Happy Together

Vintage May: The Mod T-shirt Dress Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Thu, 23 May 2013 04:10:00 +0000

Jess from Craftiness Is Not Optional and Kristin from Skirt as Top have been hosting a series called Vintage May on their blogs. They have an impressive line up of bloggers with amazing projects/tutorials! Today I get to join in and share a dress I made and I also made sure to get pics of the process so you can make one too. See others projects here on Jess's blog and here on Kristin's.

I was inspired by vintage patterns from the 60's like this. I decided I wanted to do a dress with a drop waist skirt and a collar. Of course, I also wanted to do this as easy as possible. That's when the idea of making it from a t-shirt popped in my head. The t-shirt dress has been done a million times, but I'm putting a vintage spin on it today.

To create this look, I added a circle skirt to the bottom and used felt for the collar. I know some of you must be thinking "felt? But how does it wash?" Well, I washed mine in cold water on a normal cycle and it was fine. I did let it air dry though. The dryer might cause it to pill. And yes, I used the cheap acrylic felt you buy in sheets from the craft stores.

Here are the materials you will need:
-T-shirt
-Fabric
-Felt
-Ribbon

Start by cutting the end of the t-shirt off. Make sure it's on the longer side to achieve the drop waist look. I used a dress that my daughter had to determine the length I wanted it. You could also have them try it on and see where you would like it to fall too. Then measure how wide the bottom of the shirt is.

Use that measurement to determine the size of fabric needed for the circle skirt. I'm going to use pics/instructions from a previous tutorial I did. No need to do it again ;)

Figure out how much fabric you need.
First you need to determine the radius for the bottom. The equation used is:

r = circumference / (2 x pi)

2 x pi is about 6.28. The circumference is the measurement of the bottom of the shirt. Just measure it laying flat and multiply it be 2. The shirt was 11.5" laying flat, so times 2 and minus 1 it's 23". Plug it in:

r = 23 / 6.28

r = about 3.7 (I rounded up)

Now take the radius and add how long you want the bottom skirt to be (remember to add extra for the seam allowance you want to use. I added 2 inches. An inch for the top and one for the bottom). I wanted hers to be 10.5" long (including seam allowance), so plug it in:
(r + length)
3.7" +10.5" =14.2"

Multiply that by 2.
14.2" x 2= 28.4"

So, I will need 1 square pieces of fabric that is 28.4" x 28.4".

Take your square piece of fabric and fold it in half.

Then fold it in half the other way. This will create two sides that are fabric folds and two sides will be the fabric edges.

Now take a ruler and some chalk. From the very corner of the two folded sides, measure out the radius + length measurement to get the length you will cut in the picture above. Make quite a few marks all around the fabric to create a 1/4 circle. Cut it out.

Now to cut the middle circle. Use your ruler again and measure out the radius length from the corner of the folded edges. Make a few marks around and connect, then cut out.

Your piece will now look like this.

Now that it is cut out, pin the waist of the skirt piece to the bottom of the t-shirt with right sides facing. Sew together and finish the seams with a v-stitch or serger.

Hem the bottom how you like. I ended up serging the edge then turning it under 1/4", ironed it in place, then sewed. You could turn it under a little and iron then turn it under one more time so no raw edge is showing, but this might drive some of you crazy. It can be done, but it can be difficult. Another option is to sew on bias tape around the bottom.

Now you need to create a template for the collar. Take the dress and fold it in half with the front of the dress facing up. Tuck the back of the neckline in the shirt. Place the neckline on a piece of paper and trace around the neck, top of shoulder, and down the middle some.

It will look like this.

Then you can draw the shape of the collar you want on the front part. Next, fold the dress in half the other way (so the back is facing up). Match up the shoulder and neckline with the part you just drew. Trace around neck and down the middle a little ways.

Draw your own look for the rest of the collar the way you want it. Cut it out.

Position template on neckline to see if it will work. It might take some tweaking. Don't worry about it being all the way over in the back because we will be making it shorter there anyways. The front is really the most important area.

Cut out two pieces of from the pattern piece. Then trim the edge that will be in the back some. Since the shirt is stretchy, we don't want to sew it all the way around or else the dress might not go over the wearer's head.

I also sewed around the edges of the felt to help it hold it's shape.

Now pin the collar in place. See the extra space in the back left for stretching?

Next, decide on what kind of ribbon you want. I originally wanted a thinner ribbon, but I wanted to use something from my stash instead of buying more. So I found this wide blue ribbon to use. I cut it shorter and heat sealed the ends to prevent fraying (meaning I ran the ribbon edge over a candle flame).

I knotted this and then sewed it in place, but you could also do a bow like some of the patterns used.

