mommyhood sponsor luv

Violette Fields Patterns - Paper Pattern Review!



i've got a little something purdy to share with you all today from one of my wonderful sponsors.  i received an email a while back from the lovely and talented ladies over at violette field threads and i have to admit i got pretty excited when i heard their news.


i heart my sponsors and one of my favorite things about helping to promote women working in creative businesses is watching them succeed and their dreams come true.  so when they wrote to  me to tell me they were branching their pdf patterns out into paper patterns i thought wahoo!!!  they are gonna be gorgeous!  needless to say i was pretty excited to check them out and was definitely not disappointed!



the first three of their patterns to be released were molly, vivenne and stella.  three of my fave violette field patterns which was like icing on the cake!  i've previously made "the audrey dress " and i'm a big fan of their pdf patterns.



true to their timeless style and aesthetic the patterns came to me beautifully packaged and designed.  it was like getting a little magazine with a pattern it. the paper even feels like magazine quality. they have a nice, clean design and there are tons of bright, clear photographs to go along with the patterns.  the inside of the booklet is wonderfully laid out and flows naturally to the reader.


the booklet is accompanied by the the pattern pieces.  both are easy to follow and the cutting charts, instructions and layout are user friendly and suitable for any level of sewer.  i think they did a wonderful job!  even the paper pattern itself was pretty :) 


i found that they even covered the little details that make pattern reading that much simpler.  i especially liked that they have helpful hints and how to's at the beginning of each booklet as well as throughout the instructions themselves - they are very thorough and i really enjoyed flipping through the booklet.  i also appreciated the booklet style of the pattern instructions.  i find it makes it so much easier when reading along at the machine to have a booklet style because i have to admit i do get quite lazy when printing out pdf patterns and tend to just refer to my computer which takes me so much extra time so this was a refreshing change for me.  the booklet opens easily and lays nice and flat - no page flipping on it's own which is a pet peeve of mine.



violette field threads patterns cover such a wide array of sizes as well which is one of my favorite features about them as a pattern company. most of their patterns cover from 2 years to 10 years old!! some even go as low as 12 mths! wowsa!   i love the fact that i can make the same item for both of my girls with many more years of sizing to come.  i think that is a great benefit of their patterns and one that makes buying an actual paper pattern so worth the money.  the quality and design speaks for itself.  it makes me super excited to get on my sewing machine just looking at them.  you can really tell how much love and thought went into each design.  great job ladies!


so pop on over to violette field threads and see what's new!  i'm positive you won't be disappointed. 


a big thank you to the violette field threads for the lovely patterns & your support and also a giant sized congrats your way - i wish you so much success with your new venture!!! i know you will do amazing!!!  big hugs your way!!!


you can find all things violette field threads here on their website and also on their facebook page.

are you a fan of paper patterns?  are you smitten with violette field threads too?  what's your favorite thing about paper patterns vs pdf patterns?  let's chat sewing ladies!  i'm getting my machine all warmed up :P

Moo holiday & business card review!


i heart moo.com.  yep...it's true.  i got these lovelies printed up at the end of the summer and have been dying to show them to you all!  i luv, luv, luv, luv'em  i'm very picky about my business cards and honestly...i have not one bad word to say about moo.com.  affordable, stylish, creative and oh so awesome!  i've been using them since i started blogging.


your business cards come in a nifty box (hello..mine came turquoise..it was fate i swear it) and are on the coolest, sturdiest paper.  every time i hand them out someone asks me where i got them and comments on the paper. they are the satin feel, sustainably sourced stock, finished with a smooth matte laminate - love!


they send your cards out in full color on both sides with no extra charges! no hidden costs to get your cards looking as snazzy as you do!


moo.com has cool technology that also allows you to print a different image on each of your cards as well!  you can create custom business cards with your own design/images using moo's simple interface or there are also professional ready made designs to choose from that you can personalize as well! 


