Nantucket Baby by Ellie Inspired

Another awesome Ellie Inspired Pattern, the Nantucket Baby. It comes in sizes Newborn to 36 months. Again, there are sizes for the big sisters - Nantucket Girl in sizes 4-12. Eliza was even featured on the EI blog for Featured Friday (PROUD Mama!)
This pattern can be shirred or smocked.

Everyday Princess top by Jocole

This is the Everyday Princess top by Jocole Patterns. It includes sizes Newborn-14 and even comes in doll sizes. I have tested several patterns for Jodi before. Her patterns are SO easy to follow, and if you want to try knits, her patterns are the ones to start with. She includes pictures of each step and lots of tips & tricks. She also has Women's patterns!

I paired the Everyday Princess blouse with Jocole's Double layer Ruffle skirt.

Lucy Baby by Ellie Inspired

Introducing my 4th baby, in her modeling debut, my sweet Eliza.

This is the Lucy Baby by Ellie Inspired. It comes in sizes Newborn up to 36 months. There are sister patterns for the bigger girls - Lucy Locket in sizes 1-5 and Angel Girl in sizes 4-12.
This was my first pattern for EI and I loved the way it turned out. It had a few new techniques that I had to muddle through, like plackets, but I did it! This is the top and bloomers



This is the same pattern. I just lengthened the top to dress length.

A different direction

It has been over 2 years since my last blog post and so much has changed since then. The biggest change has been the birth of my 4th daughter! And we are now creeping up on her 1st birthday. I still can't believe it.
In addition to having another girl, my sewing has taken a different turn as well. I still do the occasional sewing for friends and family, but I've moved more towards pattern testing lately. Designers put out testing calls for seamstresses to proof-read and sew up their patterns. We check for fit, ease and understanding of pictures/sewing steps, and submit our pictures of the size(s) we tested. Most designers require that you have a child who can model the outfit for pictures. With 4 girls, I can test a pretty decent range of sizes.
So, I think for this blog, I'm going to take it more towards a "pattern review/miscellaneous sewing project" blog. Let's see how well I do with that. HA!

Happy Mother's Day!

It has been almost 3 months since I've posted anything (it's been almost 4 since I posted to my family blog). Where has the time gone?

A little over a month ago, I partnered up with the owner of a local monogramming business. She was looking to launch a children's clothing line and needed some seamstresses. I took a leap of faith and it was probably the best decision I've ever made. She has been keeping me busy! I have enjoyed working with her immensely; making some extra money doing something I truly love, is just an added bonus.

A week and a half ago, we had some devastating tornadoes come through our area. We went 2 days with absolutely no power until we were finally able to purchase a generator. About 3 days after that, our power was restored; some areas went for several days longer without it. I will never again take warm showers, hot food, & clean clothes for granted. I am so thankful that we still have a roof over our heads, clothes to wear, and no loss of life. There are so many people who can't say the same thing. It has been so encouraging to see how our state has come together. Through the power of Facebook, people from all over the country have stepped up to help. We've even had a few celebrities in our midst (Charlie Sheen, Paul Walker, & Lance Bass).

I was able to squeeze in some non-work related sewing and finished all 3 of my girls Easter dresses... the day before Easter. I had to pull an all nighter to get that accomplished.

And finally, I'd like to wish my mother a very Happy Mother's Day!

I am especially thankful for her this year after the recent events in our area. She has always been the epitome of the perfect mother and the best Nana my girls could ever have. I thank God for her! For without her, I would have never been blessed with them...

The three beautiful girls who made me a Mama!

Happy Mother's Day!

Valentine's Day

I don't usually do handmade Valentines for my girls. We usually trek to the store, they pick out a generic, themed box of cards, and we call it a day.
But this year, I saw SO many cute ideas, that I decided to give some of them a shot. I let Ella & Evie pick out the ones they wanted to try; I picked out Emory's which was MY favorite. ;)

Ella's choice was the Lip and Moustache lollipops. These were a big hit with her friends.


Evie wanted the Butterfly lollipops.

(I especially love her handwritten name. I can't believe she's starting Kindergarten next year!)

Emory's Valentine's turned out way cuter than I imagined them. I chose the Photo treat cards

(I couldn't get a good shot without the glare)

And for Grandma & Grandpa, Nana & Pops, and my 2 sisters, we made Thumbprint Valentines

Finally...

I have some new projects that I've completed. They've been on my to-do list forever, but I just kept putting them off. I actually made some stuff for myself too.


Cookie sheet magnet boards from A Crafty Moms Life

My girls love to draw pictures so I thought these would be a cute way for them to display some of their artwork. I bought my cookie sheets from Dollar Tree, my scrapbook paper from Hob Lob & I had the ribbon in my stash. So grand total was about $6!
I'm also going to make some clothespin magnets for hanging up artwork.


Earring Holder from Handmade Mommy

A very quick & easy earring holder. I already had the 5x7 picture frame & the ribbon. I spent about $1.50 for the paint & fabric.
Now that I have my room back, I'm changing the colors in my room to gray & turquoise. They're my new favorite color combo.

And my favorite project...

Mini fabric bolts from Smashed Peas & Carrots.

It is amazing how much more fabric I can fit on these shelves when my fabric is all neat and folded.
My dad also cut me some out of MDF that are great for my heavier fabrics, like minky dot and corduroy.