teacup month - the final sip

it's over......oh how i'll miss tea cup month. it's been fun, inspiring and exactly what i needed to lighten up my mood these last few weeks. it's been a riot looking at all the goodies online and seeing all the wonderful creativity and true repurposing used when it comes to such a simple object as a teacup. i may not be british but that doesn't mean i don't LOVE my tea and it seems as though you all do too :)

when i first told the hubs about teacup month he thought i was off my rocker, but i knew deep down that i couldn't be alone in my adoration for all things mug/cups. and sure enough, you all were too! so i hope you have had fun, got some new ideas, tutorials & patterns, and maybe rescued a few teacups along the way. i don't think i'll ever look at a teacup the same way again. for those of you who linked up with pics/posts about your cups i added you in. if i missed anyone please leave me a comment below or email me and i'll add you to this post :)

i thought it would be helpful for anyone interested to be able to find all the links in one place. so here they all are. sit down, brew a cup of tea, savor that first sip and happy linking!

image source

there were a few goodies that i didn't get a chance to fit in a post so i thought i would add them in here so you all can enjoy them as well.









thank you all for joining in on my little tea party, it's been fun! hopefully we can do it again sometime. what was your fave part of teacup month? do you still want to show off a fave teacup? leave me a comment below with a link to your post and i'll add you to the party!

the dish ran away with the spoon....

we've got another thank you to give out this week. one of the first bloggers i started chatting with is the lovely and talented jessica of the blog "happy together". she's a sweetheart and a friend that i hope to one day meet in person. she so kindly sent me the best gifts for the girls!!! seriously - so adorable!

Hey diddle diddle,
The cat and the fiddle,
The cow jumped over the moon,
The little dog laughed to see such sport,
And the dish ran away with the spoon.

who doesn't love the nursery rhyme the dish that ran away with the spoon. i know we do! the best part with this gift is that you can make them for yourself too! how fun is that!


if you would like to make your very own dish and spoon click here for the tutorial!


and if those little cuddlies weren't enough, jessica also sent some adorable onesies for baby harper to sport with the cutest nursery rhyme silhouettes on them! i LOVE them. jessica also gives you a little bit of a run down as to how she used freezer paper to do the stenciling.

jessica, thank you soooo much for your kind gifts....the girls love them and so do i! big hugs to you from canada!!!

what's your favorite nursery rhyme? have you done freezer paper stencilling yet? fave soft toy to make? tell us...........

Simple Bird to Super Sweet Wall Art Tutorial with Guest - Taylor from "Mary Janes & Galoshes"

ooooeeee! eye candy! our last guest blogger this week is taylor from the fresh & fun blog "mary janes & galoshes". taylor keeps her blog filled with lovely pictures, crafty tutorials ranging from sewing, diy's, home decor as well as cooking and even great giveaways! too good to pass up if you ask me! she's also a super busy mom of three kids under three.


taylor has a few etsy shops under her belt along with the blog, the newest being "taylored arts", where she sells scrumptious personalized bookplates and stationery. while taylor and i don't know each other too well yet, i am not embarrassed to admit i have been lurking on her blog for a quite a while, so it was lots of fun to have her come and join in on the bonanza! make sure you pop on over to taylor's and say a big hello for me! i promise you won't be disappointed. wanna know more? taylor will fill you in below :)


now let's hear from taylor...........

Hello Luvinthemommyhood readers! I'm excited to share a fun tutorial with you today. I do a lot of transformation projects where I find something (new or old) that could be made better (or cuter) and I transform it. I also do the occasional from scratch project, but I have three kids under three years old so I don't have a whole heck of a lot of project time!


At MaryJanes and Galoshes I have a few subjects. "MaryJanes Moments" are random things from my life, "Wearing Galoshes" are my vintage shopping trips or anything that reminds me that I'm slowly turning into my mother! DIY Tutorials, pretty self explanatory, In the Kitchen, on the rare occasion that I make something edible and worthy of sharing, and Reviews/Giveaways. So a little of everything and hopefully something you will find you enjoy. Although I do tend to go in spurts with the topics, overall I do get to everything.

Without further delay, here is what I'm making over at MJandG today for you guys and those new baby nurseries!

Hope you stop over and check it out! Thanks for having me Shannon!

you're welcome taylor! thanks for coming by! well folks...you having fun? just a reminder that the bonanza will be continuing until july 23rd! lots of goodies still to come! don't forget to enter the "dress me up" giveaway!

Pottery Barn Butterfly Mobile Tutorial with Guest - Natasha from "Samster Mommy"

our guest blogger today is the lovely & oh, so talented natasha from the super crafty blog "samster mommy". natasha is currently preggers with babe #2 but still crafting away - go, mama, go! i wish i had been able to keep up the same momentum she has had going when i was preggo with harper. she also has an etsy shop of the same name.

samster mommy is filled with projects and i mean lots! sewing for toddlers & mommies, refashions, crafty goodies, cooking and even home decor projects - this mom does it all. so if you're looking for something fun to add to your "to make" list, get ready to save a bunch! at least 3 of hers are on my list for whenever i'm able to actually get my sewing machine back out again..haha.

while you're there, please check out her "tutu drive". this fun charity drive is perfect for any girl who loves pretty tutu's! natasha is posting tutu tutorials every tuesday for the next month and also has a goal to get 100 tutu's donated to the "princess alexa foundation" which takes dress up clothes and matches them with seriously ill children. for more information just click here. so get sewing, get tuting and get donating! and for those of you who don't sew who want to help out, just purchase a little tutu lovely and mail it in. what little girl doesn't luv a tutu?


i could rave on some more about natasha but she did such a wonderful job on her intro that i'll let her get to it.....let's hear from natasha......

Hi fellow mommies! I'm SO excited to be guest blogging today on luvinthemommyhood. I have to say it's such an honor! Which I realize is a very cliche guest blogger thing to say but I'm not lying to you when I say that I outright screeched when I read the email from Shannon asking me to come and share a tutorial. Seriously, I woke the baby.

One of the things I love to do on my blog, which is called Samster Mommy by the way, is knockoff beautiful overpriced items that can easily be made at home. Jcrew, Anthropologie & Pottery Barn are my usual targets, they're so good at looking homemade but sticking a $50 price tag on there! Today's project is from Pottery Barn Baby (in honor of the baby bonanza of course) but before I get to that Shannon asked me to share a bit about myself & my little 'ol blog.

I started blogging 2 years ago when I had my sweet little girl Samantha. (She got the nickname "Samster" because she squeaked like a hamster when she was a newborn) It started off as a just a way to share pics of the baby & things I liked to make with family & friends. Then I discovered the terribly addicting world of craft blogs, WHOA. I was done after that! Since then my blog is still about being a mommy but my crafting is definitely what I love to write about most. I try to post a few tutorials a week along with a quick & healthy recipe or two. Throw in a story about Samster pooping in the shopping cart at Whole Foods & you've basically got the Samster Mommy blog. I hope you'll come by & take a peek. I think you just might like us.

Sewing Pants 101

Stuffed Tutus

Bedsheet to Ruffled Pillow

But enough about my blog, how about a knockoff butterfly mobile?! I just love the beautiful paper cutout mobiles that Pottery Barn Baby has. I've been lusting after this butterfly one for months...


But with a $60 price tag I just couldn't justify it. One day at Michael's I stumbled across the Martha Stewart butterfly punches & little light bulb popped on. Aha! A wire wreath form spray painted, some fishing line & a slew of butterfly punches & what do you have? The Pottery Barn mobile!

A few naptime crafting sessions later & here's the finished product...


I hope you love it & come check out the full tutorial along with my other projects. Come say hi too!

Thank you again Shannon, you're the best!!!






thanks so much for being part of the bonanza natasha, i know what's it like to be tired, preggo and running after a busy toddler so i appreciate all the time that went into this! i just luv this tute! so pretty!


we've got a giveaway coming up next...and it's for one of my favorite baby products!!!!