Then to complete the look you can add some mary janes and knee high socks (these were both purchased at Target). If you make one, please share. You can leave a link to your creation here or email me. Don't forget to see all the other great projects going on for Vintage May. Thank you to Jess and Kristin for letting me be a part of it.

-Jess

Little Peanuts

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Tue, 07 May 2013 01:50:00 +0000

I have kind of taken a little break from blogging lately to focus on my family, take care of some health things, and just rest. I have actually really struggled with a constant fatigue for the past few months, so it has really affected my productivity. Since I have a hard time getting a lot done like usual, I decided to give my time and energy to my family. I am hoping that soon we will find out what is causing this (I'm not pregnant ;), and tackle it. It's also been a little more busy with this being the last month of school. I of course couldn't pass up an opportunity to help out, so I recently whipped up some peanut costumes for miss J's class performance coming up.

It was a simple enough project. I just cut the shape out of felt and then made a stencil on a piece of posterboard for the peanut "dents". I used the Mr. Peanut character as inspiration.

I can't wait to see her on stage. They are reciting a speech about George Washington Carver. I'm very impressed with her ability to retain information. She has said it for me twice and I am always floored by how well she remembers the whole thing.

Hopefully I'll be back a little bit more now. I am sharing pics on Instagram almost daily, which I find so much fun. It's quickly become my favorite social media. Have a good week!
-Jess

Custom Vinyl Balloons DIY

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 00:52:00 +0000

Silhouette is having a sale right now that I'm a little late sharing. Sorry! (go here today to get a HUGE discount on the Cameo and Portrait Vinyl Combo....but make sure to use code HAPPY when checking out for the discount to show up). So they sent me some strawberry vinyl to play around with. I had the idea of putting some vinyl on balloons before so I put it to the test. I'm pleased to say that this is something that works, but there are some things to be aware of.

First of all, I used my Silhouette machine to cut out two things: a phrase and a heart. I got both graphics from the online shop. Then miss E and I went to a party store and got some plain balloons. I stuck the vinyl on them in the car because I had originally planned to go stick them on my hubby's car. But it was too windy to try and do pics of them, so they came home with me. I do not recommend trying to put them on the balloons in a car! It was a bit difficult trying to hold it down and get it on without much room :) But, it worked. And if you don't push the vinyl down when putting it on, you can take it off if it gets messed up. Just be careful. They didn't pop on me, but I think if you pulled it off fast it might make the balloon pop.

My daughter says these are for Valentines Day, and well I do suppose they look very Valentinesy. But remember my original plan? Yes. For love. I think this would be cute for a photo prop for doing the first 12 months of an infants life, engagement pics, birthday balloons, etc. Here is the problem though. These kind of balloons loose air pretty fast. They shrink, but the vinyl does not. See pic below.

This is what it looked like after 7 hours. So if you want to do this, Don't put the vinyl on until close to the time you need it. And take your time putting it on. Maybe even enlist some help (you know, someone hold it still while you put it on). I think I will make some number ones for my girls birthdays. If you were to do this, what event would you make them for?
-Jess

Project Run and Play All Stars Week 4: My Southern Belle

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:01:00 +0000

It's the last week of Project Run and Play All Stars. This week's theme is Spring Formal Wear. I'm not feeling very well (me and the little ones have been hit with an icky cold this week), so I will be brief because I just want to go lay down on the couch. *a day I wish I had a laptop* Voting is up here, so don't forget to vote for your favorite. I loved everyone's design. Truly amazing and inspirational.

The skirt is a gathered one made with this silky stretchy fabric. I added the mustard yellow shirred almost-circles to the bottom of it. I basically cut a circle out then cut the bottom of it all. I shirred two lines near the edge that switched from a zig-zag stitch to a straight stitch and did a whole line of zig zag on the inner circle.

The top is made from a lace I got at Joann's a long time ago. Yay for stash busting! I drafted this pattern myself and added a pleat in the back and a faux button down with ruffles in the front. I also made a little camisole for miss J to wear underneath. I made the belt as well and her hair flowers came from Forever 21 a while back.

Being sick this week, I was really behind, so wouldn't you know it the last day I could do photos was an overcast and rainy day again? lol Miss J explored while I snapped pictures and we tried to avoid all the fire ants and prickly plants that were everywhere. I will not miss fire ants when our time is up in Louisiana. No I won't. I love the ones further down of her with the sticks. SO her. I'm going to go rest now. Hope you all have a great weekend and can see the good things in this world with so many bad things going on.
-Jess

DIY Photo Canvas Kit

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 17:51:00 +0000

I recently received a Photo Canvas Kit c/o Cosco. I was very excited about this product because I really like photo canvases. I was also a bit nervous, because I wasn't so sure how great it would be. I'm happy to report that I'm actually pretty pleased with it. Especially for the price!

