs</a> that awaits me this morning! (bottom 5 are size 14, top are size 4 undies and size 2T <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/blog/sewing-to-rebuild/">The Tanks</a>...I upsized Little Man's undies to fit over a diaper at night as they'll be worn as jammie bottoms.)<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="710" scrolling="no" src="//instagram.com/p/b0_6UwkNX9/embed/" width="612"></iframe>Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-38232397030785245652013-07-10T17:30:00.000-05:002013-07-10T17:30:23.970-05:00Pretty Petals and Hooting Owls<div style="text-align: left;">
Has anyone noticed how short little girl shorts have become lately? We're working on phasing those shorty shorts out of our closets. Now our family isn't as modest as some, and we're slightly more modest than others. Which means there is a good chance that someone reading this is either going to feel like we should make her clothes longer, or feel like we should be putting her in a bikini to beat the Texas summer heat! But that's not the point of this post. Really, it isn't! So let's step away from that and get back to business.</div>
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The point of the post is to showcase two patterns I love! </div>
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And this cute little gal:</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/124180004/bg-originals-the-summer-sailors-pdf?ref=shop_home_active">The Summer Sailors</a> by <a href="http://browniegoose.blogspot.com/">Brownie Goose</a> are long enough for her to do just about any display of acrobatics in public that she deems necessary at that moment in time, without showcasing too much. They are utterly adorable, super comfortable, and easy for her to pull up and down. I also love that while they fit perfectly, they are also sneakily hiding plenty of growing room without there being any hint of bagginess!</div>
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The faux pockets may confuse littles for the first few minutes, so grab some popcorn while they're getting dressed and be careful while you're chewing ... you're going to be giggling quite a bit! ;)</div>
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I personally love the faux pockets (though there is a tutorial for transforming them into real pockets instead). They're so quick and easy and they give the look of a step I just don't always have the time to do!</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69115929/pdf-pattern-the-practically-perfect?ref=related-7">The Practically Perfect Tee</a> pattern from <a href="http://www.museofthemorning.com/">Muse of the Morning</a>, is one of my very favorites that I have owned since Missy was about 2 years old! It always fits her beautifully but I've only ever done the regular short sleeve with it. This time I went all out and did the super adorable puff sleeve. I am so glad I did. The tee came out perfectly and she absolutely loves her puffy sleeves!</div>
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Even from the back this set oozes girly cuteness! </div>
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Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-50984711481965092792013-07-10T09:40:00.002-05:002013-07-10T09:40:31.014-05:00The Carnival Skort and Shoreline Tank<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/">Fishsticks Designs</a> has a whole new series of patterns out: <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/patterns/jersey-love/">The Jersey Love Series</a>. They are all fabulous but I knew I just HAD to sew up <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/patterns/jersey-love/the-carnival-skort/">The Carnival Skort</a> for Missy asap. She loves to wear skirts but she simply doesn't have...ahem...decorum (is that the word I'm looking for here?) in public, or even in the privacy of our home! So short leggings underneath all her skirts and dresses or skorts is a must!</div>
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Before my month long break I cut out a couple of these <a href="http://www.jocole.net/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8_16&products_id=70">Shoreline Tanks</a> from <a href="http://www.jocole.net/catalog/">Jocole</a>, only I made the very silly mistake of being distracted while cutting them out, and I didn't cut them on the fold. Which means instead of a solid piece for the front and another for the back, I ended up with two pieces for each! Oops!</div>
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I just seamed the back of the tank together because Missy has only recently moved into a 5T, and I knew that the seam wouldn't take away all the wiggle room in the width. For the front I didn't want a plain seam distracting from the look of the outfit. Thanks to a few suggestions from my sweet friends I cut a length of the same fabric as her skorts (almost double the length of the front, from neckline to hem), gathered it, and stitched it down the center between the two sides I'd cut for the front. I hemmed and then applied the FOE for binding and straps as per the directions. </div>
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Don't like or don't have FOE? Jodi (<a href="http://www.jocole.net/catalog/">Jocole</a>) includes several options for the straps and binding. I'm willing to bet you'll find one in her directions that works perfectly for you!</div>
