Mama Sew Simply

New images~!

2008-11-25T05:51:00.000-08:00

Here are some precious pictures my friend Emily Thurmond Photography took of the flower butt and toolbelt. Thank you to the little models and to my sweet friend for being patient with me!!

new business branch!!

2008-10-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

I have added an addition to Mama Sew Simply. I am appliqueing fabric onto onesies, making tutus, and making ribbon onesies as well. I will be selling at different craft fairs but please contact me for custom orders or to order any of the following items. Here is a list of my pricing: Tutu: $15, cupcake, $10, toolbelt $15, tie $10, christmas tree or tie $10, ribbon onesies $10, flower bottom $20, 1st birthday $10, headbands to match the tutu Free with Tutu purchase.

Emily Thurmond Photography

2008-10-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

My friend Emily at www.emilythurmondphotography.com photographed our friend Misty's baby girl in the 1st birthday outfit. This includes the "#1" onesie for $10, the hot pink tutu for $15 and the headband for FREE. A total of $25 for this adorable outfit, baby not included!

Tutus

2008-10-29T11:43:00.001-07:00

tutus are one size fits all and there is a color for every single girl onesie I sell. Each tutu has a matching headband for FREE (like in the 1st birthday picture). The tutus are $15 each.

ribbon onesies

2008-10-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

ribbon onesies: $10 sizes 0-12 mo

christmas onesies

2008-10-29T11:37:00.001-07:00

christmas onesies: $10 sizes 0-12mo (tutu not included but available for purchase)

girls cupcakes, flower butt, #1, and monogram letters

2008-10-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

cupcake and #1: $10 sizes 0-12mo
flower butt for 1st photos: $20 sizes preemie and 0-3 mo
monogram letter with ribbon on the bottom: $10 sizes 0-12mo any letters

boys onesies

2008-10-29T11:12:00.001-07:00

ties: $10 sizes 0-12mo
toolbelts: $15 sizes 0-12mo

new branch to the business

2008-10-29T10:57:00.001-07:00

1st post in a long time

2008-08-24T17:19:00.000-07:00

SO I haven't updated the blog lately but that doesn't mean i haven't been hard at work. I just finished a nursing cover for one of Luke's college friends, brown with pink polka dots and also two toddler duvet covers with a coordinating sham in that peter rabbit toile. They turned out really cute. This past weekend however was so fun. I started and finished this twin coverlet with cording, and pillows for my neighbors 3 year old daughter. So adorable. She found the fabric in Dallas and away I went. It all turned out perfect.

CUZ's

2008-03-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

I have two cousins that are both pregnant and due in April. They are sister and sister in law. so much fun. I got to make their baby bedding and forgot to take pics before I sent them off. I am sure they will send some but just in case it is a while before I get them I have included the fabric swatches.

Here is Marni's bedding. They don't know what they are having so she chose a black and white toile with a coordinating red cording and black and white toile. The gingham ribbon are the ties. so cute

Here is Keri's bedding (yes we have the same name!!) She is having a little girl named Allie Claire and she told me to just pick everything out. So here is what I thought would look good for the little one and her sister who is 7 and has a coordinating bedding as well. I can't wait to see what the room looks like all together.

My friend Emily's friend's Nursing cover

2008-03-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

Here is a nursing cover I made for my friend Emily's friend who had a birthday shortly after having a little girl. It is a greenish blue velvet damask print and a chocolate brown velvet trim and ties. It turned out super cute. I hope she nurses for a while because I am a huge fan although this morning my little guy bit me so hard with his huge 8 teeth at 8 months old!! AHHHH

sweet baby girl

2008-03-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

Here is a baby bed I did for my cousins co-worker/friend in California. Before I sent it off I had to make sure it would actually work and fit so I set it up in Matt's bed and took a few pics. She wanted them to be the flat bumpers with the same peter rabbit toile a the other bumper I did for Jessica. She liked the light pink silk for cording and soft minky chocolate brown for the ties. I heard yesterday she had her sweet baby girl just the other day!! CONGRATS!!

