Gingercake

A Baby Book

Baby Books!  Love em or hate em?  The pressure of filling them out makes me aprehensive.  I am fine with the initial info about when baby was born, what was happening, what the birth was like, etc.  It's just the follow up that gets me!  All the other kids have half filled baby books- great at the beginning and then lots of blank pages!  Life gets in the way and I forget to stop and fill out baby book info.   This is where my big girls will be helping future Marion.  They are PSYCHED about the baby book.  

Fabric used: Pretty Little Things Tree by Dena Designs, Free Spirit Get Together Flock of Birds Pink

& Valori Wells Wrenly Rosette Cerulean Blue

I knew the notebook slipcover pattern would come in handy for this project.  My older daughters helped me choose the fabrics.  I added a double layer of cotton batting to make it softer and decided not to add the extra top stitching.  A cleaner edge just seemed right for this project.

I purchased the whole set of pages from the lovely Shanda over at CustomMemoryBooks.  These are so nice!  Shanda customizes the cover page and all the pages just for the baby.  Check it out if you are in the baby book market.  So so sweet.  You can either have her print the pages and send to you or she will customize a set that you can print out yourself.  They are clean and simple with modern graphics. Brilliant.

I bought a binder and clear protector pages from Office Max- an invest of about $15.  At first I thought I wouldn't like using the protector pages but they are actually really nice.  You can insert photos and cards in with certain pages and it keeps the whole thing more organized.  You scrap bookers probably already know about this trick but it was new to me!  

So, were you good about your baby books?  Does it really even matter?  All I know is that when I mentioned baby book to the big girls they were so excited.  We brought out their baby books and it turns out that I filled in just enough to make them happy and together we talked about their baby times.  Phew!  Hopefully we can give that gift to Marion too.

Traveling Changing Pad PDF Sewing Pattern is ready!

Yeah!!  The pattern is ready and in the shop.  No big surprise that pattern writing and testing takes a lot longer with baby in the house but I am proud of myself for finally getting it done!  

I love this project mostly because it is so useful.  I have used mine a bunch of times already and it works so well!  I love folding it back up and doing the cute tie.  The tie is awesome because you can stuff it with diapers and wipes and don't have to worry about it being too full to close up.  Also, you can get as creative as you want with the pad and pockets- patchwork, quilting, whatever!

The wipes pocket requires PUL which was really easy to work with and does a great job of keeping the wipes moist and ready for baby.  It is available at Joanns or online.  Head on over to the shop and take a look! 

Changing Pad with Pockets

Here is a little something I have been working on.  It was only a matter of time before I started with some baby ideas!  I wanted a changing pad with the diaper & wipes pocket attached.  

She is getting chubby!  3 months old tomorrow!  The pad folds up nicely to fit in your bag~

I like the ties but I also made a version with a flap.  The flap was nice but the ties are more fun to me.  What do you think?  The best part is that the pockets are attached and you can put your wipes directly in.  I love that since I was carrying around a loose diaper and plastic baggie with wipes since she was born and it just wasn't looking cute in my bag!

Hoping to have the pattern done in a couple weeks.  Actually I was hoping to have it done this week but pattern creating and writing is in slow motion with Miss Marion in the house!   

Preschool Valentine Craft

Here is the craft I am doing with Cal's preschool tomorrow morning.  I admit I was a bit of a grumpy baby coming up with this.  First, I waited until this morning to make my plan.  Second, I kept waffling about my plan.  Third, I had to haul Cal and the baby all the way to Micheals!  But now I am happy and think the kids will like making these boquets for their moms.  What do you think?  Are the craft mom for your kid's party?

It is just cupcake liners (3 per flower), pipe cleaners, shredded paper to hold them in, and take out containers (3 for $1!).  Pretty cute and I think the 4 year olds can handle it!

Banyan Tee from the Sew Fab e-pattern bundle

Anne has decided she wants to be a fashion model.  And a veternarian.  And a scientist.  For now, she is just silly.  This is the Banyan Tee from Patterns by Figgy that is part of the Sew Fab e Pattern Sale.  Have you bought your bundle yet?

