tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47499081814950153652024-03-12T19:35:17.940-07:00The Ramblings of a Mad MommyThis is the story of my family, watch us as we grow.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-36441482365369491682016-07-09T23:53:00.001-07:002016-07-10T00:06:02.476-07:00An Adventure in Sewing A year or so ago I cane across some bralette sewing patterns that looked cute. I followed a link in a listing and found some bra sewing blogs. I was intrigued by the idea but very intimidated by what appeared to be quite a lot to learn. Scared off, I forgot about those cute bras and browsed Lasenza.com for a bit. Then a few months back I stumbled across Bra Making Forum, a group on Facebook that was full of men and women sewing amazing bras, showing off their hard work and inspirations as well as a few fails. It didn't take long for me to brave up and dive in.<div>
Here are my first completed bras and a few in progress pics as well. I hope to inspire you to try out sewing your own bras.</div><div><br><div>
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Before I neglect to post, here are a few moments from Meara's first Birthday party!</div>
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And plenty of photos after the break<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-faSvvzb1MCQ/Ux0GuOTBQ5I/AAAAAAAACLg/ehWNB5tkIYo/s1600/SAM_4304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-faSvvzb1MCQ/Ux0GuOTBQ5I/AAAAAAAACLg/ehWNB5tkIYo/s1600/SAM_4304.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good eats</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7RzHngC5-nw/Ux0Guj6kSxI/AAAAAAAACLs/xzCbAJx9CBY/s1600/SAM_4306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7RzHngC5-nw/Ux0Guj6kSxI/AAAAAAAACLs/xzCbAJx9CBY/s1600/SAM_4306.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cake, pre-destruction photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwz0a7RM8CQ/Ux0Gt8MsYYI/AAAAAAAACLc/CAoPHn6tk8w/s1600/SAM_4309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwz0a7RM8CQ/Ux0Gt8MsYYI/AAAAAAAACLc/CAoPHn6tk8w/s1600/SAM_4309.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the party to start</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWqmIvvzdYQ/Ux0G2x_gwnI/AAAAAAAACL8/70SB2nNMixI/s1600/SAM_4312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWqmIvvzdYQ/Ux0G2x_gwnI/AAAAAAAACL8/70SB2nNMixI/s1600/SAM_4312.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with her big sis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dNEFUlqJB4/Ux0G2HXSOgI/AAAAAAAACL0/lFzqTJde5wg/s1600/SAM_4320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dNEFUlqJB4/Ux0G2HXSOgI/AAAAAAAACL0/lFzqTJde5wg/s1600/SAM_4320.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balloons are great</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9_YOdvtv3UI/Ux0G3R7HeuI/AAAAAAAACME/B3h7T_KNl1A/s1600/SAM_4322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9_YOdvtv3UI/Ux0G3R7HeuI/AAAAAAAACME/B3h7T_KNl1A/s1600/SAM_4322.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and tasty</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F4xeU4TK2To/Ux0HAh10W_I/AAAAAAAACMc/83HVph4cgqY/s1600/SAM_4330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F4xeU4TK2To/Ux0HAh10W_I/AAAAAAAACMc/83HVph4cgqY/s1600/SAM_4330.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We can fit a lot of family into this tiny home</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WrFnmRIoZtQ/Ux0G-QtwhQI/AAAAAAAACMM/O6mIrYHa3cs/s1600/SAM_4332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WrFnmRIoZtQ/Ux0G-QtwhQI/AAAAAAAACMM/O6mIrYHa3cs/s1600/SAM_4332.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the birthday girl, pre cake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cnncWj3nUGU/Ux0HA2AlzcI/AAAAAAAACMU/bCHK96ySvJM/s1600/SAM_4337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cnncWj3nUGU/Ux0HA2AlzcI/AAAAAAAACMU/bCHK96ySvJM/s1600/SAM_4337.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At first the sprinkles were the best part</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7B_auHFsMs/Ux0HG-LSR-I/AAAAAAAACMk/ika7xbA6J0s/s1600/SAM_4355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7B_auHFsMs/Ux0HG-LSR-I/AAAAAAAACMk/ika7xbA6J0s/s1600/SAM_4355.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But then she discovered the cream filling mixed with cake crumbs makes for great finger painting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7noFPDspuOg/Ux0HKzzHpXI/AAAAAAAACMs/eJHmtMmNCN0/s1600/SAM_4360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7noFPDspuOg/Ux0HKzzHpXI/AAAAAAAACMs/eJHmtMmNCN0/s1600/SAM_4360.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress back on and big sis gave her a mid party bath so it was gift time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iHTmg2Za6e4/Ux0HLj_ULiI/AAAAAAAACM0/deBds5LeiY8/s1600/SAM_4361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iHTmg2Za6e4/Ux0HLj_ULiI/AAAAAAAACM0/deBds5LeiY8/s1600/SAM_4361.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have no idea who gave her what, she just ripped up random girt wrap, and yanked tissue from random bags, so thank-you everyone for your generosity to this little princess.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Z3fTCKHJZ8/Ux0HMmDiw-I/AAAAAAAACM8/uTyWgMbllIo/s1600/SAM_4377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Z3fTCKHJZ8/Ux0HMmDiw-I/AAAAAAAACM8/uTyWgMbllIo/s1600/SAM_4377.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post party tired girl</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-9726450884618770972014-02-15T14:11:00.002-08:002014-02-15T14:11:22.440-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bae60Ae30eQ/Uv_lDFBJ-1I/AAAAAAAABYg/cCF1s4Fgpcg/s1600/logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bae60Ae30eQ/Uv_lDFBJ-1I/AAAAAAAABYg/cCF1s4Fgpcg/s1600/logo.jpg" height="100" width="320" /></a></div>
Well, I suppose it is going to get to the point of being a rare sight, me writing a post. I am very busy with the new found success I have been having with my little home business, on top of which I am back to working full time. I have a great big to do list and a few post ideas but no real idea as to when I will get to them. Eek.<br />
I will try to find some time for a few photo friday posts as Meara is looking at being a year old in less than a month and I still have the Christmas photos to post. For now, check out my awesome new business logo.<br />
Please stop by my<a href="http://www.facebook.com/themonkeysbum" target="_blank"> Facebook page</a> and see what I have been so busy with :)<br />
www.facebook.com/themonkeysbumAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-13255706126674465322014-01-07T23:57:00.006-08:002014-01-07T23:57:57.932-08:00Still Neglectful<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hsuDxnHvFA/Us0EnKKd_vI/AAAAAAAABX4/LW6mMbhhQdY/s1600/binkydfawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hsuDxnHvFA/Us0EnKKd_vI/AAAAAAAABX4/LW6mMbhhQdY/s1600/binkydfawn.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Binky D version</td></tr>
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Ahh, I just keep doing it. Pretty well entirely forgetting about the blog. Sorry.<br />
So here is how December went down. The whole household got sick a week and a half before Christmas. The Christmas gift baking as a result got scaled back and thrown together at the last minute. It all worked out. The boys pajamas got hemmed on Christmas Eve eve and the man in the red suit finally showed.<br />
Whew, it's done. And Happy New Year. I have a few good photo's to share from December but this post is being written really late at night so I will have to put that off till tomorrow (or whenever I procrastinate it to, lets be honest here).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hQhn7v1KfkA/Us0EnN5aLMI/AAAAAAAABX8/ejPUT5fqMao/s1600/1545912_260742227415192_178270393_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hQhn7v1KfkA/Us0EnN5aLMI/AAAAAAAABX8/ejPUT5fqMao/s1600/1545912_260742227415192_178270393_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Newborn version </td></tr>
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This past week has been about sewing, I am feeling the crunch for time right now. I return to work in less than a month so I must sew sew SEW SEW SEW! While I still can. I have decided to try out a few new diaper patterns and when I am done testing them out on Meara I will try to slap a few diapers onto the butts of friends babies. I am possibly going to sell a few tester diapers and possibly run a contest for those who submit survey responses but I have no timeline on this. Also, I made Maxaloones for Meara, so darn cute.<br />
You can expect to see a few new products posted to Etsy this month (3 yoga pants from the Brindille and Twig pattern are already cut for sewing).<br />
Alright, going to try to get some sleep happening here, Meara is stubbornly rubbing her eyes and refusing to cooperate. Good night and hopefully I can get back in the groove here soon.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-61960594773324297832013-12-03T09:37:00.002-08:002013-12-03T09:37:28.751-08:00Craft-tastic Tuesday - Blogger Neglect and Other Projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been a bad bad blogger lately, haven't I?<br />
Sorry for all the neglect, I had intended to post a tutorial or atleast a look at my sons Halloween costume but here we are early December, it's kinda late now (plus he stained it with chocolate!).<br />
So I have been busy crafting, and life in general. It is hard to motivate yourself to write a decent blog post when you are running on your third cup of coffee, four hours of sleep and last nights dinner (I really should eat something) but I am doing it.<br />
My DIY Christmas keeps shrinking and shrinking, before you know it it will look no different than last year. Eek, I haven't even started my baking yet. Last year, I had all my shopping done the day before Black Friday, this year I have hardly started. I really need to get my ass in gear.<br />
