CutSewRepeat

Tip Junkie!

2011-02-14T12:12:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to be featured on Tip Junkie this week for my Baby Legs Tutorial!

Check out Tip Junkie - one of my favorite web stops!

Queen Bee Recap

2010-11-22T08:31:00.000-08:00

My Janome had a breakdown and quit in the final stretch, so I had to find a replacement....

Yes, the bag of kisses are so I don't have a breakdown.

My sewing room got sick and threw up fabric all over the place....
(don't worry, she's all better now. I'll post pics soon of her makeover.)

Despite the setbacks, I finally made it to the Queen Bee Market!

It was a fabulous 2-day event. Full of goodies to make you absolutely drool over.

and here's my booth!

Here are a few of my favorite things:

Necktie Belt from Slightly Askew

Isn't it lovely?

Leather Mermaid Cuff from Lovely Junque

Wax Seal Necklaces from The Lovely Letter

Mine should be coming in the mail very soon!

It was fun meeting so many amazing artists and creators in one space. Some vendors really outdid themselves on their booths. Pure eye candy!

Jess and Mique did an amazing job arranging and coordinating everything! Don't miss the Queen Bee Markets to come next year!

More Babies!

2010-10-14T08:41:00.001-07:00

Here is another bedding set for this adorable girl's soon to be baby boy Cash! He shold be arriving any day now!

She chose fabrics from Heather Bailey's gorgeous new line: Nicey Jane. The colors are so vibrant and the cotton is a great quality. One of my favorite collections right now.

I was really pleased with how the corners turned out. I've never been that great at getting corners super square, but I think I've finally figured it out - thanks to my quiltmaster-of-an-aunt showing me over and over again!

Fabrics from Nicey Jane:
Lindy Leaf in Blue
Hop Dot in Sky
Welcome Road in Lemongrass
Dream Dot in Splash
and I used a cream chenille to add a solid balance and some soft texture

The quilt pattern is very simple to show off the lovely fabrics and the bumper is 4 pieces to allow for easy washing.

Good luck to all of the new mommies! Enjoy snuggling those little ones!

See it here too!
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Baby Boom

2010-09-14T12:01:00.001-07:00

It's official. Just about every female I know is pregnant. Ok, not quite - but pretty darn close. Baby bellies are popping out everywhere and it's not just baby on my brain. Believe me, I've been there and done that 4 times!

Though, it is fun for me to have the chance to make fresh baby things! A friend of mine will be having a baby any day now - here is her bedding that I just finished.

The baby boy's room is a vintage modern style with clean lines and prints paired with bold vintage inspired artwork on the walls. So fresh and fun!

I used just one panel of these Curtains from IKEA for the bumper pad and ties.

Instead of one long bumper, there are 4 pieces (2 long sides, 2 short) to make washing easier. You only have to wash the side that gets dirty - what mom wouldn't love less newborn baby laundry?!

and fabric by Etsuko Furuya: Echino Chelsea in GREY Deer Forest for the blanket.

She wanted just a blanket made instead of a quilt - but I did some different quilting to add interest to the fabric as well as hold the layers together. I used a large and small circles as templates and stitched them in a random pattern across the entire blanket. It's kind of hard to see in the picture, but it turned out pretty nice.

And here's my baby posing for a picture.

Congrats to all of the soon to be mommies! Babies are so much....fun!

LoVeLieS

2010-07-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I've been in the middle of moving. Ugh!

However, amid the stacks of cardboard boxes and sorting piles for "keep", "sell" and "charity", I thought I'd take a time-out and share some of my favorite things from Etsy.

i'd love some time to swim in this by ladramaqueen

Brass Scissors & Sewing Machine Necklace by NineXMuse

white princess by daniellekathleen

lilly in curry by myTida

I'd love to put my name on this Mustard Damask Calling Card by beansproutstudio

Colette Sewing Pattern from fabricworm

and of course this pin from Gnipmac

Things will be sporadic around here until my new sewing room is settled!

So Yummy

2010-07-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

Hungry for sweet cheeks...I mean, cupcakes.

Old Becomes New

2010-07-12T20:51:00.000-07:00

I know that I haven't yet posted my Week 2 Quilt. The truth is life happened this week SO it's not finished yet. It's in the works, but not quite there yet.

I did manage, however, to finish this project. A glider rocker cover! It was for a friend who just had an adorable little baby boy.

