tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37271814138968246592024-03-13T05:20:23.564-04:00Me and MadelineMolly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-38529097456484848422013-02-20T07:24:00.000-05:002013-02-20T07:24:13.595-05:00Rainbow DressI just realized I never blogged one of my favorite things I've ever made for my Madeline. And in honor of her turning 5 (FIVE!) yesterday, I thought today would be a good day.<br />
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It's just a simple peasant bodice - I'm telling you guys, once you understand the construction of a peasant bodice, it takes under 30 minutes to construct one. Then you get to be creative with the skirt! <br />
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I wanted Madeline's to be super twirly, so each tier is approx. 50% longer than the tier above it.</div>
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See? Super twirly. She LOVES this dress. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkAHzOCuEI4g1BQ3WTOjvqFeEnoGblBCpC8cmCbgtsf765sSQlCyzdYoAiGkmL34V2-JehG520hfWYTgcY04E3__uovHEBSBEC3VF2L2JDizMV8atXDMBZ3znjMn1Hh4LxpwI09cGHkLW/s1600/August.kids-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkAHzOCuEI4g1BQ3WTOjvqFeEnoGblBCpC8cmCbgtsf765sSQlCyzdYoAiGkmL34V2-JehG520hfWYTgcY04E3__uovHEBSBEC3VF2L2JDizMV8atXDMBZ3znjMn1Hh4LxpwI09cGHkLW/s640/August.kids-27.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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A customer asked me to recreate it for her daughters birthday and together we came up with this color combination:<br />
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I really, really love this one too! Such happy, fun colors!<br />
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Ok, that's all! Just a quick fly-by so I don't break my self-imposed rule of going more than a month without blogging!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Molly</b></span>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-57660046443902741732013-02-06T10:35:00.001-05:002013-02-06T10:35:50.992-05:00Easter Dress Pattern Round-upEvery year about this time, I start on my quest to find the perfect Easter dress pattern for Maddie. I thought it might be fun (and helpful for someone, maybe?) to show you my favorite new patterns that I've discovered this year. Maddie's dress is going to end up as a big mash-up of a few of them, but they are all darling on their own! (You can see past Easter dresses I've made <a href="http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2010/04/easter-projects-and-more.html" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2011/04/easter-outfits.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-catch-up-post.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/73947001/argyle-party-dress-pdf-sewing-pattern?" target="_blank">Argyle Party Dress Pattern </a>$8<br />
I looove the collar on this one. <br />
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<a href="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/6278490/il_570xN.243439384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="640" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/6278490/il_570xN.243439384.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.olabelhe.com/shop/Clara.html" target="_blank">The Clara Dress</a> by Olabelhe<br />
If you are into old-fashioned, darling dresses for little girls, you must check out the amazing patterns on this website. The "Clara" is one of my favorites, and it would be perfect for a chilly Easter that lands in March!<br />
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<a href="http://www.olabelhe.com/shop/Clara_files/IMG_20111007_9999_24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.olabelhe.com/shop/Clara_files/IMG_20111007_9999_24.jpg" width="418" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93925237/adele-twirl-vintage-style-dress-pattern?ref=&sref=" target="_blank">The Adele Twirl Vintage Dress</a></div>
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The little scalloped bib really transforms a simple dress into something special. This won't be Maddie's Easter dress, but I definitely see a dress like this in her future.</div>
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<a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/6736794/il_570xN.318374471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/6736794/il_570xN.318374471.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://gtzphotography.wordpress.com/2011/03/10/tutorial-the-madelyn-dress/" target="_blank">The Madelyn Dress</a></div>
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I.love.this.dress. I'm thinking about adding sleeves to make it a little warmer for Easter...</div>
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<a href="http://gtzphotography.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/madelyn-dress-tutorial-intro.jpg?w=1024&h=682" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://gtzphotography.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/madelyn-dress-tutorial-intro.jpg?w=1024&h=682" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.onelittleminuteblog.com/2011/03/big-bow-easter-dress/" target="_blank">The Big Bow Dress</a></div>
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Adorable. </div>
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<a href="http://www.onelittleminuteblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Big-Bow-Dress5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.onelittleminuteblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Big-Bow-Dress5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2012/01/project-run-and-play-guest-post-amelia.html" target="_blank">The Amelia Dress</a></div>
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Love the bib and the pick up skirt. LOVE this blog, by the way. Tons of great clothing tutorials. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0h0XH8oxzDiYmlNSTdw2jviImMwGu33H7U5BU5XThbwOgpHT2rUQyKryfhFdiIPpKnyy1DeTEjlgxK8XNZIpqtVj05M692fUlPAJ4G2Y6k6CIP_zC6iRuLHpqYKSjZOoJmxQpQeE78Lza/s640/IMG_1278edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0h0XH8oxzDiYmlNSTdw2jviImMwGu33H7U5BU5XThbwOgpHT2rUQyKryfhFdiIPpKnyy1DeTEjlgxK8XNZIpqtVj05M692fUlPAJ4G2Y6k6CIP_zC6iRuLHpqYKSjZOoJmxQpQeE78Lza/s640/IMG_1278edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.modkidboutique.com/Chloe.html" target="_blank">The Chloe Dress</a></div>
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I think a pattern is emerging here...I'm all about the details. This one has it all. Oversized pockets, contrasting patterns, and a bib (with buttons!). I used a modkid pattern for Maddie's dress last year, so I'm obviously already a fan of their work. </div>
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<a href="http://www.modkidboutique.com/images/CHLOE-Cover-500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.modkidboutique.com/images/CHLOE-Cover-500px.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.modkidboutique.com/images/Liz-Chloe-potty-girl-forweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.simplesimonandco.com/2011/11/vintage-holiday-dress-tutorial.html" target="_blank">The Vintage Holiday Dress</a></div>
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The possiblities with this one are endless. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvdLrQMCZYxUCfdxV_O9ltFdPbRGwFCsTvuAVCpEQ6hJAeRXK-ygL7wEsysAlEIbLqGAEM08oDkaXHKxyKSrZsdxruPRMDKkqXKqPdpjNavB5hdu1mGzcGk1UWuV8hK8nqg8Gc0ijzvw/s1600/holiday+dress+title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvdLrQMCZYxUCfdxV_O9ltFdPbRGwFCsTvuAVCpEQ6hJAeRXK-ygL7wEsysAlEIbLqGAEM08oDkaXHKxyKSrZsdxruPRMDKkqXKqPdpjNavB5hdu1mGzcGk1UWuV8hK8nqg8Gc0ijzvw/s640/holiday+dress+title.jpg" width="424" /> </a></div>
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As always, my go-to pattern for bodice and sleeve pieces is <a href="http://scientificseamstress.com/catalog/PreciousDressesPHYS.html" target="_blank">The Precious Dress.</a></div>
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<a href="http://scientificseamstress.com/catalog/productimages/preciousdress4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://scientificseamstress.com/catalog/productimages/preciousdress4.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
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I'm also working on Maddie's dress for her 5th birthday party, so some of these elements are going to work their way into that dress as well. </div>
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What's your go-to dress pattern? What are you loving right now?</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Molly</span></b></div>
Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-57808820680428774372013-01-25T20:36:00.001-05:002013-01-25T20:37:49.856-05:00Tap, tap...anyone there?Hello, bloggy land! Did you miss me? Wait, don't answer that.<br />
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Although I haven't blogged in 6 months (!!!), that doesn't mean I haven't been busy crafting, sewing and crocheting. In fact, quite to the contrary. The good news is that I always photograph everything I make with the intention of sharing it here, so I now have enough blog material for rest of the year. ;)<br />
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Let's dive right into it, shall we? How about a crafty Christmas wrap-up?<br />
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First up, a queen anne's lace scarf. It's a little messy looking if you don't block it, but some light blocking worked wonders! I know I always say this, but I want one for me now!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/8415775692/" title="Queen Anne's lace scarf by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img alt="Queen Anne's lace scarf" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8194/8415775692_c9c40969cb.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
I made two of these doll sets for my sister and niece's American Girl dolls. Apparently the fit is not great, though. Guess I need to pay attention to gauge when I'm crocheting clothes!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/8414681625/" title="Doll Set by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img alt="Doll Set" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8229/8414681625_9017951a20.jpg" width="439" /></a> </div>
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This Christmas runner was for my mother-in-law. I made another one in a different print my my mom, but forgot to take a picture.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/8414680781/" title="Pinwheel Christmas Runner by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img alt="Pinwheel Christmas Runner" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8091/8414680781_06a73d21bc.jpg" width="334" /></a> </div>
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This bag was for my sister Katie. I actually bought a pattern for this one, which I rarely do, but in this case it was totally worth it. Terrible picture, but I'll definitely be making another one like this for me. I scaled the pattern down for Katie's purse, but the original pattern, the two zip hipster, can be found <a href="http://erinerickson.com/store/patterns/two-zip-hipster-pdf-pattern/">here</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/8415778638/" title="Katie's bag by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img alt="Katie's bag" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8415778638_5be5140502.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
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Some wool wrist warmers for my sister Hannah: </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/8415780112/" title="Wool wrist warmers by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img alt="Wool wrist warmers" height="410" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8047/8415780112_2d2e461de2.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
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This was my first time experimenting with crocheted cables and it couldn't have been easier.
