Girls Gone Craf-T

Neglected Nails

2009-10-12T14:41:00.001-07:00

Will someone please clean up my mess? I just don't have the motivation or time. Pretty please? If you do, I'll give you those twist donuts you see in the picture. I tried to photograph them, but couldn't get them to look good.

And while you're at it, will you also trim my kid's nails? When I take pictures he likes to join me and find me things to take pictures of. Looking at this picture and the poor kids nails makes me realize that's another thing I haven't noticed/had time for.

Gourdy's Gang and Tom Turkey

2009-10-02T09:16:00.001-07:00

I finished these guys just in time to put up my Halloween decorations. It's the Gourdy's Gang pattern from Threads That Bind. The stitch used throughout this entire piece is the blanket stitch, which is a pretty easy one to learn, so even you're not a big sewer, it is a pretty fun, beginner level project.

If you live anywhere in the Salt Lake valley you must go to The Handmaiden for all your wool felt needs. Their selection puts Joann to shame. Shame on you Joann for only carrying 6 colors. The Handmaiden is also right across the street from Quilt Ect., a really great quilt shop. Even if you don't quilt (which I don't) you will be inspired to do so and buy numerous quilting patterns to attempt (which I did) if you happen to stop by. So be warned.

Another project I finished was my November's Sugar Cookie Set of the Month. The cookie set of the month was something I started last month. Each month I create a set of specialty sugar cookies that involve the colors, holidays, and seasons within that month.

November's set includes a Tom turkey, a pilgrim's hat, a sunflower, and a leaf. Isn't that turkey cute? There's even a little fiberfill in his tummy to make it round and squishy.

5,132

2009-08-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

5,132. To be exact. Is the amount of projects I am working on/would like to be working on. Homeschooling two kids is taking up a lot of my time. Which is why I have resorted to waking up at 5:30 am every morning to get my craft on. Much to my surprise I am not any more tired at the end of the day than I usually am. Here's some stuff I've been working on in the wee hours.

Felt Fall Sweet Set

Spooky and Sweet Sugar Cookies

A new Petal Purse

Trick or Treat bag

Check out the pumpkins I've got growing. They are beauties (they deserve a post a of their own). This is one girl ready for fall and Halloween. What has everyone else been crafting lately?

Baby Legs

2009-08-11T18:12:00.000-07:00

So it has been likely about a year since I have contributed to this blog. It isn't that I haven't been crafting because believe you me I have. I have simply been lazy. But I wanted to share my latest creation.

I crocheted these baby legs for my daughter.And while I was at it, I whipped up a few pairs for my new nieces. I experimented with different sizes, so they will have to let me know how the fit is.

Emma's quilt is finished!

2009-07-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

Hey, remember this? Probably not, but I certainly do. Some time ago, my sister-in-law and I started working on this quilt for this baby.

Her mother is a good friend of mine and I really wanted to throw her a big and beautiful baby shower like she did for me, but Emma was born three months after we moved to Missouri so I settled on making her a baby quilt. My first quilt ever. The top went together in no time thanks to my sister-in-law Jen- the real hold-up came next when I realized that hand-quilting is not for me. So over the course of the next THREE AND A HALF YEARS (!) I hand-quilted each of the patchwork squares. I can't believe it took me that long. Then a few weeks ago, I machine quilted lines through all of the sashing, attached the binding and finally stuffed the quilt in a package en route to "baby" Emma, who now looks like this.

Sigh. I wonder if I'll ever send a gift on time. Here's what the quilt looks like:

And the winner is...

2009-07-27T12:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everybody that left me comments in my Mini Cutie Giveaway. The winner (decided by random.org) is bparks! If you haven't already bparks, head over to Sewn Sweets (www.smollerup.etsy.com) to view the 5 sets of Mini Cuties debuted last week to pick your favorite set. Then just drop me a convo on Etsy to let me know which is your fave, and give me your shipping info. Thanks so much. I had a lot of fun with this giveaway and it will probably not be my last!

guilty as charged

2009-07-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

I'm an Etsy thief! I know this is frowned upon, but I couldn't help myself after I saw these pillows at littlestitch.

My couches have been naked now for months and I've had some suede fabric folded and collecting dust, just waiting to be made into throw pillows. I just could not decide what to do with them, until I stumbled upon littlestitch's etsy shop. Here's what I came up with. My couches are so happy!

I just used felt and thick embroidery thread and sewed them all together! Really easy and fun. Just the sort of thing I was looking for.

