Happy Father's Day 2014- All About Daddy Questionnaire

Typically, I do a Father's Day interview with Lil' Miss on Father's Day. I started this back in 2012 and continued the tradition in 2013. This year, however, Katy's preschool class did one before school let out, back in May.

So, here is this year's Father's Day 2014 Interview:

Happy Father's Day 2014, Ted!

Sewing Pattern Testing- Made for Mermaids- Alyssa Top

Alyssa Top/Tunic/Dress by Made for Mermaids

Made for Mermaids is coming out with another new, non-princess PDF sewing pattern. Introducing the Alyssa Top/Tunic/Dress! This pattern comes in three lengths- top, tunic or dress. The Alyssa tunic features a double row of encased elastic gathering in the back and grow-with-me tie shoulder straps. I was asked to test the tunic length for a friend's daughter, in a larger size. 

However, I couldn't not make one for Lil' Miss while I was at it....! :-) This was a super simple sew and it only took me about an hour and a half to complete. Also, there are no buttons/button holes to do, no zippers to struggle with. I would definitely rate this at a beginner level- easy, quick sew, but great end product! For the dress that I made for my daughter, the fit was spot-on. It was snug and secure (in a good way) in the back and the tie shoulder straps make it easily adjustable for all body shapes and sizes. There is plenty of room for personalization and the supplies needed are minimal (I was able to make Lil' Miss' dress with fabric on hand).

They Alyssa top/tunic/dress is another great pattern, Megan of Made for Mermaids! Thank you for the opportunity to test for you, again! I'm sure I'll be making a lot more Alyssa tops/tunics/dresses, in the near future!

***Disclosure: "I received a free pattern in order to pattern test for Made for Mermaids. The opinions expressed here are my own."***

Blogging for Books- Super Stitches Sewing by Nicole Vasbinder

It's been awhile- almost two years, to be exact- but I've decided to get back to reviewing books for the Blogging for Books program. They recently widened the selection of books available to review, so I felt that it might be fun to jump back in.

First up, after my long hiatus; Super Stitches Sewing by Nicole Vasbinder...

I love to sew and have been doing so for several years, now (in earnest). However, I'm self-taught, so that means that there are chunks of sewing knowledge that I lack. Sure, I took basic home ec back in the day. However, most of my sewing knowledge is due to the fact that I learn things as I go and as I need them. The pattern calls for a "french hem." So I google it and learn how to accomplish one. The Elsa dress that Lil' Miss is dying to dress up as for Halloween (already... And it's only June...!) needs as zipper. So, I google, struggle, google and try again. You get the picture. Anyway, suffice it to say that I have a lot to learn when it comes to the world of sewing!

Super Stitches Sewing by Nicole Vasbinder is a great, basic "reference guide" for sewing enthusiasts of all ages and stages.  Just as the title suggests, this book is all about the basic backbone of sewing- the stitch!

The book starts out with the "straight stitch" and then progresses to topics such as, "Darning," "Hand-Stitching," and more. Each two-four page- spread covers one stitch. First, there is a photographic example of the highlighted stitch. Then, there is a chart listing out, "Essential Facts" about the stitch ("Also known as," "Key feature," "Common uses," "Fabric types," "Needle," etc.). Next, there is a step-by-step illustration(s) of how to accomplish the specific stitch. Last, but not least, an "expert tip" concludes each section.

I would consider myself an intermediate sewer. Yet, I was able to fully benefit from reading and reviewing Super Stitches Sewing by Nicole Vasbinder. I loved the simple illustrations and detailed instructions. Also, the "Also known as" section was helpful for decoding a variety of different patterns by different designers. Since I have still to conquer a successful zipper, I'm anxious to follow the instructions in Super Stitches Sewing by Nicole Vasbinder, to finally finish that Elsa dress (October will be here before you know it!).

For more information on Super Stitches Sewing, go to: http://www.randomhouse.com/book/231578/super-stitches-sewing-by-nicole-vasbinder

For more information on the author, Nicole Vasbinder, go to: http://www.randomhouse.com/author/180930/nicole-vasbinder

To add Super Stitches Sewing by Nicole Vasbinder to your own library, go to: http://www.amazon.com/Super-Stitches-Sewing-Machine-Sewing-Hand-Stitching/dp/0770434797/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

**Disclaimer- “I received this book for free from the publisher’s Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review”.

Wordless Wednesday- Cousins That Eat Together, Stay Together

Katy's Camera- Photo Dump

Here are some pictures from Katy's camera. 

It's fun to get a little sneak peak at the world, according to a child's perspective....

Basil Leaves

Cantaloupe Plant

Katy's friend, Emmersyn

Holly Bush

Green Bean Plant

(Katy grew this now tall, leafy green bean plant from just seeds in Preschool. 

She definitely has a much greener thumb than I!)

Princess Flip-flop (of course! ;)

Yellow Flowers

Selfie

Katy's selfie

Katy's Uncle Rob and Aunt Julie got Katy a camera for her birthday, back in February (Thank you!). She LOVES it!! It's a kid-friendly camera and has lots of fun features (camera, funny props, video). She's had a blast running around taking pictures of whatever strikes her fancy.

I recently took a moment to flip through the pictures on her camera. There's a lot of blurry ones, but there's also some decent pictures, too. The one that made me laugh, though, is the picture above. When I came across it, I asked Katy who took this picture of her (Katy's the only one that uses that camera). Very nonchalant and matter-of-factly, she replied, "I took it- it's a selfie."

Omigoodness- I nearly died laughing! Where, oh, where does she come up with these things??! It's not like Ted or I go around spouting off pop-culture terms like, "selfie." From the looks of this selfie, I think we're in trouble, come ten more years, or so..... what do you think??!!

Sentence of the Day- Lost in Translation

Recently, we've had a couple of instances where we've said something and Katy totally takes the phrase literally and it all ends up in a chuckle.

For example;

Last weekend, my sister and her family were in town for Memorial Day weekend. We went to church on Sunday morning. As we were walking into the building, we told Katy to, "....show Molly (her cousin) the ropes (at Sunday School)." Confused, Katy looks around and after careful consideration tells us, "...but there AREN'T any ropes in our class!" Ha!

Also last weekend, my sister and her hubby were kind enough to get some donuts for us, one morning. They got a chocolate sprinkle donut, just for Katy. When I called Katy to the breakfast table, I told her, "Katy! There's a special donut here- with your name on it!" Excitedly, she came running and climbed up to the counter. She took one glance at the donuts and frowned. Then, she said, "None of these donuts have letters on them! I don't see my name!" Double ha!

Too, too funny! Guess we'll need to work on the meanings of social idioms and phrases...