Jardain Crochet Coaster Tutorial with Guest Rebecca of Nook

you all know i have a love affair with knitting & sewing but i also adore crochet.  it's the one craft that often get's pushed aside for me though.  it's not that i love it less, or don't enjoy it as much, i just for some reason always have my knitting & sewing battling it out.  so in honor of throwing some crochet love your way i asked one of my good friends rebecca of the blog and shop "nook" to come give us a fun, easy and very fun tutorial over on my other blog "versus" on how to make one of my favorite crocheted things - coasters!

rebecca is one of those people you meet who eats, sleeps and breathes knitting but she also crochets.  i mean seriously people, check out this blanket!!  LOVE!

she knits faster than anyone i know (her hands are like a speedy blur at our knit nights) and i know a lot of knitters. she also seems to have some strange knack for knitting in superhero style...she can be baking bread or making dinner - knitting, talking to me on the phone - knitting, i bet she even knits on the potty..lol. needless to say if there's a chance my bud can pick up her sticks she will.  she's got an adorable etsy shop filled with some of her handmade goodies, a pretty blog and if you live in my city (victoria, bc) she also teaches some pretty rad classes at the cloth castle.  check out her fall listings..where else can you take lessons for jane richmond's super stylish patterns?  plus you get to hang with rebecca and take it from me....she's super fun to be around.  i heart her.  she feeds me and makes me coffee....a lot.

so get those hooks & yarn out and get ready to whip up some jardain coasters!  happy hooking..lol.

click here for the full tutorial over on versus!  come show some love for crochet ladies!!

 

Round 4 - Comfy Sews VS Cozy Knits Skirts

1. shiroshakar 2. flower gathered skirt

hi everyone! i'm over on the fun blog hideous! dreadful! stinky! for the "summer of no pants series" today! i love this series! it's a fun challenge where people make an effort to only sew and wear skirts and dresses. marigold asked me to join in with a round of "comfy sews VS cozy knits" on skirts for you all (you can find dress showdowns here)! i love skirts and dresses. i would prefer to wear a skirt/dress over pants any day. in fact i just made my very first dress for myself (check out the tutorial here)! i'm so happy i did!

so here's a fun roundup so that all of you will feel encouraged and inspired to whip up some skirts this summer! the only question is which side will you be on? knits or sews?

1. elastic waist skirts

get in your seats gals, the battle is about to begin...

1. fit-n-flare trumpet skirt

...ding...ding...ding...ding!

click here for the full roundup & to join in on the "summer of no pants" series!

you can find all things hideous! dreadful! stinky! here...

*blog *shop *flickr *facebook *twitter

what do you all prefer? are you more of a pants girl or a skirts girl? could you go the whole summer wearing only skirts and dresses?

p.s. weekend wishes is on it's way later this morning :)

Winner of the Freshly Picked Giveaway & the Jane Richmond Giveaway!!!

time to announce the winners of our giveaways!!! first up the $100 shop credit to the fabulous shop freshly picked! i'm not going to keep you all in suspense any longer to find out who the winner of this fantabulous prize is......so here you go.....the winner of the freshly picked giveaway is....

felicia said... [Reply to comment] 138 I follow you :)

3littlebirdsstitchco(at)gmail(dot)com

congratulations felicia!!!!!!!!!!!! susan will be in touch with you soon. so excited for you to get your moccasins! your daughter is a lucky girl :)

a big thank you again to susan for such a generous and awesome prize! you can find all things freshly picked...

*blog *shop *twitter *pinterest

now on to the winner of the fabulous jane richmond giveaway!!!!!!! 3 winners are going to get some great prizes from jane richmond!!!

our first winner is.........

eLBie said... [Reply to comment] 57

The patterns are so cute!!!! I am in love with the oatmeal pullover, pasha, and amelia <3 Follow luvinthemommyhood

April 22, 2011 6:53 PM

2nd winner is.....