New bedding

2008-01-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

So, my mom will be the first to tell you that I am never satisfied with bedding. The minute I have one, I am on to the next, so she would say. So, maybe she is right. Luke and i traveled a lot lately and after we had stayed in hotels in Austin for weeks, I came home to believe that my bedding looked like a hotel room bedding. I hated it. So, this weekend I ventured out to make my own. I bought a coverlet from target, the brown velvet top and used a salmon colored top sheet to make an envelope for my two down comforters inside. For some terribly odd reason, Luke and I have not gotten too hot! We both can't figure it out, but it is really heavy and just surrounds you in bed love! So I used wooden buttons for the closing and a great fabric I found at Britax to cover the large pillows. I am so happy and part of me thinks I will be keeping this one for a while since it took some huge muscle power to put together.

Matthew's first stocking

2007-12-05T10:32:00.003-08:00

So while I was at Britex, I found this fabric that is my absolute favorite!! It is a french vintage toile of children playing. I was trying to figure out forever what the heck I could use it for and the other day I came to a wonderful conclusion. I decided to make Matthew's first stocking with it. I lined it with fleece, used the toile as the stocking following the pattern of the stockings Luke and I have and then topped it off with a red gingham. I kind of wish it were a little bigger but it works and although the toile isn't Christmas, it is perfect!

San Francisco

2007-12-05T10:32:00.002-08:00

There is a fabric store in San Fran that is unbelieveable. I have it under my favorits. It is called Britex and it is 4 floors of heaven! My mom went there to get fabric for her wedding dress many years ago. My mom, Matthew, and I went there and to high tea. Overall it was a really special day!

Thanksgiving Decorations

2007-12-05T10:32:00.001-08:00

So, my mom asked me to make her some decorations for Thanksgiving. I made her two fireplace runners out of silk taffeta and one has a floral embroidery on it. I also made her a silk table runner and 13 napkins. Yes, 13! I will never do that again. Talk about boring! Everything turned out great though for dinner. I wish I had gotten a picture of everything all put down. The china was gorgeous and it was a true testament to "Tutu" (grandma). It would have made her proud! This will forever be her holiday!!

Jessica's baby bedding

2007-12-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

Baby Madeline Elise is here!!! Here is the bumper I made her out of the vintage peter rabit toile.

Newest thing

2007-11-14T19:53:00.000-08:00

I started an Etsy shop check it out:

www.mamasewsimply.etsy.com

right now I am just selling some cards that are handmade (not by me) and some fabrics that I have a ton of. I haven't sold anything yet through the site but I have had a few people inquire about things. I have been getting a few fabrics here and there at wholesale distribution centers and will be making things with them soon. Right now I am consumed with making my mom some runners for Thanksgiving, my brother wants an amazing Duvet cover and some thow pllows, and I am working on an adorable stocking for Matthew's first Christmas. I will keep you updated but while Matthew sleeps that's what I am up to.

Jessica's bumper

2007-11-14T19:32:00.001-08:00

I just finished a bumper for my good friend Jessica who I know from Boston. She ordered bedding when Matthew was really little thinking there would be no way I could make her little girl's bedding, however, the bumper she got was really lame. It didn't quite fit although the colors were adorable. So, I made her new bumpers. They are this vintage peter rabit toile with a sage gingham cording and middle section. They have the soft bubble minky on the inside and a silky sage ribbon to attatch it. It fits great and really allows her to add more colors into her little girls room rather than just having sage and peach. From what she has said, she seems really happy. Here are the fabrics for now but I will add picture of the bumper when i get them from her.

My baby is 4 months old!!

2007-11-14T19:32:00.000-08:00

So, I am not all that good at keeping up with the whole blog thing, so I think that I am going to save up a few blog ideas and sit down and insert them all at once. Much like i am doing tonight. So, let me start with my adorable son. He just had his 4 month birthday and yes, I did sing to him.

