Jane’s Wardrobe

BLM-1823 copyBLM-1827 copyBLM-1861-2BLM-1873 copy-RecoveredBLM-1899-AnnouncementBLM-1911 copyI believe I may have sewn more this summer than I have ever sewn before. You can blame it on the pregnancy insomnia if you want or the nesting, I’m sure that had something to do with it, but the truth is I am on a personal mission of my own. I promised myself that by the end of this year at least 90% of the children’s wardrobes would be handmade. (I am fighting fast fashion one garment at a time, but that’s a story for another day…) As far as Jane, Madeleine, and Kilian are concerned I have almost reached that percentage. The older boys are a bit harder to sew for, so that may be a bit of a lofty goal, but we’ll see. I plan on sharing each of their wardobes over time, and as I add to them… so what better place to start than with Jane’s! You can refer to my last post to see her wearing each item.  Below are links to the patterns, fabric and accessories I used. (Some of the outfits I made without using a pattern… if you have any questions on those just ask and I’ll try my best to answer!)
handmade (to make)
handmade (to buy)
  • paci clip
  • the sweetest knit baby socks
  • bonnet and bonnet (not pictured here but shown in last post)
  • sandals (These have been sold out, but every pair they sell is adorable. Handmade in Nicaragua!)

Made for Baby Blog Tour

MFB Banner 1Good Morning, my friends! Welcome to my stop on the Made for Baby Blog Tour!
Let me first tell you a little story. In our house we read lots, and lots, and lots of books. All the children have their own way of listening. Some listen attentively, some climb all over me or the back of the couch, and some prefer to “fix” (run their sticky fingers all through) my hair while listening. Finn, though, likes the pictures. He will make me read the same page over and over just to continue to look at a certain picture. After studying it fully, he will finally look up and exclaim, “I love this picture, Mommy! I want to go there! I want to be in this picture!”
I’m Pretty sure I’m Finn every time I look at Ayda’s pictures. Ayda Algin blogs over at CafenoHut and both her blog and Instagram feed are bursting with beautiful and inspirational photos, projects and ideas. She has an ability to sew “cute” into everything she makes and photograph it perfectly.
Those of you who have been following me on Instagram probably know that we are expecting our fifth little blessing (Baby Jane!) in a couple of months. So, I was thrilled when I saw that sweet Ayda was coming out with a book of 22 little projects… just for baby! Her book Made for Baby, published by Tuva Publishing, encapsulates all that she does best… perfect projects and beautiful pictures. _BLM7828 copy_BLM7650 copy_BLM7674 copy(A)I fell in love with these peter pan collars the minute I saw them. Perfect little addition to spruce up an outfit, and they are even reversible! Sigh… _BLM7736 copy_BLM7735 copy_BLM7708 copyThe “Pillow with Tents”  is a perfect scrap busting project, and a fun way to mix and match and bring together different prints and colors. Although it’s made to be a pillow, I think it would make an adorable wall hanging, too! _BLM7951 copy.jpg_BLM7793 copy(A)_BLM7776-2 copy_BLM7825 copy 2_BLM7940 copy(A)… and the teether above? It is sewn with an oven roasting bag so it makes a fun crinkly noise when played with. Genius!
Ayda is giving away a copy of Made for Baby as well as other exciting goodies over on her blog. Be sure to hop over and enter! You can also purchase your copy of the book here. Enjoy!!
Be sure to check out all the other exciting stops along tour! Here is a full schedule:
May.03
Ayda ALGIN
www.cafenohut.blogspot.com
@cafenohut
May.04
Jemima Flendt
www.blog.tiedwitharibbon.com
@tiedwitharibbon
May.05
Sarah Edgar
www.alittlehappyplace.blogspot.co.uk
@sarahedgarprettyfabrics
May.08
Lisa Cox
www.aspoonfulofsugardesigns.com
@aspoonfulsugar
May.09
Ange Hamilton
www.alittlepatchwork.wordpress.com
@alittlepatchwork
May.10
Lauren Wright
www.mollyandmama.com.au
@mollyandmama
May.11
Melissa LeRay
www.ohhowsweet.com
@ohhowsweetco
May.12
Minki Kim
www.minkikim.com
@zeriano
May.15
Faith Essenburg
www.SaranaAve.wordpress.com
@faithessenburg
May.16
Kristin Esser
www.kristinesser.com/
@kristin_esser
May.17
Lauren Guthrie
www.guthrie-ghani.co.uk/blog
@guthrieghani
May.18
Bridgette McNay
www.thefamilyhearth.com
@thefamilyhearth
May.19
Torie Jayne
www.toriejayne.com
@toriejayne
May.22
Constanca Cabral
www.constancacabral.com/blog
@constancacabral
May.23
Stacy Olson
www.stacyolsondesign.com
@stacyolsondesign
May.24
Caroline Husle
www.SewCaroline.com
@SewCaroline
May.29
Nadra Ridgeway
www.ellisandhiggs.com
@ellisandhiggs
May.30
Wynn Tan
www.zakkaArt.blogspot.com
@zakkaArt
May.31
Sedef Imer
www.downgrapevinelane.com
@downgrapevinelane
June. 01
Lauren Nash
Www.transientart.com
@transientart
June. 02
Jennie Pickett
www.cloverandviolet.com
@cloverandviolet
June. 05
Amy Sinibaldi
www.nanaCompany.typepad.com
@amysinibaldi
June. 07
Kim Kruzich
www.retro-mama.blotspot.com
@retro_mama
June. 08
Elea Lutz
www.elealutzdesign.com
@elealutz
June. 09
Samantha Dorn
www.aquapaisleystudio.com/blog
@aqua_paisley
June. 12
Ayda ALGIN
www.cafenohut.blogspot.com
@cafenohut
 Have a lovely week!

