Summertime Romper Tutorial

I'm sorry this has taken so long to post.  Life is busier with everyone home, and I've also been a little worried about how to make the PDF not a pain to download, yet still usable.  I decided to go ahead and publish it in its current form, and then use your feedback and comments to help make the pattern better in the future.  That way we learn together.

My favorite part of this romper is that it is truly a blank canvas...you can embellish and decorate it to your heart's content.  I am really excited to see what you come up with.

I'll show you the main construction techniques first, and then show the differences between the boy and girl versions.  If any are interested, in a later post I'll show you the techniques I used to make the ruched panel and the pocket/applique.

As always, this is for personal use only.

Let's get started.

Repurposed Sweater Tutorial

I found this lovely sweater at a local thrift store.

I think someone might have shrunk it too much, because it would have fit my 7 year old if the sleeves weren't so long!  Anywho, when I saw it, I immediately thought:  "CARDIGAN FOR BABY!"  So I snatched it up and it sat on my closet shelf for a few months.  Hooray for SYTYC for the motivation to put it together! 

To begin, you need another item similar to what you want to make to draft a pattern.  For me, I had this gorgeous Gymboree sweater on loan from my sister-in-law.

House Diorama Tutorial

This was such a fun project to tackle...especially since I don't do a lot with paper these days.  Thank goodness I had the motivation of SYTYC to try.  I'm so pleased with how the diorama turned out.

I will show you how I made my diorama, but please be sure to see Larissa's beautiful dioramas at mmmcrafts  for more inspiration.  For the uninitiated, her blog is an amazing feast for the eyes.  Check out her house diorama, little red diorama, winterscape diorama, and family clothesline.  Amazing. 

You will need:

• A shadow box frame. This one is 8x10, and was purchased at Michaels.
• An 8x10 photo of the house you want to create.  I just printed a copy on my ink jet. 
• A variety of cardstock in colors of your house and yard. Try to get a variety of textures, too.
• Craft foam. I used the thin and thick stuff found at Michaels.
• Adhesives. I used glue dots, a permanent glue stick, and tacky glue for this project.  (I found the glue stick wasn't really sticky enough, though.)
• Cutting tools, including an exacto knife or two, scissors, and a scrapbooking straight cutter if you have one.  I also used a single hole punch.
• Measuring tools/straight edge.  (I used my quilting ruler)
• Pencils
• Scratch paper
• and plan on making a trial diorama for practice, which you see in the photo above.

My current family room decor

This is the decor in my family room.  Did you know you were seeing a model of our home at SYTYC?  Thanks again to all who voted...and to Lori for liking it so much she posted about it here.  I had some close to last finishes a few times, and am still surprised I've hung in there.  It's all thanks to you, and I appreciate it.  It's given me the excuse to accomplish some tasks I may not have done otherwise. 

I was inspired to try the diorama idea by Larissa at mmmcrafts.  For the uninitiated, her blog is an amazing feast for the eyes.  Check out her house diorama, little red diorama, winterscape diorama, and family clothesline.  Amazing.  Mine is only a rough approximation...but I'm thrilled with it nonetheless.  I'll publish a tutorial next week on how I made mine.

The view in my family room is still a little spare, but I'm hoping to make some decor balls for the bowl and maybe some kind of runner eventually.  One project at a time. 

The branches are a new touch, as well.  My husband is a landscaper by profession.  He had to do a major pruning job on a linden tree.  As soon as I saw the shape of the branches, I had to have some.  A quick pruning job of my own, and they are now happily installed in our home.  I love the height it gives...and I was really getting tired of my silk hydrangeas.

I hope your Sunday is restful and happy.

Summertime at SYTYC

I had so much fun designing this little number.  Thank you to so many who voted!  It was my best finish yet.

The Summertime Romper is simple to make, but will teach you some important skills including making a button placket and inserting facings.  The pattern will include two sizes, 18-24 months and 2T/3T and have alterations for both boys and girls.

I will make the tutorial and pattern available for a limited time, and then it will be available for purchase after that from my shop.  It's taken me a little longer to draft everything together, and my children are now out of school, so I'll let you know when it's ready.  Now if we can just get some warm weather so that Baby can really wear hers!

I hope you're enjoying your Memorial Day Weekend.  Thank the Lord for the brave men and women who have given their lives for our country's freedom.

Plus, get excited, I'm going to have a giveaway of one of the Summertime Rompers that I made while designing the pattern as a thank you for reaching 200 followers.  Stay tuned!

Linked up to  Today's Creative Blog,  Skip to My Lou, and Someday Crafts. 

Toddler Science Discovery Toy Tutorial

Want to make a fun quiet activity toy for your toddler?  Here's the how to.  I have to give a thank you to two of my inspirations in making this toy.  First, Anna at Noodlehead taught me how to use zippers with her amazing gathered clutch tutorial.  Second, Cally at Calico does the coolest stuff where she embroiders labels like this makeup bag.  They are wonderful muses. 

