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Category: inspiration Monday

Sneak Peak: The Nautical Striped Maxi

posted in diy, inspiration Monday, sewing, tutorial, women's fashion by Sara on
The Nautical Striped Maxi Dress Tutorial

The Nautical Striped Maxi Dress Tutorial

The Nautical Striped Maxi Dress Tutorial
The Nautical Striped Maxi Dress Tutorial

The Nautical Striped Maxi Dress Tutorial

We’re about to get real serious with this sewing project people! Ok not really because lets face it, no sewing project I do is all that serious. I am the easy, simple, whip-it-up-in-a-couple-of-hours type of girl when it comes to sewing. But one thing that I am serious about it how much I love this new creation of mine. I’ve been itching to make myself another maxi dress, but one with sleeves so I didn’t always feel like I had to wear something over it or under it. I’ve seen many different gathered-skirt maxi dresses on the racks this season and think they are so cute. The construction looked simple enough so I thought I’d give it a try (I’m one of  those weird people that always looks on the inside of garments to see how there were made).

I started with a fairly basic top with 3/4 length sleeves. I added a little gather at the top of the sleeves to give the dress some feminine details. For the bottom half of the dress, I planned to do a gathered skirt but quickly realized that a gathered, voluminous shape around my mid-section didn’t flatter my body all that nicely. I instead went with a nice A-line bottom with a thin elastic band in the waist. And instead of my usual solid fabric, I decided to step it up a notch with this bold nautical stripe print fabric from (you guessed it) Girl Charlee Fabrics. Overall…perfection!

There is just something wonderful to be said about making your own clothes. I love having the freedom of seeing something that I love and then being able to take that inspiration and customize it to fit me and all of my wants. For all of you beginner sewers out there reading this, let me say something to ease your frustration: mastery does not happen over night. It has taken me months and months of practice and failed projects to finally be able to sew more carefree. I still make mistakes and have much more to learn, but with time and practice I hope to expand my sewing capabilities. Just remember, be patient with yourself and with the process– and keep sewing!

Tomorrow I will be posting the tutorial on how to make this simple, yet classy maxi dress so don’t miss out! Be prepared to learn, be inspired, and ask questions!  I can’t stress enough how much we love to hear from our readers so please leave us a note!

– SARA

Linked To:
http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2014/03/09/sunday-best-link-party-3.html
http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/2014/03/craft-o-maniac-monday-link-party-10.html
http://www.sewcando.com/2014/03/come-link-up-its-craftastic-monday-link.html
http://watchoutforthewoestmans.blogspot.com/2014/03/watch-what-im-wearing_9.html

Comfy Color Block Top

posted in inspiration Monday, sewing, women's fashion by Sara on
It has become of dream of mine to design and construct my own fashion collection someday. Nothing too crazy, just stylish and comfy clothes made for real women. Almost all of my sewing has been self-taught through reading books, articles, and online tutorials– and of course through lots and lots of practice. It’s a skill that I’m continually striving to learn about and develop, but for now I enjoy simply experimenting and creating. This comfy color block top is my latest creation. 
I’ve had this green cotton blend fabric for while now, which I actually pulled from my mom’s fabric stash. I’ve looked at it many times but just haven’t been all that inspired about what to do with it. Finally, I saw a top posted on Pinterest and all of the sudden the wheels started turning. I wanted something that would give me the comfort of a sweatshirt but look stylish at the same time. Comfortable, yet put-together is what every woman/mother strives for isn’t it? Well, I think this chic combination of green and grey managed to do the trick (at least for me anyway)! I’m telling you guys, this is probably my new favorite top!
Comfy Color Block Top // by Stripes and Polka Dots