xoxo, Bridgette

Bunnies and Cream Blog Tour

Bunnies&Cream_Logo_Blog_Tour_WhiteBGGood morning, my friends!
Welcome to my stop on the Bunnies and Cream Blog Tour… I’m so glad you stopped by!
One of my favorite things is when a very seriously talented person turns their talents into adorable fabric. Bunnies and Cream is Lauren Nash’s first fabric line for Penny Rose Fabrics, and just like all of Lauren’s work, this collection is… simply… precious.
Mischievous bunnies,  sweet little baked goods, gingham and florals, strawberries and bows, all in the prettiest spring pastels… pretty amazing, eh?
BLM_BP_B&C008 (1 of 1) copyBLM_BP_B&C006 (1 of 1) copyBLM_BP_B&C007 (1 of 1) copyBLM_BP_B&C0010 (1 of 1) copyBLM_BP_B&C009 (1 of 1) copyA few of the prints actually have some of Lauren’s personal recipes on them which put me in the baking mood right away, so  I thought a cute little patchwork apron for Madeleine would be perfect. And ooh, I love the way all the prints play together.
Next up is a fun little mini quilt I designed using the floral and gingham prints. BLM_BP_B&C004 (1 of 1) copyBLM_BP_B&C002 (1 of 1) copyBLM_BP_B&C003 (1 of 1) copyAn April Showers bunny, because even though I love May flowers I love the April showers almost as much!!
Last up is a cute little tray using Noodlehead’s free pattern found here. I will probably end up using this one to store little odds and ends in my fabric cabinet, but I plan on using my left over Bunnies and Cream scraps to make a whole set of matching trays to fill up with Easter goodies and give away to the children’s friends. BLM_BP_B&C005 (1 of 1) copyBLM_BP_B&C001 (1 of 1) copyThank you so much for stopping by! I hear there are a few places who already have Bunnies and Cream in stock! Yay!! ( Fat Quarter Shop, Ministry of Fabric,  SunnyDaySupply,  SewStitchingHappy)
Don’t forget to make all the stops this week, I definitely will be! Here is a full line up:

xoxo, Bridgette

Quilt Petite Blog Hop

quilt-petite-blog-hop-banner

Good morning! Today is my stop on the Quilt Petite Blog Hop and I am happy you have stopped by! Quilt Petite, published by Tuva Publishing, is the first book (hopefully of many) by the sweet Sedef Imer of Down Grapevine Lane and it’s absolutely stunning! (Sedef, you have some serious talent!) The captivating pictures, the adorable projects, the detailed explanations…  it all makes for a truly fun book. A sewist’s treasure.
book.jpgon-point-placemat_0003Sedef uses the term “small quilty things” to describe her book, so I knew it was going to be right up my alley. And how right I was! It’s filled with all kinds of patchwork projects from pillows and mini quilts to placemats and potholders, and brimming with all kinds of fun techniques geared at both the seasoned or the novice sewer. And with the excellent instructions on each project you’re sure to learn new techniques with ease.
 I had a difficult time making up my mind on which project to choose (so much that I actually had fabric pulled and ready to go for three different projects!) before settling down with the “Pretty On-point Placemat”. It was the perfect project to mix with this super cute Christmas fabric (Pixie Noel by Tasha Noel)  so… I made one for each of the children, because we all know Christmas cookies and milk and cozy hot chocolate nights are right around the corner. Yippee!on-point-placemat_0004dsc_0965-copyOn-point Placemat_0005.jpgdsc_1157-copyon-point-placemat_0002dsc_1212-copydsc_1063-copydsc_1011-copydsc_1035-copydsc_0854-copydsc_1263-copyon-point-placemat_0001
The blog hop continues until December 11th, and includes a long list of super talented bloggers! Check out the lineup below. Be sure to check out Wynn and Sarah’s stop and come back tomorrow to see what Heidi’s been working on! I can’t wait to see what each one has lined up!
Also, be sure to visit Down Grapevine Lane for a chance to win a lovely package full of all kinds of goodies, including a copy of Quilt Petite! 
November 6: Sedef at Down Grapevine Lane (intro + giveaway)
November 7: Wynn at Zakka Art
November 8: Sarah at A Little Happy Place
November 9: Bridgette at The Family Hearth
November 10: Heidi at Fabric Mutt
November 11: Minki at Minki’s Work Table
November 12: Ange at A Little Patchwork
November 13: Lauren at Molly and Mama
November 14: Michelle at Cole & Taffy
November 15: Nadra at Ellis & Higgs
November 16: Amy at Nana Company
November 17: Faith at Sarana Ave
November 18: Debbie at Happy Little Cottage
November 19: Erin at Why Not Sew
November 20: Amanda at Jedi Craft Girl
November 21: Melissa at Oh How Sweet
November 22: Stacy at Stacy Olson Design
November 23: Ayda at Cafe Nohut
November 24: Peta at She Quilts A Lot
November 25: Amanda at A Crafty Fox
November 26: Keera at Live Love Sew
November 27: Sharon at Lilabelle Lane
November 28: Kate at The Homemakery
November 29: Jemima at Tied With A Ribbon
November 30: Jodie at Ric Rac
December 1: Anorina at Samelia’s Mum
December 2: Alisha at Ministry of Fabric
December 3: Xanthe at Wife-made
December 4: Cheri at Tinker With This
December 5: Kristyne at Pretty By Hand
December 6: Kimberly at Fat Quarter Shop
December 7: Veronica at Vivid Felicity
December 8: Shari at Doohikey Designs
December 9: Jina at Jina Barney Designz
December 10: Emma at Emma Jean Jansen
December 11: Sedef at Down Grapevine Lane (wrap up + giveaway winner)

quilt-petite-blog-hop-square

xoxo, Bridgette

Apple Farm Blog Hop

apple_farm_blog_hop_banner-600x130pxGood Morning! Welcome to my stop on the Apple Farm Blog Hop.
I have been anxiously awaiting this day. For those of you who have been following me for any time at all, I am sure you are aware of my fondness for Elea Lutz, her incredible talents and her adorable fabric lines. Just when you think fabric can’t get any cuter, out comes her newest collection… Apple Farm for Penny Rose fabrics. It pretty much sums up cute in one bundle; Gingham, plaid, tiny florals,  and the cutest bears picking apples and picnicking about.  So, needless to say, I was elated when she asked me to join in on the blog hop.
So, lets get right to it!Pinwheel Dress BPinwheel Dress CPinwheel Dress 2.jpgPinwheel Dress 1Apple Farm Patchwork HandkerhiefOne of my favorite skirts that Madeleine wears is the pinwheel skirt I made for her last year. She is just shy of outgrowing it, so I used the same idea in this sweet and simple play dress. (Made using this pattern. I added the pinwheels to the skirt panels and doubled the panels over to cover any ugly seams and work as a lining.) I made the pinwheels out of the smaller scale prints in Apple Farm, which I have to say make the most gorrrrr-geous pinwheels, and  I finished the outfit off with a fun little patchwork bandanna to match. Patchwork Apple Pillow 1Patchwork Apple PillowLeather TagSince we are just a week away from starting school here, I thought a few school themed projects would be in order!
For the patchwork apple pillow I just sewed together different sized fabric pieces into a large square, quilted the square patchwork to the batting itself, and then cut the shape of an apple out. I then used that quilted apple piece as a pattern for the backing and stuffed and added binding as normal. Lastly, I hand tacked the little leaf into place. Voila!
 I stuck to mostly the red and pink prints for Madeleine’s apple pillow. I plan on making a similar one in the green and brown prints for Liam. It is the perfect sized pillow for the children to rest their heads on on their desks during break time, and it makes for cute decor in our school room.
Last up is a fun little A-B-C mini quilt for our art wall in the school room.Tag
ABC QuiltcisforcakeABCFor each design, I drew the pictures and letters onto paper and then traced and cut them out of fabric, appliqued them onto the linen and stitched them into place with black thread. To finish it off I added a little tag (…because those cute little flowers!) and then hand quilted it.ABC Quilt_2AThank you for joining me today! I had so much fun with each of these projects and I am positive you will find just as much inspiration with the Apple Farm fabrics as I did!!
Be sure to also check out The Fat Quarter Shop today for their fun Apple Farm stop, and then the fun continues tomorrow with Taunja at Carried Away Quilting and Nadra at Ellis and Higgs. Yay!!
At the bottom of this post is the full line-up of the blog hop.

