The Techie-Toddler Blues...

Poppy Paperie

So it's Tuesday and I have no finished garment...boo!  I know, I know this is only the 2nd week and I'm already behind.  However it just over half the month and it is totally a recoverable condition.  Yes I am going to be optimistic :)

Stylish Children's Parties

I wish I had photos of all the things I've been working on.  A convertible mitten for my dad, socks for me, mitts for me, Husband's sweater...and that is just the knitting.  I have a shirt I'm working on for me, plus a few Valentine projects and a super cute tute that I'm hoping to have finished by the end of the week!  So don't think I'm not doing anything ;)

Woodlands Home

The problem is I have been running into a few roadblocks...one of which I have absolutely no control over and that is my camera.  Last April we bought a new camera...we dropped said camera...camera broke...went to get camera fixed...not covered under warranty...cost to fix=price of new camera...thus we have been without a decent camera for a while.  I am borrowing a camera from my dad but the battery is slowly dying that I can hardly take any pictures without needing to charge it, plus it only takes pics when the camera is cold...so much work

Shannon McNeil via Pinterest

Thus I have relied heavily on my cell phone...the cell phone that is um...well slow.  Yes, it is new but the technology is really old, 3 years old, so while it does make phone calls, I can text and surf the web... it takes a while...and that includes uploading pics.

mod cloth

So right now I have the techie blues, waiting for enough money to go buy the camera I really want and waiting also for my phone to be eligible for an upgrade.   Yes, I do have the techie blues indeed.  And the toddler blues...you know the independent 'I do myself' which often turns into screaming and crying because she can't...plus all of a sudden she has decided she doesn't want to use the potty anymore...FRUSTRATING!!!

blogs babble

As you can imagine I've been drinking copious amounts of coffee, trying to craft and still get groceries bought.  A household of 7 isn't always easy but it certainly is never boring :)

Pictures for an Apology

because I have Christmas knitting on the brain...

via pinterest via kristen smith

time to go get some gluten free rice krispies!

via pinterest via from the blue shed

because I have 4 boys and a girl who'd love this

   and I'm getting a little crazy about crochet...

via pinterest via etsy

because I'm hoping to make you smile...if not laugh...

via pinterest via etsy

for my friend Shannon, I'll make you one since you can't right now...

via pinterest via pleasant home

and for my friend Rebecca, who just won an award...you totally need a mug rug to celebrate :)

via pinterest via the wild olive via the split stich

Yup, it's been a while.  I wish I could tell you that it I haven't blogged for so long because I've been too busy crafting...but that isn't the truth.  The simple fact is I was sucked into the everyday busyness of raising 5 kids and well, blogging went by the way side.  You forgive me right?  More so if I tell you this is the first time I've actually been on the computer in 3 days.  Thanks!

I sure do hope to get some major crafting done this afternoon.  The house is nice and clean (well as clean as one can expect with five kids) and Christmas sewing is pretty much all that is on my mind right now.  Still I had a moment where I could pop in and say hi, show off a few pretty pictures from pinterest and enjoy our blogging friendship again.  I promise not to be gone so long again...and maybe if the sewing fates are in my favor (or more to the point it is God's will for my day) I will have some fabulous projects finished up next week, ready to show off :)

{{hugs}}
Buffy

So do you have big crafting plans for today?  This weekend?  Husband is working late tonight, it's Oatmeal Bar is slated for dinner so a crafting I will go :) So go check out the links above, especially for my friend Rebecca and her award.  Happy Weekend to you!

Baseball Baby Shoes

So I've been having some computer issues and some time issues this week.  However, I am now up and running and have some ADORABLE baby shoes to show off!  Since they are so cute I had a grand time taking pictures of them...

I made these for a shower that was on Sunday and since the Momma-to-be is a friend on facebook I couldn't risk her catching a sneak peek :)  Though as you can imagine they were a smashing hit at the shower.  I chose the baseball fabric because I knew the Daddy-to-be is a big baseball fan.

I have another shower this weekend and I am hoping to make a couple more pairs of shoes for that Momma.  Home made baby shoes are big on the WOW factor at showers but are small on the fabric, budget and time factor.  So really a win-win.

