A "PJ Dress"

I've been so busy crafting for the shop that I've fallen behind on my regular mommy crafting. So, to make up for it I spent the afternoon making Brodi some new pjs. She requested not just any pjs but a "PJ Dress". I let her pick the fabric for it from my stash of flannel that I save for such occasions. She picked this cute mermaid print that I picked up at Joann probably two years ago for $1 a yard. They have some really great sales sometimes and I like to stock up when they do. (It drives my husband nuts!) But hey, when the kid wants new pjs I always have fabric on hand! I also had the pattern, ribbon and bias tape on hand so horray for using up the stash. The pattern is Simplicity 5118. Patterns are another thing I tend to stock up on. Joann and Hancock both have occasional $1 pattern sales and I get as many as they allow. The only thing I really changed about the pattern was the binding around the armholes. I used double-fold bias instead of single and instead of sewing the sleeves on before sewing on the binding I did it the other way around. I wanted to be able to see the contrasting binding all the way around the armhole instead of just under the pits. I also shortened the length so it would be a little cooler to wear in the summer. The pattern was super easy even for my very meager sewing skills and it only took about 2 and half hours from start to finish, not bad! The munchkin is pleased as punch, which is the most important thing.

Favorite Shoes

Last night my husband and I had what he called a "shoe party". It was not nearly as fun as it sounds, mostly because it involved tossing out sad, old shoes that we don't wear anymore. Or in my case those shoes that I buy with the best intentions and just never wear, like that pair of patent red pumps, or the pixie pirate boots. I should really know better! As we were sorting our shoes into "keep" and "toss" piles the husband came across the above shoes. Now most people would take one look at these shoes, which are no longer safe to wear in the rain due to the gaping holes , and promptly throw them in the trash. However, my wonderful, understanding husband gave me a grin and put them into my "keep" pile without even asking. It's just that these shoes are my absolute favorite shoes and he knows it. I don't wear them that often anymore but when I do put them on it's like reconnecting with an old friend, it's like not a day has past since we last spoke. They're special, I guess for some reason or another. I bought them right after my daugther was born and they're the shoes I wore every day when we first moved to Chicago. For some reason these shoes were the only ones that I could wear that didn't make my feet scream with agony after the hike to the train and back every day. At some point after the holes devloped I actually bought a replacement pair that still look brand new because they've only been worn a few times. They just didn't hold a candle to the original pair.

Short story long, this got me to thinking about shoes. Most of my shoes I can recall exactly where I bought them and where I was in my life at the time. They all have some sort of sentimental value and are all hard to get rid of. So, I'm wondering if everyone has this attachment to their shoes. Do you have a favorite pair that should have been thrown away but you just can't bear to? What are your favorite shoes and why? I want to hear your shoe stories!

Thank you!

Huge thanks to Holly from decor8 for including me in her Etsy Take Five Tuesdays!
I was tickled pink to see this last night after a VERY long day at the day job. She also introduced me to an amazing Etsy-er, Alison Tauber. Her shop is loaded with the most beautiful things, this tea towel is especially right up my alley.

Just perfect. Also, thank you so much to everyone who purchased goodies from the shop recently. You all rock! I promise I'm working hard to get fabric designs ready for printing. (The darn day job is getting in the way - A pox on it!) I'm hoping this weekend I can place an order and get the shop stocked up soon. I'll keep you all posted!

Another Shop Update

The last of the new goodies have been added to the shop. I'm a little (okay a lot) geeked out by the dolls. I love them! There's also a cute coin purse made with my Persimmon fabric and some notecards and recipe cards. See them all here. Enjoy!