Sumo's Sweet Stuff

Sugar Bee - Craft Edition

.:Giveaway Winner - Cutting Edge Stencils:.

2012-01-25T08:21:00.003-07:00

I'm only one day late posting the winner of the Cutting Edge Stencils giveaway!

I'm totally patting myself on the back for that, after the way my week's been going. Let's just say holy crabby baby and holy sick toddler.

Anyway, the winner of the stencil of choice (up to $50 value) from Cutting Edge Stencils is:

Randee

Congrats!

Please email me at sumossweetstuff@gmail.com to claim your prize!

.:Tutorial Tuesday - Baby Lace Dress:.

2012-01-24T04:00:00.001-07:00

I originally shared this tutorial for my baby lace dress over on Me Sew Crazy.

When Jessica asked me to be a part of her ReSEWlution series, I figured that was a great time to get out of my new baby fog, and start getting busy with Veronica again. One of my ReSEWlutions for my sewing habit this year is to try new things; whether it be ideas I've got pinned on Pinterest, or sewing techniques that are new or scary to me, I just want to expand my abilities.

I pinned this dress before my baby was born, and was finally able to do my take on it. Don't you love the lace trend right now?

My take:

So let's get started! You're going to need:

- coordinating fabrics (I did three)

- matching lace (found with the decorative edge at Joann's)

- sewing machine/accessories

(Please excuse my flashy pictures. My camera {or maybe the operator} were really struggling the day I made this dress!)

I started off with the bodice part of the dress. I have this pattern, which starts at six month size. I just used the measurements to figure out what a 0-3 month size would be. I cut it out, using the fold (I always use the fold if I can!) and cut out armholes. You can eye ball this, or use pieces from another pattern you own.

Next, you need to cut out your three (or however many you've decided) layers that will go under the dress. You can measure your little lady from the chest area to where you want the dress to fall. I wanted it long. Then each layer decreased by two inches. For the width, a good rule of gathering is to do at least 1.5 times the width of what you are attaching it to. That's what I did here (although I wish I had done more - double would have been better!)

You'll also need to cut your lace so that it will fall a little bit above your top layer's hemline.

Here's all of my cut pieces before I started any sewing.

Let's do some hemming, shall we? You can do your choice of hemming on your three main pieces. I am lazy and hate ironing things over, so I just zig zag the edge and then hem it up. Here's how the layers all fall with their lovely hems.

Then you need to hem in your arm holes, as well as the top of your bodice. I wanted to do pillowcase style for the bodice, so I made a casing at the top to thread ribbon through.

Now it's time to pin your three main pieces together with your lace piece. Stitch a gathering stitch along the edge, through all four layers.

Gathering time! Lay out your four layers flat. You can easily find the middle because that is where your fold or hem is. Take your bodice and pin it in the middle with right sides facing together.

Now you can easily and evenly gather each side to the bodice. Pin in place.

Sew the bodice and body together, zig zag the edges, turn out and top stitch.

Pin the two sides of your dress, right sides together, and sew up the seam. Zig zag the edges.

Turn the dress out and thread your ribbon through the top.

All done!

Like I said above, I wish I had gone more wide on the body of my dress so that it would have gathered more and not had such a straight look. Now I know for next time! (And I just may have another stack of fabric and lace waiting to be made into a dress. See, professional fabric shopper.)

Doesn't little Miss H look adorable in her new dress?

Cute baby, right?

Bye!

Linking up here:

Topsy Turvy

Today's Creative Blog

Funky Polkadot Giraffe

Fingerprints on the Fridge

Lil' Luna

Night Owl Crafting

Fireflies and Jellybeans

504 Main

Creation Corner

Naturally Me Creations

What Allie's Making Now

Mommas kindacrafty

Be Different, Act Normal

Under the Table and Dreaming

Oops, I Craft My Pants

The Idea Room

Every Creative Endeavor

Oopsey Daisy

.:Giveaway - Pink Poodle Bows:.

2012-01-23T10:00:00.001-07:00

It's no secret around here that I love to sew.

And that means that I am constantly on the lookout for new patterns. With three girls to sew for, it's pretty fun finding new things to coordinate for them!

I was so happily delighted to hear from Alisha, who is the owner of Pink Poodle Bows. Alisha sells PDF patterns. PDF patterns are my favorite; they are emailed right to you, and you have easy storage on your computer!

Shall we take a lookie lou around Pink Poodle Bows?

I love this pillowcase romper pattern; I'm pretty sure my girls would love running around in these this summer!

The slits and the bows on these pants just about do me in with the cuteness factor!

Wouldn't this hat pattern be great to have for newborns? Photo op, right?!?

Do you think it would be okay if Baby H just went around in a diaper cover? I'm pretty sure I need this pattern so I can make her some of these!