Tree Top Nursery Frame Tutorial with Guest - Hannah from "Lily & Thistlle"

ok...insert a whole lot of my drool into this post....i am so excited to talk about the oh, so talented hannah (formerly of while they sleep) and her new venture that includes a pretty new blog - "lily and thistle" and her new business in the world of paper dolls - "mini me paper doll boutique"!


now this is not just your average paper doll, these are paper dolls for the year 2010! they can be custom made and also come with a special sticky strip that never gets unstuck - so no paper folding for us girls! i am also super excited about the outfit of the month club! how fun is that! where were these kinds of things when i was little? oh well, i'll just live vicariously through my girls :)


i'm sure some of you will remember hannah's old blog - while they sleep, home of tons of sewing goodies and tutorials galore. well it's not over and neither is her etsy shop of the same name. remember the pod swaddler? i heart the pod swaddler pattern. anyhoo, ever since then i have been a fan of hers and an avid follower of hers. i also feel a special kinship to her after hearing her struggles with motherhood that she shares with you all below. i didn't think i would ever be able to have kids and now here i am with 2 girls. hannah's a sweetheart, an awesome mommy and her talents are endless, so go pop over, check out all her goodies out and let's have some fun with the tutorial below!

now let's hear from hannah.........

Hi Everyone! I'm Hannah from Lily&Thistle - Girlhood Illustrated. I was so glad Shannon decided to keep the Babyhood Bonanza going and even more excited that she asked me to share something! Shannon and I go back just a bit. She was so kind to help me promote the Pod Swaddler pattern last year when I was trying to get the word out (remember that Shannon?...seems like ages ago). I have always been a fan of her blog but then when I got to interact with her a bit more through email, I knew she was gold...pure gold. I am now a bonified fan of Shannon! I'm so glad she decided to bring another baby girl into this world of ours. We need more of her kind. Welcome again baby Harper!

Maisy and Laurel

My Bab(ies) Story

For years Jeff and I tried to have children with no luck. It was heartbreaking and seemed like a cruel joke at times. Finally after going through what seemed like a hundred treatments...we were given the opportunity and financial support to try IVF. I'm sure most of you know what that is..if not, you can look it up. We were blessed with not one but two little babies...our twin girls Laurel and Maisy. I still remember the day we saw TWO heartbeats...I thought I was dreaming. My pregnancy went very well and I was able to carry them to 36 weeks. They were born healthy but small. They spent a couple of very long, hard weeks in the NICU. The day they came home was magic.

Sweet Norah Jane

On the day they turned six months old, I felt very sick and tired and pregnant?!
"I couldn't be?!"
"The doctors said....could the the doctors be wrong?"
I took a pregnancy test and sure enough I WAS PREGNANT! The next few months were hard but I was lucky that the twins still slept a lot during the day so that I could sleep too. Thirteen months after I gave birth to the twins, Norah Jane was born. Sweet, sweet Norah Jane. She is a cherub. She has been the easiest baby in the history of babies and we are so blessed. Now the twins are two and Norah is one. It is crazy over here sometimes but it's a wonderful crazy. I always say I'd much rather have my hands full than empty. Motherhood is the greatest/hardest gift I've ever been given.

When we were preparing for the twins, I decided to decorate their room with the theme from a Primary song I grew up singing in church called "In the Leafy Tree Tops the Birds Sing Good Morning" I was (and still am) totally into birds and cherry blossoms at the time. I thought today I'd share a tutorial with you on how to turn an old thrift store frame into something special.

Of course you can use your creativity and imagination to make your frame match your special little baby's decor. I invite you to click on over to Lily&Thistle for the Tree Top Nursery Frame Tutorial and Free Printable Art!

thanks so much hannah! wishing you tons of success on all of your new endeavors! big hugs to you and your gorgeous girls!

hope you all have a wonderful weekend! happy 4th of july to all of you! we've got 2 new tutorials coming up next week and a very exciting giveaway so come join the party!!! are any of you as in love with paper dolls as i am?

Hardboard Nursery Art Tutorial with Guest - Ashley from "Lil Blue Boo"

ok ladies, now i know most of you have heard of lil blue boo, but i'm going to introduce ashley anyways. i became an avid follower of ashley's bright and colorful blog around the time i started luvinthemommyhood and have been a huge fan since. whether she is making me laugh, inspiring me to sew, craft, paint and do crafts - ashley does it all with pizazz and spunk! she's honest and heartwarming and her daughter is gorgeous (just like her mommy). plus i am obsessed and astounded by all of the wonderful refashioning and pattern making she does with knits and t-shirts!


at lil blue boo you can find a wealth of information and lots of fun, but you can also find links to ashley's pattern store, clothing store, and painting shop....yes, she has all of these and still finds time to blog and be a mother and wife......i know...where does she find the time? she must be a bit crazy right? nope, just super talented! so pop on over and check out her lovely, lovely goodies or raid your closet and make some of your own using her patterns.


now let's hear from ashley..........

Hi there! I'm Ashley over from Lil Blue Boo. I was so excited when Shannon asked me to be a part of her babyhood bonanza! My little Boo is not so little anymore.....she turned three a few months ago. She inspires everything I do and her spunky little personality is a breath of fresh air everyday.

My baby story? Well, pregnancy was hard for me. I love working with paints, resins, chemicals, power tools, ladders everyday....and most of that was off limits for a pregnant woman! My doctor tried putting me on bed rest a few times.......I guess I didn't quite understand that steam cleaning my carpets and reupholstering nursery chairs wasn't classified as "resting." I was even on the floor sideways in my nephew's nursery at 9 months pregnant trying to paint an ocean mural....I was laying on the floor, that's resting right? Each doctor's appointment consisted of a claustrophobia-induced panic attack in which I would sweat off pounds of cocoa butter all over everyone. I never had any questions for the doctor. I had a c-section because I was scared to death of childbirth. Boo was a little miracle. I didn't breastfeed. The nurses in the hospital didn't even try to hide their disgust. I just rolled my eyes back at them. My mother forced me to use a breast pump for a few days so Boo would get something called colostrum....I threw tantrums. I recuperated from my c-section in about a week. I never stressed over brands or ingredients or bedtimes. And it all worked out. I have a beautiful-independent-creative-curious-precocious-loving life every minute-daring to be different-little girl who makes me swell with overwhelming love. She's my side kick, my mini-me.

I am in awe at how this tiny being......


.....has become a tiny person in what seems like such a short amount of time.


While I don't have a tiny baby of my own anymore, I still have the opportunity to make things for my baby nieces, nephews and my friend's babies. I love making elaborately layered personalized nursery art pieces.....unique to each child.


I recently made a piece for a friend's new baby boy and knew that babyhood bonanza would be the perfect opportunity to take the time to document my layering process for a tutorial!

Hardboard Nursery Art Tutorial

Come on over and take a peek on how to make your own art using simple hardboard, paint, stitching, and ready-made frames. Thank you so much Shannon for including me in the "baby" lineup!

you're welcome ashley, and thanks for coming by to be part of the bonanza, inspiring me to sew and to never look at a t-shirt the same way ever again - you're the best!!!

we've got more fun coming your way this week - a giveaway, another tutorial and a special announcement.....so stick around!

have you made anything from the babyhood bonanza yet?

all images copyright lil blue boo

Sock Animal Rattle Tutorial with Guest - Jill from "Homemade by Jill"

ohhhh, i'm so excited for today's guest blogger - jill from the fab blog "homemade by jill"!!! i luv, luv, luv her stuff and her tutorial for today's post is no exception. i literally squealed in delight when it popped up in my inbox!!! so adorable!!! i just wanted to reach through the screen and grab this insanely talented ladies cute sock animal rattle and steal it! i don't think i could make one as cute as hers...it's so precious.

i hope you all enjoy it and please, go over and say hello to jill....her blog is addictive and filled with projects, crafts, sewing and lots of wonderful eye candy...trust me...you'll luv it and you'll luv her!!!! jill's also in her third trimester and i just want to extend a huge thank you for taking the time to do this fun post even though she is achy and very pregnant - big hugs jill!!!!!

now let's hear from jill............

Congratulations to Shannon! I am so honored to be part of the celebration welcoming baby Harper into this world.

I always find myself making little projects for babies, but being less than six weeks away from greeting our own baby girl, I am in full-fledged baby mode at this point. I'm really glad to be participating in the Babyhood Bonanza because it forced me to take a break from cranking out all my old stand-by projects and come up with something new.