The one on the left uses the same fabric I used for the curtains upstairs.

This one on the far right- lovingly referred to as the "apple tree pillow" by my girls- coordinates with the fabric I used for my downstairs curtains.

I've got a few more in the works. These babies are addictive.

One Year Etsiversary, that's right, I said Etsiversary

2009-07-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

these are Mini Cuties - this is a set of 4 that I have already listed in my shop

Today is my one year Etsiversary. One year ago today I joined Etsy and it has been amazing. I owe many thanks to the people who heart my shop, who have blogged my sweets, and have loved my sugary creations enough to purchase them. I also owe a special thanks to my friend Katherine who has not only generously shared a spot with me on her craft blog, but was the one who introduced me to Etsy.

to get an idea of the size of these cuties, this in one in my 4 year old's hand

In honor of this anniversary I am hosting a giveaway (my first ever). Each day next week, starting July 20th, I will debut a brand new pair of Mini Cuties. I hope you'll check in with me in each day to see what flavor I come up with next.

To be a part of this giveaway, just leave me a comment on this post and at the end of next week I will randomly pick a winner who will receive a set of 2 of their favorite Mini Cuties. Comments will be accepted starting from today, until the end of next Friday, the 24th. Thanks so much for making my first year on Etsy a great one!

Nona's Quilt

2009-07-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

It feels so good to finish a quilt. I made this lap quilt as a "thank you" slash Mother's Day present for my mother-in-law, who came and spent a whole week with my kids so we could go on our cruise. I told my sister-in-law Jen about my plans for Louise's gift and she helped me find the pattern in one of her books late one night while we were visiting them in Kansas City. I need to find the instructions and type them here in case I ever want to make this one again. So, pattern will come later. Louise loves these small print reproduction fabrics and they always make me think of her. The kids loves having their Nona here and so did I! We're always so sad when she has to leave. This was my first attempt at machine-quilting- if you can call it that- I couldn't figure out the walking foot or the darning foot method on my Mom's sewing machine. (I need some serious help with that machine. I'm seriously worried I've ruined my mom's antique Bernina, commonly referred to as the '57 Chevy of sewing machines!) So I basically just pushed the quilt through my sewing machine with my regular foot. Kind of a mess, but I still like the way it looks.

Now, let's get down to the KNIT-ty gritty

2009-07-06T05:36:00.000-07:00

Raise your hand if you think it's lame to give your Dad a knitted dishcloth for Father's Day? Yeah, me too. Don't worry, I sent him another perfectly respectable Father's Day present a couple weeks later. I choked. It happens.

So I really love to knit. I am crazy about it. What appears to be a scarf in the picture above is actually the start of a very big and cozy and blanket. I've been obsessed with the idea of a knitted blanket ever since Jena sold me on them at her house about four months ago. I found that pretty blue and thought it would be nice to do blocks of that brown and blue and alternate them to make a big blanket. Then I learned how to knit in a new color from my new favorite knitting book with a naughty title. And then I just started changing colors willy-nilly. So this blanket is going to be crazy and fun, and it's going to look like my first big project. And that is just fine with me!

And I was missing my best friend and worried about her because they just moved to a new town and their car broke down and their old house isn't selling and her husband's slavery to the hospital was reinstated just like my husband's, so I made her this dishcloth. That's bound to solve all her problems, right?

Secret Weapons Revealed- Red Vines and Diet Coke

2009-07-06T05:29:00.000-07:00

I am going to start posting my craf-T endeavors on this blog again or so help me... I've got a fist full of red vines and some Diet Coke on standby. (After all it is only 7:30 in the morning.) Sheesh. How long has it been? Since I made that potholder for Ashley's birthday?

Yikes.

Well, I recently forgot my sister-in-law's birthday and hurriedly got to work on another potholder. I'm currently working on a matching dishcloth. I just love pink and red together.

I also made this cute little Mama owl. Next I want to make her a little baby owl.

Felt, have I told you lately that I love you? Have I told you that there's no one else above you?

2009-06-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

I love fabric. Sometimes I long to buy loads of fabric that I see at specialty quilt shops, and make tons of cool projects with it. Tons of cool projects. because felt has no patterns or prints. it's boring right? Who loves to buy felt, just one row of solid colored bolts, when there is an entire store filled with the coolest fabric starting at $9.99/yd?

But then I remember I am creative, I am crafty, I can take a needle, a piece of thread, and some scraps of felt and create something cool. Felt is cool. I am cool. And felt? Have I told you lately that I love you?

