MelyB

A Special Delivery

2011-05-26T15:12:00.000-05:00

I have been working my little fingers to the bone crocheting, knitting, and now even sewing lil animals for my friend to take to Africa in June. You can see my previous post on this here.
Imagine my suprise to read on her Facebook that the trip was postponned. The price of airfare has skyrocketed...I mean to a rediculous amount. The cost of gas and other things have driven the cost up, so the decision was made to postponne the trip.....
So I freak out
and I was bummed....
and I called my friend cos I was bummed and freaking out......

These sweet little animals wouldn't have a home, and there was no way in heck I could keep up making two a day until the new date we are leaving, which is in September.

Yes, I said WE. I have finally gotten my opportunity to go. I have been craving a mission trip to help people for many years. I always find out to late, or talk myself out of it......But not this time. Those of you that know me are probably scratching your heads and not believing your eyes, but yes, this is something I have been just dying to do. I suppose I didn't talk about it much cos I was trying to talk myself out of it.

I am absolutly delighted to get to not only provide for physical needs of people, and spiritual needs of the people....but I get to hand deliver every one of my lil animals, stitched in love and prayers. I got all the info and got in touch with the XMA(extreme missionary adventures) group leader and set up everything, got all the info and then now ........... I need money to go.

I am going to offer all of you some opportunities. I am going to sell a few of the many"Animals for Africa" that I have made. Each one is special, and slightly different, and since I want to bring along a bunch, will be very limited edition. They are safe for kids (obviously) and would make a great baby gift, or just a little something for that little someone. I will be making a listing on my Facebook where you can see them. (send me a message on there if we arent already friends)
The other thing is only if you live locally. I am going to offer manicures. Now these aren't just ANY manicures....( I was professionally trained to do manicures, and do hair too) but these include custom printed designs on your nails. This will also be listed so you can see and I will begin to take appointments in June.

I have a page which tells a little more about what it is we will be doing in Africa. You can click on it HERE . Forward it to your friends, you can choose to donate on there too, if that is what you want. Or just wait for one of the many opportunities I will offer in the comming months.
I hope you will all pray for us and help to support us on this awesome adventure....we even have room for more..........

The "in-crowd"

2011-05-17T17:31:00.000-05:00

So a friend of mine is going to Africa on a mission trip. I have had a feeling for a long time about this..... like I would LOVE to do something like that, but then my mind goes crazy with a million "what if" and "how would that work out" scenarios. I believe I will do it, just not yet. Nevertheless, I WANT TO HELP in some tangible way. If I can't be there physically physically, then I want some part of me going in some way. I did come up with something she could take of me with her....my crochet. I also decided to challenge myself and really try to make an impact.

So here it is....she leaves in approximately 30 days. I am going to complete 2 miniature animals a day for her to take along with her for the children she encounters on her journey. After all, I have a ton of yarn just sitting around in my stash that needs to be used up.

my favorite by far!

Here is a post of her's from facebook recently........."Most children in America fear the monster under their bed.......most children in Uganda, Africa fear the rebels who will take them from their homes at night to become child soldiers, and teach them to kill brutally. If they are found crying......they are killed. And we complain about gas prices and not having enough money....."

I hope these little animals will give these sweet babies something to comfort them. They are loaded with love and prayers. I can't help but be moved when I hear of things like this. Be on the look out for a pattern in the next couple of days.

If you want to help, just shoot me an email and I will tell you where to send your completed project. Here are a few I've completed:

Have you ever gotten an "ahhh-ha" moment?

Or hear something that you think..."I wish someone would have told me that when I was young."....I get a lot of those from time to time. I take them as more of a God thing....... Him trying to show me something or to even tell me something. Sometimes it's even encouraging. On the way home from a trip to Hobby Lobby for some plastic safety eyes for my animals, I hear one particular part of a song (I have no idea what it is called or who sings it..). I wasn't even really listening to the song until it says:

"You don't have to be part of the in-crowd.

Everyone knows who you are because your life screams Jesus."

I thought right away of times where I've purposely tried to fit in somewhere. We've all done it at some point in our lives...heck we STILL do it. Now, you can't go getting the big head ........... but on those days where you feel invisible, it is rather comforting to know you aren't. Besides, we aren't here to be part of any person created group, we are here to be a part of His group, and He never snubs someone off.
I love my Jesus!

Sweet Little Sweater

2011-05-09T15:34:00.000-05:00

Maybe you know me, maybe you don't, but I just adore a newborn. Their sweet tiny hands and feet, their adorable little cries, and of coarse I don't know of one person who doesn't just swoon at the smell of a freshly bathed newborn. I can remember fighting with my mother overwho got to sniff Elaina after her bath (she's 9 now).... I also enjoy crafting for newborns as well. I love the speedy satisfaction I get from it since it's so small, and I really enjoy feeling the yummy fibers baby yarn has flowing through my fingers as I work.

I have been noticing that EVERYONE who is pregnant, that I know at least, is having/just had a baby BOY. There is absolutely nothing like a handmade gift for a new little darling. I can't help myself from devising ideas for a friend, or sometimes someone I don't even know who has a baby. Which brings me to this....... I have been just DYING to show you my latest project. I have been working on it for about a month, and just sewed the last button on it this afternoon.

