ReSew Book Giveaway & Review

resew: turn thrift-store finds into fabulous designs

by jenny wilding cardon

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

i'm so excited to have my friend and author jenny wilding cardon here on the mommyhood today! you all know the story about our post office adventure (click here to read more) and wow - was it a happy day when my copies of resew finally showed up at the door! i did a little happy dance i can tell you that! let me just say that i love this book. aside from the fact that jenny has the most infectious creative spirit and is a total sweetheart, you'll find that if you aren't already addicted to thrifting this book will surely inspire you to get out, find your local haunts and start treasure hunting! the craft of refashioning and repurposing is addicting, rewarding, challenging and jenny makes it oh so much fun!

the best part about resew is that it makes the whole process of revamping found items that much more exciting! i know for me, being someone who is still learning how to sew, i learned a whole whack load of new tips, tricks and techniques from jenny's "retips" found all throughout the book. i love these little peekaboo's at jenny's personality that are infused with all the sewing goodness. they were entertaining and very helpful. i also enjoyed the projects she had created. they were perfect for any sewer - beginner to intermediate. it was nice to see step by step instructions and guidelines on how to actually create these items! it made me imagine a whole world of options the next time i'm out thrifiting or shopping in my own closet!

so as jenny says in the book "i am molly ringwald in pretty in pink. and you can be too!" oh jenny, we were so meant to be friends...haha. so let's all embrace our inner mollys, hit up the thrift stores and get fabulizing your wardrobe and your home! you won't regret it! heck grab a friend to bring with you....we all need a ducky in our lives right? :)

let's take a peek at some of the projects in the book.....

love it!!!!!!!!

- one lucky winner will win an autographed copy of jenny's book resew: turn thrift-store finds into fabulous designs! thanks jenny!!!






- leave me a comment below telling me your what favorite item is to repurpose or refashion.
- subscribe to luvinthemommyhood or follow using google friend connect and leave another comment telling me you did that.
*bonus entry - "like" luvinthemommyhood facebook. click here to show your luv! then leave me another separate comment telling 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 friday, march 11th, 2011 at midnight (pacific standard time).

good luck to you all and thank you so much jenny! a huge congratulations to you and a huge thank you for asking luvinthemommyhood to be part of your fabulous blog tour! i'm so excited to end the tour! click here to read all the other wonderful blogs that were part of jenny's tour and here for her blog. don't want to wait to win the book? click here to purchase your own copy of rewsew!

want to know more about jenny? click here to read our new interview with her for our "moms in the mommyhood" feature! you don't want to miss it!

the post was late...late for a very important date...

ReSew: Turn Thrift-Store Finds into Fabulous Designs

well today's post was supposed to be a fantabulous giveaway from one of the sweetest author/bloggers i know - jenny wilding cardon from the new book resew: turn thrift store finds into fabulous designs. we've got a great interview filled with tips, pics and refashioning goodness. jenny is also our newest moms in the mommyhood (back by popular demand)! we decided that while we did the interview i would also do a book review and a giveaway for all of you. but whatdoya know...as per usual any snail mail coming from the states to good ol' canada (we really aren't that far away) takes FOREVER! i mean forever. my fabric takes forever, my orders for lovely goodies take forever....why, oh why postperson do you torture us so? and you wonder why we end up using ups or purolater???


so all you wonderful readers stay tuned.....jenny's post will be up soon and it's lots of fun so you don't want to miss it! plus you guys are not gonna wanna miss a chance to win a copy of her book! here's a little video clip to tide you over. ohhhh....ahhhhhhh...doesn't it make you just want to take your thrifting to a whole new level?

you can read more about jenny and her adorable family on her blog the wildcards, follow along with the rest of jenny's blog tour (i'm so excited to be among these fab blogs) and if you can't wait to win a copy of resew pick up your own now right here.

what's your favorite item to refashion? what do you love the most about thrifting? are you excited that "moms in the mommyhood" is back?

rue - my new fave indulgence

pop on over and set some time aside to drool over one of my new fave indulgences - rue. saying i love it would be an understatement.

