While the Kids are Away....

Mama hit the sewing machine.

The kiddos weren't "away-away"....daddy just took them out for the afternoon (THANKS, honey! Not that you read my blog or anything) and I was able to get some sewing done. A few special requests for Christmas and then a couple of extra that I put in my still alive Etsy shop. I still have some pieces sitting on my table waiting to get finished up. All reversible toddler/preschool crayon aprons. Or...as I showed in another post, put clothespins in them and your little helper can help with the laundry!

 



Cupcakes - well, isn't she? :)



My favorite. Definitely buying more of this fabric!



Who doesn't love mermaids?



Do the colors POP or what? LOVE!

For more handmade gift ideas check out Tip Junkie:



And link up with "this and that's i made THIS tuesday!"



Sewing....

Time to catch up on some projects I've been working on!


I haven't had much inventory in my Etsy shop but I've been quite blessed that people have been messaging me asking for special request items. Everyone's been really nice with not putting any pressure on a time frame. Lot's of  "No rush! When you have time!"  so THANKS! That has worked perfectly with my schedule! 


M from N.C. asked for an adult sized reversible cupcake apron like the ones I made for Momo's birthday party:

Thanks M! I hope you enjoyed your trip to Hawaii! i am still keeping my eye out for the coffee you like so much!

I also made a Minnie Mouse costume/dress for Miss Peyton in Virginia:

I added some crinoline to the dress to give it some more oophm. :) Peyton totally rocked it....cast and all! Isn't she precious?

I also had a request from  E in Oregon for an Aloha print camera strap with lens pocket:

E - enjoy your trip to Hawaii! So glad that our lives have crossed paths! Wish we could meet up while you are here! :)

Fellow friend and blogger K from Michigan requested a camera strap cover but needed a skinnier one. The first time around I went a little too skinny. Hopefully this one will fit!

After posting pictures of the car seat organizer K requested one as well. This time I made a few modifications including adding a heavyweight stabilizer to strengthen the pockets; made my own bias tape, and I also added some little straps to the back for the option of inserting a dowel or curtain rod to keep the ends from flopping (thanks for the recommendation, Heidi!) I have to admit, it was a bit more work but the end product and the quality is much better! K - it's on the way!

Love the Heather Bailey fabrics. They totally POP!

 

Added straps to the back for the option of inserting a dowel/curtain rod.



Test Drive - didn't need the dowel after all!

(I am REALLY liking the way the organizer turned out and am considering making a smaller version to put our Wii controllers and remotes in....)



I've got some more special request items in the works - but this time, with Christmas coming up I have deadlines! A couple of mermaid towels, reversible crayon aprons, an adult apron (loving this one so far!) etc! I feel truly blessed to have been sought out, so thank you!

Back to the sewing machine.....

Etsy? Not Quite Yet......

Did I open my Etsy shop?

No. Not yet. Maybe not ever? I don't know. There is never enough time to do all the sewing I want to do....but I have been getting some sewing done.

Soon after Momo's birthday party ended I was given the opportunity to be a tester for a pattern designer. Since the pattern is now under going some modifications I can't really go into details about it but after it's debut I will post some pictures! The dress turned out really cute and it was such a great experience to be a part of the process!

Immediately after making the test dress I then began making the Mother's Little Helper Reversible Apron that I was giving away on my blog. I wasn't kidding when I said it would be hot off the machine! When that one was done I started on another - this time for my daughter's school for their Spring Fling celebration. Not sure if they will sell it at their Country Store or put it in the silent auction. Either way I'm happy that I was able to donate something (besides my time - wait a minute. Sewing DOES take time!)

I'm really happy with the way this one turned out - especially since I'm quite fond of the fabric!

(Slipping off her hips......)

And did you notice in the first picture - I managed to sew one of my labels into the pocket! I'm a little tickled about it!

Duty calls. Will update next about the postcard exchange!

The Winner of the Apron Giveaway is......

#28 - Mama King!

Congratulations! I hope your girls enjoy *sharing* the apron! (Yes....big can of worms!)

Thanks to all that took the time to participate!

Winner & Giveaway!

Most of you know that I'm a big fan of "You Can Make This". They recently held an "I Made This!" contest where you could submit your own photos of things you have made using patterns sold by YCMT. Well guess what? I entered four different pictures and.......

*Drum roll please........* I WON!!!!

(*Applause*Applause*Applause*Thank You!*Thank You!*)

Can you say super stoked?

So what did I win? A bundle pack of patterns worth over $100! Dress patterns, doll patterns, pillow patterns, holiday patterns, etc!

Yeah. Super-duper-stoked! So I want to share my luck with others! Not just because I won but I just realized that my one year blogging anniversary (blogiversary) has come and gone!

Can I get another "Whoo-hoo!" (Why do I write that when I don't even SAY that? Seriously?!?)

Since I won using a YCMT pattern I thought I would make something using one of their patterns to give away. How about a "Little Helper Reversible Apron" much like I made awhile ago? I had such a great response and luckily have enough of each of the fabrics to make another. Same pattern, same print. Here's a picture of it in case you missed it months ago:

It'll be hot off the machine - much like a bakery. :) I've got a ton of things to finish up this week for my daughter's birthday party so I can't even start on it till after the weekend!

Here's how you can win: Leave me a comment telling me who you would gift the apron to. Please be sure to leave your email address if it's not easily located in your Blogger profile.

That's it!

But.....if you'd like to increase your chances of winning here's what you can do: (please leave a separate comment for each:)

Extra entry #1) Become a follower of my blog. Already a follower? Just let me know!

Extra entry #2) Tweet about this giveaway. (No need to become a follower on Twitter as I've been Tweet-lazy.) You can Tweet once a day. Leave me a link to your Tweet!

You can copy and paste the following (or create your own):

Mama's a Mess is hosting a giveaway! Win a "Little Helper Reversible Apron" Enter at www.mamasamess.blogspot.com . Contest ends 2/21.

Extra entry #3) My Etsy store will be open soon (soon is a relative term, right?) so head on over there and "heart" me as one of your favorites!

Extra entry #4) Earn FIVE extra entries by blogging about this giveaway! Post about it on your blog and link back to this thread. Let me know where to find it on your blog! Be sure to comment five extra times for five extra chances to win!

Contest is open to US & Canada residents only (sorry other International friends!) One winner will be chosen at midnight E.S.T. on Sunday, February 21st via Random.org. Winner will be announced here on this blog as well as be sent an email notification. Response is required within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected.

Thanks so much for celebrating with me!

GOOD LUCK!

Edited to add: My dear Canadian friends....I have opened up the contest to you as well! :) Thanks for your support!