Insomnia

I get a lot of the insomnia. Ambient light is a problem for me, which is funny since I used to regularly fall asleep with the light on, but that just doesn't happen nowadays. At my rescue is this tutorial:
Goodnight Owl
I love it. Here is my version:



So I made mine with fabric instead of felt only because the meowing creatures in the house will find a way to vomit on everything. It was still easy and simple, though, I was able to put it together during a fairly short Ferris nap. I've already used it and found it so helpful. Ferris also thinks it's hilarious to see it on my face so that's another plus!

Also, I've changed the name of the blog again. Like anybody's watching!

Flags

My current obsession: bunting flags. I think they are just too adorable and fun. I love the triangle ones but also the square ones that are like prayer flags. Earlier this year I made this set for Ferris' room:
I used swatches and scraps to make this one and I love how colorful it is. Turns out it's a little long, but not too bad.
My newest project has become printing flags on the garment printer to be used specifically for making these bunting garlands. Hence, the first example:Gnomes and mushrooms. I am in love with this set. It only has six flags but it's still 4 feet long. I listed it in my etsy shop but I am very tempted to keep it. I suppose if it actually sells I can make another, and for now I can gaze at them all I want!

Also, I'm quite obsessed with all things Montessori right now. I know my guy isn't quite old enough for a lot of it yet, but at the rate I've been getting things done I just might have my research and supplies ready about the time that he will be. I can't wait, I think I'm going to have a lot of fun learning along with him.

Model Home

Our home is far from precious. It's been a work in progress since we moved in. It's an apartment style condo that used to be a rental, so wear and tear is a given. So much work to be done and so little time and money. I try to keep my humor about it and I was able to whip this up as a nice little touch the other day:

Remember The Money Pit? I always loved that quote.

The pattern and tutorial came from here:

http://sewing.about.com/od/christmasideas/ss/fabricwreath.htm
I'm sure there are others out there that aren't christmas oriented but really I just clicked on the first one I saw!

Little Man Pants

Ferris is growing so fast, I've been trying to plan ahead. So, I've spent some time making little man pants. I gathered together some felted sweaters and a pair of corduroys that I no longer wear, and came up with these:


The two on the left I made using a pattern traced from a pair of 12 month pants -


And of course I had to add little knee patches to the corduroys. There's a matching patch on the bum, too.
The pair on the right was made using this tutorial - http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/wool-diaper-cover.html
The tutorial is great because you use the sleeves and so half the work is already done! All in all I got 2 pairs of pants per sweater, and one from the corduroys. I think I'll be making more, too, they are quick and easy, and I've been able to use our clothes to make them.

My Stash - Complete

Or, at least for now...I'm sure he'll wear through some before he's potty trained. Yes, I am referring to diapers, cloth ones. I realized a week or so ago that I've been sewing diapers for my baby for over a year now. I've tried a lot of patterns. A lot. My absolute favorite at this point is the one my friend bought for me, the NykiBaby One Size Pocket Diaper by UberDomestic. It came from Etsy, here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/48835767/nykibaby-one-size-fits-all-pocket-diaper
I just love, love it. It fits my guy the best out of all the patterns I've tried, and I feel like I'm going to get the most out of my work since they're going to 'grow' with him.
By the end of my year-long diaper stash sewing stint, I got creative and started to use some of our old, but in great condition, tee shirts.


So cute. Technically I'm pretty sure her pattern calls for using PUL, but I prefer to use a separate cover, I like that one extra level of protection to keep the mess in. It's such a versatile pattern with very clear instructions, by far my favorite and I'm sure I'll be using it again!

Drooool

Lots of drool happening around here...I never expected needing bibs before we started on food, but the drool is insane! I only had about 2 bibs (why did nobody tell me I would need more than that?), so I grabbed some old tees, made up a pattern, and went to work.
Basically, I took shirts in good condition and cut my pattern over the design. I backed them with scraps of velour left from making diapers, did some top stitching to keep it all in place, and added snaps...I decided to make them adjustable to get the most out of my work, though when I get some velcro, I think it might be safer to use than the snaps.
When I realized I was left with a bunch of tee shirt backs, I cut some more from those and did a lot of reverse applique, which is a great quiet activity for when he's napping, but also it's pretty portable, so I was able to make some while waiting for appointments and such.
I got a bit obsessed, so we have about 2 dozen bibs now...would you believe that it still feels like we don't have enough? We go through about a dozen a day between spit ups and drool, and if I don't get to the laundry he ends up wearing crusty bibs. ew.
Anyway, thought I'd share my pattern in case anyone is interested, they are quick and easy to do, and if you make it adjustable you will get a lot of life out of them, and your old tees!