weekend wishes

to stop feeling like this...

Source: appleday.tumblr.com via Lena on Pinterest

that one day this will be my reality...

image source: yellow heart art

to have a great time at the sewing show this weekend...

that the coffee fairy brings me a big cuppa coffee...

image source: second chance ceramics

to keep seeing signs of spring...

image source: shannon blue photography

and to finally get a yarn bowl.

ok mr. sunshine...where are you...i need you to stop the rain today for me please :P  i'm wishing the rain stops so i can get my photo shoot done. i'm seriously debating about doing an "anti rain dance" around the house braless....lmao.  ok, first off, don't judge me on my post today.   the hubs used up all of our coffee (ahhh!) and didn't tell me so when we got up this morning i am SANS caffeine!!!!!!! i know, i know...it's a tragedy.  i'm going through withdrawal...it makes me a bit goofy thus leading me to write out all these nutso thoughts to you guys.  it's ok though right?  you guys will forgive me and blame my hubby instead right?  upside of the story is he has to buy me a starbucks.  sounds like a fair trade for the headache i have starting...lol.

this weekend i'm hitting up a conference of sorts in town called "the creative stitches show" with a friend.  i am definitely planning on sewing & knitting up a storm.  i've got lots of projects to finish, a pattern to release and a new KAL to start for you guys!!!!  the hubs and i are also on a major cleaning/organizing kick and hope to get this house of ours under control for my sanity.  i also plan on cuddling with my girlies, laughing, beating the hubs at mario bros., eating a yummy breakfast and maybe, just maybe getting to sleep in one morning.

what are you fabulous ladies up to?  any fun weekend plans?  what do you do when you are out of coffee?  anybody else get a bit loopy like i do?  wishing you all a dry, fun, hilarious, crafty, belly filled, awesome weekend! xoxoxo


don't forget you can vote everyday for lil'ol me for the circle of moms top 25 creative mom blogs!  thanks for all your votes so far - you guys rock!  the voting runs until march 15th - vote for me here.

quilting 911 - it's sandwich time!

the kids let me sew yesterday :)  this time it only took me being a circus ring leader while they had a carnival complete with ferris wheel for their my little ponies and a farm house with animal attractions.  they even formed a line up for their little people to get into the carnival and pay to visit. it was hilarious but a game that ensured me a good chunk of time while i ran the circus engine for the ferris wheel.  it gave me the time i needed to finish my quilt top!!!! weeeee!!!!  so excited!

i love it.  it's not perfect...but that's ok.  it's only my 3rd quilt ever and was a new technique for me so i learned a lot.  i could have had some of my hst's line up a bit better but they were good enough in my book.  i think accuracy and good measuring/cutting really count in this quilt (i suck at cutting) so the fact that they look like zig zags and mostly line up made me pretty happy with myself.  now comes my fave part!

 time to make the quilt sandwich!  the quilt sandwich is not my fave part but the quilting is!  i love the actual sewing and quilting of quilts.  something so meditative and relaxing about it all.  i plan on sewing 2 lines a 1/2" on either side of the zig zag line.  after spending days staring at zig zag quilts online when i first chose to make this quilt i realized pretty quickly this was my fave pattern for quilting.  i love the effect it has on the back as well.  i'm pretty excited to get some serious sewing time done on this quilt as soon as i can.

balloon in aqua from children at play by sarah jane

i also am still debating about the size of the quilt.  i really, really, do not want to make a border so this quilt may end up just being a cross between a lap quilt/twin quilt for my oldest.  it will be cozy no matter what though.  i'm having second thoughts about the backing though.  my gut is so in love with using the balloon print that i really don't want to change it but i also feel like i need a second opinion on it.  am i off my rocker people?  could i get away with this?  i feel like the tones in the backing print are a nice blend of the warm/cool tones in the quilt but i really stress about this part.  it always takes me forever to decide...lol.  any thoughts? 

also, for those of you who are wondering what methods/tips i use for making the quilt sandwich these are my two favorite posts on the process:

- making the quilt sandwich by ohfransson
- aligning the quilt sandwich by redpepperquilts

and a handy post on if you decide to ever try the spray adhesive route:

- spray adhesive for quilt basting: a quick how to by filminthefridge

i'm off today to get some sewing done in the hopes that my first sewing pattern for sale will be released next week! we are just finishing up some final photo shoots and final pattern edits.  cannot wait...really, it's keeping me up at night i'm so excited for you all to see it!  i hope you all will love it as much as i do.  i've been wearing mine all the time.  i'll also be goofing around with these little monkeys.  i can only imagine who i will be today to get an hour of sewing time in :P  i'll keep ya posted...lol.

you can read the two other posts on my zig zag quilt here:

1st post  |  2nd post  |  3rd post

what is your favorite part of quilting?  do you enjoy putting the your quilt sandwich together? what tricks/tips do you use?  do you have a fave post you refer to?  please share in the comments below and i'll add them to the post above for our reader faves.  you can never have enough tips right?  happy quilting!

when a good project goes wrong

 

Fabric: Vintage Ladies (Ivory) from Ruby Star Rising by Melody Miller (gifted from The Cottage Home)

you know that feeling you get when you are working on a project that you are super excited about, that's taken you forever to get to and that you've chosen very special prints out of your stash for?  it's hard for me to use up treasured fabrics. i have issues cutting into prints i adore, it's like i hear my insides screaming "stop, stop, don't do it!".  seriously...it takes me forever.  so for months now i've been drooling over my friends knitting box bags (from a talented knitter's etsy shop that i hope to feature soon) and  every time i see them i think i'm gonna make some of those for myself to help store my knitting.  i use turquoise cloth storage bins for my knitting supplies but wanted something pretty to use inside.  i thought some gifted cloth bags and these box bags would be the perfect solution.  little did i know this project was going to be the good project that goes wrong...lol.

after researching online for a while to find the best tutorial to follow i picked my chosen one that the most people seemed to refer to when making box bags.  i'm still not sure what happened to make this bag go wrong, but i think it was mostly the fact that i was very tired (reason why i do not sew tired anymore but i broke my rule) and the kids were running around nutso while i became obsessed with making this silly thing work.  even to the point that my sewing machine was an airplane engine and i was the captain and all the chairs they put behind me were seats that they filled with themselves and barbies to go on a holiday to disneyland.  i even spoke with an accent...yes, i was that desperate..lol.  oh the things a mom will do to get some sewing time in :P

i quickly realized that the bag had taken a turn for the worst.  first one i cut out i cut out wrong and messed it up.  cried over my wasted fabric.  second one i cut out i still think i messed up but i went with it bemoaning to myself about having such a hard time cutting out a bloody rectangle..lol.  so once i went to attach the bag to the zipper i realized that my print was going to be upside down one side...duh.  too late now...i whined some more because i'm a perfectionist and will forever hate that side of the bag but for some reason i just kept going.  big mistake..big mistake.  i should have known it was because i had the dimensions of the bag wrong.  oops.  if i had turned it the prints would have been right going from top to bottom and the bag wouldn't look like a long wine case instead of a box bag.  what you say? the pics above don't look wonky?  well....look below my dears...look below..lol..