Comfy Color Block Top // by Stripes and Polka Dots
Comfy Color Block Top // by Stripes and Polka Dots
Comfy Color Block Top // by Stripes and Polka Dots
Comfy Color Block Top // by Stripes and Polka Dots
color block top: Handmade (pattern to come) // jeans: JC Penny //  flats: Target // necklace: Charlotte Russe // bag: JC Penny
I’m working on creating a pattern to share with all of you in the [hopefully not so distant] future. 
And in case you were wondering, I purchased the grey fabric from Girl Charlee Fabrics. This was also the fabric I used to make leggings for my daughter. You can view the full tutorial HERE.
Linked to:
http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2014/01/26/sunday-best-link-party-1.html
http://www.sewcando.com/2014/01/come-get-crafty-at-craftastic-monday.html
http://gracelangdon.blogspot.com/2014/01/making-monday-24.html
http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/2014/01/craft-o-maniac-monday-link-party-4.html
http://thewinthropchronicles.blogspot.com/2014/01/share-it-link-party-99.html

Friday Finds #3: Decorating with Numbers

posted in diy, Friday Finds, home, inspiration Monday by Hanna on
To carry on with the theme from Wednesday’s post, we’re giving some inspiration when it comes to decorating with numbers. (In case you missed the post on the DIY Numbers Pouf check it out HERE!) We just love decorating with numbers, not to mention it’s a quick and easy way to give your stuff a new look. 
This week we decided to throw a few DIY numbered projects into the round-up so feel free to click through the links so you can see how to recreate some of these hot looks yourself!
1.  Numbered Mason Jars | by The Crafted Sparrow
2.  Numbered Counter Stools | by Elizabeth Joan Designs
3. Raindrop Numbers 1 to 10 |  LittleDesignHaus on Etsy
4. Vintage No. 8 Wrapped Canvas | Native Vermont Studio on Etsy 
5. Washable Numbered Stencil Mugs | by The 36th Avenue
7. Numbered Clothes Pin Magnets | Farmhouse Wares
8. Hanging Metal Numbers  | The Land of Nod
9. Touch Tone Numbered Wall Hanger | The Land of Nod
Linked To:
http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/2014/01/linkn-blogs-9.html


Inspiration Monday: A Hint of Plum

posted in inspiration Monday, marriage, women's fashion by Sara on
Inspiration via Pinterest

Another weekend has come and gone. I can’t help but think that time is getting away from me these days. It seems like the older I get the more time seems to speed by! Anyway, to start off my weekend I came home from work Friday evening to a clean house, dinner in the oven and a babysitter lined up for date-night. Pretty amazing right?! After almost four years of marriage, I think my husband is starting to really understand my love language. Needless to say, it was just what I needed after a long week.

With Veteran’s Day now upon us there were some pretty amazing sales over the weekend so a friend and I went out to find ourselves some great deals. Really we just hit up JC Penny because I’m addicted to their clothes and prices. They were having their biggest sale ever (which I believe is running through today) with almost everything on sale plus an additional $10 off when you spent $25. My wardrobe is pretty much complete but I needed a few more items to finish it off for fall/winter. The plum colored opaque tights and gray sweater are among my most recent buys from JC Penny. And I’ve got to say, I’m loving them…especially with my new ankle boots that my amazing mother-in-laws spoiled me with when she was here a couple weeks ago!

Sweater: JC Penny
Colored Opaque Tights: JC Penny
Pencil Skirt: Gap Outlet (old)
Boots: Gift

Linked to:

Inspiration Monday: Fall Inspired Wreath

posted in crafts, diy, inspiration Monday by Sara on

I absolutely love fall…who doesn’t right ?! I love the colors, the smells, the fashion, the holidays, and especially the foods! And with October less than a day away, fall is now in full swing– time to gear up! What better way to embrace the season then a full week devoted to fall favorites!

Today, I’m showing off my much loved fall inspired wreath. My inspiration stemmed for the lovely Practically Functional blog. She gives a great tutorial on how to make your own fall monogram wreath, so be sure to check that our {HERE}.

