Did anyone notice that Amy Butler released two new patterns last week? I couldn't help myself, I snagged the Birdie Sling as soon as I saw it (if I would travel with my computer more I would have gotten the Laptop Case as well)! Now to find some great fabrics that can be showcased in this pattern.

I also finally managed to make it to the fabric store to pick up the rest of my material for the Emmeline apron. I'm now ready to cut everything out and get started sewing on this project! How is your apron coming along?

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day, was pampered by their family, and got a bit of sewing time in! In addition to Mother's Day, yesterday was Easton's baptism. I would love to say that everything went without a hitch, but I can't..... the priest actually forgot to perform the baptism during the mass! We did finally get him baptized, but in between masses instead (and a bit more hastily than what I think was intended) - at least the party went well!

I finally got to wear my Kwik Sew tunic for the event! Now that I look at the pictures, though, I realize I have quite a bit more baby weight to loose so I may be making a whole transitional wardrobe for the summer until I can get back to (or close to) my pre-pregnancy weight (I'm thinking a casual mini-SWAP). Now the question is, what to make first?

I've been tagged! Blakely at Rockin Smockin tagged me yesterday, but before I get to that part of the entry, I wanted to wish everyone an early Happy Mother's Day! I know that lots of you have big plans for this weekend and I hope everyone enjoys their special day. As for me, not only are we celebrating Mother's Day on Sunday, but Easton will be baptized during mass as well. Since we'll be having lots of family here (and all the hustle and bustle of the day), I won't be putting up a post tomorrow, but promise to put on a few pictures Monday morning!

Now onto the tagging! In this meme, I am supposed to grab the nearest book, turn to page 123 and post the 6th, 7th, and 8th sentences. I'm actually in the process of reading 3 books (well, two are more 'instructional' - Sew U Home Stretch and The Big-Ass Book of Crafts and don't work well with these theme). I've opted write from What to Expect the First Year since it has lots of content and is handy on my nightstand!

Catch on to the clues, and you can often avoid the tears. "I'm in pain." This cry begins suddenly (usually in response to a stimulus - ofr instance the jab of a needle at shot time) and is loud (as in ear-piercing), pancked, and long (with each wail lasting as long as a few seconds), leaving the baby breathless.

What book is on your nightstand?

My poor Bernina has been lonely lately, it just hasn't seen as much action the last few weeks since I delivered Easton - thankfully, I gave it a good 'workout' before I delivered! One of the projects I worked on was this Pillow Slipcover which is now on The Sewing Republic website. In addition to writing up the instructions, I added a few tips on how to personalize your new pillows. One of my favorites - taking a black and white print and using fabric markers to color in the designs to your liking (I've done this to one of the pillows featured on the site).

I also have to brag a bit on my oldest who competed in Mutual of Omaha's Drive Chip & Putt event yesterday. She took top five (out of 41) in the putting portion of the contest!

Of course, I can't leave out the newest member of the family.... here's Easton doing his impression of Derek Zoolander's Blue Steel:

It's Thursday which can only mean one thing..... Link Time!

A new tutorial is up at The Sewing Republic - an adorable two-tone apron from Handmade Kate. Can you say quick and easy project for Mother's Day?

Speaking of aprons, how is your Emmeline Apron coming along? If you're needing some inspiration, you may want to check out this new release - A Is For Apron (it looks incredibly fun). If a book's not your thing, how about entering this contest where you could win an adorable apron. [link via Apron A Day]

Have a crafty home decor project that you'd like to share? Upload your video to Threadbanger and you might win your very own Pink Toolkit from Bust magazine. For more details on this contest, be sure to check out this blog entry.

Always wanted to know where to find existing quilting fabric manufacturer? Annie's Quilting Stash not only has them listed for you, but has devoted part of her podcast to the subject. [link via True Up]

Not only does Burda have up a new member generated pattern, but they've put up a survey for you to complete - 3 people will be drawn at random to win $50 just by answering a few questions!

