Really Really Loving Felting!!

For Christmas this year, my cousin, a former employee of Baa Baa Zuzu, made these adorable felted hats for everyone from recycled sweaters. You can check out her awesomeness here. Anyway, I started growing curious so I went goodwilling and oh, what fun! I found way too many wool sweaters in fantastic patterns and colors. Here is what I ended up creating!



If you could only see the plethora of other ideas I've got stored away inside my head! Oh boy! Sweater dresses, jumpers.

Etsy Shop!

Hooray! My Etsy shop is now open! I've listed just a few items (barrettes and some holiday skirts) to give it a try. I sold two pair of barrettes within an hour of opening up so I'll keep my fingers crossed that the success continues! There is a tremendous amount of satisfaction in picturing another sweet, little girl wearing something you created.

If you are interested in a festive skirt for your little one and holiday barrettes to match, visit my shop: www.marlioliver.etsy.com. (I have everyday barrettes as well.)

M

Clown Suit?

I've had enough. No more jumpers for Maggie. Time to expand my horizons and therefore, her wardrobe. I picked up this Moda fabric in Charlevoix at Hearts to Holly, an adorable fabric shop. I had trouble with these bibs from the start. They looked huge when I got them done, but they actually ended up being too tight in the crotch and too short! I made my crotch seam smaller and added a ruffles to the bottoms. I think I still need to lengthen them though if she's going to wear them for longer than a month. Although the bright and colorful fabric make them a little "clown-like", I think they are cute and comfy too!

Our Little Bugaboo is One!

I'll save the cliches for now...

I can't believe she's one already.

The time really flew by.

They grow up so fast.

It has been one year. I'm sure of it. It's been a trying year medically and an extraordinarily enjoyable year otherwise. And now she's one. New adventures and challenges await- all of them exciting. I'm kicking myself for not snapping pictures of Maggie in her tutu ensemble I made. I guess there's nothing wrong with dressing her in it again and getting a few. Something to add to the "to do" list. Nevertheless, I did get a shot of her official birthday hat. I purchased a pack of dollar store traditional cone hats. I cut a large triangle of fabric and glued it around the hat with Mod Podge. I added a fabric flower (3 layers) to the front with leaves and a button in the middle. The edge and point of the hat consist of a ruffle I had left over from another project. I switched the cheap elastic for green plaid ribbons and VOILA- a girly birthday hat! Problem: She didn't want to wear it. Am I surprise? No. Am I sorry I spent ten minutes making it? No way. :) I plan on creating a fun hat for her each year for her birthday until she tells me that hats are "uncool". So...until she's like 30, right? :)

Mother Margo's Hats

I've been meaning to post some pictures of the adorably fashionable baby hats that my mom has made for Maggie. She is quite the expert habberdasher. That is what they call hat makers, right? Anyway, I can't wait to see what she concocts for our show in Grand Rapids coming up in November. There are going to be some very cute kids in hats this winter!

Things I am happy for on this gloomy Saturday

1. Maggie is taking a nap on my shoulder as I write this post. We are covered by the quilt I made her before birth when, alas, her gender was made known. The patio door is open and there is a cool breeze floating in just enough to make my toes cold and cower beneath the quilt.

2. It is Saturday, which means no one is rushing off to work. It is just the three of us without any plans besides just being. It's funny that I used to grow excited when I had "stuff" to do and now the thought of nothing to do is so comforting.

3. We just had a delightful breakfast of cheesey scrambled eggs, pancakes, and biscuits. On top of that, Brian did the dishes!

4. There is a 230 inch long banner in the basement with "Happy 1st Birthday Maggie" painted on it that I completed last night. I simply cannot wait for her big bash next Saturday. All of the people we love in one place = true happiness.

5. The air is cool enough for long pants and long sleeves today. Fall is finally upon us!! I become giddy this time of year, as Fall brings with it pumpkins, apples, cider, and all things natural and lovely. On top of that, I visited Marshall's yesterday and returned home with two fun finds!

6. Maggie is Maggie. I don't know how else to express this sentiment. She has made it through, hopefully, the toughest year of her life. 20 urinary tract infections, 4 hospitalizations, countless ER visits, major surgery. We can finally say that it is all behind us. She is a vivacious little girl with a great spirit and I can't wait to watch her flourish without pain.

7. I hope you enjoy this day as much as I will.

Embellished Onesies- Check.

So, I had to buy a pack of onesies because I needed a light green one to go with Maggie's Birthday tutu. Of course, the other onesies in the pack were "boyish" and couldn't be worn without some embellishment. I decided to applique a half eaten apple to one and a birdie to the other. I planned on doing a blanket stitch around them and then I discovered that it wouldn't be very sturdy. I decided to try adjusting my zig-zag stitch to cover the edges. I'm embarrassed to admit that I didn't know you could embroider around an image on a "regular" machine. :0 It worked well. I ended up making Maggie an apple skirt to go with the onesie. It's a little longer than I wanted it to be, but it looks pretty cute with leggings.