new listings in my etsy shop!

Hey you guys! There are some new listings over on my etsy shop! Not more baby boy bow ties...this time I've got something for the baby ladies! :) I'm really loving how these little cotton jogger shorts turned out and I secretly wish that I had enough fabric to make some in my size! ;) The shorts are 100% cotton and feature an elastic waistband. The bow is sewn on for your baby's safety and will fit babies 12m-18m! Also, I have partnered with fellow blogger Shelby from SimonePlus and she is hosting a series of Etsy shop giveaways! Today is the first day of the Crazy About Coral shop giveaway! You could win a set of 3 of my baby boy bow ties OR one custom pair of sweet baby girl shorts just by checking out her blog and entering the giveaway!

vintage inspired swimsuit

I've been wanting a high-waisted swimsuit, but all the ones I have seen in stores are either too expensive (I can't help it, I'm cheap!), or I'm just not crazy about the pattern. I decided that I would just make my own, that way I could tailor it specifically for me! I drafted the pattern for the bottoms from a pair of my well-fitting underwear and just extended the waist upwards. I cut an even longer separate piece for the front center so that I could gather it which then formed the ruched panel. For the top I used the 1950s vintage inspired Simplicity pattern 1426 and made top C. My top is slightly roomy in the cup area (even after adding bikini lining pads) so next time I would size down. But, I'm super happy with how it turned out! For those curious about the fabric, I ordered it online from The Fabric Fairy which has a great selection of swimsuit knits! I also ordered some yellow fabric with white polka dots to make a swimsuit for Jensen! Now our pool just needs to open up for the season! :)

easter 2015

I hope everyone had a happy Easter! We enjoyed going to church this morning then later (after Jensen had her nap!) had a little family photo shoot. Jensen loved running around outside in her fancy dress.  She doesn't really understand the concept of putting the Easter eggs in her basket yet, but definitely enjoyed taking them out and throwing them on the ground! :)

easy fringe kimono cardigan {a diy tutorial}

Kimonos are super on trend right now for this spring! I've been seeing them in stores all over! This peachy pink lightweight cotton voile fabric has been sitting in my stash for a while and thought it would make the perfect kimono. I added fringe because, um, so cute! If you've never, ever sewed before this diy kimono is the perfect first project! No tricky seams here, just straight stitches!

Sewing instructions:

1. Prepare your bias binding by folding in half and pressing, then fold two edges towards the center line you just pressed. With right sides together, pin bias binding around the curved edge you cut, stitch in first fold line. Then fold binding over raw edges, and stitch in place on the other side. 

2. Fold your kimono in half with right sides together and stitch up the side seams - stopping and backstitching about 6-8 inches from the fold line. This will form your arm holes. 

3. Form a hem along the bottom by folding under 1/2 inch, then fold under another 1/2 inch - pin in place. Then pin your fringe on top of the hem. Stitch your fringe in place, this will also tack your hem in place as well. Repeat this for both of your arm holes. That's it! :)