And guess what? Even if you don't have a little one to sew for, Alisha sells this pattern for an E-Reader cover. I just got a tablet for Christmas, and I've been wanting to make something like this!

I could make this post really long, and showcase every pattern from Pink Poodle Bows, but I'll just tease you with that; you'll have to click over to look around some more.

Luckily, one of you is going to win the pattern of your choice from Pink Poodle Bows!

Want to know how you can enter to win?

(Each entry requires a separate entry).

MANDATORY

1. Visit Pink Poodle Bows and comment back with which pattern you would choose.

EXTRA

2. "Like" Pink Poodle Bows on Facebook.

3. Follow Pink Poodle Bows.

4. Follow Sumo's Sweet Stuff.

5. "Like" Sumo's Sweet Stuff on Facebook.

This giveaway will run through Monday, January 30th at 11:59 p.m. MST. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 31st. It will be YOUR responsibility to check back and see if you've won.

Good luck!

.:Market Yourself Monday - Baby Lace Dress:.

2012-01-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!

How was your weekend?

Ours was spent with fevers, sniffles, sleeping, along with some friends and laughing.

I had just been thinking last week how we haven't really gotten sick yet this winter, and of course, totally jinxed our family! My poor one year old has been so sick, and I'm just hoping baby H doesn't end up with it (or the rest of us of course!)

So combine that with the fact that my two month old doesn't really care to sleep or be put down, and you've got me having accomplished nothing new to share with you.

But never fear! I still need to share my baby lace dress, in case you missed it when I was sharing it over at Me Sew Crazy.

I'll show you how to make one tomorrow.

Isn't baby H just so super cute??? We're kind of smitten with her.

Now it's time to see what you've been working on!

Get your link on!

Linking up here:

Sugar Bee - Craft Edition

.:Sponsor Sunday - Old Barn Rescue:.

2012-01-22T04:00:00.001-07:00

Sponsor Sunday is back this week with Old Barn Rescue.

Old Barn Rescue has some of the most unique and adorable vinyl decorations for your home.

I think these vinyl birds,

and flowers would look so cute in a little girls room.

This is a great quote that could fit in so many different areas of your home.

And another great quote - perfect reminder for all of us, right?

Old Barn Rescue also has lots of upcycled decor for you home.

This towel rack would be such a unique addition to a bathroom.

A new sign is also a great way to display another fun quote. I just love having text around the house!

Treat yourself to some time, and browse around Old Barn Rescue to see what you can find to spruce up your home!

.:Giveaway Winner - Nellie B's:.

2012-01-20T21:22:00.002-07:00

Yikes!

I totally spaced it on announcing the winner of the giveaway from Nellie B's.

Can I play the "just had a baby and not getting much sleep so therefore in new baby fog" card?

(I have a feeling I'm going to be playing that one a lot!)

Anyway, the winner of the $25 shop credit to Nellie B's is:

FWoodward

Congrats!

Email me at sumossweetstuff@gmail.com to claim your prize!

Don't forget to enter the Cutting Edge Stencils giveaway!

.:Feature Friday - E.C.B.:.

2012-01-20T04:00:00.001-07:00

Hi everybody! I'm Erin from E.C.B. (Especially Creative Broad).

I'm really happy to be Sumo's guest today!

At E.C.B. (Especially Creative Broad) I post about lots of things:

I consider it my place to try new things and share the results with you.

When it's warm enough I garden, and right now I'm learning to improve my photography

without resorting to buying a DSLR camera, so I post about that too!

Today I thought I'd share one of my tips for keeping kids' books organized. My little guy, G, loves to read (and by that, I mean he loves to make us read to him).

It's a good thing. The Mr and I are both avid readers, and reading or being read to as

a little one leads to all kinds of fabulous things as you grow up.

The only problem is, we have books coming out of our ears. His bedroom floor was constantly covered in them, and it made getting in and out of the room downright hazardous. After nearly killing myself by tripping and falling over the Cat in the Hat one time too many, I did this:

To be honest, I'm not entirely sure if what I got is a desktop file sorter or a dish drying rack. I picked it up at our local salvation army. If you want to try this, either would work. Readers who don't have kids, this would be a great way to organize magazines too!

I keep the whole thing on the floor next to G's rocking chair. It keeps the books organized, in reach and, best of all, it's easy enough to put them away that he can do it himself!

For more organizing ideas (or just to see what I'm doing lately), please stop on by and say hi!

Thank you so much to Sumo for having me today, and thanks for reading! -Erin

.:Tutorial Tuesday - Stenciled Burlap w/Cutting Edge Stencils:.

2012-01-17T04:00:00.009-07:00

Ready to see how I made my burlap decoration using a stencil from Cutting Edge Stencils?

I kind of want to stencil every wall in my house now. It's a little addicting.

