And Friday, we officially set out on our journey to Virginia.  Tulsa has been a fantastic home for us for almost 5 years.  Evan made his first short film here.  I began to blog, sew, crochet, and take pictures of it all right here.

We had two babies here.

And we bought a house.

And we made some really great friends.

We are sad to leave our friends and home–but always game for new adventures!

Goodbye, Tulsa!  We heart you.

There are five amazing finalists for Spring Top Week over on Rae’s blog.  Go vote!  The polls are closed tonight at midnight.

I finally got inspired to make a top of my own on Friday night, and here’s what I cranked out:

I made this shirt from pattern A in The Stylish Dress Book.  That would have happened more efficiently if I understood Japanese.  Alas.  When I finally figured out that the back pattern piece was not the front, I was good to go.

The pattern is really quite simple.

And it looks a lot better on me than the original, ill-fitting thrifted sundress ($1!!!), which looked a lot like a maternity dress on me:

Although I still have to be careful how I wear it, or I’m certain I will look pregnant. ;)  (Which I’m all for when I actually am pregnant.  But I am decidedly not.)

It’s much better tucked-in.

I love the neckline on this and might have to make a dress from the pattern.

Thanks, Rae, for hosting a great week of inspiration!  You (& all the super-talented ladies who submitted tops) certainly got me inspired. :)

Get out there and vote for your favorite handmade top on Made by Rae!

Here are today’s tops:

Lots of inspiration and talent on display this week, so don’t miss it!  :)

To go make something outta nothing.  Or make something outta something else. :)  Here are some ideas from the Thimbly Things archives:

1. Romantic Blouse from frumpy nightshirt

2. Girl’s Easter Dress from Mommy’s old shirt

3. Fashionable Skirt from incredibly frumpy thrifted dress (And here’s another one.)

4. Chic Dress from perhaps even more incredibly frumpy thrifted dress

Happy Earth Day!  Go redeem something old and ugly!!!

Well, sometimes I am.  Lately, I’ve been trying to reign it in a bit — making multiples of like objects and such.

But there’s no denying that I like (or love) a lot of different stuff.

Not the least of which is making clothing.  Remember this top?

I made this last spring out of another shirt.  And really tried to finish in time for Spring Top Week… but I was about an hour too late, I do believe.

Alas, I’m happy to announce that Rae of Made by Rae has asked me to be a judge for this year’s Spring Top Week.  I feel honored to be amongst some of my favorite bloggers judging some of my favorite things.  Woo-hoo!

You can check out the Spring Top Flickr group here and see last year’s tops here.  Get inspired, pull out your sewing machine, and get to work! :)

My first original pattern drafted using knowledge gained from Cal Patch: a tank top.  I plan to make a few adjustments and grade the pattern.

Maybe I’ll even sell a few in a lovely Japanese print.  Maybe.

Makes you want to lay out a picnic blanket, no?  Too bad it’s 48 degrees out.

But it won’t be forever.  And I’m going to be prepared this year. :)

For Rae and Dana’s Celebrate the Boy Month, I made a soft book for Jacob.  He loves so many simple things that I thought I’d just compile them into one toy.  Using old jeans, Heat ‘n’ Bond, and a variety of fabric scraps, I appliqued pictures and constructed a little book for him.  Which he seems to love.

Wanna see how?

Tutorial after the jump. :) (more…)

This is my fourth project from Cal Patch’s Design-it-Yourself Clothes.  [Note: I love Cal, not only for writing the best “craft” book ever, but also for talking to me as I work my way through it.  She understands pattern-making and delights in seeing others “get it.”  Thank you, Cal!]

This is just about the most basic dress one can make.  I think that next time I make it, I’ll make the waist a wee bit higher.  And perhaps the neckline would benefit from a slight sweetheart shape.

[Click on this photo to see it on Flickr and read my notes.]

I kind of want to make a strapless version of this.  But that’s a whole different deal.  I need boning or elastic or something else to make that work.  (Cal?)

This is a simple sundress.

With pockets.  Of course.   And the fabric is the reverse side of the denim I used for this debacle.  I remembered that when purchasing the denim, I actually fell in love with the wrong side of the fabric.  So I decided to use it!

I like it.

Now.  Bring on the sun! :)

P.S. See what Flossie Teacakes has made from the book too.  She’s amazing!

Rae, Dana, and a slew of other fabulous bloggers are helping to “Celebrate the Boy” all February.  And guess what?  I’ve been asked to contribute!  Afterall, I do have a boy.  And he needs celebrating.

Here’s an example of this sweet child’s life:

That is Jacob.  Note that he is surrounded by pinks and florals of various sorts.  He can often be found hugging baby dolls and drinking from tiny teacups…

or trying on broken Cinderella gear, mommy’s boots, or heart-shaped sunglasses.  Not that he doesn’t love cars or balls or roaring at us or whatever.  But he is surrounded by girliness.

Thus, it will be refreshing to focus on The Boy for a bit.  There will be tons of ideas, tutorials, round-ups, etc. over at Made by Rae and MADE.   And all in celebration of our little men!

I’ll be sharing a tutorial on how to make a soft toy.  What will that be?  I have some ideas brewing, but I’d love to hear from you!  What would you like to see?  Something I’ve made in the past?  Something fresh?

Pirates?

Tell me!  I’ve got a couple weeks to pull my bit together, and I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU! :)

Today, the clouds are bright, fluffy, and a bit cheerful.  They seem to be filtering the sun so it doesn’t melt the beautiful snow too fast.

Thanks for thinking of us through the storm!  I’ll be back on Monday with an announcement…

And I’m not pregnant if that’s what you’re thinking. ;)

P.S. I just listed another Keep Calm and Carry On 5 x 7.  Happy Saturday!

P.P.S.  Those icicles pictured yesterday are now as long as 2.5 ft.  Yikes.