Isn't it just delicious?? My favorite thing is the little buttoned sleeve cuffs, and the stockinette edging......

It was such a joy to make, and I can't wait to send it off to NY!

Are you a knitter? click here for the pattern....ITs FREE

Panic, and Cooking.....

2011-04-18T18:40:00.003-05:00

SO. things have been a little squirlley in our house as of late. I finally decided to do something about all of my Anxiety I have been dealing with for as long as I can remember. I guess it is something heriditary, since my dad is 10X worse than I am about things. Excessive worry about literally Everything is not Okay. I want to be a better wife, mother, and person. I feel like somewhere in all this, I've lost who I really am. I havent'seen that gal in a very long time....too long.

In that conquest of my illness, I have tried several medications to make it better. The most recent one, which didn't help me in the least......in the process of doing that, I had a lovely reaction to the old stuff leaving my system.

I thought I was having a Heart Attack...... I had all the symptoms of one, and it was NOT fun. So off to the doctor, who takes one look at me and sends me to the ER, where I spent the next two days getting poked, tested, and fed icky hospital food. The short of the long, is that I was having Panic Attacks....I had NO idea what the heck those were like....until now. I will be glad to say BYE-BYE to those, hopefully in about two weeks, when the new medicine begins to work. They were also able to fix my blood pressure medicine to work more effictively as well. That more than anything has helped me feel better. No more racing heart rate, and a completely normal BP!

Anyhow, on to nicer topics. In leiu of all of the food I had to consume to stay alive, I decided to try another new recipe from one of my newest cookbooks! When I say I am IN LOVE with my Deep COvered Baker....I MEAN IT.

My DCB

I am soooo looking forward to dipping my fork into this one. It was BY FAR the easiest Chicken Pot Pie I have ever made. I know I know...its totally corny, cos that is what the recipe is entitled. But if you know anything about Pampered Chef...they are all about EASY. I still do love to spend hours in my kitchen on occasion, but since I've gotten into all this, I don't have to anymore. The WOW factor is always there with any PC recipe. My only disappointment is this: They are being awful stingy with the recipes from this book on their website. But, you know who to ask to order you one!

Wow, it's been busy

2011-03-30T11:26:00.000-05:00

So I am bored this morning and decide I needed to give my blog a little pampering. Hope you like it! Guess it is more veg time since this week and last have been such a blur due to a death in the family, and now it is appearing we may lose another dear family memeber. Prayers from everyone appreciated.

My goal is to try to keep up with this thing, maybe a post a day, just of my thoughts and for therapy, and when I have the inkling, pics of my latest projects.

Let's see...lately I've been cooking a whole bunch. I have been wanting to crochet and do some other things, but they are so time consuming, and that is a commodity I've been short on. Cooking has been an attainable satisfaction for me in the last few weeks. Since the Pampered Chef makes it super easy for me, I've been testing out some new recipes I got when I ordered the new Spring Line of products. All of which I love. My new favorite is the BBQ Bacon Meatloaf from the new Dinner in Your Deep Covered Baker cookbook. I absolutely love my DCB, and it comes in so handy for when I don't have time to make an extravagant meal but would like one. Unfortunately, they don't have the recipe online yet for it, I have no idea if it will make it to their site, but it should!! However, you can get one from me, your Pampered Chef Consultant!

Well, I've been sitting here a while now, so off I go to I think knit for a while. Will post pics of the project once I get rolling on it!

Hello, Friend

2010-07-30T15:48:00.003-05:00

So it's been a while since I have even thought about my blog...oh well, not much I can do about that, besides starting over...Doesn't help that my computer is dead for now, so I am using Kevin's laptop for work. I am really hoping that all of my photos arent gone on the old hard drive. Pax kept turing the comp off and on and it crashed about three weeks ago. My iPhone has been filling the void of being disconnected from everything, and now when he decides to bring it with him, I have Kevin's laptop.

I've been in a discouraged funk lately, and I am trying super hard to shake it off..nothing feels right, things seem to not be going my way, and I am just frusterated and done with it all. Guess I just need to re-focus on things, and stop trying to "try" so hard. I think maybe I am just not cut out for the things I am trying to do. So I have decided that I am just going to let it all go, and do what I want to do. So there...that feels better all ready.

The kids are doing really well, My two older babies are excited about starting school. I went school shopping a couple weeks ago, that was rather expensive. The teachers seem to get really picky. Elaina's stuff was the worst as far as the picky-ness...I was supposed to find a package of only pink, red, and white construction paper. I was like "forget this" and I picked up a large package of regular mulit-colored paper. Her teacher can just pick out whatever colors they need. Sheesh!

Pax is so big now..he's such a little man now. He is really asserting his independence, and is talking up a storm. Cant quite understand what he is saying just yet, but you can make out a few words and phrases.

We are gearing up for our vacation this year. We are going to the beach!!! I am so excited for the kids to get to expierence the ocean, sand, and sea shells. My parents are going to be coming along too, so it will be wonderful time for Kevin and I to go off on our own, and let mom and dad have some time with the kids. YAH! I've been wanting to go to the beach since last year. I am so glad it will finally come to pass!