I wish I had before pictures of this beauty. It apparently was a yellowish ugly wood with a faded blue denim cover. My friend spray painted the wood black and then I made removable covers in a dark navy blue for the back and seat pads. I also added more padding to the arms because they were pretty beat.

I think the chair was free and the 3 yards of fabric used totaled $15. I love when something old becomes new!

Killing Me With Cuteness

2010-07-08T12:53:00.001-07:00

I have to share Oopsie with you - the most adorable octopus you will ever see! Check out the mini yo-yo's on the tentacles. Such Cuteness.

Moda Bakeshop has the recipe here.

Projects Anonymous: Quilting Week 2

2010-07-02T20:16:00.000-07:00

Next on the project list are the pieces to the left of this photo...

Not the typical quilt that I would do, but I wanted to try something different. These are jeans from my older son and I will be making a "rag" quilt from them. I'm not sure if I'll have enough jeans to make an entire throw size, but I will probably add in some coordinating flannels if needed.

This type of quilt is super easy, so I'll post instructions when I've finished.

Have a happy 4th!

Quilting Week 1: FINISHED!

2010-07-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

Quilt #1 is all curled up on my window sill - FINISHED! Yay!

I quickly realized while quilting this why I have so many unfinished quilt tops.

I hate machine quilting.

It takes so long - just about as long as cutting all of the fabric and piecing it - not to mention that it's pretty difficult to do on a small machine.

For the quilting, I used a large meander stipple around the larger border. On the inner thin brown border I used a smaller meander stitch. The inside squares were stitched "in the ditch" or along the existing seams.

I'm not perfect at quilting yet, but I think the imperfections give it character. It's finally done and it feels good!

Check out Projects Anonymous: Quilting Week 2 (tomorrow)

Projects Anonymous: Quilting Week 1

2010-06-24T03:47:00.000-07:00

Being that it's summer, I thought I'd have a bunch of free time to post. But, it turns out that's not the case. I did, however, decide to clean out my "unfinished projects" bin. Here's what I found:

4 unfinished projects and all quilts!

Why is it that everything I've left undone happens to be a quilt? Probably because quilts seem to take the most time and I prefer to create things that give me immediate satisfaction.

I've decided to get these projects finally finished!!

(Cheer from the "projects anonymous" supporters)

My goal: 1 quilt a week

Quilt 1: The throw quilt for ME!

Yes, this is the first quilt I've intended just for me. I chose the colors to match my bedroom decor. When I first dumped it out, it appeared to be a pile of scraps. I was probably right in the middle of making it (whenever that was) when I "had" to clean it up and switch modes to another project. Meaning I now needed to figure out what I've already sewn (since it was so long ago, my brain can't remember) and then put the puzzle pieces together.

To my suprise, it looked pretty complete. I just had to attach the border squares and strips for this photo.

I've completely assembled the top and will be quilting and binding today and tomorrow (between all of my other orders ;) Wish me luck!

What unfinished projects do you have left undone? Does this inspire you to finish what you've started? If you share your unfinished to finished project with me, I may feature you as a post! Be sure to comment or email if you'd like to join me!!

FREE Quilt Patterns

2010-06-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my favorite quilt patterns...and they're F-R-E-E!

More Yummy Yo-Yo's with LuLu's Yo-Yo Free Pattern

And Amy's Sexy Hexy Love Quilt

And Whirly Wheels at Moda Bakeshop

And I love the white space in this one called - Freebird It's the perfect pattern for a not to frilly boy's quilt.

Preppy Bow Tie

2010-05-19T04:21:00.000-07:00

You've got to try out this tutorial on making a bow tie - SO darn cute!

RUBY LOU DOLL!

2010-05-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Abby from Sew Much Ado was looking for pattern testers for her Ruby Lou Doll. I've loved seeing her doll variations on her blog and wanted to try her pattern, so I volunteered and this is what I came up with...

I absolutely LOVE how she turned out! The pattern was super easy to follow and so much fun to make! I don't typically use patterns because I usually mess them up. I don't read the directions thoroughly enough, or don't understand them and end up having to rip up my project and start over again - or give up.

Abby has pictures to go along with each written step in the pattern making it practically seam ripper proof (for the idiot sewers that don't read directions, like me)!

Layla has fallen in love with her too and re-named her "Aziza" pronounced like "Eliza".

Go over to Abby's blog and say hello! I love reading all of her awesome tutorials - all conveniently listed on the left side column of her site. Thanks Abby!

