Bunny Cakes

Vampire Love

If you remember my Twilight Fever post from early September on the boys' Halloween costumes, then you will remember I was trying to convince the boys to be twin Edward Cullens (aka handsome Robert Pattinson Vampires).  Well I am happy to report the boys decided to be Vampires for Halloween.  It was mostly because they couldn't find anything else they wanted to be and less because of my (fading) All-Powerful-Mommy-Influence.  I followed Martha's instructions for making the capes and added an embroidered patch to personalize each cape.  Overall the cape project was pretty easy and I would highly recommend giving it a try (you only have to sew two straight lines per cape).  I had a lot of fun doing their hair...check out my twin vampires:

And of course this post wouldn't be complete without my other Vampire Love fresh from the Vanity Fair photo shoot...

Photo by Bruce Weber

-K

The Theo Quilt

It is hard to believe the summer is over.  It started out with great expectations and lots of promise.  I had many projects earnestly queued up on my to-do list, but sadly most of them stayed there.  One of the projects was a quilt for a dear friend who [many months ago] 'just' had a baby boy.  To be honest, the quilt should have been finished up before summer even started, but it wasn't.  Then something went bad.  A dark cloud came into my life--Lyme's Disease.  My hair started falling out, my hands and feet hurt, and I was worried about the disease all the time.  And then after many weeks of antibiotics things were suddenly normal again.  My craftiness returned and the quilt was finished.  So it is with much happiness that I share these pictures of a long overdue quilt and other goodies (monogrammed photo album & burp cloths)...

I really love how the blues and greens turned out together.  

-K

P.S. Use sunscreen AND bug spray. 

Pesonalized Burp Cloths

When I was a new parent I loved receiving personalized gifts for the boys.  Perhaps it was a mother-of-twins thing, but I think it was more because personalized items seem so....well...personal!  They say 'Here, this was made especially for you because you are the best.'  And because I appreciated personalized gifts so much, I love giving them.  Here are some burp cloths I made for a friend of ours who recently had a baby girl...

-K

Old Fashion Square Exchange

A couple of my girlfriends and I decided during a quilting session that we should have an old fashion square exchange.  Having never participated in a square exchange I wasn’t sure what it was all about…but the ladies quickly filled me in.  We decided that our exchange would be an appliqué square from book called Circles of the East by Kumiko Sudo. 

While I was game for the square exchange, I was a little nervous about the project.  Prior to this exchange, I had only done appliqué once…a pillow that my friend Pam (who was also participating in the exchange) had literally held my hand through…not a slight thing considering the near melt down I had when picking the fabric out and the huge mulligan I had with the wonder–under (don’t ask). Appliqué makes me nervous (I can’t even spell the word---I STILL have to look it up). Sensing my apprehension (or perhaps it was the cold sweat I broke out in), the ladies took some pity on me and I was allowed to pick the square.  I went with the gingko leaves pattern, which I thought was not only very smart looking, but also one of the more simple patterns (okay, it was the easiest….).

Along with my slight fear of appliqué, one of my other quilting terrors is batik fabric. While I think batik fabrics are amazing, if you asked me to create anything from batiks, you would get the same reaction if you asked me to do 20 push ups (which would be me laughing so hard I would probably well, you know).  I don’t know why I thought throwing the batik wild card into this project would be a good idea, however, I seemed to recall day dreaming about how impressed everyone would be when they saw that I had not only conquered appliqué on my own, but had slain the batik beast as well. What can I say? Sometimes you just want to run with the cool kids.

I won’t bore you with the details of the multitude of trips to the fabric stores or the loathing and self doubt I went through, but at the end of the day, my homework somehow managed to get done on time.  I have to say, after I made a slight adjustment to the pattern (shhh---don’t tell anyone) the appliqué was pretty easy.  The batiks, well, we will probably never be BFFs.

The exchange itself was really a lot of fun.  When we decided on the project, no parameters were discussed which gave everyone the freedom to do what they wanted.  It was really cool to see everyone’s take on the squares---all the squares were so beautiful and different!

~A

PS- Thanks for the pictures Pam!

Gift for Am M

Although I hate to admit it, life has changed over the past few years.  Celebrating close friends’ birthdays now means a nice dinner and perhaps a small thinking-of-you token gift (notable exceptions being spouse, parents, and nephews of course). Long gone are the days of trolling the local mall for “the” gift for your BFF.  These days I generally like to make most of my gifts (time and laziness permitting with heavy emphasis on the laziness).

