Tutorial Tuesday - The Cutest Clutch in Town!

Good morning everyone! It's time for another edition of Tutorial Tuesday, complete with linky party fun!

I did {another} sewing project this week. I hope you guys are not getting too tired of the sewing tutorials, I am really coming into my own with my machine and I'm just so excited to try all these new projects. This week I jumped even further out of my comfort zone and tacked the oh-so-scary ZIPPER!!!

I know, just thinking about it used to make me cringe. Now, not so much. I'm excited about all the new projects I can do now with my new zipper skillz. {That's right, I spelled it with a z... because that's how mad my skills are. ;)} What do you think? Introducing...

The Cutest Clutch in Town

{a.k.a. The Aviary Clutch}

A friend and I were talking the other day when Joel Dewberry's Aviary 2 collection came up. It inspired me to pull out my little Aviary 2 stash and make myself something lovely. :) I'm a sucker for purple, and turquoise is currently holding 2nd in that poll, so this collection is right up my alley.

I found the tutorial on the Noodlehead blog, so you can pop over there to check out the details, but I made some adjustments so give you a quick rundown here, too. :)

Here's what you need:

Materials List:

1. Fabrics of choice- I used 4 different fabrics, but you can use as few as two.

• Main front fabric: one 5.5" tall by 9" wide, and one 5.5" tall by 13" wide (the longer piece will be the gathered/ruffled front)
• Front band: one piece 4" tall by 9" wide.
• Lining: two pieces 5.5" tall by 9" wide
• Zipper end covers: two pieces 1.5" tall by 2.5" wide.
• Medium weight fusible interfacing: (2) 5.5" tall by 9" wide (for fusing to inside of exterior pieces of clutch)

{Optional Pieces}

• Divider pocket: one piece 8" tall by 9" wide (apply interfacing to half, you'll need a 4" x 9" piece)
• Card holders: one piece 7" tall by 9" wide (apply interfacing to half, you'll need a 3.5" x 9" piece)
• Cash pocket: one piece 5" tall by 9" wide (apply interfacing to half, you'll need a 2.5" x9" piece)

2. Zipper. Can be longer and cut down, but finished size will need to be 8.5" long

3. Medium weight fusible Interfacing (see above for measurement details)

4. Coordinating thread

Now as far as the basic pattern goes, I followed the Noodlehead tutorial pretty much to a T. And she's got some great pics to go along with the steps too.

I took some liberties when it came to the inside. I like pockets in my wallet/purse so I had to make some.

I took the large "divider" piece (folded over and fused), and top stitched about 1/4" from the folded edge then top stitched another row 1/4" below that. Next, I basted the sides of the piece to one side of the lining.

Next, I took the 7"x9" piece folded it over and fused it together and top stitched it the same way as the first piece. I then basted the ends to the other piece of lining. 

This is where it gets personal. ;) Depending on what you're going to be using the pockets for, the measurements for the stitching will be different. I wanted to have credit card pockets, a pocket for my business cards, and a pocket to hold my chap stick so I used each of those things to help me measure off the sections.

I also added a shorter pocket in front of the larger set of pockets for stowing cash in. That's the 5"x9" piece, just fold it in half and fuse it the same way as the others and sew it on in front of your first set of pockets.

Just to make myself feel good, I also sewed in one of my tags. You know, so it's custom. ;)

Finish following the Noodlehead tutorial and you should be all set!!

Tips for this Tutorial:

• When sewing together your lining, leave a larger seam allowance than you did when sewing together your outside pieces. (ex. 1/4" seam allowance on outside pieces, 3/4" seam allowance on lining.) This just helps the lining and pockets fit nicely into the clutch without bunching up.
• If I were doing this project again, I would make the front ruffled part 5.5" x 15" instead of 13" so I could have better ruffles. Who doesn't like more ruffles? ;)
• Mix up your fabrics for a truly unique piece!

So now it's your turn! 

Link up your projects below, and grab a button for your project post. 

Be sure to visit other links on the list and share the love! :)
Today's Creative Blog

{I'm linking up HERE this week!}

<a href="http://www.littlebirdiebaby.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybpWehEcQYkr_bcTNwQtjMs-pSV-lbAnKMq0wQAbpkfm8Vn6I1fmUjYtVvzwqfTuazi67qG1Z7SWKRWPfgV3kkRVaYGnhKP7LJ0txiH6AQQj2x8KUcYdEuPtOudXo4oDmxEdFyxqjJ7RO/s800/Tute%20Tues%20LB.png" height="150" width="150" /></a>

Have a great week!!

