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Yes, I know New Year's Eve was 22 days ago BUT I had been working on this in December when I got sidetracked. I hope you'll understand.
These photos were taken with my BRAND NEW used digital SLR. Oh, you don't know HOW long I've been wanting one of these. Probably before they were even invented. And now, I finally have one!
But is it everything it promised to be?
Yes....and more! Oh, so much more.
Taking photos of Lily has never been easier! Oh, did I just give away the surprise? Yes, it's Lily behind the silver balloon. And boy, she goes a mile a minute. There's no stopping her somedays. Keeping her from becoming a long blur in photos has been a painfully frustrating challenge. Now, with shutter speeds of 1/350 of a second (indoor shots) she's as frozen as the ice on the windshield of my car.
Did I mention it's freakin' cold here?
But I digress, the sweater....
I saw a post on Oh Happy Day about a j.crew sweater that a fellow blogger had tried to replicate. I too fell in love and attempted my own version. I have to admit, though simple, the time it took to make each of the flowers was terribly tedious. I wouldn't want to make another one every again.
To make each flower just cut about 35 petals in varying sizes with a silk or silk-like material. Take each one and fold it in half. Thread each folded petal on a string. When all petals are on, tie the end of the string to the beginning and voila! You have a lovely floppy flower. I'd recommend cutting the petals all together. I took five pieces of fabric and cut seven varying petals at once. It still takes what seems like an eternity to complete.
The skirt was a little easier. I used a shimmery duponi silk. I cut the fabric to hang to lily's ankles for a more formal look.
To be honest I wish I had one for myself.
When I'm holding my new camera I feel just like a real professional:) It's heavy and feels important in my hands. I imagine my camera laments over having such an amateur owner. Maybe that's because when we're in public it tries to pretend we're not together. What's that all about?
There was one disappointing drawback that I wasn't aware of. That being, only newer digital SLRs have live view. Something about mirrors and sensors. Was I the only one who didn't know that? It's taken some adjusting but I think I've gotten the hang of it.
Now, I'm thinking about all the cool extras I need. That is, a cool remote control for taking photos in front of the camera. A cool telephoto lens for taking extra blurry photos. A super cool speedlite, so my pictures don't look as if a nuclear bomb just exploded in our faces.
Needless to say, we had a fun photo shoot. Lily desperately wanted to help decorate. So I allowed her to punch the holes in the stars. Her favorite part was running through the silvery wonderland. And with my super cool camera I have about a hundred more photos of her mid-dance.
I would say that this outfit would fit a 3T-5T:)
Last day for posts is Monday 2/2/09 Winner will be announced Wednesday!
As usual, if you would like a chance to win this dress 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.
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I know it's been a while. Thank you for all your kind words about my grandmother. It's helpful to hear that I'm not the only one who has felt those same things.
I hope to be updating this blog as I usually had. It seems so many things had kept me from sewing for one reason or another. I've had so many ideas sitting on the backburner it's literally kept me up at nights.
First things first, as you can see, this isn't a 'Lily' post. Occasionally I have ideas for myself that never come to fruition because I'm too busy sewing for Lily. And I've had a few people ask me if I could make adult sized versions of a few of my posts.
Don't worry. I still have a million child sized ideas but every once in a while I might sprinkle a mommy sized piece to mix things up:)
This is my FIRST adult sized giveaway. Most of the time my ideas result from being unable to find a look I've seen in a magazine or television.
I had seen a similar blouse worn by another 'Lily' that is the character Lily on 'How I met your Mother'. She always wears the coolest things! Then again, she is supposed to be a shopaholic. I couldn't even find a similar look at Anthropologie (not that I would have been able to afford it anyway). So I got out my scissors, measuring tape and pins to make my first 'adult' piece in almost a year!
I thought this blouse would be perfect to wear on a casual first date perhaps at a coffee shop, restaurant/bar or park. Or even a quick lunch date with your husband. It's dressy enough to look special but still has a casual feel.
The giveaway is for the blouse only. But if the winning blog also leaves a comment I will include the twin bird headband worn in the photographs as well!
It bears an embroidered daisy chain trim that lines each of the ruffled tiers. Each tier starts high on the chest and then dips down along my waist giving the blouse a full look in front and straight look in back.
