Where Does the Time Go....

I'm not sure if it's because it's summer or if it's because life is just busy, but I haven't been able to post all the projects I've been wanting to.  Here's what I've been up to in a nutshell.  I'm hoping I'll get to do a full post on each of these at some point....

After many years, I finally decided it was time to upgrade our playroom/office.  Here's what it looked like before.

 Since the kids were born, we've been using a bookcase for toy storage, and it's not very efficient.  And the walls are boring and not very cleanable. 

 It's a work in progress, but so far I've moved everything out, painted, made a new curtain and finally added a coat of paint and new hardware to a desk I coerced my husband into picking up from the side of the road.  We still need to make a trip to IKEA to buy some storage furniture and a few shelves etc.  I have a few fun projects in mind that you'll be seeing soon.

 I also did a little redecorating on my back, something I've been wanting to do for a while now.  It's a big year for me.  Turning 35 and my baby starting kindergarten.  What better way to celebrate than with some symbolism. 

 I got a whole bunch of oilcloth dirt cheap at a local fabric warehouse and have pictures for a tutorial for this great little pouch.  Hopefully you'll be seeing that soon, along with a quick tute on making the zipper pulls and side labels. 

I was asked to test out some fun craft supplies which included some really fun fabric spray paint.  More on that soon.

And lastly, don't know if you saw my bathing suit tutorial on Prudent Baby, but whoah, what an honor!  In celebration, on Monday I'll post how to take the one piece suit to a two piece.  Much more practical for little ones who go potty frequently.  And definitely more modest than the teeny bikinis out there.  Just not my cup of tea for a 5 year old.  

See you back here on Monday.  

Have a great weekend!

Cloth Diapers

I did a craft fair a while back where someone suggested I start making cloth diapers.  She said "you'll make a killing".  I wasn't really interested in "making a killing" so I kind of filed that idea away.  I didn't use cloth diapers for my kids, so the concept has always been somewhat foreign to me. 

 In thinking about what kinds of classes might be interesting to teach at Beehive Sewing Studio, I revisited the idea. 

Oh my goodness, not only are these easy to make, but also adorable.  They came out so cute, I almost wish we weren't officially done having babies.....not really.

I made an "all in one" type diaper.  It has a 6 layer flannel soaker sewn in under the fleece lining.  I put a layer of PUL (that waterproof diaper fabric you can now buy at Joann) under the knit outer.  For the blue one, the fabric and cool graphic came from a re-purposed shirt.  Can't get more environmentally friendly than that!  There's also an additional 6 layer flannel soaker you can add inside.

So what do you think?  Since I have no experience with them, do you think making these would make a good class? 

I'd love to hear what you think.

Serged Fabric Napkins and Some News

First, the fun news.  There's a new sewing studio opening up nearby and I've been asked to teach a serger workshop.  Beehive Sewing is a cool new concept.  They provide all the tools you need, you bring the fabric and ideas and get to work. 

I get to play with this amazing Babylock serger, which is making my old Janome nervous that it may get replaced soon.  

Teaching on this machine almost feels like cheating since threading is unbelievably easy and switching between regular stitching and rolled hem is as easy as turning a knob and removing a needle.

I was looking for an easy project for the class that would have broad appeal.  My ideas generally relate to kids and babies, which might not appeal to everyone, so my super-smart sister suggested fabric napkins. 

 I sifted through my scrap bin and whipped up a couple.  I LOVE the way these turned out.  So simple, yet so beautiful and practical.  And really doable for a beginner. 

I'd love some suggestions.  What would you like to see in a beginner serger class?