This was for my sister and her almost-fiance, a quote from Song of Solomon: </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/8414687825/" title=""I have found the one" embroidery by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img alt=""I have found the one" embroidery" height="453" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8097/8414687825_2670466fcb.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
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And a framed hymn for said almost-fiance (his favorite): </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/8414686871/" title="Framed Hymn by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img alt="Framed Hymn" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8095/8414686871_9e8a1b4faa.jpg" width="411" /></a> </div>
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An reversible apron and matching hot pad for my sister Rosie: </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/8414685929/" title="Vintage Inspired Apron by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img alt="Vintage Inspired Apron" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8515/8414685929_924dc325a8.jpg" width="295" /></a><br />
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(Tutorial is <a href="http://www.sew4home.com/projects/kitchen-linens/retro-fun-vintage-style-apron#">here</a>. The end result was fantastic, but it was a pain.in.the.butt.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/8415780724/" title="Modern pinwheel pot holder by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img alt="Modern pinwheel pot holder" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8088/8415780724_2cda03950f.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
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I didn't really do much homemade for the kids this year, but I did refinish a little table for Maddie to use as a vanity. She looooves it and uses it every day, so that was a win!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/8414714629/" title="Maddie's vanity by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img alt="Maddie's vanity" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8356/8414714629_660b060216.jpg" width="335" /></a> </div>
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I was pretty crafty this year with my home decor this year and finally made new stockings for the four of us. But I'll wait until Christmas time to share those - no one feels very Christmassy in January!
Alrighty! Signing off for what I hope is not another 6 months...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Molly</span></b>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-6375539274936578952012-08-29T12:35:00.000-04:002012-08-29T13:29:24.438-04:00Will's Cowboy Room<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=WillsRoom-1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/WillsRoom-1-1.jpg" /></a> <br />
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We chose to be surprised by the gender of both of our children. Which is SO fun. I highly recommend it. The only downside is that it makes planning the baby's nursery a real challenge. With both of our kids, I ended up waiting until they were here to start planning the decor for their rooms.<br />
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Will's room started with <a href="http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2011/03/covering-my-bases.html" target="_blank">his quilt.</a> I wanted to go with a farm/vintage western theme and thought the little stars in Make Life fabric was perfect (think sheriff's badge). Of course, by the time he got here and I got my act together I had to really scrounge to find more fabric in that line to be able to make his bumpers, crib skirt and curtains.<br />
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=WillsRoom-6-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/WillsRoom-6-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=WillsRoom-18-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/WillsRoom-18-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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Justin grew up around horses and rodeos and his grandfather still has many horses, so this seemed like a theme that Will could grow into. As you can see from the pictures, nothing is permanent, so this blue room could easily be transformed something completely different down the road.<br />
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My favorite part of his room is the photos. Below you can see Will's great grandfather with one of his first horses at age 18, then Justin plowing with his grandfather, an old newspaper cut out of Will's grandpa and his daddy as a little boy at a county fair and then Justin showing sheep at a 4-H fair. I have a few more old photos that still need to be enlarged and framed - then they can also find a home on Will's walls.<br />
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On his dresser below you can see Daddy's bull riding buckles and a trophy from a horse camp he won when he was 12.<br />
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I store his toys in a wooden crate my sister personalized for him and a wicker basket. Larger toys are stored under the crib and on the bottom shelf of his changing table. The closet is still overflowing with my fabric and craft supplies, so he'll just have to live without that for a little while. ;)<br />
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I didn't have a full vision for this room when I began, but it came all came together and I'm really happy with it. It's functional, simple and personal. :)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Molly</b></span><br />
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<i>Notes:</i><br />
<i>The fabric for the quilt, bumper, crib skirt, curtains, sheet and bunting is from the Make Life by Sweetwater line. You can still find bits and pieces of it on Etsy.</i><br />
<i>The bumper form was an old pottery barn bumper I bought at a yard sale and recovered. </i><br />
<i>The mirror and spurs and lone ranger tin and cowboy cut-out came from Hobby Lobby.</i><br />
<i>The ceramic boots came from Happy Harry's (I purchased those years ago!)</i><br />
<i>The wood pallet bookshelf is a DIY project I blogged about<a href="http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2012/08/wood-pallet-bookshelf-mini-tutorial.html" target="_blank"> here</a>.</i><br />
<i>The dresser was a $25 thrift store upcycle. I sanded, repainted and used rope instead of replacing the hardware.</i><br />
<i>The "W" above the crib was purchased from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/NuptialNotion" target="_blank">this Esty seller </a>- I HIGHLY recommend.</i><br />
<i>The name puzzle came from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CeadarHillHeirlooms" target="_blank">this Etsy seller</a>. Another gem! They don't have puzzles listed in their shop, but they will do custom orders if you ask. </i>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-48432327245954082322012-08-29T09:31:00.002-04:002012-08-29T09:40:02.422-04:00Wood Pallet Bookshelf - a mini tutorial<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=Palletbookshelf.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/Palletbookshelf.jpg" /></a><br />
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When I saw this project on Pinterest, I knew I just *had* to make it for Will's room. Luckily, my hubby was able to get his hands on a wood pallet for me. When he brought it home, our conversation went something like this:<br />
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"Here's the wood pallet you wanted for that bookshelf."<br />
"Oh, thanks! But...it's so....new."<br />
"Yeah, I got the best one I could find."<br />
"I was kind of hoping for something older and more weathered. Now I'm going to have to beat it with a hammer."<br />
"What? But I thought....I just.....never mind."<br />
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I'm pretty sure he's done trying to understand me when it comes to my crafting and DIY projects. <br />
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So I loaded my new pallet in my car and headed to my Dad's garage to borrow his tools. Or...just, ummmm, just watch him use his tools.<br />
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But in all honesty, this is a pretty basic woodworking project and if you have a saw and a drill, you can totally do it sans husband.<br />
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Some wood pallets are slightly different, but they generally look like a variation of this:<br />
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One pallet should make four shelves. Make your cuts as shown in the picture below. Except, you know...straighter.<br />
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Next, you'll need to measure the inside of the bottoms of your newly made shelves so that you can cut 2x4's to size and screw them in place. Otherwise, all your books will fall out the bottom of your nifty new shelf.<br />
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To finish them off, I took a little electric sander and tried to get the edges and corners as smooth as possible. Because I wasn't happy with the new wood, I took a hammer and some nails and scraped to give the wood some more character. Then, I took my can of stain and used a brush to run over the surface of the shelves one time. After each brushstroke I immediately used a rag to rub in the stain.<br />
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Then I had to wait a week for the smell to wear off before I could bring them in the house. I couldn't wait to get these things on the wall!<br />
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I am SO pleased with how they turned out. They hold a lot more books than I excepted - each shelf holds at least 20-25 books of various sizes - and it's so easy for kids to access and put away their own books.<br />
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=WillsRoom-22.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/WillsRoom-22.jpg" /></a><br />
I have one shelf left that I didn't use in Will's room and I think I'm going to paint it white and use it as a craft supply/coloring book/school book center in our little craft corner. The possibilities are endless! Honestly, I wouldn't mind having a set of these in my living room!<br />
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=WillsRoom-12.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/WillsRoom-12.jpg" /></a><br />
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I have pictures of all the DIY projects I did for Will's room, hopefully I'll get that posted this week. I love how it all came together, it's definitely a room he can grow into and hopefully he'll stay interested in horses and cowboys. :)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Molly</b></span>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-59606862294517828542012-07-26T10:07:00.000-04:002012-07-26T10:07:00.189-04:00Chenille blankets, part deux<a href="http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2011/03/covering-my-bases.html" target="_blank">Remember</a> the chenille blanket I made in case baby #2 was a girl? Well, now Madeline has inherited it. She calls it her "nap time" blanket and totally loves it. I do too! Right before Christmas, I received an Etsy order to make a matching pair for a set of newborn twin girls. These blankets are a labor of love, that's for sure, but the end result is SO worth it.<br />
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I used my favorite all time fabric line, Hunky Dory by Chez Moi. You might remember it from...uh, EVERYTHING in Maddie's room. <br />
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=Chenilleblankets-4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/Chenilleblankets-4.jpg" /></a><br />
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I used hot pink, light pink and white flannel for the chenille back.<br />
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Don't they look so pretty all packaged up and ready for shipping?<br />
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=Chenilleblankets-7.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/Chenilleblankets-7.jpg" /></a><br />
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I have some really cute fabric and some yummy flannel to make one for Will, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. Maybe that would be a good fall project...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Molly</span></b><br />
<br />Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-49363025833952677622012-07-19T11:24:00.000-04:002012-07-19T11:24:00.425-04:00The Catch-Up Post<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is the post wherein I catch up my readers on all my crafty news from my 4 month long blog hiatus. Which was not intentional, I assure you! </div>