how's that for the world's longest box bag?  hahaha, it cracks me up so bad now that i can laugh at it.  it's actually not that long but looks longer due to it being so skinny.  you want to know what else?  when i had almost finished constructing my bag i realized it was about 4 inches too long...yes...it was even longer than shown here..lmao..so i chopped that puppy off.  see.....

ouch..that hurt i tell you.  but i persevered.  the fact that my zipper was awesome and i didn't make any errors with it gave me the energy to keep sewing.  that and i loved the prints i used so much i just didn't care at this point.  but did the oopsies stop? nope, that bad sewing karma just followed me around that day. bah to you bad sewing karma.

see the mistake on my topstich on the handle above? i know, i could have ripped it out but at this point it was like a trademark for the bag..lol and because the bag dimensions were wrong i had to attach the handle and sew the box corners about 5 times to get the size to work.  i quickly realized the dimensions given for the handle were way larger than the space i had allotted on the sides so when i first sewed it up the handle was folded and gibbled. not pretty.  i did rip that out...about 4 times...lol...and i had to resew my handle.  but in anger i just whacked some of the width off forgetting that i had an enclosed seam so i had to then rip it apart too and resew. gosh darn it all.

but the zipper looks good right?  that's all that mattered to me at this point..but then i opened the bag and looked at this.

arghhhhhhhhhh! i hate exposed seams.  they drive me batty.  i'm a stickler for finished seams.  this irritated me and yes, i know people cover them with bias tape etc to cover it up but i had chopped mine all gibbly and couldn't do it.  needless to say next time i will be sewing the tutorial i now found that doesn't have exposed seams.  i know, i don't know what's wrong with me but i will make myself another one...if just to prove to myself i can not mess it up..lol.

it holds my knitting great, it's easy to carry and store and i really love the fabrics.  so i'm still using it and you know what?  it brings a smile to my face cause i can just laugh it off.

cause if you don't look at the bad parts it can look pretty cute, no?

ahhhhh, the zipper.  and then i realized it was like a metaphor for my house and life right now.  i can try to ignore the bad and frustrating parts and focus on the good things that make me happy that are actually harder to do than the rest of it.  like that zipper for instance.  i used to have a giant sized fear of zippers and now i find them fun.  moral of the story...don't give up, even if it's not working.  rearrange, try again, persevere cause you never know, you may love it in the end.  not everything has to be perfect :)

have you had a good project that's gone wrong lately?  c'mon and share with me.  what did you do with your project?  let's embrace our oopsies today. 

knittin', knittin', knittin', keep those needles knittin'!

Pattern: Classic Raglan Pullover by Jane Richmond

Yarn: Cascade 220 Heathers Colorway 8401

i've been trying really hard to knit up a storm lately.  i quickly realized i have way too many projects on my needles and the fact that new yarn on it's way to me this week to make some bday pressies for my girls put me into a slight panic.  i've had my "classic raglan pullover" by jane richmond in hibernation since november...poor sweater.  i literally had done about 15 rows and then put it aside to work on xmas projects.  so when i found out from my pal jane that canadian living was hosting an online kal for the classic raglan pullover i couldn't resist pulling it out of hibernation and get cracking on that bad boy. you can find the info for the knit along here on the canadian living craft blog and us peeps are also chatting about the kal in the jane richmond ravelry group.

i've only been working on it since sunday and boy does it go fast.  i was already able to separate my sleeves and try it on! definitely my favorite part of knitting a raglan style seamless sweater.  there is something so exciting about getting to the point of where your knitting starts to look like a garment.  when you have a sleeve start and an underarm and the top of your sweater!  trying it on is like adding fuel to the fire.  i always power through to this point because it's so exciting and then i get even more excited to try it on that i whip through the rest of it so i can wear it :)  it's all good.

jane's pattern is cleverly designed with lots of options for customizations to fit this pullover to your body size and measurements which is perfect for me as my arm/back size is way smaller than my bust and hip size.  i'm constantly having fit issues with my arms in knitted goods so knitting these types of garments allows me to make sure it fits me perfectly :)  thanks jane!

in between taking pics of my sweaters harper snuck in wearing one of my hats she stole.  isn't she just the cutest lil'thing? sorry.....mommy moment...lol.

Pattern: Rocky Coast Cardigan by Hannah Fettig

Yarn: Quince & Co. Colorway Lark

back to knitting....and guess what else i finished?  yes...the sleeves are done on my rocky coast cardigan! i made it through my bad case of sleevitits.  finished one whole sleeve on saturday night.  powered through that thing.  i didn't enjoy these sleeves and they aren't perfect....but after ripping back on one i just let it go.  we couldn't figure out how to make the designs cable pattern fit in there without it looking slightly off when decreasing so wth...i just winged it and there will definitely be no shots of me showing you the underside of this sweater arm...lol.  it's purdy though :)

now i have to pick up the entire perimeter of the fronts and neckline and rib my brains out, then block it and finally...finally...get to wear it! i cannot wait!  so excited to be done this project.  i've still got audrey on my needles too and i'm dying to wear that beautiful red color this spring/summer.  lovely!

Pattern: Mallory Cowl (Adult) by me (you can find both the adult and youth patterns

 on sale on ravelry, the blog, and craftsy)

Yarn: Cascade 220 in colorway 9469

i also treated myself to some bright pink cascade 220 (can you tell i love this yarn?) the other week to make myself a mallory cowl.  i have made a few but not one for myself yet and figured it was about time.  it matches perfectly with my new nail polish and sneakers...lol.  it makes me feel cheerful and ready for spring.  i heart bright colors for accessories and this cowl is super fun for showcasing color!  it's also perfect for this weather we're having right now.  i'm living in long sleeve tops and my vest with a cowl.  not too hot and not too cold. perfect outfit to knit more goodies in..hahaha.

what's on your needles at the moment? are you getting excited for the new kal starting a the end of the month?  i am!!!!  any knitted projects you've been dreaming of starting?  c'mon...there must be at least a few of you out there who, like me, always have 2-3 projects on the go...right??? happy knitting!

snippets of sewing...& my thoughts

i attempted to get a lot of sewing done this weekend.  it didn't happen.  but what i did get done was fun and even though i had made a "to sew list" i got distracted and whipped up a partially finished new project for me!  but wouldn't ya know...right when i was getting some good sewing mojo on the hubs leaves the wee one with me napping and a few minutes after he walks out the door she wakes up. darn it.  sewing time over.  i'm already dreaming of next weekend.  those unfinished projects are already haunting me :)

because we rent and live in our condo i have what used to be our dining room for a sewing wall (first pic above) and the area (shown shown directly above) where our table now is as a makeshift workspace that i use only on saturdays when the hubs takes the kids out for a few hours so momma can work.  the ironing board monster is always looming and storing odds and ends, stacks of fabric, books, equipment, supplies...you name it...the ironing board monster holds onto it.  all that stuff on the table there is usually on my ironing board and as you can see in the first pic of this post that ironing board is already quite full.  oh how i dream of a sewing room with real space.....one day, one day...but for now..it's chaos in a somewhat organized fashion.  i just clean off the ironing board when i need to work and move it all onto the table.  not ideal but you gotta do what you gotta do. or as tim gunn says "make it work".

