Happy Mother’s Day

 

Happy Mother’s Day to my Mom.  I love you!

And to me!  I am so lucky to be living my dream.

 

-clover

China Doll Dress

 

I have been sewing my little fingers off.  It is more fun for me to sew than to blog.  But as I am sitting thinking while sewing I think about what I would write.  So I might as well actually write it.  I spend so much time reading others blogs I should be able to find time to record all that I am making and some of the crazy thoughts in my head and moments in our lives. 

I am loving all the sewing and a bit impressed with myself that I have learned so much.  I credit so many of the great blogs that I read.  There are so many women with amazing sewing skills, photography skills, and artistic brains that come up with such cute ideas.

The dress I want to show tonight is the China Doll Dress.  I had ordered a half yard of this china doll fabric and loved it.  I made an apron with it during my online sewing class.  I had just one little bit left that inspired this dress.

My first pattern I ever bought was a PDF peasant dress off Etsy.  It isn’t the most fabulous pattern as you have to kinda move the pieces around to get them to line up right but it works out ok.

I bought an XL men’s linen shirt from Old Navy and changed it to look like this.

All the pattern pieces fit just right.  I changed out the buttons and used the teal color thread.  I hand embroidered around the applique.  I love it!

I also made this cute headband.  It’s a little tight on her so she probably won’t wear it much but it looks good for pictures.

Hope to stay motivated and post some other things I have made tomorrow.

-Clover

Finally Lovin’ IKEA

I have been to IKEA many times and bought a little something. Last year I bought a shelf for Sophia’s room which I love.  But overall never really enjoyed the process.  I tend to get overwhelmed easily in large store. (Which is why I don’t do Wal-Mart).

Well yesterday was a new experience.  I found some really cool things.  Plus I bought another shelf, inspired by The Nester.  And, I LOVE it.  What a great improvement to my room. WOO HOO. Here is a peak at my new acquisitions.

The shelving unit is what I have been wanting to do for so long but since we are trying to sell our house I didn’t want to spend the money.  Well now it will probably help sell it.  The toys aren’t all over. Yeah!  I also got the pillows.  The are gorg!  and only $15. each.  Embroidered and great bright colors on white!

Oh this is my Valentine Mantel.  I guess its time to change it but I was proud of how nice it turned out.

I got a few toys too. So cheap and Sophia loves this.

I got the white tray and I think it goes.?

I got some fabric discards in the AS-IS section that where $3-$5 for large pieces.  They are actually cushion covers.  I have a few re-fashioning ideas.  We will see  how they turn out.  This was an idea from one of my favorite reads…MADE.  She is too cool. She is doing a series this month all about BOYS and stuff to make for them.  Last years was great.

 

Have a great day!

Random

We had a visit from my mom.  We had a good time.  Dad likes to go way too fast on this rider but the kids love it. Especially Noah.  He was mad he had to give Sophia a turn.

This is the tree in our front yard.  Even though its only February the sweet pink flowers tell me spring is right around the corner here in Southern California.

I love this fabric.  I had been wanting to make a bag out of it.  I wanted pockets. So I used this pattern.  The pattern calls for fabric straps which I wish I had done.

All the baby dolls in the house are always naked so I thought they might need some diapers.  I have had this pattern for so long.  It was so easy and fun. I’ve got two more to stitch up tonight.  They are lined with flannel.

At least some one exercises in this house.  I am not sure how he learned to use these:-)

I really wish my desk didn’t look like this.

I don’t know how to keep it neat.

lately

I am taking an online sewing class through Whipstitch Fabrics. So far it is going well.  I made these beautiful cloth napkins. I am working on the placemats. Only one is done.

reversible placemat with coordinating napkins and stitching



 



Sickies AGAIN




Uncle Austin and Aunt Jessica came for a quick visit.  The little one is quick to get the diaper off any chance he can.



Things I Have Made!

I taught myself to sew in the summer of 2010. These are most of the things I have done. I forgot to take pictures of a few things I have given away.  I am quite proud and cant wait to see what can be made in 2011.

A NEW YEAR in a WORD

 

I had been thinking of all kinds of new years resolutions.  Exercising, things I want to sew and make.  Learning more about photography.  Etc, Etc.  I am sure I will do some of those things.  But I have never ended a year and said I fulfilled a resolution and this is how it changed me.

So the other day I was flitting around the different blogs and came upon Ali Edwards blog with a bit of a different idea.  Pick a word for the year.  Hmmm.  One word jumped to my mind but I am always quick to jump on something and wish I had thought it through first.  Well the word kept coming back to me so I did a little bible study on the word and well here it is….Gentle.

I have a lot of goals and ideas for this year and gentle doesn't really relate except the things that mean the most, my relationships, need this.  I never really considered my self NOT gentle but situations have changed and so have the people in my life…Husband and kids. 

This last year was a tough one for me.  Finally my dream of being a stay at home mom was fulfilled and it has been one of the hardest jobs of my life.  Don't expectations always seem to get in the way.  Because of course it wasn't the “dream” I had.  It was much much harder.

Of course I love my kids and I DONT want to go back to work but WOW.

So with a lot of self reflection and prayer I go into my year with the goal of applying the word   GENTLE.  .

Its for them.