Framed Prayers & Printing Tutorial

A couple years ago my bible study completed our Marian consecration using the 33 Day's to Morning Glory by Michael Gaitley. That next Christmas I framed one the Mother Teresa quotes that the book shared and gave it to my very dear cousin who is in my study group. She loved it so much that this past month she requested I make a handful of framed prayers and quotes for her to give as gifts. 

The style above and below is the same as I had given to her that two Christmas' ago. I knew exactly how I wanted to look before I started but had the worse time finding an intricate cut frame in my zillion Cricut images. It drive me nuts that most of the frames are not standard picture sizes and when you change the size in the craftroom it loses what you liked about it in the first place. So I came up with this frame I used multiple cuts from the Ornamental Irons II cartridge and welded them together in the Craftroom, It was rather labor intensive since the Craftroom doesn't like when you over design things. I hope this is something I hope they remedied in the new Design Space software for the Cricut Explore. I have included the Craftroom file below if you are interested in using it. You will need to own the Oriental Irons II cartridge to complete the cuts.

Cricut Craftroom File (CCR)

These are 8"x10" frames and the center rectangles are 5"x7". With some finessing the scroll frame size can be changed in the Craftroom but as it is now it is set to overlap the 5"x7" cut/picture. 

I used the Snell Roundhand font for Mother Teresa's prayer. This font can be found free on the internet if you don't already have them on your computer.

Another one of the prayers she asked for was the Humility Prayer. This one was rather challenging since it is long and you really can't alter the format. The frame I found is from the Cake Basics cartridge. I'm not sure how someone would used this design on a cake??? Maybe on a sheet cake? Any way's, I digress, It works perfect for this. I find that I use this cartridge and the Holiday Cakes a lot. If you have avoided these thinking that they aren't usable for paper crafting, don't! These have the best fonts and are great for card making.

This is a 5"x7" frame. If you have any interest in making your own, the cut file is below but you will need the Cake Basics cartridge to use it.

Cricut Craftroom File (CCR)

Another challenge for this one was finding a font that is easy to read but still attractive. I end up settling on Baskerville & 5th Grade Cursive. Again, these fonts can be found free on the internet if you don't already have them on your computer.

The Humility prayer was another one of these that is printed out after the base was cut. As I mentioned I would last week, I put together a tutorial on how I do that. It's really quite easy.

I use 8.5"x11" grid paper and double sided removable tape. 

1. Cut the images. The base that will be printed on and the frame that will be layered on top of it,

2. Print the verse on the grid paper. Line up the frame around the printed verse so it appears in the center or how you would like it to look. 

3. Put pencil dots at key points around the frame like shown above.

4. Remove frame and stick two strips of removable double sided tape at the top and the bottom of the printing area.

 5. Remove the backing of the tape. Using the pencil marks and the grid lines to make sure it is level, adhere the cut that you would like to printed on.  

 6. Make sure the paper is put in the printer going the correct direction. Mine is face up head first. Then print.

 It should peel off easily and be lined up perfectly! Now glue it together and finish up your project : )

Thanks for stopping by the nest & God Bless!

Darla

Apple Picking Birthday Invitation

My little girl turns 4 today! It pretty exciting for us. Lots of new things like school and car booster seats. She's going to be pretty excited today when I pick her up from school and she won't have a car seat anymore. It's the little things that make us happy around here : )

So for the second year now Hannah is having an apple picking party for her birthday. Last year I choose apple picking cause what the hey, kill two birds with one stone, she wanted a party and I needed to apple pick. This year she asked for it. I'm happy she did. It's so much fun to do with friends and family and most u-pick orchards our happy to let you picnic.

This year I put together this apple picking invitation which was a bit labor intensive but well worth it I think. I used the Cricut again. The apple tree is from the Create a Critter 2 cartridge and the frame is from the When I Was a Kid cartridge. All of the paper is from a 12"x12" multipack from Target. The card base is 6"x 6". I used two fonts, Cinnamon cake for the title & Apple cider daydreams for all the sub text, Appropriately named don't you think! These fonts can be found free on the internet if you don't already have them on your computer.