and speaking of project runway (my fave show), i've been hooked on project runway allstars and keep forgetting to show you all my autographed pic of mondo :P  yes, mondo guerra. i love mondo.  he's one of my fave project runway designers and when my pal alex was in the states last fall she saw him at macy's and even though she doesn't watch the show she stood in line to get this for me cause she knows how big a fan i am. so sweet!  thank you again alex...xoxox.  needless to say mondo is on my shelf right next to my sewing machine reminding me to think outside the box, be creative and stay true to myself.  i find him and his style very inspiring.  yes, again, i'm a dork..lol. 

remember last week when i told you a special parcel had arrived from a friend?  well let me tell you...what a wonderful surprise!!!  anna from the awesome blog noodlehead and i were chatting and we got to talking about fabrics and i was moaning and groaning about how i always have to order online for prints i like and never have a budget to buy any unless i know what the project is for and she said she was getting rid of scraps and would i like them?  heck ya i would!!!!

so i was expecting a wee envelope with..well, scraps.  what came was a big ol'box filled with fabric deliciousness.  seriously.  i'm still drooling.....i can't even put them away on my fabric shelf because they are all just too lovely to look at.  anna - i heart you and you are sooooooo awesome!!!! thank you soooooo much! sincerely and straight from the heart.  fabric makes me cry i love it so.  sometimes i don't even want to sew with it, i just want to look at it.  wanna see what she sent me?

and there was real scraps in there too!  i feel so blessed. that's not even all the little goodies she sent!  i now need to find time to sew with them all!  i've been struggling with  juggling everything the last few weeks and it's been weighing on my mind a lot lately.  how to fit it all in, find time to just be mommy, be a wife, clean the house, blog, write, design, sew, knit, keep projects organized...and the list goes on.

i think we all, as moms, and especially creative moms, find this especially difficult.  creative energy comes on even when you aren't asking for it.  i know for me it's strong and drives me nuts until i either make something, draw, sew, write it down, knit...whatever it is...my hands will tingle with excitement until i...well....just create.  it may sound weird to some, but i've been like this my whole life.  i wake up in the night filled with ideas and thoughts and have to get up and jot them down.  i can be driving to preschool and feel a strong urge to pull over the car to take a pic or draw an idea of a new project out.  i love this about myself but i also sometimes find it very hard to control when life is busy or hectic.  i need to find time to push those thoughts further and allow them to become reality.  they can't always just sit on a page waiting or folded on my ironing board begging to be sewn...sometimes they just need "to be".  how to always find the time is my current dilemma.  the more i create the more thoughts i have and the more energy that i need to get out.  it just takes over.

it's tough leaving most of it for saturday and then when saturday comes to not be able to finish...aiyahahaa..then it leave me here writing to all of you about it..lol.  i used to sew at night but man, when i get to 8 or 9pm i haven't even started blogging yet and the house needs tidying and i find if i sew tired (which i always am at this time) i just mess it up.  i used to sew when it was nap time but now my oldest daughter wants my full on attention during the babies nap time so that makes it hard to sew then too.  i also get really distracted and cannot focus when the wee ones are running under foot when i'm trying to sew during the day so that brings me back to saturdays which is a new work in progress in our house.  but then isn't life a work in progress? i'm sure i'll find some semblance of an answer soon but in the meantime i thought it would be fun to hear your thoughts on the subject.

do any of you have the same issue? what do you do to help fit that time in to create?  time blocking helps me but i feel like i need to start doing more than that. let's chat, i think this is a topic that a lot of you deal with daily and i'm sure we all have some tidbits of wisdom to share with each other.  coffee's on :)

winner of the make it sew modern giveaway

we've got a winner for the wonderful new sewing book "make it sew modern" by the lovely vanessa christenson of v and co!!!  was it you?  here's the winner...............

Entry #213 - Sharon Troia of the blog "knits are for kids"!!!

congratulations sharon!!!!  hope you enjoy the book, i'll be in touch soon to get your addy.

a big thank you to vanessa for the giveaway, i love this book and wish you so much success m'dear! so proud of you! you can find all things vanessa christenson here:

blog  |  book  |  shop |  facebook |  twitter  |  pinterest

weekend wishes

to have popcorn at the movies...

image src: amy atlas

to get my hands on some cute washi tape...

Source: kellyoshiroevents.com via PiscesOlya on Pinterest

to work on my quilt...

Source: homesweethideaway.blogspot.com via Blair on Pinterest

to figure out why finding pyrex has alluded me for months...

image src: erinink

to stay very caffeinated...

image src: artsyville

and to embrace the calm when i can find it...

image src: ana cole

wow...what a week.  i'm pooped.  i have to admit it's been one of those weeks that i'm just plain worn out..lol.  i keep trying to get on top of things but alas no success.  hopefully the weekend will help me get back on track again.  i'm hoping to take my wee ones (and maybe the hubs) to the movies (when did they get so expensive - holy cow!).  we are super excited to go see "the lorax" and i have to admit i'm in the perfect mood to go see a flick and indulge in some movie theatre popcorn :)  i've also got knit night, and hopefully some time to get caught up on some work and a few deadlines.

in between all that i really think i need some time to make some lists.  i love me a good list.  when i start feeling overwhelmed, which i am, i make lists.  i need to break it all down and prioritize it all and then work my way down the list.  instead of being swallowed alive by it all it gives me a sense of accomplishment and shows me that all my hard work is going somewhere.  so bring on the lists...grocery lists, meal plan lists, chore lists, organizing lists, sewing list, knitting list, blogging list...hahahaha, and the list goes on.  sorry, couldn't help myself..lol.

what are you up to this weekend?  are you crafting?  making lists too?  is going to the movies a special treat for your family too?  has your week been a tough one? wishing you a restful, funfilled, coffee drinking, craft making, family snuggling kinda weekend.  pull up a chair, let's chat my friends <3
 

don't forget you can vote everyday for lil'ol me for the circle of moms top 25 creative mom blogs!  thanks for all your votes so far - you guys rock!  the voting runs until march 15th - vote for me here.

noodlehead pattern review - the envelope clutch

i got to sew a little something for myself on the weekend and boy did it feel really good.  i haven't sewn something just for me in a long time.  it always seems to be for the kids or a gift for someone, so when my pal anna of the awesome blog noodlehead asked me to pattern test her newest pattern i said heck ya!  her newest pattern is coming out very, very soon and it's called the "envelope clutch pattern".  i <3 it!

it's a stylish envelope style clutch with lots of different options:  two sizes, two flap styles, two strap styles - you name it, anna shows you how to do it.  don't you just love when someone focuses on the tiny details that make something as important as a bag look so professional?  i love me some topstitching and swear it makes any sewn item look very professionally finished.  doesn't my wrist strap look purdy?  i was super happy when i showed the clutch to my sister and she asked right away "how did you make the strap?", she thought it was leather and from far away it does look like that so score for momma. 

see the topstitching along the back of the clutch?  fave part of the whole bag.  two rows...all nice.  just adds that special touch to the clutch.

