Animal Applique - Free Downloadable PDF

Here are some more "boy" friendly appliques (as opposed to the cupcakes and ice cream ones from before), though they are perfectly find for girls too.  I love this crazy-eyed octopus.  I've been putting him on all kinds of things lately, especially lots of onesies for new babies. 

Included in this sheet is the crazy-eyed octopus and the elephant pictured above, as well as a whale, that I forgot capture in a picture.  I'll make a new one soon.  To describe it, he should have curly cue water spouts coming out of the top of him, a bullion stitch for his eye, and a little smile. 

Find the printable here.


These samples are headed to my little microboutique over at Creative Collective in Fort Worth. If you are local, check my blog for our little boutique here.  I update when we restock.

If you need help with learning to applique, I have a great tutorial here.

This animal applique printable will go up on Craftsy soon.  I'm combining the "how to" applique tutorial with the sheet before I upload it.  And, I'm currently in sew-mommy-sew mode by making some Mommy Diva diaper bags and changing pads for my microboutique.  I'll be sure to snap pictures to share. The fabrics are coming together and looking so adorable!

Tippy Toe's Sundress Tutorial

One of my popular tutorials is now an easily downloadable PDF. The Tippy Toe's Sundress. I love this dress because it's so easy to make, yet it comes out looking like you got it at a boutique.

You can literally whip one out in an hour -- complete with ruffled hem!

It's a quick and easy birthday gift.  You could even whip up a patriotic one before the fireworks tomorrow night. 

You can easily make a dress from infant size up to girls size 6 from 1 yd of fabric. For bigger girls up to size 14/16, you will need up to 2 yds of fabric for optimal "twirly-ness."

Just click on the picture to download the pattern.  Enjoy!!

Shopping Cart Cover / Highchair Cover Tutorial

I finally got the computer away from my husband the flight simulator addict and wrote up the shopping cart cover tutorial.  I had all the pictures done by last weekend, but we all know I had the paper from hell and a test for the same class due this past week.

It's complete, and you don't need a pattern!  Click on this link or click the picture.  It's a PDF document you can save to your computer. It's fairly straightforward with lots of pictures and easy even for a beginner. 

Everyone raise your hand if you hate patterns.  Ah yes...you...and you...and you...  I knew I wasn't the only one. ;)

All I ask is you don't use it for commercial use, and if you want to repost it, please ask my permission first.  Thanks guys!!

Peasant Top Tutorial

Check out this peasant top tutorial to make yourself without a pattern from Joann.com.  I see definite nursing shirt potential in this one.  If my dear cranky baby gives me sometime this week, I think I'm going to try this one.

Peasant Top Tutorial

All Freebie Tutorials are Fully Operational

The tutorials in the Freebies section are all working.  I am working on restoring sewing patterns now.  I'm sorry it took so long for me to finally fix it. So the nursing apron is now available too. 

Updating Apron Top Pattern

7/2008 - EDITED TO ADD - There is now a nursing apron top tutorial too, it is located on the left in the Freebie section.

The new apron top PDF is up. It's the same pattern, I just made it look a little nicer.

Also, if anybody is interested in the nursing/breastfeeding apron top version, post in the comments and if there is enough interest (and/or begging, lol) then I'll add that option to the pattern as well.



An apron top is a backless summer shirt, much like a halter style top, but it is backless. I discovered apron tops many years ago when my daughter was a toddler. I began offering them on my web site soon after, including nursing/breastfeeding ones. You can make them from just about any kind of woven fabric. I prefer 100% cotton quilting quality woven fabrics because they feel so nice against the skin. Hemp silk dupioni was the most popular choice with my customers.

This pattern is very easy for beginner seamstresses as it is basically a rectangle. It’s something fun, quick, and easy to make too! This apron top pattern is lined (or you can even make it reversible). It laces down the back and the straps tie at the bottom. There are some options throughout the pattern so read through the entire pattern before you begin. I like to make a coordinating strip skirt or bloomers for little girls to go with an apron top.