She Keeps My Imagination Alive

Craft It Forward Epilogue

I joined the 2011 Craft It Forward party a little late. You may remember my earlier post Craft It Forward 2011. Well, the blog I responded to only had two participants, and I only had one; rather a fizzle after the bang that got the party started. I think the overlap with the holiday festivities was a little more than most felt like taking on . . . and probably something I should have considered as well.

Celina from petit á petit and family made both of my kids cute embroidered pillows. Both from recycled materials (yay!) she made a Dala Horse for Chiara:

Photo from petit á petit and family

and for Xavier a plush Race Car:

Photo from petit á petit and family

My Craft It Forward gift went to Jen from Jenny Reb's Gems. Fortunately Jen is a patient soul because my first package never arrived. Thank the craziness that surrounded my 2010-2011 transition for never photographing the first item, a simple little handbag for her niece with brown twill exterior lined with a delicate purple flower calico and matching exterior pocket. The make-up item had to be special, so when she asked for something for a baby girl, I thought of the adorable bib Charlotte Lyons designed for the Souleful Mothering Series on Amanda Blake Soule's Soule Mama blog.

Photo from Soule Mama, Charlotte Lyons' bib for Soule Mama

My Version of Charlotte Lyons' bib

I wish that I had visited my local fabric stores before I embroidered the image, because I was unable to find a coordinating ric-rac trim or ribbon. After a week of no luck, I decided a plan B needed to evolve. I gave up on the adorable trims and did a simple top stitch edging, and I lengthened the circumference of the neck strap to accommodate a button closure. The final product was not as cute as I had hoped, but an acceptable alternative. I rather like the simplicity of the ivory linen and clean button closure.

Want to see what others are making this week? Check out these linky parties:

{this moment}

Inspired by SouleMama:


A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

First Snowfall of the Year

The Snow Pant Refashion Tutorial

I wanted to title this "The Emergency-Hurry-Mom-The-Snow-Is-Going-To-Melt-Snow-Pant Tutorial" but that seemed a bit of a mouthful. The northwest got hit by back to back snowstorms this week. We went into this winter a little unprepared. My son, now solidly in boys' clothing, only had an old pair of 2T snow bibs that just wouldn't do for the hours of snow play that were to fill our week. The stores were taking full advantage of the snow panic and buying a new pair was out of the question; it was time for a mommy refashion. I photographed the process, but it was all a bit rushed and I can't remember the last time I saw the sun, so I apologize for any blurry or dark photos.

Christmas 2011

It was a good year this Christmas! We managed to make over half the gifts we gave this year. I had hoped to make it an entirely homemade Christmas but the reality of time constraints led to a compromise. Of course I forgot to take pictures of all the items, but here are a few:

Fabric bookmarks for Papa, Batman dress-up commissioned by a friend, and crochet hook organizer for Nana

Not pictured are a turned wine bottle stopper, doll clothes, and embroidered dish towels.

The most popular gifts the family received this year included:

Woodland Park Zoo Family Membership

Alex Paint Porcelain Party

Legos!

Xavier was tickled pink about his handmade jammies from Nana and a new scooter from  his godfather.

I hope everyone's Christmas was as joyful as ours!

Sew Mama Sew! Giveaway Winners

Winner of Giveaway #1 two Deluxe Infant Bibs goes to Darbishar who "like[s] giving bags/purses, they are always useful :) Thank you so much for entering the giveaway and giving me the chance to win!"


Winner of Giveaway #2 three Wash 'n Go Toddler Bibs goes to Rane.  Rane is a busy mom to six kiddos and is building the blog I Remember Sleep to help her find herself again.

Giveaway #1

Giveaway #2

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day Late Entry

Thank you for visiting. This giveaway is now closed.

I could give you every reason why I'm entering on the last day, but let's not focus on the negative, instead look at it as less competition!

Giveaway #1 is for two Deluxe Infant Bibs. Felt appliques made from recycled water bottles are mounted on 100% cotton and backed with a super soft, minky like backing and a hidden layer of PUL creates a waterproof barrier between your little one and their messy mishaps. 

Giveaway #2 is for three Wash n' Go Toddler Bibs. Dare I say toddler proof? The sturdy size 20 resin snaps, a favorite of diaper makers, is difficult for toddlers to rip off. These cotton bibs are lined with cotton batting to improve absorbency and decrease the likelihood penetrating spills. Just toss these in the wash with your dishtowels and use again and again. (Please excuse the wrinkles; I'm racing the clock!)

Each giveaway has their own page to distinguish between people interested in only one or the other sets. Please follow the link here for Giveaway #1 and here for Giveaway #2.

If you comment to this post, I will remind you to post on one of the links above.