polkadotbug

Hoot Hoot

I love Pottery Barn Kids.  I often flip through the catalog of fantasy bedrooms and love everything I see.  There are two things I know for sure though - 1. I could never keep a room in my house that clean and tidy and 2.  I can’t afford to buy anything there.  So, that is where the craftiness comes in.  I fell in love with the owl pillows in one of the more recent catalogs.  Even if I could afford them it’s so much more rewarding making them, especially when there are so many incredible fabrics to choose from!

For some reason I also had this insane desire to make a small flock of birds.

They are so quick and fun.  There’s a free pattern for them here and one of my bloggy friends made some too.  You can see her cuties here.  Thanks for posting that Sarah! I wanted to keep going but I had to refrain. Andrew came home and seemed surprised by my excitement over them.  He asks “what are they for?”  Who the heck knows?!  They’re just so cute!  Geez, I can’t even begin to explain why I get excited about these kinds of things.

Ok, I was gonna save this for another post but I am too excited.  I made my first “quilt.”  I feel like I can’t say it for real, cause it’s not a real quilt, but it’s the closest I’ve come to one.  I made a baby size rag quilt in Patty Young’s Andalucia and a little blankie sized quilt in boy prints by Michael Miller.  I can’t stop getting harassed about the boy stuff so I am trying harder.

They’re such a good project for me because they’re quick and I’m all about quick.  I’m also kinda embarrassed for you real quilters out there to see this.  You are all so nice though and I know you won’t make fun!  :)  I completely messed up the placing of the squares but didn’t feel like undoing the stitching once I realized it.  I definitely love that you don’t have to be perfect about the stitching – because perfect I am not.

The worst part is the snipping - by far.  I didn’t think it would be too bad but my snippers were so dull and weren’t working at all.  By the time I was half way through the first quilt my wrist was popping with every squeeze and I had calluses!  Although, once it washed and dried I decided that it was definitely worth it!   I just went out a got me a brand new pair of snips today because I intend on making more of these little guys.  They are so snuggly with fuzzy flannel on the backs. I’d wrap myself right up in there - if I were 2 ft tall.

Zippers!

I did it.  I conquered my fear of sewing in a zipper.

Our aunt was here for Thanksgiving (hi Jeanne!) and requested one of my tote bags, but with a zipper.  I have to admit that I did panic a bit.  I’ve been admiring and fearing them since I started sewing last year. 

I did my internet research and found a few zipper tutorials to work off of. Like here and here and here.

Then I went to the store and bought an enormous zipper.  I ended up buying a coat zipper.  I didn’t realize that until afterwards, but that’s ok.  It does its job well on a bag too.

Not too bad for my first shot.  The one thing that I couldn’t do was the top stitch.  My mighty strong Singer can’t go through both the quilted lining and the zipper.  Maybe I’ll get a stronger machine some day…

Jeanne made some good fabric choices too,from Amy Butlers Daisy Chain line. 

I was so excited that I did it that I just had to try a few little bags.  It’s cake!

Please don’t mind the wrinkles. :)  I didn’t add interfacing to the larger one so it’s quite a flopper.  It definitely makes a difference to just add a lightweight interfacing. 

On a different subject, Andrew and I are getting very excited for the trip we’re planning.  It looks like we’ll be sitting on the beach for a week on Cape Cod in July.  SWEET!!  This will be our first little family trip and I can’t wait. 

It feels so good just thinking about a beach after the past week of frigid temps.  We had to miss Andrew’s company party on Friday night.  He left work at 4:30 and didn’t get home until 7 – it’s normally a 20 minute commute.  There was no way we were getting back in the car and heading back downtown.  I had already driven the kids to Grams (in a white-out) for a sleepover to prepare for our evening out.  Kinda disappointing, but we did go out to dinner close to home.  That was followed by a movie on the couch and a night of uninterrupted sleep.  

