Popcorn Bloomer & Blouse GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.

The first thing that came to my mind when I saw the lingerie that inspired this was 'popcorn'. To me, the white ruffles tinged with brown thread looked like popcorn with their insides peaking out.

To make this little bloomer and tank top I used a very soft white knit material. Rather than hem the edges, I finished it by encasing them with a zig zag stitch in brown thread. This created the ruffled edges.





It was a little small on Molly so I would say it should fit a 6-12 month old. PLUS, if you leave a comment I will include the matching brown ribbon baretts, see below.

Oh and don't worry all you moms out there. I didn't let her eat any of the popcorn pieces. Surprisingly, it wasn't hard to stop her. She had no interest in them other than crushing the fragile kernels between her fingers. It's about the only thing she isn't interested in putting in her mouth.

Last day for posts is Sunday 8/3/08. Winner will be announced Tuesday morning!

As usual, if you would like a chance to win this bloomer and blouse just link back to this post. If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link to the right. If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.
I just wanted to add that even if I don't get to change the graphics on the buttons to the right, I try to have new content everyday excluding most weekends. Sometimes, things get pretty hectic around here and I don't always get the extra hour on the computer that I need to change the pics on the buttons. But please keep checking them out to see what's new!


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Create a Link!

Reversible Bird Seed Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.

What little girl doesn't love to feed ducks? But how many times has she been ill-prepared when encountering a flock? With this sweet skirt she can carry a handful of seeds in her pocket just in case she meets a group of hungry geese or pigeons on the street.

Lily had a great time modeling this skirt despite the high noon heat and shouted "Quack, Quack. That's duck for goodbye!" as we made our way home.

When I saw this Alexander Henry fabric I immediately asked for a yard. After seeing the print of the large bird feeding on seeds, the wheels in my head started spinning. I wanted to make a skirt with a tiny pocket on the side, large enough to carry a handful of birdseed.








But I didn't just want to make a simple skirt....so I made it reversible! It's the first reversible piece of clothing I've sewn since the kindergarten pinafore. After that nightmare I feared I'd never attempt a reversible piece again but I think enough time has passed for me to ease my way into one again....starting with this simple skirt. As you can see, the reverse side is green with a bird print pocket and trim.
(see below)







I made the waist 19" so I would say it would fit a 3t-5t. PLUS, if you leave a comment I will include the matching rickrack doublebanded headband, see below.

This giveaway is for the reversible skirt only.

Last day for posts is WEDNESDAY 7/30/08. Winner will be announced FRIDAY morning!





As usual, if you would like a chance to win this skirt just link back to this post. If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link to the right. If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.

I've also had a couple people ask whether or not it is a problem if their blog is private. No, it is not a problem. I've seen plenty of private blogs in Technorati but if for some reason you don't think your blog is being recognized by Technorati, just let me know you've blogged in a comment to be sure.


Create a Link!

Create a Link!

African Safari Shorts GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.

Looks like Lily's ready to hop on her jeep, camera around her neck and snap some jungle photos. I wanted the look of this outfit to resemble that of the European explorers in the 20s.

I used a multi-tonal taupe linen material. The shorts have pleats that billow out at the sides similar to the fashion of the early century. I added real wood buttons to the leg cuffs and waistband.



This was a tad tight on Lily so I would have to guess that it might fit a 2-3T.

Best of all, I think these shorts would be wearable for either a boy or a girl. So all you moms with boys who've I've excluded could enter if you'd like.

PLUS, if you leave a comment I will include the matching wooden button barrets, see below.

This giveaway is for the linen short only.

I've also had a couple people ask whether or not it is a problem if their blog is private. No, it is not a problem. I've seen plenty of private blogs in Technorati but if for some reason you don't think your blog is being recognized by Technorati, just let me know you've blogged in a comment to be sure.



Last day for posts is SUNDAY 7/27/08. Winner will be announced TUESDAY morning!

As usual, if you would like a chance to win these shorts just link back to this post. If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link to the right. If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.

Create a Link!

Create a Link!

Adorable GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.

I'll be starting a new 'Grosgrain' giveaway this afternoon. But in the meantime I have another awesome giveaway courtesy of ScribbleIt.
Just what *is* Scribble It? It's vinyl lettering and wall art for your home, your business, your vehicle....your life. The winner will receive a $20 gift certificate to use on their online store here: ScribbleIt






And it's going to be a difficult decision for the winner because they have all sorts of adorable art and lettering for your child's room, living room, bedroom.....whatever. I'd recommend that you check out their 'wall art' section. Just adorable and easy to apply....and remove.

To enter the contest just make a comment ON THIS POST by Thursday night 7/24/08. One entry per person please. Winner to be chosen randomly and announced Friday morning! Good Luck!

Train Stop Shirt Dress GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.

I thought the look of this dress was similar to the housewife dresses of the 40s. And the idea of train travel embodies that time period for me. Whenever you see a love story that takes place during WWII you can bet there's going to be a train involved....at some point.

