Too Lovely Designs

it's a Boutique Blog

There is a group of ladies that head-up the Boutique Buyers Blog.  They are moms and buyers and seriously educated in the boutique buying community.

Together, they complied The Best of '08.  It's their hand-picked selection of girls, boys and accessories designs.  Some amazing and very talented designers/friends grace the list. 

I was so touched when Michelle (the originator of the blog and past customer of TLD) contacted me weeks ago for a picture of a past design.  She had already featured *Twilight* once before on her blog- when it was listed.   

I was flattered and graciously emailed her with photos in return. 

 

I can't imagine having to narrow down that list.  Ebay is lucky to have a ton of amazing designers offer their work. 

I had no idea that this was any sort of contest.  My vote just may be for *Small Something* or for the most darling little purse (in awe with the details).

So hop on over to see THE LIST and check them out. 

     

Who needs sleep?

It was a Monday morning.

(In 24 hours we would be going to DISNEYLAND)

 

 

So it's about 9am and I think... I might have some Disney fabric. 

Turns out, I did.  It was only 1/2 a yard so I thought I'd make her a basic top.  In between preparing food, checking emails, making beds and doing dishes - it got finished. 

 

Next up, an impromptu photo shoot (which you can see over here) especially since she tried the top on and looked all cutsie. 

I went about the afternoon and evening consumed with family, you know- dinner, showers and that jazz. 

I passed by the tiny bits of fabric remaining -  because Lord knows any reasonable crafter will never throw out a scrap...  'I could use it someday, ya know'. 

I fiddled with the bits and pieces and decided to embellish some jeans.  Only problem- no jeans and it's like 9pm. 

I hunted and found a pair that were growing short on her.  I would be adding a ruffle anyway.  I laid things out, got to work and crawled into bed about 3am.  

There are a few things I would do differently next time but she looked pretty well-together.  The pants ended up a bit longer than I'd like.  I just thought it would be imposing of me to measure her inseam at 1am.  (But hey, they'll fit her thru Summer now.)

She loved her Minnie outfit and loved to pose with her...

I always think - Oh, I'll just whip something up. 

The reality is, it takes me HOURS.  Maybe if I wasn't so indecisive or picky.  Maybe if I was able to believe 'nobody will notice' things unfinishing.  Oh well, that's just me.  And truthfully, the process is what I love most.  

She wore her little outfit from the moment she woke.

She was so excited and so happy and super cute.   

 

It was worth a semi-sleepless night.  

FF.03

Here's a fun flashback:

It's actually more of a blooper, is that what they call it?

 

 

~ July '07 ~

 

Thinking inside out

 

Sometimes I give myself a headache... 

When you are sewing something that you dream up you have to think WAY ahead of yourself -  

    If I sew this seam, where will I attach the next?  Will this be too tight, too loose?  How long/short will it be with that ruffle/hem?  ...  and so on

Then, if you're a weirdo like me you think even more -

    What will this look like and feel like from the inside?  Will it be clean, comfy, itchy?  

 So I made this skirt... it's insanely Full and Fantastic! 

I love the shimmer of the gold dots - it brings out the irridescent gold tones in the aqua silk.  So I decided, it will be a complete outfit and started on a top -

This has been DAYS in the making - recutting, laying it out, squinting my eyes to see what it would like all sewn together and cute. 

It's annoying to think from so many angles sometimes.  Why can't I just follow my original drawing/idea and finish it?  It'll be done someday, hopefully it will still fit when that 'someday' comes.

  *  *  *  *

As a side note - what is up with eBay? 

I'm reluctant to list anything, even resells.  The whole feedback process and boutique community has changed SO much.  More change is looming in February for the hand-made.  I feel awful for those designers who depend on this as their primary business.  

Let's hope change is good... I guess we'll see?  

Starting her out early

So I was playing around the other day.  I wanted to sew myself an apron.  Always wanting to 'help', my girl was by my side...

what can I do Mom?  can I do the pins?

If she isn't busy, I know...  I will get nothing done. 

I will usually sit her up with a scrap of material and a box of pins.  She goes to town and it buys me about 15 minutes.

Well today she said I want to make a blind.  Ambitious, I think.  So I sit her up with material, a paper eyemask pattern, a pencil and her favorite scissors in the world.

 

She was so proud of herself and I was impressed!  I just watched her in awe as she worked so busily and I snapped pictures. 

Eventually, I got nothing done but she finished her blind. 

I sewed it for her, with a WIDE seam allowance to account a few irregular cuts.  

 

Fair Lady

 Would your little one love a beautiful crown like this one?

 

It's a fun craft you can do together with things you probably have around the house.  Here is a what you will need: 

• 1 page from a newspaper
• Tape
• Ribbon
• Hot glue gun (or craft glue)
• Silk flowers
• Sequins, beads or glitter glue

Start with the single page from the newspaper - laid open.  Roll it tightly from an angle.  (You can roll it looser if you want it to be more thick)

Once it is rolled, measure around the head.  Remove, keeping ends together to meet where it will fit.  Secure with tape, wrap the loose ends around the roll and tape along the endings.  

Work the band a bit to soften it. 

 

Choose a thicker ribbon, cover the entire band.  Secure each turn with glue on the outside of the crown. 

Select smaller flowers, remove any plastic and glue the silk flowers to the outside.  

Really fill it in! 

Then go back and give them a second or third layer.  (Be sure to leave a small section in the back blank where you will add your bow.) 

 

We glued sequins to the center.  You could choose beads, glitter glue or whatever else on hand.

Tie a ribbon in a knot to the back and leave a long tail.  Then add another LONG ribbon and make it into a bow, again leave a long tail.  

Let all the glue dry before you try it on.  

Your done, wasn't that easy!

It's a fun project to do with the girls.  They will love to pick out the colors, flowers and add all the pretty stuff themselves.

      

For the lil' crafters

More cuteness... 

 

Beginner's Sewing Kit

 

Adorable Sewing Kit

 

Embroidery Kit (with Free shipping)

 

 

They are all over at the Land of Nod in the gift section.  I'm always looking for something interesting (besides TV) for Sydney to help stay busy while I sew.  She can only color and play with my scraps for so long. 

There are lots of great items for all ages here... take a looksie & happy Crafting!

  

Clever crafts

I came across this lovely and creative little blogger the other day.  Her name is Lea Redmond and she said she 'just likes to make things'. 

Well, she created this clever garment tag.  Her message is inspiring and especially meaningful for designers that spend HOURS creating something special.  You can read her message behind the label here.

 

She is also in charge of the World's Smallest Post Office.

 

Aren't they the CUTEST!!    check.it.out