knee highs & leg warmers patterns - top 10 roundup

as soon as i get harper's hat finished my next knitting project on the list is some leg warmers or knee highs to wear under my boots. it's chilly here right now with all the rain and i wear my boots almost everyday right now. since i was on a hunt for the perfect knit pattern to make i thought it would be a fun roundup to put together especially since one of my fave fashion blogs "kendie everyday" wears hers so fabulously! she is honestly one of my fave fashionistas & i find her outfits each day very inspiring.

along with kendie's fab outifts here are some other images of knit leg warmers & knee highs from my pinterest board that i used for inspiration for gathering my roundup.

images via pinterest

are you feeling ready to grab your needles and get knitting? let's get those legs all cozied up! here's my top 10 picks for knit leg warmer and knee high patterns.

1. legwarmers from amy butler's book "midwest modern knits".

1. super easy leg warmers from the book "last minute knitted gifts" by joelle hoverson

1. spiral leg warmers 2. thigh high footless socks

1. alpaca sox legwarmers

1. rain bootie stirrup socks

1. woodsy leg warmers 2. lulu leggings 3. waterlily leg warmers 4. travelling stitch leg warmers

1. lakeside

1. ikebana 2. strausserl 3. cabled stockings

1. whitby stockings from the book "vintage modern knits"

1. gentleman's socks for evening wear 2. evening stockings for a young lady

1. rapunzel stockings

1. day of the dead socks 2. delicious knee socks

or sew some up using these links:

- sewn leg warmers or knee high socks from leggings from megan nielsen
- leg warmers with buttons
- how to sew diy knee high sock hold ups

readers faves:

- fresco leg warmers
- cottage slipper socks
- twisted ankles

do you have a favorite knee high or leg warmer pattern or tutorial? let's link up! leave a comment with your fave and a link and i'll add them in to the roundup :)

p.s. you can find most of these patterns on www.ravelry.com and you can friend me on there under "imstitched".

books to love - quilting

(from Dare to Be Square Quilting)

i thought i would give you all a sneak peek at some of the books i'm coveting at the moment. these lovelies are full of quilting and patchwork goodness! i could only afford to buy them all in my dreams so i'm crossing my fingers that my local library will eventually get a few of them in.

if i could imagine a wonderful, gorgeous, filled to the brim, craft library these would be the latest books i would want for my quilting section :) so come in from the rain, pull up a cushy seat, grab your hot chocolate & knitted throw and let's drool over some wonderful crafty goodies!

1) Dare to Be Square Quilting by Boo Davis
2) The Practical Guide to Patchwork: New Basics for the Modern Quiltmaker by Elizabeth Hartman

1. Fresh Fabric Treats: 16 Yummy Projects to Sew from Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes & More with your Favorite Moda Bake Shop Designers
2. Natural Patchwork: 26 Stylish Projects Inspired by Flowers, Fabric & Home by Suzuko Koseki
3. Block Party - The Modern Quilting Bee: The Journey of 12 Women, 1 Blog, & 12 Improvisational Projects by Alissa Haight Carlton, Denyse Schmidt, Kristen Lejnieks

1. City Quilts: 12 Dramatic Projects Inspired by Urban Views by Cherri House
2. Quilting Line & Color: Techniques and Designs for Abstract Quilts by Yoshiko Jinzenji

1. Fresh Quilting: Fearless Color, Design, & Inspiration by Malka Dubrawsky
2. Whip Up Mini Quilts: Patterns & How-To for 20 Contemporary Small Quilts by Kathreen Ricketson
3. Simplify with Camille Roskelley: Quilts for the Modern Home by Camille Roskelley
4. Material Obsession 2: Modern Quilts with Traditional Roots by Kathy Doughty & Sarah Fielke

feeling inspired? don't they all look fabulous? i love books. some of you already know i worked in book stores for a huge chunk of my twenties and there are days i really miss it. one of my dreams since i was a little girl is to have my own book one day. i talk about it incessantly to the hubs and to anyone else who will listen. so for 2011 my new year's resolution is to make this happen. i've got a fabulous idea for a kick-butt craft book & i'm super excited about it! now i just need to find the time to get my book proposal in gear and an awesome publisher to take a chance on me! so oh gods of the blogosphere...if you hear me..send this message to the right ears :P

some of you expressed some interest in knowing my fave sewing books as well. don't fret - i plan on doing a post on those as well. you don't have to ask me twice to talk about books. in fact we've got a great author coming on next month as part of her blogging book tour and we'll be hosting a giveaway for you all! so stay tuned!

