Elephant Halloween Costume- McCall's 6105 Pattern Review

I was thrilled to pieces when my youngest daughter was able to wear the elephant costume last Halloween.  This is the same costume I made for my son when he was 18 months old.

Harry Potter Costume

Our whole family has fallen in love with the Harry Potter series.  The books are something that we have enjoyed together as a family.  And after each book, we all (except our littlest of course) gather around the TV with bowls of popcorn and watch the movie.  As a family, we compare what was left out in the movie, and discuss how we pictured the scene or the character while reading as compared to how it was portrayed in the movie.  It has been a fun family activity- our immersion in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  So it was no surprised, that my son wanted to be Harry Potter for Halloween.

Saint Patrick's Day Dress part 2 (Simplicity 6995 pattern review)

Yesterday, I revealed part one of the 2015 St Patty’s Day dresses.Today I get to share the dress I made for my youngest, Simonne.

Saint Patrick's Day Dress part 1 (McCall 3260 pattern review)

With Saint Patrick’s Day around the corner, my daughter started asking for her “St. Patty’s Day dress” early this year.  Last year, I made this dress and my daughter loved it.

"Sew-Dreamy" Button Cake

 

For my mom's birthday this year, I wanted to make her a special cake that captured her true passion- sewing and crafting.  The button cake was created because fondant buttons are adorable.  I have Pinterest board dedicated just to button cakes.  Check it out.  There are so many beautiful tiered cakes, but since there was only six of us, one tier would suffice.

Child's Chef Hat tutorial

My kids have always want to help out in the kitchen when I am baking.  The chance to like the spatula or eat a couple of chocolate chips does not require coaxing, but I need help with more everyday food preparation.   To inspire their help with dinner prep, I whipped up these cute chef hats. I love result. My cutie pies feel extra official while cutting up veggies like broccoli and bell peppers that they snack on as they go. Also I notice that they do not scoff at the site of green beans if they help make them.  So make one of these hats for your little one and tell me what you think.

St. Patrick's Day Frock and Simplicity 2265 pattern review

A couple days before St. Patrick's Day I found this lovely green tone on tone Swiss dot fabric in my stash.  I just had to whip up a St. Patty's Day frock for my little one.  The emerald green material has great drape and texture.  It was calling to me, "Hello, I have been sitting here for too long.  Make something with me!"  Yes, my fabric does talk to me.  Doesn't yours?

Winter Wonderland Doll American Girl Doll Dress

As a follow up to yesterday's post, Ice Skating Inspired Sweater, I wanted to share the American Girl (18") Doll Dress that I made with the same fabric. 

Ice Skating Inspired Sweater

A couple of weeks ago in the middle of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games and after much ice skating viewing,  I stopped into JoAnn's for some supplies.  My daughter spotted this icy blue knit with silver sparkles and begged me to make something for her that would look like an ice skating outfit.

High Chair Makeover

In the era of disposable plastic land, I am proud to say our Peg Perego high chair has survived 3 kids (two of my kids and my best friend's youngest).  Now that my third child has moved up to solids, we pulled out the tired chair.  Instead of buying a new high chair- hello landfill and good bye $200- I decided to revive it with a new cover.

A City Girl and Country Girl Valentine's Day- Part II

On day two of the City Girl and Country Girl Valentine's Day outfits, I am revealing the Country Girl dress.

Make sure you read A City Girl and Country Girl Valentine's Day- Part 1 which explains how got this great coordinating fabric and decided to make two different dresses and how I have been exploring pattern making. 

The Knight Costume- Simplicity 5520 Pattern Review

For Halloween this year, my son wanted to be a knight.  He picked out the pattern Simplicity 5520- view D.  At first he was drawn to the pattern because of the huge ax the child model is holding.  Props go a long way!  After a long discussion about how we would not be making the ax, he still wanted it.  Then I knew we had a winner!

Peacock Costume and Knight Costume- Halloween 2013

Halloween 2013

 I know it is a couple days away from Thanksgiving, but since I did not get this post done before Halloween this year, I gave myself until Thanksgiving to write about the kids Halloween costumes.  True to my procrastinating self, I going to squeak in my my deadline. Actually, I am really excited to share the costumes I made for my little ones. I love sewing costumes- the more theatrical the better. So I always keep my fingers crossed on what the request will be this year. When it comes to Halloween costumes, I am the genie- "your wish is my command." 

Girl's Romper and Leggings Up-cycled from a Woman's Sweater

Since I have been experiencing the nesting phenomenon that happens to so many women while pregnant, I decided to clean out my closet.  Maybe not the best idea when you are far along in your pregnancy, because nothing is going to fit.   After cleaning out my closet, I took a good look everything and kept a few things I could turn into something else.  This sweater transformation for my daughter was one of those thing.  The best thing about it was that it was super easy!!!  

 

All you need to do is find a knit sweater.  I liked how this sweater had a design on the torso and the arms.   Then, cut the arms off the sweater.

 Next, taper in the sides. On a side note,  I would have hemmed the romper shorter but my girl loves long dresses.  Lastly,  hem around the arm holes and VOILA! New Romper.  The leggings were made from the sleeves and part of another recycled sweater to create the waistband and the crotch part of the leggings.  

Overall, this was a super easy outfit that I made out of something I was just going to donate.  The best thing is that my little girl loves how comfy it is and is able to run and play- a must for my active girl.

What is your favorite up-cycled project?

Superhero Cape

Recently, my son wanted a Superhero party for his birthday.  To add to the party fun and to create a homemade party favor, I made some superhero capes.  

Superhero Party

 When my little boy turned 6 this year, we celebrated Superhero style!  He recently became aware of Spiderman, Superman, and Batman.  Since his favorite character kept changing every week, I needed to create a collective superhero party.  A Super Hero Academy type party would allow me to use general super hero decor with a mixture of known characters, and the kids can do some "superhero training" as part of the party entertainment.

Excited to use the Cricut, I made the invitations from my Paper Dolls Dress Up cartridge.   Some research on the Provo Craft website brought me to sample invitation that was perfect. Provo Craft has changed their forum and I can no longer find the invitation that I used as my template, but if someone has the link to the original creator, please let me know.  I would love to share it.

Bias Cut Ruffle Skirt

 I love ruffles and sewing projects that are easy! That is why I was so excited about finding ruffle material at Hobby Lobby last week.  Luckily, my best friend visited weekend.
Recently, she was bitten by the sewing bug and has been soaking up sewing how-to knowledge like a sponge.  She was happy to help me brainstorm.