What We've Been Up To...

So busy. Exhausted.

I haven't made anything for myself in two whole weeks, which makes me feel...

well, not much like me! So tonight, I put all things aside for a half an hour and whipped up this quick t-shirt tunic. I wanted to do something cool with this particular tee.

I thrift tons of 'em actually. I wait for them to "speak" to me..to tell me what they

want to be and then...they are!

I just sewed an elastic the width of my waist around the inside of the shirt.

I cut around the neckline and sewed it under using a zig-zag.

I wore it right away with a pair of leggings and my daughter gave it her

stamp of approval:)

She even took this photo. Not bad, right?

And to replenish tired souls...I constructed an altar this past Sunday.

And it has really added a special kind of beauty to our home.

My mantra for the end of April heading into May:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

Reuse, Recycle, Renew!

I save all of my jars and some of the prettier bottles.

I use them for storage, flowers, candle-holders, just about anything.

Thanks to Gingerbread Snowflakes for this brilliant way to perk-up the glass

for Spring! Our windowsill now has a fresh burst of color.

Spring Sewing 2

I have spring sewing fever.

This warm weather has inspired me to make us both some new clothes.

I have enough of this fabric to make my Cub the same skirt.

Our first "Mother & Daughter" pieces...

I can't wait to wear them together.

This was a rush job.

I'm still learning to measure the waist on the smaller side when using elastic

and to keep the zig-zag stitch fairly short and tight.

I can already tell I will need to sew around it again...Oh, well.

And this is the simplest bag that anyone could ever make...And ya know what?

I love it more than anything.

It is so comfortable, soft, & easy to use.

I think this will end up being my go-to weekend bag.

Give it a try! All it takes is an old t-shirt.

Now to get working on the big sewing project...

Spring Sewing

We were in the fabric store and I bumped into this fabric for the third time, so I figured
at $3.00 a yard, it was a good buy.
Owls reading books? What could be better?
A skirt for my girl, of course!
I whipped this up in about an hour and there will be many more for her in the near future.
I'm excited to make all different kinds at all different lengths.
She is expressing a real interest in making her own clothes lately.
Today, she picked-out a t-shirt, a gold iron-on peace sign decal, and
a piece of lace and fabric and declared, "I'm making my own shirt!"
When we got home, I let her pick out where she wanted everything to go and
then I did the final iron & sew.
I am seriously considering signing her up for the kids sewing camp (run by the fabulous Megan)
two mornings a week this summer.
The interest is definitely there,
so why not start her young?
She makes me such a proud Mama...

Pillbox Hat 1

Here is my version of an Easter bonnet!

Meet my very first hat. I'm calling her "Miss Peacock."

She's made of recycled cardboard, a vintage napkin, button and ribbon,

tulle and feathers.

I have two others that are not quite finished that I'd like to share soon.

These hats are pretty addicting to make.

Mostly, I'm getting more into making hats as "art" and less for practical wear.

But I'd like to combine it all.

It's a lot of fun coming up with color combinations, material, and trim.

Happy Day!

Hats

Very recently, I have been diving into a pool of research for a new project.

I will give all the details soon. First, I wanted to make a little progress before sharing.

I know you understand.

In the middle of all the research, I stumbled upon a couple of vintage hat websites.

One thing always leads to another and so I found myself revisiting (for my umteenth time )

pill box and fascinator hats of days gone by.

So, I have made two in the past 24 hours.

Talk about diversion...

Here is my inspiration for tonight's pillbox.

What a beauty!

I wish I could find this website again because one hat is more delicious

than the next and there are so many of 'em.

What is it about these hats that give me such delight?

And looky-looky! Let me not forget about my sweet love crochet.

I haven't forgotten about you, Dear.

It's just that you are all about slowing down and relaxing...

and lately I have become addicted to the thrill that is sewing!

But I'll be back for this one soon enough!

Can't wait to show you my hats!

Along with the show, I hope to compile a little list of tutorials and websites

I've found to help & inspire along the way.

I just need to get some elastic now to finish them up.

I know Cub can't wait to model them for me!