tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27123114983064617652024-03-05T10:53:02.572-08:00EmmmyLizzzyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-10325948495442089112014-02-20T14:00:00.003-08:002014-02-20T14:00:59.387-08:00Catnap Dress Contest<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="640" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/12662633153/player/3e0d44b65c" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="427"></iframe></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So apparently the only time I blog anymore is for cat related events (see also <a href="http://emmmylizzzy.blogspot.com/2013/10/gaudy-kitty-quilt.html">Gaudy Kitty Quilt</a> and <a href="http://emmmylizzzy.blogspot.com/2013/08/im-back-lets-party.html">Rainbow Kitty Party</a>). Well, I'm back with another amazing kitty related sewing project. Hellooooo Catnap Dresses! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The lovely fabric designer <a href="http://lizzyhouse.com/">Lizzy House</a> recently came out with an amazing fabric line called <a href="http://www.pinkcastlefabrics.com/collections/collection-catnap">Catnap</a> - prints devoted entirely to cats, drawn up in her beautiful Lizzy House style. I love her decision to hold a dress contest to go along with this fabric line, because exactly what this world needs is more cat dresses!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I teamed up with my dear friend <a href="http://jennabrand.com/">Jenna</a> to hold a cat tea party to celebrate our lovely dresses. You can read all about her grown up cat dress over <a href="http://jennabrand.com/2014/02/20/catnap-dress-contest/">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As you can tell from the death stare that my dear kitty Odin is giving me, he was super excited to be included in this tea party.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I had sewn up the <a href="http://www.heyjunehandmade.com/edelweiss-dress.html">Edelweiss Dress</a> once before (funnily enough the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/9380205790/">first one</a> had kitties on it too!), and knew that it would be perfect to show off this great fabric. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now sit back and enjoy some photos!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And by far, my favorite shot from the whole party. Just keepin it real folks.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-58501682044066218242013-11-25T00:00:00.000-08:002013-11-25T00:00:15.040-08:00Want to learn to sew? I've got you covered!<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/11014541886/" title="DSC_3365 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_3365" height="250" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3834/11014541886_b6992c8a01.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One of the questions that I get asked again and again (and again!) from friends and blog readers alike is, "What is a good book for a beginning sewist?" Well, I have finally found my favorite!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1462112889/ref=s9_psimh_gw_p14_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=01NAEX89E0DS6BDZTCP2&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1630083502&pf_rd_i=507846"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><img alt="DSC_3381" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/11014621174_d792866be7.jpg" width="450" /></span></a>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The sweet Katie Lewis, who blogs over at <a href="http://www.the-red-kitchen.com/">the red kitchen</a>, has just published a fantastic book for anyone just starting out on their sewing adventure (Christmas wish alert!). The beginning section covers all the basics you'll need to know from fabric and supplies, to stitches, and techniques. I think I might even lend it to my husband for a bit, because I don't know how many times I've been sought out because he "just doesn't know how to sew on a button". Yep, covers that too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/11014671043/" title="DSC_3385 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_3385" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/11014671043_b1ca31213b.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Katie takes you step by step through 30 projects that are just perfect for a beginner, but are versatile enough for a more advanced sewist to have fun with. And for me, the thing that makes this book stand out above all the other "learn-to-sew" books is that each step and each direction for every project is accompanied by a photo. She really ensures that anyone can become a confident sewist! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So many of these projects are super kid-friendly, and combined with the step-by-step photos, this is really a great first sewing book for a child as well as an adult. I know I'm going to be handing it over to Phoebe soon as she expresses more and more interest in using the machine herself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/11014612254/" title="DSC_3345 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_3345" height="364" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/11014612254_af53241902.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Okay, so let's get to the projects! I got straight to work on making a set of adorable bean bags. I must of had a moment of crazy, because all of a sudden I found myself cutting into my precious japanese fairytale prints that I have been hoarding for years. But they turned out super cute, and they are way more fun to play with and enjoy than just sitting on the shelf in my sewing room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/11014616914/" title="DSC_3372 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_3372" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/11014616914_17a989e7f6.jpg" width="333" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Phoebe claimed them immediately and has been playing toss, stacking them up, and carrying them around ever since.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/11014658033/" title="DSC_3359 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_3359" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/11014658033_96c21c27e3.jpg" width="332" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Who wants an early Christmas present?! Katie is playing Santa Claus and giving away a copy to one lucky reader!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f3f32430/" id="rc-f3f32430" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></span><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And if you'd like to buy a copy for every one of your friends, Katie's book can be found here - </span><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1462112889/ref=s9_psimh_gw_p14_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=01NAEX89E0DS6BDZTCP2&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1630083502&pf_rd_i=507846"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Amazon</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/simple-sewing-katie-lewis/1115203855?ean=9781462112883"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Barnes & Noble</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://booksandthings.com/simple-sewing-30-fast-and-easy-projects-for-beginners.html#.UpER8I1Q0mV">Books & Things</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Thanks for the giveaway dear Katie, and congrats on the great book!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-61562564472890797192013-10-16T21:01:00.004-07:002013-10-28T09:38:40.994-07:00Gaudy Kitty Quilt<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/10320268624/" title="KittyonKittyQuilt by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="KittyonKittyQuilt" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5472/10320268624_49366df72f_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Oh, gaudy kitty quilt. I love you so so much. I am 99.9% sure that this is my favorite quilt that I've ever made, beating <a href="http://emmmylizzzy.blogspot.com/2012/07/quilt-for-my-sister.html">this quilt</a> by only 1/10 of a percentage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/10320273424/" title="DSC_3174 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_3174" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7350/10320273424_f3965a7205_z.jpg" width="452" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Background - We moved Phoebe into a twin size at the beginning of summer; hence, she needed a new big girl quilt for her big girl bed. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/10321944145/" title="DSC_3190 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_3190" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/10321944145_76bedf1e70_z.jpg" width="512" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If you learned anything about Phoebe from her <a href="http://emmmylizzzy.blogspot.com/2013/08/im-back-lets-party.html">Rainbow Kitty Party</a>,
you know that this girl has a *bit* of an obsession with kitty cats. So I
decided to take all of my kitty fabric - including the super gaudy
novelty prints that had been in my stash for forever - and combine them
all in a quilt that any 4 year old, cat-lovin girl would go nuts
over. In turn, the Gaudy Kitty Quilt was born.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/10320461913/" title="DSC_3194 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_3194" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/10320461913_63849e4d83_z.jpg" width="512" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It took me quite awhile to figure out what kind of layout would be best for this crazy quilt. I didn't want to cut the fabric pieces too small since a lot of these novelty prints have a larger scale. Plus, I got into quilting because of all the amazing textile design, and I like to really showcase the prints in my quilts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/10320299145/" title="DSC_3240 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_3240" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7450/10320299145_913c084964.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My good friend <a href="http://r0ssie.blogspot.com/">Rossie</a> is the one who recommended this layout of equilateral triangles with the prints laid out in rows. I had just finished working on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/9163731352/">this poor quilt that was never blogged about</a>, which was also made up entirely of triangles, and the last thing that I wanted to look at was MORE TRIANGLES, but I knew that it would be the way to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/10320288625/" title="FabricPull by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="FabricPull" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5514/10320288625_f2a472cd95_z.jpg" width="554" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This was my original fabric pull. I have some other great cat prints in the stash, but once I started putting the majority of the fabrics together, the quilt's own color palette started developing, so I decided to remove the blues and most of the other darker toned prints. Yes it was being made with novelty cat fabric - but I wanted to at least try and make the final product pretty!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/10320464653/" title="ProgressShots by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="ProgressShots" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7396/10320464653_a779722ca4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I didn't have enough kitty fabric to complete the entire top, so I