i also loved the way anna constructed the clutch and because i don't make bags very often i learned a lot.  i found her instructions and pictures super easy to follow and her steps were very organic.  it just flowed and i naturally knew where she was headed next but was also excited to see how the whole thing came together.  it was fun.  i especially was pleased with how the envelope flap is joined to the clutch leaving you with a full bag edge that is finished (see where i'm lifting) and the flap comes out from the back area.  i got a kick out of this and really enjoyed it.  i know, again, i'm a dork ;P

i got to do some firsts with this clutch too.  first time using magnetic snaps. i always seem to use regular snaps but these puppies have fast become my new friends :)  i also got to sew my second zipper in and it was also my first zippered pocket evah!  wanna see?

woweee!! i love the inside...like love, love, love it.  so proud of myself. i know i sound like a geek but seriously those zippers are like being in the olympics for me.  my old fear was so bad, and i'm getting over it, but every time i do one i feel like i need a medal and a celebration. i had no errors this time round and am super excited about! i keep opening and closing it...lol, and showing just about anyone who asks me "where did you get your bag?". anna's zipper installation was the easiest i have ever seen and i mean easy. i wish it had been my first zipper it was sooooo easy.  loved it.  the inside of my pocket is also that yummy deep mustard color as well for a hidden zip of va voom!
 

there's lots of room for credit cards, cell phones and other goodies in this clutch too.  don't be fooled, this bad boy has got some room to it.  i made the larger version and i think it's the perfect size for me to chuck a few odds and ends in when taking the kidlets out on a quick outing.  two thumbs up in my book.  the other size called for a fat quarter but i have a lot of stuff so i figured it was safer for me to go with the large one.  i also went with the wrist strap over the shoulder strap but i think both are equally as stylish.

all in all i loved this pattern, but then i always love anna's patterns - she rocks people!  go show her some love k?  my only critique was that i thought it was going to take me 2 hours to make and it took me all day.  but like i said, i don't make bags very often and it took me quite a bit of time to get everything cut out, assembled and lined.  also, the pattern called for canvas and interfacing and in some spots i used a stiff (heavy) interfacing instead of canvas and light weight interfacing together.  i like the way it turned out and it's got a good structure without being too stiff or too soft.

uh oh...i think someone else likes it too!  hahaha, hands off my bag lady!  i'm sure this is one that's going to get a lot of usage in our house.  one tip i do have to share is don't be silly and make a dumb oopsie like i did.  i had this lovely print that i wanted to use but only a tiny amount and was desperate to fit the bag pieces on it.  when i was cutting the bag out i got so excited i could just fit it on that i didn't even think to look if my tree lines were lined up when i cut out the bag.  silly mistake.  darn prints.  so don't rush folks, take your time and line it all up.  i got to the end and went to put the whole bag together and there are parts that i thought were crooked but really it's the tree print that is crooked - not my sewing :(  darn me and my cutting skills...lmao. i wish i wasn't such a perfectionist and i could just let it go...lol, but i just can't. 

so admire my new bag...but just don't look too closely :) want to make an envelope clutch of your own?  anna's "envelope clutch pattern" will be out in the next few days so pop on over and get sewing one of your own :) thanks anna...xoxoxoxoxo  luv ya and congrats on another awesome pattern!

you can find anna's sneak peek at her clutch here and all other things noodlehead here:

blog  |  facebook |  shop  |  flickr  |  pinterest

what kind of purse do you like to sew?  are you a topstitch addict too?  what fabric would you use for your clutch?  let's chat purses ladies...you know we all love a good bag :)

moments in the mommyhood - adventures with daddy

i had one of those nights last night where i felt like my home had just overwhelmed me.  a case of the laundry has beaten me down into a corner, the carpet is about to take life, the bathrooms are a no man's land and so on...you know the kind of nights where you wish to god a maid would come miraculously to your house and help you or you wake up the next morning a la martha stewart and have the newfound talent to just do it all.  ha.  didn't happen.  the maid didn't come and i'm not martha stewart..lol.

so instead of the crafty post i had planned today i cheered myself up by plugging in the camera and taking a look at what the hubs got up to with the kidlets on sunday while i was at sewing group.  it was hilarious.  the pictures themselves aren't funny but i can read the back story and hear their narrative.  they had a good time and i just love idea of the shots mixing my little girls bright pink ensemble with flowered boots against a grey, snowy day (yes it snowed later) and a national historic site called fort rodd hill.  i mean bombs, cannons, weapons, lighthouses, military stuff all juxtapositioned against my glowing little kiddos.  only my hubby would think of that :)

needless to say it cheered me up and the house doesn't seem so bad this morning....maybe i will kick it's butt after all or at least make it till bedtime without crying about it..lol.  any of you sometimes just feel plain overwhelmed by it all?  i know, i know, i should just do one chore at a time, or do something nice to cheer myself up, and i will, but sometimes a girls just gotta whine a tad and see if she's the only one going to bed at night cowering under the blanket so she doesn't have to fall asleep staring at 4 loads of laundry waiting....just waiting.....whispering.."you should fold me...you should fold me..." and then the bathroom chimes in..."you should clean me...you should clean me...".  lmao.  ok, i haven't had coffee yet.  don't judge me :)

what do you do to stay on top of things? do you have the feeling that sometimes you just can't do it all & something's gotta give?  is it your home that sometimes falls to the bottom of the list?  let's cheer each other up ladies.  i'm off to get starbucks...want one?

quilting 911 - sewing the zigs and the zags

i've started sewing the zigs and the zags!  weeee! i was so happy to finally have some time to work on my zig zag quilt at my modern sewing group on sunday.  what i wasn't happy to find out was that it was going to take me soooooo long to trim the corners of my hst's. wowsa! massively time consuming, or at least it was for me...lol.



these are the parts i don't enjoy about quilting but then you all know how crappy i am with a rotary cutter and that cutting is my least favorite part of any craft..lol.  i literally got only 3 rows all stitched up at the group and attached the 4th row this morning.  it took me way longer than i thought. 

i LOVE the sewing of the quilt though.  i really enjoy sitting down at the machine with a big stack of squares and sewing them all together.  it's methodical, rewarding and so much fun.  i'm addicted.  i just don't like doing the grunt work that leads up to it - i need the fairy craft mother to come in and do all my cutting for me.  the step that i'm most excited about is the quilting.  i'm dying to put that quilt sandwich together and give er'!!!

i'm planning, for the moment, on doing 1/2" lines following the zig zags on either side of the seam.  i've seen a few done like this online and love the look that it created on the front and back of the quilt.  so purdy.  one thing i am pondering right now is the color to do that and also if i should add a border to the quilt.  now that my rows are stitched up i realized that the quilt may be too small for my liking.  my only worry is that the border would detract from the style of the zig zags. what do you guys think?  would you add a border?  what color would you quilt in? or leave it be?  my backing fabric has a print that i think would not look good on the front as well.  wouldn't like it. 

doesn't it look like a stained glass window in the sunlight?  sorry....couldn't resist the pic....caught my eye while and i thought it was cool.

now don't judge me on my ironing.  the rows are not pressed perfectly yet.  i got a tad lazy at the very end and haven't pressed them all perfectly after i sewed the rows together so everything is slightly poofy still.  i did good with my ironing for everything else.  it was nice being able to work on this in a big space with room to move and lots of equipment.  i just don't seem to work on my quilts at home due to lack of space etc. it makes it even more time consuming.  i just don't know where i would fit myself in my condo while working on it.