Pattern: Retro Baby Sneaker from Sweet Pea Patterns

This is the second time I've made this pattern and I have to say I love it!  Not uber crazy about the removable insole, but not a deal-breaker on the pattern.  I don't have any of her patterns that have the directions to make them without the insoles though I'm sure I could figure it out if I wanted to.  The directions are clear and I'm seriously considering making all my shoes as she has another shop with patterns for women's shoe pattern with the soling material to make them indoor/outdoor shoes.  We shall see :)

{{hugs}}

Buffy

Tell me what you think?  Excessively cute or just impractical?  I love baby shoes, if you're afraid to try them out don't be!  They are easy, fun and a real bang for your buck!  I'm in the mood to do a little shoe talking...

I'm Coming Around

Many of you might know that I am and have been a die hard knitter.  I have at times been a bit snobby about other fiber related crafts such as crocheting...but I must confess I've kinda lost that snobbery and I'm coming around.

I mean really how could I not when faced with the amazing cuteness that is this hat...

Source

Or what about this amazing hat...

Source & Source

Enough with the kidlet cuteness, how about some grown-up awesomeness!  I want one in every color...

Source

or perhaps rings are more your style...

Source

But to be completely honest, the real reason I've taken a second look at crocheting is this dress...

I remember getting this dress in the mail and loving it the instant I saw it.  My grandma crocheted it for me and I wore it every chance I got.  I remember I felt so grown up in it...perhaps that was because I had to get my very first slip so I could wear it.  Now it hangs in my closet waiting for Elsa to grow into it and seeing it reminds me of how I didn't care that it wasn't knitted but that it was made JUST FOR ME.

So if you see me with a hook in my hand just know that you don't have to knit to make wonderful memories!

{{hugs}}

Buffy

Are there any crafts you thought you'd never start but now find the allure of them calling to you?  Any favorite outfits you're holding onto for your kids?  Have a favorite memory to share?  Well, I'm ready to make another cup of hot cocoa and ready for some reminiscing...

What I've Been Creating!

I thought I should show you a few pics of the things I've been making lately.

I spent an hour one night and came out with an outfit for Elsbeth!

Okay so I'll be honest and tell you that the shorts were almost done when I started.  I just had to sew the casing for the elastic and then thread the elastic through, sew the elastic together and close up the hole.  10 minutes at most.  The fabric was recycled from a pair of pants that I had that no longer fit (too big) plus they had holes at the seams.  I liked it because it has just a little Lycra in it so they have a bit of stretch.  Also, it is always nice to not have to buy fabric and great to reuse it too.

The shirt however was a different story.  It was intended for Thaddeus (yes, the baby who is only 13 months oops 14 months old).  I cut it out last November in hopes to make it into a pair of jammies for him (he went through a nightgown phase for pj's).  So I cut out a 1T from a Large Men's long sleeve tee that I bought for a quarter...that's right $0.25!  I reused the the cuff and collar ribbing and kept the bottom hem (yea! no hemming!)  but as you can see from the picture it is a little big even on Elsa...I can't imagine what it would look like on Thaddeus ;)

Still, it is a nice top.  I loved that I upcycled it and that it was so cheap!  I do think I'll add a little elastic on the sides of the top to a ruched look and maybe add a cute girlie applique!

More in upcycling adventures I took this:

lace table cloth and a bed sheet

and  made this...

Sorry about the photo quality but alas the camera is still broken and I'm using my cell phone to take photos.  I love upcycling either by taking unusual items such as a tablecloth and bed sheet or just repurposing old clothes like ill-fitting pants of mine to make something else.  Besides feeling uber crafty I also feel responsible by not contributing to waste and reusing what I have.

I've got some more fun posts this week so stay tuned.

{{hugs}}

What have you guys been up to lately?  Have you made anything awesome you'd like to share?  Just add the link in your comment.  Whatever you do, just keep at it!

