Dollies!

I recently bought a pattern from an indie doll designer. I could not resist. Everything she has is completely adorable. The company is called Dolls and Daydreams and you can find it here. I bought the flower fairy pattern. I started out following the pattern exactly, minus the wings. Each one I made I changed a little. They are supposed to be Christmas surprises for my girls but they have all seen them. They talk about them all the time so I think it's safe to say they will love their gifts.

This little lady was made just as the pattern suggested, minus the wings.

I gave this one cheeks and two ponies instead of one.

I got real creative on this one. She has different eyes, hearts as cheeks, braids, leggings, and a headband.

As you can see, this one is still a work in progress. I just love her little tights and her crown. She is a gift for my one and only niece. My oldest would die of embarrassment if I gave her a doll. (Oh yes, we are at that wonderful pre-teen stage.)

Sewing With Toddlers

Since school has started, time to sew has been elusive. We are one of those crazy homeschooling families. My days are consumed with lesson plans, pencil sharpeners, and workbooks. The oldest three get a lot of my attention but the little girls often have to play by themselves. Today I wanted to spend time with them but I was also looking to get something productive done that wasn't school work or household chores. I had managed last week to sew a pair of pants for the twins. (Yes, "a" pair. The second pair is still half finished.) I bought this book on Amazon that I love: Cute Clothes For Kids by Rob Merrett. When the twins were babies, most of their wardrobe came from his other book, Making Baby's Clothes. I highly recommend both.

I was pretty much finished with the pants but I like to put tags in my clothing to remind me of the size since we pass a lot down. The twins helped me make some new tags. It took a little longer, but we had so much fun. I don't think a child is ever too young to start helping.

Such a little goofball!

Here is the finished product.

A Pattern-Free Summer: Back to School

We are happy to be a homeschooling family so back to school is a little different for us. We are involved in many classes outside of the home and this year we will be joining a co-op. A co-op is kind of like regular school for a day. The kids have different classes throughout the day, all taught by other parents. The kids all need backpacks for co-op. My oldest two children pitched a fit about getting cool, store-bought ones, much to my sadness. The younger three didn't really have a choice, although they did really like the ones I made. I let each girl pick out their own fabric. The twins picked out Dora and Minnie Mouse. My middle picked out, her all time favorite, kitty cats. I found a tutorial on making your own pattern here: Paterning a Backpack. I have made my own backpack pattern in the past and used that for the twins' smaller ones but I really liked the straps on this one. I added a lining to mine as well.

The kitty's mouth is a pocket and the twins are always wanting to "feed the kitty". 

 I added a little ruffle to the side. I think it adds a little flair to it but it also helped when I sewed it together. I didn't have to have my measurements exact.

I made myself a bag as well. It is a messenger bag that turns into a backpack. (It looks a little wonky hanging up but it's not. I promise.) It has a padded pocket for my laptop, pockets for my Kindle, phone, and all the cords. I have no link for this. It is something that I designed myself.

We also have to take a packed lunch with us on co-op days. I bought a large canvas cooler on clearance at Target and made some snack bags. Here are some of the ones I have made. The second one is pretty big and can be used for sharing.

The Ultimate Re-Usable Snack Bag

Ultimate Reusable Snack Sack

A Pattern-Free Summer: Homemade Pull-Ups

The twins are around that all-fun potty training age. Little Bits has no desire whatsoever to even try. Miss Mommy, on the other hand, pretty much self potty trained herself before she was two. I went to the store and was appalled by the price of pull-ups. (I'm sure we have all been at one time or another.) And like every other crafter, I said to myself, "I can make that!" So I did. I bought PUL (waterproof) fabric and used old t-shirts to make a few pairs. They work great! I used 2 layers of fleece inside of the lining to absorb. I found a free pattern and tutorial for undies here: Easy-On Potty Training Pants. I found this pattern to be a little small for my girls so I altered it a bit to make them bigger.

I found this adorable butterfly PUL at Hobby Lobby and used my coupon, making my 1/2 yard only $4. I used old t-shirts that I had laying around but you could pick up some thrifted ones for cheap. I think that I estimated that I could get 10 pairs out of the 1/2 yard of PUL. So, including the elastic for the waistband, I will have spent less than $10 for 10 pair of reusable homemade pull-ups. Not bad at all!