xoxo, Bridgette

 

8 August 2016    www.tiedwitharibbon.com
8 August 2016    www.sameliasmum.com
9 August 2016    www.fatquartershop.blogspot.com
9 August 2016    www.thefamilyhearth.com
10 August 2016  www.carriedawayquilting.com
10 August 2016  www.ellisandhiggs.com
11 August 2016  www.doohikeydesigns.com/blog/
11 August 2016  www.fabricmutt.blogspot.com
12 August 2016  www.fortworthfabricstudio.blogspot.com
15 August 2016  www.alittlepatchwork.wordpress.com
15 August 2016  www.transientart.com
16 August 2016  www.euphoriajessica.blogspot.com
16 August 2016  www.prettybyhand.com
17 August 2016  www.ohhowsweet.com
17 August 2016  www.downgrapevinelane.com
18 August 2016  www.saranaave.wordpress.com
18 August 2016  www.VividFelcity.wordpress.com
19 August 2016  www.dollyhenry.blogspot.com
19 August 2016  www.jedicraftgirl.com
20 August 2016  www.elealutzdesign.com

Posy Garden Blog Tour – Maker’s Tote

FabricBundledGood morning, my friends! And welcome to my stop on the Posy Garden Blog Tour!
I am going to start by telling you one of my favorite adjectives… Crisp.
I tend to over-use it when I am trying to portray a certain sense or feeling to my husband. I stutter, “…you know that fresh, crisp, clean, crisp look!” or “It looks so crisp! It’s so beautifully… crisp!” Early in our marriage, he’d roll his eyes and mutter, “You and that word.” (I am happy to say he’s starting to finally get all the meaning it holds.)
I am telling you this because honestly I can’t think of a better word to use to describe Carina Gardner’s new fabric line, Posy Garden, for Riley Blake Designs,  other than…well, crisp!  It is a beautiful collection of florals and geometrics in a color palette that’s to die for.Makers_Tote_003Makers_Tote_001I knew right away that I actually wanted to sew something for myself with these prints and decided they would make a beautiful Maker’s Tote.  (Pattern is by Anna Graham from Noodlehead.) I made the larger of the two sizes the pattern comes in, and let me tell you…  I am in love with this bag. Makers_Tote_002Makers_Tote_004Makers_Tote_005Makers_Tote_006It is small enough so I don’t feel like I am carrying around luggage, but large enough to hold books, supplies,  probably a chocolate bar and maybe a random diaper or two. Perfect!
With some of the leftover scraps I decided to make a mini quilt. I love the way Posy Garden looks against pure white, so I sketched out a design that would incorporate the prints I had along with plenty of white. I also wanted it to have a soft almost flower-y look, so I came up with the following design  made from lots of half triangle squares. (And as you can see, I had chubby little Finian hands helping me.)ChubbyHelpingHandsPosy Garden MiniPosy Garden Mini_001Posy Garden Mini_003.jpgPosy Garden Mini_002Be sure to check out all the other amazing Posy Garden projects this week. Here is the daily line-up:
Monday, August 1st: My Sewing Haven with Carla Peicheff
Tuesday, August 2nd Happy Little Cottage with Debbie Homick
Tuesday, August 2nd The Family Hearth with Bridgette McNay
Wednesday, August 3rd Fort Worth Fabric Studio with Lindsey Weight
Wednesday, August 3rd Happy Quilting Melissa with Melissa Corry
Thursday, August 4th Pretty By Hand with Kristyne Czepuryk
Thursday, August 4th Out of the Blue with Sondra Davison
Friday, August 5th Samelia’s Mom with Anorina Morris
Friday, August 5th Free Time Frolics with Adrienne Woods
Monday, August 8th Flamingo Toes with Bev McCullough
Monday, August 8th Silly Mama Quilts with Brooke Sellmann
Tuesday, August 9th Snickerdoodle Stew with Jessica Stewart
Tuesday, August 9th A Little Patchwork with Ange Hamilton
Wednesday, August 10th Ameroonie Designs with Amy Chappell
Thursday, August 11th One Little Pooh with Tina
Thursday, August 11th Jedi Craft Girl with Amanda Neiderhauser
Friday, August 12th Stitching Revival with Christine Cook

