Monthly Archives: May 2011

Dottie Kraft Korner: Toddler Bib Tutorial.

Crafts + DIY, ,

Yes, friends, it’s time to get your craft on!


Professor Dottie from the School of Slapdash Crafting is back and today, I’m going to show you an easy, a super easy and a crazy town easy way to make a bib.  And two of them don’t even involve the sewing machine. I know–BANANAS, right?

I realized that the Peach has outgrown her original bibs. This became clear to me when I noticed a stain line that went across her tummy right when the little bib ended. Hmm… I thought to myself…new larger bibs will save me some grief in the clothing department.  We were using cloth napkins and a kipiis, which is great, but oilcloth protects clothing

I think bibs are the unsung heroes of toddlerhood. I know there are a lot of good bib tutorials out there, but I’m adding mine to the mix because after making bibs and seeing how darn easy these are to make, well, I just needed to add another bib tutorial to the Internet!

And these bibs are so darn easy AND cheap to make–two of my favorite features in craft projects (as opposed to people….)   I spent $10 on materials and made four big bibs.  The original bib that I based my design on cost me $15.00! And once you make one, you are hooked.

Here is the prototype bib I’m using as the pattern. I bought  itat Whole Foods that has only been in use for like five months and it already looks beaten down. Sigh!  Also, that pocket was rather lame as it didn’t really catch stuff, so I omitted it from my version.

I went to my local shop of crafty goodness and bought some oilcloth and bias tape. They had a nice selection but I thought one yard of this red/white and blue floral dottie combo is adorable and I thought it could go for a little pop of blue bias tape for the edging.  Even though I show one packet, I had to go back and get another pack.

I weighed down the original bib on top of the oilcloth folded four times and traced around it.  I do have fancy little sewing weights, but couldn’t find them and instead basically grabbed whatever I could find within a yard of me.  So, really–why use the sewing weights can I can use a can of cat-food, a small bottle of alcohol and other misc. items that are within your reach and will do the trick just as well!

Then cut through the four layers (or one layer if you are just making one).

Add a little velcro dot–grippy side up. My assistant shows off the dot.

And VOILA– CRAZY TOWN EASY BIB #1!!!

If you want to add a bit more glamour, you can spend ten extra minutes gluing bias tape to the end.

I would highly recommend taking your time when putting the bias tape on. I used a cheap, fabric glue and put a line of it in the middle fold of the bias tape and then gently attached it on the edge of the bib. Warning–don’t pull too much on the bias tape to go around the corners. It will stretch the bias tape too much and wrinkle the oilcloth a bit. Not enough to be traumatic but if you are a perfectionist, well… But regardless, it’s totally adorable, eh?

and TADA! VERY EASY BIB #2!!!.

And lastly, if you really want to gild the lily, you can sew down the bias tape, which takes another 10 minutes (and 24 hours for the glue to cure) but makes this whole bib pretty indestructible.

THERE YOU GO! Super awesome EASY BIB #3.

And they work! Yay! Particularly well with breakfast burritos on Sunday mornings.

Have you ever made a bib for your little one?

 

2-4-6-8, Donna Wilson’s Really Great!

Uncategorized

Hello pals! Today I have something a little bit different. It’s not really a children’s brand, per se, but I think after you take one look at British designer Donna Wilson‘s fantastical creations you’ll agree they will appeal to kiddos of all ages. I know I fell head over heels! Donna began her career creating an amazing wonderland of stitched and knitted monsters that celebrated fun and quirky characteristics: some have extra long legs or extra big heads, some have two heads, some are grumpy or shy and all are not what they seem. She has also branched out to produce groovy pillows, cozy blankets, felted doilies, pom pom rugs and crazily charming kitchenware. Trust me. You’re gonna love these!





How cute is that little orange slice “barrette” on the little plate?? I love how all of these items would be equally at home in a cool couple’s flat or a sweet kid’s room. And wait til you see Donna herself. She is as cute as her designs are whimsical! Take a gander at this little sunshine gal:

When asked to talk a little bit about her work, Donna had this to say!