Therefore, I bring you a new twist on a classic craft, the sock animal rattle:

These sock bunnies have all the makings of your little one's favorite first toy ... they are soft and squishy, have chomp-able, pull-able ears, and best of all ... make a pleasant jingle when you shake them.

The great thing about sock animals is that they are fully customizable - you choose the sock with your ideal pattern and colors, and can create just about any animal imaginable. My tutorial will show you how to make happy bunny rattles, but it can just as easily become a monkey, cat, dog, bear, (insert animal of your choice here).

The sock animal head each has a single jingle bell inside the stuffing, which gives it a pleasantly muted jingle.

I couldn't decide if I liked the straight handle or looped handle better, so I'll show you how to make both versions. You'll also learn two ways to sew the head.

Pop over to Homemade by Jill to see the full Sock Animal Rattle Tutorial HERE!

we've got lot's more goodies to come and even some sneak peek photos of the chaos that's been happening in our house lately....ok, yep there's been chaos and time outs and baby spit up and lots of dirty diapers and not a lot of sleep but to make up for it there is a whole lotta love...and i can't wait to show off harper to you all :) so stay tuned......and don't forget to sport our button that you can find on our sidebar to the left!

all images copyright homemade by jill

Baby Mobile Tutorial with Guest - Katie from "Blue Eyed Freckle"

our next fabulously talented guest blogger is katie from the "blue eyed freckle". now if you are a reader of my blog you all know i love, love, love katie's headbands. in fact, i am addicted to them. but you know what else is great about katie? her blog. yep, this girl is super talented and a sweetheart to boot. she not only has a kick ass accessories shop, but she also sews, creates artwork, has addicting tutorials and still finds time to be a mom. so go check katie out at her blog and her etsy shop and show some love!

now let's hear from katie......

When I was preparing for the birth of my daughter Olivia (who is now 9 months), I made every single thing I could think of for her bedroom and layette. In all my reading I learned that babies enjoyed high contrasts, and that initially they could only see in black and white. Being an artist (and at the time a high school art teacher) I wanted to fill the room with original art and objects that were in black and white for her enjoyment and stimulation.

Soooo... in addition to the artwork on the wall, I decided to create a black and white mobile to hang over the crib. And I am sharing the tutorial with you all today because let me tell you, she LOVES it. she loved looking at it when she was small, and I still find her gazing at it now. The accordion circles spin around too, which she likes. And she gets giddy when we let her touch it as we pull her out of the crib. So here you go!

BLUE-EYED FRECKLE BABY MOBILE TUTORIAL

Materials:

branches
paper (mine were 5 1/2" by 8 1/2")
sharpies (different widths)
hot glue
thread
branches
spray paint (or reg. house paint)
twine
screw hooks (to hang it up)

1. draw simple shapes on your 5 1/2" by 8 1/2" paper. I did 9 different designs.

2. Photo copy each design as many times as you like. Keep in mind that to create 1 circle, it takes 4 pieces of paper (when you photocopy them, just cut off the excess white around the design).

3. After cutting out all of your pieces, hot glue (or elmers, spray adhesive, etc) two pieces together. They can be the same design or different.

4. create and accordion, pressing down each fold.

5.Bend the accordion in half and hot glue in the center.

6. Hot glue down the bottom part too, just to make it more secure.

7. Hot glue 2 sections together down the long end.

8. cut 1- 2 ft lengths of string (so that you can cut it to the right size later), and insert them into a crevice between two folds and apply hot glue.

(Leave the long end of the string hanging)

9.Spray paint your branches, turning them to get all sides. You can also just paint them with house paint like I did with my original mobile.

( Here is a photo of all my designs and the branches after I have spray painted them.)

10. After the branches are dry, take a long length of twin and wrap it around the bundle one time and tie a knot. Then continue to wrap it around, under and over all the branches in order to make it a tight hold. You wouldn't want a branch to come loose, esp. if you are hanging it over a crib!!. Also, break off any little branch pieces that you think could be dangerous if for some horrible reason this thing fell (I have never had a problem).

11.Attach 2 pieces of twine on two areas of the branch bundle. Then, put the screw hooks into your ceiling, right where you want the mobile to hang. Our hooks were about 10 in. apart.

12. Create a secure loop at the end of each piece of twine and put them on the hooks.

13. Standing on a ladder, ( I had my husband do this part while I stood back and told him how high or low to go) attach each piece of string, by looping it around a branch and tying it off. Cut the tails.

I tried to vary the height of each accordion and the spacing of them as well.

This is a unisex mobile (don't be confused by the coral walls behind it...). and really, even if you don't have a baby, this could be used anywhere in the home!

NOTE: The accordions on my mobile are not double-sided unfortunately. Your mobile will look better, because you are gluing two sheets together. I didn't think about doing that until after I had already hung mine!

thanks so much katie! this looks so fun and there are so many fun ways to personalize it as well. i can't wait to try it out! thanks for being part of the bonanza!


and don't you all forget we've got more goodies to come your way! the bonanza is going till the end of june so keep on dropping by! lots more fabulous bloggers & tutorials to come! you can find our button on the sidebar on the left if you would like to show your luv!

all images copyright blue eyed freckle

make it for mom - mother's day roundup

ohhhh, here it is folks! here's the monster of a post that's kept me up late the last few nights while i endure my braxton hicks.....the make it for mom mother's day roundup that i guest blogged over on "made" for celebrating mom! pop on over to made and check it out!


To me, motherhood comes in many forms. being someone who thought she may never be able to have children of her own i learned through my own personal struggle that motherhood is in our lives in places we may not always want to look, such as adoption, in-vitro, surrogacy, etc., but it's there, patiently waiting. Being a mom doesn't mean you have to give birth, it means unconditional love. Whether that child has your DNA or not, each and every little angel deserves that special kind of love and giving birth isn't the only way to develop and nurture that precious bond.


Being a mom is something that can be made. Whether it's in the gift of a child from across the world, being the best auntie you can be to your niece or nephew or being a caring foster home, it doesn't matter, you make what your possibilities are and if you have the love to give by all means make it happen. So for Mother's Day I figured it was quite fitting during these times in our world to "make" a gift filled with love to give to that special lady (or ladies) in your life who share that special and wondrous bond with you. So have fun with the roundup, get creative and enjoy the special power and beauty of handmade love, there's something in here for everyone!

Row 1
1. rope necklace 2. leather chain necklace 3. leather bracelet 4. ruffled scarf
Row 2
5. springy rings 6. zipper daisy 7. mother's day corsage 8. necklace

Row 1
1. ruffle necklace 2. embroidered scarve 3. hair band
Row 2
4. no elastic headband 5. camera/cell/ipod pouch 6. skinny headband


Row 1
1. layered skirt 2. apron 3. tie on slippers
Row 2
4. spring ruffle top 5. elastic waist skirt 6. apron

Row 1
1. pratia tank top 2. rose belt 3. zipper ballet flats
Row 2
4. ruffle shirt 5. flattering shirt dress 6. ruffle scrunch belt


Row 1
1. tea cup lights 2. white cherry branch silhouette 3. body scrub
Row 2
4. personalized magnet & tins 5. moisturizing body oil 6. organza sachet

1. kids tote bag 2. photo flowers 3. flower power 4. moms keychain

Row 1
1. straw flowers 2. eye pillow 3. handprint flower
Row 2
1. recycled flower pot 2. pasta plate 3. coupon book


Row 1
1. shower curtain 2. skinny table runner 3. gingham placemats
Row 2
4. gathered pillow 5. reversible fabric napkin ring 6. scrappy carrier bag

Row 1
1. sewing machine cover 2. shoe bag 3. spring napkins
Row 2
4. rubber lace coasters 5. quilt in a day 6. rice therapy bag


Row 1
1. felted slippers (ravelry link) 2. mary jane slipper (ravelry link)
3. twisted socks (ravelry link) 4. sockette pattern (ravelry link)
Row 2
5. textured shawl 6. summit (ravelry link) 7. anthemion wrap (ravelry link)
8. petrie tank (ravelry link)

(with some crochet thrown in for fun!)


