Boy's Applique T Shirts

This idea is all over blogland . . . and I've been collecting images and ideas for a long time now. I even purchased a couple of white t shirts awhile ago from Hobby Lobby. They've just been staring at me waiting for the right idea to pop in to my head. After crawling in bed last night and being unable to fall asleep, I grabbed my iPad and started cruising the web for more applique ideas. I goggled "Sambo" which is our nickname for son #2. Turns out that Sambo is a type of martial arts. They have their own logo and t shirts. So I decided it was perfect and promptly got out of bed and headed downstairs to knock-it-off.

Here is my version. Super fast and super easy. I decided to satin stitch around each of the letters and that really was what took the longest time. I used my computer to create the letters and stars. Then trace them on to heat n' bond and then on to the fabric. Iron on and then sew down and ta da . . . a new, custom made, personalized shirt.Son #1 was a little tougher to come up with just the right idea. So I waited until he woke up this morning to run a few concepts passed him. At first he wanted a flying saucer with some words on it. But then we looked at this cute shark with a fish skeleton found on a cute but incredibly expensive boys clothing store. I'm no artist, but these were simple shapes to freehand. Son #1 selected some fabrics out of my (ever growing) scrap stash . . . a little heat n' bond and a few well placed stitches later and he has his own custom shirt.

And here they are (on a break from their water fight with dad) showing off their new shirts. I think I might be officially addicted now. Cute and easy and oh . . . the possibilities!

Just a little of This and That . . .

We've been having way too much fun this summer and I've been having a hard time sitting myself down to craft. I did spend a few minutes last night putting a few beads together. These beads have been sitting on the shelf staring at me for more than a few months.

I bought these beads at JoAnn's awhile back - and they're much prettier in person. The picture doesn't do them justice. They are pretty browns and blues.And then . . . there's turquoise. I {love} turquoise. I have lots of it - all kinds. I found these round beads a long time ago and finally put them together for a bracelet and matching drop earrings. Can't wait to wear them.I've also finally got the back pieced to my charm baby quilt. Now I just need to run and grab some warm & natural batting and decide if I'm going to try free motion quilting it myself . . . or if I'll wimp out and drop it off to be quilted by a professional! We shall see.

Custom Pillowcases

Check - custom pillowcases for the boys - - - DONE!

And talk about finding a really great tutorial - Little Birdie Secrets has one that I used. I cut the fabric and then sat down to follow it. I kept reading it over and over . . . thinking - this really can't work. She must have mis-typed something. When do I sew a seam? Maybe I should baste this? Really? I finally decided to trust the instructions and do what she said. Even as I sat at the sewing machine to sew that first seam, I kept thinking - there's no way this is going to work.

And then - - - I sewed the seam and pulled the center out - - - and look what I have. Two of the cutest darn pillowcases you can imagine. What a great tutorial!Son #1 requested Thomas the Train (no big surprise). Son #2 got Curious George.And here they are finished and on their beds.

This will be a good night for sleeping boys at my house!

Seriously - this was a great project. Super dooper easy and incredibly cute! Trust the "tute"!

I'm Yo Yo'ing Right Along

Ok, so I might be a little off the pace set over at Sew Take A Hike, but I am definately rolling along. This little project has been good for me to take with me where ever we go and I can get them done quickly and easily. People continue to tell me they think I'm crazy, but I'm excited to see the final project. Only 887 more to go . . . maybe I am crazy!I've been stocking up on fabric (as if I really need any more!) and I have some projects ready to go here as soon as I make some time. Stay tuned!

Something Simple

I had seen a cute simple clear crystal necklace on a less-than-cheap website not long ago and although I really wanted it, I wasn't willing to pay for it. I ran into JoAnn's a few days ago to grab something and thought I'd hop over to the bead isle for a second to see what was on sale . . . and guess what I found - a large crystal pendant very similar to the one I had seen. So it hopped into my bag (after paying for it - something like $3) along with a cheap rolo chain. I cut the chain to the length I wanted, attached a clasp and waa - laa . . . a very simple but cute crystal necklace. Just what I wanted. Total cost = $5.00.