((i made that)) ruffled apron

 

If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you probably saw my picture of the apron I made. I tried to contain my excitement and wait to post pictures until I got my blog post ready, but I just couldn't do it. Any of you crafters out there know how excited you get when you make something and it actually turns out cute?? You gotta show it off!

Believe it or not, I actually made this apron for church! What?! For church?!

Did you forget that I'm a kids pastor's wife???? We have fun and dress like crazy people in kids ministry!

We're currently in a series called What's Cookin', and we're learning the ingredients for good livin', so everyone's wearing aprons! So fun, right?!

I was planning on going out to buy a Vera Bradley apron to sport on Sunday mornings. For those of you who are unaware...I'm slightly obsessed with Vera Bradley. But then it was Saturday night and I realized I never went out and bought one, so I thought, "Why not try to whip up a handmade apron?!"

And I did!

Don't mind the crazy hair and dead grass. It's cold and windy here in the Ozarks.

But I sure am thankful for the sunshine today!

So I used this tutorial that I found on my Pinterest board. I obviously changed it up a bit by adding pockets and not using ric-rac. It was really easy to make, so if you're sitting there thinking, "there's no way I could do that," you're wrong. You're dead wrong. (Please tell me you've seen Baby Mama.) 

Anyway, I love the way it turned out!

I also love this gorgeous, yellow fabric. I call it my "knock-off Vera fabric" because it reminds me of my favorite VB color, Provencal. And believe it or not, I actually found the fabric at Walmart of all places! Craziness!

So that's it, folks! All you cookin' women should make yourselves an apron! You probably won't ever see me wearing this in the kitchen because I never cook. (Thank the Lord for a husband with mad chef skills!) But it still feels good to finally own an apron! :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! 

lindsay

blankets & burp cloths & babies, OH MY!

((ordering details at the bottom of this post))

I can't handle all this cuteness. I don't have any babies yet, but making all this baby stuff is giving me baby fever!

I'm currently selling these sweet, cuddly blankets and adorable burp cloths. The blankets are $25 each, and the burp cloths are 3 for $18. 

OR you can get both for $40!

Both are customizable, meaning you can choose colors/patterns. 

All you need to do to order is either head over to my Facebook page and send me a message OR email me at shoplindsayladon[at]gmail[dot]com.

I look forward to hearing from you!

lindsay

The [[EASY]] Cash Envelope Wallet Pattern

Have you ever heard of Dave Ramsey's cash envelope budgeting system? Well, chances are that if you're reading this, you probably have. This is my version of a cash envelope wallet. It's perfect for keeping all your cash organized and making budgeting easier. And the bonus: it's really easy to make! If you know the basics of using a sewing machine, you got this, girl! 

I sell this pattern on Craftsy, but I decided to share it for FREEEEEE (Bedtime Stories, anyone??) with all my wonderful readers! So click on the link below and get to sewing! And budgeting!

The [[EASY]] Cash Envelope Wallet Pattern

NOTE: This tutorial only includes directions for making the wallet. The envelopes themselves are suuuper easy too, and you can use this tutorial. I suggest adding interfacing to one of your pieces of fabric to make it sturdy.

Have fun creating, and be sure to send me pictures via Twitter or Facebook (links are up top)!!

P.S. Do you have a blog of your own? Share the link in a comment below! I'd love to meet you!

thanks for stoppin’ by, y’all!

Sweater Repurpose

Scenario: I'm browsing through my closet and run across this gorgeous dress my mom bought me a couple months ago that I've never worn. Why? Because I don't have anything to wear with it. It needs a cardigan or a denim jacket or SOMETHING! So I put the dress on and start trying on every cardigan and jacket I own. All of them look hideous. THEN! I run across this mustard sweater and think, "Man! If only this was a cardigan!" 

And then I think, "Wait! I pinned something on Pinterest one time about repurposing a sweater into a cardigan! I wonder if I could do it!" 

So I went and found this pin, and got to work!

And less than 15 minutes later, I have a new cardigan!!

(Excuse my lame-o mirror shot.)

I considered adding buttons, but it was more work than I feel like doing today. I'm a bit under the weather today. But maybe I will later! 

I'm just excited that I got a new cardigan out of the deal without spending a dime! How fun! :)

Well, I hope you have a great evening! Anyone got anything exciting on the agenda??

--Linds.

Cash Envelope Wallet

UPDATE: The pattern for my Cash Envelope Wallet can be found here! Have fun making it! Send me pictures!

