Make Your Own Ugly Christmas Sweater

Ugly Christmas sweater parties are so much fun this time of year, but have you seen the prices on those ugly sweaters?  I don't know about you, but I don't want to pay a high price for an ugly Christmas sweater that will probably only be worn once during what happens to be the most expensive month of the year.

When my daughter's youth group decided to wear ugly Christmas sweaters to the youth Christmas party I knew what I had to do!  Make one!  I'm really not sure who was more excited.  Bethany was super excited about the party and getting to wear an ugly sweater and I was super excited for the chance to make one.  I have had this idea for a while now, but never had a reason to make it!

Bethany actually found out that she was going to be able to go the party a day before the actual event.  She was originally supposed to work that evening, but plans changed.  We made a quick trip to Goodwill and Dollar General for supplies.

At Goodwill we found a men's green shirt.  We wanted something pretty large because I knew we would need something big for the hoop at the bottom.  For the hoop I used an old canopy I had.  You know the kind, the one's for a little girls bedroom covered with tulle.  Anyway, I sewed the hoop in using the sewing machine and we hot glued the rest of the items in place.  We had some gold garland and some ugly ornaments all purchased at Dollar General.  With the shirt costing $3.00 and the Garland and ornaments totaling $5.00 I was able to complete the whole project for under $10.00.

It turned out super ugly and she won first prize!

On our way there she had to ride in the back seat because the hoop was so big and and she was not able to put the shoulder seat belt on.  Don't worry, I was still parked when I took the pic!

We had to make a quick run into Walmart.  This picture may end up on the people of Walmart site.  I mean really..who goes shopping dressed like a tree?  But hey, if people can wear pajamas to Walmart...

We had five different people approach us and compliment her ugliness.  In fact several one person started by saying "you won"!  They were right!

Upcycled Denim Skirts

I know I have done posts in the past about the denim skirts I make for girls, but I decided it's time again!

The past couple months I have been super busy making skirts and promoting my designs in a new way.  Up until now I have mainly sold on ebay with occasional custom orders.  I have decided to put myself out there a little more and have created a facebook page for my Dots and Daisies skirt creations.  You can check it out and like it through this link:  https://www.facebook.com/sheilasdotsanddaisies 

I mainly make little girls in sizes 2T-16, but I occasionally make adult skirts as well.  I also do custom orders.  Some customers prefer me to get all the supplies, other customers like to send me the jeans and material and just have me do the sewing.  

Through my facebook page you can keep up to date with any new skirts I have available and I will also share when I list on ebay.  

All the pictures I am sharing are just a few samples of the skirts I have made and sold already this year!

I've been busy sewing all day today and will have at least 25 new creations available next week!

Raggedy Ann Apron

Check out this darling Raggedy Ann apron that my mom made to go in her Raggedy Ann Room!  She is so talented! :):):)

She hand stitched Raggedy Ann's name and the sweet flower next to it.

Tied in the back with a darling bow!

And a sweet pocket trimmed in lace!

Where to Get a Cute Modest Swimsuit

Several years ago I did a blog post on where to find a cute modest swimsuit.  Since then God has continued to do a work in our lives and after my daughter came to me and asked me for an even more modest swimsuit than what she had, my quest for the perfect modest swimsuit continued.  So here is what I have found over the years.  I do want to state that the convictions my family have concerning swimwear is just that...our convictions.  Pray about what God would desire for you, He is the one we should desire to please.  No one else. :)

http://www.limericki.com/ is where we originally began and were I first blogged about 3 years ago.  They have some great swimsuits. They offer higher neck lines and a more modest bottom.  No high cut legs.  Lots of boy shorts and even some cute swim skirts.

http://hydrochic.com/modest-swimsuits.html is a great place for modest swim and sportswear.  They offer a cute sporty look!

http://www.simply-modest.com/posecom/  I love this site!  They have such cute modest swimsuits!  They even sell sewing patterns and material if you want to make your own!

http://swimmodest.com/  Very cute designs for women and children!

http://www.wholesomewear.com/  This is where the Duggar's get their suits.  In my opinion they are not very cute, but everyone has different tastes and it may be just the thing you are looking for!

http://freshmodesty.com/  This is an awesome website!  This young girl sews beautifully!  She sells and e-book sharing how to custom make your own modest swimwear.  She also has some great examples of suits that she has made.  I did purchase this e-book for myself and it does have a lot of great pointers in it.

