That's My Letter

"B" is for Barbie

2012-03-11T13:47:00.000-04:00

Sew: Barbie silhouette pouches

Birthday party favors for my girl #2 who is turning 6.

Complete with pink and white polka dot lining:

And some candy goodies:

Here's how I made the Barbie pouches:

1. Using the cupcake toppers graphic I ordered from Party Paper Creations on Etsy, take a screenshot of the silhouette:

And print in black and white.

Trace the outline of the silhouette with a black Sharpie:

2. Apply double sided fusible webbing to the wrong side of black cotton fabric.

Using a light box place the silhouette right side down then fabric right side down on top:

3. Trace outline of silhouette onto paper fusible backing:

4. Cut out fabric on traced line, be extra careful around the eyelashes:

5. Iron silhouette onto pink cotton circle, in the end I used 3.5" circles:

6. Prepare pouch pieces:

1 - cotton canvas 10" x 14"

1 - med. weight fusible interfacing 10" x 14"

2 - polka dot lining 10" x 7"

1 - 9" pink zipper

(I buy the zippers in bulk from zip-it on Etsy, she has tons of colors and sizes.)

7. Iron interfacing to wrong side of canvas piece.
Pin pink circle centered on canvas:

8. Zig zag stitch around pink circle.

Add black french knots on the inside edge of stitches:

9. Add white ribbon bow to ponytail with tack stitch.

Be sure to fray chek the ends.

10. Now place zipper at top edge, then lining piece right side down.

Use a zipper foot to sew seam.

11. Be sure to top stitch lining down into pouch as seen here:

This will prevent the lining from getting caught in the zipper.

12. Repeat process for other side of zipper attaching to other end of canvas:

13. Then sew side seams and miter corners:

14. Trim off the mitered pieces and turn right side out:

15. Press lining side seams open and press in raw edge 1/2" at bottom.

Straight stitch bottom edge shut:

16. Push lining down into pouch.

Add ribbon to zipper pull, again use fray chek on cut ends:

17. Fill with candy or treats:

Ready for all the girls at the party:

And still so sweet on it's own, Barbie you never grow old.

"M" is for Master Bedroom

2012-03-10T07:18:00.001-05:00

Master Bedroom makeover

Nothing major: painted ceiling and walls, new baseboards and carpet all led to a little spruce up.

And now:

My kids helped with the painting:

We put up the choices:

In the end I used Benjamin Moore constellation:

We live in a cape style house which makes for multiple roof angles.

Here's one of those funky spots, amazing what a little paint can do:

The mirror was by far the most fun project in this room, you can read the complete how-to in my post here.

Which leads us back to the headboard made from old shutters:

Anything was an upgrade from this:

And the painted Minnesota tribute sign celebrating my home state:

The sconces are meant for exterior use and come hard wired but you can see how I modified them to be plug-in style in my post here.

And lastly the nightstands got a fresh coat of paint in a vibrant blue:

I painted these little monogrammed bins, one for me and one for him:

Pull back a bit and you can see the wonky shape of our room:

But we love having the wide open space in the middle, it eases congestion and the kids make use of it as well:

The window nook creates the perfect spot for a desk which came with the house but originally was in the kids room not being used so I swiped it for my own vanity area.

(You can see that makeover here.)

And of course all the window trim and doors were painted white and all the hardware changed to oil rubbed bronze to finally match the downstairs.

Bye bye classy brassy:

Love the contrast between the ORB hardware and white, especially in the hallway where five doors all collide in a tiny landing:

There you have it, nothing fancy, plain and simple, fresh and updated.

I'm linking up to:

Whatcha Got Weekend @ Lolly Jane
SAS @ Funky Junk
Weekend Wrap Up @ Tatertots & Jello
Sundae Scoop @ I Heart Naptime
Sister Sunday @ Sisters of the Wild West
Sunday Showcase Party @ Under the Table & Dreaming
Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative
DIY Project Parade @ The DIY Showoff
Made by You Mondays @ Skip to My Lou
Making the World Cuter @ Making the World Cuter
Nifty Thrifty @ Coastal Charm
Tuesday Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z
Good Life @ A Beach Cottage
Delightfully Inspiring @ Delightful Order
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage
Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple
Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue
Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring
Tickled Pink @ 504 Main
Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
SAS @ Just a Girl
Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage
Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework

"W" is for Winner

2012-03-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

Winner of the Shabby Apple dress giveaway:

#9 - Aubrey

She just won the Ahoy dress from Shabby Apple.