Below is a link to the Cricut Craftroom File if you are interested in making your own. You will have to own the Cricut cartridges to enable you to cut though.
Cricut Craftroom File (CCR)

Thanks for stopping by the nest!
Darla

Baptism Invitation

Another one of my paper projects this past month was for baptism invitations. My friend was having a hard time locating an invitation that she liked and asked me to put some together for her. Her little darling is such a cutie, anytime I think of color combinations for her I think of delicate pinks. 

I love how the two tone pinks came out and the scroll work frame gives it a nice sophistication. Having to blot out a good portion of the text for privacy I lost how attractive it really is but I think you can get the picture.

The cuts are from the Sentimentals cartridge and the base measures 5.75"x8". The paper is a basic white card stock, Pick Tutu & Pinkini by Bazzill. The fonts I used are Bickham Script for the title & Baskerville for the rest. These fonts can be found free on the internet if you don't already have them on your computer.

Below is a link to the Cricut Craftroom File if you are interested in making your own. You will have to own the Sentimentals cartridge to enable you to cut though.
Cricut Craftroom file (CCR)

Thanks for stopping by the nest!

Darla

Baby Shower Invitation

This past weekend I hosted a baby shower for good friend of mine. They are have a little girl next month and planning to name her Bridgid after St. Brigid of Kildare so of course it had to be an Irish themed party. I searched and search for a shamrock/clover design that wasn't to cartoony and very feminine. Wow that was a challenge but in the end I think I got what I was looking for.

I keep the invitation really simple and used my trusty Cricut. The cuts are from the Storybook cartridge and the base measures 6"x6". The paper is Baby Pink by core'dinations, Apple Green by core'dinations & Basic White. The fonts I used Bickham Script for the title (a wee baby), Centeria Script for the guest of honors name & Baskerville for the rest. These fonts can be found free on the internet if you don't already have them on your computer.

Below is a link to the Cricut Craftroom File if you are interested in making your own. You will have to own the storybook cartridge to enable you to cut though
Cricut Craftroom File (CCR)

I figured out a pretty nifty way to print the text on already cut pieces. I'm going to try to put together a tutorial to share this week,

Thanks for stopping by the nest!
Darla

Summer KCW 2015 - Nightgowns

I did it again, I made other one of these. I can't get enough of this raglan pattern from iKat Bag. It is so simple to make and is perfect for just about everything. I imagine at some point Hannah or I will get sick of the peasant style tops and that will be the end of that.

For the first time though I used a knit. I have so much knit in my stash and never seem to use it. For whatever reason I gravitate to the wovens more. I think it may have something to do with the limited pattern selection for knits at my local stores. Although, I have found that they are improving. 

Hannah has gotten to the point where she does not want to wear anything other than nightgowns. The pants and shorts are not princess enough I guess. So I dug around in my pattern stash looking for another style that I thought would work well for a knit nightgown and found CINO's free pattern for the Playdate Dress. Since the free pattern comes in a size 2T I had enlarge the bodice a bit.  I don't think Jessica intended it to be a nightgown but I think it works perfectly for this. 

I didn't bother with hemming the bottom or the flutter sleeves. Since it is a jersey knit it rolls on the raw edge. I like the way it looks and gives it a bit more comfort. 

Well that wraps up my summer Kids Clothing Week. Just in time too, they announced the Fall KCW dates last week,

The fall KCW is October 19th - 25th and has the theme "Disguise". I love it! This is prefect for making Noah's Halloween costume. Hannah has been requesting a purple coat since this past spring so I should probably make that a priority too.

If you are a sewing and never participated in a KCW you should really consider it. It is a lot a of fun and a great way to get to meet other people in the internet sewing community.

Thanks for stopping by the nest!

Darla

Summer KCW 2015 - First Day Top

This pattern and the Geranium Dress pattern (seen here) I think are two of my favorite purchased patterns. This is the top variation of the First Day Dress/Top by Dana Willard of Made. I used this pattern for Hannah's Easter dress, shown here, this past spring.

I love how simple this pattern is and how quickly it comes together. I've always had great experience using Dana's patterns and tutorials. She does a great job keeping things easy to follow. If you've ever read her blog you already know she has a very "neighbor next door" way about her, un-intimidating and light hearted. I think this is also reflected in her patterns. It's like sewing with a friend.