I wont be posting any tutorials today, which I am sad about as it has been too long. Today I need to go fabric shopping, and I have an "appointment with Santa" to pick out some Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers. So today you get to see a few photos of the kids pajamas that I have been sewing.<br />
All of the pajamas that I have been making used patterns from the Sew Fab Pattern Bundle that I bought earlier this fall. It has easily paid for itself now.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/p480x480/1470341_10153572627755584_1034699226_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/p480x480/1470341_10153572627755584_1034699226_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one will be Greg's, I am contemplating red cuffs.</td></tr>
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Greg will be getting Best Harem Pants and a Vintage V-Neck. Joseph will be sporting Fancy Pants Leggings and a Vintage V-Neck. Meara will be sporting Sadie Grace Nighties. It's going to look like a reindeer puked Christmas onto my kids! Joseph tolled me that was gross but I keep saying it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/p480x480/734478_10153572437520584_1013924918_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/p480x480/734478_10153572437520584_1013924918_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sewn, just started pining and got excited. Love the bum panel!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I am also going to post some gorgeous custom diapers I made, cause, why not!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G776-PvgDLU/Up4VNowWANI/AAAAAAAABW4/45dLdTAzcHo/s1600/SAM_3990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G776-PvgDLU/Up4VNowWANI/AAAAAAAABW4/45dLdTAzcHo/s1600/SAM_3990.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made this for a local mom but I wanted to keep it. So pretty. Luckily I could make more!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5xAo8UoRyQ/Up4VNlZbemI/AAAAAAAABW8/B4OvnHiWrOM/s1600/SAM_4007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5xAo8UoRyQ/Up4VNlZbemI/AAAAAAAABW8/B4OvnHiWrOM/s1600/SAM_4007.JPG" height="303" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This beauty is available in my Etsy shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08uFZ2D-Yi8/Up4VOaQq7cI/AAAAAAAABXI/n8tSSXQCOhE/s1600/SAM_4017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08uFZ2D-Yi8/Up4VOaQq7cI/AAAAAAAABXI/n8tSSXQCOhE/s1600/SAM_4017.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I mention the crawling?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wow, you know baby is tired when the alarm clock is blaring next to her and she snores right through, why can't I do that :(<br />
Sorry, sidetracked there.<br />
Diapers, yes I have been drooling all over WAHM made Hybrid Fitted Diapers for weeks and weeks but knowing how to sew makes me hesitant to spend 25-45 a diaper, even though they are ridiculously perfect. So I am heading to the fabric store for fleece today. Also, Meara may have 30+ diapers already, but when I found a WAHM selling these on Etsy for $12 plus shipping I bought some for under the tree.<br />
Now she is awake. So cutting the writing short and I will feed her while adding photos to this post. Thanks for stopping by to read my ramble, more rambling soon.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CWaOfJH_bDA/Up4Voevk7XI/AAAAAAAABXQ/jgF0UlVj7rQ/s1600/IMG_0218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CWaOfJH_bDA/Up4Voevk7XI/AAAAAAAABXQ/jgF0UlVj7rQ/s1600/IMG_0218.JPG" height="320" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't find Meara's finished Jammies photo so I will leave you with this random shot of Joseph from last Halloween.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-70154987795754126672013-11-20T12:40:00.001-08:002013-11-20T12:40:21.394-08:00new friend bundle - gDiapers<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Just a quick one today.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br />
</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">This is an amazing deal on the gateway drug of cloth diapers so check it out. If you buy please use my code <b><a href="http://www.gdiapers.ca/newfriend" target="_blank">new2878Glover</a></b> so I can win cool prizes.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br />
</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">These diapers are super cute, travel friendly and very versatile. I like to save the disposable inserts for longer outing so that I am not coming home with a diaper bag overflowing in dirty diapers. Just flush or toss.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br />
</span> <br />
<h4><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Get a great deal on gDiapers with my coupon code: <b>new2878Glover</b>. Shop here:</span></h4><h3><a href="http://www.gdiapers.ca/newfriend" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.gdiapers.ca/newfriend</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">.</span></h3>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-24308926655425894752013-11-15T10:42:00.000-08:002013-11-15T10:42:03.331-08:00My Argument Against One Size Diapers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LzyiqwSP_Lk/UoZqVmhyEMI/AAAAAAAABWg/gB72JFXDCmg/s1600/SAM_3995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LzyiqwSP_Lk/UoZqVmhyEMI/AAAAAAAABWg/gB72JFXDCmg/s1600/SAM_3995.JPG" height="167" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love cloth diapers. I am ridiculously proud of cloth diapering, and every time I sew a new diaper I fight the urge to shamelessly post it up all over my social networks. In fact, I fight the same urge every time I buy a new diaper too (just ordered some size 2 Thirsties, eeeek!). I have an eclectic stash of fluff. My stash consists of all kinds, home sewn, store bought, pockets, AIO's, Hybrids, Contours, Fitted, Prefolds, Flats..... What is missing from my stash? One size diapers.<br />
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I really don't like to buy diapers when they are one size because my baby girl is nearly 30lbs at 8 months old. She is a big girl and all along she has been. The few one size diapers I have she has been out of the rise snaps since 4 months. The only one size diapers we have are our Flip's and a handful of Shopdiaper's (I keep meaning to write a review for these, maybe I will finish this post with a word about that) and she is on the second last snap set for these.<br />
One size diapers aren't really a one size fits all, especially with my little lady. Now I am sure she will thin out once she gets mobile and these diapers will magically fit again but I don 't want to waste money on something she will grow out of as quickly as she grew into it.<br />
When I shop for diapers now I look for sized diapers, ones that I can be a little more sure of the size. This is part of the reason I prefer sewing diapers myself. A sized diaper tends to be trimmer because it was designed to fit a baby in a smaller size range. The sized diapers don't have too have so much width between the legs.<br />
If you have a baby that is closer to the 50th percentile (instead of well into the 90's though I am sure tiny babies probably drown in these diapers too) then by all means, go ahead and use an one size. They are made to fit average babies from birth to potty training. My baby isn't average. So I HATE them.<br />
So, to sum up my rant:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>One Size diapers tend to bulkier and sized diapers tend to be trim</li>
<li>One Size diapers are made for average babies and are less likely to fit babies of less average shape</li>
</ul>
<div>
So, about <a href="http://shopdiaper.com/">Shopdiaper.com</a>, you may have seen their ads around or perhaps you have been tempted by their prices. I decided to give them a try a few months back, because, for a few dollars a diaper, why not. I figured the worst case scenario is they would be the last diapers I reach for on wash day.</div>
<div>
When you buy "China Diapers" you should know you are taking a risk. I was always taught that you get what you pay for and these diapers are no exception.</div>
<div>
I purchased a set of 6 diapers for $25 and then a couple "AIO" diapers for $5 each. All in all I paid less than $40 for 8 diapers, or a little over $4 a piece.</div>
<div>
The set of 6 diapers came in yellow, red and blue. The workmanship on them was fine, but the materials seemed a little cheap. I was right when I guessed that these would be the last diapers I reach for. The microfiber inserts they came with don't hold much and they are prone to leaks no matter what I load them with. Some of them have started squeaking leading me to believe they are delaminating.</div>
<div>
Speaking of delamination, I washed the "AIO" diapers once and my daughter never even wore them. They delaminated in the first wash. They also were not AIO, just pockets. A little misleading.</div>
<div>
When ordering from sites like <a href="http://shopdiaper.com/">Shopdiaper.com</a> read the reviews first so you know what to expect and buy at your own risk.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-69618505979934224832013-11-06T10:46:00.000-08:002013-11-06T10:46:24.010-08:00Christmas Sewing Officially Begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5pM8L4iVBiw/UnqNl7COdqI/AAAAAAAABVk/mSZt7ariJWc/s1600/2013-11-06+09.44.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5pM8L4iVBiw/UnqNl7COdqI/AAAAAAAABVk/mSZt7ariJWc/s1600/2013-11-06+09.44.16.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