Every now and then, life throws you a bone and you happen to stumble across the perfect gift. Such was the case for my very good friend Am M.  I was in an antique mall when I came across a set of vintage hankies (I am fortunate enough to not have allergies and am rarely sick, but I still have a deep seated obsession with vintage hankies.  It’s odd---I know). Well, sandwiched in this packet of hanky goodness were two really great hankies that were a perfect gift for Am.  I have to take a second and elaborate on great—one hankie was very much in the mid-century modern flavor (which is Am’s thing) and was monogrammed with her last name initial (if I was a cat, I would have used up one of my nine lives on this gift). The fact that there were 5 other hankies that I could add to my growing collection was also (admittedly) a bonus.

So, having found these great hankies, I was super excited, however, I had to do a little more.  It seemed a little odd to give just the hankies no matter how great they were.  I recognize that not everyone shares my deep seated affection for vintage hankies.  I decided to make a small little coin purse that Am could keep one the hankies and perhaps a lipstick in for the times when she was traveling light.

I sat down and started thinking about how this little purse should be.  After several failed prototypes, the final plans were decided (with almost no formal training, my sewing style is decidedly fly by the seat of your pants with a touch of just make it happen).  Finally, the fabric was picked, cut, and ready to go.  The happy flow of the project at this point took a turn for the worse as evidenced by the multitude of coin purses that now have permanent residence in the corners of my craft room.

True to my nature, I eventually managed to pull things together…just in time for Am’s birthday.

~A

Carrot Pouches

This year when the boys wake up on Easter morning instead of finding their baskets they will only find these cute little *Carrot Pouches*.  Inside the pouches will be a clue that will lead them to their Easter baskets. 

I am planning on being a little bit more elaborate this year for Easter since the boys are away  on Spring Break with Grandpa.  I can't believe it!  This is their first week away from Mom & Dad ever.  The house is really, really quiet without the boys here.  I miss them tons already, but I am looking forward to my week 'off'.   I will be working on lots of overdue projects, Easter projects and relaxing.  Anyway, back to the carrot pouches...this is a quick & easy sewing project that you can modify to make whatever size you want.  Here are the steps I followed (it seems like a lot of steps, but they go by fast):

1.  Optional Step: Machine or Hand embroider recipient's name on orange felt.

2.  Using a water-soluble pen draw carrot outline on orange felt.  

3.  Place another piece of orange felt under the felt that has the carrot outline.  Sew along pen lines, but make sure you don't sew your pouch closed!  Leave an opening at the larger end of the carrot.

4.  Using sharp scissors trim just outside carrot outline.  See Exhibit A below:

5.  Draw a template for the carrot leaf on paper and cut out.  NOTE: Make the end of the leaf that will attach to the carrot rounded.  This will allow you to sandwich the carrot between the two layers of the leaf.  

6.  Pin paper template to two layers of green felt.  NOTE: The two layers will make the leaf more substantial and will allow you to nicely attach the carrot.

7. Sew around the leaf template.  Make sure you do not sew together the rounded bottom portion of the leaf.  Start on one end of the rounded portion and sew all the way around to the other end of the rounded portion, but do not sew the bottom of the leaf yet.

7.  Using sharp scissors trim around the leaf (including the rounded end).  See Exhibit B below:

8.  Now for the slightly tricky part...attaching the leaf to the carrot.  Fold over the top lip of the carrot pouch and pin it so it is out of the way.  Maneuver the bottom lip of the carrot pouch between the rounded open end of the leaf.  The bottom layer of carrot will now be sandwiched between the leaf pieces (see Exhibit C).  Sew the leaf closed.  Now the leaf and carrot will be attached and you will have a cute little carrot pouch for lots of Easter goodies.

9.  Fill with treats & enjoy!

-K

When Procrastination Becomes Your Hobby

So, I am finally finishing up some of my Christmas obligations, I mean gifts.  I am big on making gifts for my friends.  Handmade gifts are one of the best ways to show someone that you care. Each year I try to come up with something new and different---each year the possibilities grows and yet at the same time shrinks.  I try not to do the same thing.  In previous years, gifts have included: knitted scarves, handmade crystal earrings, and porcelain bowls. This year, sadly, I was kind of at a loss---what to do?  I mulled over the options in my mind.  Finally, I decided on the gift of comfort.  Who would love a pair of PJs?

PJs, while fairly easy to make, do require some thought and planning. Which fabric would each girl like? I finally decided on some really nice Amy Butler prints.  I purchased, washed and “wrapped” the fabric up.  My girlfriends were excited about the gift (at least once I explained what the gift actually was---personally a couple of yards of really nice fabric and I would be a very happy camper, but I guess I own a sewing machine). After a dinner and some wine (in hind sight, perhaps a little too much wine), I took some measurements and gave some well intentioned promises.

