Day to Night Reversible Scallop Skirt Tutorial with Guest Megan Nielsen

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


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


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


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

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

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

Want to make one with me?

click here to get the full tutorial...

Mosaic Knitted Pouches with Guest Kate of Needle and Spatula

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


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


now let's hear from kate...



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

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

click here for the rest of the tutorial...

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:

*website *blog *shop *facebook *flickr group

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!

Knitting Bag Tutorial with Guest Buffy of Passionate Design

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

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

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

click here for the rest of the tutorial

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

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

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

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

cozy sweaters...

snugglies for the man in your life...

special lovelies for the kidlets...

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

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

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







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








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







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

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

*blog *shop *facebook *ravelry

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

Freshly Picked Giveaway!

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

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

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

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

lovely bags and hand dyed totes....

even hand knit pillows for your home!

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

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








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








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

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

*blog *shop *twitter *pinterest

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

Crochet Nesting Cups Tutorial with Lorajean from Lorajean's Magazine

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


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


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


so crafty...


so pretty...


and so yummy!



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

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

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

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

click here to get the full tutorial. happy crocheting!

Comfy Sews VS Cozy Knits - Round Two - Cowls!

1. infinity & beyond 2. french braid cowl

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

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

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

A Springy Tote Tutorial with Guest Jessica from Happy Together

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

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

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

now let's hear from jessica....

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

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

neighbourhood clean up

Source: etsy.com via Maya on Pinterest

remember when i told you all a few weeks ago that i've got another surprise for you all? well....that surprise is a fun new look for the mommyhood! that's right! the neighbourhood is getting a clean up of sorts. the mayor finally elected us some of the budget to do some big time clean up for the mommyhood. no more bumps in the pavement, more flowers/plants on the roads and our little town will be much easier to navigate.

Source: schmumel.tumblr.com via Kerstin on Pinterest

it's so fun to be able to have someone help make what i see in my mind be put on my computer screen. this blog was started 2 years ago and it's undergone a few style changes here and there but has mostly stayed the same much to my chagrin and many hours of studying html and css. i just don't have the computer savvy skill set to do what i envisioned and function the way i would like it to when i first started luvinthemommyhood.

so please bear with me and my fabulous designer rachel from the ironwood design studio as we get to work prettying up the mommyhood. rachel is honestly the best. i cannot tell you how much i love her blog "lovely clusters" and her style and aesthetic. i always know when somethings been done by rachel. it's been my goal for a while to get her to help revamp the mommyhood and i'm super excited that my little dream is coming true. she has been soooooo patient with me and i mean patient. it's been tricky to find just what i envisioned in my head. so i hope you all like it as much as i do. i'll be writing more about rachel later....so stay tuned. in the meantime go check her out here on lovely clusters and here on ironwood design studio.

Source: etsy.com via pobox607 on Pinterest

i want this to be a fun, inviting, cheerful yet calming and inspiring place to come and visit where you can take a break from the chaos we call mommydom, sip your coffee and tea, chat with other moms, have some crafty fun and as my pal amy likes to say...."get your brain latte".

so bear with me while the the mommyhood get's some much needed tlc. i can't wait for you all to see my little dream become a reality :)

moments in the mommyhood - little faces & a winner

i couldn't resist showing you all what i've been staring at in awe alot lately. i mean, seriously, how did she get to be almost 1??? i feel like i went to sleep one night with a newborn and woke the next day with a toddler! it's friggin frightening! i'm sad but happy at the same time. i'm still having a hard time saying goodbye to all things baby. i love that newborn stage and the time between 0-6mths. my favorite stage. i'm sad that i'll never get to experience that again. i keep turning into a blabbering fool every time i have to pack up her baby clothes and realize they will never again be worn by my babies :( i can't seem to part with them. i think my hormones are out of control..haha. i've got "i'm done having babies but still can't stop crying about having another one fever".


of course it doesn't help that harper is pretty much running sprints around the house, talking, and getting into all sorts of mischief. i miss the days of her laying in momma's arms for hours just staring up at me with love. i miss the calmness. now it's all fun & chaos & rambunctious laughter - which is good too, don't get me wrong, but damn i love those little baby snuggle moments. like these:


ok...i'm getting misty eyed. i better stop before i fill this whole post up with random pictures of harper's rise to toddlerhood. they are cute though...and of course then there is mackenzie. she's turning 4 next week. wth?! when did that happen too? i feel like some days when mack is at preschool that it's actually her home with me and not harper it's like weird dejavu. too much coffee and too little sleep i tell ya :P


ok, ok, i'm moving on. i know you are all dying to know who the winner is sooo....the winner of



the make it perfect sewing pattern giveaway is............................

sue said... [Reply to comment] 186
drool... love her patterns! especially downtown boy,
uptown girl and sprout - a dress with a hood!

yippeee! congrats sue! i'll email toni you're info and she will be in touch! check out sue's blog "polliwogs in bloom" too for some crafty fun!

i hope you all have a wonderful, restful, inspiring, crafty & laughter filled weekend! any of you blubbering along side of me about your little ones getting older or is really just me & my messed up hormones? see ya on monday :)

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

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


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


i mean honestly how cute is this?

