Make Something Monday

I was asked by a friend to post a tutorial for my DIY man's shirt to tank top.  The pictures that I have are old, but I'll do my best to write a good description.  Feel free to ask any questions!

I took one of my husband's old T-shirts, laid it out flat and used one of my tank tops (that fit well) as a template.  I cut around it, and because T-shirts are made of jersey knit, I didn't have to worry about finishing the edges around the color, sleeves, and bottom.

I used the extra fabric that I cut off around the bottom to make the ruffle on top.  Super, super easy!  Set your machine to the largest zig-zag stitch, pull out your bobbin thread, and stitch over the bobbin thread.  

I pinned the ruffle where I wanted it, and sewed away! 

All in all, I think this took me about 15 minutes.  I think I need to go rummaging through my husband's clothes again, now.  This has made me want to do another one!

Make Something Monday

Here's a couple of projects that I finished last week.  The hats, bow ties, and hair bows are for a dance recital.  I love how they turned out!  The hair bows will most likely have rhinestones attached to them.  The kids that will be wearing these are between the ages of 4 and 6, so it will be absolutely adorable!

And this is another shirt refashion that I did.  I started with one of my husband's old T-shirts and a vintage doily.  I used my Cricut to cut a fleur de lis to use as a template, then cut it out of the shirt.

I pinned and pinned, and then sewed the doily in place.

Not the greatest picture, but you get the idea.  Pretty cute, if I say so myself!  I also made a pocket out of another doily and added it to the front.  But... I put it too far to the left, so I need to fix that.

Filofax Friday

Sorry that I didn't post my Thankful Thursday post yesterday.  My phone died, which is how I post all of my pictures, and it was just impossible to get to it... Look for a double dose next Thursday.

Here's my week!  You'll notice a lot more sticky notes.  I've taken a cue from Jennifer from http://www.mypurpleylife.com and started putting a fly leaf in between my current pages.  This way I can stick notes or whatever I'd like to it and still see the day that I'm on.  After the day is over, I transfer my notes to the corresponding page.  I'm loving how it works!

Sunday & Monday

Tuesday & Wednesday

Aren't those Peacock stickers awesome?  They're from Sticker King.

Thursday & Friday

Here you can see the fly leaf in between my pages.  This is really working well for me.  I've been writing down inspiring Scriptures or quotes every day  and it's really helping me stay positive throughout the day.

Is there a system that you use to help you keep your chin up during the day?  I'd love to hear about it! Leave me a comment!

Tip Tuesday: My favorite cleaning tips!

I've got a few of my favorite cleaning tips (or shortcuts) to share with you today.

I hate to clean.  I loathe it.  But, it's one of those things that must be done, so I do it.  I have a cleaning schedule that I do my best to keep up on, and it really helps.  I have several Pinterest recipes for cleaners that I've made, and they're all tried and true.  The only cleaning solution that I buy from the store any more is Windex.  I'm not sure how much I actually save making my own, but I know it's a lot.

Here goes: 

You know I make my own laundry detergent.  Here's the link to that post:http://envoguepogue.blogspot.com/2013/12/laundry-bombs_31.html

And my dishwasher detergent: http://envoguepogue.blogspot.com/2014/02/tip-tuesday-homemade-dishwasher-soap.html

I use Windex for my glass (of course) but thanks to Pinterest, I've found a new and amazing way to use it.  My dining chairs are upholstered with microseude.  Having three little ones, they get really dirty really quickly.  I've found the best way to clean them is with Windex!  Just spray some on, and use a scrub brush to wipe the grime off.  It's awesome!  Here's the link:http://makingtheworldcuter.com/2013/03/clean-microfiber-the-easy-way/

I've also been making my own Swiffer solution!  I bought some microfiber cloths from the dollar store, and cut them to fit my Swiffer.  They're machine washable, so no more wasting money on Swiffer pads!  And here's the link to remove the top off the Swiffer solution bottle.   http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-remove-the-cap-on-a-Swiffer-Wet-Jet-cleaner/

For the cleaning solution, I used equal parts vinegar and hot water, and about 20 drops of lemon essential oil.  It works every bit as well as the original solution!

My last tip is Liquid Magic Eraser.  Having kids around means dirty walls... Well, it means dirty everything.  But I came across this recipe, and it's AWESOME!  http://onetalentedmom.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/liquid-magic-eraser-homemade/

I've found that vinegar is one of my favorite things.  I love that it works so well, and it's inexpensive and it's not a chemical.  It's fabric softener, it's floor cleaner, it's great in the dishwasher as a rinse agent, it's just plain amazing!

I hope this post helped you!  These are simple recipes that take basically no time to put together, they save money, and they WORK!  Have a great Tuesday!

Make Something Monday: Mother's Day Gift

Mom, if you're reading, STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER!  (Just kidding, go ahead and read, it just won't be a surprise.)
My mom loves to knit.  So, for Mother's Day, I decided to put together a knitting bag for her.  This was so much fun, and I'm really happy with how it turned out!  If I was a knitter, I would want this bag.

The fabrics that I used were repurposed.  They were once an old sheet and a duvet cover.  They made a gorgeous tote!

 The first thing I did was embroider this cute saying on the sheet.  I love the balls of yarn and knitting needles at the top!

I appliqued the saying onto the front of the tote, and then covered it with some ribbon.

Here's the straps coming together.  I just sewed the strips down the center then pressed them in half again and sewed a finishing stitch down both sides.

The finger?  Battle wound.  I was attacked by my embroidery machine while working on the saying above...

I pinned the straps to the bag and made sure that both sides would line up.

I like the sew the straps on by stitching a square first, and then do an "X" in the middle.

I LOVE MY SERGER!  I serged all the edges together and turned the bag right side out.

