polkadotbug

Hoot Hoot

I love Pottery Barn Kids.  I often flip through the catalog of fantasy bedrooms and love everything I see.  There are two things I know for sure though - 1. I could never keep a room in my house that clean and tidy and 2.  I can’t afford to buy anything there.  So, that is where the craftiness comes in.  I fell in love with the owl pillows in one of the more recent catalogs.  Even if I could afford them it’s so much more rewarding making them, especially when there are so many incredible fabrics to choose from!

For some reason I also had this insane desire to make a small flock of birds.

They are so quick and fun.  There’s a free pattern for them here and one of my bloggy friends made some too.  You can see her cuties here.  Thanks for posting that Sarah! I wanted to keep going but I had to refrain. Andrew came home and seemed surprised by my excitement over them.  He asks “what are they for?”  Who the heck knows?!  They’re just so cute!  Geez, I can’t even begin to explain why I get excited about these kinds of things.

Ok, I was gonna save this for another post but I am too excited.  I made my first “quilt.”  I feel like I can’t say it for real, cause it’s not a real quilt, but it’s the closest I’ve come to one.  I made a baby size rag quilt in Patty Young’s Andalucia and a little blankie sized quilt in boy prints by Michael Miller.  I can’t stop getting harassed about the boy stuff so I am trying harder.

They’re such a good project for me because they’re quick and I’m all about quick.  I’m also kinda embarrassed for you real quilters out there to see this.  You are all so nice though and I know you won’t make fun!  :)  I completely messed up the placing of the squares but didn’t feel like undoing the stitching once I realized it.  I definitely love that you don’t have to be perfect about the stitching – because perfect I am not.

The worst part is the snipping - by far.  I didn’t think it would be too bad but my snippers were so dull and weren’t working at all.  By the time I was half way through the first quilt my wrist was popping with every squeeze and I had calluses!  Although, once it washed and dried I decided that it was definitely worth it!   I just went out a got me a brand new pair of snips today because I intend on making more of these little guys.  They are so snuggly with fuzzy flannel on the backs. I’d wrap myself right up in there - if I were 2 ft tall.

Puppy Time

Did I mention how I can’t stop wanting to try new things?!   Well, if I didn’t then I am saying it again now.  I had so much fun with the dolls that I thought I’d try a weiner dog.  I saw the pattern on Pink Chalk Fabrics and just had to try it. 

I cheated a little, of course.  I had to do some things my way (wrong) instead of following instructions (right).  The only thing I really had issues with was the hand sewing. I am just not good at it. 

Other than that, she turned out pretty cute.  I intended on giving the poor girl a bunch of puppies like the pattern shows, but I ran out of time and energy that night.  This way she can devote all of her love and attention to this little runt.  I think the pillow may be my favorite part of the set!

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!  Eat lots of yummy food and don’t worry about it.  It’s ok.

Stuff, Stuff, and More Stuff

Meet girly number 5.  I am afraid to name them or I won't be able to sell them!  If you haven't checked out my flickr photostream (why would you?), I’ve posted a bunch of the new stuff I made.  I worked my little (big) butt off to get a nice stock of stuff done because I have a few shows this week.  I'll throw a few of my favorites up in this post and you can see the rest on flickr if you want to see.

Shannon and I did the first of the 3 shows on Saturday.  I could write an entire essay on that day but I am not sure anyone would want to read it all and I am not sure I want to relive that day over again.  I will try to sum it up quickly.

1. Bad Christmas music on repeat.

2. Unfriendly people.

3. The woman behind us had no (literally no) filter on her thoughts, and everything that crossed her mind came out of her mouth.  And it wasn’t nice.

4.  No sales.  Well, to be accurate I sold one bib and one bonnet.  That was about half of the cost of the table, not to mention the long list of things I spent money on to get out there. Ouch.

There were a lot of people at this show too, so I can't blame it on that.  They just didn't like our stuff.  It was the completely wrong crowd for us.  I can't tell you how many people walked by our tables without even stopping.  It was kinda humorous.

So, to all of you who may have a show like this - don't worry about it.  Just blame it on the other people.  :)   I guess you just have to make a few sacrifices before you become famous. Heehee...

The good part about my lack of sales is that I don't have to worry about not having enough stock for the next two events!  

Ok everyone, cross your fingers for me.  I really need to sell some of these things I made to cover the cost of the boat loads of new fabric I may have purchased.  What I really need to do is get some stuff in my poor empty Etsy shop.  That's my goal as soon as these next shows are over.