In case you missed my last blog post, I'll bring you up to speed. Joshua and I are starting the Dave Ramsey cash envelope budgeting system. (If you don't know what it is, you should look it up! I won't go into detail here.) So a few days ago, I made a few fabric envelopes to keep our cash separated in different categories. This morning I got a request from a fellow 'Dave Ramsey Budgeter' for fabric envelopes and a wallet to hold them all. I got to looking for a tutorial for a wallet, but I couldn't find any that would work for this project. So instead! I made a brave move and decided to make up a pattern on my own. Let me just say...it sounds a lot easier than it really is. It took me 3-4 hours to finish the wallet, but I'm extremely pleased with the end result!

One side of the wallet has 4 pockets for cards, and a slip pocket underneath. The other side of the wallet has an elastic band that holds the envelopes in place, but allows for easy removal in case I don't want to carry the whole wallet somewhere. It has a velcro strap closure.

Honestly, this wallet has many imperfections (which I'm sure you can see), so I have several things I want to change about the next one. But overall, I love the concept, and I love that I accomplished a new challenge! How fun!

A Stylish Budget System

Almost a year after reading Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover," Joshua and I are finally cracking down on the budget and using the cash envelope system. Rather than purchasing his envelope book or using ugly, boring envelopes, I decided to make my own fabric envelopes! Now, I made some last winter when I thought we were going to start the cash envelope system (and we didn't). They were my VERY FIRST sewing project ever. I was pretty proud of them. But I figured my skill level has probably (hopefully) improved since then, so I wanted to make new ones. I didn't really go with a color scheme because I used this project as an opportunity to use up some of my scrap fabric. So I just took what I could find.

Let me just say, while these fabric envelopes are some of the easiest things I've ever made, they are very unforgiving. I mean, if you don't sew a perfectly straight line, it shows in the finished product. Being the perfectionist that I am, it's quite irritating. As I was making them, I was thinking, "Man...I don't know if these look any better than the ones I made a year ago! I stink!!" But since these envelopes are just for my personal use, I figured it didn't really matter. (Joshua will be using them too, but he doesn't know the difference! Heehee!)




Once I got them all finished, I decided to pull out the envelopes I made last year (which I haven't looked at since last year) and compare them with the envelopes I made today.

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Yes, that is what I said when I pulled them out. They look pretty rough. I mean look at those corners and those crooked lines! (Click on the pictures to get a better view of the hideousness.) I was pleased to see that my skills definitely have improved. Phew. Maybe I'll just give these ghetto ones to Joshua. ;)


Aaaaaaanyway (anyone out there watch My Wife and Kids??)... I'm excited to start using these envelopes! Surely having cute envelopes that I made will make budgeting much more fun, right? Right??? Maybe not. We'll see.

Well, I hope you're having a happy Labor Day! I'm off to change out of my pj's, put makeup on, and fix my hair. Yes, at 3:30pm. Clearly it's been a good day for me. :)

See ya!

Is this real life??? | Crossbody Tote

Oh. My. Word. I feel so accomplished right now! I'm probably being a little more dramatic than necessary, but I just can't contain my excitement! 

Yesterday, a friend from church asked me if I make purses. No joke, when I read her question, I laughed out loud and said to myself, "That is WAY out of my league." Well, she showed me what she wanted, and said if I made her one, I'd be her best friend. I can't turn down a deal like that!! ;)

So this morning, I went to the store to get some supplies, came home, and got to makin'. I was honestly praying the whole time because sometimes I have this great picture in my head of what the end result will be, and then the reality is way off. But I really wanted this to turn out well because I knew that it would be a big milestone for me and that I could do so much with it if I could get the hang of it! Three hours, three sermons on audio, a Dr. Pepper, and a PB&J later, I'm FINISHED! And oh, so happy! I could not be more pleased with the way it turned out! It obviously isn't perfect, but for my first time...I'll take it!
(You can click on the images to make them a little bigger.)

  

Excuse my lame-o mirror picture. I don't have anyone to take a picture wearing it, so I had to be my own model.

Oh, and did anyone notice my mace? Don't leave home without it, ladies! :)

The outer shell is duck cloth (like canvas), and the lining is calico cotton. It's about 13 inches tall with a 38inch strap which is connected by D-rings to give it a little more length. It has two pockets on the inside.

Even though my stuff is in the purse, I'm not really keeping it. I'm selling it!

It's $20 + shipping (if applicable). Let me know if you're interested in buying it! (And you may want to let me know quickly because sometimes my stuff goes fast....And sometimes it doesnt!)