Take Care All,

Why do they have to grow??

2010-02-25T20:18:00.003-06:00

So I decided to get off my lazy fanny and quit making excuses and get outside to take some nice pics of my kiddos.....Don't know why it took me so long to finally do, or why I haven't done it a million times already, cos it is something I have fun doing! This post won't include Elaina, she was at school during the time I was taking these, but I will do some of her in the next couple days and post them.

It was really fun shooting Pax...he was all over the place outside, and I ended up with a million and one shots of his head or little booty or back, and barely any of his face...he was constantly looking at his shadow the whole time trying to catch it. thankfully I was on my game the moment he decided to look at me, and got a few really nice shots of him.

Mimi was a whole different thing..she was squinting in almost every pic, and when I was trying to be stealthy and get a candid shot, she would stop and pose! LOL. I ended up taking her to the back yard after Pax went down for a nap. There I got some wonderful pics of her...she is sooo photogenic and cute!

Looking at them after I finished, I could not believe how much they both have grown...it strains my memory to really remember EXACTLY what they were like as babies....it makes me sad that they have to grow up, but proud to see what great kids they have become/are becomming. So enjoy the pics!!!

My Baby P

2010-02-09T10:49:00.003-06:00

I found this pic in the caves of my computer while looking for a cute hat photo to enter into a contest....my sweet baby Paxton...I miss him being so tiny. It seems like he just skipped all the in-between and grew up into the toddling adventurous 19 month old he is now. I am so glad we have photography to keep a record of our most precious memories. I need to take more pics I think!!! I never get tired of looking at them, and I love to spend time remembering precious little moments like this!

Baby, It's Cold Outside...

2010-01-26T22:10:00.003-06:00

I miss snow like this! I am so glad the girls got to see and experience the TONS of snow at my mom's house. We dont' get any quite this fun here in Louisiana!!!

Mia Ballerina and the Little Box

2009-09-21T10:26:00.007-05:00

So we are finally calming down a bit after vacation! I am so behind on getting info out to the parents at the school about Box Tops...I am hoping to get it all straight before October 1st. Hold me to it, ya'll!

Mia had her first dance class this past Wednesday night! She absolutely LOVED it! She looked so adorable while she was dancing to. I'm not trying to brag, but she was one of the best behaved kids in there. It's a class of 3, 4 and 5 yr olds, and I am amazed they can keep their attention for more than 5 seconds! Mia couldn't stop talking about the fun music and getting to tap.....She's asked me like 20 million times if it's time for dance class yet! LOL. Here are a few pics of her in her lovely leotard, ready to head to class......

Elaina had a birthday party to go to this past weekend, the first invite from a classmate this year. She was really excited cos it was at Skatetown. She wanted to make her friend a birthday present (I've created a monster!!) so I took her to Hobby Lobby and talked her into making lip gloss and decoupaging a box for her friend. While there, she decided to bead a necklace for her too. I was a bit worried about making lip gloss, I've never done it before, but the library was a great source. I'll post the recipe at the end of this post :)

Elaina had a blast decoupaging that box. Here's her finished product....I actually want one!!!

Lucious Lip Gloss

1/4 C vegetable, olive, or sweet almond oil

1/4 oz or 1 tsp of beeswax chopped into small pieces or grated

4-5 drops of essential oil; be sure it is FOOD GRADE

1/8 tsp Wilton Glycerine

heat safe, disposable plasic cup

disposable spoon or popscicle stick

6 empty, clean dry mini mint tins or old lip balm pots (we used Altoid Small tins)

OPTIONAL:

1 vitamin E capsule

Lipstick

Wilton glitter

MAKE THE BASE:

1. Pour oil in the cup and add beeswax. Microwave oil and wax for about one minute, stirring every 20 seconds, until wax is completely melted. (the cup will be really HOT)

2. Test the consistency of the base. You can do a glossy gloss similar to vaseline, or a more creamy, harder gloss. Dip the spoon in the melted mixture and let the excess drip off. Put it on a piece of foil and pop it in the freezer for a few minutes. If it's too hard, or you want an even glossier finish, add a few drops more of oil. If it's too soft, add a bit more beeswax and stir to re-melt. If the wax isn't completely melted, microwave the cup for 10- 15 seconds more and stir.

To MAKE IT AWESOME:

1. Add the essential oil and stir well (make certain you have food grade oils. I found some limited ones at Hobby Lobby in the soap making section. most health food stores have a TON of them)

2. Stir in the Glycerine. You don't have to use it, but it adds moisture and makes the gloss smooth and silky

3. Pierce a vitamin E capsule and pour the contents into the melted oil and wax. Vitamin E is a moisturizer and helps preserve the final product.

4. Take a small chunck of a lipstick and add it to the melted oil and wax. The lipstick won't add alot of color to your lips, but will color the gloss and make it look nice. ( I had to pop it in the microwave for a few secs to get it to incorporate)

5. If you want to really sparkle ( and we sure did....ALOT) add a pinch of superfine glitter (Wilton makes one for cakes in several different kinds) to the mixture

TO FINISH IT UP:

1. When you are all done tinkering, pour it into the tins or jars. Be sure to check if there are holes by the hinges (there were in our tins) Make sure you don't fill it up past those holes, and also dont fill up old lip pots too full either.

