New to the Shop

Seems like I haven't made anything since I've found out that I was pregnant. Actually it's probably been before that, which is a REALLY long time for me not to create something. I figure creating a baby counts though. Well, I had a previous customer from my shop email me asking me to make her a new hair clip, so I got out my semi-organized stash and got to work. (I'm in the process of actually organizing all my craft stuff, not to mention the whole basement so that we can finish it.) Whenever I take these long breaks from being creative I find that once I start I really really extremely enjoy it. It's so relaxing to me. Even though making hair things is kind of mindless, it's a nice way to spend a little bit of time doing something I enjoy.

Another one

Here are a couple knit flower headbands that I've been knitting. See, I told you I have more things planned for those flowers. (Thanks for the tips Allison on making the pictures bigger!)  Also, I'm well aware that I need to cut my bangs, but I'm still deciding on whether I want to grow them out, thin them out, or just keep them the way I've had them. What do you think?

Knit Headband

Here's one:I love how making these lets me practice my stitches. I love the texture they all have!

A big hug: Knot Necklace tutorial

For the first day of school I was worried that my daughter might miss us, so I wanted to make her something special to remind her that we love her. I came up with an idea about a necklace "hugging" her all day. Being the the daughter of a seminary teacher I am constantly looking for symbolism and analogies. As I was tying the knots and wrapping the beads, I was thinking about all the pieces (fabric squares) of our lives that have brought our family to this point. How we are all tied together for eternity, and that I will always wrap my arms around my kids whenever then need me. I tried to explain that to her the morning of her first day of school. I asked her if she understood. She told me that she did, and so I asked her to tell me what she thought the necklace meant.
She teared up a little and said "that you love me." I told her that if she ever missed us while she was at school she could remember that she had a hug from us around her neck. She wanted to wear the necklace again today but it didn't match her outfit so I said "how about a headband I made?" Never too young to start learning about matching at out house. :)
A little too mushy? I promise I'll stop with all the "my baby is growing up too fast" stuff! How 'bout a tutorial on how I made the necklace? I personally think my daughters turned out cuter than the one I just made. (I used thicker fabric and I think the thinner stuff works much better!)



Here we go:

1. Gather your materials. Fabric scraps, thread, sewing machine, scissors or rotary cutter, & beads or marbles.
2. Cut your scraps into rectangles large enough cover your bead, plus a 1/2 inch for your seam.
3. Sew all the rectangles together in a long strip.
4. Fold strip in half lengthwise right sides together and sew the edge.
5. Turn the tube right side out
6. Tie a knot approximately 4 inches down
7. Put a bead or marble inside the tube
8. Make a knot above the bead
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 until you have 4 inches of fabric left
10. Tuck the edges in and top sew around the edges for the ties.

Tips: Use thin fabric or something stretchy so your knots are all about the same size and contrast against your bead.
Make your strip of rectangles 8 inches long PLUS double the length of how many beads you want. (I think they look better long for adults, ie: way longer than I made mine.)

I'll post a headband tutorial soon!

Another Baby Shower Gift

A friend requested that I make her a few items for a baby shower she was attending. She said she really likes simple sweet things. This is what I came up with:The apron on the dress is made from a vintage handkerchief.

Every baby needs a bracelet and hair bow to complete their outfit, right?

These booties were made from vintage handkerchiefs as well. I followed a pattern that I found on my friend Kirsten's blog and just added the lace because I thought they'd look cute laced up like ballerina slippers.

Hope the mama-to-be likes it.

YoYo Hair Clips and Headbands

My mom left yesterday. We're bummed that she's gone. My daughter keeps talking about her a lot. She says, "Do you miss your mom? I do." She's coming back in five weeks with my dad so we're happy about that!The day she came, my kitchen table was a mess because I had all my hair accessory making supplies out and was creating these. She let me continue while she did my dishes and we chatted. We even ordered pizza so I wouldn't have to stop to make dinner. I sure love my mom!My friend wants to learn how to make these types of flowers so she's coming tomorrow. Do any of you want to learn? Maybe I'll make a tutorial. (They really look so much better in someone's hair. )

Back In The Saddle

Last Sunday my sister-in-law asked me what I was making lately. Nothing. That's changed though. There's all sorts of stuff I've been making lately to add to my shop. I sometimes forget how much fun it is to create things, but when I start I just keep going!
Someone asked me to make a hair accessory for her niece's Christening. I've been playing around until I get some real details about what she wants.
Obviously these would be inappropriate, but still fun for girls!

Getting closer. . .
This last one is my favorite. I doubt it'll work with the Christening gown though because I think it's ivory.

(gown picture is from chirsteninggowns.com)

I'm not sure how ornate she wants the hair piece to be, but I think something more simple would look lovely with that dress. Anyhow, tomorrow I'll show you an apron, and a bunch of necklaces I made. AND I think my mom will be here tomorrow for 10 days!!! I thought it was going to be Saturday but my Aunt told me that she thinks my Grandpa is trying to get here sooner. (My mom is coming with my Grandparents for my cousin's graduation.)

Headband

One of my friends asked me to make a infant headband for her to take to a baby shower she was going to.


I'm pretty sure that Evelyn and Brooklyn need one too, so Cindy and Maria call/email me and tell me what colors you want!

PS- How cool is that vintage wallpaper I just thrifted? (I used it at the top of the cellophane bag.) I have a lot of ideas for that roll.