Sew Basic: Buttonhole

Sewing a buttonhole now days is a snap! Almost every machine has this feature built in and it's as easy as 1, 2, 3. I always suggest doing a practice run on a scrap piece of fabric. This will ensure that your threading and tension are all correct.

I sew on a Kenmore, it features a buttonhole sensor and came with this special  foot. It does all the math and work for you!!

Select which Buttonhole Mode/style you need.

Place the button in the foot till it is held firmly in place. Then attach the foot to your machine.

Pull the buttonhole lever down as far as it will go. This is the black tab on the left center of the photo. This lever will ensure the proper sizing of you buttonhole.

Center your fabric and press "start" or begin sewing.

Almost done. Grab your seam ripper and slowly push up the center to the buttonhole creating the opening for the button to slide through.

Perfect!

New Favorite Thing

 Have you heard of Meri Meri? They are a company that makes beautiful stationary and partyware.  I discovered Meri Meri at the "Sophia's" birthday party. My friend Sarah made the yummiest cupcakes  that were topped with these beautiful little fairies. It was love at first sight for me!

I have to admit I was totally jealous that Sarah discovered these and I did not! My Sophia would LOVE these little toppers for her Birthday cupcakes. Good thing there are lots of other fun cupcake toppers to choose from!!!

Here are just a few to inspire you. Go check them out http://www.merimeri.com/

Lamp Shade Painting

Seriously...did you know you could do this!?!  Paint a lamp shade? Who knew!

As you may know I've been in the process of decorating Sophia's new bedroom. I have a lamp shade from her old room that is green and white and just does not match the new color scheme. So while looking at it  (light bulb) I thought paint it! It was worth the try. Besides I bought it from Goodwill 2-3 years ago for I think $2.

Here is the shade before:

                              

The process was super simple! I started by picking at the end of the ric-rack and it just peeled right off. 

Then I used masking tape to mask off the area which was going to be painted.

I used Americana Razzle Berry Acrylic Paint and a sponge brush and went to town painting it.

Ta-Da!!!

Sponge Ball Water Fights

These are a fun alternative to water balloons and they are super easy to make. I found this great idea while watching "Martha On Demand." All you need to make one is 3 sponges. I picked three different colors to make them more fun and appealing to kids.

Cut each sponge into 3 strips.

Stack sponges alternating each color.

Take twine or floss and wrap around center pulling tight.  Tie a strong knot.

 Trim strings and have fun!

Birthday Dresses for the Sophia's

We have a Birthday party this Friday for my Sophia's friends Sophia and Sophia. Yes, you read that correct they all three are named Sophia.

I knew right away I wanted to make the girls dresses as the gift. What little girl does not love a new dress? Besides a while back I had bought a few new patterns and bookmarked some tutorials on the web, so this would be the perfect opportunity to try them out.

I scored at Joann's on the fabric. I spotted the lavender floral in the clearance section which also happened to be an extra 50% off!!!!!  It is "Ribbon Dance" Stonehill Collection by Donna Wilder. The green is called "Topsy Turvy" from the same collection.

 

The first dress I used New Look 6960 Size 3. Pretty easy pattern for the most part except the collar. I feel the directions were not very clear and I had to wing it during this step. The pattern called for a zipper which I was excited as it was my first one! I must say I love the way it turned out and my Sophia keeps asking for one of her own.

The second dress is a Pillowcase dress. I was inspired by this dress that Anneliese created for her daughters. It is one of the most simple dresses to make and I learned how to sew a french seam. I absolutely love the big bow!

I hope you girls love your dresses!