A Bo Peep Skirt : :

I hope a wonderful, long weekend was had by all! It was a busy one for us -- full of thoughts of my brother and others who serve and have served, with many ups and downs, lots of gardening for this (sun-burned) Mama, and a nasty virus sweeping through my poor kiddos. Because of the sleepless nights and daytime tending to that comes with sick children, I am feeling a bit under the weather myself right now. I am however still very excited to show you all --

My first sewn garment! Finally!!!

Garment sewing, especially the oh-so-cute-little-girl-kind, has been on my to-do list since I began to sew. I have purchased many cuts of fabrics and sewing books with this is mind, but it just never made it to the top of my list. Well, until last week...

I have for you the Bo Peep Skirt from Seams to Me!

The pattern was a great first choice and came together pretty quickly. My favorite part is this fun ruffle detail along each side of the skirt. Isn't it sweet!?

I am so happy I took an afternoon to give it a go. It was wonderful, exciting, and so fulfilling to be able to cross this off my list. The bonus -- Haila LOVES her new skirt!  

Hooray for that!!!

I already began dreaming up several variations for this skirt design that you're likely to see here very soon. This one is going to be my first entry in Skirt Week 2011 with Crafter Hours! Wish me luck!!!

Another Giveaway!!!

Yes, it's Sew Mama Sew!'s May Giveaway Day!!! Since the Giveaway I ran over this past weekend was all a generous gift from my sponsor The Fabric Farm and an all around huge success (thank you!) -- I decided to give something handmade away myself! Why a pillow, of course!

The Prize!
This Giveaway is open to anyone and includes a 12x16 pillow cover handmade by moi with lots of my favorite polka-dots, a bit of Anna Maria Horner fabrics, some cotton linen, flower appliques, and a little free motion quilting. A pillow insert is included as well!

I even used a little of my precious Good Folks fabrics!

I chose an envelope style closure for the back with this pretty coral pink polka dot fabric. Choosing this color was very much inspired by the gorgeous tree blooming in our yard.

Isn't the color amazing!


Enter to Win!
To enter, simply add your comment to this post. For a second entry, let me know that you follow my blog by making a second comment to record that entry. If you're a "no reply" commenter, please remember to include your email address in your comment so that I can contact you should you win! Enter now through 10 o'clock pm (EST) Wednesday, May 25. I will announce the winner this Thursday morning here on the blog.

Thank you all and a big thank to Sew Mama Sew for hosting such an awesome Giveaway event!!!

* Just in case you missed it -- the winner of the Innocent Crush Giveaway was announced right here *

Aprons for my Etsy : :

Fall is here and with that cool weather, returns the need for a little warmth that only baking can bring! And so, I spent some time this past weekend making a few new aprons, this time for my etsy shop. I decided to make three different styles, inspired by each of my sister's : :  Bohemian, Vintage, and Modern ~ Catherine, Biz, and Angela.

This is my Bohemian apron --- With bright, colorful, and fun Anna Maria Horner and Alexander Henry fabrics, with vintage ric rac details, and extra long straps to tie at the front for a pretty detail or in the back, as well.

This center Alexander Henry fabric reminds me of how much I used to love painting with watercolors. A perfect apron for an artist, don't you think?

This is my Vintage inspired Apron --- With sweet yellow, orange, and gray fabrics, with vintage ric rac details,  yellow crocheted ball fringe along the hem line, and extra long straps that can be tied in the front...

or the back...

Here is a close-up of the crocheted details...my favorite part. Perfect for those of you, who like me, dance around in the kitchen while cooking.

This is my second Vintage inspired apron --- With cool blue, yellow, orange, and gray fabrics, with vintage ric rac details, a vintage doily pocket, and extra long straps to tie at the front or back.

Here is a close up of the fabrics and the subtle pleating I adding under the waste band.

The is my Modern half apron wrap --- With brightly colored damask, graphic, and large modern floral printed fabrics, designed to be a wrap style, with extra large straps that can be tied in the back or...

in the front as a bow or simple square knot for a modern look.

I have always been an apron wearer. I wear them in the kitchen, when I'm gardening, while I'm crafting with the kids, and often when I'm knitting with my wool --- since wool + black pants = not a good look. I always thought that if I were a teacher I'd wear a different apron each day of the week, so I had something to keep my chalk in and the students would have something to remember me by.

I'd love for you to let me know in the comments or stop over at my shop, have a look, and heart your favorite. I really enjoyed making these and would love to know what style is the most popular!

Wishing you all a beautiful day! ~ Maureen