what would be in your dream craft library? what books on quilting would you buy if money was no object? which ones are you looking forward to reading the most? who is your fave quilting author? let's share :)

Stitch by Stitch Blog Tour with Guest Deborah Moebes & my bad hair day

(sorry to jolt you all first thing in the morning with my scary no make-up face..muahaha)

do you ever wake up looking like this in the morning? you know that scary, bed head, tangled mop of hair that usually results from a good night's sleep? do you have the kind of kid's that don't always let you have that morning shower leaving you with hair that you just don't know what the heck to do with? the kind of morning look that makes you jolt back in shock thinking "is that really me????"! well, if you do, and you need a fun solution that doesn't involve hair products and straighteners here's the solution - the book "stitch by stitch" by the charming, funny and uber talented deborah moebes.


i Heart this book and i don't say that lightly. i am a book hound. i adore books and used to work in the book industry. i've loved them since i was a little girl hiding under my blanket with a flashlight staying up way too late to finish a new fave read. i still can be found hiding out in old book stores breathing in that delicious book smell and dreaming of the day i might have a book of my own. i like to think i have a good eye for books and an insatiable appetite to read (when i have time nowadays that is...hehe).

during the the last year or so my baby/parenting and fiction/literature books have been replaced with sewing books. my local library is sadly lacking in a great selection (sorry gvpl) and so i am always on wait lists and always stalking bookstores to flip through sewing books. my own sister has to help me come to the library to help me carry my books out to the car - it's true.


i guess i have been on a search so to speak, for someone to finally make that light bulb go off when it comes to some of the little things about sewing. someone to take the time in a lovely, inspiring book to not make me feel inadequate or silly for not knowing the right terminology, or the right tool or technique but instead someone to explain it to me like a friend. this book did that for me. i sat staring at the images going oh.....that's what that is....or ohhhhhhh, that's how you do that. little lightbulbs dinging around my head while my poor hubby sat thinking "what the heck are you doing now?". i even made my poor 3 1/2 year old come over every time i learned something new so i could gush about it even though she has no idea what the heck i was talking about - poor kid.

"stitch by stitch: learning to sew, one project at a time" has filled my sewing void. it's become that "thing" that i've been trying to find to help glue all the pieces of knowledge i have acquired together. the last piece of my sewing puzzle. the friend to show me the things i couldn't figure out, that last helping hand i needed to gain the confidence and courage to push my sewing further and to forge ahead into the land of button and zippers.


in the book deborah walks you through sewing timelines, history, the nitty gritty of your machine, tools and notions all the way to to fun, modern projects that while fun to make, are also teaching you those things you may not have had time to figure out yet or had been too scared to try. you can hear deborah's voice throughout it all. that funny, loving girl who has a passion and a love for sewing whose joy is addicting. i felt as though she was sitting along beside me telling me to suck it up and just bite the bullet.

so how the heck is a sewing book going to help us with our hair you ask? by teaching us how to make fun and fresh hair accessories to cover up our nasty bed head. the author of stitch by stitch is here on luvinthemommyhood today to help us deal with 2 very scary things. eek. firstly, our bad mommy hair days and secondly our fear and anxiety of buttonholes (if you have a zipper fear like me as well, don't fear, deborah deals with that in her book too). yep, you are going to join in with me (if you want to) and try really, really hard to ignore the sweaty palms, nervous twitching and fear of ruining our lovingly sewed garment to make a .....(shudder)......buttonhole!


how is a buttonhole going to fix our ratty, flat hair you may ask? it's going to help us make a customizable headband. something soft & comfy, that doesn't give you a headache that you can make in any cotton fabric print that your heart desires. you could make one to go with all your outfits. whip em up to your hearts content. i think i found a new addiction folks but first i have to conquer that darn buttonhole....ok, grab my hand ladies, let's jump in. whether you are a newbie sewer (like me) still learning the tricks of the trade, an old pro with a fear that lingered or just someone wanting to spruce up their headband collection, deborah's going to show us how to make a simple and cute fabric headband.

let's all welcome deborah.....