Congratulations Aubrey!

Thank you to all who entered, you can still receive 10% off your Shabby Apple purchase through 4/4/12 by using coupon code: THATSMYLETTER10OFF

"D" is for Dress #4

2012-03-08T05:29:00.001-05:00

Sew: pom pom party dress

My girl #2 will be having her birthday next week and she requested a party dress:

Complete with pom pom trim on the hem:

But my favorite is the navy gingham lining:

Here's how I made the dress:

1. Use Simplicity pattern #9497:

2. Cut your pieces:

3. I modified the construction process to allow for the bias tape trim:

4. The pink contrast provides the perfect divide between the floral print and gingham lining:

5. Add the bias tape at the base of the bodice as well:

6. Hem as usual then add the pom pom trim, if ever we decide to remove the trim the hem will remain intact.

7. Ready to wear:

And the back has a full hidden zipper:

This birthday girl is ready with her pom pom party dress.

I'm linking up to:

Whatcha Got Weekend @ Lolly Jane
SAS @ Funky Junk
Weekend Wrap Up @ Tatertots & Jello
Sundae Scoop @ I Heart Naptime
Sister Sunday @ Sisters of the Wild West
Sunday Showcase Party @ Under the Table & Dreaming
Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative
DIY Project Parade @ The DIY Showoff
Made by You Mondays @ Skip to My Lou
Making the World Cuter @ Making the World Cuter
Nifty Thrifty @ Coastal Charm
Tuesday Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z
Good Life @ A Beach Cottage
Delightfully Inspiring @ Delightful Order
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage
Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple
Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue
Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring
Tickled Pink @ 504 Main
Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
SAS @ Just a Girl
Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage
Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework
Textiles @ Freckled Laundry

"C" is for Color #2

2012-03-07T06:03:00.000-05:00

Paint: My Image Inspiration tool

Now you can get the paint colors you want from any inspirational picture you love.

Simply open the My Image Inspiration tool from the My Colortopia site:

Step 1: Upload your picture, you can pick anything that inspires you, in my case it's tangerines:

image from Google

Step 2: Pick your favorite color from the options, I choose Sunbaked Orange:

**Tip: You're more likely to get the colors you're looking for if you narrow the box directly over the portion of the image you're most inspired by. The larger the box, the larger the color range.

Once you find a color you love, use the tools drop-down to email, print or share your favorites:

This email arrived in my inbox, complete with Glidden color names and numbers:

Head straight to your retailer and purchase the paint:

Then I painted my doll size bunk beds:

And I even borrowed the blue from the color palette as my inspiration for the quilts:

Glidden lavender phlox

The bluey purple pairs perfectly with the orange, I would never have put those colors together had I not used the My Image Inspiration tool.

And if you're looking for more help in deciding on paint colors you can also take the My Life my colors questionnaire from My Colortopia found in my post here. This quick questionnaire is sure to provide a few color options that will fit your personality.

So use the tools, they're fun and free! and you never know what color palettes might turn up!

I have been sponsored by Glidden brand paint to write this post but the thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

"K" is for Kreg

2012-03-06T11:22:00.000-05:00

Tools: Kreg jig

If you build anything you're going to want this:

I'm not a fancy tool gal by any means, I prefer only my drill, saw and sander but this is one fancy tool you might want to consider.

The Kreg jig makes pocket holes so you can hide your screws. And who doesn't want to hide their screws? Not to mention it creates a tight, square, secure joint.

