Izzy & Ivy designs

Time to move on....

2010-12-11T15:07:00.000-08:00

OK friends! The time has come for us to move into our new digs!

http://www.izzyandivydesigns.com/

We are still tweaking things, and fixing the things that aren't working (there are a few).

Make sure you update your reader with our new blog address!

http://www.izzyandivydesigns.com/?page_id=154

How cute is she?

2010-12-09T16:09:00.000-08:00

So this cute 13 yr. old girl emails us today about making and selling off of our Jack & Jill Hat pattern. She says she doesn't want to break any rules (love her already), and she won't be making a bazillion due to school and ballet (now I want to know where she lives, I have 5 boys that need their marriages arranged). No really, she seems really sweet and very talented, I am hoping you can all leave her a little comment, you know, a little bit of Izzy love ya'll! After we get a few, I will invite her to view this blog post, from what I can tell, she isn't a follower. Come on, it'll be fun, but don't steal her, I'm thinking my Garrett would think she's pretty cute :o)

By the way, there is only 16 days till the BIG day...are you ready? Nope, me neither :o)

Advent Adventures

2010-12-01T09:55:00.000-08:00

I think it was only 3 days ago that I remembered that December was coming and the kids would be expecting something fun and exciting to happen.

You see, each year I try and come up with little daily surprises for my kids to help them get ready for MY favorite holiday.

Sometimes we have a regular, candy filled, advent calendar...

some years one of Santa's elves visits every day with little letters of encouragement (and reprimands for extra naughty children....)

This year I decided to do 4 different Advent calendars

Mostly because I have 4 younger kids that would fight over who got to open the thingy each day.

This year they get to rotate what they open each morning.

The first calendar I made years ago. It is a wonky little tree with pockets. Each day you move the Star closer and closer to the top of the tree.

This next one is snack pockets. I loaded each pouch with 4 small treats, one for each kid.

(like Tootsie Roll, or Dum Dum sucker. Nothing too big)

I put up envelopes on for the weekend days. They will hold a note about special breakfasts, or fun deserts for lunch.

For the Third- Little gift bags that hold notes about a different Christmas activity each evening.

I kept these fairly simple like-

*Cocoa and a Christmas Movie tonight

*Make and decorate cookies

*Make cards for Grandma and Grandpa

*See Christmas Lights in town

The 4th is my favorite!

I got a Christmas card holder shaped like a tree. On it I hung little gift boxes with bits of Bliss fabric on them. I printed off the cute little number circles from a cute little blog that I can't seem to find right now, but I will update this when I do.

Inside each box is a daily challenge. The challenges are things that will mostly help us learn to serve others.

Things like-

*Draw a Christmas picture to give to a neighbor

*Smile at 6 people you don't know

*Tell your teachers "Thank You"

*Talk to someone that looks lonely on the playground

*Let someone else be "First" today

Each night we close our day talking about what we did for others today, and with a Scripture story about the Saviors life to help us prepare for the celebration of his birth.

What do you do with your kids for Christmas fun?

Let the Merriment begin!
Love, Jana

Snow Snow and more Snow!!

2010-11-29T10:02:00.001-08:00

SNOW!!!

Look at what we woke up to.

Winter is officially here!

Freezing weather, bundled kids, hot chocolate, Christmas lights, goodies, music, presents, shopping and lots and lots of sewing.

The holidays have begun.

Here is my nine year old shoveling our sidewalk before school. She got tired.
Whats your favorite part of the holiday season?
Happy Holidays and Happy Sewing!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving and the winner of the bag pattern bundle is...

2010-11-25T07:53:00.001-08:00

We are so grateful for you! Thank you for your support, kindness and encouragement. I truly believe that the world is a much more beautiful place when people use their talents and create. Like most sewers we are sure that your creations end up in the hands of those you love and care about. Crafters by nature are selfless, giving and have really BIG OL' hearts. How lucky are we to "know" you and consider you our friends and sisters! No matter what God, or Higher Power you believe in, this time of year is so special as we reflect on things that are bigger than we are. It is a time of giving and holding those special people and memories close to our hearts. This time of year also reminds us to be thankful and look out for those that are less fortunate. I am always amazed at the ideas, hours and money crafters are willing to give to others all year. We love to give our creations to others to bring them joy or comfort, most of you do not wait to be asked. The need arises and there you are, willing, waiting and most of all excited! I personally can't imagine a better genre of friends to have, I know that I have many ladies that one single phone call and my problem is solved. Whether that involves making 22 minke blankets (yes, 22) for the seniors on my son's football team, shuttling kids, binding a quilt, testing patterns and the list goes on and on. So thank you for you being simply you! Your efforts do not go unnoticed or unappreciated, you are examples of what this world needs. I believe God gives talents to those who will use them to do His work, you are blessed with a talent, whether you're just learning or an expert seamstress, you were given the desire to create for a reason. Whether it's to bring comfort, joy or beauty it all serves a purpose.

May this holiday weekend and the holidays right around the corner find you safe, warm, surrounded by those you love and fabric up to your ears :o) We are so grateful and thankful for your friendship. Happy Thanksgiving y'all!

The winner of the bag bundle is...

Danielle...I am sewing 18" doll clothes, some hand bags, Christmas dresses for my girls, and a few scarves for myself. I love these banners. I have one that is over 60 feet long. Our kids love it when it is hanging in our dining room, draped from corner to corner, criss crossing all over the room. Festive!

Please drop us a line Danielle with your mailing address and we'll get those right out to you!

Shasta :o)

It's the most wonderful time of the year...FREE alphabet PDF for a Christmas banner!

2010-11-19T21:13:00.000-08:00

Cute, right? I know, I really love it! This weekend my goal is to have my house somewhat decorated for Christmas. You can download the PDF for the alphabet here. It is reversed and ready to go (you're welcome). I made a banner, but honestly, the possibilities are endless.
So here goes with the tut....

You need:

Felt I had a piece that was about a yard, it was oodles. Depending on what word or phrase you use will determine your quantity needed.
Fabric for the applique. I used 1/3 yd., but again you might need more or less.
Fabric for the thingamadingy at the top (can't for the life of me think of what it is really called...must be late). I bought enough to cut the strips on the bias. Bias tape would work also.
Heat-N-Bond Heavy. I used this because I was lazy and didn't want to stitch around my letters, but you certainly can if you want :o)
Ric rac, ribbon, pompoms and any other doodad you wanna put on these beauties.
Jingle bells, I bought the big ones, because my banner is quite large.
The PDF.
Basic sewing supplies.

Trace your letters onto the Heat-N-Bond. We reversed everything already (your welcome yet again).

Iron the pieces to the WRONG side of your fabric.

Cut it out and peel off the back. Iron the letters to the pennants. Make sure you use the acrylic setting, felt melts, unless you are using real wool or bamboo felt. I hit mine with a little steam.

Now this is how I cut out my pennant, listen and read carefully. (Sorry the image isn't rotated). If you are not going to change the size of the letters then do what I did. If you do change it, good for you and good luck figuring out how big to make your pennant. I took a 10" strip of the felt, found the center and measured and marked down 17". I took my ruler and lined it up at the top of the 10" strip and the mark, then I cut it and repeated it for the other side. Then I used that triangle to make the other six I needed. Was that awesome geometry or what?!?! Hey, it worked. Mr. Anderson would be so proud...not.

Line up your pennants right next to each other. Cut your thingamadingy strips 2.5" inches wide, piece them together if needed. Iron the strips in half with wrong sides together, like binding for a quilt. Yes, you are looking at another banner, this is my bratty little sister's (nah, she's sweet).

Lay the thingamadingy strip on the right side of the pennants with the raw edge lining up with the top of the pennants. Pin well. Sew with 1/4" seam. Iron the strip up and away from the pennant. Topstitch, you can see my gorgeous topstitching below, I love to topstitch, weird huh?

Cut your trims to the right length and attach them. I chose to put mine all right under the fabulously top stitched thingamadingy. Then for the finishing touch, stitch your jingle bells on the ends and hang that baby up! Your done, it's purdy isn't it? I love it and so did Jack :o)

Merry Almost Christmas (36 days left)!!!

XOXO,
Shasta :0)

Tell us what's on your sewing to do list this next week and we'll randomly pick someone for a free pattern bundle of all our bags!!!

How the saga ends....

2010-11-17T07:52:00.000-08:00

First of all, thank you so much for your kind words and support. I knew it was wrong, but like I said, I am a little sensitive about the whole issue. This is what I decided to do...

Jack's teacher doesn't hand out those books, the librarian does. I contacted the principle and explained to him the situation, he was very concerned. I informed him that the book would not be returned, it has been thrown away. He said that they would go thru all the books in the weekly readers and make sure that all books were appropriate. He apologized profusely and thanked me for bringing this to his attention.

I feel much better! Now on to stuff that is fun! We will posting a really cute tut on Friday, be sure to check it out.

Shasta :o)

Ummm....yeah, I ask you what the **ll?

2010-11-16T08:43:00.000-08:00

WARNING...this post is dreadfully long and full of venting, it isn't warm and fuzzy. Just don't say I didn't warn you.

I am so hoppin' mad about this little book my 7 yr. old brought home yesterday! Seriously, I lost sleep last night over it! My poor neighbor was roused out of bed at the butt crack of dawn to me wondering if I was over reacting. She said I should blog about it...so here goes...

Now I want you all to know that this is a sensitive subject for me. I am heavy, I actually weigh more right now that I did nine months pregnant with any of my kids. Believe me, I DO know why, I eat the wrong stuff, too much of it and sewing doesn't burn many calories. Do I wish I was smaller? You bet! Do I convince myself that I am just fine? Absolutely! Do I die every time I see a pic of me? Yup. Am I doing anything about it right now? Not really. Do I consider myself morbidly obese? No. Do I still participate in my active families lives? Very much so. Dieting however isn't for me, lifestyle changes is what I'm looking for.

What I do not need is my little man Jack telling me that I should go on a diet (oh yes he did!). Why did he tell me that you ask? This book has something to do with it. Please read along...

Note the cover...mom looking miserably at the "healthy" salad she obviously feels resigned to eating. First thing, why are they using the word "Diet"? I have two little girls (who luckily will not have my genetic tendency for being heavy), we don't use the word "diet" here. We use the words, healthy, beautiful, active...I'm sure you get the idea. I am very careful when talking about weight in this house. My mom (bless her heart) wasn't, she still isn't. I was weighed everyday when I was 13 for a period of time and I wasn't overweight at all. I also grew up in the era of "there are starving children in Ethiopia, you finish your plate then lick it clean". My mom was "chubby" growing up and it really bothered her. She was bound and determined to make sure I didn't suffer the same fate. To this day, I have anxiety when my mom sees me, isn't that sad? I know she means well, but really, I don't need to be asked if I have considered lap band. Please understand that I love my mom dearly and none of us are perfect. I am certain I will and have made serious parenting mistakes that will come back to haunt me.

