A Christmas Dress

finished just in time. Probably because there were so many pieces to this dress it became more of a chore than a fun project! I still can't say I love it, but it will look very festive with her red and white tights. I used a Simplicity pattern that was inspired by Project Runway. The pattern gave different variations so you could customize the dress with short or long sleeves, bubble skirt, appliques, etc. It sounded like a good idea in the beginning, but ended up requiring too many steps! Anyway, it's done. Christmas is here. We're excited.

Holiday Baking

A quick, simple, cheap and eco-friendly way to share your holiday baking.

Instructions: Save tin cans. Remove labels, wash in dishwasher and dry before they can rust. Grease can. Fill half way with quick bread dough (I tried both pumpkin and banana, both were delicious). Bake as usual, maybe a little less time. Let cool. Cover with fabric square. Use rubber band to hold down fabric while tying with twine/ribbon/string. Attach gift tag. Give. Or eat. I got the inspiration for this idea here. Happy baking!

a lucky little boy

because his mama is so great! Finally a gift I can post about because it's been received! This little ensemble is for the baby of my cousin, Emily. Emily and I grew up together, both being the only girls in our families of boys. She is the big sister I never had. She is expecting her first baby around the same time I am and now I just wished we lived closer.

I decided to stay away from light blue, figuring that she'll get enough of that. I made the little guy my favorite pair of baby shoes, a soft blanket and appliqued onesies. I kept the baby's daddy in mind when choosing the appliques. A true outdoors man, I thought Daniel might appreciate the fish, dogs, longhorns and namesake initial. I'm envisioning Daniel putting the little guy in his fish onesie, strapping him in the baby carrier and taking him fishing.

Baby gifts are a lot of fun to make. I can't wait to meet this little guy and I'm so excited for his parents!