DIY Fabric Yo-Yo's

2010-05-07T11:34:00.001-07:00

I've found another scrapbuster that I absolutely LOVE - Making fabric Yo-Yo's! Whenever I see a yo-yo, I think of a quilt my grandma made that my mom has framed in a shadow box in her living room (wish I had a picture). It's gorgeous and so unique!

Here's a little history on Yo-Yo's
(skip ahead to the tutorial if you are about to yawn)

"The Yo-Yo quilt was a popular style of quilt making in America from the 1920-40s. Yo-Yos, or tiny circles of fabric, were gathered up at the edges and sewn together to create a three-dimensional effect. Yo-Yo quilts were popular because women could carry the little circles of fabric with them and make Yo-Yos whenever they had a free moment. Another way to explain the popularity of the Yo-Yo quilt may be its association with the toy called the Yo-Yo, very popular in the 1930-40s."
found here

Here's what you'll need:

-Iron
-Scissors
-Needle & Quilting Thread
-Marker
-Circle Template
-Fabric Scrap

Note:
*You can use any circle shaped object you have in the house (a mug, bowl, coaster, etc).
*Your finished yo-yo will be about 1/2 the size of your starting circle. To make a 2 inch finished yo-yo, begin with a 4 inch circle template.

Step 1: Trace and cut out your circle.

Step 2: Turn fabric right side down and press the edges with an iron - about 1/8 inch all around. This doesn't have to be exact, but you'll want to keep the circle shape.

Step 3: Thread your needle and knot the end. Start at the edge facing you and go in and out making a running stitch around the perimeter of the circle.

You can pull your thread and fabric as you go to see how it looks.

Step 4: When you get to the beginning again, finish with your thread going inside the yo-yo, knot it off and clip the string so that it's hiding inside.

Step 5: Straighten the gathers and flatten with an iron.

Simply stitch these little guys to tee shirts to create little yo-yo clusters:

Or glue them to some hair clips:

Or make them into a necklace:

The possibilities are endless! Happy stitching!

I'm Still Alive!

2010-05-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

Yes, you probably thought I dropped off the face of the earth. I'm still here...I've just been sewing every piece of fabric in sight for the past 2 weeks straight! Somebody's got to pay for the sewing machine to stay on all night long! So, I've been preparing orders for this company & this event.

Here's what I came up with for Zoolu!...

* 3 crayon rolls
* 4 shopping cart covers
* 5 chef sets

And for The Queen Bee...

* 1 Chenille Blanket
* 2 Owl Pillows
* 3 Lovey Blankets
* 4 Wipes Cases
* 5 Crayon Rolls
* 11 Appliqued Onesies/Tees
* 12 Nursing Covers
* 20 Chef Sets
* 26 Burp Cloths
* 32 Flower Clips

PHEW!

Here's how my booth turned out for the Market...

I'm so glad that everything fit into my little 6'X3' space! The event was a success and I met so many amazingly creative women! I'm excited for the next one in the fall - soon to be announced!

Thanks for your patience with my blog slacking! I'll be back tomorrow for a sweet tutorial - check it out, I'm lovin' this one!

Not Your Grandma's Baby Shower

2010-04-20T06:50:00.001-07:00

Hopefully your grandma would not be having a baby shower, but you know what I mean.

This past weekend I attended a wedding and was invited to 2 baby showers. I wish I had photos of all of these parties, because they were exquisite. The baby shower I attended was for a friend at one of my favorite places to eat. I enjoyed some very fattening food (involving stuffed pasta and cheese sauce) as well as good conversation with friends.

My friend's theme for the baby boy's room is Pirates. How cool is that?!

I appliqued this little skull and crossbones. If a skull and crossbones could be cute, I think this one is for sure.

an "X" marks the spot where the "booty" lies.

I had some of this "Thunderstruck" fabric left and made a little sensory/tag blanket with some ribbon and super soft green minkie

as well as some little baby leg warmers to coordinate with the onesie.

Kindergarten Circle Time Cape

2010-04-13T12:10:00.001-07:00

I remember in grade school wanting to be the person at the front of the class. The kid that got to say the days of the week, or count how many days of school there have been, or predict the weather for the day. A.K.A. "teacher's pet". This cape would have made that job even more coveted!

With just 2 months left in the school year, I finally got around to making my son's Kinder class a cape similar to the Weather Wizard cape.
I made it reversible with ABC's so that it could be used for their Calendar/Circle Time too!