Here's what you need:

- stencil

- paint (I used acrylic)

- roller brush

- stencil brush

- blank stencil sheets (I found mine at Michael's)

- digital cutting machine or xacto knife or something to that effect (I used Lucy of course!)

Start off by cutting your burlap to the size of your frame.

Tape your stencil over the burlap. The Cutting Edge Stencils website says to use painter's tape, which I didn't have, so I just used masking tape. It worked just fine for this project, but I definitely wouldn't use it on a wall!

Use your roller brush to roll paint over the stencil. Cutting Edge Stencils advises you to get excess paint off your stencil by rolling it in the paint, then over a paper towel. This worked great!

I let it dry in between coats, and did three coats. Carefully remove your stencil.

While paint was drying, Lucy and I got to work making the monogram stencil. (Did you know your CAMEO or Silhouette could cut stencils? Thanks to the fabulous Jen from Tatertots and Jello, I was able to do just that!) Make your monogram or design in your software. Set your CAMEO or Silhouette to the slowest speed, and the thickest setting. It's amazing how it works! I went with an 'A' for our last name.

Tape the stencil down and use your stencil brush for this part. You may do a simpler stencil than I did, but mine was a bit involved. You can see the progression in these pictures; drying time was required.

Once everything is dry and done, pop the burlap in your frame and hang it up for you to admire every time you walk past it. I love the textured look the burlap gives it.

Doesn't it look great with my vinyl from Old Barn Rescue?

I've already had multiple compliments on my new decoration!

What would you like to stencil?

Linking up here:

Topsy Turvy

Today's Creative Blog

Funky Polkadot Giraffe

Fingerprints on the Fridge

Lil' Luna

Night Owl Crafting

Fireflies and Jellybeans

504 Main

Creation Corner

Naturally Me Creations

What Allie's Making Now

Mommas kindacrafty

Be Different, Act Normal

Under the Table and Dreaming

Oops, I Craft My Pants

The Idea Room

Every Creative Endeavor

Oopsey Daisy

.:Giveaway - Cutting Edge Stencils - CLOSED:.

2012-01-16T10:00:00.003-07:00

** GIVEAWAY CLOSED **

Hopefully you all took a few minutes to read what I thought about working with a stencil from Cutting Edge Stencils.

In short, I loved it. But you really should go read my thoughts.

Cutting Edge Stencils has a plethora of fantastic, stylish stencils that are sure to help you create a unique look for your home. I have to admit, it was pretty tough to narrow down my choice! There were too many that I wanted to work with.

The Cutting Edge Stencils website is also full of information to help you use your stencil the best way possible. There is a helpful page with instructions and directions, and there's even a great video if you are more the visual type.

Here are a few of the stencils available from Cutting Edge Stencils:

I was this close to picking the Hand Forged Stencil. I love the combination of straight lines and curves.

If you are new to stenciling, or just a little bit afraid of it, the Paisley Stencil might be the one for you. There's no worrying about interlocking the pattern with this one. Plus, it just looks amazing!

Okay, the Sakura and Birds Stencil is just stunning. Put in the right setting, that could really make a room!

See what I'm talking about? And those are just a few of the many stencils that Cutting Edge Stencils offer.

Are you ready to go stencil a wall now? Or do you have a craft idea brewing?

Well, Cutting Edge Stencils would like to offer one lucky reader a stencil of their choice, in any value up to $50!

Here's how you can enter to win:

(Each entry requires a separate entry).

MANDATORY

1. Visit Cutting Edge Stencils and comment back with which stencil you would like to try out.

EXTRA

2. "Like" Cutting Edge Stencils on Facebook, and let them know Sumo sent you.

3. Follow Sumo's Sweet Stuff

4. "Like" Sumo's Sweet Stuff on Facebook.

This giveaway will run through Monday, January 23rd at 11:59 p.m. MST. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 24th.

It will be YOUR responsibility to check back and see if you've won.

Good luck!

.:Market Yourself Monday - Stenciled Burlap w/Cutting Edge Stencils:.

2012-01-15T19:05:00.002-07:00

Happy Monday! (almost!)

I hope that a lot of you are enjoying a lovely day off. My husband actually doesn't have the day off, so the girls and I are just hanging at home while I try to tackle my ever growing to-do list.

Veronica came home from the repair shop last week, so I'm anxious to get started on some of my sewing projects!

My baby also turned two months on Friday. Two months! I might be a little bit in denial over it. I don't really know how she can be two months already. She's starting to smile a lot now, and it sure helps make the low amount of sleep I'm getting worth it!

Anyway, Cutting Edge Stencils contacted me about reviewing one of their stencils. Since I had seen their stencils all over blogland, I immediately replied with a 'heck yes'! Okay, I didn't actually say those words exactly, but something to that effect.

