Trick-Or-Treat Bags

I'm a little ridiculous for all things fall. So when an opportunity presents itself to combine the two things, crafting and fall, I get a little giddy and tend to go over board. A couple years ago I made Samuel and Hannah trick-or-treat bags that received rave reviews. This year I decided to make a ton and sell them. I did pretty good and enjoyed the process as well. Both bags were originally inspired by Pinterest but I added some special details that my original bags are lacking. 

The first and my favorite is the ruffle bag. Its built on basic canvas bag. I add a ton of ruffles, a lining and a coordinating yo yo or bow. 

I have become a little yo yo obsessed now that I know how easy they are to make and I love how they add that little something.

It took a little work but I figured out how to get the liner to work just right.



This a girly version of the simple boy bag I made for my son. I rather like the ruffle up, it has a tissue paper in a gift bag effect. The following two are a more basic ruffle.

These are what I call The Simple Boy Bag. They are sturdy bags. My son literally drug his around the neighborhood through puddles and mud. I have machine washed it twice and it still looks great.























I have a few bags left in a variety of different styles and fabrics. I figured I will add to my Etsy's shop for next year. If anyone is interested before the shop is open, send me an email at littlequailcreated@gmail.com.

Thanks for stopping by the nest!
Darla

Back on Track - Catalog of Creations

Wow that was quite the extended baby break. I was really hopeful that I would get to post something before now but life has been very busy. I won't bore you with the details just know everyone is happy and healthy.

I have been very busy creating and not given much time or thought to documenting hence no posts. I have really missed it. The other day I was pondering what all I have made over the past months and I can't remember everything. Since I haven't been blogging I don't even have the blog to refer to. So in effort to remedy that here is a list of the creations...

After winter KCW I got to work on some basics for the new baby. A baby blanket (shown in the picture below), a bunch of wash cloths and burp cloths. They are nothing fancy but are needed for every new baby and so much better than anything that you can buy at the store.

Then came Spring KCW. My daughter was in desperate need of clothes and PJ's for the upcoming warm weather season. KCW was exactly the excuse I needed to get some stuff done for her right before the baby got here. First was the Izzy Top and a pair of light denim Capri's from Butterick pattern B4176.

 I love both of these patterns and plan on making them both again for next year. And since Terri expanded her free pattern size to 6-12 I will probably be making this for years to come.

Isn't this floral fabric great? I was very lucky to win fabric from MissMatatabi during the winter KCW. I picked this and a couple other meters of triple gauze that I think I will be using for some winter PJ's for Hannah. 

Next up: the PJ's. I made a total of three of the matching peasant top with the cropped PJ pants. I used the free The Raglan Sleeve Night Dress pattern from iKat bag for the peasant top and the Simplicity 5382 pattern for the cropped pants I just reduced the length.

I wish I had a picture of Hannah in these, they truly were darling. Another do over for next summer and a night gown version of the peasant top. I think it was the little details added that made me love these so much.

These pants were just so easy to make since they are only two pieces so I just zipped through another three and paired them with white under shirts my son had grown out of. 

My husband says that these reminds him of an Easter egg but hey they're cute aren't they?

I figured for the really hot days my daughter needed some sleeping shorts so I made a couple using the same Simplicity pattern as the cropped pants. 

A friend of mine had a little girl a couple weeks before I had my baby. This is her first child so it was another awesome excuse to sew a bunch of stuff. I was able to make a bunch of the baby basics; baby blanket, wash cloths, burp cloths, a quilted taggy and some paci clips. I also made her a little Geranium top (size 3-6 month) with matching bloomers using the Made pattern. Isn't it cute? 

Once summer was here it was very obvious that Hannah's church dresses from last year were just not cutting it. I dug through my pile of patterns and came across the Absolutely A-line dress pattern book and decided to try out the wrap dress version. To be honest I didn't love this pattern or instructions. Next time I will just draft my own. With some tweaking though it still turned out. 

