Bath Time for Baby...And a New Sewing Room Addition Too!

Lately I've been sewing up a storm for the new baby (my nephew!) who will join our family in the spring. Since my own children are now teenagers, the delightful addition of a tiny baby has been luring me into my sewing room at almost every opportunity. It is such fun to plan a project, and then select the adorable fabrics to complete it. 

When my babies were little, I had a couple of hooded towels that were really handy for after the bath, or at the swimming pool. So, I decided to sew one up for baby boy. I used a pattern that called for a full sized towel, along with a facecloth that is made into the hood. I purchased the towels at Target, and I found that they had a wide selection of delightful colours. Also, the towels were very soft, becoming softer even after a run through the washing machine. Perfect! The hood is lined with a fun animal print. I used my serger for this project, and it really was quite simple. I love my serger, especially for projects like this. The results are professional with seams that are clean and secure. The towel worked up quickly and I am certain that it will be a very useful gift for the new parents, and a cozy item for baby.

In other news, I gave into temptation and brought home a brand-new toy for my sewing room. I am the proud owner of the new Brother Scan and Cut. You can check it out here: http://www.brother-usa.com/scanncut/.  I purchased it specifically for the fabric cutting feature because there are many times when the project is small and I don't want to hoop and computerize for one letter, or re-hoop a long name. I also love the look of appliqué done this way - a little more shabby chic with edges that soften and fray a bit after a few washes. It has a different feel to it than appliqué done on an embroidery machine. I love both looks equally, so I knew it would be a good investment for me. I just took it out of the box last night after spending the evening reviewing the instruction manual from front to back. This morning, after the hockey game of course, I headed straight into my little sewing room full of anticipation. The results? True love! This little machine cut out the letters smooth as can be, after only a bit of testing and minimal frustration! I can already tell that the blog will be home to many projects made with my new sewing room friend. Once I have spent a little more time playing with this machine, I will share a few more thoughts. If you would like to purchase one for yourself, I suggest you visit That Sewing Place here in Newmarket. Not only are they knowledgeable about their products, but they will go out of their way to assist you in any way they can. One of the things I hate most is a business that fails to provide customer service once you have made the purchase. You will never-ever experience that if you shop at That Sewing Place. Friendly from the moment you walk in, every single time, this family run business is always ready to assist with a smile. You can find their website here:  http://www.thatsewingplace.ca. Tell Liana and Evelyn that I sent you!

I am working on a few other goodies for baby, so check back soon. Have a happy day!

"S" is for Sisters! Cute Totes for Big Sis and Little Sis

Happy Tuesday morning! Still more snow falling today and it would be easy to start to feel that spring will never arrive. In order to combat this dreary day, I have a couple of bright and cheery tote bags to share. Full of pinks, purples, polka dots and strips. A perfect combination of happy things to bring some colour to an otherwise dull day.

These totes were ordered as gifts for a family who just welcomed a new baby girl. I think it is so thoughtful when giving a gift to a new baby, to include the older child (or children) as well. In this case, Piper is now a big sister to Trinity. Trinity's bag is subtle pinks and a hint of apple green, perfect for a little girl but also suitable as she grows older. Piper's bag just had to be purple! I even used some  striped thread to add many shades of purple with hits of pink to the stitching. The upper and lower case letters are just so cute, and perfect for young ones.

I hope Trinity and Piper will use their new tote bags on many wonderful adventures as sisters! I have a few more pictures to share so enjoy : )

Piper loves purple!

Of course, polka dots!

The lining of Trinity's tote bag

label love!

Stay warm and cozy on this snowy day. I am off to my sewing room to work on some baby items - yippee! Stay tuned for pictures.

A "Monster" Party!

Recently I was contacted by a mom planning a first birthday party for her son. She is hosting a monster themed party, and she wanted a onesie for her son to wear for the occasion. She also wanted the onesie to have a "little man" feel so I added some suspenders to it - cute overload alert! Vivid colours will fit in perfectly with the monster theme, and will show up perfectly in all those special birthday pictures. Wishing you a happy "monster" day, Henry!

A Sweet Diaper Bag for Baby Boy

Hello! I have been sewing up a storm, however, I have been negligent in posting pictures and details here on the blog. That means I have lots to share! Today's bag is one that was really fun to make. It was ordered as a diaper bag to be given at a baby shower, complete with pockets and lots of fun colour. The recipient knows she is expecting a boy, but they haven't selected a name as of yet. So it was requested that the last name of the family be embroidered on the front.  The baby's nursery is done is a lovely pewter colour, accented with turquoise and green and I think this tote bag fits right in!

The lady who ordered this tote, was looking for a unique and personal gift. She knows the new mom would like a stylish bag for baby's goodies, but after scouring store after store she was unimpressed by what she found. Plenty of dark colours or plastic linings and uninspired on the whole. She wanted a bag that screamed "Stylish Mommy!" above all else.  When she contacted me, she indicated she was looking for a stylish diaper tote that would grow with baby and look great while not being too "babyish".  I think that this tote bag meets all the criteria, while being a unique and thoughtful gift. The colours are just so happy!! Have a  peek at the finished product!

The handles are accented with an apple green chevron ribbon and they are just the right combination of functional and fun. They are reinforced several times to allow for heavy duty wear and tear. 

Oh, and that lining? Could that colour be any better??? Cheery turquoise compliments the stitching of the initial and name. 

And, because it is my firm belief that all things are better with a sprinkling of polka dots, I had to find a way to work them into this project. Check out the interior pockets!

 I think that this bag is just the thing for a stylish new mom to tote around town : ) Have a happy Saturday evening! I have a sweet birthday onesie to share with you all shortly. See you soon!