Sweetheart Placemats Tutorial + Real Napkins

 Here's my latest "late, but at least I finished it", gift.

We had several weddings that we were invited to over Christmas...{I told you I was late}...and I finally got their gifts made and in the mail.  I thought a romantic evening at home would be more fun with pretty placemats and napkins, and this is the result.  Feel like making some too?

Ruffled Pillowcase Apron Tutorial

I actually designed this apron over a year ago...but wanted to make a few more before I wrote the instructions.  My how some things have changed...

and funny how I was wearing the same shirt!

A Pleated Pocket Mini Tutorial

I promised that I'd share how I made the pleated pocket in Dolly's Boxy Messenger Bag...so here it goes!

These are super simple, and give a nice big pocket for tucking treasures in.
Ready to try one?

Boxy Messenger Bag Tutorial

I debated whether or not to write this, but if I'm ever to climb back into regular creating/blogging etc...I've got to start somewhere!

I made Dolly's birthday messenger bag in a way a bit different from others you may have seen around.  You actually sew a fabric box.  This was important because of it's intended use...to house plush critters, dolls, and all their paraphernalia.  Want to make one for a kiddo in your life?  Here's the how-to.

DIY Sewing Box

I thought I'd share how I made the sewing box for Big Sis.  I actually made it last spring hoping to make it past the first week of One Month to Win it.  The theme was Mod Podge, and so this is what I made.  However, since I got kicked off the first week, I'd tucked it away until the day when Sis was ready to learn how to sew.

Now, knowing that I made this almost a year ago, please understand I am racking my brain trying to remember how I did all this just based on the photos!  :)

Valentine's Charms Tutorial + Template

I haven't sewn much since Christmas...house building and all.  But today (yes it was today) I wanted to make something lovey dovey.  Similar to the Love Where You Live Ornament, these little beauties are a combination of applique, embroidery, and scraps.  Would you believe these are made with used canning lids?

I thought these would look really fun hanging from a branch or in a shadowbox frame.  Maybe next year.  The best part is that if you sew much and ever home can, you probably everything you need to make these right now.  Want to whip some up for your family?

Wrapped Fabric Flower Tutorial

It's about time I shared a new tutorial, don't you think?  Last month we had a family wedding to attend, with the groom's family asked to wear something yellow.  I found some really pretty voile floral fabric (at WalMart of all places!), and thought it would make a fun accessory.  The result are these flowers, which make a great hair clip or brooch.

They are really simple to make...you don't even have to use a sewing machine, although it makes things quicker.  Ready to play along?  Grab your supplies...

Love Where You Live Ornament Tutorial

I'm so excited to share this ornament tutorial as part of Gwen's Haul Out The Holly party.





Each year we give our children Christmas ornaments, just as my parents did for me.  Because of this tradition, after we were married, Mr. Pickup and I had a box of ornaments to decorate our tree with. I wanted to give our children the same gift.  I don't always make the ornaments, but I try to if possible.

With all the moving we did this year, and some darling state related ideas I'd seen by KoJo Designs (via Little Miss Momma) and in this Sew Mama Sew post, I wanted to do something to commemorate the two places we lived in Idaho this year.

Ruffled Christmas Pillow Cover Tutorial

This is the project I didn't need to do...but really wanted to!

Since February, I've been making little decorative pillow covers that fit an 11" square pillow form.  I think I've now covered every season and some holidays, too.  Here they are in no particular order:

1. Ruffled Christmas Pillow
2. Easter Pillow
3. Winter Chenille (not blogged yet, sorry!)
4. Red, White and Blue Pillow
5. Valentines Pillow
6. Spring into Summer Pillow
7. Fall Pillow

Gryffindor Fleece Scarves + Tutorial

To wrap up my costume making this year, we made Gryffindor inspired scarves. I say "we" because my older children both helped to stitch them together.

They are pretty simple to make.  I'm sure there's a better way out there, but this is what my frazzled brain came up with.

Printed Fabric Patch Tutorial

For each Hogwarts student, a patch was affixed to designate the house they belonged to. I wanted to make a patch for my kids' costumes, and the easiest way I figured to do this was using my printer.

Hogwarts Robe Tutorial

Any student at Hogwarts must wear the requisite uniform. For my aspiring wizards and witch, I had to come up with something, quick. For my older kids, I modified the graduation robes we'd held onto from Mr. Pickup and I's college days. For my younger son, I realized my Banded Peasant Blouse Tutorial would be a great starting point.

Trick or Treat Bags + mini tutorial

Remember this post? I shared a couple of fun applique designs for making a Trick or Treat Bag based on my Easter Basket tutorial. I decided I should make a couple for my girls.

Egg Carton Witch Tutorial for the Kiddos

When my oldest daughter was in preschool, she made the cutest little witch.  Last year when my little boy was in homeschool preschool, we made my version of this craft.  I thought you all might like to make one with a little one in your life, so here's a quick tutorial and template.

Handmade Dress-Up Guest Spot

I am excited to contribute to Andrea's Handmade Dress-Up event over at Train to Crazy.

I love her focus on wearable sewing/crafts.  I also understand the train to crazy...we both have four children that are taking us there!

I'm sharing my tutorial  for making a fairy wand.  If you want some more great Halloween ideas...

How to Write a Tutorial

My sweet friend Sarah over at Modern Country Style asked me to write a tutorial on how to write a tutorial...a bit daunting, yes?  She's featuring my post over on her blog today.  Hop on over and check it out.

It took me a while to put my thoughts to html so to speak, so I'd love to know what you think.

The very necessary curtain + mini hemming tutorial

When we first moved into our rental, the only thing covering the front door window was half of a garbage bag. Classy.

I had to make a curtain...ASAP.

Beach-Inspired Cafe Curtain Tutorial

I'm still trying to find my groove...and figured this was a good time to repost my tutorial for making the cafe curtain in my old laundry room (it originally aired at The Country Chic Cottage Beach Bash).  I hope the new owners like it as much as I did.  :) Stay tuned for this month's Sewing 101 on Saturday.  It's a great one!  

Banded Peasant Blouse Tutorial, Part Two.

Are you ready to finish up your blouse?  I love how polished these blouses are.  I hope you're having fun.  There are so many different ways you can dress them up or embellish your top.  If you're just tuning in, pop over HERE for part one.

Banded Peasant Blouse Tutorial, Part One.

Well, this became a bit bigger than I planned on, so I'm breaking it into two parts!  I hope you'll find it helpful.  To begin, go HERE to download your pattern guide.  I relied heavily on indietute's peasant blouse as a base for this pattern.  Please be sure to visit Charity's blog.  She has some wonderful ideas.