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<a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/patterns/jersey-love/the-carnival-skort/">The Carnival Skort</a> requires no hemming and so it goes together really quickly! I opted to serge the skirt panels together with seams hidden, and the leggings underneath are the same solid brown stretch jersey as the waistband. They fit perfectly and I can tell they are so comfortable!</div>
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She was so happy with her pretty new set that she decided some spinning around and dancing for the camera was needed to show off her delight! Can you believe how much she's grown just in the past year and a half? She's such a big girlie now.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by! Now off you go to make some <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/patterns/jersey-love/the-carnival-skort/">Carnival Skorts</a> for someone dear to you!</div>
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Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-71591412123683500342013-07-09T08:29:00.002-05:002013-07-09T08:33:02.794-05:00Preteen jammies and freshly licked walls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes, you read the post title correctly...but I'll get into that in a bit!</div>
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JBug has had a few more growth spurts recently (ack!) and so the poor guy only has a couple pairs of jammies left, and even those should really head to the donation box soon! I don't sew nearly as often for him, as I'm always concerned that he's not going to deem what I've made "cool enough" to wear. He's at that stage already. o_O</div>
But he swears he still loves the things I make for him...which isn't that much sadly *rapping my own knuckles with the side of a ruler as punishment*. ;)<br />
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So we dug through the stash for a tester pair of <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/patterns/pajama/the-pajama-party-pjs-big-kid-sizes/">Pajama Party PJs</a>. With all the growth spurts he's gone through I wasn't sure which size would fit, but we managed to eek out a pair in size 10 from the robot fabric and co-ordinate that we found! They fit perfectly, but they don't' have much growing room - and we already know he's doing a lot of that lately - so from now on I need to sew him size 12s!!!<br />
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The fabric is cotton woven (nice and cool for the summer) and I used snaps as closures. I gave him the choice of either buttons or snaps, and he chose snaps. They're quick and easy to attach, even easier now that I found the metal snap dies for my snap press, and as it turns out I wouldn't have been able to make the buttonholes easily anyway. My favorite machine's automatic buttonhole foot seems to be in hiding, and my other machine suddenly has a broken buttonhole foot guide. Sigh. </div>
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Every now and then I get a glimpse of the man he is quickly becoming. For example in this photo where you can see his neck is a little wider, a little more "teen-like". Sniff.<br />
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He has tried wearing these for 5 nights in a row (eew!) and when I caught him avoiding the wash basket he confessed: "But they're just SO comfortable! I just want to keep wearing them!". That's great son, that really is....but how about I wash them and have them back to you before bed, hmm?? ;)</div>
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Take one like this Mom!<br />
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Oooh, you're in a modelling mood! Let the games begin!<br />
*I pretended to be a fancy fashion photographer and took lots of rapid succession photos while laughing just a tiny bit like an evil villain in an animated film, and this is what the poor boy looked like!<br />
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Stop!! Stop!!!Ahhh! The flash!!!<br />
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And then I looked over at the littlest minion, who had been next to his big brother the whole time...and this is what I saw.....<br />
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Anyone want to guess what he's doing?<br />
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And that's the story of how the " No licking the walls" rule came about! ;)<br />
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<br />Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-83699309592715410182013-05-28T14:07:00.000-05:002013-05-28T14:17:58.552-05:00Roly Poly Pinafore Tag-a-longSeeing as I'm not officially part of the <a href="http://imaginegnats.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-roly-poly-along.html">Roly-Poly-Along blog tour</a>, I decided it wasn't right to make it seem as though I was. So tag-a-long it is!<br />
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I was so sweetly gifted this pattern, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/129859678/the-roly-poly-a-pinafore-tunic-pattern">The Roly-Poly Pinafore by Imagine Gnats</a>, by someone very dear to me, so how could I not jump on this bandwagon and sew one up right away?!<br />