Latest Creations

2009-06-25T18:05:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in awhile for a number of reasons.

1. No one else was posting and I thought people might be tiring of just me (I know you've been crocheting Katherine, show the world what you've made!).

2. Because of said lack of posts from other girls gone craf-t I was considering defecting to my own craft blog (really I was, I even had a super cool name picked out). Though I decided I wasn't mature enough to be responsible for my own blog.

3. I've been fairly lazy, what with trying to quit diet coke and all. It stinks. The quitting that is, not diet coke. Diet Coke is devine.

4. And lastly, Facebook. Why does facebook take up so much of my time?

So, here are a few things I've made lately. Strawberry Shortcakes, Donuts with rainbow sprinkles and M&M Cookies, a little bag to hold my DS, and a new twist on my Chocolate Covered Strawberries - strawberries dipped in white chocolate and drizzles with milk chocolate.

Maybe I'll start my own blog some day when I grow up and can handle the responsibility. Until then, it's just me and Katherine's craft blog, as long as she let's me stay here.

A Dozen (felt) Donuts

2009-05-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of people that say things like "ooh, you should make - " and then go on to list off really fun tasty treats, that are however, impossible for me to make (my skills only go so far). But when the husband said "you should make a dozen donuts" I thought, yes, I can do that. So here are my dozen felt donuts. They were a lot of fun to make.

My favorite has to be the raspberry filled jelly donut dusted with powdered sugar.

I have them listed as a set in my shop.

I HAVE MADE FIRE!

2009-04-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

Ok, not really, fire, just felt cupcakes, though I'm sure my feelings of elation at creating the perfect cupcake would mirror the elation one would feel if they created fire whilst stranded on a deserted island.

It was a very long and arduous process for me to make these little cuppies. I have for awhile now, not been very fond of my tea party cupcakes, not just as far as making them goes, but also the fact that they looked more like a little fondant covered mini cake, rather than an actual cupcake. So one evening a month or so ago I got out my rusty, trusty muffin tin and began trying to figure out how to get the right size and shape.

It was a long battle, going from tyring to make an actual cupcake liner with a separate cupcake to go inside, or a liner with a sewn-in cupcake, or just the actual cupcake. The only thing I succeeded in doing was finally getting a chance to use my new pinking shears. I dropped the project out of frustration - nothing I did looked good/right.

Then, last week, I picked up one of the failed patterns I'd made - I traced, I cut, I stitched, and then like magic, or a spark of fire, I had created the perfect cupcake. Yes! A skill I'm sure would help me if I were ever to get stranded on an island.

Sweet Girlie Purse

2009-04-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

A new purse for my shop. If anyone has any suggestions as to what I can name my little girl's purses I would love to hear them. I really like the pattern I came up with for my purse and want to stick with it (as I'm not really in the business of making purses) so I feel the need to name it.

For awhile I called them Prairie point purses, but then went back to Sweet Girlie Purse (which I'm not a fan of really) because I didn't think most people would realize that the little fabric triangles are called Prairie Points and then therefore not understand the correlation between the item and the title. I want them to have a cute name, but also one that says that these are little girls purses. Any suggestions would be welcome!

The Art of Crochet

2009-04-10T01:54:00.001-07:00

Ever since my friend Ash came to visit in January and showed me how to crochet flowers, I've become obsessed with learning how to knit and crochet. My grandma helped my cousin Jennifer and I crochet potholders. She showed us this awesome method. I called her to tell her how I wished she could teach me again and she explained it over the phone. She said, "You won't believe what will happen, it's the coolest thing!" And she was right. Man, I never thought I'd get so excited about things like knitting and crocheting when I was younger. BUT I DO! I love them.

So here's what I did: I chained like 60 stitches. (I wanted it to be an over-sized potholder.) Then I single crocheted along that first row. Then I turned on the other side, chained off the stitch and then I skipped the first two stitches on the other side, and single-crocheted along that row. Let me say, I am so unqualified to give these instructions it's not even funny. So try it and see what happens. Don't be afraid to come back and tell me these instructions are useless. I promise, I can take it.

As for the flowers, I followed this pattern which also includes a video which I found very helpful. I'm finding this website to be a great resource.

When I called my Grandma she said that she'd love to teach me but that I should just learn the way she did, from one of those pamphlets you can buy in the craft section at Walmart. But you know what I've found even more helpful? Youtube videos. Here's the one that finally helped me figure out how to knit: The Knit Stitch.

