The Pumpkin has left the building!

Another Halloween has come and gone. This year was the best ever. Jolie enjoyed herself immensely! Even with all the excitement she remembered her manners and was quite thoughtful too. I am a proud Mama for sure.

Thank you to everyone who commented on her costume and gave compliments. We both appreciated it.

I leave you with another picture of a happy 6 year-old.

Princess Jolie

Well I did it! I finished it on Sunday, all that is left to do is to find a Tiara. I wanted to make one but decided to purchase one instead. She will be wearing the outfit to school on Wednesday for the Dance-a-thon and then after that she's off for trick-or-treat.

I used some velvet I had laying around for the pink you see in the skirt and the sleeves. This costume was put together with the use of my serger and handsewing. The experience was well worth it and in the end, I became a Hero!

The Princess Diaries

Why do I do this to myself? Every year I promise to make my daughter's Halloween costume and at the last minute because I didn't plan it well, I buy one at the store! Well this year both her and my hubby have made me feel so guilty that I have to do it. Not that I'm giving myself much time - Wednesday is right around the corner!

The Challenge:

Make this

sore sight turn into fashionable Princess wear.

Wish me luck, I'll need it!

A face only a Daughter could love

We are still practicing our embroidery and since Jolie needs a new 'baby' soon, I told her I would make a replacement.

Her current baby is tattered and looks like she was in some kind of accident. Stuffing coming out from all sorts of holes and the fabric worn onion skin thin. You should see the mess. She won't give it up though, she calls it her 'Blue baby' . I don't know why since it isn't or wasn't originally.

It is supposed to be in my image, so please don't hold it against me. The other eye was supposed to be filled in but I kind of like it the way it is. Those lips are supposed to be puckered lips just ready to give a good night kiss. Yeah, yeah, I know - I'm reaching!

Let's Hear it for the Boys

Thursday October 7th

Hey My Metro Man Wallet made the Front Page!

I really need to buy me a lottery ticket!











I was pleasantly surprised to find 2 of my cuffs featured on a treasury by Msgarden. She has a wonderful shop on Etsy that does a body good!

More on the treasury and the comments here.

More men things can be seen here.

The Blind Leading the Blind

I decided to teach myself and my daughter how to hand embroider. I know nothing about it but have a great appreciation and respect for the beautiful work that can be created. In particular I love Crewel embroidery. I discovered a piece in a thrift shop and ever since I keep searching for info on the topic. I found this really cool site that has tutorials for the many stitches I will soon master.

So if any masters out there who happen to read this and want to send some tips and tricks my way, please by all means do!

I decided to practice on some felted wool. I tried the backstitch, splitstitch and the French knot which I saw demonstrated on the HGTV program, She's Crafty.

I was told that I shouldn't mix stitches in the same design - ignorance is bliss ;-)

I'm Falling for Lolita!

For this version I cut out little leaves and top-stitched them on with a decorative stitch. It was hard to capture the beauty of the lining on this one, so you have to trust me, it's to die for!

I want one!

I've been seeing a lot of cute metal framed coin purses lately and wanted one for myself. I decided to make one in leather and add a key chain. I liked it so much I just may start producing them for my shop. Let me know what you think please.

Sewlutions' Next Top Model

She can certainly rock a wristlet!

Thanks Rose!