Sew Craft Baby

Ruffled Canvas Totes

2011-05-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

I made these for teacher appreciation day. I love how the turned out, the pictures don't really show just how cute they are! Comes in sizes small (11x13), medium (14x17), and large (15x18).

Cloth Napkins

2011-03-07T13:00:00.000-08:00

I whipped these up the other day and forgot to share. We recently ran out of paper towls in our home and being the frugal type person that I am decided to invest in some cloth napkins.. however the ones I found locally are either ugly or overpriced! So I went to the local thrift store (we only have Walmart, boooo) and purchased some discounted quilters fabric for $2 a yard! (quilters fabric is so much softer than regular cotton). I made 6 cloth napkins out of 1 yard!

A Little Something Green- Ruffled Pillow

2011-03-07T12:23:00.001-08:00

Since St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner I thought it was due time to update those Valentine's Day pillows I had made a month ago. While I am not Irish (I am in fact British), I do appreciate the Saint who dedicated his life to serving those in Ireland during his time.

Jewelry Frame

2011-02-25T06:28:00.000-08:00

I saw this idea and was really excited about organizing some of my jewelry! I usually have knotted up necklaces or I can't find the other matching earing.. but here it's all sweet and simple and easy to find!

Here is a link to Centsational Girl who inspired me to make this, you can make one too!

Valentine's Day Pillow

2011-02-15T12:00:00.001-08:00

I saw this cute idea of creating an interchangeable pillow simply by changing out a sash for each season. So I found some pink ribbon and hot glued velcro to the back sides of the ribbon and cut out hearts out of felt, viola!

Fabric Rosette Necklaces

2010-12-03T11:56:00.000-08:00

I made these for my teenage child care givers... aka babysitters, but absolutely loath that word as they don't sit on babies and my children are no longer babies.. waaaa!!!!

Here is the link of where I got this idea and bonus! It's a tutorial! http://www.youcanmakethis.com/blog/880/frayed-rosette-bib-necklace-tutorial.html

Burlap & Rosette Christmas Wreath

2010-12-03T11:51:00.000-08:00

I was inspired by a few fellow bloggers that made up their holiday wreaths using all different types of materials.

{yes that's my daughter peeking through the door to see what I'm up to, and yes they did lock me out!}

Here's a few links to inspire you!

http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/blog/2010/11/25/handmade-project-vintage-ornament-wreath/

http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2010/11/great-ideas-holiday-wreaths.html

http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2010/11/little-project-to-do-this-weekend-make.html

Cream & Paisley Nursing Cover

2010-05-04T10:19:00.000-07:00

Love this cream with blue, green & tan paisley nursing cover, it's so cute!

With this one I had a fear of the cream being too "light" or see-through, so I backed it with cream muslin. It does make it a heavier nursing cover but still adorable and fun while maintaining the point of wearing a nursing cover - privacy!

Sedena Nursing Cover & Tote

2010-04-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

From the Brothers and Sisters Collection -Sedena fabric in bright dots on chocolate brown background. I love this nursing cover & tote for how fun and spunky it is!

Brown & Blue Paisley Tote & Nursing Cover

2010-04-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a tote for a nursing cover. My good friend just had her second child and really wanted a nursing cover. She picked out her fabric and bought 1/2 a yard more than I needed. So I told her I would come up with something to go with it. Well I found this free tutorial for a tote that I found really cute, but a lot of extra work! Phew!

I did have to adjust the pattern to fit what I had leftover for fabric and then I also had to buy coordinating fabric for the liner. I really love the look of the tote and hope to make more.. but I just don't think for the work and extra cost it is worth it to sell as a set unless requested that way.

Cost $18-25 (depending on cost of fabric)

Pillow Slipcovers

2010-04-07T08:11:00.000-07:00

I wanted to give my bedroom pillows something new, and other than replacing the ones I have I just thought I would make new slipcovers for them! I have had this fear of zippers for the longest time, till I found the tutorial for making a wristlet & it had perfect instructions!