So, after all the fun of gifting the (unfinished, un-started, un-fill-in-the-blank ) “present,”  I neatly folded the fabric up and set in craft room for later.  Apparently, much later.  In my defense (which is admittedly pitiful) I had a BIG project that had to get done---a project that became a huge albatross around my neck.  Like all terrible times, the BIG project finally managed to get finished (on time!), however, the PJs just sat and sat.  The guilt began to pile up, but I would not and did not relent.  Other projects came and went and the PJs languished.

Until, finally, I was moved but some unforeseen force (guilt has no sway over me apparently).  I located the pattern (which it turns out had been on loan to a friend), got off my butt, and (sadly) in a single afternoon-----SUCCESS! The PJs are all sewn, just waiting for the recipient to come over for dinner and a quick hem.  It only took, what, several months. I am terrible---laziness has no good defense (at least none that I can think of!)

~A

Updated St. Patty's Ceiling Love

For this year's ceiling love I have added a few more stuffed felt shamrocks and some Irish flag hearts to the mix.

 

If you want to create your own stuffed felt shapes follow these simple steps:

1.  Draw, trace or print your shape on paper.  Then cut out your template.

2.  Place two pieces of felt together and pin template on top.

3.  Sew around your template, but leave a small opening--preferably along a straight portion of your shape.  Use a clear presser foot if you have one, it will be much easier to see the template.  If you need to lift up your presser foot, be sure to keep the needle down.  Once finished with the sewing, cut around your shape, but leave plenty of excess felt around your opening--this will make it easier to sew at the end.

4.  Stuff with filling.  Use a chopstick to push filling to hard-to-reach places.

5.  Sew opening closed.  Trim any extra felt.  Enjoy!

-K

A Sweet Welcome to a Little One

Just a few short weeks ago, K’s sister-in-law (co-auntie of my darling nephews) gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Call me a bit old fashion, but (to me) the best way to welcome a baby to the world is with handmade love. 

It just so happened that when I had heard of the birth I happened to have on loan from my local Library Amy  Butler’s Little Stitches for Little Ones.  Anyone who is familiar with either Amy Butler’s fabrics or pattern knows how awesome Amy’s taste and eye are!  Flipping through the book, there were many awesome projects to choose from, however, I finally decided on the Snuggly Wrap Blanket.  

While there were some initials hiccups (several phone conversations with K trying to determine which fabric would work the best and the dreaded late night run to the fabric shop that no project would be complete without), the project itself was relatively easy.  I think that hardest part of this project is cutting the fabric out (or finding a cat free space to lay everything out on).  The only modification that I made was to eliminate the tie which was determined by a few mothers to be unnecessary and to me the non-mother, I thought it was a little odd to tie something to a baby (which could just be a personal quirk). Overall, I was very pleased with how well everything turned out.  Amy’s pattern was very straight forward, well planned, and very thought through---this woman thinks of every detail. This is a great project that I would not hesitate to make again.

~A

Valentine's Day Craft Project

These cards that K has recently created are just amazing!  I really love them all and I am hoping that M and I are lucky enough to get some post office v-day love. (Fingers crossed).

A couple of weeks ago I came across a very cute Valentine's day project that made me instantly think about K.  Anyone who knows her, knows that she is completely holiday crazy, (in a crafty non Christmas sweater kind of a way), but there are a couple holidays that she really goes all out for (Valentine's day is definitely one of them!).  I knew that this would be a perfect little gift for her!

www.craftstylish.com/item/31438/how-to-make-heart-sachet-sets

While I thought the pattern was really easy and great (and easy enough for a beginner), I made a few minor adjustments:

1. Instead of tracing the heart shape onto my fabric, I just used  a scrap of paper to create a heart template that I pinned directly to my fabric and just cut around.

2. I used the pinking shears on my sewn heart before I added the filling. (Leave the side of the heart with the opening un-pinked).

3. I liked a pretty full heart and I found that if I pushed all the stuffing and held it at bay with a long straight pin, sewing up the opening was a lot easier.

Overall, this was a wonderful little project--- a great way to use up your beloved fabric scraps.  A nice way to spend a few hours (and the couple people I have gifted these hearts to also seemed very pleased).  Oh yeah, definitely gets high marks on the "instant gratification" scale.

Here are a few resources where you can buy lavender buds:

1. www.thelavenderpath.com  (I got my lavender from here and I literally had my lavender within two days of my order. Their shipping was mind boggling fast…)

2. www.sevenoakslavenderfarm.com (I have not used their products, but I have heard great things)

3. Smith & Hawken (most expensive option, but still an option)

Happy crafting!

~A