GrueneTree

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!

Rose barrette = easy, who knew?

 
The other day while waiting for the baby to wake, I decided to start the Purl bee's rose barrette project. I never thought I would finish it that day, let alone while waiting. 15 min later I had a spiffy new hair clip. Devon will earn hers when she has enough hair. Won't be long now.

More birthday dress

I just can't get enough of this little monkey in her birthday dress. Please endure some more pictures.

Birthday Crown Pattern

 
I have finally cleared some time to create a PDF of the birthday crown pattern. Please let me know if there are any mistakes in the instructions. I literally just finished them and not only are my eyes aching but I am in desperate need of lunch and coffee (not sure which will come first). Hope you enjoy it and I can't wait to see some finished projects!

The Party was a hit

Well, not really a party but more like a family dinner, was a hit. We gathered the grandparents, god parents, cousins and aunt and uncle to celebrate Devon's 1 st birthday this past weekend. Devon handled it so well and even got a little play time with her 3 mo old cousin.
The birthday dress was also hit! She looked great and it did catch under her knees as much as I feared. That had alot to do with how much walking she is doing these days.
We noshed on a huge bowl of pasta, chex mix (thanks to Garrett) and wonderful carrot cake. It was the best 1st birthday I have ever thrown. Very low key, easy and fun. Who knew?

Birthday Dress

 
2 days until the big day: The O-N-E birthday. No one is more excited than me. I knew from day one I would make her a dress but it wasn't until she started walking (but more crawling than walking as of press time) that I realized that a dress might not be practical. So I changed it to a smock but as the pattern drafting went along and as I was doing most of my work with Devon playing in the sewing room, something went arye and I finished with a dress for a 2 yr old (if my eye serves me correctly). Oh well. It is lovely and she can wear it a long time.
I was inspired by Matilda Jane but since that is not in the budget, I settled for my own brand of crazy mismatch that ends up looking darling and kitschy. I stuck with the knot dress design since it just seems so smart and went from there. The pleats in the center came from drafting my bodice piece incorrectly. I put the fold in the wrong area so I cut the piece down the middle insert a few inches of another fabric and pintucks take up the extra width.
I am in love with it and she looks just adorable in it. The little one is napping otherwise there would be action shots. Another day perhaps.

Birthday Crown

Devon's birthday is coming up, 1 year old. Wow, I certainly can't believe it. She is taking steps and talking my ears off. Though, I don't understand what she says nor do her steps really get her anywhere. However, 1 year ago she could only sleep, eat and sleep. That is pretty big. I think she deserves a bejeweled crown, fit for her achievements.
I hope to have this pattern up before the end of the week but until then pictures will have to suffice.
As usual, I free handed this pattern with the help of my ruler and the ends of a few spools of thread. I also cracked open my dusty collection of beads to use as jewels.

The weight of the largest pulled down the center of the crown so it is supported in the back with a red pipe cleaner. I made sure numerous times that this would not bother her, dig into her little forehead by trying it on and pressing it to head head with serious amount of pressure. Nothing! I was so glad. I embroidered the felt with my machine first, then applied the fabric to the back with Heat n Bond.

Next was hand sewing all the bead on with small little tacks on the back so it would not be noticeable. Then I added the fabric covered elastic. Lastly was the ribbon to cover where I sewed on the elastic and to add some missing jazz. It fits very well on her head (she is 18'') and I can add more elastic as the years go by. Now I am planning on making a birthday smock instead of a dress since she is still crawling and dress would just act as a treadmill. 

Post Christmas Catch-up

Here is a post I had intended to write before christmas but, like a few other things, it didn't get done. I saw this recipe in my local paper and just had to share it. I wanted to make it for christmas breakfast but that was one of the few that didn't go as planned. Sticky Buns have been a family favorite for as long as I remember. This recipe is the easiest and least time intenisve I have found and it is delicious to boot! As you can see it was a big hit at our table!

My new favorite cookies

 
At my neighborhood cookie swap, I found a very inspirational cookie that I could not stop shoveling into my mouth. However, when I recreated the recipe I found that it was in need of tweaking. The yield was too small, I prefer more salt and a little more rise. Plus I needed an excuse to use my new illustrator skills and whipped up a super cute recipe page for your christmas pleasure. I tested these out last night while babysitting a friends 3 yr old son. He approved whole-heartedly. May I present Peppermint double chocolate cookies recipe (inspired by Angie Walker's recipe)

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!!!