I love this fabric and love that it is fully lined. Hannah on the other hand did not like it. "It's not a twirly dress Mama!" She couldn't get it off fast enough. Oh well, you can't win them all.

Since I was informed that the dresses needed to twirl I got to work on the simple full circle skirt dress that I crafted before here. 

 

Needless to say, it's pink and purple and really can twirly, it was a hit.

Another addition to the church dresses is this pattern from McCall's M5835. I used some old quilting fabric from my stash that I thought fit this style pretty well. Hannah's Just OK with it. There is just enough gathering that it give it some twirl.

I used the suggestions found on this blog post to simplify the assembly of the bodice. On colder day's I find this pairs nicely with a long sleeve T and leggings.   

I spent my late summer making baby baskets for our church's Harvest Ball and Silent Auction. I was in baby mode and was loving the results of these handmade baby items so figured others would too. I did one boy and one girl basket since I just couldn't find a collection of gender neutral fabrics that I liked. The baskets consist of a minky baby blanket, a diaper changing clutch, burp clothes, wash clothes, bibs and quilted taggy. I even had a crafty friend of mine throw in baby thank you cards and made a shower card myself so the basket can easily be given as a gift.

I really should have taken better pictures of these but you can kinda see the baby items I have been making. I have a couple of orders for more these so I will take much better pictures and post them.

And last but not least, my most important creation...
Noah! 

I know this picture doesn't show it but he is such a happy baby. I didn't realize how much our family needed his little personality. Such a joy!

I have been sewing up a bunch of fall goodies too but I think I will save those for one of my next post.

I have the goal to establish an Etsy shop after the first of the year. My shop will have a mix of different things but all kid oriented. Until then if there is anything that you see on my blog that you would love for me to make for you to purchase (excluding items that are made from license restrictive patterns) send an email to littlequailcreated@gmail.com. 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Thanks for stopping by the nest!
Darla

Little Quail three is almost here and I am so behind

We made it! Today is the day little Quail number 3 will be delivered. I have been scheduled for induction for tonight at 8pm (odd time of day, I know) so I guess he most likely won't make his appearance till the wee hours of tomorrow technically. It is surreal to think this time tomorrow I will be holding him in my arms. It has been a long month and a roller coaster of a pregnancy but we made it.


This pregnancy as well as a bunch of other family stuff has really put a cramp in my blogging and slowed down my sewing but I have still managed to be pretty productive. My last post I was able to show you what I produced for the winter Kids Clothing Week. Since then I completed several baby sewing project, participated in the spring Kids Clothing Week, drafted a new pattern for a bible cover and created a new recipe. Were I am lacking is in my communication. I am hoping in the few weeks I can do a week long series of posting that I can share all those things with you.


The next time you hear from me it will be to share baby news and pictures.


Thanks for stopping by the nest!
Darla

Winter 2014 Kids Clothing Week

I have been pretty focused this past week on completing the few sewing items I allowed myself to indulge in. Granted they were necessary it still felt like an indulgence. It was a reminder why I spent the last few months yearning to sew. When I had the last doctors appointment that told me I was free and clear to carry on normally I knew I was going to get to participate in Kids Clothing Week. I also knew I was going to need to keep it simple and not over do it, regardless I was excited. 

With Easter and my due date pretty much on top of each other I decided that Hannah's Easter dress had to take priority. I had been wanting to make this dress since last spring and was sad at thoughts that I would have to settle on a nothing special store bought dress. Happily that all changed with the good report from the doctor. 

Being afforded the opportunity I decided to take it to the limit. No corner cutting here (in work and effort not cost). It's fully lined (skirt and all) with covered buttons, eyelet trim, a big sash and a separate petticoat. After all I missed out on making her Christmas dress why not go big for Easter. 

