No Sew T-shirt into Bib

I always have t-shirts around with stains, holes, or just plain tooo small.  Today I thought about cutting on up and making a bib for my 9 month old.  He's getting messier and messier these days feeding himself.  I started with a shirt that was too small for me-it was a women's small.  In order for it to fit over his head, the neck hole would have to be quite large.  I trimmed off the sleeves and cut from the armpits down to through the hem.  I then measured 6-7 inches from the back collar and cut off the bottom of the shirt on the back side only.  Using my rotary cutter I straightened out the sides to make a rectangle and cut the bottom of the front side off the shirt below the des

Baseball T-shirts for the boys...

Summer will be here, SOON!  Here in West Michigan, even that seems like a stretch.  One good thing about a cold spring is there is more time for sewing, and that makes this momma happy!  Here is the tutorial from make it and love it.  Shown here is a 12 month size.  I have a pile of thrifted tees that are just waiting to become something new!

Make a 'Helping Hand' {all-in-one apron/dishtowel/double-handed hot pad apparatus}

My newest and now most favorite kitchen tool ever!  The knock-up of Rachael Ray's Moppine, handmade by yours truly.  Ucreate Foods was a guest at Tatertots & Jello where I found this tutorial.  This one is made from linen, and I upcycled kitchen towel and dishcloth to make one as well.  Find your favorite color or print on an absorbent fabric, make one of your own, and use it with a smile!  I know I do, and with Mother's Day right around the corner all the gals in my family will have one of their very own as well.

Giveaway! Lalalalala...

Who wants to win an Epic Letterpress!!  MEMEMEME!  Well, get your buns over to Amy @ Positively Splendid to enter to win your very own!  Click Here to join in on the giveaway! Thanks to Amy and Lifestyle Crafts.

Check out the Lifestyle Crafts website too!

Have a Splendid Day Everyone!

Everything, BUT!

I started a little sewing project this morning, and ugh.  I don't have any trim or bias tape to finish the job!  Nothing like being stopped dead in my tracks!  Everything was going so well, and then one key ingredient very absent from my stash.  Here's a sneak peek at what I am working on.  I can't wait to finish a couple of these numbers, I have been drooling over Rachael Ray's moppine for such a long time.  Thanks Tyra for working out the kinks on this one!

All about a blanket...

This past Friday afternoon I went to the mall with my boys, and a friend with her twins.  We had great conversation, sweet smiles from the babies, and brief commentary from my almost 3 yr. old.  It was a nice little outing.  We were chatting about favorite foods, what sizes they are in to, and of course the toys they adore.  My kids haven't ever really had a "lovey" per say.  You know, the blanket they cannot sleep without or teddy that has to come along EVERY time you leave the house.  Some days I felt like I was their lovey, which wasn't all bad either.

Little brother H, my friend's 10 month old twin boy, loves him some satin!  He cares very little what color, or shape said satin might be.  Give that boy his silky, smooth, and most likely wet, satin!  I always love a good excuse to sew and try something new, especially for babies.  A.n.d. my afternoon was going to be filled with sleeping babies, even better!   Hubby, MY HERO, just happened to be near the fabric store when I came up with a great idea for Little brother H.  His willingness to sit out in the truck with the kids saved me my sanity and allowed me to leisurely browse fabrics, all the while, not having to mutter a single word to quiet a toddler, or soothe a baby.  I cannot tell you how elated I was!

I am new to sewing binding, on anything, as a matter of fact.  Why then did I choose SATIN for a first project you ask?  Well, let me tell you!  Only because I had no idea how tricky it might be, ignorance is bliss!  I trimmed my fabric, laid out the binding, pinned until I ran out of pins.  I sewed a few stitches, ripped a few stitches out and then a few more. It was then that I realized I had no idea what I had gotten myself into!  I pinned some more, taught myself how to mitre a corner, and hide the ends.  This was no easy task, but I was going to get it finished, soon!  No more "I give up, I'm just not that good".  I was going to finish, and for me that was a pretty big deal.  Too often I don't complete a project because it isn't coming together how I imagined it.  This project was different.  I knew I put in all the time and effort I possibly could, perfect or not.  I truly gave it my all, and for that I. AM. PROUD. 

Feast your eyes on this Little brother H!  This ones for you!

Doesn't it look delicious! I hope he likes the color.  Nothing against pink really, but we'll leave that for sister.

My husband reminded me that whomever may receive this gift, or any gift for that matter, would be pleased as punch to have had something *handmade* just.for.them.  Perfect or not.  He was right.  Love you baby!

Spring Tote

Nothing says Spring, like a new tote bag.  Take it to the market, the library, or even on a picnic.  Here is a simple and very rewarding project.  Check out the tutorial at homemadebyjill.  One thing for sure, this momma can never have enough bags!