Fabric Selections

I haven't posted anything about the fabric selections I have available, so I thought I would let you know where I typically get my fabrics. It may be that if you see something that I've used that you are interested in that I may have some left--but, in most cases, I have anything you see on the blog or might want (just ask--I love looking for fabric) readily available at the stores in my area. I can also order fabric online if needed. If you already have fabric that you would like for me to use in a project--I can do that, as well.

These are the stores in my area that I typically get fabric from:

Hobby Lobby

Hancock Fabrics

Calico Rose Quilt Shop

(Calico Rose has some great fabric, but can be pricier)

There are also some locations that mainly carry decor fabrics

(SMI's, etc.--decor fabrics are great in the use of bags and other items that need to hold up to repeated use)

I also shop from time to time in Winfield, AL @ Betty's Fabrics/Warehouse Fabrics--which has the largest selection of decor fabrics I've seen anywhere. I've used some of their stuff in clothing and bags--they have some great coordinating polka dots, checks, paisleys that work great for children's items. If you are ever passing through Winfield and love fabric, you have to check them out. You just might spend 1/2 a day there.

NOTE: If you would like to look on your own--there are some great fabric stores online.

There are several etsy shops that sell fabric (search http://www.etsy.com/). I also like to look @ http://www.fabric.com/.

And you can even order fabric from some of the boutique trunk show brands that sell children's clothing @ great prices: Chez Ami Fabric

New Designs and More to Come...

Just got some new embroidery designs today that I couldn't resist passing up. Planet Applique (http://www.planetapplique.com/) seems to always have the best sales and specials--I got an e-mail from them today--and couldn't resist getting in on the deals (I hardly had to spend any money to get all of these--I had lots of free points to use, too). Since I've only had my machine since last fall--I am having to work to add to my embroidery design collection (I don't mind at all--I love getting them--it's the purchasing them that sometimes hurts--some can be expensive--and they all add up). So, with every season or holiday that rolls around, I'm trying to add some designs. Remember--I have many more designs than I put on this site and we can likely always find what you might be looking for--just send me an e-mail. I also have in the plans to get some more summer designs real soon.

So here's what I got today:

Both the Easter Egg and the Shamrock come as a complete alphabet.

I can also remove the letter from them and do just the egg or shamrock--or put a name on the inside.

Would look cute as they are with the letter and then a monogrammed name underneath.

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I have only seen reverse applique a couple of times and have never tried it myself, but I'm very excited to give it a shot now that Planet Applique has come out with a whole set (they say that there are more sets to come). The set I bought comes with 4 different designs and in 4 different sizes (there is even a small 2 inch size which should come in super handy when doing those tiny baby items). The designs include: star, dog, elephant, and heart. So, you might be asking--What exactly is reverse applique? The fabric is actually attached to the back of the onesie/shirt when embroidering--when the machine finishes--you cut the onesie fabric to reveal the image in the fabric underneath. Pretty neat, huh?

To see all designs included in the set, go to:

Planet Applique--Reverse Applique Set 1

And to think that I got all this for just under $5.50.

Shortalls/Longalls

Here are some pics of some of the shortalls/longalls that I have made. They are fully lined in a coordinating fabric or can even be done reversible with an applique/monogram on each side. Many of these do not have any monogramming on them (or may have monograms done by other people), because I did not have my embroidery machine when I first started sewing for my little guy. I do not put snaps in the crotch of these. It just adds more time and money, so I've never bothered. I don't have a problem with just slipping it off for diaper changes. The current pattern that I use--includes sizes 1-4--and can be done as a shortall or longall. I can make slight adjustments as needed to make a better fit. I'm going to be on the lookout for another pattern to make sizes newborn to 12 months. If anyone knows of a good one--send me an e-mail. I also tend to make the straps that come across the top a little longer so that the buttons can be moved and it can be worn longer. I also prefer to sew the buttons on with embroidery floss for little ones--which makes it highly unlikely that the button will come loose.

Jonah's 1st Birthday Outfit--This one is reversible.