Emily said... [Reply to comment] 141

I follow Versus!
emily.falke@gmail.com

April 26, 2011 12:56 PM

and our 3rd winner...

the nest said... [Reply to comment] 52

I've got luninthemommyhood in my google reader subscription list. :)

April 22, 2011 5:53 PM

congratulations ladies! jane will be in touch with you all soon!

thanks again jane!!! find more jane richmond designs here:

*blog *shop *facebook *ravelry

hope you all had fun entering! have a wonderful, crafty filled weekend folks!

The Spring Frills Scarf with Guest Anneliese of Aesthetic Nest

our last guest for comfy sews VS cozy knits is the talented, creative, beautiful mom of 3 anneliese of the gorgeous blog "aesthetic nest". i'm so excited that anneliese is back again this season with a crochet pattern to throw into the mix!!! i couldn't have this theme month without one more crochet pattern :P


anneliese's blog is filled with gorgeous and inspiring goodies. from food, sewing, painting, crochet, knitting and parties galore this talented ladies got it.


her style is gorgeous. her children are oh so cute as are the patterns and items in her etsy shop.


so trust me when i say to pop over to the aesthetic nest and get lost in anneliese's world.

how she manages to find the time to make all these beautiful handmade goodies with 3 wee ones is beyond me but i'm gonna keep bugging her till she tells me. in the meantime though....

let's hear how she makes the pretty spring frills scarf....here's anneliese...

I love these battles Shannon stages, because without the opportunity to duke it out I might never make something for myself! If you ever stop by Aesthetic Nest you know my three daughters are usually the focus of my creative production. So thank you, Shannon, for keeping some luv in the mommyhood--all moms need something for themselves every once in a while.

This project may be the perfect thing if you find a few minutes to work on something for yourself. It's crochet and I'm taking sides this Spring because crochet can travel, you can pick it up for just a minute or two and drop it when someone spills the milk, it doesn't create a big mess you have to clean up a the end of nap time, and it produces results quickly! In fact, this particular project, the Spring Frills Scarf, fits into no time at all. It works up quickly, but more more importantly, it works up rather mindlessly. It's perfect for carrying along to work on while waiting in the car, or for an appointment, or on a vacation--with just 1 or 2 skeins and a hook it can easily fit in your purse, diaper bag or carry on. And the simple instructions mean you rarely have to refer to the pattern--you can just work away. I started work on this in one day on a recent vacation while riding in a car, on windy roads no less, because the repetitive stitch work meant I could look ahead most of the time and avoid motion sickness! It's true!

A scarf may not be the first thing you think of wearing in the spring, but this is lightweight and cotton and offers a number of options for throwing over a work or SAHM outfit. Plus, it has ruffles, and we can all use a few more of those, can't we? It's Spring! Let's add some frills.

If you are new to crochet, you can do this! And if you have been doing it for a while, you can do this quickly! So without further delay, here we go.

hop on over to versus for the rest of the tutorial...

Reversible Skirt Tutorial with Guest Disney of Ruffles and Stuff

i'm super excited to have one of the sweetest bloggers i know, disney of the blog "ruffles and stuff" join us today with a pretty cool reversible skirt tutorial! i love this tute! it's timeless, adaptable and so much fun! i'm definitely going to have to try my hand at making one of these.


disney's blog has been one of my favorites for a very long time. her photography, styling, fun personality and adorable daughter make it an irresistible place to visit.


you can find tutorials galore for ladies, little girls and for your home. you can even fancy up a pretty snazzy accessory as well! you ready to get inspired? get your fabrics ready & your machines warmed up to get working on any number of disney's tutorials.


now let's hear from disney...

Oh! I'm so excited to be part of Versus, I don't even know what to do with myself. What an honor! Thank you, Shannon!

And I'm extra-excited to be in sewing's corner of the ring. Sewing is such an open field for creativity. I don't want to make the knitting ladies feel bad, knitting is so lovely, and you can make some very lovely things. But, seriously, with sewing, what can't you do? If the choice comes between the two, for me, it's sewing-hands down.

And to help state my case, here's a lovely little sewing tutorial from me to you!

A reversible skirt.

One skirt, two looks! With simple, beginner-type directions.

head on over to versus for the rest of the tutorial...