Fearless Friday

So after a week of sick kids we're finally getting back into the routine.  Vinny was home from preschool all week not because he was sick but because preschool was out for the week to do home visits.  Fortunately I had already had my home visit so we didn't have to stress about visitors.  Though now I am really ready for things to settle down around here.

Well are you ready for a picture into my real life again?  I thought so.  I know I already posted pictures of my dirty laundry and we won't say anything about me airy my dirty laundry on the internet will we ;)  However, I thought I might actually show you the disaster that is the laundry/sewing/crafting room/alcove.  It really is a teeny tiny area that most would call the mud room or entry way but a girl has got to make room for the craftiness that is her life right?

So here are the dream pictures:

Source centsationalgirl.com via Leticia via Pinterest

Oooh, could I please have this room?  I lurve it!!!  However, this is what I have:

The sewing/crafting area dream space...

Source Cat Morley via Pinterest

Honestly that is seriously the BEST sewing/crafting room EVAR!  It almost looks as if it is your own private shop...how cool would that be?  Yet, I am honestly very satisfied to have this simple, yet constantly cluttered sewing area...

Don'tcha love how the pins always spill onto the floor?

My ever to helpful helpers like to do that…a lot.

I know that there are lots of people who craft on their kitchen tables, have to put their machines away as soon as they are finished and I am so blessed to have a husband who understands that and allows me the luxury of a using space that could be used in other less crafty and messy ways.

It is because I have a space to work that I am able to actually do things and not just say I will.  Which leads me to some sneak peak pics of what I've been working on…

I know, it doesn't look like much but really I'm quite certain you'll love it when I'm done.  And because I can't let you go without a little bit of spring

Yes, it is was snowing again this morning as I took Samuel down to the bus.  Crazy!  I bought the flowers yesterday cause they were so pretty and I just needed a little bit of cheer in this seemingly endless winter...perhaps I should declare it Christmas next month that way we can have a little more cheer :)

{{hugs}} to you all and remember that the giveaway ends on Sunday evening so don't forget to enter your name!

Also, if you're really long on time or just need a good laugh or something to read I've posted my thoughts on laundry here.

There's a Designer in Me…Somewhere

Hello all!

Some of you might have noticed the link to Rae's Spring Top Sewalong on my sidebar.  I am excited to participate in this selfish sewing contest again this year.  Especially since I'm not recently recovering from the birth of my fifth child.  Like always I have plans, but this year is a little different than last.  In that I only have ONE top I will try to enter.  Not that I don't have hopes for a 2nd or 3rd, but I will feel most accomplished if I can get one done.

The top is one I've been envisioning for months but haven't had time to really sit down and work it out, until now and that only because I'm gonna make time.  I am feeling confidant about it especially since I just finished Elsa's Easter dress:

Yup!  That's right, it is a Buffy Original.  My own pattern.  I am beyond excited about it and making it brought me back to those sketches I drew in high school and college, back before Project Runway, before I heard about blogs let alone craft ones, back when a person got weird looks for saying they wanted to be a fashion designer.  Oh, yeah those were the days.

Want more close ups on the details?  Okay!

 Elsa looks FAB in a square neckline.  So since it's for her, well I'm gonna give her what she looks best in!  I love how the navy blue piping just makes the pink POP all the more.

Isn't the back darling?  I love it!  You'd love it too since there are absolutely no closures of any kind.  I repeat, no closures!  Yup, no zippers, no buttons, no snaps.  It just goes over the head and because of the split upper bodice in the back there is ample room even for the largest of heads.

I love that delicate curve of the piping…mmmm. 

The bottom edge is mixture of gathers and pleats.  How cool is it!  Super awesome in my book.

Lastly, the whole front bodice.  I love those little pleats, a pain in the tushie to get just right but totally worth it!  I think what I love most about this dress are the little details.  Really they didn't add much time to the process but make the overall look more finished and pristine!

I fell in love with this fabric and just had to have it for the girly.  She loved it too!  So much so that when it came time to have them measure and cut it she didn't want to let the bolt go!  Each time she saw me working with it she'd say "my fabic" or look at me and ask "for me?"  So cute.  Don't worry, pics of her in it to come…after Easter of course.

