Just like her mom

I wanted to show you how fun it has been for me to see my mini-me in action.

Big Sis and her third grade class took on a big project.  Mrs. O wanted to have a market day, where the students could apply their knowledge of currency, making change, and even a little marketing in a "real world" experience.

Hooter Hider for my friend

I have a dear friend, whom I'm so excited to be living close by to again.  She's down to earth, creative, and a fabulous hostess.  After four beautiful, wonderful daughters, they are having a baby boy join their family next month.  I asked her what she needed for her baby or herself, and she suggested a hooter hider.  Her husband is SO excited to have a boy, and doesn't want anything pink or purple touching his son...so a more neutral fabric was needed.  I had just the thing...some Joel Dewberry Ginseng  home decor fabric in twill.

Heartfelt message on motherhood

I came across this today and hand to share. I hope it will bring some help and comfort to each of you who are mothers. I know it did to me.  If you didn't know already, I am a mom to four children...and they are the reason I keep this blog.  It the hardest and best job in the world.  I also can't do it all by myself.  I know I have a partner in my God, to help my husband and I raise our family.  Enjoy.

Dolly Quilt Tutorial

Welcome to the fourth installment of my Little Mama series.  I hope you've enjoyed it!  I am in love with how the quilt turned out, and can't wait to see what you think.  Another fun coincidence occurred as I was getting ready to make this blanket.  I found a coordinating Robert Kauffman print from the same collection as the blue floral in the crib bumpers, a pink fabric called Zany for Zinnias.  How awesome was that!  I was so excited considering the line was at least 7 years old. 

As with each of these tutorials, you can take the instructions and apply them to whatever size crib you are working with...even full size.  Just change the measurements based on your needs, the manner of construction applies regardless. 

This quilt is super easy...and there is no piecing!  Let's get started.

You'll need:

• Crib to be fit
• Two coordinating prints, yardage depends on size you are making.  I recommend the top be a flannel.
• Matching thread.
• Scraps of fabric that coordinate, cut into 1.75" squares.
• Quilt batting.
• Basting spray (not necessary, but helpful).
• 2" Bias tape to cover perimeter of quilt (I'll show you how to make your own).
• Bias tape maker (if you want to make your own).
• Sewing supplies (including scissors, pins, sewing machine, seam ripper, hand needle, measuring tape, and iron).
• Helpful to have: rotary cutter and quilting ruler.

Dolly Pillowcase Tutorial

Welcome to Part 3 of  my Little Mama Series:  Dolly pillowcases.
To begin, you'll need the following:

• Pillow to be covered
• Fat quarter of your fabric
• Matching thread
• Scraps of ricrac or thin fabric strips
• Sewing supplies (including scissors, pins, sewing machine, seam ripper, measuring tape, and iron)
• Helpful to have: rotary cutter and quilting ruler.

Doll Crib Bumpers Tutorial

Part two of my Little Mama Series: Doll crib bumpers.

Making these dolly crib bumpers was a labor of love.  The fabric was actually used in the bumpers my mom made for my first daughter.  It's a Robert Kauffman line by designer Jennifer Sampson called Crazy for Daisies (it's over 7 years old now!).  Mom also used it in the quilt she made for my girl, and I've been able to reuse it after carefully picking apart the old bumpers.  Anywho, to make your bumpers, whether for a dolly crib or a regular one you'll need the following:

• Crib
• 1-2 yards of fabric
• cotton batting
• Matching thread
• 2-4 yards of ricrac
• 2-4 yards of ribbon or twill tape for ties
• sew-on velcro
• fray check for ends of ribbon
• Sewing supplies (including scissors, pins, sewing machine, seam ripper, measuring tape, and iron)
• Helpful to have: rotary cutter and quilting ruler.

To begin,

Doll Crib Mattress and Sheet Tutorial

Welcome to my first Little Mama Tutorial...making a mattress and crib sheet. You'll need the following supplies:

• Crib
• Thick foam, like what you take camping
• Pillowcase
• Matching thread, for mattress cover and sheet if needed
• 1/2 yard fabric for sheet
• 1 pkg 1/4" elastic
• Sewing supplies (including scissors, pins, sewing machine, measuring tape, and iron)
• Helpful to have: straight edge, and marker.

Let's begin.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

This simple-seeming question can have life-altering implications.  When my own daughter has been asked this, her reply has been "to be a baker".  Which is great.  Really.  But how often does your daughter reply, "I want to be a mother." To this end, I have been working on pretend playthings that will help my girls develop their maternal side.

I was blessed to have parents who provided playthings that allowed me to pretend to be a mommy.  I want to do the same thing for my girls.  I've given my girls the doll sized crib that was mine when I was little, and it was in need of a makeover. 

For the next two weeks, I'll share tutorials on how to make dolly-size bedding.  Every measurement will be given in proportions, so no matter what size crib you have--a toy size or full size--you can apply these techniques. 

(By the way, this is not your typical doll crib use.)

I'm also going to be sharing some feelings and thoughts on motherhood, a love note to my daughters.  Here's a preview:

Are you excited?

Featured on Lily & Thistle. 
Linking up to The Girl Creative, Sew Can Do,  Mad in Crafts, and Tea Rose Home.

Click here for the tutorials:

For All Mothers

If ever you doubt your role as a mother, please watch this video. You are critical in the lives of your children. God will buoy you up and help you through whatever task you have before you. He loves you. You are caring for His children too.



Thank you for reading and supporting me. Happy Mother's Day.

p.s. if you'd like to read a great essay also on this topic, see Cally's guest post on Sparkle Power! from earlier this week.