 

Oh, and P.S… I also love the word Cherry Apple Crisp! 🙂

xoxo, Bridgette

Seaside Fun

Madeleine Romper_00011When I was down beside the sea,  
a wooden spade they gave to me
 to dig the sandy shore.
My holes were empty like a cup
in every hole the sea came up
til it could come no more.
-Robert Louis StevensonMadeleine Romper_0005
Madeleine and I sneaked away for a couple of hours this morning to enjoy some “Mommy and Me” time at the beach. I couldn’t help but think of this poem watching her play. She would run back and forth between me and the waves, collecting seashells to fill her shoes, her  little pigtails bouncing the whole time. We really enjoyed our morning together.
Her little romper is from an adorable pattern I found recently. I have been on the lookout for a cute romper and was excited to finally find the perfect pattern from Tadah! Patterns. They have quite a few cute and easy patterns available. This romper is their Seaside Playsuit pattern.
Madeleine Romper_0001
Madeleine Romper_0004Madeleine Romper_0006Madeleine Romper_0009Madeleine Romper_0002I just love that ruffled collar!

xoxo, Bridgette

Jumbo Spool Pillow – a tutorial

A TutorialHello! Happy Friday!
It is the most crystal clear and cool morning here. The kind of morning that screams at you to open your windows and do something useful. So, I am. I am drinking coffee and baking bread.  The kids are excited because I told them they could play outside barefoot. For some reason, being allowed out without shoes is a thrill for them. I am writing this post to you while the bread is rising and between accepting barefoot kisses and lots of weedy flowers.
The other day I took my spool pincushion and turned it into a much larger version to make a fun patchwork pillow. I thought it would add a nice pop of color to my sewing room, but to be honest it hasn’t left Madeleine’s room since I made it.
Here is quick tutorial for it, so grab your scraps and let’s go!Scraps.jpg
What you will need:
2 strips of the same fabric both measuring: 13 1/2″ x  2 1/2″ – You will need to do this 5 times.
4 strips of neutral colored fabric measuring: 17 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Poly-fil Stuffing
Instructions:
This pillow is sewn up exactly the same way that the pincushions are, so the instructions are exactly the same except for the first 2 steps, which I will write here.
1. Take one of each of your strips of fabric, and using a 1/4″ seam, sew them together lengthwise.
2. Repeat step 1 with the second strips of fabric, making sure to sew them in the exact same order.
Finish the remainder of the steps, just as you would for the spool pincushion starting at step 3.
Spool Pillow _0003.jpgspool softie1I used Vintage Picnic fabric and linen to make mine. If you have any questions on any of the steps, feel free to let me know! I am more than happy to answer any questions. If you are on Instagram, share your picture with the hashtag #spoolsoftie. I would love to see what you make!

xoxo, Bridgette

Let’s talk strawberries…

Strawberry PlacematStrawberry season has come and gone here in Florida and I almost missed it! I have to constantly remind myself I am not in Kansas anymore…er, I mean Kentucky. I am used to strawberries in May or June back home.
Luckily, the kids and I and Aunt Annie (My younger sister has come to stay with us for awhile…) caught the tail end of it here and were able to pick dozens of deliciously ripe strawberries. Mmm…Strawberry_0004Strawberry_0006Strawberry_0002AuntAnnie.jpgStrawberry_0001Strawberry_0005Strawberry_0003Strawberries.jpgPlenty for the kids to feast on, and just enough left over to turn into 12 jars of jelly.
Not only is it strawberry season outside, but have you noticed how it seems to be strawberry season in the fabric world as well? One line I am especially loving right now is The Shabby Strawberry. The cute little bouncing strawberries just seem to announce picnic season is here.
I decided to make an easy patchwork placemat we could roll up and pack with us for picnics at the park or beach. And the square quilting on it matches the design on my jars of jelly. (That actually was not intentional, and I didn’t even notice it until I took this picture!) strawverry PLacemat3Strawberry PLACEMAT3Strawbery Placemat2DSC_3300.jpgI wish everyone a good picnic sometime in the near future!