Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday!

Pull up a chair and join me for a cup of tea as we kick off this week's Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday (TGIFF)! If this is your first time visiting a TGIFF event, it's a linky party where someone can link a Finished project from the past week!

 

This week I am sharing my finished Mix & Mingle quilt which I made for my daughter's first Twin Bed. If you listen closely you can hear the howling wind while it blows around our freshly acquired 2 feet of snow. It only takes a peek out of the window and I am reminded that I am not in Texas anymore! Consequently when I made this quilt, I knew that I wanted to use wool batting for the first first.

 

My friend Richy from Spazzycat Designs made this pattern for the Moda Bake Shop and I was thrilled when he offered to use his short arm quilting machine to do the top stitching. 

I just got it back last week and spent the week adding a solid purple binding. My favorite part about working on this project was using K Buckley's perfect circle templates to make my appliqué circles, it was a dream for a new-to-appliqué person like me!

 

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my quilt! Won't you consider linking up a finish of your own and/or visit a link or two below? 

*\0/* cheers

Shanna

An InLinkz Link-up

The Case of The Forgotten Pattern Testing

I did a pattern-testing this last spring for Lila Lane Patterns.  I was expecting a big launch post after she had finalized the pattern, but the focus turned to some ready-made designs she was very busy producing.  Now that I have done some research, I am not certain she will be releasing this pattern for sale, but  I thought I would share the dress nevertheless.

They are truly lovely dresses, but I sincerely found this pattern too complex for me to wrap my brain around.  It might be because I think that really this design lends itself better to using laced fabrics instead of the cotton I chose.  Lilac lane itself has several ready-wear garments that are completely devine in comparison (Check HERE)

Since these pictures were taken, my daughter has really grown into the dress and it is full summer so its perfect sleeveless.  I am very glad that I took part in the testing, that I completed the dress, but in all honesty its not a pattern I would want to use again.  So many of her designs I have wanted to make over and over, I am sorry to say, this was not one of those.  I hope this review will be taken in the manner that it meant, meaning I am giving my honest opinion.  I like the designer quite a bit, but I feel that all my reviews should be an honest reflection of how I really think of a pattern should it be chosen to be release for sale.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

My Little Sparrow Turns 3!

Use w/Permission: Lisa Francis Photography

From the moment I held her in my arms, I have felt overwhelmingly blessed to be caring for my darling little sparrow.  Her very existence is a miracle.

Used by Permission: Tabitha Greene Photography

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Thanks for stopping by!

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

The Classic Elegance Jacket

[Warning: Photo-heavy post!]

I have to gush over this jacket pattern by Lilac Lane Patterns as it's absolutely darling! It was easy to put together, the instructions seemed clear and I sincerely cannot wait to make some more, perhaps next time I might do the short-sleeved option to go with some of Ziona's summer dresses that I am working on right now.  I made a longer version of Lilac Lane's Sunny Days top and added in a row of pleat-ruffles to add to the ruffling goodness of this jacket.  My favorite part about this jacket is that it is reversible(see pictures below)!

The best part is that their Valentines sale goes through tomorrow! You get 25% off with coupon:  VALENTINE2015  You can find the Classic Elegance Jacket pattern HERE, but look around, there are so many other adorable patterns for girls and dolls!

And now we start the photo-heavy portion of this post

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I am linking up this week to:

Thank Goodness It's Finished Fridays with M-R@Quilt Matters
WHOOP, WHOOP Fridays @Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Link A Finish Friday @ Richard & Tanya Quilt

Finish It Up Friday @ Crazy Mom Quilts
Needle & Thread Thursday @My Quilt Infatuation

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

Z Moments: Growing Up

Hello Friday!  My alarm chirped its little sounds trying to get me rise this morning.  The husband tried the shoulder shake, but to no avail.  He got up himself, starting to get ready for his busy day, when he came up with an idea.  He laid down a waterproof pad under the sheets on his side, then he left to obtain something sure to get me out of bed...our daughter.  He laid her sleeping form next to me, tapped my shoulder a little bit and said "I put our daughter next to you and she really needs to go to the bathroom!"  I launched out of bed like it was on fire!

Last Sunday, I finally threw my hands up in the air about potty training and had this desperate idea that I would just simply take all the diapers & pull-ups away from her.  Everyone had told me just have her go naked under her dress at home and she would be sure to go to the bathroom, instead she snuck off and slipped on a pull-up when I wasn't looking.  I thought when she was born I would have her potty-trained by 18 months, but she turns 3 years old next week!  It is what happens in life and you have to be flexible and roll with it!

Needless to say, though I have been doing a little sewing, even finishing off several garments, I haven't had the time to write about them. I will get them written up one by one, hopefully I can share one later today!  I am having fun making beautiful garments for Ziona, having her help me pick out the fabrics.


*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

Pattern Testing: Treasured For Dolls

Lilac Lanes is a sweet pattern company that I have purchased several patterns and their book.  I probably looked ridiculous in real land when I saw a call for pattern testers.  I might have been decked out in PJ's, I definitely squealed and I might have done a dance (I can't really confirm).