Scrap Buster...LOVEly Quilts

2010-04-09T07:13:00.001-07:00

I have a dilemma...WAY too many scraps! We're talking baskets full! Many of my sewing projects are larger and don't require small scraps. I don't want to waste the bits of fabric I have left over, so I save them and my pile of scraps grows. It's getting a little out of control and unmanageable to say the least.

So, I'm looking into projects that use scraps. Quilting is a great way to use up these bits of fabric.

Moda Bake Shop has some fabulous quilt patterns for F-R-E-E. One that has been catching my eye is this adorable hearts quilt

Or this cool "Chocolate Stars" Quilt. Anything with "chocolate" in the title has my attention ;)

I'd love to see your ideas for scrap busters. Leave a comment with a link to share what you've found!

Lucky #4

2010-03-29T22:11:00.000-07:00

And the winner of the $30 credit towards a purchase at CutSewRepeat, as chosen by Random.org, is...

Comment #4 - Heidi

She said...
It is so hard for me to choose just one thing. I love your chef sets, capes, and crayon rolls.

Thanks for all of the comments - I love to get input on new products and see what craft blogs everyone is reading!

"My baby is 1" GIVEAWAY

2010-03-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

A year ago, I started my Etsy shop...

I'm so grateful for the ability to create things that I love for others to enjoy! So, to celebrate, I'm giving away a $30 credit towards any purchase in my shop! Think of the possibilities!

Some of these...

Or one of these...

Or a set of this...

Or $ towards this...

To be entered to win, leave a seperate comment for EACH of the following entries you complete. Up to 5 entries per person!

1. Go to my shop and leave a comment with your favorite item.

2. Follow this blog. If you already follow, let me know!

3. Blog about this Giveaway and add your blog link in your comment. (Your blog must be public for this one ;) OR you can email your friends and fam. about this giveaway!

4. What would you love to see made at CutSewRepeat in the near future?

5. Leave a comment with a link to YOUR favorite "DIY" or Creative Blog.

One winner will be chosen on March 29th. GOOD LUCK!

Fabric Easter Eggs

2010-03-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

To replace those cheap plastic Easter eggs, Sew,Mama,Sew! has come up with these adorable fabric ones!

Get the PDF Pattern HERE!

Check back next week for a sweet giveaway - Cut Sew Repeat's 1 year anniversary!

Weather Wizard

2010-03-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

This idea came from a super cool Elementary School teacher - a Weather Wizard Cape!

I love getting custom orders that are really unique ideas - something I've never seen before.

These capes will be worn by little Kindergartners during Calendar/Circle time. Children take turns identifying the weather for the day by putting on one of these capes and becoming the "Weather Wizard" - cool huh!?!

Maybe I'll have to make one for my Kindergartner's class now!

Here are some tips to recreate this cape:
I used my Cricut to make a template for the star shape and the "W" in George Basic Shapes size 5 1/2".
I made a circle template for the yellow, using a bowl. For the Cloud, I just drew a cloud shape that matched the clouds on the fabric and stitched around it to mimic the swirls.
"Sewable Fusing" was used before stitching around the shapes.

Spotting Owls

2010-03-16T10:22:00.001-07:00

I'm a little in love with the owl trend right now. I thought I'd share some of the little beauties I found.

Lil Hoot on a Limb Quilt Kit by The Bobbins Nest

Little Plush Owl by CarrotFever

***FREE PATTERN*** for "Owlivia" from Moda Bake Shop

Oh...and my favorite little "Lady Starla Willow Owl" Pattern by Snazziedrawers. Doesn't she just fit right in on this blog?! LOVE it!

Smile Today

2010-03-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

It seems so many of my friends are preggo right now.

I found this maternity tee from WeROnesieful and it made me smile. Happy Monday!

The Queen Bee Market

2010-03-12T09:06:00.000-08:00

Fresh, modern & handmade! What's not to love?! Mark your calendars for this special event on May 1st - The Queen Bee Market in support of local businesses and an awesome charity. More info to come soon!

PoPPy LoVe

2010-03-05T06:42:00.001-08:00

I am in love with Laura Gunn's new fabric collection "Poppy"!

I can't help but smile at the bright, vivid colors and bold prints. It calls me to it. It compels me to want to make something beautiful with it.

Some Easter dresses from this turquise swatch perhaps?

I've been looking for some cute girl dress patterns. Any ideas?

I love this one from My Needle and Thread

and this one from Sandi Henderson...

Leave me a comment if you find any adorable dress patterns like these!