started mixing in other things Phoebe likes - butterflies, bugs, birds,
bunnies (apparently anything that starts with B), and some blender
floral prints that I thought made the color scheme a bit more
interesting. I'm proud of myself for even cutting into some of my preciously hoarded japanese fairytale prints. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/10320456153/" title="IMG_9541 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9541" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2854/10320456153_abb097f8ee_z.jpg" width="512" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After getting the top pieced, I made the decision to send out the quilt top to a professional long-armer to be quilted. I've always quilted my own quilts on my machine at home - even some much larger than this, but my friend <a href="http://justabitfrayed.wordpress.com/">Brenda</a> put the idea into my head to have a design of cats quilted all over the top - which was pretty much the best idea I'd ever heard in my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Luckily I know Kathy though our Modern Quilt Guild who owns <a href="http://threadbearquilting.com/">Thread Bear Quilting</a>. Not only is she an amazing quilter, but she was able to quilt this design all over the gaudy kitty quilt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGwsNv74BxFtsYshe9yidxY9Qhw3mcGwNBk5LPAYye_u2G6NcSra-vdY_x9cswUU2QnNB3GtE6qebLUJhqGZ3fw4SX7ekMlLW8o6C_BHq9UIXa2uUSXn7FQDClhhtLgH_SuP-A7hfwW81/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGwsNv74BxFtsYshe9yidxY9Qhw3mcGwNBk5LPAYye_u2G6NcSra-vdY_x9cswUU2QnNB3GtE6qebLUJhqGZ3fw4SX7ekMlLW8o6C_BHq9UIXa2uUSXn7FQDClhhtLgH_SuP-A7hfwW81/s320/photo.PNG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I wish I would have remembered to get a detail picture of the quilting itself, but take my word that it's amazing. If you look closely in the third picture in this post, you can make out the quilting the clearest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/10320453933/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8948 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8948" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/10320453933_3bcf65cf40_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And that brings us to the end of this quilty journey. Phoebe loves, and I mean LOVES her quilt, which makes this momma so darn happy. But even if she didn't, that would still be okay - because then I'd get to keep it for myself!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Meow! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">**This quilt is part of the Blogger's Quilt Festival. Click <a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/2013/10/25/bloggers-quilt-festival-fall-2013/">here</a> to be inspired by hundreds of beautiful quilts! </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-63360862138189786942013-08-16T08:21:00.000-07:002013-08-16T08:21:24.616-07:00I'm back - let's party!<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/9512413314/" title="Phoebe's Birthday Party - 77 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Phoebe's Birthday Party - 77" height="400" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/9512413314_51057d30ee.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A certain someone turned 4 recently. FOUR! The last couple birthdays have been pretty tame (last year she specifically said that she didn't want a party), so I decided to go all out this year. After deciding on a rainbow theme, ordering <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/93389122/rainbow-birthday-invitation-printable?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=rainbow">invitations</a>, and buying party gear all to match, Phoebe exclaimed "I think I'd rather have a kitty party". So hence, the Kitties and Rainbows party was born!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/9512406302/" title="DSC_3115 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_3115" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5459/9512406302_300b048ef3.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The decor was pretty simple, rainbow garlands that I made with paper punches and my sewing machine (I swear, my sewing machine is my number one tool when it comes to party planning!), and white, cloud-like pom poms. Here's a nice shot of the room before anyone arrived. I love Penelope's little "who me?" pose in the background. I also went so far as to order my husband a <a href="http://6dollarshirts.com/t-shirts/Party-Cat-p-11435.html">sweet shirt</a> that I specifically <strike>made</strike> forced him to wear for the party. Thankfully he knew what he was getting into before he married me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/9509620749/" title="DSC_3146 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_3146" height="332" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2811/9509620749_c1f0385603.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Aaaaaand, insane birthday craziness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/9509617587/" title="DSC_3128 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_3128" height="332" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/9509617587_a2f389f760.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I kept the dessert table pretty simple (at least when compared to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/sets/72157624509115767/">Phoebe's first birthday</a> and my <a href="http://emmmylizzzy.blogspot.com/2011/06/because-one-wedding-cake-just-wasnt.html">sister's wedding</a>). It's pretty easy to find rainbow party inspiration a la Pinterest (more like inspiration overload), so I just picked a few of my favorite ideas and went with those.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/9509618295/" title="Rainbow Kitty Cake by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Rainbow Kitty Cake" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/9509618295_c50d34be11_z.jpg" width="512" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I. Love. This. Cake. Best part? Craaaaazy easy. Well, aside from the fondant cats and rainbow - those are equally easy to make, just a bit more time consuming. For the cake, I made two batches of white cake batter and divided it into six pans (I think it comes out to about 1 1/4 cup of batter per 9" pan). Mix in some food coloring and pop them in the oven. I didn't assemble it until the morning of the party because I didn't want the cake drying out since the edges were going to be exposed, but it honestly took me about 15 minutes to frost and stack. I did go ahead and trim around the edges of the cake - just to get a more vibrant color since they did brown a bit during baking. The frosting is a swiss-meringue buttercream that I had whipped up the night before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/9509619021/" title="DSC_3130 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_3130" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2859/9509619021_ac444423c6_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Unlike my 15 minute cake, these jello cups took forEVER. They turned out beautiful and the kids loved them, but they definitely sucked up an entire day that I'll never get back. If I ever did them again, I would leave out the white layers in between each color section. It's a mixture of coolwhip and gelatin, and it doesn't spread very well, so you have to go back in with a spoon and even each layer out. If you want to give them a shot, the diy can be found <a href="http://www.glorioustreats.com/2011/05/taste-the-rainbow-jello.html">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/9509620087/" title="DSC_3135 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_3135" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2819/9509620087_f350640e74_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/9512409066/" title="DSC_3133 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_3133" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7358/9512409066_5b381c1dff.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I needed something to go with all of those cute paper straws, so I purchased two cases of the small sized bottled waters and refilled them with Kool-aid that I made in an array of rainbow colors. Oh yeah!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/9512405124/" title="DSC_3107 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_3107" height="400" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3699/9512405124_58dccbb41d.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We had a kitty dress-up station right when you walked in, so everyone could look the part. The <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/89353439/8x10-prairie-cat-vertical-print?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=cat">cat print</a> is by Katie Daisy and usually resides in Phoebe's room (I know someone is going to ask!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/9512404732/" title="DSC_3106 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_3106" height="332" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/9512404732_aede83eefc.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I bought some cheap socks from the dollar store and hot glued pink felt paw pads onto the bottoms, and made kitty ears from headbands (found at Target) and more felt. Whiskers were drawn on with eyeliner pencils. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/9512405732/" title="DSC_3110 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_3110" height="400" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3707/9512405732_300bbde5a9.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In lieu of party favors, we had an adopt a kitty station, which was an idea I found from this adorable kitty party <a href="http://blog.hwtm.com/2013/05/cute-kitty-cat-party/">here</a>. The stuffed cats were purchased from <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/plush-realistic-cats-a2-6_987-12-1.fltr?Ntt=stuffed%20cats">Oriental Trading</a>, and were only $20 for 12 kitties. Each child could personalize their kitty with a collar that I made with some ribbon, velcro, and a paper tag. That way we would avoid any mixed-up kitty fights! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/9460855167/" title="Since I don't have nearly enough to do tonight, I decided to sew a dress. #gaudykittydress by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Since I don't have nearly enough to do tonight, I decided to sew a dress. #gaudykittydress" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2812/9460855167_34c1960ffb.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And since I didn't have enough to do before the night of the party, I decided to whip up a new dress for Phoebe. I saw this fabric when I was at QuiltCon and almost died from cuteness. It's by Kokka and it's called Candy Party Cutie World. I used the <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/266202/smocked-sundress">Smocked Sundress</a> pattern by Heather Ross, that is also available online for free! See the little kitties hiding in the flowers?