{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 }