Question #2

Where does Lil' Liza Lou donate kimonos to and why? Prize to be determined... leave your email in your answer.

Giveaway Time- Question 1

First person to correctly answer this question will  $5 off their next purchase. 


Question 1- What was Lil' Liza Lou's best selling item THIS SUMMER? The correct name of the item will be the correct answer. Leave a comment with the correct answer and you win...  

Minnie Mouse Dress with Matching Ears

This past week has been quite a week for me. I decided to use up fabric that I had... and just be able to get things done. So... each day I made at least 1 dress. I made 6 garments in 4 days. I would say that is a success with two children less than 2 years apart, 10 months and 2 years... so... I had a very enjoyable time doing it. 


After making this dress... it was a simple pattern... and I loved doing it. It turned out so cute. I had to cut the pattern down because my little Loo is so little that it was much too big on her. So, I cut it down, by half an inch all around, a little more in some areas... It turned out perfect. I wanted to have the whole package so did a search on how most people did them... I used what I had, because I just so happened to have felt lying around. I also got some red ribbon and tied a little bow. Voila. Easy Peasy. Then I just used hot glue, and glued it all around and smooshed it with the hot glue and it worked perfect. Everywhere we went people were remarking on it... It did turn out perfect. I wouldn't change anything, AND I didn't mess up one time. This is the first garment I have EVER made that I didn't mess up somewhere... maybe I am becoming a REAL seamstress...   :)   Anyway. This was easy cute and simple. I am working on another one for tomorrow. It is apples and pears and I am going to do a pink sash. I will be taking LOTS of pictures to be able to show you how I made it. 

Ruffled Leg Pillowcase Romper Overalls

These are absolutely precious. I messed up twice, and thank the Lord for the seam ripper. Lesson from the experience: children and sewing (concentration) don't mix well all the time. When I went to put the ruffle on the leg, first I accidentally sewed the ruffle to the wrong side where the hem was showing... so I had to take all the stitches out and do it over... well then I made the GENIUS move and SEWED THE OPPOSITE LEGS TOGETHER, so it was like a dress, but not... because it looked like there was a trunk coming out from the crotch area. Needless to say, not a good thing for a pair of overalls... so had to AGAIN take all the stitches out... Live and learn. I was just too distracted, and not paying close attention to my project because I was too concerned with making sure it got done, because I wanted her to be able to wear it to church Sunday... Granted, I had a WHOLE other day, and it literally only took me about an hour and a half to complete... (that's including the 30 minutes it took me to get the stitches out and redo it.) All in all, it turned out better than I could have imagined. Next time, I will try and work with the lighting because the pant ruffles DO match one of the colors in the fabric, you just can't see it very well... and the ruffles look extra dark where as the pattern doesn't... Anyway. It looks super cute, and should be able to fit her Highness until Easter. It is big on her right now, but there is elastic in the top, so even if she grows more, it is expandable. :)

I often wonder if anyone reads these, so if you do, please comment.

Pillowcase Romper Overalls

Ok, after a long "vacation" of snotty noses, sickness, and just outright not fun-ness, I am back to the blog. Last night I made a absolutely adorable pillowcase romper overall outfit. The pattern was really well written, and I enjoyed making it. This morning I made another one of them, because the one I made last night was too big... little girl is just a lot littler than most babies her age. So... It literally took me two hours this morning to not only cut it all out, sew it up, and take pictures... you can't beat that. I have a few lessons I learned from it... here they are:

1. When you are sewing something for a child who is very small, it is better to measure it or you will have something that is WAY too big... (lesson learned).

2. If at first you don't succeed try again, because it was so much easier this morning. I practically didn't have to use the pattern because I remembered what it said.

3. A ruffler foot is so much fun. I was able to make close together ruffles, far apart ruffles, and deep ruffles, it was lots of fun learning about it.

4. Don't be afraid to use your son as a model... ;) I won't post the pic, but it was cute... boys will do anything for their Mommas.

