Cars-To-Go Carrier

After making the crayon roll, I realized that I needed something similar to it for my Cars-lovin' son. I searched and searched the internet for a tutorial, typing in a thousand different things. I only found one. I liked it, but it wasn't quite what I was looking for. I wanted something that folded up small, had Velcro for easy opening, and didn't require me to buy any extra materials than the ones I had on had and had already bought for it.

So, I ended up making up my own pattern.

Because I didn't want to be chasing down too many cars in church or at the restaurant {or wherever he might be playing with it}, I only added slots for three cars.

It measures about 15 inches squared and closes up to 5 x 7.5 inches.

However, after I finished making it, I've found all sorts of fun tutorials for them, including one on So You Think You're Crafty? and this amazing one on the Fiskars website. Now I want to make another when I'm not in the middle of finishing up Christmas presents so that I can get a little more creative with it.

Let me know if you make one of them!

Crayon Roll

Crayon roll tutorials are a dime-a-dozen on the internet. And this one is one of the better ones that I have found.

I only altered two things: the size of the slots {because I knew I was going to use the triangular Crayolas... they don't roll off the restaurant table!} and I used Velcro attached to a tab instead of ribbon... since I want my little guy to be able to put it away himself.

He loves it and I have a feeling that this might be my "go-to" gift for some upcoming birthdays!

Camera Strap {Slip} Cover

Back when I made my new nursing cover, I used some of the leftover fabric to make this camera strap cover and I just love it!

The only things I'll change next time I make one {because I am sure I will - it makes my camera feel so new!} is to make it a little bit wider, to make it easier to put on and take off, and put a lining in it, again to make it easier to put on and take off.

An {easy} Applique Shirt

A while back, a friend of ours asked if I could make an initial shirt for her son. He's totally into tractors {and fire trucks too, but a tractor was a little easier!}:

To make it, I simply used the same technique as I did here, after I found a clip art picture of a tractor online. Easy to make and I'm pretty sure Mr. C loved it!!

{Blog Love} Lula Bell's Daughter

Lisa, over at Lula Bell's Daughter, is hosting her first ever giveaway! In honor of her birthday, she's giving away the Tuxedo Scarf... and she created the pattern herself!

To enter the giveaway, simple hop on over to her blog and leave a comment... and be sure to read her post, she has several other ways you can enter! Good luck Lisa and good luck to all who enter!

Welcome to the Planet

Remember when I said that it's been a little busy around here and that I thought I had a good excuse for having not posted in a while? Meet the good excuse:

Welcome to the Planet, Dear Little Eleanor.

And fear not, my friends and faithful followers, there will be posts soon. I've got a ton of Christmas presents to finish up {and post}, as well as a few items off of my Ultimate To Make List... so stayed tuned!

A Kid's Chair {Pattern Review}

I know my last post was also a pattern review, but I've been sitting on these pictures for a while now {um.... since February!} and figured I better get them posted sooner rather than later.

I've always loved working with a pattern - it probably stems from the fact that most of my sewing growing up was done using patterns. My Mom just seemed to know how to perfectly read and use patterns and, lucky for me, she passed along some of her knowledge. Rarely have I come across a pattern that was difficult for me to read or use. But let's be honest, this one, kicked my butt.

I bought this pattern, McCall's 9665, some time ago, thinking that I would love to make one for our nephew and then eventually for our own kids and even as gifts. {Admittedly, I have fabric sitting in my fabric stash that I had purchased specifically for this pattern... that has been sitting there for close to two years!} And, while I love the way it looks, I have serious doubts that I'll attempt this one again - all because of the pillow forms. The pattern says that you can order pillow forms from Mauldin Shore Kids, but, clearly, the company isn't taking orders any more. Hence the reason I doubt I'll make it again. We'll see... maybe I can find some tips somewhere on how to make the pillow forms with ease.

I didn't change much on the pattern itself:

• I did use premade piping instead of handmade {which, if I make it again, I'll use handmade, just FYI}.
  
  
• I added an applique with the recipient's initial on the back of the seat portion.
  
  
• Because I'm a teacher by trade {and had originally envisioned eventually making some for my classroom when I go back to teaching} I added a pocket on the back of the chair to hold a few books.
  
  
  
  
  
  All in all, it's a pretty decent pattern, but be prepared to take your time making it!
  
  

Highchair Cover {A Pattern Review}

I have to admit it, I'm one of "those Moms". You know the type: the one who doesn't like to deal with germs, keeps hand sanitizer in every bag, stroller, and vehicle, and refuses to let her child touch anything that looks like it might have something {albeit microscopic} growing on it. So before my son was born, I had made a shopping cart cover for him and long before he was able to {or needed to} sit in a restaurant highchair, I had also made a highchair cover. I've actually made a total of five of these: two for myself and three as gifts.