This is the part that I ask "What the **ll?". Really? The kids are watching her on the scale? They are soaking in her face of discouragement.

Now here she is trying to button up her jeans. Notice the dialogue. Have you ever had this conversation with your children? Nope, me neither. My husband, yes. My friends, yes. Sister, yes.

Now here is poor mom feeding her family a very balanced diet of....lettuce and tomatoes. I'm sure these kids are really getting the whole eating healthy concept now. Even better, they are so excited about it!

Forlorn boy being told he's going to eat parsley, carrots and fish. Hey, at least there is some protein in there. Carrots are good too, but parsley? Really? One word...yuck.

Umm...yeah. You don't even want to know what I have to say about this page.

Ah hah moment! Mom is divorced! That's why she has to talk about her body image issue with her small children, because she certainly doesn't have friends or sisters. Dad of course is "Disneyland Dad" with that yummy looking cake in the fridge. Mom has obviously been on lots of diets, because dad seems to smuggly know all about it.

On the scale everyday? Really? That's scary, how much do these kids think a person can lose in a day? Look at her face. How sad that the kids are portrayed to be her counselor.

Uh oh...mom crashed and burned on her "diet". Bet that's happened before. Now they can really be "happy", spaghetti is on the table and mom isn't so sad anymore. They love their "cuddly momma". My kids love their fluffy momma too :o)

And this is how we end the book all about eating healthy, having a healthy body image and having confidence in who we are. Mom eating a donut, so that in month or so, she can start this whole thing again. I wonder at what point her daughter will start to mimic her antics?

I am really sorry to post about this here, it's kind of a downer. What do you think? Can we talk about this? I realize it's only a book, but really to me it's disturbing that my child and other children have been sent home this garbage, especially all those little girls. I understand that obesity is a real problem in our society. In our house we have good food and right next to it there is junk, that may not be the way you do it in your house but at the Parry home that's exactly what you'll find in my pantry. In my experience the kids that are denied so called "junk" binge the minute mom isn't looking. There are kids in my neighborhood who come to my house just to eat. I can have a bag of M&M's sitting out all week and my kids won't touch it because it isn't off limits. However, I went to the grocery store yesterday and bought a 7.99 bag of clementines (yikes!) and guess what? As of this morning, they are gone, all twenty something of them. My kids are very active, they play all sports and they really aren't interested in the Wii that we own. They eat fruit, vegetables and yes, candy too.

So what's my problem? Geez, where do I start. I like food. I have 7 kids that are running nonstop from the minute they walk thru the door. I really don't like to exercise. I am not as organized as I should be. My grandparents are heavy. Blah, blah, blah. Basically, I just am not willing to make the changes that I need to make right now. My husband lost a little over 100 pounds almost 10 yrs. ago. He just got tired of being heavy and decided to change. It took a long time, he didn't take pills, shots or have surgery (I don't think there is anything wrong with those things if one chooses to use them). He simply got up one morning went running, puked his guts out when he got home and quit eating sugar. That's it. He didn't watch protein, carbs or fat...just sugar. Food is nothing but fuel to him and because of that he's kept it off. So until I am willing to do that, no "dieting" for me. Been there, done that, didn't work. Sorry for my vent, but really I laughed, fumed and then cried when I read this book. I just don't know what to do with this situation.

What do you think? How should I handle this with the school? I don't want to make an idiot of myself, am I just overly sensitive or is this book what I perceive it to be? Seriously, your thoughts are valued and I consider you all my friends and I want to know what you really think.

XOXO,

Shasta

Winners!!! Winners!!! Winners!!!

2010-11-12T19:00:00.001-08:00

Yeah!!! So excited to announce the winners!

So, nobody noticed my boofah :o) I totally messed up on the math! I said 12 winners, but really it was supposed to only be 7...4 new pattern bundles and 3 winners choice bundles. Oh well, because we love ya (yeppers...we do), we are going to really do 12! So it'll be 7 new pattern bundles and 5 five pattern bundles (sheesh that kind of didn't make sense). Make sure you read this entire post, cuz there's a little surprisey poo at the end :o) I used Random.org to generate the 12 lucky winners so without further mumbo jumbo from moi, here you go......

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

These winners will receive a bundle of each of our 3 new patterns! Congrats!

29 t.erickson
63 Stacy McMillan
3 Quilty Girl
119 Molly_dye
51 Dawn
109 TADVR
84 Theresa

These winners will receive 5 patterns of their choice!
Lucky you!

79 Grace Lane
36 Maya, Mo & Me
110 Kimberly
54 beanie g
48 Marie

And just for fun...we all know that the #1 spot
or Opp Family never wins in a giveaway...
so I'm gonna give her the choice of any 3 of our patterns!

And...because last is best of all the game...
#121 ScottandTia can pick out 3 patterns

too!

I need these ladies to kindly email us with their mailing address. If you get to pick your patterns, please do so in your email. As a rule, I don't go to HUGE lengths to contact the winners, if you don't respond in a week, I'm givin' your loot away! I have postage stamps folks and I'm not afraid to use em'!

One more final thought...remember when we told you guys we were getting our website put together? Well, we paid and worked and waited (patiently for nearly four months) and guess what...nothing, we have nothing. I hope she has a really great excuse, but I kinda think this person bailed. Nevertheless...we will pay yet another designer and get the show on the road. We appreciate your patience. If you are one of our retailers, please send us current info with link if you have one so that we can update our list of sellers. We have already gotten many emails wondering who will be carrying the new patterns we would love to send them your way.

I'm on my way home tomorrow, can't wait to kiss Bella Bug, seriously I could eat that kiddo with a spoon, she is so sweet!

ShastaFantasta

P.S. Paige? How completely sweet are you!!! We have a very special gift for you, will you please send us your snail mail address? For those of you who didn't notice...she made us a button!!!

Turkey Headband Tutorial

2010-11-10T20:47:00.001-08:00

I love making headbands for my girls.

This is what I came up with for Thanksgiving.

My girls loved how it turned out and I'm sure your little girl will love it too.

So let's get started

SUPPLIES

-feathers

-brown and orange felt

-18-22" brown zipper

-Needle and thread

-glue gun

-Headband or hair clip

-2 googly eyes
-scissors

Unzip your zipper all the way and pull apart hard to get the metal clamp at the bottom off. You will have 2 pieces now. With your needle and thread stitch a running stitch along the edge of the zipper tape on the side with out teeth.

Pull thread so that it curls up. This helps with making your zipper body.

Curl your zipper into a spiral. Stitch into place.

Cut 1 piece of brown felt the same size as your zipper spiral. cut 1 piece of brown felt a little smaller. Cut a triangle beak.

Glue feathers on top of the larger brown felt circle.

Glue zipper spiral on top.

Glue on your googly eyes and beak.

Glue turkey to the headband or hairclip.

Glue the smaller brown piece of felt on the back of the other piece covering headband.

Your Done! This was so fun to make. We would love to see your turkeys. Remeber to put your izzy and ivy creations on our flickr group.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Sewing!!

Sheesh...I am beat! GIVEAWAY!

2010-11-08T09:21:00.000-08:00

Market is over, finishing up the printing of the three new patterns, and me and the fam left yesterday for Disneyland!

We promised a giveaway when we got home so here we go...............(drumroll).....

Leave us a comment and get one entry
Link to us and get the chance to enter twice
Put our button on your blog and enter three

ETA-Ummm...I guess Shasta didn't notice that we DON'T have a button, So, instead of putting our button on your blog....how about you Tweet about it on Twitter!!

ETA again! We have a button. Thanks to Paige Hill...Super Star!

What do you get for all this work you ask? We will be giving away 4 bundles of our 3 new patterns! So, get your bloggin' on and win some Izzy love, seriously girls these new patterns are a.d.o.r.a.b.l.e.

Wait...it gets even better...we will give away 3 bundles of 5 patterns...your choice!!!

That is a grand total of 27 free patterns to 12 winners! Will you be one of them?

Thankful

2010-11-04T21:41:00.000-07:00

So we are back from market and busy getting everything ready to ship!

This month is such a crazy month for my family with 5 birthdays to celebrate in 2 weeks we hardly have time to think. So this year my daughter and I came up with this idea.

It's our thankful turkey

Every night at dinner we each write one thing we are thankful for that day and pin it on the turkey. My little Chloe is very VERY good at reminding us to write on our feathers. I have so much to be thankful for and this is a great way to help me remember. What are you thankful for?

Stay tuned for some fabulous tutorials we have planned for this month.

Happy Sewing!!

To market, to market, to market we will go...

2010-10-28T18:24:00.001-07:00

Wish us luck ladies, we will be back early next week with market pics. If any of you happen to be in Houston for the big event, please come by and say "Hi"! I can't even tell you how fun it is to put faces with names :o)

FYI...we have some FABULOUS free tuts coming your way for November, and a great giveaway!

Gabby's Sleepover Jammies...

2010-10-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

This is the last design in the fall collection. Lola says they are jammie's, but personally, I am making these for Bella with the intention of putting leggings underneath for everyday wear. I just think they are way too cute for p.j.'s! Don't get me wrong, these are adorable sleeping clothes, but who sees the cuteness when she is sleeping? The Tooth Fairy? If I do make some for pj's, I will make them out of fuzzy flannel, what about you?

We've had some questions in regards to how to get the new patterns. We sell wholesale only, we do not compete with our retailers. As soon as we get home from market, we will be updating and adding all the stores that carry our products. We are also entertaining a turn-key site that would enable customers to order one pattern, it would then kick that order to the closest retailer carrying the pattern. A win win for the customer and retailer in our opinion, just trying to work out the bugs.

Happy Sewing!

Shasta :o)

The Messenger Bag

2010-10-26T08:06:00.001-07:00

This is our new bag, Farrahdoo designed it, isn't it fabulous?! I made the one in the pic, it was so easy, it went together beautifully and quickly. I love that she made it with hardware so that you can adjust the strap. There is a really large pocket on the front and on the back and big ol' pockets along the inside. This bag is BIG, plenty of room for a laptop, books and whatever else you need. Think Christmas ladies, doesn't your student need a new bag?

All of the new patterns will be ready for shipment no later than November 15th. We are accepting preorders now. Tomorrow we'll show the last little design we cooked up :o)

One of our new patterns!

2010-10-23T12:27:00.001-07:00

Poor Lola...I called her yesterday at noon and her sweet hubby told me he sent her to bed...for the day. She's exhausted...completely exhausted, that's what happens when market is less than a week away, you have six kids and loads of sewing to get done. You see, Lola gets the pre-market jitters something fierce. Farrahdoo and I really don't understand why because she is amazing and everything she does is awesome and nearly perfect. Lola is wonderful and I for one am very grateful that she's my friend and business partner. Life without Lola would be very dull, very dull indeed. Someday I will get a great pic of her in a really snazzy hat you should all see :o)

So, this is one of three reasons Lola is tired. I am not really sure how she'll feel about me posting pics of this newest addition to the Izzy & Ivy lineup. For some reason she wanted to wait until after market for the BIG reveal...I don't know why. What I think she needs is for all of you to tell her just how fantastic this little creation is. So, will you leave her a comment? She needs the kudos, because for some strange reason the girl doesn't get her own greatness!

Claire Marie...a topcoat. ADORABLE!!! Love that sash in the back and it has an option for a hood in the pattern. This little ditty has been floating around in Lola's head since the beginning and it was worth the wait. I am making one right now out of laminated cotton for Bella Bug. The greatest part about the jacket is that it is so easy! Seriously, a beginner could make this. She really did a great job, as always.

I won't post the other two patterns today. We'll save those for this next week. Until then, give our Lola a little love and let her know that once again she outdid herself.

Face Painting

2010-10-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of Halloween stuff yet?

I'm not!

Last week we went to a fun Halloween carnival and corn maze. The girls wanted there faces painted, so we did. It is so easy to do and lots of fun. I let them pick what they wanted and we got busy.

All you need is a brush and some acrylic paint. It dries fast and washes off really easy. So if you are off to a fun Halloween activity you should try this. Sorry my post is so short we are busy busy busy trying to get ready for market next week.

Remember to have a fun and fabulous Halloween!!

Spiral Jetty

2010-10-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

This story begins many moons ago,

when I was just a young pup, in college.

One lovely day, whilst sitting in my Art History class, the teacher taught us about an Earthwork Sculpture in Utah. This sculpture, by artist Robert Smithson, is called the Spiral Jetty.

While Smithson's other artwork was a little too freaky-deaky for me, I fell in love with the Spiral Jetty. The thoughts of earth made into an art piece that was constantly changing, constantly being acted upon by nature and man, struck me.

Over the years (and years...and years) I have often looked at pictures of the jetty. It was built during a drought in the 70's and then was submerged for 30-ish years when the lake returned to normal. Some of those years it was difficult to see.

Last week we heard a news report that many of the boats at the Great Salt Lake were stuck at the docks because the water level was so low. I looked at Jeff (who knew about the Jetty because I MADE him know) and he knew that it was time.

This morning we loaded up our little (HA!) family and headed out on our grand adventure.

Jeff had looked it all up, printed off maps, and planned the day.

First was the 2 and 1/2 hour drive to Promontory Point to the Golden Spike museum.

The museum was pretty cool! Not only because of the history involved, but because it had the only Restrooms for about 40 miles.

The Spiral Jetty was about 15 or so miles from the museum, but it takes you about 45 minutes to get there. You start off driving on a nicely paved road that quickly turned into a gravel road, then a partly graveled road, to a dirt road with softball sized rocks and dried mud holes.

The last stretch of the drive is a dirt "road" with giant basalt rocks on each side, and in the middle of the road.

We had to put the SUV into 4-wheel drive!

It was nearly puke inducing.

When I caught my first glimpse of the sculpture I teared up.

Teen daughter mocked me.

There wasn't any water near it. White, hard, dry salt flats surrounded the black spiral.

In the center of the Spiral

we made our own little sculpture.

It was hard to get a family pic because the sun reflecting off of the surrounding salt flats was blinding!

Salt-teen

Amazing!

Love, Jana

My Kids Artwork

2010-10-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

The other day I was trying to sketch a cute applique for Halloween. My girls saw me and decided to draw there own. Well they were just to cute and sweet to pass up so I used there drawings.

My five year olds version of a ghost.

My 8 year old version

Its fun to see there interpretation of the same thing. I think they turned out CUTE and what a fun way to display there artwork. So now go give your kids some paper and a pencil and see what they come up with.

Happy Sewing and Happy Halloween!!!

Holy cow! This is something you NEED to see!!!

2010-10-08T16:32:00.000-07:00

While reading Positively Splendid today, I saw her post linked to our site, I thought...how cool, geez that's really nice. We should send her a gift (Amy, send us your addy) :o)

Then I saw THIS. For all of you that fret and worry about rolled hems, Amy found the perfect solution that Lorene shared with her. Finally, a rolled hem without a serger, and it looks like a real rolled hem! No longer do you have to burn your fingers turning 1/4" hems. If your machine can do a zig zag stitch then you're in business ladies! Rolled hems are the "bee's knee's", they are fast, simple and beautiful. So go check it out and put that foot on your Christmas list! We love tips and tricks, if you ever have any, do share! We'd love to feature it :o)

Happy Weekend!

Lola

FREE Halloween Skirt Tutorial

2010-10-07T07:01:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the cutest Halloween skirt ever!!!

When I saw Riley Blakes new Halloween fabric line, Boo to You, and all their fabulous pom poms I had to come up with something to make with them. Then something really great happened...we were asked to design an applique for UCreate! That's a big time gig ladies.

So Kari, thank you, thank you, thank you!

This is what I came up with!

Seriously, three layers! Heaven help us, hee, hee!

Button spider...how cute!

Go here to get the skirt tutorial. The witch hat applique is here. Remember this? It would complete the fabulous look, afterall one must accessorize, accessorize (least that's what granny said).

We would love to see your Halloween skirts made from this fun tutorial, don't forget to download them to our flickr group. Gracie Lou's has a sale going on now you can everything you need to make this skirt for 20% off! How fun, how fun, how fun!!!

Happy Halloween!!

My boy and his horse, Shona...

2010-10-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

Meet Brandt, my 11 yr. old boy. Brandt is what every little boy should be. He loves to be outside fishing, riding Shona (pronounced show-na), looking for frogs and anything else that will make him dirty. He is my fourth son of five. Brandt has always marched to his own beat and I couldn't be prouder of my little ol' man.

We don't ride horses in our family, we play football, baseball and basketball and lots of it. Deciding to get Brandt involved with horses was really out of desperation, this child just didn't want to do what we had in mind for him. I watched helplessly as he became angry, pouty and sullen. We would sign him up for every sport under the sun, he would excel, but he found no joy in it. When I mentioned horses to my hubby, he thought I had lost my mind, but agreed. When I mentioned horses to Brandt, he cautiously agreed to try. So we started lessons, it was obvious that Brandt loved it but taking the step of buying a horse is huge and he was happy to ride the stables "lesson horses". Then came Shona.

Shona is the horse that every little boy should have, she's patient, kind and old. I actually bought Shona without ever laying eyes on her, not even a picture. I was a little disappointed when I met her. It was dead of winter, she was wet, muddy, overweight, very fuzzy and didn't have much of a tail. Her color was "boring sorrel". I don't really know what I had in mind, but she wasn't it. How sadly mistaken I was. Brandt's instructor and I agreed that he would know nothing of Shona till she had completely checked her out and the horse passed her "bomb proof kid's horse" test. We thought this would take about two weeks.

Meanwhile Brandt kept with his lessons. It took about three days for him to notice the sad, lonely horse in the stall. Immediately the questions started, who's horse is this? Why haven't they brushed her? She looks sad, can I brush her? I bet she likes carrots, I'm bringing her carrots tomorrow. I wish I had a horse that nice, I love her blaze and socks. The next day Brandt wanted to go to the barn even though he didn't have a lesson. He walked right up to that mangy mess, haltered her, brushed her and finally fed her the carrots he brought just for her. When I came back to pick him up an hour later, Shona looked like a new horse. She was beautiful, and Brandt was absolutely smitten. The secret couldn't be kept any longer, the next day we told Brandt that Shona was his. The joy on his little face was priceless, he was in love with a 1200 pound animal and he was out to be the best horse owner ever. Books were bought, he spent time googling horse care, hours were spent riding and grooming. Brandt fell in love with a furry girl and Shona fell in love with a smelly boy.

Watching my boy fall in love with a horse has been sweet and strange, I knew he would like her, but love her, I didn't really expect. Brandt found his niche...finally. I love to see his dusty boots in the garage and his cowboy hat on the shelf. It makes me feel proud to see him patiently brush Shona, making sure to spray her down with fly spray, but taking care not to get it into her eyes. He picks out her hoofs and braids her mane. He's careful not to push her too hard, because she is "his old girl" and he doesn't want her to feel sore. His conversations with her are one sided it seems until he walks away and she is quick on his heels nudging at his back. His tack is immaculate, her water always fresh. Watching Brandt ride Shona is like watching two people dance, their timing is perfect and they just fit together. I love Shona too, I am so grateful that she is willing to allow a 90 pound boy tell her what to do, when to do it and how fast. I really never thought of horses as giving, but they are, Shona has given my boy pure joy and confidence that I don't think he would have found any other way. Brandt is a lucky boy to have his own horse, and I really think he understands that. Why else would he spend the time he does making sure she is comfortable and happy. I think she's grateful, I see it when she hears his voice, looks up, and trots to the gate to meet her boy. No grass is sweeter to her than Brandt. I don't know how much Shona truly understands about love, but it sure seems to me that Brandt means the world to her and I know without a doubt that us two girls share his sweet, tender little man heart.

As mother's we all hope our children find joy in what they do, but like most mother's I often decide what that will be. Letting Brandt be Brandt wasn't easy, and it should have been. I've realized that lessons can be learned anywhere and from anyone, even horses can teach us a little about life. I cry when I think about the fact that Shona will leave Brandt someday, what will he do? He will be so heartbroken, but the great thing is that Shona has given Brandt a love for her fellow equines. She has started something that I am sure will be part of his life forever. And if for some reason he grows up and isn't able to have a horse, his memories will be priceless and he'll have the wisdom to let his own children be unique and maybe just maybe that'll have something to do with a horse.

Let Fall Begin!

2010-10-01T06:16:00.000-07:00

Hey Peeps!

I found out, just this very week, that there is a canned pumpkin shortage.
I had no idea!
Fortunately, I found it out just in time for the shortage to be over.

Thank Heaven!

Fall couldn't start, at my house, without the canned Pumpkinny goodness
of

The Worlds Easiest Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Yes...It is true...Worlds Easiest!
Better than the kind you buy at the store because you bake them yourself....
with love.
(Cheesy, but true.)

So!
Let Fall Begin!

via HBU

(Can't find camera, so bear with me)

Here is the Super Secret Recipe-

Take one can (small can) of Canned Pumpkin Puree

via here

Mix it with 1 box of Spice Cake mix

via amazon

Add one bag of Chocolate chips

via

Scoop onto greased cookie sheet

and

Bake at 350 for 8-15 minutes depending on the size of scoop.

(The don't really brown, or burn)

Here is the hard part- Let them cool off just a little bit, so that you don't burn the skin off the roof of your mouth, and try not to eat them all by yourself. I have done it before...it's not pretty.

Have a great Fall weekend!
Jana!

Spider Headband Tutorial

2010-09-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Halloween.

The cooler weather, the changing leaves, and I have to admit ALL THE CANDY!

I have been working on some really fun Halloween projects and wanted to share. We have got the cutest Halloween tutorial coming next week, so we needed a fun accessory to go with it. So here is the Spider Headband. My girls had a lot of fun helping me make these.

The supplies you will need are

2 different sized pom poms

2 pipe cleaners

2 google eyes

black felt

Headband or hair clip

glue gun

Step 1: Cut pipe cleaners in half
Step 2: Twist all four pipe cleaners together in the middle. I twisted mine a couple times.
step 3: Glue the smaller pom pom to the bigger one

Step 4: Glue your googly eyes on the front of the smaller pom pom.

Step 5: Glue the legs to the bottom of your spider .

Step 6: Cut 2 teardrop shaped pieces from your felt. They need to be a little bit smaller than your spider.

Step 7: Glue one of the felt pieces to the bottom of your spider.

Step 8: Glue the spider to the headband and then glue the other felt piece over the top. This holds your spider in place really well.

step 9: Bend the spiders legs.Thats IT! Fast and easy and sooo cute. My girls didn't want to take them off. and I bet your little girl will love it too.

Remember to tune in next week for an awesome Halloween tutorial. If you think this is cute just wait till you see what I've got in store for you.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! and HAPPY SEWING!!!!

Ava + Ruthie = ADORABLE!!!

2010-09-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

Carrie at Gracie Lou's mentioned that she had seen a Ruthie Romper with Ava straps. I thought I would try it out for Bella. I love it! I used fine wale corduroy, put a cheap tee with it and she'll be able to wear it thru the winter. What a fun combination, I think it turned out adorable.

I also made this up for Bella the other day. This is our Macy Giggles Dress. I have made this little dress at least 905 times, not really, but I do love to make this little ditty. I used Sandi Henderson fabrics and tacked a crocheted flower to the bodice. Once again, put a tee with it and voila...she can wear it thru the winter with leggings underneath. I love making clothes for my girls, so fun to customize and I love the feeling of completion.
What are all you working on? My next project is going to be Petunia made out of microfiber suede...she's gonna be purdy.

Shasta

Diaper Bag

2010-09-22T19:38:00.000-07:00

So I have a confession.....I am horrible at blogging.

My sister wanted me to do a blog so she could stay up to date on all my projects.

She even set up the blog for me!

Needless to say I havent posted in over a year and at that time my pictures where upside down and sideways. OOPS!!!

So I have decided to give it another chance, here goes.

Before my new little man arrived I wanted to make a diaper bag.

I wanted one with a lot of room and a cute design.

Thus the NICOLE BAG was born!!!

It is perfect as a diaper bag.

With a center zip pocket that divides the two sides and lots of pockets inside, it holds everything I need and all the stuff I don't!!!

(I found a rock in my bag the other day. No wonder it was so heavy, don't ask how it got in there I have no idea.)

Everyone needs this bag, I get compliments everywhere I go.

If you have made this one for yourself upload a picture to our flickr. We would love to see them! Here's my version. I love black, gray and mustard, FABULOUS!!!

Well there you have it, I'm off to sew. We are busy getting ready for market in October

We have 3 new designs that are so cute.

Mr. Fox...another FREE APPLIQUE for you!

2010-09-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

We mentioned we like applique right? Henrietta has been downloaded ALOT and we thought it was only fair to give her a forest friend. Meet Mr. Fox. He is sly, quick and really cute, perfect for that little man. You can get his download here. My sister at themotherhuddle, made this version for a bag of blocks. I will be putting Mr. Fox on a onesie, pics tomorrow. I also have my wool version of Henrietta almost ready, it is a.d.o.r.a.b.l.e! What will you do with Mr. Fox?

Don't forget to post your Henrietta pics, I was thrilled to send out my first Abbie Applique today!

Shasta :o)

P.S. While I am flattered that someone on etsy loves Henrietta, it kinda bums me out that she added an extra row of quills and is now selling it as her own. Here's the deal...we are offering it for free, so it shouldn't be sold. Please play fair and don't make me turn this car around!!!

We're leaving on a jet plane....

2010-09-14T06:59:00.001-07:00

We are headed out tomorrow to The Creative Connection in Minneapolis. It is going to be a blast! Creating, eating, schmoozing, eating, learning, eating, networking, eating, oh and eating. We are going to be surrounded by some pretty neato bazeeto gals. For instance...Amy Butler, she always wears the best shoes, can't wait to see them. Heather Bailey...she is just adorable and very nice too. Camille Roskelley...love her, love her, love her. Betz White, Joanna Figuero and the list goes on and on. Honestly, these ladies are all lovely and I have had the pleasure of meeting them several times. This person though, I have never met and I CAN'T WAIT....AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

THE. PIONEER. WOMAN!!!

I'm trying really hard to make her an apron today, is that nerdy? 17 yr. old son says saying nerdy is really nerdy...sheesh, am I getting old? I hope not. I cannot wait to tell her that all of the kids in the fam (all 7) think she's the "bee's knee's" seriously, I couldn't cook till I discovered this Domestic Goddess. The woman is a genius!

Don't forget about our little giveaway and I am still waiting (patiently) to see some Henrietta creations, I WANT to send you a free pattern folks!

Love ya chiquititas...

Shasta :o)

Henrietta the Hedgehog...FREE applique

2010-09-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

I love Hedgehogs! Seriously, I think they have to be the cutest critters ever! I adore the fact they always seem to be smiling, and those feet, goodness gracious those feet...so sweet! My hubby is crossing his toes that this little obsession of mine soon passes, do hedgies stink? He is certain they do, but I can't imagine anything so precious smelling bad, can you?

Anyway, the other day I saw a little girl with the most adorable hedgehog appliqued shirt, of course my Bella Bug (isn't she beautiful?) HAD to have one immediately (says me). I rushed home and got to work. It turned out so sweet that I had to share, I can think of a million ways to use this template, I hope you can too! In celebration of my first ever tutorial we are going to have some fun with Henrietta with a little giveaway for you all.

Here are the rules:

Better yet, put a pic on our flikr using Henrietta on your project before the end of the month and get a free Abbie pattern just for playing along! Be sure to email us with your address.

This is what you need:

Download Henrietta Template (click on template)
Soft-fuse or Heat-n-Bond Lite
Ballpoint needle (VERY IMPORTANT IF APPLIQUEING TO KNIT)
Open foot is very helpful
Scraps, thread, basic sewing kit
Two buttons
Water soluble marker
Embroidery floss

Step 1...

Trace template onto wrong side of fusible product. Make sure you number the pieces. Cut them out, but just roughly. You'll cut them out exact later. Download template above in supply list, click on "template".

Step 2...

Follow the manufacturers instructions and fuse pieces to WRONG side of fabric scraps. Cut them out and peel off paper back.

Step 3...

Using diagram and following numbers, put your pieces onto item. I ironed it all at the same time when I was finished with the placement.

Step 4...

Use a blanket stitch, zigzag, or satin stitch to secure all edges. If I had this to do over again, I would have used a raw edge applique on the "quills".

Step 5...

Sew on buttons. Mark eye, and smile and embroider with a basic backstitch. I used dark brown floss.
That's it! Your done! Isn't that simple and so sweet? I can't wait to see what all you amazing crafters do with my little hedgehog. Gracie wants me to put one a messenger bag for her, I am using wool and corduroy. Can't wait to show it off to all of you :o)

Remember, you can get the download by clicking on the word "template" in the supply list.

Happy Sewing!

Shasta

P.S. Next week Mr. Fox will be coming your way for all the little men we know :o)

Tutorial Thursday is back!!!

2010-09-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

Yep, you heard that right! We will all three be taking turns giving you loads of free, fun and easy peasy projects for the little one's in your lives. Thursday's tut is all ready to go, we just need Thursday to get here. Until then...here's a little hint...

Can't wait to see you on Thursday! Shasta :o)

Coming Soon!

2010-08-19T07:07:00.000-07:00

Wow! Sorry it has been so quiet around here lately. Summer was distracting and kept us moving.

As you already know, Lauralee has been busy this summer growing a baby and giving birth. She and her new little sweetie pie are doing great, and we hope she'll be able to blog very soon. (hint hint)

Shasta has had quite the summer hanging out with her 7 kids (baby turns one this week), and traveling. Can't wait for her to tell us about everything she saw in London. She even brought back some Liberty of London to drool over.

School starts next week, and life will return to it regular schedule.

I do have one little tiny bit of exciting news-

We are getting a brand new website!

We can't wait to show it off .

Oh yeah! We do have a few patterns that are in the works too.
Stay tuned!

Send out the troops!

2010-08-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

There isn't a single Diet Coke in the house.

Please send reinforcements.

Baby!

2010-08-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

Farrah had her baby last night!

Jr. is finally here.

I can't wait to meet him, and kiss his little cheeks!

Yeah! Farrah!

Kids and Creativity

2010-08-03T17:52:00.000-07:00

I have been working on making some school clothes for my kids. I don't make their whole wardrobe, but I do like to make a few pieces.

I bought a bunch of plain T-shirts that I decided to embellish with appliqués using our

Abbie Appliqué pattern.

They are so excited, and want to help so I decided that this would be a good way to involve them in the creative process. This simple project could teach them so much.

Here are some of the ideas I came up with-

*Let them choose the design. I had ideas of what I wanted to put on these shirts. I was immediately told, by my 9 year old daughter, that those were bad ideas. She knew exactly what she wanted...and I conceded.

*Have them pick out the fabric combinations. I picked out the main fabric line that I wanted to use for the project, and let her pick out the exact fabrics. I used the Moda layer cake "Happy" by Me and My Sister. It should be out in the next couple of months.

*Allow them to accessorize. While I was sewing I let my daughter pick out the trims and buttons that she wanted on the appliqués.

While doing the cutting and sewing-

*Let the kids play with the buttons and trims.My kids love to play with the buttons in my button jar. They are a great sensory tool.

*Have them organize them into colors or sizes. Stack them, make shapes, spell words, draw button pictures with them.

*Give your older kids a needle and thread so that they can sew the fabric scraps together while the younger ones glue them to a paper plate.

These activities will buy you some time to do the actual sewing of the article. I have sewn with a child on my lap before, but I don't recommend it.

This is what we accomplished in just about an hour...

I won't show you the mess created by the kids creativity....It was HUGE!

Room Makeover!

2010-07-24T17:59:00.000-07:00

I am almost finished with my little girls

Castle Peeps Room!

I am so excited with how it is turning out.

The room was painted hot pink. We found this nice yellow, and when we saw the color name "Ivory Castle" we new it was meant to be!

I used Lizzy House's quilt pattern, but I tweaked it so that it would fit a twin bed.

It's not quited yet, but I couldn't wait to show it off!

I made a string of pennants to go around her net canopy.

a wall hanging out of some of the fabric bits (didn't want to waste a bit of the fabric-y goodness)

My teen Mod Podged the fabric onto this little shelf.

I'm still working on the Heraldry for the wall. I'm going to put them on wood dowels, and tie bunches of cute ribbon on each end.

I put my daughters initials on them. She was a little disappointed about it because she really wanted me to put J and B

For Justin Beiber.

We are all back from our summer vacations now, so you can expect us to get back to regular posts.

I hope...

Peeps

2010-06-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

Having a bit of a

fabric crush

right now.

I might actually be in Love

with

Castle Peeps

By Lizzy House.

Look at all of those Peeps waving, working, playing music.

The dog is wearing a Castle-Dog collar!

Cute castle land up close...

and from a distance.

I happen to have this fabric in my posession right now.

It makes my heart go pitter pat!

I am re-doing my daughters room in it and I can't wait to show you what I have done.

Hopefully soon!

*sigh*

Love it!

Who's Who III

2010-06-16T18:28:00.000-07:00

This is the final installment of Izzy & Ivy's Who's Who.

The last person we are going to introduce to you

is definitely not the least.

Her Name is Lauralee.

This is a picture of her on a day that we had traveled, and worked, and the rest of us looked like DOG Meat!

This is what she looked like...

.Rude!

It's awful to be around her because she is gorgeous, and sweet, and young,

and tremendously talented.

She's one of those people that you really want to hate, but you can't because she is so dang nice!

Her only flaw is that her name is so long. Lauralee Billingsley.

Shasta and I tried to come up with a nickname for her.

Lolly was a good one,

Lore, Lois.....

None of them fit.

Until one fine day, when her hair was feathered in just the right way,

one of us said-

"Farrah!"

What a perfect nickname!

Lauralee laughed, and looked at us a little funny.

She is too young to know who Farrah was...until she died.

She's even pregnant in these pictures...and still looks fantastic!

She'll look like this the week after she has that baby!

We love to tease you! You make us laugh like crazy!

You're like our overly-talented little sister..

And, you'll always be our FARRAH!

Who's Who II

2010-06-10T21:09:00.000-07:00

a little girl was born,

and her parents bestowed upon her

a Magical Name.

A name so fantastic that, when spoken, inspires the speaker to use

Jazz Hands!!

The name she was given is........

(See!! I caught you saying it with Jazz Hands!)

"Where", you ask, "did they find that Magical Name?"

"Was she named after the inspirational Shasta Daisy?"

No.

"Then, was it the Majestic Mt. Shasta?"

Uh Uhh.

"You can't be serious...you mean she was named after the Soda Pop, "Shasta?"

Not that either!

"What in the heck! What was she named after then?"

That, friend, I can tell you.

There once was born, at the Zoo in Utah, a Magical beast

"The Liger"

Well, it actually looks more like this..

It is the child of a Lion and Tiger.

The Girls parents named her after Shasta the Liger.

The other Izzy & Ivy girls didn't give her a nickname because

they couldn't think of anything more wonderful

than

SHASTA

(Jazz Hands!)

Who's Who?

2010-06-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! This is Jana blogging.
Today I am going to answer a very important, and frequently asked question-
"What in the heck is your real name? I hear people call you "Jana", "Lola", and "That one chick from Izzy & Ivy."

My name is Jana, but my nickname is Lola. I never thought I'd have a nickname, but somehow this one stuck. There are some people that only call me Lola now (Shasta)!

Where did Lola come from? Why do I keep her around?

Well........here it goes....

Way back in the early days of my youth (college) I saw a woman that had a pink beehive hairdo! She wore a pink polyester jumpsuit, had a pink poodle, and a pink car.

( She wasn't even a salesperson for Mary Kay)

I decided that her name had to be Lola....and that someday I would be just like her, probably when I was much older.(..and retired, and senile!)

Gwen Verdon

*Zoom forward several years*

******************

My older sister, Angel, was about to become a Grandma for the first time.

She was determined that she was not going to be called grandma because she was far too young to be a grandma.

She also vetoed Mama, and Nana.

She chose to be called Juanita. (don't ask!)
Knowing that I would soon become a Great-Auntie I understood that it was time for me to change my name too.

I became, officially (???),

Grand Aunt Lola.

My darling niece has had her 4th baby.

Her oldest is 4 1/2 years old.

That is why I am Lola...again! (and again, and again......)

***************

So now you ask: "Why all of the pictures of Gwen Verdon?"Well...She is the Lola I want to be now!

She is the coolest Lola in town......well she was before she died 10 years ago!

Don't believe me?? Watch this!!!!

(NOT the original music.)

(This is me after the Biggest Loser! I love the ricrac edged hot pants!)

"So, Lola? Why should WE have to call you Lola?"

I've been a Mother, and an auntie for Sooooooo long that that is what I do best!

I am your Aunt Lola whether you like it or not!

So, go clean your room...... and I'll give you a treat!

Coming Very Soon

2010-06-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

Hi!

We are super busy right now

stuffing, boxing, and shipping out the new patterns.

But, we wanted to let you know that we have a few exciting things planned for our bloggy friends.

Coming Very Soon....

A Mystery Purse Sew Along

Fantastic Give aways!

Tips and Tricks

More Fantastic Give Aways.

and MUCH more.

So, to get ready for the fun:

1- Join our flickr group and show off what you've made.

2- Get on Facebook and "like" us. Start up a conversation, or just see what is going on!

3-Follow our blog.

4-Follow us on Twitter.

Quilt Market Redux

2010-05-25T16:20:00.001-07:00

We are finally home from Quilt Market 2010.

It was an amazing, awesome, fun filled adventure!

Unfortunately, I am reporting it through the eyes of phone's camera because I never had time to take real pictures.

Here we go!

My knees at the SLC airport where we spent the afternoon after our flight was cancelled and we were moved to another flight 3 hours later. BORING!

See that darling bag in the front of the picture? That is the awesome bag that my friend

Stephanie Secada made just for me to take to market. It went everywhere with me, and we got tons of compliments! Thank you Sweet Stephanie.

This is a picture of the Scary Clown. I couldn't get a picture of his face because I didn't want him to murder me. He was everywhere! YIKES!

This is a picture of him inside the 2 story Target. 2 STORY! I love Target!

Our Booth! I wish we had a real pic of it, because it was very much cuter than the phone can show you...

You'll never guess who's shoes these are...

They belong to THE Alex Anderson!

Cute! Just like Alex. She is so very kind too.

These are the Shoes that I wore the first day of market.

4 1/2" heels. Cute, but not the most comfortable.

There was MUCH swelling that night.

One night, while walking back to the hotel, trying to avoid Murder Clown, we saw the above.

If you look closely you can see that it is a Bar...driving down the street...and it is pedal powered.

It is a Pedal Bar.

We don't have those in Utah.

Saturday afternoon, Lizzy House threw a Cake party in honor of her Mother's new book.

There was cake!

It was Fantastic! I ate cake with cool people!

The princess cake was the favorite!

Laura Gunn and Jenny.

Jenny was about to die of excitement!

This is a picture of my twin sister, Melissa Avarinos, at her talk and book signing. She is a great speaker, and one of the most amazing people that you'll ever meet. Felt like I had known her forever.

SEE! I told you we were twins! Amazing that it took us this long to find each other!

By the way, this photo was taking by the equally AWESOME Beth Dunn!

I met so many friends that I have known on Twitter for months. The cool thing about it was that we really were already friends!

I will blog about it again when Jenny sends me her pictures,

or when I find other pics I can steal!

Love, Jana

Here They Are....New Patterns!

2010-05-13T14:54:00.000-07:00

We couldn't wait one second longer to show you our new patterns!

So, here they are....

Meet Petunia.... Penelope Ruffles' fraternal twin sister. Our sassy and flirty new bag!

Abby Applique- A huge collection of Applique patterns for use on whatever your heart desires.

Addie Joe Skirts- One little package that includes instructions to make 5 different skirts.

Millie Market Bag- She is so Sweet. A big bag FULL of pockets!.....and those flowers!

Ruthies Romper- Could this jumper get any more adorable?? I say nay nay!

And finally...

Sally Sells Sea Shells By the Sea Shore Sun Hat

But we'll just call her Sally for short....

This hat is a MUST for every girl you know!

(includes instructions for the cutie flower too!)

Are you as excited as we are!

Sally Sunhat

2010-05-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

Petunia

2010-05-03T19:01:00.000-07:00

Ruthie's Romper

2010-05-03T18:52:00.000-07:00

Addy Jo Skirts

2010-05-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

Abbie Applique'

2010-05-03T18:44:00.000-07:00

Sneak a Peek!

2010-04-25T19:24:00.000-07:00

We are so excited that we just can't wait to show off our newest patterns....

but only a little peek..

We will be showing (and selling) 8 new patterns at Quilt Market next month.

So far, the testing and feedback have been FANTASTIC!!

For a few more peeks check out Shrine Photography by Karen.

We will keep you posted!

I'll take that with extra ruffles please..

2010-04-21T09:53:00.000-07:00

Look at this FANTASTIC version of our Penelope Ruffles bag.

Stephanie Secada made this one, and as a lover of ruffles she added a few extra rows.

I love how she used so many different fabrics......I wonder if she'll make me one?

Got any pics you like to show off? Email them to us, or add them to our Flickr group.

When you email, make sure you tell us if we can use them on our blog.

Thanks! Stephanie!

Cute Overload

2010-04-16T16:05:00.000-07:00

Look at Sisters in their Easter Macy Giggles dresses. Their names are Grace, Jill , and the baby is Izzy (great name)! I love the picture of Grace spinning because that is the first thing my girls do when I make them a dress...even though one of them is 15!

This little sweetheart is Ellie Mae from Australia. Her mom, Julie, is one of our Boutique sewers. She purchases licences from us so that she can make and sell items from our patterns. We LOVE our boutique ladies!

If you are interested in selling items that you have made from our patterns contact us and we'll get you started!

Thanks, again, for sending us pics of what you have made. And remember to upload your pics to our flickr group!

I'm Biased

2010-04-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for this video for ages!
This is a video that Angry Chicken put together. It teaches the very best way to machine apply Bias Tape.
Now, I'm not recomending that you use this on quilts; I'm still a huge supporter of hand sewn bias on Quilts.
This is more specifically for clothing and Purses.
Watching this video helped me finally learn to do a pretty and perfect (almost) bias edge.

I'm working on a Lola Goes Shopping bag for our booth at Quilt market. It involves alot of bias.
I needed a quick review, so I thought I would share.
I'll have pics of Lola bag in a couple of days.
I love that bag!

I love the internet too. Where else would I learn all of this cool stuff?

The Ava Dress

2010-04-07T17:55:00.000-07:00

Look at this Cutie Pie in her Ava Tie Top Dress.

Heather Bailey's Nicey Jane is a gorgeous line of fabric for dresses.

I am so jealous of the FLOWERS, and SUNSHINE too.

It has been snowing like crazy here in Utah.

Thanks, Melissa, for sending us these pics of your cutie! It brightened my day!

If you want us to feature a picture of something you made using our patterns

email us at izzynivydesigns@gmail.com

upload them to the Izzy & Ivy Designs Flickr Group.

Thanks for the inspiration!

Izzy and Ivy

2010-04-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

Look at these Adorable girls in their easter dresses.

One of our customers sent us this picture of her Grand daughters, Izzy and Ivy, in their Macy Giggles dresses.

We love it!

Thanks, Dorothy, for sharing these cuties with us!

Millie's Market Bag

2010-04-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

Nature's Prank

2010-04-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

I awoke, this fine April 1st, to my husbands voice wishing me a "Merry Christmas".
I laughed because I thought that he had been trying to fool our little kids.
Then I opened the bedroom curtains.

Winter has been teasing us for the last week. We've had a few flurries. But this was Mother Natures big prank!

There will be no hanging the wash on the line today! No crisp, sun-smelling sheets on the bed tonight.

I won't be sitting in my favorite spot, watching the kids ride their bikes.

I guess we'll stay snuggled up, in the little yellow house with the red door, and drink Hot Cocoa with marshmallows in it. Maybe we'll all sit on the big couch, under quilts, and read our favorite stories.

Maybe...This one last taste of winter wasn't such a bad Prank after all.

Iron Cleaning

2010-03-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

I love the Iron.

I love to fuse stuff with my iron. I love fusible interfacing, vusible fleece, fusible vinyl.

I like to experiment with fusing plastic bags together.

You know those little Pearler beads...

My kids love them.

I have melted plastic-y things everywhere. (They make great fridge magnets.)

We use...and abuse our poor little $10 iron.

Needless to say, I spend many hours trying to scrape the gunk off of the iron so that I can press anything else.

I found a new (to me) method for getting the soleplate clean. And it is super simple too.

1. Heat your iron to Cotton.

2. Put a paper towel on the edge of your ironing board.

3. Lay an unused dryer sheet on top of the paper towel.

4. Press the iron on top of the dryer sheet.

5. Repeat until the gunk is gone.

This has saved the white dress shirts in my home.

Anyone else have a cool method?

More!

2010-03-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

These cute carrot stuffies are made by Clare's Craftroom. I think I need a basket of these on my kitchen table!

And Rachel, from ps. I quilt, posted this candy dish on Moda bakeshop!

Happy Sewing!

Easter Crafting Inspiration.

2010-03-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

I realized on Saturday, while I was getting ready to host a party at my house, that I have a serious lack of Easter/ Spring themed decorations.

This struck me as odd because I have a serious Over-Abundance of Christmas decor.

I need some inspiration to get me started on the projects, so I'd share the things that I found on the internet!

I love these stuffed eggs made from your fabric scraps by Retro Mama. Heaven (and my husband) knows I have plenty of fabric scraps. I am afraid to throw any of them away for fear I might need that 1" piece someday.

I know a couple of kids in my house that would get a kick out of this cutie-pie little Easter Birdy by MollyChicken. The egg filled pocket is so sweet!

Again, with the scrap busting is this fabric Easter Basket by V and Co via Moda Bakeshop. It would be perfect to keep the decorated eggs in.

Whipup shares the Chickummyjig. I love the tape measure legs!

Lastly, I found this tutorrial for these cute little Bunny gift bags by Everyday Celebrating. I think these would be fun to make with the kids.

What crafting do you have planned for Easter/ Spring? Send your links!

Cool Peeps

2010-03-12T19:17:00.000-08:00

I have a confession to make.

When we were at market in Houston

I met someone,

and kissed them.

I didn't even know their name,

but I still kissed them,

A Total Stranger!

Worse than that,

Someone got a picture of the kiss

and sent it to me.

I have only now learned that he was made by

The Ann Sutton

of The Bunny Hill Designs.

Yes! The same Ann Sutton, and Bunny Hill that has the Free Block of the Month Pattern.

Last year she did, "A Tisket, A Tasket".

This years is the Snowman filled, "Snowbound"!

You can get the Pattern for the pup here.

Go have a little looksee around at all of the cute patterns there.

You're Welcome! Love, Lola

Two Years

2010-03-10T20:17:00.000-08:00

On Friday it will be two years since the coolest teen I've ever met

left us.

We still talk about him almost every day.
Miss him every day.
My 12 year old, Smith, wears some of his clothes.
His picture is on my fridge...so I see it all of the time.

It is almost impossible to believe, still, that he isn't here.
Maybe it is because we have kept him so close.

Colton, We miss you terribly, and love you still.

He loved Flogging Molly; he's wearing their shirt in that pic.
So, Here's to you Coley Bowl!

Lyrics to If I Ever Leave This World Alive

by Flogging Molly

If I ever leave this world alive

I'll thank for all the things you did in my life

If I ever leave this world alive

I'll come back down and sit beside your

feet tonight

Wherever I am you'll always be

More than just a memory

If I ever leave this world alive

I'll take on all the sadness

That I left behind

If I ever leave this world alive

The madness that you feel will soon subside

So in a word don't shed a tear

I'll be here when it all gets weird

If I ever leave this world alive

So when in doubt just call my name

Just before you go insane

If I ever leave this world

Hey I may never leave this world

But if I ever leave this world alive

She says I'm okay; I'm alright,

Though you have gone from my life

You said that it would,

Now everything should be all right

Love you! Aunt Lola

Baby Bag...in action

2010-03-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

I knew that the Urban Diaper bag was a great bag for a Baby......

but I had no idea!

This bag was made by our friend Jackie at Canton Village Quilt Works.

click over to see all of the delicious and comical details.

Thanks Jackie!

Where in the world....

2010-03-01T21:40:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the recent absence on the blog.

We are busy making NEW patterns!

Figuring....

Making notes.....

Erasing mistakes...

Cutting out Prototypes, and Getting ready to send to testers soon!!!

This is FUN!!!

Giveaway!

2010-03-01T07:58:00.000-08:00

Wanna Win some patterns???

Sevi Designs is giving away 2 of our patterns to 3 different winners.

Go here to enter. While you're there, check out some of the cute things that she makes and sells.

Got Rotary Skills?

2010-02-15T11:43:00.000-08:00

It has recently come to our attention that not all sewers know how to use a to a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler.

Having these skills will be VERY helpful in sewing our patterns.

Come along with me now Grasshopper

and learn the ancient skills of the

Rotary Ninja.

These skills are highly sought after by many Sewing Grandmasters.

You must be willing to submit to the training,

and use your deepest concentration to become a Ninja.

We will now begin.

1.The first things you must learn are agility and flexibility.

You must stretch your body, and your mind with this yoga exercise.

....and Breath........

very good Grasshopper.

2. You must become one with the Ninja weaponry.

The Rotary Cutter with its very Ninja blade.

The Rotary Mat

and the nearly invisible See-Thru ruler.

3. The Ninja technique.

You basically have 2 rulers that you are using to help your measure.

Before you start cutting your pattern pieces, you need to square up your fabric. On this piece of fabric, the top and bottom were already straight. I could tell this when i put it on the cutting board. It sat straight on the horizontal lines. but, the ends didn't match up. The bottom is longer than the top. To fix this you align your ruler with the top and bottom of the fabric.

With one hand holding the ruler in place, grip the rotary in your other hand and roll it along the edge of the ruler. Make sure that you always cut AWAY from your body.

Magically, that fabric scrap is severed from its body.
Ninjas love to cut things.
Your fabric is now square, and ready to be cut.

Many pattern will only give you the measurements of the pieces you need....no pattern pieces. For a Ninja, this is not a problem.

The first piece we will cut is supposed to be 1.5" x 2.5"

On your ruler, locate the line that would equal 1.5"

Assume the proper Ninja Cutting Stance.

1-Always stand up when cutting.

2-Apply firm pressure to the ruler with one hand.

3-Grasp Rotary Cutter in the opposite hand.

4-Cut away from your body.

The fabric left under the ruler is 1.5" wide.

Now we need to cut that piece to 2.5" long.

You can either find the 2.5" on the ruler, or use the lines in the cutting mat. You must use the powers of concentration to decide what is best for you.

Cut Now.

See your perfectly cut fabric!

1-Align you fabric with the lines on the cutting board.

2-Square up your fabric.

3-Find measurement on ruler, or cutting mat.

4-Cut away from your body.

When you are a real Rotary Ninja
You will sometimes be able to make two cuts in only one step.

The cut below is 1.5" by 6.75". You only need to place the ruler on BOTH measurements and then make the cuts.

Grasshopper, You have completed your training. You may have to practice these steps to gain the proper skills.

Then you will become an Awesome Rotary Ninja.

(and you can wear the ninja suit if you want to)

Jack n Jill Hat

2010-02-06T12:38:00.000-08:00

My Blog Friend, Shaina, made this cute hate for her cute girl!
She has also written a cookbook, the proceeds of which help pay the medical bills for her sweet little Baby Kimball.
Go visit her, and tell her Lola says,"Hi!".

Tutorial Thursday

2010-01-27T16:53:00.000-08:00

I know that the word

ZIPPER

stikes fear into the hearts of many.

I happen to know people that won't even consider

making certain patterns if they have a zipper in them.

I found a tutorial that will

wipe your fears away!!!

Creative Little Daisy

has a tutorial that will have you singing

Zipper Songs of Joy!

Go there now!

Tutorial Thursday

2010-01-21T11:53:00.000-08:00

***The Keisha Bag Tutorial***

Large Purse, Grocery Tote, Book Bag

(It was late when I put this together. Let me know if I've made any mistakes, or if you have questions!)

This pattern is a Copyright of Jana Nielson , Lola...again!!! 2008. It is intended for personal, non-commercial use. You may not make and sell items using this pattern. Thanks!

For this project you will need:

*1 yard Main fabric
*1 yard Accent Fabric
*fusible interfacing of your choice. (I used Craft Fuse by Pelon)
*A strong Sewing Machine Needle ie. Jeans/Denim Needle.

From Main Fabric Cut:
-Outside body-2@ 14"x 15"
-Sides-2 @ 5"x 15"
-Bag bottom-1@ 5"x 14"
-Back pocket- 2@ 10"x 14"
-Handles- 2@ 6"x 22"
-tabs- 2 @ 2"x 5"
-inside pocket-1 @ 6.5"x 10"

From Accent fabric cut:
-Lining body-2 @ 14"x 15"
-Lining Sides- 2@ 5"x 15"
-Lining bottom-1 @ 5"x 14"
-Handle accent- 2@ 2.5"x 22"
-Back pocket accent- 1@ 3"x 14"
-Front ties- 2@ 6"x 22"

From Fusible interfacing cut:
-Purse body- 4 @ 14" x 15"
-Purse side- 4 @ 5" x 15"
-Purse Bottom- 2 @ 5"x 14"

Before you begin sewing:
-Cut out all pieces. Mark them by writing (in pencil) on the wrong side of fabric.
-Fuse interfacing to purse and lining pieces.
-Take a deep breath.

We'll start with the back pocket. You'll need 2 back pocket pieces, and pocket accent piece.
Sandwich edge of accent piece between pocket pieces.

Stitch across top with a 1/2" seam allowance.

*************

Press sandwich open. Then fold along the seam and press under.

****************

***********

*************

**************

*************

****************

Now set this piece aside. We are going to work on the parts that make up the front of the bag,

beginning with the Tabs (like belt loops).

*************

Fold tabs in half and press a crease into them. Open them back up and fold the

raw edges into the center. Press again.

****************

*****************

******************

Top stitch down both sides, and across finished end.

****************

**********************

Measuring , to make sure they are level, is always a good idea!

****************

Now it is time to put on the Tabs. Measure 4" from edge of purse front.

Fold ends of tabs under 1/2" and press. Pin them on each side at the same measurements.

Make a couple of stitching lines across the tops and bottoms of tabs.

***************

Tie a cute little bow on the front.

Attach side/back piece to the front, folding seams and top stitching down each side.

*****************

This next step may seem a little tricky, but somehow it just magically works right.

We're going to put the bottom in the bag!

Take your bottom piece and center one end along one side/bottom of bag.

Mark where the seams are with pins.

**************

Sew from seam to seam with 3/4" seam allowance.

Stop when you get to the second pin, leave your needle down.

***************

Lift your presser foot and pivot your purse bottom piece around..........

...until it is even with one of the long edges of purse body. Continue to sew until you reach the next seam. Leave the needle down and pivot purse bottom again. Keep going until you have done all 4 sides!!!

***********************

Clip the corners close to the seam line. Turn right side out and press.

****************

Now we are going to make the straps/ purse handles.

Take the fabric for the handles and do the same thing to them that you did to the Tabs....you know, that fold-open-fold raw edges-press-fold again. Make sure you top stitch down both sides.

The accent for the handles is done a little differently.

Fold in half, press, open and fold raw edges into the center line, press again.

That is it!!

***********************

Top stitch accent to handles by sewing down each side

*************

*******************

Instead of Flod-ing your pocket, Fold it in half. Sew around the 3 raw edges

leaving an opening for turning inside out. Clip corners close to seam, turn and press.

****************

Place pocket on one of the body lining pieces. Put it where you want it

but measure to make sure it is level.

***************

*****************

This is a really long tutorial.......I'll shorten it by about 12 pictures by telling you to sew the lining together with a 3/4" seam allowance. You don't need to top stitch the seams this time. Set the bottom in just like before.

*************

We're almost there!!!!

Put purse inside the lining.

***********

Turn right side out. Tuck lining inside the purse, and press around the top edge.

I rolled about 1/8" of the lining to the front for a decorative edge.

***************

Stitch around top edge.

You're DONE!!!

***********

For you, with Love!

LOLA

Shop for Haiti

2010-01-18T15:56:00.000-08:00

Sarah, at Craft Hope, has opened an etsy shop called Craft Hope for Haiti. Many great artists/crafters have donated all of the items that are being sold. All proceeds go to Doctors Without Borders in Haiti. Time to go shopping!

AND

The FABULOUS Fat Quarter Shop is having a Silent Auction with some really fantastic items. You need to go and see, and BID. I have my eye on several things already!

Start shopping early for Valentines Day, Easter, Birthdays, NEXT Christmas, Hanukkah.........

I want to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and kind words. It is difficult for our family, but not as difficult as living in Haiti. I love you all!!
Lola

Tutorial Thursday- Macy Flower

2010-01-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

Macy Flower

(as shown on the Macy Giggles Dress)

This project is so simple that there is will be an almost wordless tutorial

You need- Scrap of felt, scrap of fabric, pinking shears.

Cut 1 circle out of the felt

Cut 12 circles out of fabric

Fold

Stitch

Keep stitching...

Full??

Finished!

Tutorial Thursday- Shirring

2010-01-07T06:36:00.000-08:00

Have you tried it yet? Shirring is NOT something to fear!

Go get some shirring thread, and try it out on a scrap of fabric.

You will have so much fun, and it will look so good, that you'll want to do it all of the time.

4128, originally uploaded by lola_again.

Shirring with Elastic Thread - Easy and Fun

*Hand wind your bobbin with Elastic Thread. Make sure you only use a light tension as you wind.

*Thread your machine, with regular thread, as you normally do. Adjust your stitch length to a medium length.

*You will be sewing on the right side of the fabric so that the elastic will be on the wrong side.

*Starting at a seam, or other inconspicuous place, begin sewing. Back stitch several stitches to secure the elastic.

*Sew a straight line.

* When you reach the end/begining of the first row, overlap the stitches about 1/4" and backstitch to secure the elastic.

*Without cutting the threads, move over a presser foot width and start sewing again. Make sure to backstitch at the beginings and endings of each shirred row.

*When you have completed the number of rows required by your pattern, steam the gathered rows with your iron. (Don't press them though)

Your gathers will tighten into perfectly shirred rows!
EASY and FUN!!

Tutorial Thursday- Paci pouch

2009-12-31T05:07:00.000-08:00

Due to my home being taken over by the stomach flu....

Our first Tutorial Thursday is an oldie, but a goodie.

I had a couple of babies that LOVED their paci! We had to have several on hand at all times. I remember frantically digging through the diaper bag looking for the elusive Binky, finally finding one stuck to the bottom of the bag, covered in crumbs and gunk! I wish I'd had one of these back then!!

This is a little Pacifier pocket that will hold several pacifiers. It is lined with vinyl (fused) fabric! This is a simple project that only took a few minutes to whip up!

Step 1- Make a paper pattern. One piece is 4" x 6". The other is 7" x 4 ", taper the top of this one however you would like.

Step 2- From outside fabric, lining fabric, and iron on vinyl cut 1 of each pattern piece.

Step 3- remove vinyl from backing and place on the right side of your fabric.

Step 4- place the paper, that you just peeled off the vinyl, shiny side down on top of the vinyl. Press with Iron set on Wool setting. It only takes a few seconds to fuse.

Step 5- allow it to cool, and peel the paper off. Repeat with other lining piece.

Step 6- Sew a 1" piece of Velcro about 1/2" down from the top of long piece. Sew lining together.

Step 7- Cut a one inch square out of each corner.

Step 8- Fold so side seam matches up with bottom seam and stitch across at 1/4".

Step 9- Sew the outside together the same way that you did the lining. Sew the other half of the Velcro on the front, about 1/2" down from the edge.

Step 10- Put lining inside of outer bag- wrong sides together.

Step 11- Fold the top edges in 1/4"- 1/2", pin in place, then carefully stitch around the edge.

Your Paci bag is finished!! Embellish it with whatever you want, or leave it plain!

You can make these without the fusible vinyl if you like.

Let me know if you have any questions, or suggestions!

Thanks! Lola

You Won!!

2009-12-28T16:37:00.000-08:00

Before I announce the winners of the Giveaway-o-rama....

I want to let you know about a new feature on our blog...

Tutorial Thursdays!

Every thursday we will be teaching you different techniques, and giving you free patterns.

Make sure you come back this Thursday to see the fun we have planned.

now, the winners of the sets of patterns are-

JJ- from What's up at our house

Jana & Mario- from The Pinoli Post

Shan- from Absolute Balance

and the winner of the Penelope Ruffles purse-

Nancy- from Sewing Drama.

winners, shoot us an email at izzynivydesigns@gmail.com

with your address !

Thanks for joining in on the fun!!!

Giveaway Time

2009-12-13T14:45:00.000-08:00

We have spent months getting the patterns designed,

tested,

printed,

and shipped.

Now, it is time to spread the love!

It is time for our very first Giveaway!

We will be giving away 4 big prizes

3 of you will win a set of 6 of our new patterns.

(If you haven't seen our patterns yet, click on the links to the left. )

One of you will win a Penelope Ruffles bag made by Lola!

(Not this exact bag, but one that is equally fantastic)

To Enter the drawing-

1-Leave a comment on this post for one entry.

2- Become a follower of this blog for another entry.

3- Blog about this giveaway, and link back for 3 more entries.

4- Twitter, and link to us for 1 more entry.

Come back and comment for each of these things you do. We will announce the winners on the night of December 28th, just in time to start sewing for the new year!

Rolled Hem Tutorial

2009-12-12T06:25:00.000-08:00

~Rolled Hems~

Three Easy Methods

1- Serger or Overlock Machine- These machines automatically trim, roll, and stitch your hem in one quick step. Follow the instructions for your specific machine.

2- Sewing Machine Rolled Hem Foot-

This foot is built to roll the fabric edge into a tube right before it is stitched. There is a great video tutorial by Singer.

3- Making a Rolled Hem with your regular Presser Foot -

A- First, fold the edge of your fabric 1/4" to the wrong side. Press it as you go

B- Fold the edge up another 1/4", so that your edge is encased. Press it as you go.

C- Now you can choose what kind of stitch you would like to finish the edge with

* A straight Stitch gives you a more crisp and tailored look.

* A zigzag gives you a fun, ruffled kind of look.

* Be daring and try one of your machines decorative stitches in a contrasting thread!

Helpful links- Crafstylish, Hand rolled hem, Vintage sewing info

Christmas Ornament Tutorial

2009-12-12T05:14:00.000-08:00

I am a total Christmas junkie!

We start decorating our house before Thanksgiving so that we can enjoy the season longer.

I am so excited to share one of my ornaments with you today. It is very quick and easy to make!

The Button Wreath

You will need-

Craft Glue (I used jewel glue), or a hot glue gun,

Ribbon for the hanger,
and Buttons!

Step one- Trace a circle on some waxed paper.

Step 2- lay your bottom layer for the wreath.
Step 3- Start your second layer. Overlap the two of your bottom layer buttons until all of the spaces are covered.....

......like this.

Step 4- Keep layering buttons!

(don't worry! The glue dries clear!)

Step 5- Make another one....and another....

Step 6- If you used craft glue, let it dry!

Step 7- Tie it up with ribbon.

...and hang on the tree!!!

These are also great to tie onto the top of your packages!

Don't forget to gome back on Monday to see the Giveaway-o-rama!
Have a fantastic Christmas Season everyone!

Jana Nielson aka Lola

Gathering Tutorial

2009-12-11T06:50:00.000-08:00

~Gathering~

Two easy ways

#1-This method is great for gathering large pieces, or heavy fabrics. You will need heavy thread, or kite string.

A- Set your zig zag stitch to its widest, and longest setting

B- Put your fabric under the presser foot set to sew at 1/2".

C- Set your thread on the fabric so that it will be in the center of the zig zag stitch.

D- Begin stitching over the thread. Make sure you don't sew through the thread.

E- When you are ready, pull the strings to gather the fabric easily.

#2-This method works best for smaller pieces, or light weight fabrics.

A-Set your straight stitch to its longest setting.

B- Starting at a seam, stitch 1/4" from the top edge of the fabric to be gathered. Don't backstitch at the begining, or the end.

C- Sew another row of gathering stitches 1/2" from edge.

D- When you are ready to gather the fabric, gently pill the top threads of upper, and lower line of gathering stitches.

E- Pull thread tails from both ends until the gathers are even.

Christmas Ornament Tutorial

2009-12-10T20:08:00.000-08:00

I love sparkle at Christmas time...

Heck! I love sparkle all year around.

Here's a quick tutorial for the Sequin-tastical ornament of all times.

You need seed beads,

dressmaker pins,

Sequins,

and a Styrofoam ball.

Stick one or two (I used two) seed beads on the pin,

add a sequin,

then stick it into the ball.

Continue until the ball is covered.

Tie a knot in some silver cord, stick a pin through it, and stick it in the foam ball.

Hang it on the tree baby!

This is NOT a hard ornament to make, but it does take a few minutes.

I made mine while watching T.V. (30 Rock! Love it!)

Go forth and Bling!

Wanna Cookie?

2009-12-07T18:57:00.000-08:00

I don't know about where you are,

but the weather at Izzy & Ivy Designs Corporate Headquarters is

SNOWY!!

Winter has hit Utah Valley with a vengance. This is not a problem for me because I happen to like snow...in December.

Other months, like April, I don't like it so much.

Since we are snowed in, I decided that it is almost time for The Biggest Giveaway we've ever had.

(the first Giveaway we've ever had)

But first, I want to get the blog all prettied up.

If you are a store, or ecommerce site that carry our patterns-

send me a quick email so that I can include you in our list of

"Where to find us".

If you are one of our readers,-

leave us a comment letting us know what you'd like to know about Izzy & Ivy,

or what you'd like us to give away,

or...what your favorite snack is (random!)

Come back Monday, Dec 14th to enter the

Fantastic Giveaway-Orama!

now...pass me a cookie and the Hot Chocolate. It's cold outside!

Jana (Lola)

Woot!

2009-11-24T21:27:00.000-08:00

We're being featured on Jolly Jabber, Fat Quarter Shop's blog.

Check it out!

Adorable Ava

2009-11-15T18:01:00.000-08:00

I am so excited!! Look what I found in Izzy & Ivy's flickr pool today!

This is the first Not sewn by us contrubution!

Above all Fabric made this darling version of the Ava dress using Lila Tueller's Santorini line.

Thanks for adding it to the group!

Please add your creations Izzy & Ivy's Flickr page and you might be featured on our blog!

Where to Find Us

2009-11-14T13:28:00.000-08:00

Online Shops
Above All Fabric
Allegro Fabrics
Banberry Place
Buttons and Bows
Crafty Girls Workshop
Creative Smocking
CV Quiltworks
Fabric hound
Fat Quarter Shop
The Flower Pot
Hawthorne Threads
Heirloom Fabrics
Henrietta's Handbags
Hip Fabrics
KiKi Quilts
Lyrics
My Needle and Thread
Sew Baby
Strawberry Patches
The Dizzy Daisy
The Fabric Obsession
Retro Mummy
Venezie Designs
Wholesale Purse Patterns
44th Street Fabrics
Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops

2009-11-09T17:28:00.000-08:00

Holy Stacks of Mail Batman!!

Today I mailed of a Suburban load of patterns!

I got to back up to the loading dock at the Post Office. I am not a great backer....but, I didn't want to carry all of those heavy boxes through the front door.

I have more boxes to mail out tomorrow

...and even more on Saturday when we get the next printing in.

Guess I'd better get started on the list of stores that carry our patterns. If you don't see your favorite store listed be sure to tell them about us!

Thanks!

Notes and Corrections

2009-11-01T08:44:00.000-08:00

Pattern Updates!
These are a few helpful hints on the patterns, answers to questions that have come up, and pattern corrections. Unfortunately, some of our new patterns were sent out with some little mistakes.

These problems have been corrected in the patterns that are now being shipped. Thanks for your patience!

Kayla Bubble-
This has been corrected
In the first shipment of Kayla Bubble dresses-
Pattern pieces are marked opposite. The piece marked Bodice Front is really Bodice Front Base. The piece marked Bodice Front Base is actually Bodice Front (it should be wider than the other piece).

Several of the pieces are missing the strap placement marks. Please refer to picture below.
Dots are strap placement.

.

Princess Bella-

We have had a couple of reports of problems getting the shirring to make the bodice small enough. Depending on the thickness of the fabric, you may have to sew additional lines of shirring between the lines you have already sewn to help tighten things up. Also, when you wind the elastic thread on your bobbin, add a little bit of tension (wrap it a little tighter). Make sure that you steam it with your iron when you are finished.

Macy Giggles-
This has been corrected

The seam allowance for this pattern is 1/2" unless otherwise stated.
..

Gracie Skirt-

this has been corrected

Fabric Requirements were left off the envelope

Size 1-2= Fabric A -5/8 yd., Fabric B-2/3 yd.

Size 3-4= Fabric A- 5/8 yd., Fabric B- 3/4 yd.

size 5-6= Fabric A- 2/3 yd., Fabric B- 3/4 yd.

Size 7-8= Fabric A- 2/3 yd., Fabric B- 7/8 yd.

Size 10= Fabric A- 3/4 yd., Fabric B- 1 yd.

Size 12= Fabric A- 3/4 yd., Fabric B- 1 yd.

Size 14= Fabric A- 7/8 yd., Fabric B- 1 1/8 yd.

Sassy Connie-
This has been corrected
Cutting instructions update-
Front pocket should read Cut 2 @ 7" x 10"

Strap length should read cut 2@ 7" x 20"
Inner bag reads Cut 2, should read Cut 4 as is printed on the pattern piece.
Outer bag reads Cut 2, Should read Cut 4 as is printed on the pattern piece.

Wowza!

2009-10-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

The girls at Izzy & Ivy Designs wanted to take a second to thank you all for your love, and overwhelming support of our new little business.

We have been blown away by the quantity of orders we have received. We are now having to print them all AGAIN!!

We are working as hard as we can to keep up, fill all of the orders.

Nest week we will be posting information about our TRUNK SHOWS,

and our printable order form will be ready to go.

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions,

or orders,

don't hesitate to drop us an email at izzynivydesigns@gmail.com

Thanks, and big squishy hugs!

Market!

2009-10-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

We were so very excited when we saw our beautiful booth...

well, at least Lola was!

Lauralee (Farrah), Mack, and Lola's Dad got right to work assembling the flowers for me.

It was a tough job because LOLA hadn't brought any of the tools we needed. She didn't even bring a pair of scissors!

It wasn't long until she was ballancing...barely...on a stool.

The flowers need a fluffing!

We all had bruises up and down our legs the next day from that darned stool/ladder!

You may notice that Shasta isn't in any of the pictures.
She was too busy getting Butt shots of the rest of us

We worked so hard, in the sweltering heat, that we put one of our "hands" right to sleep!

Here is the whole booth. (The only shot Lola got of it).

Market was a blast! You wouldn't believe all of the great people we met, and all of the fun things we will be doing in the next few months, like-
publishing patterns in a few magazines,
Being interviewed by a few others,
designing patterns for next market,
and submitting our fabric designs.

We hope to post (soon) about the fun people we met, and about their shops.

It has only been a week since market, but It already feels like it was just a dream!

Poppin' Posies Quilt

2009-09-25T11:29:00.001-07:00

Poppin' Posies

42" x 52"

This ADORABLE quilt is simple, but stunning. The appliqued flowers are an eye catching addition that any girl would love.

Princess Bella

2009-09-25T11:28:00.001-07:00

Sassy or Sweet?

Princess Bella can be worn as a Dress, or as a Top over her favorite jeans.

This pattern includes sizes 2 to 10

Cutting Instructions Only.

All of our patterns come with a woven Izzy & Ivy Designs label for you to add to your creation!

Molly Miss Muffet

2009-09-25T11:27:00.008-07:00

Molly Miss Muffet, dressed like a tuffet! What a fun dress, and skirt pattern

includes sizes 2-14 in each pattern

All of our patterns come with a woven Izzy & Ivy Designs label for you to add to your creation!

Nicole bag

2009-09-25T11:27:00.007-07:00

You won't believe all of the room in this bag.

It has many pockets, including a huge zippered center divider pocket.

Super stylish with a braided handle inset.

Cutting Instructions Only.
All of our patterns come with a woven Izzy & Ivy Designs label for you to add to your creation!

Kayla Bubble

2009-09-25T11:27:00.003-07:00

Kayla Bubble can't possibly get any cuter!

It is a darling top, and a FABULOUS dress.

The Kayla Bubble can be worn over a shirt, with jeans, or dressed up.

This pattern includes sizes 2 to 12

Pattern piece, and cutting instructions included.

All of our patterns come with a woven Izzy & Ivy Designs label for you to add to your creation!

Gracie Jacket and Skirt

2009-09-25T11:27:00.001-07:00

Jacket by- Jana Nielson

Skirt by-Lauralee Billingsley

This little set puts a smile on my face. The top can be worn with the skirt, or as a jacket with jeans.

The skirt has a shirred waist, and flippy gore insets.

The pattern includes sizes 1 to 14
All pattern pieces included.

All of our patterns come with a woven Izzy & Ivy Designs label for you to add to your creation!

Penelope Ruffles

2009-09-25T11:26:00.004-07:00

The Penelope Ruffles bag is the STAR of the show.

Sassy and fun to take everywhere because she turns heads.

She's an attention getter, and my favorite bag.

All of our patterns come with a woven Izzy & Ivy Designs label for you to add to your creation!

Sassy Connie

2009-09-25T11:26:00.001-07:00

Sassy Connie is a great bag. She can carry everything you need, but still looks very stylish. She has a special Cell Phone pocket so that you don't have to dig around when you need it!

All of our patterns come with a woven Izzy & Ivy Designs label for you to add to your creation!

Urban Diaper Bag

2009-09-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

Sleek and Chic! This fabulous purse is actually our Urban Diaper Bag.

Loaded with pockets for bottles and wipes: it has room for your cell phone, keys and even your laptop.

The back of the bag has a large pocket that holds the changing pad, while the pacifier pouch snaps conveniently to one of the straps.

approx. 10" x 15" x 5"

Cutting Instructions Only.

All of our patterns come with a woven Izzy & Ivy Designs label for you to add to your creation!

Macy Giggles

2009-09-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

Easy and breezy as a bright spring day. As refreshing as a child's giggle.

This sundress is cute enough for a party, and comfortable enough for play.You'll love how fast this dress comes together.Make it with or without pockets, and with a thin or wide band on the skirt.

Pattern includes sizes 2-14

Patten piece, and cutting instructions.

All of our patterns come with a woven Izzy & Ivy Designs label for you to add to your creation!

Chloe

2009-09-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

Major twirl factor! The Chloe top, skirt, and dress is perfect for any cutie.

Not sure what to do with theose jeans that have holes in them? This pattern is perfect for you.

Any little girl would love wearing your fabulous creation.

Pattern includes sizes 1-14 in each style.

Cutting Instructions Only

All of our patterns come with a woven Izzy & Ivy Designs label for you to add to your creation!