skip to main |
skip to sidebar
I'm so delighted when I see Grosgrain Giveaways put to good use.
Around this time last year, I made a Southern Belle Frock called the Shenendoah Costume. I gave it away to Natalie of Natalie's Sentiments and her adorable daughter. She informed me that they would be using it next year and true to her word she recently sent me an email with a link to the gorgeous photos that she had taken of her daughter in the dress. Check out more photos here on Natalie's Blog.
I'll be posting one more costume post, probably sometime next week. AND, I think I'm going to try and go for one more Shabby Apple entry. PLUS, I have a REALLY awesome guest giveaway that I think readers will be very excited about. I'll be posting daily.
We had our Trick or Treat night last night. If you'd like you can see some photos on my other blog. But I know some of you are celebrating trick or treat tonight or this weekend. If you are still in need of some costume ideas check out Familye.com
Dina has been coming up with high-quality printables, that can be printed, and used to make homemade costumes.
For example, all designs used on costume of the dragon fighter below and to the right are simply printed and attached to clothing (including printables for the shield).
Check out her site for several other printable costumes, a no sew skunk, printable robot, printable darth vader, no sew lamb, etc.
The robot costume above is a super easy costume to try on your own, especially with the Robot printable templates. If you open the .pdf file, it will have the artwork for the eyes, nose, mouth, and chest pieces. Her children played make believe with it for months and months.
She also made an ADORABLE lamb costume that required no sewing. You really need to check it out!
I loved the skeleton costume below. After being inspired by the idea (though not the price) from a Pottery Barn Kids costume that year, Dina decided to create this fun costume for the children to make themselves. All you or the children need to do is print them, cut them out, and pin them to black pants and a black shirt. While you may use any black pants and shirt, Dina recommend a pair of tight-fitting long underwear found at sports stores that sell ski-wear.
The best part is that Dina offers these all for FREE, yeah, free, on her blog. I definitely recommend going back for more goodies. I believe she is planning on posting the Darth Vader printables this weekend!
I am a big advocate of buying second-hand clothing and using what you have so I am thrilled to welcome my new sponsor, Lil Blue Boo.
Ashley creates patterns that you can use from your old clothing. Such a unique idea, huh?!
She also sells already made clothing and patterns to use with new material.
Check out her Tee-Shirt Sienna Dress above. It is a very versatile pattern and includes options for long, short and ¾ sleeves, bell sleeve or tapered sleeves, and adding a ruffle and altering the dress length.
Each pattern pages print out directly from your computer onto regular 8.5" x 11" paper and there are guides for attaching them together.
To the left is her recycled tee-shirt hoodie pattern. Her patterns show how to reuse existing seams and hems from t-shirts to minimize your sewing time! The hoodie takes approximately 2 hours from start to finish and there are many options for customizing!
Start saving your t-shirts, knit clothing and scrap fabric now! She loves these hoodies so much that she decided to make it into a comprehensive tutorial that even the most inexperienced sewer can follow!
Recycling t-shirts is not only an economical way to make clothing for children, but also an easy way to make one-of-a-kind, comfortable, soft clothing that you could never find in a store!
To the left is her Recycled tee-shirt halter dress. It can be worn by itself or with a short or long sleeve shirt underneath. Ashley's daughter received so many compliments and inquiries on these dresses!
Make sure to add photos of your finished hoodies to the Lil Blue Boo Flickr Gallery at www.flickr.com/groups/lilblueboo.
And check out her blog for up to date inspiration and ideas! For instance, check out this post on her blog about combining patterns: http://lilblueboo.blogspot.com/2009/10/combining-lbb-patterns.html.
j.crew, j crew, jcrew, ann taylor, ann taylor loft, modcloth, express, gymboree, the children's place, gap, baby gap, old navy, the limited, crewcuts, gap the children's place, gap, baby gap, old navy, the limite
Red and poppies go hand in hand. I love the way a red poppy earring POP with a white dress or shirt.