As much as I'd love to take orders for these purses, I have school starting in less than a week, and I don't want to swamp myself with more than I can handle. But I will definitely be making more of these in different patterns, shapes, and sizes, and I'll sell them as I go!

Thanks for sharing my excitement with me! This has been one of my favorite sewing adventures so far!

I've Still Got It! | Zipper Pouch

It has been entirely too long since I last sat behind a sewing machine. Between a busy summer and broken machine, I just haven't had a chance in a while. Today, I decided to change that. I'm in Oklahoma visiting my family for the week, so I busted out my mom's old Singer and got to creatin'. 

I chose a rather simple project today because I was limited on my supplies, but it still felt good to craft again! I can't lie. I was a little rusty. And it was hard using a different machine than I'm used to using! But it was still fun, and I'm glad to know I've still got it! :) The tutorial I followed was super simple, so you should definitely give it a try, especially if you're a beginner. I'm not a huge fan of the way the zipper turns out, but it's still a cute little pouch. You can make it in any size for anything you need!

And of course, what better place to take pictures of my creation than on my mom's antique sewing table? I just couldn't pass up the opportunity. 

Thanks for joining me on another sewing adventure! I can't wait to get home and make more! My husband's sweet aunt is giving me her sewing machine, so now I have TWO! And that means I can sew while my machine's in the shop! Yippee!

Happy Thursday!

Handmade Eye Mask

Just wanted to share a quick post to show my latest sewing adventure! Since I've been getting migraines lately, I've been dying for an eye mask to wear when I can't bear to see any light. I keep forgetting to buy one when I'm out, so why not make one for free?!

This project was SO easy. Anyone could do it. It just took some fabric, fusible fleece (you could use any Kind of filling - felt, rice, flax seed and lavender, etc.), and elastic! For my elastic, I used one of my headbands that I never wear (because they never stay on my head). So it was fun to use stuff around the house to make this eye mask!

I didn't get to topstitch, so it doesn't look as clean cut and professional as I'd like. My sewing machine is borderline broken (OH NO!!!), so I was only able to get this far. But hopefully I can get my machine checked out and fixed soon. It's been KILLING me not to be able to sew! I probably shouldn't have used the machine today, but I just had to try this project.

Anyhow! There it is! I'm really excited about it. Hopefully I won't have to use the eye mask for a migraine anytime soon. I'll just use it for my afternoon naps that summer so graciously gives me. :)

Hope you're having a great Sunday!! Happy July!

Linds

P.S. In case you were wondering, it's incredibly difficult to take a picture of yourself while wearing an eye mask. It took about 50 tries to get a decent picture. I felt like a dork. Oh, well...

Boxy Bags

Read to the end for info on purchasing a boxy bag!

Woah! It's been a while since I've posted on my blog! It's good to be back! 

Today I went on yet another sewing adventure and attempted the boxy cosmetic bag! I had pinned this tutorial on Pinterest a long time ago, but yesterday I was out doing some fabric shopping and found THE perfect fabric for this project, so I decided it was time.

The first one I made was a little large for my liking, and kind of a weird shape, but I'm sure it could be put to good use. I kinda just guessed at the measurements because I wasn't sure, but it was definitely a learning experience. The next one I made was a much cuter and more practical size. 

Here are a few pictures of the two I have made so far.

I'm slightly obsessed with both of them. I love the fabric I found for the first one, but you know me...I love birds. In fact, I currently have the bird bag up for sale (or it may be sold by now), and I'm already having a hard time parting with it. It's so cute!

Anywho! SEVERAL of you have mentioned wanting to buy a boxy bag, and that is so awesome! If you want to order one, please message me on Facebook. Here's what I'll need to know:

Size: Small $9  or Medium $12 (shipping will be $2.50 for both sizes)

Color/pattern preference

Email address (if you plan to pay online with debit/credit/PayPal)

Shipping address

I appreciate it! This will REALLY help me keep the level of confusion down! 

I am so thrilled and so thankful for all of your support! You guys are seriously awesome! I was just talking to Joshua at dinner tonight about how crazy it is that you people want to buy MY stuff! I mean, I've only been sewing for 4 months! God has truly blessed me!

Okay, I'm done being sappy and mushy-gushy! Thanks again, everyone! Have a happy Saturday night! :)

Linds.

Coming [Back] Soon!

I can't believe the semester is coming to an end. This time last year, I was stressing out like crazy, trying to study for finals and plan a wedding at the same time. Now I'm trying to study for finals and keep the house clean at the same time. Oh, how times change so quickly! Our first anniversary is just around the corner, and I feel like it was just yesterday when I was looking over at our precious groomsmen and praying they wouldn't catch on fire in the middle of my 104 degree wedding! Whew! So glad we all survived that!


