GrueneTree

I'm on Knit Picks

 I found out about a month ago that one of my patterns submitted to the Knit Picks IDP was accepted and today my Cambridge Toboggan pattern posted. I am so excited. I was able to work with two of the new colors of WotA before they launched, Papaya Heather and Blossom Heather. I have more patterns in the works for Knit Picks, Fabric.com (I design some great free knitting pattern downloads and write for their blog in knitting and sewing) and an independent yarn maker, StitchJones. StitchJones hand dyes her own yarn and it is delicious and amazing. 

Stay tuned...my brain has been on design overdrive!

A new look- under construction

Hi all, 

I am working on revamping the ol' blog but I wanted to point out that up top (on the navigation bar) I have created a page with all my free patterns and tutorials. Check them out and share them with your friends!! There might be something new you haven't seen before. 

The Puppet Show must go on!

Devon's lastest invite is to a combo party for one girl and twin boys turning 2! Overwhelming to say the least. But, inspiration hit in my Bend the Rules book but when Amy explained how much sewing was involved I vowed to create a faster pattern. Voila. It was super fast, mostly because I used an existing curtain panel to save hemming. I used less than 1/2 yard for the valances. The difference between my pattern and Amy's is that mine is height adjustable. This was a must because little Hailey is only 2 and a bitty thing who can occasional dress in 6-9 mo size clothing. I hope she likes it. We'll find out Sat! Next week I hope to show off what I made for the boys. 

Download Puppet Show

 

Holy Cow

That's Me! Those are my patterns on the Fabric.com Knitting splash page! How awesome is that? So awesome!!!

Spidey (a free pattern)

A friend has a 4 year old son who is in the throws of a super superhero crush with Spiderman. Said child just had a birthday and of course yours truely and Devon were invited. I had to make his present since I always do (well except for his 2nd birthday which we just gave the parents a gift card to a restaurant and some free babysitting). He told me in secrecy a few weeks before the big day that he did not have a spiderman shirt. I didn't know whether to trust his whispers but decided even if he did own one or 5, he would not have another like this.
I drew up the pattern on my computer and using some red, black and white felt I made this really cool applique. I free handed the blue web detail on the red face before adding the eyes. Looking back, I would have used a glue stick to keep the face in place when I was finally attaching it to the shirt.
The shirt was purchased at Target. It happened to be the perfect shade of superhero blue!
Download your pattern here and get started! Download Spiderman

Facebook Giveaway!

Hey Ya'll
I am looking for some FB fans! Become a Fan of Tara Miller Designs- GrueneTree- babyGreen and the 300th fan will win a Dragon Tail of their very own!!! I will ask the winner to help pick out the colors just in case their little dragon prefers a manly dragon tail or one that is more feminine.
Spread the word and join. I will also pick one special fan randomly for another surprise gift, but you have to join to find out. This is going to be awesome!!! Look for the FB Badge in the right column.

Meanwhile...

I just bought up my Typepad account and while I am waiting for a good book on CSS to bring my blog into a snazzier place, I am toying around with templates. Don't mind the changes: We are still open during construction. 
This is how Devon woke from her nap the other day and I had to share. Mohawks look darling on babies!
I know, I know! Don't look at that chair behind her. We bought that for a song before she was even born from Craigslist and I still have not found fabric I like to recover it. Not to mention Garrett started to paint it grey and only finished the chair. All in due time. I am definitely doing away with the seashell look when I do get around to recovering.

And here is my little monster 'helping' me take pictures for a recent article on more magnets for her wall. You can find the article here.  It has a great paper project at the end. Tell your friends, I get paid per click.
I am working on another pattern right now but Devon is so mobile and teething, it is hard to choose between working and napping right now (to be honest the napping is winning by a landslide). But I hope to have it out soon. However, if anyone reading has any advice on pattern making, I am wide open. Please send it my way.

Oh Baby! A new sewing pattern

What have I been doing with my time...oh yes! learning to make my own patterns! Wow- so much information, emails and googling and I think I have it. It might not be as pretty as I had imagined but I know (especially after being told by many sources) that my pattern knowledge will develop with time.
May I present: Baby Reversible Hooded Carrier. A Mei Tai style carrier with influence of Scandi Carriers and added details that I needed to make my baby happy. I love it and have used it for months. Even now that Devon can walk I still whip it out often. Just the other day I wanted to vacuum, Devon took one look at that monstrosity and made the "I am gonna cry" face. I quickly put it away, got out my Baby Carrier, strapped her to my back and vacuumed my heart out. We go to the zoo, on walks, to friends houses, everywhere!

Let me tell you about the details that make this something special. First up, this carrier comes naked! But you can dress it up any way you like. The removable slipcover makes this the most fashionable carrier on the market. You can coordinate your carrier to your outfit, your baby's outfit, season or holiday. Is your baby spit-up prone, no problem. Whip off the cover when dirty, slip on another and go. No need to go without your carrier while it is washed for the 8th time that week.

Second, the hoody is also removable and fits in your pocket. Take it off when baby wants the grand view, slip it in your pocket. Put it on when baby is overstimulated, tired or the weather is taking a turn. Easy to make, so you can match your hoody to all your slipcovers!
Even better, the whole carrier is reversible. Each slipcover can feature two different patterns or colors and the carrier and hoody are also designed to flip-flop to either side you want to show the world. The possibilities are endless!

You can see more pictures and purchase the pattern here!

Download your pattern for only $10!

Also you can send me email  at taradangermiller at yahoo dot com if you are interested in carrying my patterns. My affliate rate is awesome!

Dragon Tail- Free Pattern

I created this little gem for a 3 yr old's birthday and it was a big hit with him and his little 18 mo old sister too. I used Chateau Rococo by Free Spirit and it created the perfect reptile pattern. This pattern is perfect for birthday parties, potty presents or halloween. The bonus: It is fast to make so you can stock up.
Looks good with dogs tails too.

Old Towels

Devon needed a new crib bumper. The old one purchased from Goodwill for $3 didn't fit so I modified it to fit one side. At the time that was all she needed. It has proven to be too small, and not fluffy enough. Our crib is vintage or antique so store bought bumpers don't fit. I had to make my own.
The old towels came in as interfacing. I wanted something soft but not too fluffy. They turned out just right. The finished result is a big hit!