Monday, January 13, 2014

Winter Here In Michigan

It's quite the blustery winter here in Michigan.
I think its beautiful.

But it still seems like all winter we hold our breath, just waiting for springtime. But its not all bad. It is cozy in this warm house. There is no better time for hot soup and warm bread sticks. The fun of pairing scarves with hats and coats with mittens is something I look forward to in those warm summer months. The yard maintenance is minimal now. The kids go to bed better in the dark. Fluffy blankets, chunky sweaters, spice tea, and tall boots.

Its not all bad my dears. Its not all bad.

Sylvie

Friday, January 10, 2014

DIY Copycat Girl's Dress Tutorial For FREE!

Check out this knock off dress I made!! 
The dress pictured on the left is a Chloe dress found here.
I most definitely can't spend $135 on a dress for a preschooler so  I made it... with stuff I had! 
I repurposed an old sweatshirt into a Chloe look alike dress!
And I'm pleased. It took 1-2 hrs. Here is what I did:

Find s dress with similar fabric stretchiness to use as a pattern.
Cut the sides of the sweatshirt up to a couple inches below the armpits.
Use the length from the inside of the neck to the sleeve end to get your sleeve size- as shown:
Cut the cuffs off- to use. You should have something like this:
Cut the cuff pieces open.
Open the sleeve, and place the cuff on top- right sides together.
Start pinning in the center and then bunch the edges inward
as you pin the sides together.
Sew/ serge the cuff onto the sleeve. Pull the layers tight while sewing so they line up- gathering the sleeve piece slightly.
Turn the whole situation inside out and pin the sleeves and sides.
Sew/ serge along the pins.
I drafted my own pattern for a Peter Pan collar that is not attached.
 It just ties in the back. (That's a whole separate tutorial... should I write one for ya?)
I used fabric from my stash for the collar.
I think I want one for myself! My daughter's closet is much cuter than mine these days. :)

Thanks for stopping by!
Sylv









Wednesday, January 8, 2014

DIY Moccasin Slippers For the Kids!

 My latest therapy has been making little moccs for my little ones!
I used the Lil Papoose Moccasin Pattern, and a couple old leather coats.
For the brown pair on the left, I modified the front toe piece. I widened it, added a triangle fringe down the front, and I shortened the side fringes a little.
These are so fun! If I get a chance to make more I'll share them with ya'll for sure!

Thanks for stopping by!
Sylvie

Monday, January 6, 2014

Best Crepe (Filling) Recipe EVER!!!

Today I made the best crepes ever ever ever. 
I had to run and grab by camera right straight so I could show you guys!
I've never had more flavorful ones, really!
Best Crepe Filling Ever 

Ingredients:
Your favorite crepe recipe
2 cups Brussels Sprouts; chopped
1/2 lb Bacon; cut up
6 White Mushrooms; chopped
1 Clove Garlic; chopped
Salt & Pepper to taste
Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheeses; chopped

Method:
Mix up the sprouts, bacon, mushrooms, garlic, and salt and pepper and fry in pan until bacon is cooked and sprouts are getting limp.
Cook your crepe, add fried mixture and cheese, fold your crepe over twice, and enjoy!
The filling is what made them so so good!
I am pretty sure you could use any recipe for the crepes and it would be good!
Mmmm.... I'm going to make more tomorrow.
Sylvie

Saturday, January 4, 2014

DIY Geometric Paper Diamond Modern Baby Mobile Tutorial


Little baby Liv loves staring at this mobile. Sometimes at nap time, I twist the cord and make it spin. It's a brilliant distraction while I dart out of the room! 

Want to make one for your little one? Here's what I did...
For the diamonds, I used this tutorial from Design and Form. 
diamond 
For the top/ hoop part of the mobile I used this tutorial from See Kate Sew. (And replaced the triangles with diamonds!)
Darling little baby nook
It makes for a very cheap and darling mobile! I w
ould hang it up in my house even if I didn't have a baby! You can read more about this little baby nook in this post here.

You guys are awesome! Have a good weekend!
Sylvie