I was immediately sent an email with a TON of helpful information and advice about doing a stenciling project. I was so impressed with the level of information that was provided about using one of their products. The website for Cutting Edge Stencils is also super helpful about how to stencil. It went through the basic steps, with little tips on how to be the most successful.

I decided to go ahead and get one of the craft stencils. We are planning on moving out of our little townhome soon, and I just am not in a position where I want to be making improvements to our little house. I'd rather wait and put those energies in to our new house! But a craft stencil, now that is right up my alley. I went with the Nagoya stencil; don't you love it?

I had some burlap lying around from a project that never came to fruition (please tell me I'm not the only one who does that!) so I thought it might be kind of fun to make a stenciled decoration for our home. Here's what I came up with:

You know, I really like it. Do you?

I'll show you how to make it tomorrow.

In the meantime, you might want to familiarize yourself with Cutting Edge Stencils. There just might be a giveaway from them later.

Just sayin'.

Now go ahead and get your link on! Remember, we're pretty open around here; I love to see your tutorials, recipes, shops, etc. Just be a pal and link back here where you can!

Happy Linking!

Linking up here:

Sugar Bee - Craft Edition

.:Feature Friday - Happy Go Lucky:.

2012-01-13T04:00:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! I’m Kara from Happy Go Lucky
and I’m super excited to be Sumo’s guest today.

When I'm not spending time with my husband and 3 year old son or
teaching my lovely 6th graders, you'll find me working on some kind of
DIY project or shopping at Target.

Today we are going to make this fun photo collage inspired by Pinterest:

When I first saw this pin
on Pinterest I was so excited but then when I went to the blog
post I was disappointed because it required Photoshop.

Since I don't have Photoshop, I started playing around PowerPoint and
I was thrilled when the photo collage all came together.

All you need is Microsoft PowerPoint and your favorite photos!

Step 1: Open a new PowerPoint presentation and set your
dimension. I had an IKEA frame that I wasn't using that measured
20 x 20 so I set my dimensions to 18 x 18.

Step 2: Insert your first picture

Step 3: Now we most likely need to make the pictures
square. I did use some Instagram pictures but most of them
needed to be cropped so they were square. To do this, click on
crop and use the dimensions shown to crop your picture
so it is a perfect square.

Step 4: Decide the dimensions you want each picture to be.
This will depend on the size of your final image and the number of
pictures you want to have in each row. Since my collage would be
18 x 18, I figured 8 pictures in each row would be perfect. I
determined that each picture needed to be 2.25 x 2.25.

Step 5: Just type in your dimensions and move
the picture into place.

Step 6: Keep adding your pictures, crop them and move them
where you want them. Now to make sure they are evenly spaced, we
want to distribute them horizontally. This is found under
Picture Tools. Once you've inserted all your pictures, you can
distribute them vertically also to make sure everything is lined
up.

Step 7: Now we need to add our 2011. Start by inserting a rectangle.

Step 8: Set the dimensions so they are the same as your
pictures. Change the color to what you want.

Step 8: Copy and paste 3 more squares. Insert four text boxes and add
your numbers.

Step 9: Align each shape with each text box so they are centered.

Step 10: Align all four text boxes.

Step 11: Admire you fabulous new art work!!

Step 12: Have it printed, frame it, and hang it up for all to
see. I had mine printed as a poster at Kinkos for $19.99.

It might seem like a lot of work, but it really wasn't and I
definitely think it was worth the time. Just put in a good movie
and work on your masterpiece. I watched The Help while I
made mine.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at
happygolucky337@gmail.com

I would love for you to come visit Happy Go Lucky
and say "Hi!" I would also be thrilled to see any photo collages you
make. I hope I've inspired you to play around with PowerPoint
and make your own photo collages.

Thank you Sumo for having me! I'm honored to be your guest today!!

.:Things to Try Thursday - Necklace Organization:.

2012-01-12T04:00:00.002-07:00

I love jewelry. We all know this.

And my collection just keeps growing and growing.

Can I confess something to you?

My necklaces are currently hanging on a wood heart with hooks that my mom made for me when I was in elementary school. Nice and sentimental, but not pink wooden hearts are not really my style these days. Even my mom is appalled that I still use it.

My friend pinned this the other day, and I fell in love.

There is no original source, so I can't give credit.

I'm pretty sure I have a date with the knob aisle at Hobby Lobby next week.

.:Giveaway Winner - GiGi's Petals:.

2012-01-11T07:48:00.003-07:00

Okay, I totally dropped the ball announcing the winner of the GiGi's Petals giveaway winner of the $30 gift card to Target.

Let's just say I started out my afternoon being all cocky about having all three of my kids down for naps at the same time, and it quickly turned into a day of screaming, crying, and meltdowns.

No, it wasn't me, but I was pretty close to joining in!

But anyway, if you are

Staci J

you have won!

Congrats!