The Sew Fab e-Pattern Sale is Finally Here!!

Today is the 1st day of the 1st ever Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle Sale and giveaway, sponsored by The Southern Institute and Fat Quarter Shop!

Over the past eight weeks a lot of behind the scenes work has taken place to bring you this amazing bundle of ePatterns from several of the top pattern designers and bloggers in the sewing and blogging world. The result is a bundle of 18 PDF sewing patterns that you don't want to miss.

For one week only, ten pattern designers have come together to bring you 18 of their best PDF patterns, valued together at over $139.00, for the incredible price of $24.95! That's over 80% off of the combined retail value! Plus you can enter to win a dream of a giveaway valued at $390 from some really great shops!

For less than $25.00 you will have a library of resources that you can use over and over again. The designers that have joined this sale are experts in their craft. They have been sewing for a very long time and are well known in blogland and elsewhere. Each designer has contributed one or two of their favorite patterns to create a bundle that is sure to please! Whether you are sewing for your own family or making gifts for others, these are patterns that you will love to use.

If you've never sewn with a PDF pattern before, let me tell you how great it is! After downloading your pattern instructions and your pattern, you will print out the pattern itself, creating pattern tiles, if you will. Simply tape the tiles together to create the full pattern! At that point you can cut out the size that you need and pin the paper pattern directly to your fabric or you can trace the pattern size that you need onto sewing paper or tissue paper and cut it out, saving the paper pattern for later when you need to sew another size. Pdf patterns are so convenient because you can print them out as many times as you need!

Click here to buy the bundle!

Now let me tell you a little bit about the giveaway! The Sew Fab Giveaway is amazing! One lucky winner will win a bunch of amazing prizes from Craftsy, Fat Quarter Shop, fabricworm, Jennifer's Jewels Custom Labels on Etsy, Green Bee Patterns, author Deborah Moebes, Mee a Bee, Gussy Sews, I'm Feeling Crafty, and Ball and Chain on Etsy. See the end of the post for giveaway details. This giveaway is not to be missed!

I know you're dying to know "What is included in the pattern bundle?"

18 well-loved ePatterns from 10 well-known designers are instantly accessible to you by PDF download upon purchase of the Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle. Here are the patterns that you will receive (click on the links below to see more details):

Goodship Dress by Circus Wear, Mommy & Mia Apron by Sew Much Ado, Ruby Lou Doll by Sew Much Ado, Mini Maxi Dress by Seamingly Smitten, Miss Mod Top by Seamingly Smitten, Love Your Lunch Box by Ginger Cakes, Modern Folksy Bunny by Ginger Cakes, Banyan Pants & Shorts by Figgy's, Banyan Top & Tunic by Figgy's, Go To Shift Dress by Go To Patterns, Go To Gift Bags by Go To Patterns, Sidekick Suitcase by Sew Fearless, Madeline Dress by Me Sew Crazy, Forget Me Knot Dress by Me Sew Crazy, Alex & Anna Summer PJs by Peekaboo Pattern Shop, Alex & Anna Winter PJs by Peekaboo Pattern Shop, Commuter Cowl by luvinthemommyhood, Scirocco Dress by Figgy's

The Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle is only available for one week and will never be available again! You can purchase the bundle from February 4th at 8 a.m. EST through February 11th at 8 a.m. EST and there will be no late sales offered. Due to the nature of the sale there will be no refunds offered.

 

You don't want to miss this unique opportunity to purchase a ready made collection of 18 PDF sewing patterns from 10 of the best designers out there!

 

And now for The Sew Fab Giveaway!