You can also check out ebay.  They have a great selection of modest swimwear.  New and used.

When I began to look for a more modest swimsuit, I began with a google search.  Many of the links listed here are what popped up.  I looked and looked, but in the end it came down to one thing.  Money!  These suits were way out of my price range.  I just could not afford it.  So I decided to try to make our own.  I don't claim to be a great seamstress, but was willing to give it a shot.  I purchased my material on ebay and was blessed to find a great deal and enough fabric to make two suits!  You DO need a special fabric so be sure to do your research if you decide to try making your own!  I purchased a legging pattern for the bottoms.    I knew I could adjust the length accordingly.  For the top, I did a couple different things, I pieced some different patterns I had around the house to get the look I wanted on one suit and on the other suit I  used a tank top for a pattern adding the length I desired.  Here is what I came up with.

This one is more fitted.  It's the one I used a tank top to go by.  It's my favorite!

This one is Bethany's favorite.  It is looser and the bottom half of the top looks more like a skirt.  

I was very pleased with the way they turned out and this is the second year that Bethany has wore them.  They get lots of use and have held up well!  

I hope you find something here that is a blessing to your family!

Yo-Yo Christmas Tree Garland

 For as long as I can remember we have strung popcorn for our Christmas tree.  This is a tradition my family did when I was a child and a tradition that I carried over into my adult life and began with my own family.  I remember as a child, gathering in the family room with big bowls of popcorn and stringing garland while we watched our favorite television show.  Of course, I also remember that my dad ate more than he strung. lol

There was one year with me and my kids will never forget.  I had just popped the popcorn over the stove when I hear  "it's back on"  I can't even remember now what we were watching (this was before dvr's entered our life).  So I grab the pan of popcorn and run to the family room and lay it on the floor.  Me and the kids continue to string.  Quite a while later I go to move the pan and it was STUCK!!!  I did not think about it being hot when I sat it down and it melted to the carpet!  What a mess I had.  I was in a panic and the kids were laughing, then I began laughing...and well...the carpet got a hair cut that night. hehe!

This year I decided to do something different and make yo-yo Christmas tree garland.  It was a lot of work, but I absolutely love the way it looks.  My daughter helped, but my son refused to pick up a needle and thread. Ha!  I didn't push it either. ;)  He was a little bummed about the no popcorn thing but since the last few years I have been doing most of the stringing it was not to hard to convince that this was the way to go.  Who knows, next year we may go back to the old tradition of popcorn garland, but for this year I am enjoying the beauty of my yo-yo tree!

I used two different sizes of yo-yo's.  I also chose not to go with Christmas material.  I went with reds and whites!  It reminds me of candy canes!

 Now I think I'll make a matching yo-yo Christmas Tree skirt!

Denim Pocket Purse

Check out these darling little purses I've made this week!  I absolutely love them!  So perfect for the girly girl! 

I've been saving the pockets off worn out jeans for quite some time and I decided it was time to be creative with them.  I sewed on a grosgrain ribbon for the purse strap and then sewed two pockets together.  To complete it I made little matching bows and hot glued them on to the front!  So easy and so cute!

Craft Time

I've been spending a lot of my time crafting lately.  Here is a sample of what I've been up too! :)

Bethany helped me make these waxed dipped pine cone fire starters!  I love the way they look in this basket.  I can't wait to sit them next to the wood burning stove and toss some in when I start a fire this winter.