If you are very careful on how you sew the arm hole & hem line closed, this top (and the dress version) could be completely reversible. You'd need to install a button on both sides. And you probably wouldn't want to use one as large as I did. I just can't resist an opportunity for a big button and a pop of color.

I had these fabrics forever and couldn't tell you where I purchased them or who designed them. I've been waiting for the right project to use the bright pinkish red and I think I did. This top really showcases how pretty this fabric is. I only wish I had more. 

Hannah really like to this top but given the choice she will pick the dress every time. What can I say, she's a girly girl.

Thanks for stopping by the nest!
Darla

Summer KCW 2015 - 4th of July Dress

I have had this Signature Dress pattern by Go To Patterns for several years made a few attempts to start on it then stopped each time for whatever reason. The instructions were very easy to follow and the PDF pattern easy to use.  The pattern comes with a ton of variations.  A few of which is a long sleeve, kangaroo pocket and hood.

 I'm not in love with the style of the neckline. It reminds me of a mock turtle neck.  I do like the little cap sleeves though.  I'm sure if I make some modification to the neckline I could really like this patten.

The fabric is a navy & red striped knit with a very thin silver strip between that I purchased from JoAnn Fabrics last year. It has a two way stretch that make it little more challenging to work with but lining up the stripes went great. 

Hannah was exited to wear this and really likes it and that's what matters most!  

I think I am going to try this pattern out again this winter with the variation that I mentioned and I'll let you know how that goes.

Thanks for stopping by the nest!
Darla

Summer KCW 2015 - Kwik's Sew's Jumpsuit

I am so happy with this little jumpsuit! I originally posted that I purchased the Kwik's Sew's Sewing Book for Toddlers that was published in 1992 a few months ago here. Even though I knew what I was making was going to be a bit dated I didn't attempt to make any changes this time through. So what you see is the pattern as published.

Let me start by saying I think I love this book! The clothes are straight up basic but with tons of options. The directions are complete and easy to follow. The pattern pieces are just as great. I wish every pattern & pattern book I bought was this... perfect! 

It had some techniques I hadn't tried before. They weren't difficult, if anything they made things so much easier. For example the yoke and the interior button placket that's shown above. I wont bother explaining its a little too detailed, but look how nice it turned out. I did do one thing different than instructed and that was to sew down the yoke by stitching in the ditch of the shoulder and the back seams. This way the yoke will stay flat and tucked in while being worn and after washing,

I think the only thing that really could be modified on the pattern to up date it is the shoulders. This is the 18th month size and shoulders on the main body pieces could be reduced approximately 3/4". I'm good with the wide sleeve, that give him room to move easily.

I think this looks so stinking cute on! It has only one major flaw, I completely forgot to do the snap crotch. That will teach me to read the directions all the way through before getting started! The clothes provided in this book give you so many options that you have to make sure you have all your details sorted through before getting started. 

So its a little baggy (due to the dated style) but it's super comfy. And its a pain to change the diaper since Mom messed up. But he's gotten good use out of it this summer and I see myself making many more of these, with snap crotches.

If you are in the market for a good basic easy to follow pattern book I highly recommend this book.

Thanks so much for stopping by the nest!
Darla

Little Quail Etsy's Shop is Now Open

LittleQuailCreations Etsy's Shop

The day is finally here! My Etsy's shop is OPEN! It has been a long time coming. I have amassed quite a bit of inventory that I really need to get moved out for new stuff.  My shop is going to be a mix of  bags, infant/childrens items, accessories and kids clothing. At some point I may even introduce patterns to the shop but I think I'm going to invest sometime to fine tuning my pattern drafting skills first.

Please go check it out. I'd love some feed back to know what you think! I'm open to (constructive) suggestions. I'd also like to know if there is anything in particular that you would like to see stocked in the shop.

Thanks for stopping by the nest!
Darla

School is in and I'm starting over... again

 Whoo Hoo! School is in session... That's horrible... I really shouldn't be celebrating that a couple of my kids are occupied elsewhere, right? I love my kids, they are my everything most days, most of the time. But now its time to start letting my little Quail's safely start venturing out into the world. It's good for them and its good for me. There is nothing wrong in celebrating this new milestone for my kids and me being a Mom in the school years.