recently i was getting in the mood for xmas and realized that it was time to get some of my xmas cards on order.  just as i was getting ready to get my butt in gear designing my xmas cards i got asked by moo to review their holiday cards!  hellooooo....yes!  LOVE to! i was having a hard time deciding to do a design of my own or a ready made one and then i spotted these....


and i was sold.  i fell instantly in love with the askey illustration holiday cards and i knew they were mine as soon as i saw them.  i loved the illustrations and the overall aesthetic of the cards.  so off i went to personalize the cards with moo's easy interface.  you get to choose which cards you want/don't want in your set - something i really thought was handy.  i then put a special message inside and my pretty logo and business info/message on the back. easy peasy...another xmas to do checked off my list. 

moo.com makes it super simple for businesses and families to order personalized and stylish holiday cards.  you can choose from awesome ready-made designs like i did or opt to upload your own artwork or photographs using their printfinity technology to create your holiday cards.  you can put a different pic of your own on each card just like the business cards! so cool!  i can't wait to get mine!  i'm really excited to see my logo on the back of my holiday cards, they will be the perfect addition to my business arsenal!  i have to admit i'm excited to check my mailbox each day right now...i have a feeling one of these is going to end up framed & on the wall as part of our holiday decor :)

 
moo.com also has a multitude of other fab goodies to choose from.  honestly..stickers, labels, postcards, mini-cards, greeting cards, accessories, ideas & inspiration galleries..the options are endless.  everytime i go visit there i get so inspired!  so go have some fun with it all!  head on over to moo.com.  up the wow factor on your business branding and your xmas gifts...make some gift tags, add some stickers..& gift some accessories!  you'll have fun at moo...i promise..especially with 15% off all holiday cards...ohhh...happy shopping & creating! and thank you moo...for the cards and for being AWESOME! you can find all things moo here:

website twitter  |  facebook  |  blog

are you a moo lover?  do you get your cards from moo? did you order their holiday cards this year? what's your fave way to do some branding for your business?  i'd love to see yours too!  

p.s. my business card design was done by the lovely rachel of ironwood design studio.

shoeology cyber monday sale!


one of my favorite long time sponsors - shoeology, has a special cyber monday sale going on today! check out her fabulous new women's slouchy boot sewing pattern!  that's right....sew your own slouchy boots!  omg!  fahhhhhbbbuuulous!  use the code "CYBERMOM10" to get 10% all orders today till midnight only! 


whatever color, fabric, style you want - sewing your own shoes is sure to be addicting! trust me...we love them in our house!  soft and comfortable & you can wear them outside to boot!   shoeology also sells soling and felt to make your shoes wearable with waterproof soling!



shoeology patterns are filled with full color pics, paper patterns, clear explanations, and easy to follow step by step instructions that cover every step in detail and best of all you don't need any fancy gadgets to make shoeology patterns.  you just need your sewing machine and the right needle for the materials you are working with.

gilligan shoe pattern
not just handmade custom shoe patterns for momma though, but also for the kids and the babies!  both boys and girls!  i know...it's fabulous right!   wouldn't handmade shoes & slippers make awesome xmas pressies or stocking stuffers?  you can find shoes for boys/girls, babies and women all here at shoeology or at the following etsy shops:


owl & chicks kids slipper pattern
happy shoe shopping!

Olive Bungalow - Time to treat yourself!


couldn't resist popping in with a wee post to let you know about a FAB deal going on over at my fave jewelry designer & sponsors shop - olive bungalow!  here's the deets:


*Discount: 20% off (no minimum) through midnight saturday (oct.29th) PST using code "LMH20"!!!! wowsa! her biggest discount ever!!