 We also dipped some wax ornaments.  These were made from styrofoam sheet cut outs.  The cut outs we used were cookie cutters!  I love making these!  So much fun.  I still have to put finishing touches such as jute hangers on them and maybe some ric-rac embellishments on the gingerbread men!

Our house smells so good!  A mixture of Mocha and Apple pie!  Smells like fall!

I've also made a bunch of homespun coasters and some pot holders/hot pads.

Believe it or not that is not all.  I've also been making hair bows, aprons, "upcycled" denim skirts, baby gowns and homemade laundry detergent kits.  We are going to be selling all these homemade crafts at a homeschool craft fair in October.  I guess if my stuff does not sell my family and friends will get a homemade Christmas this year. ;)

A Garden Apron

I was feeling creative today and decided to make an apron especially for gardening.

What attire says "garden" better than overalls! 

A while back I purchased a denim overall jumper at a second hand store for $1.50 and today I repurposed it into my garden apron. 

Since I am a girly girl I had to add a few ribbons and bows! 

 And of course I saved some matching ribbon to wear in my hair!

I love the way it turned out.  It has tons of pockets for holding  garden gloves, seeds, small gardening tools, and anything else I have a mind to put in there. 

It took me less than an hour to make and cost me less than $2.00.  That's my kinda project! 

Now if we can just get some warmer weather so I can use it!

Upcycled Denim Skirts from Recycled Jeans - It's what I do!

Several years ago I was at a church youth camp and noticed that some young teenage girls had on denim skirts that were made out of blue jeans.  They were so cute!   I knew I had to learn how to make them.   I went home and got right to it.   They are super easy to make and the skill of making them has been such a blessing in my life.   In more ways than you can imagine! 

As a mother I find it very difficult to find modest clothing for my daughter.   So being able to make her cute, fun and unique denim skirts has been a lifesaver!  

I also have used it as a way to earn a little extra spending money.  Mainly for Christmas, Birthday's, and anything extra that we need.   For instance...I will be going to a homeschool expo at the end of this month and selling these skirts are a way for me to be able to buy a few of the school books we need for next year.

It is also, in a sense, a ministry for me.  I offer my skirts at a very reasonable price.  Usually people are shocked when I tell them the price.    Knowing how hard it is to find decent clothing for young ladies, makes it all the more important to me to offer it to others.   It has been a blessing to me and I want to share that blessing with others.  

I Peter 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

I've had several people ask me to share how I make the skirts.   I will eventually do that.   I'm thinking a blog tutorial with pictures will be the best.   I just have never taken the time to do that yet.  It's on my to-do list. :)  For now though I'll share a few picture of some of my  creations!!

 These jeans were laced on the side so I removed the original lacing and added a matching red ribbon on each side.  Also shown is the back view.   I love the little girl sizes that are small enough to use a bandanna.  They turn out so super cute!!

Another fun skirt made with a pink polka dot insert and a matching belt that could also be used as a headband!!

 Are you loving these yet???

 One more!!!

If you are convinced that your daughter would look so adorable in one of these skirts, shoot me a message and we'll talk!

Sew Busy

I have been a busy little seamstress in the past couple weeks.   I've completed several projects, mainly for Bethany's spring/summer wardrobe, but I did manage to make myself an outfit.  

A tier skirt and a peasant blouse.  

 I call it my Homestead Blessings, wanna run through green pastures barefoot and maybe milk a cow skirt. 

