Reduce, Reuse, Refashion!

I love the idea of taking something with potential and making it into something else.  My son was given these pants in a hand-me-down package...and while they have a cuteness about them-they just aren't my his style.  So, here is my version of a boys pants to jean skirt refashion

the starting product...cute denim w/ corduroy embellishment.

So, basically-I just hacked off the top of the jeans.  These were a 5T so I did have to downsize them a bit for my 18 month old

the first cut

I fiddled with the bottom for a while-I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted there.  But, I ended up with something of a ruffle.  A little 80's?  maybe.  But, isn't that style cool again?

and a little embellishment for the bum with some leftover corduroy

She's starting to be a little more cooperative for the camera.  She likes to pose and say "cheese!"

cheese!

It's not my most graceful project ever..but I'm pretty happy that the pants that would otherwise not been worn now have found a new life!

One thing is abundantly clear

I really kinda suck at blogging!

I did NOT forget about the kids clothes challenge week.  I DID sew this week!  I have one measly thing to show for it and it's not even finished yet...

trust me, this is ridiculously cute on her.  It totally needs buttons.  I will post pictures of my model when it's done!
eta: The finished product!

oh, I did sew one other thing this week...doesn't really fall in the kids clothes category, but it will wrap a sweet little baby. :)

 

Swaddle blanket from a Prudent Baby tutorial.  

A Challenge!

One of my favorite crafty bloggers, elsie marley, is once again hosting a kids clothes week challenge in honor of National Sewing Month.  I'm holding myself to it this time!  Watch for posts with my updates!  I, of course, have eleventy billion projects swimming around in my brain so maybe I can churn some out. 

It's time for Fall!

A few weeks ago I picked up some adorable apple printed corduroy fabric and decided that it was destined to be a jumper for the Diva.  It turned out so cute...if not a touch too big.  But, she'll be able to easily wear it until the spring.  

She also ended up with a matching baby doll.  This was an impulse project!  But I found this tutorial and it was too stinkin' cute!

hug your baby!

what else comes with Fall?  College Football!!  One of my favorite crafty ladies from Crafts for Lily gave me the idea/inspiration for this little outfit and I'm just tickled with how it turned out!

Go State!

Happy Fall!

Shirr Madness

Yes, I know it's nearly August...and I *should* be thinking of fall clothes. But, I still had some cute fabric left from the summer-and these bubble/sunsuits have been all over the interwebs. I have also been dying to try this shirring technique with elastic thread. It was so much fun! And such a cute result

it's the perfect outfit for gardening

okay...back to knitting (which is why I am here in the first place, right?) and thinking about the fall. Somewhat of a challenge when it's so hot out!  But if you also are in the mood to squeak out one last summer frock...here is some inspiration:
Made By Rae's Sunsuit tutorial
Crafts for Lily's take on the bubble
an easy shirring tutorial

And so far this summer....

and that's pretty much it....

A Happy Belated Birthday!

I've never been one to, you know, be on time when it comes to loved ones birthdays.  They understand (I hope), and know I have the best of intentions (I do!  Honestly!)  So, when my dear Nephew turned 3 in March-his gift from me existed only in my brain.

My Brother is one who is passionate about all things mechanical (and rusty, and smelling of gasoline-but I digress)  He "rescued" this (previously owned by our Great Grandfather) 1941 Ford from our Grandfather's barn and has restored it to it's former glory*.

*while retaining some of it's "patina" as my brother puts it

it's restoration has become a family affair

that's my Nephew, by the way.  Here's a close up

How cute is he?

So, when I happened upon Made's 90 minute shirt and freezer paper stencil tutorials, I instantly decided that he needed a shirt for all those car shows this summer.

So, there you go buddy.  Happy 3rd Birthday (late)...hope it fits, hope you like it, and remember that Auntie Sara loves you!