5. My little girl is the best model ever.

Reversible Open Back Dress with Fancy Ruffled Bloomers

This is absolutely my favorite favorite favorite outfit EVER. I absolutely LOVE it.

When I found out I was having a little girl, the one thing I wanted more than anything was ruffled butt bloomers. I have tried to make them... made a good effort to it, but, not exactly like what I wanted. This is exactly what I wanted and more. I learned so many things from this project.

#1- I learned about a "Bodkin" It's called an Ezy Pull Bodkin. This works wonders when trying to put elastic through for bloomers. This little tool saved me hours of frustration. Before, I would have tried to push a thin little safety pin through the tiny little pocket in which the elastic goes.

#2- A Rolled Narrow Hem Foot for a sewing machine. This was completely awesome. This little dream you took and put the fabric in and it made a little rolled hem. It was so cute and dainty. I loved it. It worked better than what I imagined.

#3- A Gathering Foot. After doing the rolled narrow hem, I took this little foot put it on the machine, and then... nothing more... just took and put the stitch length at the longest stitch. Then I just put the fabric through... it did all the work.

I bought the pattern from TieDyeDiva on Etsy.com. It turned out perfect. Love It. I am selling the set for $45, (reversible open back dress, matching bloomers) and it comes with personalization, and a hairbow for free. You specify the colors... and in a week you can have the most beautiful thing I have made. Get one for your angel to wear this summer.

Embroidery!

It seems like ages... I have been very busy crafting. My latest and greatest invention has come in the form of a machine... I absolutely love my Christmas present. I have been having so much fun with it... I have a brand new Brother HE-240 in my possession. It is absolutely wonderful and only took a few minutes for me to learn everything I needed to be able to use it... and with reading the manual I made a few things already...

So here goes...

• Things to keep in mind: Stabilizer is your friend. This is very inexpensive but will be a money saver because who wants to go embroider expensive fabric to have it look like trash... no one... so do yourself a favor and get some. I got the tear away kind. I have an embroidery hoop and I just put that under the fabric and then sandwiched it in between the two hoops... and tightened. I then clicked it in... pressed a few buttons an in literally no time I was off and embroidering. I have already embroidered Ms E a few pairs of bloomers, which were ridiculously cute... and she will don at church tomorrow... she wore the zebra print dress before but never bloomers with her name that MATCHED PERFECTLY... so...sew cute...

• When embroidering, take care to notice if your fabric is centered not just on the hoop, but the fabric around the hoop... taking care not to let it block the embroidery "carriage" from moving.

• When embroidering a onesie... use IRON ON stabilizer... it doesn't work well without this. (That was disastrous) Ended up with a HUGE hole in a onesie, a broken needle, thread jammed everywhere... so... use it. It is worth it.

• Remember which way your fabric is laying on your hoop... after you cut out your pattern you don't want to find that you embroidered on the wrong side, it was upside down, or anything remotely like that... it is a sinking feeling...

• Always prewash your fabric when using it if it will be washed. If you don't all that pattern following will mean nothing. You should at that point invest in a little American Girl doll and let her wear it, because it will not be fit for even Fido to wear... (Let me just say you have to add a step to buying the American Girl Doll... first before you do that take out a second mortgage... you will need it)...

So far, I have embroidered a "lovey" security blanket for Liza-Loo... as well as done a few crafty projects, including stuffed bunnies. Everything has turned out super cute. I am wondering what I can embroider next. The hubby has already said a firm NO to embroidering any of his unmentionables...

Tomorrow is my birthday. I have lived 29 years. 29 more years than doctor's said I would. I was given less than a 10% chance at living and if I did, "they" said I would never walk, talk, have cognizant thought... so... This year I wish you a year full of miracles, where you have a renewed wonder at creation, and your Creator.

The New Improved Eliza-Janes....

The long-awaited surprise is here!!!

What you've been looking for...

Makes a great Christmas gift.