This kit contains 3 photo canvases that 9.5" x 7" when finished. It is $29.99 (coming out to $10 a canvas) and you can find it at Office Max stores and online.

I picked three pictures to print out. They sent me that city skyline one as an example so you can see mine compared to that one. I will say that the better your printer, the better these will turn out. We have a cheapy printer, an HP Deskjet F4280, so I made sure to check the print quality as high as possibly. I also learned that the more faded pictures, like the one of miss J and the balloons, don't print out as well on my printer. It still is okay. I wish they put in one more piece of canvas paper to use in case of an oops. They do say to print it on regular paper first to make sure it is set up right and will print good, but I didn't want to use that much ink up.

The above pics are of the packaging and to show you what comes it in. You receive three canvas papers, 3 plastic frames to put it on, double sided tape, and even stands if you want to put them out on a table. So if you are wanting to make some canvases yourself and have a printer you trust, I do recommend this kit. Just remember to follow all of the printing instructions carefully (like putting it on a high quality print setting and making sure it's going to print borderless) and you will get a nice canvas. Here is a quick demo video as well if you want to see more details.
-Jess

Project Run and Play All Stars Week 3: Summer Lovin'

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:36:00 +0000

Week 3 is up over on Project Run and Play, so make sure you go and vote for your favorite this week! The theme was "All in the Details", and wow, will you see a lot of awesome details on everyone's design. Truly amazing these ladies. For this look, I created a maxi skirt and a top.

I put some fun details in the top that I have that I made for miss J. I wanted the front to continue a little bit to the back, so I made the piece wider in the front to do this. The blue polka dot piece (from Hancock Fabrics) is a rectangle piece that I ruffled at the top. The red and strawberry print overlap on top of that piece. They are held in place with the buttons and I also tacked them onto the polka piece in a few spots.

The back is a ribbed knit fabric to add to the comfyness of the top. I used leather for part of the straps and it is tied in the back through a loop of leather. I shirred a bit in the back as well to help give it a little more shape.

The skirt is made from a knit fabric I had scored last year. I made a simple a-line maxi skirt. Then I cut from the bottom to a few inches below the waist down the middle on the front and back. I then pieced together fabric to create a triangle piece and sewed one in the front and in the back.

It adds to the fullness of the skirt and adds some extra fun too.

The hat we used is from Old Navy two years ago. I wrapped around some fabric I used from the skirt to make it match.

I love this little summer outfit on my girl. I can see her wearing this a lot.

Yet again, we had rainy days on the days I wanted to take pics. So I opted to do these in our back yard. We strung up some lights and made flower chains to add as well.

Now we have one week left! I'm pretty sure I know what I'm going to make. In fact, I think I'll go to the fabric store today :) Some of the participants are already done, but I just keep changing my mind on what I want to do! lol Hopefully I can get it done this weekend though. Don't forget to vote and have a great weekend!
-Jess

My Faves

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 01:54:00 +0000

lil adventurer pack/ sun n' fun swimsuit and leotard/ perfect peasant dress/ the jackie/ all star booties/ annabelle jacket/ olivia and oliver pea coat/ hangout hoodie

There are some fabulous sponsors to feature this month. First up is Peek-a-boo Patterns. Can I just say, I see sooooo many patterns I want to try out! There is such a variety. You can find clothing for girls and boys and tons of accessories. There are even bathing suit patterns! Amy is behind this shop and offers her patterns in pdf format that are ready to print (no resizing needed). She also blogs over at Nap Time Crafters. You can check out creations that others have made with her patterns here as well. Oh, and she's down with you selling products you make using her patterns (my kind of pattern maker ;). Use code "happytogether10" to receive 10% your purchase until the 13th.

girl/ both/ boy

eDiaper Cakes is back again this month, yay! They offer such amazing diaper cakes. They have a large variety that are for girls, boys, or both. Along with ones already made, they have an excellent kit you can purchase so you can make your own. Find out more about them here.

Us

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 03:48:00 +0000

Just wanted to share a few pics from Instagram that I have taken the past few weeks. We have been settling down a bit now that spring break is over. We had a great Easter and I really need to get those pictures off of my camera. But i had this one of them above on my phone. Miss E just kept wanting to sit in that corner for some reason. Little ones can be peculiar at times, can't they?

I don't usually get in too many pics with my girls, but I made sure to get one while we visited the Houston zoo. That was an interesting and fun adventure.

My mom had a birthday in March and I finally got her present to her! I made this banner to go with her "beachy" decor.

Miss J recently went fishing for the very first time and look what she caught! It was the biggest out of all the others that were with her.

We have been taking advantage of the pretty weather and meeting up with friends whenever we can. I miss living by a beach so much! But at least we have a lake.

