The Mint Needle

I've done the unthinkable... the one thing I promised myself I wouldn't do..... I stitched mommy and me tops! Yikes... What has happened to me?  I know, I know. Those of you that know me will be laughing hysterically as I am the farthest thing from believing children and mothers should dress the same, but can you blame me? Look how cute the tops are. It all started when a shopping trip ended in purchasing a top I wanted to re-create. Long story short, it didn't happen. And I think it's okay. I wouldn't have had enough fabric to make a 'mini me' one. To make the pattern, I grabbed the new top I purchased and placed it on the blank side of a wrapping paper roll. (I always by cheap wrapping paper just for this purpose.) After I traced around it, I folded the pattern in half and then cut the side that appeared the 'cleanest' with drawing lines. That way my t-shirt was balanced. For the front, I used the same pattern piece again, ...

Is that the real name? Nope, but the lime green color gave me no option for a different title. Yes... the swimsuit is finally complete! I have to say, I love swimsuits. I'm like a little kid when it comes to these things. Some women have a thing for purses, others for shoes... mine, swimsuits. It's true. My addiction is what lead me to stitch up one that was not an option for purchase. I mean, where else can you find lime green roses on a ruched one piece that's not high on the leg or skimpy? Going on, I would like to say that I shall enjoy this swimsuit as much as possible because I don't plan on making it ever again . It has to be the biggest butt ache of a sewing project I've ever done. Three needles later and a trimmed up swimsuit ~ the steps were simple to follow,however..... something was missing from this pattern. Precise measurements. To sum up the experience : The moment when you go to place the pattern pieces together but the notches just don't matc...

I've had Amy Butler's  book, Style Stitches, sitting on my shelf for quite some time. (Yeah.... the copyright date will tell you I'm long overdue.)  I've been wanting to make Amy's bags for sooooo long but it seems I've always had too many other projects going on until now . From the go...let me say Amy Butler's patterns get a typical review of 5 stars and I can totally see why! These directions were simple to follow and in the end... an adorable wristlet. Of course, I'm already debating on how to manipulate the pattern for a different look. (Gotta love my mom for some good tips.) I only did pleats on one side. The reason... I wasn't sure about how they'd look. Needless to say, the next bags will be pleated on both sides! The interior is finished completely showing no open seams. I love it! What have I turned my attention to now you ask? Well, has anybody tried combining two different patterns for a tota...

  With warm weather right around the corner, many of us have begun our Spring cleaning. I decided to make these herbal closet fresheners while tackling my kitchen pantry. It seems that we've accumulated sooooo many herbs that I just had to eliminate some . Is it really necessary to keep 3 jars of dried mint leaves? I don't think so. These herbs were put to good use as closet fresheners and this concoction was all to good not to share.    I used dried sage, dried mint, dried chamomile buds, and black tea. Dried sage and mint for the antibacterial properties; chamomile to add something soft, and black tea for the freshness. I know it seems a little unusual to break open an actual tea bag, but that's what I did. I love the smell of black tea. There was no method to the madness. Just a sprinkle of this and a sprinkle of that. I used a total of four tea bags.     I used a rectangular piece of fabric and pinned r...

Why buy it when it's so simple to make it yourself. Right? I came across these adorable headbands at the mall and knew that they would be a great project to show on the blog. The greatest part, you can customize them to match perfectly with your threads. And... you can even use up fabric strips and scraps you no-longer have use for. I'm all about using up everything ! So here's how it goes. You may recognize the fabric from the dress I made my daughter last summer. When I find a good deal on fabric, I buy alot:)   You will need 1/2 inch wide elastic cut at 5 inches. The elastic could be wider, but remember that this is the part that will go at the base of your head. Anything too bulky will be uncomfortable. Start by cutting your fabric 3 1/2" wide by 58" long. Cut off 12 inches and put aside. Take the remainder of your fabric, fold it in half and cut again. You should have 3 pieces of fabric. 1 at 12 inches & 2 at 23 inches   Take ...