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First we have the cutest look: The winter wardrobe...complete with summer flowers in the background!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She LOVES the pockets!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pointing at pretty flowers so that I could capture the back.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eeeek! Mommy there are BEES!</span></td></tr>
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Then we decided to show off the reverse.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The reverse with a little pair of denim shorts. Perfect for the hot Texas weather that's come to town lately.<br />And just in case you are wondering, those are full sleeves of fake tattoos!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The back. Nice and airy, yet still covered enough to be appropriate in public. And you can see her back piece peeking out at the top!</span></td></tr>
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And finally with a skirt.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The last look. A pretty little girlie in summer skirt and pinafore.</span></td></tr>
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I followed the recommendation of choosing the size to sew by Missy's measurements instead of her RTW size. The size 4 will fit her now and all through winter as well. She usually wears a 5T, but the 4 fits perfectly!</div>
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I did overcast the hidden side seams and pocket edges, as I just couldn't bring myself to leave them raw. I used iron-on interfacing on the areas that would receive buttons and buttonholes. I added it right before turning the pinafore right side out. It adds strength to those areas and lessens the chance of Missy ripping the straps, like when she's rough-housing with her brothers.</div>
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She LOVES her pinny and it's pockets are a hit with her! I think it'd be fun to make a few print corduroy ones for the winter, to wear over some basic, solid color, long sleeves. Over even some solid pinafores to wear over bright or print knit shirts! </div>
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All in all it is a very cute pattern and I am sure you'll enjoy the end result as much as I do!</div>
<br />Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-22004873431929292282013-05-14T17:34:00.000-05:002013-05-14T17:34:25.749-05:00The Big Reveal! When Jessica S, the winner of the <a href="http://rooibosmom.blogspot.com/2013/05/sew-mama-sew-giveaway-day-join-me-for.html">giveaway</a>, said her son liked trucks I searched through my stash, flinging fabric aside as I dug through the piles. Okay, so maybe I didn't really fling fabric around, after all, isn't my to-do list long enough, without adding "<i>re-fold all fabric"</i> to it? But many fabrics did get shuffled around, and what I discovered was.....I have a <i>serious</i> shortage of truck print fabric!<br />
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I peeked around at Joann, but I wasn't really feeling like what I found was the <i>perfect</i> fabric for the job, and I certainly didn't find a good solid to go with anything that I did find.<br />
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What's a girl with a deadline, no truck fabric, and no hoop for her embroidery machine, to do?!<br />
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The answer? <i>Applique, of course!</i><br />
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Honestly. I have only done applique work about 2 or 3 other times, so I was a little nervous giving it a go on some of my best striped fabric (<a href="http://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/">Michael Miller</a>). But the many silent little prayers along the way were answered, and I am actually very happy with the finished product!<br />
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I didn't have any co-ordinating solids, so I spent ages painstakingly matching every single stripe, right down to the arm and leg bands!<br />
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I dare not let Little Man see this set, lest he decides I need to add a pair for him to my to-do list!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_AuCC5WQkR4/UZK2y-29n0I/AAAAAAAAAp4/FXek3Bcgl0M/s1600/truck+closeup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_AuCC5WQkR4/UZK2y-29n0I/AAAAAAAAAp4/FXek3Bcgl0M/s640/truck+closeup.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>A few links from today's project:</i></b><br />
<b>The pattern:</b> The AMAZING <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/patterns/pajama/lazy-days-lounge-set/">Lazy Days Lounge Set</a> by <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/">Fishsticks Designs</a>!<br />