In less than a week, I'll be a senior. That is, if I pass all of my final exams...but I think I'm safe. :) I'm so excited for the summer to come, not only because school's out, and not only because summer is filled with snocones, sunshine, and swimming. I'm also excited about summer because I'll finally have time to sew again!!! I feel like it's been ages since I've sat down at my machine. I'm really excited to jump back in with some new projects and hopefully create some of my own designs! 


On that note, I'd like to invite all of you to give me some input! Shoot me a message, leave a comment, post a link or picture to my Facebook wall, or contact me in another way to give me some ideas of what YOU would like to see me make and sell this summer! You can also check out my 'sewing adventures' Pinterest board to see some things I've pinned and let me know if you like any of those. 


Thanks to all of you who have supported me in this adventure so far. It's such a great feeling to know there are people who believe in me! And thanks to those of you who will take the time to share your thoughts with me! I look forward to hearing and seeing all of your wonderful ideas! :)


Happy Friday!
Linds

Hoot Hoot!

I did it! i did it! I finished both projects in one night! I'm feelin' proud.

Here are some pictures for ya.

Camera Strap & Passport Cover

The few stamps I have. I'm workin' on it. :) 

Now, the camera strap isn't for sale. That was made to order.

But the passport cover IS for sale! If you want to buy it, you can find it on my Etsy shop. No promises it'll still be there by the time you click that link, though. :)

Got a house to clean, hang out time with my friend/mentor, a child observation, homework, and a DATE tomorrow! So it's bedtime! Gooooooodnight.

Two in One

Just wanted to give a quick update! It's been awhile since I've posted on my blog!

Tonight I'm starting two new projects. I'm starting them at the same time because I'm using the same [adorable] fabric for both of them, so it was convenient to cut the fabric at the same time. I loathe fabric-cutting. In fact, someday when my business is booming and I'm filthy rich (in my dreams, of course), I'm going to hire a fabric cutter so I don't have to do it! :) Okay, not really. But it's kinda fun to daydream about.

Anywho! Back to the projects. Wanna see the fabric? Well, I'm gonna show you anyway. Here it is.

Told ya. Adorable.

So the first project is one I've technically already done before. It's a camera strap cover! I'm making this for my sweet, owl-loving, incredible picture-taker (a.k.a. photographer), used-to-be neighbor, Jessica. [You should all check her out on FB! Jessica Clark Designs. She's aaaaaamazing.]

And the second project I'm starting is a passport cover! My mom's sweet friend suggested it to me, and I looked up some tutorials on it, and it is SO easy! I love easy projects! So I'm really excited to see the finished product. 

It'll probably make me want to go back to Africa. :)

I may or may not finish these tonight. Hubs just put homemade chicken pot pie in the oven (Isn't he incredible? I would go hungry if it weren't for him), and I think we're planning on watching the Phineas and Ferb movie tonight (because we're cool like that). So I'll get as much done as I can! Can't wait to show you how they turn out!

I hope you ALL have a fantabulous Thursday evening!

Mini Wallets

Anything that begins with the word "mini," will most likely get the typical [girly], "Awwww...so cute!!" reaction. From me, anyway. I just love miniatures! Like mini candy bars (a lot of them, of course), a mini cheese grater (yes, I have one. It's smaller than my hand!), and even mini Dr. Peppers. 

-- And all of those were food-related...I think I'm hungry. --

Well, today I made my very first, very own, original sewing pattern for this adorable Mini Wallet! I can't take all the credit, though. I got the idea from...yep, you guessed it. Pinterest. I saw a mini wallet, but there was no tutorial, so I decided to figure it out for myself!

 And isn't it adorable?! I'm in love with it! It has it's imperfections, but it was only my first try, so I'm excited to see how the next one turns out! I'd like to make one with a snap closure instead of a button. I DO have snaps on hand, but I couldn't figure out how to attach them (and I was getting slightly frustrated), so I opted for a button. This project is perfect way for using up scraps because it doesn't take much material. Especially if you're like me and you hold on to every single scrap because you "just might need it someday." It's also very simple and quick to make! I just love it.

So that's that! Let me know what you think about it! 

Happy Sunday evening!

Laptop Measurements

If you would like to order a Button-Up Sleeve for your laptop (or any other E-reader/tablet for which I may not be able to find the measurements online), I will need to know the length, width, and height. Below is a picture to help you measure your laptop. After you measure, send me the numbers, and I’ll get to work on your laptop sleeve! Thanks so much!