I have had a few custom orders I did recently too. I made the onesies for a friend's sister. And I saw that the babies were just born the other day! Soon they will be able to wear these :)

I also made matching dad/son ties for my cousin. It's a blessing to have family that supports me.

Here is a little dress, well it was more like a top, that I made miss J. She participated in a talent show at school and she picked out this fabric for me to make her an outfit. Sadly, at the last minute she decided not to wear it. But she did wear it to church the next Sunday. She's getting pickier in what she wears in her old age.

I got around to updating our front door with a spring wreath too. I wrapped a straw wreath in burlap and then added these pretty flowers (from Micheal's) and some vintage lace. It makes me happy.

Miss E has been getting some more handmade clothes lately. I made her these ruffle pants and just finshed a dress and some lace leggings the other night. I love it. I'm hoping to get a lot more made for them these next few months.

I'm still pretty preoccupied with Project Run and Play at the moment. I can't wait to share my creation for this week. It's been fun being creatively challenged, although I don't think I'll ever do a competition again. It's a lot of work. Hope you all have a wonderful week!
-Jess

Project Run and Play All Stars Week 2: Triangular-fied

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:47:00 +0000

This week's outfit for Project Run and Play All Stars (don't forget to vote for your favorite) was actually the first I began to work on. I think it's because they sent us fabric for it! haha For week 2, we were each allowed to choose 2 yards of chevron fabric by Riley Blake. I chose the large black and white pattern. I had no idea what I was going to do, but I figured that was a good choice.

I used my baby to model this outfit. I wasn't sure how pictures were going to go though. Turns out, having paper taped on a wall is a BIG distractions to one year olds ;) Oh, and so are plants.

See? Grabbing papers.

And she just can't get enough. She kept yelling, "Books! Books!" And I'm like yes, baby. Now lets get some pictures!

We set this up on the kitchen table to make it easier. The window gives good light, although yet again, the day I pick (in advance) for pictures turns out to be a rainy day. We made it work though!

A lot of this outfit was a "make it work" situation though. I at first created the triangle pattern from the chevron print.

I figured this out by folding the fabric like below. Then I just made each piece a different size. Half were pointed one way and half the other.

At that point, I knew it needed to be the highlight of the piece. So I made it into a top. I added simple white fabric to the top, ruched the sleeves (by shirring two rows) and added black piping around the neckline and armholes. The gathered sleeves actually happened because I thought it looked kind of odd. So there was one make it work moment!

I created a somewhat triangle shape on the back opening to add to the theme.

Then I made the leggings from a tshirt. It was actually the second pair. The first pair I made didn't have a outside side seam, so adding the zipper just wasn't working. I found this tutorial to help figure out the zipper situation. Then I added the little black leather triangles above it. Those were another make it work moment to be honest. The top of the zippers just was giving me a hard time and I was tired of redoing that. So the triangles hide the not so pretty sewing at that spot. See? Make it work!

The headband is extra fabric from the shirt tied in a knot and the shoes came from Walmart. So there is my outfit. Now, make sure you see what everyone else made and vote for your favorite here. There are some seriously amazing outfits this week!

A Sweet Spring Family Session

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:24:00 +0000

Friday I had the pleasure of doing this sweet family's pictures. It was a lot of fun and they were so great to work with! Momma did good with bringing awesome props. I love props and I feel like they can really add a lot of pictures if used right. Here are a few of my faves for you to enjoy :) Now I need to go finish my design for Project Run and Play!
-Jess

Project Run and Play All Stars Week 1: In Bloom

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:11:00 +0000

Hi everyone :) We are busy over here enjoying spring break. We have been going on adventures and enjoying our special guests. It's been a magical week and I'm excited it gets to end with Easter. Another thing that has happened this week is the beginning of Project Run and Play All Stars! The voting is now open, so check it out if you can and vote for your favorite.

This week's theme was inspired by art. I chose Claude Monet's paintings to draw inspiration from. I love flowers and am naturally attracted to his beautiful paintings of flowers and nature.

I wanted to make some flower pants because it works with the theme and I love them! It's so fun seeing everyone wearing printed pants now.

I also took my love of Anthropologie to add to the design. Simple yet bold. I would wear this outfit. Yes I would :)

It was my first time making zipper front pants and I must say I'm pretty proud that I made it happen. I just used a pair of my daughters pants to figure it out. I learned a lot from trying something new. That's a good thing!

I found the flower print from Walmart for $2 a yard. I wanted something that was Liberty of London-esque (it's a fabric design company that creates pretty florals, etc.) and I couldn't find any at Hobby Lobby or Hancock's in our area. So I saw this and grabbed it. Bright, colorful, super soft (after washing ;), and a good price. Can't beat that.

The top was simple with some vintage lace and a flutter bow. I left some raw edges, because well, I like that kind of stuff. I appreciate the added texture. Then we went to a local lake for the pictures. It was perfect. It captures miss J so perfectly. She just loves exploring and playing outside. I think I need to take pics of both the girls here.

