Christmas Gift Bags

This year we are going to my neice's new house for Thanksgiving dinner and it is the first year in awhile that I am not responsible for most of the food. I only have to make corn bread dressing and potato salad. While many are cooking for tomorrow's dinner, I took the time to make Christmas Gift Bags. I filled them with treats for some people on my list.

I wish all of you a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.

Last of The Outfits to Display at All Brands

I've been sewing all day and finished the last of the outfits to bring to All Brands to display with my patterns on cd. They have such a great selection of fabrics in the store as well as online.

Emily Dress with Pleated Inserts

Dee Dee Pleated Dress

Karen Capri Set
Besides sewing today, I made vegetable soup, seafood gumbo and cleaned my house. Talk about multi tasking.

Sample Patterns for All Brands

I've been busy making samples of all of my patterns so that All Brands can display them along with my patterns on CD. They now sell fabric and have a large selection of one of my favorite brands - Fabric Finder's.

Betsey/Joey Shorts Pattern - Reversible style in the longer length.

How to Make Your Own Christmas Stocking - lined with with red and white microchek fabric.

I fell in love with this helicopter fabric and thought it would be great for a boy Pillow Pal.

The Sunny Wrap Dress was made reversible with Fabric Finder's pique.

The Annette Reversible Sundress was also made using Fabric Finder's pique. The reversed side is in a soft hot pink cotton.

You can't tell in the picture but this fabric had tiny green dots on it also by Fabric Finders and made from the Tana Tutu Dress Pattern.

Adoption Workshop, APIL and CDs for Nanoo Designs

Saturday morning I helped with an adoption workshop sponsored by Healing Place Church. Check out His Heart for Orphans Blogs for details and pictures.

Saturday afternoon was the APIL (Ascension Parish Inclusive League) Fall Fest with food, games, prizes and lots of fun. Here are some pictures.

These are the winners of the Pillow Pals I donated as door prizes. The names picked just happened to be a boy and a girl that worked out perfect since we had a boy and girl Pillow Pal.

I also worked on a new project - epatterns on cd. Aimee from Sew Sensible talked to someone at All Brands and we are both now selling our patterns on their website on cd and will soon have them available in their stores in Baton Rouge and Lafayette. I've been working on the first order and making one of each pattern to showcase in their store.

Pillow Pals for Christmas Gifts

I made these LSU Pillow Pals to be given as Christmas Gifts to two very special little girls. They are sisters - one with blond hair and fair skin and one with dark hair and olive skin. I made the hair, face and hands to match their skin and hair color to make it more personal. My mom spent the day with me Sunday so she helped me stuff them and put them together. It's always fun to work on a project with someone. My mom is getting older so I treasure the moments we share.

I added the tulle skirt on the larger one for the older girl. I'm thinking about adding a tshirt for the youngest.

Well, I have two gifts done. It's a start. 44 Days till Christmas.

Two New Patterns I'm Working On

My two new patterns are a top and pants. This is my first test outfit. The band on the top makes 3 pockets. I put something in the middle one to show it better. I have a few minor changes to make to the top but am rethinking the pants. I wanted a more tailored look, so will trim the width of the legs. The pants have a waistband and instead of gathers, I am going to test a pleat or two in the front instead. Hopefully I can make the another test outfit and finalize the design this week.

YCMT/SWAK Thanksgiving Collaboration

Here are some pictures of the Sunny Wrap Dress I made to use in the YCMT/SWAK Thanksgiving Collaboration. I made the dress and mailed it to someone to take pictures in the model they selected. I didn't put any information with the dress and when the pictures came out, I realized the dress was on backwards. I was a little upset about it at first but then realized that it made the dress even that much more versatile. Not only can you reverse it inside out, you can reverse it backwards and frontwards. I did design it so that the wrap is in the back so I can't guarantee it will fit the same with the wrap in the front but if you have the pattern, check it out and let me know what you think

Packages for Troops

One of my co-worker's wife coordinates packages to our troops. The last couple of years, employees where I work collect things and send them to a unit overseas. We get the name of a unit and what they need from her and send the items in the priority mail boxes that cost $9.95 to send anywhere in the world. We always get a letter from the unit expressing their appreciation. It has to be tough to be away from home and loved ones especially during the holidays.

Maybe you can do that at your work place also. The boxes have to be sent usually be the end of November to make it for Christmas so time is getting short.

Sewing to Save Money

During these tough economic times, sewing is a great way to save money. Here is an article I came across that gives tips on how to save money sewing.

Sewing for children has special advantages. The amount of fabric used to make something for a child is small. Many items can be made with a yard or less of fabric. When you have small children, the window of time to sew is limited but there are many easy to sew patterns that can be completed in a couple of hours. Like YCMT, many patterns can be downloaded instantly upon payment and are designed for the beginner. My patterns and my friend Aimee's at Sew Sensible are easy enough for a beginner. When you see your child in the outfit you made for them, you get such a feeling of satisfaction and pride. Warning though, it can become addictive LOL.

During this time of year, making gifts for Christmas can be very cost effective. Last year I made totes for the ladies I work with as well as outfits for a few of the children. Bibs, blankets and soft toys make great baby shower gifts. This year we are thinking about making curling/flat iron covers and possibly some makeup bags for gifts.

Once you get the hang of it, you can even make money sewing. Making things to sell at craft fairs and sites like Etsy can bring in some extra money. YCMT has several articles on their blog about selling at craft fairs. Here is a link to the four posts. Article #1, Article #2, Article #3, Article #4.

Back from the Beach

My beach trip was great. Good food, friends, great weather and the beach - what a great combination. We watched movies, snacked and just hung out. There was a wedding on the beach that we were able to watch from our balcony. The reception was at the club house and our room was near the club house so we could watch the festivities and listen to the band in our pajamas from the balcony. Good food, friends, great weather and the beach - what a great combination.

Here are my three friends on our walk along the beach.

Sunrise

Hanging out on the balcony, drinking coffee and watching the sun come up.

Sunset