He is such a good little reader, I am so proud of him.

Happy baby!!

"Circa 77"

2007-11-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

225 West Oak Street
Denton, TX

So, the kindest people at this vintage second hand store are the ones that led me to get a tax ID number. I am not crazy into second hand clothes but this sweet lady (the mother of the owner) will make you anything you want, out of any fabric, for dirt cheap. She makes adorable tube top dresses and shirts that you would see in Forever 21 but way better. Really, if you can think it up, she'll make it. Not only that, but I bought all this fabric and even a sewing smock for $20. What a find. I can't wait for someone to want a really bright and fun baby bedding or even a cute sewing smock like this one!!

Note: Emily R. this is your kind of place and she'll even make you those great skirts you like so much!

Old vintage fabric scraps

close up on my favorite one. I wish I could find more of this.

Sewing smock

Another fabric

2007-11-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

This fabric is truely my favorite!!! It is a gorgous toile fabric that is a soft velvet. It is light and dark teal and just pops. This retails for $11.00 a yard and is well worth it!!

Called "Horizon Blue" 45" printed velvet by 3 sisters

I STARTED A BUSINESS!!!!

2007-11-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

So, the other day I went and started a business. Yes, a business!! I love to make things and buy fabric and this whole hobby has gotten quite expensive. Soo, I decided to start a business out of it and I got a Tax ID number!! This way I can get fabrics at wholesale prices and make a little money off of the things I make. So, I think I am going to start out with baby bedding, selling fabric by the yard, and see what comes my way. I went to United Notions as my frist adventure and it is AWESOME!! I got the fabrics below so let me know if you want to purchase any of it or if you want something made from them. I can't wait for my selection to grow!!!

This fabric is by Moda called "Blossom Stripe" in Terra Cotta $8.50 a yard

This is "Blossom Wallpaper" by Moda as well in Terra cotta $8.50 a yard. Cordinating to the one above!

This is called "3 sisters favorites" by Moda for $8.50 a yard. This is some of my favorite shabby chic cotton fabric.

Also, called "3 sisters favorites" by Moda is a cordinating fabric to the one above.

This faboric is an awesome kitchen fabric with beautiful bright colors! It is by Moda home collection. It is retailing for $8.00 a yard. Gorgous!

so cute

2007-10-24T17:03:00.000-07:00

Luke is showing off the back of Matthew and I just couldn't resist adding it to the blog. I am just too impatient to figure out how to turn the image so please just turn your head instead. Thanks

Blanket pants!!!

2007-10-24T16:42:00.000-07:00

Today I set out to use my blanket fabric again. Emily was telling me this morning she wanted ot make Rev some little pants to I have to chart this one up to her great idea. Here is how it all unfolded...

This is my makeshift pattern with a pare of Matthew's favorite pants.

Then I basically sew 4 times and they are done. I did mess up at first and i made a pair but there wasn't room for his daiper. Go figure... so I remade them this time with plenty of room!
All done, soo cute on him, he loves them and they are so soft and roomy!!
Luke now wants a pair too!

watch out winter!!

2007-10-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

So, I have been looking everywhere for a fleece sweatshirt that is white with a really big neck yet fitted. And, I couldn't find it anywhere. So the other day I was at target and decided that for this winter I would make my own and make it cheap. So I bought two queen size fleece blankets. Then I took out of my closet three of my favorite sweaters and layed them down on the fleece , cutting and designing my new sweater around the old ones I like so much. It actually turned out. It is by no means professional but it is definately wearable and warm. The neck is chunky, the middle fitted, and the sleaves long and a little bigger on the bottom than the top. Maybe after this project, I should try making those shoes.... umm no way.

Homemade shoes???