2. Let it sit UNDISTURBED for 20 minutes

Recipes:

Pink Lemonade Gloss:

gloss base + lemon essential oil + Chunch of pink lipstick + glitter

Orange Creamsicle Balm:

balm base + orange essentail oil + vanilla oil + piece of orangy lipstick

Lavendar Fields Balm:

Balm base + lavendar essential oil + plum lipstick (this is the one we made)

Cinnamon Clove Gloss:

gloss base + clove oil ( only one or two drops)+dash of cinnamon+ brownish lipstick

You can use your imagination too...if you can eat it, you can use it in your gloss or balm! Hope you have fun making this! I know Elaina and I really did. I can't wait to make more and play around with different combos of stuff!

T-shirt Recon....

2009-09-03T22:20:00.002-05:00

So I have a new passion....it is called t-shirt recon (or t-shirt reconstruction). It is really fun to do, and doesn't take long, and has endless possibilities. I am adding to my wardrobe for fall...so far I have made a cute scarf, and a shrug. I also could not help myself and made a couple of halter style shirts too(hey..that's what a cardigan is for). I wish I had some pictures for you to see, but I haven't had the opportunity to have another person photo me wearing some of the stuff I have been making earlier.

I don't think i will ever look at a t-shirt the same way again. It is cool to take something totally unflattering and boxy, and turn it into your favorite item in your wardrobe! Not to mension, IT"S FREE, or close to it. Goodwill is FULL of t-shirts for CHEAP. I have been confisicating ones from my closet, as well as my husband's too...T-shirts, be afraid....be very afraid!!!!!

Here's a link to a site I like... I made the two halter style shirts on there. I LOVE them! I also checked out the book at Books A Million too, I am not ready to buy it just yet.....I am not sure I am THAT serious into this!!! LOL.

Enjoy!

All I Want for Christmas.....

2009-08-11T14:19:00.003-05:00

is my two front teeth! Well, not quite. I am sure her two front teeth will be here well before Christmas.

Just thought I would share a few pics from my nieces 7th birthday party. They had horses there for the kids to ride...Cant remember the name of the group of people, but they were great. The kids enjoyed riding the horses and they even did a little demonstration of what the horses could do.

Of coarse, these beautiful pics were taken by my sister in law, Lisa of B & L Photography. Check out her site here. You need pics, she's the gal to go to. Thanks, girl. You always take wonderful pics.

I have been busy busy for the last two days. I ran errands literally ALL day yesterday, and then today, had a comittee meeting for the school's PTO. I am excited about beginning a new year again, with new opportunity to make a difference.

I have started working on my Christmas gifts already. I always see things that I would like to do for my friends, but never have enough time to get them done in. So I decided I was going to begin very early this year in hopes of being able to share my love in the form of a gift this year. I am debating on putting pics of them up here, but I guess they wont be able to figure out who's is who's. HEHEHE!

As always, Love,

Bubble Skirt Tutorial

2009-08-03T11:45:00.005-05:00

Okay, so here goes. This skirt is made from 60 inch wide taffeta. Basically, the skirt comprised of a pencil skirt, a full circle skirt, and a waistband.

1. How to cut out the pieces.

The measurements you will need for this project will be the waist, hip and finished length. For mine, the waist was 22 inches, hip was 24 and length was 9 inches. I also overcast all of my seams so that I wouldn't have fraying.

1. First we will cut the inside skirt. Measure the hips and add two inches to that measurement. Then determine the length. You will want the lenth to be about two inches shorter than the length that you want the skirt to be when you are finished. Cut out your fabric to those measurements. For instance, mine was 26x9. Sew the sides together with 1/2 inch seams to make a tube, Overcast seam, press to one side. ( you may also cut this out on the fold by dividing the waist measurement in half. Then you will only have one seam. This is how I did mine. So it would be 12x9, then when you open it up, it will be the correct size)

2.Next we will cut the waistband. Take the same hip measurement, and cut a rectangle to that width, with a length of 5 inches. This is also better if you are to cut it on the fold. So again, the rectangle would be 12x5, upon opening, it will measure correctly.

3. Now we will cut the circle skirt. Take your fabric, fold it in half. Then fold it in half again. Divide your waist measurement by four. Then cut a quarter circle to this measurement so that if you were to open the fabric up, you would have a hole in the center. (don't open your fabric tho!). Next you want to cut the length. The longer you make it, the more pouffy it will be. I only made my skirt one inch longer than the inside skirt. You may want to make yours a few inches longer. So mine was 10 inches long.

4. Gather the edge of your circle skirt. Set your machine to the longest stitch length and sew 3/8 inch in from the edge. Sew around again about 1/4 inch from that stitching. You will have two rows of stitching. DO NOT BACKSTITCH EITHER END. Pull the thread to gather until the edge measures the same width as the inside skirt. Overcast seam

5. Sew the gathered edge of your circle skirt to the inside skirt, having raw edges even. Use a 3/8 inch seam. Overcast seam.

