No New Orders

At least for the summer, I have decided to take some time off and work on stuff for my family--I have lots of birthday and wedding gifts to keep me busy, too. Our summers are always busy with trips--so it will be hard for me to do much else. You can always feel free to contact me to see if I can fit something in for you--but it will depend on how busy I am.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Sail Away With Me...

Here is another Garanimals outfit that I've done.
The Walmarts around here have now put out new plaid shorts different from those that were available a couple of months ago--the ones used here can no longer be found. Walmart has also started putting out sleeveless shirts instead of the solid short sleeve shirts. I wish they wouldn't do away with their shirts so early in the season (they stopped selling the long sleeve shirts in December). Luckily I had bought up several shirts to use for my little guy--just hoping I can find some time to work on them.

In other news--Florence is getting a Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft! I am so excited--I've never been in one before, but I always like to have more options when it comes to fabric.


Sunday, April 18, 2010

Customer Photos

Here are some pictures of A Whale's Tale creations being worn by some precious cuties:







Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Monkey Birthday

It seems like I don't get to sew as much as I used to--so it was nice to get back to my sewing machine to make this ADORABLE outfit! My friend's little boy is turning 1 and he's having a Mod Monkey birthday party. She passed along one of the birthday hats for me to match the colors of the outfit with. I knew that I had seen the monkey face applique design out there somewhere--and I am so glad I found it--it's simply too cute!

Here is the birthday hat the mom gave me to match colors, etc:

Here is the birthday outfit:


The mom wanted pockets--and I just love them.
The dad absolutely did not want polka dots--so I went with a gingham instead of just a solid color.
 This is the first time I've added pockets to a shortall--but I think they make the outfit.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HENRY!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Super Heroes have birthdays, too!

Here is a shirt using the diamond patch for a little super hero I know.
Happy Birthday, Super Hero Adam!


Wednesday, April 7, 2010

A couple of new designs...

Here are a couple of new designs I got today. I hope to post soon using both designs. Both designs are from http://www.appliquecafe.com/. Though April 15th, she is having a 30% off sale. This is a great place to get designs--and most of the designs are simple and easy to do.

Applique Cafe is also on facebook--become a fan and you can keep up with any new designs that are listed: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Montgomery-AL/Applique-Cafe/494536750634?ref=ts.


Sailboat


Diamond Patch

I have seen this design done with 3 initials inside and also a single applique initial.
It's perfect for a little superhero!

Sometimes applique is hard work...

I love applique--I just think there is so much you can do with it. In fact, I don't think I've done a single embroidery design other than applique or names since I've had my machine. For those of you who don't know the difference: 1.) Embroidery just uses thread to create the design 2.) Applique uses fabric to create a design. Each piece of fabric you see in a design is tacked down and very carefully cut around--and then the edges are usually satin stitched over. Some applique designs are very simple--just one fabric piece and one thread color--I love these--they are simple and fairly quick (although I'm sure you'd be surprised at how much time it takes to applique/embroider something). I had hoped to get 3 shirts in during nap time (which is when I try to get my work done)--but this little design took up all of my time. It has lots of fabric pieces and LOTS of thead changes. The finished product is great, but a lot of work went into getting there. Here is the finished product:


For all of you fellow bloggers out there:
I have been wanting to sit down and create a tag to go on my photos. I am surprised at how many people don't think anything about using someone else's photos and posting it on their blog/facebook/etc. without telling where it came from--which makes it look their own work. I follow lots of blogs and look at etsy and other websites often--so alot of times I notice when someone is using someone's pictures--because I can usually track back and find the original one. I know that people put lots of hard work in their creations--and it is dishonest to post someone else's work as your own. If you want to use someone's pictures to show an idea or something you can do--ask permission and give that person credit. I will now get off my soap box.

I had a flashing idea today as I was about to take the above photo--I decided to print out a tag of my logo and tape it to my hanger. It was quick (although I need to print another when I change out my ink cartridge--it was low) and I think it does the trick!



Monday, April 5, 2010

Cute outfits for a cute little boy...

These are some outfits I did today for a friend's little boy who is just about to turn 1. I had told my friend about seeing several different blogs that had used the Garanimals shorts from Walmart to do a coordinating applique on a shirt. It is one of the best ideas I had seen--and you end up with a boutique looking outfit for a fraction of the cost. Here's how it works: get the shorts in the size you need for your child and buy another pair in the same fabric but in the largest size (they are the same price)--then buy a coordinating plain t-shirt. Use the fabric from the largest shorts in your applique for a great looking outfit. I have several more shirts to do for her, but wanted to go ahead and post what I had got done today (during nap time) so she could get a sneak peek.