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Hmmm, where to start? Well, I continued the tradition of making Madeline's Easter dress. I really, really love this pattern (you can find it <a href="http://modkidboutique.com/Addison.html" target="_blank">here</a>)! Will also wore his first bow tie, which was totally adorable, if I do say so myself. </div>
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I made Maddie an <a href="http://www.sewinginnomansland.com/2011/04/01/easter-bonnet-headband-tutorial-and-giveaway-giveaway-closed/" target="_blank">Easter Bonnet Headband</a> , inspired by this post. She loved it and it almost made up for not having a hat. I had a better picture of it, but I can't find it...</div>
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Maddie recycled her <a href="http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2011/11/little-bo-peep-and-her-sheep.html" target="_blank">Halloween costume</a> for Plow Days this year and as I mentioned <a href="http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2012/07/bandana-stick-horse-tutorial.html" target="_blank">before</a>, me and my cousin made a boatload of stick horses to sell. I also made about 2 dozen bonnets. I simplified my <a href="http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2011/04/sunday-bonnet-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Sunday Bonnet</a> so I could crank them out quickly. Fun, busy day!!</div>
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I revisited my most popular blog post of all time, the <a href="http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2010/04/reversible-sundress-tutorial-and.html" target="_blank">reversible sundress</a> and made a matching pair for two little sisters. I started working on patterns for sizes 3 months - 6 years, plus some revisions to the fit that I think work a little better than the original. For now, that's still on the to-do list!</div>
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I made this little old fashioned set for customer's grandchild for her school play. I used <a href="http://childrensfashionworkshop.squarespace.com/design-projects/2008/11/14/apron-dress.html" target="_blank">this</a> pattern for the apron, but opted to use regular elastic instead of shirring the neck and arm holes. I love this fabric!!</div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=DSC03165.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC03165" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/DSC03165.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<br />This is the little peasant style dress I made Maddie for the 4th of July. I'm in love with this style! So easy to make and so easy to wear! I have an extra-special peasant dress all cut out for her that I'm dying to start sewing. I'll definitely share when I'm finished. </div>
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My biggest project this year was completing Will's bedroom. I made crib bumpers, crib skirt, curtains, refinished a dresser and tracked down some cool wall art. I also made something very cool out of this pallet...can you guess what? </div>
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It definitely needs it's own post, but I need to clean his room before I take pictures. So in other words, don't hold your breath or anything. ;)</div>
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I think that's about all the crafty related news I have! I always slow down a bit in the summer months, but I have so many, many projects (that's a lot, Pinterest!!) that I want to make, so I'll have to start putting the pedal to the medal come fall. Speaking of Pinterest, you can follow me <a href="http://pinterest.com/mollytomlinson/" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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In the meantime, we're have a blast this summer, spending lots of time at the pool and the beach and making lots of memories with our two little munchkins.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Molly</span></b>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-85729998485968240492012-07-12T09:38:00.000-04:002012-07-12T09:40:32.938-04:00Bandana Stick Horse Tutorial<div style="text-align: justify;">
So...4 months later...here is that stick horse tutorial. It's a little bare bones and there are a TON of ways you could spruce this up and make it sturdier or cuter, but this will give you the basic idea. These took me about 30 minutes a piece, but I did all of mine at the same time, so it would take longer than that to just make one. </div>
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My cousin and I made another batch for our booth at Plow Days this year and made a few modifications that I'm going to note as I go along. </div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=stickhorses.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/stickhorses.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<b>Supplies:</b></div>
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1 Dowel Rod - I got mine at Hobby Lobby, there are all different sizes, I just went for the cheapest I could go without it feeling like it could potentially snap. If you have an old broom handle hanging around, that works too!</div>
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1 bandana - Again, I picked this up at Hobby Lobby for $.99</div>
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2 yds. Coordinating ribbon</div>
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Google eyes - I think a pack of 16 was around $2.50 - Cute buttons would be adorable as well!</div>
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Small amount of felt - You can pick up a square of felt for $.25 at most craft stores.</div>
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Poly fill - I cut open a couple old pillows for my stuffing - that really helped keep the cost down! </div>
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Yarn </div>
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Hot glue gun</div>
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Matching thread and needle</div>
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Rope or cord - If you are feeling ambitious and want to add reins.... </div>
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Okay, so I didn't take the time to scan in the pattern I used, because it's very simple and if you can draw a stick person, you can draw this. To get the scale right, fold your bandana in half like a triangle. You'll need two sheets of paper for the pattern. You want the pattern to go <b>all the way to the edges</b> of the bandana. Okay, here's the picture, because hopefully that will make what I just said make sense. :)</div>
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Now trace your pattern onto the folded bandana and cut out, positioning the pattern in the position shown above. </div>
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You will also need to cut out two ears from your felt. Cut out a triangle and then lop the top off of it. That would be called a...trapezoid? I've been out of school for too long. </div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=StickHorse-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/StickHorse-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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To cut your ribbon, measure from the end of your horses nose diagonally to the top of his head. Cut three of this length.</div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=StickHorse-4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/StickHorse-4.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here's the fun part! Grab a book or another flat rectangular object (I used the lid to a plastic bin) and begin wrapping your yarn around it. </div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=StickHorse-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/StickHorse-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Wrap it about 75 times around. The more times you wrap, the thicker the horses mane will be...but the harder it will be to sew, so you have to find that balance. 75 times was just about right. Also, the wider your book, the longer the mane will be, so keep that in mind as well.</div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=StickHorse-5.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/StickHorse-5.jpg" /></a></div>
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Now you need to decide whether you are going to hot glue the bridle on the horse after construction or sew it on. I hot glued the ones I made for the kids party, but I sewed the one I made for Plow Days and it's really a MUCH better idea. Don't have any pictures of that, but basically, you are going to take your two head pieces and lay your ribbon on the head and pin. Make sure they line up on both sides. Sew down both sides of the ribbon. </div>
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If you are sewing button eyes, now is the time. Don't forget you're going to lose about 3/4 inch when you sew the mane in , so don't do it too close to the edge. </div>
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Same story with the ears. I hand-sewed mine (see below) but the 2nd time around I machine stitched them and I liked it better. Here's how I did it: Fold the ear in half lengthwise. Position the ear with the point facing DOWN and stitch as close as you can get to the edge of the felt. I positioned mine about 2 inches below the top edge of the horses head. Then flip the ear up and stitch again. That ear isn't going anywhere!</div>
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Sorry I don't have pictures of those steps, if you have questions - feel free to leave them in the comments and I'll try to answer them there.</div>
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Okay, back to the mane. VERY carefully, slide the wrapped yarn from the book. Do this right near your machine so there is no chance of it falling apart (says the voice of experience). Sew straight down the center of the looped mane. You want to end up with a mane about 12-18 inches long, so go slow and adjust accordingly.</div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=StickHorse-6.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/StickHorse-6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=StickHorse-7.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/StickHorse-7.jpg" /></a></div>
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Now you are going to fold your mane in half along the seam you just made and position it on the RIGHT side of the horses head.</div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=StickHorse-8.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/StickHorse-8.jpg" /></a></div>
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Sandwich it between the other horse head piece, right side DOWN.</div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=StickHorse-9.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/StickHorse-9.jpg" /></a></div>
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Pin generously and then sew around the edge of your horses head, leaving only the neck hole open. It's going to be a PAIN to sew around the mane, especially if your want a nice thick mane. Go slow and don't cuss too much.</div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=StickHorse-10.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/StickHorse-10.jpg" /></a></div>
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Reinforce at least the mane portion of the horse with a zig zag stitch.</div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=StickHorse-11.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/StickHorse-11.jpg" /></a></div>
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Flip your horse right side out. Yay! We're almost done!!</div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=StickHorse-12.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/StickHorse-12.jpg" /></a></div>
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Now take a pair of scissors and cut all the loops out of the horses mane.</div>
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Next, we get to stuff the horse! Don't under stuff - especially through the nose. Floppy horses can't run fast. ;)</div>
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Now that your horse is all stuffed, we are going to give him legs! Or...at least a body. Grab your dowel rod and wrap a piece of felt around the end. This will prevent the stick from making it's way through the fiber fill and poking a hole through the fabric. </div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=StickHorse-13.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/StickHorse-13.jpg" /></a></div>
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Stick the rod into the fiberfill and position it so it feels secure but not so that the top of the rod is touching the top of the horse. If you fill the horse adequately, it will be easier.</div>
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Use your hot glue gun and put a good amount of glue on the stick where it meets the fabric. Squeeze the fabric around the glue to attach. Don't burn your hand!</div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=StickHorse-14.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/StickHorse-14.jpg" /></a></div>