Little Jock

2010-03-04T14:33:00.001-08:00

I just finished a custom order for a set of 5 onesies for a little boys' baby shower. Baby Ozzy.

It is a sports themed baby shower, so the woman wanted 4 onesies with various sports represented.

My favorites are the golf & football onesies.

While making them, I kept showing them to my husband (the sports connoisseur) to see if everything looked right. He approved.

Thumb Suckers: Beware

2010-03-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

I have been desperately trying for months to get my 4 year old to stop sucking her thumb. We've tried just about every strategy to get her to stop - pleading, bribery, bandages - without success. I think it has become such a habit that she's not even aware that she does it.

I had an epiphany today.

A thumb straight jacket.

Genius. So simple & easy. I literally picked up a piece of fabric from my scrap basket and cut and fitted and sewed and cut and fitted and it was done in about 15 minutes.

And she's actually excited to wear it.

The last suck.

Cool new "bracelet" aka thumb straight jacket.

Primary Class Chair Covers

2010-02-23T06:42:00.000-08:00

I've recently been serving at my church over the children's Sunday school or Primary, as we call it. To help the kids find their class easily, I was asked to make a chair cover for each class. I've been scouring the Internet for ideas, but couldn't find any really cute ones. Most involved bad felt and hot glue. So, I came up with these.

I used the colors Red, Yellow & Blue with prints in spots & stripes. Kinda loud, I know, but perfect for kids! It adds some visual punch to an otherwise pretty drab room.

I simply measured the chair backs and made a little pillowcase to slip over the back. The letters & numbers were cut using my Cricut, which cut down on my hand cutting time dramatically. I had been told that Cricut's could cut fabric, but I had never tried. It took a little adjusting, but if finally worked and saved me time cutting each piece individually.

I used the Cricut cartridge "Storybook" as well as no sew interfacing. This made it so I could just iron on the letters & numbers without having to applique each one individually. I'm thinking of making a matching bunting next.

*Cricut Tip* Iron on your "no sew" interfacing to a piece of fabric the same sizes as your cutting mat (either 6X12 or 12X12). Make sure your cutting mat is nice and sticky (new). Place your fabric/interfacing piece paper side down to the cutting mat. Set your needle pressure to "max" and speed to "med" or "fast". Adjust as needed.

Love Stitched

2010-02-04T07:15:00.000-08:00

Check out this heartfelt Valentine found at Paper & Stitch.

Sew your own Valentine

I'm not big on cheesy Valentine cards bought from a store. I'd much rather receive a love note scrawled out on "to-do" list paper. I would go for this though.

Sweater Boots Tutorial - Ugg knockoffs

2010-01-29T04:02:00.000-08:00

I saw my sister-in-law wearing these pricey little Uggs at Christmas. Then, I found this awesome tutorial at Cut Out + Keep.

$139.95 at Nordstrom

or DIY for practically free! Get your glue guns hot and your trigger finger ready!

Baby Support Hoes...DIY Easy Baby Legwarmers Tutorial

2010-01-21T14:17:00.000-08:00

I remember my mom rockin' these 80's legwarmers to Jazzercise class. Legwarmers are back in fashion, but I'm not sure if I could rock them like Olivia here.

But...I'd definitley put them on my kids. Here's a super easy tutorial for making your own Baby Legwarmers.

Supplies:
Sewing Machine
Scissors
Women's Trouser Socks
Coordinating/or not thread
20 minutes or less

I got these in a pack of 3 at Target for like $8.

Step 1:

Make 3 cuts in your socks. Just eyeball it. No need to measure. You can cut both socks at the same time.

Discard the toe & heel pieces.

Step 2:

Fold the short middle secion in half (wrong sides together) with a raw edge and a folded edge making a cuff.

Slip this cuff on to the cut end of your long trouser sock. All of the raw edges should be together at the bottom as seen in this photo. All fabrics will be right side out.

Step 3:

Sew all of the raw edges together using a straight stitch. Just flatten the rolled edge as you sew but try not to stretch the sock. If you have a serger, you can use it for the edge for a more finished/professional look.

And that's it! Here's the finished product.

As baby support hoes...

Or for bigger kids to lengthen short sleeves for cooler weather...

Enjoy & Happy sewing!

Pretty Bird....Yes, Pretty Bird

2010-01-20T08:41:00.000-08:00

Check out this super suave nursery! I found it at The DIY Showoff.

I'm in love with this little birdie mobile. The mixture of fabric and raw wood is so refreshing. If I could sit and stare at it for hours and blissfully drift into dreamland, I'm sure a baby would too!