*Extras: Free shipping on orders over $75 including Canada/US

just a heads up if you are canadian olive bungalow's deadline for free shipping deals and 1st class mail orders to canada is November 15th.  so go get wish list making, shopping and drooling :)  i know i will be.  i'm aiming to get a set of custom birthstone rings for my fingers asap!  so gorgeous! i love michele's stuff!


happy jewelry lusting and thanks for the great sale michele!!!  if you head over to olive bungalow tell her i sent ya :)  you can find all things olive bungalow here on their website.

sponsor love - crafty girls workshop


you guys in the mood for some crafty fun?  check out one of our fabulous new sponsors "crafty girls workshop"!  owner anna has "fabric, patterns and kits for the busy craftista"!  so fun!  check out the goodies i just got from there....


i can't wait to show you what i've been working on with it!  are you looking for some charm pack, layer cake or jelly roll goodness too?  crafty girls weekend carries a great selection and you don't want to miss out on the....

jelly roll madness sale - 
all jelly jolls $25!!!!!!!!!!!  wowsa!!



crafty girls workshop also just got in some new amy butler patterns...


and they carry fabrics galore....from anna maria horner, tula pink, laura gunn, sandi henderson, urban chiks, oliver+s just to name a few!  you can also get bundles and pre-cuts perfect for quilting!


match it up with a great book, magazine or pattern from the shop and you're on your way to some crafty fun!  don't want to choose?  simply purchase a kit with everything you need instead!  whatever you choose you're sure to find something you like.

all mommyhood readers use the code "mommyhood" to receive 10% off your order!!!!

crafty girls workshop also has a brick & mortar shop in san antonio, tx where you can attend classes, take private lessons, and enjoy studio time.  you can find more crafty girls workshop here:

*shop  *blog  *facebook

what fabrics are you coveting?  which jelly roll do you have your eye on?  happy crafting!

sponsor love - jennyandteddy creation


i'm sending some crafty sunshine your way today ladies! the blue clouds and warm rays have turned to rain in my neck of the woods but all i had to do was take one look at today's post and i warmed right up. jennyandteddy creations have some of the most cheerful, bright and fun agmigurumi patterns i've seen.


candy colors, cheerful faces, bright animals and cute little girls galore...


sweet faces, and soft yarns...


get those hooks ready and let's all make some amigurumi!!!


i've been dying to try my hand at amigurumi and hope to hook up a few of these cutie pies soon! i just can't resist their faces any longer. i think these would be great fun for the girls and also a handy little project to work on while i'm sitting in the car at preschool pickups. do you guys do that too?


jennyandteddy creations patterns are easy to follow and include instructions and pictures along along the way to help you. you can also find free patterns and helpful tips on their blog and jennyandteddy creations can be made and sold as well! wouldn't these be so fun to sell at a crafts fair? adorable!

not a crocheter? jennyandteddy creations also sells handmade dolls as well as patterns. so what are you waiting for...let's all get creating! you can find all things jennyandteddy creations in their shop and their blog.

do you make amigurumi? have any tips to share about the craft? what's your fave amigurumi doll to make?

sponsor love - marie madeline studio



you looking for some mother's day delight? check out one of my long time sponsors fabulous shop - marie madeline studio! i love these ladies! a family of super talented ladies who quilt, sew, design patterns, and sell lovely handmade goodies!



they have pretties for the kidlets...


custom made quilts...


and fabrics and trim to make your own....



these talented ladies have got you covered. i love the mix of fresh fabrics with their timeless and classic styles.



the perfect gift for any lady....little or grown...


come get inspired by the ladies of marie madeline studio.




thanks for all the inspiration ladies! you can find all things marie madeline here...


what's your fave marie madeline pattern? have you made any of their fabulous handbags or aprons before? don't you think these would make a great mother's day pressie?

are you looking for a fun place to advertise your shop or business? email luvinthemommyhood@yahoo.ca for rates and info! we'd love to help spread the word about your fabulous talents :)

Sponsor Love - Sensory Store Canada

is it a pain to dress your child in your house? are they uncomfortable in most clothes? do seams and tags bug the heck out of them? that's what goes on in our house most days. if you're going through the same thing with your child check out our fab sponsor "sensory store canada" for help dealing with all those issues.

sensory store canada sells stylish, modern clothing for all kids "including those with autism, sensory processing disorder, ADHD, and tactile defensiveness/sensitivity" by using "flat seaming and seamless construction for extra comfort, 100% of the softest combed cotton and specially developed soft sensory blends , wide collars, encased elastic waistbands, printed labels (tagless), custom fits, and much more" all while still being trendy and adorable.