Today I made a few pocket holes, repetitive yes, but the rewards come once the pieces are secured together and all the screws are tucked neatly in their holes:

It looks slightly complicated but once you have it set up just lock in your wood piece and drill:

(and I typically only use 3/4" stock so rarely do I need to adjust the depth)

Pocket hole perfection:

And here you can see all the pocket holes hiding on the underside of this bench, the top is secured with no visible screws on the surface:

And bonus! you can make drawer repairs:

But if you do plan on building and your pocket holes will be visible you'll want to buy Kreg jig pocket hole plugs:

This is the interior of the piece I'm working on and while there will be doors to hide the interior you still want to fill those pocket holes.

Cover the end of the plug with wood glue:

Slide the plug into the pocket hole for a snug fit:

A little putty, some sanding and all will be flush.

I definitely recommend getting the Kreg jig, you're going to love it.

Please note all the thoughts and comments are my own and Kreg did not sponsor me to write this post.

"G" is for Giveaway

2012-03-05T05:40:00.001-05:00

Shabby Apple giveaway!

Yes you could win this Springy women's dress:

Perfect for all your Spring events in fresh turquoise.

And even if you don't win the giveaway Shabby Apple is offering a 10% off coupon for readers.

Shop now for Spring, they carry both women's and little girls dresses.

Enter coupon code: THATSMYLETTER10OFF (coupon good until 4/4/12)

To enter the giveaway for this cute dress please follow these instructions:

1. "like" Shabby Apple on Facebook, click here

2. leave me a comment below saying you did #1

3. winner must have a US shipping address

4. giveaway is for the "Ahoy" dress only, no exchanges

5. winner will be announced Friday, March 9th, 2012

3/9/12: WINNER ANNOUNCED

Good luck and happy shopping.

3/9/12: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

"D" is for Dress #3

2012-03-02T05:25:00.002-05:00

Sew: sunny Spring dress

Girl #2 happily modeled this tank style dress:

Complete with red gingham trim and covered buttons up the back:

I used Riley Blake's Sunny Happy Skies fabric:

And added the red gingham bias trim as an accent:

Here's how I made the dress:

1. Using Simplicity pattern #5226, top C extended to dress length, cut out pieces:

Construct dress as per instructions, center back top portion was modified for buttons.

2. Make fabric covered buttons with Wrights kit:

3. Make buttonholes and lay out buttons:

4. Stitch in place:

Ready to wear:

I'm linking up to:

Whatcha Got Weekend @ Lolly Jane
SAS @ Funky Junk
Weekend Wrap Up @ Tatertots & Jello
Sundae Scoop @ I Heart Naptime
Sister Sunday @ Sisters of the Wild West
Sunday Showcase Party @ Under the Table & Dreaming
Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative
DIY Project Parade @ The DIY Showoff
Made by You Mondays @ Skip to My Lou
Making the World Cuter @ Making the World Cuter
Nifty Thrifty @ Coastal Charm
Tuesday Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z
Good Life @ A Beach Cottage
Delightfully Inspiring @ Delightful Order
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage
Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple
Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue
Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring
Tickled Pink @ 504 Main
Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
SAS @ Just a Girl
Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage
Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework
Textiles @ Freckled Laundry

"T" is for Turf Wreath

2012-02-29T12:32:00.001-05:00

Spring wreath covered with turf:

Artificial turf wrapped around a foam wreath form:

Add some fake flowers and oilcloth ribbon hanger:

It's fake all the way through but I have yet to see a turf wreath so I just had to do it.

Last spring I made a turf mantle cover:

and a turf table runner:

So I had to continue the turf tradition with something new for 2012,

the turf wreath:

Here's how I made the turf wreath:

1. Using a 12" styrofoam wreath form, saw in half with serrated knife:

Now you can make 2 wreaths for the price of 1!

And your wreath will lie flat against the door.

2. Cut out a circle of artificial turf big enough to wrap around the edges:

3. Hot glue the turf to the front and outer edges of the form wrapping around to the back.

For the inner circle be sure to clip the turf so it lies flat and doesn't buckle:

4. Organize your fake flowers in bunches:

5. Secure flowers using floral wire and hot glue:

6. Add ribbon to center:

7. For oilcloth hanger cut long strip and top stitch edges:

8. Wrap one long piece around wreath.

Make 'bow' by forming 2 loops and hot glue in center.