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Wrap a length of yarn around the bottom of the horses head to help secure. Use a dab of hot glue to secure end.</div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=StickHorse-15.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/StickHorse-15.jpg" /></a></div>
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I added a mouth by looping some heavy duty thread around the snout several times. Like this:</div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=StickHorse-16.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/StickHorse-16.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=StickHorse-17.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/StickHorse-17.jpg" /></a></div>
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</div>
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If you added the bridle, ears and eyes before assembling, you could call it a day! If not, fire up that glue gun and start gluing!</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=StickHorse-18.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/StickHorse-18.jpg" /></a></div>
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You can use the third piece of ribbon to wrap around the snout. Or not. Your call. If you decide to add reins, stick the ends under this piece.</div>
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If you are hand sewing the ears, position them and use a whipstitch to secure.</div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=StickHorse-20.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/StickHorse-20.jpg" /></a></div>
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You're done! Easy peasy, right? Now hand your adorable stick horse to your favorite cowboy or cowgirl and watch them ride off into the sunset! </div>
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<a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=StickHorse-20.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/StickHorse-20.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Molly</b></span></div>
<br />Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-78370700069892216492012-03-08T14:54:00.000-05:002012-07-12T09:46:53.468-04:00Cowboy and Cowgirl party!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6818764922/" title="Maddie and Will by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img alt="Maddie and Will" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6818764922_97c22504b1_b.jpg" width="686" /></a> <br />
<br />
With Madeline and Will's birthday's just two weeks apart (even though I was due BEFORE her birthday, <a href="http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2011/03/worth-wait.html">remember</a>? Longest two weeks of my life) we decided to combine birthdays and have one big shebang this year. I've discovered that I just love planning parties, and since this was my only chance for the year to throw and fun, themed birthday party, I really got into it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6964888003/" title="Western Invitation by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img alt="Western Invitation" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6964888003_17aec6904d_b.jpg" width="686" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6964891893/" title="Birthday girl! by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img alt="Birthday girl!" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6964891893_0405712db4_b.jpg" /></a><br />
Hats, stick horses and badges for all the kids! <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6818765984/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cowboy party time! by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img alt="Cowboy party time!" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/6818765984_41f6a1c33b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6818768192/" title="Cowboy guests by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img alt="Cowboy guests" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6818768192_cc00aab620_b.jpg" width="686" /></a><br />
My sister Kelly helped me assemble the cake - to be totally honest, when I was mixing all that fondant, I had SERIOUS doubts that there was even going to be a cake, so I was really pleased that it turned out just like I envisioned! Maddie's eyes seriously turned into saucers when she saw it, so...mission accomplished!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6964887427/" title="Let's eat cake! by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img alt="Let's eat cake!" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/6964887427_996d9188f6_b.jpg" width="686" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6964895001/" title="Maddie's cowgirl party by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img alt="Maddie's cowgirl party" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/6964895001_4852c18fa8_b.jpg" width="686" /></a><br />
Will got his own little smash cake, which he dug right into!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6818773178/" title="Will loved his first taste of cake! by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img alt="Will loved his first taste of cake!" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6818773178_c1c0f124de_b.jpg" width="686" /></a><br />
We had such a fun time - and I'm only a little sad I don't get to plan another party until next year! :)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Molly</b></span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Notes:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Oriental Trading company has a ton of great party supplies for cheap! That's where I found the hats, the bandanas for decorating (they wouldn't have worked for the horses, they are just a super thin poly), the cowboy cut-out for "pin the badge on the sheriff" and the sheriff badges.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>I made the bandana stick horses with supplies from Hobby Lobby - $1 bandanas, $1 dowel rods, felt ears and eyes - total cost per horse? $2.50. Can't beat that. I took some basic pictures, so I can post a tutorial if anyone is interested. Super easy.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>UPDATE:</b> Stick horse tutorial can be found here: http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2012/07/bandana-stick-horse-tutorial.html </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>The fabric for the kids outfits (even the plain white tshirts) came from Hobby Lobby.</i></span>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-8439482566100344852012-01-31T08:29:00.001-05:002012-01-31T08:29:00.196-05:00Sugar Scrub - a mini tutorial<div style="text-align: justify;">Last year I made lavender sugar scrub for all the women on my gift list. I have seven sisters (<a href="http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2010/05/eight.html">remember?</a>) I'm always looking for a little something extra to put with their gifts.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/5329950537/" title="Homemade sugar scrub! by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5202/5329950537_6d01c46175_b.jpg" alt="Homemade sugar scrub!" width="1024" height="1024" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I totally intended to post this before Christmas, but time just got away from me. I figure if I try to wait until next Christmas to post - I never will. Anyway, here is the super duper easy instructions.<br /></div><br />You will need:<br />1 1/2 cups of sugar<br />1/4 cup olive oil<br />essential oil for scent (I used lavender)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">You might need to play with the quantities of your ingredients to get the texture you want, but those are the basic numbers. It's really hard to get this wrong. I picked up some lavender oil at the vitamin shoppe, but there are dozens of other places to get yummy smelling essential oils. Instead of plain white sugar, I used Domino's raw sugar, which is a little coarser and more like the sugar scrubs you find at the store. But if you want to keep the cost really low, go with plain 'ole white sugar.<br /><br />Then I bought a case of pint sized mason jars to package them in. The packaging options for sugar scrub are really endless. You could probably hit the thrift store and come home with a gaggle of unique bottles that would make cute little gifts. Of course, glass and porcelain don't exactly mix, so plastic containers might be preferable.<br /><br />I printed the labels on big shipping labels and used my rotary cutter to cut them to size. I bought a pack of cheap spoons from wal-mart and a 1$ spool of matching ribbon and - voila! A whole bunch of yummy smelling sugar scrub.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/5330558464/" title="Sugar Scrub by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5170/5330558464_17d4ae672c_b.jpg" alt="Sugar Scrub" width="1024" height="685" /></a><br /><br />I did keep a couple jars for myself and I loved it! It makes your skin super soft and it last forever. It keeps well too. I have a jar that I just recently opened and it's still fresh and smells great.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/5330557464/" title="Homemade Sugar Scrub by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5164/5330557464_053a09b46e_b.jpg" alt="Homemade Sugar Scrub" width="1024" height="685" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Molly</span></span><br /></div>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-7377939514330912882012-01-13T12:18:00.003-05:002012-01-13T12:47:10.060-05:00Library Totes<div style="text-align: justify;">I made these totes for my little sister and niece for Christmas and I just love how they turned out. Siera is a little bookworm, so this bag was made just for her many trips to the library. I used <a href="http://www.dontcallmebetsy.com/2011/04/mini-bookshelf-quilt-tutorial.html">this</a> tutorial and it was easier than I anticipated. Great way to use up some scraps!<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6690518269/" title="Bookworm library tote by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6690518269_c3355ba774_b.jpg" alt="Bookworm library tote" width="686" height="1024" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6690519269/" title="Bookworm library tote by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6690519269_f65e30e486_b.jpg" alt="Bookworm library tote" width="686" height="1024" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Louisa's was a little simpler. I just used scraps of fabric in bright colors, hand embroidered the words and attached them to the front of the bag with some fusible webbing and then permanently attached them with a decorative stitch in contrasting thread.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6690512977/" title="Library tote by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6690512977_18c8c2e9d9_b.jpg" alt="Library tote" width="686" height="1024" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I also hand embroidered each girls' name on the shoulder strap. I love the little things like that that make a big impact.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6690514359/" title="Library tote by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6690514359_6885544d46_b.jpg" alt="Library tote" width="686" height="1024" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />The girls both totally loved their new bags (which each had a new book inside, of course) and I'm already mulling different themed bags I can create. The bag itself was just a basic tote, tutorials are a dime a dozen all over the web. I used canvas straps that can be purchased by the yard from your craft store.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I was seriously off pace from last year's homemade Christmas, but I did squeeze in a few other homemade gifts. You can check them out over on my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/">flickr stream</a>.<br /><br />I'm in the midst of some health issues that should hopefully be resolved quickly so I can get back to crafting! The next thing on my list is homemade goodies for the kids joint birthday parties next month. I'm certain I'm more excited about it than them. :)<br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Molly</span></span><br /></div>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-16224828404876215552011-12-02T22:49:00.002-05:002011-12-07T07:56:14.315-05:00Our Advent Calendar...and some ideas<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >I thought I had published this post a few days ago, but for some reason it didn't post. Whoops. </span><br /><br />I *finally* finished up our advent calendar on December 2nd. A day late. But it was totally worth all that hard work to see it hanging up in the (otherwise undecorated) living room.