Set of shoes with interchangeable bows (3)- $20.

Can be customized to your preferred colors, and size.

Send me your size, and colors and these can be done very quickly.

Etched Ornament Tutorial

It's that time again... I absolutely LOVE this time of year, not just in the fact that being a Christian, our Savior and Lord was born, but also because I love the whole spirit of giving everyone is in, and just the lights, and the family, and friends. Like many people, this past week I put up our tree... having two little ones 18 months apart and the oldest turning 2 this week, my hubby and I felt it was in their best interest to not have a big tree that they could get hurt with, but three smaller trees...

Being in this decorating spirit, I wanted to make ornaments for the kids, because, who doesn't like that...??? So... I set out this week looking at different ornament ideas... I came across etched ornaments... and I was intrigued. I absolutely LOVE the look of etched glass. Something permanent and beautiful, delicate, and elegant all wrapped in one... so... I looked up how to make them, and I bring them to you today.

I had a little help from an elf, who decided to take a nap in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. (Which was just fine by me...) So... Here is the tutorial... Enjoy!

First, to do this, you need to be prepared... it is not going to be stuff you have on hand. You are going to have to go to the store and get the supplies.

You will need:

Glass ornaments, (anything glass is good.... have fun, be creative... I see LOTS of etching in my future...) Etching Creme (this is not available in all states because of vandals using it and not being able to get it off... this is permenant... it will not wash off at all... so... keep away from delinquents... :) ) Heavy Duty Gloves, Apron, Glasses... ( I only used gloves... living on the edge I guess... but if you are careful, that's all you need...) (IMHO) You also need to put down newspaper, or some other protectant for your floor/table. I worked on the floor... so... I put down a huge cardboard piece that came in a toy for the boy's birthday... You also need vinyl. I used Cricut vinyl. I think that's it...

Step One

Start by selecting what you would like to cut out. I wanted to cut out the children's names... so I did a J&E. I used my Cricut. You can pretty much put anything. I cut it out twice, because I didn't know which direction it would need to be on the ornaments. You can know that it is the correct way, not the backwards way. Then you put that on the ornament... being that ornaments are round and the letters were made on a flat piece of paper... you need to make small cuts in it to be able to get it to go around the ornament in a way in which all the little pieces go down... take your time...

Step Two

After you get the stencil down, make sure to put on gloves.... suit up, be safe... at least wear gloves... Get a foam brush, and dip in the cream. Apply a thick layer and leave on 10 minutes. I actually left mine on for 12 because I got distracted with the elf...

Step Three

Wash off the etching cream.... Put your gloves BACK ON... rinse off in the sink with warm water... making sure to not use really hot or really cold water... You could shatter all your hard work. Wash it off, take the stencil off, and wash again... After that, you can take your gloves off.

Step Four

Admire, Admire, Admire. I absolutely LOVE the way mine came out... have some new ideas for other stuff around the house... nothing is safe!!!

Tip- The Etching Cream is about $8 for a small container... I thought I would use a lot but it didn't... even when you coated the whole thing with lots...

What else can I etch??? We shall see!

This week.

I have a new top-secret product. I am looking into getting a patent. It is the best idea ever, and I want to post it soooo much. But, alas, I can't. In the meantime, here's what I have been working on. BG had a state pageant, competing against babies that were 7 or more months older than her. She came in second place out of all the girls...

Alright... I had a lot to do this week. I did get a lot of crafts done. I just didn't have time to get it posted. Here's what I have been working on. Hope you like it. We had the state pageant where BG won Duchess. So proud! I made all her accessories. She was the most matching contestant if I say so myself. She had matching shoes, a charm bracelet with a crown, bloomers, and her headband. All put together, and Viola! Lovin' it. Here's another picture of the zebra dress with matching accessories. It turned out great.

Black and White Zebra Print Dress with Hot Pink Accents...