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/9512411926/" title="four year old phoebe kitty by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="four year old phoebe kitty" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3763/9512411926_f9efd7689d_z.jpg" width="512" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm four! Meow!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/9512412510/" title="Phoebe's Birthday Party - 73 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Phoebe's Birthday Party - 73" height="400" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3769/9512412510_98e7c3bae8.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/9512410992/" title="DSC_3150 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_3150" height="332" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/9512410992_c254c39bff.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/9512411422/" title="Phoebe's Birthday Party - 17 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Phoebe's Birthday Party - 17" height="400" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3774/9512411422_9872f56983.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thanks to <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/">Rae</a> for capturing so many great party pics while I was running around like a crazy person!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I think all of these kitties had a great time! Check out my IG feed for more detail photos of how this party actually came together! IG name - Emmmylizzzy #kittiesandrainbowsparty </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-89147226196934197682013-04-18T10:38:00.000-07:002013-04-18T10:38:36.752-07:00Parsley Pants over on KCW<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/8651960599/" title="Parsley Pants - pattern from Made by Rae by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Parsley Pants - pattern from Made by Rae" height="250" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8539/8651960599_0af9cb566a.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hello my lovely readers! Even though the blog has been quiet, I have been busy busy in my sewing studio. Head on over to the new <a href="http://blog.kidsclothesweek.com/2013/04/guest-post-emily-from-emmmy-lizzzy/">Kid's Clothes Week blog</a> where I'm giving a review of <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/">Made by Rae</a>'s upcoming pattern - the <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/parsley/">Parsley Pants</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I hope to get back to regular blogging soon, but check me out on <a href="http://instagram.com/emmmylizzzy#">Instagram</a> (Emmmylizzzy) for more of my thrifty and crafty going-ons</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-37765139243472582732012-11-04T18:17:00.000-08:002013-04-03T16:25:27.852-07:00Vintage Sheet Windfall<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/8156179542/" title="DSC_2108 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_2108" height="292" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/8156179542_54ee10d5d8.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">First order of business - Gah! No blog posts in over a month. I hate when that happens, but life is busy - like, crazy busy. So from now on; when I blog, awesome! And if I don't blog, no apologies. But if you really care to know what I'm up to, (or what I'm eating, or sewing, or thrifting, or what crazy things my kids are doing) then you should be following me on instagram - because I'm on there alll the time. EmmmyLizzzy. Follow me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Anyways, a windfall has blown my way. A windfall of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EmmyLizzy?ref=si_shop">vintage sheets</a> that is. The picture above is what I picked up in ONE DAY. One estate sale and one thrift shop. I hit it big.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/8156180400/" title="DSC_2117 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_2117" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7279/8156180400_91f6c94733.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Brand new, in the package, never been opened vintage sheets - I've got em!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/8156144599/" title="DSC_1982 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1982" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/8156144599_8f68217a7d.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">An entire sheet set of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113873641/vintage-sheet-set-cat-outlines?ga_search_query=cat">retro kitties</a>? Got that too! Plus lots of other fun prints such as vintage trains, astronauts, clowns (cute or creepy - you decide!), and of course butterflies and tons of retro florals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/8156180026/" title="DSC_2114 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_2114" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7122/8156180026_0b7466ed95_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">These are taking over my house, so in order to get them outta here, use the coupon WINDFALL to take 20% off of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EmmyLizzy?ref=si_shop">your order</a> through November 18th. I've got most of the sheets <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EmmyLizzy?ref=si_shop">listed</a>, but I'll be adding some additional items such as vintage tea towels, some silk scarves, and other retro linens in the next few days. I look forward to seeing what you make out of these beauties!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-21987200217764602992012-10-02T20:18:00.000-07:002012-10-02T20:18:22.915-07:00Secret sewing - revealed!<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/8048810966/" title="DSC_1836 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1836" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/8048810966_d3d517d8fa_z.jpg" width="466" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have been just dying to share this sweet little dress with you, but I had to wait until the pattern was officially released. Well wait no more, dear friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/8048804939/" title="DSC_1817 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1817" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8310/8048804939_8d15ac44f7_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Shannon from <a href="http://www.luvinthemommyhood.com/">luvinthemommyhood</a> designed the most lovely pattern called the <a href="http://www.luvinthemommyhood.com/2012/10/sweetheart-dress-sewing-pattern-release.html">sweetheart dress</a>, and I was lucky enough to test it out last month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/8048810388/" title="DSC_1818 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1818" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8029/8048810388_d00dc025a6_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Why is it called the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/110916047/sweetheart-dress-sewing-pdf-pattern-for">sweetheart dress</a>, you ask?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/8048805233/" title="DSC_1823 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1823" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8450/8048805233_7297372cd8_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Check out this completely unexpected and adorable heart cutout on the back! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/8048805549/" title="DSC_1834 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1834" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8309/8048805549_2bd97870aa_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The dress features a fitted and fully lined bodice - and believe it or not, this was my first time making a lined bodice! Constructing the bodice was a piece of cake thanks to Shannon's pattern, and she even teaches you a couple of neat tricks to put everything together and hide all of your seams.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/8048806137/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DSC_1850 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1850" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8318/8048806137_6681267639.jpg" width="500" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">How adorable is that lining fabric peeking through the sweetheart back?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/8048810720/" title="DSC_1832 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1832" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8034/8048810720_86d9dd1e83_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For the main dress fabric, I went with a print from Denyse Schmidt's Meadow Lark line from Joann's, and I lined the bodice with a print from Hello Pilgrim by <a href="http://lizzyhouse.typepad.com/lizzyhouse/">Lizzyhouse</a>. The mini pom-pom trim was a complete last minute addition on my part, but I think it really puts a nice finishing touch on the dress since I used such a subdued print.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/8048806009/" title="DSC_1844 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1844" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8460/8048806009_50a302e933_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Shannon also includes a tutorial for a hand-sewn button loop, which uses a fun method that I have never tried before - but I'll be sure to use it again in many projects. I love when a pattern teaches me new things!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/8048811102/" title="DSC_1837 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1837" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8314/8048811102_cc7effc0f4.jpg" width="364" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Making this dress was a nice warm up to Elsie Marley's <a href="http://www.elsiemarley.com/kids-clothes-week-fall-2012.html">kids clothes week challenge</a> that starts next week. If you're not familiar with kcwc, it's a week where you set aside one hour each day to sew clothes for your kids. The idea is that we all have the urge to sew clothes for our children, but we don't always give ourselves the time to do it. Well this is the week, folks! I probably won't have a blog post for everyday (it's not blog writing challenge week after all), but I'll definitely be popping in with some project updates. I look forward to seeing yours!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-16684904939196234402012-09-24T17:58:00.001-07:002012-09-24T17:59:13.001-07:00Still playing catch up<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/8021602389/" title="DSC_1656 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1656" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8030/8021602389_43672c203f_z.jpg" width="512" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Here's another quilt that I finished over the summer. It has long been sent off to it's recipient, but the photos have been sitting here for forever, just waiting to be blogged about.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So this was another commissioned project - a wedding gift - and the only
information that I was given was that a) the couple's apartment is very