6. Turn your pieces right side out. Now you may need to repeat step 4 on the upper edge of your circle skirt to make it fit your inside skirt, but I think I goofed on mine. It should measure the same. With your stitch length set to as long as it will go, and raw edges even, stay stitch the upper edges together. Overcast seam, Set aside.

7. Now to the waistband. With right sides together, sew the edges. Form a casing on one of the edges big enough to fit your elastic through. Be sure to leave an opening to feed your elastic in. Once you have your casing stitched, place the waistband right sides together with the skirt, having raw edges even and sew with a 5/8 inch seam. Overcast seam.

8. Feed your elastic in, and stitch the opening shut. VOILLA! A bubble skirt. You can always comment me too! HAPPY SEWING!!!!

Bubble Skirt Pics and Tutorial

2009-08-03T11:23:00.004-05:00

So here it is...I dressed Mia up this morning and took her pic in her bubble skirt. It didn't come out quite as puffy as I wanted, but it was due to a small error on my part (everything was going a little too smoothly). I was suprised at just how easy it was to do...took me around an hour or so, but I've been sewing for 14 years. This will be my first ever tutorial, so I hope that it is easy to understand. I will be happy to answer questions, or try to clarify anything that needs clarifying... just leave me a comment. When I do another skirt, I will be sure to update with much better photos! Happy Sewing!!!

http://melyb.blogspot.com/2009/08/bubble-skirt-tutorial.html

Bubble Skirt

2009-07-31T20:46:00.002-05:00

So I got a new catalog the other day and seen the most adorable outfit in it! Of coarse it is a boutique catalog, and everything is super rediculously expensive. I set off to Hobby Lobby in search for some Bamboo Crochet thread, and ended up in the fabrics. I found the prettiest chocolate brown taffeta!! So I grabbed a few yards, and planned on making Elaina a pair of ruffle pants, and Mia a bubble skirt. I went through the patterns to probe my theroy of how to make a bubble skirt, cos I don't like to have to think and figure out something if it's already been done for me! LOL. No luck there. I was certain the internet would have something. It did, of coarse, but I still didnt' get out of thinking and figuring..... I had to take the basic idea of the tutorial, and then correct some little ameture mistakes. I will be posting my corrected tutorial on here, unfortunately it won't have pictures, as I have already completed my goal. But I will try to make it as simple as possible, and include diagrams for you...cos if you are like me, you HAVE to see it done, or at least be able to see what the person is talking about. Since it's late, and Mia's already in bed, I'll take a few pics of her in it tomorrow for you to coo at!

On other news, the girls finished their Bengal Belles dance camp today. We got to go and enjoy a little mini recital they put on for all the parents. Mia was so stinkin cute, and Elaina did wonderful as well! I am going to try to get a vid up on Facebook if I can make it work...no luck so far...but I reeeeeally want to post them!

~Till next time~

Long Time, No See

2009-07-27T14:46:00.005-05:00

Well I know it's been a while since I've posted anything. Time has just flown by, and I have been incredibly busy. Things have gotten a little hairy at times. I feel awful cos we haven't been to church in three weeks. Seems like Sunday is the only day we can grab some much needed rest from the crazy week. Kevin is off today, so I am itching to get out my sewing machine and do some stuff.

I recently did some hats for a photographer friend of mine. I only managed to get pics of the first one I finished...See what I mean...crazy!
As you can see, I've recently perfected the art of knitting...something I never thought I'd be able to learn to do. I had been conditioned in crochet for so long. I found the best way for me to do it was to keep picking it up and then putting it down over and over until I finally got used to doing it. Voilla! I can knit! I have always loved the way knit looks over crochet. Now I am having a blast doing it!

Well, I am off for now. As you can see, I spiffed up my blog. Took a while, but I like it tons better now! Enjoy!

Cocoon Pod

2009-06-09T20:15:00.004-05:00

So I have totally been wanting to do one of these for quite some time. Thankfully I have finally learned how to knit, so now I am just awash with tons of stuff that I want to do. I have always LOVED the way knit looks, but never had the patience to do it. I still get pretty frusterated with it, cos I allow myself to think "I could have crocheted about three of these in the time it takes for one!"

I am going to be going on a photoshoot with my sister in law to take some pics of my new baby cousin, Dakota either tomorrow or thursday. I am excited I will get to try these out on him! I can't wait!

Enjoy

Busy Busy Busy

2009-06-04T15:03:00.006-05:00

So things have been really crazy, plus I've been lazy about getting on here. Well, I've made a bunch of new stuff, including a dress that I seen in a magazine that retails for $190!! I've also knitted a bodice and sewn on a skirt too for Mia. Just haven't put up any pics yet. I've done a diaper bag and a few pair of cotton pants with matching kimono shirt for a friend of my mother's. She also got some adorable Heather Bailey fabric to make another bag and some accessories for another couple at their church. I can't wait to delve into that. I am also working on a pair of ruffle coulates, and a few other things that I just have to have the time to think through. More to come soon!! Enjoy!

The really "expensive" dress I made for Elaina. I had to wash it about 3 or 4 times because she wanted to play and twirl in it!

