FOF - Lil sleeves

I bought this little shirt for Courtney back in the Fall, she wore it a ton!  But as the weather got warmer the shirt was less and less used.  I just couldn't put her in long sleeves when it is hot out! 

Then a few weeks ago, I came across this tutorial and new exactly which shirt I would use....

AND

it worked!!!  So now we're back to getting lots of use out of a cute shirt!  I did hem her newly-shortened sleeves (they didn't in the tut).

This picture shows the ruching detail the best....Since these pictures were taken I have shortened one of my shirt's sleeves.  I like the way it looks, but for me the ruching feels a little 'funny' on the arms, maybe I'm just not used to it.

Another bonus - the shirt pairs perfectly with this skirt that I had originally made for Katie!  Wow - time is flying by!

 Linking this post up with Charity's Finished Object Friday fun!

A work in progress FOF

 Just wanted to show ya, a quick little sneak peek of something I'm working on for our master bedroom.  I have been searching/scheming for months on my little decor conundrum.  I'm so excited to see how it turns out!! 

 and I just couldn't stay away another Friday.  I've been wanted to join back up with Chari's FOF's.  I really do have quite a bit to share!  Maybe now that summer is here, I can get some shooting - the picture kind - done and then start sharing.  Proper, like!

Finished Object Friday - Heather Bailey scraps

Happy beginning-of-a-3-day-weekend to you!  It's been so long since I've posted a FOF I'm not sure if I still remember how this is done!  HA
  Back in March, my MIL had a birthday!  So, I thought I would pretty up some dish towels for her to use in her kitchen.  I also wanted to incorporate something that would remind (not that she would ever forget!) her of three of her 'grands' who moved so very far away. 
 

Hopefully you're not too tired of seeing these same fabrics being used in a bajillion ways here in my little web space!   I originally bought these fabrics to make Katrina's K graduation dress.  Then, I love seeing siblings dressed alike or coordinating; so I made Katie and Courtney dresses out of the same fabrics.  I still had enough of the starburst print for two little twin outfits!!  Finally I'm down to smallish sized scraps :)

I thought they turned out really cute...and I have more scraps to hopefully make myself a set soon :)  Realistically?  probably not til the end of summer ;)

Don't tell the other two towels, but I'm partial to the blue/yellow combo, but then again...always have had a soft spot for ruffles!!

 Chari Tree's Finished Object Friday

Mug Rug FOF

  Mug Rugs are 'hot' right now in the quilting/sewing world, so I thought I'd take a "stab" at making one.  I'm an amateur sewer at best, so there are some mistakes, but all in all I'm happy with how it turned out :)
  I chose these fabrics because I wanted a forever reminder of the dresses I made for the girls out of the same fabrics.  And I'm trying to get the scraps used up :)
  I worked on it, little bits at a time - as I had the chance.  I also did take but this one 'during the process' shot.

Final product....

I kept the quilting simple with straight lines.  Although I love the look of stiple quilting!  Need to try that soon!

The backside was a happy surprise.  I had really wanted to use the floral fabric, but I didn't have a scrap big enough.  Now I'm glad I didn't.  Love the way the fabric and binding fabrics complement one another :)

We are also on a big fruit 'kick' at our house.  We always have fresh fruit, but it seems that lately we have enjoyed more of it than normal.  Pineapple (one of Katrina's most favorites), watermelon (from Grampa's trip to the grocery store with Katrina and Katie) and grapes (one of Katie's top picks).   We  haven't determined Courtney's favorite yet, she eats any of it :)

I'm linking this up at Chari's and for

Finished Object Friday

The girls hairbows have seen better days...and I haven't been real crafty lately - which I've missed!!   It worked out to be a good combination - and now the girls have some new boutique bows to wear!  I used some clips off of YouTube as starting points on how to put them together.

These next three turned out to be my favorites of this batch!

This brown/pink bow was given to a friend of mine who is expecting.  There are some concerns about the baby's health and I know her Mommy is concerned.  Would you help me in praying for this Mommy and her unborn baby?  I know it would be appreciated greatly!!

  and that Leah is what I do (mostly) with all my ribbon :)  
Linking up with Charity today....Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!  After cleaning three other homes this week, mine now needs my attention :)

Finished Object Friday

Really quick post here on this beautiful and busy Saturday...
  I wanted to share these Fringe-Fleece scarves I made for our girls.  I thought they should have something to help keep them cozy when we went to PA for Christmas :)  I found this super.easy.super.quick tutorial.   I bought the print fleece on sale at JoAnns on Black Friday :)  The middle layer of fleece I bought at Wally's.

 Thanks for taking a peek :)  Enjoy the rest of your weekend and head on over and check out Chari's blog!