Just in time for summer - a video tutorial on how to make your own flip flops.

Win yourself a copy of Vickie Howell's new book, Knit Aid, just by Knit Aid: A Learn It, Fix It, Finish It Guide for Knitters on the Go.

If you've always wanted to have your original knitted or crocheted projects published, here's your chance. Lark books is looking for fun, colorful and wacky projects for an upcoming book (they are also looking for one-of-a-kind envelopes as well). The deadline for these projects is the end of the month, so don't delay! All the details can be found on this Whip Up post.

The winners of the 2nd Annual Softie Awards have been announced!

More potential projects for Mother's Day - this cute make up bag (I love the fun bright fabrics that she used on this project)! [link via Innovative Sewing]

If you know someone who's new to sewing, be sure to pass along this great tutorial on everything from selecting a pattern to how to read it.

A month ago today, I posted an entry about the future of Project Runway and it's move to the Lifetime television network. Now it appears that the changes continue - this time with the shooting local. According to this article, filming will no longer take place in NY, but Los Angeles so that Heidi Klum will be able to stay close to her family. What's going to happen to Parsons, Mood, and that great NYC vibe?

If you haven't checked out the flickr pool for the Amy Butler Sophia Carry-All Sew Along, then you haven't seen all the fantastic bags that are were created for this contest. Consequently, Kris and I had the hardest time deciding who should be the winner - instead of selecting 'the best' bag, we opted to put all the (completed bag) entry names together and do a random draw. And the winner is...... mschviuz2 (you can check out the lining of her bag here as well as the matching coin purse she made). Congratulations! And thanks to everyone for participating in our very first sew along - I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as Kris and I did and are having a good time using their new bags!

Don't forget this month we'll be making the Emmeline Apron. Since this project is reversible, I've decided to make it a 'theme' apron - one side "naughty" and the other side "nice". I've decided to use two Alexander Henry prints for mine: tattoo fabric ('naughty') in black and the reverse side ('nice'), Madison in plum. I'm tying it all together with red material for the straps and bow (now to purchase that red fabric). All the 'details' for this project are now up on the sidebar.

What are your plans for this apron project?

It took (almost) a week to complete, but not only have I created one cupcake pincushion from my Warm Fuzzies book, but 5 (I'm only showing four since my first one didn't turn out as nice as what I had hoped)! This was a relatively easy project to sew up - no sewing machine was required (lots of hand sewing and glue), but the results are fantastic. I did learn a few things along the way:

1) Stretch and roll your felt as you go - this gives you a tight roll and will give you an extra layer when you're finished.

2) Felt density really does make a difference - the heavier the felt, the harder it is to get a good roll going, especially if you're making a miniature version.

3) When sewing up your roll, make sure that all your materials are ready to go - your needle is threaded and knotted so you never have to let go of your project until it is sewn up... you may have disastrous results may occur (i.e. unrolling of all your hard work!).

4) Thanks to a tip from Amy M., I was able to find prepackaged felt balls at my local Hobby Lobby store!

Since I haven't been able to sew a lot lately, I've been making it up by doing lots of reading and surfing on the web. I've stumbled across of great tips and tutorials that I plan on keeping in mind for future projects and thought that I would share....

If you're thinking of sewing up a pattern that calls for an invisible zipper, here's two tutorials on how put put one in - one using an invisible zipper foot [link via Whip Up] and the other using a standard zipper foot.

A great tutorial on making the perfect mitered hem.

I rarely make welt pockets, mostly because they never turn out quite right. However, after reading Ann's tutorial on how she goes about making hers, I may have to find a pattern that will let me try this process out.

Have a hard time figuring out how to take your measurements? This picture tutorial from Sew, Mama, Sew will help you figure out how to take yours for the perfect pattern fit!

Tips for sewing with leather.

I've always wanted to learn how to drape - these videos might give me a good head start! [link via Craft]

Prom and formalwear season has arrived. If you've opted to buy instead of make your dress, here's a few tips on how to alter beaded clothing.