busy mom of 3, lori, runs sensory store canada. her oldest child has autism so she knows first hand about the gap that existed in the market when it came to finding clothing that was comfortable for her child to wear especially in canada. when lori came across the Soft® Clothing Company she knew she had to bring the wonderful brand to canada.


sensory store canada has everything from jeans & shorts, dresses & tops to undies and seamless socks! fabulous! i want a pair of those socks! so comfy!


so stop the battles with dressing your child in the morning and your search for seamless, soft and tagless clothing. check out the sensory store today and make getting dressed in your house an enjoyable process for both you and your child.


head on over to sensory store canada to check out their spring line and their fabulous facebook friday deal that's on today too! for every $30 you spend in the shop till midnight tonight (PST) you'll receive a free short sleeve tee! all you have to do is mention at checkout in the message box what size/color you'd like :) sounds great! happy shopping! you can find more sensory store canada here:


you can also find lori's other business "apples to oranges consulting - special diets for special kids" where she helps helps other parents transition their child to the gluten free & casein free diet offering practical solutions for today's busy family.

do you have to fight to dress your child every day? what do you do to help deal with crazy morning? have you switched to seamless/tagless clothing for your children?

Sponsor Love - Ellie Inspired


i'd like to welcome one of our newest sponsors - ellie inspired to luvinthemommyhood! ellie inspired is a fabulous pattern shop filled with classic styles that feature modern fabric for that perfect twist for the little girls/boys in your life. laura has quite the eye for fabric combinations that bring a fresh vibe to more classic looks.


whether it's skirt, dresses, etticoats or even ties for the little men ellie inspired's got a pattern for it. the lovely laura even created this special dress called the ayano to aid our friends in japan who have suffered through the terrible earthquake and tsunami of 2011.


there are pretty skirts...



dapper young lads...


outfits perfect for babies & young girls alike...


and dresses just right for those special tea parties!


feeling inspired? i am! so many fun options and styles! ellie inpsired has a special spring sale on right now where you can get 15% off any pattern in the shop! just in time to make that special someone in your life a new spring outfit! need more inspiration? check out laura's blog for free patterns & tutorials, sewing tips & more! you can find more ellie inspired here:


what's your favorite ellie inspired pattern? do you love mixing classic styles with fun, modern prints? what's your go to fabric of the moment? have a wonderful weekend!

sponsor love - plum project

today we're showing some luv for our sponsor - plum project studio. plum project studio is one of my fave crafty places to go! in the plum project studio shop you can find organic and sustainable project materials and patterns. the fabrics are to die for, the yarn is scrumptious and heck...even the notions are eco-friendly! you can find anything from buttons carved from nuts, organic sewing thread to eco-felt and organic fabrics! plus they are canadian! i love it when i can find canadian shops, nevermind one as fab as this!! i can hardly even write about plum project studio with all the drool falling on my keyboard and the fear that i'm going to blow my monthly spending budget and buy out the shop! you want to know why?

janice is having a spring cleaning sale!!!!!!!!!!! i love me a sale! i especially love a sale that is filled with some of favorite fabric lines! by the sea, my happy garden & forest friends by cloud 9 fabrics (my fave!), circa 50 (swoon!) & geo grand, mod green & fluf (love) & more!

by the sea and circa50 - 50-25% off!!!!


fluf - 40% off!!!


mod green - 40% off!!!


my happy garden and forest friends - 50% off!!!


geo grand - 50% off!!!

need a pattern to use all the lovely cloud 9 fabric for? check out one of my fave pattern lines oliver+s for inspiration galore!!!! want to know what else is fabulous? plum project studio is also offering all luvinthemommyhood readers 15% off oliver+s patterns for the whole month of april!!!! use code 'luvoliver+s15' to get your discount! i think i feel faint!!! isn't the new spring line to die for? i want to make all of these for the girls!