Hope you are enjoying your week! Don't forget to vote for your fave over at Project Run and Play if you can. The designs are just so amazing! It's a talented group of women for sure!

A Vest for Him

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 03:31:00 +0000

This year I made it a goal to sew up some things for my hubby. I was a bit intimidated by this, so I figured I would start off with a smaller piece.

We used to watch The Mentalist all the time before we moved here and couldn't get CBS. Will always commented on how he liked Jane's style. So of course I knew that one day we would have to add some vests in his wardrobe, so when I went looking at men's patterns and saw this Burda Style 7799 one I knew that was the one to begin with.

It was actually a pretty easy sew. I did a few things differently because I wanted it to be a bit more finished in some spots, but I liked the different options that you can have with it.

I also saved some time by just using some leather on the back tie piece instead of sewing it up. I'm all about finding short cuts :)

I would recommend the pattern for sure. I think next I'm going to attempt a suit type jacket next, but have it be more casual with elbow patches or something. This project gave me some confidence for sewing things for my man!
-Jess

Kindness

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 04:27:00 +0000

I've been pretty quiet over here lately haven't I? I guess you can say our social life has grown tremendously here the past few weeks and having a daughter in school adds a lot more events to life as well. I have been making things and hope to share them soon. They are just bigger, more time consuming projects and I'm trying to get my designs made for Project Run and Play All Stars too. In the meantime, I wanted to share a quick story with you.

Last week, one of my devotionals was about serving others. I know I serve my family a lot, but it challenged me to think of looking for other ways to serve. I know I'm limited in a sense to what I can do, so I prayed that God would give me little ways to show kindness and help others in my daily routine. Even if it's little things like hold the door for someone.

A few days after praying that I found myself in Hobby Lobby. Go figure ;) I was waiting in line to get some fabric cut and a man in front of me was buying this special black velvet like fabric. I overheard the lady cutting talking with him about what it was for and how if he had a coupon he could save a lot of money (it was pricey fabric and he needed a lot). He told her he didn't have one and didn't have a smart phone where he could pull it up, but asked if she could hold the fabric and he come back tomorrow since he lived a distance away.

I took the opportunity to politely enter in the conversation and told him he could use the coupon on my phone if he didn't mind waiting. He didn't and as we walked to the checkout I found out he was a pastor and was buying this fabric to surprise the youth pastor at his church who wanted it for doing illusionist presentations for the youth/children. I was feeling so happy that I was going to be able to help him save a good chunk of change for ministry purposes.

It finally came our turn and as he placed his fabric down on the counter, he grabbed everything in my cart and said he was paying for that too. I was a bit shocked at first, like seriously? You want to do that for me? But I accepted because I don't believe in robbing someone of their blessing. (If someone wants to bless you, let them!). His act of kindness to my act of kindness blessed me so much. I wasn't expecting anything. I felt just so glad to be able to help someone in a small way. But, I ended up being blessed even more by his kindness.

I have used that fabric to make a special garland that is now over our kitchen sink. Every time I look at it I'm reminded of what happened and to keep my eyes open for helping others. Keep your eyes open too. You never know how an act of kindness might really be needed and how you might touch someones life. It's amazing what the little things can do.

-Jess

In the Kitchen with Miss J: Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 03:47:00 +0000

This has been on our list to make for a while. The problem is that bananas go very fast in our house. So they never got to that really ripe state. I saved a few bananas for this recipe though and we made us some delicious banana peanut butter ice cream using this recipe.

So simple and so easy. Just frozen bananas and peanut butter. The consistency is just like ice cream. I liked it with the pb because I can't take things tasting too banana-ey except an actual banana. Strange I know. Next time we do this I'm going to add a few chocolate chips and graham cracker crumbs on top. Yum. I let miss J participate by helping cut up the banana and putting everything in the blender.

Do you have any good snack recipes that you make? I need some ideas. And of this topic, anyone else having a hard time with the time change? Usually this change doesn't effect us but it really has this year. The girls keep sleeping in (and so do me and my hubby!). Miss E was my alarm clock, but I have to set an actual one tonight so we will get up on time. Plus miss J hasn't really "caught up" since we did a sleep study for her on Sunday night. I'm hoping we get our schedule back down soon.
-Jess

Spring Sunshine in Their Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 04:50:00 +0000

The weather has been so pretty these past few days. We have been going outside each evening and soaking in the warm sun rays. Today I grabbed my camera and took some pics of the girls wearing these beautiful hair accessories from ClipIts Design.

If you remember, she sent us some last year and I loved them. So I feel really blessed to have some more from Joanna, the creator of these lovely pieces.