The collar stands tall instead of folding over giving the blouse a vintage feel. It looks good with a hairdo that's pulled up since it hugs the nape of the neck.
This blouse also looks good with a skinny jean. I bought the ones in the photographs at Forever 21 for only $12! You can't beat that.
Oh but what I really believe completed this look were the cowboy boots. They are about one size too small but they are so chic that I'll put up with the pain. They were given to me by a friend of mine whose grandmother had to enter a nursing home. Yes, they were worn by a 80-something year old woman! Bravo! I have to admit, I felt a bit nervous in them myself!
The blouse is made of a cottony material with a linen feel to it. It turned out to be a bit small on me so I would say that this would fit a person who has a small frame. Although I do have a large bust line so that might have contributed to the tightness.
Here's a rundown of the other pieces in the photos in case you had an interest.
Jeans: Forever 21
Boots: Estate Sale
Cami: Old Navy
Necklace: Forever 21Earrings: Manic Trout
I also have to give a BIG thanks to Brian for taking the photographs, putting up with my constant criticism, aggressive suggestions.......and treating me to a yummy Caeser salad:) Not to mention using his lunch hour. I'm just not used to being the one in the front of the camera:) I think he understands.
Of course he also said that the last picture makes me look goofy, so I guess we're even:)
Last day for posts is Wednesday 1/25/09. Winner will be announced Tuesday!
As usual, if you would like a chance to win this 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.
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Don't contact the police. No, I haven't died, been abducted or fallen off the face of the earth. A number of events have come up that have caused me to take some time off from blogging.
I'll start off by quickly mentioning that I've been sick since Christmas. Back in October I developed what I thought was a UTI which hasn't subsided. No antibiotics will help and none of my doctors can figure out what is wrong. Interstitial Cystits perhaps? I'm scheduled to have a cystoscopy later. On Christmas I started feeling nauseous and fatigued with headaches (no, I'm not pregnant:). I don't know if these two things are related but it's caused me to become very weak and run down putting a nix on my sewing spree....temporarily.
Then sadly, my grandmother passed away early Wednesday morning. She had been in a nursing home for some time and on Tuesday we received a call that she would not make it through the night. My sister and I drove up to Wilkesbarre to see her and say goodbye.
Here she is above with my sister and dad. To the right she is pictured with my uncle and father (middle). I think she was quite beautiful as a young mother.
I had never been to see her in the nursing home before Tuesday. When we sat down next to her bed my father handed me some pictures she kept in a frame on her dresser. They were of my daughters, myself and sister, happy, smiling. It was then that I felt my heart break for the fact that I hadn't come until now, until her passing. She was heavily sedated and in a great deal of pain. It was very questionable as to whether she was aware of our presence. In those few moments I wanted the chance to be alone with her to remind her of all the memories she had made in my life and let her know that she had been loved by me. But I didn't have the courage. I hope that in death she can know that although I am not a person comfortable with exposing emotions, I loved her dearly.
During the funeral service my uncle joked that my grandfather was probably celebrating one crazy New Year's party and told her to come on up. I thought that was funny and sad and sweet. I think she would have agreed.
What's your favorite holiday past time? One of ours includes baking. Lily loves to help pour the sugar, scoop the dough and of course eat the rewards. This frock is *just right* for those little helpers who look forward to Christmas, not just for the toys but the moments with Mommy in the kitchen.
The outfit is made up of two parts. The white cotton dress underneath is gathered at the top with a thin collar and puff sleeves. Yellow buttons line the front. The skirt is flattering in an a-line shape.
This dress, like the one before is so versatile since the fit is loose and gathered by the ties in the back.
The apron was modeled after the patterns of the 50s. I used a retro material and paired it with a burnt orange trim. I think I want one in an adult size:)
The shape reminds me of an upsidedown tulip.
Lily's little helper in the photos is the little Lela doll courtesy of Rubyellen from Cakies. She has added the most adorable dolls to her shop. Soft and sweet and happy to help you bake cookies to eat:)
The Lela doll in the photos is included in the giveaway! You should enter for her alone! I think she would be a perfect post-Christmas surprise.