If you too love the look of red jewelry please take a look at Becky Mae.
Becky will be offering her Poppy Fields Necklace and Earring Set featured at the top, second photo and bottom of this post.
This handmade silver plated necklace has a cluster of red vintage czech glass beads with silver leaves. The chain is approx 16 inches and has a lobster claw clasp.
Said Becky, "I love poppies. In November look for poppy earrings, poppy necklaces, poppy phone charms, poppy hair clips and whatever else I can come up with that is poppy!"
And check out these matching handmade poppy earrings. Made with vintage czech red glass beads, silver plated leaves, wire is nickle free. Dangle approx 1 off the ear.
Would look really cute with my signature poppy fields necklace.
Becky also designs handmade purses, messenger bags and totes made with vintage fabrics with unique designs.
Each piece of fabric is hand-chosen by the artist herself. Therefore, this makes each purse/bag/tote unique in design and no two are alike.
Each purse/bag/tote is lined with satin/or another fabric and some come with a pocket for those hard-to-find items (ON request only option).
Choose from four different sizes: small, tote, meduim and large. Pre-orders are accepted; choose a main color for the lining and size. (Allow two weeks for delivery on all custom orders.)
For design inspiration and daily updates check out Becky's blog.
If you'd like to win this necklace and earring set just link to this post either using the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.
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 Linkj.crew, j crew, jcrew, ann taylor, ann taylor loft, modcloth, express, gymboree, the children's place, gap, baby gap, old navy, the limited, crewcuts, gap the children's place, gap, baby gap, old navy, the limite
Some more no sew Halloween costumes for all you last minute moms, like me.
Isn't this adorable? I love how the eyes came out. I swear some of these costumes look totally professional.
See the tutorial here.
This cute costume start with an oversize sweatshirt -- no sewing needed!
See the tutorial here.
This squeaky-clean costume, which FamilyFun reader Julie Sikoryak made for her five-year-old daughter, Nicole, won first place in their neighborhood costume contest.
Read the tutorial here.
This costume starts with a sweatshirt two sizes bigger than your child's size -- found at a discount store for about $5 apiece. You'll also need a hot-glue gun and scissors.
See the tutorial here.
Your child will make a splash in this no-sew costume. Use bubble wrap and cupcake liners to create an undersea beauty with shimmering flippers and a shiny tiara.
Read the tutorial here.
Amazing to look at yet surprisingly easy to put together, this disguise has a magical appeal for kids who love fairy tales.
Read the tutorial here.
Your child will make a splash in this no-sew costume. Just add paper-plate fins and ribbon trim to a bright sweatshirt for this little swimmer.
Read the tutorial here.j.crew, j crew, jcrew, ann taylor, ann taylor loft, modcloth, express, gymboree, the children's place, gap, baby gap, old navy, the limited, crewcuts, gap the children's place, gap, baby gap, old navy, the limite
When I discovered that one of my favorite clothiers Shabby Apple was offering a contest for a spring season dress I knew I had to throw in my proverbial hat. This is my Dress design for Shabby Apple dresses AND your chance to win my entry.
I know that the contest only required that you draw a sketch of your idea but to be honest I'm not that great at drawing freehand and I thought it would look better finished and on an actual human. Since, at the moment I could only model maternity wear, my sister was kind enough to offer her afternoon to photograph her flattering figure.
So let me start off by describing the dress. If you look closely at the pictures below you will see that it is a swiss dot-like material.
The top is pintucked with tiny cap sleeves. Peaking out around the neckline are white fabric covered buttons and white button loops. Also, matching yellow lace lines the v-neck front and is echoed in the underskirt peaking out at the bottom.
The bodice is pulled together by a removable creased sash with white piping lining the outside. It ties together in the back and falls down to the bottom of the skirt line.
I designed the sash to taper off at the sides and be widest in the middle to flatter the figure best.