Truthfully, I own two different patterns to make a highchair cover: McCall's 5721 and Simplicity 4225. I've never used the McCall's one and have always used the Simplicity one. I like the ease and look of the Simplicity one just a little better and have actually gotten to the point where it takes very little time at all for me to cut it out and put it together. After making so many of them though, I've started adding my own modifications:

• Instead of making the toy loops with Velcro, I've just started making them into true loops and adding the toy rings to make attaching toys easy.
• From experience, the "ruffle" that covers the sides of the highchair {not on the shopping cart one - it's long enough} needs a couple of extra inches. On this one, I added about four inches of length to the ruffle to make sure that it covers {and then remains covered} the sides of the highchair properly.
  

  
  

• Because the raw seams are exposed on the seat portion, on several of the ones I've made {particularly the ones that are gifts}, I've covered and reinforced the seams with grosgrain ribbon. Once I get my serger however, I'll just serge the edges and be done with it.
• The pattern calls for interfacing on both pieces of the seat. I've NEVER done this - I've always just used one layer of cotton batting and then used a quilt basting spray.
  
  

This particular one that I made, however, was the first time that I used cotton fabric and not cotton flannel... I highly recommend using cotton fabric! I was afraid that it wouldn't be nearly as soft, but after it was finished, I realized that it probably was the best choice overall. I need to make a new one for myself {my son's current one is dire need of a replacement} so I'm planning on making his new one with some fun cotton fabric that I found!

{Custom} Bean Bag Chair

A good friend of mine just had her second son {he's SO cute!} and since there wasn't really much that she needed, I decided to help her finish decorating the new little guy's nursery by making him a bean bag chair. This great little tutorial has been around for a while, but this was the first chance that I had to actually use it. The directions were easy to follow and personally, I think the chair turned out pretty {darn} cute! Actually, it was so easy to make that I also made one out of cowboy fabric for my own son's "big boy room" {I'll be sure to post pictures once his room is complete}. This is the one I made for my friend:

Just one recommendation - buy a bean bag from Target or Wal-mart to get the "beans" out of... I couldn't find bean bag pellets for that cheap anywhere else!

A {Handmade} Baby Gift Set

One thing you'll find out about me real quick is that, when possible, I love to give a handmade gift. There are many times when time doesn't allow me to or when the occasion doesn't call for it, but usually, with new babies, I will make the time! I made this set for a friend who is having her second little girl... and obviously, her name is going to start with an "A".

The full set included two inital appliqued onesies, two crocheted hats, and one pair of booties. You can find directions on how to machine applique just like this here.

These two hats, however, don't really have a pattern. I sorta just made it up as I went. The pink one just has a shell border and the black one has a row of alternating "front post - back post" double crochets before the shell border to make the threading of the ribbon a little easier. Maybe next time I make one I'll write the patterns down!



These adorable baby booties, called Kimono Booties, were made using this tutorial. And I checked out her other patterns on Etsy - they're darling!! I might just have in invest in the ballerina pattern.

Zippered Pouch

I've always had a love/hate relationship with zippers. Very rarely do I get them attached just perfectly. After I finally learned that the proper way to attach one is to use a zipper foot {why I never used one before, I'll never know!}, it became a lot easier. However, this particular tutorial, is PERFECT! The zipper turned out great and the little pouch was just perfect for my teacher friend to use to hold pencils.

Despite the fact that I used some cat fabric on the inside {as a joke... she loves cats!}, I love the way it all turned out!

Nursing Cover

If you've been around a young {breastfeeding} mom lately, chances are you've seen one of these. Often called "Hooter Hiders", these nursing covers are practically an essential for the mom who isn't afraid to breastfeed in public, but still wants a little privacy.

I actually had made one to use before my son was born, using measurements from a Bebe au Lait one that I had seen in person. I simply couldn't justify spending $35+ on something that I could easily make myself for quite a bit less. The first one turned out pretty good and I used it frequently throughout my son's breastfeeding days. It was only after I had made it that I found this great and simple tutorial. So when one of my college girlfriends had her first son, I grabbed the tutorial and whipped this one out for her in a matter of about 20 minutes {minus the time to go get the supplies from the store}.

And I loved the look of the fabric with the pink Sulky thread so much that I even made a new one for myself!

It's Been a Long Time...

... but I have a really good excuse. Or, rather, I like to think that I do:

And of course, who can really get all that much done when there are these two cute guys to spend time with?

But, I'm here and I'm working on getting the blog updated too... just because I've been busy with the Little One {and Little One on the Way} and the Hubby, doesn't mean that I haven't been crafty lately!

The Winner and the Shop

Thank you to all who entered the Monkey Hooded-Towel Giveaway! It was a lot of fun getting to read all the comments and emails that I received. I wrote down all the names {from Facebook and links}, numbered them, and used a random number generator....and, with no delay: Congratulations to Michelle L. for her Facebook entry which won the Monkey Hooded-Towel! And, because she left a comment, she also gets a matching wash mitt. Check back soon for another giveaway!

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For those of you who didn't win one, but still really want a Monkey Hooded-Towel set, you can now find them in my Etsy shop! I hope to add a Pig and Frog Hooded-Towel sets later this week.

Kids Hooded Towels and the First Giveaway!