Make center of bow by folding oilcloth in half:

Then wrap skinny center piece around middle of bow, pinching bow, hot glue to hold:

9. Hot glue bow into place at top of hanging piece:

Ready for Spring (and St. Patrick's Day too!):

Here you can see how it rests flatter against the door, less bulk for folks to bang into when they come through the door:

Love the fun, playful feeling of turf, makes me wish Spring was here already.

I'm linking up to:

Whatcha Got Weekend @ Lolly Jane

SAS @ Funky Junk

Sister Sunday @ Sisters of the Wild West

Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

DIY Fall Festival @ The DIY Showoff

Nifty Thrifty @ Coastal Charm

Tuesday Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z

Good Life @ A Beach Cottage

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage

Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue

Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

SAS @ Just a Girl

Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage

Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework

"T" is for Trugs

2012-02-27T09:22:00.001-05:00

Built: more personalized striped trugs with handpainted names

I can never make just one of something, it has to be in multiples.

These 2 are for my girls for Easter:

But Jack is a special request from a friend.

She loves a good nautical bit and Jack went right along with the All American red, white and blue theme:

All on the heels of last weeks orange trug for Derek:

Here's how I made the trugs:

1. Cut pieces from 3/8" plywood:

(For more detailed construction how-to check my previous post here.)

2. Construct, sand, prime and paint.

Use painters tape to create stripe space:

3. Paint 2 coats of stripe color:

4. Remove painters tape:

5. Print out letters.

I used American Typewriter font size 200.

Line up printout then trace letters with ballpoint pen which leaves an indent in the wood.

Paint on and inside the indent.

6. Seal with spray clear poly:

Ready to fill with toys.

I'm linking up to:

Whatcha Got Weekend @ Lolly Jane

SAS @ Funky Junk

Sister Sunday @ Sisters of the Wild West

Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

DIY Fall Festival @ The DIY Showoff

Nifty Thrifty @ Coastal Charm

Tuesday Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z

Good Life @ A Beach Cottage

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage

Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue

Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

SAS @ Just a Girl

Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage

Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework

"L" is for Lakes

2012-02-25T09:00:00.001-05:00

Paint: Land of 10,000 Lakes sign

(aka Minnesota)

Minnesota holds a special place in my heart, I was born and raised there.

I spent some time on these lakes:

Moore Lake in Fridley, MN

Coal Lake in Browerville, MN

Pleasant Lake in North Oaks, MN

Gull Lake in Nisswa, MN

and there are many others like White Bear Lake and Lake Owen (although technically in Wisconsin).

Inspired by Nicole Meyer's Branding 10,000 Lakes project where she creates a logo for a Minnesota lake, one lake, one logo, every day.

Below is what she created for Coal Lake and Gull Lake:

And then I added the outline of the state, inspired by these state themed postcards:

And placed my sign prominently above our bed, my husband hails from New York City so this Midwestern girl deserves a little reminder of the good old days:

Here's how I made the sign:

1. Using a piece of 3/4" pine, paint two coats Behr swiss coffee:

2. Print out lettering to fit sign.

Layout and trace letters with ballpoint pen which leaves an indent in the wood:

3. Paint inside the indent:

4. Layer the colors and add state outline:

5. Ready for distressing, stain and clear poly.

Thanks Minnesota for many years of great memories.

I'm linking up to:

Whatcha Got Weekend @ Lolly Jane

SAS @ Funky Junk

Sister Sunday @ Sisters of the Wild West

Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

DIY Project Parade @ The DIY Showoff

Nifty Thrifty @ Coastal Charm

Tuesday Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z

Good Life @ A Beach Cottage

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage

Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue

Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

SAS @ Just a Girl

Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage

Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework

"D" is for Dresses

2012-02-23T05:08:00.001-05:00

Sew: Spring dresses for my girls

Seersucker, white cotton yoke neck and ruffles, we're ready for Spring.

And yes that is my girl #2 and girl #1 on the beach in New York in February.
No school this week and the weather is balmy!