modern and mostly white, b) the couple really likes peacocks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/8021602935/" title="DSC_1670 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1670" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8459/8021602935_51ace33cf6.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Thankfully, feathers of all sorts seem to be a big trend right now, so it wasn't hard finding a modern peacock print. I went with a couple of prints from Dear Stella's line, <a href="http://dearstelladesign.com/store/index.php?route=product/category&path=63">Lanikai</a>, then threw in some coordinating solids.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I stayed true to my usual sewing method and didn't plan a darn thing. I made some half square triangles, and haphazardly picked up whatever fabric was lying close to me and sewed some wonky corners onto 6" white squares. Then I threw everything onto the design floor (seriously, I've been quilting for years and STILL haven't made a design wall. Eesh!) and rearranged until I shouted, "Eureeka!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/8021602611/" title="DSC_1668 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1668" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/8021602611_0983e7cc5a_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I backed it in a giant piece of the Dear Stella peacock fabric, and quilted it with random (of course!) straight lines.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/8021604404/" title="DSC_1655 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1655" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8181/8021604404_761d4d23ea.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Word on the street is that the couple loved it! Congratulations, you two!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-21537911675253201202012-09-08T19:11:00.000-07:002012-09-08T19:17:16.770-07:00Sewing for school<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7959228640/" title="IMG_3221 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3221" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8173/7959228640_d36bb08bcb_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">First day of school! First day of school! We have been talking up preschool all spring and summer long and it was wonderful to see my normally clingy child so bouncy with excitement on the first day.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7959229218/" title="IMG_3224 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3224" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8302/7959229218_40a928a504_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">All we needed to send her on her way (aside from one of ten monthly tuition checks and a boatload of paperwork, meetings, orientation, etc.) was a couple of momma-made items to make her feel at home during those long three hours a day, four days a week that she is away from us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7931608664/" title="Double layer skirt using Out to Sea @sarahjanestudios by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Double layer skirt using Out to Sea @sarahjanestudios" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8175/7931608664_cb960a17fd.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">First off - a brand new skirt to wear on the first day. Fabric is from Sarah Jane's "<a href="http://sarahjanestudios.com/blog/2012/05/introducing-out-to-sea/">Out to Sea</a>" collection (narwhals!!!), and the double layer skirt was made using <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-a-simple-skirt.html">Dana's tutorial</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7910748798/" title="Almost done. How's yours coming @skirtastop ? by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Almost done. How's yours coming @skirtastop ?" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8310/7910748798_7d9982aec9.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Next was the most quintessential of school items - a backpack. I love love love <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2009/03/finally-here-toddler-backpack-pattern/">Rae's Toddler Backpack pattern</a> because it's super easy, holds it's shape really well - and it's toddler sized! Most commercial backpacks are sized so that they practically swallow middle school students - let alone preschoolers. This one is perfectly proportioned - but also comes with instructions on how to size it up for when your toddlers turn into big kids.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7959227680/" title="IMG_3219 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3219" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8458/7959227680_b0599f581b_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Phoebe picked out the Contended Cats fabric from Tammis Keefe tribute collection by Michael Miller. A quick search revealed that they have it on sale over yonder at <a href="http://www.fabricworm.com/mimitaketrco.html">Fabricworm</a> right now!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7959226512/" title="DSC_1710 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1710" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8174/7959226512_07719aa21c_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Truth be told, I don't actually give Phoebe total freedom when picking
fabrics for her projects, because otherwise we'd end up with crazy
psychedelic animals, or something that would leave a trail of glitter wherever she went.
So I end up picking about four or five fabrics that I think would
appeal to her, but yet still stay within my realm of design sense, and
let her pick from those. Win win.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7937703802/" title="A happy first day of preschool! by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="A happy first day of preschool!" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8030/7937703802_46f46f74b0.jpg" width="500" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And here's my silly girl at the end of her first day. Super happy and excited to go back again tomorrow. Her funniest comment about the day? "I didn't cry or scream at all.... but lots of other kids did!"</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-4637702573143991172012-09-01T18:53:00.000-07:002012-09-01T18:53:11.923-07:00Maternity top to girl's maxi dress<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7504298848/" title="Old maternity top into new dress for Phoebe by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Old maternity top into new dress for Phoebe" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8019/7504298848_2bc9388e54.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Phoebe has been growing like a weed this summer, and has somehow completely skipped over 3T and now fits comfortably into a 4T. It's definitely time for me to sew her up a new batch of clothes since preschool is right around the corner - eeeks!</div>
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As I've stated in previous posts, I really love working with re-purposed clothing when sewing for children, since you can usually get more than enough fabric out of an adult garment, plus you get to take advantage of already finished seams, hems, cuffs. Yay for being lazy!</div>
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So pardon the terrible photo, but here's a before picture of a maternity top that I definitely never plan to wear again....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7909961310/" title="Maternity Top-before by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Maternity Top-before" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8305/7909961310_cdf63c47af_z.jpg" width="366" /></a>
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I didn't have a particular pattern in mind - just measured around Phoebe's chest and waist (21") and determined how long I wanted the dress to be (22" with an already finished hem!) and cut a rectangle to that size (I think I only ended up using the front panel from the original top, lol) and sewed the long ends together to form a tube. </div>
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Then I cut a band that was about 5" wide by 20" long (you want the band a little shorter so it will stay tight around her chest and not fall down). I sewed the bands short sides together, then folded it in half to a double thickness and basted the ends so it would stay put while attaching the skirt.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7909962118/" title="DSC_1245 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1245" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/7909962118_36da1b67db_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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Then it was as simple as sewing the skirt to the chest band. Just be sure to stretch the band a little bit while sewing to fit it to the skirt. I also hand sewed on an extra strap that ties around her neck to make sure it stays up while she's running around.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7909961804/" title="DSC_1239 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1239" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8449/7909961804_fecc854284_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
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I'll be back soon with lots more Phoebe clothes (I've got to round up some photoshoot bribes first) and some other back to school sewing projects! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-75865271644053520072012-08-24T20:31:00.001-07:002012-08-24T20:31:25.418-07:00Ack! The cuteness!<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7791751232/" title="Sewing with the cutest fabric ever. by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Sewing with the cutest fabric ever." height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8446/7791751232_5c16560bde.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
This is a post about the <a href="http://www.pinkcastlefabrics.com/products/thumbelina-in-pink">Cutest. Fabric. Ever.</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7853344590/" title="DSC_1579 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1579" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8424/7853344590_b9dacc198e.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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A Thumbelina border print with flowers, birds, mushrooms, and ladybugs. If there was a hedgehog or a fox hiding in there, this print would probably burst into flames from the cuteness.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7853343124/" title="DSC_1564 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1564" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7853343124_5429fa003d.jpg" width="333" /></a>
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So of course, I had to make it into a skirt for Phoebe. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7853343622/" title="DSC_1571 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1571" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8448/7853343622_df6c672d52.jpg" width="332" /></a>
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
I bought a yard and cut it in half parallel to the selvedge (so it was
36" wide x 21" tall), sewed it in a circle, and added some elastic.
