Five Minute Skirt - Repurposed Blouse

OK, this has to be one of my favorite projects so far. In November of last year, I just happened to be at Kohls while they were having a major sale ( gotta love Kohls clearance). There was a 90% off rack with a whole bunch of spring/summer blouses. I found some that I thought were really cute but after trying them on, I knew why they were on that rack...they just fit really weird. But as I looked at them I realized they were lined and also realized they came in an array of colors. So a vision of skirts for the girls came into my mind. They were 2 bucks each for heavens sake! So here's what I did:

HELP!!!!

Okay guys, so I'm working on a new pattern to put into the shop and need your help! First of all I apologize for the dark photos. As the blog indicates, I do this stuff while the girls sleep. Norah woke up so we did some photos. This is our third "test snuggler". I like this model the best so far but I need opinions...not "nice" opinions. I want real constructive criticism. Here are my questions:

1. Is there anything in the design that you would change?
2. When you look at this do you have any questions about how it works?
3. Is there too much white (or whatever color of fabric would be in the middle?)
4. How much would you pay for one of these if you were in the market for a swaddler?
5. How much would you pay for a pattern?
6. Anything else you want to say?
7. And last what would you name this? Here are some ideas I've come up with:

The POD Snuggler
PEA POD
POD
The POD Swaddler

I'm going to send the pattern to a few sewers I know and hopefully they will find any bugs I have missed. I'm actually looking for a few beginners so I can see if it all makes sense to a novice so don't be shy if you have limited sewing skills...mmmkay? And heck it's a chance for you to get a free pattern. If you are interested in testing out the pattern just leave it in your comments or shoot me an email.






Thanks in advance for your help!

It's Been Awhile

Before I began the greatest career of my life (a.k.a, being a mama), I painted murals for money. I enjoyed the flexibility and of course the creativity of this business. I didn't enjoy the sleepless nights filled with worry and that sick-to-my-stomach feeling that came when I hoped I could do what was in my mind and the mind of my clients.

This one was fun! I did it for my Mom and Dad and all of their grand kids. It's in the "Reading Nook" in their new home affectionately named "Stone Hill". My mom watched the girls when they were awake so it was a nice creative break for me for a couple of days. I still want to make some changes (like making the castle and the hot air balloon not so detailed and a little bigger) but for the most part I'm pleased. I thought I'd share some of the process...

Just a little info: The countryside is supposed to represent Scotland where my Dad served a mission for our church. The castle is modeled after Sterling Castle which is where my mom's ancestor Robert Gardener was at one time imprisoned for his beliefs. Shortly after he was released, he fled with his family to Canada. They were later converted to Mormonism and his son (my great, great grandfather Archibald) came to Utah where he and his family settled. If you are ever in Utah you should check out Gardener Village named for him. The purple plants are a rough representation of heather, it grows all over the place in Scotland...I thought it would be fun to add a little history to make it a bit more meaningful.

A New Phase - There's Something New in the Shop

I can't seem to get rid of the Etsy bug. I mean for heaven's sake I have THREE BABIES!!! But it just won't go away. There's something so fulfilling about making something and seeing that other people like it enough to spend money on it.

But I can't neglect my children and husband and home....so I'm trying to channel this bug in productive non-stress inducing ways. That's why tutorials are the perfect solution right now.

Norah needed a small blanket for her car seat. I wanted something bright and handmade and wanted it FAST. So the 2 Hour Bebe Quilt was born!

Table Runner Apron

This is me standing in front of my FAVORITE mirror that misshapes my body enough to make me look ten pounds lighter. I suggest that everyone finds a mirror like this...it has truly blessed my life.

I wanted to make my little sis-in-law a graduation/going off to college gift and I only had a few hours. So I had to get creative. Anyway, I thought I'd share the process with you.

What you'll need:
Table runner (or piece of fabric that measures approx. 18" wide and 54" long)
Piece of coordinating fabric for ties (about 36'' long and 12" wide)
Piping for pocket (if you choose to do this)
Coordinating Thread


Step 1:
Get a table runner. This runner is from Ikea, but you can find these everywhere (I want to find an antique runner for my next apron).


Step 2:
Wrap the runner around your waist (thinking of how wide you'd like your apron to be). Or just measure from one side of you to the other adding an inch for your seam allowance.


Step 3:
Cut your runner. Now you will have two pieces of material. One for the lower half of your apron and the other for the top half.


Step 4:
Now it's time for the top. Hold the second piece of fabric up to you and decide how wide you'd like the top half to be. Cut, fold over raw edge and sew.




Step 5:
Now decide how long you'd like the bodice of your apron to be. Just hold it up to yourself and make the decision and mark it somehow.


Step 6: After you have decided on length, cut the fabric. You will be using the excess fabric for a front pocket (you don't have to do a pocket, it's just a nice little touch). Decide where on the apron you'd like your pocket. I chose the skirt part. I also chose to line it with red piping...again do what you want. Sew on your pocket.




Step 7:
Now it's time to sew the top and bottom halves together. Make sure to fold over the raw edge you just created on the top half before you sew so you don't have any raw edges hanging out.



Step 8:
Now it's time to make your ties and neck thingy. You'll need a long scrap of fabric. Mine was about two yards long and about 1/4 yard wide. Just cut it into about 3 inch wide strips...you'll need three. Then fold over and over again and sew together on the edge...easy peasy.




Step 9:
Now pin one end of one of your ties to the top of your apron and put around neck to decide how long you'd like it to be...mark, pin and sew. Make sure to sew the raw edges over so it looks really finished. Next sew the other ties on to each side of the skirt/bottom part of your apron. Finish edges and...



YOU ARE DONE! Enjoy! We put a gift card to Ikea in the pocket for my sis-in-law to get some kitchen supplies for school...it was a great gift that was fast, fun, and easy to make! If you actually do this, will you let me know? I'd love to see your finished product!