You are not going to believe the prizes included in this giveaway! Can't buy the bundle? It's okay... purchase is not required to enter. Take a look at what you have the chance to win:

A Sewing Themed Box of Goodies from Pick Your Plum Fabulous Wristlet from Gussy Sews (not necessarily the one pictured) The latest release, Stitch Savvy, by Deborah Moebes Sterling Silver Sewing Machine necklace from Ball and Chain on Etsy $50 Gift Certificate to Fat Quarter Shop $50 Gift Certificate to fabricworm A free online class from Craftsy.com The Scoop Tote Pattern from Green Bee Patterns 60 Custom Tags from Jennifer's Jewels Red Riding Hood Little Girl's Satchel from Mee a Bee Handmade Sewing Machine Cover from I'm Feeling Crafty

YES, ONE WINNER WILL WIN ALL OF THOSE GOODIES!!!

There are lots of chances to win and no purchase required to enter the giveaway. Just use the Rafflecopter widget and enter to win this amazing prize package that will inspire you in your sewing as well as keep you stocked with fabric for many projects to come!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle Sale!

Sew Much Inspiration right at your finger tips...

only $24.95!

Get your bundle now!

Graphic design by Andrea Panell.  

Sew Fab e-Pattern Sale is Coming in 5 days!! 24 patterns for only $24.95!

Here is a sneak peak at all the patterns in the sale!!

Sew Fab e-Pattern Sale!

Coming next week!

From February 4th- February 11th...

the first ever

For one week only, ten pattern designers will be joining together to combine 18 of their best PDF sewing patterns (valued together at over $139.00) and selling them to you for the incredible price of $24.95! That's over 80% off of the combined retail value! That wasn't a typo! For less than $25.00 you will have the chance to purchase a library of resources to get you started on several great projects that you can sew over and over again. The designers that are joining this sale are experts at their craft. They have been sewing for a very long time and are well known in blog land as well as in children's and women's sewing pattern design circles. Each designer has contributed one or two of their favorite sewing patterns to create a bundle that is sure to please! Whether you are sewing for your own family or making gifts for others, these are patterns that you will love to use. Figgy's Patterns, Go To Patterns, peek-a-boo pattern shop, Seamingly Smitten, One Girl Circus, Sew Much Ado, luvinthemommyhood, Gingercakes, Sew Fearless, Me Sew Crazy... this is the lineup! But you have to wait until Monday to find out exactly which sewing patterns are included in the pattern bundle. I can tell you that you won't be disappointed! We are offering an affiliate program for this amazing sale too! If you think your blog readers, Facebook friends, or Twitter pals would be interested in buying this bundle of sewing patterns, why not sign up as an affiliate? As a Sew Fab Sale affiliate you can sell the pattern bundle on your blog and earn 40% of all of your sales! Contact Jenny at thesoutherninstitute @ gmail.com for details. Oh! And there will be a giveaway! The Sew Fab Giveaway is amazing! One lucky winner will win a bunch of amazing prizes from some of your favorite companies and online shops! I can't wait to reveal the giveaway package next week!

Don't miss the Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle Sale

starting Monday, February 4th!

Sponsored by

The Southern Institute and Fat Quarter Shop

We'll see you there!

The Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle is only available from 8 am EST February 4th through 8 am EST February 11th. Due to the nature of the sale there will be no late sales or refunds.

Geranium Dress on Marion

Did you all see that Rae has a new pattern called the geranium dress?  She gave out the 0-3 month size as a freebie and I had to try it out.  This corduroy is from a dress that used to be Anne's when she was 4.  Isn't it so sweet?  That Rae knows how to get me hooked since I already bought the big pattern too!  Well worth the $10 investment though, don't you think?  

The Studio at Contempo Owl Bag Sewing Class

A couple weeks ago, my friend Amy Frank asked me if she could use the Lola Owl Sewing Pattern for a class she is teaching at the Studio at Contempo in Boalsburg PA (near State College).  I said yes (of course!) and please send me some pictures.  I have heard from past customers that girls this age love to sew up Lola and I wanted to see some proof!

I wish I could have been there to take this class too!  I bet these girls had a blast sewing up their bags.  You can almost hear all the giggling and chatter as they choose their fabrics and work on the sewing machine.

For more information about the classes, visit the facebook page of the Studio here.  Amy is teaching several classes and having a wonderful time sharing her love of sewing with kids and adults.

These girls (and their owls) are totally adorable!  Thanks Amy and great job girls!