I want to share craftiness

I want to share what I have been working on, but can't LOL

I wanted to make a bunch of gifts this year, in addition to any gifts that I purchase. I have been busy!

I still have lots to do, and it seems like I am running out of time.

Can't wait to share

Allergic to Peanuts

Elsie has had reactions to eggs and to peanut butter. Obviously, after she had the first reaction, I didn't give it to her anymore. But, I really wanted to know for sure if she was actually allergic to them.

We changed insurance, and bla bla bla, but we finally went. I was actually surprised that they did not test for many things - ONLY what we already knew she had reactions to.

Anyway, this pic was taken about 1 minute after the start of the scratch test. She had a mild reaction to the egg, but a large reaction to the peanuts.

The reaction got much worse - but she would not sit still for a second for me to get a non-blurry pic.

We went and got additional blood work to check levels and were given an Rx for an epipen. Fun times.

gotta love the back rolls lol

Yo Yo Christmas Tree Ornament

How cute is this - I made a Christmas Tree Ornament out of fabric Yo Yos. It was time consuming, but the end result came out really cute.

I will post a tutorial soon!

Getting a special visitor tonight

Justin lost his first tooth. Guess the tooth fairy will be coming tonight. I hope she doesn't wake up the rest of the kids when she walks on the super creaky floor lol.

This tooth has been loose for a LONG time. I really thought for sure it would have been out weeks ago. I told him that if it was still there that I would have my dad pop it out.

Casual Christmas Outfits

I made some casual outfits for the girls. They will wear them to see Santa, and then some of our christmas parties.

I will share a tutorial soon. The skirts are really easy and the shirts are just an applique, which I will also do a turorial soon.

i hope to see the jolly man this week. So, I will post action shots in the outfits soon :)

Measurements for Girls Skirts and Pants

I have googled the measurements for girls skirts so many times that I figured I would just add it here so it is easier for me to find.

These are the averages of measurements that I found over and over.  I have used many sources and my own experience to create this chart.  The waist is the actual waist size, I cut my elastic about 1/2 inch smaller, and then overlap to sew about 1-1.5 inches.  The waist is not too tight but totally not falling down.  Plus, it gives it a lot of room to grow.  The length is to the knee.  Remember, this is the FINISHED length - so depending on how you make your seams, you will have to add inches to your pattern for the bottom hem, and the top casing for the elastic.

For me, I like to cut my fabric about 1.5-2 times the waist size.  This makes a size full skirt without being too poofy.



I can tell you that these sizes are pretty accurate based on my girls.

*Actual waist size, I cut elastic 1/2 inch shorted than the listed size, then overlap about an inch

** FINISHED length - add additional inches for bottom hem, and top casing for elastic.

Here are some skirts using these measurements

And, when making a tiered skirt - I like to use this calculator to figure out the measurements for each tier. But, you can also just use a multiplier of 1.5 for each row.

What a difference 2.5 years makes

There is a small Zoo "near" our home. Justin didn't have school for a few days last week, so I figured we would take a drive to the zoo. Cora loved it. But, I am not sure if she loved the animals or just the fact that I let her walk instead of being in the stroller.

Anyway, we went in June 2009, and took the first pic. So, when I saw what I thought was the same wolf, I just HAD to take another picture. Turns out, not the same wolf. But, you get the idea. He is so much bigger than 2.5 years ago. Excuse the lack of a "hairdo" in the second pic. His hair is usually much cuter.