Ruffled Shorts

Summer's here so inspiration struck to complete a project from the craft pile - a pair of shorts for little sister. She needed something to pair with an adorable top I thrifted earlier this year. Have I mentioned my love of consignment and thrift shopping?! Shopping in general is pretty awesome, but finding gently used treasure is the best! With two (impatient) children, I don't get to it as much as I'd prefer, but that's probably a blessing to the wallet and (full) closets. 

The Bailey Boys criss-cross top, vintage & thrifted

with Mommie-made ruffle shorts

Sometime this winter I cut out green polka-dot fabric intending to make my girl ruffle pants. I never got around to actually sewing them, so I decided to chop off the pant legs and sew up some sweet summer shorts! I just love the mix of gingham and polka dots! And in the spirit of mixing, I fused two patterns - Flat Front Pants from MADE and Ruffled Boxers from The Sewing Rabbit. My inspiration turned into a super easy pair of girly shorts that came together fast!

 I love how the ruffles curve up on the sides - a fun twist to a standard ruffle on a straight hem. They would be especially cute and comfy in knit, so I really need to get serious about some knit sewing practice! 

Happy Summer everyone!

Spring Projects

My poor little neglected blog! Now that I have an Iphone, Instagram is my new on-the-go spot to document crafty endeavors. However, here's a peek at what I've whipped up this Spring:

From the top left:

Personalized PBK pillowcase for a preschool friend's birthday

Gym shorts upgrade

Reversible tote bag & personalized bag tag

Bubble shorts

Old Navy dress upgrade

Consignment score upgrade

And the furthest right pics are the front & back views of little sister's Easter dress

If anyone has questions about the embroidery fonts, sewing patterns or materials used, please feel free to comment - I'm happy to share my sources.

Happy almost Summer!

Apple of my eye

My, it's been a long time since I posted here! Summer has come and gone, and so have a few projects without documentation. But here's a fun one I'm excited to share!

Recently I mentioned a great pants pattern + tutorial on Facebook. I first used it on a pair of ruffle pants for little sister. (Have you seen what boutiques charge for those? Craziness for something so basic and easy to to make!) Then I happened upon some adorable apple embroidered corduroy fabric on major clearance, so what's a Mommie to do? Whip up another fun pair of pants for the fall closet! Driving home from my unexpected fabric score, I remembered a reverse apple applique sitting in my embroidery files along with a blank shirt in need of decoration. Ah, how I love those meant-to-be moments!

  Shirt - Garanimals, WalMart

Apple Applique - file, Planet Applique & polka dot fabric, Joann

Pants - fabric & rick rack, Hancock

Happy Fall!

 

Spidey (Serger) Power

Big Brother is into all things Spider-Man at the moment. We are constantly being shot by webs and the Spidey jammies are in heavy rotation. He even found a Spider-Man & Friends board book at a spring consignment sale...talk about combining mommie and daddie's interests: a bargain hunter who likes to read comics!!

 

Need I say more?!

After we recently spotted the Spider-Man goodness at Pottery Barn Kids, I offered to make Big Brother a special pillowcase. So off we went to the fabric store where he chose two prints of Spidey fabric. 

It turned out to be the perfect starter project for my new serger! In total, it took a yard of fabric and only 4 quick seams thanks to this tutorial.

Now off to further explore the serger - the possibilities make me as giddy as a 4 year old with a new mommie made pillowcase!

Sweet dreams big boy, I love you so much!

M & M Teacher Gift

Today big brother completed his third year of preschool. I think we are both sad to see the routine go, but equally excited to make special summer memories. At the end-of-year picnic, big brother presented each teacher with this special treat to let them know how much he enjoyed their class:

 I came across this adorable jar gift idea on Pinterest awhile back and knew it would be perfect for the end of school. To save time, I used a free printable and tied it on with baker's twine. I plan to re-create this sweet gift in years to come, and may make my own printable version of the poem in card format.

Thank You Teachers & Happy Summer Break!

Another Polo

I had a small window of time this morning for some sewing, and finally got to work on more polo shirts from the to-do pile. Isn't the little whale cute?! He swam over from Applique Momma. This shirt belongs to a set of matching sibling polos for my sweet friend Maureen. I hope her boys enjoy them this summer!

 

  

I've got a few more projects to finish up, and then I'm excited to dive into practice with my new SERGER!! I'm still in shock that I finally have one of my own. This year's birthday and Mother's Day were good to this Mommie!

Personalized Polo

Several of my favorite embroidery digitizers have introduced mini filled designs. I've been eager to try them out for big brother, and finally found some time. Polo shirts are a staple in his wardrobe; here's the most recent addition to his collection!

I used the Filled Sailboat Mini from Embroidery Boutique. The color combo matches one of baby sister's dresses. Let the photo ops begin!

I'm always keeping a look out for bargain blank polos, and have several more ready for boutique status. Minis are so fun and super quick to stitch. This could get addictive!