Treasured is the name of a Little girl dress pattern, this is it's Dollie version for 18" & 15" Dolls like the American Girl Doll.  My version is made from one fabric with a white sash, which is attached to the dress in the front, so no need to hunt it down later (you can also use ribbon for the sash).

The Front:

The Side Shot:

The Back:

I love this little dress!  There are so many little options with colors, trims, closures and sashes.  I chose to use ksnaps for closures because they are easier than velcro for my daughter.  One of my favorite items on this dress is something that you cannot see!  On the inside of the dress, I used tiny bias tape that has been passed down to me by my great-grandmother.  In her cache of Raggedy Ann & Andy patterns, clothes and supplies, I found a card of tiny bias tape almost exactly the color of the fabric I chose!

It was my opinion that this is an intermediate level pattern.  I don't think it's for a beginning sewer, but if you have some experience sewing then you will enjoy this treat!  You can find it HERE @ Lilac Lane

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I am linking up this week to:

Thank Goodness It's Finished Fridays @TGIFF
WHOOP, WHOOP Fridays @Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Link A Finish Friday @ Richard & Tanya Quilt

Finish It Up Friday @ Crazy Mom Quilts
Fabric Tuesdays @ Quilt Story
Needle & Thread Thursday @My Quilt Infatuation

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

Pattern Testing: Gabriella Fae Dress

The day has finally arrived; I can now show you the dress!  I have been pattern testing for Sis Boom and the Scientific Seamstress on the Gabriella Fae Dress.  The best part about this dress is that it has so many options: Short sleeves, long sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, or no sleeves with a regular bodice or a gathered bodice.

4T no-sleeves, non gathered bodice:

I started with a size 5 girls gathered bodice version because that is what my daughter seems to be sporting these days with long sleeves because it was Winter for a couple weeks here in Texas!  Once I tried it on her however , I realized that it's probably best not to measure one's child for garments while they are laying down (while she was sleeping, lol).  I wanted you to be able to see the pretty gathers.  This one should be done this week if I can get the rest of my list completed.

While I was going through the closet, I saw a shirt my husband had never worn that looked like this:

and I turned it in this:

Front

The back

It just needs a little hemming and then this fully lined version will be ready to wear this coming summer (Size 5 girls).  It's a really easy dress to put together, even the zipper instructions seem like an easier task than I thought they would.  If you are interested in purchasing the Gabriella Fae you can find it on the Bundle-Up from January 23-February 2nd.  When it is released for single sale you can visit the Scientific Seamstress Shop HERE.  If you want to see the adult women's version called the Carolina Mae, stop by HERE, they currently have it on sale for the intro price of $8!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

Z Moments: I Feel Better..So Much Better now...

I have been sick for about a month...before you ask it's allergy related and no there is nothing that can be done except to move out of Texas!  I have no done nearly the amount of sewing as I had hoped in the month of December.  Although I did get in on a couple super secret (I can't tell you or I am in trouble) pattern testings in the last week which I will share as soon as I am allowed.  

Thankfully I had the best doctor at my side through my ordeal; she gladly patted my hand and took my temperature on my forehead as often as I would allow it.  Dr. Ziona also took full advantaged of my weakened state to slip in an extra few episodes of Doc McStuffins as often as I would allow!  Above, you can see my cheesey grinning Doctor waiting for me to finish taking pictures so she can give me another "check-up"  I am trying to hold on to as many memories as I can before she is all grown up!

I am back to work ironing and folding fabric during my yearly organization!  I pulled more fabrics out of storage and picked a few up over Black Friday, Cyber Mondays and New year's Sales that are getting folded into the queue! I will show you tomorrow!

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

Z Moments: Barbie Girl

Z: Mommy! Help!
M:  What's wrong?!!
Z:  I need help
M:  What can I help you with?
Z: Panties!
M:  What?
Z:  Barbies need panties. <pause> Ladies always need panties on...and helmets!

Ziona has recently found my little collection of Barbies and has claimed them as her own.  She is happily playing in her room while I am sewing.  A friend of mine was shocked I would let my daughter play with such things. My opinion is that Barbies are just dolls, they never made me feel inferior about myself, people did that, and I let them.  Barbies took me on adventures (with GI Joe, he always tagged along too) and helped me to think creatively.  I do think though she already has the right idea on the panties!


*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

Z Moments: Wake-up Call

A bright light hits my sleeping eyes..
"Mommy, wake up! It's sunny!"  a little voice calls out.  I carefully open my eyes to spot Ziona holding my cell phone in my face, the clock reading 6am

"No my darling girl it is not sunny, please go back to bed.." I beg.
"I keep the phone!" she declares as she snuggles into the covers next to me.  A few minutes later I realized that she has unlocked my phone, found the Netflix ap, changed profiles and has started her favorite show.  Not bad for 2.5 years old.