One of my favorite places in our yard right now is this clover patch. I asked my hubby not to cut when he mowed the grass and he so graciously obliged.

It has grown into such a beautiful spot, so plush and fun to jump into.

Miss E will sit there forever and just pick the clovers. I love this above pic because it's so them! E is not big into miss J hugging or kissing her most of the time, but loves her so much.

J really turned on her model self today and was actually posing for me. Usually it's more like "okay go run over there and tell me a silly joke" coming from me to get something for pics. Today she was like, "Mom, take a picture of me like this." She's growing up even more I tell you.

They both love the flower headbands and kept them on their heads all afternoon. They are so soft on their sweet heads.

Joanna also sent these really cute pea hair clips and carrot hair clip/pin. Miss J is wearing a Draped Cardigan that I made. We pinned it up with the pin for a cute style.

It's so her. She loves gardens and she loves these pieces.

We can't wait until we get our garden restarted here soon too.

We actually have a lot of volunteers that came back and are growing again though. I have a lot of lettuce regrowing in particular. We have been using it on our burgers, for salads, and more. Now I need to find some other things to add in the garden. Do you have a favorite thing to plant?

Thank you Joanna for the girls gifts!!! We love them :)
Don't forget to check out ClipIts Etsy shop here and facebook page. You can also use the code BACKFOR15 to receive 15% off your purchase from her Etsy shop.
-Jess

New Pattern Release and Giveaway: The Draped Cardigan

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 05:27:00 +0000

*happy dance* My newest pattern is now available in the shop for instant download! It's called The Draped Cardigan and is for girls sizes 18 months - 14.

I cannot believe how long it has taken me to get this done (these pictures are from November!). I'm glad that I did finish though. It had been such a long time since I created one, I felt a little intimidated to jump back into it but I feel I'm back into the swing of things now and plan on working on another two patterns for this summer.

The pattern is designed to be made using knits and fleece fabrics.

That means extra comfy! You can make it warmer with using the fleece fabric or a lightweight knit would be perfect for the upcoming spring season.

There are quite a few ways to style it. I share how I used sew on snaps to create a closure. Further down you can see where one of my pattern testers made a belt for it. I also thought on an older child, it would look pretty draped over and held in place with a pretty pin. Like below:

Carrot pin is c/o Clipit Designs.

We found a good place downtown for pictures. Miss E was such a mess trying to get photos of. She was so excited to be able to have such freedom to run around in a parking lot. Good thing my husband was there to help!

Miss J just wanted to explore as well. That makes it fun though. Catching them in their element.

Check out these three sisters below!!!!! Their mom, Lindsey Jones, made for for each of them.

Aren't they just the cutest?!?!? So precious. There is just something so special about sisters. Especially when wearing super cute cardigans their mom made ;)

I also had the pleasure of having Beth, of From the Hive, to help again. She made this really cute cardigan for her daughter. Do you remember her from other patterns???? She's getting so big! I really like how Beth made the sleeves shorter and added a belt. Great ideas girl! (PS....Beth entered the pattern making world too! You can see her patterns here)

You can find more information in the patterns listing here if you like. I would like to give away three patterns too. Just leave a comment and make sure there is a way I can contact you in case you win. I'll randomly pick three winners next week!

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

Congratulations to Agus, Pajjij, and Debbie!

This and That

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 03:07:00 +0000

I just wanted to share some pics from my instagram for anyone who hasn't seen them yet. Above is a little skirt I made for a one year old's birthday present. I loved how it turned out and I'm planning on making some like this for my girls.

Made this leather cuff using this tutorial. Super quick and super cute!

We have been in the kitchen making stuff too. One day we made some yummy strawberry milkshakes together. This girl has such a sweet tooth!

Hubby made us a headboard!!!!!! It's all done and in place now, but I have to do some finishing touches before I share the whole thing. I absolutely love it.

I took a go at the embroidery hoop art a few weeks ago and did this. I still need to finish it, but it was really fun to do.

This was from when I made all of those pom poms for the mail project.

This little one has been getting into everything as usual. She loves to climb. I leave the room and come back to find her on top of things. Nothing like having your heart jump a few times a day ;)

I got some pretty fabrics to make pillow covers for our living room. They are from the Lillybelle Collection by Bari J. I'm ready to add some spring color to our home.

And this little guy was put together by miss J. It was a kit from Target and she had so much fun doing it. There is a talent show at her school coming up and she wants to sew for it! (one beaming proud mom over here for her wanting to do that). At first she didn't want to do anything, but I guess they were talking to her about sewing for it at school and now she is so excited! I'm just glad that she has found some things that she really enjoys to do. Bonus is that they are things I like too :)
-Jess

The Heart of the Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 23:35:00 +0000

I always try really hard to stick to my list when I go shopping. Sometimes something just calls my name though and I have to get it. I was at Walmart a few weeks ago and walked by the fabric section. Probably my first mistake. But, on the end cap was this beautiful knit fabric for only $2 a yard. I freaked out a little on the inside! It took me forever to find someone to cut it because it was really early in the morning, but I was determined to get some of that fabric.