Cream Pie Cookies

2009-04-09T08:28:00.001-07:00

So I'm pretty much in love with this new creation of mine. I am desperately craving cream pie cookies now. I actually discovered how to make these while trying to make something else. I think they turned out fabulous - they're soft, and squishy (as I used 3 layers of batting instead of fiberfill) and I really want to eat one.

Orange Slices

2009-04-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I drive myself crazy trying to create something new. Luckily these only took me one day to figure out. I made them to go with a set of bacon and eggs for my shop.

Stay tuned for my cream pie cookies I've got in the works - chocolate chip cream pie cookies, oatmeal cream pie cookies, chocolate cream pie cookies...

Happy Go Lucky

2009-03-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

I made this little sign out of felt. Surprise, surprise. I totally forgot St. Patrick's Day this year. No special meal, no gold coins for the kiddos to find. I remembered in the middle of the day and we all had to have a wardrobe change to stop the pinching. Thankfully my kids didn't mind - me forgetting or the pinching.

Felt Raspberries

2009-02-24T18:02:00.000-08:00

I spent most of this past weekend trying to make felt raspberries. It wasn't pretty. I started out searching the internet for felt raspberries just to look at them, see if I could figure out how they made them. No luck - there are very few examples of felt raspberries out there. Then began trial and error. Folks, I almost didn't make it through, my attempts were so horrid. Here are the 11 misses:
I'm not quite sure how I did it, but I figured it out. Here is the best looking felt raspberry I have ever seen (you can fact check that statement. Go ahead, google "felt raspberries." I dare you.
I liked them so much I had to make a fruit tart for my shop.

Peeps

2009-02-14T08:27:00.000-08:00

I made Peeps. Who rocks the blanket stitch? Yeah, that's right, I do.

Have you ever visited the official Peeps website? You should, it's weird.

Machine Organizer

2009-02-03T10:07:00.000-08:00

I made this for my mother-in-law for Valentine's Day. I had made a few of them for Christmas presents for some sewers I know and my mother-in-law requested one. They're actually pretty handy. You just sit your sewing machine on it and let the pockets hang over the edge of your table. I haven't once had to search and search for my seam ripper since I started using mine.

I also use one of the pockets to stuff the threads I trim off. My floors have never been cleaner.

This is from Simplicity pattern 3776. Pretty easy beginner stuff. There are five sewing accessory projects, one of which they call a Project Organizer that has handles and lots of pockets - I made them last summer and converted (by converted I mean I used shark and lizard fabric, not that I actually changed the pattern) them into travel bags for my boys. It's a good pattern, that 3776.

Sweet Pink Sampler

2009-01-26T14:22:00.001-08:00

This is a new set I created for my shop. It's similar to my starter set, though has a few new items and some new twists to some of my classic sweets.

Though I try to make my sweets somewhat neutral these are admittedly geared towards girls. I have a Little Chocolate Lover's Set in the works and I have a mind to make a set centered around my cherry topped cupcake (you can't stop me).

On a side note, my chocolate covered strawberries have been showcased on Etsy Stalker (http://www.etsystalker.com/). CuratorBeatrice is an Etsy fan (if you couldn't tell by her site's name) and creates groups of Etsy items (sort of like the items on Etsy's home page) centered around a theme. Check out her site to view her Valentine's Day favorites.

Doll Quilts

2009-01-12T11:34:00.001-08:00

I found this fun tutorial on Crazy Mom Quilts for an adorable little doll quilt and pillow. It was fun to sew a quilt that didn't take me two months to complete, and this was my first time using just my regular old machine to quilt. I didn't bother with an invisible stitch for the binding, since I knew my children wouldn't care.

The first one I made for my daughter Sophie.
Then our friend Jack had a birthday and since he got a baby doll for Christmas, I thought he might like some boyish bedding for his doll. I can't imagine boy doll bedding is easy to find. :)

And then Franny saw Sophie's and just had to have one for herself. :) (Her's has an "F" on it, but it's upside down. Whoops.)
My girls seem pretty happy with the finished product:

Chocoalte covered strawberries

2009-01-02T12:07:00.000-08:00

Here are my chocolate covered strawberries. I used 4 different pinks/reds and a light and dark brown for milk and dark chocolate. I think they are one of my favorite creations so far. And check out this:

I made them so that the chocolate cover can be taken on and off. They come packaged in a little white box tied with a ribbon. They are now in my shop along with a bunch of other new creations. Check it out!

Lunch Time!