wowsa!!!!!!!! not a sewer? don't worry, plum project studio also carries yarn! the gorgeous rowan purelife yarns and books as well as be sweet yarns are all on sale too!!!!!!!!

be sweet

rowan pure life


so pop on by and say hi to janice for me! thanks for a great sale janice and for giving us crafters a wonderful place to shop for our goodies while making it so easy to be eco-friendly and sustainable in so many more accessible & affordable ways!

you ready to start shopping? plum project studio is the perfect place to stock up on your eco-friendly craft supplies, projects and notions to make all the comfy sews VS cozy knits projects that are coming your way! janice also has a wealth of information on her plum project studio blog as well as handy resources & tutorials for knitters and sewers. you can find more plum project studio here:


happy shopping, knitting and sewing!!! wishing you all a wonderful and craft filled weekend! which new oliver+s sewing pattern is your fave? are you coveting any of these sale items?

sponsor luv - magpie patterns


anyone in the mood to go shopping? i am! one of my favorite things that i like to do is to go to one of our fave long time sponsors magpie patterns and have a virtual shopping spree! fun! let's grab a coffee and go shopping together! what would you buy? here's my personal faves at the moment that i'm lusting after.

first i'm going to shop for me...


then for the kidlets...


then for some goodies to add some pizazz!


ok, i'm drooling here folks. i think i better start saving my pennies for my wishlist! what did you put in your cart? what goodies are you purchasing on our little spree?

make sure you stop by magpie patterns for all your daydreaming and inspiring needs. the lovely amy has sewing, knitting, crochet & embroidery patterns, books and other crafty goodies! she seriously has all my favorites conveniently located in one shop!!! woot woot! plus she is a sweetheart and a busy crafty momma herself. read more about her crafty endeavors & her shop magpie patterns here on her blog, her facebook page, twitter and of course - her fab shop!

thanks for being an awesome friend and a wonderful sponsor amy!

what are you coveting from magpie patterns? any goodies you picked up? we wanna see! thanks for shopping with me - it was fun!

sponsor love - birdsong bows


who doesn't love a bow - bows are bowtastic (my hubbies words)! if you need bows of any kind or are wanting to learn how to make your own bows look no further than birdsong bows. birdsong bows sells professional, high quality patterns & tutorials for boutique hair bows, headbands, tutus and barrettes to make for that special little girl in your life. these detailed, user friendly, e-books provide bright, clear step by step instructions as well as access to special video tutorials. fabulous for people like me that are visual learners! the owner of birdsong bows - deanna, is a writer/editor, wife & mom to 2 little girls, whose love of her craft really shines through. these beautiful patterns are easy to follow & allow you to create your own timeless handmade pieces with ease.


i know i myself have always been a tiny bit intimidated by making mackenzie hair accessories. something about all the little pieces and gluing, sewing etc just didn't call out to me but after reading through deanna's great e-books i have to say making some hair bows will be in my very near future! i can't wait to try to make some of these pretty accessories especially because little harper's hair is starting to come in - woop woop! i love it when the hair on baby girls starts getting long enough to doll up. it's the hairdresser in me folks. mackenzie doesn't let me do much to her hair anymore but harper, well, she'll still let me style her up :)


you can find more birdsong bows on their facebook page here (look for special coupons & discounts) and read more about deanna's adventures with bows on her blog here where you can also find mini-sewing tutorials too! deanna is also offering all you wonderful luvinthemommyhood readers.....

a 10% discount -
use the code "mommyhood" at checkout.
(discount code good until Feb. 28th, 2011)


feeling lucky? make sure to stop by the birdsong bows blog to get your entry in for a chance to win $500 worth of goodies from a collaboration of wonderful crafters in "round robin: the ultimate spring boutique giveaway"! thanks so much deanna!


do you make your own hair accessories for your little girls? which pattern is your favorite? have you always wanted to learn how to make bows too?