 Weird name?  Maybe, so let me explain.  I have made several tier skirts in the past, but my motivation for this one came from the Homestead Blessings Art of Sewing DVD.  Have I mentioned how much I LOVE the West ladies?  I can't remember where I got the material, because I have had it so long, but I know someone gave it to me.  Same goes for the lace trim, which I just had to add!  I love the extra girly, girly look it adds.  When I look at this skirt I think of summer days, green grass, and I envision myself running thru the green grass barefoot.  It looks so country (add milk cow here) and yet so feminine!  Considering we still have snow, ice, and frigid temperatures, green grass appears to be a long ways off and come to think of it, I don't even own a cow.  So maybe it was a bad choice for a name, maybe I should call it my "make some bread and curl up with a good book skirt"  naaah!  Doesn't have a ring to it or give me the same warm fuzzy feeling.  I'll stick with the former. : P   

As for the peasant blouse....I love finding deals and saving money, I went to Goodwill a couple weeks ago and found several sheets for $2.00 each and several pieces of material for $.50 a yard.  I was super excited!  Anyways,  I made the blouse out of a white knit sheet.  It was also inspired by the West ladies in their Art of Sewing DVD.  

For the pattern, I found that my mom had this old 70's pattern that would work great. 

 I altered it a little, followed the instructions given on the DVD, added elastic to the bodice and voila! 

And even though I didn't plan it this way, the peasant blouse looks great with the Homestead Blessings, wanna run through green pastures barefoot and maybe milk a cow skirt!

Methinks it is a token of healthy and gentle characteristics, when women of high thoughts and accomplishments love to sew; especially as they are never more at home with their own hearts than while so occupied.  ~Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Marble Faun, 1859

Lazy Days and Saturdays

I have enjoyed a completely lazy, only do what I want to do, kinda day.  So, what, you may ask, does a person do on a completely lazy, only do what I want to do, kinda day?  Well,  I don't know what other people do, but for me it consisted of not getting out of bed when I thought I should.  Instead, I ignored that nagging voice in my head that says "you really need to get up"  and snuggled deeper under the covers for another 45 minutes.   

Once I got up, I decided it was a perfect day for backing up old home videos.  I'm slowly putting all our old vhs home videos onto dvd's with a Dazzle video creator.  While I was waiting for the video's to record onto the dvd's, I looked through boxes of old sewing patterns.  I've been in a creative mood lately.   I've been getting tons of inspiration from a young girl named Olivia.  She has a great blog called Eager Hands.

 I have several projects I want to start.  The two main projects that I'm centering my focus on is  a modest swimsuit for Bethany and a dress.   For the swimsuit I am thinking of making my own design rather than following a specific pattern.  I really don't like patterns and I usually don't follow them anyway. : )   For the dress, I'm thinking something with a zipper.  I've never sewn an outfit with a zipper before and I feel the need to learn the skill.  Surely it won't be that hard.  In case it is, I don't have to worry, I know I can call on my mom if I run into trouble.   So anyways, I'm looking through old patterns in search for pieces that catch my eye that I can use.  For example, maybe the bodice of one, the skirt layout of another.  If I'm lucky I'll be able to put them together and the outcome will be a masterpiece.

Looking at all the patterns made me decide to get my sewing machine out.  Usually, I leave it out, but I decided to put it away during Christmas break this year.  I quick converted a pair of Capri's into a denim skirt for my niece Katy, and then I mended a few articles of clothing that were starting to pile up.

I finished the day with some homemade hot cocoa and movies with the kids.   Ahhh,  If only every day could be a lazy day or a Saturday.

Blue Jean Quilt

We all have old worn out blue jeans and if you love frugal living you will love this idea! Why throw them out when you can recycle them into a denim quilt! Even the novice sewer can make this. It can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. They are warm and durable. They are great for picnics and camping. Teenagers love it and if your child is wanting to learn to sew this is a great project for him or her.

All you need is alot of old denim jeans, shirts, skirts etc. Decide on the size of square you want and start cutting. It is easiest if you have a rotary cutter and mat. After cutting you are ready to start sewing them together.

I chose to sew the wrong sides together with about an half inch seam allowance. Then I clipped the raw edge seams about every 1/2 inch.

Here is my finished quilt. Be sure to use the back pockets off of your jeans too! It really gives it a neat look and the kids love the idea of putting things in the pockets!
I made a few pillow shams since I decided to use it as a bedspread.