Here's how I made the dresses:

1. Using Simplicity pattern #2270 dress B:

2. Cut out pieces:

- blue seersucker for the dress front, back and ruffle

- white Kona cotton for the yoke neck

3. Follow the pattern for construction.

4. Add the ruffled trim, 3/4" wide seersucker cut on the bias, twice the circumference of the dress.

Gather using loose zigzag stitch, pin in place and straight stitch.

We have multiple Spring events this year: Baptism, First Holy Communion, birthdays and Graduation so these dresses are bound to get some good use.

Thanks girls for modeling!

I'm linking up to:

Whatcha Got Weekend @ Lolly Jane
SAS @ Funky Junk
Weekend Wrap Up @ Tatertots & Jello
Sundae Scoop @ I Heart Naptime
Sister Sunday @ Sisters of the Wild West
Sunday Showcase Party @ Under the Table & Dreaming
Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative
DIY Fall Festival @ The DIY Showoff
Made by You Mondays @ Skip to My Lou
Making the World Cuter @ Making the World Cuter
Nifty Thrifty @ Coastal Charm
Tuesday Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z
Good Life @ A Beach Cottage
Delightfully Inspiring @ Delightful Order
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage
Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple
Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue
Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring
Tickled Pink @ 504 Main
Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
SAS @ Just a Girl
Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage
Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework
Textiles @ Freckled Laundry

"C" is for Color

2012-02-22T07:14:00.001-05:00

Paint: Find color schemes that fit your personality and lifestyle.

Introducing My Colortopia

My Colortopia is the place to go for color advice, guidance and design inspiration.

I find inspiration for paint colors in my every day life, from food:

to fabric (drop cloth is my favorite!), natural objects and wood:

We're surrounded by color in objects and nature that provide a palette full of possibilities.

To help narrow those color possibilities and provide tailor-fit options for you, take this quick questionnaire:

Did the colors fit your lifestyle? And provide some options you might not have thought about?

Try it, you might surprise yourself.

I have been sponsored by Glidden brand paint to write this post but the thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

"K" is for King Cotton

2012-02-20T12:10:00.000-05:00

Paint: King Cotton sign

A special request from Traci, she sent me this image:

And wanted it painted (32" x 24") in red on white to go in a room that "is bright teal...cottage - meets farmhouse!".

Here's how I made the sign:

1. Using 1/2" plywood cut to the requested size 32"w x 24"h,

primed and painted 2 coats Behr swiss coffee.

Sketch out the logo lightly in pencil, I folded the paper print out to make a grid:

2. Paint over the sketch with red acrylic:

3. Seal with clear spray acrylic and add two sawtooth hangers on back:

I think it's pretty close to the original:

Hope Traci likes it in her cottage meets farmhouse room.

"P" is for Personalize #2

2012-02-18T08:19:00.002-05:00

Paint: How to personalize any wooden object.

Any font, any size, you can paint it.

My most popular post by far, thank you to Pinterest, is the "P" is for Personalization post where I originally showed my how-to handpaint letters onto wood.

I thought the post deserved an updated version, with much better pictures, and fresh trendy paint colors to boot!

Here's how to personalize on wood objects:

1. For this project I used my wooden trug painted Glidden sunbaked orange.

Mask off a 2.5" wide band with painters tape:

2. Paint two coats Behr lake blue:

3. Print out letters, I used American Typewriter font size 175:

4. Center lettering on blue stripe.

Using a ballpoint pen trace outline of lettering. The pressure from the pen will create a slight indent in the wood.

Below you can see the indent left behind, you have successfully transferred the lettering onto the wood.

5. Now paint on and inside the indent:

6. Once complete, seal with clear acrylic spray gloss:

A professional look and finish for a fraction of the cost.

Now get all those boy toys and fill it up:

Or leave it empty.

Either way it's still pretty darn cute.

And a great basket type gift for Easter coming soon.