It was a treat.  At the same time, it’s so sad going to bed and walking past the empty bedrooms.  That’s just the emotional person that I am.  We’ve never even had a babysitter outside of family.  I get laughed at a lot about that.  Call me a dork it you’d like.  Yes Caren, I am expecting a comment from you on that one.

Stuff, Stuff, and More Stuff

Meet girly number 5.  I am afraid to name them or I won't be able to sell them!  If you haven't checked out my flickr photostream (why would you?), I’ve posted a bunch of the new stuff I made.  I worked my little (big) butt off to get a nice stock of stuff done because I have a few shows this week.  I'll throw a few of my favorites up in this post and you can see the rest on flickr if you want to see.

Shannon and I did the first of the 3 shows on Saturday.  I could write an entire essay on that day but I am not sure anyone would want to read it all and I am not sure I want to relive that day over again.  I will try to sum it up quickly.

1. Bad Christmas music on repeat.

2. Unfriendly people.

3. The woman behind us had no (literally no) filter on her thoughts, and everything that crossed her mind came out of her mouth.  And it wasn’t nice.

4.  No sales.  Well, to be accurate I sold one bib and one bonnet.  That was about half of the cost of the table, not to mention the long list of things I spent money on to get out there. Ouch.

There were a lot of people at this show too, so I can't blame it on that.  They just didn't like our stuff.  It was the completely wrong crowd for us.  I can't tell you how many people walked by our tables without even stopping.  It was kinda humorous.

So, to all of you who may have a show like this - don't worry about it.  Just blame it on the other people.  :)   I guess you just have to make a few sacrifices before you become famous. Heehee...

The good part about my lack of sales is that I don't have to worry about not having enough stock for the next two events!  

Ok everyone, cross your fingers for me.  I really need to sell some of these things I made to cover the cost of the boat loads of new fabric I may have purchased.  What I really need to do is get some stuff in my poor empty Etsy shop.  That's my goal as soon as these next shows are over.

Pretty Ruffles

Ah yes! I am still alive. I cannot even begin to understand how time goes so quickly.   I feel like I am constantly rushing around and yet still nothing gets done. 

I caved in and bought Sandi Henderson’s ruffle pants pattern.  They are so cute.  I made a fall orange/green pair (Sandi Henderson’s fabric too) and a corduroy pair. 

These were done a few weeks ago when it was sunny and beautiful out.  Now is rainy and cold.  We were supposed to have our village Halloween parade today but that’s not happening now.  Darn weather.

Next are my two favorite new bags.  They are already gone though.  I sold them to Chique Boutique, the very first boutique that my items will be sold at!  Nuts.  Thanks Devon!  She purchased some bags, bonnets, bibs, checkbook covers, and bows. 

Sorry about the second picture.  Andrew didn’t feel like getting his camera out that night and working magic on my bag so I had to use the standard old camera.  Andrew, you should’ve known I’d call you on that.  It’s amazing how much nicer my things look with a really good camera! 

Ok, that’s it for now.  We are going to a little Halloween party at my aunt’s house today.  Molly is a little rambunctious. 

Where Were All the People?!

We had the Indie Market again this past weekend.  It’s a really great idea for an indie/custom/handmade market each month for the Buffalo area.  We just need to get more people to go! 

Shannon and I had a fabulous set up (I may be biased) and were ready to do some business.  Unfortunately, there was no business.  Very few people showed up for the market and I did not sell a thing.  That’s right, not one single thing.  I guess the good part is that I don’t have to stress about getting a ton made for the next show!  I also had a great time spending the day with Shannon and her hilarious girls.  Another great crafty friend Josie was there this time too.  She has some of the cutest things ever.  I got some sweet little covered button barrettes from her.

Here’s one of the latest bags I made.  I thought it was appropriate with its rich Autumn colors.  I absolutely love the colors of Fall.  I never ran across a person who didn’t though.

And a dress-

Andrew got some cute shots of my hair bows outside on the front porch.  I also made some tulle bows to match the tutus.