I bought 3 yards so I would have enough to make a dress out of it. This is what became of that fabric. I just used a maxi dress I had as a pattern and went to town. It's sleeveless but still a little chilly, so I had to wear a sweater with it (from Anthropologie a few years ago).

I also made a ton of these crocheted heart pins for friends and the teachers at my daughter's school. I used this pattern size medium. Very easy to whip those up.

The best part is I had enough fabric leftover to make miss E some pants and another pair to eventually go up in my shop. (It's a new goal of mine to start sewing up some things to sell soon.) I wore this dress on Valentine's Day and last night for a date night with my hubby. It's so comfy and I'm so happy with it. It will get a lot of wear in the summer. Have you made yourself anything lately?
-Jess

The Birthday Boy

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 04:29:00 +0000

This past weekend was super busy for us. It doesn't happen too often that it's this packed. We had two parties to attend and then we celebrated Will's birthday. He's getting so old ;)

Miss J helped me decorate and wrap presents. She LOVES doing stuff like this.

But, I think her favorite part was eating cake. She wouldn't even put down her fork so I could snap a picture of her not shoving it in her mouth. Ha!

Miss E loved her cake too.

It was finger lickin' good!

The girls loved on their dad, though this picture doesn't particularly show that ;) I think they just wanted more cake instead of sitting on dad's lap for a picture.

But we tried pics with them separately and it went a lot better. I love seeing them give nose kisses. "Ugga mugga!" (if you watch pbs kid shows you know what I'm talking about).

I'm hoping to finish up his gift I sewed him and share it this week. I had grand plans for finishing it before his birthday, but it's funny how those plans kept getting interrupted. At least the interrupters are really cute (ie my girls). This week will be full of sewing though. And, I haven't officially announced it, but I am participating in Project Run and Play All Stars which begins at the end of March! If you follow me and the other participants on instagram (or twitter), check out the tag #prapallstars for previews of what we are all making. I am looking forward to it as it's more of a "fun" competition. No one goes home! You get to see everyone's creations for four weeks straight. I'm excited to get my designs made and see what everyone else does.
-Jess

February Faves

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 01:13:00 +0000

1, 2, 3, & 4

The week is coming to an end and we have entered into another wave of sickness over here. Thankfully not too bad though. Tomorrow is my hubby's birthday, so I'm trying to finish up some last minute things. I can't wait to share what I made him :)
It's now that time to share my faves from my monthly sponsors. This month eDiaper Cakes joined up. Aren't these some of the cutest diaper cakes you have ever seen? They are such a great gift. Any parent will tell you that diapers are a no fail gift. They will and can always be used! Not only do they offer ones already made up, but you can get the do it yourself ones too. If you are looking for a great useful and cute baby gift, go check them out.
Have a great weekend everyone and I'll be back next week.
-Jess

Paper Tape DIY

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 03:24:00 +0000

Silhouette has this product called double-sided adhesive paper and they sent me some to create with. The product is geared more towards using with glitter, flock, and things like that, but it can be used for so much more! I decided to make some paper tape with it, but I bet you could use fabric too.

You can see a little bit of how it works from the back. I think it's a great thing to have if you want to add small special touches to projects. This is way easier than trying to use glue to get glitter on! And I can say that this stuff is really sticky and holds strong. Once it's on paper, it's on. And so is whatever you put on it.

I made this sign with my final product to go with some family pictures. I have been in a home decorating mood as of late which is very welcomed because I have a lot I want to do.

To make paper tape all you need is some paper (I used scrapbook paper), some double-sided adhesive sheets, and scissors. *Ignore the glitter. I was going to use it, but then didn't :)

Since I didn't want to make a ton of each, I cut up the paper into smaller strips.

Then I took a sheet and peeled off the yellow paper

and placed the strips on the sticky side, right sides facing up.

Then I cut out each block of different paper and grabbed my ruler to measure for small even cuts. You can make it as thick or thin as you like. Then cut out the strips.

Now you have paper tape ready to adorn envelopes, packages, art, and more. You just peel the back paper off and it will be ready to stick on. Let me know if you make some :)
-Jess

Headbands Galore

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:00:00 +0000

If I haven't said it a million times before, let me say it again. I LOVE having girls. I'm sure I would love a boy if I had one, but I really enjoy my girls. There is so much fun stuff you can get for them to accessorize with too. And my girls love their accessories! So we were all excited when we opened up a box full of hair goodies from Halo Creations!

Rheanna is the creator of these beautiful hair pieces and does amazing work!