(By the way, if you know what movie my Title is from, tell me in the comment section! You just may win somethin pretty I've been working on.)

Rainy Day Tutorial

2010-01-19T07:02:00.000-08:00

It's raining in So. Cal. I love the rain. It's a perfect excuse to stay inside and start a new project!

photo from flickr

Take a peek at Heather Baileys fabric flower Tutorial Video. Super cute and a perfect fabric scrap-buster.

OOAK

2010-01-09T06:58:00.000-08:00

Am I the only person in the world who didn't know what this Acronym stands for? Did I miss the memo or something? I would occasionally see this descpiption listed with items for sale on Etsy and wonder, "what the...? Did they misspell Oak? I know this thing isn't made of any type of wood!"

I looked it up. Now I know. Don't you want to know? You're going to look it up right now, aren't you?

Well, here are things that fit the descpription OOAK:

A custom Boutique Skirt Chef Set with the name - "Eloise"

This is the set requested by the Cut Sew Repeat Chef Set Winner, Rachel! Her boys are going to look so cool cooking in these!

40 Fabric Flower Brooches for a woman in Denmark for her wedding in Australia!

Wouldn't you love to get these as a wedding favor instead of some random trinket with the bride and groom's initials on it?

Okay, I give it up. It means "One Of A Kind". You learn something new everyday!

Pretty Free Printables

2010-01-08T07:13:00.000-08:00

One of my New Year's Resolutions is to write more notes - Thank You's...Hello's...I Love You's...Just Because's. It's fun and it makes people feel happy!

Living Locurto shares some Pretty Free Printables

How About Orange always has beautiful digital art to share

I'm wishing...I'm wishing...

2010-01-07T06:54:00.000-08:00

for the one I love...To find these...to find these...today...today. (Snow White was really singing about these little beauties.)

My birthday is coming in a few weeks. Being the extremely practical person that I am, I usually end up choosing something that I need instead of something that I love. Last year, I believe, it was a new iron and ironing board. I know, how romantic, right?!

I'm thinkin' I'd like something different this year. Something that doesn't require manual labor. Something pretty...

I'm not a jewelry person. (gasp! I know...I usually forget to put my wedding ring on) But, I'm in love with this. So cute.

from bbel on etsy

or this little oxymoron made of burlap and lace by AlicesLookingGlass unexpected and unique.

or an artful inspiration by letteredwords

or this feminine tunic with vinage lace by couvert

awww. so pretty. There's always wishing.

Imagine That Shout Out

2010-01-05T06:52:00.000-08:00

Check out Imagine That! for a sweet giveaway!

This girl is so stinkin' creative! This is my favorite item she makes right now.

The winner will get to choose something from her ETSY shop!

Stop sittin! The giveaway ends at midnight!

The Reason...

2010-01-04T14:24:00.000-08:00

I love creating. I love making something truly unique. I loved this project.

It is a picture memory quilt for a friends' boyfriend. She wanted it to include pictures of his two daughters who currently reside with their mother. .

He's changing some things in his life that will allow him to be with his daughters more often

I wasn't able to see his reaction in person, but my friend said that her boyfriend cried when he opened this quilt and saw all of the pictures of his beautiful girls.

This is the reason I love to create.

***This quilt took a total of 1 day to create. From start to finish. I used a simple Log Cabin pattern with a picture in the center. The best product for printing pictures on to fabric is called "Printed Treasures". It's a little pricey, but the results are beautiful and lasting. Comment if you'd like a tutorial done on this quilt method. I'm thinking this would be an awesome gift for Mother's Day!

200 S-A-L-E-S

2009-12-06T19:04:00.000-08:00

SO happy...EXCITED...busy...THANKFUL...stressed...HAPPY!

200 deserves the happy dance. I'm doing it right now. Ok, I'm off to play Settlers of Catan with my boys because I'm a nerd like that.

P.S. Oh, yeah...One day left to enter the Mormon Mommy Blog giveaway!

Refashioned Christmas Dress AFTER

2009-12-01T10:42:00.000-08:00

I LOVE ruffles! I love how they add a sweet bit of femininity and texture to something that would otherwise be quite ordinary and plain. I've seen dresses similar to this...

By Lirola and got inspired!

So, I decided to refashion my girls' Christmas dresses to make them unique and not so ordinary. Here's what I came up with...

