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Prudent Baby

Get sewing how to, sewing tutorials, and sewing help to learn sewing. We offer sewing tutorial for sewing moms.

Friday, September 30, 2011

FABRIC FRIDAY!


You may remember in August our adorable Storyboek Whale Watch Schroom Fabric Friday Giveaway. Well, today Cynthia from Fabricworm and Birch Fabrics is back with the Storyboek Seahorses Sun fabric from Jay-Cyn Designs.

To enter to win one yard of Storyboek Seahorses Sun all you have to do is tell us your favorite sea creature. There are so many to choose from. I think I'd have to say narwhal or manatee, but these little seahorses are definitely stealing my heart. Leave your comment anytime between now and Friday, October 7th. Tweet, Stumble, or share on Facebook and leave another comment letting us now. Come back every day for new entries. We'll randomly select a winner and announce right here next Friday.

Find out who won last week's Fabric Friday after the jump...
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Link Love


This adorable little man looks so dapper in his DIY sweater vest.

Probably one of the best treat ideas for the holiday season. Bring on the cold weather!

Speaking of cold weather, making your own tea bags seems like a perfect craft to do while sitting by the fire.

Make this to hang on the mantle for the Halloween party and you are sure to get compliments all night.


AND THERE'S MORE...

Now that you have the kid's costumes picked out it's time to focus on you.

Proper English living and proper English muffin pizza. While Jaime needs suggestions for fun things to do in London, Jacinda wants to know your favorite after school snack. Hop on over to Facebook to share your thoughts and suggestions.

Do you Mamas ever find yourselves thinking I used to be cool and I used to have cool friends? No need to search any further. Your How to Befriend Cool People When You Have a Baby instructions are here.

I wish Madge Textiles was around when I was a little girl. I would have loved to run through the Fall leaves in their little capes.


From Halloween party to Thanksgiving dinner.
A two in one party idea.

What does The Nightmare Before Christmas and cheese have in common?

"My goodness! My gracious!” they shouted. “MY WORD! It’s something brand new!" From Dr. Seuss, have you heard?

Hello, we are Prudent Baby and we are addicted to PINNING all day every day. The boards are overflowing like our Dress up/Costume board is full of even more Halloween costume ideas.

Calling all Yo Gabba Gabba fans, learn how to make your own Muno costume. Go, go. Do the Muno. Go, go. Do the Muno.

Don't toss those pumpkin seeds out just yet.

Time to order up a heaping helping of Shel Silverstein never before seen poems with Every Thing On It.


What we are Babble-ing about...
Rapunzel, high teas and palace gardens. So far London has it all but do you have any other suggestions for Jaime while she is on her trip?
A not so scary Halloween idea.
Rope adds that perfect touch, once again.
A trip around the world is now as easy as flipping a page.
My mother always told me not to wear brown and black together. Until now.

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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Floriani Heat N Shrink and Free-Motion Quilting


I've told you how much I love hanging out like a shameless groupie in my local sewing shop, Arlington Sewing Machine Supply Company, so when my friend Emily asked me to tag along while she bought her first sewing machine, I jumped. It seems I can't walk into that place without getting schooled. And I mean that in the best possible way.

While Shannon helped Emily load up on supplies, Carla pulled me aside to show me the cutest lil' girl nightgown that a customer had made. The nightgown featured a yoke with sweet puckered fabric. It looked a little smocked, a little quilted and all the way adorable. Then they showed me how she did it with Floriani Heat N Shrink. Have you seen this stuff? Take a look at the process and tell me what to do with my flowers...

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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Yarn Bombing: Dallas' Winspear Opera House Has Me 'Hooked'


Like all of us with an eye for the crafty, I've been intrigued by yarn bombing over the past few years. There is something so whimsical and marvelously frivolous about putting all of that work into a piece of temporary art. It's like cake decorating to me in a way. Making a moment in time magical with something beautiful. So I couldn't help but take a 'million' pictures of the yarn-bombed grounds of the Winspear Opera House, an installation inspired by their latest production, Hair. It was just so happy and beautiful. Does this inspire you to 'bomb' something? Wouldn't it be fun to crochet up a sweater for your front yard Oak? Or surprise a Fall birthday friend with a granny-squared mailbox? Maybe that half-finished afghan would be enough to cover your lawn flamingo? No surface is safe!

See my gallery of yarn-bomb photos...

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Breakfast Pizza


We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to present you with a novel concept: turn the grill on for breakfast.

I've been enjoying grilled pizza so much that I had to give it a try with breakfast pizza.

I followed our Grilled Pizza Recipe to a T, but instead of sauce I used sour cream as a base, and piled on scrambled eggs, potato and onion hash, some garden tomatoes, and green onions.

Definitely a hit. Give grilled breakfast pizza a try, the kids will think it's hilarz to have pizza for breakfast.

