Fat Tuesday's quick projects

Well unfortunately this is another week where I am writing this late monday night with a ton of other things on my plate- so short and sweet it is. 

(Freezer paper stenciled shirts for my kids)

This isn't strictly sewing per-se, but it's crafty and I use it in conjunction with sewing quite a bit. Have you heard of Feezer Paper Stenciling? It's so easy and fun. You just buy freezer paper, cut out the shape you want, iron the paper onto the item you want to paint (with the glossy side of the paper down), paint with fabric paints, and peel off the paper- viola! Don't forget to put a thin cloth over the paint after it's dried and give it a good ironing to seal the paint and keep it from getting so peely in the wash. I have another great example but I'll have to save it because it's a present and I don't want to give away the surprise. 

Next quick project: bed warmers

(a stack of folded warmers after a fit of Christmas sewing)

This one is easy and quick too. Buy some muslin, cut two pieces 7" x 14", sew together on three sides, turn rightside out and fill with 2 1/2 cups of rice, tuck your ends in and sew shut. Pick some cute flannel and cut one long peice 7.5" x 32", fold the ends down (wrong sides together) 1/4" and iron, fold over another 1" and sew. Fold whole piece in half (right sides together) and sew down each side, turn your pocket right side out, insert your warmer into it's washable comfy pocket, put in the microwave for 2-3min and stuff down at the bottom of your bed. Enjoy the cozy. Hurry quick before it gets warm!

Sewing For Boys

It's no secret to my friends and family that I would like a girl this time round. Boys are great, and I love the two I have, but let's be honest with each other for a moment.. girls clothes are way cuter than boy clothes. That is really my only reason, so you can tell I won't be too heart broken if it is another boy.

Having two little boys and being sewing mates with Melody who also has two little boys, and Miranda who has one, we have found some fun, easy things to make for boys. There are a lot blogs out there with great ideas and here are a couple of my go to favorites for my boys and gifts for other little boys I know.

You can't go wrong with a business casual look for your little man. This tie shirt pattern/tutorial can be found on tons of websites but I got mine here. It is originally sized for a onesie but is easily transferable to toddler and little boy sizes just by enlarging and elongating the pattern. I got these shirts on clearance for $1.50 at Target and typically I use scrap fabric.

Pair it with matching pants, pattern from MADE, and you have a great outfit. I have gotten several comments on these cute hounds tooth pants I made for my little one's birthday. Although Dana from MADE must have skinny kids because I did have to add to the width of the pattern in order for the 2t/3t size to fit my 2 year old. But that's the beauty of making things more than once.. you get to prefect it and make it yours!

Well see you next week. Hopefully I will have some piecing work done on my quilt to show you, but in the mean time I need to figure out how to take better pictures of my stuff!!

Holly