<b>The applique:</b> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62381826/truck-applique-template-lorry-transport?ref=shop_home_active">Truck</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66101653/tools-applique-template-hammer?ref=shop_home_active">Tools</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AngelLeaDesigns">Angel Lea Designs on Etsy</a><br />This was my first time purchasing from Angel Lea Designs, and it was a great experience! I bought a 3 applique template <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AngelLeaDesigns?section_id=12054097">bundle deal</a>, and despite us being in opposite time zones, the files her sent extremely quickly! They are well designed, simple enough for a newbie like me to put together, and beautifully presented. I'll definitely be back for more!<br />What was the third template I bought in the bundle? Why an absolutely cool <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/99274974/pirate-ship-applique-template-pdf?ref=shop_home_active">Pirate Ship</a>, of course!<br />
<b>The clothing labels:</b> They're satin, foldover ones from my absolutely favorite label source, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/NightOwlsMenagerie">Night Owl's Menagerie on Etsy</a>!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-33567692942956271842013-05-06T10:40:00.001-05:002013-05-11T08:05:13.410-05:00Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day - Join me for my first ever giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>And the winner of my very first giveaway is:</b></span></div>
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(drumroll please)</div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><i><b>Jessica S.</b></i></span></div>
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Her comment:</div>
<div class="comment-header" id="bc_0_37M" kind="m" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: left;">
<cite class="user" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/16906769707076627411" rel="nofollow" style="color: #21bba0; text-decoration: none;">Jessica</a></cite><span class="datetime secondary-text" style="margin-left: 6px;"></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 26px; text-align: justify;">I love Made by Rae's Flashback skinny tee. Thanks for the great giveaway!</span><br />
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<b><i>The giveaway has ended.</i></b> Thank you so very much to everyone that entered and I thoroughly enjoyed reading through all the comments! I can promise you that my list of patterns to get, has grown considerably since the start of this giveaway - just don't tell my husband that, lol! ;)</div>
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Today is <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog">Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day</a>! Even better is that so many bloggers and designers are joining in the fun, and the giveaways last until the 10th! Plenty of time to enter and bring friends along with you!<br />
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So because I am not a designer, shop owner, or even organized enough to contact a designer ahead of time, to find out about purchasing a few patterns to giveaway......<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8gSSnyK0aSw/UYfFTZX7URI/AAAAAAAAApM/V-KNtBVRDW0/s1600/giveawayMay2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8gSSnyK0aSw/UYfFTZX7URI/AAAAAAAAApM/V-KNtBVRDW0/s640/giveawayMay2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Are you ready for my first ever giveaway!? I am!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Info you need to know!</span></b><br />
This is for a handmade Lazy Days Lounge Set, made by me personally! There will only be <b>ONE</b> winner!<br />
This giveaway does NOT include the pattern. You will be receiving the finished lounge set ONLY.<br />
For this giveaway <b><i>I can ONLY ship to the USA</i></b>. Sorry <b><i>no international shipping</i></b> this time. Forgive me!<br />
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<b>You will be allowed to choose:</b><br />
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<li>Size (12mth - 5T)</li>
<li>Whether the set is for a boy or a girl.</li>
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<b>I get to choose the following:</b></div>
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<li>The fabric used - including colors and prints. Fabric will be cotton knit and/or cotton lycra knit.</li>
<li>Summer ONLY set (shorts and short sleeve length).</li>
<li>The cute clothing and size tags used.</li>
<li>Pattern used: <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/patterns/pajama/lazy-days-lounge-set/">Lazy Days Lounge Set by Fishsticks Designs</a>. Pattern NOT included in the winnings.</li>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Disclaimers - Please read!</span></b></i></div>
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This set is handmade by me. I am not perfect. I will do my best work, but I cannot promise that the finished garment will be hailed as perfection itself!<br />
If you have any allergies to fabrics, especially (but not limited to): cotton, lycra/spandex, elastic, polyester, and so on. Please do not enter. I cannot promise you won't have a reaction, and I wish you no harm.<br />
We are a smoke / pet free (besides the chickens, and they live outdoors!) household, but I can't promise the same for whomever touches the package on it's way to you.<br />
I can't replace the item if it is lost in transit.<br />
I cannot be held liable for anything to do with this set once it's in your hands!<br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;"><strike><b>Time for the giveaway!</b> </strike></span></div>