sponsor love - made for 3


looking for something to brighten up your day? add a little vavavoom to you or your little one's outfit? pop on over to claire's shop "made for 3" for some unique handmade accessories...we did :)


and mackenzie loves hers! thanks claire....we fight over who get's to wear it!


the skies have been grey lately...filled with clouds and raindrops. made for 3's headbands, barrettes and new nursery decor would more than fill the room with some sunshine!


claire is momma to 4 gorgeous girls 8, 6, 3 and new baby girl nylah! congratulations on the new baby claire (big hugs to you and hope you and baby nylah are doing well)!


you can find more made for 3 at their shop here, go like their page on facebook, follow on twitter and read claire's blog here. lots of fun! go say hi and add a little sunshine to your day!

what's your fave hair accessory to wear? do your little girl's love headbands too? hope you're having a great weekend everyone! don't forget to go vote for your fave outfit this week on project run & play! you should see this week's entries....i'm so torn on who is my fave!

Winner of the Olive Bungalow Giveaway!


and the very lucky winner of the $75 gift certificate to our fab sponsor Olive Bungalow is.......(insert drumroll here please)....


Jodie said...
Oh gosh they are beyond gorgeous!!!! smije04(at)gmail(dot)com

congratulations jodie!!!! enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!!!! michele will be in touch with you about your prize. a big thank you to all of you who entered! for more on olive bungalow check out her gorgeous jewelry here and don't forget to check out her new bangles...gorgeous and they are on sale!!!!

Sponsor Love - Marie-Madeline Studio


are you feeling the need to add some sunshine to your wintery days? need a little brightening up? check out our long time sponsor "marie-madeline studio". this mother & daughters team has everything you're looking for. whether it's....

fabulous aprons...


the joy of quilts...


a great new handbag...


fun tutorials...



stylish clothes for the little ones...


cheerful fabrics...


and some new goodies for you too.


so brighten up those cold grey skies, start a new project, or pick up something new to wear...marie-madeline studio is sure to bring a smile to your face :)

you can find more marie-madeline studios goodness on their website, and tutorials, sewing series & other goodies on their blog.

Olive Bungalow Giveaway!!


**This giveaway is now closed! Thanks for all of your entries!!!***

ohhhh, ladies....i'm so excited for today's giveaway! i think the only way i could be more excited is if i could actually win it. it's hard to believe but it's still almost as fun to watch you all enter as it is to be able to enter giveaways myself. today's giveaway is just.....well...fabulous!


i'd like to introduce you to olive bungalow, one of our newest sponsors here in the mommyhood. all i can say is wowsa! i love me some jewelry and michele's stuff is stunning! i'm swooning over the custom birthstone stack rings. so pretty. there is even 9 band styles to choose from and the rings are sterling silver with gemstones! you decide which size stone (you could do larger to represent the parents & small ones for the kiddos), which band (thick or thin) and then your gemstone. this would be fabulous for any mom. so pretty! i love that you can customize so many features to fit your style and family.

the stackable birthstone rings aren't the only gorgeous things olive bungalow has to offer. i want all of it..haha. here's a little taste of some of her handiwork all made from her studio in arizona overlooking the desert and mountain range. i can't imagine the time and love she must spend making every single piece. i know for a fact she is very passionate about her business and works very hard at producing quality jewelry made with only fair trade gemstones & conflict-free diamonds. you can read more about her process, birthstones and gemstone info here.


how gorgeous are these?


you drooling yet? dying to know the prize?






one lucky winner will win a $75 gift certificate to olive bungalow! wowsa! thanks so much michele!





1) go to www.olivebungalow.com and sign up for their newsletter (you'll get the inside scoop on exclusive offers) then come back here and leave me a comment telling me you did.

*Bonus entry: tweet or facebook mention this giveaway then leave a comment telling me you did so.