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

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

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

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

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

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


lovelies for the littlies...


yummies for the tummies...

crafty goodness...

and even vintage finds!

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

now let's hear from mags....

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

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

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

click here for the full tutorial!

Organic Cotton Facecloth Tutorial with Guest Melynda of French Press Knits

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


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


so start thinking cozy...

the knits are joining in!!!


let's hear from melynda...

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

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

click here for the full tutorial

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

1. effortless cardigan 2. diy drape cardigan

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

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

1. yvonne 2. sophia 3. liesl

click here for the full roundup!

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

The Awesome Bag Tutorial with Guest Meg of Elsiemarley

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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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:

plum project studio shop, plum project studio blog,
facebook page and twitter page

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?

Sunburst Pillow Tutorial from Guest Anna of Noodlehead!

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


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

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


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


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


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

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

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

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

Lace Belt Tutorial with Guest Toni from Make It Perfect

ok....this post has had me seriously squealing with delight for a few days now. as soon as toni from make it perfect sent it to me i just started daydreaming about all the possibilities! i mean really....i just love the idea of anything with lace, doilies and fun fabric and then put it together onto an accessory and i am one happy lady!!!!


toni needs no introduction but i'm gonna do it anyways cause i can't help myself...haha. she's the mastermind behind the "make it perfect" line of patterns, blog and book!!! toni is pretty much amazing. if you haven't checked out her work before go check it out now. this australian momma has got skills ladies. i'm dying over that coastal dress. i need to make one yesterday :p


when toni said she would join in for this round of comfy sews VS cozy knits i was super excited! what a treat! her book "make it perfect: 21 easy patterns for sewing women's and children's clothes" is filled with lovely goodies! let's all hope the publishers decide to get it released over in the states and here in canada because i want a copy!


want a chance to win some make it perfect sewing patterns? check out the post below this one to enter into the "make it perfect sewing pattern giveaway"! woot woot!


you guys ready to hear from toni? here she is...

Hi guys! I'm in the Versus ring today - I don't think I need to tell you that I'm fighting for the sewers! I do love a quick sewing project - especially something that I can start AND finish when the kids have gone to bed all ready to wear the next morning.

As much as I do love sewing though, I have to admit that I am fond of a bit of knitting and crochet (I said fond of, not good at!) at the moment I am working on a super cute crocheted bag but it won't be finished any time soon!

If you are looking for a sewing project that you can finish quickly though - like in half an hour - then keep reading for my Lace Belt Tutorial...

wanna make one of your own? click here for the rest of the tutorial on versus!

don't forget to enter the "make it perfect sewing pattern" giveaway posted below!

Make It Perfect Sewing Pattern Giveaway!

i'm excited for you all to enter our first giveaway for comfy sews VS cozy knits! toni of make it perfect who's our guest blogger today has sweetly offered a fab prize for all you ladies!!! i only wish i could enter :P ) make sure to check out her lace belt tutorial today to whip one up of your own and to find out more about toni!

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

you ready to find out what the prize is?







- one lucky winner will get to choose 3 make it perfect sewing patterns of their choice! wowsa! thanks so much toni!!!!!!








- pop on over to make it perfect and check out toni's fab sewing patterns. come back & leave me a comment on what your fave 3 patterns are.
- follow luvinthemommyhood and/or versus with google friend connect (on the sidebars) then leave me another comment telling me you did that.
bonus entry:
- "like" luvinthemommyhood on facebook and come back and tell me you did that too!








- you must leave a valid email address with your entry or you will be disqualified.
- the giveaway is open until thursday, april 14th, 2011 at midnight (pacific standard time).
- giveaway is open worldwide.

good luck everyone!!!

on top of a giveaway today toni is also offering luvinthemommyhood & versus readers a special offer at her accessories shop - citrus pOp! yep, that's right, she has another business!!! a shop filled with lovely, fresh and lively goodies! you can find citrus pop on etsy here and on madeit here.


toni's offering a free pair of MINI earrings to anyone who purchases any 2 items from her Citrus Pop store. Just mention "MINILUV" to redeem! this special is good from april 7-14th! happy shopping & sewing!


make sure you check out toni's lace belt tutorial in the post above and get inspired and get sewing :)

you can find more of toni on her website make it perfect & her blog, you can follow her on facebook.