Row 1
1. design yourself clothes book 2. sweetheart pin cushion 3. tissue holder
4. pincushion organizer
Row 2
1. coffee cozy 2. eyeglass case 3. vintage book planner 4. reversible journal cover


Row 1
1. big bow and clutch 2. scrappy clutch 3. suit coat clutch
Row 2
4. quilted garden tote 5. boxy pouch 6. reversible bag

Row 1
1. tank top totes 2. sling bag 3. pleated purse
Row 2
4. ruffled totebag 5. nigella yoga bag 6. buttercup bag

thanks so much for having me over dana - i'm honored! you're talent and creativity always astounds me, and you are blessed with a very beautiful family. i'm happy to have gotten to know you over this last year and i wish you a very happy handmade mother's day! luv ya girl!!!

make sure you head on over for the next two weeks to see what dana celebrates on made and disney on ruffles and stuff.

wishing you all a wonderful mother's day as well. what will you be making for that special someone?

link luv roundup

- i think i would like disney from ruffles and stuff to just make me a new wardrobe - i want this skirt!
- don't these cupcakes in a jar look sooooo delicious?

1) i've always wanted to give a shot at making my own lip balm and this diy might just be the push i needed to try. (via got craft)
2) easter may be over but that doesn't mean the cute little rabbits have to dissapear does it? i heart this tute from chez beeper bebe.
3) what a cute idea for a bunting? get the pattern here.
4) finally a knitted tank you could wear a bra under! you can get the pattern on knitty now.


1) don't these look super cozy? i don't think i would be caught dead in them out in public but they would definitely make adorable lounging shorts. click here for the pattern.
2) pretty ditty shows us how to go from cardi blah to cardi hurrah!
3) moda bake shop has the adorable tutorial up for these pretty spring dresses.

oh gosh, i'm swooning, i could only dream of having such a gorgeous selection of wooden buttons, love this pic. (via oh, hello friend)

1) this message in a bottle diy is soooo lovely!
2) whip up your own patterned hair band with this tute.
3) learn the secret to perfect patch pockets here.
4) ok, i will seriously be making a giant and i mean giant sized pitcher of this magic juice as soon as it's easy for me to consume a few hours worth of alcohol....yummy!

1) i've been loving this fun canadian blog "the stylish tot". go check it out!
2) adventures in dressmaking shows us how to take that men's dress shirt and make a very fab skirt - too cute!
3) i fell in love with this wallpapered dressing table. maybe it's because i've been wanting to wallpaper the top of a diy project sitting in my home for over a year now and just haven't gotten around to it. here's the diy.

what do you guys think of this? love it or hate it? (via handmade charlotte)

- jessica's getting me in the mood for summer! too bad my sooon to be breastfeeding girls won't be wearing this top anytime soon...haha, but i love it nonetheless. here's the how to. my girls ain't going out anywhere unless they are strapped down and secured...haha.
- alexis from made by lex has a sweet tute for a fun play dress for your little girl.

- learn how to add some homemade lace applique to a basic tank top for some girly fun this spring!!!
- i think this ruffled peasant top is so adorable! head over to the sewing dork for the tutorial.

1) kathreen from whip up has a new book out! so excited to see this! in honor of her book release she is doing a mini quilt month on her site. go join in!
2) the book "carefree clothes for girls" looks really interesting. after reading the review on the purl bee i just may be brave enough to give it a try, ok, maybe after a few more months of working on my sewing skills, but i can dream right?
3) make yourself a new quilted table runner to freshen up your table for spring with this tute from the quilting diaries.
4) mique from thirty handmade days is starting a new series called "practically practical", it's fun, go take a looksie.

things i'm luving this week:

- yippeee...insert my happy dance, it's quilting month on sew mama sew! i seriously need all the tips and how to's i can get my hands on!
- check out the new sewing website "we all sew". lots of goodies on here.
- go look at a "new dress a day". there are seriously the most amazing and creative refashions on here. my jaw just dropped. the ugliest things into the prettiest of outfits.
- join in on a 24 hour virtual make-a-long over on leethal. sounds like a lot of fun!
- learn how to master the art of sewing an internal zipper pocket for a bag.
-amazing mae has a fun recycled magazine envelopes diy up.
- learn how to make your own shower curtain with this tute or a pretty shirred pillow with this one.
- get a look into one of my fave bloggers (sfgirlbybay) san fransisco home on etsy's "there's no place like here" series. click here for the video.
-turn a placemat into a little boy's toolbelt with the creative maven.

what are you luving this week? do you have a tutorial you would like to see up here next week? send me an email!

p.s. if any of you featured in the roundup would like a "featured on luvinthemommyhood" button for your blog just send a quick email my way to luvinthemommyhood@yahoo.ca and i'll send you one right over - thanks for your support :)

link luv roundup

1) isn't this pic just lovely?
2 & 3) get the diy for these pretty wall decors from the shop ruche. the first wall is a natural peel-able fabric wallpaper and the 2nd is flowers made from butcher paper.

1) easter is on it's way and small mag has cute project for egg cosies.
2) add some color to a room with this tute on how to make a zippered throw pillow over on design sponge.
3) or make a sham style pillowcase with prudent baby.
4) i love the applique refashion for revamping a pretty tee over on blue eyed freckle.

ok, time to insert a lot of drool on my part. i heart anna maria horner and when this new pattern popped up in my reader i just about fell out of my chair. so lovely, i want, i need to have this pattern.....

1) ok, seriously people, is this not the cutest oven mitt? i went to go buy it and what a surprise, it was sold out - boo hoo. too pretty not to link to though. (via sfgirlbybay)
2) i am a huge fan of pickles, and no, i don't mean the kind you eat, though i love those too. this pretty waffle hat is next up on my hat knitting list. get the free pattern here.
3) i think this is a pattern for a reusable grocery bag that i might actually make!
4) i heart craft hope and heart even more that they have a book coming out! click here for more info.

- yippee! it's almost time for made by rae's "spring top week"! i cannot wait!!! while i'm not entering i love watching all the entries and seeing the winner of this popular contest!
- the purl bee shows us how to make some fresh spring napkins.

1) mique of thirty days has a great tutorial for this spring top for your little ones.
2) ummmmmm, these are adorable!!! (via a beautiful mess)
3) find out how to whip up a layered knit skirt for your little girl.

- this mama makes stuff has a darling little how to on making a baby bonnet from a hankie!
- want to find out how to line your drawers with pretty paper? young house love shows you how.

1) come and see the seitz has a nice tutorial for making your own cute pair of panties. looking for more of these? check out the roundup we did last year!
2) why not try your hand at making some pillows from vintage tea towels?
3) dana, do you ever sleep? haha! make some fun crafts for st. patrick's day over on made. love the split peas!
4) noodleheads shows you how to make a fold over bag, so pretty!

1) one of my new fave blogs "from an igloo" has got a lovely tute for making this scrappy clutch! i can't wait to make this one!
2) craftzine shows us how to make an easy ribbon rosette.
3) how cute is this idea for photo pencils from mary janes and galoshes?
4) got some corduroy kicking around waiting to be repurposed? why not try turning it into a pretty diamond wale pillow?

love megan has the loveliest tutorial for turning rope into this pretty yet simple necklace. what a great idea! (via craft gossip)

1) if you treasured pia jane bijkerk's first book you'll love her second "amsterdam made by hand". it's available for pre-order now.
2) threadbanger has a roundup right after my own heart! check out all the fingerless mitts - perfect for us stroller pushing mommas!!!
3) i love the simplicity of this quick leather bracelet. get the how to here.
4) jessica of happy together refashions a cardigan into this cute top.
5) i want to learn how to make these pretty knit vase cosies! (via decor8)

1) i can't wait to get a good look at the book "alabama studio style".
2) looking to make your own diaper changing pad that you can actually wipe down instead of wash? head here for the how to from my creative stirrings.
3) isn't this the cutest little bike basket? and yep, you can make one too! find out how to here. (via craft gossip)
4) turn those boot cut jeans into skinny jeans with this tute from mmmcrafts.

things i'm luving this week:

- this happy go lucky site all about what just made your day.
- anthropologie inspired refashion for the winding road tank.
- new free quilt pattern from oh fransson,
- get inspired from this gorgeous post filled with lovely packages.
- scared to try an invisible zipper like me? sew 4 home shows us how to get over our fears.
- we all long for anthropologie goodies enough already, now they are branching out into weddings!!! omg, how much more can we be expected to handle???
- making it lovely has a great post up with diy painting tips, tricks and a step by step guide.
- new issue of lmnop is out now for free download!
- counting coconuts has a great post on making your little ones a st.paddy's day sensory tub complete with green/gold playdough.
- i want everything from the shop wood and wool stool.

what are you luving this week? do you have a tutorial you would like to see up here next week? send me an email!

p.s. if any of you featured in the roundup would like a "featured on luvinthemommyhood" button for your blog just send a quick email my way to luvinthemommyhood@yahoo.ca and i'll send you one right over - thanks for your support :)

link luv roundup

1) oh my gosh, this apron with built in potholders in the corners from the mother huddle is so adorable! i think i need to make one of these!
2) i'm adoring the new march anthropologie.
3) this would be such a fun project for the little ones for easter! find out how to grow your own grass eggs over on fly through our window.
4) i've been spotting this wonderful, bright and colorful lampshades all over the blogosphere lately - i heart them! want one of your own? check out the shop "the owls are hunting" and get ready to drool!!!

i can't stop looking at images of spring this week.....i miss the sunshine we had last week. (via sfgirlbybay)

- oh, hello friend is hosting the fab lovely package exchange again this year. head on over here to enter.
- or enter disney's "ruffles your stuff" competition over on her blog! this is sure to be filled with goodies galore! get ready to sew up a storm. i can't wait to see the entries!

- samster mommy has a fun tute up for our little ones to diy some baby toddler yoga pants.
- mmmmm, i love lemons and these lemon tarts are calling my name over on the design sponge.


1) cute pattern for a reversible bib over on prudent baby this week.
2) there's been lots of zipper tutes floating around lately. i love this zipper daisy tutorial over on diary of a craftaholic or check out threadbanger's roundup of zipper projects this week.
3) learn how to turn a potholder into a case for your glasses over at "two shades of pink".
4) vanessa from v and co. has a great tute up on sew mama sew for some fun decorations made from white t-shirts.

1) quilt up your little one a scottie dog with this free pattern.
2) i am a button addict and flipped over this button necklace diy at joy's hope.
3) skip to my lou shows us how to make this cute apron from a tea towel!

- i am a big fan of skinny laminx's fabric line and just had to post about her prints inspired from her collection of vintage mugs and tea pots.

1) get in on the fun on presser foot and make the "maternity or not frock".
2) jill's got a handy little tute up on how to refashion a big tee to a maternity top.
3) then knit up a "love cocoon" with this free patter over on "mrs missy muffet". (via whip up)

the new issue of small magazine is out and it's filled to the brim with lovely, lovely goodies!

1) fellow canadian blogger "from an igloo" has two fun tutes up for your little ones. first up the twirly t-shirt dress and then......
2) the one hour sundress. (via one pretty thing)
3) clean out your wardrobe of old tees by making up this pretty wreath from scoutie girl. (via dollar store crafts)
4) add a tutu to your little girl's onesie with the help of jessica from happy together.

things i'm luving this week:

- that thanks to all of your lovely votes and for being such great and loyal readers we came in 2nd place overall in "the lovelies" awards!! whoop whoop! big hugs to all of you who voted, i really appreciate all your kind words!!
- maggie has a fun tute up for making a glazed fabric button ring and a stretch knit pregnancy band over on her blog "smashed peas and carrots".
- fun sewing tute for a simple smocked skirt from come and see the seitz.
- love this wrangle me tee from "i am momma hear me roar".
- found this site to be lots of fun for all you fellow diy addicts.
-great ideas for an oscar themed party from twig and thistle. click here for part 1 and here for part 2.
- make a two minute no sew felt diaper for all those dolls and stuffies your little one loves to change.
- sew up your own hanger space saver with help from little birdie secrets.
- love the idea of the site www.teachamantofix.com and can't wait to see what he comes up with! the site is for both boys and girls and promises to teach us the basic skills for diy from a handyman's perspective.

what are you luving this week? do you have a tutorial you would like to see up here next week? send me an email!

p.s. if any of you featured in the roundup would like a "featured on luvinthemommyhood" button for your blog just send a quick email my way to luvinthemommyhood@yahoo.ca and i'll send you one right over - thanks for your support :)

link luv roundup

1) i'm drooling over the new additions to "cloud 9 fabrics". i'll take a few yards of each please!
2) creature comforts has some tips and a little diy on making your own photo topped mini-notepads, so pretty.
3) have you been eyeing butterfly chandeliers? learn how to make your own over on the mother huddle.
4) i love the idea of these rubber lace coasters, what a great and inexpensive idea!

being hugely preggo makes me have dreams at night where i feel as light as this dancer looks in this pic.

a few months ago i was on a mad hunt for a tea cozy pattern and didn't really find much that excited me. well today i came across the shop retro mama and wowsa - these are stunning! i just might have to cave in and buy this one! check out her blog too!

the long thread shows you how to make some pretty spring pieced coasters to match up with the tea cozies we're all gonna make :)

1) oh linda, you keep my to make lists so long...here's a wonderful little clutch repurposed out of a suit coat! how fab! you can check out her tute here.....
2) or linda shows you how to add an adorable zipper ruffle to give some attitude to a basic pair of flats.
3) i'm in love with these cloud shaped marshmallows.
4) "i am momma hear me roar" has a perfect tutorial to tie in with all the boy goodies floating around lately. learn how to make this hurley inspired hoodie here.

speaking of boy stuff, thimbly things has a tutorial for a soft baby book that i cannot wait to make for the little bean! i love this!

i heart pot holders. they are so fun and so addicting...almost as addicting as granny squares. i loved the latest ones over on noodleheads. something about the colour and that adorable house block just won me over. go take a peek and while you're there, check out her new craft room...i'm jealous :)

1) wanna make your own fabric wall decals? click here for the how to.
2) these pretty paper mailboxes could easily be in your home! get the tutorial to make your own over on simply modern mom, my daughter would love playing with one of these!
3) while your at it, why not make your wee one a laminated kids wallet to play store with as well?

1) one of the few fab maternity tutorials i have found during my pregnancy is this lovely little wrap top from megan nielsen, and yep, it's a free download! get sewing!
2) oh granny squares, you are killing me...i can't stop finding new ones. i absolutely adore this blanket pattern from nova made. this is next on my granny square list, the hexagons are fab! (via whip up)
3) fun with mama shows us how to add crawling knee pads to our little ones pants.
4) one of my fave blogs to read "a beautiful mess" has a great diy for a quirky bunny doll, i love that big ol sloppy grin on his face!
5) ummmm....bakerella....red velvet cake...need i say more? please wipe the drool off of my face....

1) i love the blog kenziepoo and was super excited to read that she is starting an ezine that will be debuting in the spring entitled "la petite magazine". can't wait!!!! her blog is always filled with fab finds for kids, i can only imagine how addicting the mag will be!
2) spruce up a simple top with some spring time flair! find out how here.
3) get the tutorial to change your place mat into a fresh handbag over on little birdie secrets.
4) need a swaddle blanket for your new baby? prudent baby has a new free tutorial up so you can make one of your very own.
5) make a charm pack reversible purse with moda bake shop.

two of my fave lady quilters in the whole world have great tutes up this week! i only dream of one day being able to quilt as well as these two uber-talented women. i bow down to you two girls....check out vanessa's scrapbuster banner tute here or join in on rachel from ps i quilt's pinwheel sampler quilt along.

things i'm luving this week:

- that this site has started up - "the modern quilt guild".
- oh my poor heart, i just spotted the new orla kiely spring/summer 2010 collection and i'm in love!!!
- this square flower embellished shirt tute over on smashed peas and carrots.
- spiffy up your empty wipes container by turning it into a clutch with this how to over on "shannon makes stuff".
- all the fun tent tutorials over at obsessively stitching for tent week.
- pink picket fence the blog now has a pretty new etsy shop! go take a peek and drool over her goodies! congrats!
- jessica from happy together has a new pattern up in her shop for a cute mod tie shirt pattern.
- the new beta "makers market".