On the home front, Molly is one tiny little tug away from losing her first tooth.  We whipped up a little tooth bag for her to put under her pillow when the magic moment happens.  I saw this somewhere but don’t remember where.  I did not have a problem when they were my own teeth, but for some reason it grosses me out when she looks at me and her tooth is completely horizontal.

By the way, what is the average rate that the Tooth Fairy has to dish out these days to get herself one of these treasures?

One for Me and One for You

I’ve been busy making a few aprons.  I thought I’d shoot for the mommy & me apron sets.  I did this for more than one reason.  First, because it’s really adorable and I currently have girl that still wants to be like me and second, because we’ve had a few requests.  I love to make the children’s aprons, but folks out there keep requesting adult sizes. 

Unfortunately Molly does not like to model.  How does everyone do it?  Every blog I go to has these adorable children in even more adorable clothing doing exactly what their mother asked of them. Poses and all.  I can’t even explain what Molly begins doing as soon as we put her in something I made.  That’s all I know is that it involves random body spasms, ridiculous faces, and overall chaos.

Like this.

So we had to succumb to taking the pictures without people wearing the aprons.  This is too bad because aprons look best when they are on.  Anyways, you get the drift.  They’re completely reversible aprons that match in girl and mom sizes in fun prints.

 

Here’s mommy with no me.

Time to Get Serious

I have been up to some sewing lately.  Turns out I have myself signed up for the Buffalo Indie Market on September 14^th.  I figure I better start cranking some stuff out now so I don’t have to pull any all-nighters when it gets closer.  Not only that, but another local crafter contacted me about sharing a booth with her at the Quaker Arts Festival.  The only bad (and scary) part about it is that it’s the weekend after the Indie Market!  AHH!!!  Not real sure I can make enough in time. 

My new crafty friend Shannon makes the most adorable baby items and we have very similar tastes.  I think we’ll have an awesome booth and I am so excited to make a new friend!  We’re gonna have a ton of fun.  She just started up a blog as well, so check out Babypeas.

Besides the Buffalo Bonnets, I have started making a few bags.  Most are my usual quilt lined bags in some of my favorite fabrics.  To spice it up a bit I tried a new style – the drawstring bag.

Of course I didn’t come up with it on my own.  I never do - I always seem to need a visual.  I saw something similar when spending one of my many many hours paging through all the amazing things on Flickr.   I think it’s adorable! 

Do you like the light up flowers in the background?!  I saw them at our nursery when I was spending loads of money on new plants for our garden.  They were too cute, so I had to spend some money on fake flowers as well.

 

On another note, there’s another fabulous giveaway!  This one is from Kaytiebugs and it’s for a Double Ruffle Femme Skirt.  I love it!  Check it out. 

The Beginnings of the Buffalo Bonnet

It’s a little sad to admit this but fall is on it’s way.  I’m starting to get prepared for the September Indie Market and have made the first of the Buffalo Bonnets.  I have one made from 4 of my favorite designers’ fabrics, so I thought it would be a good time to post about it.  (clockwise from top left: Sandi Henderson, Heather Bailey, Anna Maria Horner, and Amy Butler)

The Buffalo Bonnet is my usual reversible baby bonnet lined with snuggly soft fleece.  The bonnet no longer has to be a spring thing.  If you don’t know anything about me, one thing I can tell you is that I love baby bonnets.  They are just too cute.  I made one lined with fleece for my little one last winter and she wore it every day.  Andrew had the clever idea of calling it the Buffalo Bonnet, seeing as we live in Buffalo and most people associate it with cold weather (hmm… I wonder why?).  I never got a chance to sell any because my first market was in the spring.  Hopefully someone else will be as fired up about them as I am!

I love this one from Pop Garden.  I think the bright happy colors are an excellent way to cheer up the cold weather.

I have a ton of sewing to do now to get ready for the September show.  I hope the time finds me.

