Hello, Zipper Foot.

Yesterday I was working on a project (trying to make and use piping for the first time!) As I was trying to make the it using various tutorials around the web, I realized what I have always thought was my zipper foot is actually NOT a zipper foot. I don't know what it is. 

Could someone identify what type of foot is in the left hand picture? Thanks. 

But my sewing machine (which is 20 years old) came with other feet...so I sorted through them and decided the one in the right hand picture is a zipper foot. It worked way better. I don't think the piping will work where I want to use it...but at least I've enlightened myself about my sewing machine. 

I'll have less trouble the next time I want to insert a zipper. Maybe I'll use them more often!

Adult-Sized Sun Hat. {Free Pattern}

Since I’d used it before, I used the Oliver + S bucket hat pattern again. I enlarged it for my 22” head. I thought I would share my enlarged version with you in case any of you happen to have a 22” head and would like to make a hat for yourself.

 After all, a mama needs to protect her skin, too.

Bike Bag with Freezer Paper Stenciling

More freezer paper stenciling. More bikes. However, this technique is slightly different than other freezer paper stenciling I have done. This uses the cutout piece of the stencil. It’s painting around the stencil instead of just inside of it.

Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Recipe

I wanted to share the recipe for making my {current} favorite salad. I made it for my littlest child’s first birthday this weekend and it received rave reviews.

Fabric Stores & Other Great Places in Toronto, Canada

My husband and I were in Toronto last week. Without our kids. Which was fun, but I missed those little guys! I was there for 3 days, but he was there all week (for work). We rode bikes. We ate great food. And most importantly, I went to some fabric stores in the fashion district.

Handmade: Children’s Gray Dress Pants

The children’s clothing industry lacks affordable dress clothes for little boys. I was forced to make my kid a pair of plain gray pants.

Non-Frugal Confessions

I used to make all our food from scratch. Fruits and vegetables never went to waste because I always found a way to use them, even if they were overripe. I would never pay for shipping on items I could pick up from the store. I went to several different grocery stores to get good deals on all of our food.

Then I had two boys. Two wonderful, smiley, energetic, healthy children who don't love running errands. I hate having to buckle & unbuckle two car seats. (Those of you with three, four, or more children, my heart goes out to you. All those car seats must be tough.) With one child, I could manage my formerly frugal lifestyle.

Upcycled Tote Bag: Part 2

Did you catch yesterday’s part 1 of upcycling a pair of cargo pants into a tote bag? On to part 2 today!

Upcycled Tote Bag: Part 1

Remember last week when I mentioned I was making a tutorial regarding the bag I have listed in my Etsy shop? Here is part 1! I split the tutorial into two parts because I took so many pictures. I didn’t want them to overwhelm anyone.

Monkeys in Action: Part II

Ever have a day when you feel super-organized and everything goes perfectly? I don’t.

For example, one day last week, we were on our way to the grocery store, post office, and to the library to return [overdue] books and my very helpful three-year-old pointed out, “Mommy, Dray-yay is still wearing his jammies!” (“Dray-yay” is the way he pronounces littler guy’s name. You can take some guesses at what it is. Or research past blog posts.)

Did I turn around to head back home and change our almost-walking one-year-old into more appropriate attire? Nope. Those library books cost $.25/day each!

My house is a disaster. I can’t remember the last time I dusted. There are handprints on our windows. I am not a mommy of the year. But my kids make me laugh.

And hopefully we can laugh someday about the time I took ‘Dray-yay’ all over town in his jammies.

Teach Your Child at Home: Part 1

Someday, we might be a homeschool family.  Our oldest just turned three. He’s not going to pre-school next year, but I want to do some fun things at home with him to help him learn colors, numbers, shapes and letters.

I adapted this idea for working on numbers and colors. (It is supposed to be a parking lot.) See?

That's my backyard.

 Though we do live on a busy road, I am continually thankful for the tranquility of our backyard. 

Unfortunately, FEMA thinks we need flood insurance. Our home is nowhere NEAR the creek. 

*SIGH*

 We are loving summer. 

I love that our deck has become the most-used 'room' of our house.

What do you love most about summer? 

Upcycled Tote Bag

I love making bags! I made this little boy-themed bag this past weekend. It is currently for sale in my Etsy shop if you are interested in purchasing it for a special little boy in your life.

Handmade Bag Trio

A good friend is getting married next month. She asked me to make some bags for her to give as gifts to others who will be helping with her wedding in some way.

Summer Bucket Playtime Hat

Hats are great to make for boys.

Shirred Bridal Garter Tutorial

A good friend is getting married in a few weeks. She asked me to make the ring bearer pillow and a few other things for her wedding. I used the extra fabric from the ring bearer pillow to make a garter. I just made up the method. It was pretty easy.

Monkeys In Action

We’re having a busy day here. How about you?

Thanks for reading.

Ring Bearer Pillow

My dear three-year-old is growing up. 

He’s going to be a ring bearer in a good friend’s wedding. My friend asked me to make a few things for the wedding, including the pillow he’ll carry.

Her wedding color is cobalt blue. So pretty.

Little Boys’ Fire Truck Shorts

My energetic three-year-old thinks firefighters are super interesting.

He actually calls them “pirepighters”.

Anyway, I had some red twill (that I got for free!) He loves when his clothes have pictures of trucks, diggers, or basketballs, so I figured I’d try something with fire trucks.

These shorts were an instant hit.