Here's how you recreate it:

Supplies
Dress
Satin
Coordinating thread
Rotary blade & Mat
Scissors
Machine

Step 1
Cut 2 lengths (44 inches) of satin 7 inches wide

Sew the lengths together. Now you have one long strip 7" X 88" or so.
Sew right sides together to form a tube.

Turn the tube right side out.
Iron flat on low heat with seam in the middle of the tube.

Step 2
Sew a long running stitch along the entire length of your fabric.
*Use your middle seam as a guide. This doesn't have to be perfect since it will be all gathered - hiding any mistakes.
*If you're not sure how to do this. See here for a tutorial on ruffle making.
Pull top threads on both sides to gather your ruffle.

Step 3
Place ruffle along your decided place (pin if you hate constantly adjusting finicky satin).
Start at the back and turn your ruffle under at the back opening.

Topstitch around the bodice.
Cut the end when you reach the back and turn under. Stitch end piece in place.

THAT'S IT!

This idea can be applied to sweaters, tee shirts, skirts, anything at all! Happy ruffle-ing!

A second chance at luck....

2009-12-01T09:30:00.000-08:00

Go visit Mormon Mommy Blogs for another CutSewRepeat giveaway. Receive up to 7 entries. Good luck!!

Sewing MACHINE

2009-11-30T21:25:00.000-08:00

Sew...I've been occupied sewing these:

Yes, count them. 20 chef sets! YIKES! This order finishes of a set of 4 wholesale orders totaling about 100 chef sets in the last month. I think I could probably make these with my eyes closed by now.

It feels good to complete something. Which reminds me of several projects that I haven't finished. Like the baby quilt for my now 4 year old, or the baby dress for my now 13 month old.

Soon I will begin on my handmade Chrismtas gifts. But for now here's my first Christmas project. Refashioned Christmas dresses for my girls BEFORE:

Yes, I bought my girls quite ordinary Christmas dresses at some big box store. And YES, I dress my girls to match despite vowing as a young girl never to commit this sin.

Come see the "oh so stunning" AFTER I've run my magical wand (Janome) over these babies tomorrow!

And the Winner Is ....

2009-11-21T06:32:00.000-08:00

RACHEL

This lucky girl said:
I will follow my fellow creator:) I am a creative nut too with some of the same results. My favorite from your store? Almost anything Layla models:) Seriously, I love the chef set. LOVE it! Frank loves helping me in the kitchen and he could definetly use an apron his size. Count me in for one entry.

(By the way, Rachel received 2 entries with her comment - making her the lucky winner!)

Thanks to all of those who commented! Stay tuned for some more stuff that is up my sleeves, well besides stray threads and fabric fuzz ;)

Handmade Day #5 - Gifts for Teachers

2009-11-20T21:14:00.000-08:00

My top 11. Super EASY, fun and practical presents - minus the typical apples!

Badge Lanyard
Checkbook Cover
Coffee Cozy
Fancy Notebooks
Hand Sanitizer
Key Fob
MakeUp Bag
Oil Cloth Lunch Sack
Oragami Box
Pocket Tissue Holder
Sticky Notes Books

Only 3 hours left to enter the Chef Set GIVEAWAY! The lucky winner will be revealed on Saturday!

Handmade Day #4 - Gifts for Dads / Men

2009-11-19T18:38:00.000-08:00

Coin Cufflinks
Crafty Pin - I don't know any man that would actually wear this, but it would be a pretty funny gift.
Grandpa or Dad Custom Photo
Necktie
Peanut Butter Cup Bars
Recycled Necktie Wallet

Tomorrow: Handmade Day #5 - Teacher's Gifts

Only 28 more hours to get those comments in for the Chef Set GIVEAWAY!

Handmade Day #3 - Gifts for Moms & Women

2009-11-18T23:07:00.000-08:00

Top 8 today...I'm having a hard time with this one. I never know what to get my mom. She seems to have just about everything.

Bookmark
Bow Frame (with updated family photos of course)
Love Quilt
Mini Scrapbook
Organza Flower
Pillow - Love
Portfolio
Table Top Ironing Pad

Any other great suggestions for gifts for mom? Please share!

Handmade Day #2 - Gifts for Friends

2009-11-17T17:04:00.000-08:00

Here are my top 10 friends gifts. You know you're giving a good gift when it's something you'd love for yourself. By the way... I'd love to receive any of these little beauties (hint, hint;)

Business Card Holder
Buttercup Bag
Car CD Holder
Felt Circle Pillow
Homemade Body Salts and Cocoa
Monogrammed Candle
No Sew Jersey Scarf
Ruffle Headband
Shabby Flower Pins
Vintage Earrings

Tomorrow Handmade Day #3 - Gifts for Mom or the Special Lady in your life.