- you must leave a valid email address with your entry or you will be disqualified.
- the giveaway is open until monday, january 17th, 2011 at midnight (pacific standard time).

olive bungalow has another goodie for you too. michele's generously offered up a 15% discount to luvinthemommyhood readers until friday, january 21st. simply enter the code: lmh15


you can find oodles of lovely jewelry in the olive bungalow shop here, read about olive bungalow on michele's blog here, and follow along on twitter here.

good luck ladies and thank you for all of your entries! i can't wait to see who wins!

sponsor love - made for 3


every girl loves accessories. no matter what the age, you show us some pretty headbands and brooches and we're sold. i know that when i look for headbands for me and my girls i look for unique pieces that are handmade. the handmade accessory shop made for 3 does just that. it's a fun way to express your individual style without going over the top. they are also a great statement piece to any outfit. a little pop of color will always brighten up your day.


i used to be hairdresser (a story for another time) and can never get enough accessories. i'm used to always wearing black. i gravitate towards black, it's the stylist in me. so to bring color and fun into my outfits when i was working i would accessorize. a brooch, a hair clip or a headband would add just that little something to my wardrobe. now that i'm a stay at home mom i do have color in my wardrobe. i have to consciously add it but it doesn't stop me from accessorizing. i still have a soft spot for them and the fun part is now i can put them on my girls too!


lucky for me there are shops like "made for 3" that i can turn to. the lovely claire, is one of those stories that just warms my heart. a long time reader of this blog, a sweetheart and someone i'm proud to call a friend recently decided to make one of her dreams a reality and opened her online shop made for 3. i love seeing people, especially people i care about reach for their dreams. this busy momma of 3 litlle girls - 8,6 & 3, who's also currently preggers with #4, is passionate about her accessories and makes each and every single piece with love. she also has a thing for fabulous buttons...and you all know my obsession with buttons.


so if your wardrobe needs some spicing up for the new year, you know a little girl looking for some flowers for her hair or you just plain LOVE accessories like me then go visit "made for 3" (i know..it rhymed..couldn't help myself..haha). so go say hi to claire and while you're there enjoy 10% off - just use the code DEC01. happy accessorizing!

you can find made for 3 here:

shop: www.madefor3.bigcartel.com
follow on twitter: http://twitter.com/claire_madefor3
follow on facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Madefor3/156053054422098
read claire's blog: http://madefor3.wordpress.com

what's your fave way to add some punch to your wardrobe? do you have a thing for headbands like me?

sponsor love - sweet pea patterns



ohhhh, i could not resist posting this weekend to show you all the new sweet pea baby shoe pattern! cheri always blows my mind with her adorable shoe patterns! you can not get any cuter. i cannot wait until i have time to make some of them before harper is too big. seriously, the slouch boots - i. die. so adorable! i was planning on knitting harper some just like this but was whining to myself that there was no way i was going to find the time and then poof - cheri emailed me with her newest pattern and i literally squealed and woke the baby. crappy, but oh so worth it.


this is the perfect time of year for some stylish and rockin super slouchy baby booties! put them on with your girl's cutest skirt and some fab tights with legwarmers, or jeans, heck leggings work too! not a fan of beige, no prob! you make the shoes so you are in control of the fabric, the color, the texture and even what's inside and on the sole! when we were kids wasn't it fun to play fashion designer? well now you can! thanks to sweet pea pattern's easy instructions and assembly of these adorable shoes. she provides you with the hard parts and you get to go all willy nilly with the shoe! throw some new amy butler on there or maybe anna maria horner and if it's a boy why not try some helicopter green from echino nico or one of my new faves zoo menagerie by eleanor grosch.


"two little feet, ten little toes, leave their impressions today. soon they will wear two little shoes, and be running and jumping at play."
source


these little shoes also make the perfect xmas present for those special little toes in your life. can't decide which one to make? well don't fret, cheri's thought of that too. you can purchase for a great price 3 patterns for $12 or even 5 patterns for only $20! wowsa! i think i may be needing to add to my collection.


how can you resist making some of these? i get so many ideas just looking at them! all the fabric combinations, buttons, velcro, leather or suede...the possibilities are endless.


you can even make yourself a pair to match from cheri's other shop - shoeology! now that's what i call sewing fun! sweet pea's patterns range in size from newborn to 18months and cheri's goal with sweet pea patterns is to "provide stylish sewing patterns for an affordable price without sacrificing quality". all of sweet pea patterns come with easy to follow instructions with clear step by step photos and patterns professionally drawn on the computer. even a beginner sewer can make these. cheri - you rock girl!

so let's all keep those yummy, chubby little baby toes warm with some fun and stylish shoes made with love!

which pair would you love to make? fave fabric choice to make them with? have you become addicted to making your own baby shoes?