Something super simple that lets the fabric do all the talking. There
was still a bit of excess fabric from the half piece that I used, so I
whipped up a cute little purse to match.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7853344136/" title="DSC_1574 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1574" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7122/7853344136_c80a916ff5.jpg" width="332" /></a>
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And what makes this fabric even more amazing and awesome???!!!.....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7792582388/" title="Exactly one yard of fabric is turned into skirts and purses for Phoebe and her bff by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Exactly one yard of fabric is turned into skirts and purses for Phoebe and her bff" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7792582388_725ff36809.jpg" width="500" />
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</a></div>
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......you've still got the other half of your fabric left to make into a matching skirt and purse for your daughter's bff! More times that not, sewing your own clothes doesn't save money, but in this case - I got two skirts and two matching purses out of only one yard of fabric. A high quality, Japanese cotton-linen blend, nonetheless.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7853342614/" title="DSC_1555 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1555" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8308/7853342614_49b2f6b254.jpg" width="333" /></a>
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Can it get any better? Well heck yes, it can! It's currently <a href="http://www.pinkcastlefabrics.com/products/thumbelina-in-pink">on sale</a> in Brenda's shop! I'm just trying to refrain from making one for myself....</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-8791513486450719882012-08-20T11:55:00.000-07:002012-08-20T11:55:11.827-07:00Flying geese in grey and yellow<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7825264374/" title="DSC_1455 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1455" height="208" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/7825264374_8edd652641.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Alrighty folks, since summer is winding down and Phoebe will be heading off to preschool in two weeks (!!!Yay!!!), I'm hoping to get up to date and share some projects that have been keeping me busy these past few months...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7825266006/" title="DSC_1463 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1463" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8429/7825266006_6f7fbb6767.jpg" width="450" /></a> </div>
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One of my cousins is having her first baby next month (a girl - yay!), and is planning her nursery around the palette of grey and yellow. I've always wanted to do a flying geese quilt - plus, my good friend <a href="http://www.pinkcastlefabrics.com/">Brenda</a> just told me about this <a href="http://www.quiltinaday.com/television/video-flyinggeeseruler.asp"><i>amazing</i> ruler</a> that makes absolutely perfect flying geese blocks - four at a time! The Quilt in a Day Flying Geese rulers come in a large or a small size, and you have the option to make two different sizes with each ruler as well! Even better? I picked mine up at Joann's with a coupon. This quilt was made with the large ruler and the finished block size is 4" x 8".</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7825267498/" title="DSC_1471 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1471" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/7825267498_b7c4bbc696.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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The block layout - as well as fabric choices - were completely random. I'm actually pretty terrible about planning out my quilts in advance. I like to just move everything around for a couple of hours after all of the blocks are finished. I quilted it in straight lines that change direction when they hit the middle of the quilt - following the diagonal; and I backed in it one of my favorite folksy flannel prints. Soft and warm for a fall baby!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7825265278/" title="DSC_1457 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1457" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/7825265278_b816a67f43.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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My sister was my lovely quilt holder for this photoshoot, and as you can see, she took her job very seriously :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7825266686/" title="DSC_1467 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1467" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/7825266686_2bf73702bf.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Thanks, Abby.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7711955782/" title="@cmibrown by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="@cmibrown" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7711955782_2c4c325f04.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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And here's my cousin Jess opening the quilt. I love you Jess, and can't wait to meet your precious little baby!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-19616494063802725052012-08-06T17:32:00.000-07:002012-08-06T17:32:34.469-07:00Washi dress x 3<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7727432316/" title="DSC_1325 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1325" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/7727432316_06f3d7cec9_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
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When it comes to garment sewing, I usually only make things for children. It's not quite as intimidating, it takes very little fabric, and if you screw up - it usually looks pretty darn cute on them nonetheless. Plus, I'll be honest, I absolutely hate my body after two kids (we weren't great friends before kids either), so why spend the time and money to make something for myself when the entire aspect of clothing, fit, and size really depresses me anyways?</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7727429778/" title="DSC_1290 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1290" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8286/7727429778_70f3d99548.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Enter the <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2012/05/washi-dress/">Washi Dress</a>. I was lucky enough to be at a sew-in a few months ago when <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/">Rae</a> was working on a muslin for this pattern, and pretty much fell in love with it after she basically forced me to try it on. The fit was fantastic, and it was super flattering - hiding all of my not so lovely areas. Ever since that night, I had been practically stalking Rae to get my hands on this pattern, and my patience (or lack thereof) was finally rewarded when I got to test this pattern a few weeks ago.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7727430282/" title="DSC_1295 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1295" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7121/7727430282_d198559374.jpg" width="332" /></a>
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The pattern itself is incredibly easy to follow with lots of pictures and diagrams, and sews up quickly once you've made it a couple of times. So much so, that I've already made three of them! The floral version above was my first attempt at the tunic style (a bit too short for my liking - but I've been informed that the pattern has been adjusted to add some extra length anyways :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7727431370/" title="DSC_1315 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1315" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7727431370_3061822bc9_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
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Oh yeah, another reason I have never been a fan of sewing clothes for myself? I really hate being on the other side of the camera. Blech. </div>
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This is version number two, made out of <a href="http://www.pinkcastlefabrics.com/products/little-bits-in-pool">this</a> lovely print from Tula Pink's new line, The Birds and the Bees. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7727434256/" title="Washidress by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Washidress" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8433/7727434256_9a7e685114.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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And then here is my latest washi, made out of <a href="http://www.pinkcastlefabrics.com/products/sketch-in-turquoise">Sketch in Turquoise</a>. I'm in LooooooooVE! And what you can't tell from any of these photos is that this dress has pockets! Perfect for holding all of the acorns, rocks, and playmobil animals that Phoebe is always giving me. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7727433324/" title="Momma & Penelope by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Momma & Penelope" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8286/7727433324_036dffa6a9.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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So basically, this pattern rocks. Many of my friends have tried the dress on as well, and it's amazing how great it looks on all of them - even with their different sizes and shapes! It's super versatile and you can play with the length, neckline, and there's even an additional pattern piece to add sleeves - so you can sew a myriad of different versions. Buy it and make tons of dresses and tunics. I plan on pretty much replacing my entire wardrobe with washi dresses!</div>
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<i>***I heard from Rae that the Washi Dress pattern should be available this week! Keep checking her site and I'll post a link once it's available!</i></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-80788990652489260572012-07-03T18:25:00.000-07:002012-07-03T18:25:23.907-07:00A quilt for my sister<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7497848794/" title="Beetle by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Beetle" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8425/7497848794_d4932e6ef1.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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My sister has been such a great sport in waiting over a year to get her <a href="http://emmmylizzzy.blogspot.com/2011/06/wedding-details.html">wedding</a> present - especially since she's been bugging me for a quilt since I started sewing forever ago. It took me months to come up with a design, since I knew it had to be extra special for my favorite person in the whole world.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7497849998/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DSC_1220 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1220" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7278/7497849998_fc0c7dfc9f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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After watching my friend <a href="http://woollykat.blogspot.com/">Anna</a> make <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Word-Play-Quilts-Techniques-Patchwork/dp/1604680172">Word Play</a> blocks for a bee, I thought that some sort of written message would be perfect for my sister's quilt. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7497848382/" title="DSC_1207 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1207" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/7497848382_cc9c1d2ba6_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