When I first learned to drive I didn't want to drive for very long. I would get tired of it quickly, finding it almost mentally exhausting and with sewing I feel much the same. I think it is for this reason that the projects I choose tend to offer that instant gratification of a project that come together quickly and finishes in a single sitting. When I started with diapers I could only sew one or two at a time and then I was done. Not a second more would be spent doing anything sewing related, well except during early labor, I sewed up about 7 diapers that morning.<br />
I also have a tendency to remake all those patterns that I love. I have made near a dozen pairs of <a href="http://madmommyrambling.blogspot.ca/2013/07/craft-tastic-tuesday-etsy-pattern.html" target="_blank">yoga pants</a> for Meara. So I am feeling a little nervous right now, as I have chosen a bit of a bigger undertaking and I suspect it may take me a few afternoons in the sewing room to pull it all together, but of course it will be well worth it. The <a href="http://patternanthology.com/products/amaryllis-dress/" target="_blank">Amaryllis Dress</a>, which was released this week in<a href="http://patternanthology.com/" target="_blank"> Pattern Anthology's Winter Wonderland bundle</a>, is that bigger project. It is a gorgeous and reversible dress. Perfect for Christmas, don't you think?<br />
Yesterday I spent about an hour wandering Fabricland and looking for that perfect fabric. Sure, I could order online and get a good deal, but I felt for this it was more important to feel the fabric and see it before I bought it. I needed to know I did have the perfect fabric.<br />
I chose a beautiful cream cotton plaid with grey, pink, metallic gold, and blue in the colors. It has a casual feel that is still dressy. Because I wanted the dress to have a pop of color to it I chose the subtle blue in the fabric to be the main color on the reverse side. I had one of the associates help me pick out the perfect fabric to match, a teal blue crepe (I think, I neglected to read the info on the end of the bolt) with body and a subtle shimmer. This dress is gonna be gorgeous!<br />
Today I am pre-washing the fabrics, and assembling my pattern pieces. I will try to get to cutting into the fabric today too, but since I am trying to finish a pair of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/122261958/instant-download-sadie-grace-nightgown?ref=shop_home_feat" target="_blank">Sadie Grace Nightgowns</a> I already cut, I think it just might not be in the cards. Meara would have to let me have that much time for me. Dream on!<br />
So, the nightgowns are actually the first Christmas gift that I have sewn so far. One is done and the other is just waiting for me to sew it up. I decided to use up some of the Crib Bedding fabrics that I had left on this project and to make a generous size 2. Meara is such a big little girl.<br />
In terms of the DIY Christmas Project, I am realizing that I need to scale it back. I can't realistically sew that much in less than 2 months. So, now I am going to call it, minimum one hand made gift per person on the list, and most of that gets covered by the Christmas baking. Maybe I can sew up several <a href="http://sewfearless.com/patterns-and-tutorials/the-pajama-eater-pattern/" target="_blank">Pajama Eaters</a> for the nieces and nephews, maybe.<br />
Well, I have spent enough time online, onto the sewing room and the many projects that await!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-68307594007392114592013-11-01T10:44:00.001-07:002013-11-04T09:41:31.770-08:00Photo Friday - Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f1rRUpLFNm8/UbJO-PTZTvI/AAAAAAAAA4I/DRVgCZJg44Q/s1600/photobanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f1rRUpLFNm8/UbJO-PTZTvI/AAAAAAAAA4I/DRVgCZJg44Q/s400/photobanner.jpg" height="166" width="400" /></a></div>
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Halloween ended up being one of those hectic and dramatic days for me. I think that is probably typical of most moms. I had stayed up late the night before baking some 109 sugar cookies so the boys would have something to share with their classmates at school. Greg, the one whose class actually had a Halloween party, lost his cookies in the mudroom and never got to share them.<br />
I was a bad Mama, because I didn't finish Meara's costume before Halloween, no instead I stressed out all day trying to make it work, swore at my failed ballet slippers and she ended up in a tutu we already had, some leg warmers I quickly made out of a pair of socks and voila, lazy ballerina suit.<br />
I am so glad that that is over, now I get to stress out over Christmas, hooray!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HT2O3k1gLFk/UnfcL7A66qI/AAAAAAAABVQ/njGYe0MLJ84/s1600/2013-11-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HT2O3k1gLFk/UnfcL7A66qI/AAAAAAAABVQ/njGYe0MLJ84/s1600/2013-11-04.jpg" height="640" width="460" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-40469604394973129092013-10-28T11:52:00.003-07:002013-10-28T11:52:51.180-07:00Sorry, I Did it AgainSo, I find myself suddenly two weeks with out any blog activity when I had promised some Halloween crafting posts among other good intentions. I have been busy, and not just with the list that I had posted.<br />
When you learn to sew it is like owning a pick-up, everyone wants you to move, er, sew for them. So I haven't finished any costumes yet, I have set a deadline for myself of tomorrow for Meara and today for Joseph.<br />
It is that time of year, moose hunting season. I don't hunt, nor does Dan, but Dan is a meat cutter so he works like mad from now till Christmas with a rare day off to recover. Dan's days off are for Dan, so even if I plan a post for that day, if he is off I will make sure he gets priority. So that is one small part of the excuse. I wont bother with it all. It has been a long few weeks.<br />
So what is new? Well, I don't have to go back to work until the start of February (gotta love the Canadian Maternity/Parental leave program) and it is a few months away but still fast approaching. I have begun looking for work, I think it is time for a change and would rather not go back to my old job. I even had my first preliminary interview about 20 minutes ago by phone, yay!<br />
Then comes that big headache, I need childcare. I hate that part. I really do.<br />
Finding good childcare is never easy, it is emotional, it is stressful, and sometimes I would rather just let the personal finances go to hell in a hand basket and stay home with my kiddlets. But being a stay at home is not a realistic option, so childcare will have to be sought.<br />
That said, I have an even longer list today so I am going to get at it and try to get some child care connections worked out.<br />
Have a happy Tuesday and I will get a Photo Friday post this week for sure, since there are Halloween pictures to be shown.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-56338683133956093782013-10-16T09:45:00.002-07:002013-10-16T09:47:23.311-07:00These be Busy Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjiRpYc_k18/Ul7Cpm4SGoI/AAAAAAAABUw/dcx238ni5zE/s1600/SAM_3949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjiRpYc_k18/Ul7Cpm4SGoI/AAAAAAAABUw/dcx238ni5zE/s1600/SAM_3949.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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It has been a busy week for me. Last week my Nana came to town so there was plenty of visiting, and then we celebrated Thanksgiving with a big family feast at my sisters, and then had another smaller dinner the next day for Dan's parents. I spent yesterday between housework and grocery shopping.<br />
Sometimes life can feel like a great big to do list. This week my list is looking a little something like this:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><strike>Write a blog post since I have been silent a week</strike></li>
<li>Chores chores chores, got dishes laundry and floors (at least I got the garbage to the curb already!)</li>
<li>Put together stationary swap package so I can get in the mail by Monday</li>
<li>Finish putting snaps in diaper inserts that have been sitting in the sewing pile at least a month and list to Etsy</li>
<li>Finish sewing Jill's Birthday gift</li>
<li>Sew Meara up some booties</li>
<li>Sew Joseph up a ghost Halloween costume</li>
<li>Make Meara ballet slippers with matching tutu, leggings, headband and top for her Halloween costume</li>
<li>Clean up the sewing room so I can start stocking my Etsy shop for the holidays</li>
<li>Stock Etsy shop for the holidays</li>
<li>Sew up a few Christmas gifts so I can say I have it started BEFORE the end of October</li>
<li>Put together some kind of Tutorial or craft post for Tuesday</li>
<li>Find some time in my daily routine for a small work out of some kind</li>
<li>Childproof the living room as that girl really wants to crawl</li>
<li>Actually finish at least half of this list</li>
<li>Turn a year older on Saturday and enjoy myself a little</li>
</ol>
<div>
So, I will try to sneak in another post somewhere between now and Tuesday but if I do it means I am procrastinating on something. Well, I better get at it, I have never known my list to complete itself.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-88178391842421100122013-10-09T13:08:00.001-07:002013-10-09T13:11:17.680-07:00Mama Wants to Play Dress UpPlease wake up now sweetie, mama wants to play dress up.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--dq-BlMz7wQ/UlW3oCo0JKI/AAAAAAAABUc/X7dhhm4NixU/s1600/1381349182577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--dq-BlMz7wQ/UlW3oCo0JKI/AAAAAAAABUc/X7dhhm4NixU/s640/1381349182577.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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This is the Brindle and Twig yoga pants pattern again, only this time I just had to add ruffles.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-65107192766258529882013-10-08T07:00:00.000-07:002013-10-08T07:00:07.779-07:00Craft-tastic Tuesday - My Stash is Ahhhhh!!!! In Need of Help<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-STCuCM54je0/Uk750658YII/AAAAAAAABTw/CcnA3YrbZy4/s1600/2013-09-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-STCuCM54je0/Uk750658YII/AAAAAAAABTw/CcnA3YrbZy4/s1600/2013-09-26.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is most but not all of the quilting cotton portion of my stash</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In some ways my fabric stash is small, I have been sewing for less than a year, it is young. And it is not. There is no balance to it, no rhyme and no rhythm. My tiny space is often taken over by the mass of fabrics everywhere.<br />