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6447916149/" title="Advent Calendar by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6447916149_4103ed82f7_b.jpg" alt="Advent Calendar" height="1024" width="909" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I used<a href="http://trilliumdesign.blogspot.com/2010/11/stocking-advent-calendar-tutorialpart-1.html"> this</a> tutorial, with just a few size modifications.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6447914067/" title="Advent Calendar by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6447914067_c80f581405_b.jpg" width="685" height="1024" alt="Advent Calendar"></a><br /><br />As promised, here is the list I've come up with to fill our calendar with lots of good cheer this Christmas season:<br /><br />Every day: I bought a 100 piece Christmas Ravensburger puzzle and assembled it and then disassemble it in sets and put several pieces in each stocking. Each day she can add to her puzzle - and it will be complete on Christmas Eve. It's a good visual for her since she still doesn't totally understand the concept of time.<br /><br />Activities: I'm not assigning days to these until I'm sure what's going on that day. Most of them are things that we would have done anyway, but it's fun for her to look forward to something.<br /><br />Sleepover at Nana's<br />Sleepover at Nona's. (yes, she has a Nana and a Nona)<br />Go see the Christmas lights on the boardwalk<br />Christmas shopping at the dollar store (I plan to give her 10 $1 bills to buy gifts for her cousins and her brother)<br />Shopping for toys for tots or Angel tree<br />Decorate the house for Christmas<br />Put up the tree<br />Bake Christmas cookies with Gramma<br />Make special Christmas cards for grandparents<br />Paper cone Christmas tree craft<br />Watch TV Christmas specials (love DVR for this!)<br />Cousins Christmas party<br />Visit "Walk through Bethlehem" (live nativity)<br />Aunt Hannah sleepover<br />Christmas cookies for Sunday School teachers<br />Wrap Christmas gifts<br />Visit Santa<br />Christmas caroling<br /><br />That's 18 activities, which should be plenty. Sunday is a pretty full day around here, so those days will just be a piece of candy and the daily puzzle pieces. Some days just won't work for any activities and those days will be a gift:<br /><br />New Christmas movie<br />New Christmas book<br />Colored pencils and a Christmas coloring book<br /><br />I'm hanging on to all the activities/gifts to decide on until the night before. I planned on decorating the house as one of our first activities, but Maddie was sick this week, so I used the new Christmas movie (Elf!) and the TV Christmas specials since she wasn't up for anything else.<br /><br />That's it! One thing that this calendar has really made me do is get organized for this month! When you sit down and realize how much you actually want to accomplish in one month, it becomes apparent that you must plan ahead to fit it all in! This is the first year since we've been married that I'm not working at all - (if you don't count sewing and crocheting into the wee hours), and I'm SO excited about the prospect of a whole month of uninterrupted Christmas merriment!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6447910625/" title="Advent Calendar by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6447910625_c973ccd282_b.jpg" width="1024" height="685" alt="Advent Calendar"></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Molly</span><br /></div>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-33119269699447591632011-11-16T10:58:00.000-05:002011-11-16T22:47:56.706-05:00All about Advent... and a calendar round-up<div style="text-align: justify;">Last year, one of my facebook friends made an incredibly awesome Advent Calendar and I was totally inspired. Honestly, I really wasn't even sure what Advent was, we never celebrated it when I was a child, but all I knew was that she made a really cool looking calendar with pockets and I wanted in on the fun! Of course, it was too late in the season to make one last year, but I've been eagerly anticipating the start of this Christmas season so that our little family could participate.<br /><br />But, first things first. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">What is Advent?</span><br /><br />Quite simply, Advent is a countdown to Christmas. It's traditionally a time for Christians to reflect on the birth of Christ and to prepare for his coming. Advent is taken from the latin word "adventus" which literally means "coming". Advent actually begins the 4th Sunday before Christmas, but Advent <span style="font-style: italic;">calendars </span>begin on December 1st.<br /><br />The <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Advent Calendar</span> is simply a physical way to countdown the 24 days of December leading up to Christmas and there are literally a hundred different ways you can do it. There is no right or wrong way and it can be a simple or elaborate as you want it to be. In most cases, the calendar contains 24 vessels of some sort - one for each day of December. Pockets, drawers, cones, stockings, envelopes, tins...you get the idea. Alternatively, the advent calendar could be something that is added too every day until it is finally completed on the 24th. An example of that kind of calendar would be a mini tree that gets an ornament each day.<br /><br />The web is chock full of amazing homemade calendars and fabulous ideas for celebrating advent and there are plenty of other calendar round-ups, but here are some interesting ones that I thought were worth sharing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Make an Advent Calendar:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.elsiemarley.com/string-of-lights-advent-calendar-pattern.html">This</a> is about the cutest thing I've ever seen - A felt garland of bulb lights. You've got to click over and check it out. If we had a mantel, I'd totally go that route.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/3077058735_2bfa541694.jpg?v=0"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/3077058735_2bfa541694.jpg?v=0" /></a><br /><br />I'm really leaning toward making something similar <a href="http://trilliumdesign.blogspot.com/2010/11/stocking-advent-calendar-tutorial-part.html">to this</a> for our calendar this year. Love, love it.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5001/5216693041_29bd07aeef.jpg"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5001/5216693041_29bd07aeef.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://crafterhours.blogspot.com/2009/11/activity-advent-calendar-you-print-it_19.html">This</a> activity advent calendar requires a minimal amount of sewing and is totally functional AND adorable.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8ekAwV3hq883GQvv18VjDuXjpTUMhII5POUw0Z91__vL6oJWpk-yPYbmOfrL3g-0Pb_KrZH1HSEZEYuXthnjtkkP0xyWZvRSF4rFzFeIzefunQRYeJkSvZexPyg-6xrbRekft06-LMFW/s640/IMG_2403.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8ekAwV3hq883GQvv18VjDuXjpTUMhII5POUw0Z91__vL6oJWpk-yPYbmOfrL3g-0Pb_KrZH1HSEZEYuXthnjtkkP0xyWZvRSF4rFzFeIzefunQRYeJkSvZexPyg-6xrbRekft06-LMFW/s640/IMG_2403.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2009/07/elizabeths-fabric-focus-christmas-in-july-advent-calendar/">Here</a> is a basic quilted calendar with pockets - there are so many variations to this calendar!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/media/blog/EFF727091.jpg"><img src="http://www.sewmamasew.com/media/blog/EFF727091.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/235398845/">Another</a> cute non-quilted hanging calendar with pockets. Love the linen look!<br /><br /><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/144326363027930489_wLiIXlts_c.jpg"><img src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/144326363027930489_wLiIXlts_c.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> No sew, easy advent calendar ideas:</span>No sew, easy advent calendar ideas:<br /><br /><a href="http://kidscraftweekly.com/advent_challenge_issue.html">Paper Chain</a> - It doesn't get much simpler than that! We used to make a paper chain to countdown to birthdays and other exciting events when I was little. This would be a great way to get the kids involved in making the calendar - have them decorate paper to be cut into strips and linked together. As a twist, write an activity (or the first clue for a scavenger hunt!) on the inside of each chain. Each day as the links are removed, the child can find out what fun activity is planned for the day.<br /><br /><a href="http://kidscraftweekly.com/images/advent_challenge/chain2.jpg"><img src="http://kidscraftweekly.com/images/advent_challenge/chain2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/homemade-advent-calendar.html">Paper Origami Boxes</a> - This is a particularly cute little paper calendar.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/images/homemade-advent-calendar-pattern-top.jpg"><img src="http://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/images/homemade-advent-calendar-pattern-top.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://theredthreadblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/advent-calendar-tuesday-tah-dah.html">Paper Cones</a> - Okay, this is adorable. You could just as easily make this into a garland for the mantel or staircase.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyw6OwEMSBtykZYHCjev9hgFshD4YkjwdQnFyqd1QOOYpIUF4lKxyQWGTzub0p-_j1ydHabrcpsZ0GnLBVK0PjSg_QBk5kDWZhpv3QiilW6jIgEmFArUttmUa9jiPZxQM0GrAcJV7mmTi/s400/advent_finalImageLR.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyw6OwEMSBtykZYHCjev9hgFshD4YkjwdQnFyqd1QOOYpIUF4lKxyQWGTzub0p-_j1ydHabrcpsZ0GnLBVK0PjSg_QBk5kDWZhpv3QiilW6jIgEmFArUttmUa9jiPZxQM0GrAcJV7mmTi/s400/advent_finalImageLR.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Buy a Calendar or Kit*:</span><br /><br />These are all from Etsy, because 1) Etsy is awesome and 2) supporting local, home-based businesses is so vital at Christmas time!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62383669/diy-advent-calendar?ref=sr_gallery_38&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=advent+calendar&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">This one</a> is PDF file that walks you through printing little paper boxes that can be arranged anyway you want:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83809438/diy-kit-ready-to-ship-biblical-christmas?ref=sr_gallery_17&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=advent+kit&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Here's another</a> DIY kit that is SUPER cute. This one has a pocket with a ornament that signifies a different part of the Christmas story that can be hung on the tree each day.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83995799/advent-calendar-kit-christmas?ref=sr_gallery_40&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=advent+calendar&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">This one</a> is another garland version with little distressed tags for each day of Advent.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85002993/mini-felt-and-embroidery-pennant?ref=sr_gallery_25&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=advent+calendar&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Another garland</a> with a pennant look. This DIY kit includes Bible verses paraphrasing the Christmas story for each day.<br /><br />*Note: I found all these calendars just by browsing on Etsy, I've never ordered from these sellers and thus can't personally recommend them - I just think their stuff is super cute. ;)<br /><br />I think I've finally decided on plan for our advent calendar this year - I have fabric ordered and list started for activities and gifts for Madeline. But I think I'll save all that for another post - this is getting lengthy! Look for that post next week.</div>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-30785283216301525392011-11-07T06:00:00.000-05:002011-11-07T06:00:14.897-05:00Dresden Plate fun...Since I've begun dabbling in quilting, I've been dying to try out the dresden plate block. It's so very vintage, but can still be modern and fun with the right fabric choices. (side note, the more I sew, the more I realize how much it really, really is all about the fabric)<br /><br />I made this little table topper for my sister's birthday - she just did a little kitchen revamp and I tried to tie in a lot of the colors she chose.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6312722427/" title="Dresden Plate table topper by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6115/6312722427_28e9a216d9_b.jpg" alt="Dresden Plate table topper" height="855" width="1024" /></a><br /><br />I intended to just quilt an outline around the flower, but I got carried away and ended up carrying the zig zagging pattern all the way to the edges of the topper. I kind of love it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6313244720/" title="Dresden Plate table topper - details by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6219/6313244720_50b06cf904_b.jpg" alt="Dresden Plate table topper - details" height="685" width="1024" /></a><br /><br />My "to-do" list is a mile long, but I'm still hoping to make a Christmas version of this for my table.