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The text wasn't all that difficult to come up with, since the movie Rent is one of my go-to movies to watch while sewing (pretty much any musical, really). The front is the first stanza from the song <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBo9L82LXf4">"I'll Cover You"</a>, and the back is the main phrase from the refrain. If you haven't heard the song - listen to it! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7497849324/" title="DSC_1217 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1217" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8163/7497849324_c7b63f9de2_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
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My sister is a huge Rent fan, plus I think that the lyrics are great for a wedding quilt. I'm sure her husband won't appreciate the sentiment nearly as much (my husband basically replied with "gag"), but he'll have to put up with since he's married now! And I'm kind of giddy that the back says "I'll cover you" and it's a quilt, that ya know, you cover yourself with. Teehee.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7497847480/" title="DSC_1186 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1186" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8027/7497847480_8f6d31e2cc_z.jpg" width="418" /></a>
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Here's a better view of the text - I was getting some crazy shadows in all of the quilting this afternoon, so I took a much more flatly lit photo that shows off the letters better. </div>
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I had such a blast making all 67 of these letters, and they went much more quickly than I thought they would. <span class="h3color">The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Word-Play-Quilts-Techniques-Patchwork/dp/1604680172">Word Play Quilts</a> book gives a general diagram for piecing all of the letters, but they're sewn together very casually, by simply by joining small, medium, and large background strips and snipping off the extra with scissors. No measuring!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7497847826/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DSC_1202 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1202" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7497847826_b7571cb267.jpg" width="500" /> </a></div>
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I think my favorite part of this quilt is the background fabric. We had these exact sheets on our bed when we were little girls, and I snatched them up from my parent's linen closet a few years back. I didn't quite have enough to make the entire quilt - the finished size is 60 x 90" - so I'd always keep my eyes open for more of this print when thrifting. I think it took me 2 flat twin sheets and a couple pillowcases to complete this. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7497851072/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Lyric Quilt by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Lyric Quilt" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7497851072_246102f855.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I love love love this quilt so darn much, and if it wasn't going to my wonderful sister, I would definitely keep it for myself. She's flying in from Miami tonight (I haven't seen her in six months!), and I can't wait for her to open it. I'd say that I hope she likes it - but I think I already know the answer. Love you so much, Abby!</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-54479564718178363152012-06-30T20:07:00.000-07:002012-06-30T20:07:33.595-07:00A very merry half birthday to Penelope!<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
This girl is 6 months old today. I seriously can't believe it. Didn't she just arrive <a href="http://emmmylizzzy.blogspot.com/2012/01/blanket-just-in-time-for-baby.html">the other day</a>?</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7476159994/" title="6 Month Penny by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="6 Month Penny" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8162/7476159994_916093c76d_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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I'm doing a <a href="http://emmmylizzzy.blogspot.com/2011/02/past-project-friday_25.html">monthly photoshoot</a> in the numbered onesies again, and I'm amazed at just how quickly she changes....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7476162120/" title="6 Months of Penelope by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="6 Months of Penelope" height="444" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8013/7476162120_9d35e0b6e3.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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And it's been fun to compare her and Phoebe's photos up next to each other.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7476160624/" title="6 Month P&P by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="6 Month P&P" height="357" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7114/7476160624_742dda9e9b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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It's crazy how much these girls look alike. My husband has even failed the "who's who" guessing game a couple of times! </div>
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Happy half birthday, dear Penelope! You bring such an amazing joy to our lives and we love you to pieces!</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-12810526231466339442012-06-25T16:35:00.000-07:002012-06-25T16:35:58.964-07:00A sugary summer<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Whoa there - I can't believe that we're already knee deep in summer here. Not only am I way behind on my blogging, but I don't think I've even read another blog in the past month! I can attribute that to a couple of things.... 1) My husband has taken over the computer with a new video game. Ugh. 2) I'm still super addicted to Instagram (emmmylizzzy), and have been using that as my crafty socializing/networking outlet. 3) I guess I've just been busy actually <i>doing</i> and <i>making</i>- instead of reading/writing/editing/planning/browsing. That's a good thing, right?</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7443910674/" title="Cakes for a graduation. by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Cakes for a graduation." height="250" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8028/7443910674_cb1e370583.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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The kitchen has definitely been bustling because of graduation season. Here are a couple of graduation cakes I've been making over the past few weeks....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7167985137/" title="Buttercream part 2 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Buttercream part 2" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/7167985137_c0b44d1ff9.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7353084002/" title="Buttercream by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Buttercream" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7353084002_9a40945c41.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Texture abounding in buttercream.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-28452355129337584242012-06-09T16:27:00.000-07:002012-06-09T16:37:53.106-07:00Bunny Party<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
We've been having a <a href="http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2010/03/tutorial-and-pattern-recycled-mooshy.html">Mooshy Belly Bunny</a> party over here!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7170573923/" title="DSC_1000 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1000" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/7170573923_c04c7ff412.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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I made one for a friend <a href="http://emmmylizzzy.blogspot.com/2011/09/little-baby-sewing.html">awhile back</a>, and I wanted to make one for Penelope since she prefers to chew on soft, squishy things vs. the hard teething toys.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7355787554/" title="DSC_1002 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1002" height="250" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7355787554_069d189efd.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Well, once Phoebe saw what was in the works, she promptly claimed it for her own. So that led to mooshy bunny number two. Then my mom saw the bunnies and immediately put in her request for two more to give as gifts. So I made two more. And then we had a party.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7191564642/" title="Untitled by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5350/7191564642_8b34448cfa.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7351915558/" title="Napping in the stroller by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Napping in the stroller" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/7351915558_3c388b8afe.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7295209392/" title="Back to bed by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Back to bed" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7226/7295209392_481f08bef0.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Sleepy bunny.<br />
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<i>If you want to make your own Mooshy Belly Bunny, you can find the pattern <a href="http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2010/03/tutorial-and-pattern-recycled-mooshy.html">here</a>.</i> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-43799899690582607812012-05-30T11:57:00.000-07:002012-05-30T11:57:01.309-07:00A quilt for ME - over a year in the making<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7303326294/" title="DSC_0531 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0531" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/7303326294_5f280ae47a.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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I first posted about this quilt waaay back in <a href="http://emmmylizzzy.blogspot.com/2011/02/productivly-mia.html">February of 2011</a>. And then again <a href="http://emmmylizzzy.blogspot.com/2011/02/another-post-involving-nicey-jane-and.html">here</a>, and then when I finally finished the quilt top back in <a href="http://emmmylizzzy.blogspot.com/2011/04/two-thousand-five-hundred-and-thirty.html">April of last year</a>, and one more time when I finally got the darn thing <a href="http://emmmylizzzy.blogspot.com/2011/12/project-snippets-updates-and-giveaway.html">basted</a> while I was nine months pregnant.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7303323928/" title="DSC_0520 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0520" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7303323928_3066d4f14d.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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I guess since it is the largest quilt I've ever made - a queen size at 90 x 108" - it makes sense that it took me forever to finish it. Plus, the thought of quilting this beast made me exhausted just thinking about it, so I put it off for a long time.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7303325576/" title="DSC_0526 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0526" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8149/7303325576_a496799bf9.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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But once I sat down and got started - it wasn't quite as tough as I had led myself to believe. I went with my standard, all over loop-de-loop free motion pattern. This quilt definitely gave me a lot of practice!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7303327052/" title="DSC_0535 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0535" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7303327052_1819a3f5fd.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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I backed it in a whole mess of pieced vintage sheets and favorite fabric remnants.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7303324754/" title="DSC_0524 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0524" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8002/7303324754_1ddce6914c.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Aside from being pieced with lots of my favorite fabrics (Nicey Jane!), and sashed with one of my favorite vintage sheets, my favorite part is that our whole family can cuddle up under this giant without anyone's toes poking out the end :)</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-41115616377051031142012-05-27T19:16:00.000-07:002012-05-27T19:16:33.674-07:00Big Tee Tiny Tee<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