Solving the problem of how to cut slippery fabrics. [link via Craft]

Another method for making beautiful bound buttonholes.

Now that May is here, that means the close of the Sophia Carry-All Sew Along Contest. I am completely blown away by all the bags made in this sew along! Be sure to check out all the photos listed in the Flickr group - you're sure to get some inspiration by looking at these gorgeous creations! We'll be announcing the winner on Monday.

May also means the start of a new sew along contest - the reversible, Emmeline Apron. We'll be using the same Flickr group for this one, so if you signed up for the Sophia Carry-All, you don't need to join again. If you're new to our sew alongs just add us to your group listing before uploading your final apron photos. Completed project images need to be posted by midnight May 31 - prizes have yet to be determined, but it may involve some of Amy Butler's yummy new Midwest Modern line and possibly a pattern or two!

As for my own version of the apron, I'll be finishing up purchasing my fabric this weekend and will put up my fabrics on the sidebar over the weekend.

Voting has begun in the 2nd Annual Softie Awards - don't forget to pick your favorite!

If you've been thinking of creating your own softie, here's a few cuties that you can make yourself:

Silver Seams has a number of free patterns for a variety of different animals including hedgehogs, ferrets, wacky chickens, and a preview of her latest pattern - the snowshoe hare.

I love this robot toy! I can see myself making Easton one of these very soon. [link via Craft]

How to create the classic sock monkey. For a twist, try the red healed sock to make a sock elephant.

Don't forget to visit WeeWonderfuls where you can always find a ton of adorable patterns!

It's May 1 - which means if you haven't thought about what you'll be giving your mother this year it's time to start planning..... Mother's Day is only 11 days away! Here's some fun (free) projects to get you started:

For those who's mom loves to cook here's an adorable Quick and Easy tutorial half apron [link via the Apronista], a hand cut felt applique cover up [link via Craft], or this fantastic recycled denim overall that's been altered to make a full size apron. Don't have time to whip one up? Then try to win yourself this pink frilly apron and tea cozy.

CraftGossip has a number of links for projects that would be perfect for mom including pillows, napkins and makeup bags.

If your mom loves the outdoors, pack a picnic back full of goodies and include a few handmade oilcloth placemats. [link via Craft]

(Most) Moms appreciate homemade knits. Knitty has two new surprises up just in time to whip up for Mother's Day - this gorgeous cardigan and these cozy socks.

For the bag-o-haulic, Quilting Arts TV has a fun quilted bag (you'll need register with the site and look for #107) [link via Quality Time] and Japanese coin purse or try this pattern for a square bottom tote and cosmetic travel case.

It's hard to believe that a week ago I was in labor and delivered Easton! This has been one of the fastest weeks of my life - and such a fun (and sleepy) one too. We're all slowly settling into a 'routine' and I'm doing lots of mental plans for upcoming sewing projects (as for the cupcakes - I finished an unembellished 'mini' version last night). But for today, here's a few photos of our little guy:

Don't forget today is the last day for the Sophia Carry-All Sew Along Contest! Be sure to upload your photos of your new bag by midnight tonight for your chance to win this month's prize, Simply Stylish Bags: 18 Stunning Designs for All Occasions.

It may be caffeine-fueled enthusiasm (it's been a VERY long time since I've had 'real' coffee) or the fact that yesterday I had a lot of inspiration arrive in the mail (not only did my books arrive, but the felted sweater pieces I had ordered as well!), but today I am feeling a strong urge to make or create something! Now that I have some material to work with, I'm really leaning toward making at least one cupcake pincushion from Warm Fuzzies - the only thing I'm missing is that cute little felted ball that she sticks in the middle. I'm also hoping to squeeze in a bit of reading time - Easton and I already did a quick look through of The Big-Ass Book of Crafts - he seemed very excited over the Popsicle-Stick lamp shade and I earmarked (well, sticky noted) pages that would make great swap items!