Note: I did not do the applique.

Jonah's Easter Egg Hunting Outfit from last year. I also made the basket liner to match.

I made this one for Jonah's beach pics:

This is a longall made for his first zoo trip:

Another shortall:

Prices vary depending on size, customization, and fabric selection.

See pricing guide on the right side of blog for a basic description.

E-mail me for an exact quote.

Baby Shower

We had a wonderful baby shower brunch this morning for a GREAT friend from church. The theme was green and brown--which coordinated with the colors of her baby's bedding. Everything turned out wonderful. My friend Becki and I said that we need to go into business together planning/throwing parties/showers--we had alot of fun putting everything together. But, seriously, if you ever need help with ideas/planning--we'll do it--for a price :)

Here are some pics from the shower:

The food was yummy!

To drink we had Orange Julius and Coffee/Vanilla Punch.

The table arrangements we came up with...

And, finally...the gift I did for the shower. The baby's bedding also has elephants on it, so I thought this turned out cute. I also included a gift certificate to A Whale's Tale since I didn't get to do all that I had planned to do for the shower. So, if you aren't sure what to get someone--let me know and I can do a gift certificate for them, so that they can pick out what they want from the website.

Disneyworld...Here we come!

We have a trip planned for Disneyworld--and I've made several items for the family for our trip.
As I mentioned before, this will be my first trip--so I'm very excited!

Note: I do not have the drawstring bag and ringer shirts readily available.

I ordered these items especially for our trip.

If you are interested in these items--I can pass along the website that I ordered them from.

Shirts for the whole family--shown with Disney font.

Jonah's outfit for Animal Kingdom--I knew that I wanted to do animal print, but was afraid I wasn't going to be able to find anything that didn't look too girly. This tiger print turned out too cute!

Jonah's Mickey Outfit--I still need to sew the buttons on. I did this using my trusty longall pattern--and just altered it so I could do the two fabrics. This is the first time that I had tried this--and the red should've come up some more to look more like Mickey's--but, overall, it turned out pretty good.

I got this grey hoodie from Target a couple of weeks ago in their Bargain corner for $6. I noticed today that they now have them marked down to $4. They still had a bunch of kids sizes and colors left. I knew that Jonah would likely need a sleeve for part of the day (after checking the weather--looks like all day)--so I thought this would do the trick.

Back of sweatshirt

Stroller Bag with Coordinating Changing Pad

This is something I made a while back--and I'm just now getting around to putting it on here. I actually have many items that I have done in the past that I'll try to eventually post pictures of. This is a stroller bag with a changing pad. The stroller bag attaches to your stroller handles. It is very handy to store extra stuff--or to use for the basics instead of a whole diaper bag on outings such as the zoo. I keep the changing pad that I also made in mine, as well as some wipes and a couple of extra diapers. The changing pad can be made to match exactly--or can be done in a coordinating fabric. It is made with a layer of felt in the middle to make a softer place to put baby on during diaper changes.

Note: I do not have the monogram font shown in this picture.

I made the bag before I had my machine and had someone monogram it for me.

DIY DISH

I have people ask me all the time how I've learned to do some of the crafty stuff I do or where I got an idea for something. Well, sometimes I do have original ideas, but for the most part, I look for great ideas online. Their is  a wealth of information out there for newbies looking to learn a new skill or find something creative to do. There are many places online that allow you to read about how to do something new--and if you're lucky--they show pictures, too. I learn best by watching a new skill be done right in front of me. That's why I'm excited about DIY DISH. They are starting a new series of videos where they discuss some of the latest and greatest DIY projects in sewing, crafting, scrapbooking, home decor, kid projects, machine embroidery, hand embroidery, and more!

Here is the link to their first video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Omfq50SdtGo&feature=player_embedded

This video introduces you to their new series. I look forward to what they might be able to offer as far as new ideas. AND---to launch their new show, they are giving away 2 Janome machines (one embroidery and one sewing).

Check out their site to find out how you can win:
http://www.thediydish.com/