so i've got 6 rows left to do and in those six rows i still have to trim the hst squares :(  but then i get to sew! yippee! and that part goes fast and then i'll have a quilt top! yeehaw!!!! so excited!  and you know what comes after this quilt is done? one for me!!!  yay!!! this one is for my daughter but momma's gotta have a quilt for herself too right? i'm dying to get mine started. it's been waiting for almost 2 years now.  so the faster i get this one done the faster i get to work on a big one for momma.

you can read the two other posts on my zig zag quilt here:

1st post  |  2nd post

what quilty goodies have you guys been working on?  do you love hst's too?  any tips on how to trim the squares really quickly?  i could use them :)  what color would you quilt this in? white?

sneak peeks

phew..this weekend was a busy one.  a super fun one, but a busy one. i'm pooped..lol.  i couldn't resist coming on and showing you all some pics today of what i got up to & a few sneak peeks.  i got a lovely package on friday from an awesome pal that i can't wait to show all this week and those zippers above were in there and let me tell you their prettiness is sure helping me get over my fear of zippers.  aren't they lovely on a rainy day?  so cheerful.  especially when we got hit with some snow yesterday! yuck!! :(

my weekend had coffee drinking, a bit of magazine/book reading - i am months behind on some of my fave mags, along with some knitting....oh yeah....bring on the knitting.  i had a scare on the weekend because i'm such a clumsy fool that i hurt my hand on friday night and even though it's getting better i nearly freaked out as it was my right hand and i couldn't move it! how the heck was i gonna knit, sew and type to all of you? that's all i could think about. such a dork i am. the hubs is still razzing me about how clumsy i am but in all honestly i think it was his elbows fault and not my hands :P you see i tripped and fell in the hallway to our condo door and he made fun of me so i got up and went to playfully whack him in the arm but instead of hitting his arm i hit his elbow bone full on with the top of my hand. can we say ouch!  and can we say clumsy?  but it was his elbow's fault right? not my hands...c'mon ladies...side with me..lol...us girl's gotta stick together.

audrey cardigan in knitpicks stroll tonal - colorway gypsy

saturday is my sewing day so i got to sew like a mad woman and then hit the pub for knit night.  yes, drinking and knitting do mix...lol.  and boy oh boy was it fun! definitely a good time.  but what happens at knit night - stays at knit night!  i picked up some bright pink yummy yarn from a lys (boutique de laine) on friday to make myself a mallory cowl of my own (shown below).  i don't have one and have been dying to find the time to whip one up so i thought mallory would be the perfect project to work on while sipping martinis and sure enough...i'm almost done. i think i was the last one knitting and no errors - i was sure i would mess something up.  i did overcompensate on my long tail cast on and ended up with a giant pool of yarn on the floor but i was sober when i did that so it doesn't count :P  i also have been sneaking in my audrey cardigan (shown above) here and there - isn't she a pretty garter stitch? love the color & can't wait to get my rocky coast cardigan done so i can finish my audrey up.

mallory cowl - cascade 220, colorway

speaking of my rocky coast cardigan here's a shot of the never ending sleeve. i definitely have a full blown case of sleevitis.  darn sleeves.  takes me forever.  i just want to wear the darn thing and i'm only on sleeve #1...one more to go and then i have to pick up the whole front and neckline and rib my brains out..lol.  soon though, soon i will be wearing it.  in between all the knitting i got to do some sewing.  i was excited to do some pattern testing for a bloggy pal that hopefully i will be able to show you this week and it just happened to be a little project for me that matches perfectly with another wee project i've been working on :)  so many secrets...it's killing me lately.  secret kal's, secret patterns, secret projects...i'm gonna burst with it all...lol.  i promise to fill you all in soon.

i've also been doing some sewing with the new line of birch fabrics - commute.  love it!!!! this line is 100% organic and so soft with such a great drape.  the new pattern i'm working on (due to come out next week) will feature one print and this lovely item below will be showcasing another 2 prints.  i can't wait to show you all.  so purdy!!!!

birch fabrics - commute, dandi flight

i also had my modern sewing group meetup yesterday and worked hard on my zig zag quilt.  i'm hoping to show pics of that this week as well but in the meantime before i forget to ask - if any of you have made a mallory cowl and don't have pics up on ravelry yet could you email them to me (luvinthemommyhood@yahoo.ca) or add them to our flickr group?  i'm putting together a little post and would love to see your finished cowls.  also, the mallory cowl (both youth and adult) are both available for purchase now on craftsy (this site is awesome - go check it out) as well as on ravelry for 2 for 1 - only $1.99!

 what did you all get up to on the weekend?  were you knitting, sewing, crochet, baking?  fill me in...i love hearing about what crafty goodness you are all up to! let's sip coffee and chit chat :)  happy monday m'dears!

weekend wishes

to look this fabulous while out in a rain storm...

image src: rasberry and red

that my gold card gets here sooner than later...weeee...so excited...

Source: starbucks.com via Mia on Pinterest

to get a good chunk of my quilt done at sewing group...

image Src: SweetEventide

to have a good laugh...

image src: colton witt photography

to say thanks to you all for being such awesome pals...

image src: lunacabco

and to not mess up my knitting at pub knit night tomorrow...

image src: made by koning

tgif! yipeee!  it's been a long week.  a fun one but a long one.  we've got a busy weekend coming our way.  it's my fave time of the month!  i've got knit night on saturday and it's our pub knit night. that's right...we go to a pub and knit.  cool - i know :P  i just hope i don't get so tipsy i wreck my knitting..muahaha..i'm a little scared.  i'm not a big drinker and since i've just finished weaning a few days ago i really haven't had anything to drink in like 2 years.  the one time i did i had half a glass of wine and was drunk...lol..yes, drunk.  it was humiliating and embarrassing to say the least.  thankfully i was just at home with the hubs so nobody else witnessed it.  so knit night i have a 1 drink limit :)

i also don't want to be hungover for sunday.  it's our modern sewing group meetup on sunday and i've got some serious plans to make a good sized dent in my zig zag quilt.  i'm hoping to square up my hst's before going so that all i have to do when i am there is sew up the quilt front.  fun, fun, fun! i cannot wait! it's been so busy around here my poor quilt is still pinned to the wall waiting for me to show it some luv.  it tortures me that i haven't had a chance to get to it yet.  my ironing board monster is also growling my way a lot lately.  it seems like no matter how much i clean it up and get my projects in order it crawls back out and snarls at me with it's ugly teeth laughing. damn you ironing board monster..go bug someone else..lol.  oh, and yes, i talk to inanimate objects..lmao.  especially ones who take over my sewing wall and make it impossible for me to sew anything.

in between all the crafty goodness this weekend i'll be coloring with my girls, playing some video games with the hubs and working on my newest pattern.  i also hope to squeeze a movie or two in there with the hubs.  i need some cuddle time :)

what are you ladies up to?  any crafty plans this weekend?  are you being bombarded by a rain storm today too?  share, share...i love hearing what you are all up to!  wishing you a stylish, laughter filled, coffee indulging, cozy, kinda weekend!