(excuse the pictures - we had very poor natural light today)

I found two separate pieces of the aqua fabric in a remnants bin at Walmart last spring and have no idea what type of fabric it is. It has the feel of a really light cotton gauze. The color looks amazing with her eyes and skin color. It, by it self, is way too thin and the textured design of the fabric causes it to be pretty transparent so I paired it with a white muslin I have had in my stash for years. The covered buttons came from the stash too. The dress pattern is the free Party Dress pattern by The Cottage Mama and I used the petticoat tutorial by Sew Fearless. The only special purchases I had to make where on the dress's white eyelet trim and the petticoat's white tulle and nylon lining fabric, all from Hobby Lobby. All said and done, I have to double check receipts from last year to be 100% sure but, I think I spent less then $10 on the dress and petticoat. (Lord knows I will probably spend more on the shoes)

Doesn't this dress scream vintage? I love it! I would have loved to get pictures of Hannah in her dress but it wasn't in the cards. If we have a good day for pictures this week I will try and get them posted as soon as possible.

I love that the petticoat is separate one for cleaning, two for versatility and three I don't need to sew with tulle again till she grows out of it. If I am lucky this will still fit for Christmas this year. I have a new found respect for those that make veils. Tulle is challenging to work with. I didn't intend for the seam between the tank and the skirt to be on the outside (as outside as an under garment can be) but in hindsight I think it was a happy accident. This way it will not rub against Hannah's very sensitive skin. The sash of the dress should hide any excess bulk caused by the seam.

After I completed my big project for the week I still had time to complete one more item. I decided on a long sleeve t-shirt dress. 

I picked up the heart pattern jersey knit a couple weeks ago at JoAnn Fabric. Usually, I can never find patterned knit fabrics at JoAnn's that I like so I was really surprised when I came across this one. I could not pass it up. Aren't the hearts perfect for Valentines? I used the Flashback Tee pattern by Made by Rae with some of her recommended alterations to make it into a dress and for the puff sleeves.  

I purchased the teal chevron FOE (fold over elastic) from Banberry Place months ago for no particular reason other than just loving it. This was my first time using FOE and just like all knit neck bindings it has a bit of a learning curve. This was my last step on an otherwise quick and smooth assembly.  I had to rip it out twice before getting it to an acceptable state. Even though it is still not perfect I feel comfortable using FOE on knit again. I think it is just going to take some practice. 

I am so happy I was able to complete Hannah's Easter dress as well as an everyday dress, now I can get focused on baby preparations and know I am ahead of the game.

Thanks for stopping by the nest!
Darla

Plans and Projects for 2014

I have been holding back on working on any sewing for months now but with my most current doctor's appointment going well I think I am going to allow myself to indulge in some sewing again. I can't tell you how excited I am to get back in front of the sewing machine! For weeks now I have been putting together a mental list of all that I would like to do but last week I finally permitted myself to put it in to writing. So here it is, my project list for 2014:

(All of the pictures below are links to the tutorial/patterns I am considering using. Click on the photo to get more information on the item from the owner.)

• Complete the W.I.P.'s:

I had quit a few projects I had already cut out or started assembling and then the first trimester icks kicked in. I guess if the ones for Hannah no longer fit I will give them as gifts.
- Velour Jumper (I'm using the Flutter Dress pattern by Aesthetic Nest the same one I used for this top here)
- Pear Picking Tunic (tutorial by Shwin & Shwin)
- Lucy Tunic (pattern by Shwin & Shwin)
- Bubble Shorts (pattern by E&E)
- Silk circle skirt for me
- Jelly Roll T-shirt Dress (This is one of my simple dresses you can see here)
- Paneled Circle T-shirt Dress (This is one of my simple dresses you can see here)

• Hannah's big girl bedroom

With the baby coming Hannah will be getting moved out of the room we have dedicated to being the nursery and moved in to her big girl room. We knew this was coming so I had already been making plans but the baby has caused us to step it up. I already have the window treatments and the paint has been picked out. The big project for her room is a queen size quilt for her bed. I started collecting the fabric but I am all over the place when it comes to the pattern. I was hoping to somehow integrate some embroidered squares to make it a bit more special.  The following two patterns by Little Miss Shabby caught my eye:

Link

Some other projects for Hannah's room:
- Framed cross-stitch (For the Love of Cross Stitch magazine March 1990)
- Pillowcases
- Floor cushion

• Items for the baby

Fortunately this being our third baby and our second boy we don't need much for him but I do have a short wish list for him.
- Minky Blanket (Every baby should have their own special blanket)
- Car Seat Canopy
- Diaper Caddy (I am hoping to design my own and do a tutorial maybe with a pattern)

link

• Special projects for the older kiddo's

- Samuel starts "official" preschool this fall and I would like to make him a backpack.
- Hannah loves her baby dolls and when she sees me using a baby carrier I know she would love her own baby doll carrier. I'm thinking this will be her birthday gift.
 

• Sewing Challenges

- Kids Clothing Week. The winter KCW has been announced for January 27th - February 3rd and the spring KCW is usually around the end of April (around when I am due).  I am going to participate if I can (Hannah could sure use the clothes) however I may have to settle for only Summer and Fall.
- Sew Crazy Monthly Challenge by Crazy Little Projects. Each month is going to have a different theme and multiple projects to choose from that vary in skill level. It sounds intriguing and can't wait to see what each month will bring.
- Shorts on the Line sewalong. That is if imagine gnats plans on host another one this summer.

I have a ton of Christmas sewing idea's but I think I am going to wait till the end of the summer before I try and plan that out. I am sure I will sew the random outfit for Hannah here and there but I am hoping that I have not overestimated what I can accomplish this year with the baby coming.  

Wish me luck. Thanks for stopping by the nest!

Darla

Blessings of 2013

When I reflect on my blessing of 2013 I am overwhelmed by how much God has done for me and my family.  

I am going to jump forward to the present for a moment and share with you our current blessing or rather miracle. As I reported in my last post, I should be bed rested right now due to my pregnancy issues however I am not currently bed ridden. Beyond all physical reason my incompetent cervix has yet to behave incompetently. Everyone in my life including my doctor know that this can only be due to a miracle provided by God. We always had hope but you never really know if your will is aligned with Gods. We are not out the wood yet however this is cause to continue to be hopeful that our prayers are being answered. Even if we are given only this short reprieve I am grateful and will joyfully accept what ever He wills for us after.

Such a blessing that I was able to spend Christmas day out of bed with my family.

Leading up to today I have been reminded that I have many wonderful friends and family I have. When we found out I was pregnant I was concerned how we would manage bed rest  for a third time. Just as my friend and family happily sacrifice to help my family in the past they all have been waiting to come to our aid again. 

Of course I can not overlook the blessing of our new little baby boy which we can not wait to snuggle in the coming year. (Did you Catch that? It's a BOY!) He is quite the blessing in many ways. The biggest blessing is the reminder that following Gods will is far more wonderful than anything I could do for myself. 

I think the kiddos where pretty happy about it too!

My husband is always a blessing but this year he has been very supportive of me discovering a career path that has no certainty of being profitable and definitely no immediate profitability. He has contributed his time and skills when needed and managing the household when I am tied up with a project.  

This year has reminded me of things I need to be thankful for from the past. Largely the time my Mother spent with me as a child teaching me to sew and encouraging me to craft in general. Since my Mom died in 2002 I haven't done much sewing or crafting but since I begun sewing again I feel very close to her. 

Over a year ago a began praying about a means to help support our growing family in a way that allows me to be there for my family and is enjoyable. I truly feel God has been guiding me in direction of using the sewing and crafting skills he has given me.  I don't think I have it all figured out but I am following the trail of bread crumbs being left by God. With time, patients and prayer I feel confident that I will be as successful as I need to be. As of today I am satisfied to just be on a path.

I am not going to make any resolutions for next year. My life it s a bit in limbo at the moment and I want to spare myself the frustration of failure. I do plan on participating in a few sewing challenges and have started a list of projects I would like to complete however am trying to stay realistic of my current situation and somethings may just not happen. In my next post I will share with you all that I hope to complete in the next year.

I wish you and your family a blessed Christmas season and New Year!

Darla