I’ve had my grapevine wreath of years, which I got on clearance at Micheal’s for $5.00, and haven’t really known how to use it. I made a few attempts in the past at decorating it, but mostly it has sat in storage. However, with a little inspiration I decided to pull out the old wreath and put it to use. It was super easy to make and I love being welcomed by it every time I come home. Here is what I used:

–   grapevine wreath
–   garland of faux berries
–   cardboard monogram
–   burlap
–   scrap fabric
–   glue

I simply twisted the garlands of berries around the wreath, then added a bow made out of burlap, and a monogram that I had wrapped with some scrap fabric I had laying around. Like I said, a way easy project! Check out my Fall Favorites board on Pinterest to see more wonderful fall crafts and inspiration!

**Tip: Faux berries can sometimes be a little pricey, so if you’re on a budget I’d recommend using a coupon, or looking at the dollar store or a thrift store. I found mine at the Goodwill for $1. 

Inspiration Monday: Finding Balance

posted in faith, inspiration Monday, lifestyle, motherhood by Sara on

I came across my inspiration for today when searching for a little pick-me-up. It has been three weeks since the move and only two weeks since my husband started his doctorate program and I can already begin to feel the wait of it all. Even worse is how torn I feel about my role in this new chapter of our lives. Somehow I need to be a wife, mother, and bread-winner all at the same time and quite frankly I have no idea how. Being a supportive wife, an attentive mother, and dedicated homemaker while trying to provide an income and find time for myself has been a struggle. Balancing life has never really been a strong point of mine, but I know if I’m going to make it through it’s something I’m going to have to learn.

I light of this new found revelation, below are some great posts/articles I’ve recently read that have truly inspired me and have brought great comfort in the fact that I am not the only person out there struggling to balance a hectic life.

One of the greatest sources of inspiration I receive on a daily bases is from my twin sister. While she often seems like it, I know she is not perfect and is a mom like me just trying to make it though the day sometimes. I know I can always turn to her for help or motivation. She recently wrote a post on her blog about taking charge of her life and am ready to join in on the challenge!

Another source of great inspiration and encouragement is my faith. It is often what keeps me going and brings more joy and comfort than I could ever describe. I absolutely love this talk from Elder M. Russell Ballard on ,”Keeping Life’s Demands in Balance”.  He gives eight wonder suggestions on how to balance our lives so that we may live it to the fullest. I invite everyone to read it and benefit from it as well.

I sincerely welcome and encourage any advice, tips, comments, or inspirational articles you have on finding a good balance in life! Thanks for reading and happy Monday!

Inspiration Monday: Thrifty Finds

posted in inspiration Monday, thrifted, women's fashion by Sara on

Since starting up school again we’ve been on a super tight budget. It’s back to eating tuna  fish sandwiches, buying no name brands, and conserving in just about every imaginable way. While being on a strict budget might mean sacrificing certain things, I’ve learned that fashion does not have to be one of them…I’ll just be going about it in a different way.

Being on a tight budget, I feel inspired to start repurposing, thrifting, or making things myself. I’ve never had much luck at thrift stores but I’ve realized that finding what you want, at the price you want takes time and patience. I’m lucky to have a large Goodwill store, which seem very plentiful in Oregon, right across the street where I have found some amazing finds!

My first fabulous find was this gold braided belt…you know how I love my metalics! In my searches elsewhere, a similar belt has been upwards of $12. Along with the belt I found this ruffled collar top from J.Crew. I love having basic tees in my wardrobe as they are so versatile and this top has definitely met those needs. A week later I came across this bold leopard print skirt from Target with the tag still on. To my overwhelming joy it was even in my size– a done deal! Lastly I picked up this blue cardigan, also originally from Target with the tag still on, and just couldn’t pass it up.

While I never would have thought it possible, I’ve been able to add some great versatile pieces to my wardrobe at a price I could afford without having to sacrifice my style. I just love a good deal, don’t you?!

Linked to:
http://pennilesssocialite.blogspot.com/search/label/Look%20What%20I%20Got
http://vodkainfusedlemonade.com/2013/09/12/vest-stripes-booties-tres-chic-fashion-thursday-link-up/
http://www.perfectlycoutured.com/2013/09/three-fer-thursday-link-up_12.html