Sweet Nolie

Last year I decided to try following my first sewing pattern...and it went well!  I found a great, unique, pattern designer from Too Sweets on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/toosweetspatterns?ref=seller_info#.  I started with the Free Spirit Romper, and made about 10 of them for my daughter and her friends over the summer...

My Nolie!

Nola cruising the garden in her romper

She's not pouting about how adorable she looks in her Free Spirit Romper, trust me!

From the success of the Free Spirit, a passion for making girls clothes was born!  There is no better way to feed my and my littlest fashionista's love of the fun, functional and funky!

From there I tried some other patterns and was hooked...

Farmland Blouse
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=256991434342106&set=a.256991337675449.60317.256948784346371&type=3&theater

Bubble Dress
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=256991457675437&set=a.256991337675449.60317.256948784346371&type=3&theater

Bloom Dress
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=256991594342090&set=a.256991337675449.60317.256948784346371&type=3&theater

Boho Bubble Sleeve
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=257413890966527&set=a.257413844299865.60427.256948784346371&type=3&theater

Farmland Blouse - Nola wearing thrifted red velvet blazer from her own collection

 Fun stuff.  I keep finding new designers that, like Babes of Sweet/Too Sweets at Etsy, have great patterns that I can easily make work for my girl.

Here are some of my favorites:

• If you want me to make it for you...I have a Facebook page where you can browse photos and fabric choices  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Nolie-Girls-Clothing/256948784346371?ref=tn_tnmn
• Babes of Sweet/Too Sweets on Etsy is a GREAT source for patterns - please respect her wishes and don't copy/distribute her designs without pay...it is totally worth your five bucks  http://www.etsy.com/shop/toosweetspatterns?ref=seller_info#
• Nina Bonita...these designs are all muy bonita!!!  http://www.etsy.com/shop/ninabonitadesigns
• ManiMina  http://www.etsy.com/shop/ManiMina

Happy sewing (or buying)!

Stretching it...

Our money that is.  Times are tough, money is tight.  How does a fun-loving family with growing kids, all kinds of hobbies/interests, and a budget make it happen? 

Recent Party for Nola - the favors are all either from the dollar store - or homemade...I love finding ways to stretch our money while not skimping on the details.  Especially when it comes to celebrations!

Punch bowl set was a great Goodwill find at 3.99 - it happened to go beautifully with our rainbow theme too...