Spring Wrap Belt & Bracelet Tutorial with Guest Sascha of Piccoli Piselli

our next talented guest is sascha from the wonderful blog piccoli piselli. i fell in love with sacha's blog at first site sometime last summer. her style, taste, sewing skills and gorgeous photos just lured me in. piccoli piselli is a pretty and inspiring place to go visit. i knew when i decided to do a spring/summer version of comfy sews VS cozy knits that i had to ask sascha. i'm so happy she said yes :)

sascha has some great sewing tips and tutorials on her blog. she's also pretty handy with some diy. you can purchase some of her lovely handmade goods in her shop as well. she makes some pretty darn stylish baby carriers if you ask me :)

she's also the talented lady behind the "lego play table" from this year's session of "celebrate the boy".

you can always tell when sascha's made something. she always leaves a little piece of her style on her garments. her fabric pairings are fun with a touch of whimsy. i also love that she loves sewing with knits so much and makes it look super easy to do. she's always inspiring me to get the knits out...and add just that "little extra something special" to a handmade garment.

now let's hear from sascha...

Hello everyone from the Mommyhood! I'm Sascha from Piccoli Piselli. I'm so excited to be a part of such an amazing group of bloggers. I also want to say thanks to Shannon for asking me to jump into the Versus ring. I was thrilled when she asked me to contribute.

I'm here to show something for the Comfy Sews side of things. It's no secret that I like sewing with knits. I'm usually creating clothes for my kids and for some reason I find it hard to sit down and make something for myself. I'm also usually dressed the same way every day. A white t-shirt and jeans. I'm not kidding about everyday. So I decided to create something that could spruce up my daily uniform without going too far out of my comfort zone. There's no denying how cozy knit fabric is to wear. For those of you new to sewing with knits or nervous about trying it out, this is the perfect project for you.

click here for the full tutorial...

Day to Night Reversible Scallop Skirt Tutorial with Guest Megan Nielsen

so excited to share today's guest blogger with you all today! when i saw her adorable tutorial i got super excited! megan nielsen is here today with us to share a tute for the day2night reversible scallop skirt! you may have seen a few of these popping up here and there if you're into fashion! i'm super excited that megan decided to whip up a tute for us all so we can make our very own!!!!


i adore megan. she is one of the loveliest, sweetest, funniest & stylish bloggers i've had the chance to become friends with. when i first started sewing her easy to follow tutorials were super inspiring and her maternity refashions/tutes were invaluable. her readers (including me) watched as she took the leap into starting her own fashion line and pattern business and she hasn't looked back since! her first 2 lines were ahhhhhmmmmmaaazing!!!!! (find all her collections here) so gorgeous!! and her new spring/summer line will not disappoint - trust me...i got a sneak preview! love it!!!


even though megan's got a successful and busy fashion line she's still blogging. you can find her on her blog "design diary" where she shares her outfits, fashion tips, tutorials, sewing tips & craft projects. she also has a 2nd blog called "diy maternity" where all her maternity tutorials and sewing tips are featured along with other readers as well. you should check it out! it's an awesome resource!


so without further ado...let's get whipping up some scallop skirts! let's hear from this fashionable, fun mommy of 2 -megan....

Hi everyone!! My name is Megan Nielsen and I'm a designer and mom of 2. I was so excited when Shannon asked me to share a tutorial for Team Sewing! (that's right I just gave us a name, matching tshirts are coming next hehe).

I had a tough time figuring out what to sew - because well, I love sewing and there were a lot of things I wanted to do! But I'm so thrilled with this project, and I really hope you like it as much as I do! It's a reversible scallop hem skirt - that I'm calling the Day to Night skirt. The perfect little skirt to take you from day to night, or work to play. I made mine with a fun bright side and a darker serious side. I love it, and I've already spent too much time trying it on with everything else in my wardrobe!

Want to make one with me?

click here to get the full tutorial...