Lily & Thistle's Day of Giving!



we love paper dolls in our house. i grew up with paper dolls and now my girls will too. i especially love that i can have my own paper doll and so can my daughter thanks to one of our fave mommyhood sponsors - lily & thistle! you just can't go wrong with a paper doll line that includes anne of green gables outfits! love it!

remember this face?


this is what my little one looked like when our paper dolls showed up a few months ago (you can read more about our review & lily & thistle here)! we love them and i will definitely be getting another one made up for harper so all 3 of us girls have our very own dolls. that's what makes lily & thistle special. the dolls come customized just for you - you pick the hairstyle, eye color, etc and when they show up...excitement!

talented momma hannah, who draws all the dolls and outfits herself has them packaged up all pretty for us moms to enjoy and there's even "good copies" of the dolls so you can frame them and keep them special. oh hannah, you speak right to my heart girl! also lily & thistle's special "amazing sticky strip" is FAB! the dolls have this special little sticky strip that never loses it stick. no folding or tearing just lots of wearable fun!!!


want one of your own? well now is the perfect time! hannah is offering you all a chance to stock up on your very own dolls during her special "day of giving" sale! no codes or special notes, just shop and don't forget to have fun! you're never too old for paper dolls...trust me..haha.

let's hear from hannah...



Buy any Custom Paper Doll Package and receive another free custom doll with Winter Outfits to give away (or to keep...we won't tell).

Buy ANYTHING from the shop and receive a free one year membership to the Outfit of the Month club.

Everything will be tastefully wrapped and ready to go under your tree.
Sale ends Wednesday at 12 a.m. MST so HURRY!


thanks hannah! luv ya! you can read more about hannah on her blog here, visit her other pattern shop "while they sleep" here and of course, lily & thistle here.

did you play with paper dolls when you were young? do you still play with them? which outfit is your fave?

sponsor love - magpie patterns


if you read my blog regularly you know i'm always taking on more projects than i can possibly make. i'm always dreaming, scheming and pondering how and when i'm going to get one done just so i can start another. i guess it's the gemini in me. finding time between being a busy mom to two little ones, a wife and a blogger has made scheduling time for my passion to create tricky. it's definitely something i need to move up the priority list in 2011. i am definitely sure i am not the only one constantly struggling with this dilemma. i think we all need a longer day in one way or another. what i have learned this year though is that even if it's only one seam sewn or one row knitted i'm happier for it and in turn that makes me a better mother and a happier wife :)

what that doesn't solve though is how many projects i covet. ohhhhh if you could see my list..haha, you would freak out! i freak out! it's nuts...but what's a girl to do right? how can you help it with so many wonderful and inspirational tutorials and blog posts floating around out there! so where do i go when i need a fix? i head to one of my fave online shops - magpie patterns that's owned by the lovely & one of my fave mommas to email and moan about hubbies who work to much - amy. wanna come with? it's fun to shop with a friend right? cool. let's do some xmas shopping. here's what i would pick up if i had unlimited time and budget (and skill..haha).

let's start with knitting shall we?


or maybe some crochet...



ohhhh, and how about some sewing?




oh, and we can't leave without checking out the embroidery and books!




ok, that was seriously so much fun! time to wipe the drool off my face. why not head on over to magpie patterns and get those xmas gifts all made with love or heck, get yourself a little pressie while you're at it.

what did you buy? your faves? you know i seriously could have bought the whole shop but i thought that just would have been excessive..haha. you up for a coffee? let's go down the road....