P.s. - i was super excited to find out i was nominated for the circle of moms "top 25 creative mom blogs" contest! so awesome! if you could be so kind as to go and vote for lil'ol me that would be so sweet!  you can see all the nominees here and vote for me here :) thanks everyone!

playing hookie...& some blog housekeeping

i'm taking a wee bit of a break today to go rock my new bangs...i'm feelin' it ladies...lol.  what do you think? keeping in line with the "i'm pampering myself to try to forget all the concussion, back injury, stomach bugs and lady probs that i've been dealing with since october" i got my hair cut the other night and asked my amazing hairdresser (who's leaving me to go on a 6mth sabbatical across france..wahhhhh!!!) to give me some rockin' mom hair and she sure did.  i love it.  i'm also playing a bit of hookie today to do a fun photoshoot for my upcoming sewing pattern/tutorial that i'm biting the bullet and releasing for sale! i'm excited and nervous all at the same time. ohhhhh...i cannot wait for you all to see it!  my lovely pal jane richmond is modelling for me again and she's just gonna look so stylin' in it!  for all you awesome ladies who so kindly offered to pattern test for me it's coming. i'm hoping to have it out to you today so get those sewing machines ready :)

i also figured that since our knit alongs are just so awesomely (word?) fun that i better make it a bit easier for you peeps to find them (and me too)!  it sure was fun for me to look back and see all the knitting that has gone on since june of last year! wowsa how time flies!!!  if you look on the sidebar now you will find a "luvinthemommyhood knit alongs" button that you can click on that will take you to the post that i give you a sneak peek of above.  please feel free to comment and let me know if i'm missing anything you'd like to see added to the list.  it's a work in progress and sort of a hub for our kal's so i'm always open for input.

what have you all been up to this week?  i love the feeling after a new haircut...i just wish i really could sleep upright without moving so i could keep my awesome haircut in immaculate condition.  anyone else recently made a "hair change"?  what are you crafting this week?  share, share...i'm dying to hear what's been going on.  happy thursday!  that means it's almost friday..woot woot!

warm up to winter knit along - the winners!

image src: the glitter guide

 we've got some winners!!!!!  today is the official last day of the warm up to winter knit along.  i'm super sad that it is ending but really excited for the next one.  these knit alongs are so rewarding and such a wonderful source of inspiration and fun for me. so thank you all for joining in and knitting along with me <3

ready to hear who won?  i am!!! congratulations to.....

img src

winner #1 - 
Cindy Mousseau (More Like June) - Commenter #60

you've won the following:
- 5 patterns of their choice from jane richmond!!! hello!  awesome!
- a copy of the star crossed mitts pattern from nice and knit.  love this pattern!
- and a copy of the entire season 3 of knit and crochet now!  woo hoo!  now you can knit and watch knitting! how perfect is that?!

winner #2 - 
Ciaran Blumenfeld (Momfluential) - Commenter #40

you've won the following:
- 1 pattern of their choice from jane richmond.
- 1 copy of the star crossed mitts pattern from nice and knit.
- and a copy of the entire 3rd season of knit and crochet now.

i'll be in touch with you both soon to get your information! congratulations!!!

Source: leloveimage.blogspot.com via Courtney on Pinterest

a big thank to our "warm up to winter knit along" prize sponsors! you guys are awesome! 

i hope you all had as much fun as i did!  here's to the next one! congrats on all your wonderful new projects. happy knitting ladies!!!! and thanks to my pal rebecca for being my partner in crime. what was your favorite part of the kal?  what do you enjoy the most about our knit alongs? anything fun you'd like to see me add next time round? i'd love your feedback :)

p.s. in case you missed it or want to catch up on all our other kal's you can find all the posts here and the thread for the knit alongs can be found in the luvinthemommyhood ravelry group here! you can also friend me on ravlery under the name luvinthemommyhood.

make it sew modern book review & giveaway!

you guys in the mood for a giveaway today? i am!  woot woot!  i was so excited and over the moon when i found a while ago that my bloggy pal vanessa christenson of "v and co." had a book coming out!  she was one of the first people i started chatting with in this bloggy world and she was also one of our "moms in the mommyhood" so i am super proud of her and so excited to have her book "make it sew modern" on the blog today as a prize and as a new addition to my own collection!  congrats vanessa!!!



vanessa's new book is filled with eye candy and sewing goodness galore.  staying true to what makes us all love her blog and shop her impeccable sense of style just oozes off the pages.  you can see vanessa everywhere and i just love it when a book stays true to the artist who wrote it.  it's her mojo of sorts.  from the color palette of her projects to the attention to details for each project in the book vanessa has put together a modern and very fresh collection of sewing projects.



the book "make it sew modern" is separated into 4 sections: gather, twist, pleat and texture, and the book covers everything from jewelry, accessories, home decor clothing and bags!  wowsa!  the projects are perfect for every skill level with a budget in mind.  vanessa's signature love of pillows and flowers resonates throughout as well. i love all the pillows vanessa makes and thankfully there are at least 4 pillows in this book my fave being the chic modern pillow.  along with pillows you can find effortless scarves, rings, totes and bracelets!

1. chic modern pillow 2. cascading spring scarf 3. market/beach tote

and let's not forget the quilts!!! i'm just dying over the applique doily quilt shown below! you know how i love me a doily!!!

the book has project geared to every skill level as well so don't be nervous or timid if you are a beginner sewer.  vanessa's instructions and the accompanying illustrations for each project are clear, concise and well laid out.  her section on tips, terms and techniques covers everything from applique stitches, binding, to machine ruffles and gathers, pillow corners and straps.

1. all season scarf  2. picture perfect dress 3. decorative balls 4. throw pillow with frosting

i think "make it sew modern" would be a wonderful addition to any sewers bookshelf that is looking for a variety of projects that are fun, gorgeous and stylish to boot!  you likey?  you ready to win one too?

- one lucky winner will win a coy of "make it sew modern: gather, twist, pleat, texture" by vanessa christenson of v and co. thanks so much vanessa!







- i'm trying out a new way of entering giveaways. i've decided to have you guys enter your name/email in a google doc form instead.  when you enter your info you are designated a number by google doc based on when you enter.  this will be the number i use to correlate to your name when the winner is chosen.  make sense?  if you have any questions just ask me below in the comments.  click below to enter the giveaway:

"make it sew modern" book giveaway

- giveaway is open until february 26th, 2011, midnight PST (pacific standard time).
- you must have a valid email address or you will be disqualified.

flower ring

good luck everyone!  and thanks again to vanessa for the lovely book and the giveaway!  so excited and proud of you!!!! you can find all things vanessa christenson here:

blog  |  book  |  shop |  facebook |  twitter  |  pinterest

are you a fan of vanessa's?  do you love her style?  have you gotten your hands on a copy of "make it sew modern?  what did you think?  what was your fave project in it? let's chat books ladies...i know i'm not the only crafty bookworm out there :)

moments in the mommyhood - some cheering up

i had to have some not so pleasant lady experiences at the end of last week that were not so fun.  as some of you may know that are long time readers on this blog i suffer from endometriosis and it ain't fun :(  anyhoo, i've been feeling pretty crappy and thought i deserved some cheering up :)  the shoes above found their way home to me as well as a new matching nail polish - you likey?  i also got 2 new bras to hold my now weaning girls up.

