Baby bib and burp cloth: Little Princess

For the consignment I'm doing this summer-fall, I've made lots of baby bibs and burp cloth sets.

I ran across this scrumptious pink flannel with gray and aqua crowns and couldn't pass it up.

With a little soft baby pink terry cloth back and aqua ruffled ribbon accent, it makes such a darling set.

Every little princess should have one of these around her neck, even if she is just going to drool on it. :)

I have some really cute white flannel with cherries that I'm going to make next. I'll share it with you once I whip it up!

Linked to:

TeaRoseHome

Long live Oxi Clean: carpet stain remover

You might not believe me even if I tell you.

I had a whopper of an Oxi moment about an hour ago.

I'm still in shock at the power that lies beneath that lid.

And I swear, I don't secretly work for Oxi Clean.

Let me paint the picture for you:

Berry smoothie. Deep, pink and delicious.

In the living room.

On cream colored carpet.

Oh yes I did.

After the initial shock of my bright pink smoothie meeting the cream carpet, I actually thought to grab my camera for a "before" shot. I know, there's something's very disturbing about that. (No, I didn't actually do it).

But honestly, my darkest fear was that the "before" shot would end up looking exactly like the "after" shot, even if I scrubbed with all my might. And wouldn't my husband be surprised when he got home to see the couch had been moved. haha! ha.

One tip: If after the first scrubbing you think your light colored carpet is clean, take a photo *with the flash*. The light penetrates the carpet and shows off any remaining color deep in the carpet.

This photo was taken after my first scrubbing. At first glance, it looked like the stains were gone, but after taking the picture I could see stains still remained. So I did another cleaning.

And drum roll please...

I never imagined it could look this clean after witnessing the gushing monstrosity of deep berry colored stains, that was my lunchtime smoothie.

I believe in Oxi Clean.

Add belt loops to a shirt: a little waist definition

I found this cute denim sleeveless shirt on a sale rack back in the winter (I added a t-shirt underneath).

It has a cute design, but due to its length, it kind of hangs a little tent-ish from the side. It needed a sash or belt to give my waist a little definition, like I did here.

And to keep a sash or belt in place (to avoid the slipped-sash-under-the-belly-look; yes, it's happened to me), I simply needed to add a couple of belt loops to the shirt.

Here's how:

1. Measure where you want your sash or belt to lie and mark your spot equally on both sides of the shirt.

2. Find material for the loops. I used embroidery floss (it's what I had on hand) and a needle big enough to strand it through.

3. Cut 2 pieces for the loops + a little more in order to tie a knot on one end. Mine were ~ 6".

4. From the inside of the shirt, stick the needle and floss through one of the marked side seams.

5. Stick the needle and floss back through the outside side seam; creating your loop. *Make sure you make the loop big enough to fit your favorite belt or sash. I only made mine about 1".

6. Tie off the floss inside the shirt. Make sure the loop on the outside of the shirt doesn't slip and become smaller while you're tying it off.

7. And there's one pretty little waist defining loop! Repeat the process on the other side of the shirt.

Enter cute blue and white striped sash, all cozy right where I put it:

or skinny white belt:

And, the cool thing about this...is if you feel like letting it all hang out and don't want to cinch your waist one day? Just pull the little knots from the inside and they magically disappear into the side seams. And no one has to know they're there at all!

*See another example of how I added belt-loops to a shirt

Linked to:

HopeStudios

A little apron glam: ruffles and polka dots

I am still in a pale pink phase.

I love that it's soft, wispy and delicate.

And polka dots? I'll always love polka dots. There won't be a day that I don't love polka dots.

And ruffles? Oh, don't get me started on how I love ruffles....seriously.

This little beauty will be added to my collection at the shop where I'm currently consigning...hope there's someone out there who will fall in love with it as much as I have.

Too fancy for the kitchen?

Nah.

Linked to:

TeaRoseHome

ShabbyChicCottage

SomewhatSimple

AGlimpseInside

HouseofHepworth

Fingerprintsonthefridge

Mygirlishwhims

ShabbyNest

Pom Pom Trim Pillow

I fell in love with this sun kissed yellow canvas fabric with white medallions, the minute I laid eyes on it.