I'm using rafflecopter for the first time ever. So if you have any issues with this widget, please let me know and I'll do my best to correct the problem asap!<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b03c8c1/" id="rc-b03c8c1" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
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<br />Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-79533415801518238232013-05-04T11:17:00.000-05:002013-05-04T11:17:18.710-05:00Peek-a-boo Pajamas with Serger Detailing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have discovered so many talented designers over the past few years. My PDF pattern files are rapidly growing in number, as are my "To Sew" lists!</div>
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I have decided that along with the designers I can't do without, for example <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/">Fishsticks Designs</a>, I am going to try to use as many of the patterns I have from "new to me" designers as possible this year.</div>
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I've already used a couple from <a href="http://www.jocole.net/">Jocole</a>, and one from <a href="http://www.ellieinspired.com/">Ellie Inspired</a> (post coming!). And next up is the <a href="http://www.peekaboopatternshop.com/product/alex-anna-summer-pjs-6-mos-8-years">Alex and Anna Summer PJs</a>, from <a href="http://www.peekaboopatternshop.com/">Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop</a>!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CkcNIR0vNzM/UYR3_OZ6_cI/AAAAAAAAAok/dghHavhNbRQ/s1600/front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CkcNIR0vNzM/UYR3_OZ6_cI/AAAAAAAAAok/dghHavhNbRQ/s640/front.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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I mixed the pattern with a <a href="http://fishsticksdesigns.com/blog/?p=1118">mini tutorial for using your serger to add some detail work to seams and cuffs</a>, by <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/">Fishsticks Designs</a>!</div>
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As you can probably tell, I made the silly mistake of stitching down one shoulder seam to the front, and one to the back! Thankfully he doesn't care. He was <i>thrilled</i> to finally be allowed to wear his new jammies with rocket ships and aliens! He kept pointing over and over again, to all the cool little pictures on the fabric! Too cute indeed!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1aAtrnMXr8U/UYR39BaU2fI/AAAAAAAAAoU/PHcxVCNcbYE/s1600/back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1aAtrnMXr8U/UYR39BaU2fI/AAAAAAAAAoU/PHcxVCNcbYE/s640/back.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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Thankfully I had the good sense to cut out the 3T instead of the 2T. It appears Little Man is having a growth spurt and mixed with a slim fitting pattern, well, they would have been outgrown before the end of summer! </div>
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The only thing I need to change a bit on this pattern is the rise of the shorts. Our kids have all got very high rises. And while it's not usually something I have to think about, aside from diapering, I will have to raise the waist height in these shorts next time by about 3/4" to 1". Just enough that his tushie, okay it's really his diaper, doesn't try and peek out too excessively. It's incredibly simple and only takes an extra 20 seconds to do while I'm cutting out both leg pieces. :)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pXA9hyNyGeE/UYR3-TWJI4I/AAAAAAAAAoc/Exm2sEI6hXk/s1600/closeup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="622" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pXA9hyNyGeE/UYR3-TWJI4I/AAAAAAAAAoc/Exm2sEI6hXk/s640/closeup.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Isn't he just darling?<br />
And, ahem, can you please pretend that you don't see the food around his mouth? The poor dear is so used to the fact that photos come after new clothes, that he stopped eating after we put them on and ran to the designated photo spot! Not once did my husband and I realize that the other person hadn't cleaned off his face before we got started!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-229546548051307622013-05-03T21:02:00.002-05:002013-05-03T21:02:52.826-05:00Ruffled Neckline Nightie!I don't generally alter patterns, actually I can come <i>really</i> close to saying never. But as I was sewing the binding onto the neckline of this nightie, I realized that I hadn't cut it wide enough. It wasn't going to be able to be folded and wrap over to the front properly. Whoops!<br />
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I detest unpicking . . .detest it with a passion! So I decided that <i>right then</i> was the perfect time to conquer gathering with the serger!<br />
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It took quite a bit of playing around and Pinterest searching...but I did it! Then the new gathered piece was sewn to the too-narrow binding, folded over, and topstiched into place. The serger hated me a bit along the front section where everything overlaps, but with a little coaxing she chugged along like a trooper. I did go back and reinforce that whole seam with the sewing machine as well. I felt it was needed with so many layers all trying to be in one place, at one time. Thankfully that was the last step, and finally it was time to turn it right side out for Missy's review.<br />