I have bins of apparel knits and wovens, yet I barely sew any clothing. Just a few baby items so far. But I am drowning in fabric that would be perfect for my wardrobe. I really need to get brave and selfish sew.<br />
Most of my stash comes from my Gram, who was great with a sewing machine, and made a lot of her own clothing. Every time I pull one of these fabrics from the bins I think of her and I wonder what her plan was for that fabric. Sometimes I have a good idea what she may have intended and sometimes it is less clear. I feel it is really important to use these fabrics and use them well.<br />
I have the same Autumn skin tone, as my Gran called it, so though not all these fabrics have prints that I would have chosen for myself, they are in colors that suit me well and I will feel comfortable in. My Gram also bought multiple yards at a time so I know I have enough fabric to work with.<br />
It is time now that I try to make use of these. I can drool over fabrics at <a href="http://girlcharlee.com/">girlcharlee.com</a> all I want, but I need to make room in my stash and master new skills before I overload myself. So what I am going to do is post one fabric at a time and ask you, my readers, for suggestions of patterns and advice. Please help me find the right project for these wonderful fabrics that do have a lot of meaning for me. These projects can be anything from clothing for myself, siblings, and children to items to dress the home.<br />
I will post a few photos once a month, and a description of the fabric. I will tell you if it is a knit, about its drape, if it is synthetic or not and answer any questions asked and I hope that in the comments you can suggest great projects and help me.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Octobers Fabric Selection</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXXVJAG6y3E/Uk77o3TpPkI/AAAAAAAABT8/FRqyBrPSOX8/s1600/Cell+Phone+10413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXXVJAG6y3E/Uk77o3TpPkI/AAAAAAAABT8/FRqyBrPSOX8/s1600/Cell+Phone+10413.jpg" height="342" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is what I know:</div>
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<i>Type - Knit</i></div>
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<i>Colour - Bright Red</i></div>
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<i>Stretch - 2 way 30%</i></div>
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<i>Weight - Medium to Heavy weight</i></div>
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<i>Pattern - Solid red with a diamond pattern woven in</i></div>
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<i>Content - Appears to be mostly cotton</i></div>
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Comment below to help me find the best use for this fabric, I think this would make a great fall sweater, but I don't have a pattern in my size.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-63454918827232023692013-10-07T20:17:00.001-07:002013-10-07T20:17:41.686-07:00This it's what happens when you give a baby a chocolate chip cookie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GewNg8vWCvU/UlN5ThQPxhI/AAAAAAAABUM/Ko5zsSLDo1A/s1600/2013-10-07%25252020.16.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GewNg8vWCvU/UlN5ThQPxhI/AAAAAAAABUM/Ko5zsSLDo1A/s640/2013-10-07%25252020.16.14.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-18253716618609934412013-10-03T11:13:00.002-07:002013-10-03T11:13:57.177-07:00Sassy Stationary Swap 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-20tO4vL_zeY/UkrHndESy0I/AAAAAAAAAIU/00LTiIOFx8E/s320/Shabby+blogs+Digital+Chalkboard+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-20tO4vL_zeY/UkrHndESy0I/AAAAAAAAAIU/00LTiIOFx8E/s320/Shabby+blogs+Digital+Chalkboard+3.png" /></a></div>
I am addicted to parcels. No seriously, those wonderful little bundles that the mail lady brings by, it doesn't matter how mundane their contents, I just love them. This weekend, I packaged up an Etsy order to send off on Monday morning and it mocked me all weekend long. I just wanted to rip that package open. I have a problem. So when I heard about the <a href="http://burlapandbananas.blogspot.ca/2013/10/sassy-stationary-swap-wanna-join.html#more" target="_blank">Sassy Stationary Swap 2013</a> being hosted by Marisa of <a href="http://burlapandbananas.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Burlap and Bananas</a> I just couldn't resist.<br />
Do you know what I love more than parcels? Cutesy note pads, notecards, pretty papers and pens that make writing feel like bliss. So what could be better than sending off a few of my favorite things to receive a parcel of more of my favorite things? Okay, maybe I am a dork.<br />
Anyhow, I thought I better spread the love, so if you want to join the fun, visit <a href="http://burlapandbananas.blogspot.ca/2013/10/sassy-stationary-swap-wanna-join.html#more" target="_blank">Sassy Stationary Swap 2013</a> and send Marisa an email with your full name and address.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-26293364716711142042013-10-01T11:44:00.004-07:002013-10-02T23:06:19.954-07:00October<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KaCOHLeEc6A/UksX7m_n9eI/AAAAAAAABTg/Cymu1w-dkmU/s1600/S6300378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KaCOHLeEc6A/UksX7m_n9eI/AAAAAAAABTg/Cymu1w-dkmU/s320/S6300378.JPG" width="319" /></a>Just a quick one today. Because If I write it, I have to do it. Right?<br />
Well, we shall see how that turns out.<br />
My head is full of Christmas. Sewing gifts, crafting gifts, baking gifts. I am just overflowing with festive thoughts. By the time the stores start playing those tunes I am gonna be so sick of it.<br />
Oh well.<br />
I am trying to make <a href="http://madmommyrambling.blogspot.ca/2013/08/the-diy-christmas-project.html" target="_blank">the DIY Christmas Project</a> a blog-able thing with out spoiling the surprises on anyone's Christmas gift. I have no idea how just yet, but I am going to do it.<br />
The plan I have so far is that some of the gifts I make that could be for anyone on my list may get posted, hopefully as tutorials. As for gifts that the recipient would know have got to be for them, well, maybe I will pre-write the tutorial to be posted for Christmas 2014 (but then post them early mid year, in a fit of too lazy to write a tutorial post). Can't I just post, SPOILER ALERT at the top of every post?<br />
Well, my family are already used to receiving baked goods every year, and I feel okay with them knowing what in advance, so I wont hesitate to share what I am baking as it happens.<br />
OH NO, just realized that I am over due for a Craft-tastic Tuesday, better go work on that for next week. Oops.<br />
Well, happy crafting anyways :pAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-2210653501125337692013-09-27T07:00:00.000-07:002013-09-27T07:00:00.620-07:00The Trouble with Baby Books<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meara's birth announcement, printed through <a href="http://snapfish.com/">Snapfish.com</a> (and I still have a few that haven't gotten to their recipient yet, oops)</td></tr>
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Well, normally today I would be posting a Photo Friday but I haven't taken a photo in 2 weeks. It seems that now that school is in there aren't as many photo ops for the boys (they seem to be sleeping over with Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents every weekend) so most likely Meara is going to continue dominating the Photo Friday posts for a while. Since I don't have photos to post for you today I have decided to write about a related topic instead, the Baby Book.<br />
We all start our children's baby books with the greatest of intentions, but I think most of us seem to peter out somewhere along the way, and we end up with incomplete books, half the milestones recorded, and lots of blank pages. Oops.<br />
Joseph's baby book is a little sparse, it starts out good, but somewhere around month 8 it just stops. When I had Greg, I swore to myself I would do better, My sister in-law had given me a calendar to record his milestones and I thought that would help with the completion of a baby book, but nope, again, towards the end of Greg's first year, the pages are again blank. I had to come up with something different for Meara. No more browsing and searching for the perfect book, and not completing it. I am doing this one right (so far anyhow).<br />
Enter<a href="http://www1.snapfish.com/photo-gift/photo-books" target="_blank"> Snapfish.com</a>, I am doing it online, and creating my own entirely unique book just for Meara. There are definitely a few positives to this approach:<br />
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<ul>
<li>The baby book only contains the info I want it to</li>
<li>It will not have any blank pages</li>
<li>If the original is ever lost or destroyed I can order a new copy</li>
<li>It is easily edited and tailored</li>
</ul>