2009-01-01T13:28:00.000-08:00

Are these Dino Nuggies a staple at anyone else's house?

Despite my best efforts to diversify my 3-year-old's diet his answer to the question "What do you want for lunch?" (or dinner or snack for the that matter) is always "NUGGIES!"

This set includes 5 different types of dinosaur nuggets, a handful of baby carrots, a ranch dipping cup, and an apple juice cup.

I have yet to post this in my shop because for some reason Etsy hates any pics taken with my new camera (thanks Santa). Hopefully I get it worked out soon, I've been making some awesome stuff - look forward to my super cute chocolate covered strawberries!

Aprons

2008-12-30T08:42:00.001-08:00

I accidentally sewed the sash on the apron above wrong. I fixed it but didn't photograph it before I sent it on to Julia.

My sister ordered two aprons for gifts last month and I made three for her to choose from. She chose the bottom two.

Some new stockings!

2008-12-15T07:02:00.000-08:00

Felt is so much fun!! I spent some time sewing this past week and I intend to do some more this week. Keep an eye out for more stockings and aprons. I should be posting more in the next day or two.

Stockings are $15 each or $12 if you order three or more.

Coloring Books

2008-12-10T11:53:00.008-08:00

I had so much fun making these little coloring pouches. These aren't for my etsy shop (I actually saw the idea on another etsy shop and knew I could figure out how to make them on my own). These fold up and tie with a ribbon so they are the perfect thing to take to church, in the car, to a restaurant, etc.

I made them for my boys and 4 of my little nieces for Christmas. I forgot and wrapped the boy version before taking a picture of them - I used the Farmer's Market Spring Apple print with a dark brown fabric as my solid background.

I added a little initial on the front to personalize them.

Advent Calender

2008-11-17T08:00:00.001-08:00

Not to be out done by Katherine's Christmas spirit, I whipped this up this past weekend (ok so it took me two weekends to finish). I have a little tree that my boys can hang an ornament each day until Christmas. And yes, I cut out all those numbers by hand. Sorry about the fuzzy pics. Santa better bring me a new camera for Christmas if he knows what's good for him :)

Deck the Halls!

2008-11-08T09:53:00.001-08:00

I'm so getting in the Christmas spirit. Which is great, since I have not purchased a single Christmas present yet. Yikes!

After having so much making this for Sophie, I've been experimenting with felt lately and decided to start selling Christmas stockings in my etsy store.

I hope you like them. Let me know what you think!

I think I like the poinsettia one the best. It reminds me of my Mom. She loved poinsettias.

I will accept custom orders if anyone is interested in ordering multiples.

I finished my quilt!

2008-11-07T06:26:00.000-08:00

Last summer I posted when I finished this quilt top. I am very happy to show you the finished product!

Ta-da.

Look how pretty! I decided to decorate downstairs with pinks, reds, tans and browns. I am so fortunate that Melody came through town and I could accost her for decorating tips. She told me what to do and I wrote it all down. She's a genius. Anyway, so far we've stained the wood furniture we had dark, dark brown. We have and old dining set that we were just going to get rid of and then decided we'd spray-paint the chairs brown, re-upholster the chairs in fabric coordinating the curtains and quilt, and stain the table-top. It looks great. I'm going to have to search for a before picture and post it with the final outcome.

I thought it would be fun to photograph my 2 year old cuddling up with the quilt. It didn't work out quite like I'd hoped. She was in the middle of watching Backyardigans, you see.

Sophie, please do not wipe your booger on my quilt.

Here she looked at the camera long enough to say, "Go away." Nice.

I couldn't have finished this quilt without my mother-in-law's help. She helped me figure out measurements for the backing, the batting, and the ruffle, and she even paid her good friend Connie to machine-quilt it for me. I love you Louise! I had fun working on this with you and I can't wait to show you now that it's all finished. See you on Thanksgiving!

Sweet and sassy pink floral half apron

2008-10-28T17:52:00.001-07:00

A new apron! With pink ric-rac above the hem. I just fell in love with this fabric when I found it.

Black Damask Curtains

2008-10-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

Ooh, it's been a LONG time since I've posted on here. Slacker!

I've been sewing curtains for my house and working on a quilt for myself and not spending a lot of time adding to my inventory. I thought I'd post a picture of my latest curtain endeavor as well as the book I've been using to help me do it. I'm really happy with the way these turned out. We painted the office this pretty light blue a few weekends ago and I finished these curtains last week.