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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

25 Play Tents to Buy or DIY


Every kid loves a small space to call their own. That's why I rounded up 25 of the most inspiring play tents for kids, many of which include tutorials for you to make your own. And for those of us that are not especially handy, I've included some surprisingly gorgeous play tents you can buy. Check them out here: 25 Stunning Play Tents to Buy or DIY.

Loving Postcardly!


I love sending mail and keeping the family and friends updated but I have found myself running out of time to even get out to the mailbox. This is why I am so excited to have a sponsored post by Postcardly today. They have made my life so much easier and with the holidays coming up I have a feeling I will be using them just about all the time. Take it away Postcardly...


We have a hunch that your baby is so cute that everyone is clamoring for pictures all the time. It's easy to share photos online, but what about your friends and relatives that aren't so plugged into social media and photo sharing sites? When you're juggling diapers, sleep deprivation, and a wiggling baby, the last thing you want to think about is how to print off and send a picture to your Great Aunt Irma.

That's where Postcardly comes in handy. Just write an email and attach a picture, and Postcardly will turn your email into a physical postcard and send it to the address you specify through the U.S. Mail. No rustling through the junk drawer to find a pen, standing in line at the post office for stamps, fighting with inkjets, or taking SD cards to the drug store. Just a quick email from anywhere in the world, and any device with an internet connection.

When your Great Aunt Irma opens her mailbox and there's a postcard featuring your message and a high-quality picture of your beautiful baby, addressed to her, it's almost as good as the day she gets her tax refund. Postcardly makes sending letters and pictures easy for parents and makes checking mailboxes fun again for everyone else.

Now you can see why I'm kind of obsessed with Postcardly, it's so easy! I even follow them on Twitter and Facebook to make sure I'm in the know of what they are coming up with next. I cannot wait to send Grandma and Grandpa daily updates of every single occasion. Is it weird that I even want to send them a postcard of the cupcakes we made the other day?

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Monday, September 26, 2011

Sewing with Rayon 101


Are you ready to branch out beyond sewing with quilting cotton? Last week Jaime shared the details on Sewing with Knit Fabric and today Jessica from Sew Homegrown is here to share the basics of Sewing with Rayon. With designers like Amy Butler launching rayon collections, it's so tempting to jump into sewing with this gorgeous draping fabric. With just a few basic skills you can sew lovely items in rayon like Jessica's Anthro-Inspired Headband(above), our Sleep Shorts or the Baby Peasant Blouse or Long Sleeve Peasant Dress. And not to leave out the mamas, how about the Freestyle Hot Mess Mommy Dress or Jessica's recent Simple Cardi? Read on to get the scoop on Sewing with Rayon and see more rayon-friendly projects to get you started!

Peasant Blouse

Sleep Shorts

Freestyle Hot Mess Mommy Dress

Read more »

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Friday, September 23, 2011

FABRIC FRIDAY!


Are these kooky Michael Miller, Forest Life owls calling your name? To enter for the chance to win a yard of this adorable fabric, tell us for whom you would sew something up with this cuteness. Hoot! Hoot!

Leave your comment anytime between now and next Friday, September 30th.  Tweet, stumble, or share on facebook and leave another comment letting  us know. Come back every day for new entries. We'll randomly select a  winner and announce right here next Friday.
Find out who won last week's Fabric Friday after the jump...
Read more »

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Link Love


Now is the time to start planning those car and airplane activities to keep the kids occupied on those holiday trips. Amy, from Eat Drink Chic, created this adorable memory game and even included a free PDF Popsicle download.

Keep those Halloween ideas coming. With so many costumes to choose from it is hard to pick just the right one. Is it bad that I wish Halloween came up more than once a year? Then I can get use out of all these ideas like this precious little parrot.

With our busy schedules, on-the-go games are just what we need. The simpler the better. Something like just rolling out a rug would be nice.

We must kiss our long summer days goodbye now that Fall is here. Time to bring in that homemade outdoor theater. Don't worry though these DIY basic and intricate shadow puppet theaters will do just the trick in keeping those playwright imaginations running. The show must go on!

I can honestly say that I don't own any of these crazy and wacky gadgets, yet. I could definitely use a soda chariot and a burger form at the next barbecue.


One of the cutest dress patterns I have seen in a while and she even has patterns for shoes.

If your kid has never flown before or is nervous about flying this is a great activity to do with him or her to help with those pre-flight jitters.

This Fall time recipe always makes my mouth water when I read it. I think it's time to start cooking.

Do you ever wonder how photographers get that perfect shot of a sleeping newborn?

While Jaime and Jacinda are almost completely identical in every way, they are not actually the same person. To prove it they have created their own style pinboards unique to their own interests and personalities. What would you add to your own style pinboard?