Mosaic Knitted Pouches with Guest Kate of Needle and Spatula

we've got our 2nd guest reader post up today. kate from the blog "needle and spatula" wrote me a sweet email asking if she could come on and share an adorable tutorial for mosaic knitted pouches. i loved the look of them. the fact that they were done with mosiac knitting seemed fun as i have never done that and also that they look felted but they are not was fun too! i could see these being addicting to make as little hostess gifts, xmas pressies, teacher gifts, shower gifts - basically anything you need a stylish little handknit pouch for!


kate blogs over at needle and spatula where she shares all her creative adventures in crafting, cooking, & gardening. kate quilts, shares tutorials and she also has an etsy shop of the same name where she sells sewing patterns, pouches, purses, and more! there's patchwork and free motion applique galore - love it!


now let's hear from kate...



Hi! I'm super excited to be joining you all today. I have been reading luvinthemommyhood for a while but I always feel a bit like I don't belong... because I am actually not a mom yet! But I love sewing and knitting, and I make lots of gifts for friends' babies (and my 8 month old nephew!), and I just love Shannon's blog! She has the best roundups and I always feel inspired by the weekend wishes... it often makes me want to run out and buy some vintage pyrex and sheets. So I hope you don't mind me hanging out with you in the Mommyhood :).

I loved the idea of the knitting vs. sewing matchup when Shannon did it last fall, so I was super excited to see that she was doing it again and had even launched a spiffy new site for the occasion. I am as much a sewer as a knitter (and lately have been mostly sewing!) so I love seeing all the tutorials and the roundups. As they starting rolling in this year I thought the knits could use another person duking it out on their side, so even though I love them both I got in touch with Shannon with this idea for a fun knitting tutorial that I am thrilled to be sharing with you today. Although, I confess, it does have a sewn lining, so it is a bit of a crossover project... but lets still count this on the knitting side, OK?

click here for the rest of the tutorial...

Knitting Bag Tutorial with Guest Buffy of Passionate Design

we've got a few special posts for this holiday weekend. i love my readers here on luvinthemommyhood and versus. i love seeing and hearing about what you all are making. what fun is it to craft and then not show off your handiwork? i know i'm not that only one who believes in sharing & showing so i thought it might be fun to have a few readers of mine guest post this weekend.

do you remember me mentioning a few weeks back the new knitting bag that my pal buffy sent me? it was such a sweet surprise to get in the mail from one of the sweetest ladies i know. thank you again so very much buffy! luv ya hun!

this knitting bag of mine rocks. it's perfect for sitting beside me on the couch, on the floor, on the table at knit night. it holds just the right amount to quickly bring along with me to whip out a few rows in the parking lot at my daughter's preschool (yes, i do this) or any other place i think i may just get my knit on at. when you need something just big enough for a project or two this bag is the perfect fit. not too big and not too small. so without further ado i'm going to take my poor voiceless, sick self off to rest and let buffy finish telling you all about how to make your very own knitting bag....

click here for the rest of the tutorial

Leg Warmers Pattern with Guest Jane Richmond & a Giveaway!!!

one of my new year's resolutions for the last few years has been to meet jane richmond. i heart jane. to say that i love jane's patterns is an understatement. i came across jane's fabulous patterns a few years ago when i had first started blogging. i got super excited when i spotted her etsy shop and realized she lived a few hours away from me! i got even more excited when she agreed to be one of the first interviews for our "moms in the mommyhood" series (read it here). jane now lives in the same city as me and i can happily say that my long standing new year's resolution can finally be checked off! i got to meet the pretty knitting designer at one of our saturday night knit nights! talk about surreal!!!! i'm so happy to call her a friend.

*this giveaway is no closed. thanks for all of your entries.*

if you haven't seen the talents of this amazing knitter, check this out....patterns for my fave hats...

cozy sweaters...

snugglies for the man in your life...

special lovelies for the kidlets...

jane is so talented and always inspires me to drop the sewing and pick up my needles! which is what i did when i got a sneak peek at her newest pattern that she's sharing with us all today! honestly, how could i not knit these? you all know my fascination with leg warmers (check out my pinterest board & roundup)...love it. i've been desperate to knit up a pair and when i got jane's pattern i knew it was time. i picked up a skein of cascade 220 wool heathers in color #9322 in the loveliest turquoise shade (surprise) and cast on last weekend. now it's your turn....let's hear from jane...

click here for the full pattern and to hear from jane over on versus....

want to one some fab jane richmond designs of your own?? keep reading to enter our jane richmond designs giveaway!!