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This seems to be the ideal approach for me, I scribble on our calendar little notes about her weight and milestones as they happen, and every month I sign in and add the new info and write a little note to her about how she has grown for that month. If I want to add more info it is easy enough for me to go back and do so, and it will always look neat and tidy. I am going to leave a blank page to glue an envelop to for a few keepsakes, and take photo's and scans of some of the other keepsakes so that it is all incorporated into her book. I have all the cards from the shower and the hospital to possibly scan and turn into a collage for the book too.<br />
I am loving this idea so much that when I am done I may just redo the boys baby books for them too.<br />
I chose to use Snapfish for this project partly because I have been using Snapfish for years, and partly because they still seem to be the most versatile yet affordable photo printing site. They do have a Canadian version of their site, but I prefer the American site, the shipping is higher but the options are greater.<br />
How do/did you handle keeping your baby book(s) up?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-71510308161559561662013-09-26T11:27:00.002-07:002013-09-27T10:22:33.363-07:00Baby Feeding Ideas<br />
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I do believe I promised a baby food recipe not too long ago and I had intended to share a baby cookie recipe with you. Unfortunately I don't yet have the recipe quite right so I don't want to share it until I have worked it out. Baby cookies are a little tricky, getting one that doesn't crumble too much, or break off into large pieces so that your baby isn't at risk of choking. So instead of cookie recipes I am going to share a few clever tricks I have for feeding your baby homemade food at every feeding.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j2Bo7H6n458/UkR30KhOuRI/AAAAAAAABTA/tCQ0Bgxyq4w/s1600/SAM_3971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j2Bo7H6n458/UkR30KhOuRI/AAAAAAAABTA/tCQ0Bgxyq4w/s1600/SAM_3971.JPG" width="320" /></a>Meara has been eating solids for around a month now and I still haven't cracked open a jar of store bought food. In fact the only thing that she eats that is store bought is her Baby MumMum cookies, and her cereal. I haven't really had to put much effort into this either, it has been ridiculously easy. And I am not entirely against jarred baby foods, in fact I think if we all started eating that way we'd be a lot healthier. Baby food is probably one of the few times you will not see unpronounceable words in the ingredient list. The jarred carrots that I do have from Heinz (I have these from the baby shower memory game) only list Carrots and water on the label, nothing scary, so why should I put all that extra effort into making my own baby food? Because I can, because for the price of 2 cans of carrots I could make 12, because I know how fresh it is, because I can control the whole process and that is just a few reasons.<br />
Would you like to know how I make feeding only home made food so easy? I have picked up a few tricks and came up with one that I think is quite ingenious.<br />
So here are my tips for feeding your baby homemade food right from the start with out any hassle.<br />
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<li>Feed your baby what you are eating whenever possible. Having peas as a side dish, puree some for baby. You should try to separate your babies foods before seasoning. This is the easiest way to feed your little one and as the teeth come in and your little ones tastes expand you can offer up the full meal, spaghetti and meatballs, roast beef with potatoes, carrots and gravy, burritos, there are so many possibilities.</li>
<li>Spend an afternoon making simple purees and freeze them. Applesauce is easy, just peel, core, slice and put in a pot with some water and cook till you can mash them into a smooth sauce. You can put your sauce through a sieve or the food processor to ensure it is good and smooth but that isn't necessary. Having a stash of purees in the freezer ready to go will make meal time a snap for those days when your dinner isn't so appropriate for baby.</li>
<li>This is my ingenious tip (at least I think it is) for freezing that baby food. Dixie Cups! When I went to freeze my batches of baby food purees I realized that the ice cube trays just weren't going to cut it, I had too much food, and then getting them out after was a real pain in the what now . So I spooned all my purees into Dixie cups (left over from summer Popsicle making with the boys) put them all on a baking sheet and froze them. After a few hours, when they were fully frozen I placed them in large freezer bags that I labeled with the contents and date made. But this idea gets even better, these are very easy to transport, when I went for dinner at my dads, I folded the top down, and popped the frozen puree into a small wet bag (not used for diapers, don't worry) with a bib and spoon. Voila, dinner! All you have to do now is tear off the paper and heat (I don't know how microwave safe the Dixie cups are as they do have a wax coating to make them waterproof).</li>
<li>Make up small batches of quinoa flour and oat flour to add in place of rice cereal if you run out. Oat flower is just ground oats (my blender has a grinding attachment) and quinoa is toasted in a pan and then ground. Very easy to do, you could even add a little dried milk powder to these to up the nutrients (or just mix with a little formula, I use all those free samples, because I really hate breast pumps). </li>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-45186583301166525712013-09-17T00:07:00.000-07:002013-09-17T00:07:00.024-07:00Craft-tastic Tuesdays - Crib bedding Series 4 of 4 - Crib Sheet<a href="http://madmommyrambling.blogspot.com/2013/08/craft-tastic-tuesdays-crib-bedding_28.html" target="_blank">This is the fourth post in the crib bedding series.</a><br />
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This is the finale here. I have finally completed my crib set and though I have a few small projects left on my list for Meara's room this is the end of the Crib Bedding Series. I hope that these posts might inspire a few nice bedding projects for you.<br />
Because I happened across <a href="http://theinsecurequilter.blogspot.ca/2012/07/a-crib-sheet-with-piping-tutorial.html" target="_blank">The Insecure Quilter's Piped Crib Sheet Tutorial</a> which is exactly what I had in mind for this project, I would like to encourage you to read this tutorial as well before tackling this project. I took a lot of inspiration from Jamie's tutorial but there are a few small differences in the way our sheets were constructed, but our product is the same.<br />
So with out any more of the blah blah, here we go!<br />
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Materials:<br />
1 1/2 yards prewashed cotton for top panel<br />
1 1/2 yards prewashed cotton for side panels<br />
6 yards of piping (I probably used less but this is what I had estimated for the project and feel free to make your own)<br />
1 yard of 1/4" braided elastic (you can use your preference for elastic here, I just had this on hand from my diaper making)<br />
Basic sewing notions<br />
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You may want to buy a larger cut for your fabrics because once mine had shrunk and I cut off the fringe from washing I had exactly the length I required. I was lucky it didn't shrink more than it had.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Because this project has the extra detail of the piping and the coordinating fabrics, it is meant to be a show piece on the bed. This makes a snug fit very important, so measure your mattress and be sure.<br />
My finished project measurements are 28"x52"x8" and I use a 1/2 inch seam allowance.<br />
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Cut your fabric pieces to the following measurements (alter these if your mattress requires a different size).<br />
Top panel - 53"x29"<br />
Side panels - 53"x9" (cut 2)<br />
End panels - 29"x9" (cut 2)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't take any photos while applying the piping, I did this project over several days and assumed that I had some, apparently not.</td></tr>
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Once your fabric is ready, apply the piping to your top panel, keeping your 1/2" seam allowance in mind. You want to start off in the middle of one of the sides and leave a tail of an inch and a half of piping unsewn. You will use this when you come back around to close the piping in a less visible way. <a href="http://punkinpattern.blogspot.ca/2011/07/how-to-sew-in-piping.html" target="_blank">This tutorial from Punkin Patterns</a> explains how to do this and if you have never applied piping before, make sure to practice a little on some scraps.<br />
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Now that the top panel is ready to go, lets assemble the sides. Take an end and a side panel and pin the ends together with right sides facing. Mark 1/2 and inch from the end, where you will stop stitching (this will help you when attaching the top to the sides. Continue sewing the ends together until you have a loop.<br />
I spent a good long while adjusting the length of the sides (trimming and stitching), because my top was actually a little smaller than I had originally intended so I had to match up my sides. My finished size was about an inch smaller both by length and width but I ended up with a perfect fit.<br />
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I also neglected to take any pictures of pinning and attaching the top to the sides but this is fairly easy. Because you left half an inch sewn all around this will make pinning and sewing easier. I also clipped the corners off but it isn't necessary. Pin the top to the sides, right sides facing and making sure your corner seams match up to the corners on the top. When you sew it together you will need to go slowly around the corners to keep them tight against the piping while not running over the piping (I was too loose on the first corner and had to go back to fix it and I sewed a little over the piping in the second corner, but it was barely noticeable so I lazily left it).<br />