We have had a lot of fun adding these headbands to outfits these past two weeks.

Miss J really liked the one above. Know why? She has turned into an LSU girl!!!! We've only lived here for 10 months and they already converted her. She likes her purple and yellow :)

If you are looking for cute, one of a kind hair accessories, I suggest checking out Halo Creations. You can also find H.C. on facebook here. Thank you Rheanna for the lovely gifts!
-Jess

Sending Some Love in the Mail

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 20:18:00 +0000

I love surprises. Well, I guess I should say good surprises :) When I saw this Valentine's Garland Mailer DIY on Oh Happy Day, I knew I had to make some for a few of my friends.

I made these "you are loved" garlands to be the main part of the gift. I made mini pompoms using the fork method and cut out letters from old cereal boxes.

Then I got some candy, made some confetti, and printed out little papers with encouraging words on them.

I unfortunately couldn't find any small cute mailing tubes like the one in the tutorial, so I bought some pringles and cleaned the cans out to use. I covered them in scrapbook paper, then tapped the end of the garland in. I filled the can up with everything, wrapped it all up in brown package paper, and sent it on it's merry way to my friends.

I really loved this idea and think I will use it more often :)
-Jess

Pom Pom Heart Necklace DIY

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:57:00 +0000

If you follow me on instagram, you might remember the picture I posted with these mini pom poms I had bought. I really didn't have a reason to get them at the time, but I thought they were adorable and wanted to use them in a craft. Then I thought about making a necklace or a ring with them. I decided upon a necklace and this is the outcome.

It's really quick to make and would be a fun Valentine's gift for older kids.

We like how bright and colorful it is.

Miss J approves and was very happy to get her hands on it :)

To make it, you will need the following:
-Eyelets (I used size 5/32")
-Plastic that is sewable and not rippable (I bought mine at the fabric store, but you could repurpose plastic packaging. Think of how things like bed lines come in sturdy plastic packaging. That could totally be used! You don't need a lot for one necklace at all.)
-Mini pom poms
-Heart template (I made mine to measure 3.75" at it's widest and 3.25" at it's tallest)
-Scissors
-Yarn
-Sewing stuff

Start by cutting out two heart from the plastic. Then sew all the way around except for an opening where you can put the pom poms in. (PS: if the plastic doesn't move easy for you on the sewing machine, place a piece of tissue paper underneath and it will move a lot easier. Just rip it off at the end.)

Fill the heart up with pom poms, leaving some room at the top middle of heart for the eyelet. I had to squish them around for even placement. Then sew the opening shut.

Next, put in the eyelet following the packages instructions. Finish off by cutting a long piece of yarn and placing it through the eyelet. Knot it right above the heart and further up, making sure there is enough room for child to get necklace around their head.

Enjoy!

-Jess

Polka Dots and Hearts

noreply@blogger.com (Happy Together) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 05:36:00 +0000

It's been a good full and busy week over here. I am super excited that the weekend is upon us and that my hubby doesn't have duty! That means we get a whole full day (or two) with him this weekend. He works so hard for us and I love getting to spend time with him when he gets to have some breaks.

We plan on having some fun outings and I hope to wear some cute comfy outfits, starting with this one today! It's the Dotted Lucille Chambray Dress and was c/o Tailor and Stylist. I'm having such fun working with them! I have enjoyed watching other online clothing companies get started and become successful and am very excited to see that happening for them as well. I'm also very excited to share code happytogether10 for you to get 10% off at Tailor and Stylist!

And, since I've got Valentines on the brain, I paired the dress with aqua tights (from Target) and some red flats that I thrifted a while back. I added a pair of heart hair clips turned shoe clips on them. The hair clips were also from Target.

I'm off to edit some pics from an adorable one year old session I did yesterday and cut out a dress from some gorgeous knit fabric I found today. Can't wait to share! And next I'll be back with a diy heart necklace that is miss J approved.
-Jess

Happy Together

Vintage May: The Mod T-shirt Dress Tutorial

Little Peanuts

Custom Vinyl Balloons DIY

Project Run and Play All Stars Week 4: My Southern Belle

DIY Photo Canvas Kit

Project Run and Play All Stars Week 3: Summer Lovin'

*My Faves*

Us

Project Run and Play All Stars Week 2: Triangular-fied

A Sweet Spring Family Session

Project Run and Play All Stars Week 1: In Bloom

A Vest for Him

Kindness

In the Kitchen with Miss J: Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Spring Sunshine in Their Hair

New Pattern Release and Giveaway: The Draped Cardigan

This and That

The Heart of the Dress

The Birthday Boy

February Faves

Paper Tape DIY

Headbands Galore

Sending Some Love in the Mail

Pom Pom Heart Necklace DIY

Polka Dots and Hearts

My Faves