My oldest started kindergarten this year and my second PreK today. We chose to send our kids to the Catholic school at our home parish which is full of our friends and family. So far school has been a wonderful experience for my very young kids. I know they are being loved and cared for. In the past I have not mentioned that my oldest is a little special and we have many challenges that we face and a full schedule of activities. So this summer we spent a good amount of time getting my son ready for the environment and schedule that the school year would bring. I'm happy to see that it was worth the effort. In his words "I LOVE SCHOOL!"

My kids, with the ages they are and the needs that they have, effect my ability to commit to the business of Little Quail. I have spent the summer in quiet prayerful contemplation trying to discern what is the calling of Little Quail and what will I do with this new found time. Even with all that thinking time I'm still all over the place about it. So I am taking a deep breath marveling at this new beginning, a new chapter which is a completely blank page... YIKES!

I guess while I get that all figured out I can share with you what I've been up to over the summer. In my next few posts I finally share what I did for the summer Kids Clothes Week and some other fun projects.

Thanks for stopping by the nest!
Darla

Book: Kwik Sew's Sewing for Toddlers

OK start the mocking now. So I bought another sewing book. This one is definitely dated. The Kwik Sew's Sewing for Toddlers by Kerstin Martensson was originally published in 1992. I really wasn't too deterred by this. This book received great (current) reviews. So much of the feedback given on amazon indicated that with very little effort that these patterns can be modernized and that they are timeless. For practical toddler clothes I can see where this is possible. That being said, I think this one has "good bones" and I'm excited about diving in to it. The sizes are 1T-4T and most of the patterns are intended for knit and sweat shirt fabrics.

This is one of the examples of a great outfit for a toddler. I have a handful of rompers just like this that my Sammy wore frequently as a baby and Noah is now wearing. These have been of favorite of mine so I'm happy to have a pattern to make my own. 

For Summer Kids Clothes Week this week I am definitely going to make something from this book.  I may even attempt to make a summery version of this jump suit. 

So mock me all you want. I'm determined to make this one work ; ) For fun I ordered my all time favorite movies to watch while using it, Mr. Mom.

Thanks for stopping by the nest!
Darla

Spring 2015 KCW - Jammies

As usual I need PJ's for my kids. Kids clothes week is the perfect time to make these since they don't require much of your time and allows for several items verses one very labor intensive item.

Since I have been in pattern book mode, I decided to try out the Growing up Sew Liberated by Meg McEwee again. A couple years ago I made the basic pocket pants/shorts found here and had some problems with the rise of the shorts. After making some adjustments to the pattern they ended up being my son's favorites that summer. I was hoping to yield the same results with the PJ's. The pink and gray shirt & pants are the Crossover TShirt & Sleeping John's in size 5. I used a hot pink rib knit and heather gray interlock from JoAnn Fabric. 

The only change I made was to add hot pink rib knit to the ankles of the Sleeping John's to coordinate with the crossover t. The pants came out great and fit perfectly. The crossover t was a bit big but I'm OK with that since they will still fit next year.

I made the Growing up Sew Liberated envelope shirt in size 18 months for my little Noah. I used the same gray interlock that I used for Hannah's jammies and recycled a old green jersey knit t-shirt. 

I struggled a bit with getting the envelope shoulder right but when I finally figured it out the fit was perfect. I used Maxi-Lock Stretch Thread for the first time and lover it! It is challenging if you need to pull the stitches since it is made up of dozens of gauzy type threads that stretch more than break (which is a good thing). I only have it in white which is why you see it in the zigzag top stitching, Now that I know I love it I'm going to see if it comes in more colors.

I can see making envelope shirt pattern again and again. 

(Noah is not a fan of modeling. I thought photo's of toddlers was challenging.)

Unfortunately, the Growing up Sew Liberated Sleepy John's does not come in infant sizes nor does the pattern book have a baby PJ pants or legging alternative so I self drafted these using one of Noah's other PJ pants and they fit him perfectly.

If anyone else is looking for 18 month PJ pants pattern let me know and I'll send you a PDF of my pattern.

Finally all caught up! Now on to Summer Kids Clothes Week.

Thanks for stopping by the nest!

Darla