One for Me and One for You

I’ve been busy making a few aprons.  I thought I’d shoot for the mommy & me apron sets.  I did this for more than one reason.  First, because it’s really adorable and I currently have girl that still wants to be like me and second, because we’ve had a few requests.  I love to make the children’s aprons, but folks out there keep requesting adult sizes. 

Unfortunately Molly does not like to model.  How does everyone do it?  Every blog I go to has these adorable children in even more adorable clothing doing exactly what their mother asked of them. Poses and all.  I can’t even explain what Molly begins doing as soon as we put her in something I made.  That’s all I know is that it involves random body spasms, ridiculous faces, and overall chaos.

Like this.

So we had to succumb to taking the pictures without people wearing the aprons.  This is too bad because aprons look best when they are on.  Anyways, you get the drift.  They’re completely reversible aprons that match in girl and mom sizes in fun prints.

 

Here’s mommy with no me.

Time to Get Serious

I have been up to some sewing lately.  Turns out I have myself signed up for the Buffalo Indie Market on September 14^th.  I figure I better start cranking some stuff out now so I don’t have to pull any all-nighters when it gets closer.  Not only that, but another local crafter contacted me about sharing a booth with her at the Quaker Arts Festival.  The only bad (and scary) part about it is that it’s the weekend after the Indie Market!  AHH!!!  Not real sure I can make enough in time. 

My new crafty friend Shannon makes the most adorable baby items and we have very similar tastes.  I think we’ll have an awesome booth and I am so excited to make a new friend!  We’re gonna have a ton of fun.  She just started up a blog as well, so check out Babypeas.

Besides the Buffalo Bonnets, I have started making a few bags.  Most are my usual quilt lined bags in some of my favorite fabrics.  To spice it up a bit I tried a new style – the drawstring bag.

Of course I didn’t come up with it on my own.  I never do - I always seem to need a visual.  I saw something similar when spending one of my many many hours paging through all the amazing things on Flickr.   I think it’s adorable! 

Do you like the light up flowers in the background?!  I saw them at our nursery when I was spending loads of money on new plants for our garden.  They were too cute, so I had to spend some money on fake flowers as well.

 

On another note, there’s another fabulous giveaway!  This one is from Kaytiebugs and it’s for a Double Ruffle Femme Skirt.  I love it!  Check it out. 

The Beginnings of the Buffalo Bonnet

It’s a little sad to admit this but fall is on it’s way.  I’m starting to get prepared for the September Indie Market and have made the first of the Buffalo Bonnets.  I have one made from 4 of my favorite designers’ fabrics, so I thought it would be a good time to post about it.  (clockwise from top left: Sandi Henderson, Heather Bailey, Anna Maria Horner, and Amy Butler)

The Buffalo Bonnet is my usual reversible baby bonnet lined with snuggly soft fleece.  The bonnet no longer has to be a spring thing.  If you don’t know anything about me, one thing I can tell you is that I love baby bonnets.  They are just too cute.  I made one lined with fleece for my little one last winter and she wore it every day.  Andrew had the clever idea of calling it the Buffalo Bonnet, seeing as we live in Buffalo and most people associate it with cold weather (hmm… I wonder why?).  I never got a chance to sell any because my first market was in the spring.  Hopefully someone else will be as fired up about them as I am!

I love this one from Pop Garden.  I think the bright happy colors are an excellent way to cheer up the cold weather.

I have a ton of sewing to do now to get ready for the September show.  I hope the time finds me.

Is it genetic? I’m not so sure.

This is the first Heather Bailey Pop Garden purse.  Same style as usual and same addiction to Heather Bailey fabric.  The difference is that I did not make this bag myself.  My 17 year old niece wanted to make a bag as a gift for a friend.  This is how she wanted me to say that it went-

on friday my niece and I had a fabulous day together. we had breakfast, played with babies, made a sweet bag, walked up to lunch, played with babies... ate pizza.... played with babies... etc. (eat, play, eat, play)

my niece kt is the COOLEST person in the whole world. she is smart, talented, beautiful and likes to eat. all those fantabulous qualities make her very very special. * you can continue with other great adjectives that make kt awesome*

I am glad I got to spend quality time with my favorite niece. we bonded and had a blast.

I hope some near time in the future we can have more laughs and fun!