You'll need larger scraps of 4 colors, plus extra scrap pieces for decorative touches, plus matching thread. You'll also want black embroidery floss, an 8"  blue zipper, 2 5/8" black buttons, a small metal grommet, and 6" of 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, some scraps of heat n bond lite, and about 1/2 yard of medium weight interfacing. You'll need your regular sewing tools, cutting tools, and of course, your seam ripper. Plus, have your iron and ironing board handy. If you've got them, pinking shears are handy too. Be sure to print out your templates for the triangle pouch and star. 

Boudoir Pillow Tutorial

This has to be my favorite project so far that I've done for SYTYC...mostly  because I finally accomplished something I'd wanted to do for almost two years.  The readers who voted, wanted to learn how to make this pillow, so let's get to it.

First of all, a word on fabrics.  The floral is a Moda piece by Sanae from her Panache collection.  The pink and gold are Joel Dewberry that I had in my stash, and matched as a happy coincidence.  The blue I found on Z & S fabric's sale...I think I intended it for Easter dresses that didn't get done this year.  The brown solid is a Kona Cotton piece.  This was my first foray into Kona Cotton...and I am in love.  It is thick and soft and cuts beautifully.  The white fabric came from scraps I had from making a muslin I discussed in this post.

Dress up your bedroom for SYTYC

So, I was the only one who didn't do dress-up clothes of some sort for this week's SYTYC.  You could say I was thinking outside the box...but really, I've wanted to make throw pillows for my room for so long, it was a great excuse to get it done.  I found that floral fabric on winter clearance last December, and snatched up the last 1/4 yard.  It was the basis of all three designs.  I've smiled every time I walk into my bedroom.  I hope you liked them too.

I was wondering.  Before I write a tutorial for all three pillow designs, I'd like your opinion.  Would you like all three tutorials...or just one of the pillows?  If so, which one?

Leave a comment with your vote, and then I'll put things together based on your preferences.  Would you like:

 (A) the Ruffle Pillow

(B) the Window Pillow

or

(C) the Stripe Pillow?

I really appreciate each of you.  I keep writing my blog and sharing ideas because of the feedback I receive...whether in comments or email.  Thank you.

Linking up to Tatertots and Jello,  Under the Table and Dreaming,  The Girl Creative, and Those Northern Skies.

Teacher's Coverall Apron Tutorial

As seen on SYTYC, the Teacher's Cover-all Apron.   If you wish to make one for your favorite teacher, or one for yourself, here's the ho-to:

A gift for my favorite teacher

Here's my SYTYC week three entry:

It's for my mama, who valiantly teaches first grade each day. She was my inspiration, and I can't wait to bring it to her this weekend. Tutorial will be up next week.  I'm in Utah right now visiting my family, so it will probably be Tuesday when I get it posted. 

Hope you're all doing well. I've been super busy with lots of fun things. I'll share more soon!

Pedicure Kit Tutorial

 

Here is the second and final installment of my pedicure kit. This bag was a lot of fun to make, and would make a great toiletry kit, too. I made two of these bags, and learned a few things. So, some pictures are with one bag, and some are with the other. I hope that doesn't throw anyone off. :)

1 yard cotton fabric (if you are making your own bias tape, too)
1/2 yard coordinating cotton fabric
1/2 yard cotton batting
7-8" inch zipper
10" piece of 1/4" elastic
two metal snaps
63" of 1.5" wide bias tape
small scrap of fabric 12.5" by 9.5" for inner zipper pocket
plus, scraps of interfacing for the bottom and where the snaps will attach
As always, prewash your fabric.

Spa Slipper Tutorial

Years ago, I was given a pair of spa slippers that were styled like flip flops.  I thought it would be fun to make some for my mom, and this tutorial evolved from there.  When I was given the "bath time" theme at SYTYC, I immediately wanted to make a pedicure kit, with these as part of the kit.  The pedicure kit bag tutorial will follow tomorrow. 

Let's go!

Pedicure kit, anyone?

So, who guessed my SYTYC bath time entry???? 
Hopefully the surprise isn't totally ruined, Mom.

I also made one for my mom in law, too.  Her slippers are made with zippers.  I was having fun experimenting.

I'll break the kit up into two tutorials, the slippers on Monday, and the bag on Tuesday.  You'll have plenty of time to whip one up for Mother's Day. 

Hope you have a lovely Sunday.

Linked up to Under the Table and Dreaming.

You can now find the tutorials by clicking these buttons:

Modern Quilt Entry

This is the view from my front door now. 
Did you guess I made the "modern quilt"?  Thank you to each who voted for me in last week's SYTYC voting...it was a nail biter until the last day.  I was amazed at the great things all the ladies made.  It would be so hard to choose.  Won't it be exciting to see what everyone comes up with next?
I'll post a tutorial on Monday.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend. 

