Gray Linen Shirt To Pillow

This is my new gray linen/cotton blend pillow accessorized with a yellow wool felt flower. It started out as a .55 cent thrifted shirt...

I already had a pillow form measuring 18 inches. So, I cut out my shirt...

with a 1/2" seam allowance on each side. Next, I sewed my seam, then zig-zagged for durability.

I cut out 7 circles in varying diameters - averaging 3.5 inches across. (Idea from here.)

Next, I pinched the felt together and stitched the bottom of my "scrunch".

I repeated for each circle, then placed all my scrunched circles together and stitched those together to form my flower.

Lastly, I safety-pinned the flower to my pillow (easily removed for washing).

The best part is actually the back of the pillow, which could be the front too. It's easily unbuttoned to remove the pillow case for washing!

The whole project cost me less than $1 for new materials. Love it!

Slipper Bootie Tutorial

We were searching for slippers for my daughter (a toddler). But, post-Christmas there are tumbleweeds in the slipper aisles. Nada. So, I used what I have to make her comfy, cozy slipper booties. Here's how:

First, I gathered my supplies - a thrifted vinyl tablecloth for the sole, fleece for sole padding, scrap fleece (from this project) for the bootie, thread, elastic, scissors, paper and a pen and any embellishments I wanted to add, such as ribbons or buttons.

My next step, which was actually a challenge, was to trace my jumping/dancing/kicking toddler's feet.

Adding my seam allowance (about 1/2",) I then cut out the soles from the vinyl tablecloth and two layers of fleece for each foot. I baste stitched them together. The sole is now three layers thick.

Remember, none of this has to be exact because fleece (and bows) cover a multitude of sins ;) I roughly cut out two profile bootie shapes for each foot.

Next, I sewed the right sides together of the top of the foot and from the heel to the ankle of the bootie. (Confused? Just leave the sole open and the foot opening at the top open.)

Pin the upper of your slipper to the sole, right sides together.

Now, trim any excess fabric. This is what your inside-out slipper should look like.

Next, turn the slipper right-side out.

This next step I forgot to photograph, but I took a narrow strip of elastic, 1" less than my daughter's ankle circumference, and sewed it to the inside of the ankle part of the slipper. This helps to keep it on. I just pinned the elastic in a few places and let it gather naturally as I secured it with a zig-zag stitch for stretch. Be careful not to sew the slipper shut. Not that *I did* the first time or anything.

I tied a couple of bows and stitched them onto the fronts for custom appeal. (Pics were taken before I sealed the fray on the ribbon.)

Remember, it's ok to not have it exact. The first time I sewed the top portion of the foot, my slippers had noses. Um, not what I wanted to see. So, I just stitched it again in a smooth sloping line. Better!

They passed the test because my daughter slept in them the first night. She loves 'em! That's all that matters to me. But, I'm also glad they no longer have noses.

No-Sew Fleece Scarf

Another great scarf tutorial was found through One Pretty Thing -- this time from Creative Jewish Mom. This one is for Charlotte. She chose chocolate brown and lavender fleece. (Sorry for the terrible photo -- I blame it on these overcast Seattle days!)

It's a super easy, no-sew scarf that I made using fleece scraps, scissors and masking tape.

First, take two pieces of fleece in 1/2 the width + 2 inches of your ideal scarf width, and in the desired length. Tape a line 2 inches in from one long edge on each half. (see pic)

Now carefully cut even strips 1.5 cm apart down the length of the scarf.

Next, tie two strips together - one from each half. Make each knot the same (i.e. - right over left, right over left).

Finally, wrap around your neck and be warm!

Wooly Sheep and Warm Legs

My daughter and I made wooly sheep this morning. She calls them "lamb-ees". We found the idea through One Pretty Thing. She has wonderful crafting ideas for kids amongst all her gatherings from around the internet.

First, we gathered up some scrap yarn, an empty cardboard box (yes, I'm an official Washingtonian because I finally got some Ugg boots) some clothes pins, paint, brushes, glue and scissors.