I could have gone all fancy with making pillows that have ruffles and lace, but I think my husband would have thought it was too femnine, so I choose to keep it simple. I bought a cotton fabric in a light green damask pattern & two invisible zippers. It took all of one hour to complete both pillow slipcovers & they turned out just perfect for what I was wanting... but I do want to add more pillows.. I don't think there's anything wrong with that!?!

Here is a link showing you step by step instructions on how to make a Throw Pillow Case Cover.

Butterfly Wristlet

2010-03-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

My Grandmother's birthday is coming up and I really wanted to sew something for her. I debated between sewing up an apron, a fun bag, cosmetic bag, a tea cozy... but then I found this tutorial and thought it would be perfect since it's something everyone could find use for and love!

Thanks Javajem for the tutorial, it's the best one I've ever followed, it even helped my understanding with adding zippers (before I've always been "ahhh I'm not doing it right!?!?!")!

I haven't sewn anything in 2 months, I'm so happy to have been able to have made something finally!! To me it's très magnifique!

Flirty Ruffled Apron

2010-01-05T19:28:00.000-08:00

I made this apron for a good friend as a Christmas present. She loves to bake & cook in the kitchen and I wanted to add a little fun/flirtyness to her good cooking. Guess what? She loved it! Who wouldn't!

You can see a close up of the machine embroidery done here :) I also added this to the ends of the ties.

Tooth Fairy Pillow & Hot Pads

2009-12-09T14:15:00.000-08:00

Since the weather has us stuck inside and not much to do.. I became bored and decided to be productive in creative ways..

The tooth fairy pillow has a little pocket to put some money or toothes [tooth-ez] (that's how my daughter says it!)

I needed some new hot pads anyways, plus these are a litle festive without being really festive.

Boy PJ's with Applique'

2009-11-27T13:03:00.000-08:00

I have had this flannel since last year. I was planning to make a blanket with it, but never did. So I made some Pj pants for Ethan and then bought a white t-shirt & appliqued a truck pattern using the leftover flannel fabric.

Cars Quilt

2009-11-27T12:53:00.000-08:00

This is for a good friends' son who just turned ONE! They are really into the Cars theme and so voila'! Cotton fabrics on the front, backed with minky fabric I put this baby quilt together & used satin binding.

Buttercup Bag & Cosmetic Bag

2009-11-06T20:00:00.000-08:00

If you are still following along with me *I am still here*, I've just been in a sewing rut. Well, a little project has completely broken that free and now I am hooked again!

Here are two peices I have just completed. One is the Buttercup Bag from Made by Rae, love this bag! It took me a trial bag to get it just right, I will be working on that first one to fix what went wrong and will repost later. But for now~~~ Taa daa~~~

The other is just a cosmetic type bag that I have been promising someone for quite some time now. I hated {HATED} the pattern I originally had and gave up on it. So this was the result which took away hours of painstaking annoyance from the last one. I threw in some fun sea mist green liner to add some WOW to it! I am debating about cutting the tabs off.. they stick out rather than fall down, which is due to making the tabs too thick! or perhaps I will just let the reciever decide to cut them off or not.. hmm..

Pillow Sham

2009-11-01T20:23:00.000-08:00

I have been working on redecorating Caity's room. Nothing big and fancy, just a little here and a little there. I started with purchasing a comforter; one that was suitable for her age but also something she could grow into, not an easy task when all she wants is Princess. However, Walmart has a new line of Princess inspired bedding decor. The comforter has a quilt look without the quilting and has just enough blocks to make it little girl princess like, but not too much. You can see what we picked HERE. It's also reversible, showing a bright pink and hot pink damask, very nice. I was a bit mixed about this comforter, as it's from Walmart.. not the best quality, but I also figure that IF it lasts more than 2 years that's good enough. Plus Caity wouldn't let me remove it..

So now onto the reason why I am posting in the first place.. I made a sham to go with the new colors. Nothing fancy, just a simple pink & white polka dotted sham. It really adds to her room though & she loves it! I got this pattern from HERE.

