Little Boy Suspenders

There are a few tutorials on the web that are for little man suspenders.

HERE is one that uses "Fashion Fit" clips that I couldn't find in my local stores.

HERE is another tutorial that uses dyed elastic, but that was a little too expensive for me.

I like the first tutorial, but I couldn't find affordable clips and mine needed to be all fabric.  I grabbed some houndstooth that matches Brother's party stuff, a pair of thrifted suspenders and got to work.

(forgive the black and white pictures, but you really don't want to see my ironing board cover...blech)

For Brother (one year old) I made my fabric strips 24 inches long.  For a toddler, I would go with 27; infant 21...if in doubt, measure baby and add 4-5 inches.  Your width will depend on how wide your suspender clips are.  My clip was a little less than and inch and a half.

Sew Right Sides Together to form a long tube.  Turn tube of fabric right side out.

Press so the hem is in the middle...this will be the back of your suspender.

I used a thrifted pair of suspenders and cut the metal attachments off of the elastic.

Here is where it gets a bit complicated, and I hope that my pictures can explain it better.  If not, take pictures of your intact suspenders to use as reference for how they go back together.

The part that lengthens the suspender is call the "SLIDE".  (I didn't make that up)  You will use a roll hem and sew the FRONT of the FABRIC with the BACK side of the SLIDE facing you.

Pull the suspender "CLIP" onto the strip of fabric with the clip facing the right side of fabric.

Pull the free end of the fabric through the slide.  Now it looks like suspenders!

The second clip goes on the open end of the fabric.  Sew it on just as you did the slide.  Using a roll hem so you don't see the ratty end of the fabric.

REPEAT, because you need two straps silly!

Measure your child from front waist band to the back waist band, making sure you cross it in the back.

After you have that measurement, make sure both of your straps are even.

I tried them on Brother and found where they crossed well in the back.  You could guess, but make sure the back clips are several inches apart, or they won't lay flat.

Sew a diamond shape where the straps overlap.  You don't have to do a diamond either...the next time I'm thinking of doing straight lines all the way across or just doing a big "X".  I will also be using iron on interfacing for the next pair.  These worked great for what I was wanting, but I think they would be better with a little more umph!

The suspenders where a HUGE hit for Brother's Birthday Pictures and Party!  Everyone loved them and couldn't believe that I made them myself.  I really love that they match his birthday party colors perfectly.  But you will have to wait to see all that until after the GRAND PARTY reveal!

Linking up to these lovely and gracious hostesses!

We Did It Wednesday--Sew Much Ado
Inspiring Creativity--Dragonfly Designs
Show and Tell--Blue Cricket Design
DIY Under $5--A Little Tipsy
Get Your Brag On--Gluesticks
A fun new to me link party Trendy Tots--A Real Life Housewife
What Are Little Boys Made Of--733blog
Sundae Scoop--I Heart Naptime
Saturday Seven Party--Positively Splendid
Get Your Craft On--Today's Creative Blog
Craft and Tell--Cherished Bliss

Birthday Art

I have seen some of the word art using birthday party pictures around on pinterest and thought I would try my hand at it on picnik.  I'm in love and now I'm making one for Lotte's birthday pictures too.

This picture and all of Brother's Birthday Pictures were taken by the awesomely talented Steph's Photography.

FYI:  If you live under a rock, Picnik is shutting down.  So all the premium features are free.  Get some collages done while it's still open!

Brother's 1 Year Photo Shoot

*Don't tell anyone that he is only just barely 11 months, we had to fit it in sometime*

We went to an awesome photographer Stephanie of Steph's Photography for Brother's 1 year pictures.  I really wish that I would have known about her sooner so she could have been taking pictures of Lotte too.  She has a little studio out in her garage and a fabulous array of photo props!

My little man was such a ham and he was in a PERFECT mood.  I will always cherish this night and these pictures of my "almost" 1 year old.

Meal Organizing

We've been doing *alright* meal planning.  I've gone into MEAL PLANNING before on my blog.  Our concept really works for us.  But I need a better way of organizing our meals and helping to choose meals for the week.

I saw THIS plan on Pinterest and decided that I'm going to give this a whirl.  What I like best about it is there is an easy rotation.  School systems (at least our preschool) work on a 5 week rotation.  I'm going to fill mine with enough meals for 5-6 rotations.

I hope to work on it as soon as I get Brother's party finished and after Valentine's Day projects.  I already have the boards spray painted so it just needs some embellishments and some recipe cards made up!

Unfortunately my day job along with party planning and Valentine crafts are taking up so much of my time.  I wish I had a few extra hours in my day.  I'm no longer suffering from post-nursing insomnia...which is good because I'm no longer CRAZY, but I do get a lot less done when I'm sleeping! ;)

Party Invitations

Brother's 1st Birthday is quickly approaching...here are the invites for his upcoming party!

If you don't follow my Pinterest Boards then you might not know that his party is going to be a Sock Monkey theme!

The invitation was designed by the very talented Ashley Fisher Designs and Events.  I went to high school with Ashley and she has done what I would LOVE to do...she quit her day job to start a business that she is super passionate about.  She is an amazing photographer and you must see her wedding....INCREDIBLE!

After I got the file from her I printed them at my local Walmart on the instant printer which does matte! With the help of a friend I mounted them on cardstock and added the name bunting.  His name is embossed with aqua glitter...it was quite a lot of work, but they look great!