It seems like I'm more excited for this new year to start than I have been in the past.  Not that 2011 was a bad year or anything...I'm just excited for the things in store for me and my family.  This blog has been far from a "popular" or "check every day" sort of blog.  Its been more of a log for me to see the things that I've made.  For a long time I felt the need to make something or anything just so I could blog about it and things never turned out all that great.  I've almost felt guilty that I haven't posted more pictures and blogged more frequently.  I think it has taken the fun out of creating things.  So for now, I'm going to keep sewing and creating but with NO intention or desire to blog about it.  Maybe sometime in the future I'll start again but for now...I'm on VACATION!  YIPPEE!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!

Hailey's Blessing Dress

Well, now that my baby is 6 months old, I guess its about time to post pictures of her blessing dress from when she was 6 weeks old.  (Hey, give me a break...Lots has gone on in the last 6 months to keep things busy.)

I made the little pink flowers from some lace material which was suppose to be for the girls' Easter dresses.  :)   (I added pearls to the centers of the flowers the night before.)

I pleated the sleeve bottoms a bit.

I used snaps in the back instead of buttons.  It was so much easier.  (I hate doing button holes and sewing buttons on.)

I made little slippers and added a pink flower to them too.  They looked so cute on her tiny feet but because the fabric was slick, they didn't stay on that great.  But since the dress was so long it didn't really matter...All just for a picture.  :)

I made the bloomers using the tutorial found here. The little flowers on her bum looked so cute.

I made a little head band for her too, with flowers of course.  I made the head band with soft elastic (like what you would make a bra or panties out of) and it was perfect.  Isn't she so sweet and tiny?

Of course when I was trying to get pictures of her, she was asleep and wouldn't wake up.  Oh well, you gotta love a sleeping baby.

Denim Romper

I think little rompers are so cute.  I made Joselyn one using the tutorial found here.

My favorite part is the top.  I'm planning on making little dresses and tops that are similar to the top of this romper.  So simple but not plain.

I hemmed the shorts using a tutorial found here.  This was my first time doing a blind hem stitch with my sewing machine.  I think it would work even better if the tension on my machine wasn't all messed up.  (That's a whole other story.)

I like the thick elastic waist.

And the straps.  Next time I need to remember to sew the straps closer to the center so they won't fall of the shoulders.  Instead of moving them, I just criss-crossed the straps...which I like just the same.

Cute little outfit to take "Smoky" for a stroll.  (She wanted to take pictures with this horse...I gladly agreed knowing she would be happy.)

Sugar Scrub

Baby Shower cont....

The winner of the game got some sugar scrub. 

Its so simple to make.  I just used about a cup of sugar and added baby oil until the sugar was really wet.  Then I added some essential oils (Lavender and Wild Orange).  Love this stuff.

Oh, we played the Price is Right.  For some reason I can't figure out how to add a link to the sheet that I made.  I'll try to get that figured out soon and will post a download for it.  :)

Baby Shower Invitations

Small disclaimer:  I'm moving (yes again) and I haven't been able to get a picture of the invitations so I'm just giving you the link to download them.  :)   (Go here.)  I made them a little smaller just so I could mail them a little cheaper since I had over 30 to do.  :)

I also printed a large one out and framed it.

So cute a super easy.  :)

ABC Baby Shower

My sister-in-law is having her first baby in October.  We had a little shower for her a couple weekends ago.  We kept it simple but still had a lot of fun.  :)

We served Banana and Zucchini bread (which is still making my mouth water) and yogurt parfaits with homemade granola.  (Nope, I didn't make any of the food.)

We decorated with children's books using blue, green, orange and yellow.  :)

I've had a random piece of this plaid material for over a year now.  It worked perfect.

Tomorrow I'll share more info about the invitations.  You can hardly wait right?  :)

A Trendy Diaper Bag

I made this diaper bag for my sister Lisa. I didn't want it to look like the typical looking diaper bag. I wanted it to be a little more trendy.  I came across The Tohoku Tote by I Am Momma Hear Me Roar and I thought it would work perfect.  It's a super easy tutorial to follow.  I just used the pattern for the tote and added some width and adjusted the straps and bow a bit.

I added a snap to hook keys too.  Am I the only one who is always losing keys at the bottom of my bag?

I love the big bow and the fabric I used.  I think this is one of my favorites so far.

I also included a wipe case.

And of course a little bag filled with medicine and a few important items (like bandaids, safety pins, alcohol swabs...)

Now she just needs a few diapers and the baby to come and she's ready to go.  :)

Ribbon and Pearl Necklace

I've had this fabric for awhile now and haven't been able to use it for anything because its a little heavy.  But I cut it into strips and it was perfect ribbon for this necklace,  I've made a couple from it now. 

I love it with pearls.

Simple but yet a little fancy. 

 

Make-up Bag

For Christmas last year I used this material to make a wallet and loved it.

I had some extra so I made a make-up bag to go with it.

I think my new projects always include bags.  Its nice that they always "fit" and aren't too big or too little.  And they're super simple but very useful.

Stamped Necklace

So between my sisters and sisters-in law and mothers...I have lots of girls to get birthday presents for.  It would break the bank to buy big presents for everyone.  So each year I've tried to think of something I could make all of them.  This year was the year of necklaces.  (Last year was aprons.)  So I've made lots of necklaces this year and this is the only one that I've gotten a picture of. 

When I went to make this one, I couldn't find my "E" stamp.  Everything that I could think of stamping had an "E" in it.  I was bummed that I couldn't do what I had in mind.  I had this rectangle already stamped so it was my only option...but I like how simple it is.

It's what a really feel for my lil' sis.  I guess sometimes simple is better and makes a statement.

I used this for the back closure.  They're a little hard to get on but I think they look neat.

Happy Birthday Whit.  Love you and Miss you!

Crayon Roll

I've been wanting to make a crayon roll for awhile now.  One of my friend's little girl had a birthday so I decided to try coming up with something for her.

 I like that every crayon has its own little place.

And its easy to roll up...

And ties shut with some elastic and a cute button so little hands can do it all by themselves.

Ruffled Clutch

This little clutch has been my go to for a quick and easy present or just something to sew when time is short but I feel the "need" to sew something.

You can add pockets, dividers or leave it blank inside and they are still great.

I made them a couple years ago for my Moms for Mother's Day.  (here!)

I've filled them with essential baby medicine and given them as baby shower presents.

I've even given them with nothing in them and they are still just great.  If you haven't made one, you really should. :)

Go here for the tutorial.

Sequin Shirts!

Every year in July we have to have matchy outfits for all of the cousins for the 24th of July Celebrations.  Here's a flashback just for fun.  :)

July 2007

(Had to steal this picture from my sister's blog because I can't find any of mine...still in boxes I guess.  This is Hadlee...so little and cute.)

July 2008

July 2009

July 2010

(Go here for tutorial on last years outfits.)

July 2011
(missing little Mylee)

I will say that it is gettin a lot harder to get a picture with all of the kids happy and looking in the right direction.  Cute kids though!

I got the idea from Brassy Apple.  Go here for a tutorial.

It was simple and easy.  Andy found the little jean skirts at a thrift store for SUPER cheap and they are so cute.

Here's an up close look at the design we did but you really could do just about any kind of design.

Just cause she looks so cute.  :)

Look at my girls...yep you're right...they really look nothing like me.  They do look just like my husband.  :)  Sure do love my girls though and feel so blessed to have them.

Oh, and we also tied material around flip flops for the big girls.  They looked super cute and got super dirty in all the dirt.  :)