Ariel Dress

2009-08-14T07:57:00.001-07:00

This was one of those pre-made dresses where all you have to do is sew up the sides and add straps if wanted. I had some unused lace edging leftover and used that up for the straps. Caity loves it of course and it only took me 10 minutes to measure and sew. Plus the fabric was on sale!

Sewing Tips and Information

2009-07-16T02:34:00.000-07:00

There is so much information on the internet now and I am personally so thankful for all the people who have been willing to share their knowledge. I have recently come across someone who wasn't willing to share any information, probably because she didn't think it would benefit her (that's my guess), but by not helping me out it has made me aware to not trust or go through this person again.

Most of what I have learned is through the YouTube videos, or countless other tutorials online. Sometimes if I have a question and I'm in Joann's or Hobby Lobby I have been able to ask the ladies a question and get a really great answer.. not always mind you! Some women just don't like to share! Since I like to share I thought I would share a few simple tips and techniques that I have learned over the past 6 months.

French Seams- it's sewing WRONG sides together and then RIGHT sides. Why use it? Because you will get a cleaner inside seam and it will be stronger! Forget about serging try a french seam instead.

Sewing Vinyl- use the paper wrap that comes with it so it does get stuck in the feed. If it didn't come with the paper, then use tissue paper. Just cut it to the size of what you are sewing and cover both sides of the vinyl, then when your project is done tear the tissue paper off and voila!

Do you iron? I didn't at first, but it makes a BIG difference! Ironing and using premium starch can make all the difference in making a project look more proffessional like.

Iron on Vinyl- it exists, but it's not all that great. I used it for a project and got the job done fine but there were some problems. First of all, I had to turn the project inside and out a lot in order to get all the linings and pockets etc into it.. that caused the vinyl to "break", it looked aweful! Thankfully you can just iron those spots out, but it was a very tiring project.

That's about it for now. I know I learned a lot more, but can't think of anymore at this point. I will more than likely just write up several different "tips and information" when needed or can be done. If you have any questions I am always willing to try my best to answer, if I don't know I will tell you and try to find the information somewhere else. Thanks!

Nightgown for Caity

2009-07-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

Made this one a bit too big for her... she's really much too small for her age! Cute though!

You can have one for your little princess for $15-18, depending on size. Made of stretchy cotton, machine wash warm and dry like colors.

Baby "on the go" Set

2009-07-04T20:22:00.000-07:00

Another awesome request made for a friend. I love that! It's a complete set; Diaper bag, changing pad and nursing cover!

Diaper Bag 17x10" ($35)
Nursing Cover 24x36" ($18)
Changing Pad 24x15" ($7)

All machine wash cool, gentle cycle. Line dry or low heat. Please remove bottom liner to diaper bag, this is not washable!

The diaper bag even comes with a hard bottom that you can take out to wash your bag safely. (hard bottom is NOT washable) Closes with velcro, (this can be changed to person's needs, say instead a zipper) at the top. Lots of pockets all around, including two pockets inside of bag.

I have also updated my nursing covers so they no longer have the elastic, it is now adjustable! Includes a corner piece of flannel for wiping milk off mouth or where needed. Still comes with the boning to view down at baby while nursing.

Changing pad made of cotton, padding, and soft flannel.

Nebraska Messenger Bag for Father's Day

2009-06-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

This was a requested Father's Day gift for a friend of mine. I laminated the Nebraska fabric to make it water resistant for protection plus with 5 layers of fabric and padding this messenger bag should be good to go for any amount of hard carrying. Includes a zippered pocket and a patch pocket. Closes with a large flap and velcro closures. This project wasn't as easy as my first tote I made. I had much research and playing around, then reworking the pattern to get what I felt was right for the job. I hope that the receiver really appreciates their messenger bag!

Size 15"x14"x5" Price.. TBD cost was over $35....

Abby Dress

2009-06-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

I call this the Abby dress because I made it for one of the babies I watch, her name is Abby. She turns 1 this Monday. So Happy 1st Birthday Abby, this dress is for you.

