Downtown Holiday Cropped Jacket Pattern Preview
November 30, 2011
Silhouette Advent Tree Calendar
November 29, 2011
So after perusing a few ideas on the internet I decided to do advent boxes that were hung in the tree with corresponding numbers on the front AND I used my new Silhouette to get me there! Like I said, the new Silhouette has a much wider 12" cutting area opposed to their 9". Three inches makes a LOT of difference. My boxes came out much bigger than they used to and I was able to use 12"x12" Christmas printed cardstock from Michaels. All together this entire project only cost me the expense of the paper which was $10 for 48 sheets. I really only needed around 30 so I have 18 extra to use as I like.
I went on their website and choose 16 different 3D box patterns. I used a Silhouette gift card which went a LONG way this weekend. Patterns were only 50¢ a piece! That's half off! That really adds up when you're getting multiple patterns. Of course, you could do this project with just one box pattern but I just wanted to mix things up a bit. Then I also bought 3 sets of numbers patterns to add to the front of each box.
The best thing about these boxes is that I can use them next year and the year after....etc and they only took a day to make all 25 including the trip to Michaels.Now, all I have to do is think of a tiny project to include for each day of the month. I think I might just be putting candy in a few of them but I'll try to make a project for as many as I can and post on Grosgrain. My first box will be little fabric flower hair clips, a Reese's peanut butter cup and a Christmas fact. Do any of you have any good suggestions for small homemade gifts to include in the boxes. Nothing that takes all day, maybe an hour TOPS. So far I've got rings, headbands, seeds, monogrammed mittens and a Christmas pin.
I tried to use the Silhouette to cut stiffened felt but it didn't work. It didn't bunch up or anything but it only cut halfway through the surface. I'm still not giving up. Trying to think of other things.Well.....I'm off to research mini crafts:) Wish me luck!
Bow Bandeau Swim
November 28, 2011
It's handmade and only $40!
I would love to try and make a similar pattern for it sometime!
Speaking of patterns. I'm getting close to perfecting my Downtown Holiday Jacket. Stay tuned for some preview pics later today.
Silhouette CAN Cut Fabric
November 27, 2011
The thing I REALLY like about discovering that the Silhouette will cut fabric is that I no longer have to buy special heat transfer material to make tees. Just Heat'n'Bond and fabric in my choice. Plus, I can use different patterned fabric instead of just solid colors.
The software recommended that I cut at a 3 setting. However, when I used 3 it didn't cut anything just made an outline. So I set it to 8 and it cut just fine. I also cut flannel at an 8 for the mittens which is thicker and more fibrous than regular quilter's cotton. Also, for finer details, like the zigzag pattern in the round ornament, a setting of 5 worked best.
These shirts would also make great gifts for kids. I like the idea of appliqueing their names on long sleeved tees, or mom, dad, sister, etc.
And don't forget!!!!!!!!!
Christmas Party or Winter Wedding? Try David's Bridal
November 25, 2011
**This is a sponsored post but all my opinions are my own and based upon personal experience. I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of David’s Bridal and received a gift certificate to facilitate my review.
Got an upcoming special event to attend? Whether you're in the bridal party or simply attending the ceremony, take a look at David's Bridal for a dress to impress without breaking the bank.
Brian's sister's wedding is coming up! It's next weekend in fact. I'm in disbelief I wonder how Melody is feeling. So the girls and I stopped by David's Bridal and picked up some flower girl shoes, bridesmaid shoes, wedding glasses, and a pettiskirt.....all for under $150!
The last experience I had at David's Bridal was in September. She bought her dress there and so did the bridesmaids. Compared to other bridal stores, David's was definitely the better deal.
Here's the dress I bought. It's on sale for only $99! I had mine altered to be knee length since I'm shorter. It's featured as tea length. It was very forgiving in the stomach area. Remember at the time I was 5 months pregnant;) My sister managed to purchase her beautiful dress for only $500! But now it's on sale for only $350!
The experience was outstanding. A very helpful manager, Eileen, walked me through finding just the right shoe. With the wedding being so close we had to buy something that didn't have to be ordered which made things tricky. She was great about going back and forth checking for the just the right color and sizes. These shoes were so cute I'm going to let them wear them after the wedding.
For some information and a look into some of David’s Bridal’s special occasion dresses, visit http://www.davidsbridal.com/
Black Friday Silhouette Deal on Grosgrain
I have a really amazing offer for you today! Silhouette is having a really great Black Friday sale for their newest model: the CAMEO. To get this offer you must use this "Secret Black Friday Page" and use promo code: GGF at checkout!
The new Cameo has a larger 12" cutting area for bigger projects! That's bigger than your standard printer.
The new Cameo has a larger 12" cutting area for bigger projects! That's bigger than your standard printer.