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It looks like a sheet now! Go ahead, slip it over the mattress and see how it fits. I couldn't resist doing this. We are ready to finish up now.<br />
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This is where my tutorial deviates from Jamie's, I serged all my raw edges, and since I have a different way of applying the elastic, I opted to lazily serge instead of hem the bottom edge of the sheet as well.<br />
Start by serging the side seams first, then to the seams attaching the top to the sides and finally, if you are wanting to take the short cut as I did, then go ahead and serge the bottom edge (you can use a zigzag stitch if you don't have a serger but you may want to hem the bottom edge with a narrow seam instead).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hand holding the camera would be pulling the elastic tight on the lower photo.</td></tr>
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I like to fix the elastic to the fabric instead of sewing an elastic casing. There are a few reasons for this choice, I don't like threading the elastic through, I use this method on my diapers with great success, and I can use half as much elastic and still be just as effective.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only your corners will gather but you will still get a very snug fit</td></tr>
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Cut your elastic into four 9" pieces then, on the wrong side of your sheet, mark 9" from one of the corner seams. Set your machine to a narrow zigzag stitch. Make a few stitches to fix it to the fabric and then with the needle down pull as tight as it goes and begin stitching it to the edge of your sheet. You will want to go slow and use one hand to pull the stitches you have already sewn out while the other hand holds the fabric going in as well as pulls the elastic tight as you stitch. Go ahead and practice on scraps if you like.<br />
Once the elastic is applied in all the corners you will want to go back and deal with any loose serger threads if you haven't already. Then, you are done.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't it pretty?</td></tr>
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And since this is the final post in the Crib Bedding Series are you ready for the reveal?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-42776565681033107822013-09-10T00:03:00.000-07:002013-09-10T00:03:00.732-07:00Craft-tastic Tuesday - Crib Bedding Series 3 of 4 - Crib Skirt Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://madmommyrambling.blogspot.com/2013/08/craft-tastic-tuesdays-crib-bedding_28.html" target="_blank">This is the third post in the Crib Bedding Series</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fLRhI-2dCq4/UgU3uNtHZwI/AAAAAAAABM4/QDsUabyVGSM/s1600/il_570xN.454373081_k3bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fLRhI-2dCq4/UgU3uNtHZwI/AAAAAAAABM4/QDsUabyVGSM/s1600/il_570xN.454373081_k3bd.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wanted an adjustable crib skirt, and for Meara's crib I only needed to cover the front. I had a lot of options (pleats, ruffles.... etc.) but I decided to use this as an opportunity to practice some new skills and go with a more simple look.<br />
I wanted one more chance to practice using piping before working on the sheet, so I decided to apply piping to the edges of my crib skirt. And since I thought using the mushroom fabric might make things too busy I decided to go with a solid purple to match the blanket and use the mushroom for an applique.<br />
So with out any more chit chat, enjoy the tutorial.<br />
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Materials:<br />
2 Yards of solid cotton for front<br />
2 yards of cotton to line the back<br />
3-4 yards of piping<br />
2 pieces of medium weight fusible interfacing for each applique, at least one inch larger on all sides<br />
Cotton Print fabric for applique<br />
Snaps, Velcro, buttons, ribbon ties or what ever you plan to use to attach to your crib.<br />
Basic sewing notions<br />
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I decided to go with a finished height of 21" (cut 22") and a finished width of 52" (cut 53"). I also used a 1/2" seam allowance for this project.<br />
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The first step in this project is to cut your back and lining pieces. You can set the lining aside as there are a few more steps to go before we will need it.<br />
It is time to start the applique. In this project, I am using reverse applique. I found a clip art image to use for my applique, printed it out and then used my interfacing like tracing paper to copy the image.<br />
Once I had my image on the interfacing, I applied the interfacing to the back side of my print fabric. I also applied interfacing to the back side of my crib skirt fabric where I planned to apply the applique because I wanted to prevent fraying from occurring.<br />
When all the interfacing was applied I used a basting glue stick to fix my print fabric to my skirt fabric. The important thing to pay attention to here is that none of the glue is applied inside the image, as this will make the final step in the applique process very difficult. Then I began to stitch very slowly over all the lines in my image. Resist the urge to go quickly here as any mistakes will be very visible in the final project. I practiced my applique technique on scraps before I started this project.<br />
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Now we are at the fun part, it's a bit of a mini-reveal, seeing how your applique turns out. You will need a pair of embroidery scissors and a seam ripper. You also need to be extremely cautious too.<br />
From the front of your fabric you want to pierce the top layer, and you absolutely don't want to pierce the print fabric in the back, so if your image is large enough, try pulling the two layers apart before piercing with your seam ripper. You just need a hole large enough to fit the tip of your scissors into.<br />
Cut out the image, close to the stitches removing all the fabric within. Your beautiful image will soon appear.<br />
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Now that the applique is done, it is time to apply the piping to your fabric. This is actually easier than it looks, I didn't even need to use pins. Using a zipper or piping foot, and a wide basting stitch, set your fabric on the line for your seam allowance and then place the piping against your foot. Because we are only covering 3 of 4 sides, we don't have to leave any length of piping out, and can start right at the edge. The piping is applied to the front side of the fabric, with the edge of the piping against the edge of the fabric. Stitch all the way around keeping an eye on your seam allowance and pulling the piping gently against your presser foot.<br />
Once the piping is to the front piece, pin your lining to all 4 sides but for now we will only stitch the piping sides (this is where I got ahead of myself, as I have yet to sew the tabs to attach the skirt to the crib.<br />
As you stitch over the lining fabric, you just need to keep the foot tight against the piping, you have already taken care of the seam allowance when you applied the piping to the front piece.<br />
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Cut out 5 pieces of fabric to use to make the tabs. I am using kam snaps, so I only wanted mine to be about 3/4" wide and 3" long, so I added an inch to the length and multiplied the width by 4, giving myself a size of 3" by 4". Press the top down 1/2", fold in half and press, open and press the sides into the middle, close and press. Now stitch around the two long sides and the end you pressed in. Repeat on the other 4 pieces.<br />
Once your tabs are complete you can pin them, evenly spaced to the un-sewn top of your skirt. Stitch the top edge, leaving yourself a 6" gap between 2 tabs to turn your project right side out.<br />
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You can slip stitch closed or go the lazy route and edge stitch the opening since the top of your skirt wont be visible once attached to the crib.<br />
Now attach the closure to your tabs. Since I didn't have a purple snap that matched my fabric, I decided to match the piping. I applied the socket to the skirt and the stud to the end of the tab. I also miscalculated a little on the tab length so I ended up attaching a second socket a little lowed down on my skirt to make sure that my skirt could fit properly over the very edge of the spring board on the crib.<br />
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Guess what, your done now. Put that skirt on your crib, stand back and enjoy your handiwork.<br />
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I am pretty happy with my results but I wonder if it might look better if I rip it open and apply interfacing to the inside. Maybe just a good ironing would help, I haven't done that yet. My crib is still on the highest setting but I am sure that wont last, once she figures out how to sit up on her own we will have to drop it down.<br />
Next Tuesday I will be posting the final entry in the Crib Bedding Series, however, I am likely to have a few related posts to this series down the pipeline. Perhaps a pillowcase for when she transitions to a toddler bed, recovering some cushions for the rocker, appliqued wall art, covered light switch plated and another change pad sheet (can never have enough).<br />