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Miss squealed, hugged the new nightie (and me!), and then declared she would wear it <i>ALL DAY</i>! Ha ha ha! Good thing it's already close to bedtime!</div>
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lmi9q1BtLUE/UYRiYPC_5fI/AAAAAAAAAns/AJvOdL0ggM0/s1600/fulllength.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lmi9q1BtLUE/UYRiYPC_5fI/AAAAAAAAAns/AJvOdL0ggM0/s640/fulllength.JPG" width="368" /></a></div>
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And lest you think that little Missy always behaves for photos, this is a very polite version of what she is usually doing!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zxMJxxScqGw/UYRiZQDl_NI/AAAAAAAAAn0/u5GfX836QS8/s1600/sillymissy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zxMJxxScqGw/UYRiZQDl_NI/AAAAAAAAAn0/u5GfX836QS8/s640/sillymissy.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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The pattern is the wonderful <a href="http://www.jocole.net/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8_10&products_id=73">Crossover Tunic</a> from <a href="http://www.jocole.net/catalog/">Jocole</a>, that I snapped up on sale a short while ago. I planned on making tops, tunics, and dresses with it for this summer (and I am sure I will) but so far I absolutely love it for nighties!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-28745330111443611042013-04-24T18:03:00.003-05:002013-04-24T18:03:46.192-05:00To some bunny with loveI don't get a chance to help as often as I could, but I am working on changing that. Truly I'd love to help by sewing for the <a href="http://hopefulthreads.blogspot.com/">Hopeful Threads</a> projects every single month!<br />
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This month is all about:<br />
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<a href="http://hopefulthreads.blogspot.com/2013/04/april-2013-project-announcement.html"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cvqAf7_EhGY/UXhjbXFAGOI/AAAAAAAAAm8/qGcXyBbHf1s/s320/fluff+large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I sewed up two bunnies with the <a href="http://www.sew-much-ado.com/">Sew Much Ado</a>, <a href="http://www.sew-much-ado.com/2012/03/faux-chenille-bunny-tutorial.html">Faux Chenille Bunny Tutorial</a>. They are so cute and fluffy!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-dQ52ex344/UXhixRSW9_I/AAAAAAAAAm0/MhJk_qVZcKw/s1600/Bunnies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-dQ52ex344/UXhixRSW9_I/AAAAAAAAAm0/MhJk_qVZcKw/s320/Bunnies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Missy helped me fill their hearts with love by kissing them where their hearts would be, and filling them with love and happy thoughts for their new owners. :) I should have grabbed a photo of her kissing them to life, it was utterly adorable to watch!<br />
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They'll be on their way to Kristy at Hopeful Threads soon. Say a prayer if you would, that they're exactly what their little recipients were wishing for to cuddle with. :)<br />
<br />Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-35602266405154191272013-04-22T16:12:00.001-05:002013-04-22T16:12:24.342-05:00Kids Clothes Week Spring 2013I decided to join the KCW for the first time!<br />
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My list is made:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWAfKYAidh8/UXWmxbz9RJI/AAAAAAAAAmk/F6CDkglcWmQ/s1600/IMG_20130422_153420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWAfKYAidh8/UXWmxbz9RJI/AAAAAAAAAmk/F6CDkglcWmQ/s320/IMG_20130422_153420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I will be sewing a few more things this week as well, but these are the ones specifically chosen for KCW.<br />
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Let the busy week begin!<br />
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<i>*UFO = Unfinished object</i>Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-56099477950705495092013-04-10T08:20:00.000-05:002013-04-10T08:20:59.866-05:00When you cut out two left legs...Then the only logical thing to do is to make 2 sets of matching, color blocked pajamas instead of 1!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6XZ6MNhwz2I/UWTPsZP47DI/AAAAAAAAAko/jK1hKrezBmI/s1600/edit+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6XZ6MNhwz2I/UWTPsZP47DI/AAAAAAAAAko/jK1hKrezBmI/s640/edit+2.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I see you Mom!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qw9Ny2L_My0/UWTQG86RfXI/AAAAAAAAAlI/9zAxa0xo79Y/s1600/edit+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qw9Ny2L_My0/UWTQG86RfXI/AAAAAAAAAlI/9zAxa0xo79Y/s640/edit+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The other matching pair.<br />(The pants are front side down, as I was trying to show the tag placement in the back. And I swear the legs are the same length. I was just trying to rush the photo before little fingers invaded, lol!)<br />Pattern is the <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/LazyDaysLoungeSet.html">Lazy Days Lounge Set</a> from the fabulous <a href="http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/blog/">Fishsticks Designs</a>.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mKnVLU13NAQ/UWTPtv1BzqI/AAAAAAAAAk4/aHayguddclU/s1600/edit+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mKnVLU13NAQ/UWTPtv1BzqI/AAAAAAAAAk4/aHayguddclU/s640/edit+5.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Isn't he just the most adorable little boy? *sigh* He's getting too big already.<br />And yes, for those with a discerning eye, that's a stuffed Darth Vader with Easter bunny ears. It's how we roll. ;)</span></td></tr>