Ok. This dress, was by far, one of my FAVORITE dresses ever! I started out with cutting a trapezoid 8"by 18"by 18" by 8" shape. I took hot pink ribbon with black stitching in it to accent the waist, and pretty hot pink bows at each shoulder, behind each bow is a button. The straps are perfectly spaced to allow a flattering neckline. This dress is my all time favorite. It was fun to make, and I was able to make it some what efficiently and expedite it along. Baby Girl go to wear it out today... She wore her pink princess tiara ruffled bottom bloomers underneath. I made a crochet headband to finish the look.... now she just needs a little purse and pumps, and she will be good to go... :)

Craft Show Success...

Waiting forever is not so long when you are done with whatever you were waiting on... Christmas takes a long time to get here when you are little, but after it is over, you can't even remember what it felt like waiting... I put in a lot of time, energy, and effort into the craft show today. I learned a lot. I learned about how to market your products in an efficient manner. I learned how to stage things to make them look attractive, regal, where you want to buy it right then... I learned about how advertising is necessary in getting traffic into a venue. I learned about myself, what I do when faced with disappointment, how I relate to people. I learned about my daughter, that she is one of the happiest babies ever and will smile and or go to anyone at any time.

I had a good time. I got to talk to a lot of people. The sale part didn't go as well as I hoped, but, I did get to learn about more methods of showcasing my items. I got to see the professionals of craft shows and how they did things.

My favorite part was when Eliza got to sit with Santa... where else could you do that???... and since I had it there sitting on the table, I figured why not put her in the Santa Tutu Halter Dress... ADORABLE... What a photo-op! It was as fun as it could be. I enjoyed getting to meet new people. I enjoyed being able to see other people's wares.

Not a lot of people make their own stuff anymore. It is a lost art. To be able to create something from something as simple as a piece of fabric... to take a single stitch and change the appearance of a garment... To make things beautiful... That is what I love about sewing. I love the simple things. How something so small can make something so much more lovely. A piece of fabric there, a gather there, a seam here, a ruffle there, a ribbon here, all put together makes it something that is beautiful, delicate, and girlie.

While today was not a great financial success... it was something that was a learning experience, and a time for me to be able to meet someone who shared my love of the finer things in life... So for now, it is off to bed, with visions of sugarplums dancing in my head. Who knows what creations tomorrow will hold?...

The Reindeer Dress Revisited...

The Silent Auction was a success. The reindeer dress went for $102! It retails for $50 for the dress, matching headband, bloomers, and jacket. I was so happy! After I finished that project, I had just enough fabric to make another dress and matching headband and bloomers. I added bows, and mixed it up a little. I made flirty straps, not spaghetti straps, and made it more A-Line. It looks too cute.

Button Hole Tutorial!!!

I have been intimidated with using any other foot than the presser foot that came on the sewing machine... I use it for everything. I started off using just a straight stitch, and now have mastered the zig zag... today I learned to use the button hole foot... I decided to give it a go, even if I ruined the dress I was working on last time... This time IT WORKED. I have tried in the past on several fabric remnants, a few dresses, all to no avail...

I will let you know what I did so you, in turn, can learn the wonders of the button hole foot. First, you determine what button you will use. You then take this button and place it in the slot that goes up and down. After putting the button in its spot, you put the foot on the machine, making sure to drop down this little lever that looks like it has a button hole on it... Then, you just put it in the right spot, where you want the base of the button, and it will start sewing upwards... it worked perfectly!!! I can't believe it! After all of those tries, it worked. Just remember to START AT THE BOTTOM of where you want the button hole to be... not at the top. It will go backwards... keep your foot on the petal and just keep pressing until it is done. It will stop. It turned out too cute on my little fall dress. I wanted to make a cap sleeve, and not just a little spaghetti strap. It turned out just like I wanted. The dress is too big for princess, but she will grow into it... I think it will be perfect for Thanksgiving. That with a little pilgrim hat... what more could you ask for???

Sorry... no pics at this time... I will have to take some for you tomorrow. Nighty-Night-Sweet Dreams!