XOXO

Merchandise Monday - Updates to The Little Birdie Shop!

Good moring (er, uh... afternoon) everyone! I just wanted to pop in really quick and update you guys on some new additions to The Little Birdie Shop on Etsy. I've been hard at work getting some of my show merchandise photographed and posted, as well as some items that are brand new to the shop!

There are a few new onesie designs:

And some fun new little baby shower gift sets... some with "Little Birdies" and some with our old friend, "Eli the Elephant" :)

I'm working on getting my little cutie booties listed as well, as I have had MUCH response from last time's Tutorial Tuesday post.

I hope you'll stop by and check out all the new stuff, and I would LOVE to hear your feedback!! :)

Tomorrow I've got a fresh new tutorial for a super fun sewing project, so don't miss out! Have a great Monday, and be sure to check out the linky party tab up top for some of my favorite linky parties happening out in blog land today. Until then, keep creating!


XOXO

A banner day for The Little Birdie!

So, obviously I was excited about my little feature on Sugar Bee this morning, but it doesn't stop there! I came back to the computer after putting Baby A down for her morning nap and I had the sweetest message from Stephanie at My Lil Pumpkin Patch letting me know she had given me "The Versatile Blogger" award. I feel so loved today!!

Stephanie is a recent addition to our bloggy bud friends, and I'm so excited that she's enjoying The Little Birdie so much. You are so sweet, Steph! Now it's my turn to share this award with some of my new favorites!

There are also some fun "play along" parts to getting this award:

1. Thank the person who gives you this award and link back to their blog.

2. Share 7 things about yourself in your post.

3. Pass this award on to 10 blogs you have recently fallen in love with and include links in your post.

Thanks again Stephanie! All of you should take a sec to pop over to Steph's blog, My Lil Pumpkin Patch to show her some love and check it out. It's super cute!

Here are some things about me that you may not know:

1. I have a few weird and irrational fears, e.g. raccoons clawing through the screens while the windows are open, the ceiling fan falling out of the ceiling and chopping my legs off while I sleep, the hair monster in the shower drain. I know, I know. I said they were irrational, haha!

2. I have an ANCIENT kitty cat that I've had since I was 12 years old. He must be like 200 in cat years by now.

3. I am the definition of "a creature of habit." Routines keep me sane, and keep me on track. Maybe that makes me a little bit OCD, but whatevs. Girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. ;)

4. My kiddo is nearly 15 months old and I'm still taking my prenatal vitamins. I kinda thought that it must be a good habit, and any vitamin is better than no vitamin, right? (remember what I said about routines? LOL!)

5. Hubby and I find it immeasurably hilarious to do "voice over commentary" for our little Jack Russell, Tina. She's so cute and silly all the time so the hilarity is already there, plus I have a "Tina voice" that just comes naturally so it just makes good sense.

6. I have pinned and bookmarked more projects, recipes, and design ideas than I could ever do in 5 lifetimes, and yet I still keep at it.

7. I absolutely love getting mail, but since "becoming an adult" I have found that mail really isn't all that great. It's mostly bills, solicitations, and crappy grocery mailers. One of my favorite things about The Little Birdie is how much real, actual mail it has brought into my life. I love getting notes from etsy buyers, test product from new vendors, pretty fabrics from new designers, and anything and everything else that people send me!

Finally, here are some blogs that I've recently come across that you should definitely check out!

1. Mrs. Bettie Rocker 

2. Heartfelt Mama

3. Hoot Designs

4. Momma Gets Real

5. {NICEGIRLNOTES}

6. Rock N Regalia

7. Southern Lovely

8. The Pepper Place

9. The Shape of a Mother

10. 2 Little Hooligans

I hope you all take a minute to visit these great blogs, and have a great day!!

XOXO

Feature on Sugar Bee Craft Edition!

I woke up this morning, and in my usual 7am haze started catching up on all my favorite blogs and linky parties. Lo and behold, what did I find? Myself! Well, my little "Betty Page" Pinup Baby Booties from last week! I feel so special. :)

Every Thursday, Mandy at Sugar Bee Crafts does a "show-off," hosted by one of her favorite bloggers and this week, my little baby booties were lucky enough to be included. :)



I am a huge fan of Sugar Bee Crafts, and if you haven't been to check out Mandy's awesome blog... DO! She is so super crafty, and seriously one of the nicest people ever.