Mia's Pettiskirt

She loves to twirl and prance around in it!

Spring-a-licious

2009-03-05T15:20:00.003-06:00

So I was feeling a bit dumpy today. What usually makes me feel better is a nice clean house and just getting to relax. I got my self together and got my whole house cleaned and fresh. It is such a pretty day out, my windows are open and I am loving the fresh air billowing in.
Apart from a few run ins particularly with Mia, things are really going quite well today.

Now, on to my latest project. A friend asked me to make an Easter dress for her daughter to wear. She wanted a pillowslip dress, and I got to pick out the fabric to do it in. I knew I wanted it to be very "Spring" like and pretty. I scoured the stores and found this great rose fabric. It looks a little "hot" in the pics, but it really isn't. I have found some other fabric similar to this out of different flowers that is yellow I am thinking about doing for one of my girls. I love the peek-a-boo lining and how cute it looked monogrammed.

I was visiting with my monogrammer today and she was telling me about their new website that she put together. It has online ordering and everything! Check it out here!

Elaina's going to be 7!!!

2009-02-16T17:58:00.000-06:00

So I have been in a sewing mood lately. I guess cos of the weather being a bit warm on occasion. I have definitly got spring fever. I went online and ordered the kids a bunch of spring-ish clothes today.
Well, my not so baby girl is turning 7 this weekend! I decided to make her an outfit out of the fabric she picked out last summer for me to make her a dress ....oops! I love the font I found online for the E. I thought about having it monogrammed on, but I decided to applique it on at the last minute. I made the skirt really full and put some peek-a-boo tulle on it for cute-ness! She absolutely adored the skirt and the first thing she did was twirl in it! I am going to take her shopping this evening to get her some high tops to go with it and complete the outfit. She is so excited for her birthday, and I am too.

Ruffle Pants

2009-02-12T08:58:00.004-06:00

So I decided to try my hand at a new technique a friend showed me (thanks Stacy) it was fun but seemed to take forever to do . I think my labor paid off. Now I just need a shirt to go with it! I think these would look cute as capris too....I think I may try that next. Enjoy

Teddy Bear Hat and Mittens

2009-01-24T14:24:00.000-06:00

So I have been doing up gifts this past week for a friend of mine's baby shower comming up tomorrow. I can't wait for her to see this adorable little set I crocheted for her new baby! It's done with soft chocolate brown yarn, and the mitts have black detail on them making them look just like a little bear. I can't wait to see her baby in this adorable set!!

Gifts for Jayden

2009-01-09T12:42:00.000-06:00

See, I told you I would still be doing new stuff......the holidays have left me pretty worn out, but I am back into the swing of things now. Abagail's baby Jayden Elijah is soon going to be here. I was thinking I would have about another two weeks to produce the gift ideas I had planned to make for him. Well, all of a sudden the shower date got pushed up and I find out Tuesday that the shower was this comming Saturday. For some reason, my invitation never got delivered. I am glad we went to their house for dinner, otherwise I would have still been thinking I had two weeks.....

So here is my latest creation....The Airplane hat. It is crocheted in baby blue yarn and lovingly hand embroidered with felt. So cute!

Detail of the airplane

Now on to these....these unfortunately are not for sale. This is my version of "Bitty Booties". I found the tutorial on a blog a couple of years ago. It too, is made from felt, and they are completely hand embroidered and sewn....it took me a few hours to get them done. I would rate them as 'easy". The instructions are easy to follow and the stitches are simple to learn. You just need a couple sheets of felt, a needle and some matching/coordinating DMC embrodiery floss. You need to know a running stitch and blanket edge. Both you can google and find tutorials. These are very inexpensive to make. You can find the tutorial here on Heather Bailey's blog. Thanks Heather! Ya'll should try it!

A Change

2008-12-13T00:17:00.004-06:00

So I decided to dedicate my blog to my crafts, instead of intertwining both my life and crafts into it. It basically made my myspace not even worth having. Plus I am feeling a bit convicted about putting TMI up for all to see. I get carried away sometimes. It is super fun to blog and just vent, but from now on, at least with the personal life stuff, I will be sticking with the privacy of myspace. I just feel very strongly about this, (I know, I'm a nut) so sorry if you were reading about my life and cared less about the crafts.....LOL. I'm always doing new stuff, so I am sure I won't disappoint! Loves to all!!!

Hats for Graham

2008-12-05T09:20:00.005-06:00

Baby Graham will be so nice and toasty in these toboggan hats! They are 7" tall with a 1 1/2" brim.

They are made in Navy, Baby Blue, Barn Red, Chocolate Brown, Mocha Brown, Olive Green, Cream, and Winter White.

They can be done in just about any color. Size NB-12 months. $12.50 ea. plus shipping.

A Hat for Paxton

2008-12-03T15:20:00.002-06:00

I actually made this about a week ago or so, since it has gotten so cold outside. He looks so very cute in it, I've been putting it on him wherever we go. I tried to get a pic of him in it, but he wasnt' very happy at the moment, so I gave up. I am doing the monogram letter on a clip so it is removable. P's is sewn on cos it wasn't until later that I thought about using a clip. The hat is a chocolate brown beanie (I made it longer so it covers most of his ears) and it has a light blue "P" sewn on it. Can be made in sizes from NB - 12 months. $12.50 for the hat, $3.50 for the monogram clip. Prices do not include shipping.