Oh I just had a thought, wouldn't it have been adorable to have Lela peeping out of the door holding a shaker of salt? Ugh. I always think of these things a little to late.
That's our antique refrigerator. No, it doesn't work any longer. But it does hold telephone and cookbooks really well! And occasionally functions as a junk closet when guests suddenly stop by.I purchased the fabric at a tiny, hidden basement store in Amish Country. I actually passed a horse and buggy on my way there. While I perused the isles I could hear women behind the counter speaking heavy Dutch. It's pretty far for me to travel but it sells hard to find remnants like Amy Butler and Henry Alexander.
I must mention that this place, I would never had discovered if not for my new friend Chelia who I met through this blog! Speaking of aprons she sells them and more in her own etsy shop! Metals and Thread. She has a cute little polka dot dress that I love in there now.
My favorite touch was the matching scarf. Looks totally retro!
And yes, I know those aren't sugar cookies. But all we had were chocolate chip. Hopefully you will forgive me:)
I would say that this dress would fit a 3T-5T:)
Last day for posts is Wednesday 12/31/08. Winner will be announced Friday!
If the winning blog also leaves a comment I will include the matching head scarf.
As usual, if you would like a chance to win this dress 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.
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Every year I try to give something both handmade and store bought. I give both because some people just like store bought items and that's okay too. But giving a handmade gift is also a gift to me because I love to impress others with my handiwork. Last year I gave these handmade dolls to Lily. I had wanted to make twelve, a unique one for each country, but somehow time got away from me and only made four.
I found the tutorial in a Martha Stewart Kids but when I went on their website there was no tutorial to be found....LIKE NONE. I really scoured and came up with squat. But I thought they were such smart, sweet idea that I decided to post it for you myself.
Molly likes to rub the African doll into her face. I think she likes her ponytails. This year, my friend Abi requested that I make one for her daughter Gracie. I thought a cute idea might be to make one that looks like her and then sew one that resembles Lily. I have this idea where they are happily playing make-believe with their respective dolls (quietly of course, it is a dream).
MATERIALS:
Doll template
10 x 18 inch piece of washable fabric (body)
10 x 10 inch piece of jersey knit cotton (skin: face, hands, feet)
matching thread
embroidery floss (for features: black, brown, blue, or green for eyes; shades of red or pink for mouth)
Yarn (for hair)
batting
scissors
straight pin
INSTRUCTIONS:
Choose the yarn for the hair with care; alpaca works for straight hair, and bouclé has built-in curls. For shorter curls, embroider mohair yarn directly to head and brush slightly.
1. Use the template. Fold a 10-by-18-inch piece of washable fabric (for body) end to end, right sides facing; lay template on fabric with dotted lines of shoulders on fold, and cut out along solid lines; pin. From a nearly 10-inch square of cotton jersey (for skin), cut a 3-by-7-inch strip (for head) and four 2-inch squares (for hands and feet).
2. Starting at bottom outer edge of one leg, stitch up side to end of arm, with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Repeat on other side of body. Sew inner edges of the legs. Notch curves on body. Fold head rectangle in half lengthwise; pin. Starting at the fold, stitch a curved shape across short end, as shown, and continue stitching down open side; snip away excess fabric, keeping 1/8-inch seam allowance. Turn both pieces right side out.
3. Cut three 2-by-7-inch strips of wool or polyester batting; lay in star shape, as shown. Roll more batting into a 2-inch ball; place on star. Bring strips up and around ball; use a chopstick and your fingers to push batting inside head. Head should be firm; add more batting if necessary, smoothing with fingers.
4. Tie thread the same color as skin around head below ball to create a neck. Stitch bottom opening closed. For hands and feet, place 1-inch ball of batting on each square; bundle, tying with thread.
5. Stuff body, but not as firmly as head. Use gathering stitch to tighten neck opening. Slip head into neck opening. With a doubled length of skin-colored thread, whipstitch head to body, folding under raw edge of body. Repeat for hands and feet.
6. Use pins to mark placement of features. Sew on yarn (for hair) in loops; to keep it in place, make an extra, tiny anchoring stitch at the end of every loop. For features, insert a needle threaded with embroidery floss through the back of the head and out at a pin. Stitch features; needle should exit at the back of the head. Tie off.