<br /><br />Doesn't it look cute on my sister's corner table?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6312724691/" title="Dresden Plate table topper by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6112/6312724691_9d4f2a0614_b.jpg" alt="Dresden Plate table topper" height="1024" width="685" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Molly</span></span>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-28638865215669742652011-11-01T07:39:00.004-04:002011-11-01T10:13:11.342-04:00Little Bo Peep and Her Sheep<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">It's been a busy summer. And a busy beginning of fall (can someone please tell me how it can possibly be November?). Anyway, that's my excuse for being so absent. But November seems like a good place to get back in the swing of things in bloggy land. Also, yesterday was Halloween...and that's my weak segue into sharing pictures of my cutie pies in their costumes.<br /><br />Meet Little Bo Peep and her sheep. They make a cute pair, no?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6302323796/" title="Little Bo Peep and her sheep by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img on="" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6042/6302323796_148eb31c06_b.jpg" div="" width="685" /></a><br /><br />I know that my days of dressing them in coordinating costumes are numbered, so I figured I would take advantage while Maddie can still be easily persuaded. She was honestly excited that her brother was going to be her little sheep.<br /><br />Will was a little angel and didn't fuss at all about wearing a hood and hooves.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6302324592/" title="Will the sheep by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/6302324592_d5676b1757_b.jpg" alt="Will the sheep" height="685" width="1024" /></a><br /><br /><br />Madeline had SUCH a good time trick or treating (this was her first year), that I have a feeling that I'm going to be hearing about it for weeks to come.<br /><br />Her costume is a doctored up version of The Precious Dress, which you know I just love. I've lost count of how many times I've used it, but you can see a couple versions <a href="http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2010/04/easter-projects-and-more.html">here</a>. I also borrowed some ideas from the Cinderella dress you can find over <a href="www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/10/cinderella-dress-halloween-costume.html">here</a>. I searched high and low, but I couldn't find a tutorial for exactly what I wanted for her bonnet, so I just winged it. I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out, even though I was totally improvising as I went.<br /><br />Maddie's eyes lit up when she looked at herself in the mirror after trying on her costume - and that always makes those hours behind the sewing machine worth it. As a bonus for Mommy, this dress will also double as her <a href="http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2011/04/plow-daysand-pretty-pinny.html">Plow Days</a> dress for next spring.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/6302051435/" title="Little Bo Peep and her sheep by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6302051435_93b9df5ac7_b.jpg" alt="Little Bo Peep and her sheep" height="1024" width="685" /></a><br /><br />Will's lamb costume is a Tom Arma costume I scored off of ebay on the cheap. Love that!<br /><br />I really have been busy in the past few months doing all sorts of crafty things, including a complete bedroom set for Will, so I have plenty to share - just need to carve out the time for blogging! Wiping noses and filling bellies always comes first, you know. ;)<br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Molly</span></span><br /></div>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-59211870425282540652011-07-06T08:59:00.002-04:002011-07-06T12:24:29.250-04:00Messenger Bags for the girls<div align="justify">Last week my littlest sister and my niece came over to make bags with me. My sister Louisa was just 7 months old when my oldest sister got married and 10 months later - my niece Siera was born. They are the best of friends and completely inseparable. And now they have matching bags.<br /><br /><a title="Messenger Bag by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/5908363067/"><img alt="Messenger Bag" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5076/5908363067_83952ec8e5_b.jpg" width="686" height="1024" /></a><br /><br />My sister Katie helped them pick out and order the material. I was a little unsure of working with the nylon canvas, but it worked out beautifully.<br /><br /><a title="Messenger Bag by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/5908363945/"><img alt="Messenger Bag" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6003/5908363945_e403970e17_b.jpg" width="686" height="1024" /></a><br /><br />We even had some excitement when Louisa lost her 13th tooth in the middle of constructing the bags.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=Girlsmessengers1of7.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/Girlsmessengers1of7.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I will admit that even though we intended for the girls to help sew the bags, I ended up doing all the sewing. The girls did help cut the pieces out and then spent the rest of the day refereeing the other kids with my sister and watching Toy Story 3. And they even mananged to NOT cry uncontrollably at the end like I did.<em> Anyway.<br /></em><br />Let me tell you how fabulous <a href="http://ocd-obsessivecraftingdisorder.blogspot.com/2010/08/bag-lady-week-messenger-bag-tutorial.html">this tutorial</a> is. Clear directions, helpful pictures. This was my second time using the pattern and I have another bag cut out for a birthday gift. One of these days I'll get to make one for me!<br /><br /><a title="Messenger Bag by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/5908920440/"><img alt="Messenger Bag" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/5908920440_59b58de7d8_b.jpg" width="1024" height="1024" /></a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Molly</span></strong> </div>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-56629570988646865332011-06-17T11:01:00.004-04:002011-06-17T12:15:30.845-04:00Skirt Week!<div align="justify"><a href="http://crafterhours.blogspot.com/">Crafterhours</a> (seriously, how clever is that blog title?) is hosting <a href="http://crafterhours.blogspot.com/2011/05/announcing-skirt-week-2011-with.html">"skirt week" 2011 </a>and I decided to enter a few skirts into the competition. The deadline is....ummmm....today, so I figured I'd better get down to business and finish up my skirts!<br /><br />First - a couple for Madeline. She still has to be bribed to wear pants, so skirts and dresses and anything girly is right up her alley. Plus, skirts are so easy for summertime! I'll start with my favorite:</div><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=skirtweek-06522.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/skirtweek-06522.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=skirtweek-06520.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/skirtweek-06520.jpg" /></a></p><br /><div align="justify">I fused a large piece of seafoam Kona cotton to some fusible web (I use wonder under) and used a sippy cup lid as a template to cut out about 25 circles. I fused them to the white skirt piece and then topstitched them all in matching thread. I decided it needed something else, so I made an underskirt in aqua - about 2 inches longer than my white circle piece. Then I attached the waistband and made a casing for the elastic. </div><br /><div align="justify">I love it so much! The 3-D circles give this skirt a little pizazz and seafoam is one of my favorite colors. </div><br /><div align="justify">Next, a skirt in the same style, but just a little simpler. No underskirt and no applique.</div><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=skirtweek-06528.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/skirtweek-06528.jpg" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=skirtweek-06535.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/skirtweek-06535.jpg" /></a><br /><p align="justify"><br />The prints are one of my favorite Heather Bailey fabric combinations. (Ewww, I just noticed I really need to clean my baseboards. And is that crayon on the wall?)<br /><p align="justify">And now two skirts for me! I'm going to be totally honest and tell you that getting dressed post-Will has been a challenge. Mostly because NOTHING FITS ME!! I'm telling you, it's ridiculous. Anyway. I think my point is that I needed some new clothes anyway. Or maybe I just needed to get that off my chest. Either way, here's skirt numero uno:<br /></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=skirtweek-06545.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/skirtweek-06545.jpg" /></a><br /><p align="justify"><br />Elastic is NOT my friend. I need as little bunching fabric around my nicely padded waistline as possible. So I made a waistband and shirred the back of the waistband to make it a pull-on skirt. The fabric is a light-weight black denim. I'm going to get a lot of use out of this one.<br />Here's the back. </p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=skirtweek-06554.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/skirtweek-06554.jpg" /></a></p><br /><p align="justify">I actually made the following skirt for Easter. It was my first time drafting a pattern for myself. Much easier than I thought it would be. I used <a href="http://www.ikatbag.com/2009/07/summer-skirts-4-fitted-panel-skirt.html">this tutorial</a> as a guide for creating a 6 panel skirt. There is no elastic (thread or otherwise) on this one. It closes with a zipper. I added a blind hem to make it more fancy. ;)<br /><p align="justify">I've already wore this skirt to church three times. It's an AWESOME pattern, because you don't have to mess with pesky darts and it's made to fit YOU, so...it's a perfect fit! A little time consuming, but most worthwhile things are. The fabric is Benartex "ZuZu's Petals".<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=skirtweek-06540.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/skirtweek-06540.jpg" /></a><br /><p align="justify">What is your favorite skirt pattern? I had intended to make one more for me - I'd like to try a tiered peasant skirt with a zipper (staying away from elastic, remember?), but I ran out of time. Maybe by the end of summer. Check out all the other great skirts entered in "Skirt Week" here on <a href="http://crafterhours.blogspot.com/">Crafterhours </a>- there is a link to the flickr groups for each category in the sidebar.</p><br /><p align="justify"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Molly</span></strong></p></div>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-52252562255850158942011-06-07T12:00:00.002-04:002011-06-07T13:52:04.763-04:00Kaleidoscope Quilt Along!<div align="justify">I've been wanting to join a quilt along for awhile now and <a href="http://dontcallmebetsy.blogspot.com/">Don't Call Me Betsy </a>just gave me the perfect reason: The Kaleidoscope Quilt! I've been eyeing this quilt for such a long time and this was a great excuse to bite the bullet and put the pedal to the...err...carpet?<br /><br />This quilt will be a challenge for me, because I plan to make it entirely out of my current fabric stash, which is dwindling by the day. I'm going to have to buy solids and backing, but other than that, I'll be raiding my craft closet. </div><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://dontcallmebetsy.blogspot.com/2011/05/come-join-kaleidoscope-quilt-along.html" target="_blank" border="0"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2386/5781794186_1dca9f0b12.jpg" /></a></p><br /><div align="justify">I have until June 23rd to pick fabrics, so in the meantime I plan to finish up this little crib quilt:<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=DSC06389.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/DSC06389.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Yup, more <a href="http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2011/01/maddies-quilt.html">pinwheels in a house</a>. These blocks just make me happy, I can't wait to finish this top!</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Molly</span></strong></div>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-20117744539799358492011-05-26T10:21:00.005-04:002011-05-26T12:05:33.929-04:00Something for the kids...<em><span style="font-size:85%;">Edited to add: I posted </span><a href="http://momma-molly.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Will's birth story </span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">over on my personal blog - I know a few of you have been asking, so click on over if you want all the gory details. :) </span></em><br /><br /><div align="justify">I've been trying to include Madeline in my crafty endeavors whenever I can. Usually this involves setting her up with paint and paper while the baby sleeps so I can sew or giving her some crazy scissors and paper and letting her go to town. When I saw this <a href="http://www.cluckclucksew.com/2011/03/scrap-craft.html">cute project</a> over at <a href="http://www.cluckclucksew.com/">Cluck Cluck Sew</a>, I knew I had to make one of these with my girl.