what are you luving this week? do you have a tutorial you would like to see up here next week? send me an email!

p.s. if any of you featured in the roundup would like a "featured on luvinthemommyhood" button for your blog just send a quick email my way to luvinthemommyhood@yahoo.ca and i'll send you one right over - thanks for your support :)

don't forget to vote!!! there's only 4 days left to show your love :)

link luv roundup

vanessa from v and co., one of my fave bloggers and blogs (and one of our former moms in the mommyhood), has an adorable quilt tutorial up at moda bake shop this week!

ohhhh, i want this pillow! they are from a shop called plytextiles and are made from 100% recycled sweaters that are then felted and turned into these charming treasures - how lovely! (via decor 8)

learn how to make some cute belts for the little boys (or girls) in your life with this tute from meg from "elsie marley" over on "made by rae" for celebrate the boy month.

if you've been wondering where marichelle of "heart handmade" has gone, well she's now over at the fabulously lovely "nice package", a new collaboration consisting of her and ez from "creature comforts". those two together as a team....i seriously don't know how you could go wrong :)

i am swooning over their new shop/blog/site. it's filled with pretty diy's, tutes and wonderful packaging ideas with lots of goodies for sale!!! go on over and drool with me! you can find the above pic's how to there and make some of your very own romantic matchbooks.

i'm drooling over the new "built by wendy" collection. i think i seriously want each piece! (via unruly things)

oh gosh, just look at this little guy! so cute! i just wanna kiss those cheeks! ok, ok, enough about the baby, take a look at that hat!!! sew liberated has a free tutorial up for "celebrate the boy" month so head on over and get sewing - i love this!

sew much ado has a great and quick little tute to make leg warmers to go with her skirt refashion from last week's link luv roundup. these seem to be all the rage lately, i better get cracking and make mackenzie a pair before it's summer!

this hat and scarf are made from a man's shirt - yep, can you believe it! great job! you can find the instructions to make your own over at instructables.

melissa from isly has a great little post showing how you can sport some spring time fresh pom poms in your hair! perfect for you and your little girl!

i've been on the lookout for great baby room tutorials and this one from "prudent baby" shows you how to make a custom diaper pad cover.

lil'blue boo has the sweetest lil'tute up today....oh how i want a pair of those piggies for my socks! learn how to make animal sock pompoms for your little ones tootsies!

isn't this guy cute? don't you wanna make one? if you do, head on over to chez beeper bebe for the pattern and tute. (via whip up)

1) dana from made has a tutorial up that i definitely need! i have been a bit chicken to try dying any clothes of mackenzie's but now after her reading how to, i'm sold! go check it out!
2) dwell has new bedding coming out in april - so i hear....i'm lusting after this set. ohhhhh, if only i could afford to buy this set, or at least get target to finally ship to canada so i can buy their other line there. damn you target!!
3) make a nifty wallet out of the cuff from a men's dress shirt over on replayground. (via craftzine)
4) samster's mommy has a handy how to up for turning a sweater into a tunic for your little girl.

ruffles and stuff is keeping my link luv's busy the last couple of weeks - wowsa! she definitely has no shortage of projects lately! this week she has a fantastic and super handy roundup on how to make your wee one's clothes last longer once they are stained, too small..etc.

things i'm luving this week:

- i heard and saw possibly one of the most romantic things of all time. i'm not going to even attempt to explain this...but please, just go over to "jen loves kev" (one of my fave fashion reads) and check out this post...it will make your heart melt and maybe bring a tear to your eye. the best part is that you can join in and spread the love! (hint - it's in the video that starts off with their wedding)

- a sweet and easy pillow sham tutorial over on fussy monkey biz.

- the new sade album and lady antebellum, can't stop playing these two this week.

- issue 6 of parasol mag is out for downloading

- simply stated from real simple has a post with their top 10 design hubs for parents.

- that there is a "so you think you can decorate" starting now too! check it out!

- the new issue of modern handmade child.

- the sewing dork has a little knit pants refashion.

- great listing from mique of thirty handmade days for links for beginner sewers with how to's and projects.

- all of your super sweet votes for me in "the lovelies"! i appreciate every single one of them - you guys rock! thanks for all the super sweet words, i treasure them and it feels great to know others are enjoying what i love to do.

what are you luving this week? do you have a tutorial you would like to see up here next week? send me an email!

p.s. if any of you featured in the roundup would like a "featured on luvinthemommyhood" button for your blog just send a quick email my way to luvinthemommyhood@yahoo.ca and i'll send you one right over - thanks for your support :)

link luv roundup

i figured a nice, bright jolt of color would help to shake up our wednesday and this pic definitely caught my eye - you all know my obsession with buttons!

1) i love the simplicity of this tutorial for a travel changing pad - so easy! this is a must make for any busy mom on the go. (via one pretty thing)
2) head on over to calico to find out how to revamp some of your headbands this season! a fun tute!
3) i thought the idea to use old valentine cards to make a sweet bunting was clever and resourceful! click here to find out how to make your own. (via whip up)

grace over on whimsy loft shows you how to make this adorable sock owl for the little ones in your life. (via whip up)

why not make a valentine's robot this holiday? sew green shows you how.

another fab tutorial in the "celebrate the boy" series this month. check out the tute for this trinket keepers tutorial (great for girls too) over on amazing mae!

0hhhh, i'm loving it! another anthrocopy from over on made by lex (previously my mama made it). i adore this top! great job alexis!

1) i can't get enough of these hooded scarfs from pretty ditty. this is my fave!
2) whip up some patchwork pillow covers with this tute from things we make.
3) the ever so talented ashley from lil blue boo shows us how to recover and revamp a nursery rocker to add some spice to your room!
4) isn't this just so lovely? i love how fresh and simple this is for valentine's day. (via craftzine)

i need to get my hands on a pair of these! love them! the etsy shop "wooly baby" makes all their wool slippers from recycled sweaters for sizes newborn to 4 years old!!!! so precious!! i want a pair for myself!

1) freshly picked has a tutorial for an easy elastic waist skirt for all us mom's and non-mom's out there!
2) here's a fun refashion from "sew much ado" for a toddler ruffle skirt.
3) ruffles and stuff shows how to make this gorgeous scrunch belt.
4) the lovely ladies over at kojo designs have a tutorial up for this cute plaid and lace schoolgirl skirt for your little one!

1) a former "moms in the mommyhood" shaelynn benner shows us how to make ruffle neck scarf!
2) there's a lovely little diy for these pretty fabric flowers over on 100 layer cake. (via creature comforts)
3) got a cardigan kicking around that needs some vamping up? check out this tute for making that cardi look like something that wasn't your grandmother's.

i wish i had enough quilting skills built up that i could tackle this blocks and stripes quilt from "film in the fridge", it's gorgeous!

alicia paulson from posie gets cozy (also the author of one of my fave sewing books) has a beautiful, pattern up for sale in her shop for this sunshine day baby afgahn - i just might have to make this, it keeps calling to me. darn you alicia!

things i'm luving this week:

- the precious birth stories and memories being shared over on design mom.

- mags from one of my fave blogs "smashed peas and carrots" shares two great tutorials for a repurposed girls shirt to toddler dress and little girls shirt sleeves to leg warmers. so adorable! these are on my "must sew" list!

- free mini kit from melissa of "isly" over on design house digital just in time for valentine's day or some free twitter page backgrounds from "ollibird".

- the new to me blog "mrs lilien styling house" - love the the little tales and characters she whips up to go with her posts each day, so fun!

- new etsy shop from the blog "whatever".

- make sure you head over to the rik rak studio to vote for the 2010 handmade olympics!!!

- the new album making me swoon from the oh, so talented corinne bailey rae.

