Bugs!!

About a month ago, I decided to try a new idea out that I had seen someone talk about in a Facebook group I'm in. They had taken an applique of a jar of bugs and and removed the bugs from the design. Then a piece of vinyl was added and some small toy bugs were placed it. Super cute in theory!

I found a jar applique at Applique Alley and got to work. 

I went all over town trying to find some cheap toy bugs that were A) cute and B) flat enough to lay well under the vinyl.  I ended up finding some at Fred's (I think, but I went so many places I really don't remember).  Then I went to Wal-Mart (who did NOT have bugs) and bought some medium weight vinyl from their really fabulous new fabric department. 

It stitched really well, and I was super excited with the results!  



Until...Gabriel put it on and I realized that the vinyl had come apart from the stitching  :(  The bugs are kind of rubbery though, so there was enough friction against the vinyl to where they wouldn't fall out.  After all the work I put into it, I decided he was going to wear it at least once, even if it came apart on him, haha!  So he wore it on another trip to Wal-Mart (we go there a lot even though I am not a huge fan) and a lady actually stopped me to ask about his shirt.  I washed it and stuck the bugs back in, and it still seems to be wearable.  The vinyl lays flat against the shirt, so it isn't noticeable unless you are really looking.  I may try it again and see if I can attach the vinyl a little differently.  

$30 Just Grin and Wear It Store Credit Giveaway!

It's Giveaway Time!! Today I am launching my first giveaway to my Etsy Shop, Just Grin and Wear It! You can enter to win a $30 store credit using the Rafflecopter below (if it's not there, just give it a second and it should pop up.) I do custom clothing and baby gifts, so if you want something made but you aren't crazy about the colors I have in the pictures, or you want a monogram instead of a name, or you want a flower instead of a dolphin, etc... just send me a message and let me know! I'll tell you whether it is something I can do or not, and then together we can design what you are looking for! Good luck winning!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wonderful Wednesday

I've decided that my sweet children and husband entertain me so much during the week that I would share with you all so you could giggle, too! 

Things my four-year old has said lately: 

• This would make a great wedding song!  (What four-year old says that?)
• Mommy, I can't believe I have to say this, but...  Indie and that lady... are married!!  (in reference to his Indiana Jones video game.)
• Luie, sweetheart, stop meowing at me!  (Luie is his one-year old sister.) 
• Well, I don't want to go to the movies because you have to be quiet. (It's nearly impossible for this child to go 2 minutes without saying something.)

Sweet, sweet baby boy  :) 

What are some funny things that your kids say?

Giveaway Coming Soon!

Hi Everyone! 

I hope you're having a great start to a great weekend!  I've decided that I want to do a little giveaway in the next week or so.  I'll be giving away a $30 giftcard to my store, Just Grin and Wear It!  Stay tuned!

Fabric Love!

Like anyone else who sews, appliques, or quilts, I have recently discovered that I am a fabric addict.  Whenever I set foot in JoAnn, Hancock's, or Hobby Lobby (oh, and now Wal-Mart has a fabulous fabric department) I get lured in and have to buy at least a yard of at least one fabric.  I've started buying from fabric.com, too.  They have wonderful prices on designer fabrics and free shipping on orders over $35 (which is easy to do!)  I justify my purchases by saying things like, "Well... that fabric is so pretty that it won't be here the next time I come," or "I need a pretty orange for that pumpkin applique I was wanting to do."  But then, once I buy it, it sits in my pantry/sewing closet (yes, they are one in the same) for months, and I end up forgetting I have it. 

I had a few days with no boys in the house, meaning it was safe to explore my fabric hoard, and dug up lots of beautiful treasures that have inspired me to get sewing again.  Some of my favorite finds, you may ask?  Take a look!!

 

 All of these came from fabric.com with the exception of the polka dots.  Those came from Hancock's. 

It's a Social Parade!

I came across a blog recently where you could link up your own blog for others to find you.  It seemed like a good idea since my following is small, and I've just starting my blogging adventure. 

So... the Smart & Trendy Moms blog hosts It's a Social Parade Blog-Hop every Friday on their site. 

Go check out her site, and link your own blog up!

Everything Applique Conference, Here I Come!!

I am so stinkin' excited!  This coming Saturday is the Everything Applique Conference at the BJCC in Birmingham.  I signed up for this over a month ago and have been daydreaming about it every day since.  My friends and family don't get it.  My best friend told me to say, "Hi!" to Myrtle and Ethel.  My mom and sis were in shock when I told them nearly 800 people from all over the country were coming.  Their response (while snickering) was, "Oh, we thought it would be like 30 people at someone's house."  Hmph. 

Nonetheless, I am pumped!  Kathy from Applique Corner is fabulous.  She and her husband are hosting the event and several other big name applique companies like Applique Alley, Applique Momma, Applique Junkie, The Itch 2 Stitch, Applique Cafe, Embroidery Boutique, and Applique Market are going to be presenters!  So not only do I get to hear these ladies teach about applique, starting/improving your applique businesses, and photography, there are lots of prizes to be won! 


Let me just say, that I plan on winning the big one.  I don't care about the smaller prizes, just give me my new machine, and no one gets hurt.  Ha!  I actually just got a PE-770 a few weeks ago, so I shouldn't be so greedy, but I would LOVE something bigger! 


In order to get your name in the drawing twice, instead of just once, you can applique the official Everything Applique Conference Logo onto a shirt, bag, whatever, that you carry or wear into the conference.

 So I'm off to make my bag, because this momma wants a new machine!  Wish me luck!!