Christmas Hats

2008-11-04T16:31:00.000-06:00

O.K... so I have been busy. Here are two adorable hats I designed especially for the comming season. The snow princess hat has a cute ribbon tie with "Let it Snow" printed on it, and a light blue border that has a gold shiny thread mixed in. The red and green hat is super soft, and has a cuff and ear flaps with braided ties for decoration. Both will be limited editions. Clicking the photos will enlarge them. Both hats are $25.00+shipping. Thanks again for looking!

Circus Set

2008-11-04T16:22:00.000-06:00

So finally I get a chance to upload this new fingerless glove and scarf set I designed for Cloud Dust's new circus set that is comming soon. The bow that will match this set is on her blog here. The outfit is comming very soon. This set, along with some other designs will be featured at trunk shows starting around February 2009. If you are interested in a show, contact Cloud Dust for more information. The set will sell for $35.00. Thanks for looking!

Carley's Car Seat

2008-10-07T11:42:00.000-05:00

So I finished the car seat for Caroline's new baby girl, Carley. ETA: 2 days! I bet she is a bucket of emotions...I know I was two days before my C-section. It's dark chocolate brown with pink polka dots, with pink minky dot accents. Hope she likes it! Sorry the pictures are kind of crappy.....Kevin left my camera in his truck which was left at his work. I didn't go anywhere today, nor did I want to, so I just had to settle for my little point and shoot cam. It does ok...not that way I like it to tho! Well this will have to be a short post, I have to go feed my hungry man!

Outfits for Carley

2008-10-06T19:17:00.001-05:00

So I can FINALLY post the outfits that I made for baby Carley...I think that's how she is spelling it...correct me if I'm wrong. Only three more days until she is here! Caroline absolutely loved them, and her face was priceless when she seen the ruffled pants. She had a great shower, and I have no doubt she will be making tough decisions on what she will put the baby in every day! HA!

So I was also busy today doing a car seat. I will post a pic tomorrow. My husband took my camera again and didn't bring it back home. I am enjoying the bit of cooler weather we have had here lately, but it still doesn't compare to Fall up north. I miss the smell and especially the leaves and the bite of coolness you get in the air.

A Blanket for Austin

2008-10-02T13:09:00.000-05:00

So here's the blanket I did for Austin. It is made from Camo Minky with grosgrain ribbon for a binding. It is 23x23 square. It is very soft and cozy, and just big enough for a car seat blanket or to get photos made with it. It can be done with almost any kind of fuzzy soft stuff. (Click the pics, they get bigger) Doesn't Monogram Central do a great job? That's who does all of my monogramming....don't know if they have a website or not....I wonder.

I will be getting a seperate myspace, soon as I can sit down and do it, so for now you can just come here to see new stuff. If you have an idea in mind, just ask. I can do alot of stuff. I am trying to focus on mostly crochet, but i don't mind sewing here or there. I may even put up a few tutorials....I have used a ton of tutorials in the past for quick projects and stuff to do when I was bored. FUN!

Other than that, Kevin is comming home early today...WOOHOO. I am going to put him to work for a while and then send him over to his friend's house to finish work he started last week so we can get paid. His little handyman stuff has been a great source of extra for us...Lord knows we need a little extra here and there. I am hoping to put it away so I can get some new threads soon.

I am so stoked Stacy is comming!!!!!!! DID YOU HEAR ME??? STACY IS COMMING!!!!!!!!! I can't wait. I miss her so bad. It is going to go by so quick so I am already sad she will be going home...pout. That's a roller coaster ride of emotions, huh? Well I better go so that it will look like I did something around here today. HEHEHE.

Loves......

Family Photo Outfit

2008-10-01T14:42:00.001-05:00

So I decided it was about time to have a family photo done (we haven't had one with Paxton out of the belly in it) We are going Thursday, but I am thinking of waiting until a little later this month. I decided to crochet some accessories for the girls. I finished one set completely, and only have the scarf to make; to complete the other set. I'm selling them for a limited time, $35.00+shipping if you want a set. (Nix the shipping if you live in town, of coarse)

Couldn't choose the cuter one to show off the whole set! :P

Detail of Glove

Detail of Scarf

I actually would have posted this alot earlier, except my husband took my camera to work. The one time I decide to pick it up. He better get home fast. So now I have to wait. At least it is a georgeous day outside. I am trying to get things for crochet organized and on myspace. I am so busy with everything else, I am trying to remember what all I have to do. I seriouly am going to get a planner. it's the only way I can think of to keep track of what is going on lately.

I decided (thanks Stacy) to sell my crochet accessories, mostly to match with Cloud Dust outfits. I had to have a name, so I decided on MelyB. I can't promise a ton of stuff, but I am always trying something new, and seeing cute ideas. So we will see how it goes for a while.

Of coarse when we get our photos done, I will be posting my favs on here. Renee just had hers done, you can look at them on my absolutely fav photographer's (love ya, Sis) website: http://www.bandlphoto.net/

She just re-did the site (it looks great, btw). If you havent' already asked her to do your pics, you are missing out. You get awesome quality for not alot of price...I am serious. GO and SEE.