And when I read this delicious fabric description, I was completely hooked.

"This *bottom-weight fabric from the Lisette Collection tells the story of a creative woman who travels the world. She collects objects and images during her travels and filters them through her unique aesthetic to create a fresh and contemporary personal style."

I want to be that woman!

So instead of travelling the world, I made a pillow that reminded me of far-off places I hope to go.

I really love the way the white pom-pom trim compliments the design.

I'd been wanting to make a pillow with pom poms for a long time. My sis-in-law made a few that I LOVE, so I thought I'd make a go of it.

Sewing pom-pom trim on pillows really is quite easy, but I do have to say it takes a little patience to make sure it's on just right.

By the way, for those of you who aren't sure what *bottom-weight fabric is (like me a few months ago), it's a term used to describe fabrics with a heavier, sturdier weight; often used for pants or skirts.

The feel of this yellow fabric has a slight texture to it, is lighter than typical canvas, but more substantial than lightweight cotton. I really like the weight and feel, and have some other projects in mind for this type of fabric.

Hope it's sunny where you are!

Believe it or not, it's actually hot in Seattle. Amazing!

Linked to:

My Girlish Whims, TeaRoseHome, SewMuchAdo, TheShabbyNest, SomedayCrafts, CreativeItch, 733, FingerprintsOnTheFridge, SewChatty, DIYByDesign, 30handmadedays, SkipToMyLou, TheGirlCreative, CarolynsHomework, CraftyConfessions, HouseofHepworths, The36thAvenue, CoastalCharm, TheShabbyChicCottage, FrenchCountryCottage, GingerSnaps

A Lovely Surprise

What better way to start my day than to find I've been given the One Lovely Blog Award from Krista, at Thar She Sews. Not a bad way to start a Wednesday. Thanks Krista!

Now let me tell you how it works. I have to share 7 things about myself that you don't know. Hmmm...it's like going around a get-to-know-you-circle having to say something unique about yourself...and drawing a blank. Uhhhh...I like to sew?!! haha, I think it's safe to say you already know that about me.

Anywho, here's my feeble attempt at sharing a little about me with you, my circle of friends.

1. I've always secretly wanted to be a meteorologist. Without the math, of course. During graduate school I audited a meteorology class so I could learn more about weather. I'm crazy about clouds, rain, storms, tornadoes, storm chasing...I own many weather videos and books. I'm a weather nerd.

2. I studied Family and Human Development in college and graduate school. My intention was to be a counselor. However, after getting a job with an elementary school, I realized how much I loved working with elementary school children. I work for an after school program right now, but may look into getting a certification to be a reading specialist.

3. I love cupcakes. All kinds. Don't even get me started.

4. I wish I had a house full of children. Unfortunately, after several years of unsuccessful medical interventions, it hasn't worked out that way. But I'll tell you this. It sure makes me grateful I get to spend life with my sweet husband and fun times being an auntie.

5. I finally started texting a few months ago. haha I know, I'm a little behind the times. I'm not as cool as those with iphones, but my new phone does have a flip-out keyboard. And I'm not afraid to use it!

6. I love writing songs and music. I've been doing it all my life but have finally gotten the courage to put them out there. You can listen here if you're curious (the vocals aren't me, just the music).

7. I watch the Bachelorette. haha I know it's total cheese wiz, but I'm a sucker for that sort of stuff. Each time a new season starts I tell myself I'm not going to watch it but it's inevitable that I get sucked in. Every time.

Whew! Now you know more than you ever dreamed of knowing about me! But isn't oversharing what the internet is all about? haha. Anyway, moving on.

Now, my favorite part. I get to pass on the love to new bloggers I've found recently, that I'd like to know more about:

Drum roll please...

Suburbs Mama

Copy-cat-crafter

Junk in their trunk

Cinsara

Rolled Up Pretty and Cut Off Thoughts

Simply Homemade

Sweet-verbena

Southern Fairy Designs

Slip stitches and more

Show tell share

These lucky 10 can put a copy of the One Lovely Blog Award picture on their blog, with a list of 7 things we don't know about them and pass the love on! Can't wait to hear from them! :)