Isn't it cute?  

I added a little bit of bling, and there it is!  The perfect knitting bag.  I LOVE IT!  And I hope my mom will, too

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!  Love ya!

Oh, and Mom, Jim's contribution is embroidered on the inside of the bag... :D

Filofax Friday, and a look at the Month of May

Phew!  It's Friday.  I'm so glad it's Friday.  Here's the last week's pages:

Musical notes.  These are so cute.  I love that they have hair and some are wearing hats.

I had a lot to do at the beginning of the week... Lots on those To Do lists!

I got to go out with some of my best girls Wednesday night, so I decorated accordingly. :)

Today is one of my Sister-in-Law's birthdays.  She has a thing for whales.

PARIS!  Not that I'm going there anytime soon.  I can dream, though, right?

This month is only going to get busier.  It's already looking crazy, and it's only the 2nd!  I love the Paris theme, though.  It makes me smile.

Have a wonderful weekend!  Mine is filled with baseball and birthday parties!  

Make Something Monday

I've been super busy in my craft room today.  I got a lot done, including this dress, which I made for my friend's daughter.  I had never done one like this before, and I didn't have a pattern, so I was using one of my dresses as a template.  We're crossing our fingers that it fits her.  The shoulders on my dress form were too wide for it to slip over, so I couldn't check it on there... Ugh.  But, it's really pretty, and it's fully lined.  The lining on the skirt has a layer of green tulle on the bottom.  So very cute!

I also made this itty bitty hat to go with it!  It's on a  bobby pin.

My kids have had ear aches the last few days, so I put together some heat packs for them.  They're filled with flax seed and lavender oil.  I just pop one in the microwave for 30 seconds, and they're hot for 20 minutes or more.  The kids love them!

Now to go make dinner.  I hope your Monday was as productive as mine!

Filofax Friday: WARNING: photo heavy post!

I love Fridays.  I really do.  And I love Sunday & Monday's pages.  The washi is from Martha Stewart and the fairy stickers are from a local grocery store.  In fact, you'll see a lot of stickers from that particular grocery store.  I lucked out this week and was able to pick up 12 sheets for $1 each!  Scroll down to see more!

Sunday & Monday 

Tuesday & Wednesday

Thursday and Friday

Aren't those froggies adorbs?  (I felt funny typing that word... I don't speak like that, so now I'm wondering if it's weird to type that way... Oh, well, what's done is done.  I'm not changing it now.  Adorbs they are!)

My new washi tape storage!

I know I've already mentioned this in a previous post, but this is seriously one of my best ever finds!  It's called a Mini Stack, and I found it at Goodwill for $2!  Three drawers that are perfectly shaped to store washi.  I heart it.
Now for the stickers... Are you ready?

And... on top of all that, I had a surprise in the mail yesterday from a friend from high school!  She sent me some scrapbook paper and a bunch of stickers!  Thanks, Holly!

So I know this post has been mostly about decorating, but I've been really busy otherwise, too.  My Etsy shop is up, (check it out: https://www.etsy.com/shop/EnVoguePogue)  You'll still see "BabyDoll's Haven" at the top, because I'm having a new logo designed for me.  There's only a couple of things listed right now, but in the very near future, there will be more.  LOTS more.  This coming week, I'm hoping to make my first dust cover for a Filofax.  For me.  Then I will sell some.  My A5 Domino doesn't need protection so much for the leather, but my charms keep getting caught on other things in my bag.  (Terrible problem to have, I think...)  So I will put together a cover for myself, and monogram it or something.  I can't wait!

I'll also be making a dress for one of my good friends' daughter, who is going to be confirmed in the Lutheran church in the next few weeks.  I'm excited about that, too.

I also have several projects that are waiting to be embroidered with names and business logos.  I don't think there's any way that I could keep all of this straight and get it done in a timely fashion without my planner.  I'm so glad I have it!

Have a happy, happy, Friday, and a fabulous weekend!

Make Something Monday: DIY Makeup Remover

I seriously LOVE this stuff.  It works just as well as the spendy stuff, (I was using Philosophy brand) and it's only a couple of dollars to make.  It just takes a second to mix everything up, and I'm all for easy!  So, with ease and affordability, this is a win, win!

Here's the link to the original recipe:http://www.justusgirlsblog.com/2012/02/diy-make-up-remover.html

I did add a little more baby oil, because I wear waterproof makeup. (Both mascara and eye liner)  The baby oil is awesome for taking it off!  And it doesn't bother my eyes at all.

I bought this little bottle at the Dollar Tree.  Perfect for this!

My eye after a long day, and a night of very little sleep.  I usually take my makeup off before bed, but I was too tired last night.  Shame on me, right?

See?  Works like a charm!

Makeup free!

Have a Happy Monday!!

Make Something Monday: The Cottage Mama Party Dress

I found the pattern for this dress in a Facebook group that I'm involved in.  It was FREE!  SCORE!  It really is adorable, and I love how versatile it is!  I could make it more formal if I wanted, or more whimsical; whatever I would like!  You can get the pattern here: http://thecottagemama.com/2014/03/party-dress-free-pattern-re-release/
I found the fabric at JoAnn's, and was able to put it together in an evening.

I LOVE the flower buttons!  And the big bow!

Haven wore it to church yesterday, and I had to bribe her to take it off.  She kept hugging me, and saying, "Thank you for making this for me, Mommy!"  She absolutely loves how "twirly" the skirt is.

This was so much fun, and as I don't have much experience sewing from a pattern, it definitely taught me a lot.

It's definitely good quality, too.  The bodice is fully lined, so it looks and feels like a dress from a boutique.  I'll be making more for her for sure!

Have a wonderful Monday!