So, shout out today to Mandy at Sugar Bee Crafts and Christy at Christy's Cuties for the sweet mention. It made my morning! :)

XOXO

Tutorial Tuesday - Cutie Booties!

Hey everyone! Welcome to Tuesday! I am really excited to show you what I've been working on lately. I've been on a roll making baby shoes. :)

It was a pretty big leap for me, but I'm glad I did it. I feel more confident about my sewing and less afraid to try something new/harder. As much as I would love to share this pattern with you, I purchased it from a fellow etsy seller as a "one per person" thing. BUT, I am at work on my own pattern so that I can share it with you and start popping these bad boys into my shop.

Here are the girly ones I did:

And I couldn't forget the boys...

What do you think? I'm pretty proud of myself and looking for some babies to dress now, haha! :)

Now it's your turn to share!

Link up below and let's see what you all have been up to...

XOXO

What I Pinned {Wednesday}

It may have been a couple of weeks since I've posted a "What I Pinned {Wednesday}," but rest assured I have still been pinning like crazy! Right now I'm kind of on a bathroom kick. I think it's because every time I'm in our bathroom I'm dreaming of ways to fix it up and make it more suitable to our my taste.

Our master bath has some seriously hideous wallpaper. Not just wallpaper, but floor-to-ceiling wallpaper AND a floral border. I know. It's all rose and hunter green, circa 1990's. But it has an amazingly huge (and deep!) garden tub, and plenty of room to play, so I'm on the hunt for some awesome inspiration. Here are some incredible bathrooms I've found and pinned recently.

{Click photos for links through Pinterest}

We won't be doing anything drastic like re-tiling or flooring, but I LOVE these colors and those scalloped tiles are absolutely incredible! Look at the detailing in the flooring!

I love the rustic feel of this bathroom. The barn wood covered wall and natural stone tub structure make me feel all earthy and cozy inside, haha! It's perfect with a little greenery, and white accents.

Speaking of earthy, check out this eclectic tiling pattern. It's so natural looking, and I just love the "randomness" of the pattern. P.S. I think the sink would be awesome in any bathroom!

Huge tub AND a fireplace? 'Nuff said...

Another "natural" bathroom... I love the open concept, and the pebble flooring with the stone walls would make me feel like I was showering in my waterfall again!

I love the contrast in this bathroom. The grey is stark but soft and the white allows the natural elements (the basket, wood bench, plants, etc.) in this room to stand out. 

So far, I think this is my most realistic favorite. We wouldn't have to change too much, but it would give the bathroom a much needed facelift. The green is so fresh, and when coupled with the white it just brightens up the whole space. 

If you're not familiar with Pinterest, go here for more info. And if you're already on Pinterest, come find me or leave me your link in the comments so I can come follow along with all of your finds!

XOXO

Tutorial Tuesday & Linky Party - An Old Fashioned Sleepover

Well... not actually. But that's what it felt like! My very own bestie came to visit me yesterday all the way from Lubbock. Well, actually her and her man were down this way visiting his fam, so she stole away for the day to come and hang out with me and Baby A. We spent the afternoon chatting away, playing with my little Baby A, and doing things that girls do. Like my hair. It almost reminded me of when we were 13 and staying up late watching Princess Bride and talking about boys. :)

Did any of you see Lauren Conrad's funky July 4th hair on her blog the beauty department this month? We did. It was incredible! And as often happens, we were instantly in love and had to try it out. Unfortunately, since Lauri is still growing out her bob from last year, I am the only one with hair long enough to give it a go at the moment. But just wait 6 months and we'll be back with pictures of her hair too! ;)

Ready for this??

What do you think?

I LOVE IT!

We could not have been happier with the way it turned out. Especially since we were both new to the whole self-bleaching thing. Thank goodness, I would have hated to post to you today about how we burned my hair off last night, haha! Hopefully I can get some better pics when the hubbs gets home from work later. It's kind of hard taking pictures of your own hair... especially when it's soooo long.

If you want to try it out, the beauty department has their tutorial HERE. Of course, I am always happy to answer questions if you need me to! Luckily, I got lots of great info from the lady at Sally's Beauty Supply, so if you purchase your goods there don't be afraid to ask for help!

These are the colored dyes that I used. They came highly recommended by Sally's lady, and they're supposed to have great holding power. They're also really vibrant, and that was a huge plus for me. I think Sally's had about 15 different colors in this brand:

We only ended up using a tiny bit, so I probably have enough dye to do this another 50 times, haha!