Bloomers Tutorial... Part 2.

After you have the elastic in the waist, you then move on to the leg holes. Start by ironing down the edges so that you will be able to better correctly, and straighly, (is that a word... probably not)... anyway, you iron the seam down, so that the raw edge is inside... and make a little pocket for you to thread the 1/4 inch elastic through, making sure to leave space at the top of each leg hole for pushing the elastic through. That probably didn't make sense... basically, you sew around each leg hole, and make sure not to sew all the way around so you can thread elastic through.

In order to thread the elastic through, you need to get an itty-bitty safety pin. First take the small safety pin and pin down about 1/2 inch through it, so that it the safety pin can push through and it not come undone from the safety pin... Then take a BIG safety pin and affix it to the other end, this is so when you get to the end, you can still have a hold on the other end. If not the elastic pulls all the way through and you have to do it again... It happened to me several times... very frustrating... You might have to do it a few times to get it through... it takes a little bit to get it right, because the different angles of the fabric... but eventually you will get it... after you do... pull both sides of the elastic, and sew the two together... I used 12 inches of elastic on each leg hole, and cut off about an inch and a half to make it be the right size...

The bloomers I did tonight, I added the ruffles before sewing. It added a few challenges, but in the end I liked it because it helped to make sure the ruffles were even and not slanted... so... you can either put them on first or last... In my case I have done it both ways, and the only problem with first, is if you put the ruffles too close to the leg seams, because it causes the fabric to turn, which isn't noticeable when the elastic is in place because it is gathered, then you can't easily push the safety pin through... so you have to be careful... I put three layers of ruffles. The picture isn't great, but my photo guy is working on his skills. Her outfit was a hit. Very cute and matched.

Here's a picture of the finished tiara ruffled bottom bloomers. Perfect!

Paired with a rhinestone initial onesie, and flirty baby leg warmers. So cute!

Bloomers Tutorial... Part 1.

A little over 8 weeks... I can't believe it.... Every year, it happens... but every year, it gets closer and closer together... When I was a child, it took sooooo very long for Christmas to get here each year... I remember waiting and crying that it wasn't right then, and that it seemed to take FOREVER for it to come, these days, however, things have changed... It is a hectic rush it seems from one holiday to the next. Do I have everything I need? Who is making what? Who is getting

what? Where do I need to go? What do I need to do? This year my household is especially busy with the addition of another child... which brings with it happiness as well as more to do... At the time she will be 6 months old... starting to crawl, no doubt, and getting into everything...

Anyway... I am sure you didn't tune in to hear about that... Here's the bloomer tutorial...

First, you make a simple bloomer pattern...

Then you sew on the hips, and crotch. Then you cut 18 inches of elastic. After that put a pin in at 9 inches to know when you sew where the elastic should be when you stop sewing... You don't want too much elastic left over or not have enough where it is not stretchy at the end... Then you start sewing, while pulling the elastic from the back, but pulling it taunt in front... you will m

ess up... It is a learning process... Know that no matter what, it won't look too bad because it will gather at the elastic. Turn the edge down when you sew so that you do not have a raw edge hanging out. Let me say again... It is hard to do. It will take a few tries with the elastic to get it right.

After that you fold down the leg holes and sew a pocket to thread your elastic through... about a quarter inch. This is not hard... you do a straight stitch around the openings and then thread the elastic through with an itty-bitty safety pin. This ends Part 1... There's not much more to do to them... but a girl has to have embellishments... so stay tuned.

Don't forget to backstitch. No one wants their bloomers to fall apart.

The Reindeer Dress/Headband/Bloomers/Jacket DONE

Alright, so the Reindeer Dress is complete!!! Bows, Bloomers, and Blue... Who could ask for more...????

I made a simple A-Line dress, with spaghetti straps, added a reindeer accent to the headband, and made the fleece sweater jacket to go with it... Turned out good... Like it very much.

