Last week I found a set of 3 suitcases for $1.  Score!  I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with old school style suitcases, but I knew something would come to me.  This one was the perfect size for the little one.  After a fun morning spent painting she’ll be traveling in style:)

A dear friend’s birthday was the inspiration for this dress.  She’s been wanting a patchwork dress for a long time to wear to concerts and festivals, but there was a problem.  Support.  That’s right, support.  I’m sure many of you ladies know what I’m talking about.  Hippie style patchwork dresses are gorgeous, but the back is open so no bras allowed:)  After quite a few nights of thinking it over here’s what I came up with:

Instead of an open back with a drawstring I faux smocked the back panel at the top.  That along with wider straps makes it perfect for wearing bras or tank tops underneath.

I really enjoyed the entire process of designing and creating this dress.  It was just the best feeling to see the smile on her face as she pulled the dress out of the box.   Happy Birthday Jamie.  Love ya!

Inspired by one of my favorite blogs, Soulemama

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

I’m not sure if anyone else does this, but for our family holiday parties the kids break open a pinata.  Usually, someone will buy one at the store and all the kids will take a crack at it.  This Easter, two of my aunts really out did themselves.  They made a pinata for each kid.  I was amazed at what they could do with balloons, paste, newspaper, and crepe paper.  Each balloon had a unique design made out of crepe paper.  When it was Hana’s turn at bat I was hoping that she wouldn’t want to break it.  She, of course, cracked it open and candy flew everywhere.  Sadly the pinata was destroyed.  At least there was Kit Kats inside.  Mmmmmm, Kit Kats.

I’m so glad I finally found the time to try out Rosie’s circle skirt tutorial.  The tutorial is very well written and easy to understand.  I used a sheet I found at a thrift store.  It makes a great one day project.  It took me under two hours to make.  The yoga style waist is so comfy.  If I would have seen this tutorial when I was pregnant I would have lived in these skirts.

You can check out Rosie’s tutorial here.  Not a sewer, but love this style of skirt?  Rosie sells her skirts at:

*Hello Bluebird in West Reading, PA~ http://hellobluebird.net
*The Hodgepodgery in Harrisburg, PA~ http://www.thehodgepodgery.com
*Simply SOTA in New Hope, PA~ http://www.simplysota.com/

You can also check out her Etsy Shop, where she sells them from time to time.

I recently a made a bunch of drawstring bags for my friend Erin of Krug’s Ecologic.  They make perfect gift bags for her handmade natural soaps.  I love making these bags.  They are super quick and easy to sew.  I can think of about a million different uses for them too.

If you’d like to make some of your own be sure to check out Bunny Bum’s drawstring bag tutorial.  You can find it here.

When I asked the little one if she wanted to make or buy Valentines for her preschool, she wanted to make them.  A girl after my own heart:)  With all the snow we’ve been getting the past few days it was a perfect day to work on these.  Except for the cutting, she did it all.  With a mix of markers, stickers, and glitter she finished all thirteen.  I hope her friends love them as much as I do.

I found this great tutorial on the not martha blog showing you how to make a skirt from jeans.  I made it my own by using corduroys and sewing up some patchwork for the front panel.  I think it turned out really nice and what a great way to recycle those pants you have laying around.  Now, to keep them for myself or sell them……hmmmmm:)

Bubble Bobble was one of my favorite old school Nintendo games growing up.  My brother and I would play it hours on end.  I even make my husband play it with me from time to time.  This skirt took me forever to make, but I think it captured the game perfectly.

My super talented hubby designed the dragon Bob for me.  I used the design to make the applique.

Both sides of the skirt have a random patchwork panel.  This is the part that took the longest.  Well worth it though.  I love patchwork and I love this skirt:)

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I opened this gift.  My FIL designed and put the afghan in grid format.  My super talented crocheting MIL crocheted it.  They even made one my hubby and little Hana.  I’ll treasure it always.