- the creative maven has a fun little craft to make a valentine for the tea lover after your heart with a play on the word sweetie (sweetea) in the shape of a tea bag. go check it out!

what are you luving this week? do you have a tutorial you would like to see up here next week? send me an email!

p.s. if any of you featured in the roundup would like a "featured on luvinthemommyhood" button for your blog just send a quick email my way to luvinthemommyhood@yahoo.ca and i'll send you one right over - thanks for your support :)

little boy roundup

wowwweee! hi everyone! if you're clicking over from "made by rae" for "celebrate the boy" thanks for stopping by! i guest blogged over there today and this was the post:

image via

hi there, i'm shannon from the blog luvinthemommyhood, where i dish on my attempts to sew, knit, craft, cook, parent and just plain survive (and love) life in the mommyhood. luvinthemommyhood is your source for a wealth of information ranging from handmade & repurposing projects, diy, mommyhood survival tips, to design, photography, music & books - i try to serve it up with humour and a dose of daily life in the mommyhood with my hubby, a soon to be 3 year old, and a little bean on the way.

when the sweet and lovely rae mentioned to me about her plans for "celebrate the boy" and that she wanted me to do a roundup i was ecstatic, and of course, i said yes! i love nothing more than a giant, inspirational roundup - they are my faves! i have a little girl and i'm currently pregnant with my second child, so the idea of doing a boy's roundup after already doing a baby girl one on my site was too good to pass up. plus i am a huge, huge, fan of rae's so just the idea of guest blogging on her site was enough to have me jumping around enough that i could have induced labour.

i scrounged, searched and spent many a night joined at the hip with my computer scouring the internet for the best projects for this roundup. there's sewing, repurposing, knitting and crafts - a little something for everyone! i hope you discover lots of goodies for those special boys in your life and find yourself happy to be ditching the lace and ruffles for capes, knee patches and racetrack toys galore! so come join me and let's help "celebrate the boy"!!!!








Row 1
1. man's polo into boy's polo 2. infant one piece into shirt 3. tshirt to romper
Row 2
4. tshirt to newborn gown 5. men's dress shirt to boy's 6. 90 minute shirt


Row 1
1. rookie mom's easy pants 2. boxer briefs 3. dish towel shorts 4. knee pad pants
Row 2
5. denim shorts 6. pajama pants 7. cuffed play trousers 8. easy peasy underneathy

Row 1
1. the eddie cap 2. boy's tie from man's 3. diaper change cone 4. preemie baby hat
Row 2
5. stay on baby slippers 6. bib from old jeans 7. baby booties 8. baby tie tutorial
Row 3
9. long eared toque from shirt 10. bush hat 11. tie bib 12. travel high chair


Row 1
1. super hero cape 2. superhero cape 3. toolbelt tutorial 4. easy stuffies
Row 2
5. child's tent 6. fabric baby grab ball 7. owl ribbon tag toy 8. rocket man
Row 3
9. cozy car caddy 10. art apron from dishtowel 11. car mat 12. cozy cones








Row 1
1. monster booties or on ravelry 2. brrr baby beanie 3. on the go overalls
Row 2
4. kiddie cadet or on ravelry 5. snug 6. shawl collar baby vest or on ravelry








Row 1
1. the purl bee's quilt for a baby boy 2. minky blanket from i craft
Row 2
3. baby boy double hourglass quilt 4. cluck cluck sew's baby boy bug quilt

a big thank you to rae for having me over and for allowing me to be part of all the fun!!!! "celebrate the boy" is going on for the whole month of february so be sure to join in!

what's your favorite boy tutorial you luv to make for the little guys in your life?

p.s. if any of you featured in the roundup would like a "featured on luvinthemommyhood" button for your blog just send a quick email my way to luvinthemommyhood@yahoo.ca and i'll send you one right over - thanks for your support :)

link luv roundup

valentine's day is creeping up around the corner and i just adored this easy paper garland over on "how about orange".

the purl bee's always manages to find the perfect projects to get my knitting needles calling out my name. why not make yourself a pair of these cozy leg warmers for valentine's this year?

i'm in the horrible process of not having much luck of finding new bedding and was super happy to find this tute for making your own basic pillowcase over on "make it and love it".

need to whip up some skirts for the kids fast? pop over to "at second street" to get this sweet tute that she made for her girl's (all different ages).

i couldn't resist posting this headband from "katie did" from last year, it's just so simple and pretty, but then again, isn't all her stuff? swoon.....

pick up your copy of betz white's pattern over at her etsy shop to make your own cuddly, little hedgehogs.

wow! this topiary was made from a somewhat ugly $0.99 one from the goodwill. way to go abby, from "tales and trials", it looks fab!!

ok, insert my drool here. the lovely lady behind the fab blog "truly smitten" has just started her very own foodie blog entitled "tea loves honey". can i just say yummy? this is sure to be on my fave cooking reading list!

i keep staring at this pic today....

love this tute for a very stylish clutch over on "made by lex".

ohhh, the music of sophie madeleine has me wanting to learn how to play a darn ukulele! i still haven't mastered my guitar never mind a ukulele! you can find some videos and songs here.

1) i adore all the lovelies in the etsy shop "blue eyed freckle", especially this new headband, just gorgeous!!!! check out her blog as well, she has some great tutes too!
2) "a hoot and a holler" has a great refashion on turning a sweater into an adorable hat! what a great idea!
3) learn how to make this easy braided headband over on "cakies".

"analog me" has turned her old tshirt into a super stylish skirt just perfect for scooter riding if you ask me!

1) jessica from "happy together" has the sweetest pattern for making these lovely pincushions.
2) sachiko has done it again this week! i am dying to whip this up after the baby comes. you can find her fab tutorial over on "tea rose home".
3) seriously, these adorable and oh, so comfy boots used to be a pair of flats and a sweater!!!! learn how to make your own pair (i'm going to) from her how to over on craftster.

maggie over on "smashed peas and carrots" shows us how to make this fabric rose valentine's wreath just perfect for the season. i think this would be lovely anytime of year simply by changing the ribbon or flower color.

prudent baby (great site) has a diy for making a new stroller liner for your little girl's dolly stroller.

things i'm luving this week:

- the new site of humerous saying "heard on the playground" had me laughing up a storm this week!
- the oh, so dreamy home tour of emily hensen over on "design sponge".
- go check out this funny blog dedicated to the sickening facebook statuses of lovey dovey married couple, just be warned, this is a serious time waster, you may be stuck there for a while! (via a cup of jo)
- the hairdresser in me couldn't resist checking out all the creative hairstyles for our little girls over on "princess hairstyles" this week! i'm going to have to try some of these out on mackenzie.
- make sure you join in on the fun for "celebrate the boy" this month over on "made by rae" and "made". so much fun!!!

what are you luving this week? do you have a tutorial you would like to see up here next week? send me an email!

link luv roundup

five orange potatoes shows you how to make some fun colored corn starch clay dyed with watercolors! (via the crafty crow)

i can't wait to try my hand at some of these adorable bean bags from "a pretty cool life" for my little ones.

over on "one hip mom" you can find a great little tute on how to use up one of your charm packs and make a twirly skirt.

this pic makes me want to keep knitting....and covet that bag...so lovely. (via a beautiful mess)

ohhhhhhhhh, i cannot wait to get my hands on the upcoming copy of books in the "built by wendy" series. this one is all on dresses!!!! i definitely need it. this series is a must have for any sewer.

the ladies over on kojo designs have whipped up some lovely and simple valentine bags for you to make. so cute! click here for the tute.

i want these pencils from the missIsa shop...any of them to be exact.

my girlfriend and i were discussing our love for wooden buttons on the weekend and then poof, i spotted this little tute on "shrimp salad circus" on how to make wooden brand buttons today! fun, fun, fun! (via craft gossip)

maggie makes shows you how to get into the valentine's spirit with these adorable heart pins. i love that they aren't cheesy and could be worn year round, they would also make a great hair band accessory. (via craftzine)

this pic makes me smile!

this tutorial for a layered jersey skirt looks like the next thing to add to my must make list for mackenzie! perfect for spring! you can find the tute over on "sewing for scarlett".

wanna learn how to make this cool zipper flower? i do! head on over to the "diary of a craftaholic" for the how to.

