A story and a sling tutorial

I just finished up some work for a client and it got me reminiscing about my 4th baby who today, is a "not so baby" sassy pants.

Let's jump back a couple years before number 4. Everyone and their grandma's poodle told me how difficult it was transitioning from 2 to 3 kids. "You run out of hands" they all said. I'm not sure what this says about my sweet personality, but I love proving people wrong. So imagine how delighted I was when number 3 turned out to be a breeze! I was like, "BOOM! In your face people!!" (I guess maybe that means I have a rotten personality) Number 3 was a dream child. He slept through the night at 7 weeks! People, the child didn't cry. If he was hungry or upset he'd sort of grunt and scrunch up his little face but that was it!

Dream. Child.

So I think to myself, "Man am I fantastic or what?! I've got this child care thing down!" Guess what happened next? Number 4. That's what. Now, Miss M is a darling love of a child, but she was a really hard baby. She didn't nurse well and was always super fussy (unless I held her while doing the Charleston of course). She did sleep through the night early which was a blessing because she was in my face all day every day. She must have had tummy issues because she really was soooo cranky ALL the time. Looking back I wish I would have investigated a little more. But I didn't so oh well.

I did however, make myself one of these bad mamma jammas:

It saved us both and as it turned out, she was my best accessory!

Do you want to make one too?

Here's what you'll need:

2-2 1/2 yards fabric *

a pair of sling rings **

I didn't take a picture of this because my fabric was already cut, but you'll need to cut your fabric in half lengthwise. Doing this will give you two skinny yards of fabric. This means that you'll be able to make two. Great news right?!

You'll then need to either serge or hem 3 of the 4 sides (both longs sides and 1 short side). 

After doing these steps my fabric measured 28 1/2" wide. 

Of course I gave it to my client before I could take decent after pictures. I guess you'll have to make your own to see the awesomeness of it! 

Notes: 

*The fabric I like the best for slings is a polyester dressy fabric. I usually find it at Joann's in the "silky" fabrics section. It's not shiny silky but it has a nice drape and it weighs more than cotton. Quilter's cotton isn't a great fabric choice for slings because it's not as sturdy. You're going to be wrapping up your little bundle of cuteness in this thing so choose sturdy over the designer quilter's fabrics. Besides that the cottons and linens are a pain in the butt to adjust.

** As far as sling rings go, I only order from slingrings.com. The rings that you find in the craft stores are not safe for slings so don't even go there. 

If you're curious as to how to actually use this there are a bunch of youtube tutorials...check it out.

Sunday inspiration #5

Creativity is allowing yourself to make 

mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” 

-Scott Adams

Happy little monster softie pattern & tutorial

Several years ago when my baby was a real live baby I made him a happy little monster softie for Christmas. With its circular feet and simple design it reminded me of the fellows from The Happy Monster Band.

Do any of you remember the Happy Monster Band that aired on Disney....like forever ago??? They were kinda cute and my kids used to love watching and listening to their silly little songs. We looked them up today for fun...you know to relive the old days. My ten year old kept nervously laughing and saying, "this is a little weird mom". It's sort of sad when they grow up.....sort of.

Today I want to share with you my pattern so that you can make some for your own little monsters.

I created my pattern in a really fancy program called paint.....I know, right?!
Click on the pattern to enlarge it. Copy the image, save, and print. Or, make up your own happy monster!

The awesome part about this little guy is you can customize like crazy. Add rickrack, a bow, a monogram, ruffles, anything! Also, this is a pretty simple project and would be perfect for beginners.

For this project you'll need:

* 2 coordinating fabrics (for the body)
* cotton, felt, or fleece (for the legs) note: if you use cotton you'll need to add a 1/4 inch seam allowance to the legs. 
* Felt (for the eyes)
* Embroidery thread
* hand sewing needles
* scrap of white fabric or felt (for the teeth)
* Fiberfill stuffing

Start by cutting out the back of the monster body in one of your fabrics. Set it aside.

 As I mentioned earlier, you'll need to add 1/4 inch seam allowance to the leg piece. When I drafted the pattern, I intended on the legs being made from fleece or felt both of which need not be turned after sewing.

 When your monster is all fat and happy, stitch up the opening using a ladder stitch. Here's a good tutorial if you're unfamiliar.

Sunday inspiration # 4

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening

that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.” 

-Martha Graham

Little oval pouch tutorial

Do you remember this post where I'm all like, "Hooray for zippers...........check back this week and next week for some super duper tutorials that use zippers"......?

Do you remember that? 

And then you were like, "Wowza! That's fantastic!! I'm so gonna check back this week and next week" And then I was like: 

"..........................................."

Guess what folks. Life happened and I'm not gonna lie, I may have had a mild case of crafter's block.....and laziness. Also, I'm not delusional enough to think that you all have been waiting on pins and needles for tutorials from me. Cause let's face it, there are a bajillion amazing blogs out there keeping the party rolling always! 

But hey, I do have a tutorial for you today! 

It's a little zippered pouch.....like really little. 

And you know what? I kind of really love it!

Here's what you'll need for this project:

* 2 cute coordinating fabrics one 7 x 10 inches the other 10 x 10 inches

* 1 7-9 inch zipper

* Needle and thread 

* a scrap of fusible interfacing (optional)

* lip gloss and some cash (to throw into your fun new zippered pouch!) 

Use a sheet of printer paper to make your pattern. 

My ovals are 4.5" x 7". You can make them whatever size you want of course just be sure to buy a long enough zipper.

For a refresher check out the zipper insertion tute

Like this:

Feel good Sunday # 3

The older we get, the more we look back and realize that external circumstances don’t really matter or determine our happiness.

We do matter. We determine our happiness.

You and I are ultimately in charge of our own happiness.

 Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Lesson #3 How to easily insert a zipper

I have to admit, I was terrified of inserting zippers up until a just few years ago. I always opted for buttons and button holes. Zippers are actually super easy and after learning a couple of helpful tricks I'd much rather sew a zipper than a button hole thank you very much! True story.

The technique I'm showing today is, I think, the best and simplest place to start. I use this method to make pouches, skirts, & dresses (unless I'm using an invisible zipper).

Here are a few things you'll need to have/do:


1- You'll want to have a zipper foot. It's not always essential. In a pinch, I've put in a zipper with my regular foot (darn mom brain forgets where I put things sometimes). So it can be done but it's frustrating. Almost all machines will come with a zipper foot. They have a long narrow guide that is centered and can easily butt up against the zipper teeth. This ensures nice even stitching and a snug seam.

2-You'll need to know how to change the position of your needle. Most machines can do this. It's a good idea to get your needle as close to the zipper teeth as possible. Also, if you'll notice, the zipper foot doesn't allow you to have your needle centered. All machines are a little different so it's probably a good idea to have your manual handy.

When I buy zippers these days I pretty much just grab the longest length and then I cut them down to the size I need.

Voila! Zipper in. Easy peasy, right?!

Check back later this week and next week for some easy tutorials using zippers!