Please email me at sumossweetstuff@gmail.com to claim your prize!

Enjoy your gift card to the popcorn store. I know I have a date with it myself later today...

.:Tutorial Tuesday - Heart Doily Jars:.

2012-01-10T04:00:00.014-07:00

This isn't really a tutorial, but more just showing off something I made using Lifestyle Crafts new Sweethearts line of die cuts!

I got to try out the heart doily and some other small hearts.

It gave me the perfect opportunity to this that I had pinned on Pinterest.

They were super easy to make. I just cut out the shapes, taped them to the jars using double sided tape, and tied them up. I used baker's twine, which adds a fun little flair to the jars. The different sized jars are from Michaels.

Do you like them?

What would you make with a heart doily?

You can get 20% off from Lifestyle Crafts when you used the code SUMO.

.:Giveaway - Nellie B's - CLOSED:.

2012-01-09T10:00:00.002-07:00

** GIVEAWAY CLOSED **

Are you ready for another fun giveaway today?

I'd love to introduce you to Chris, who is the owner of Nellie B's!

Here's Chris to tell you a little bit about herself:

"Hi Sumo's Sweet Stuff readers, my name is Chris, and I am the grandma behind the Nellie B's Etsy shop, and sometimes contributor to the Sweet C's Designs Blog.

When my kids- who are now adults- started preschool, I stopped working to be able to be involved with their schooling. During this time I took a painting class in the evening with some friends, and I decided that I could profit from it. I ended up painting for a Bellini's, a high end children's furniture store, and a boutique store on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, CA. Many celebrities frequented the boutique and I painted commissioned pieces for several of them. Through two moves, I kept painting children's furniture and murals for local Bellini stores in Seattle and Denver, but my husband's busy travel schedule kept me from painting as much as I would have liked, and I didn't do much until my grandson was born a year ago.

When daughter Courtney recently started an etsy store and blog, SweetC's , I contributed a few paintings to her shop. We decided that I should start my own store dedicated solely to Children's paintings so they could stand out more.

Nellie B's is named after my maternal grandmother, and I offer numerous paintings and designs for children. I am also available for custom designs! "

Let's take a look at what Nellie B's has to offer.

This Pink Alphabet Art would be darling in a little girl's room!

We use stools a lot around our house to reach sinks and counters, so we would make great use of this ABC Stool.

Isn't this elephant painting just so cute?

Jungles seem to be a popular nursery theme, so I'm thinking these jungle signs would be the perfect addition!

Isn't Chris talented?

Today, she is offering a $25 credit to one lucky reader! You could get something for yourself, or this would be great if you have any upcoming baby showers or birthdays! Chris does custom orders, so you could really get personal!

Here's what you need to do to enter:

(Each entry requires a separate comment).

MANDATORY

1. Visit Nellie B's and comment back on your favorite item.

EXTRA

2. Like Nellie B's on Facebook.

3. Follow Sumo's Sweet Stuff.

This giveaway will run through Monday, January 16th at 11:59 p.m. MST. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 17th.

Good luck!

.:Market Yourself Monday:.

2012-01-08T21:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!

Did you have a good weekend?

We sure did!

Saturday nite we went to Tepanyaki with our friends. You know how they always flip food into your mouth from the grill? Well, let's just say that I did not do so well. After four missed attempts of catching the piece of shrimp in my mouth, the chef came around the table to where I was sitting and dumped it into my open mouth, where I waited like a little bird.

Pathetic, right?

But really, I'll do just about anything for some shrimp, so a little bit of humiliation is fine by me.

We spent the rest of the evening laughing ourselves sick while we played board games and Just Dance on the Kinect.

Good friends are important, don't you think?

Anyway, let's get this party started! I want to see what you've been working on.

Get your link on!

.:Feature Friday - In Between the Crazy:.

2012-01-06T04:00:00.002-07:00

Hi, everybody! And a big thanks to Sumo for letting me guest post!

I'm Charity from In Between the Crazy. I love reading, music, hot chocolate and Dr. Pepper (not together), being silly when I don't have to be responsible, and eating cheesecake. I am a stay-at-home mom to three active, stubborn, hilarious, creative, precocious boys, ages 9, 5, and almost 3. The younger two have asthma and we found out the day after Christmas that our oldest has type 1 diabetes, but that doesn't slow them down- it just means more for me to keep up with. =) I am a mom first, but I am also a paralegal student about to begin my final semester (YAY!) that includes an internship. Hence, the blog titled In Between the Crazy: everything else in my life (the creative and fun stuff) gets squeezed in between the hectic and crazy stuff, but I love it.