1) a big thank you to bobbie from the etsy shop "a vision to remember" for being so kind and sending me lovely emails and a free pattern to make this adorable rag quilt! thanks bobbie!
2) make sure head on over to janome soon, they have a fabulous, and i mean fabulous contest going on right now. in fact not just one of them, but two! yep two! you can take part in the "pass it on" contest by clicking here. you get to pair up with a partner, teach someone to sew or learn from someone and enter to win some very nice goodies. or you can enter contest two and submit your entry solo. it's your choice and the prizes are great! regardless both contests sound like lots of fun and i'm going to be sure to enter!
3) there's a new burp cloth tutorial out and i think it may be the easiest one yet! you can find the tutorial over on "the quilting diaries".

moda bake shop's got a cute tute up for a quilted ironing board cover. i was wondering if this could be done and voila - they whipped a recipe up!

dress up a cute tshirt for your little ones with this tute from "3 sweet p's" for a valentines shirt with a matching headband. love is in the air!

things i'm luving this week:

- valentine's printables roundup on thirty handmade days
- find a great list of flowery things to make on how about orange.
- everyone's talking about the poppies, but don't forget about the lovelies as well! i love finding new blogs during this nifty award time. go vote for your faves and show your support!
- great link to a huge lineup of free lingerie sewing patterns. (via whipup)
- for all you canadians out there check out this great new site called "cardswap". you can go and swap, sell or buy gift cards for canadian stores!

what are you luving this week? do you have a tutorial you would like to see up here next week? send me an email!

link luv roundup - it's baaaack!

link luv is back! yep, it's taken me a while and lots of pondering. i wasn't sure if i was going to continue to do this post weekly as it takes me tons and tons of time. no really, my reader is so huge it takes me hours to go through it to find all this fun stuff. after pondering it though and getting back to regular blogging i realized i missed it and it was my fave part of the week to put together for all of you.

i see so many things i luv during my blog adventures that i just can't help but share. if you have a tutorial you would like to see on here or info you would like to share please email me at luvinthemommyhood@yahoo.ca i love hearing from you. also top tutorials is coming up again this year and if you would like to be nominated you must have had your tute posted on luvinthemommyhood.

1) nursery from kenziepoo.com - ohhhhh, love it so much, love the site so much too!
2) playpen storage bag from pickles.com.
3) nursery from kenziepoo.com
4) i've been dying to give my hand at these for a while now - it is seriously time to dress up my paper lamp from ikea. check out this tute from craftynest to make yours too!

i'm crying that i have to give this book back to the library. cal patch's "design-it-yourself clothes: patternmaking simplified" is sure to be on my must have sewing book list. too bad mother's day is so far away, i wish i had put this on my xmas list! check it out if you haven't already, it's a great book for anyone looking to make and sew their own clothes.

ohhhhhhh....the new anthropologie pics have me swooning...and swooning...and swooning....the shoes, the dresses, the tops....oh my.

i don't know about you but i'm sure not sick of the lovely ruffles yet. tea rose home has a sweet tute on how to make this pretty ruffle top. (via 30 days)

oh wow, i am a sucker for throw pillows and over on censational girl you can find out how to make some soft, fluffy, textured ones using the most unusual source.....bathmats! great idea!

wishing i looked like this preggers in a bikini....oh you lucky lady you! her blog is fab too! (via a cup of jo)

i've been seriously behind in my blog reading and fell in love with these three tutorials from make it and love it - 1. pillow 2. green scarf 3. beige scarf

i can't wait to get my hands on the new fabric line nicey jane from heather bailey - gorgeous and so fresh!

i thought this little tute from sew4home to spruce up a plain glass vase was perfect to bring some cheer to all the rainy weather we have been having around here.

1) homemade by jill's got a great printable burp cloth template.
2) adorable gooey hearts day shirt makeover from jessica at happy together.
3) transform your t-shirt into a tunic over on craftstylish.
4) learn how to make an easy elastic waistband for a little girl's skirt over at the mother huddle.

are you a fan of the blog the sartorialist? why not get your giggles on by checking out the new blog the catorialist or a similar idea using toddlers/babies over on planet awesome kid.

things i'm luving this week:

- this comforter set from target...oh target...why won't you ship to canada?
- this post on "how to survive the first seven weeks" (of life with a newborn) from domestic reflections.
- the newest issue of vivalamoda is out! go for a looksie...hurry!
- meet me at mikes has a great line up of crochet school lessons going on right now - crocheting is fun and i love seeing it pop up everywhere nowadays.
- want to show off your personal style? are you a blogger? go post some super stylish pics over your style in the newly created flickr group "bloganistas". love this idea, only wish i thought i was stylish enough to add a pic of myself to the group.
- my hubby, it's his bday today....i love you baby. thank you for being you and making everyday better than the last and for giving me our precious and wonderful babies (as well as that piece of ice cream cake to eat while i type this ) - you're the best xoxoxo

link luv roundup

isn't this fabulous! i never would have thought of doing this and i have a knife rack exactly like this that i stare at daily! what a great way to add some color to the kitchen! make one for yourself with the how to over on the farm chicks.

i'm swooning over all the lovely goodies on ninainvorm's shop!

lovely, lovely, lovely photo. i've been feeling like this lately - have you?

i just picked up some of this fabric from ikea and swooned when i saw this project made from it over on revoluzza! there are goodies galore on this blog! {via whipup}

i adored these flip dolls when i was a kid! i was so happy to see we wilsons do an easy tute to make one for my daughter to play with!

i wish i could spend a few hours in this shop! so gorgeous!

ohhh, another knitting book to add to my wish list! i love the title of this book "pints and purls - portable projects for the social knitter" and the projects are hilarious! a must read for any social knitter!

get your kids ready for school/preschool with this tute for sewing your own school bags over on make it do.

ummm, if i could ever get the courage up to actually learn how to surf instead of just dreaming of one day doing it, i would want one of these!

oh joy! has released the loveliest home office collection through chronicle books! oh how i wished my budget allowed for me to go nuts over on the chronicle books website. i find it hard to control the drool factor when perusing their latest goodies.

learn how to make your own pottery barn looking decorative balls with the fabulously talented vanessa over on v&co!

this is for you dana! hope the move goes well ya cowgirl you!!! yee-haw!! make sure to make up your own batch of cowgirl cookies from bakerella in honor of dana from the blog made!

i was so excited to stumble upon the new online gallery "lovely clusters". rachel already has a blog under the same name and this is an extension of it that is a wonderful and gorgeous collection of beautiful handmade goods by designers and artists linking to their shops. the icing on the cake is that you can shop by color cluster! yes, dreamy shoppers rejoice! pick your fave colour and then get clicking. she's teamed up with vicki from "simply hue" and together they have made what is sure to be one of my fave places to shop!

i'm going to be knitting these as soon as the warm weather is gone.

you all know i am a fan of the blog heart of light and i was ecstatic when catching up on my reader that she has launched an etsy store under the same name! go pick up a cute headband!

diy canvas frame inspiration board over on creature comforts

eye candy for you quilters out there! check out this beauty from jaybirdquilts over on moda bake shop! great job hun!

one of my fave knitting blogs pickles has launched a new store! plus i'm all over this shawl for the early fall!

thank you oliver and s, for another great free pattern!

kate's at it again! check out her latest diy - headboard turned coat rack!

i don't have anything to say about this link except it's friggin wonderful!!!!! go check it out! who's your girl crush?

things i'm luving this week:

- the new vintage clothing store 13 bees on etsy
- all the clothes in the new fall line from mishalulu {via cakies} and olive juice kids.
- super excited by the rumour that american apparel is opening up here in victoria!!!
- the office administrator in me secretly drooled when i spotted this post over on bakery today. fear not those looking for spreadsheets, this is a must favorite for any home or business.
- have you redecorated your bedroom and think it kicks ass? make sure to enter this contest over on coco + kelly to win some super prizes!
- i'm hearting the creativity over on the blog "color me katie"! {via a little sussy}
- make sure to download your copy of parasol's newest zine "parasol craft"!
- creative kismet has a great how to on making your own recycled bag art journals!
- keep those baby legs warm with this super easy baby legs tutorial from calico! i love this!
- are you a font lover like me? check out this roundup of free fonts galore!
- check out indie fixx's annual back to school guide for 2009.
- take a peek at this shirt refashion done two ways on "homemade by jill"! i'm all over the pillowcase! great idea!

what are you link luving this week? any new faves?