7. Snip loops of hair, and fluff. Use your fingers to shape the face.
The holidays have been so inspiring for me this month. There are just too many countless occasions to wear a special dress. This time of year just brings out the best in formal fashion!
The style of this frock I fell in love with a long time ago. I modeled it after the dresses I discovered at Shabby Apple. So if this is something that you would like for your own closet, you should head on over.
For a small clothing company their prices are surprisingly affordable! Just what I love this time of year:)I think the most memorable part of this frock would be the popped collar. So retro! The look is so sophisticated yet adorable on my four year-old.
The dress is great for so many sizes because the front opens and closes with a wrap that ties at the front in a lovely bow. I had never made a wrap dress before but it was surprisingly easy to figure out. AND, THE BEST PART, no zipper to sew in.
I used a dark violet material with a little bit of a sheen giving it a holiday feel. I found it at a local fabric store for only $1 a yard!!!! And it was exactly what I was looking for. Doesn't it just make your day when you find something like that?
Hah, I just noticed, if you look close enough you can see me in the photo to the right. And yes, I am wearing my pajamas in the middle of the day.
The inside of the frock has a sweet spotted pattern under the skirt. The bottom half of the frock is gathered and fills out in a flattering A-line shape.
I love the violet flower headband I found for the photos. I bought it at Forever 21....another one of my favorite places to waste my money.
I think the dress would look great paired some silver ballet flats. I just couldn't find any in time for these photos.
I almost want to make another one for Lily to wear on Christmas. I just think the fit is so flattering, even on a four year-old. Perhaps I should just make one for myself. Or perhaps someone should just buy me the Shabby Apple one (hint, hint, family) preferable in "duck beach", size xxs;)
I would say that this dress would fit a 3T-5T:)
Last day for posts is Monday 12/22/08. Winner will be announced Wednesday morning!
As usual, if you would like a chance to win this dress 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.
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Just in time for Christmas Grosgrain Store will be offering a holiday sale!
For three weeks only, I will be offering all inventory at only $14.95!!
But the sale will end New Year's Eve so be sure to stop by before the big ball drops on 2008!
One more thing....the reversible shirts left in inventory will be the last. They just cost a fortune to make and didn't sell as well as the skirts. So if you would like a shirt be sure to catch them while you can!
And and one more thing....HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!
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As you may have noticed, I've been designing my newest clothes in time for holiday related occasions. This post is no different.
I can't tell you how much easier it is to photograph Lily indoors. Don't get me wrong, I still love the outdoor photos for their beautiful light and atmosphere but obviously, indoor shots have their own perks.
I told Lily that the reward for posing would be a chocolate cake. I think she was skeptical because when I opened it for the photo she had this look of surprise and glee!
I made this dress with a party in mind. It comes in three holiday colors green, silver and pink. Pink? You might say....well, I thought it could be fun for a New Year's get together and honestly, how can you 'not' make a party dress in pink?! The giveaway is for the green dress only.
They are made from a shimmery party taffeta material. Underneath the inverted pleat skirt I added a pillow of tulle to really emphasize the fullness of the bottom. The top is fitted and sleeveless.
In the end, I was really impressed with the fit and shape of the dress. I think I want one for my own New Year's Eve party. Of course, I would choose an impractical sleeveless dress to freeze off my butt all night. I just can't help but think that the look of bare arms is so feminine.
After all the photos were shot I let Lily and Molly really go at the pictured slice. I let them alone with the piece for five minutes. In those few moments they took it upon themselves to not only eat the cake but apply it like makeup, decorate the carpet with it and forgo the civility of forks instead using what tools God gave them.
If the winning blog also leaves a comment I will include the matching green headband in the photos.
I would say that this frock would fit a 3T-4T:)
Last day for posts is Wednesday 12/17/08. Winner will be announced Friday 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.
ONE MORE THING, I've decided to revisit my other blog The TumTum Tree. It will feature personal posts, interesting internet finds and the occasional TV show rant. It probably won't be updated daily but at least a few times per week.
And no, I did NOT make that cake. I bought it at Giant. You can tell it is storebought by the way it does 'not' slope to one side:)
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Like not spending money?