It's a size 24 months. Made with a light weight floral fabric for summer days. Matching bloomers gives this dress extra appeal to hide those white diapers. If you would like one similar please email me.

Prices change due to custom sizing, average $25.

Fancy Nightgowns for a Princess

2009-06-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

I have made two nightgowns for a little girl that has been waiting patiently for me to get back from England... well my dear I am done and I hope you enjoy them!

Tinker Bell and Princess material are satin. Sizes 5/6. Cost is $25

Can be machine washed on gentle, but preferably hand wash to keep life. Line dry only!

Going on Vacation! 20% Coupon!

2009-05-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

Did I tell you all that I am going on vacation???? NO?? WHAT? I didn't???? That's because I didn't think it could really happen! Yep, even though my REALLY, REALLY good friend bought us tickets to England, I guess somewhere deep in my heart I didn't think it was going to happen... well guess what... IT IS!!! And I am officially freaking out! Seriously, you would think that I would be eternally grateful and thankful (which I AM!), but I am also really nervous about flying, leaving the kids, being out of my comfort zone for 10 days. I mean I don't usually leave the house on even a daily basis.. yeah I know that sounds lame.. but I have two small children and I have a small daycare with babies.. so.. it's not always easy for me to get out! So here I am trying to find ways to calm myself down and lean on the comfort that I know God is in complete control and I don't need to be worried.. but it's still hard.

I do have some good news to pass onto you all! Since I am going on vacation I have decided to put what's left on Laine's Babies up for a SALE! Yes, that's right, you can receive 20% off anything that I currently have for sale on my ecrater store site. Just go there and buy what you want using the VACA20 coupon code! You won't be disappointed I'm sure! Thanks to all of you!
This sale ends 5/22/09

Butterfly Travel Changing Pad/Case

2009-04-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

While the children were sleeping I managed to make a new changing pad, a girly one!

Whimsical butterflies cover the front and a blue floral pattern for the inside. Lightly padded for soft little bottoms. Closes with a discreet velcro closure, just roll up diapers and wipes and away you go!

Measures 24x14. Price $18.

NEW LOGO!!! CHECK IT OUT!!

2009-04-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

Created by Destri Andorf, my very talented, completely awesome friend, gave me exactly what I wanted and MORE! Go check her out for your logo or website needs! She will NOT let you down, I promise!

Winnie the Pooh Blanket

2009-04-24T19:51:00.000-07:00

Classic Winnie the Pooh blanket with the "a day in the park" theme. Muted colors brings this back to when Pooh Bear was still with Christopher Robin!

Back side is navy with nautical stars. Binding in navy as well.

100% Cotton. Measures 33x42.

Ames Spring Fair

2009-04-22T05:37:00.000-07:00

I will be there!

Boys Reversible Apron

2009-04-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

Yes!!! Boys do like to cook/bake/grill, just ask my husband and son! Actually, did you know that a little help in the kitchen from your kids can teach them math, science, social skills, and so much more! Check this site out for more information: http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/kids-learn-while-cooking.html

Otherwise take a look at the new apron I have designed specifically for boys in mind. AND it's reversible! Created to be durable for the excitable little chef; double layers of fabric and triple stitched in those "pull" areas! One side is blue gingham with complementing pocket. Other side is blue, brown, & white strips also with complementing pocket!

Made to fit any size from 3-7, I would even go as far to say that my 2 year old could wear this. Cost is $18. (Single sided would be $13)

Diaper Traveling Case/Pad

2009-04-18T13:16:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Destri, I made a travel changing pad. Frogs fabric was picked out by my son! Can hold a number of diapers and a small case of wipes, just fold it up and you're set to go!

Cotton on the outside, fleece between vinyl for extra padding and color. Closes with a snappy elastic button closure. The vinyl lines the inside for easy cleaning, just wipe it up! Can be hand washed, but best just wiped when needed.

Measures 22" x 18.5" Price $15.