Keeping all that in mind, my blog is a little different. There is no structure or rhyme or reason. I post what I can, when I can, but everything is fast and easy and usually has kids in mind. I do some sewing, share recipes and gift ideas, comment on my life, tell stories, make confessions, post completed crafts and things that inspire me, show how I organize the chaos- basically, whatever tickles my fancy that I think others might enjoy or relate to. I don't usually do tutorials, but would be happy to if you ask. SO, if you want to follow a blog that is laid-back and uncomplicated, I'm your gal!

Please stop by, say hi, make suggestions, "Like" me on Facebook, and tell your friends. If I get 50 followers on my blog and/or Facebook, I'll do a fun giveaway!

Here are a few of my favorite posts:

The SNAKE SCARF (my most popular and oft visited)

A SNAKE CAKE

Ninja Turtle COSTUME

Super easy SUPER HERO CAPES and toddler-friendly elastic top BAG

4th of July PEDICURE

A SAND BOX made from a wading pool (my boys' favorite)

BAKED SANDWICHES

Thanks for spending a few minutes with me, and thanks again, Sumo, for having me as your guest. Have a beautiful day, everyone!

.:Things to Try Thursday - Dry Erase Calendar:.

2012-01-05T04:00:00.003-07:00

Go here to enter the GiGi's Petals giveaway for a $30 Target giftcard.

Basically, this idea is amazing.

And so easily re-creatable.

A dry erase calendar!

I'm pretty sure I've got some dry erase vinyl from Pick Your Plum around here somewhere...

Go here for the original source.

.:Mouth-Watering Wednesday - Fudgey Toffee Chocolate Chip Bars:.

2012-01-04T04:00:00.002-07:00

Go here to enter the GiGi's Petals giveaway for a $30 Target giftcard!

I have made these twice since Christmas.

They are basically delicious, and people will think you are amazing.

Yes, they are bad for you, but I used the fat free sweetened condensed milk and I felt better about it.

Go here for the full recipe!

Also, head on over to Me Sew Crazy to see what I'm doing for my New Years ReSEWlution. This is going to be a great series!

.:Tutorial Tuesday - Bustle Skirt:.

2012-01-03T04:00:00.021-07:00

Go here to enter the GiGi's Petals giveaway for a $30 Target giftcard!

This ruffley bustley goodness continues to make me happy every time I see it hanging in my girls' closet.

Do you want to learn how to make one?

I'd be happy to show you.

(Originally posted on Riley Blake Cutting Corners College.)

For the tutorial, I will give you the measurements I used for my three year old, along with instructions on how to adapt the measurements to whatever size you would like to make.

Here's what you need:

- Fabric

- Elastic for waistband

- Sewing machine & accessories

You need to start off with some skirt measurements. You can use a skirt pattern you already have (I recommend doing this, makes it much easier!), or you can use a skirt that you already have for measurements. For this skirt, I measured the width of a skirt my daughter already owns. It was 18" wide. I wanted the skirt to be much more full, so I doubled the width to be 40" wide.

I decided to have two separate pieces for the top panel of the skirt, and two separate pieces for the bottom panel of the skirt. This makes it easier to create your bustle. For the top panel of the skirt, I used about my original measurement for width, and used a width of 20". The total length of your skirt is up to you; I wanted mine about 16" long, so I made the top panel length 5" and the bottom panel length 12". This gives me a little extra for seam allowance and hemming.

So here is what I have cut total:

- top panel: 20" wide x 5" long (cut 2)

- bottom panel: 40" wide x 12" long (cut 3)

Only two bottom panels are shown in this picture.

Now it's time to cut the ruffles for the bustle. Again, this is going to be measured based on the size of your skirt. My measurements are for size 3T. You can adjust yours accordingly to the width and length of your bottom panel.

- top ruffle: 4.5" long x w.o.f. (cut 2)

- bottom three ruffles: 3.5" long x w.o.f. (cut 2 of each)

For a nice, full ruffle, you generally want to cut your width to be two times the width of what you are attaching the ruffle to. Since my width is 40", I need my ruffles to be about 80" wide. That is why I have to cut two of each of my ruffles. Standard fabric is between 42"-44" wide, so I need about double that to achieve my desired ruffle.

The top ruffle is a longer length because you will be losing a bit more of the length when you attach the top and bottom panels together.

Let's get sewing!

All seams are 1/4".

Join the two pieces of each of your ruffle together. Serge or zig zag your seams to prevent fraying.

Serge or zig zag the top and bottom width of each of your ruffles. Hem up the bottom width of each of your ruffles. Be careful if you have a directional print!

Run a gathering stitch along the top of each ruffle. Set your stitch length to the longest length. Do not backstitch at the beginning or end. Leave a few inches of thread at the beginning and end to help with gathering.

Take one of your bottom panel pieces. Hem up the bottom as you did each of your ruffles.

Now it's time to start attaching your ruffles. Find the middle of your bottom panel piece. Pin the middle of your top ruffle to the middle of the bottom panel piece. (This was easy for me since my middle was where I'd joined the two strips). This will help you to gather your ruffle evenly on each side.