Super special thanks to Shannon of luvinthemommyhood for hosting today’s stop on the Stitch by Stitch blog tour! I love Shannon’s outlook and bubbly voice in her blog, and am so grateful she was willing to let me move in at her place for the day. We’ve been chatting back-and-forth by email about sewing and what it feels like to be new at it and not feel as though you know “enough.” She asked me to put together a tutorial project using buttonholes, and I’m delighted to do it! (Plenty more info on buttons, buttonholes, and buttonhole feet is available in Stitch by Stitch, BTW.) Thanks, Shannon, hope you love the headband!

Buttonholes and zippers seem to be the most fear-inducing sewing projects around. At least, they’re the skills I most frequently hear from folks that they hope to avoid because buttonholes and zippers cause so much anxiety. My mother hates zippers, and would always prefer to put in a buttonhole over a zipper pretty much any day of the week. Myself, I prefer zippers, because for years my buttonholes have been notoriously mediocre. At least, they were until I learned that there were sewing machines that make lovely buttonholes. Say, what?!? Yes, it’s true. And with such futuristic technology, you, too can make pretty buttonholes.

To give us some practice on the task, a simple headband project with a button tab closure. Because what’s the point in learning a new skill if you can’t use it right away?

if you want to join me in conquering your fear of buttonholes...c'mon you know you wanna....click here for the rest of this comfy headband tutorial. we can all hide our bad hair days together ladies!

if you need some modern and fresh fabrics to turn into headbands check out deborah's wonderful fabric shop whipstitch, both online and brick & mortar. you can also follow along with deborah on her fabulous blog (one of my fave reads) and you can find "stitch by stitch" here.


a big thank you to deborah, for stopping by our little neighbourhood to help us all not scare our neighbours with our nasty bed head and to help me to stop cringing everytime i find a project i love that involves a zipper or a button. i owe ya deborah and thanks so much for being part of the mommyhood.

Stitch By Stitch Virtual World Tour 2010

• Monday, Sept 13: The Long Thread
• Tuesday, Sept 14: MADE
• Wednesday, Sept 15: Lizzy House
• Thursday, Sept 16: Fat Quarterly
• Friday, Sept 17: Made By Rae
• Monday, Sept 20: Motherhood Uncensored
• Tuesday, Sept 21: Sew, Mama, Sew
• Wednesday, Sept 22: Mod Podge Rocks
• Thursday, Sept 23: True Up
• Friday, Sept 24: Simply Modern Mom
• Monday, Sept 27: Miss Britt
• Tuesday, Sept 28: luvinthemommyhood
• Wednesday, Sept 29: Bari J
• Thursday, Sept 30: Attack of the Redneck Mommy
• Friday, Oct 1: Grosgrain
• Monday, Oct 4: Wardrobe Refashion

have you read "stitch by stitch" yet? are you a fan of "whipstitch"? what sewing technique are you scared of and how did you conquer it?

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 :)

knitting in the mommyhood - baby pattern books

let the nesting begin! i thought i would share which books i've been busy scanning pages from and borrowing from the library to get some knitting projects on the go for the new little bean. not sure why, but it's been a lot easier to knit lately than sew. a comfort thing i guess, as in that "i'm feeling too huge to sit in front of the sewing machine for long periods of time, need to beach myself on the couch, wool in hand, feet propped, needles moving, project runway on tv kind of comfort mode" (also the amount of wool in my stash that i found in my storage room to burn through could be a factor).


i've got a huge list of books i'm trying to get my hands on, but my local library sucks! i know they have budget cuts but they are sorely lacking in the handmade department for new and current reading. it's horrible! if i tried to buy all the books i was looking for i would be as broke as our public library system, so no go for me. i keep holding out hope they will eventually get a few in and in the meantime i just scour ravelry for my go to projects (i've got one almost done i'll show you all soon).

i know not everyone is a member on ravelry, but if you knit/crochet or are looking to learn please join! it's free and so much fun! you won't regret it. it's dangerous though, i log on there and the next thing i know it's 2 hours later, my fave folder is bursting, my daughter's whining for me and my hubby is begging me to get off the computer...dangerous...dangerous thing that ravelry. so in the meantime here's some good ol' books to hold in your hands, yes, i still love to do that. so get reading and of course, knitting!