Recent Additions...

I am mostly done with the Reindeer Dress. I have the bloomers done, and the dress, headband, and jacket are just awaiting some buttons and bows. I will post a picture of it for you to see the progress.

I am also working on about a dozen different bloomers. I have cut out the pattern, and just need to sew and add the elastic. I have these fabrics... sooo cute. I like the Apple/Pear pattern most...

I am going to make my own version of Apple Bottom Bloomers... :)

Having a LOT of fun making them. Hoping to have a lot of them done for the craft show in a few weeks. I am loving the patterns, and the birds are super cute.

From left top: Brown with pastel butterflies, Baby Pink with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Pink Paisley, Pastel Birds with Hearts on Black Background, Pink and Brown Birdies, Purple Princess Crowns, Pink Roses on White, Apples and Pears on Sky Blue Background, Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Hearts. These are all soooo cute, and going to be so cute done. I have a few other fabrics that I am working with, and will post pics soon.

Prices:

Dress ($12), Jacket($15), Matching Bloomers ($6), and Matching Headband ($5)

Bloomers $6 each. To get comparable products elsewhere, they are $12-$16 each. If you would like a certain pattern, or to match an outfit, please email.

CreativeAccentsandAccessories@gmail.com

My Plan...

My plan for the day was quite simple, get up go to the gym, go to a Bible Study, then the mechanic... All of this was unraveled by one thing... I lost the van keys... Locked them in the van last night when the hubs and I went to my little retreat, known to other people as a craft store. Inside I perused aisle after scrumptious aisle. What would I find? What would be on sale... I had such a lovely time I forgot when I got outside that I put my keys next to the carseat while the hubs put LM (Little Man) into his carseat. This morning I asked LM where they were, he didn't know... He us under two, but can tell you anything... If he HAD known where they were, he would have told me. So he and I tear up the house looking... I call hubby at work he has no idea... By this time I have missed the opportunity for the gym, and am encroaching on Jesus time... I call AAA because I realize I probably left them in the vehicle during my euphoric sojourn to Joann's Fabric Store... The AAA man gets here, literally takes less than a minute to get inside my vehicle (really makes you feel safe)... and I am off to Bible Study. Got there 20 minutes late, but did make it... Went by the mechanic, almost had to chop my right arm to pay him... now am home and feeding the girl while LM (who was in despirate need) is sleeping. I am about to start crafting. I see bloomers in my future... It is a future with invisible diapers, where no poop exists, and bottoms are covered with birds, flowers, hearts, and so much more! Happy Crafting... Will post pics soon.

Silent Auction- T-7 days (I got the date wrong...) Added some time :)

The Reindeer Dress/Headband/Bloomers

I started today with the best of intentions. My plan was to go to the Y, then the zoo with the two little ones, eat lunch there, drive home, put little ones down for nap, and me be able to craft... I have a few MAJOR projects to do, and, not a lot of time to do them. So... I went to the Y, worked out, took a shower without children screaming outside the door, or the ever-so-scary silence, which you know that means something is wrong... and you JUMP and RUN out of the shower to find them under the kitchen sink, or some other disaster in front of you... anyway, got to take a shower, actually got to blowdry my hair... put on a little makeup... We went to the zoo, got to see all the animals... on the way back my plan came unraveled. The LM (Little Man) fell asleep in the van on the way home... He slept a total of 13 minutes... I tried unsuccessfully/desperately to get him to sleep... all to no avail. He decided to be completely awful... banging on everything... he said it was a drum... it wasn't. I did not get to craft... Tonight at 6 after the hubby got off work, he took both BOTH kids with him and left me 2 whole hours to myself... :) (I have the best husband in the world) I was sooo happy! I got to work on the reindeer dress for the silent auction. I am almost done with it! I have the headband done, the dress and matching bloomers. I got a lot done on it. While I am not done I should be able to finish relatively easily. I just have to add embellishments. I will post pictures tomorrow with the finished product.