2007-10-20T13:15:00.001-07:00

What the heck! I am in DSW buying shoes with Luke yesterday when I came across these. (He told me it was illegal to take pictures of the merchandise and I would be arrested, but I did it anyway) No joke the shoes were made out of a thin wool fabric, seam showing, and had the simpliest clasp. I kept thinking to myself, I could make these.... but then... I didn't want to subject myself to becoming a quaker. Making clothes is one thing, but shoes...?? I know that this sewing thing can go too far and when it comes to making my own shoes I pull in the reins. However, I am tempted to buy them and see if anyone asks if I made them, but imagine how much they would smell, being that they are wool, if they got wet. Yuck!

Bridal Shower

2007-10-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

Luke's mom was putting on a bridal shower for a girl at Longhorn, where Luke works, and I volunteered to help. It was really a lot of fun. I started by picking out fabrics that I tought would go with the copper table in the room. Then I magically made two table runners with borders all in about 3 hours. One was 4 feet long and the other for the buffet was two feet long. Joy ironed everthing (saving me from that aweful prep work) and I basically did a bunch of straight plain stitches. I was able to put some borders on them as well which help them tie into one another. The party turned out great the next day and was such a tribute to fall.

Happy Fall!!

2007-10-16T17:40:00.001-07:00

Heather Bailey

2007-10-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

I think Heather Bailey just might be my hero. She designs the most amazing fabrics for Free Spirit called Freshcut. She has an incredible website and I even used her fabric on the girl's baby bedding I made. Here is her free bity bootie pattern. i think I just might try making a pair for Matthew. (http://www.heatherbaileydesign.com/BittyBooties.pdf) She also has an incredible blog that has many amazing projects on it. It is http://www.heatherbailey.typepad.com/. Her sewing room makes me drool! It is truely a sight to behold and if I had a room liek that I might just have to sit in it and stare at everything all day rather than actually working on anything.I absolutely love the stuff she makes!!

"Findings"

2007-10-10T17:21:00.000-07:00

Oh My gosh!! Today I went to a tiny, hole in the wall, fabric store in Carmel called "Findings" and what a find it was. haha. It was incredible. She had the most amazing fabrics and more ribbon than I had ever seen in my whole life. Truely, if you can think of the ribbon you need for a poject, it is there. She even had some ribbon that was imported from France costing $50 a yard! I am not exagerating. I splerged and ended up buying this fabric and these ribbons. With some of the ribbon, I bought the tinest bit just to be able to look at it and maybe even pet it once in a while. The plaid is so soft and I hope to make a really cushy scarf with it one of these days. I'll let you know how it goes.

Nursing cover

2007-10-09T21:19:00.000-07:00

I made a cover for nursing the other day when on another business trip with Luke. (Luke claims that I am starting a sweat shop in all of these hotel rooms with the maid staff...I promise I am not hahaha) I absolutely love this fabric and the trim is a lace. I felt that I not only needed another one for nursing purposes but I also wanted a more girly one and this fabric is perfect!! I royally messed up though. While I was sewing along I was going so fast, like always, and ended up sewing together a whole bunch of the fabric without knowing it. After undoing all the stitches and fixing it, I can still see the small holes where the stitches had been. Stink!

Sweet Linley Jo

2007-10-09T21:10:00.000-07:00

Matthew's very good friend Linley Jo was in need of a new special baby bedding. I was so excited to find this out. I ran out with Elly, Linley's mommy and found some great fabric. I made this bedding with pillows all in one day. I had a blast and this is another example being sad when the project was over! The inside is so soft and the fabric goes perfectly with her big sister Maggie's bed (Those cute feet are hers). The bows on the pillows I made the girls come undone so they can practice tying their shoes. I love the butterflies and plaid ribbon on this bedding. I have the butterflies flying up on one side of the bumper and down on the other side. oops! There are so many little moving parts to keep track of and I think I was distracted by Mr. Matthew crying... he is such a great excuse to my many mistakes!

A baby girl...