I hope you all enjoyed the dress as much as me.  If you're a little curious I am thinking about getting it ready to be a pattern…not sure though, comment below if you'd be interested.  Also come back tomorrow as I have a big surprise for you guys!

Okay, enough blogging.  Onto designing.

{{hugs}}
Buffy

A Deceptively Delicious Gift

Well I think it's time for another tutorial, what about you?  Yes!  Well since you've twisted my arm ;)  I know that I saw this idea in a magazine somewhere long, long, long ago so it isn't my idea.  I would totally link up to where I found it if I could remember where I saw...I know hard to believe.  Anyway, if you find out where it is somewhere else online please let me know and I will quick as a wink linkadoo that puppy.  I hate to not give credit to the person who created it, as it is fabulous!

Now onto the craftiness...

As the school year starts winding down for the year you might suddenly find yourself in need of a few gifts, maybe for a teacher or perhaps a behind the scenes person.  You're not sure exactly what they might like and you don't want to spend a lot...well here is the gift for you: Candy in a Can!

Supplies Needed:
-a fancy can opener that doesn't cut the can but unglues it
-pull top can of anything you like...or if you have a can of something you hate with this lid then by all means use it!
-cardstock/fancy scrapbook paper
-super glue
-tissue paper
-candy
-other glue (I used hot glue but anything that dries fast will work fine)

Optional Supplies:
-roller stamps
-ink
-stamps & stamp pads

First you will have to open your pull top can...from the bottom!  This is important.

Nice clean cans.

Next, you can either eat the stuff from your can or if you're using a can of something you hate, throw it out.  Wash out your can and lid...you need both.

This is what I mean by a pull top can.

Next fill your can with your candy.  Stuff with tissue paper if desired.

Mmmm, yummy candy.

Glue lid back on with super glue.  Watch your fingers as they don't mix well with super glue ;)

I like this one, not only does it have a brush but it's
purple wet so you know when it is dry.

While your can is drying you can now take your piece of card stock and stamp it.  I chose to use my roller stamp as it was fun and fast.  Of course if you don't have a roller stamp or stamps of any kind just go find the prettiest paper (or ugliest if it's a gag gift) in the scrapbooking section of your craft store and use that.

My roller stamps

Finished card stock

Measure your cans circumference, this is the measurement around the can, add about a 1/2 inch for overlap.  Then measure the height of the can.  Take these measurements and transfer them to your 'label' paper for your new can.  Mine were 4.5"h x 11"l

Cut out and glue 'label' on your can.

Finished!  

Sit back and admire your lovely candy can and think of how deceptive your gift will be and how grateful the recipient will be.

Paper Bags, Stamps, and Happy Kids

So last week I woke up and was surprised to discover that Fun Mom had woken up out of hibernation.  I'm sure that I'm not the only one who at times finds themselves less than friendly with their family and despite my best efforts Fun Mom sometimes has to go on vacation/into hibernation and in her place is either Exhausted Mommy, Disciplinarian Mother, or just Plain Old Surviving Mama.  So when Fun Mom shows up well FUN is what happens.

Lincoln and Vincent (Samuel too but he's at school a lot) love to make 'suits' a.k.a paper bag vests.  Did you ever make them in school for Thanksgiving for an Indian Vest? I know I did and I loved them!  Of course it is now February and last week was January so we weren't thinking about the Pilgrim's first thanksgiving, no I was thinking about stamps, ink, and an hour of fun for the kids.

Actually the kids like these vests so much that I know get paper bags at the supermarket exclusively for this reason.  Yes I know I should make bags and go green but I always forget my bags at home when I shop.  Now enough chit chat onto the pictures of fun.

So after cutting out the paper bags into vests we have to decorate them with stamps!

Then of course you have to pose for more pictures:

Then of course you're wondering what happened to the baby while all this fun was going on:

Not to worry he was enjoying some popcorn (completely supervised)  Look at that smile, he was having lots of fun.

Now you know how much fun a paper bag can truly be.  Tell me what unusual household item you have lots of fun with?  Let's have some fun and laugh a lot together.