Everyday Skirt Featured!

Super excited to have my Everyday Skirt be featured in 

DIY Lifestyle Magazine!

(An e-magazine for the iPad)

Have an iPad and looking for some DIY inspiration? Check out the May issue of the "DIY Lifestyle" Magazine, for free! Each issue contains many DIY projects contributed by talented bloggers.  For your free trial download the magazine here! Click on subscribe and then current subscribers, enter in “mayfreeb1” to get the current issue for free; and do it soon because the coupon is only valid until June 1st. Enjoy!

(Guest Blogging) Craft Stew

The girls behind iCandy were asked to participate in an online interview this week over at Craft Stew.

If you want to head over there and learn a little more about us, {click here} and {here}!

(tutorial) Shoreline Dress Ombre Bodice

 Well- I finally put together a tutorial for this ombre technique with tulle for the

Shoreline Dress.

Autie is the brilliant one behind it.  I remember her explaining it to me on the phone and it was a serious lightbulb moment.  Genius, I tell you!

(mini-tut) Perler Bracelet

Did you know that Jo-Ann's has a Spring/Summer craft catalog chock full of mini-craft projects to do with your kids?  Whether you have to stay inside because it's raining, want a project outside when it's sunny, or want a fun project to have on hand when you're on vacation, this catalog has something that your kids will love!

I had no idea!

I flipped through their Spring catalog {found here} and thought I'd try my hand at one of them! (There are lots!)

Here's what I chose:

The Perler Blue Bracelet

I know my daughter would love getting a new piece of jewelry (what girl doesn't?) and I thought that this might be a fun project that I could do with my 6-year-old (of course making it a little more manly) or to teach some of the older neighbor girls.  

I will admit, that when it came time to actually trying this project, I didn't know if I was smart enough to do it! (The zig-zag pattern in the photo looked a little beyond my brain power these days!)

BUT

I decided that it being my first crack at it, I'd make it easy on myself, and forego the zig-zag, and instead I tried for just a 2-colored, striped bracelet.  

Turns out, I'm smart enough for this project!

...and I'm super excited to both teach the neighborhood tween-agers how to do this...and share this fun little project with you.  

So, the main reason I chose this project because I loved the fact that it was constructed with very few 'ingredients.'  

Supplies:

-2 different colors of Perler beads

-1 spool of elastic thread ( I used white, thin beading elastic found by the thimbles, etc)

-1 larger bead ( I used a random pony bead I had, it's just to act as a stopper on one end)

-1 large needle...they say it's optional, but it's required if you ask me!

For the Joann's directions on how to make this bracelet, {click here}

Here's my two cents added to their directions!

{repin my pin (here) to help me win $100 to Joanns}

-Cut 2 yards of your elastic thread.  (2 yards was EXACTLY the right length for my 4-year old's wrist...I can fit it on my wrist, but I would definitely cut 3 yards, and then trim the excess when it gets to the size you want!
-Tie a large bead to use as a stopper at one end of the elastic.  (leave some tail!)
-Add 6 beads to the string.  (I used 2 turquoise, 2 white, 2 turquoise)
-Next, add a 7th bead (turquoise), and thread your needle back up through bead #5
-Add an 8th bead (white) and thread your needle back up through bead #3
-Add a 9th bead (turquoise) and thread your needle back up through bead #1.
-Pull elastic tight.
-Start the weave again in the next row, by adding another bead, and threading your needle back through the previous beads, one at a time.  Basically, for each new row, you just add 3 more beads.
-Continue on until your bracelet is the desired length.
To finish:
Untie your pony bead and tie your two ends in a square not.  For added security, I added a dab of nail polish and allowed to dry.  ta-daa.  It's totally easier than it looks...and really, I'd wear it!

This project took me about an hour from start to finish, and I totally did it while watching a show.  This would be a great activity for kids, and I'm anxious to see how my kids do at it...They're a hair on the young age at 4 and 6.  (I'll let you know!)

Did you guys know about this catalog?  Let me know if you try this project, or any others from the catalog out!

(Sponsor Spotlight) Violette Field Threads

I am DYING right now.  

(My daughter calls me Drama Mama...ha ha)

Violette Field Threads has done it again.

Have you seen this adorable pattern?  It is the Madelyn Shirt.

The perfect little summer top that would go with everything!

I need to make some of these.  They are just perfect.

Here is the back:

And here it is with a patterned collar:

Go take a look for yourself.  And check out the other new releases here.  You won't be disappointed.

Fabric Match Up Giveaway Winner!

And the winner is....

Tegan Nilles!

Great Job!

For those who are interested, here is the answer key!

(tutorial & pattern) My Favorite Tee Dress - Revisited

Remember this dress?

I have been meaning to make a few more of them- but haven't gotten around to it till now.

I had this cute purplish fabric in my stash and thought I would try again, but add a couple of twists.

The one thing about the first version I wanted to change was the neckline- it doesn't lay totally flat all the time.  I thought a neck band would work better.  With one tiny seam I made it a V-neck... but it could go either way.  I also banded the sleeves this time around.

I like the high-low look so I thought it would be a fun twist.  I basically did a straight front hemline and just curved the back.  I really like how it turned out.

Here is the original tutorial if you want to make one.

Once you have your pattern made (using that tutorial) you can create the neckband.  My general rule of thumb is to measure around your neckline (minus seam allowance) using a measuring tape.  Take that measurement and multiply it by 80%.  That will be the length of your neckband.  For the width, take how wide you want it, double that and add a seam allowance times 2.  So for example, I wanted my band to be 1/2" wide.  With a 1/4" seam allowance, my neckband was 

1 1/2" wide.  

For the sleeve bands, I measured around the arm hole, (minus the seam allowance) and cut the band the same length.

Once you have your pattern pieces and bands, you can follow this tutorial to sew the dress.  Same as sewing a tee- just longer!  FYI- I now divide the band into quarters, and the neckline as well, then pin at the marks.  Then stretch the band to match up with the pins.

Or, here is my pattern if you want to make a size M.  

Arm bands: 14" long by 1.5" wide

Neck band: 24" long by 1.5" wide

Here is what your pattern will look like put together:

My dress is patterned off of an Old Navy tee that is a size medium.  If you don't want the high-low, just cut the dress at your desired length.  

Feel free to adjust the neckline and sleeve length too- there are so many options!