“When people ask me what I do I always say I make weird knitted creatures with two heads and angry faces, I love the reaction I get!! Most people look a bit confused and some just think I’m mad. My work is playful, tactile and bright, inspired by the everyday oddities and deformities of life. I like to think of each of my creations as a character in my very own wonderland…where everything is made of soft wool, trees are knitted and instead of growing leaves, pom poms sprout out, strange knitted creatures eat cup cakes and doughnuts sprinkled with stitching.”



So what do you think? Pretty fun stuff huh.

Get yer mitts on Donna’s goodies (ermm, that doesn’t sound quite right…) at these stores in the US:
the future perfect (new york)
Eden&Eden (san francisco)
Eli-phant (portland)
For international stores, check out Donna Wilson’s site here.

images from Donna Wilson.com

Sponsor Crush:: Sugar & Spice Aprons.

Sponsor Love, ,

 

People, I have a confession to make: I’m a little bit of an apron whore.

I inherited a big box of vintage aprons from my grandmothers and have quite a lovely collection of fancy pretty pretty aprons, but I like aprons that can actually stand up to full beatdown of cooking–from the spaghetti sauce to making the pie crust. But at the same time, I want to look pretty.

That is why I’m so happy that Danielle’s darling little apron company, Sugar and Spice exists!  Because they are perfect. They look great over that simple black dress you decide to wear for your dinner party and add a wonderful pop of sass to boot! And I think a whole slew of you folks are equally charmed by her handmade aprons–since you said so in our giveaway!

I’m totally crushing on the charming Ms. Danielle, who I had the wonderful pleasure of sitting down with over a nice e-glass of homemade lemonade with mint because that’s how we roll.

So let’s find out what makes Danielle click, shall we?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MK: Hello there! How did you get your start making aprons?

Danielle: It all started when I was 16 years old, and desperately wanted to learn how to sew so that I could make my own fabulous clothing! However, I could not for the life of me, find a good sewing teacher! So, using my notorious initiative, I decided to teach myself. When I went pattern shopping, I knew I wanted something that would require a little more skill than a tote bag ( after all, I already knew how to sew straight lines!). That’s when I stumbled upon these GORGEOUS 50’s style apron patterns. I figured aprons would be perfect practice pieces, and I knew my loving, supportive mother would wear all the “practice ones” I made. But, after a while my practice aprons started looking better and better. One day my mom posted photos of all the aprons I made her online to share with her friends; pretty soon I was getting orders left and right! Thus, a business was born.


(These are the Marilyn–with the Nautical Marilyn on the right…)

MK: Right on, lady!  You started your business at 16….this makes me wonder, what were you like as a child?? What were your favorite toys/things to do?

Danielle: As a child, I was always very precocious. I guess I’ve been business minded from the start. First I sold items out of catalog around my neighbor, and got paid a whole $2 commission from the catalog company per item I sold! Then I started raking lawns every fall when I was about 9 years old. And at 10, I started a neighborhood newsletter! I interviewed the neighborhood families; I had a Feature Pet column, a crossword puzzle, and I even gave out an award for Best Lawn. It was so much fun creating my newsletter every month; I eventually got up to about 50 subscribers! When I was little my favorite toys were my Barbie dolls and my Littlest Pet Shop sets. I liked doing all the different voices for the different animals/Barbies as I played with them. Lol.

MK: How very entrepreneurial! I remember selling puffy stickers in the back of my second grade class, but that was it.  Note to self: write post on PUFFY STICKERS!

(Psst. The I bought the style with the Peter Pan collar and it looks AMAZING on! Who would ever say an apron could be so darn flattering.)

MK: Have you ever had a sewing-related injury or any big calamity? I sure hope not, but if so, give us the gory details!

Danielle: Luckily, I have never had a sewing related injury. But I’ve definitely had my fair shares of calamities! On my first wholesale order, RIGHT in the middle of producing 150 aprons ALL by myself, Wright’s ( the big sewing products company) decided to move their corporate location, and SUSPENDED all shipments of bias tape! Not just to little businesses like me, but to all the retail and online stores as well. Wrights is pretty much the only bias tape you can buy, and I couldn’t order more bias tape, because no one else had any to send either! I had to drive to every fabric store within a 100 mile radius to buy whatever they had left in stock. It was a nightmare! But, I did pull through.

MK: Gah! That doesn’t sound awful! But very resourceful of you!  Say, Is there a story behind the name Sugar and Spice?

