Happy Valentine's Day!

It's Valentine's Day and I knew my kiddos needed something fun to wear to celebrate. I found puppy dog fabric that I thought would be cute for both of the kids even though it's not completely my style. Sister insisted on a long skirt and Brother still is young enough that he doesn't care what I make for him.

Before I showcase this year's outfits, I want to do a little throwback moment to Sister's first Valentine's Day. It was one of the first items I sewed after getting a sewing machine. I learned how to sew in elementary school in the 4-H program, and a cousin helped me sew a quilt in college, but this is one of my first projects that helped jumpstart my current sewing passion. This was in 2012:

On to this year's outfits!

I purchased the dog print fabric from JoAnn's. Over the past 2+ years I have been introduced to the world of designer fabric (Art Gallery, Riley Blake, etc...) and whenever I buy cheaper fabric, I usually regret it. This was true this time. The quality isn't nearly as soft and even with Color Catchers, the dogs have a pink tint to them. Other than that, the fabric was adorable and worked fine for today.

The solid fabric, however, is Riley Blake Solid Basics and is simply FANTASTIC! I love working with the Riley Blake solid prints because they feel great and the look great over multiple wears and washings!

For Sister, I mashed up two Pink Fig patterns. This year one of my goal's is to think outside the box a little on fabric pairings, and Pink Fig is the perfect designer to encourage that! For her skirt, I used the waistband from Sugar and Spice Skirt. I loved how I could use fabric scraps from other Valentine's Day prints to add a little fun. I then used the skirt and sash from the Mimi's Maxi Skirt. I simply love how it turned out!

There were a few modifications that I made. One modification is that I shifted the panel over so it started at her side and then went to about center front instead of having it perfectly centered. We then tied the sash to the side over the black panel to add a little pop of color!

Also, I had the sash come around from more in the back than the side seams. Just for fun.

Okay, now get a load of these bows. I mean, seriously, aren't they darling?!?! The very talented owner of Little Bow Pat made these based on a picture of my fabric. Her work and attention to detail is amazing! Oh, and she is simply charming to work with. If you don't currently have a favorite shop to get hairbows, head on over to her Facebook page and let her know I sent you!

My sweet little Valentine is rocking yet another Oliver + S Art Museum Vest. This is my fourth time making a vest  (3 for him and one as a gift) and I am simply in love with the fit and style of this vest! This time around I left off the welt pockets for a change of pace, but that was the only modification.

I also made him a little tie using the Boy's Tie pattern from Fuddie Duddies. It's darling and is super quick to sew together! Thankfully it was able to be cut on the grain, because I was squeezing every last bit of my solid black fabric to get it made. Not joking.

And here is one quick snapshot of our family. I am so thankful for our little family and the fun and love that we have not just on Valentine's Day, but everyday.

Getting Ready For Halloween (Sewing through my stash)

Stash Sewing Post!

Every year I have fun so much sewing for Halloween! I don't care for the scary part of Halloween, but I love the creativity in costumes and the time spent with my little family and friends.

This year for Sister I am working on using up some of my Costume Clubhouse fabric from Whimsical Fabric. I bought this fabric a year or two ago and absolutely love it!

For her skirt, I made the Pink Fig Mimi's Maxi Skirt. For toddlers, the pattern actually is meant to go mid-calf to accommodate their running and playing. However, due to the length of the panel, I lengthened it quite a bit.

I also modified the tie to tie on the side instead of the middle for a fun accent. The skirt directions were clear and easy to follow, the only thing I had trouble with was trying to thread 2" elastic into the waistband, but then again, I am used to dealing with 3/4" elastic or smaller.

Now, in our home, no outfit is complete without a hair accessory! I have fallen simply in love with the look of accessories made with fabric. For her hair, I used the Pink Fig Accessories Pattern. The pattern includes directions and pattern pieces to make a purse, necklace, belt, and headband.

The headband was very quick to sew and was a great way to use some scraps. I didn't make the ruffle as full as most ruffles, just gathered it enough to give it a little poof. The lace is simply darling and is from a local antique store that I love to browse for lace, buttons, and other beauties! The ruffle rac is from Whimsical Fabric and I'm not going to lie, I own a yard or two of almost every color she has in stock. It is the perfect accent to so many of my projects.

The headband ties in the back which seems to be perfect for little heads, it stayed on much better than traditional headbands.

Oh, and as soon as we got outside, Sister found a ladybug. So, the ladybug joined in on the photo shoot: