Giveaway!!!! Friday, November 05, 2010

Hello again! 

I have not posted in a long time, but at least thought I could post about my giveaway on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sew-Much-Love-Designs/109432235766195?ref=sgm

Take a peek and hopefully you will see me back here SOON!

Inspiration from Nature Monday, July 12, 2010

My inspiration for my clothing comes in many different forms.  Sometimes I see a dress or pants and really like a certain element of the piece that I try to recreate with my own interpretation.  Usually I find lovely fabric that I have no idea what I will make with it, but once I get it home and put it with some other fabrics, a design comes to mind.  My favorite is when that inspiration comes to me through nature.  I once read some where that color combinations from nature provide a perfect foundation for color harmony.

This weekend we had a wonderful family day at Brookfield Zoo and spent some awe inspiring time in the butterfly habitat. 

This was my simple design idea from my inspiration, some cute butterfly appliqued onesies. 

 If you know anything about me, it is that I love ruffles!  These onesies are begging for some ruffles, I am just not sure if I want ruffle bums, ruffle diaper covers or ruffle capris.  Decisions, decisions...check back to see what I pair with these onesies.

Farmer's Market Monday, July 05, 2010

Flowers, tomatoes, blueberries, fresh baked bread, turquoise jewelry and now...Sew Much Love Designs!  I am so thrilled to be a part of the Tinely Park Farmer's Market this season.  During the winter months, I was trying to think of how I could begin to sell my children's clothing and the local Farmer's Market was the perfect venue.  It has given me the opportunity to really get a feel for people's reactions to my items on a level that I feel is not too overwhelming.  All of the sellers are truly passionate about whatever their special items may be, which creates a very special energy!  I have met some of the most wonderful, helpful and interesting people this way. 

I have reconnected with old friends and neighbors and have made some new ones too!  The Farmer's Market is a great way to spend a Saturday morning.  They have a craft and face painting for the kids, lunch and you can pick up some phenomenal produce to make a lovely dinner.  If you are in the area, stop by!

Dying to Dye Saturday, July 03, 2010

For quite sometime now, I have really wanted to try to dye some onesies and burp cloths.  Of course I couldn't pick a more boring color to want to dye something, but grey was my choice.  I love grey; on me, my kids, babies, for home decor...I just love grey!  I thought I would start out pretty simple and see what results I would get, so this was what I used.

I got out my rubber gloves and followed the directions using the washing machine method and I almost can't believe how easy it was!  I dyed about a dozen onesies and was pleasantly surprised at how even the color turned out.

Before and After

The color did come out a little darker than I was hoping, but I am still very pleased.  I did attempt to dye some onesies that had a little extra love in the form of fruit stains on them, but those were still noticeable.

The reason that I wanted to chose grey for my onesies, besides loving the color, was because I knew it would make the other colors I would be using really pop and I think it did.  The onesies are appliqued with some cuteness and of course the pretty in pink hippo onesie was begging for a ruffle bum!

For truly such minimal effort, I can't wait to try to dye some more items! 

Nice To Meet You Monday, June 28, 2010

I suppose sewing is in my blood.  I still have items that both of my grandmothers have made me.  My grandmother taught my mom to sew and my mom started me on my sewing and designing adventure.  I can still remember browsing fabric and patterns as a young child, but not being a very willing participant at the time.

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I fell in love with the chic, modern burp cloths that were in the baby boutiques.  Of course they were expensive and as my mom and I took a closer look at them, we knew we could recreate them for a fraction of the price.  We dusted off her old Singer and eagerly started attaching gorgeous grosgrain ribbon on cloth diapers!  Voila!  Baby couture!

Those burp cloths were just the beginning.  I talked my husband into buying my own sewing machine, spent countless hours looking for modern, fresh children's patterns and  I could spend all day in a fabric store.

My three children, Sophia, Rocco and Sonny are my greatest inspiration.  I am always designing new things that are unique and that they love to wear and now I want to share the love of my handmade clothing.

Sophia

Rocco

Sonny

Testing :) Saturday, June 19, 2010

This is a test post!