GrueneTree

So Excited

I just downloaded this based on this article I read a while back. The company referred to in the article no longer carries the software but I found another company that offers similar. Now to find the picture!!!

Christmas is coming

And I am almost ready! Stocked up on some Simplicity patterns yesterday at Joann's $1.99 sale and I can't wait till after the holidays to get started on adding to my wardrobe. In the mean time, I have been making sure that Christmas at the Miller house is everything I mean for it to be for Devon. Up to bat: a hand embroidered pocket advent calendar  and embroidered stocking (every girl must have a stocking!). Garrett graded it an A because of the amount of loot it can hold.
 
This advent calendar is made from felt and has 25 hand embroidered pockets, approx. 2.5 in square. My idea being that I can fill each pocket with treats or treasures when Devon is old enough.
 
I used blanket stitched the four corners and #25.

 

I also made #25 the most special with some added details. Each number is embroidered with either split, stem, back or chain stitch using these great instructions. There is a rod pocket at the top for a wooden dowel to ensure the advent hangs straight.

I free handed the pattern for the stocking based on pictures and the general size I wanted, then I asked Garrett his opinion and he had me draw it bigger. I sandwiched ready made red piping to outline the shape of the stocking. The bottom of the fold down has turquoise rick-rack to match the body of the stocking. It is lined with muslin and interfaced with a thick wool felt that Garrett snagged from a friend's house.
Neither took very long, maybe a full day of sewing for both projects. The hand embroidering took the longest but it was a watch tv at night project.

Holidays, Baby and families...oh my!

I cannot believe it has been a month since my last post. It doesn't seem that long to me. It has been crazy around the Miller household. I am working on making most of my christmas presents and I am almost finished. I am just waiting for the Simiplicity pattern sale at Joann's next week before I can start on my last present. I don't want to give it away in case the bearer might read but I will be modifiying Simiplicity 2479.
Devon is cruising! And, I fear, transistioning from 2-3 naps to 1-2 naps. Wow, She is unbelieveably happy and good but still a handful. Between Devon, keeping house, making christmas presents and fending off family visits and gatherings, blogging has, obviously, fallen by the wayside.
However, we are back on track and have plenty of blog fodder.

First up my present to my brother, Shaun, for his birthday back in Nov. I whipped up this piratey laptop case to counter his strong alligance to Ninjas. I just cannot condone the belief in a creature tha died in the 19th century. He needs to break ties with the dark side and join the pirate cause. I only hope this case will serve as a constant reminder of how wrong he is.

This case is lined with pirate fabric and has 2 in gussets at the bottom. It is nice and roomy to accomodate cords and software. Lightly padded as well. I loved making it, giggling the whole time.

Check back for more in a few days, the little one is waking!

For a friend

This seems to be a creative neighborhood. My pal and neighbor, Lisa, recently dropped off the most wonderful cards to my front door. I was floored and overwhelmed. But you too can feel the love. She makes and sells her card creations. These make sweet grandparent gifts for Christmas!

Remembering Summer

Hard to believe this was 1 mo ago... 

New in the Shop

The first changeable Mei Tai Baby Carrier by GrueneTree.

I fell in love with the Mei Tai when Kris hooked me up with one. The Mei Tai was a miracle that kept me sane while Devon was wee. I grocery shopped with it, put her to sleep with it, calmed her down when the house was full of family and friends and kept her cuddled as we hopped from one neighborhood get together to another. Looking back, I don't think I could have gotten through those days without it. I still use it daily.

But there were some draw backs, I was frustrated that I could not change the look. I knew there had to be some way with out making a dozen carriers to fit my moods. And what if I have another baby, a boy. Do I make another dozen? And then there was the question of the hood. I liked the idea but all those flat hoods with ties just looked like too much trouble. They distract from the main print of the Mei Tai, they are awkward to tie, especially with an upset, wiggly baby. So I came up with some ideas.

1) Slip cover- The GrueneTree Slip Cover ($20) lets you change the look of your Mei Tai as often as you want. It is super easy to change. PLUS (and this is huge if you little one has reflux), if you baby spits up on the slip cover, just change the cover real quick and you are back in business. I hated when Devon would spit up and I was carrier-less for 2 plus hours while I washed the whole Mei Tai. Changing a messed slip cover is as easy as changing your baby's pants when they leak.

2) Make it reversible. Get 2 great looks for your Mei Tai for one price. Mix and match as you like. I offer some sets I put together but I can set up a custom listing for fabrics you select.

3) Add a removeable hoody type Hood. The GrueneTree Hood ($15) doesn't need tricky ties. The contoured hoody shape fits over baby's head. Made from stretch knit, it is soft and snuggly. Pick you favorite color to match your slip covers or your baby's eyes (natch). The GrueneTree hood intgrates virtually seamlessly with the Mei Tai/Slip Cover system. Folds up small to fit easily into a diaper bag or pocket with not wanted. Great for cold weather, colic-y babies, reducing stimulation or protecting baby's head on a sunny day.

I am super excited about these modification to an already great baby tool. The Mei Tai is something I recommend to all my mommy friends.

Amy Butler Cute Baby Booties

When socks don't stay on, I must resort to velcro. That and her army crawl is killing her socks. We needed something with more durability. These booties stay on great and look super cute with all her outfits. I haven't found anything yet they clash with. The booties were also a bit hit at their neighborhood debut, the 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off. Most of the adults wanted some of their own.The pattern is from Amy Butler's Little Stitches for Little Ones. This was a fast and pretty easy pattern, if you are paying attention and not trying to whip they out in between naps insead of during naps, like a smart person.

Wee Pants

Growing babies need lots of clothes so it is a good thing I can sew. The straight leg knit pants are my favorite for Devon. I was buying them on sale at the Gap but they were still expensive. 1) they are easy to get my hand in to help wrestle her into them 2) they go on and off easily 3) they look super comfy and don't hinder movement.
I used some 4 way stretch I had from a t-shirt project a while back. I used my Wendy Mullins Sew U, The Home Stretch for reference and a modified pattern. It took me a total of 30 min and they look so great!

Some time for knitting

It is starting to get chilly here in Ga and that means knitting. I haven't been making it a priority lately but someone needs hats and I will certainly not be purchasing anything cuter than this. I winged the pattern. It is fair isle in Nashua Ivy with a little sparkle. The Alpaca and silk means no itching. Given the wiggle factor of a 9 mo old, this is as close to a still shot as it comes.  Here is a shot in action. Notice our Monkey Foot Designs Wetbag- Love it!

Left-overs from dinner

Garrett and I are back to social life. We actually managed to have friend over the other night. Granted she is a pediatric nurse and he lives with her, it went off without a hitch. I even made a Bundt. She, Devon and I did our girl talk and Garrett and he played Mario cart. Just like old times.

P.s. I recommend the recipe above but I cut out 1 cup of sugar and a 1/2 cup of oil. Rave reviews!