Check Mark

One of the things I love best about sewing is that there is a never ending supply of challenges that just make you better for trying. Well, I can now check "sewing with knits" off of my list of new things to try as well. I admit I was quite intimidated by the silly pieces of stretchy fabric, but it's not all that bad. Check out Jenny's tips here and Corie's tips here. Jenny was quite the enabler for this piece since she graciously passed on some of her left over knit fabric by Patty Young. Dang she's sweet!

Once again my cute little model is tucked in bed, so we'll settle for the stationary one instead. I found this cute cowl neck pattern by Heidi and Finn on Etsy. I'm a little tired of sewing up jumpers and looking for long sleeve undershirts this winter, so I was on the hunt for something with long sleeves. The cute cowl neck sealed the deal on purchasing this pattern. I opted to do a lettuce edge hem for the sleeves to get that wavy look. You can check out Patty Young's videos for various hemming options with knits. So, if you are nervous about branching out to knits like I was, conquer that fear and take on the challenge. It's a great feeling!

B is for Bea

I may have two years of high school German under my belt, but when I opened this pattern I knew I had not learned (or retained) nearly enough. Up until now all of the Farbenmix patterns I have used have had an English translation, but this cute hoodie did not. Never fear, Farbenmix has sewing guides for similar type tops and the Imke in Sewing Clothes Kids Love would be a good go by too.

I've been eager to do a test run with applique ever since purchasing my new Bernina. I'm happy to report that this will not be my last attempt. That Bernina makes some of the most difficult tasks I had with my 50 year old machine a breeze.



Not only does the pattern include that adorable crown pocket, but they also extend the fun rounded knob shape to the point of the hood. I love the details! And, Avery loves a big pocket for her treasures.



The seam down the middle of the arm just screamed for some vintage trim to cover it up. The trim I found in my stash actually inspired the colors and heart for the pocket. I didn't have a plan at all when I bought the blue fleece, but I think everything turned out the better for it.

Romp In Style

I recently had the privilege of testing Carla Hegeman Crim's (a.k.a. Scientific Seamstress) latest pattern. She sent along a great romper full of classic style. Her pattern is brimming with excellent details plus this romper is totally reversible. Want more? She includes details for an added ruffle for a girly version AND a dolly size version. Talk about getting more for your money!! For the test, I made a romper for my nephew Palmer then sent in on to Brooke to work her photography magic.





Isn't he handsome!?!



So, for more pattern details head on over to Scientific Seamstress or pick up a copy at YouCanMakeThis.com.

Learn Something New

I determined to learn a new technique for this new month in this new year, and I had the perfect opportunity to start shirring with elastic thread. While I was home in San Antonio for the holidays I met up with the lovely Jenny of Sew Pretty Dresses. We spent one afternoon going through her wonderful fabric stash and checking out all her fun patterns. I mean really, Todd certainly has no interest in discussing fabrics or designers with me, so it's fun to hang out with someone who speaks the same language. Well, not only did Jenny pass on an amazing stack of fabrics she was no longer going to use, but we also decided to try swapping patterns. When she passed on this Lydia pattern from Pink Fig the pressure was one to test out elastic thread shirring (Jenny has been doing this for a while with great success.) As usual, I should not have feared; this technique is pretty straightforward. The Pink Fig pattern had good instructions and my sewing machine actually has a special stitch for elastic thread. There are lots of tutorials out there to get you started too.



I'm hoping it will be warm enough in March for this to be Avery's St. Patty's day dress. The main fabrics are Sandi Henderson's Ginger Blossom, and the bodice and hem are Jennifer Paganelli prints. The pattern actually has a cute cap sleeve; however, when I tried the dress on Avery prior to attaching the sleeves, they were too short. So, check it before you sew if you plan on making this dress. I opted for thin tie straps instead of redoing the sleeves.

Jenny and I spent another fun afternoon visiting with Corie of Banberry Place. Talk about inspiration! I'll have more on this at a later date.

Opa's Black Cows

I still have pictures that I haven't posted from our Texas trip at Christmas, so here are a few more. One of Avery's favorite things at the ranch are the black heifers currently separated from the larger cows. She constantly asked to go see the cows and feed them fresh hay. This gate gave her the prime viewing spot.





I have to dig up the photos and video from another camera, but there was one such visit that ended with Avery in the pen with the cows. At one point Avery walked up to Opa and said, "I have a question for the cows." She then proceeded to ask if she could go in with them, and she did under close supervision. I know this story would be better with the photos, but I just can't put my hands on that camera at this moment.

Avery, Omie, and I took a long walk down one of the ranch roads that afternoon. Avery was quite a trooper and enjoyed finding rocks and climbing on whatever she could. I adore the joy in this face!

Bath Play

We made a quick, relaxing trip to Savannah last weekend to visit Todd's brother and his family. We can't wait for these two to be running around together, but for now we will settle for some watery play time.

Snow Day

Avery was ready to go as soon as she stepped out of the door into the 8-10" snow.





Bella was frisky as a puppy.





Avery's favorite new snack is snow!


Bella enjoyed retrieving snow balls and promptly eating them.


We finally had a great use for the big hill in our back yard.


Todd and I were completely exhausted at the end of the day, but it was fun!

Snowy Forecast

First we had sleet; then we got a bit of snow.



Since dinner we've probably had almost 3 inches of snow with massive amounts still falling. Tomorrow promises to be filled with sledding, snow eating, and snowmen. I guarantee photos will follow.

Sweet Little Red

Pretty much forever ago I won a fun giveaway Tasha of A Little Sweetness hosted on her blog. The prize was this cutie dress kit available in her Etsy shop. You've seen me used this Leila and Ben pattern before, but I finally put it together with Tasha's fabric.



She included the instructions and design for this little embroidery patch that just makes the outfit complete.



I have several thing in the queue to blog about, but I had to squeeze this dress in since there is another giveaway involved. Head over to Tasha's blog ASAP because you have a few more hours to enter. Check out her amazing stockings while you are there. Tasha inspired me to try hand embroidery with her dress kit and now she is tempting me to try quilting. I certainly don't need another hobby though.

Finally, I'm throwing in a photo of my Valentine's mantel. I've never been a big fan of Valentine's day, but I'm trying to get in the spirit of all the holidays for Avery. The decorations are simple, but simple is all that is needed sometimes. You can print off your own banner with the printable alphabet bunting here. The wreath is from last year's yarn wreath tutorial.

Avery +'s Sparklers

We didn't stay up until midnight and I'm a tad under the weather, but New Year's eve really could not have been much better. Sometimes it is hard to gauge what Avery's response will be to new things. She's quiet as a mouse for the first 45 minutes of meeting new people, yet she walks into new nursery settings without ever looking back. She loves to climb, run, and splash, but she hates the loud flushing toilets in public restrooms and hand dryers are the most terrifying. So, we weren't sure what to expect with the fireworks. The looks of wonder and excitement were priceless. We look forward to a new year of learning and growing with our precious girl.