1) handmade beginnings by anna maria horner
(not knitting but worth adding here)
2) design it, knit it: babies by debbie bliss









1) essential knits for kids by debbie bliss
2) the expectant knitter by marie connolly
3) essential baby by debbie bliss
4) wacky baby knits by alison jenkins









1) booties, blankets & bears by debbie bliss
2) natural nursery knits by erika knight
3) vintage knits for modern babies by hadley fierlinger
4) easy baby knits by claire montgomerie
5) knits for the modern baby by lena volchok
6) vintage baby knits by kristen rengren and thayer allyson gowdy

what's your favorite knitting book for babies? add your pick to the comments below, i'd love to hear your fave!

p.s. don't forget to vote :) voting is open till the 20th of feb and then we move on to the top 5!

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!

new lmnop out today!!!!

yippee! i love lmnop! go download the newest copy today. lots of goodies galore just in time for the holidays! their gift guide was filled with must haves as were their selection of adorable swimwear - makes me wish it was summer again already!

animal index by plus d

i loved the animal index at the start to use as placeholders on a bookshelf! so cute and i bet they would be so easy to make at home as well.

so take a quick break from the kids and go take a stroll through lmnop and let me know what you loved about the issue. what's your fave gift item shown?

new issue of lmnop out today!

new issue of lmnop out today!!!! if you haven't ever seen this free zine, go check it out immediately, it's one of my faves and i look forward to all the goodies in every single issue! i loved the interview with evie - it was wonderful to hear a child's perspective in an interview.

what's your fave thing in this month's issue? any zine you are loving at the moment that you want to tell us about?

link luv roundup

image by rita lino

how are you feeling today? got the giggles? mackenzie and i had our fair share of laugh attacks yesterday. don't you think if we all had a good giggle fit a day the world would be a much happier place?

i am in luv with this embroidery project from the lovely alicia from posie gets cozy over on sew mama sew. this is definitely on my to do list for the winter!

aren't these fab? these would look so darling in a little girls room or playroom. you can find the how to on how to make your own from egg cartons on esprit cabane. {via ohdeedoh}

i love that this mom took her daughter's drawings of the outfits she would love to wear and turned them into her fall wardrobe! you can see the process here on the blog "in my shoes". {via craftzine}


i am coveting these from west elm...oh, little birdies, come live on my mantle.

here's a great list of 20 adorable amigurumi critters compiled over on "meet me at mikes".


i went to old navy recently to try these on, didn't like them but i ended up going home with this in black instead! c'mon evening chill, bring it on - i'm ready.....well, almost.

yummmmm, i'll take a double serving of these potates tonight for dinner! the cooking blog "fresh 365" is a great resource for some yummy recipes.

another cute take on the men's shirt to dress fad from the blog "lili ash". {via craft gossip}

we attended our close friends chris & jill's lovely wedding a few weeks ago and i couldn't resist mentioning the wonderful work their photographer does! check out kennedy photografik to see some lovely, lovley photos and if you're anywhere on vancouver island or the mainland, don't hesitate to get in touch with jennifer for your photography needs - she's wonderful and super sweet!

i swooned when i saw this post on betz white's blog on how to take a random hum drum tote bag and recover it using the original bag as a liner!!! what a fab idea!!

the new knitting patterns over on pickles make me actually a bit excited for the fall and chilly weather.

make sure to get your entry in over on sfgirlbybay for your chance to win some new amy butler bedding that i have been dreaming about!!!

what a great idea for using up some old tshirts - why not turn them into a quilt?

a new cute little book out called "creature crochet" by kristen rask.

is it already that time of year? i couldn't resist posting about this pattern for a quilted tree skirt. i don't have one and i plan on getting one of these bad boys done in time for xmas.

this is for sure the next thing i am going to find time to sew for mackenzie. i drooled when i saw dana's version of this top! you can find the tute from candace for this adorable tutorial on one of my fave blogs - sparkle power!

things i'm luving this week:

- love this tutorial for dressing up a plain jane shirt with some posies!
- a great roundup of "crafting for good" links over on 30 days.
- i'm all over weardrobe and what i wore lately - so fun to see what everyone is donning these days!
- a great diy for natural air freshener.
- the blog chez larsson now has a new shop as well as my fave quilter rachel over on ps. i quilt.
- some tips on how to make a comfortable nursing area over on ohdeedoh.
- samster's mommy shows you how to make your own "don't wake the baby sign".

what are you luving this week? any fun projects on the go?