If you are like me, you can always use some good new kids music to listen to. That is why I was so happy to find that Zooglobble just posted their top five kids music CD's on Small Magazine.

The smell of pumpkin bread is in the air.


From ribbons to flowers to fabric galore. The Ribbon Retreat has it all.

As a kid we used a very uncomfortable book on our lap to make a desk. Now these look a lot more comfortable and you can make it yourself.

Remember those pictures of children's bedrooms from around the world? Now get a glimpse into these children's true Toy Stories of around the world.

Christmas is creeping up on us which means it's time to start brainstorming those ideas. To get you started here are 18 easy Christmas craft ideas including our easy and fun to make stocking.



Babble, Babble, Babble-on...
Pitch this staycation idea to the kids and I'm sure they will be all ears.
I would have been much happier with the idea of sharing a room with my sister if we had slept in one of these.
Halloween cuteness all wrapped up in an octopus, mushroom and Katy Perry. What?
My laundry room looks so drab after spotting these beauties.
Pattern Giveaway Galore. Everything from clutches, pillows, mini dress, tunics and tops. Time is running out.
Okay, not only does my laundry room feel dull but now my hampers need a kick. I'm thinking a laundry-rama makeover is in store.
Wait! Don't throw away all those scraps of fabric yet. Not even those itty-bitty ones. Start putting them to good use.

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Thursday, September 22, 2011

Costume Inspiration!


You know how I feel about costumes, so of course I adore Halloween. What are you dressing the kids up as this year? Are you planning to dress up too? If you need some inspiration, or just your fix of crafty cuteness. Check out these slide shows to see what other crafty mamas around the web have cooked up! The little Dwight Schrute pictured above is so adorable, and the cardboard robocop is pretty amazing too. Check them out here: 10 Awesome Costume Ideas for Little Dudes.


Dot candy cuteness! And the sweet scarecrow! See these costumes and more here: 15 Awesome Costume Ideas for Little Ladies.


Maybe the whole family wants to coordinate. Get inspired here: 15 Group Costume Ideas for Families.

Follow our dress up pinterest board for more fun costume tutorial linkage. And tell us what you & your kids are planning to dress up as in the comments!

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GIVEAWAY: $50 Gift Certificate to Urban Tickle


Yesterday we gave you a little peek at Urban Tickle and now we are giving away a $50 gift certificate to this adorable shop! Urban Tickle offers fresh and fun artwork for your kid's room (or your room, we won't tell) plus custom birth announcements, growth charts and more.

Read on for a 15%-off code for the entire shop and to learn how to enter for the chance to win a $50 gift certificate!
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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

We Salute General Adorableness

Sorry, inside joke, my husband and I salute every time someone uses the word "general." We're nerds. I think it's from a TV show. Anyhow, I want to introduce you to the lovely little places that help make Prudent Baby possible. Our sponsors!

KLT: works is a shop with serious style for boys and girls (and their parents!) Woodland lovers, you will not be able to resist their adorable illustrated shirts. Adding to Xmas list immediately.
 
Looking for a fresh take on art for the kiddo's room? Visit Urban Tickle for unique growth charts, custom birth announcements and artwork.
 
Stop by The Ribbon Retreat for all kinds of sewing supplies and FREE SHIPPING on orders over $40.

Baby invitations by Storkie.com has an enormous assortment of invitation and announcement designs at great prices.

You've witnessed the magic of First Friends Toy Portraits here before. Clare's mermaid portrait is a prized possession. Order a toy portrait for someone you love in time for holiday gift giving.

And if you are ready to take your blog or shop to the next level, take a peek at our advertising opportunities that start at just $50. And if you have questions about advertising, just shoot us an email. We have a few spaces available starting October 1st!

The Beginner's Jersey Baby Dress: A Free Sewing Pattern



Earlier this week we gave a primer on sewing with knits in our post How to Sew Knit Fabrics: Sewing With Jersey 101. Now we are going to share a free pattern for a knit dress and do a tutorial on how to make it.

Knit clothing is so fun to sew, and I think it's even easier than cotton, because it is very forgiving (no buttons or zippers necessary), and kids think it's cozy...

So here we will share a basic free pattern for a jersey baby dress. You can make this dress a million different ways. Here's a few versions...

And you can embellish to your heart's content.
I'll show you how to make the ruffle version (and a sleeved version) of this beginner's jersey baby dress soon, but today let's start with the basic dress. This will allow us to review how to create a neckline and finish arm holes with jersey fabric. Let's get started...
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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

25 FREE Pincushion Tutorials


I can't get enough of adorable pincushions. They are a quick project, useful and you can't seem to ever have too many. Why is it that whenever I reach for one, it's never there? I need more. In fact, I'm considering becoming an official collector of pincushions. It will be my thing. Speaking of which, pincushions make an adorable little gift for the crafty folk in your life. Here are 25 FREE tutorials for your pincushion pleasure. Even my own Porq + Beans made it in on slide 11!