I used a very, very soft black and white plaid homespun fabric. To add a splash of color I made the belt and buttons candy apple red. It has a shirt dress fit with retro buttons down the front. With the little red suitcase and frock, she looks like she's ready to go to Grandma's house.














Since, it comes pretty far down on Lily, I would say that this would fit a 3-5 year old. If you're unsure, Lily's measurements are: waist-19", height- 38"


from that hopefully you can sort of judge for yourself.

PLUS, if you leave a comment I will include the most darling matching button barrets, see below.





Last day for posts is MONDAY 7/21/08. Winner will be announced WEDNESDAY morning!

As usual, if you would like a chance to win this frock just link back to this post. If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link to the right. If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.

I just wanted to add that even if I don't get to change the graphics on the buttons to the right, I should have new content everyday. Sometimes, things get pretty hectic around here and I don't always get the extra hour on the computer that I need to change the pics on the buttons. But please keep checking them out to see what's new!




ONE MORE THING! If anyone thinks that their link is not showing up just let me know where you've blogged in a comment and I will add it to the giveaway that way.

Something that is also a good idea for any blogger is to claim their blog in Technorati. You can do it here at the bottom of the page. I believe they index all their registered blogs daily AND the more you get pinged, the more up-to-date your rank is. I'll include this little blurb in my Q&A for anyone else who needs it.

Create a Link!

Create a Link!

Piñata Pinafore GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.

This weekend introduced many chaotic challenges. We celebrated Lily and Molly's birthday. I made matching dresses. I put together a swingset. I exhausted our supply of bandaids and calamine lotion. But the fruits of my labor paid off. Case in point, this darling dress. The colors reminded me of a Mexican fiesta. But for the blue and purple, it nearly matched the pinata.

I made it with a gathered neck that cinches with yellow polka dot ties with crochet flowers at the ends. A little pink, yellow and orange patterned apron ties at the mid section. And best of all, I made a ruffled bloomer that sticks out underneath. In fact, it was the ruffles that initially reminded me of a pinata....layered and square.







When I designed the length of this dress I was reminded of some of the vintage children's patterns I've seen lately. Most of them have lengths that come just under the butt with bloomers to match the dress. As you can see in the picture to the right this was the look I was going for.

As for the pinata, you can see what was left of its carcass below. Think 'Lord of Flies' when they slaughter the pig. Who knew preschoolers had so much aggression to release?

The rest of the party went great too! Lily was a little shy but eventually broke out of her shell....after most of the guests said their goodbyes:) She gets really overwhelmed by a crowd. If you like to see more pics of the party. See them here on The tumtum tree.

Believe it or not, this IS a giveaway. I made an extra 2-4T dress for Grosgrain. Yup, that's three dresses in one weekend (phew, I'm tired). It looks just like the one Lily is wearing. I could not quite bear to part with the originals seeing as they had sentimental value.

PLUS, if you leave a comment I will include the most darling matching bobby pin barrets, see below.




Last day for posts is FRIDAY 7/18/08. Winner will be announced SUNDAY morning!

As usual, if you would like a chance to win this pinafore just link back to this post. If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link to the right. If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.

Create a Link! <Click on this link!

Create a Link! <Click on this link!

Early Evening Gown GIVEAWAY!!!!!!! CLOSED.

This dress reminded me of early twilight. Perhaps it was because I thought it looked like a mix between a day dress and a night gown. I used a very pale pink material reminiscent of early evening. And delicate ruffled straps that begin at the underarm. I added a wide ruffled trim at the bottom and voila....she's ready for the day/night.








Last day for posts is Monday. Winner will be announced Wednesday morning!

As usual, if you would like a chance to win this gown just link back to this post. If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link to the right. If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.




Also if you have been having trouble with my free daily pattern please keep trying to use it. I had been working on some kinks and I think I have worked through them for the most part.

*UPDATE* 7/10/08 I have signed up with a new file host for the daily pattern pdfs. I will keep the retro bathing suit up for another day for those who thought they might like it. If you have a problem please let me know. Thanks.


Create a Link! <Click on this link!












Create a Link! <Click on this link!

Fourth-of -July Mini Frock

I had desperately wanted to sew something with a holiday theme. Fourth of July is great because the colors are so classic. This is what I came up with.

This is *not* a giveaway. It might have been, had I sewn the top better but there were a lot of ugly mistakes that you can't see so much in the photos.

I used a sweet cornflower blue and white polka dot material. The ruffled sleeves extend down past the armholes. I also added a little buttoned bib in the center. Lily looked great wearing it to the fireworks on Sunday.
















Harrisburg had a fabulous display last night that was synchronized with music on the
radio. The whole family and about 200 others walked down the street to the nearby park which has an AMAZING view overlooking the river and the city. We set up a few chairs, blankets, snacks and made ourselves a great Sunday evening. Best of all, no beating the traffic after all was said and done:)

One more thing, congratulations to Tonya of A Day in my Life who was the winner of the Roosters'n'Rickrack Frock Giveaway. Please email me an address so I can send it your way!








Also, remember to check the 'winners' button to the right to see if you've won the Ice Cream Social Giveaway on Wednesday morning! I will be posting a new giveaway soon!