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?

new issue of small magazine out!

i loooovvve small magazine time! the autumn issue is available online now - quick, head on over and get ready to drool!!!!! click here to get lost in your copy.

are you loving small? what's your fave thing this season?

favorite sewing books roundup

during my ongoing & adventurous process of learning how to sew i have come across some wonderful books and have been referred to some goodies as well! i thought i would post a little roundup of some of my current faves!

seams to me: 24 reasons to love sewing - by anna maria horner
sewing green: 25 projects made with repurposed & organic materials - by betz white

stitched in time: memory keeping projects to sew & share from the creator of posie gets cozy - by alicia paulson
bend the rules sewing: the essential guide to a whole new way to sew - by amy karol

the creative family: how to encourage imagination & nurture family connections - by amanda blake soule
weekend sewing: more than 40 projects & ideas for inspired stitching - by heather ross


sew u: the built by wendy guide to making your own wardrobe - by wendy mullin
the readers digest new complete guide to sewing

i am always on the lookout for new and interesting sewing books so i would love to hear what your all time faves are. share away and let's get sewing!

what's your favorite sewing book?

link luv roundup

i am loving the new guest column "color me pretty" on decor 8 from "a creative mint" blogger leslie shewring! her photos are fantastic and i want to just pop into each of them, grab all the items and cover my apartment with them. so lovely!

hannah over on "while they sleep" has a new pattern out in her etsy shop for a pod swaddler! interested? swing by her blog and enter her giveaway to win one of your very own or pick up a copy of the pattern to sew one for yourself! either way this is a great project :)

i'm thinking of growing out my hair just so i can wear this pretty hairstyle.

can't get enough of the idea of using cake molds for wall display - the colours are so fresh!

this was definitely me last week - it was so friggin hot where we live!!!

a new e-book out from the object project called "sew expecting" is sure to be filled with some yummy projects for all you moms to be out there!

p.s. - i heart rachel from "p.s. i quilt" for making this easy, and gorgeous quilting tute over on moda bake shop! so summery and sweet!

ummmm, i want this trailer. bad. doesn't it make you just want to hop on inside and have a cup of tea? go check out the full pic here. i luv her little curtains and the fabric lined cabinet! {via a beautiful mess}

learn how to make the perfect add on fabric flower over on v&co.

i am a self confessed hat addict and i seriously get my hat wearing party on during most of the seasons of the year, but truly, my favorite time is the fall. i get to knitting and whip up way too many hats that i even have time to wear. i can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book - "hat heads"...it's time to feed my addiction, the wool monsters are hungry! {via craft}

things i'm luving this week:

- a great little roundup of boys tutorials over on thirty handmade days!
- an easy peasy hooded towel tutorial from obsessively stitching.
- love this diy art table with a faux bois wood finish. perfect for any play room.
- we are on a bit of a carb free thing in our house this week and i can't wait to try this cantaloupe salsa and roasted carrot and avocado salad from smitten kitchen.

what are you luving this week?

what i'm reading...

make your place

affordable, sustainable nesting skills
written & illustrated by: raleigh briggs

i had been hearing about this wonderful little handwritten/illustrated book "make your place" for a few months now and kept meaning to order my own copy when thankfully i read this post over on "angry chicken" and it reminded me to get my butt in gear. this book is fabulous and so fun to read. it's so handy to have all the things i currently have clipped and ripped all in one crafty book.