If only her feet could reach the sewing pedal we could get her sewing!  She is already letting me know that she would like the pink hello kitty machine we saw at Target...I love my girl!  We are going to be setting up a design wall of her very own very soon so that she can lay out scraps, play with them and I can sew them together into blocks.  From there we will be making some items for her dollies.

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

Throw-back Thursday!

Here is one of my favorite harvest-time pictures of my Princess Sparrow taken 2 years ago today!

And her first Halloween dressed up like Alice in Wonderland!

I can't believe I made that apron in less than 45 minute!

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

Z Moments: Mother Sometimes Knows Best!

This morning was a tough one, a little hand waking me up at about 3 o'clock in the darkness. Someone wanted to snuggle up between my husband and I; they were not being very gentle or quiet about it either.  Mr. Sparrow was completely out, taking up a good portion of the bed, I knew that there just wouldn't be a comfortable spot for my little Sparrow, but she insisted!

She flipped.

She flopped. 

She rolled and sprawled, trying to find the perfect sleeping spot.

Little sparrow was grumpy a couple hours later when I finally convinced her that her bed was the perfect location she was seeking.  When the Sun was shiny, awake, and clamoring for its position in the sky, the little sparrow awoke, bouncing with more energy than a person ought to have for such a sleepless night.  An early nap, I told her would definitely be in store..

" No mommy, I don't need to rest!" she declared in her mighty voice.

"Just sit here a moment in this chair with your covers, your pillow, your favorite drink.  Can you do that for me?"  I asked in my most calm voice.

"Yes...but I will not rest!" She declared once more.  I turned away to load the dishwasher, hoping she had stayed put, I turned back to see this a few minutes later:

A little more than two hours later this:

Sometimes, a Mother does know best!

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

Z Moments: Princess Down..I repeat, Princess Down..

pre-princess almost 2 years ago

My daughter has informed me that hence forth she shall be addressed as "Princess Ziona."

I am not quite certain how it happened exactly, but between the layers of pink on pink , the fluffy dresses, jewels, tiaras, my daughter turned into a...Princess.  I was one of those deluded mothers-to-be who specifically requested no pink for baby showers, who thought that she could avoid the too girlie world of princesshood, but alas I was wrong.  When a girl is a princess down in her soul, there is not much a mommy can do about it but try not to overly sigh, and keep eye-rolls to a minimum.

But, Princess or not, she still has to take a nap!

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

Subtle She is Not!

Its a typical Friday with me playing catch-up from the week, things were not quite neat and Ziona let me know about it!  While I was switching out the laundry, she took things into her own hands...

Once I got everything cleaned up, I dug into my storage trunk for something to throw up on the wall with a little color.  I also put together the fruit/veggie basket we bought this past weekend!

*\o/* CheersShanna  

First Time for Everything...

Over the 4th of July we met with some friends, shared experiences, while our children played.  One of the things we discovered that day in chatting about Ziona's desire to only eat Macaroni and Cheese, was that we had never fed her Spaghetti.  Last week we remedy that situation after a tip to the store!

We have now added another item to the very small list of things that she will eat! Operation success!

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

On the Road...Again

We are enjoying the ability to be able to travel a little bit, even if it is a drive out of the city into the country!

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

Growing!

We went to a rather late 2 year check-up today, look at my happy, growing girl (before they did the vaccinations)!

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

Vacation Church Camp

This year was Ziona's first year attending Vacation Church Camp, she had quite a bit of fun!

Day 1:  A little unsure, but very excited!

Day 5 when I told her it was time to go, that we would not be coming back today!

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

A Day at the Zoo..

I thought I would share with you the pictures from our visit to the Zoo!

It was a blast!

*\o/* Cheers
Shanna

I'm Thinking About Ruffles!

Welcome to day One of the Think Ruffles Blog Hop!  There are many very talented crafters who will be taking part for this hop, I am anticipating many clever items will be shared.  The line up for today includes the following blogs:

Sew Incredibly Crazy

Malini's quilts

Missouri Mel

Just Quilt It

In the Boon Docks

On the Banks of Frog Creek

Sparrow In Flight (you are here)

I was so excited when this particular blog was announced as I believe this themes was something I could definitely tackle.  My daughter loves everything to be festooned with ruffles, shiny bits, pink and obtain perfect twirl-ability.  I decided I would go with a dress for this venture.

This fabric was purchased last year for Miss Z's First birthday dress after I successfully completely her first Christmas dress (HERE).  She has certainly grown since then, so I set out to make her an Easter Dress, salvaging some of the pieces I had begun!  I adapted this dress from The Cottage Mama's Party Dress pattern (free tutorial found HERE).  The changes that I made from the original was to lengthen the skirt, add the ruffles, and use snaps instead of the loop button closures.  I also added a little bit more fabric in the skirt width to allow for more twirling, which is a favorite activity in our household.

Thank you so much for stopping by on my stop on this Blog hop, please take the time to check out the other projects being featured today at the links at the top of this post!

*\0/* Cheers

Shanna