* 3 lucky winners will get 3 patterns of their choice plus the 1st winner drawn will also receive a fabulous yarn ball tote too!!! wowsa! great prize!








* simply visit jane richmond designs and get inspired then come back and leave me a comment telling me which 3 patterns you would choose if you won.
* follow luvinthemommyhood and/or subscribe to luvinthemommyhood and leave me another comment telling me you did that too.
*bonus entry: follow and/or subscribe to versus and leave me another comment telling me you did that too :)







* all comments must include a valid email address or you will be disqualified.
* giveaway is open until april 28th, 2011 at midnight pacific standard time.

good luck everyone! thanks jane - you rock!!! find more jane richmond designs here:

*blog *shop *facebook *ravelry

good luck everyone! happy knitting!!! i hope you all have a wonderful weekend and stay tuned...we've got some extra posts for you all this weekend!

Freshly Picked Giveaway!

*this giveaway is now closed. thank you for all of your entries.*

to say i am drooling over this next giveaway is a major understatement. i'm drowning in my own jealousy that you guys get to enter this one!!!! susan from the awesome blog and shop "freshly picked" has a FABULOUS giveaway for us today and when i say fabulous i mean FABULOUS!

the freshly picked shop is filled with drool worthy items. each of which i would LOVE to have in my home. susan's handmade moccasins are simply the coolest thing around. they are like her blog says "so hip it hurts". these moccasins are even on famous babies and cover of magazines! heck the kardashians babies wear them & they've even been posted on the perez hilton blog! click here to see pics! how exciting is that? your kiddo could be rocking the same stylish moccasins as the kardashian baby!!!!

want something for yourself too? well there are fun wallets...

lovely bags and hand dyed totes....

even hand knit pillows for your home!

susan's blog is also filled with the same modern and eye catching aesthetic. you get a peek into her life, find some great sewing tutorials, fashion posts and anything else susan finds interesting and stylish! it's one of my weekly reads. but before i keep going on and on about how talented susan is i bet you want me to tell you the prize right?

* one lucky winner is going to win a $100 credit to the freshly picked shop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! holy moly! someones gonna win a kick butt prize i tell ya!!! the credit is good for any item in the shop and is used towards the regular price of merchandise only. sale prices are not deductible.








* pop on over to the freshly picked shop and go drool over the lovely items then come back here and tell me what you would spend your $100 on!
* follow luvinthemommyhood and/or subscribe to luvinthemommyhood and leave a comment telling me you did that too.
* bonus entry - "like" luvinthemommyhood on facebook.








* all entries must have a valid email address with your entry or you will be disqualified.
* giveaway is open until april 27th at midnight (pacific standard time).

a big thank you to susan for such a generous and awesome prize! you can find all things freshly picked...

*blog *shop *twitter *pinterest

freshly picked is also having a great sale this weekend! buy one pair of moccasins and get one half off!!!! click here to read more about the sale and get your discount code! you excited!? i am! get your entries in and make sure to tell your friends:)

Crochet Nesting Cups Tutorial with Lorajean from Lorajean's Magazine

our next guest this week is a blogger who i have to admit, i've stalked her blog for a while and never left a comment. yes, i know...i'm a bad blog reader sometimes. when i started planning this month's theme month though i just knew i had to ask her. she crochets, sews, cooks, crafts, sculpts...you name it - she does it and i love it. lorajean from the lovely blog "lorajean's magazine" is here today to throw her voice into the ring and side on our friend "cushy crochet"!


i heart crochet. i don't get to do it as often as i would like. it's funny because sometimes i find people are more scared of crochet than they are of knitting or sewing when i find it's actually quite simple, less time consuming and a very rewarding craft. plus you can make the best blankies ever!


lorajeans magazine is filled with eye candy galore, inspiration, vintage goodness, tutorials and eye catching photography. take a look...


so crafty...


so pretty...


and so yummy!



want some more? let's hear from lorajean...