"This hand-drawn book of charming tutorials is both fun and accessible. It's full of simple skills that anyone can and should learn. From creating tinctures and salves, to concocting all-natural cleaners, to gardening basics, this book is great for anyone looking to live more simply and truly do it themselves."

this book should be on all of our shelves, especially with the state of the economy/environment. i ordered mine from microcosom publishing and was very happy with their service and the price! the book is on sale at the moment for $5 US - you can't go wrong with that kind of price! i know my copy is going to be well worn, corners flipped and held very dear to my bookshelf!

have any of you read this lately? what's your favorite part?

ANNA magazine

i received the most wonderful bday present today...ohhh, la, la! yes, i am getting older - eek, saturday is my bday and i got an early surprise delivered to my door. i got gifted a subscription to the wonderful magazine ANNA.

where to begin describing this gorgeous mag to you...i don't even know where to start. it came all wrapped up with a great apron around the 4 issues i got today with a lovely handwritten gift card. i tried to take photos, but it didn't do it justice and i couldn't bear to post them. just trust me when i say this magazine feels and reads scrumptiously. it's eye candy and laid out divinely, plus the recipes are nice but not so nice you can't attempt them.

taken from the editor:

Inspired by a beautiful French picture book, a few Paris shopping bags and an Hermes scarf, we bring you our very special 10th issue, Beautiful.

Woven together with extraordinary recipes and a style only the French could impress. From heart-shaped lunches to chicken pot pie, from cooking lessons and one skillet suppers to a holiday after-party in my very own kitchen, with friends sharing stories and laughter, as only true friends can do.

I believe a magazine, like a photograph, should take you somewhere. I hope this issue will take you to wherever you allow it, whether it's the streets of Paris or into your kitchen, to cook up some fancy dishes to share with those you adore.

each issue of ANNA has a theme such as brilliance, wonderful, unforgettable and that is the title of the issue. along with that, each ANNA also has the following sections:

"what i have learned"
"make everyday special"
"traditions"
"everyday easy"
"sometimes beautiful things happen"

i am proud to say the magazine is canadian and can be found at your local chapters. if you want more info on this great mag check out their website at www.annamagazine.ca

a great big thank you to grandma judy and grandpa ken - love you guys and now it's time to go put some of these yummy recipes to use.

what's your favorite cooking magazine at the moment?

link luv roundup

longing for the days i could do this and not fret about breaking my bed.

you know i can't resist a yummy recipe to post and this one for carrot cakey cookie doesn't look like it will disappoint. yum, yum in my tum, tum as my daughter would say. {via lovely morning}

one of my everyday reads "heart of light" shows us how to make a pretty ruffle headband.

kate has a great tute for a reversible water bottle holder over on curiositys.

the hairdresser in me is loving the flickr group braid wednesdays - stunning! {image: simple moth}

my new fave tea towel line! so adorable and fresh, made with environmentally friendly inks, recycled paper, and natural and organic fabrics! check out slidesideways on etsy & their blog "united we slide" - love it!

have you seen this bedroom makeover yet? oh yeah, wait a second, it was on design sponge...of course you have :) i couldn't resist posting it though, so check it out again, so fabulous. jen did this with a drawing projected onto the wall in a weekend when her hubby was away. while you are ooohing and ahhhing over her creative wall makeover make sure to check out her blog which is equally as fabulous "jenlovesken".

learn how to make a pillow from your fave sweater from "my mama made it" who was featured here this week :)

i've been enjoying the book "sweet booties", it's filled with some great little patterns! yep, patterns, that's right, more patterns for me to try to figure out...arggghh..it will be worth it in the end. thanks for all of your guy's help! i will be trying all your tips and emailing for help i'm sure :P

i've been looking for a tute to make myself some of these totes made out of t-shirts. so fun and way more original than all the generic cloth bags out there. click over to leethal for the tute.

i'm thinking this sweater "anhinga" by norah gaughan is going to be just perfect for those chilly summer nights and even better for the fall. don't you think this would be a great maternity convert? berroco has been releasing some great patterns lately! remember the juliana wrap - it's still on my ever growing to knit list.

enjoy your weekend and don't forget to brighten your day with the bright side project. they've got a fancy new look, go take a peek and add some sunshine to your day, then check out this twirly skirt pattern that i'm adding to my "to sew" list and finally, i've been toying with the idea of playing around with elastic thread and almost feel brave enough to do it after reading this post from craftzine - i figure it's time to start living dangerously!