We have an {unnatural} fascination with monkeys around my house. We simply love them! And, now that the little one is getting bigger, the old hooded baby towels just are not enough to keep the munchkin warm after we get him out of the tub. When I saw this tutorial, I thought, I need to make one of those! However, nothing around our house can be left plain. Especially when it can be made into a monkey! I give you, the Monkey Hooded Towel....

Noah really seems to like it, but, then again, he likes anything that has to do with monkeys and bathtime.


The finished size is 30" x 54" - perfect size for any child {or child-at-heart}. My favorite part of the monkey towel is the tail!

Create a link on your blog for a chance to win a Monkey Hooded Towel! If you would like a chance to win a monkey hooded towel, create a link back to this post. If you do not have a blog, you can still enter by joining the group "Green Akers Creations" on Facebook. Simply join the group, post a note about the giveaway on your profile {a sample note is on the discussion board}, and "share" it with me. {More detailed directions are on the discussion board of the group.} Feel free to enter twice if you have a blog and a Facebook account. If the winner also leaves a comment, I'll send a matching wash-mitt as well!

Links and comments must be made by Friday, January 23 at midnight PST. Winner will be chosen at random and announced on Saturday, January 24th. Good luck!

{If you are unsure how to create a link, simply copy and paste the following into your post: Monkey Hooded Towel Giveaway }

The Appliqued Onesie

One of my Aunt and Uncle's sons had a baby boy recently and since my Mom was already planning on mailing the new parents a package, I thought I would add a personalized onesie to the gift. I've tried several different ways of sewing on appliques and this is by far the easiest way I've done it:

Trace your image {in reverse if necessary} onto Lite Steam-a-Seam 2 {I like the Steam-a-Seam brand best, but I know there are other companies}. Trim around the image, but do not cut it out completely! Peel off one side of the paper and press it firmly to the wrong side of ironed {and cooled!} fabric. Cut it out.

After removing the remaining piece of backing paper, place the cut out image, right side up, onto the fabric that it is to be appliqued on. Iron it down for approximately 10 seconds. Behind the base fabric, pin a piece of tear-away stabilizer that is bigger than the applique {there are also many types of stabilizer, I just like the tear-away kind best}. You are now ready to sew down the edges! On this onesie, I used a thin satin stitch {a very close-stitched zig-zag}.

Once you are finished, be sure to pull the loose threads through the back and tie them off {this helps prevent raveling!}. Carefully tear away all the stabilizer.

Welcome to the world Luca!

{Easy} Nursery Wall Decor

Ever since we moved into our new house, I've been meaning to get the art work done for the nursery. I painted a mural on one wall of the nursery, but I felt like it still needed something more, particularly on the opposite wall. And while I'd eventually like to do another mural with the alphabet, I've got too many other things on my plate. Noah had been given an adorable monkey canvas by a friend, so I decided to create more artwork like it so that they would all match. I chose to go the semi-easy route: stickers! It was really so very simple to do...

Start with a blank canvas {or four} and paint the sides and a letter or number a single, coordinating color:

Apply the sticker and the letter/number:


I also put a coat of Mod Podge on top of the sticker and canvas to help hold the sticker on and to give it a more "painted on" feel.

Hang on the wall and enjoy!

The Ultimate {and Ever-Growing} "To Make" List

Here is my ultimate list of things I want to make {and it will be ever-growing... check back often for updates}. Click on it to be taken to the tutorial. Or, if it is red, click on it to see my completed version {tutorial link will be in the finished post}. If you've made one of these before, leave me a comment and let me know... especially if you have any tips!



To Crochet:

Tiramisu Baby Blanket {unless, Mom, you'll make it for me!}

Mini-animals

Fairy Tale Finger Puppets

Farmyard Finger Puppets

To Sew:
for kiddos:

Felt Food

On-the-go High Chair

Bean-Bag Chair

Nine-Patch Baby Quilt {possible Project Linus quilt?}

Multi-stripe Baby Quilt {or perhaps this one for Project Linus?}

Book Cozy

Felt Barrettes

Baby Girl Dress

Crib-Rail Guard

Diaper Bag

Kid's Hooded Towel

Crayon Roll

Play Mail Center

Molly Monkey {maybe I can make a boy version?}

Fabric Dollhouse {or farmhouse}

Kids Drawings Brought to Life

Teething Ring

Cupcake Felt Food

for others/myself:

One-Hour Bag

Birthday Banner {"Celebration" Banner}

Crochet Hook Holder

Reversible Notebook Cover

Oilcloth Lunch Bag

Men's Tie

Sling Bag

Yoga Mat Bag

Zippered Pouch

Nursing Cover

Camera Strap Cover

Coffee Cozy

To Paper-Craft:

Homemade Board Books

To {generally} Craft:

Sugar Scrub


last updated: 07/23/09

Welcome!

Welcome to my {online} craft space! I'm just your average girl, who just happens to love all things crafty: sewing, crochet, paper crafts, and learning more about all the rest! Here you'll find some of my favorite projects, links to fun ideas, and maybe even a giveaway or two. Enjoy and come visit often!