Paint the clothespins black... along with the faces of the kidney bean shape you cut out of the cardboard. Let dry. Next, pinch the clothespins onto a glued area at the bottom of your bean shape. These will be your legs. Finally, clip one end of the yarn under one leg before the glue dries and start wrapping. Keep wrapping the yarn until your sheep is as fluffy as you'd like... or you run out of scrap yarn.

Ta-da! Sheep! I left their faces plain because I sort of like the amish look. But, you could add eyes, ears, a tail... etc.

Also, since Henry decided to nap a few days ago, I was able to whip up four more pairs of baby legs for Charlotte. I was sort of disappointed in the heart socks from Target as they frayed after just one wearing. But, they are still perfect for Valentine's Day.

Now to the laundry and dishes... ;)

A Scottish Themed Bagpipe Birthday Party

It all started, over the summer, when father and daughter stumbled upon 3 veteran bagpipers practicing in a local park. Charlotte was mesmerized when they played,"Amazing Grace". She couldn't stop talking about it. She made her Papa pretend to BE bagpipes while sing-piping "Amazing Grace". We downloaded the song from iTunes. She listens to it constantly. A birthday theme was born.

In our tribute to Scotland for Charlotte's Bagpiping 3rd Birthday, gobs of plaid were worn, Scottish flags of St. Andrew's Cross were flown, shortbread cookies were eaten, our Scottish Terrier ran wild while wellies were thrown and Robert Burns was mentioned while our bagpipe theme song played in the background.

Since we just moved and many boxes are still unpacked, I could not find our printer or blue construction paper. However, I did have 3 Scotch-brite scrubbing pads, ribbon and glue. Here's Charlotte's crafty birthday banner...

We also enjoyed black licorice scotty dog candy from Trader Joe's...

and our own version of Fisherman's Pie for dinner. I considered making tablet, but we're trying to avoid solid sugar food!

Charlotte received a muff from Grandma, who watched her open it via skype. (She hasn't stopped wearing it since.)

Henry slept the whole time.

We participated in a traditional Scottish game called Welly Throwing. Here's how you play:

Take a pair of Wellington rain boots outside.

Throw them.

Enjoy the fun.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Charlotte. I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always. And may all your days be filled with the sweet sounds of bagpipes.

Grandpa Makes Pop-Ups

Charlotte's artistic Grandpa made her this Wizard of Oz pop-up card. C loves pop-ups. Despite being opened and closed numerous times and being poked with little fingers, this one is holding up nicely.

You see, Grandpa docents at an art gallery. They recently held a Dr. Seuss exhibit and welcomed the pop-up creator of "Horton Hears A Who Pop-Up!" - David Carter. Our girl even received an autographed copy...

Thank you, Grandpa. Here's a peek at the inside of this incredible book...

If you're not familiar with "Horton Hears A Who" by Dr. Seuss, I highly recommend this tender-hearted story. Even at 2, she seems to understand the message, "A person's a person, no matter how small."

The Seuss exhibit spurned Grandpa's interest in homemade pop-ups and more shared craft time with our girl. I believe C made this Noah's Ark pop-up with the grandparents...

If you're interested in making your own, here's a link. It's a great project for all ages. It seems that once you get the hang of it, you can easily branch out with your own designs.

Pink Tutu: A How-To

For the longest time, I've wanted to use Plumtickled's Tutu Tutorial to make Charlotte a tutu. Now I can cross it off my list. It's really quite simple. But, for those of you who don't like to click over, I am showing you the step's that I learned from Plumtickled.

First, get some non-roll elastic (3/4" or 1") and two spools of tulle: 6 inches wide x 25 yards. (For one tutu, I did all pink. For another, I used lavender and dark purple alternated.)

Measure the length that you want the tutu skirt. Double it and cut the spooled tulle into strips of equal lengths. (Example: I wanted a 12" skirt, so I cut 24" strips.)

Measure your girl's waist (or your own!) and subtract 2.5"-3". Next, cut your non-roll elastic to size. Zig zag stitch the two ends together to form the waistband. (This can even be done quickly by hand.)

