Ok, so this photo shoot represents an occasion that's kind of a big deal. Can you guess? Charlotte is walking! And thus, standing on her own, which makes taking photos so much more fun. Love that dimple! Ok, enough gushing about my cutie pants girl, how's about that dress? I'm calling it the Vintage Heirloom dress, because: 1. It's made … [Read more...]
The Pleat Weeks Guest Post
August 10, 2011 By 255 Comments
Have you heard about Kate's Pleat series yet? Fun stuff is in store, I'm sure. I'm looking forward to the pleat fabulousness. I was super excited to get asked to play along. Ya'll know I love me a good pleat. And a new top for Sadie. It's like an addiction. Both of those things. Together, they're unbeatable. Or unstoppable. Like a runaway freight … [Read more...]
the flora and fauna shirt-tutorial
July 25, 2011 By 29 Comments
I'm so excited to be participating in Anna (from Noodlehead) and Shannon (from Luvinthemommyhood)'s Sewing with Knits series! Both Anna and Shannon are fabulous and talented gals, not to mention so sweet. :) It took me forever to settle on a knit project to do-I had just come off of an obsession of my own with knits, so I was kind of out of knit … [Read more...]
Summertime refashion guest post
July 13, 2011 By 45 Comments
Today I'm guest posting over at On the Laundry Line, for Laura's Summertime, and the Living is Thrifty blog series, with this adorable refashioned top. (which cost a total of $2.75 thankyaverymuch) Hi! I'm Jess from Craftiness is not Optional, and I'm a cheapskate. I also love to sew. (that's also kind of an understatement) I also absolutely … [Read more...]
magnetic snap tutorial
July 1, 2011 By 335 Comments
Here's a quick and easy tutorial on how to insert magnetic snaps into a bag. It might be common knowledge, but I figure what the hay? It took about 5 minutes to take the pics, and if there's one thing I love, it's a tutorial. (things I also love: the X-Men, belts, and English accents)This specific lining and snap was for Sadie's owl bag. (last day … [Read more...]
guest posting for Riley Blake!
June 28, 2011 By 27 Comments
Yes, THE Riley Blake fabric company that you probably know and love and buy too much fabric from. (oh, just me? naw) This is one of the cool projects I was so coyly referring to last week. They sent me some lovely Sew Cherry fabric to play around with, and I decided to make some cinched up skirts-just like this one. Of course there's a full … [Read more...]
vintage feedsack dress tutorial (and free 2/3T pattern!)
June 24, 2011 By 57 Comments
drumroll please......... Finally the Vintage feedsack dress tutorial! I know you were all on pins and needles this entire time waiting for it huh? chirp chirp... no? That's ok, I won't hold it against you. I know some of you are new around here. (hello there! Welcome! settle in! Grab some chocolate!) Anyways, it's … [Read more...]
Scrap Your Stash guest post: fabric scrap key chain tutorial
June 8, 2011 By 227 Comments
*This tutorial was originally posted over on Living with Punks!She's doing a Scrap Your Stash series right now and there have been some awesome tutorials using scraps, with many more to come! I think I may be in love with these adorable little key chains. So much in love that I made a bunch with no plans for them. After all, I don't need 7 key … [Read more...]
raglan tee tutorial
June 6, 2011 By 91 Comments
There's something so tomboyish and adorable about a raglan tee. Right? It's also...drumroll....definitely a BOY project too! Never thought I'd see the day on this here girlified blog. Welp, won't happen again for awhile probably. (just kidding. We're hoping for a boy next. Not for awhile though! eek) They're soft and comfy for babies … [Read more...]
20 minute grocery bag holder tutorial
May 31, 2011 By 64 Comments
I've needed a new one of these grocery bag holders for awhile now, and have been hanging on to the perfect fabric for one, so finally I just forced myself to sew it up. It was a quick sew (even with taking pics) so I put together a little tutorial for ya! There's french seams involved! Très chic. As chic as a grocery bag holder can be I guess. I … [Read more...]