Gently pull on the bottom thread on each side to evenly ruffle your fabric towards the middle. Pin in place along the top edge of your bottom panel.

Sew the ruffle in place.

Measure from your ruffle to your finished hem. Place a pin in even measurements where your remaining ruffles will go. (Sorry for the blurry picture). Make sure that the ruffles will be overlapping slightly at the tops of each ruffle.

Attach each ruffle.

Set this bottom panel aside.

Get one more of your bottom panel pieces, and fold it in half length wise. In the middle, about 1.5" down, make a small cut.

Use your rotary cutter and ruler to make a diagonal cut. Doing this folded over will ensure that each side is cut evenly. This is going to be the overlay on the back that will allow your ruffles to peek through.

Here's your overlay so far.

Next we're going to line the bottom edge of the overlay. Cut strips of fabric the width of each diagonal edge of your overlay. I wanted it to be about an inch long, so I cut it two inches long and ironed it in half, length wise. Pin the raw edges to the raw edge of your overlay.

Sew it down. Repeat on the other side. Where the strips meet in the middle, sew together. Zig zag or serge all raw edges.

Doesn't it look nice?

Lay out your ruffle bottom panel with your overlay on top of it - wrong side of overlay facing right side of ruffles. Pin across where top edges meet. Sew a gathering stitch along the top.

Now it's time to bring in the top panels.

Lay one top panel right side facing up, with your ruffled bottom panel's right side facing the top panel. Pin the middles together with raw edges matching up. Gather evenly on each side until you can pin the ruffled panel to the top panel along the top edge. Pull gently so that your thread does not break!

Sew the panels together. Zig zag or serge your edge.

Flip the top panel up, and top stitch along where the panels meet.

Here's your finished back panel. Are you loving the ruffley goodness?

Attach your front top panel piece to your front bottom panel piece using the same methods: hem up the bottom panel piece, run a gather stitch along the top, attach to top panel, and top stitch where panels meet.

Let's attach the front and back panels, shall we?

Line up the edge of the front and back panel pieces. Pin them together, making sure that your ruffles are all laying down.

Sew together. Zig zag or serge the edge.

Repeat on the other edge.

Zig zag or serge along the top edge of the skirt.

Iron down and pin in place the fabric to make a casing for your waistband elastic to go through. I generally do about 1.5" but it depends on how wide your elastic is. I use 3/4"-1" elastic.

Starting on the back panel of your skirt, sew along the bottom edge of your fold, leaving a two inch opening. This is where you will insert your elastic.

This is not necessary, but I also like to stitch all along the top edge of the fold as well. This seems to give the elastic a nice casing, and it is less likely to twist around.

Measure the waist of who the skirt is for and cut a piece of elastic to this length. For my 3 year old daughter, it was 20".

Use a safety pin attached to one end to guide the elastic through the casing. Overlap the elastic about an inch and sew it together. Sew together your two inch opening.

You are done!

Bustley, ruffley goodness!

Put it on your adorable little lady, and snap a bunch of pictures to capture the cuteness!

View from the front.

Doesn't it just make you happy?

Little sister needed one, too of course.

Pretty cute if I do say so myself.

Linking up here:

Topsy Turvy

Today's Creative Blog

Funky Polkadot Giraffe

Fingerprints on the Fridge

Lil' Luna

Night Owl Crafting

Fireflies and Jellybeans

504 Main

Creation Corner

Naturally Me Creations

What Allie's Making Now

Mommas kindacrafty

Be Different, Act Normal

Under the Table and Dreaming

Oops, I Craft My Pants

The Idea Room

Every Creative Endeavor

1. Sign Up For GiGisPetals Daily Deals

Oopsey Daisy

.:Giveaway - Gigi's Petals - CLOSED:.

2012-01-02T10:00:00.006-07:00

** GIVEAWAY CLOSED **

Do you like to get a good deal?

I know that I do. It seems the older I get, and the more kids I have, equals the more gifts that we need and the more stuff that we need. So I'm always looking for ways to stretch our dollars a little further.

Luckily I have Gigi's Petals to help me out with that!

Have you heard of GiGi's Petals?

GiGi's Petals is a deal of the day site that features amazing deals from predominantly handmade items from different sellers every day! They feature items for just about anyone from jewelry to home decor, to hair and clothing accessories, to iphone accessories to personalized items, to vinyl!

Whew! You get the idea.

The sweetest part is that almost every one of their sellers offer (at least) one of their items for FREE once they sell a certain number of their featured deals. You can't beat free, but you have to act fast because some of their deals go fast and are limited!

Let's take a peek at some of the items that have been or will be featured on GiGi's Petals.

