daily drop cap

Every day designer Jessica Hische puts up a new decorative letter on Daily Drop Cap for everyone's enjoyment. I check it occasionally, and love what she did with the latest "C".

lessons anyone?

image from here

I've received quite a few questions about sewing, requests for help with projects and/or sewing lessons. So I've decided to get on the ball and offer some sewing lessons! I think the easiest way to do it is by the hour, especially for short little projects.
Here's my background: my mom taught me the basics of a sewing machine and pattern reading, and then I've kind of figured things out on my own. My own projects, mostly things that I make for my daughter or myself, are the result of many hours of fooling around with fabric and sewing techniques. I also try and copy things I've seen in stores, and I'm good at craft projects.
Soooooo, if you have a project you've been dying to do, but don't know how, then I can help you out!
To give you a few examples of what we could work on together, here are some easy-peasy projects:
Christmas outfits for your kids: i.e. simple skirts for girls - elastic waist, apron skirt, or bubble skirt (I'm still in the process of tweaking this one), and ties for the boys
Learn how to hem pants, jeans, or skirts
Make a cute bag - laundry bag, handbag, church bag, whatever
Make something from a beginner pattern - from picking the right fabric and notions, to sewing and finishing it
See something you like, but it's too expensive? We can figure out a copycat...I do this a lot
Refashions - make something old new again!

The only catch? You might have to come to my oh-so-humble sewing area, which is one half of my bedroom. I promise I'll clean my room for you :)
Email me for pricing and any questions!
carematthews {at} gmail {dot} com

my favorites

These have been my favorite skirts to date! I absolutely love the orange floral sheets that makes up the main part of the skirts. And then I paired it with seersucker, one of my favorite fabrics. These are for a friend of mine who has 3 girls (obviously)... my parting gift because they're moving this weekend :(

be sure to check my etsy shop for other goodies!

have a chuckle

These are the best cards I've ever seen, hands down. I could not stop going through all the different categories. I must have spent about 30 mins sitting here laughing at my computer. I kept thinking I'd find a favorite and stop, but every one is as good as the last. Here's a little sampling, but seriously, you must go there yourself!

tee refashion

two dollar tree shirts + scissors + minimal sewing = a $2 ruffle tee for Addie this winter!

stella

I can't wait to check out stella mccartney's new line at gap kids! It comes out Nov 2...read the full story here

all-in-one

I like lots of things about these candles - the color choices (the 3 in the picture are screaming "fall" at me). no floofy scents, just beeswax. the simplicity, no candlestick holders involved. i'll take a pair in orange for my mantel please. or brown, or grey...i can't decide!

piano stairs

This should be in more places! Love it

three words

awesomest. costume. ever.

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

open cardigan

love the prints and style of this cardigan.

Also, isn't this layered look fabulous?! I totally want to try and copy this ensemble with pieces from my own closet.

take a look!

I finally opened up my shop, cmcrafts! Please take a look and tell everyone you know!!

refashion

Guess what this dress used to be?
Her daddy's old shirt that was destined for goodwill. A brand new dress that was free!
Made using this tutorial.

can't hold it

Remember when you were pregnant and had to find a bathroom asap, almost every hour of the day? Or you just have an extremely small bladder? Well, technology has caught up to help you - just download the free Have2P app to your iPhone for easy access to a listing of nearby available restrooms. Pretty handy for toddler potty training too!

blonde designs

A fun, new-to-me blog - Blonde Designs. Be sure to check out this birthday party...amazing.

outdoor lighting

Isn't this pendant light fun?! Wish I had a place for it.

directions to make your own found here. and it won't make a big dent in your budget either!