It's all in the details...

My new obsession is browsing flickr and checking out the amazing things that people are making. The one thing that really struck me was the attention to detail that is demonstrated in so many of these items.

So I've been inspired to start taking time to think about how I can add special little details into each of the things I make. It's been fun to just stop and focus on the little things instead of just cranking out another project.

I've tried my hand at embroidery, which is something I've always wanted to try. I'm working it into a really fun mini-quilt that I can't *wait* to share. It's awesome. Just sayin'.

If you have a chance, check out this website. Amazing tutorials on just about every embroidery stitch under the sun.

Another new skill tackled: pintucks! I used this tutorial. I'll admit, these sort of look like pleats - the smaller pintucks were a little more difficult than they look! Still working on it. This is front of Madeline's Easter dress. I plan to sew pearl buttons down the center, I'm really hoping it translates the way I see it in my head!

I also dug out the crochet thread I purchased forever ago and played around with making homemade lace trim. I think this would be darling on a collar or pocket of a little girls dress. I'll share the tutorial (easy, peasy) if anyone is interested and I ever get around to taking pictures.

I'm amazed at how much just a little extra thought and time can add to an item. A little lace on a pocket, a strategically placed button or tiny applique...it's all in the details.

Molly

Cloth baby wipes : Tutorial

Okay, so this is probably the easiest project ever. Like, for real.

I cloth diaper, so using cloth wipes just makes sense. But I'm not okay with paying out the nose for something I'm going to wipe my baby's butt with. You know? I made up a batch of these when I was pregnant with Madeline and we still use them all.the.time. In fact, I just used the leftover flannel and terrycloth I had from her wipes to whip up some more for Will.

Okay, here we go!

Materials

Cotton flannel
Cotton terrycloth
matching thread

Cut your flannel and terrycloth into 9 inch squares. I find this size works the best, because they fit perfectly in a standard wipe container, but you might want a different size for whatever reason.

The loopy side of the terry cloth is what I use as the "right" side of the fabric.

So, right sides together! Stitch together, leaving a gap for turning. I usually leave my gap in the middle of a side as opposed to a corner. It's easier to hide.

Trim corners, turn and press.

Now you can top stitch anyway you like. I've used both a zig-zag and a straight stitch and they both look fine. Again, just wiping a baby's butt here.

I also made a matching bath towel in the same manner. I just added two lines of stitching down the center of the towel for added durability.

Done!

This would make an awesome baby shower gift!

Oh, I forgot the last step... go wrap your adorable baby in their snugly new towel! (Okay, I'll admit that was just my lame-o way of sneaking another picture of my baby in. He's just so darn cute!)

Molly

Plow Days...and a pretty pinny

I know I haven't posted in awhile - but that doesn't mean I haven't been crafting. In fact, I've been giving my sewing machine quite a work out lately.

First up - An old-fashioned dress for Madeline for "Plow Days". You can read about the event and see pictures of last year's dress here.

Of course, the day ended up being quite chilly, so we had to cover it up with a sweater for the actual event. Her cousin is just a day younger (and a foot taller!) than her, so they were partners in crime for the day.

The next day just happened to be "old-fashioned day" at church, so we got some more mileage out of her outfit.

Photo-op with the horse and carriage. She was quite pleased with herself!

Will giving us his unimpressed face...

I have a few other projects that are currently a work-in-progress, so when I can find time between changing diapers and working on the red lipstick stain currently on my carpet (yes, that actually happened. sigh.), I'll share those too.

Molly

Notes:
The dress and pinafore is from this pattern. Definitely not just for old-fashioned days! I plan to make another one of these for every day play!

Maddie and Will

I think it's safe to say that she loves her little brother...

Worth the Wait

Introducing our new baby boy!

William Oren

March 3, 2011, 1:30pm

9 lbs, 12 oz. 21 inches