Chocolate Cupcake Apron

2009-04-17T18:43:00.000-07:00

I've been working on this little apron over the past few days and I'm really pleased with the turnout. Brown and pink dots, cherry covered cupcakes, and pink stripes makes this apron irresistibly adorable.. who wouldn't want to bake wearing this!

This one is fit for little girls sizes 4-7. Price $15. Matching mothers apron to come!

Ladies Private Wallet

2009-04-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

That's right girls, if you have your monthly visitor this is a handy wallet to keep on hand. Secretly keeps tampons and pads tucked away. No more digging at the bottom of your purse! Holds 4 tampons, and several pads, wrap it up and loop it closed with matching ribbon. Extra little pockets for sanitizer, lotion, wipes, anything you want!

Cost $15. Feel free to request your wallet fabrics, can be customized for anyone!

Headband to Match

2009-04-10T08:32:00.001-07:00

So I had a little bit of left over fabric and decided that a head band would be perfect for it. Super cute, huh!? Has elastic for stretch. Not too wide front perfect for smaller heads!

Cost for one would be $2.50

Pink & Orange Knot Dress

2009-04-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

Custom made for a little girl 18 months old, it's one a kind - can't be reproduced knot dress. Made with large orange and pink flowers, hot pink strips and a bright orange top. These dresses are great for growing into and wearing alone or matched with a shirt underneath.

Want one for your little girl? This little dress will run $25-35. (Price of fabric & size makes a big difference!)

Blue Tutu, PolkaDotted Ribbon

2009-02-17T20:27:00.000-08:00

3 Yards of Blue and White Tulle, One big Blue and White Polka Dotted Ribbon.. :D

Hot Pink & Green Tutu w/ Ribbon

2009-02-15T12:29:00.000-08:00

And another... Made to fit 4T+, ties with a matching ribbon that is reversible, hot pink with lime green dots or lime green with hot pink dots. Over 2 1/2 yards of tulle, this one is full and fun!

Purple/Green Tutu with Pink Bows

2009-02-14T12:51:00.001-08:00

Here's another cute tutu. Made with shiny purple and green tulle and added pink bows. Measures 6" in length for a shorter version. Fits sizes 4T+.

Purple Tutu with Hot Pink Ribbon

2009-02-13T11:29:00.001-08:00

Here's my 2nd tutu made with 2 yards of purple tulle, over 17 feet of hot pink ribbon. Made to fit any princess 5T or bigger.

Tutu For my Princess

2009-02-10T21:05:00.000-08:00

4 Yards of Pink and Black tulle + 40 Jeweled Flowers = a burned thumb... how sad for me.. but how happy for Caity Boo! I hope she LOVES this!

Tinker Bell Purse

2009-01-23T21:27:00.000-08:00

I haven't made anything "new" in a while so I was really pleased to be challenged with this one. It is fully lined, single 2" strap, ribbon detail and a large button closure. Measures 10 1/2" wide by 6" long. Selling for $25.

Taggie Blanket

2008-12-16T19:53:00.000-08:00

Another wonderful request! I was asked if I could make taggie toys.. I had never heard of such a thing, did my research and attempted an elephant ( I won't traumatize you with what I first came up with!) Then I made this sweet cuddly blanket. Isn't it cute?!
It is made of flannel on both sides. Front side being a blue and white checkered/gingham with ABC embroidery. The back is white with little blue flowers. There are a total of 15 ribbons in a variety of color and designs. Total size is 17x17". Ribbon has been triple stitched.

To be honest, I am suprised I had never heard of this before, it's simple adorable.. and babies love the little ribbons to chew on and play with, I think I might make one for my day care baby as a Christmas gift!

Princess Set

2008-12-16T19:49:00.000-08:00

Someone found me and requested a whole princess set. I was so excited to work on this one because again it included items I hadn't tried before!
Here you can see I made a Princess Chef Hat, Princess Oven Mit (even my hand fits inside!), Princess Tea Towel, and of course the lovely Princess Apron (I did end up adding the ruffle, makes a nice extra touch!)
My daughter kept eyeing this set and was convinced it was for her! Poor dear.. I will have to be sure I make her something soon.... Oh I did already.. I will post that soon!