I'm linking up to:

Whatcha Got Weekend @ Lolly Jane

SAS @ Funky Junk

Sister Sunday @ Sisters of the Wild West

Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

DIY Fall Festival @ The DIY Showoff

Nifty Thrifty @ Coastal Charm

Tuesday Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z

Good Life @ A Beach Cottage

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage

Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue

Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

SAS @ Just a Girl

Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage

Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework

"Q" is for Quilt

2012-02-16T13:57:00.001-05:00

Sew: Monogrammed baby quilt

Made with all pink fabrics around the border:

And the cutest alphabet print as the backing:

Inspired by the Harper applique nursery bedding from Pottery Barn:

I beefed up the border and moved the letter to the center.

"A" is for Ariana:

Here's how I made the quilt:

1. Find all pink scraps at least 4"wide:

2. Sew pink scraps together into long strips, trim at 4" wide.

Lay out large center white piece and sew strips to center:

3. For the monogram, iron on fusible interfacing to wrong side of fabric.

Print out letter to size

4. Using a lightbox trace letter outline onto fabric, cut out and pin in center of white piece:

5. Zig zag stitch around edge of letter:

6. For the backing I used Zoo Babies by Whistler Studios:

(it does come in blue as well)

7. Make the quilt sandwich: backing face down, batting, then quilt top face up.

Safety pin every 4":

8. Quilt around the letter first, then on the diagonal every 4", then in gutter of border.

Trim edges all flush:

9. Add white binding, miter the corners:

10. Press binding down and around to create edge, straight stitch in gutter:

11. Don't forget to add your label:

12. Roll and tie with matching ribbon:

A washable, user friendly gift for a new baby girl.

Welcome to the world Ariana!

I'm linking up to:

Whatcha Got Weekend @ Lolly Jane
SAS @ Funky Junk
Weekend Wrap Up @ Tatertots & Jello
Sundae Scoop @ I Heart Naptime
Sister Sunday @ Sisters of the Wild West
Sunday Showcase Party @ Under the Table & Dreaming
Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative
DIY Fall Festival @ The DIY Showoff
Made by You Mondays @ Skip to My Lou
Making the World Cuter @ Making the World Cuter
Nifty Thrifty @ Coastal Charm
Tuesday Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z
Good Life @ A Beach Cottage
Delightfully Inspiring @ Delightful Order
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage
Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple
Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue
Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring
Tickled Pink @ 504 Main
Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
SAS @ Just a Girl
Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage
Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework
Textiles @ Freckled Laundry

"B" is for Burp Cloths

2012-02-14T09:12:00.001-05:00

Sew: Easy burp cloths.

Made from white flannel and gingham ribbon.
Absorbent but not too thick and diapery.

We have lots of babies arriving at this time in our lives.

And I'm fairly certain most newborns probably receive enough clothing to dress 10 babies so I opt for making a monogrammed terrycloth travel pouch and burp cloths:

Along with some travel size baby body products - everything fits perfect in the pouch:

For the complete tutorial on how-to make the pouch click here.

The pouch measures 12"w x 8"h x 1.5"at bottom and the blue seersucker lining:

matches the monogram:

The L is for Luke.

Here's how I made the burp cloths:

1. Cut one yard of white flannel into 6 equal parts.

Zig zag stitch around all raw edges:

2. Pin ribbon into place, 2.5" inches from one edge:

3. Straight stitch ribbon in place on top and bottom edges, folding cut ends up under itself.

Ready to go.

The terrycloth pouches are good for both boys and girls:

For boys I sew just the monogram:

And girls get the added pretty ruffle detail:

Now these babies are ready for some travel!

I'm linking up to:

Whatcha Got Weekend @ Lolly Jane
SAS @ Funky Junk
Weekend Wrap Up @ Tatertots & Jello
Sundae Scoop @ I Heart Naptime
Sister Sunday @ Sisters of the Wild West
Sunday Showcase Party @ Under the Table & Dreaming
Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative
DIY Fall Festival @ The DIY Showoff
Made by You Mondays @ Skip to My Lou
Making the World Cuter @ Making the World Cuter
Nifty Thrifty @ Coastal Charm
Tuesday Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z
Good Life @ A Beach Cottage
Delightfully Inspiring @ Delightful Order
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage
Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple
Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue
Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring
Tickled Pink @ 504 Main
Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
SAS @ Just a Girl
Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage
Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework
Textiles @ Freckled Laundry

"B" is for Bunk Beds #2

2012-02-12T08:06:00.001-05:00

Built: doll bunk beds painted in tangerine orange:

Fresh and different and I'm in love.