I'm a bit behind reading some of my favorite sites - last I checked my poor feed reader had hundreds of posts for me to scan. So, it's not surprising that I have a ton of links to share with everyone! Here's some of my favorites in Part One of Links for the week:

With having a new baby in the house, I've been on the lookout for lots of baby related sewing tutorials and contests. Some of the most recent have been turning an old pair of jeans into a toddler's dungrees, free infant\toddler patterns from Marie Claire, a cute diaper wipe case tutorial, instructions for a fitted crib sheet, Monkey Foot Designs Wet Bag giveaway, and Michael Miller's baby bootie contest (free pattern included!).

There's a new pattern up at The Sewing Republic - these adorable Roller Coasters from Chickpea Sewing Studio.

Being a bag-o-haulic, it only makes sense that I would love these quick tutorials for a reversible copy-cat bag and turning an old t-shirt into a re-usable shopping bag.

How to make a patchwork chair.

First off, I want to thank everyone for all the well wishes, comments, and emails from the past few days - they are all very much appreciated! I'm slowly 'recovering' (I've found the 'hard and fast delivery' is definitely a strain on your body!) and we're all starting to get 'settled' in. So far, aside from all the gassiness (thank goodness for Mylicon!), Easton has been doing great.... let's hope it continues!

Don't forget there's still time to enter in Kris and I's April Sophia Carry-All Sew Along! So far we have 35 participants and some gorgeous looking bags. You might also want to start thinking ahead to May - this month we'll be making the Emmeline Apron (Kris has patterns available for those of you who need to purchase theirs)! We'll be starting this project May 1 and will end the contest May 31 - prizes have yet to be determined, but it may involve some of Amy Butler's yummy new Midwest Modern line and possibly a pattern or two!

Kris and I are both excited to start working on this project. I've even got a theme lined up for this one - "Naughty and Nice" (since the apron is reversible, you can see where this is going!). More to come on the apron fabrics next month!

Hi everyone! We're home and everyone is doing well! We're settling in (of course no sewing, although I'm growing a list of more burp cloths and blankets are definitely in order) and attempting to get used to a new routine. But I thought that I would first share one of Eastons first photos:

I'm working on a post for tomorrow with lots of links! In the mean time, I'd love to hear what everyone else is working on.

I don't know if it was Trudy's suggestion for a reflexology foot\ankle massage, the spicy Mexican I had for lunch, or the big storm we had last night, but at 8:09 p.m. Wednesday I delivered Easton James. Everything went so fast - I arrived at the hospital a little after 7, got 'checked in', attempted to get pain management, but ran out of time before I started feeling the urge to push.... 5 BIG pushes later, our son was born. He weighed in at 7lbs 9 oz. and was 19 1/2" long. We've taken lots of photos and will post them as soon as we get home.

All I can say is that it's been a long (but good) day - my appointment was at 9 this morning and I didn't make it home until almost 2! So, here's the latest from the doctor: I'm currently 3 cm dilated, 70% effaced - I called myself a walking time bomb ready to deliver at any moment! We also discovered that I'm not having a huge baby (according to the ultrasound he's probably 7lbs. 5 oz.), but have lots of amniotic fluid (as my doctor says, if my water breaks, I'll know it because it's going to gush and my stomach will deflate!). Now I feel like I should be sleeping on rubber sheets. LOL.

I had a biophysical profile done which looked good for the most part except we couldn't get him to move because he was sleeping. Consequently, I was sent to the hospital for a non-stress test - which he passed with flying colors so I was sent home. I have an induction scheduled for Monday, but I don't think I'll be making it.... I've been having lots of contractions this afternoon. Hopefully, things will continue to progress and we'll have a baby update within the next day!

Just a quick entry to let you all know, I'm still posting and sewing - in fact, the bodice of my McCall dress is finished. I have a doctor appointment this morning so I knew it would be awhile before I could put anything up otherwise. I promise to give everyone an 'official' update later on this afternoon of how the visit went, etc. along with some fun contest news from Kris and I.