Blessings!

A Quilt is a Quilt?

2008-12-16T19:42:00.000-08:00

My friend Julie gave me a project or two and I was at first a bit stumped about what to do with this one, however as it turns out it was another chance to push myself.
I have made a number of "baby" blankets, smaller and easy to handle. I have even attempted to quilt a smaller blanket before, however nothing compared to this. It is not quite a full, but certainly bigger than a twin. It took me over 6 hours to complete, which as a quilt would really be nothing I suppose. However I am not an expert quilter and I didn't know how I could "quilt" the inside.. so I attempted to do enough that would keep it together, and you know what! I think it turned out great! I hope and pray that the receiver does too! I was even able to make a pillow case for it as well!

Giveaway going on at Fontanfam.com

2008-12-11T19:20:00.001-08:00

Did you know I had another site, it's my personal site... so don't be offended by what I really am like!
There is a Giveaway going on over there right now! So hurry up and leave your comments to enter in for a chance to win! www.fontanfam.com

From me to you!

Baby Hat- Chicago Bears

2008-12-07T12:14:00.000-08:00

Remember I told ya'll that I made a car seat cover for my friend? Well since I had some left over fabric I made her wee one a little hat!
Nevermind my silly bear, isn't the hat adorable! And it's made with fleece, so you know his little head will be toasty warm!

Girls Aprons x3

2008-12-06T19:12:00.000-08:00

I received an email request for coordinating aprons for 3 girls, two are twins. I was very excited about the order, she didn't have a special theme she was asking for and just wanted to make sure it was pink and purple (the girls favorite colors). It took me a while to find fabric that I liked, that wasn't just princess themed. I finally found something and this is what I did to combine all the fabrics, but making each unique and their own. Oh gosh I hope that they like them!

Car Seat Covers

2008-12-01T18:35:00.000-08:00

I made a super cute car seat cover for my girlfriend Amy. She's just had a precious little boy and was looking for one with the face flap, which they couldn't find. So I offered to make her one. Let me just tell you that I was unprepared with what I was doing! I had no idea what the measurements would be and nothing to compare it to... for some reason I sold my infant car seat (why?)! So I called her up and asked her for the measurements, lenth and width of the car seat. Then I bought her husbands favorite sports team (Chicago Bears), fleece material and managed to put one together. My biggest fear was that I made it too small. I prayed and prayed that it would fit, (cause let me be honest, I hate making mistakes!) and guess what? To my complete surprise and excitement it fit! I wished I had a camera, but I didn't.. and so low and behold I am just using someone else's picture of their store bought car seat cover.

So if you are looking for something to cover your baby up with on those cold trips to the store or Grandma's house, ask me to special make you a car seat cover, cost is roughly $25.

And since I have some left over material I plan to make cute little hats for her boys, (hubby and sons!)

Etsy

2008-12-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

Did you know I was on Etsy as well? Yep, so if you have an account go take a look... I think you can view even if you're not a member!

www.LainesBabies.etsy.com

Dress

2008-11-30T06:45:00.000-08:00

I have made Caitlyn a nighty before, so I thought I would try and make a dress she could wear publicly. This tested my sewing skills and turned out great! I made it a bit big for her, hoping she won't outgrow it too soon.

Business Cards!

2008-11-25T20:20:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am super excited over business cards.. I realize how lame that is, but still! What's great about it is that I go them for 80% off! Plus the upgrade of glossy finish for FREE! Yeah! Thanks Destri for telling me all about Vista Print! I also got free mail labels, but they haven't arrived yet and well it's just not as cool as business cards! Next time you order from me be expecting to receive one of my cool classy cards as well!

Green and Purple Polka-Dot Apron

2008-11-25T18:50:00.000-08:00

My friend Kristy asked for some aprons for her girls (she has 3, one of which is 6 months old). A would like to have a princess apron, perfect! M likes green! Not a typical color for a girl, but she has been close to this particular color since she was a wee one. I happen to really like it and was fortunate to have made a blanket for the newborn in green! Go Elaine! haha!

