Gifts |

At Christmas, while my family was spoiled with toys, video games and other gifts under the tree, I was spoiled with gift cards from my wonderful husband. The second I opened them I knew what I was going to use them for.

Ever since a friend of mine showed me how to use my sewing machine I have been making trips to the library quite often. I have taken out every sewing book that I can get my hands on. For the most part I don’t get to read very much of them before I have to head back but I still enjoy the tiny bits I get through.

There are a few that I have taken out more than a couple of times so I figured it was time to add them to my library. The first is Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross.

There are so many great projects in this book that I have been wanting to try. Tunics, bags, a play tent and little girl dresses too. I used the pajama bottom pattern from the book to make these:

And these:

And four other pairs of PJ bottoms that my family wore on Christmas morning.

Growing Up Sew Liberated by Meg McElwee is another favorite of mine that I knew I had to have.

My plan for Christmas 2012 is to have a 75% Handmade Christmas (yes I know it’s only January but if I start planning now perhaps it will happen). This book has a variety of patterns; a teepee, toy bins, dolls, papooses, capes, art satchels and more. I think I will be able to finish almost all our gifts for my four girls from this book alone as well as some of the other little ones in my life. If you are looking for some great gift ideas for some special little people in your life this would be a perfect place to start.

Oliver +S, Little Things to Sew is a book that I was drawn to immediately because of the adorable paper doll clothing images on the cover. I mean seriously, how cute are they? So yes, I judged this book by its cover and was not disappointed. Super cute projects like art smocks, backpacks, hats, messenger bags and a fantastic pattern for a Bento Box carrier that I will definitely be making. There is also a quilt in there that I will be trying to make despite the fact that my previous attempts have been less than successful. Practice makes perfect right?

Now there is still one book that I haven’t added to my collection but I will one of these days. Wee Wonderfuls by Hilary Lang. This book is packed with beautiful dolls. B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L dolls. Couple of my favorites are the Ellie backpack, the Tag along doll (which has an accompanying pattern for an apron that she can be carried around in) which my girls have been begging me to make for them and a few little critters that would be a welcome addition to any child’s room. If you have some time you should check out her site http://www.weewonderfuls.com/ it is totally worth a visit and I am sure you will love her work as much as I do.

I figured that buying these books would be a good financial move especially considering the amount of fines I racked up from the library.

So now that I am dripping with inspiration, I just need to find a bit of time to get it all done. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Right?

What projects do you have planned for yourself this year? Where does your inspiration come from?

With the arrival of summer (finally!) many of my friends are also expecting the arrival of their new babies. And the arrival of new babies means Baby showers!

I love these celebrations of new lives and new families. Every time I attend one I am always reminded of how wonderful the baby days are. *Sigh*

Thinking back to all of the gifts I received at my baby showers, I have a special place in my heart for the ones that were homemade. I loved the idea that someone took the time to make something special and unique for my baby. Now that I can do a bit of sewing I am quite excited that I can make something special for friends and family when their little ones come along.

A co-worker of mine is due any day with her baby boy. Being the proud mom of 4 girls I love getting the opportunity to make boy things (even if it means just using a non pink fabric). I decided I wanted to make something useful for the new Mom and her new little man and after much thought I decided on this:

Car Seat Cover

I saw something similar to this when I was at the park a few weeks ago. They looked fairly easy to make so I thought I would give it a try. They are super useful too. They block the sun in the summer, keep the cold and wind out in the winter, and if you don’t like people touching your new baby when you are out and about, they are wonderful shields too!

You will need:

2 pieces of fabric 29″ x 39″ ( one printed cotton and one for the back, I used minkee for this one)

4 pieces of 4″ x 8″ fabric ( 2 from the printed cotton and 2 from whatever you are using for the back)

2 pieces of 3″ x 1″ velcro

Matching thread

Here’s how you make it:

1. Take your two 29″ x 39″ pieces of fabric and place them with the right sides facing

and pin the outside edges together. (Don’t you just love the monkeys?)

2. beginning around the halfway point on one of the sides begin sewing the edges together leaving an opening of about 6 inches to turn the blanket right side out.

3. Using a knitting needle, or whatever long stick like item you may have on hand (I used a wooden chopstick) push the edge seams and corners out. Topstitch around the outside of the whole rectangle including the unsewn opening (be sure to fold the edges in before you topstitch it.

4. Take one of the printed cotton 4″ x8″ rectangles and sew the hook side of one of the velcro strips about 1 1/3″ from the top of the right side. Sew the fuzzy piece of the velcro to the top of the right side of the minkee piece, about 1 1/3″ from the top.

5. Take the pieces of fabric with the velcro and place them together like they are in the picture (It might seem like it’s wrong but it’s right, trust me!)

6. beginning on one of the sides stitch the edges leaving an opening to turn the tab right side out. Using your knitting needle push the edges and corners out. Topstitch the edges all the way around, being sure to close up the opening as you go. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to make the second tab.

7. About 13″ from the top of the main piece place the tabs and pin them in place.

Sew them on to the main piece, through both pieces of fabric ( This will prevent the layers from separating when it is attached to the handle of the car seat) by sewing a rectangle shape in the center of the tabs. I drew the rectangles on the picture to make the directions a little clearer.