HELP fellow sewers!

This is a quick plea for some help...I am interested in making my own patterns to put on the blog...

It would make some tutorials I have in my mind so much easier for YOU the reader. 

I want to do it all professional like. So I was wondering what program do you use for your clothing patterns?

What do you use for your wallet/purse/stuffies? 

The clothing is my biggest ugh! because with the wallet, purse, stuffed animal stuff it is one size most of the time and therefore you can make one pattern scan it in and retrace with photoshop. Clothing is not so easy because of the sizes. 

Help a crafty mommy out!

Haiti has Heart

As most of you know I am a big believer in up-cycling items. If I can find a purpose in something I will use it. I am not ashamed to admit that sometimes this turns into a major craft fail. 

There are some very amazing people in Haiti that do the same thing (though I am sure they have a lot less craft fails than I). They use stuff like recycled oil drums, paper mache, stone and more to make beautiful art that speaks wonders of their culture and history. Not only do they make these gorgeous pieces of art but they use those skills to provide for their families. 

(I am really in love with these watermelon bowls)

After the horrific earthquake in January of 2010 the Haitians had an even harder time of making a living... In response Macy's, in partnership with Fairwinds Trading and Brandaid Haiti, are helping these same people by providing them with a audience in which to show their art to and offer you the chance to purchase some as well! This awesome program is called Heart of Haiti.

By purchasing one of their beautiful handmade items you are helping these men and women support their family by doing something they love (22% of every purchase goes to the artisan). You are helping prevent starvation, help send children to school, rebuilding homes, and providing the opportunity to access healthcare.

I am sure that most of us "crafty ladies" can agree and understand what one of the artisans, Isador, (read more about the artisans  here)  when he says "When an artisan creates, it is like a love in your heart."

As we are approaching the anniversary of the devastating earthquake, I try to remember that I am fortunate to be living where I am and to have what I do. I hope that you can find it in your heart, if you can, to help these good folks make a living and get back on their feet. 

More information and to purchase product can be found at http://www.macys.com/heartofhaiti





Disclosure: I was selected for this very special “CleverHaiti” opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. All opinions are my own.

11 months

I can't believe my "little" baby is 11 months old. This month is already promising to go by fast. 

"Warp speed ahead!"

I am so excited to see your growing and learning but I am also heart broken. These past 2 years have been some of the best and hardest of my life.

I lost a precious angel baby right before I got pregnant with you dear son. When I did find out I was pregnant with you barely a month later I was terrified. The doctors told me it would be virtually impossible for me to carry a baby to term. After several months of blood thinners, bed rest, and weekly visits to the doctor I finally allowed myself to be excited. At 4 months I finally could breathe a sigh of relief. 

I have to admit I was so excited (and your nana was so excited) that by November we had bought more stuff than you could ever possibly need... And I even set up the crib because I knew I would be going back on bed rest soon. 

It has been an amazing 11 months. You have grown from a little new fat baby...

(2months)

To a handsome little man...

You are so eager to explore, give sugars, and get into trouble. 

You can crawl on all 4's now and you pull up and couch surf everywhere. 

After a rough 11 months full of sleep apnea, sleep seizures, severe acid reflux, sandifers syndrome diagnosis, several overnight trips to the hospital, and a few heart attacks on mommies part we have finally gotten into a good place. 

No more apnea monitor for the past 2 months, sleep seizures are only once in a blue moon and your sandifers is under control. 

The best part... You are sleeping in your own bed! Today marks a whole week of you sleeping in your big boy bed at the head of mommies bed!

I don't know why you hate the crib being a crib but if a toddler bed version with my bed as a buffer is all that works I will gladly work with ya doll. 

You have grown so much. I am so proud of you my little bug. 

Love, 

Mommy

Lizards Lizards everywhere!!!

No not real lizards! 

This Lizard!

I fell in love with Little Lizard King sewing patterns when I was looking for a little boy's vest pattern. I unfortunately was poor at the time so I could only make google-y eyes at it until one day ... I won the pattern! Oh yeah! 

Than I got the opportunity to test out the Little Apron Skirt (new name pending?) at the beginning of December... It was so cute and I made sure to stalk keep an eye on Lizard's Facebook page. I was addicted... I want them all! 

(photo credit Little Lizard King Patterns)

(the skirt that I made)

About a week ago she posted again "pattern testers needed." I could not hit the comment button fast enough! (no I am not exaggerating ... sad yes I know. ) 

   

(6-12 months THIS ONE for sale in my facebook store)

(size 8)

This skirt is my all time favorite... I even tortured my son and dressed him in it to take photos! lol 

It is a little long but I am going to just shorten it by a few inches next time. I even made one bigger for my niece but I have not given it to her yet... 

Want one for yourself? The pattern will be for sale soon in her etsy store!

Or if your not crafty (or just want to be lazy) I will be selling customs, and pre-made's of this skirt, & the Apron Skirt in my store on Facebook. 

Thanks for listening to me gush and don't forget to go check out Little Lizard King Patterns on Facebook and Etsy.