Jelly Roll Skirt

I have, somehow, become fascinated with sewing & cross stitching lately. I think I go through craft rotation...yarn projects, paper projects, sewing/stitching projects. I almost added stained glass to that rotation, but I think I should be thanking my lucky stars that didn't actually go through... :D

Anyway, Jelly Rolls. They fascinate me. I love them because someone else does all of the coordinating work, which is something I find ridiculously difficult.

So I found the Moda Bake Shop, and browsed the Jelly Roll section, and came across a few beauties. This one, in particular. After much hemming and hawing (and then finding a Jelly Roll at Jo Ann Fabrics for 40% off), I stitched up this beauty using the tutorial! I LOVE how it has turned out! I do need to finish it up (put in elastic and find a decorative do-hickey for the elastic casing closure), but I am SO proud of how this turned out!!

Christmas Skirts

These are redondo skirts, made from six panels (the original pattern has five, but I find odd numbers, well...odd). Stripes, elves, and polka dots, with a coordinating top for each girl. This project was the inspiration that made me buy a serger sewing machine! These were made in Nov. 2010 and got lots of wear in, and will probably fit again next year. HOORAY!

Birthday & Graduation

First we have a birthday card for Austin! He (obviously) turned 15. In 7 months he will be allowed to get his learner's permit. Avoid sidewalks... ;) *kidding!* He'll be a good driver!


Secondly we have Emily's graduation. She was in the top 10% of her graduating class, and has a swimming scholarship to Universty of Iowa in the fall. I think the current count down is in the low 20's for number of days left until she leaves for school.


Thirdly is Emily's graduation present! I think this was one of the best ideas EVER! (I'm modest, right?) She loves the show (as do I), and I thought a custom designed stitch would be right up her alley. She can show her love for all things Glee and it's small enough to pack up and take with her!

Mock Smock

Tailynn + Only Wearing Dresses = Frequent Laundry.

So that in mind, I wanted to get some dresses made that wouldn't bust the bank, but still be super cute! The answer was Mock Smock material (we got ours at JoAnn's). It is awesome!

My biggest dilema with it, though, is that it's sorta meant to be sleeveless. And I can't stand a small child in a sleeveless garment. It always falls down. Well, it always falls down on adult women too, but they keep adjusting themselves as to show *marginally* less boobs...

So as I was sewing, I decided to use the bottom of the material to make straps! I think it turned out super cute! I've got another dress portion sewn, but need to figure out straps for it. And another entire dress to construct. ...plus I've got two more fabrics on their way to me (thank you clearance section of joann.com!).






My next conquest might be this ADORABLE dress made from a man's button down shirt. Now I'm *almost* grateful Matt's got a bunch of shirts that are too small! :D

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=170402.0

Scrapbooking Convention!!

Hubby announced early last week that he thought I needed time way from our munchkins.

Coincidently, my SIL mentioned going to the scrapbooking convention in Mesa the upcoming Saturday.

Naturally, I assumed it was fate and I went.

And it was fantastic!

I took sneaky pictures with my cell phone.
I leanred a new technique.
I bought an entire box of Bazzil cardstock.
And I found a new stamp brand to be in love with. :)

The new technique is something like this:



I love it because it does the following things:
Allows me to use the brass stencil plates that I love, but hate how much manual labor the require using them the "right" way.
Allows me to use glitter. LOTS AND LOTS OF GLITTER.

If I can find some pictures that aren't too abysmal of the things I found best at the vendor show, I'll post 'em later.

But don't hold your breath. ;)

Emily is going to be 18!!!

My niece Emily, who was born after I had just turned 12, is turning 18! And graduating from High School in a month!! I'm starting to feel...well...my age, I guess. Not old, exactly, but definetly not 18 anymore! (Though, I still tend to think of myself as 23 or 24...odd, isn't it?)

Anyway, I might still do more with this card, I'm not sure. I stamped one side of the overhead sheet with black Staz-On (for the 18), and then on the back I used glue and glitter to make it shiny, but not messy. :) I like shiny. And I only like messy on some days. This was not one of those days.

The cupcake and reamining 18's are all stamped in the inside cardstock color.

Happy 18th Em!

Jody's Birthday

This card was inspitred by one on the Hero Arts Idea Gallery cards. I'd post it, but I can't find it again. It was the featured card the day I worked on it....but not anymore! :\ Anyway, Happy Birthday, Jody!