So I found this cute fabric at ... and decided it was perfect for M's apron. However, I have done something wrong with my apron design to where I realized after cutting it that I had once again made it too short and too wide!!! Duh, should have just turned it around.. but no, not me! Instead I have been coming up with new ways to make it different and lengthen the little mess. As you can see I added a ruffle with coordinating colors.

On top of that I decided to venture into figuring out how to make my fake Monograms! hahaha, (thanks Destri!) So I printed out their initials, cut it up (which took about an hour EACH!) and ironed it on. Looks nice, but I don't think I will do that part again! Way too much work for a pair of tired eyes. Regardless, I really like the turn out of M's apron and I hope she will too!

Princess Blanket and Apron redone

2008-11-22T20:36:00.001-08:00

I had a request from a friend of mine. She asked me to make her a Princess blanket and Princess apron. I set out to find the perfect combination of the two and I believe she will NOT be disappointed!
Take a look at the Princess Blanket: It has all the famous princess' in their own little blocks. The backing is a soft purple fleece, perfect for those cold nights!
Matching Princess apron, which I remade from my original design.
It was the ruffle that made this task a challenge and triumph! I had tried to make a ruffle before but my thread broke as I tried pulling it through all 310 inches of fabric! This time I succeeded and it came out beautifully! So, as I was saying about the apron... I added the ruffle to it and voila, it's cute huh?!

Blanket measures 35x45 and apron fits 5/6T.

Ladies Winter Event Update

2008-11-20T19:36:00.001-08:00

The Ladies Winter Event went ok. I was a bit surprised to see, oh wait, I mean didn't see as many people as I'd been hoping and praying for. But alas, it's ok and we are only just getting started.

We certainly had more ladies coming in this time around and I was able to make a couple sales (woo hoo)! I'd have to say that my favorite part of the event was hanging out with my vendor mommy friends and seeing their displays. They do such wonderful work and God bless their hearts for everything they do and work hard for.

I was even suprised to be visited by two wonderful ladies that I had invited, one being my 2nd cousin and the other an old girlfriend of whom I usually only get to see once a year (yeah, that stinks!). It was so good to see them and watch them shop around.

I have to say a special thanks to the ladies that attended, I'm glad you're a part of this small event and I believe that each time we do it we will be rewarded. Thanks for being there and I hope and pray for your families to be blessed by it.

Blessings, Elaine

Tinker Bell Travel Pillows

2008-11-20T19:02:00.000-08:00

I found this fabric with Tinker Bell design in the scraps area of my local fabric shop. When I say scraps, I don't mean that they were a bunch of cut up pieces thrown aside, noooo, it was as if someone had it cut and then decided against it. Since it was adorable and they took 30% off the original price I bought it without knowing what to do with it.

The Tinker Bell fabric sat in my lovely pile of fabrics for a few weeks when it finally came to me to make cute children's pillows out of it. It's perfect for a pillow and I just happened to have matching fleece fabric for backing! I only had to pick up stuffing and bias tape for the border, purple! And look isn't it adorable! This pillow is by far my most popular item, too bad I only have 6 left, I might have to keep one for Caity!

I gave one to a friend for a review... you should read it and see her beautiful daughter! Visit Jody and take a look around while you're there, she even has a wonderful food site and travel site!

Ladies Winter Event

2008-11-16T07:37:00.000-08:00

This coming Monday, November 17th, marks the first public appearance for Laine's Babies. I am really excited and am hopefull for a good showing.

Last Spring I held a "Spring Event" for all my mommy vendor friends. It was a way for me to be helpful in gaining them some exposure and new clients. I have to admit, unfortunately, it didn't turn out quite as wonderful as I had hoped. None the less, I think they did gain a couple clients and I learned not to book such an event on a busy weekend such as VEISHA.

This time around I have carefully advertised our event through free local newspapers, flyers, online communities, word of mouth and community event calendars. I am hoping it pays off.

