DIY Gift Idea: Baby Blanket

I wanted to post this before Christmas but I had some computer issues, so it's a little late. But, maybe you have some upcoming baby showers or a new little one on the way. Here is one gift idea for the little loves in your life. I recently became an aunt for the 7th time :) this is my 6th niece- isn't she a doll?

Her mama requested some soft and cuddly blankets and I set out to see what I could do. 

I decided to create cozy blankets that were soft with knit on one side and cuddly with minky fabric on the other. The good news is, they turned out cute. The bad news is, the fabrics hated each other. So, keep in mind when selecting your fabrics- stretch fabric plays well with other stretch fabric but not so well with minky. Save yourself some frustration and select 2 fabrics that will not fight on your machine. (I actually knew this would happen...but I couldn't help it- they were so cute I thought my machine's ability to keep fabric even would win out...yea, not so much.)

I found all of the knit fabric at my local Joann's store as well as the pink and purple minky fabric. The white cuddly fabric was from my stash. I really loved these knit prints- so fresh and fun for a little one. 

I know there are probably a million tutorials out there so I didn't really do a step by step photo tutorial of this one. I took my two fabrics and cut out approximately a 34 inch square. Place them right sides together and sew around the edge leaving a 3 inch opening to turn. Clip the corners and turn right side out. Hand press your fabric as best as you can to get it to lay flat. Then edge stitch all the way around to close the opening. I then stitched all the way around again about 1/4 inch away from the first line of stitching. And you're done - Enjoy!

Shannon

The Abbey Jacket Pattern Review

Can I just say how much I love this jacket? I really want the adult version for myself. I may have to make it happen. I first whipped up this jacket for my 1 year old niece (and literally, I whipped it together at the last minute). It was so cute, I had to make another for my daughter. This is the Abbey Jacket from Shwin Designs and like all their patterns that I own, this one did not disappoint.

Pattern Description: This is for a fleece swing jacket. There are two button tabs that keep the jacket closed at the top. Button cuffs on the sleeves, and a perfectly feminine puff on the sleeve. 

Fabric Used: Cream Fleece and a cotton print

Pattern Sizing: I cut the size 4T for this jacket

Size: Child's Chest Measurement 

12-18 months 20 inches 2T: 21 inches 3T: 22 inches 4T: 23 inches 5T: 24 inches 6: 25 inches 7: 26 inches 8: 27 inches 10: 28 inches 


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes, this was very quick and easy to put together.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the cuff and tab detail. It makes this simple jacket something special. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added a piece of double fold bias tape over the exposed collar seam, everything else remained the same. 

Would you sew it again? Yes, it makes such a cute and easy light jacket. It makes a great gift to give too. 

Would you recommend it to others? YES!

I have also sewn up several of the Shwin Designs Maggie Mae and Lucy Tops. Some of my Maggie Mae's are below (I have yet to add my Lucy Tops to the blog):

1. Little Blue Maggie Mae     2. Maggie Mae     3. Maggie Mae for Ellie (never blogged) 

4. Maggie Mae for Ella

Shannon

Dining Room Buffet Makeover

I had originally planned on posting several DIY gift ideas before Christmas but my computer decided it wanted the time off and wouldn't cooperate, so on to the new year and new post ideas. Last year I posted about a New Year's Resolution to finish decorating my house, one room per month. Needless to say, it didn't happen. I posted one completed room, my family room. 

I actually have completed or nearly completed several rooms but felt like I couldn't post them because they aren't "perfect". There are still projects to be done, things to be finished, items waiting to be purchased and then I realized, if I wait until they are perfect- you will never see them. They will never be perfect and that's just fine...this is my home and how I live- with 2 toddlers and ever changing design ideas and needs for our family. So, instead of waiting for perfection, I would like to start showing you some of the spaces that are in progress and projects that have been completed. A recent room I took on was the dining room.

The room went from boxes still piled from a move over a year ago to entertainment ready in a little over a week. As usual, this room still has a little way to go, but compared to what I started with, it is much better. The part of the room I would like to show today is the buffet makeover. All of the furniture in this room (except the mirror) has been thrifted. I started with a $50.00 mahogany dresser/buffet from a second hand store. Unfortunately, I took no true before photos. But here is a photo mid makeover with the drawers out and everything sanded.

The piece was a little dinged up but I wanted the character for the final piece so I was okay with its condition. It was also missing one piece of hardware. I knew what I wanted it to become and I found my inspiration from a video tutorial found on The Yellow Cape Cod for the Potterybarn Black Finish.  Her blog is amazing and has so many wonderful ideas...I can spend hours there! I followed everything in the tutorial, including paint colors/finishes, with the exception of the stain pen. I couldn't find the same color but went with a stain close to it. I also didn't do a ton of distressing, but stuck mainly to the edges and places that would naturally wear.

And that pesky hardware...I searched high and low for a match and couldn't find one. I then stumbled upon D Lawless Hardware in my search for hardware for my kitchen cabinets (pics coming soon). Their prices and selection are amazing and I thought I would give one last shot at looking for something I could use for the buffet. While I couldn't find the exact hardware, I did find a pull with the right center to center measurement and antique brass color.

I was so pleased when they arrived. While it may not be the absolute same color, it is pretty close and just what I was looking for. After searching everywhere, I was so happy D Lawless Hardware came to my rescue and sent these for me to use. 

I look forward to sharing the rest of the room and details with you soon, as well as those kitchen cabinets I keep mentioning! 

I hope your new year is off to a wonderful start- Shannon