Sunday, September 29, 2013

~Hunter green corduroy jumper~

National Sewing Month 2013 is nearly over, so one more post for that. 'Remember that thrift store find of the: hunter green corduroy? Well, it has been put to good use. It is now the jumper pictured above! The corduroy applique fabric and mustard-color blouse fabric were already in my sewing stash. Both items are original designs. So reminiscent of the 1960's era, isn't it? 'Gotta love some retro. French seams were done, as we all know how corduroy loves to ravel. The bodice area is lined, and the closure is a back zipper. Since there wasn't enough fabric for a hair bow, 'just made one of red, white, and hunter green gros grain ribbons. Total cost to make this outfit: a whopping .75¢ Do you all think that my granddaughter Macey will love this retro-inspired holidays outfit?

Thursday, September 26, 2013

~Swap items arrived today!~

The mail just ran, and look what was there! Swap goodies from Bumblebee Lane's Harvest Gatherings Swap. My partner was Linda of: Country Pickin's, and boy did she spoil me. Linda sent: a big Oops! raggedy doll that is weighted for shelf-sitting, a big ole stuffed pumpkin, a Welcome Fall wool felt pillow, an orange Halloween kitchen towel, a cute little pumpkin figurine, a darling little woven basket, a whimsical Herb the Cat with a pocket full of Sweet Annie, an Autumn boy metal sign, A Season For Thanks metal sign, and a beautiful wooden box with purple flowers on the lid. Inside the box was some spare buttons, a pink crocheted doily, some cute white flower appliques, and 4 prim clothespins tied with a homespun bow. Thank you Linda. I love all of these items. Be sure to go visit and follow Linda's blog. She is so awesome!

~Thrifty Thursday: watering can & fabric~

Look at the goodes I found this time! The tin watering can was just .50¢, and had some old ugly styrofoam in it that had to go. It's bit of rusting only adds to its prim charm, doesn't it? The 3 little woven baskets were only .10¢ each. Too cute to resist. The little earthenware brown jug was also just .50¢. It has a farm couple painted on one side. The dark hunter green corduroy fabric is my favorite find. At only .75¢ this was fabulous. I was afraid that when it was opened that it may have a big piece cut out from it or be in pieces, or something like that. To my surprise, it was one continuous piece of just over 1 yard. Green is my favorite color. So, the grand total this time was $2.05 for all of these great items. Which is your favorite?

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Fabric- Covered NCAA Metal Cans

Good morning blogging pals! Above is a new idea for metal cans: fabric-covered. The one on the left is in black & white houndstooth with a crimson red gros grain bow because many of my family members are Alabama Roll Tide® fans. Of course, I have to root for my own alma mater, Ole Miss®, lol! 'Rooting for Alabama except when they play Ole Miss. This can will go to my daughter and her family. Shh... don't tell, it's one of their Christmas gifts, lol! The can on the right is Auburn Tigers®. It went my cousin Mike. So, we are "a family divided" when it comes to NCAA teams, lol! Which NCAA teams do you all root for?

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Boutique Chic Style

Hello dear friends. 'Another post for National Sewing Month. Pictured above is a boutique chic style dress and head band that I made for my granddaughter Macey (our model) back in the summer. The fabrics are 100% cotton. The pattern is Simplicity 2171, view A, with a slight variation. The pattern calls for tied knots through button holes on the bodice front, but mine has the shoulder straps sewn to the bodice front and extended longer through a button hole in the bodice back. The idea came from another person, whose blog I cannot recall the name. 'Also left off the apron. The matching ruffled-leg pants are also 100% cotton, in a heavier weight white with the same green and white floral fabric as the dress bodice. This is such a darling pattern, isn't it?
The back of Simplicity 2171's blouse features shoulder straps tied into a bow through a single button hole. The head band (pictured on Macey) has a cute flower decoration with a covered button center. The pattern includes the dress, head band, and the pattern for the pants leg ruffle. Granddaughter Macey + this outfit = extra cuteness!