K. I have got to get off here. Have alot to do still, and don't feel like doing it. SIGH.

Knit One, Save One.....Or Crochet One, Save One (in my case)

2008-09-27T22:22:00.001-05:00

So I am so super excited to see that Save the Children has finally brought back this program. It was called "Caps to the Capital" two years ago when they did it for the first time. I'll tell you what it's about.....

In developing countries, 4 MILLION newborns DIE EACH YEAR in the first month of life, half within the first 24 hours after being born. But a package of simple health measures provided to mothers and babies worldwide could prevent 60 percent of these deaths. The missing ingredients to save most babies’ lives include antibiotics to fight infection, immunizations
against tetanus, training for skilled birth attendants, and education about
breastfeeding and basic care such as keeping the baby warm. This is where your cap comes in!

These babies need more than caps – they need your voice too.
The United States can lead the way in saving young lives by increasing funding
for critical health measures for mothers and children in developing countries.
To do this, we need your help. You can write a letter to the President-to-be. Download the action kit, all the info is in there.

http://www.savethechildren.org/

Your cap can help us save a life.
Your letter can help us save millions more.

Crocheting is EASY ppl.....your hats don't have to be perfect. YOU can help stop preventable death of these babies. I've posted a link to the save the children website where you can download your action kit. A little bit of your time will greatly help these sweet babies. There are plenty of tutorials on the internet that teach you how to crochet. Need more convincing?? Go to the save the children website and look at all the photos of the sweet babies wearing hats ppl did two years ago. Hooks for crochet are about two dollars, so is a skein of yarn, which will do about 10 of these little hats. It's cheap, and you make a difference.

Me and two of my friends who did this two years ago are getting together on Thursday nights, I think maybe everyother Thursday night to make caps together. Email me if you want to join us. I can help you learn if you don't know how.

K, I will get off my soap box. I really LOVE this program tho.

I am going to go think up some new crochet designs to make some cute hats for this, and maybe some to sell. I am thinking about doing some animal hats, they are super cute on babies. Paxton had one I made him. I also made all his cubby-mates ones while he was in the NICU. I love them. Will photo them as I get them made. Sorry about the teaser yesterday, as soon as I'm able, I'll post pikkies of that stuff too.

Anyhow, I am super pumped about this crochet, and I have some sewing left to do too... Forward this to friends and stuff, start your own group or something!

Loves!!

Baby Present

2008-09-26T19:30:00.000-05:00

Well, I was going to blog about something so adorable I did this afternoon....Thanks alot Stacy, you got me wanting to do oodles of sewing!!!! But I realized that the person these are for could possibly read this and see it, so I can't tell you about it....Sorry. LOL!!!

Well I wanted to photograph my girls in another crochet project I did, but I got hung up sewing so I didn't have time.

Elaina FINALLY got her cheerleading uniform. It looks really great and she loves to put it on. Tomorrow will be her second game she's cheered so far. I am glad it is in the morning. YAY.

Kevin has to work again tomorrow for part of the day, so I will be sewing/crocheting while the baby sleeps. I should be doing laundry and cleaning, but I don't feel like it so ptthh!

Check your myspace Stacy, I think I can private blog the pic...you have got to seee....

Short and simple blog today....hehe

Fabric Fun

2008-09-24T16:16:00.000-05:00

I went to Hobby Lobby for some ribbon, and came home with not the ribbon I needed, some floral wire for bows, and some fabric. I was wanting to make the girls some outfits for our fall photo, but I couldn't pass up this cute pink and black. I think I am going to make an apron front shirt and some ruffled pants. Be expecting the pic of Mia in it soon.

I made a bow to go with the prospected outfit, I hope I made Stacy proud. I tried it a few times before I got it to look sort of how I wanted it. I am sure it definitly is not the way it is "supposed" to be done, but whatever way I did it, it worked. Now all that's left is to hot glue the clip to it. I have to dig in my sewing closet for the hot glue gun. I think I am going to pull everything out and get it all organized good. WOo HOo!

I am going to be working on the camo blanket for Robin tonight. I'll post it once I have the monogramming done. I had to go to walmart of all places, to get the ribbon. I was suprised they actually had what I needed. Tomorrow is Hancock Fabrics Day.....they have Simplicity patterns $1.99 tomorrow and Friday. I am going to go right after I get done at the gym. I hope they have the ones I want left.

A Smocket for Mia

2008-09-24T15:53:00.000-05:00

So I was bored the other day, and decided to use up some scraps I had. I found this great link to a tutorial to make a smocket. What is a smocket you say? Well... smock + pocket = smocket.

Mia was so excited that I was making something for her...so cute. Here's the link to the wonderful tutorial, thanks Alicia! http://www.themayfly.com/weblog/

The tutorial link is on the right side. It has a printable pattern for you to use and is easy to alter. Mia wears a 3, and the pattern is for a 2. I forgot to lenthen the straps, so instead of tying it, I made button holes and put buttons. Enjoy!

Without further adue..... enjoy Mia in her smocket!