Sewn Sweets Breakfast set

2008-09-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest creation for my etsy shop - the complete breakfast set. I haven't posted here in a long time, my shop has been pretty busy - who knew there was such a high demand for food made from felt?

This set is features two sunny side eggs, two slices of bacon, a grapefruit half, and two pancakes with syrup that you can put on yourself.

Breakfast set is completely hand sewn.

$15.00

Jot It Down

2008-09-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

If you're in Utah, heck out this awesome art & gift show! A friend of a friend is putting it on and she has some cute stuff. Check out her etsy shop here: Jot it Down.

Go to the Oh Sweet Sadie website for more details and info!

Baby Crook

2008-09-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

I have had my eye on this fabric from Anna Maria Horner's Chocolate Lollipop line for a while. When I saw it in that fun quilt shop in Idaho, I thought immediately of Jayne's new baby and the pink and brown she's using to decorate her and Kennedy's room. I just love it!

I made a blanket with a brown flannel lining. I sewed it envelope-style and then used a decorative top-stitch on the edges and a big "X" through the middle.
I cut one of the little flowers and appliqued it onto a little onesie.
And of course baby Crook needs a matching burp cloth. I think it turned out pretty cute!
I can't wait to meet her!

Sewn Sweets

2008-08-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

Hello! Just a note for those of you not in the know, I changed my etsy site name to Sewn Sweets. For those of you who had acutally checked out my site before and saw my previous name - I'm sorry. It was so lame. For those of you who have no idea what I'm taking about, be grateful. It was that bad.

Cherry topped cupcake

2008-08-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

Pretty please, with a cherry on top?

Cookie "Sampler"

2008-08-11T20:06:00.000-07:00

There's something for everyone in this cookie "sampler." Like my cupcakes they are completely made from felt and are hand sewn. There are 4 "oreo" cookies, two chocolate chip cookies, and two jam thumbprint cookies with heart cut outs. Perfect for a tea party or to add to one's collection of play food.
$10.00

Tea Party Cupcakes

2008-08-11T19:52:00.001-07:00

Tea Anyone? These are super soft, light weight, felt cupcakes. They feature white cake, pink or purple scalloped edged frosting, and for you Katherine, a dollop of whipped cream on top.

These would make any little girl's tea party. They come in a set of two, and while I only have pink and purple shown here I can make them in any color. They are filled with poly fiberfill and are completely hand sewn. They are 3 1/2 inches tall to the top of the sparkle pom pom, and 3 inches wide.
$8.00/set of two

Lemon Fresh Half Apron

2008-08-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

Fresh squeezed lemonade, anyone?

Lemon Apron: $21.95

2008-08-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

I've been loving Heather Bailey's blog lately. She has a free pattern on there for her "fresh cut quilt." Once I saw the picture, I knew I had to have it. I've been hunting for coordinating fabrics in the following colors ever since: red, pink, tan, and brown. You may recognize a couple from Sandi Henderson's Farmer's Market line that just came out. I love them.

I finished the quilt top last night and the next part is the ruffle edging. Ruffling is such a pain!

Here's a picture of her finished quilt:

Tea cup Apron

2008-08-01T07:56:00.000-07:00

pumpkin

2008-07-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

Here She Is
Now, I don't know if I'm breaking some unspoken Girls gone craf-t rule by posting this since I technically did not make it, but I feel like it took an enormous amount of skill on my part to create it. Those skills are 1.) Getting the seed planted in the tiny cup it came in with the help of a 3 and 5 year old (and subsequently replanting it after said 3-year old dumped it out. Twice). 2.) Carefully taking the plant inside and outside so that it would get used to being outside (I don't know if this was neccessary, it just felt right). 3.) Replanting the pumpkin to a larger pot. 4.) Replanting it again once it was large enough to survive the hard clay encrusted dirt we have here. 5.) Lastly, talking to the little (ok, not so little anymore) pumpkin that has grown. That's right, I said talking. It's supposed to be really beneficial to pumpkin plants. It's true. I read it online. So here she is, in all her green glory. I've always wanted a girl.

Pin Cushion

2008-07-28T13:08:00.000-07:00

What's that, you ask? You're dying for yet another pinchushion? Of course you are. This is Maude. She features a mod circular print top, cranberry sides, yellow satin ribbon and matching buttons. Don't worry, I can do more than pincushions, I have more tricks up my sleeves. Be on the lookout for my new line of felt play/tea party food.
$6.00

2008-07-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

Here's another pincushion. I love this chic cranberry/grey/black floral print. Sides are ivory, ribbon is grey grosgrain. Pincushion measures 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 wide and is about 1 1/2 inches tall.
$6.00

Retro Kitchen Apron

2008-07-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

I found this fabric on ebay and I had to have it. I was hoping it would make for a good pocket so I can make the one yard of fabric I bought stretch for a few projects. I'm happy with the way it turned out!