Pretty Problem Pants

Hi!  I am here!  I feel like this is my special diary and I have this stong urge to write in it all the time, but can never sit down long enough to do it!  I liked this pic of Molly and I a lot.  We had the same color shirt on and Molly thought we were twins.  That's all I want to know is how I can transplant her hair onto my head.  It's absolutely perfect. 

I want to start by thanking everyone for my birthday wishes and healing wrist wishes.  My birthday was delightful.  The girls at work went all out for me and I came in to a desk covered with balloons, flowers, banners, etc.  My sister (whom I also work with) made me a wonderful ice cream sandwich cake. YUM.  Thanks Ang!  She doesn't even read my blog but I thought I'd throw that out there anyways.

My wrist is much better now.  It's still very sore but I can do almost everything.  I just need to go to physical therapy once a week so I can stretch out the tendon and massage the scar tissue.  Fun!

With the healing wrist I actually got around to a little sewing this weekend.  You can see the girlies in their matching pants.  I started with a pair for Abby and of course Molly wanted the same exact fabrics for herself.  I don't blame her because they are adorable patterns from Sandi Henderson's new Farmers Market line, but I only ordered one yard and I could've used a little more.  I love it so much that I guess I will eventually be buying a lot more.  I need a separate bank account for this addiction I've developed.  Why does everyone have to keep coming out with new amazing fabrics!  Of course I really don't have a pattern, so I did my classic "wing it." 

I must admit that they look pretty cute in the pictures but let me tell you the whole truth.  Anyone reading this who is not an expert sewer (a novice like me) should appreciate my blunders.  Abby's pants were sewn um... upside down I guess you can say.  Basically, what was supposed to be the legs turned into the crotch and the crotch ended up the legs.  This makes for a very "low rise" type of pants that only make it 1/2 way up the diaper and fall off continuously (doesn't help that the elastic was to big too also).  Elastic always gets me because I hate pants that are too tight and leave marks on their bellies so I overshoot.  Note to self... elastic stretches a lot.

With Molly's pants I made sure that I had the crotch/leg situation under control when sewing but I still didn't make the crotch big enough.  The I have been following has the front and back of the pants exactly the same.  Is this normal?  I realize that you need more room for the butt to fit in the back so maybe I should be looking into a different pattern?  Or should I just leave a really lot of room in the crotch area?  They looked really cute on Molly but she did have to keep pulling them up so her little butt crack wouldn't sneak out.  It was definitely a learning experience, although I still really don't know how to do it right.   

Oh yeah, the serged seams tore in the crotch area on Molly's pants before the end of the day.  I was told that I didn't have to sew the seams and then serge afterwards, that the serger would take care of everything.  Is this true?  Do I just have to reinforce the high stress areas? 

I hope you have some advice for me! 

Club Hand

Quick post tonight just to update everyone on my wrist surgery.  I am sure you've just been dying to know.  The surgery went well, I guess.  They gave me some drugs to "relax" me and I was out cold almost the entire time.  I faded in and out towards the end just to see a big blue curtain and the tops of the doctors heads.  I was a little panicked as to what I might say in my sedated state.  After my last surgery I woke to the nurses giggling.  Apparently I had been smiling and extremely happy as they woke me from my sleep.  When they asked why I was so happy I replied "I'm making bacon."   I do love bacon, but geez, couldn't it have been something better than that!

I now have a big club cast on my arm that will be coming off Friday.  I am still being quite productive with it on, although I haven't changed a diaper since my return from the hospital.  That's kinda nice.  I took the pain meds yesterday but discontinued the use of them today.  I was a little too giddy at work yesterday and began to think that it just wasn't right to be answering emails from scientists when I felt like I had a few too many cocktails.

Molly and I made a small gift for a little friend's 1st birthday.  Molly's card was just too cute. 

We made her two new bibs and a bunch of hair clips.  Happy Birthday Eliana!