Double Duty

Earlier this month I found this absolutely gorgeous wreath!   I knew it would be perfect for our unadorned front door!  It was easy to make and inexpensive...I already had the smallish ornaments (Target) from last year :)

 

  I did use the scented pinecones from Walmart - 2 bags like she said.  I love how when we come home we are greeted by the Christmas-sy fragrance!  Originally I hung it with a creamy ribbon, but that just seemed to melt right into the door ;)  The red gives it a nice color-pop!

  I'm counting this for Ali's Day 12 and for Chari's Finished Object Friday :)  I've been to her little home on the web and have seen some cute FOF entries...you should go have a look, too!

  Christmas is getting closer and closer...are you ready yet?  I'm almost there with the presents :)  Looking forward to having Christmas with my side of the family tomorrow ;)

FF = Finally Finished

This dress was the "guinea pig" dress for the girls Easter dresses. I didn't want to cut their beautiful Easter dress fabric until I knew I could actually do this ;)

It turned out well and was pretty much as easy as it looks! I learned a few new sewing techniques along the way, as well! I used the tutorial from here to make the dress itself. I found a French Seam tutorial here. (French seam pictured below)

and I learned how to make bias tape using Sandi Henderson's tutorial. If you've never seen her blog PortabelloPixie - hop on over...you're in for a treat! I'm just imagining all the ways I can add bias tape to projects now :)

and now I've finally blogged about it, too! LOL

I'm linking up with Chari today for Finished Object Friday :)

Fabric Fix FOF

Remember this post...a teaser about today's post? Well, here. it. is!! The finished project! Quilted hot pads!

I found the tutorial at Sew4Home along with a bunch of other yummy things I would like to try! One thing always leads to another :)
The tutorial was easy to understand and I learned a new sewing technique - making faux mitered corners!! and I also learned that I want a walking foot for my machine. It's supposed to help beginner sewers keep their fabric layers from shifting - something I have always had a problem with!! arrgh!

Anyhoo...these lovelies will soon be on their way to my Sis - (she has the matching apron) who is finding out about it right now - just like you are :) Don'tcha love a surprise :) I've enjoyed gazing on all their happy colors, though :)

And now that this project is complete, I've started another....BUT, it's not finished either. I need to make a quick run to the local quiltshop for another yard of fabric, I cut myself alittle short :)

Happy Weekend to you - I hope the sun is shining gloriously in your part of the world :)

Linked up with Chari

Finished Object Friday

Just a quickie here. I needed a Bday gift for my FIL, something quick and useful. I think these rice bags 'fit the bill'. I followed their instructions pretty much to the "T" ; except for using corduroy instead of flannel. Trying to use up the stash you know...then I'll have an excuse to buy more fabric ;) Oh yeah, who says you need an excuse ;O !!

Speaking of birthdays - the love month is full of family birthdays!! And tomorrow a special little girl in TN is turning FOUR!! Happy Birthday Abby, sending you lots of good wishes for this next year in your life!

Alright, you know the drill. Go visit Charity to see her cute FOF!

FOF - Etched Glass

Ready for more Christmas gifts 'unveiled' ? :)
When I saw these Glass Hurricanes I knew I had to make some!! Back in highschool I had done some glass etching so I was already familiar with it; and believe me it is soooo easy and quick!
This particular pair went to my SIL and her hubby and I also made a set for my Mom, unfortunately I forgot to pack Mom's in the car before we headed to FL for Christmas :( Do you like 'em, Mom? :)

My hurricanes turned out a little different than Melissa's; for one thing it seems every Dollar Store has different merchandise or at least mine does :) and I wasn't sure if hot glue would hold well for the 'long haul' so I used Liquid Nails. and let me tell ya' that glass ain't goin' NO where with Liquid Nails! I really love that stuff! The clincher for me to use that over Gorilla Glue is that Liquid Nails said right on the package that it was water proof! Does anyone know for sure if Gorilla Glue is?

First, I washed and dried everything good. Then I applied the Liquid Nails around the edge of the taper candle holder and then stuck that right to the center, bottom part of the hurricane. I did do this at night, so that it could cure all night and be ready to finish in the morning.

I thought it would be pretty easy to use my Cricut to make the stencil, just keep in mind to make sure you have the transperant side of the contact paper UP on the cricut mat. This is so your letters won't be backwards when you are ready to put them on the hurricane.

Next, you apply the glass etching cream on the letters of the stencil, wait 5 minutes and then rinse if off under hot water! and you're finished!! I'm sure it took me longer to right this post than it did to do the etching part! :)

Here's a closer look for ya!

Thanks for stoppin' by, now click on over to Chari's :) Happy Weekend everyone!

First 2010 FOF :)

This Christmas was a HANDMADE Christmas for us...which means that I have plenty of projects to share for FOF :)
This scarf/mitten ensemble I made for my MIL after seeing something similar on Etsy. I love going to Etsy for inspiration :)
I used fleece mainly so I wouldn't need to finish off all those ruffle edges, since fleece doesn't fray like other fabrics.

Here's a close-up of all those ruffles.

I'm sharing this post over at Chari's :)