Jacinda's Craft Cave: BEFORE


A few weeks ago I was debating "aloud" on Facebook whether or not I should tidy up the Craft Cave before I shared "before" photos so as not to humiliate myself and my family and destroy any credibility I may have. In an effort to build up my courage, I asked you to show me your messy craft spaces and the emails came in. I realized I wasn't alone! I guess not everyone's craft space looks like Heather Bailey's or Anna Maria Horner's (swoon, I want that.) So here goes... if you are ready to see a big hot mess and offer your advice on how to make my space tidy, functional and beautiful, read on. Eeeeek, I'm nervous and ashamed!!! And just so you are fully prepared, the above photo is the only shot that won't make you feel like bathing. I wanted to ease you in. Don your hard-hats mamas, let's do this!
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Monday, September 19, 2011

How to Sew Knit Fabrics: Sewing With Jersey 101


Babies love wearing cozy knits! Ladies love wearing cozy knits! The Season of Cozy is upon us, but when we asked the Prudent Mamas, we discovered everyone is nervous about knits. We get that! Since we have a bunch of cute patterns for knit jersey dresses and such planned for you, we thought we'd start by getting everyone comfortable with sewing knits. Let's start with a little primer, including what equipment you need (or don't need), the different stitches, and some basic tips to help you get on your way to Cozytown.

From the feedback on our facebook page and twitter, we see that the Prudent Mamas have concerns about stretched out seams, popping threads, and slippage while sewing. The overall conclusion was that knits are scary. No! Knits are just stretchy. Let's take the mystery out of sewing these stretchy beasts.

Then you can make these cute dresses I share a pattern and tutorial for here: Beginner's Jersey Baby Dress!

Learn the basics of how to sew with knit jersey fabrics after the jump...
Read more »

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Friday, September 16, 2011

FABRIC FRIDAY!


Well, if this isn't the cutest thing we've ever seen. Aneela Hoey Little Apples - Round and Round in Aqua features adorable illustrated children frolicking about playing sweet old fashioned games. Hopscotch, marbles, red-rover, ring-around-the-rosie, Simon says, hula hoop, freeze tag... what's your favorite (or least favorite) old-school childhood game? I hated Dodge Ball. I feel like we played dodge ball every gym class and it totally stressed me out. Plus the picking of teams. The WORST!
To enter to win a yard of this adorable fabric, tell us your favorite or least favorite childhood game (and why if you have a story.)

See the entire collection here.

Leave your comment anytime between now and next Friday, September 23rd.  Tweet, stumble, or share on facebook and leave another comment letting  us know. Come back every day for new entries. We'll randomly select a  winner and announce right here next Friday.

Find out who won last week's Fabric Friday after the jump...
Read more »

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Link Love


Fall is here and Christmas is just around the corner. Time to start making those garlands.

Try decorating a pumpkin this year instead of carving one. The owl and lace pumpkins are my personal favorites.

Add some color to those spoons.

I'm a little Peacock short and cute. Here is a sock monkey and here is a Shrute. For a collection of costume tutorials check out our Pinterest Dress Up/ Costume board.

Finally I can learn how to make this delicious spread instead of buying it every week.


I can honestly say, asparagus cake never sounded so delicious.

Flowers can cost so much. Why not just use fabric at your wedding?

OMGparents, the new kind of godparent.

The manliest baby shower I have ever seen.

Bananas, Butter and Booze
: Recipe for scrumptious coffee cake.

Have you ever found yourself eating in your sleep? I ate nine Oreos in my sleep and woke up with crumbs all over the pillow. Join our Facebook conversation and share your dream-eating stories with us. Maybe next time I can try to at least eat a fresh, organic salad.

Learn how to make a balance bike out of your own bike at home.

Lori sells such beautiful lockets and through Poppytalk get free shipping.


The latest on Babble...

What does a garden gnome, Robocop and a hot air balloon all have in common?
25 Free DIY Chevron projects to get that Missoni look.
Nobody puts baby in a corner. Or do they?
Finally, a lunch pot that both kid and parent can use. No more having to take a tattered grocery bag or Littlest Pet Shop lunch pail to work.
Crafting on the go. I am now on the hunt for the perfect, vintage suitcase.
A pleasant surprise is in store for you.
Yo ho, yo ho! A pirates life for me. Don't forget to mark those calendars for September 19th.
Most of us have at least heard of the TLC show Outrageous Kid Parties where families spend up to thousands of dollars on parties for their kids. Well, what if you were able to create an outrageously adorable kids party by spending a total of $0.
Affordable, high fashion looks for those with a bun in the oven.

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