With the GGF code you ALSO get 40% discount off everything in the Silhouette online store (except the CAMEO, subscriptions, download cards, and gift cards)
AGAIN, The CAMEO will not be found in the regular online store but only on their ‘secret’ Black Friday page: http://www.silhouetteamerica.
You should also be aware that the Black Friday supply of CAMEOs will sell out so be sure to snag yours! Codes will be valid through the 28th.
*All shapes will be half off.
I'll be posting some projects I've made with the new machine through the day and weekend! If you have any please feel free to share yours too!
Ideas: Reupholstered Box Spring
Upholster the box spring instead of using a bed skirt.
Why haven't I seen this before?!
Ideas: Simple Fleece Blanket
Oh my goodness. I've never seen a fleece blanket with edging like this before. So simple but different! Might make a cute simple Christmas gift. Get the tutorial here.
Tutorials 92: Ribbon Wellies
November 20, 2011
Beach Brights shows you how to make you own ribbon grommet rain wellies from plain old wellies;)
Christmas Dress Possibilities
Lily has expressed interest in having a "Christmas Dress" this year. In years past she could have cared less. I don't know what's changed but I'm not going to complain. I think she wants something that really 'dazzles'. I'm probably going to go with something gold sequiny but I saw this today and thought it looked interesting.Sew a feather boa to a tutu dress. Perhaps white with red or vice versa. Do they make silver boas? Something like this would be awesome with a white or silver dress.
See more pics of this dress here.
Scarf Season
November 17, 2011
For a couple years I had been trying to make a new scarf variation for each of the female family members as Christmas gifts. Last year I fell short but I've been looking at some lately and here's a few that caught my eye.
It has a pattern here but its in another language. Does anyone know how to make the crochet flowers? Is there an easy way? I don't think I could make one let alone seven if it meant spending 30 minutes a flower. But this one is probably my fav.
Also, really liking something like this. And it might be more practical. Could make from recycled sweaters.
This is actually pretty funny. I like. Would also work with a regular scarf.
I wonder how this would look using wool felt instead of crochet. Would make my life a lot easier.
Any scarves you've had an eye on making?
So Clever!
November 16, 2011
Light bulbs wrapped in twine!
I'm sure we'd have enough old light bulbs to try this!
I'm sure we'd have enough old light bulbs to try this!
Advent Ideas
November 15, 2011
We were surprised by how little Lily actual knows about the meaning of Christmas so I've been thinking about doing an advent calendar for the kids this year with tiny homemade gifts, candy and "meaning of Christmas" letters inside, then showcasing some of the tiny projects on Grosgrain. So I've been looking for advent inspiration. There's a bountiful supply out there. Here are 10 of my favs. Any of you have a favorite advent calendar you'd like to share?
I like the idea of hiding them in the tree for the kids to find each day.
I also liked dedicating an entire wall to it. And using felt or fleece.
Making a row of stockings and draping at end of bed.
Cards with notes of things to do that day.
Pennant Style
Mason jars filled with items with days on tags.
Yarn wrapped brown paper packages hanging on a pin board.
Okay, these are just the cutest and most eye catching but I don't think I'd have the patience to make 25 of them;)
Boxes in the shape of a tree with numbered stickers.
Wrapped coffee cans.
Inspiration: Lace Overlay
I love this inspiration! You could replicate it by sewing some wide vintage lace into the shoulder and side seams of a 50s style dress. Thanks Liz for your fabulous Pintrest finds;)
Here's some great lace that might work for this look:
I Want One
November 13, 2011
Wow. I love this. It's kinda pricey for a blouse but still not ridiculous.
$44 at Dorothy Perkins. That's with the 20% discount at checkout. Discount ends at midnight.
Sewing Tips
Hanging Chandelier DIY
Some of you might have seen my DIY Christmas light chandelier hanging in my dining room from a previous post. I like the way it looks on but when it's turned off it's not quite as impressive.
But I like what Olive and Cocoa did with their chandelier. Perhaps you could add Christmas lights between the branches rather than tea lights so you could use a more practical light switch. That way it looks good when on AND off. I also like the ribbons.
Cute Cheap Dress 33: Maternity
I don't find many cute cheap maternity dresses but every once in a while I'll see something I like.
Like this pony print dress!
Only $28 at Debenhams.
Use coupon code: PG7D for 20% discount. Price above reflects coupon.
Only $30.56 at Debenhams.
Use coupon code: PG7D for 20% discount. Price above reflects coupon.
Psst....not sold in stores. I learned the hard way:(
But if you buy online you can get another at 50% off! So potentially you could only pay $22.50 each for two.
(I'd pick the Crab Apple Red and pair with a dark grey cardigan. Then I'd get the Peacock and pair with a mustard yellow cardigan.)
Free shipping when you spend $50 or more.
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