Enough of my silly antics, let's see what you've been up to! Link up your crafts and projects below! Be sure to use the direct link to the actual post, and be nice and go visit some of the other great links on the list. :) Feel free to grab a button from below and get linking!

<a href="http://www.littlebirdiebaby.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybpWehEcQYkr_bcTNwQtjMs-pSV-lbAnKMq0wQAbpkfm8Vn6I1fmUjYtVvzwqfTuazi67qG1Z7SWKRWPfgV3kkRVaYGnhKP7LJ0txiH6AQQj2x8KUcYdEuPtOudXo4oDmxEdFyxqjJ7RO/s800/Tute%20Tues%20LB.png" height="150" width="150" /></a>

As always, I hope you all are having a great week!!

XOXO

Friday Features: Sewing Projects

Hi all!! I've been meaning to get in here and show off some of the great things that you all have been sharing on the Tutorial Tuesday linky party. Since I didn't do a post this week, I left last week's party open {it will be open until Monday night, so go ahead and link up your projects!} and there's all kinds of fun stuff going on over there.

There are so many great links, that I thought I would narrow it down into groups. This Feature Friday is focusing on all the great sewing projects linked up this week. Check them out...

Kitty and her awesomely easy T-shirt scarf @ A Law Student's Journey

{isn't she cute? I can totally appreciate a person who like to take silly pictures!}

Adorable white on white Poppy Onesie @ Jessa Jill

{you guys know I'm a sucker for onesies!}

Patriotic Ribbon Flag T-shirt & Headband @ The Trophy Wife

{such a clever idea her daughter had here!!}

Repurposed Apron = Ruffled Sundress @ Lolly Jane Boutique

{Love ruffles, love a repurpose, LOVE this little cutie!}

Cap Sleeve Blouse @ Sweet Verbena

{she made her own pattern... which is like, amazing to me!}

Watermelon Skirt @ Sun Scholars

{what an adorable skirt, and an even more adorable model! Look at her hamming it up!}

And last but definitely not least...

Matching Crocheted Blessing Dress & Blanket @ Sarahndipities

{Congrats to Sarah on her brand new little angel! She is just too sweet!!}

I hope you all are having a fantastic week and have something fun planned for the weekend!

XOXO

Precious "Little Birdies"... New model photos!

Have I ever told you guys how much I love getting photos from etsy buyers? It's seriously one of the biggest perks of the job. It never fails to put a smile on my face every single time.

This week I got some of the most adorable pictures from Brandy in Maryland of her TWIN nieces that she sent Little Birdie onesies to. Brandy actually won our Facebook contest back in March, and she picked matching Monogrammed Angel Wings onesies to send to her nieces. Check out how precious these two Little Birdies are.

Look! They even have matching tutus and headbands!!

And a little shot of their "wings" from the back.

SO precious! Thank you so much Brandy for sending these to me, and also a special thanks to these cuties' Momma for letting me share the pics with you guys. :) I hope you all are having a great week!

If any of you have photos you would like to share, feel free to email them to me at 

littlebirdiebaby {at} gmail {dot} com

XOXO

Tutorial Tuesday & Linky Party - A Little Taste

I don't know about you guys but I feel extra inspired this summer. I have so many things in the works that I haven't finished even ONE yet! But that's okay, at least I'm having fun. :)

Since I don't have a finished tutorial to post yet, I thought I would post some progress pics of some of the things I've been working on.

A little cookery...

A little painting...

A little weaving...

A little planting...

A little backyard building...

And LOTS of things I don't even have photos for yet. Whew! It makes me dizzy just looking at all these. Methinks there will be some late night blog writing going on in the next few weeks, haha!

In any case, I am still excited to see what you all have been working on, so don't forget to link up below! Grab a button if you'd like, and feel free to link up as many projects as you have. Just please be sure to link to the ACTUAL project post to save us all some browse time. Now... link up! :)

<a href="http://www.littlebirdiebaby.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybpWehEcQYkr_bcTNwQtjMs-pSV-lbAnKMq0wQAbpkfm8Vn6I1fmUjYtVvzwqfTuazi67qG1Z7SWKRWPfgV3kkRVaYGnhKP7LJ0txiH6AQQj2x8KUcYdEuPtOudXo4oDmxEdFyxqjJ7RO/s800/Tute%20Tues%20LB.png" height="150" width="150" /></a>

XOXO