Bringing the Sunshine

It's raining, it's pouring...

Rainy days are some of the best days to sew. I kind of love being couped up knowing that it's not a good day to be outside anyway and just creating something beautiful. Today - it shall be a little dress. It's in my head right now - but it shall soon be on my Etsy site. I think I'll use a brilliant yellow with little colorful polka dots. It's the perfect fabric to turn this rainy day into something sunny.

I'd love to hear from others... I don't have many commenters yet - but if you happen upon this, share a link of what you're working on today - or your favorite rainy day project!

All Sorts of GREEN Up in Here!

The simplicity of a St. Patrick's Day theme appeals to me. Green and Shamrocks. It's easy but yet there are so many possibilities. This year the kids and I made little sachets for each of their teachers. These were made out of soft (VERY soft - I love this fabric) organic, green cotton. We cut the shamrocks, sewed on a monogram applique for each teacher, and then sewed and stuffed them. We put a little squirt of lavender oil on the stuffing. The results weren't quite as beautiful as I had envisioned - but it was fun and they smell great! I will make a simple one for myself to keep with my linens.

Next - I made simple shamrock applique t-shirts for each of my kids out of a bright green bandanna. They are so simple but very festive and they were both excited to wear them to preschool today. My daughter got a matching bow to boot!

Little Leggings!

I'm loving these little leggings for my daughter to wear under her dresses this spring. I like that she doesn't have to have tights on - but she is not just exposing her bare legs and undies while playing. This is the only picture I have right now that shows what I mean (can you see them peaking out from under her dress?)... I am making some more today to go with this shirt I have listed on Etsy. The shirt is cut long, but not long enough to be considered a dress. I think I will turn the listing into an outfit instead of listing separately. This is a fabric that I don't have more of currently so I am selling as a OOAK. I keep debating just keeping for my daughter, but it is a little big on her. I do love it though!

Hopping Down the Bunny Trail...

My children's daycare is having their annual silent auction. All of the parents are encouraged to collect donations from local businesses - or just contribute gift cards, or whatever. Then there is a big silent auction night where all the families, friends and friends of families walk around and bid on items. This is the biggest fundraising event all year for their school and is quite a tradition. It's always a lot of fun and you never know what type of items will be available. Last year we somehow ended up with some Sea Monkeys. I'm hoping we fare a little better this year. Some families go all out and are able to contribute a condo for a weekend or some sports team tickets.
For our donations - I've got a call into Monkey's Treehouse hoping for a free family admission pack or something - and then I've made this! My daughter's classroom is putting together a whole gift basket with an Easter them, so this will be included in that. The puffy cottontail on the back was actually my son's idea. I gathered the edges of the little tail applique before sewing on - and then actually stuffed it with some poly-fill stuffing. How cute is that?!





















I considered listing on Etsy because I have supplies to make more if needed but - I'm trying to steer away from the holiday wear. Any interest - just leave me a comment or email me. I'll be happy to do custom ones!

More Revamping, Reusing, Recycling

How do you demonstrate to your children the concept of waste reduction? I know most of us talk about recycling plastic bags and bottles, etc. ~ but what about less obvious ways? The outfit I posted in the last post is a flimsy example...but it is a way I reused something that could have just been stuck away in a box until next year, or even thrown out. After I posted it - I started thinking about how else I am being resourceful and creatively reusing, revamping or recycling items in our every day lives. The best way we can teach our children is to lead by example.


In that spirit - here are a few other projects around the house that are getting us thinking about revamping, reusing and recycling!

• I just went through my daughter's closet. We are very lucky to have two nieces each a little older than my daughter. We get LOTS of hand-me downs. Most of her other clothes I make (I know, this will probably only fly until she's about 9 or 10). But, with good care many of the clothes still have life in them when the third child has outgrown them. We sorted together (which is fun and spurs memories and talks of how much she has grown) and came up with a box of clothes to donate to our American Vets and a box to take to an upcoming consignment sale. We talked about donations and giving to others and also about working hard to save and make money. (Side note... the sorting of the styles, sizes, seasons of clothing was actually a great activity for my five year old to take part in too. Categorizing is right up his developmental alley.)

• Next, I am cleaning and revamping my office and sewing supply area. This is a CHORE. Our current space in the house is not exactly an ideal setup for my sewing... however, with some creativity and using what I already had on hand - I've made some great progress. I'll post before and after pictures. One of my favorite things... I used a little wooden horse stable toy that my daughter doesn't use to store a lot of my tiny items for sewing. I tried to entice my son into sorting all my pins and buttons and such for me, but he drew the line.

• The cleaning of all my sewing items resulted in the discovery of some t-shirts that I had started to use for my little Guatemala tops I make (yes, that beauty is my daughter;) ) and then found that they ran too small for the size I needed. So, instead of throwing them out - I have used them for the basis of a new spring outfit! I kept hanging on to them thinking I needed to just get rid of them... and then it hit my that I could rework them into something really cute! Pictures coming soon!

Some other every day ways we try to reuse...

• Save all egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls - this make great craft basis'.
• Buy the reusable grocery totes! If you haven't done it yet - do it - or make one. They're easy. Or just search on Etsy... here, I'll get you started!
• Refill water bottles - or just buy a big pitcher.
• Save cardboard boxes. They make great forts, cages... the possibilities are endless.
  

So, please share...how are you demonstrating to your kids the art of finding new uses or even just re-uses for old things?

For Little Boys

I'm the mother of a young boy and I've noticed that it is more difficult for me to come up with fun things to make for him than it is for me to come up with things to make for my daughter. I have never been one to dress my children (especially my son) in fancy clothes. I steer away from smocking or johnny suits (is that what they're called?) for little boys. Just my personal taste.

I made a snake shirt last year that was a hit. And I've done a couple other things for little guys - but this spring, I really want to expand to include more boy items.

While running a little bit ago, I came up with three t-shirt ideas (some of my greatest inspiration comes while running - and I recently lost my iPod, which I think is only helping me). I'm excited... I think I will use a Hancock gift card I've been hanging on to to order some fabric. I would love to hear ideas from other people if you have any. What type of handmade clothing would you like for your little boy?

And now offering...

...an adorable ladybug inspired toddler purse t-shirt!

I haven't come up with a really catchy name for these shirts yet (I welcome suggestions) - but I love the style. My nieces and daughter enjoy these shirts so much. They also enjoy the compliments and questions they get which let them show anyone they meet what they've packed in their purses for the day!

If you'd like one for your daughter - just leave me a comment with your email, or visit my Etsy site! This one is sold for $22 and has a matching bow that can be yours for $5. If you want two matching bows, I will discount.

Welcome!

Welcome to my new Sewing and Crafts Blog!

I am starting this blog as an additional outlet for sharing my creations with people interested in buying handmade children's clothing and unique accessories for the children in their lives.

Today I am working on a new Toddler Purse T-shirt. Haven't seen one yet? Check it out here:
www.pilarinasboutique.com at my Etsy shop. To see the new design - check back tomorrow when I hope to be able to post a picture!

These are toddler tested and adored. The little lady in your life will love to be able to stick a few treasures in her "purse" that is attached in a decorative manner allowing her - and you - to relax while out and about! No worries of lost purses or items!