Monogrammed Basket

Bird Necklaces

Bowtie

Flower Pin

Heart Banner (the hearts are cut out from Pride and Prejudice - hello, greatest love story of all time!)

Heart Burlap Wreath

Heart Pettiromper

Sign

Flower Necklace

Ruffled Burlap Runner

Ruffled Wristlets

Are you convinced yet? Looks like there's some great stuff coming up for Valentine's Day...

Today, GiGi's Petals would like to offer one of you a $30 gift card to Target.

(My kids affectionately refer to it as the 'popcorn store'. What better way to spend a morning than walking around Target with some popcorn and Diet Coke - the Diet Coke's for me of course!)

Here's how you can enter to win:

(Each entry requires a separate comment.)

MANDATORY

EXTRA

2. Like GiGi's Petals on Facebook.

3. Follow GiGi's Petals on Twitter.

4. Facebook or Tweet about the giveaway. (Include @GiGisPetals and @sumossweetstuff in your tweet!)

This giveaway will run through Monday, January 9th. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 10th. It will be YOUR responsibility to check back and see if you've won!

.:Market Yourself Monday - Bustle Skirts:.

2012-01-01T21:58:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year!

Wow, I really can't believe it is 2012, can you? I'm starting to feel old!

I hope you all had fun celebrating. I'm sure lots of you have today off as well, so I hope you enjoy it! I know I plan to with my friends and family.

Did you all love the SCC series? I soooooo appreciate all of the fabulous bloggers who helped me out with guest posts so I could relax and enjoy my new baby. But I guess all good things must come to an end. So back to our normal schedule it is!

I've been hanging on to this project for a couple of months. I got to share one version of it on Riley Blake's Cutting Corners College at the beginning of December.

Do you love it? I kind of do. A lot. What is it about ruffles that just makes me happy?

I'll share how to make it tomorrow. I've got another version of it I'll share some other time, too.

But now it is time to see what you've been working on! It's a new year, which means new ideas, new tutorials, new recipes, and new friends! Let's all take a few minutes to check out some of the other links and leave some comments. It's like hugging over the internet. Or at least waving if you're not a hugger.

Link away!

Linking up here:

Creaciones Artisticas Nessy

.:Sponsor Sunday - Janey's Jewels:.

2012-01-01T08:33:00.003-07:00

Valentine's Day is coming up next month, and what better way to celebrate than with some beautiful jewelry from Janey's Jewels?

This 10 carat Pink Sapphire Pendant is stunning! I wouldn't mind wearing that around.

How about this White Sapphire Engagement Ring? I love how it's set in a rose!

I think this Ametrine Heart Pendant is so dainty and sweet.

This Portuguese Cut Engagement Ring is just beautiful. I think it would look lovely on my right hand!

A classic pair of earrings can make a statement, and I think these White Topaz Posts would do just that.

As you can see, Janey's Jewels has an abundance of beautiful jewelry to offer. Click on over to see more!

And don't forget, you can get 15% off your order by using the code SUMO15!

.:Top 11 in 2011:.

2011-12-31T04:00:00.001-07:00

Can you believe that it's almost 2012?

That means it's been almost 10 years since I graduated from college. Yikes. That can make a girl feel old.

But I digress....

2011 was a wonderful year for me! I thought it would be fun to look back on what were your favorite posts throughout the year!

The number one post viewed in 2011 was actually a post from 2010! This t-shirt dress has been making the rounds on Pinterest, and I think I can understand why; it's one of my favorite things I've ever sewn!

Coming in at number two was another non-2011 post: zipper flowers! There are so many variations on these floating around. They are fun for big girls and little girls alike!

For number three, lots of you have been loving my strip baby blankets. They are simple, cute, and the perfect baby shower gift!

Another 2010 post for number four: car seat tent! Another simple project with great results. (Check out my pleated variation on this, too!)

Number five might be one of my all time favorites - my subway art sewing machine. It's shown here on Shirley, and I've got it cut out in purple and silver to adorn Veronica.

I loved making this ruffled rugby dress, and lots of you loved it, too, since it came in at number six!

Number seven is another project with Lucy. I used her to cut out these fun product cards to display my jewelry at a boutique!

I was so surprised to see my v-day jars come in on the top 11 list! They bring us up to number eight!

For number nine, these one shoulder shirts took the spotlight! I may be making three for this spring/summer....

I couldn't be happier with how this rainbow shirt turned out for my daughter's rainbow party. It's clocking in at number ten!

And lastly, taking the number eleven spot for 2011 is my luckiest wall hang. I just love those lyrics, don't you?

Whew!

It looks like 2011 was quite a year here on the blog. I couldn't have done it without all of your support, comments, emails, and love! I seriously have the most amazing readers ever, and I've been so incredibly blessed with the opportunities that have come from this blog.

So thank you!

And to my top eleven referrers,