Hi everyone! Lorajean here from Lorajean’s Magazine. First off, I just wanted to say how truly honored I am to be a part of such an amazing group of talented bloggers! Last season I was drooling over all the great tutorials. Seriously, I wanted to make all the Comfy Sews and Cozy Knits! :) In deciding what to make for this season, I soon realized I was in the ring with myself, battling it out, fighting over what side I wanted to be on. I love knitting and I love sewing. Well, crochet always gets the shaft, so I thought I would stand in the Crochet Corner in the verses ring! Knitters are always getting all the attention and it’s high time we had a duel! So, what do you say fellow crocheters, shall we hold our hooks high and fight? Lets start stitching! (Now I have the dueling song stuck in my head. You know, the one from Micky Mouses “Ye Olden Days”, circa 1933.

“We’re gonna’ have a duel, we’re gonna’ have a duel,

“we’re gonna’ have a duel, we’re gonna’ have a duel”). :)

click here to get the full tutorial. happy crocheting!

Comfy Sews VS Cozy Knits - Round Two - Cowls!

1. infinity & beyond 2. french braid cowl

i love me a cowl. i love me a cowl in the spring, in the summer and in the fall & winter. heck i love a cowl anytime, any day. a cowl is the perfect accessory. it's cozy, comfy, warm, cool, drapey, thick, luxurious, modern, sweet, pretty, funky....it's whatever you want it to be. they are perfect for new sewers and knitters to whip up and fun for the more experienced to add pizazz and personality to. you all ready to vote for your fave cowl of choice? what's it gonna be ladies - comfy sews or cozy knits? only you know the answer!

1. chalice cowl 2. cambridge drop stitch cowl 3. gray lace cowl

ding...ding...ding......let's start round two! click here for the full showdown!

A Springy Tote Tutorial with Guest Jessica from Happy Together

we've got a new look here in the mommyhood - you likey? i looooove it! things are still in progress though so bear with me the next few days as all gets finalized. i can't think of a better person though to kick off our new look with than the lovely, sweet, kind and oh, so talented jessica of the blog "happy together".

this momma of one darling little girl & a little bean on the way has been one of my favorite bloggers since i started reading blogs. she's always coming up with something new and fun and her photos are to die for! i love the fact that jessica sews and crochets - go crochet! she can also whip up a mean anthropologie knock off, show you how to make some stylin' jewelry, hair accessories and she sells patterns and other goodies in her equally as fabulous etsy shop. i mean really...check this stuff out....

how adorable is her daughter?? she's just got the knack for whipping up the cutest stuff. harper is always sporting these adorable onesies she sent me along with 2 of the cutest toys mackenzie has in her room. we heart jess! thank you hun, i can't wait for the new baby to come to return the favor :)

now let's hear from jessica....

Knits are so much fun with so many possibilities!!!!!! I decided to make a little tote for this event. It's lightweight and very washable and environmentally friendly if you upcycle some shirts. Perfect for the spring and summer time!

click here to make a springy tote of your own....

Chevron Tee Tutorial with Guest Cheri from I Am Momma Hear Me Roar

our next guest is one of my fave creative mavens. let's all say a big hello to cheri from the fabulous "I Am Momma Hear Me Roar"! now cheri is a woman of many talents. not only does she craft and sew but she can also diy the heck out of anything. i swear she could take any object and make it fabulous!


she's a busy mom of two adorable little boys and boy do i love that she has boys. she posts all the cute goodies she makes for her stylish litte men that i can drool over but never get to make that often. she can rock a hair accessory or hat like nobody's business, take a tacky playroom and make it stunning and sew, embroider & applique like a pro.


i mean honestly how cute is this?

so creative and oh so much fun! make sure you pop over and say hi to the lovely & talented cheri (always rocking some great hair that girl) for me and make sure to check out all the crafty goodies on her blog. now let's hear from cheri...

I'm ready to head into the ring today. While I can appreciate the skills of the opponent, I'm fighting for sewing here. Why? Because it's faster and more doable. I had a sister who "took up knitting" several times and we always teased her because all the knitting ever amounted to was what we called a Barbie scarf.