<br /><br />I cut a "M" out of an empty cereal box, cut up some scraps from my scrap box, handed her a bottle of glue and let her have at it. She had so much fun!<br /></div><br /><br /><p align="justify"><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=DSC03729-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/DSC03729-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></p><br /><p align="justify"><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=DSC03732-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/DSC03732-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></p><br /><p align="justify"><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=DSC03738-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/DSC03738-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=DSC03739-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/DSC03739-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />When we were finished, I punched two holes through the top and hung it on some pink ribbon and she put it on her doorknob. I intended to hang it on her door, but she was very unhappy that she couldn't reach it "all the way up there", so the doorknob it is.<br /></p><br /><p align="justify"><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=DSC03754.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/DSC03754.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Also, in the interest of full disclosure, I do NOT set her up with a project everytime I sew. Like...right now she's watching Max & Ruby while I blog about keeping her occupied with cool craft projects. Ironic?<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Molly</span></strong></p>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-11390362079900952642011-05-24T09:03:00.003-04:002011-05-24T17:45:13.130-04:00Rise and Shine mini-quilt<div align="justify">This was my first stab at a miniature quilt. I've found that I really enjoy the process of quilting, but I have a short attention span so full size (and even baby size!) quilts can feel a little monotonous to me by the time I'm nearing the end. That's not the case with a mini quilt! This one measures 13x16 and every part of it was so much fun to make! If you're new to quilting, this is a great way to get your feet wet without the commitment (and expense!) of a big quilt. I tried a little embroidery on this one too.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=riseandshineminiquilt-05450.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/riseandshineminiquilt-05450.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=riseandshineminiquilt-05448.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/riseandshineminiquilt-05448.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=riseandshineminiquilt-05449.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/riseandshineminiquilt-05449.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Mini quilts are generally used as a wall hanging, but they work as a unique table topper or placemat too!<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=riseandshineminiquilt-05455.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/riseandshineminiquilt-05455.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I see many more mini-quilts in my future! This one is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74747445/rise-and-shine-mini-quilt-wall-hanging">in the shop</a>.</div><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Molly</span></strong></div>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-31224075920327237622011-05-15T23:38:00.005-04:002011-05-16T17:27:06.859-04:00More Marissa...<div align="justify">I really love <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70028412/sis-boom-marissa-dress-with-scientific">this pattern</a>.<br /><br /><a title="Easter Dress 2011 by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/5640497474/"><img alt="Easter Dress 2011" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5102/5640497474_3e3894c590_b.jpg" width="686" height="1024" /></a><br /><br />A couple of my friends asked me to make dresses for their daughters after seeing pictures of my Maddie in her Easter dress. Here's one of them in my beloved hunky dory fabric. Some day I'll get sick of it...but not today!<br /><br /><a title="Riley's dress by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/5724689211/"><img alt="Riley's dress" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5173/5724689211_7e361844eb_b.jpg" width="686" height="1024" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Riley's dress by Me_and_Madeline, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmadeline/5725246230/"><img alt="Riley's dress" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5725246230_8d5db33e69_b.jpg" width="686" height="1024" /></a><br /><br />I don't buy a lot of patterns. I'm a big fan of figuring stuff out myself or finding a free tutorial online. But I don't mind spending money on one of <a href="http://scientificseamstress.blogspot.com/">Carla's</a> patterns. I always learn so much from her instructions! (The way she installs the zipper in this dress is genius!) She makes intermediate projects into beginner projects with her fabulous pictures and instructions. This is not a paid advertisement, I just really love her patterns. :)<br /></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Molly</strong></span></div>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-33844586945205790042011-05-14T20:30:00.003-04:002011-05-14T23:27:27.346-04:00Just so you know...So, just so you know...here's the deal. If I disappear from blogging for a week or two...you don't have to wonder where I am or what I'm up to.<br /><br />You can just assume I'm loving on these two little munchkins:<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=Kids-5158.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/Kids-5158.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=Kids-5168.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/Kids-5168.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=Kids-5125.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/Kids-5125.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Yes, I have the cutest kids in the world. Yes, I know I'm totally biased, but I still think it's true. :)<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Molly</span></strong>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-74513525327942767982011-04-25T06:38:00.001-04:002011-04-25T15:16:08.529-04:00Sunday Bonnet Tutorial<div align="justify">Every little girl needs a bonnet - even if it's just to play dress up with! </div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">I made <a href="http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2011/04/plow-daysand-pretty-pinny.html">this </a>bonnet for Madeline for Plow Days, but then tweaked the pattern and added some ruffles and piping for these babies:<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=april8of24.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/april8of24.jpg" /></a><br /><br />These are really super easy and I'm even going to show you how to shir with elastic thread and make your own piping! As always, I probably included more pictures and instructions than necessary - I know from experience that there is nothing more frustrating than following a tutorial and thinking "I wish they had a picture of <em>that</em>! I have no idea what that means!". As always, feel free to leave questions in the comments, I'll answer them there.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="justify">This bonnet will fit most little girls from 2-5 years old.</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">Ready, set - let's go!<br /><br /><strong><em>Materials</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />1/2 yard main fabric<br />1/4 yard (or less - you may be able to get away with using scraps if you piece strips together, I actually used jelly roll strips I had on hand) trim fabric<br />elastic thread<br />thread to match fabric<br />light to medium weight iron on interfacing<br />chunky yarn or petite piping<br /><br /><strong><em>Cut:</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong>From Main fabric:</strong><br />15 x 15 - cut one<br />3.5 x 14 - cut two for brim<br />3.5 x 20 - cut two for ties (alternately, you could use the trim fabric for the ties)<br /><br /><strong>From trim fabric</strong><br />2.5 x 30 (ish) - cut one for brim ruffle (it's not super crucial to have a particular length here - just as long as it's double your brim length)<br />1 x 15 - cut one for piping<br /><br /><strong>From interfacing</strong><br />3.5 x 14 - cut two for brim<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03951.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03951.jpg" /></a><br /><br />1. Fuse your interfacing pieces to the wrong side of the two brim pieces. This will make your bring a little stiffer and not quite so floppy.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03952.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03952.jpg" /></a><br /><br />2. Using a bowl or other round object - cut a curve into the short end of your brim pieces. (tip: fold the fabric in half length-wise for matching curves.)<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03953.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03953.jpg" /></a><br />3. Repeat with your main bonnet piece.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03954.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03954.jpg" /></a><br />4. Fold your ruffle piece in half, wrong sides together and iron.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03956.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03956.jpg" /></a><br /><br />5. Fold your tie pieces in half - right sides together - and iron in half. Fold one short end down at a 45 degree angle (is that right?) and iron. Cut the end of the tie off on the line you just made with your iron, creating a pointed end.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03957.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03957.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03959.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03959.jpg" /></a><br /><br />6. Sew your ties together, leaving the short, non pointed end open for turning. Clip corners, turn and iron flat.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03970.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03970.jpg" /></a><br /><br />7. Grab your ruffle strip and topstitch along the folded edge.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03972.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03972.jpg" /></a><br /><br />8. Set your stitch length as long as it will go and sew a basting stitch 1/4 inch from the raw edge. Do not backstitch.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03975.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03975.jpg" /></a><br /><br />9. Pull the bottom bobbin thread to gather your ruffle. You want to gather it as long as the rounded edge of your brim.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03976.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03976.jpg" /></a><br /><br />10. Line up the raw edge of the ruffle with the rounded raw edge of one of your brim pieces. Sew onto brim piece using a 1/2 inch seam allowance.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03978.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03978.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03986.jpg" target="_blank"></a><br /><br />11. Place second brim piece over the first brim piece, sandwiching the ruffle piece inbetween them. Pin. Use the stitches from the first brim piece as a guide, sew pieces together.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03979.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03979.jpg" /></a><br /><br />12. Turn and press.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03981.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03981.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><em><strong>Piping mini-tutorial</strong></em><br /><br />You can skip this step, but the piping really does turn a plain jane bonnet into something a little more special. You could also pre-made piping. Here's how to easily make your own.<br /><br />I just wanted very small piping, so I used some 8 ply yarn I had on hand.<br /><br />Iron your 1 inch strip in half<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03982.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03982.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Place your piping (or yarn!) inside the strip in the fold you just created with your iron.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03983.