Playing with paint

Last week, the hubs and I had to stop at our local building supply for some parts and supplies as we begin some minor fixes for our home and yard. While we were there, I saw that they were closing out one line of paint, and it was 40% off! I've had a bee in my bonnet to paint stripes in my laundry room, and this was the incentive I needed. Who can pass up a quart of Behr paint for $5?  I chose a lovely aqua blue because of this fun print:

I've had this laundry label for a long time. It came from a fabric bag that once held laundry detergent, that was repurposed to bundle quilting fabric, that I've saved for my laundry room "someday".  So, with label finally framed as inspiration, I started the tedious part of painting...the preparation.

I decided vertical stripes would be best to make our laundry room feel bigger. I chose to paint the long wall behind the washer that still needs upper cabinets/shelves (long story)...and then felt the wall behind the bench needed stripes too.  I used my cheapo laser level to keep the stripes straight (a must!) and then decided to vary the distance between the striped for fun.  So, the paint stripes are 6" wide, and vary between 8" and 12" apart.  I put little scraps of tape in the "don't paint" zones to be careful.  I also added some glaze to the paint so that it wasn't super opaque or too thick compared to the rest of the wall.  (The original paint is a lovely ivory/light-light yellow called "light shaft".)

Here's the bench area in progress:

Results for now:

The big wall...and two of my favorite things, my LG washer and my big laundry sink.

The bench area...with coats back up.  The cubbies underneath house shoes.  Behind the bench is the hamper.

My next project for this room would be to make a cushion for the bench.  I don't know when I'll get to that.  It's on my someday list.  If I can find a good price, I'd like to use Heather Bailey's Pop Garden ZigZag in Blue.  For now, I LOVE the color in this room.  It makes the room feel bigger, and I smile every time I walk in.  That's a good thing when your facing a pile of dirty jeans!  

Thank you, Jen

Jen at Sewin' Mama gave me an award this morning. She even said I was a "diva"...which really shocked me. I feel so far from anything like that! But, I am grateful she thinks I have fun ideas, and that so many of you have joined me for this adventure. I'm thrilled we're up to 140 followers.  I never imagined that many of you would want to know what I'm up to.  Seriously.  I am grateful.  So, keep spreading the love, and hang in with me while I attempt SYTYC.  I have some fun ideas to share...even if I don't make it far, I'll post them here.  Happy Sunday!

The Matchbox Organizer and a mini tutorial

Thank you to all of you who voted for my Hanging Car Garage/Matchbox Car Organizer on SYTYC. By way of a mini tutorial (sorry if I forgot details, I made it in February!), here's how I put it together:

First, I measured the length I'd need for the number of cars I wanted to store. I figured that the length would be 26 inches by 16 1/2 inches. I then used the hanger as a guide to shape the top.

I then marked the location of where the pockets and words would be.

I traced the words I printed out onto freezer paper, and cut them out with my pocket knife.

I ironed on the stencils, and then painted the lettering.

Then, I made the pockets.  Each pocket was made from two pieces of fabric 2 1/2 inch by 16 1/2 inches long, sewn right sides together and turned, and then attached to the background where I'd marked. 

I sewed the pockets by topstitching the bottom and basting the sides.  I marked the pocket dividers with tailor's chalk, and sewed down each pocket.

I made a skinny piping, and basted it to the outer edge of the garage. 

For the applique, I drew a car shape based on the fabric and made appliques with aqua and white fabric and heat n bond.  I ironed on the 3 pieces, then added layers of freezer paper stencils in black, white, and peach to add the details.

For the back, I cut two pieces of fabric that together made up the back, but overlapped.  I basted them together before I sewed the back and front together.

I then sewed the front and back pieces together, and then opened up the basting stitch, and turned everything right side out.

Lastly, I ironed everything, and inserted the hanger into the garage.
There you go!

Thank you so much to those who voted, and wish me luck as I begin this adventure. 

UPDATE:  Kim @ Girl and a Glue Gun came up with a fun alternative way to make a car hanger.  See HERE.

Linking up with The Girl Creative, Keeping it Simple, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, and Making the World Cuter,  Delicious Ambiguity and Today's Creative Blog, and The Nifty Nest.

Shared on Someday Craft's All About Boys and Kojo Designs Gifts for Guys.

Featured on Oopsey Daisy, and Somewhat Simple, and The Baby Center Blog.

Contests, and eBooks, and another tutorial, oh my!

Hi dear readers.



I'm starting to think I was a little crazy, but I decided to enter into the So You Think Your Crafty competition. Head on over and vote for your favorite. I hope it's me! (or maybe I don't...) I'm very nervous and a little ambivalent at this point. There are some fun ideas there, and lots of inspiration.

So You Think Your Crafty

On another news front, my Fabric Easter Basket tutorial was included in the Fave Crafts Blog Easter E Book. You can get your free copy HERE.  I was so surprised my tutorial was included with some amazing ideas and the neat ladies behind them.  

I also posted another tutorial today...I've been busy catching up on projects I'd put off until after graduation, and thought someone else might like to make some of these things, too.  You can find the Birthday Banner Tutorial HERE. 

So, please head over and vote, and we'll see what happens on Friday.