White Ruffle Leggings

I was on a mission, a mission to find white ruffled leggings for the girls.  I looked to no avail around our small community.  So, I resorted to the web ... to etsy to be more specific.  There have been a lot of clever posts about love / disdain for pinterest, can I say that I feel the same about etsy?  My search for white ruffle leggings ended with these, these very non-white ruffled leggings.

For the record, I finally did find white ruffle leggings on etsy as well ... those will make their debut this weekend.  Stinkin' etsy ...

Coveting a Sewing Machine {Lydia's Wings}

I don't have a sewing machine.  I think I might want one.  Since having Lydia I have often commented "if only I could sew" ... imagine the cute little ruffle pants, peasant tops, apron knot dresses, hairbands, etc. I could just whip up.  But, I can't sew, and I don't have a sewing machine (hence my slight obsession with Etsy for special occasion outfits for the girls). 

I love the cleft adoption community I have found online.  I have "met" some amazing moms of cleft kiddos.  And, I love that they are all super creative and crafty.  That said, when I saw these wings on Ashley's blog, I felt like I had to make these for Lydia for her birthday.  I love that Ashley describes her cutting and sewing as "wonky" ... love that.  As I was cutting and sewing I often found myself chuckling at my wonkiness as well. 

Anyhow, I got it in my head that I needed to make these for Lydia's birthday.  Never mind that I don't have a sewing machine!  So, first step, find someone to borrow me a sewing machine.  Checked with the family and unfortunately everyone that has one has one that is not portable.  So, what is one to do?  We are blessed with lovely friends that happen to be neighbors.  I put out a note to borrow not a cup of flour, nor an egg or two, but a sewing machine.  I love the responses I got!  And, I love that one of the ladies did have one I could borrow.  Awesome!  (Thanks, Julie!)

I pretty much did follow Ashley's directions and did use the original instructions in Erin's blog as well.  I was excited to finish the wings, after many late nights of wonky cutting and sewing, in time for Lydia's birthday.  The boys were just as excited as I was to give her the wings.  And, I just had to laugh, so as not to cry, as the girl was NOT nuts over them.  In fact, she didn't even want to try them on.  Samuel did though (no surprises there). So, Samuel modeled them which did peak Lydia's interest.  She decided she did want to try them on, and she entertained me long enough to get some photos.  For now, the wings are tucked in her closet, ready for her to take flight ... when she's ready. 

Here is my "little" project in photos.

Here she is ... ah, bliss! 

This little machine made me feel like I was in home ec class again! 

Love it!  And, it worked so great! 

And, I think this is so spectacular, this is the user's guide for the machine I borrowed.  Seriously feeding the home ec memories!

While I tried a bit to find some vintage sheets at thrift stores, I ended up purchasing fabric at a local fabric store.  And, taking Ashley's advice, I purchased the felt from Benzie on Etsy.  Oh my, I will never think of felt the same again.  This stuff was amazing!

 

 

 

Love this little stinker and love her in her wings!  Hoping that one day she will love her wings as much as I do.  While this was a labor of love, it was one that I really, really enjoyed!  So, perhaps one day I will invest in a sewing machine, no matter how wonky my sewing!

Inspired

I would love to learn how to sew, there are so many amazing patterns and fabrics available ... how I would love to make Lydia peasant dresses, apron knot dresses, ruffle pants, and other adorable handmade treasures that I stumble upon when exploring Etsy.  And, I'm sure the boys wouldn't mind me whipping them up super cool costumes and such.  But, I'm just not that skilled and one could argue that I really don't have any waking hours to fit that in at this phase in our lives. 

But, I really do enjoy projects, creating and crafting, and I have been wanting to tackle what seems like a pretty easy project for some time now.  I finally got the supplies ...

I am anxious to see how this little project comes together.  Stay tuned ...

More Etsy Fun

I realize that I have had nothing thought-provoking to post on lately.  Rather I seem to be doing a lot of blogging about Etsy ... maybe I should have chosen a career in marketing?  Ha ha.  Consistent with my slight obsession with Etsy, check out Ellison's here or at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ellisons, where you will find fun, new products added - lots of super cute stuff for Spring and Summer!!!

A few of my personal favorites ...

The "Going on a Picnic" Korker

The "Sweet Watermelon" Korker

The Ladybug Clip - so, so cute!

The RaggieMuffin

And, these elegant flower clips ... would be so perfect for Easter!

Of course, there's lots more, but I'll let you check those out ...

Super Fun Giveaway

I believe I have clearly established that I have a fondness for hand made wares ... personalization ... monogramming .... and of course, Etsy, because that's where I find much of these treasures.  And, who doesn't love a giveaway?  Hop over to www.etsy.com/shop/HangtoDry, click on the banner and see how you can win a year's supply of personalized tees!  These are stinkin' adorable!

And, speaking of adorable ... here is additional proof of my love for personalization. Check out those teeth!

An Etsy Favorite ... The Pillowcase Dress

 May 9th, 2010 ~ It's a dress!

 January 29th, 2011 ~ It's a top!

And ... she's outta here!

Cousins

In Jason's family, it seems that the babies come by 2, not twins but counterpart cousins.  Thus, each of our children has a cousin about the same age as them.  And, we all live within 20 minutes or so of each other.  How great is that?

This morning, Jack and his cousin happened to have a basketball game against each other.  Unknowingly, their respective coaches even matched them up so that they were guarding each other.  These boys have similar characteristics and personalities.  Admittedly, I've said it before, and maybe it goes without saying, but there's just some things about nine year old boys that I don't understand.  Jack and Ethan are only 12 days apart in age and are good buds.  And, they played a great game against each other this morning with great sportsmanship!

I needed to take a picture of Samuel and his counterpart cousin as well.  Isn't she sweet?  Ellison has such a fun personality.  Often times, when she and Samuel are together you will find them immersed in 6 year old humor and holding hands!  Samuel and his counterpart cousin are the furthest apart with 33 days separating them.

By the way, check out Ellison's sweet "RaggieMuffin" in her hair!  If you are in the mood for some Etsy shopping, check out Ellisons here.  Lots of new stuff added, and I must admit I've picked up a few things for myself - maybe I'll be as trendy as little miss Lydia one day (is it bad when your one-year old is trendier than you?).  And, if you "like" Ellisons on facebook you can get a coupon good for 11% off of your purchase - who doesn't love a good deal?  Or, if you just leave me a comment requesting the code or send me an e-mail, I will send you the code for the discount!  Fun stuff!

Piggy-clips, Korkers & More!!!!

So, you all know that I have a slight obsession with Etsy!  And, I'd love to introduce you to a new favorite Etsy shop - Ellison's with piggy-clips, korkers and more.  Check it out here!  And, for a chance at a super-fun giveaway, go here!

I'm absolutely positive that soon you will all see some of these designs modeled on Miss Lydia - on crocheted headbands, of course, until the girl gets more hair!!! 

And, because no post of mine is complete without a picture, here you go.