Reactions

Hi All! I added some fun reactions check boxes to the bottom of my posts. This makes it really easy to leave a little feedback without actually writing a comment. Think of it as a Facebook "like" button, but with better options!

I have a few more things I'll be posting soon. I'm finally starting to get my sewing/crafting area unpacked and set up. I even used my machine last night for the first time since we moved in March! Hurray!

Infant Ballet Slippers

I made these dainty little baby shoes by hand out of ribbons and a bit of elastic. I love the way they look on Ivory. And they weren't difficult to make, either.

First I cut a wired ribbon the length of the bottom of her foot, rounded the toes, and made the heels slightly narrower (it was already the perfect width: about 1.5"). I used wired ribbon because that's what I had, but it wouldn't have to be wired. In fact, I ended up pulling the wires out in the end so they wouldn't poke my baby's feet. Next I cut a piece of ribbon long enough to go all the way around the outline of the foot. Then I singed the cut edges of the ribbon so they wouldn't unravel.

I simply sewed the long ribbon around the edge of the foot-shaped ribbon, with right sides together (actually, I don't know if there was a right and wrong side to these particular ribbons, but you catch my drift). I placed the elastic in the casing as I sewed it. Then I tied and cut off the elastic tails to fit her feet.

After that I stitched the ribbon ties on each side of the shoe (on the inside). I like to be true to the way a real ballerina ties her pointe shoes, but I also like the bow too much to tug in the "piggy tails" instead.

I love these little ballet slippers. I plan to make another pair in white (or should I say "ivory") for Ivory's blessing day.

Famous Fabric Designers and... Me!

This week has been fun. The Quilter's Market has been in town, along with some of my favorite fabric designers. I don't have the "ins" to go to the big show, but some of the the show came to me! Both Amy Butler and Heather Bailey made appearances at my local quilting store, Material Girls, for a meet and greet.

Amy Butler came on Tuesday. My mom and I went together. Amy Butler was so sweet. She really took time to talk to each of us and to answer our questions thoroughly.

She signed a fabric quarter for me! I plan to put it above my sewing desk.

Heather Bailey came on Friday. More fun! This time my mom wasn't able to come with me. But I met some really fun girls while we were waiting for our turn to meet Heather. And, of course, I had my sweet Ivory with me. (She's a great conversation starter!) Heather Bailey is absolutely gorgeous. She is also very friendly. She talked to a group of us for a long time and included us all in the conversation.

Here are some Heather Bailey fabrics along with the fat quarter she signed for me.

She wrote "happy sewing" because I told her my plan to hang it over my sewing space for inspiration. I'm thinking of putting both autographs and some other favorite fabric on canvases or in frames in a fun arrangement. Won't that be inspiring?

I also bought a cute little elephant pattern. I would have had her sign it, but I just picked it up at the last minute right before I left.

I am so honored to have met these talented, successful women. I love that they create so much beauty for us all to enjoy.

Spring Wreath

A new wreath for my new house. Actually, I had the wreath before ($3-$4 at Joann), but I just added the flower garland around it ($5 at a Rod Works warehouse sale). I plan to dress it up for each season. Ahhh, springtime makes me happy.

If I were a marshmallow peeps fan I could probably work those in around the peep hole. What do you think? It's not really my thing, but it could be a craft blog sensation by next Easter (if it isn't already)!