$0 Per Gallon

I like my kids in t-shirts. Especially if they have something awesome on the front like a patch from Microcosm. I just used one of Petra's shirts to make the pattern and whipped up this little number in just a few minutes. No, I didn't mean to put the patch on crooked, as my husband asked me when I showed him. And yes, I did catch the fabric a little when I sewed on the patch. But it was my first try. And it's not half bad.

Lent

I have never given up anything for lent before this year, but I was inspired by my pastor Jeff and the sermon he gave recently on radical generosity. He suggested that rather than simply give up something for Lent, give it up and take the money you would have spent on it during that time and give it away. You can find the sermon I'm talking about under the media page here and you can check out an additional post about giving on Jeff's blog.

I'm giving up sweets and deserts of all kinds. I don't spend an especially large amount of money on this, but I do enjoy it quite a lot... so through these 40 days my body is likely going to thank me. It might be very difficult, but sacrifice isn't supposed to be an easy or flippant thing. And I get the opportunity to be reminded to pray each time I want a sweet treat. I do have one exception: I get my honey in my tea. It's really required. Come to think of it, I probably need a new honey pot... mine has been gone for a long time. Maybe this honey pot?

Either way, I've got it easy. John is giving up coffee.

Baby Leg Warmers

I've made about a zillion pairs of these fantastic little guys.  I firmly believe that they are one of the most important and functional pieces of clothing a baby or toddler can have.  But why pay $12 for Babylegs?  I have NO idea.  Instead, you should make them in just a few minutes for a dollar or two (completely depending on how much you paid for the socks).  There is a great tutorial at Sew Much Ado if you want to learn how to DIY your baby leg warmers. These are one of my go-to baby shower gifts... simple, inexpensive, and awesomely useful.  Note: always use knee high socks, calf length are way too short.  Happy sewing!

Parasol Issue 6 has Arrived!

Issue six of Parasol magazine is out online. :)  I especially love the mobiles by Royal Buffet. Check it out and download it for FREE here.

Reusable Coffee Sleeve

Inspired by the new opening of a coffee shop that actually makes good coffee (they get their coffee from the same semi-local roaster we get ours from at church... and we're a church full of coffee snobs), I recently made some reusable coffee sleeves with this tutorial from House on Hill Road.   Two for birthday gifts for friends, one for myself. :)  The tutorial is great, so simple.  I used two layers of upcycled wool instead of two layers of cotton and one of batting.  I find that the fewer components there are in a project, the fewer opportunities there are to make a mess of things. They took a matter of minutes to make and I must admit that I like whipping it out of  my purse when I go out for coffee.  I'm thinking I should probably make these and sell them at this new coffee shop.  Now all I need is a logo from my fantastic logo-designing husband.  Are you reading this, husband?  I love you.

Printable Valentines

My favorite free printable valentines of the year... way cute.  Print them, sign them, give them.  I just made Valentine's Day so easy for you.

Tea Bag Valentines

Anatomically Correct Heart Valentines

Love Big Elephant Valentines