2007-10-09T20:53:00.001-07:00

After making the baby bedding I was totally impressed with how it actually turned out and truely thought that the only thing I could make was baby beddings. I know that this may seem wierd but I loved the process so much that I thought my new life calling was to make baby beds. I wanted to make another one to see if I could do it again and thought I would make one for our "some day" little girl. Basically I was trying to justify making another one. So, I designed it around my baby blanket that I had when I was little and it has been on my bed ever since. The bedding turned out really sweet and goes really well with my baby blanket. In the end it was great practice and it really got me though my last few months of being pregnant and miserable. Thank God for sewing! I used fabrics from Bessie Mary for the bumpers, ribbon, and dupioni silk for the cording and skirt.

Matthew's baby bedding

2007-10-09T20:40:00.000-07:00

No joke, the next project I embarked on was Matthew's baby bedding. I knew I wanted it to be custom made and honestly didn't want to spend money to have it done. So I just made it up. Luke and i went for a week to Houston for his work, and I spent the entire week making a baby bedding from measurements of the crib that I took before I left, and no pattern to speak of. Just a huge imagination for what I wanted it to look like. I love how it turned out. A little modern, a little cowboy, and a lot of boy! I used a minky for the inside, a strip for the outside, leather for the skirt and cording, and finally a cowboy print for the sheet. Lets just say, don't look too closely !!

The worst part about it all was that I used stick on velcro and when I tried sewing the velcro onto the leather attachments I nearly broke my machine. It was horrible! My needle did eventually break and I replaced it with one that didn't stick to the fabric. Note: don't try to sew anything that is sticky!

1st things 1st

2007-10-08T19:39:00.000-07:00

For Christmas last year I got a sewing machine. My parents just thought I needed something to do since I was a "stay at home" pregnant lady and was bored out of my mind. I had always wanted to sew but never thought I could learn. I have an aunt who has sewn her whole life and is amazing. She has made so many adorable clothes and taught sewing and cooking to high school students for 35 years. WOW! Although I only see her once a year since she lives in Wisconsin I have always been intrigued with her abilities. So, christmas last year, we got together and she showed me all her sewing stuff and how to work the machine. I loved learning about it but she was nervous that she had given away the secret that I was getting a sewing machine for christmas. I however had no idea.

So christmas comes and I immediately begin. First I made a key. A key that had all the different stitches so I could see the different capabilities. I came home and bought fabric and my very first project was making these curtains. They were so simple. They have two straight stitches. The worst part was pre-washing the fabric and ironing it. Impatience and excitement just don't go together. All I wanted to do was start and begin creating, however, I had to do pre-work and do that carefully before beginning or it would never turn out. I still hate this to this day but I have learned some patience. The detail I pay attention to before I start will always show in the end. I know there is some important life lesson to this, I am just not sure I want to know it yet. I think the lesson in regards to fabric is overwhelming enough.

In the begining...

2007-10-08T18:01:00.001-07:00

I am a mama, I love to sew, and both are simply incredible! I have decided to embark on the journey of blogging as a way to share both loves. Thanks to many friends who blog as well, I admit, I have been sucked in. And yes, I will now say, I am one of "them". I am not sure yet where this will take me or take those who read this but I know God does mighty things through many forms of communication and I can not wait to see all that He will do through this process.

In terms of my baby boy, I love absolutely everything. He smiles all day, he is now laughing and sucking on his hand until he has hickeys all over it, and my heart melts to see him with his precious father. There is nothing better in life than seeing your baby boy with the man you love and adore. God is beyond gracious to allow me to see His love through them.

As for sewing, I love fabric! The smell, the colors, the textures, I love it all. Sewing has brought me so much joy to be able to retreat, create, and combine in an artistic manner. I work quickly and I am always bumbed when the project is over. I got a sewing machine last christmas and I had never touched one before that. So, in many ways I am sharing with you what I learn as well as all that I don't know yet. I make many mistakes but hopefully I never make the same one twice.

This is my journey of learning how to sew, and learning how to be a mama.