Handmade Day #1 - Gifts for Kids

2009-11-16T05:50:00.000-08:00

Here they are. My top 10. I will definitely be making these for my kids for Christmas. LOVE the Embroidered kids art!

Apron
Christmas Chalkboards
Crayon Roll
Embroider your kids artwork
Felt Food
Taggie Animals
Toddler Crayons
Ooey Gooey Science Experiment
Quite Book Template
Wall Art

Tomorrow: Handmade Day #2 Gifts for Friends (Cool stuff)

Buying & Giving Handmade

2009-11-15T12:40:00.000-08:00

Growing up, my family wasn't one of the wealthiest. Of course, I always felt so spoiled at Christmas receiving so many things, many of which were handmade by my mom. Some of my favorites gifts include this completely handmade porcelain doll from my grandma when I was born.

Or the many dresses my mom made, that fit me perfectly. They were so unique and had a timeless quality to them.

Back then, handmade gifts were given mostly to save money. It was so much more economical to buy fabric and make a dress by hand, than to buy one from the store.

Today, giving handmade doesn't necessarily save money. I could purchase a Christmas dress for my girls for much less at a large chain store, than if I were to buy the fabric alone and then put hours of work into sewing them. People are choosing handmade today for the many other benefits.

Why buy handmade?

Buying Handmade makes for better gift-giving.
The giver of a handmade gift has avoided the parking lots and long lines of the big chain stores in favor of something more meaningful. If the giver has purchased the gift, s/he feels the satisfaction of supporting an artist or crafter directly. The recipient of the handmade gift receives something that is one-of-a-kind, and made with care and attention that can
be seen and touched. It is the result of skill and craftsmanship that is absent in the world of large-scale manufacturing.

Buying handmade is better for people.
The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. We are encouraged to be consumers, not producers, of our own culture. Our ties to the local and human sources of our goods have been lost. Buying handmade helps us reconnect.

Buying handmade is better for the environment.
The accumulating environmental effects of mass production are a major cause of global warming and the poisoning of our air, water and soil. Every item you make or purchase from a small-scale independent artist or crafter strikes a small blow to the forces of mass production.

Via BuyHandmade.org

In an effort to support handmade this Christmas Season, I will post easy ideas for handmade gift giving. Each day this week beginning tomorrow, you will see gift ideas for:

Kids
Friends
Mom's / Women
Dad's / Men
Teachers

So, start making those Christmas lists!

In the mean time, what are some of your most memorable handmade gifts (given or received)? Who was the giver or receiver? Do you still own it? Why is it so special to you?

Share with everyone by commenting!

To Create...

2009-11-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.
Everyone can create. You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty.
Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment."
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

It's almost magical to me that something can be made from practically nothing.

Wether it's turning this...

Into this...

Or turning this...

Into this ;) ...

I feel compelled to create. It's almost like a drug. I find inspiration, gather supplies, and begin the process. The reward comes when I complete it to my satisfaction. Not all of my ideas come to fruition.

Like my bright idea to make this from PB Kids for my big girl for Halloween...

but I ran out of time and patience and ended up with this...

HAHAHA, so sad!!!

Yes, it's just a pathetic pile of cut up, stitched up pink felt. The bright side? I've learned that there are sometimes casualties of the creation process - and that's ok. Not everything comes out perfect. It's about the process.

Because I am continually inspired by things around me, I'm starting this blog to be some sort of inspiration to others to create.

So, in attempt to spark inspiration here's what I have to offer...

A GIVEAWAY!!! We all love free stuff, so I will be giving away one of my creations from my Etsy Shop

Your choice of a Chef Set!

This is by far my most popular item in my shop right now. All kids love to help out in the kitchen, so this is perfect for those little ones creating masterpieces with food!

Here's what you gotta do to enter to win...

Receive 1 entry for each of the following:
A. Leave a comment with your favorite item from my shop.
B. Become a Follower of this Blog
C. Share this giveaway with your friends on your Blog or Facebook page.
D. Add my shop to your favorites on Etsy

Leave me a comment to let me know how many entries you've completed. You can enter until November 20th. Winner will be chosen at random November 21st.

Good luck and I'll be posting ideas for handmade Christmas gifts very soon!