The Button-Up Low-Down

So here’s the dealio, people. (Okay, I’m done talking in my gangster voice.) I’m officially taking orders for my Button-Up Laptop/Tablet/E-reader Sleeves. BUT! Much like the wristlets, I will only be taking the first TEN orders! So if you want one, you better act fast! :)

Here’s the pricing breakdown:
(all shipping will be $4)

Laptop Sleeves (13” and up): $20
iPad/E-Reader (up to 12”): $18

Contact me via tumblr or Facebook to place your order!

Button-Up Laptop Sleeve

It is finished!

I started this laptop sleeve two nights ago, but realized I didn’t have enough batting, so I had to put it on hold. Last night, I got home from church around 9, which is only about an hour from my “bedtime.” But Hubs was out with the guys, so I decided to stay up late (livin’ on the edge!) and conquer this thing! I’m so pleased with the way it turned out! So take a peek at the pictures, and keep reading! Important info below!

It has two straps that button to the front.

My laptop fits so perfectly inside!

Pink polka dots on the inside!!

So there it is! What do you think?!  

If you like it, tell me! And tell me what YOU would want a sleeve for (iPad, Kindle, NOOK, laptop, notebook, etc). I want to get an idea of how many would want to buy one before I decide how I’m going to sell them. I might take orders, and I might just sell them as I make them. We’ll see! Give me your feedback!

My Wristlet Journey

I’ve been looking forward to this post for a long time! Not that I was ready to be finished with the wristlets, because I LOVED making them, but because I couldn’t wait to show ALL of the wristlets in one post! I still have two or three more to make, but they’ll most likely be repeats of one of these in the picture.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’ve made 35 wristlets!!! If you would have told me on the day of my first wristlet post that I would sell 30+ wristlets, I would have laughed in your face (which wouldn’t have been very nice of me)! But seriously! THIRTY-FIVE! I mean, think about it… I just learned to sew at the end of December. I got my first sewing machine less than a month ago. And you all were brave enough to spend money on something I made?! You guys have been so incredibly supportive of me! So thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to all of you who purchased a wristlet! I hope you love it and enjoy it! I truly give all the glory to the Lord. That may sound silly, but there is no way this could have happened without His help! I’m loving this fun journey He’s taking me on!

I’m looking forward to my next project, and I hope you are too! Keep your eyes peeled for my next blog post!!

P.S. Which wristlet was your favorite?

A Spontaneous Headphones Pouch

Well, I said I was going to get ready for the day. Then my mother distracted me!

As I was cleaning up all of my sewing stuff, my mom said, “I need something to put my headphones in so they don’t get messed up!” I remembered that I had pinned something on Pinterest a long time ago for a small pouch for headphones. I pulled it up on the computer, and it was such a simple tutorial! So I decided to make one for her really quick! And it was really quick! And super easy! Although, it is somewhat difficult to sew in a circle! But I’ll get better. :)

So there it is! Super cute! 

Now I’m REALLY going to get ready! Hubs, my sister-in-law, and I are going to the outlet mall! Woohoo!

See ya!!

There's a first for everything...

As most of you know, I’m home in Oklahoma for a few days because my dad had major surgery on Wednesday. He’s finally home and resting in bed, so I have some time on my hands. I brought my sewing machine along so I could get some wristlets made and try a few other projects! Today I decided to make an iPad sleeve. A few girls have suggested I try laptop/kindle sleeves (as I mentioned in the last post), so I wanted to practice and see how it’d go! So here is my finished product!

I love this fabric and have been dying to use it for something. It’s a light turquoise color with lavender birds and bird houses. The pictures just don’t do it justice. :)

I’m pretty pleased with the way it turned out, especially since it was my first try. The tutorial I used was pretty great! There were only a few things I didn’t like about it that I’ll definitely be changing for the next one. Also, it was supposed to have a flap with velcro at the top, but (long story short) it didn’t make it into the final product. You know how those “first tries” go. :)

I will most likely be selling these in the near future. I could make them to fit a laptop, iPad, or Kindle. First, I need to finish up the wristlet orders. I have 8-10 more to make. (I know! That’s a lot! You guys have ordered them like crazy, and I love it!!) Also, I’m trying to decided if I want to take orders for these or if I’ll just make them and sell them as they’re made. We’ll see! Anyway! I’m off to get ready for the day. Yes, at 2:30pm. Lazy days are the best! 

Happy Friday, everyone!