Ruffle pants with a matching necklace...

I found some fun fabric at the store the other day...

it's blue jean like...but with gold thread that makes it shimmer.

I decided to make another pair of ruffle pants!

Then...with the extra fabric I decided to put together a matching necklace.

How fun is that? 

I wish I was able to take some cuter photos...but the model was DONE.

She wouldn't even smile...hence the headless shot.

(Ignore the Rusty Bucket tattoo on her arm.)

I think I like the coordinating look.

I might add another layer or ruffles on the bottom...we will see. 

The Sewing Machine...my new FAVORITE thing

This blog started out a year ago... because I wanted to share my favorite things.

I have a new favorite thing...

My Grandmother's Sewing Machine.

I've always loved sewing...and have used a machine that I bought at a garage sale for $10.

It did the job, but took FOREVER to do what I wanted it to.

Strings would break every time you put it in reverse.

The tension was always wrong.

It only had a straight stitch...and that was even hard to get right.

But, I loved making things...and used it.

However, I am able to say good bye (with out any tears) to the old machine.

I am ready to bury it in the backyard, because now...I have something so beautiful and wonderful...

it almost makes me cry.

I would like to introduce you to: GENEVA!

She is lovely and genuine.

She is gentle and smooth.

She is relaxed and straight.

She is not afraid to take chances with new stitches.

She is amazing...just like my GRANDMA.

So...in the few weeks that I have had her I have spent hours making a few new things.

Here is my new ruffle skirt...made from t-shirts! 

It cost me NOTHING...except for HOURS of ruffles and sewing.

But, with Geneva...that was easy!

Then I made a few baby gifts.

A tie onesie...and a soft cuddly blanket to match.

Isn't it cute?

Seriously...that tie!

Adorable.

I would LOVE to make more of these...so if you want me to make one for you...let me know.

I would make the blanket and onesie tie...for $35.

Here is a different print...

So after blankets and onesies with ties on them, I decided to try out a few other pinned items on Pinterest.

Are you on Pinterest?

WOW...it is a great place to find fun ideas...and to waste a lot of time.

I love it...well, not the wasting of time, but finding the ideas.

If you want directions to any of these ideas...go to my pins and the links will take you to the right blog.

I also decided to make a few ruffle pants for my girls.

These pants were really just "practice"...

but they turned out so well that my daughter is actually wearing them to school today. 

Hurray for kiddos wanting to wear the things I make for them!

I wonder how long that will last. **wink.**

They go so well with her Matilda Jane outfits.

Love Matilda Jane...but I can't afford it all of the time.

I am looking forward to making the girls "jean" ruffle pants next week.

I think I will make them a little more slimming...these ballooned a little too much at the bottom.

And then I have made MORE pillows.

This one is so fun...love trees.

She sits in my craft room...this one I could also make if anyone is interested.

Cost of this pillow case...$15.

(does not include that pillow form.)

So...that is what I have been sewing with my new favorite thing. 

Grandma, you are loved and I am SO thankful for your gift.

I will use it often and promise to take good care of her.

I will think of YOU every time I sit down in front of her.

I will be filled with joy...because of YOU.

Love you Grandma.

P.S.  Nothing brightens my day more than a little comment...so if you want to make me smile...why not tell me which project you like the best?  Thanks friends!

Aprons and Bonnets

K-K is so excited to learn how to sew.  Her friend is letting her borrow her "perfect size" sewing machine,

Grandma Dyksterhouse is giving her sewing lessons,

and I am trying to teach myself (and her) how to sew. 

Our homeschool lessons have been so amazing this month! 
We are reading the Little House on the Prairie

books and also learning in history about the pioneers and the 1849 California Gold Rush. 

The kids are so excited about our Gold Rush party we will be having and they thought it would be fun to make some bonnets. 

I found a great apron/bonnet concept online...and we went with it. 

I had to tweak the directions...mainly because I couldn't figure them out.

(I even had to have my mom come and help me...thanks Mom!)

But, I thought they turned out so cute!

K-K and Adi in their bonnets.

(and yes, Adi is in her tutu!)

Bonnets are now cute double pocketed aprons!

So fun and practical for cooking!

Cutting out the fabric.  (Adi loves to take pictures!)

Let me know if you would like to know how to make these EASY aprons.

I would be happy to help.

I promise...if I can do it, you can too!

We made this cute little pin cushion using a small canning jar, foam batting, and a little fabric.

I like that I can store some of our small spools of string in the bottom.