Sewing also allows you to embellish clothing, which I absolutely love. Today I'm going to show you how I made this chevron tee. We all know the chevron pattern is all the rage. I thought it would be fun to try it on a t-shirt, adding a bit of texture.

want to give it a try? click here for the full tutorial!

The Everything's Coming Up Roses Skirt by Guest Maggie of Smashed Peas & Carrots

today i get to welcome one of my lovely bloggy pals - maggie of the wonderful blog "smashed peas and carrots". i luv mags. she's sweet, funny, can cook up a storm and is oh...so crafty! sewing, knitting, crafts - you name it, maggie does it right along with blogging, her etsy shop and 3 kids! wowsa!


lovelies for the littlies...


yummies for the tummies...

crafty goodness...

and even vintage finds!

i don't know how she balances it all and stays sane but she does. her blog is one of the first blogs that i started reading when i started blogging and i've been hooked ever since. i'm so happy to have gotten to know this talented momma through her blog and also as her friend. so get ready to whip up your next must make skirt for the spring/summer - mags is here with this easy, comfy and oh so fab skirt tutorial for us!

now let's hear from mags....

Hello luvinthemommyhood readers!! It's Maggie from Smashed Peas and Carrots!! I'm so happy to be here today, holla! I just adore Shannon and her blog and couldn't have been more excited when she asked me to step into the ring today and battle it out at Versus.

As much as I love a good knitting project (and I so do love spending an evening hearing the clickety-clack of my sticks) I also really love the sweet humming sound of my sewing machine...I was torn to say the least at who to fight it out for!! But in the end those Comfy Sews swayed me to their side and I'm so glad they did!

So let me jump into the ring today with a very romantic and feminine skirt, the Everything's Coming Up Roses Skirt. It's the perfect skirt to wear when you want to feel a bit more lady-like and less yoga-pants wearin' momma :-)

click here for the full tutorial!

Organic Cotton Facecloth Tutorial with Guest Melynda of French Press Knits

it's time for some knitting ladies! get those needles out. turn the sewing machine off and welcome one of my fave knitty gals melynda of "french press knits"! she's back again this year to support her craft of choice and i'm super excited to have her! whether you're looking for the best pair of slippers EVER, a stylish cowl, hat or wrap - the lovely melynda is your gal!


this super talented knitter is also a new momma. i keep finding myself squealing each time she posts some of the knitted pretties she's whipping up for her gorgeous new baby girl. what a lucky little lady :)


so start thinking cozy...

the knits are joining in!!!


let's hear from melynda...

Ok, ok. I know what you're thinking: "What's this crazy knitter doing here? It's Spring. Time to dust off the sewing machine and put the knitting needles away."

Maybe you aren't thinking this, but there was a time when every spring meant knitting season was over for me. I was what you would call a "fair-weather knitter" (and in this case, fair-weather would actually mean weather of a chilly variety). But, in the past few years I have abandon my wayward ways to become a die-hard knitter, and along the way, I've learned that knitting works in all seasons. From shawlettes, lightweight cardis, socks, and baby projects (and not to mention stocking up for those colder months)- summer knitting has become a necessity.

click here for the full tutorial

Round One - Comfy Sews VS Cozy Knits Tops & Frocks (Part Two)

1. effortless cardigan 2. diy drape cardigan

you guys ready to go duke it out in the ring again? this time it's tops turn! spring is here but that doesn't mean we have to put our knitting aside. knits can be cool, breezy and also just that right amount of coziness on a cool summer evening or for snuggling up beachside. but that also doesn't mean your sewing machine has to be ignored either. add some pizzaz to a boring tee or tank, whip up a stylish tunic or a flowy wrap. whichever way you choose you're sure to have some fun pieces to liven up your spring/summer wardrobe!

you guys ready? here we go.....ding, ding, ding....

1. yvonne 2. sophia 3. liesl

click here for the full roundup!

ps- don't forget to get your entries in for the "make it perfect sewing pattern giveaway"!!! you don't want to miss your chance to win 3 patterns of your choice!!!

