DIY baby swing

This is a seemingly very simple and very cute idea.  A swing that you can make yourself that goes a bit beyond a board and some rope.  I'd love one of these for the girls' room, although I won't claim that there's enough room...sigh.  But even just for the back deck, this would be awesome!  Once we get the sewing room set up, this might have to be one of the first things I tackle!  Sweet!

First Birthday Book

Here we go - SouleMama does it again.  She claims she put this together at the last minute, but really?!  Amazing.  I can totally see how a one-year-old would LOVE this.  And since it's just something small, you could easily put it together using scrap fabrics that you have lying around.  Being the sentimental mush-brain that I am (especially as a pregnant person) I sigh a gigantic sigh when I see this type of thing.  Definitely one to file away for, perhaps, the fifth child...

rag curtain

I'm always hesitant to get rid of fabric because it seems that when the time comes, having just the perfect thing is such a lovely feeling and you don't want to risk regret.  This is a great way of making use of some of those little bits and pieces.  It takes almost no work and has a sweet effect, especially for a kids' room, I think.  And it would hold all the memories that are tied up in those fabrics too.  Cute.  Thanks, sis, for the link to this blog.

"Towhees" - Sweet Slippers

Although these are made for babies, I might consider making a pair for myself.  They look simple enough and definitely use an old sweater as the main ingredient.  Can you see the cuffs as the upper ankle part?  I just tossed a sweater and although it's not real wool, I think it could do the job of keeping my tootsies warm...Sweet!

ps. it's not that I don't LOVE the handmade slippers I got from my sister - they're just wearing out!

re-using button up shirts

I've already mentioned the adorable little girl's shirt dress which takes a man's dress shirt and turns it into a dress.  This is another idea which uses a dress shirt, this time, turning it into a great centre piece.  At first I thought that each little votive just had the cuff of the sleeve around it (which could be cute too), but the other pictures show you what's really going on.  On the same blog she makes a cute change purse out of the cuff.  It really is great to do a sewing project where all the tricky parts (the buttons and holes) are done for you!

word quilts

I think that, as a Menno, quilting is in my blood.  I LOVE blankets (of all kinds) and have to physically restrain myself from filling my house with them.  Another thing that I love is words.  I love reading and philosophy and the meaning that written words bring to life.  This artist has combined those two loves for me.  Click on "Collections" to see more.  Oh, to have a million lifetimes to pursue every type of art and craft!