I have managed to put together a number of items for sale. My fear is that either no one will buy anything or I will have sold out of what little I have, so I am praying for the later. There is a huge time crunch to get everything together within 1/2 hour. This means I have to:

set up tables and chairs
set up my display
set out the road sign and balloons
set up the Christmas tree and decorations
get the beverages made up
run the Christmas DVD for the kids
figure out how to prop open the heavy doors!
help everyone else with their luggage?

Well all I can say is that before I wrote this I was calm... now I am a bit anxious, I wish I had Superman to help me out!

If you're in the area, drop in for a chance to win some awesome door prizes!

Chef Hat

2008-11-15T21:25:00.000-08:00

It's late and I've been working on this hat for a couple hours now... it's not as easy as I'd thought it would be, but I did it!!! I have to admit I am quite proud that I managed to do something so different without too much fuss.
My model (Caitlyn) is fast asleep, so I borrowed her dolly (Rosie). The Chef Hat is made to fit children, measuring 22" circumference with 3 inch elastic in back. FUN!

My model LOVES it! :)

Square 1,2,3,4 Blanket

2008-11-15T20:34:00.000-08:00

I have been dwelling on this project for a week now... growing frustrated, putting it away, glimpses of hope, then "no that won't work"... and finally I laid it all out and came up with this one. CUTE huh?!
Front has complementing colors with cotton circles and fleece strips. The main attraction has to be the 1,2,3,4 squares that hold little chickies, lambs, bunnies and teddy bears. It's backing is light green fleece. Simply adorable and warm. Measures 36x36.

Country Flower Nursing Cover

2008-11-15T20:30:00.000-08:00

I have been extra busy this week and have been waiting to work on this one for a few weeks now. I had some mishaps.. resulting in a lost project.. so this gave me the opportunity to do something I KNEW how to do, plus it was already pre-cut! And look it turned out great, resulting to gaining my confidence back!

Laine's Babies, who are we?

2008-11-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

Laine's Babies was created by Elaine, a mother of two young children and wife to Michael (aka Superman). We live in Ames Iowa, a small college town that grows quiet during the summers.

Q. What's in the name 'Laine's Babies'?
A. My parents called me Laine (pronounced Laynee) when I was a little girl, sort of brings back some caring memories. Now that I am a mother and have been blessed to have babies I realize that no matter their age they will always be my babies, plus I just happen to adore babies.

Q. Where did you first learn to sew?
A. I took a brief class in high school and made a small bag. It was really my step-mum who gave me a sewing machine along with loads of material and supplies. I have her to thank for getting me started. I didn't actually begin to sew much till I had more interest in sewing for friends. I began with the basic blanket and since I like a good challenge I kept it up.

Q. How did Laine's Babies come about?
A. I gained a friend from Iowamoms.net, she happened to be the one that said "you can do this," and I believed her! Along with a few other good friends and their encouragment, I took the plunge into creating a store first, which wasn't really the right place to start, but it was a start!

Q. What have you learned about selling online?
A. I think anytime you are starting out, you must realize that it's not easy. I have put more money and time into this than what I have gained so far. It takes time, patience, and prayer to keep going, plus it helps to have some good resources! Online isn't the best place to start, word of mouth is- by far!

Q. What do you enjoy the most to make?
A. Anything really. If I've made something more that once I am already trying to figure out how to change it up, to make it new. I enjoy the challenge of creating something from nothing. I am currently trying to make Caity a dress, I've made her a nighty before, but this is different as she will wear it publicly... so it has to be perfect!

Q. How to do balance your sewing and mothering?
A. For the most part I keep all my sewing for when the children are sleeping. When I have a deadline, I will use "quiet time" for catching up. My busiest time was preparing for the ladies event, that was horrible. I had to lock myself up for days trying to finalize items. I was so thankful once the event was over with so I could spend quality time with my children again.

If you'd like to ask Laine a question, please feel free to email her directly at esfontana@gmail.com

Thanks for stopping in, I hope you enjoy what you see, please feel free to leave a comment!