Valentine's Day!

I came up with this great idea that I wanted to make something for Elizabeth. I still remember the outfits that my mom sewed for me when I was a kid. What better time to attempt an outfit than now...Elizabeth won't remember it if it turns out crappy ;)

Searching the Internet for a pattern was the easy part. Narrowing down to just one was the hard part. I finally found a great pattern that had the ruffles I like combined with the wide legs I like.

Off to find fabric to make the perfect first outfit. I found pinks, black, and heart fabrics. Awesome for Valentine's Day! I printed out the pattern, washed and ironed my fabric, cut out the pattern, pinned the pattern to the fabric, cut the fabric, and began sewing. I can't remember the last time I sewed. Well a week or so before Elizabeth was born I made burp cloths but thinking to something more difficult. I was stumped from the get go. How in the world do you make ruffles? A little Internet search and I came across a YouTube video that lent me some assistance. The pattern had a how to but the video was easier to understand.

Over the course of a couple evenings I successfully made Elizabeth ruffle pants! I paired them with a pink shirt that I found at Target. Such a cute outfit!

Now to accessorize! I made an adorable headband to match her outfit. It was a little big compared to her normal bows but it was perfect to compliment her outfit!

Next project is a pair of pants for Easter and a top/bottom for Elizabeth's birthday. Such a fun experience that brings back fond memories of my moms sewing.

Reusable "paper towels"

Have you ever thought about how many paper towels you use in a week? We use a lot! In our house they are used to wipe down counters, clean up spills, clean up Elizabeth after she eats, and many other things. We simply use the paper towel for seconds and then throw it away. I never really thought about how long it takes for the paper towel to biodegrate until today. Can you believe it takes an entire year or more depending on the thickness!

This brings me to the thought of making paper towels that can be reused. They aren't the same style as the usual ones purchased in the store. They are made from flannel and terry cloth which can be washed over and over again.

You guessed it...a new project! Off to the store to pick up some fabric to start working on some reusable "paper towels".

Being crafty!

So I have taken on a new approach to things. I say I'm being crafty but really it's called saving money. We are in the process of buying a house and so every penny saved adds up.

I have made DIY laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, stain remover, and toy cleaning solution. All made for such a small amount of money compared to our usual Tide, Cascade, Spray n Wash, and Method cleaner. We still have some dryer sheets but I want to make some wool dryer balls. I have plenty of scrap wool yarn laying around that could really be out to great use. I also saw a tutorial for making your own wipes. We have so many stashed that I don't think that project will be anytime soon.

Have you seen the awesome playhouses that look like real houses? Real running water and electricity all for such a reasonable cost...$30,000. Whew if only money wasn't a concern. ;) I have seen some cute plastic playhouses but it seems they are all kind of the same. Recently I have come across PVC playhouses. They can be customized to your own preferences. Size and color is all up to you. I'm thinking I might be attempting this within the next 2 months. Before Elizabeth's first birthday. I will post my progress as I build it.

Pictures of my sewing projects will be posted later. I have been busy with my sewing! Need to get busy with my knitting too!

Mommyhood

Back to blogging and completing projects. Where has the time gone? Since my last blog I finished grad school, taught for 2 years and had a baby! Elizabeth is now 10 months old! Lots of projects to get done to prep for her first birthday.

I have been MIA for a while working on my school work. Glad this semester is almost over. Then a short break...and then back again!

Since my last post I have finished a baby blanket and the wine gift bag! Both turned out great! Posting pictures later! Baby blanket has been packaged up and is being shipped to the happy recipients--friends who are expecting their first!

This week new items will also be listed on ETSY! Looking to list the wine gift bag and a few felted flowers. The army tote purse will be listed and so will a black and gray purse (both felted).

The camo tote purse has been washed/felted and looks great. There are actually darker brown stripes going across the purse (diagonally).

This is going to be considered a medium size tote purse.

Will be up on ETSY (still working on re-doing my computer after having to reinstall everything). For some reason I can't figure out how to resize my images. I keep resizing them but nothing is happening. I can't upload them onto ETSY because they are too big :(

I will spend more time tonight messing with Adobe photoshop. Time to take Walt out to potty and off to tutor writing! The school semester is almost over!

I have been working a bit on the knit wine bottle tote...will be felted after complete. It is turning out really cute. Doing it in a pink and green stripe. It looks like a hot mess in the picture due to using 5 double pointed needles. Similar to making a sock on the double pointed needles. Hoping to be done with this by this evening and will post a final picture and then post to ETSY!