The underskirt is made of tulle so that the skirt opens up into a generous A-line and as I mentioned earlier has a lace lining peaking out at the bottom.
I was inspired one day while watching the food network. Huh? That's right, specifically Giada's at Home and her limoncello recipe. Everytime I watch her show and see her fabulous springtime recipes and Italian getaways it feels sunny and warm regardless of what season it may be.
Her description of limoncello made me water at the mouth. And what's more spring than gathering outdoors on a warm evening with your friends and enjoying dinner and lemon drinks? Obviously the choice of dress color was born from the inspiration of her lemon drink recipe.
I wanted this dress to be a perfect choice for a fancy lunch with friends or picnic with your husband.
One dilemma was that it had to be a 'spring' dress. Which wouldn't be a problem in the spring but at the moment, everything screams fall. Not that it isn't beautiful, in fact the leaves are Sunday drive worthy. But we had to go to the Hershey Gardens in order to get some good summer flowers. Roses, chrysanthemums, pansies, etc.
My sister was a little uncomfortable with all the extra attention I attract when we do photo shoots. The picnic blanket alone had her more nervous that you'd ever imagine. It was like a giant blue sore thumb in a sea of green grass.
Ideally, I wanted a picnic table with a dish of lemon custard pie and a turquoise blue metal 50s chair with lemons scattered around the table. Perhaps set in front of a wooden blue sided house....or white. Whatever.
Ideally, I also wanted a brunette. Here's a little secret. Chan is totally blonde, has been since I knew her. Here's a more accurate photo. And here's a better one.
I bought a costume wig for her to wear but in the end we decided that Photoshop would work just as well. Personally, I think she looks better as a blonde but I didn't want her hair to blend in with the dress.
It's funny, my sister and I share a father so we are technically 'half' sisters. My mother is Pacific Islander and therefore, we look nothing alike. But seeing how she looks with dark hair makes us appear 'a little' similar. Maybe?
I'd say this dress would fit a size 2-5.
If you'd like to win this dress just link to this post either using the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.
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 Linkj.crew, j crew, jcrew, ann taylor, ann taylor loft, modcloth, express, gymboree, the children's place, gap, baby gap, old navy, the limited, crewcuts, gap the children's place, gap, baby gap, old navy, the limite
Okay here it is, the winner of the Queen of Hearts giveaway is.......Emily of BluBabes. Congratulations! I want to thank everyone who linked and left such wonderful comments. They were all read and appreciated very much. It breaks my heart that there can only be one winner. I wish I could give them away to everyone. You all seemed so deserving.
I just wanted to add a couple things. I will be changing the 'winners' link to red. It is located at the upper left corner of my page, above the banner. Please check it often to see if you have won. If you do win, please email me at grosgrainwinners@gmail.com. Also, I still have a couple outfits from the past that have not been claimed so please check to see if you had won something and did not know.
And check back tomorrow for the Shabby Apple Dare to Design Dress giveaway!
Happy Sunday!
I'm just finishing up my Shabby Apple Dare to Design Dress and I'm too excited to show you. Since I'm in no condition to model, my lovely sister Chantalene has graciously agreed to feature her flattering figure for the first time on Grosgrain. Please look for it tomorrow.
And later today look for the Queen of Hearts Winner which will be posted to the front page of Grosgrain.
For now, please take a look at some of my loyal flickr posters. There were so many good flickr favs to choose from, I recommend going to flickr and seeing all the pictures for yourself. The first (below) is from flickr user LittlePearlGirl. In Kaffe print.
This next photo is courtesy of flickr user fat connection.
If you like it too, she is giving it away to one lucky winner....here.
Love this little winterjacket. From flickr user betje.com.
I love this time of year for warm winter coats. Sure, they take a long time to make but get worn so much more often! From flickr user Liliashp.