One of my ongoing projects this summer is to try to keep up with my crazy little growing-like-a-weed Phoebe's wardrobe. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7283616652/" title="TShirt reconstruction by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="TShirt reconstruction" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7283616652_0e0cb2f409.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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I've been making her these incredibly quick and simple tops by using Rae's <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2012/02/flashback-skinny-tee-sewing-pattern-is-here/">Flashback Skinny Tee </a>pattern (a must-have for making clothes for kids), and these retro vintage shirts that have been thrifted - or in the case of the Pippi shirt - was actually MINE in high school. Eeeks!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7283615930/" title="DSC_0669 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0669" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7283615930_79ee2798a1_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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I love sewing using up-cycled clothing because you get to finagle around your pattern pieces to take advantage of things like already sewn cuffs and hems.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7283613508/" title="DSC_0650 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0650" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7283613508_86dace6a2a.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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With these shirts, I first disassembled the original shirt and cut off the neck ribbing to reattach at the end. I positioned my pattern pieces to center the graphic on the front, and to keep the cuff ribbing on the sleeves so I wouldn't have to finish them later . Then I just sewed it up according to Rae's pattern, and shortened and attached the neck ribbing. The whole thing seriously took about 20 minutes.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7283614468/" title="DSC_0661 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0661" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/7283614468_6690453a13.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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And even though Phoebe has no idea who Pippi Longstocking is....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7283615048/" title="DSC_0668 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0668" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7283615048_6f2e1a7899.jpg" width="332" /></a>
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.....I think she embodies her character pretty darn well.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-15132706677590182232012-05-11T18:53:00.002-07:002012-05-27T17:07:04.463-07:00My Preciousness<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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I don't usually join online quilt-a-longs, bees, and the like, for a couple of reasons. A) Ever since having children, my sewing time has dropped drastically. B) I don't like to be held to time constraints when sewing. I always have a million projects going at once, and I hop between them constantly. So with A and B going on, I'd never finish anything in time for deadlines.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7179385298/" title="Heather Ross - Meadow in Olive by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Heather Ross - Meadow in Olive" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5464/7179385298_744439c6e2.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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However, I found <a href="http://kelbysews.blogspot.com/">Kelly's</a>, <a href="http://kelbysews.blogspot.com/p/my-precious-qal.html">My Precious quilt-a-long</a>, so easy and relaxed that I decided to join in the fun. The basic guidelines? You can sew whatever you want - it doesn't even have to be a quilt - but you have to use your most precious, hoarded fabric that you'd never dream of cutting into.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7179383862/" title="Curved clutch by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Curved clutch" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7179383862_70f4d004fb.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Success! I was in desperate need of a small purse or clutch to stow my wallet, phone, etc. in for when I go out sans children. And my super precious fabric of choice? Meadow print in olive from Heather Ross' line Rabbits and Racecars (even though I had previously cut into it a little bit for my <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2712311498306461765#allposts">kitchen rug</a> project). I went with the <a href="http://www.michellepatterns.com/product/curvy-clutch-pdf-sewing-pattern">Curvy Clutch</a> pattern from <a href="http://www.michellepatterns.com/">Michelle Patterns</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7179384296/" title="DSC_0627 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0627" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8143/7179384296_0c0a571a7f.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Why is this fabric my absolute favorite? The color simply rocks my face off. I love that bright olive with the hints of orange, pink, and yellow flowers. And let's face it - those random little turtles and chipmunks are pretty darn cute.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7179384900/" title="DSC_0632 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0632" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7179384900_f2370da48e.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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The Curvy Clutch pattern itself came together really nicely - my only issue is that I think that the sew-in interfacing that I used was too thick. It was a beast to turn, and there is one area on the interior where the interfacing does buckle outward a little bit. I'd definitely go with something more lightweight next time. I went ahead and lined it with Wildflowers in brown from Heather Ross' Lightning Bugs line. </div>
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Even though my olive meadow print is now down to scraps, I'm glad that I finally took the plunge and made it into something special. I'm sure I'll enjoy it much more than if it was still sitting on the shelf.</div>
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Check out what my other fabricaholics most precious fabrics are, and see what they made out of them on the <a href="http://kelbysews.blogspot.com/2012/05/my-precious-qal-may-giveaway.html">May link-up page</a>!</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-53470849269426562522012-05-07T15:22:00.000-07:002012-05-27T17:08:28.869-07:00Scattered Stars quilt<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Remember <a href="http://emmmylizzzy.blogspot.com/2012/03/coming-up-next.html">this bundle of fabric</a>?</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/6831308728/" title="For my next quilt by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="For my next quilt" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6831308728_6f6faf4a27.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Well, that led to this sketch...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7153583849/" title="Quilt Sketch by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilt Sketch" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/7153583849_b2aeeb0c04_z.jpg" width="480" /></a>
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Which led to this quilt.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7153579249/" title="DSC_0506 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0506" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8020/7153579249_2f6a376a54_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
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This quilt has kept me pretty busy. The construction of the stars went rather quickly, but cutting and piecing all of those little extra pieces of fabric that offsets them from one another took forever! And since I have yet to construct a design wall, I would lay everything out on the floor, and then the cats would promptly dive bomb into my array of perfectly placed little quadrangles.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7153580273/" title="DSC_0509 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0509" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/7153580273_b4701a1fe9_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
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Isn't that Flamingo solid just fantastic?</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7153581177/" title="DSC_0510 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0510" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/7153581177_0c726ff270.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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I quilted it by first outlining all of the stars, then throwing in some extra star outlines in the larger areas of negative space. You can't really tell from the photo - but I went with an orange thread that looks fantastic on the pink.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7153582871/" title="DSC_0515 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0515" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7138/7153582871_cc50ba3de2.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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The back is a Jenean Morrison print from her California Dreamin line.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7153581957/" title="DSC_0512 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0512" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8028/7153581957_cfb897ff1b.jpg" width="333" /></a>