This pattern is a bit complicated to construct, so its rating is:

Advanced


Linking-up with: ~Saturday SHOW-Licious Craft Showcase #51~

*Guess what... I was Featured!*


Sunday, September 15, 2013

One for Mother

'Back with another item in celebration of National Sewing Month. This is a cute pattern that I used to sew mother a peasant top. It is very simple and quick to sew. Mother chose the fabric, 100% cotton in black with a bright lime green retro circles design. She did not want the under- bust elastic that the pattern calls for, so that has been omitted. We also substituted neckline elastic for ribbon. Mother will wear this with lime green capris, as she loves vivid colors. My BIL jokes that you can see mother a mile away [with the loud colors], lol! 'It is always such a pleasure to sew for her. The pattern is McCall's Easy Stitch 'n Save M5451, with our variations. 'Gotta love peasant tops. Isn't it a darling pattern? This pattern is super easy, with only two pattern pieces. It's rating is:

Beginner

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Spare Buttons Box DIY

Good morning, prim friends. Above is a little DIY craft that is my own idea. Every time I sew an outfit for my granddaughter Macey, it includes spare buttons. How many times have we placed buttons somewhere and thought we could easily find them later? Especially if a person does not sew, and has no place to keep notions and such, this can happen. So, why not have a storage box that is pretty enough to be displayed out in the open where it can easily be located? Since my daughter does not sew, one box contains needles and thread. The boxes are paper mache, found at most craft stores for like $1.00 each, and are covered with fabric and ribbons, and a few buttons. A glue stick and a few dabs of liquid glue secures it all. Just "wrap" the box and lid like wrapping gift boxes. The brown letters are stickers, found at many craft stores or even a dollar store, which is where these were found. When finished, lightly spray the box and lid separately with a clear acrylic matte coating and let dry completely. Allow at least one hour. If any of you make one, I'd love to see your creation. Prim blessings.

Linking-up with: ~Ivy & Elephants' What's It Wednesday #91~

Monday, September 9, 2013

~Pin Keep Swap with The Frenzied Fox~

Good morning friends. I participated in the Fall Pin Keep Swap over at: Ravenwood Whimzies, and my partner was Maria of: The Frenzied Fox. Pictured above are the darling items that Maria sent to me. The pumpkin is atop of a wooden spindle, and is so awesome! She also included the cute metal black cat, which has a purple candle inside. The brown dish towel with the appliqued pumpkins is also very cute. Thank you, Maria and Wendy for this fun Swap. I absolutely love all of the items. To see what I sent to Maria, be sure to check out her blog. You can also see the items by continuing to read.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Happy Grandparents Day 2013

Good morning friends. Today is Grandparents Day! What a lovely dedication holiday. Pictured above is three generations, L to R: my mother, my granddaughter, and me. I am so thankful for our family, and that we can spend time together. Precious moments with the people that we love are priceless. Wishing everyone a happy day today ♥

Friday, September 6, 2013

Mother and Daughter Hair Bows

Hello all. Here is another idea for hair bows: mother and daughter matching hair bows! The ones pictured above are NCAA Alabama Roll Tide® design. 'Gotta have that official black and white houndstooth included. Hancock's Fabrics had their NCAA/collegiate fabrics 40% off, so it was a great time to get some of this fabric. The houndstooth is 100% wool, which was 50% off with a coupon. These bows are for my lovely daughter Amanda and my precious granddaughter Macey. 'Also made one for my cousin Mike's wife Cathy. They will all be showing their school spirit in style now, won't they?

Linking-up with: ~ Saturday SHOW-Licious Craft Showcase #49~

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

~Win from SEW-Licious Home Decor~

Wow, I won again! This time it's from Marti at: SEW-Licious Home Decor. She sent this nifty and stylish needle case made of felt in such vibrant colors. Green is my favorite color. Be sure to go visit and follow her blog, and link-up with her parties. Awesome, Marti! Thank you so much.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Hair bows galore!

Good morning friends. A new craft for me: hair bows! Previously, I just "winged it", but mine never seemed to look as nice as the boughten bows. So, some great You Tube videos helped a lot. The photo above shows 2 different fancy styes of hair bows: Loopy Bubble (top bow in photo) and No-Sew Fabric Bow styles. With RA, sometimes the ribbon slips and I have to start all over. 'Good thing is that the ribbon will not be ruined. To see the tutorials and have a go at it yourself, visit these You Tube links: Loopy Bubble Bows, No-Sew Fabric Hair Bows. Giving many thanks to: ShowMeCute and mommycraftsalot for their easy to follow helpful tutorials. Don't you just love fancy hair bows for little girls? These are for my granddaughter, Macey. It is so fun being a grandmother.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

National Sewing Month

Good morning friends. In 1982, former President Ronald Reagan officially designated the month of September as: National Sewing Month. 'Just heard about that recently. In celebration of this, above is a romper and shirt that I made for my great-nephew Linus. The pattern calls for 2 front pockets, but mine has been changed to have a custom airplane applique instead. Both items are made of 100% cotton fabrics. My niece loves green, and airplanes. The romper and shirt are both McCall's Easy 2033. Isn't this pattern just too cute! Since this pattern requires simple appliqueing, buttonholes, and use of snaps, my pattern rating is:

Fairly Easy


~Linking-up with: Saturday SHOW-Licious Craft Showcase # 48~