Enjoy and happy crafting.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-546476080421041972013-09-06T13:35:00.000-07:002013-09-06T13:35:07.307-07:00Photo Friday - Starting Kindergarten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, this week Gregory got to meet his Kindergarten teacher, and he was dressed for the affair (although the photos were taken a few days earlier, because he left the hat at Auntie Nikki's last weekend.</div>
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Meara is really starting to love her solid foods (cloth diapering just got gross!). Later this week you can look forward to a baby cookie recipe, and the next installment in the <a href="http://madmommyrambling.blogspot.ca/2013/08/craft-tastic-tuesday-crib-bedding.html" target="_blank">crib bedding series</a>, but for now, enjoy the photos of my kiddlets.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking like quite the gentleman, tipping his hat for the ladies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is growing so fast, six months next week. Makes me sad.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ulJoBIIpp-0/Uio6il_NqbI/AAAAAAAABPo/tRmOXoy_HOk/s1600/Joseph+Morrison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ulJoBIIpp-0/Uio6il_NqbI/AAAAAAAABPo/tRmOXoy_HOk/s1600/Joseph+Morrison.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joseph, doesn't ham it up for the camera like he used to so this week you get a best of collage.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-69889760396695059042013-09-03T11:07:00.000-07:002013-09-03T11:07:22.408-07:00A Little Toilet Talk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is the first day of school. The kids are all excitedly returning to classes, meeting up with old friends, making new ones and I am preparing to foster a new relationship with new teachers. Having a child with a special need, no matter how small, requires good communication with his teachers.<br />
A few years ago while my son (for his privacy, I am not attaching his name to this post) was in Kindergarten, I had to accept the reality that there was a reason I was still trying to potty train my 5 year old, and it wasn't him being stubborn. He was having accidents of the number 2 variety. I had searched online for answers and all I could find was other parents asking the same questions, nobody had answers. It was frustrating, it was lonely and it was embarrassing.<br />
Well, I had to do something and I was certain it was just a behavior thing, so in my attempt to access mental health resources I spoke to a social worker and she told me, before you seek out mental health care you need to rule out physiological causes. Why had it not occurred to me before that there could be something wrong? So off to the family doctor we went, and then we waited impatiently for my referral to the pediatrician, Dr Adlam.<br />
Taking my son to Dr. Adlam was eye opening for me, one of the first questions she asked was if he had been diagnosed for ADHD. He had seen a child psychologist through his preschool for a developmental screening, as he was in the supported development program as a result of a speech delay, and what the psychologists report had said was that my son had been right where he was supposed to be across the board with the exception of his attention span. Dr Adlam's question really wasn't a surprise, although this was another thing that hadn't really crossed my mind as a possibility. She asked me to give him a daily dose of LaxADay, to help get things moving.<br />
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That day, we focused on the potty issues, and she diagnosed Joseph with Encopresis. It had a name, and it wasn't his fault. Finally there was going to be progress. Encopresis, put simply, is extreme constipation. The colon becomes so full, that stool begins leaking out. The constant pressure on the colon reduces the childs sensitivity so that they don't feel when they have to go, and often don't feel that they have gone. The strangest part, is that the smell of poo becomes so normal to the child that they don't even smell it anymore. Encopresis, is fairly uncommon, affecting about 2% of children between the ages of 3 and 10, and it is more common with children also diagnosed with ADHD and Autism. Teachers don't usually see this illness because most children affected have accidents at home and not school.<br />
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On our next visit to Dr Adlam, my son was diagnosed with ADHD and we began down the long road or finding the right drug. I became a little frustrated as the focus of our appointments seemed to be about taking care of the ADHD, and we barely touched on the bathroom issue that had brought us there in the first place. I was resistent to druging my son. I even spoke to a nutritionist, she gave a plan to help cope with the encopresis and possibly help with the ADHD, but even she did not recommend the restrictive diet that is used by those hoping to forego medication for ADHD. I brought her diet plan to Dr Adlam, who said, it all looks good, except there really isn't enough evidence to justify the ADHD diets.<br />
Meanwhile, there was trouble at school. My son's kindergarten teacher had resorted to letting my son stand at his desk as this seemed to help him keep focused. She expressed concerns that if we didn't find something that worked for him soon he might fall behind in school. Summer came, we kept trying different doses, and a new school year came.<br />
Grade one was difficult. My son had 2 teachers that year who were job sharing, and he got along well with one, but the other was more stern and they seemed to butt heads. I don't really blame her, my sons situation was unique and difficult. There was many a trip to the office that year for both my son and I. Finally, half way through the school year, Dr Adlam prescribed Adderall and it worked. As his teacher put it, when the drug works, you know the diagnosis is good.<br />
There was more good news, Dr Adlam, on hearing that the Adderall was working, said it was time to focus on the Encopresis and I finally understood why ADHD had to be treated first. The hardest part of treating Encopresis is changing your child's behavior, and getting them to really listen to their body, and you can't expect a child who is incapable of sitting still for a bed time story to be able to notice those body signals that have become so subtle. Now, finally we are on the road to recovery.<br />
Last October, we moved my son to a new school and that has made the biggest difference in his recovery. In his old school, his issue wasn't a secret among his peers, they had been witness to his accidents, but in his new school he had a fresh start and a good reason to try harder. The other thing, I get to credit last years success with, is his teacher. I made sure to start things on the right foot for my son by getting in touch with his teacher right away, letting her know about his issues and developing a strategy to deal with it.<br />
Last year, my son had, maybe 2 accidents at school. This was a victory. Tonight, I will print out some information about Encopresis, and write a letter to my sons new teacher so we can enjoy more success.<br />
The Encopresis battle is far from over, it can take years for the colon to function properly, and relapses happen. My son still takes LaxADay daily, and we sit him on the toilet regularly to prevent issues. He has enough sensitivity now that he can feel it coming, and accidents have become far less common.<br />
I decided to write this today, because today I am armed with an answer instead of a question. I hope that this one small answer might make it into the search results of parents asking the same questions I once asked. There is hope, I have been walking the Encopresis road, and the sun shines brightly at the end of the tunnel.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-11545125446038932762013-09-02T22:39:00.000-07:002013-09-02T22:39:48.483-07:00Craft-tastic Tuesdays- Crib Bedding Series 2 of 4 - Minky Blanket<a href="http://madmommyrambling.blogspot.ca/2013/08/craft-tastic-tuesday-crib-bedding.html" target="_blank">This is the second post in the Crib Bedding Series</a><br />
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Well, the first thing I did when my fabric arrived was start on this blanket and quite honestly, this was the one part of the project I was most scared of.<br />
I started out thinking this was going to be easy. Then I read, and I read, and I read blog posts about how to sew minky blankets. Next thing you know, I didn't really want to make this anymore. The more you read about sewing minky, the more fear you will gain. This blanket was so ridiculously easy, I had to laugh at myself when I finished for ever having doubts.<br />
Minky is not something to be scared of.<br />
The advice I will give is to make friends with your pins and a basting glue stick (or spray, or tape). I had no trouble sewing and I didn't even use my walking foot (we aren't friends yet). My fabric didn't shift or bunch, and the basting worked so well that I figure I may not have even needed the pins (don't test it though).<br />
So, without further ado, here comes the tutorial...<br />
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<b>Materials Required for this project:</b><br />
1 1/2 yards of 42" quilting cotton<br />
1 yard of 60" wide Minky Fabric in a coordinating colour<br />
Basting Glue Stick or similar product (optional)<br />
Pins, thread, and basic sewing notions<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mVIdV_qg7wQ/Uh7qw0UAT9I/AAAAAAAABO8/3SKjQFu6w4E/s1600/2013-08-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mVIdV_qg7wQ/Uh7qw0UAT9I/AAAAAAAABO8/3SKjQFu6w4E/s1600/2013-08-28.jpg" height="400" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use a washable basting product and a lot of pins to tame that minky.</td></tr>
