Sock Monkey Sucess...sort of, yes.

I’ve always been a big fan of sock monkeys and knew I wanted to make one for baby E on the way. A family member made me a sock monkey when I was a baby and to this day “monkey” remains one of my most treasured stuffed animals(though he’s definitely seen better days, lol). So you can imagine my joy when my mom got me a “build your own sock monkey” kit for Christmas. Very quickly into the “building” process I realized that making a homemade sock monkey is just plain hard! Not quite rocket science hard, but more of a detail oriented, hands on sewing type of hard(you know, the kind that requires patience upon patience). However, I pressed on, determined not to let this project fall into the “best laid plans…” category. In my mind, crafts are always much more exciting, easygoing, and fun. In reality, many turn out slowgoing with unforeseen problems to solve and many mistakes to mask. And of course, the outcome is always much more perfect and glamorous in my head. Not at all sloppy or camera close-up shy, lol. But I suppose that’s half the fun. :-)

I made this sock monkey with much love and many prayers. He is fluffed with care, and I appreciate him all the more knowing he’s not from a store but rather a product of my own hands. He is not perfect. His right arm may or may not be slightly shorter than the left, and I may have mismatched the colors of threads in sewing them on. And I will confess- I did glue on his button eyes. But overall I think he’s alright for my very first sock monkey, and most importantly, I don’t think baby E will mind my whipstiching too much. ;)

Overdue Sewing Projects

I've been meaning to post these most recent sewing projects for a while. I found this "Birds of a Feather" fabric recently and just had to do something with it! It was too adorable to pass up, and just a few days later I had this cuteness to show off: It's for a little girl and I think will be perfect for a certain tiny cousin. I thought it would be super artsy to take the final picture outside on this tree, but eh, some ideas turn out better in theory ;)

My next sewing adventure was a "mom & me" project in which we covered some of the pillows in her sitting room area. It was fun from start to finish, and I'm so glad we accomplished what we set out to do. I learned a new technique for covering pillows and we even went the extra mile and added trim. While I wouldn't take any super close up shots, the results were great and the pillows really add to the decor of the room. I think we may need to make another trip to the cloth barn the next time we land in Goldsboro ;-)

New Sewing Projects

I just love the pattern for this oh-so-cute and simple apron I made. It couldn't be easier-you can even make it from dishtowels(though I couldn't resist this adorable fabric-love the houses)! It's the perfect apron for a little helper in the kitchen :) I found this pattern here.

Speaking of easy, I was surprised to find another great pattern for baby bibs. January is baby shower month for me, and I'm so excited to make these as gifts. Here are my trial runs...courtesy of this fun site.

Last but not least, here is my slightly modified pillow case dress. I sewed(sew?) this one a few months ago but am just now getting around to posting. You can find this pattern online at "Red Instead Blog."

Too much fun!

Adventures in Buttonholes and Ric Rack

I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to make this o-so-cute jumper for a certain cousin of mine. And while it's not without its share of novice mistakes, I'm pretty pleased with my first adventure in adorable jumper sewing :)
For this project, I mustered up the courage and learned how to make a buttonhole- as opposed to taking the easier velcro route. I was so excited to learn that my machine has it's own buttonhole function; it made the job so much less intimidating. I'm so glad I took the tortoises way on this one, and I'm happy to report that while it's certainly a learning experience, sewing a buttonhole was not all that scary!

In addition to my first buttons/buttonholes, I also pulled out the Ric Rack on this one. "Ric what?" It's that pink, zig zagy trim at the bottom of the dress, and one of my new favorite accessories. I just love my new hobby...who would've thought fabric could be so fun!

Adventures in Tote Making

Alas my latest sewing endeavour-the simple tote. As I am still climbing the learning curve of sewing, this very easy project was met with much trial and error. Thankfully, with a little perseverance and some serious pep talking, I finished my project with success. Whew! And to think, I was starting to worry... The second time around was much much easier than the first, and I have to say the third time was a charm. This isn't the greatest picture in that you can't see the little details-i.e the folded over/top stitched top and my mad ribbon skills- but that may be a good thing, lol. It's true, practice does make better :) I'm so excited to start putting my budding sewing skills to good use for gift giving, these totes are just the perfect Christmas/Birthday present(or at least a fun and stylish wrapping for them)!

And of course, Piper(camera hog extraordinaire) had to get in on the picture! What a cutie :)

Adventures in Aprons

So I tackled my first official sewing pattern last week-what a disaster! The pattern was of a very cute apron, both long and short, with a dainty ruffled edge. Not only was it written in another language(literally and figuratively), but it was also incredible assuming(that I was an experienced seamstress) and not "Sew Simple" as the title would suggest.

After way to much time reading the pattern instructions over and over again,I threw in the towel(I then did not stand back and watch as Piper mercilessly tore the pattern and it's carefully cut peices to shreds, and I certainly did not encourage such bad behavoir-nope, not me). So I decided to make my own apron, a la carte! Miles of milestones later, I came out with this:

I was pleasantly surprised at my hard work and am so proud of my first apron. Yes, it has its rough edges, and no, the back does not look nearly as good as the front-but that's okay. I was worried that by the time I had slightly found a clue that I had cut down the fabric so much and it would be way to small for me. It barely passes for my size, and would be a great child sized apron I decided. I'm sure the next time around it will be much easier-after all practice does make better.

In other news:
*As you may notice, I accidentally deleted my previous blog background(oops) and in looking for the original, stumbled across one I liked even better! A sweet mistake.

*This upcoming Sunday we will celebrate the two year anniversary of our Church, how exciting :)

*Last but not least, drum roll...we are beach bound this weekend! Hopefully we will have some sunny weather for our few days in Wilmington. Piper is coming with us too; stay tuned for pics!

Adventures in Sewing Part I

My first sewing project...not completely perfect, but a success nonetheless! (Just don't look too closely, lol :)

(I covered the floral patterned pillows, not the blue colored)

I love my new sewing machine, and can't wait to start on more projects. Once you get over the learning curve, it's not so complicated after all ;)