The best one yet!

I saw my first hooded towel when my sister was expecting.  I purchased one from a friend for her baby shower gift.  It was free from any major embellishments aside from a ribbon around the hood.  It was her favorite color; lime green.  It was neutral.  Very functional.  After all the positive feedback, and gasps of how darling and useful this was going to be, I gave it a good look and began sewing them.  Hooded-towels became my new go-to gift for babies.  I began sewing one for every baby shower I was invited to, and each one became a bit more detailed, more personal.  Each time I gave one away, all the mother's in the room raved on how functional these were, and how it is the ONE thing they still use, years later.  I had no idea I could have such an impact, I wasn't a mommy.  The new owner to this hooded towel was born yesterday.  She's her mommy's first born daughter, and though we didn't know if it would be a he or a she, I think this one will fit her just perfectly.  After all, pink isn't the only color she can wear, it just may be the best color, but not the only color, in my opinion.  Welcome to the world, baby Elise.  I hope you like your bath-time as much as your mommy likes to wrap you in your towel.

We call it a 'Moses' Boat

Have you ever had a banana smeared with peanut buttery goodness!  Yah, me too.  Well, lunchtime today was filled with all that and then some.  Grab your supplies::  Ready to eat bananas-sliced, peanut butter, chocolate chips (yup, had to sneak those in) and some flour tortilla shells.  Start by having the kids spread their tortilla with a thin layer of peanut butter, top with sliced banana, and finish with a light sprinkle of chocolate chips.  Sure to be a show stopper.  The kids will enjoy making these as much as eating them.  Enjoy!

Michelle

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!

Come on Over!

Go on over to *Remodelaholic* and check out my new friend!  See what they are giving away--you know you want one.

Silhouette Giveaway from *Remodelaholic*

T-shirt Refashion

Here's a great NO SEW project!

Find a boring, plain tee...

And turn it in to something like this

Meg at Brassy Apple takes all the quesswork out of it by sharing her "KNOT Tee" tutorial.

Sweet Pea & JoJo: Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig

Sweet Pea & JoJo: Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig: "Yup, I made it back from the great and wonderful Florida safe and sound. I'd really like to be back sunning my backside at Cocoa Beach or ev..."