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The first thing you are going to want to start with cutting your cotton fabric. I cut mine an inch longer and wider than my desired finished size. I believe I went with 30" x 40" but as the blanket is with a sleeping baby, accuracy will have to wait. I cut the cotton first and then laid it out right sides together over the uncut minky. I lined the cotton up against two edges and one edge at a time I basted and pinned all the way around before trimming off the excess minky fabric.</div>
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Pinning your minky every 1 to 2 inches was probably the most common advice on all those blog posts, as it was in all of them. I pinned every inch and a half. If you don't use the basting glue you will likely have more slipping and bunching of the fabric.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R1iww0tVyEQ/Uh7qv1f0nJI/AAAAAAAABO0/zkag5jE6oxw/s1600/2013-08-281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R1iww0tVyEQ/Uh7qv1f0nJI/AAAAAAAABO0/zkag5jE6oxw/s1600/2013-08-281.jpg" height="400" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slow and steady wins the race.</td></tr>
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You are now ready to start sewing. I did a test scrap up of both fabrics and decided that I would use a medium length stitch (setting was 2 out of 4 on my machine). Go slow, especially if you are one to sew right over your pins. You need to use a minimum half inch seam allowance. Leave an opening on one side of about 6 inches for turning and top stitching.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe1JgLCuLYE/Uh7qyxWvLKI/AAAAAAAABPE/TEEQKjtX4aA/s1600/2013-08-282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe1JgLCuLYE/Uh7qyxWvLKI/AAAAAAAABPE/TEEQKjtX4aA/s1600/2013-08-282.jpg" height="400" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you basted with glue you will need to pull at the seams to release the glues hold.</td></tr>
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Trim your corners, turn and top stitch. Make sure you pin the opening shut, keeping the pins no more than 2 inches apart. I chose to use a zigzag for my top stitch, however, a straight or decorative stitch is fine here as well.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zSu1A0CcmaM/Uh7q_-fEpyI/AAAAAAAABPM/8Nbn1JUYhK8/s1600/2013-08-283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zSu1A0CcmaM/Uh7q_-fEpyI/AAAAAAAABPM/8Nbn1JUYhK8/s1600/2013-08-283.jpg" height="640" width="547" /></a></div>
The finished project. Toss it in the wash to get rid of all that basting glue and enjoy your handy work. I am going to have to sew some up for the boys next. I saw envy, when they felt the minky.<br />
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Happy Crafting.<br />
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<a href="http://madmommyrambling.blogspot.ca/2013/09/the-monkeys-bum-grand-opening-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Have you entered the giveaway yet?</span></b></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-426772417189203582013-09-01T00:00:00.000-07:002013-09-01T00:17:30.851-07:00The Monkey's Bum Grand Opening Giveaway!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LiwMwZdHawk/UgCOE4hwb7I/AAAAAAAABLo/kbMQA_Dn9Mk/s1600/shop+banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LiwMwZdHawk/UgCOE4hwb7I/AAAAAAAABLo/kbMQA_Dn9Mk/s1600/shop+banner.png" height="55" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, I started my Etsy shop, the Monkey's Bum late in July and I have slowly but surely been plugging away at filling it with products. Now that I have been at it for a full month and I have got some product in my shop I decided it is time to really get the word out.<br />
This is my grand opening, and what better way to start than with a <b>giveaway</b>.<br />
This is a <b>giveaway </b>for a $20.00 store credit to my etsy shop, the Moneky's Bum.<br />
Help me spread the word, and get my business running by entering my contest. Good luck!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But I am not done yet! For the extent of the giveaway you will also be able to use the coupon code <b>GRANDOPENING </b>for a <i>20% discount on a minimum $10.00 purchase</i>.</span><br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4cbd8b0/" id="rc-4cbd8b0" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749908181495015365.post-49202516086700619652013-08-27T07:30:00.000-07:002013-08-27T07:30:00.240-07:00Craft-tastic Tuesday - Dealing With a Temperamental Sewing Machine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since I am still waiting on my <a href="http://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/shop/collections/norwegian-woods-1.html" target="_blank">Norwegian Woods fabric</a> for the <a href="http://madmommyrambling.blogspot.ca/2013/08/craft-tastic-tuesday-crib-bedding.html" target="_blank">bedding series</a> I decided to talk today about all the cursing and groaning that has been heard coming from my sewing room this last week.</div>
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I am still pretty inexperienced with sewing, so I have a lot to learn, when it comes to loose, loopy stitches, or knowing what stitch length and tension I should be using. It is trial and error for me. I didn't take sewing and textiles in school, as I was in the concert band instead, so all of my sewing knowledge comes from my mom, my step mom, a few books and of course the internet. Probably not the most thorough of educations, but I have been learning a lot and rather quickly.</div>
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I few months back, my step mom gave me her old serger, and after I let it collect a thick layer of dust, I finally braved up and learned how to use it. This meant, reading through the manual, threading, and rethreading (yes, cursing too) until I got it running smoothly, and then rethreading again because I still didn't know what I was doing. And, I still don't know what I am doing with that machine, but I can thread it pretty quickly with out referencing the manual now, that's something.</div>
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Not long after I started acquainting myself with the serger I decided it would be a good idea to read through my sewing machines manual and properly acquaint myself with all of it's functions as well. This time marked the end of a lot of my frustration at the sewing machine. I was no longer completely clueless as to how to adjust tension, or understanding some of the issues I have had with my stitches. Things have run much smoother for me in the sewing room since then, well, until last week.</div>
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A week ago, I bought some colour coded machine needles, as the needles I have on hand are a little disorganized and I don't really know what is what anymore. Actually, I never really knew. And since I started using these new needles I have had nothing but troubles. Large stretches of skipped stitches, threads fraying, threads that seemed to just be flying loosely off the machine... It has been a headache and I have been so frustrated. I had absolutely no idea what was wrong. I played with tension, I threaded and rethreaded the machine, I wound fresh bobbins, changed needles, and cried. Crying really did nothing to help, and I have used the seam ripper more times than I care to admit this week.</div>
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Perhaps I just assumed it was the knits I was sewing, but that theory was proven wrong, when I changed my needle and went back to sewing wovens last night. My issues got worse. After several hours of extremely slow progress, ugly stitches, many being ripped out, and repeated, and repeated, and repeated, I finally had that epiphany. The problem was ME!</div>
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For some reason, when I switched my needles last week, I started inserting them backwards. And every time I reinserted the needle because the troubleshooting section of my manual said it was likely a needle issue, I still inserted them backwards. I had never ever inserted a needle backwards before so I am not sure why I suddenly thought this was the way to do it, but it happened.</div>
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I guess the moral of this story is, don't be too proud, use your manual, and listen to what it is telling you. I read so many times the phrase "Needle is inserted incorrectly" but it took me a week, to turn to the instructions for inserting a needle and walk through the process carefully. Had I done that on day one I wouldn't have wasted hours, or thread, or patience.</div>
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Other things that I have learned this week:</div>
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<li>You can use baby powder to help PUL fabric run through the machine smoothly but the shuttle hook doesn't like it, and you will have to tear out some crazy loopy stitches and take apart your machine to clean out the threads wound behind the shuttle hook too. So don't do it.</li>
<li>The walking foot may be your friend, but it isn't good for every stitch. Not sure yet, but it may only be good on straight stitches. I need to test it on zigzags now that I fixed my machine issues.</li>
<li>When trying new things out, like your walking foot, don't be an idiot and use a scrap first.</li>
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Well, I did get my minky for the blanket from <a href="http://ca.wazoodle.com/" target="_blank">Wazoodle </a>(their anniversary event is almost over, so check out the sale while you still can. I got some amazing deals) and I expect my cottons to be in any day now so work is about to begin on the bedding series. So you can look forward to some tutorials in the not to distant future. Hooray!</div>
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Until then, happy, <i>stress free</i> crafting.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13143825130357402922noreply@blogger.com0