There Katie, I said it (or copied and pasted it).  I will not elaborate on which parts are true or not.   Katie sewed the outer fabric and lining and one handle.  I put the rest of the bag together.  I guess it was a good start, but I am afraid to say that I don’t think I lit any crafty flame inside of her.  I can only hope!  :)  Honestly I think she has more fun mocking me and my attempts at craftiness.   Notice how the blurb above doesn’t say much about the sewing!!

The bag turned out very cute.  Excellent choice of fabric anyway! 

I definitely got the crafty gene from my mom but my sister did not.  I am not sure how that works.  Molly is super crafty right now after spending so much time with me.  I am curious to see if the desire will stick as she grows.  Either that or she’ll try her damnedest to be different than me.  Sad.

Do Drink and Sew

I finally sat back down at the sewing machine tonight and actually finished a project!  Everything has still been packed up since we returned from our trip last weekend.  I really haven't been super motivated lately but this felt great to be productive again.  I even conquered a new dress style.  I saw something similar and really enjoyed it so I decided to give it a shot.  And once again it's a reversible dress in Heather Bailey fabrics.  Shocking. 

It's just like my classic reversible dress but it ties in the back instead of on the shoulders.  I must say that I don't know how to do the top trim where the ribbon slips through.  It came out a little sloppy.  Cute, but sloppy.  Good thing that the friend of mine who requested it hasn't a clue about sewing so she won't know the difference!  It bugs the crap out of me though.  I'd really like to know how to do it better. 

I also must share that I had a little help with my motivation tonight. 

Andrew prepared a fresh, icy, and delicious mojito for me.  What can be better than a refreshing ice cold mojito while you sew??  Answer: a refreshing ice cold mojito sitting pretty on Amy Butler fabric.  Fantastic!  It was even made with freshly picked mint from our herb garden.  I have it made.  That's all I've got for now.

relief!

Well my 30 seconds of fame is over.  Thank goodness.  I truly had a stomachache every time I thought about seeing my own mug on television. It wasn't too bad and I only sounded somewhat dumb and not completely dumb. I was so worried because I would think of they day Lindsay was here interviewing me and I remember talking but had no idea what I was saying.  I hate cameras.  It's like a deer in headlights (very bright headlights). Thanks to Caren for calling me directly after it aired laughing hysterically.  My own husband burst out laughing the instant my face appeared on the tv.  Don't worry folks, it's not like I have a complex or anything! 

You did a great job Josie and your blog is fabulous!  Your lovely accent made you sound one hundred times better than me!  That and the fact that you make amazing things.  I am so happy to be considered one of the local blogging crafters with you!  Perhaps you will teach me how to make a quilt? :) 

Thanks to Vicki for recommending my blog.  Hollyhocks (a fantastic blog) has brought me lots of traffic since you have added me as a favorite.

I thought that I should add a picture of something that I made to this post for anyone who is here for the first time.  This is a bonnet/bib combo in Heather Bailey's Freshcut fabric.  I am in love with this stuff.  This one was made as a gift set for a baby shower.

Thanks for checking out my little place on the web.   

Here We Go...

How exciting!  This is the beginning of my very own site/blog.  I figure I would start it off with the reversible dress because it seems to be a great topic of interest.    This is the newest, inside and out, made with some recently arrived Heather Bailey fabric.  Mmmmm...

My good friend (crazy friend) Caren and I started a blog together, gigglepigs.blogspot.com, that we have been having lots of fun with.  She's a bag-making machine.  We've been very inspiring to each other, I think, and there's nothing better than having someone to share this all with.  My first reversible dress made its debut at gigglepigs, and that one dress has turned into many others and they will be coming with me to our first fair!   I am very anxiously awaiting this Saturday for the Buffalo Indie Market.  There is so much excitement and so many nerves at the same time. I plan to keep my blog with Caren and use this one more for my creations and perhaps a few tutorials.  Soon I'll begin putting a tutorial together for the reversible dress I make, so please check back.  I would love to help all you other crafty folks out there make your own reversible dresses!  I think it's so great that everyone is getting into this!

My bonnets that began this new adventure for me are still my favorites.  Is there anything cuter than a baby girl in a fashionable, modern bonnet?!  I don't think so, especially because I have an adorable 8-month old baby girl who looks great in one!  I think I've found something that truly makes me happy. The incredibly beautiful fabric choices out there make this even more exciting and addictive!  Hopefully I will begin to stock my Etsy shop soon.  Then all we need is to convert our walk-up attic into a work shop for me so I can move my mess out of our dining room!