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03983.jpg" /></a><br /><br />You can use a zipper foot for this step (and you would certainly want to if you ever make larger piping), but I find that using my regular presser foot is fine for small piping like this. Sew as close to the piping as possible, sandwiching the piping in the strip of fabric.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03984.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03984.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Viola! Piping! </div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03986.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03986.jpg" /></a><br /><br />14. Pin your piping on the brim piece, raw edges together. Turn your piping under when you get to where the brim meets the ruffle, as shown in the pictures below and sew onto brim, using the original stitches in piping as a guide.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03987.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03987.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03989.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03989.jpg" /></a><br /><br />15. Take your main bonnet piece and iron the bottom straight edge under 1/4 inch and then again another 1/4 inch. Stitch.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03990.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03990.jpg" /></a><br /><br />16. Iron the sides of the main piece (just up to the curve) under 1/4 inch and then again another 1/4 inch. Stitch.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnets-04063.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnets-04063.jpg" /></a><br /><br />17. Set your stitch length to the longest it will go and sew around the entire curved edge (3 sides). Sew the stitches on the <em>inside</em> of the finished edges you just sewed - otherwise you won't be able to gather the stiches.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnets-04079.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnets-04079.jpg" /></a><br /><br />18. Gather the stitches.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnets-04080.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnets-04080.jpg" /></a><br /><br />19. Pin the bonnet piece to the brim piece, right sides together (piping is sewn on the right side) and raw edges alined. Leave 1 1/2 inches of the main bonnet piece on each end of the brim, as shown in the pictures below.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnets-04081.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnets-04081.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnets-04082.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnets-04082.jpg" /></a><br /><br />20. Using a 1/2 inch seam allowance, sew brim and main piece together, using the stitch line from piping on the wrong side of brim piece as a guide.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=DSC04083.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/DSC04083.jpg" /></a><br /><br />21. Trim away excess fabric and use a zig zag sitch to reinforce the seam.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=DSC04084.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/DSC04084.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=DSC04086.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/DSC04086.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><em><strong>Mini shirring tutorial</strong></em><br /><br />By using elastic thread in your bobbin, you can create a stretchy stitch that creates a faux smocked look. It's super easy and a great way to create shape. </div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03963.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03963.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Thread your thread through the hole in the top of your bobbin and carefully wind the thread around the bobbin by hand.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03964.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03964.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03965.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03965.jpg" /></a><br /><br />You don't want to wind it too tight or too loose. When you are finished, it should look something like this:<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03967.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03967.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Load your bobbin as you normally would.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=bonnet-03966.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/bonnet-03966.jpg" /></a><br /><br />22. With your elastic thread loaded on your bobbin, set your stitch length to it's longest setting and sew three lines into the neck of the bonnet - each 1/4 inch apart, backstitching at the beginning and end of each row. You may need to stretch your fabric out flat when you are sewing your 2nd and 3rd row.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=DSC04086.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/DSC04086.jpg" /></a><br /><br />23. Attach your ties by folding the raw end under and stitching to the inside of the neck of the bonnet, right over the shirring rows.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=DSC04087.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/DSC04087.jpg" /></a><br /><br />24. Take your bonnet to the iron and steam the shirred rows. The steam shrinks the elastic thread and gives you a nice tightly shirred look. Here's a before and after picture - cool, huh?<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=DSC04089.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/DSC04089.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=DSC04090.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/DSC04090.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Now stick your adorable new bonnet on your favorite little person and admire your handiwork!<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=april12of24.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/april12of24.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=april14of24.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/april14of24.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=april16of24.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/april16of24.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p>I'd love to see a picture if anyone attempts a bonnet from this tutorial! </p><br /><br /><div align="justify"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Molly</span></strong> </div><br /><br /><a href="http://thegirlcreative.blogspot.com/search/label/Just%20Something%20I%20Whipped%20Up" target="_blank"><img alt="The Girl Creative" src="http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq286/happielife32/JSIWU_BUTTON.png" /></a>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-4980820975674214792011-04-22T21:44:00.004-04:002011-04-22T23:09:39.913-04:00Easter Outfits!<div align="justify">I had in my mind that I wanted Madeline to have a very old-fashioned Easter dress with a vintage feel to it. A little embroidered collar with hand-made lace, complete with pearl buttons and pintucks.<br /><br />Uh, yeah. Totally crashed and burned, ya'll.<br /><br />I made a very poor fabric choice that was way too thin and delicate (read: difficult to work with) and my hand crocheted lace started unraveling <em>after</em> it was sewn into the collar.<br /><br />So, I started all over with a new plan. I had purchased the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70028412/sis-boom-marissa-dress-with-scientific">"Marissa" dress</a> from <a href="http://scientificseamstress.blogspot.com/">The Scientific Seamstress</a> right after it came out and decided it would be a good choice. And yes, more Amy Butler "water bouquet" fabric. Can't get away from it.<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=Easterkids-04520.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/Easterkids-04520.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Recognize that basket? The tutorial is </em></span><a href="http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2010/03/fabric-easter-basket-tutorial.html"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>here</em></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>. The hat was thrifted for $1...love that!</em><br /></span><br /><br /><div align="justify">I'm so pleased with how it came out! And <a href="http://scientificseamstress.blogspot.com/">Carla</a> has done it again with another fantastic pattern. If you recall, I used her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/28195217/precious-dress-classic-yoke-style">"Precious Dress"</a> pattern for Maddie's dress <a href="http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2010/04/easter-projects-and-more.html">last year</a> (it kills me how much she's grown in just a year!).<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=Easterkids-04644.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/Easterkids-04644.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">I bought Will an outfit to wear Easter Sunday, but it was really, really bugging me that he didn't coordinate at all with his sister. So I made a tie to pair with a white shirt and pants that he already had. I know he's mine and that makes me totally biased, but seriously...how cute is he? The tie is from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61470276/little-guy-tie-pdf-sewing-pattern">this pattern</a>. I highly recommend it - you'll be seeing plenty more of these on my little guy!</div><br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=Easterkids-04516.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/Easterkids-04516.jpg" /></a><br /><br />And together?<br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=Easterkids-04574.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/Easterkids-04574.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=Easterkids-04177.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/Easterkids-04177.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I can't believe these kids are mine. Am I blessed or what?<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Molly</span></strong>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727181413896824659.post-47507260391408930552011-04-14T17:14:00.001-04:002011-04-19T00:23:39.432-04:00Bonnets!<div align="justify">I just made seven of these bonnets for a customer. She is using them as Easter gifts for all the little girls in her life. I thought that was an adorable idea! Traditionally, I think an Easter bonnet is a hat, but these work too! I searched the web high and low for the perfect tutorial - but in the end, I just ended up working up my own pattern and method.</div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=april8of24.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/april8of24.jpg" /></a> </div><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=april9of24.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/april9of24.jpg" /></a> <br /><div align="justify">Madeline wasn't too happy that she didn't get to keep one - her bonnet from plow days isn't quite as special as this one. So now I guess I have to make another one.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=april12of24.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/april12of24.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=april14of24.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/april14of24.jpg" /></a> <br /><div align="justify">I tried several different ways of gathering the back of the bonnet, but in the end - shirring won out! It's fast and easy and looks really nice too. Win-win-win!</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/?action=view&current=april16of24.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/mollyr02/april16of24.jpg" /></a> <br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Yes, the tutorial is coming. I thought it would be a waste to make 7 of these and not take some pictures. :)</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Molly</span></strong></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">p.s. If you are reading this, can you comment and let me know if my pictures look ginormous? They look fine on my screen, but I recently looked at my blog from my mom's computer and I had to scroll over to the right to see my pictures and I'm hoping it's not like that for the rest of you. (You know, the three people that still read this blog.) ;)</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">p.p.s. I really should dedicate this post to my absolutely angelic baby boy. I fully expected to be out of commission in the sewing department for awhile after his birth, but he's an angel, I tell you. Tomorrow I'm tackling my first "boy" sewing project, so I'll have an excuse soon to show his sweet little face. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">p.p.p.s. Remember when you were a kid and you would try to add as many pppppps's to a letter as you could because you thought it was cool? What? That was just me? Never mind, then. Over and out.</div>Molly @ Me and Madelinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927541862795354989noreply@blogger.com5