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And the most difficult part of this quilt is yet to come - shipping it off to it's new owner! It's hard not to fall in love with each completed quilt :)</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-81311304035140377022012-05-04T12:44:00.000-07:002012-05-04T12:44:00.989-07:00How many points are in 4 dozen cupcakes?<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/6996739182/" title="DSC_0426 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0426" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/6996739182_79530193d9.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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I had a cupcake order of 4 dozen cupcakes for a bridal shower this past weekend.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7142825853/" title="DSC_0415 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0415" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7142825853_1efc2da16f.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Red velvet and vanilla with swiss meringue buttercream.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/6996738146/" title="DSC_0411 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0411" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8143/6996738146_5f8c5dc3c6.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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It was actually a bridal tea party, so the flowers were modeled after some of the blooms on the teacups they were using.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7142826183/" title="DSC_0419 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0419" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/7142826183_4b3364d076.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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The whole house smelled delicious!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/6996739606/" title="DSC_0428 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0428" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8142/6996739606_6bd8b580b5.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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It was pretty much torture for this baker who is trying to stick to her Weight Watcher's diet!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-45523565802615566622012-04-30T06:59:00.003-07:002012-04-30T07:01:30.775-07:00Kid's Clothes Week Challenge<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7128160517/" title="DSC_0399 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7131/7128160517_93ae24caa7_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="DSC_0399"></a>
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I didn't plan on participating in Elsie's <a href="http://www.elsiemarley.com/category/kids-clothes-week-challenge">Kid's Clothes Week Challenge</a> this year, but a visit to a local quilt shop led me to <a href="http://www.creativequiltkits.com/multi-farm-yard-trefle-by-kokka.html">this fabric</a>, which was just screaming out to be made into a shirt for Phoebe.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/6982074402/" title="DSC_0386 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0386" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7221/6982074402_f81cb9611a_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
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I used Rae's <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2012/02/flashback-tee/">Flashback Skinny Tee</a> pattern, which is super quick and simple. I made this in size 2T since that fit Phoebe really well when I sewed with it a mere <a href="http://emmmylizzzy.blogspot.com/2012/02/i-am-not-above-bribery.html">three months ago</a>, but this waffle weave cotton doesn't seem to have as much stretch as a typical knit, so when she went to try it on, she got a little stuck in the shoulders and arms.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/6982075134/" title="DSC_0394 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0394" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/6982075134_9394954bdd_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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After almost scrapping the whole shirt, I decided to chop off the arms (it was originally long sleeved), and that seemed to be just the ticket!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7128161193/" title="DSC_0405 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0405" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/7128161193_69fdc110eb.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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A fun animal shirt for my animal loving girl.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-27853421953603125872012-04-21T18:26:00.000-07:002012-04-21T18:26:34.925-07:00Penellogram<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/6954447922/" title="DSC_0057 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0057" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/6954447922_67a57775eb.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Gah! I totally hate it when more than a week goes by in between blog posts. And it's definitely not for lack of things to blog about. I've got about a billion posts in my head, but these kids are just sucking the life out of me! </div>
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And it is only being reinforced by my current <a href="http://emmmylizzzy.blogspot.com/2012/04/instagram-easter.html">Instagram obsession</a>, because everyone keeps posting these gorgeous pictures of themselves sewing and working on projects all day long, and it only makes me seethe with jealousy that I can't get more sewing/blogging/thrifting/cleaning/laundry/sleep/alone time/etc. in everyday. Sigh. One day when the kids are grown I'll miss these days of endless games of Hi Ho Cherry-O, right?</div>
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But I digress.... </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/6954447570/" title="DSC_0052 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0052" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7244/6954447570_d41d4006fe.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Here's another baby quilt that I made for a very soon to be born little boy. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I just love the range of fabrics I chose for this quilt -
some are from current lines of fabric, some are from vintage sheets, and
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7100515859/" title="DSC_0048 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0048" height="400" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5336/7100515859_7375da3a8d.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Phoebe kept calling these diamonds when I was sewing this together, but I informed her that they are actually parallelograms. Henceforth, Phoebe's favorite shape is the "Penellogram". Obviously, she seems to be doing much better with her little sister :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7100515595/" title="DSC_0046 by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0046" height="332" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5462/7100515595_fded4b52cc.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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This measures about 45" square and is backed in a vintage sheet that seems to match perfectly. And speaking of vintage sheets, I've recently added quite a bit to the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EmmyLizzy?ref=si_shop">shop</a>. Stop by and take a look and I'll give you 15% off your order through the end of the month if you use the code PENELLOGRAM!<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2712311498306461765.post-75064086627912210212012-04-11T16:02:00.000-07:002012-04-11T16:02:03.729-07:00Doily lamp tutorial. Finally!<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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Well, it only took me three months, but I promised that I'd finally get around to showing you how I made the doily light for <a href="http://emmmylizzzy.blogspot.com/2012/02/penelopes-nursery.html">Penelope's nursery</a>. Unfortunately I can't take credit for this awesome idea - I saw <a href="http://dosfamily.com/2011/01/lace-lamp/">this version</a> on Pinterest awhile back - but here's my version it and some tips that I found useful....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/7068954785/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Doily lamp - construction by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Doily lamp - construction" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7064/7068954785_71eee14ff2_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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So a mere week before Christmas, and only ten days before I went into labor, my husband came home to this going on in the middle of our kitchen. Luckily, we've been together for about 11 years, so he's pretty used to my crazy projects taking over our house.</div>
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I used one of those giant punching bag balloons that I
found at the dollar store since they are perfectly spherical vs the
typical balloon shape. Plus, they seem to be a little thicker than a
normal balloon, and less likely to pop during the process.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/6922874700/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Doily lamp - construction by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Doily lamp - construction" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7123/6922874700_3bd710083c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The original poster used wallpaper glue, but I just went with what I had on hand which was regular old Elmer's school glue, that I watered down a bit. I simply placed the doilies on the balloon and painted them with the glue until they were completely saturated. The glue seemed to have just enough tack to hold them in place and I didn't have any problems with them falling off before they were dry.</div>
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I let this dry for about 24 hours and then went back and touched up some areas that didn't feel quite stiff enough (if your doilies seem too pliable, just increase your glue to water ratio). Then I let this dry for another day. Then it hung there for another couple of days just because.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/6866520605/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Doily light at night by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Doily light at night" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/6866520605_63f69837f8_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Finally I popped the balloon (which was Phoebe's favorite part) and used this <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10175810/">lighting kit</a> from Ikea to hang it up. I intentionally left an opening between a couple of the doilies so that I could fit the bulb and socket into the center without having to cut out a hole in the lamp.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/6866519137/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Handmade doily light by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Handmade doily light" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6866519137_17a3535590_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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And there you go! It was incredibly simple, and it only cost me around $10. Four for the lighting kit and I probably used about six doilies (thrifted at about $1 each) to cover the balloon. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/6866519609/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Shadows by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="Shadows" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6866519609_62e83265ba_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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The light has held up beautifully. It gets turned on every evening, and I haven't had any problems with it warping, or getting too hot, or anything. And Penelope just loves looking at it and all of the beautiful shadows that it makes on the walls.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmylizzy/6866520121/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="The nursery at night by emmmylizzzy, on Flickr"><img alt="The nursery at night" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6866520121_f9c6751153.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Next up - one for every room of the house!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217364842322472452noreply@blogger.com71