we're on day 4 of the weaning and boy has it been rough.  i don't remember it being so hard with mack.  she seemed to be so proud of herself and told everyone she was a big girl now and didn't need boobie anymore.  harper - not so much.  she's taken the angry road.  on saturday if i came anywhere near her all she did was scream her brains out and literally would not let my husband put her down.  i couldn't touch her or even talk to her.  i cried and she cried.  it's hard for me to wean this time....it's my last baby and i really feel super emotional about it.  i've always loved breastfeeding and her reacting so aggressively has made me even more emotional.  i keep thinking maybe she isn't ready but i know deep down we both are.

she will be 2 in may and i wish i could slow down time for my little baby.  she's smart as a whip this one, a quiet thinker with a playful soul.  i just want to hold onto her in this stage for a bit longer.  i feel like the end of breastfeeding is the end of the baby phase and then whoosh..it's all about daddy.  they don't need me anymore..lol.  stupid hey?  oh well.  the tricks mom brain plays on us.  i'll get over it but in the meantime bear with me if i moan and groan a bit about the return of my boobs and the loss of the baby phase.  thankfully the new bras cheered me up.  at least "the girls" are up where the sun shines and not drooping sadly towards my belly filled with crumbs..lol.  tmi?  hahaha...you ladies with big jungas will know what i'm talking about..lol.

we've had hints of spring mixed in with our chilly weather here.  plants are sprouting up and even some of the flowers on my deck are starting to poke their weary heads above soil.  the hubs and i got to go on our first date together in like 2 years.  yes, it's been that long.  it's horrible.  we use to go once a month but somehow it's just gotten the best of us.  it was sooooo nice to go out without the kiddos (thanks cami) and to have an actual adult conversation.  we have a rule on our dates - no kid talk.  we try not to discuss the kids or chat about them directly.  we do that enough at home..lol.  we like to make it all about us.  it was a lovely few hours of bliss that we definitely needed especially now that the hubs has started overtime again for work.  tax season is just around the corner - yuck!  

i've been working away on my rocky coast cardigan but in my obsessed state decided to work on my sleeve after a procedure on friday and needless to say it probably wasn't a good idea...a bit of drugs can alter your knitting state.  i messed up my sleeve and now have to rip back a few inches.  darn it all...lol.  i wish i wasn't so picky about these things cause i would be done the stupid cardigan by now...haha.  but i love it too much to not make it as perfect as i can do it.

i feel like i'm floating in a sea of cables....see what i mean?

aren't they purdy??  i'm also working on a new sewing pattern for you guys using this lovely and oh so darling print from birch fabric from their new line - commute.  this print is called by bike and it's designed by jay-cyn for birch fabrics.  you pick up some of this awesome new line at birch fabric creator cynthia's fabric shop - fabricworm.  it's 100% organic and super soft!  i'm loving it and i cannot wait to release the pattern asap.  i also realize in this picture that my iron is in need of a serious vacay..lol.  crappy ironing job iron.  i'm all out of linen spray and am really missing it.  i think i've been using it so long my iron is going through withdrawal.  it doesn't know how to function without it now.  what kind do you guys use?  anyone recommend a fave?  i really need to get some and don't feel like making it myself.  would love any tips :)

by bike from commute by jay-cyn for birch fabrics

what are you guys working on?  how was your weekend?  any crafty mishaps happen at your house too?  did you catch the season finale of downton abbey?  i just have the xmas special left and let me tell you i'm dying to watch it! the hubs has decided he doesn't like the show so i after i watched the last regular episode i didn't have a chance to sneak it in on the weekend. soon though...soon...i must know what happens with lady mary....ohhhh, the romance of it all!

Charm Stitch Fabric Giveaway Winner!

the winner of the charm stitch fabric giveaway is..................

Commenter #106 - Adrienne Spornitz!

congratulations adrienne!!! i'll be in touch soon about your prize!  a big thank you to all of you for entering and also to charm stitch for the generous giveaway!  you can find all things charm stitch here:

website  |  shop  |  blog  |  facebook  |  twitter  |  flickr

happy sewing everyone!

A little slice of a dream come true - Mollie Makes

 

if you're crafty and love eye candy like me you may have heard of one of the newest and coolest lifestlye & craft mags out there - mollie makes!  i've been drooling and coveting this mag since it first premiered in may of 2011.  i've been reading their blog and daydreaming over getting my hands on every issue.  so when i opened my inbox last month and found an email from them i just about peed my pants!  can you believe it! i'm still shocked!

remember this pic?  this was a photo i shot of my pal rebecca's (nook) jardain coaster tutorial that she did for versus in the summer.  they asked if they could use my photo in mollie makes as a full page!!! what!!!!!!!!!!! holy cow batman!!!! i swear i'm still in shock.  i can't wait to hold a hardcopy of it in my hands.  i already told the hubs i'm framing it and hanging it on the wall as proof that dreams can come true.  my oh my.  sometimes even a little slice of a dream come true can be enough to keep ya truckin' i tell ya.  one of my new year's resolutions this year was to get in a magazine.  that was fast.  lol...if only the lose 35 pounds one was equally as quick...muahaha.

here's what the inset says:

"When Rebecca of inanook.blogspot.com fame was invited by Shannon Cook to share her crochet love on the Versus blog (versusmag.blogspot.com), she revealed how to make these super spiralled Jardain coasters with pretty petals.  All you need is a little bit of yarn and a little bit of time and whole set will be yours!  Found out more about Shannon and her inspirations at luvinthemommyhood.com"  

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! and my fave part...in the bottom left corner it says - photographer: shannon cook!  oh man...so awesome!  i'm in no way trying to toot my own horn here people, i'm just so excited!  you guys are such a huge and influential part of my life how could i not share something so fun with you all!  it's been killing me not to be able to tell you all until now :)  this little blog of mine is such a dream for me.  it's a dream to be able to write every day, to get to sew, knit and design and share it with you all, to chat and form such special friendships - it's all amazing and so worth all the very looooong hours that it takes to keep this blog of mine going.  so something like this little slice of a dream come true of mine is so rewarding!  so thank you all for reading and for sharing in this wonderful journey right alongside with me.  i <3 you guys..xoxox!

now head on over to mollie makes and show them some luv ladies!!!  if you're in the us/canada you can find hard copies of where the mags are sold here:

The US: Barnes & Noble, JoAnns

Canada: Chapter, Coles

and you guys can subscribe to mollie makes through this link:

http://www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/stitch-craft/mollie-makes-magazine-subscription/

and download the iPad version here:

http://goo.gl/qzprk

also don't miss out on the latest news from mollie makes either - sign up for their newsletter at the top of the page, here.

a huge thank you to mollie makes!  you guys rock!!!  thanks for making one of my dreams come true :)  you can find all things mollie makes here:

website  |  facebook  |  twitter  |  youtube

have you had any of your new year's resolutions become reality yet?  what's on your dream list?  it's friday m'dears and i'm super excited for the weekend!!!

weekend wishes

to finally allow myself to watch the season 2 finale...

illustration by: kelsey garrity-riley

to look this glamorous when i knit...

