Frills

Here is what I have been working on this week, Vivian's overalls. I used an Ottobre pattern for inspiration but I added the frills on the back. I asked Bill for his opinion about the ruffles on the back, why I don't know, and he was against. As you can see I didn't listen to his fashion advice and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. This pattern didn't have snaps in the crotch, WHAT the heck! But I added some and I am sooooooooooo glad I did.

 

Smocking

I signed up to take a Smocking class tomorrow afternoon! I am excited on many levels. For one, I think smocking has an adorable and classic look and once mastered I will be using it for all kinds of clothes which I will be posting in my Etsy store (see above link) and two, which might trump the first, I will be out of the house from 1pm to 3pm, longer if you factor in drive time.

If you don't know what smocking looks like here, are some samples (not my work).

I like it, BUT...

I like it, BUT... is something I have heard countless times from moms when talking about kid's clothes. Some designs are SO cute but they lack something or have strange design aspects that are cause for complaint. It is obvious when I jumper (overalls) doesn't have snaps or buttons in the crotch it was designed by someone that has NEVER EVER changed a toddler's diaper- EVER! So diaper changers of the world- rejoice! My jumpers, which can be found soon (June 22nd) in my Etsy shop will have a snap crotch feature, no extra change.

Bloomers

I have a million and one patterns and none of which include bloomers. I guess I can't really complain because they are not difficult to make but I think they should be included in the patterns for dresses for kids. I mean if you go to the trouble to make a dress do you really want it to be ruined with a pamper hanging out. So I vow to provide bloomer will all dresses!!

Just a reminder, You can find my new dresses along with their matching BLOOMERS, June 22nd at my Etsy store!

Inspiration

If you recall this time last year I was eagerly waiting to see if Ava was selected to be on the cover of Parents Magazine (she wasn't). So this year when my June issue came and I saw a baby with a fake dad on the cover, I was reminded of my beef with Parent's mag which seems to be far from over. I do have to say, the cover baby is adorable this year, and the dress she is wearing is adorable as well. I like it so much I am doing a VERY similar one for my new line which will be featured on my Etsy site on June 22nd.

Coming Soon....... (in my own way)

Thought Process

Last week I placed an order on http://www.fabric.com/ for some upcoming projects which will be featured on my Etsy shop. Per the tracking notification, Monday was the scheduled delivery date. So Monday came and I tracked the package online and waited, and tracked and waited, and tracked some more, until 6:30p.m. when the package FINALLY arrived. I ripped it open with excitement that would rival any Christmas morning and when I finally opened the package and saw the content I had NO idea what I was planning to make with the fabric now being spread and draped over Ava (by Ava).

Lesson learned, write down ALL my bright ideas. Not just the ones that I think will make me rich, famous, or better looking.

Montessori Placemat

I stumpled upon this idea on a blog I happened to come across and I thought it was cute. I'm not an expert on applique by ANY means but I try. Ava's eyes lit up when she saw me putting this together. She knows when something is for her. She loved it and she was SO excited to sit down and have dinner, its a magical placemat!

Happy 1st Birthday Vivian!!

Today Vivian turned ONE year old! I can hardly believe she is weeks or months away from chasing Ava around. With a new swingset (from Grandmom) and a bounce house from (Grandmother) we certainly don't lack motivation for her to further her mobility. Vivian was a late crawler, she would crawl or scoot to a toy and then stop and play with it and then on to the next toy never wondering far (loved it) but now she is all about roaming (don't like so much).

As much as I like having a baby in the house having a baby and a 2 year old wasn't my most favorite thing. I have actually been looking forward to having a 1 year old and a 3 year old for almost a year now. I'm certainly excited that I only have ONE child in diapers! YIPPPEE!!

On Saturday we celebrated Vivian's birthday with family and some friends for dinner and cake. A much smaller party than Ava had, but SO MUCH less work and expense and just as much fun. Vivian was SO MUCH more lady like with her cake, compared to Ava.

Someone Hearts Me

I am so excited! Someone Hearts me! Some of you non-Etsy addicts are probably thinking, WTF is she talking about now, so allow me to explain. As previously mentioned, I started an Etsy store, and someone that I don't even know, bookmarked my site as a favorite! Made my day, hopefully I will make a sale soon.

Here is my Etsy store, still a work in progress:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5721983

Etsy

I haven't been posting lately because I am attempting to set up an Etsy store. It would be great to sell a few items to contribute to my fabric buying habit. There is stiff competition on this site because there are some many talented people selling their handmade goods.

For those who haven't heard of Etsy check it out, its a site for all handmade good. Its almost a little overwhelming.

I hope to officially launch my store front by June 15th so I have to get to work!