The Awesome Bag Tutorial with Guest Meg of Elsiemarley

happy monday everyone! did you have a good weekend filled with sewing, knitting & crochet? you ready for some more inspiration and projects galore? yippee! today we're welcoming meg from one of my faaaavvvve blogs to stalk - elsiemarley!!!! oh my...i've been trying to write this intro to explain my thoughts on elsiemarley but i've realized there is no better way to explain this wonderful, simplistic, inspirational, delightful and oh so addicting blog other than go check it out.


meg's projects seem effortless, they are so organic and i find myself so drawn to her work, thoughts and her blog. whenever i find myself needing to find a boost of good ol creative energy i pop on over to elsiemarley. this pastry chef is now making the most delectable crafts & sewn goodies instead of chocolate's and boy am i happy she is. just like chocolate meg lures you in and then once you take your first bite it's instant luv! this girl's got an eye and some fab taste and i am so excited, thrilled and honored to have her be a part of comfy sews vs cozy knits.


i tell you....blogging is just so much fun and then when you blog and get to have bloggers you are amazed by on a weekly basis come post on your own blog...well.....it's just fab and one of the many reasons why i love what i do! versus is like christmas in the spring for me!


so get ready to open up another pressie! here's meg with another awesome project for us all...

Hello Mommyhood readers, Meg from elsiemarley here! I was absolutely thrilled when Shannon asked me to be a part of her fabulous crafty boxing match. It was a little hard to pick teams, I have to say. I learned how to crochet last year and very quickly fell in love with it. My winter was spent sitting on the couch, cranking out whatever cool crochet patterns my little fingers desired, as my poor sewing machine sat dusty and unloved in the corner. But sewing has always been my true favorite: the instant gratification of sewing wins out over the sitting on your butt part of crochet (or knitting) almost every time. And with that in mind, let's crank out a bag that will go with everything in a few measly hours. Take that Cozy Knits! Kapow!

Every spring I get the urge to buy a completely new, bright, flirty, floral wardrobe replete with matching bags and strappy sandals, but it never happens. Even if I did have the cash for a springtime shopping spree (ha!) all those accessories wouldn't fit in our little house. So I came up with a bag that can be many different bags all in one. It is completely reversible, so it will match all the springy outfits you already have and make them look fresh and new. It is also adjustable, so it can be a very ladylike shoulder bag or if you need to jump on your bike and go, it can become more of a messenger bag. Awesome, right? So without further ado, I give you The Awesome Bag:

so pretty! click here for the rest of the awesome bag tutorial!!!

Sunburst Pillow Tutorial from Guest Anna of Noodlehead!

ohhhhhh, i love me a good pillow! i especially love me a pillow when it's anna's of the addictive & oh, so inspiring blog noodlehead. anna is a pillow addict, a kick ass sewer, a busy mom, and another one of my fave bloggy pals.


here's an example of what is usually a regular email from me to anna:

Hi anna,
You are ahhhmmmmaaaaaaazing!!!!!!!!!!!! Love it!!!!!!!!!
blah blah blah blah...blubbery blah.....ahhhhhmazing!!!!!!! blah blah blah...love.....blah blah blah...so amazing!!!


i seriously think i need just a standard anna email/comment that i can just repost over and over again to her. she blows me away with her fabric choices - this girl's got an eye! i couldn't resist filling this post up with anna pillows and all her other amazing goodies and tutorials.


what i wouldn't give for her stash! she quilts, she sews, she designs patterns ....ahhhhhmmmmazing (sorry, couldn't resist)...plus she's a sweetheart to boot.


so let's all get ready to add some sunburst style to our comfy homes! here's anna...

Hey there luvinthemommyhooders! It's me Anna, from noodlehead. So glad Shannon asked me to join in today in the Comfy Sews vs. Cozy Knits battle. Even though I've been lured into the Cozy Knits side, I haven't taken time to learn how to knit or crochet yet, so for me I'm with the Comfy Sews!

How about a Comfy Sew for your home? Maybe something for on a chair, your couch, or your bed? Well, today I want to show you a really fun pillow to make. It's made of really soft and pretty linen with a sunburst of pin tucks! Simple and elegant and modern.

OMG! i am dying over these! so gorgeous! click here if you want the full tute!