Retro Kitchen Apron: $21.95

Mariposa apron

2008-07-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

Mariposa apron with jumbo red ric rac and giant ruffle.

Princess Pillow

2008-07-17T12:38:00.001-07:00

My little girl Franny is the best shopping partner. Last week when we were in St. Louis I took her to H&M with me and she was actually picking out clothes for me. Love her! So when we're shopping for fabric and she picks something out, I have to buy it and make something for her. She loved this princess fabric from walmart- she grabbed the bolts herself and walked them over to the counter so we could have them cut. I followed the ruffle pillow pattern from Sandi Henderson's blog. (I love Sandi Henderson!!) I changed the measurements, though. The pillow pieces are 13" square, and I cut two pieces for the ruffle- each piece approx. 45" by 4.5". I also did not bother with the buttons. I would if they were going to be throw pillows for my couch, but I thought since it was for Franny I would just keep it simple.

Bedside Organizer- Amy Butler Pattern

2008-07-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

It's been forever since I've posted anything! We're finally getting settled in our new place and I've put a hold on the painting and I'm back to sewing when I get a chance. I actually finished this little number right before we moved. I LOVE it! If you've never seen this book before, check it out. There are some really fun projects in there. And if my library has it, yours probably does too!

This bedside organizer is perfect for keeping the surface of your night stand clear and free of all the stuff that is usually piled on mine: books, glasses, journal, remote controls, ipod, magazines, etc. It has one very deep pocket for magazines, two large miscellaneous pockets, a pocket for a book, an ipod pocket, 2 pen pockets, and a pocket lined with felt for your eye-glasses. It's pretty cool! There is an organizer for each side of the bed so Bobby gets his, too, and they are connected by a sturdy platform made of duck cloth which lays below the mattress. Nice. And yes, my bed sheets are blue. I don't know why. I'm going to replace our bedding as soon as I can! :)

Sweet Baby Bibs

2008-07-16T08:45:00.001-07:00

These bibs come in a set of 7 - 1 for each day of the week! They're made from quilter's flannel which is a high quality flannel so that means they're durable but still super soft. Technically they are infant size, though I tried them on my 3 year old and I think they'd still get the job done. They have snap closures (which in my experience tends to be harder for the baby to pull off than velcro). Each bib is double sided and features 3 coordinating prints. This is a set I made for a boy - girl version coming soon.

$16.00 / set of 7

Tufted Pin Cushion

2008-07-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

These are not your mother's (or grandmother's for that matter) tomato pincushion. These tufted pincushions feature two coordinating fabrics with matching buttons and ribbon. These will quickly replace even your magnetic pincushion (except for when your 3-year-old dumps all your pins on the floor - then you might find the magnetic one handy). A girl's got to craft and sew in style!

$6.00

Check out my etsy store at "smollerup"

LMYR bag

2008-06-19T14:03:00.001-07:00

I made this for my Dad for father's day. I bought some of this transparent stuff (I don't know what it's called), and I zigzag-stitched in onto the top of the bag. Then I put these letters on. (I used a font and printed it out REALLY BIG and used those as my patterns for the letters and then top-stitched those on to the black fabric.)

The picture of my parents is actually one I had to manipulate in photoshop. Franny was in between them in the picture and she's making a weird face, but my parents look really good in the picture. I thought it would be fun to take Franny out and have a cute picture of my mom and dad that was recent and that he had never seen, at least like this.

Truth is, I stink at photoshop. But I'll let you be the judge. This is the original:

LMYR is from the song "Long May You Run" by Neil Young. My Dad signs all his cards to me with LMYR at the end. We're both big Neil Young fans.

KORITF

2008-06-09T07:06:00.000-07:00

Aprons

2008-05-27T12:02:00.001-07:00

These were a special order for one beautiful Miss Dana who is getting married tomorrow! Congratulations Dana!

Here's one I made for the etsy store ($20):

mariposa T-shirt and matching headband

2008-05-22T15:17:00.001-07:00

She makes for a nice model, doesn't she?

