A Modern Twist on an Old Idea

Lots of cute Vintage aprons with a modern twist! LOVE THEM!

Yarn Tree

I'm not a really big Cross Stitcher (my sister is much better at it than I am) but I do find it enjoyable. Recently I have been researching different Cross Stitch sites and I came across this one and thought I'd share.
Yarn Tree a company out of Iowa has a great site. With lots of information, products, links and free stuff.

My favorite thing about their site is the Cross Stitch Calculator. It allows you to enter your fabric count, and your stitch count (width by height) and it will give you the dimensions in inches.

It is so awesome because you can figure out fast how big your project is going to end up and how it will change if you decide to change your fabric count. I highly recommend it. If you are into Cross Stitching this site is for you.

Topless Undershirt

Kind of ironic don't you think? But I think this is a fabulous idea! TOPLESS UNDERSHIRTS! They are so awesome for all those shirts, (everybody has them) that just aren't long enough! and they are also great for nursing moms! Lift your shirt up to nurse and not worry about your tummy or back showing. Not to mention the greatness of not having another seam at your underarm in the summer when you are already wearing enough clothes as it is.

They are also awesome because they will give any of my readers 20% off a purchase of 2 or more shirts! Use the code "welovebloggers"

Check them out!
THANK YOU BLUSH!

BLUSH, Topless Undershirts

Swimming Suits

So its the dreaded time to get a new suit for the summer. Having been through swimsuit shopping myself I know how hard it is to find a suit that is... 1. MODEST 2. FITS 3. LOOKS GOOD 4. IS AFFORDABLE.

I am so grateful that I have the skills to make my own. (If I can find fabric!) but I realize that not many people are so fortunate. I wish I had the time and energy to make all of my wonderful friends their own custom suit but unfortunately that is impossible. (My only sister is lucky if she gets one) So in an attempt to help all of you out, I'm listing sites that I have found helpful.

I wish all of you luck in your swim suit search and I would love to hear any experiences you have had (Good and Bad). I'd also love to hear any styles or colors you love and hate.

In a perfect world I would have my own line that solves all of our problems. Maybe someday when my husband is a millionaire (yeah right!) I'll give it a go. But until then these will have to do...

1. BillieJo Clothing:
I worked for this company last spring/summer as a seamstress and had a really good experience. They are right here in Provo and will CUSTOM MAKE you a suit for I think around $75-80. You pick your style, and fabric, and they will fit it to you. They are a great company and have a pretty good variety of fabrics. (However their website isn't great!, its Terrible actually) I recommend going into the store and actually trying samples on. Their address is on the website. Because they do everything in house it takes a while (3-4weeks if they aren't booked) to get your suit made. So go now and get on the waiting list so you have your suit in time for summer.
2. Modbe Clothing:
I have to be honest I have never boughten anything from Modbe but I have only heard good things. And this season I was so impressed with their line! Wow! They are really really cute! And they have a really good selection in fun prints! Go to their website and click on CLOTHING not "Go Shop" to see their new swim line.
3. My Baby Jo:
If you are brave enough to go "Retro" this site has some really cute suits. They have awesome one-pieces. They may rather expensive, but the designs are great!4. Shade Clothing:
I actually worked on Shades 1st swim line when it debued last year. I own some of last seasons styles and the fit is good. The hidden pockets in the bust allow you to add extra padding, which is nice, and The high waisted bottoms hide tummy rolls well. Overall I think you would be happy with a suit from Shade, they are very stylish and very modest which Shade is good at.

A few more....
hapari.com
layersclothing.com (they claim to have modest suits but I wonder about a few, their quality isn't great but take it for what it is worth.)

Hope this info is helpful. And if you have any feedback I'd love to hear

The Posture Pleaser

This product is a lifesaver for me! If you sit for long hours sewing, using the computer, scrapbooking etc...you need this! Basically if you do anything with your hands in front of you for an extended period of time this will help relieve your shoulder and back pain.

Now I can't live with out it. I definitely notice a difference when I don't use my posture pleasure.

Check out the website...

I thought they only distributed to specialty stores, but I recently found out they sell them online at JoAnns. Right now they are on sale for $30

What machine should I buy?

People ask me this question all the time. What machine should I buy? Well, I am very partial to Berninas. I have used these at home and at school. I have only once had a problem with a machine in about 15 years and that problem was promptly corrected, free of charge, at my local Bernina dealer. I think Bernina's are top of the line as far as home sewing machines go. I use mine like an industrial machine and it always runs great! I would recommend any Bernina machine as the #1 machine on my list to anyone looking for the perfect sewing machine.

I have also used 2 older Singers and they have worked well for me.

With that being said..

Threads Magazine has a good review on 31 machines. Here is the link.

I would love to hear about any experience you have had with your machine.

My Bias to Brands

My experience has led me to firmly believe that part of your success is in the tools. Certain tools can make or break your project. I have come to realize that some name brands are well worth the money! (And believe me you will pay for them) These are brands I frequently use and love!

• Bernina-my sewing machine and my serger.
• Moda Fabrics- The best quality cotton quilting fabrics.
• Gingher Shears- Other scissors just don't "cut" it.
• Vogue Patterns- Sometimes high on the difficulty level, but always more polished and fit better than other companies.
• Rowenta- Awesome home irons that work like industrial steam irons