Lastly, for the road....a skirt with a great mix of pattern. I'd love to put this on my daughter for school! From flickr user vintagefern. See more on her blog here.
j.crew, j crew, jcrew, ann taylor, ann taylor loft, modcloth, express, gymboree, the children's place, gap, baby gap, old navy, the limited, crewcuts, gap the children's place, gap, baby gap, old navy, the limite
I have to admit, there are so many times I will pick out an outfit for Lily only to have her reject it minutes before school because it's not comfortable. Most of Lily's comfortable clothes have annoying Nickelodeon characters on them so I am always disappointed when I eventually cave in for the sake of being on time.
Fellow parents in the same crisis, please welcome my newest sponsor: Tyler Trends. Not only are their clothes super comfy but made well too!
AND my favorite part, they have six modern animal prints designed by digital artist Anette Tyler who was inspired by her children who love animals, colors and shapes. The prints really POP against the solid background.
You can choose from the following designs: Ladybird, Monkey, Giraffe, Tiger, Polar Bear and Panda. They are perfect for both boys and girls.
The short sleeved shirts and one pieces are made from fair trade organic cotton, meaning it's free from many toxic and harmful chemicals. Organic cotton is also hypoallergenic which is perfect for sensitive skin! Fair trade means the farmers got a fair price for their cotton and child labor was not used to make the clothes.
Sometimes it's so difficult to find high quality children's clothing that is not only cute but made well too. Tyler Trends, a family owned company, uses the best in professional screen printing printing techniques. They do NOT use any iron on transfers or digital printing methods. Their printing is designed to last, wash after wash, without fading, peeling or cracking. They make the clothing you've grown to love.
The prints come in a variety of sizes and cuts. Choose from short sleeved tee shirts, long sleeve tees and onsies.
Made of 100 % fine ring-spun combed cotton. This finer 1 x 1 knit features a comfortable stretch with excellent durability through repeated washings.
All their clothing is from Sweatshop-Free manufactures. This means that no child labour has been used and the workers get a fair wage and recieve the benifits that they deserve, no forced overtime and the working conditions are safe.Children will adore the clothing because they have cute and funny animal prints and because the clothing feels good to wear. While parents will love the products because of the great and unique design and because of the high quality which allows the child to be themselves and play hard.
You know what I have on my jewelry tree? A classic graduated bead necklace and one in every color. They dress up practically any outfit, especially a blue turquoise piece.
Which is why I'm delighted to announce that Yellow Finch Designs is offering one of her gorgeous graduated bead necklaces, Turquoise Love, to one lucky Grosgrain reader.
This necklace is made with tuquoise beads, vintage faux turquoise beads and coral. It is finished with sterling silver plated chain and a hook clasp. Measures 20 inches.
The right piece is another one of my favorites. This unique necklace is made with a vintage pendant that was once a clip on earring in a former life (made in Japan). She has added faux pearls and gold plated chain and finished it off with a toggle clasp. The first layer falls at 21 inches.
Oooo, these lemon drop earrings look almost good enough to eat.
These fun earrings are made with vintage beads, bali beads and sterling silver spacer beads. They are finished off with sterling silver plated earwires and measure 1 1/2 inches. These are a great light weight earring to wear for any occasion!
Another classic pairing, cornflower blue and white.
These dainty earrings are made with vintage cabochons and gold plated posts.
With well over 100 designs to choose from, you're bound to fall in love with many of her lovely accessories.
Also check out her blog for her newest creations and inspirations.
Love this too! This unique necklace is made with a faux feather pendant, cream faux pearls, taupe pearls, gold plated chain and a toggle clasp. The first layer falls at 19 1/2 inches.
This is a great statement piece and would look beautiful with a dress, white button down or sweater!
If you'd like to win one of this graduated bead necklace pictured at top and at bottom just link to this post either using the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.
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
I'm so delighted when I see Grosgrain Giveaways put to good use.
Like not spending money? 