Place elastic band over your thigh. (Great for holding everything in place.) Slide a strip under the band and tie in a knot. Repeat.

Solid colors, two-toned or multi colors all look great. This is an easy and inexpensive, quick Princess-pink-me-up for any girl! These are also perfect for last minute birthday gifts.

Easter Legs - Another Baby Legs Tutorial

My latest sewing project is a pair of homemade Easter Legs. They have cute little chick faces at the top (available at Target).

I was in search of a birthday present for a sweet 4 year old girl when I ran across these socks in Target. The time had come to make some baby legs, so I picked up several pairs and made some for my Charlotte too.

There's a great tutorial here, but I got a little lost and found I had to wing it in several parts. So, here's a tutorial of how I made my baby legs.

First, get a pair of knee high socks...

Next, cut off the toes and heels.

Thirdly, take the "foot tube" and fold it in half, right sides facing out, raw edges on the same end.

Next, place folded tube over the "leg" part of the sock - keeping all the raw edges together.

Next, pin layers in place if needed (I didn't, but definitely wrestled with them a bit.) Stitch together first three layers (so as not to sew the sock shut) around the opening near the raw edges. I used a long running stitch for stretch.

Lastly, I used a zig zag stitch between my seam and the raw edges to keep the edges from fraying, and for durability. (A serger would be perfect for this edge.) Now, turn cuff right side out.

That's it! 10 minutes and you're done.

Waiting 4 Weeks To Bathe

OK, not entirely. I only have to wait 4 weeks to bathe with this soap. This here is a sneak peek at what currently resides on top of my refrigerator. It's my first ever attempt at soapmaking. The soap takes at least 4 weeks to cure. And with a toddler in the house, just about the only safe place to let these bars sit, is on top of the fridge.

They're not evenly cut, but they smell nice - peppermint, of course. If they turn out well, they'll get us all clean, even in their clunky state.

Through a thrifting treasure hunt, I slowly started accumulating all the necessary soapmaking supplies, including: a stainless steel pot for $4, two utensils at .25 cents each, a hand blender for $2, two soap molds (a mini loaf pan for $4 and a tupperware container for $2,) a pitcher for .77 cents and a leftover pasta sauce jar for measuring the sodium hydroxide.
I found The Soapmaker's Companion by Susan Cavitch at my local library. Essentially, this is the the go-to source for soapmakers. Also handy was this link which showed me how to properly mix my solution to make lye.

We are trying to stay sulfate-free and had been buying fantastic (and highly recommended) Sparta peppermint soap from etsy. But now, at $5 a bar, I thought I'd try my hand at soapmaking. Since 15 bars of soap would run $75 (yikes!) we're coming out ahead with our $50 investment because it includes reusable supplies. And we have soap for a year.

In 4 weeks time, I'll report back to let you know how, and if, my soap turned out. Stay tuned.

Recipe For Clean Clothes

We spend about $5.00 on laundry detergent for 32 loads. That's just over 15 cents per load. It's not too bad, but I knew that I could do better. Thanks to this site, I found a laundry detergent recipe that cuts my per load soap costs in half.

This is what my laundry soap container used to look like...

I added a little decorative paper (left over from C's snowflake-themed 1st birthday party), some glue, a dash of ribbon and insto-presto, a lovely recycled container.

The recipe I used was #4:

2 cups grated bar of soap (I used Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild Bar Soap)

1 cup Borax (available in the detergent aisle)

1 cup washing soda (also known as soda ash - not baking soda)

Mix well. Use 2 Tblsp. per load

It only took me 10 minutes to completely grate the soap, mix ingredients and put everything away. I'll cut my costs even further by using a less expensive bar of soap, such as Kirk's Castile. Also, we have a high-efficiency machine, and this soap works wonders.

Saving 8 cents a load may not seem like much... but, if you wash even 5 loads a week, you'll save $20 over the course of a year. $20 is a shopping extravaganza at the thrift store for me!