Gettin' Girly, Y'all

Ruffles are all the craze in the refashioning world. I suppose I'm a little slow to jump onto this craze because I don't have a daughter and because I'm not much of a girly girl myself. The other day I was cleaning out my closet and found a couple sweaters and tops to add to my (ever growing) pile of things to refashion. When I looked around the net to find some inspiration I kept coming across tutorials for adding ruffles to stuff. Spruce up your cardigan with ruffles! Spice up your tank with ruffles! Girly up your top with some ruffles! Alright already, I'll try it.

I took this top....



(which is actually a nice shade of lavender)

that I haven't worn in over a year

and used this tutorial from Tea Rose Home

and some dark purple cotton jersey I had on hand

and made this....


Here's a slightly blurry close-up of the RUFFLES!!


This project was much more fun that I thought it would be. I like the wonky ruffles, the slight color contrast and really love that I have a "new" top, one that I'll wear more often than once every 18 months.



The chickens and dog are totally unimpressed by the ruffles. Oh well.


~Megan

This Moment::Hammer Time

Inspired by Amanda

A lot of first.

We have been very busy since we returned from our visit with Megan. I hope to post more pictures soon, but for now a few "first" will have to do.

My Blue M&M had his first football game, which meant my Green M&M needed something to wear. I know some moms get nervous on the day of a game, wondering how their child may do. Not me, I just want a good picture of them looking cute in their uniforms. Just kidding-sort of !

I do think he does look pretty cute. Now because they won't let me make any alterations to his uniform, (Silly rules-what would a couple of appliques hurt? ) I made a dress for my Green M&M to wear. 

Using my LBB pattern I combined some old team shirts a friend of mine had given me. She has 3 boys that have participated in many sports and were willing to part with a few of their old t-shirts.

I have been experimenting with a different collar then the pattern calls for. With fall settling in here, it is nice to have a thicker collar. I think I had 3 mom's ask me to make one for their daughters. Looks like I better round up some more shirts.

Miss Green M&M had her first day of school.

She was very excited to start school.

She also had her first dance class.

I was excited for this. Once again, it is not about how well she does, but how darn cute she looks in her leotard. So there you have our big week of first.

Any first you would like to share?

Rhiannon

Finding My Inner Frugalista

I'm so glad that being frugal is en vogue now (thanks, economy, for totally tanking!) and that you can call yourself a "frugalista" instead of a "cheapo". Pinching pennies and finding bargains does come naturally to some people but others need some encouragement. I think I'm a bit of both. Lately I've been trying to get back in touch with my inner frugalista in a few different ways.

1. I check out books, movies and CDs from the library instead of paying to buy or rent them.

2. I make nearly all our meals at home.

3. I'm trying to get back into clipping coupons. MoneySavingMom has lots of tips on how to find all sorts of deals and how to be savvy about couponing.

4. I have a rain barrel.

Today, though, I'm really geeking out about this:


I know it's not the most radical of money saving ideas but I've wanted a clothesline for so long now and using it today makes me feel so happy. Usually I do our laundry at night so it's a little cooler when I run the dryer but I love that I can get this least favorite chore of mine done during the day.


I'm outside and, on days like today, get to enjoy a bit of sunshine and a nice breeze. You can see that my little pumpkin pie was out to help, too (as were the very curious chickens!)

Sorry about the nerdy post about a clothesline, but I really am excited about it.

How are you frugal? Any tips to share?

~M

Super Heroes

My super heroes and I made it to Megan's! Here are some pics from our trip so far.

Did someone turn on the wind machine?

First stop the beach.

I don't know who had more fun, Grandma or Green M&M.

Megan is such a great hostess that we usually don't want to leave. I gave her a clutch I made as a thank you for showing us such a good time. I used this tutorial by Lex. I had found these vintage quilt squares at an antique store and was waiting for the right project. I love how it turned out.

We are trying to get the kids to sleep, so we can enjoy some wine and sewing. Hope I have some goodies to post tomorrow.

Happy Vacation!

Rhiannon

On the Road Again

I am leaving tomorrow morning with the kiddos to visit the other half of this blog. I love chatting with Megan on line and the phone, but there is nothing better then spending an entire week together.

Before I go, I have to show you some things I found today.

I found all of these at a garage sale. I am a sucker for dishes and vintage pottery. I got all 5 of these pieces for $37. I am not sure if they are authentic depression glass, but I think they may be. I don't really know how to tell the difference. (if any knows anything about these let me know) I just love how it is almost like polka dots on the glass. You know how I love my dots.

Happy Travels!

Rhiannon