The perfect size for Kit and all her American Girl doll friends:

The bottom bunk is open, sleepover anyone?

The quilts are basic patchwork made with scraps from my collection:

This bunk bed is going to my girl #2 for her birthday in March.

Here's how I made the bunk bed and bedding:

1. Cut wood pieces are per Ana's plans here.

2. Assemble, putty screw heads and sand:

3. Prime and sand again:

4. Choose paint color.

I used Glidden sunbaked orange flat.

5. Paint two coats

Distress edges lightly then seal with clear satin poly.

Detail of the distressing:

6. The mattresses are made from mattress foam topper cut to size, wrapped with quilt batting and then covered with white cotton fabric sewn shut:

7. For the quilts I started with a collection of orange and periwinkle fabrics.

Then cut 3" squares.

8. Layout the squares in a random pattern.

Then stitch each row together.

9. Make the quilt sandwich with backing, batting and top.

Saftey pin layers together and quilt on the diagonal:

10. The edge is finished with Kona white binding:

11. The polka dot quilt backing matches the pillowcases:

My girl #2 will be turning 6 and she (and her big sister who is 7) is in the prime playing years for the American Girl dolls.

I hope they love this bunk bed as much as I loved making it.

I'm linking up to:

Whatcha Got Weekend @ Lolly Jane

SAS @ Funky Junk

Sister Sunday @ Sisters of the Wild West

Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

DIY Fall Festival @ The DIY Showoff

Nifty Thrifty @ Coastal Charm

Tuesday Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z

Good Life @ A Beach Cottage

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage

Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue

Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

SAS @ Just a Girl

Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage

Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework
All Things Furniture @ Perfectly Imperfect
Furniture Feature Friday @ Miss Mustard Seed
POWW @ Primitive & Proper

"L" is for Love

2012-02-10T13:22:00.001-05:00

Sew: A love sign for the front door:

Blanket stitched letters adhered to scrap beadboard with trim frame.

Just in time for Valentine's Day.

Another way to spread the love.

Here's how I made the sign:

1. Cut beadboard and 3/8" plywood piece same size:

2. Secure the two boards together with liquid nails.

3. Print out letters to fit board.

I used Bookman Old Style BOLD font at 425 point.

4. Using Heat N Bond double sided fusible webbing, apply to wrong side of fabric:

5. Place letter right side up on light box, then place fabric right side up on top of letter, trace JUST OUTSIDE the printed letter.

Then using the blanket stitch setting, stitch JUST INSIDE the pencil lines:

6. Trim fabric on the pencil lines:

7. Now remove paper backing to expose adhesive.

Be very careful near stitches, yes this is tedious but worth it.

8. Place letter on beadboard and iron into place securely.

9. Add trim to make frame:

10. Using a staple gun add hanging ribbon:

11. Hang and enjoy.

(Consider placing a small dab of sticky tack on the back center between door and sign to avoid sign moving around when you pull open the door.)

The detailed trim piece I found in the garage, makes the edge look a bit like a stamp.

Happy Valentine's Day.

I'm linking up to:

Whatcha Got Weekend @ Lolly Jane
SAS @ Funky Junk
Weekend Wrap Up @ Tatertots & Jello
Sundae Scoop @ I Heart Naptime
Sister Sunday @ Sisters of the Wild West
Sunday Showcase Party @ Under the Table & Dreaming
Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative
DIY Fall Festival @ The DIY Showoff
Made by You Mondays @ Skip to My Lou
Making the World Cuter @ Making the World Cuter
Nifty Thrifty @ Coastal Charm
Tuesday Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z
Good Life @ A Beach Cottage
Delightfully Inspiring @ Delightful Order
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage
Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple
Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue
Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring
Tickled Pink @ 504 Main
Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
SAS @ Just a Girl
Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage
Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework
Textiles @ Freckled Laundry