Getting Crafty...

This last month, I've put way more miles on my sewing machine than the pavement.  I have to say it's been so much fun, and really quite inspiring.  One idea leads to the next and thanks to some very cool online sewing and craft forums, the ideas I've found seem to be endless.  In particular, I've been falling in love with all things Amy Butler.  You need to check out that website (if you're of the sewing mind!) and get inspired.  Her fabrics and patterns are amazing.  So here are a couple of things I've had on the go...

  

This was a gift for my very fashionable niece...I've since heard

she is actually using it!  That's the best compliment!!

This bracelet is an Amy Butler pattern.   I thought this would be fun for my

nieces to make during our Schmidt camping weekend.

Instead of bracelets, they made necklaces.

Here is the beautiful Katelyn with her finished wearable art!

I had some fabric leftover from the purse I made my niece, so

I made a diaper bag/purse for myself, complete with very cool interior

pockets and compartments.  Today, Don was looking for something in the 

bag, but couldn't find it and said he didn't like all those little pockets and

that he could never find anything in there.   Hmmmm, I guess that is the

green light to go ahead and design and sew an new one!!  Yea!!!  

Another place I've been spending alot of time is at

The Babywearer website.  I'm totally amazed and a bit flabbergasted 

at the number of slings/carriers/pouches etc. that are out there.  The

 mamas are all very proud of their stash, however, and rightly so.  There's

 no better way to spend money, than on something that you'll use to keep

your baby close.  I have to say that some of their budgets blew me away, 

spending several hundred dollars on a single carrier - and having

 multiples of them!  One mama said if she sold all of hers, she'd

 have enough money to buy a nice car!  Anyway, there is a forum on that

 website that is just for Do-it-yourself'ers like me.  I've made one

 pouch (above) and one ring sling, and can't wait to make more!

A few other things on my sewing room table... I've got some nice brown microfibre waiting to be made into new panels for my living room window, and Nate's been sporting some new camo bibs!  Well, that's it for now.  I really need to start putting on miles on the pavement.  I'm not going to be ready for Winkler's half marathon this year...maybe I'll do the 5K, and work on the half for next year!

By the way, Nate blessed us with his first laugh today.  You can hear it here.

A note to RPF:  Sorry this post is not witty or entertaining!!!