Today I made Franny this t-shirt with a matching headband. I'm so happy with how it turned out. I found this ADORABLE fabric that I'm OBSESSED with in Columbia on Monday at a quilt store I went to. It's called City Girl by Kitty Yoshida and I'm having a heck of a time locating some more of it online. I'm going to make the yard I bought of it stretch as far as possible!

Some new stuff- Bleeker Steet and Robert Kaufman

2008-05-21T19:58:00.001-07:00

I love the way the aprons look with a striped sash. I'm calling this one a hummingbird apron, even though that hummingbird's beak is pretty sad. Oh well, it's still pretty cute I think! ($20) This was made with some of the fabric Bobby bought me for Mother's Day. (He has great taste, doesn't he?) It's a Marcus Bros print called Bleeker Street and I love it!

I took some of the leftover fabric and made this pincushion. (My pincushion skills need some work so this one is not for sale. :)

And here is a new turquoise floral car garbage bag. It's a Robert Kaufman print- also one of Bobby's finds. ($14)

baby stuff

2008-05-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

I made a few baby gifts this week. They turned out cute!!

For Rebecca's new baby Caroline:

and for Greg's new baby Tyson:

Car Garbage Bags for sale- Pink Dandy and Red Lotus

2008-05-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

Each 14$

Richard's Charlie Brown bag

2008-05-14T08:45:00.000-07:00

I stole this idea from Volcom's website for my brother Richard's birthday. It ended up looking more Charlie Brown that surfer chic, but whatever. He'll like it. Even if his birthday was in March.

rebecca's camo bag

2008-05-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Can make more if anyone is interested. The picture makes the color look weird. It's black, dark gray, and light gray.

Green booties with Brown and Yellow accent

2008-05-04T18:11:00.001-07:00

Seller: Jenny

These booties are light weight and are made of a very soft and silky fabric. Interior lining is a yellow cotton.

$15

Green Booties with Perfume Button

2008-05-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

Seller: Jenny

These booties are out of a sturdier fabric that will hold up with a baby who is just learning to walk. The cute accent button says perfume. Lined with a light and silky green fabric with floral design. $15

Country Kitchen Apron

2008-05-03T23:52:00.001-07:00

Not for sale- this is actually a Mother's Day gift for Bobby's mom. (I don't think she knows about this blog.)

I changed the design so the sides of the apron turn up a little in the back. The bird is a little pocket and is top-stitched with red zigzag.

I could totally make another one if anyone's interested.

Julia's floral apron with pink heart pocket

2008-05-03T23:52:00.000-07:00

Julia ordered an apron from me and here it is. (Could make this again if anyone wants it.) Heart pocket has a little pink flower button on it. Bow ties in back.

Pink Disco Dot Car Garbage Bag

2008-05-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

$14

Sassy (and Sexy) Black Apron

2008-05-01T08:36:00.001-07:00

I just finished this apron this morning. I tried something knew- I gathered the waist a bit so the front isn't flat like my other aprons, and the sides of the aprons kind of turn up when it comes round the back. I love the button! $20

Psychedelic print car litter bag

2008-04-26T17:31:00.000-07:00

I just love these things. It was love at first sight the moment I laid eyes on them. They're genius and so easy on the eyes. Much better than a wal-mart bag hanging around the headrest. (BTW, I'm not bragging. I totally ripped this idea off of someone else's etsy store.)

This is an Amy Butler print from her Lotus fabrics.

$14

Baby Booties

2008-04-23T19:14:00.000-07:00

Seller: Jenny

These baby booties are just perfect. I have a hard time keeping shoes or even socks for that matter on my little guy and these solve the problem. They stay on his feet without being too tight or uncomfortable. All booties are fully lined so as to avoid uncomfortable and unsightly seams. Fits approximately 3-6 months. (Just for reference, my 8 month old can easily wear them and he wears a size 2 almost 3.)

Camo- $15
Black with Polka Dots- $15

Car Litter Bag

2008-04-22T11:45:00.001-07:00

Seller: Katherine

I discovered these bags online and fell in love with them. They are designed to stay open so you can throw trash and wrappers away while you're in the car. There is an outer shell with a decorative fabric and an inner-shell made of a stiff fabric. You can use a very small trash bag as a liner, or if you're like me, a Wal-mart bag. (I always seem to have those in abundance.)

The bag's strap is expandable and secured with a safety pin, so it can be used in different areas of the car and adjusted to your liking. Here are some ideas of what they look like and where to put them:

Each bag costs $14.

Pink apron with daisy button

2008-04-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

Poly-cotton blend with heart pocket and ruffle. $20.

Seller: Katherine