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Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-47818874651872781572013-04-09T21:26:00.000-05:002013-04-09T21:26:47.436-05:00Starting to prep for summerMy summer sewing has officially started. Soon the days are going to be unbearably hot and we're going to have some sweaty, cranky, kids on our hands. Not to mention the cranky mama! I'm not an "enjoy Texas summer heat" kind of gal, that's a special breed of person right there.<br />
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We're going to needs lots of tanks, shorts, light dresses, and of course swimsuits for cooling off with sprinklers in the backyard.<br />
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So thanks to some recent sew a longs to motivate me, here are the first couple of additions to the kids' summer wardrobe.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Little Man: The Tank from <a href="http://fishsticksdesigns.com/blog/">Fishsticks Designs</a> (free tutorial and pattern). 2T. <br />And no outer space tank would be complete without a rocket to explore the great unknown! The rocket tag is designed and sold by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/NightOwlsMenagerie">Night Owl's Menagerie</a>.</span></td></tr>
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Why a freebie? Why not?! It fits perfectly and it is fast and easy to sew up. You can't beat that! I've used this pattern before, for my daughter, and it has never disappointed. :)<br />
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See?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hMAyPIRGCo/UWTNRLGjGvI/AAAAAAAAAkg/jySewmDO1HY/s1600/tank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hMAyPIRGCo/UWTNRLGjGvI/AAAAAAAAAkg/jySewmDO1HY/s640/tank.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I swear he was trying to give me attitude about posing for a photo!<br />Don't you just love the tank though? </span></td></tr>
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Next up...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For Missy: A <a href="http://www.jocole.net/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8_10&products_id=73">Crossover Tunic</a> from Jocole. Size 5. <br />It's supposed to be knee length, but quite thankfully on her it extends to below her knee, which is a much better length for a little girl with zero concern for modesty. ;)</span> </td></tr>
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This is my first time ever sewing a Jocole pattern, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. <br />
Here's what I loved:<br />
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<li>the way her pattern has specific cut and join lines,</li>
<li>the 1" square grid goes over the entire pattern, which makes it really easy to tell of the pattern has printed to the correct scale,</li>
<li>it was really simple and easy to sew,</li>
<li>I love how the binding is done on the neck and sleeves, and she explains how to finish those areas in a variety of other ways including FOE (fold over elastic),</li>
<li>the tunic (nightie in this case) fits perfectly without being too snug or too loose in any areas.</li>
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I will definitely consider buying another Jocole pattern in the future. <br />
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I will, however, consider not allowing the girlie to eat pizza in her brand new nightie again...crossing fingers that sauce comes out in the wash tonight!</div>
Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1600314438171119585.post-44755889446126014862013-04-07T16:22:00.003-05:002013-04-07T16:23:05.035-05:00And then there were three...As you know, we received our 4 sweet backyard chicks in the mail during August 2012. We love them dearly and they're so much fun to be around!<br />
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However, this past week we had to say goodbye to one of darling gals, Izzy. Izzy was our slightly skittish, but so adorable, Black Australorp. We don't know what happened or why. All that we know is it must have been sudden She was fine in the morning, layed us an egg (still in our fridge), and she was gone by late afternoon.</div>
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Rest in Peace darling Izzy, you will be missed.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjpLL6wsubI/UWHh_jvCFAI/AAAAAAAAAjo/ctGZ2xM9hFI/s1600/Izzy+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjpLL6wsubI/UWHh_jvCFAI/AAAAAAAAAjo/ctGZ2xM9hFI/s640/Izzy+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thankfully Buttercup, Millie, and Meep are all still looking very healthy and are still laying well for us, despite the broody fever that's trying to spread. :)</div>
Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979737757973872465noreply@blogger.com0