Sewing Class: Make Your Own Shorts Pattern

Have you ever wanted to sew something but didn't have a pattern? Have you ever wanted to make your own? I bet it's much easier than you think it is. I made a pair of shorts in about an hour, including making the pattern. I will show you how but only if you give it a try. ;)

Here is what you will need:
-a pair of shorts that fit the person you are making the shorts for
-a pencil
-a ruler
-paper (I prefer tissue paper. It comes in big sheets and is easy to pin.)

Turn your shorts inside-out and fold them in half. Line the long side of your shorts up with the edge of your paper. Using your ruler, trace your shorts leaving 1/2" seam allowance. I left 1" at the bottom for the hem and 1 1/2" at the top for the waistband.

And there you go! You have a pattern. It's a good idea to mark the size and top and bottom of your pattern, for future reference.

Now, to use your pattern. Cut two pieces with the long side of your pattern on a fold. Sew the two leg seams. I used a serger because I used knit fabric and wanted to have room to stretch. You can use a regular stitch.

Turn one piece right side out and slip it into the other. Line up the centers and pin. Now sew all the way around.

You should have this.

Now make your waistband. You can serge the edge or fold it over 1/4" for a clean finish. Then fold over 1", pin or press it in place, and then stitch. Don't forget to leave about an inch or so gap so that you can put the elastic in.
For the hem, fold over 1/2", then again, and stitch.

Measure you elastic on your model. Make sure to make it a little tight so that the shorts don't fall down but not too tight. Using a safety pin, pull the elastic through the waistband, being careful not to twist it. Hold on to the opposite end so that you don't loose it. That's never fun. Stitch the two ends of the elastic together and then stitch the gap closed. I like to sew a tag with the size in the gap. If you don't have a tag you can use a ribbon to signify the back of the shorts.

A handy little trick for keeping the elastic from rolling is to stretch the waistband out and sew through all the layers. Make sure you have the gathers evenly distributed before you start or it might not all match up like you want.

If you want to make a pair of pants the idea is the same, just make the legs longer.

And here is my goofy, ratty-haired, Kool-aid smile model. Hey! It's summer. ;)

Organizing and Child Proofing

Right now my craft desk has gates all around it. The twins are 2 but they are still into everything. And I mean EVERYTHING!! They are completely fascinated with my desk and always go straight for my pins. I would really love to take the gate down, especially since they have figured out how to climb over it. I have a closet for all of my craft supplies but I need a way to store things that I use on a regular basis. I found this magnetic dry erase board with metallic finish. I would eventually like to get a nice frame and put sheet metal in it but this works for now. I also found some little metal containers with magnets on the back. I glued magnets to the back of tin cans, paper clips, and my pin cushion. Next time I will get stronger magnets but these work for now. I glued ribbon on the inside of the cans to cover the sharp edges.

A Pattern-Free Summer: Rompers!

Tell me, what screams summertime and little girls better than a romper? I've seen them all over and I can't help but ooh and aww over every single one. I found a pretty simple tutorial for one at makeit-loveit here: Little Girl Romper. It has pleats on the front but don't be intimidated, they are easier than they look.

A Pattern-Free Summer: Cinch Skirt

My dear middle child has the unfortunate problem of being built like a line backer, and she is a girl. She is not chubby but is broad and solid as a rock. That makes finding clothes a bit of a challenge for us. It doesn't help that she is extremely particular, especially with pants. She loves skirts though and that is an easy solution for us because we don't have to worry about inseams bothering her.
I found this adorable Paris fabric at Hobby Lobby and just had to buy some. When I got it home I realized that a white skirt was a bad idea. You could see right through it. I remembered coming across this tutorial and thought it would be perfect: The "It's a Cinch" Skirt. It was quick and easy and oh so cute.

The Apple Dress Updated

Do you remember this cute dress we made last year? Find it here: The Apple Dress

It's hard to believe how much my girls have grown in a year. I pulled out our dresses and now they work as shirts. I think it is even more incentive to make this dress, knowing that it can be used again.

Isn't it just cute? I got twin #2 to cooperate for me too!

A Pattern-Free Summer: Flutter Sleeve Peasant Top

I recently came across this tutorial and just had to make it: Flutter Sleeve Peasant Top. I whipped it up in just an afternoon. I will definitely be making more of these. They are adorable and so easy to make.

Look at this goofy girl who loves to pose. Every time I sew both twins beg me to "measure you" and "take my picture." These moves are all her own.