Source: Uploaded by user via Stacey on Pinterest

to sip some tea alongside a good book...

diy hand painted mug from wit & whistle

 to rock this outfit...

kendie everyday

to get some shots of an upcoming pattern..weee...

Source: etsy.com via Sara on Pinterest

and to go for a lovely walk with my wee ones & hubs.

img src:liivias via susan b. anderson (pinterest)

if you have become a fan of downton abbey like me you must check out this post on sfgirlbybay - super fun and oh so stylish! and this one..oh my...so funny!!!!  i'm clearly obsessed and hooked with this soap operaesque drama...just can't get enough :P

i'm planning on hopefully getting some pics of a new pattern i will have out for sale soon..so excited about this one ladies and it's sewn! yipee!  thanks to all of you who responded for being a pattern tester - i will be in touch soon if all goes well this weekend.

i'm also hoping to get outside for some fresh air and exercise.  now that my back is getting better (slowly but surely) i'm trying to get back being active again.  life is busy though and it's been a juggling act to fit it in that's for sure..lol.  i'm also going to enjoy my knit night on saturday.  i'm on the sleeve of my rocky coast cardigan and refuse to work on anything else until i get this cardi done and can wear it.  i'm possessed.  lol.  of course in the middle of all that i'm gonna steal my hubby for some good ol' cuddles and some play time with my wee ones.

what are you guys up to?  what crafty goodness did you get into this week?  any plans this weekend?  you sipping your coffee yet?  wanna chat?  wishing you all a fresh, fun, crafty, humerous, and restful weekend :)

SEWING || THE KEATON COAT PATTERN

aw shucks, you guys know i'm a softie for simple patterns where i can just go wild with my fabric choices.  i have a big soft spot for colors and modern prints and love to cover my kids in them :)  the other week i was part of "new year's resewlutions" over on "me sew crazy" where we were to guest post about one of our sewing resolutions and mine was the buttonhole.  my post was initially intended to be a coat tutorial but i had an overwhelming feeling to write a post called "how to conquer your sewing fears" instead and the tutorial that was supposed to go up is today's keaton coat.

this was my first buttonhole peeps! can you believe it! took me long enough right?  i did a butthonhole and my very first zipper in one week.  it was stressful but oh so rewarding.  i had been daydreaming about a fun little spring coat for harper for a few weeks and knew that i wanted something that was simple and quick to make that allowed me to go wild with fabric or choose to simplify it with a solid without losing style. the coat is lined throughout the body but not the sleeves - so nope, it's not reversible.  i decided to keep it nice and easy for you all.  sometimes i think it's fun to just sew something with a basic shape and construction and let my mind go wild with the print and button combo. i spent days pondering that one and changed my mind more than a few times due to loving too many of my fabrics at the moment.  then the button...oh the button...i have a thing for buttons and it takes me eons to choose the right one for any garment.  i actually found the yellow button before deciding on my print and knew that this amy butler print - midwest modern martini from my sponsor stitch simple was the perfect companion to that funky yellow button. 

the keaton coat features topstitching throughout for a more professional finish (i heart topstitching) and a slightly gathered sleeve for a touch of feminine detail.  the inner corners of the fronts are curved also playing with the idea of feminine softness with a mod vibe :) the keaton coat is also easy for our wee ones and for us parents to get on/off squirmy little ones and my girlie just loves hers!

this project would also give you a great base to work with if you are a more advanced sewer allowing you to customize and add some personal flair to your keaton coat.  add more buttons, shorten the sleeves, add some trim - just have fun with it!

now let's get sewing!  you ready? yippee!

The Keaton Coat Pattern - Size 2-3yrs

*Copyright 2011 www.luvinthemommyhood.com  All rights reserved. For personal use only. Please do not sell items made from this tutorial unless permission has been given.

Materials:
- one yard fabric (I used quilting cotton)for outer
- button (med-large size)
- 3/4 yard fabric (I used quilting cotton) for inner
- sewing machine
- fabric marker (optional)

Instructions:
*Please note that all seam allowances are 1/4" unless otherwise stated.
1) Print out and cut your pattern pieces.  You can print/download the pattern by clicking on the link below:

keaton coat pattern pieces 

2) Using your pattern pieces cut out your fabric for your outer coat and inner coat fronts and back.  Your front pattern piece is used to cut out both fronts.  Simply flip the pattern piece over (take care that your fabric print is still going in the right direction to match the rest of your coat) to cut out the opposite side of the front jacket piece.  You will cut out the following pieces:

Back - 1 Outer & 1 Lining

Front - 2 Outer (Left and Right) & 2 Lining (Left & Right)

Sleeves - 2 Outer

Separate your outer pieces and your inner lining pieces into 2 different piles.  Starting with your outer pieces lay your back right side facing up and pin your left front and right front sides to the back with right sides facing down.  Sew your side seams up with a 1/4" seam allowance.  Press.  Finish your seams by either pinking, zig zag stitching or using a serger. Repeat these steps for your lining coat as well.

3) Pin the shoulder seams together on your outer coat and sew.  Repeat for the inner coat. Press your seams and finish off your seams for both jackets. Place your outer jacket laying down right side facing you and lay the inner jacket on top wrong side facing you (so both right sides are facing each other).  Pin the outer to the inner.  Starting at the top left front stitch down the jacket across the bottom and back up the right front ending at the top of the right front.  Pin down the neckline.  Do the same for the entire neckline.  Press.  Finish off your seams then turn jacket right side out pulling through armhole and press entire jacket.  Topstitch the entire perimeter of the jacket excluding the armholes but including the neckline. Nice work ladies!

4. Grab your sleeves.  With your machine set to do a basting stitch baste-sew along the top part of sleeve from one marking to the next.  Slightly ruffle the sleeve by pulling on your bobbin thread gently.

5.  Fold cuff of sleeve under 1/4" towards the wrong side of fabric and press, fold over another 1/2" and press again.  Topstitch along the hem to form your cuff.  Turn sleeve wrong side out and match long sides together. Pin along long seam and sew.  Finish seams and press.

6.  With jacket wrong side out and sleeve right side out place the sleeve inside the armhole with the sleeve inside the jacket and the armholes aligned.  Pin sleeve to armhole and tighten/loosen gathers to fit armhole.  Making sure to start sewing from your underarm seam so both the sleeve and side seam match up sew armhole to sleeve.  Finish seam.  Turn jacket right side out and press.

7. Try the jacket on the child if possible and mark where your preferred location for the buttonhole/button would be on the jacket with your fabric marker.  Following your machine instructions make your buttonhole.  *I tried a few practice buttonholes on some scrap pieces of fabric before making my buttonhole.  This helped me out a lot to get it just right. Don't be scared..you can do it!  After the first time it's really not that hard. I promise :)  Close jacket and double check where to sew your button.  Stitch your button to your jacket.

8.  Put that adorable coat on your wee one and have some fun in the warm spring sunshine that will hopefully be heading our way sooner than later :)

happy sewing everyone! and make sure you add your project pics to our flickr group so we can all see your lovely work!  i'm planning on making a few more of these for harper and may even make some for mack as well so a size 4/5T may be in the works :)  i hope you all like it!  what fabric would you use to make yours?