Danielle: Actually, I just wanted a cute name that would encompass all of my aprons styles; some are sexy, some are sweet. Sugar ‘n Spice just seemed to fit! 😉

MK: And it does–I love the name–so perfect for the kitchen too! OK, random question: What is one place you really want to visit that you haven’t been to before?

Danielle: Paris!!! I am obsessed with everything French, and I have every intention of visiting Paris at LEAST once before I leave this great Earth. 🙂

Me too! Oh Danielle, you are as lovely as your aprons and thanks so much for being a sponsor. We are very lucky to have you and I hope you stay around awhile.

And friends, do check out Danielle’s wonderful Etsy shop of aprons, Sugar and Spice.


MK Giveaway:: Snicklefritz Kids {CLOSED}

Giveaways

ALAS, THIS GIVEAWAY IS OVER. THANK YOU FOR PLAYING!

Yowza, friends–we have a humdinger of a prize for y’all this week. Fresh off the awesomeness of our little Mother’s Day giveaway, we give you this: a $50 gift certificate to online kiddo boutique, Snicklefritz!

And trust me, this is a very very good thing. Because Snicklefritz has AMAZING goodies for boys and girls at great prices to boot! Katie Dissler, the mastermind behind this adorable little nook of the Web has curated a wonderfully charming mix of clothes that pretty much guarantee that you’ll find something divine every time you go there.

But first, we sat down with the Divine Ms.Katie to chat about Snicklefritz and her cozy world over Web malted milkshakes while getting pedicures. (It’s too hot for tea, don’t you think?) But first I must show you how button cute Katie is. And with her equally cute husband too.

I don’t know what I love more, Katie and her hubs sassy style or the fact that this pic was taking in a LIBRARY!!

MK: Darling, I love your store! But tell me what is with that giggly fun name?

Katie: Our name came about because I live in Pennsylvania Dutch country and my grandpa (grampsie, as we like to call him) called all the grand kids ‘snicklefritz’ growing up… among other names, haha…I still don’t know what a ‘nix nooks’ is… Anyway, in PA Dutch it means a mischievous child… and I kind of liked that because most of my greatest memories of childhood growing up involved some kind of mischief! I really want all the clothes in our shop to reflect that too… I’m not looking to stock regular old play clothes or boring pastels (although there’s a time and a place for everything!)… We’re looking for clothes that fun and fashionable little snicklefritzes would wear!

MK: I love it! And I”m so bringing that back “snicklefritz” into every day vocabulary. People, you’ve been warned…  BTWs, I love your selection of boyswear. Those ties from Urban Sunday and the Knucklehead rompers–I die!

MK: I also adore your goodies for girls too. Such sweet dresses. Clearly it helps when you have your own little girl yes? Please see picture of Annie, being very snicklefritzy below…

Katie: I love dressing Annie, and I love when people say, ‘OH.MY.GARSH! That outfit is too darn cute’!!! Because, let’s face it… we all love a cute kid… but I think mostly we love when people squeal about our cute kid!! (At least I do, is that bad?) Well, Snicklefritz Kids is here to make people squeal and coo over your kid! That’s our main goal. Well, not really the main one but… ok nevermind, it is…

MK: You pick great stuff for the kiddos.  They have such a great vintage feel. It is clear to me that you love the vintage, yes?  And girl, you didn’t tell me you also sold VINTAGE at your shop too?!?! Color me sold!

Katie: Oh yes! I’ve always had an itch for all things vintage… any my mom thought I was crazy for wanting to wear her old bell bottoms in elementary school before they were back in style… Needless to say, all of our clothes have a vintage, retro feel to them (some even are vintage!) and we LOVE bright colors. I am also mama to my own little snicklefritz, named Annie… she is 1 and obviously is my number one source of inspiration because she is just that amazing!

Katie, you are adorable and your shop is too!  And we want you to fall in love with this dandy shop too!

Now, to win a $50 gift certificate in our Awesome Snicklefritz Giveaway, here’s all you need to do:

  1. Leave a comment on this blog entry. To get bonus entries you may:
  2. Follow us on Twitter. If you are already a follower, tweet about this giveaway—don’t forget to include @modernkiddo in the tweet please! You can also follow our personal twitters @galexina and @missdottie for two additional entries.
  3. “Like” us on Facebook.
  4. “Like” Snicklefritz on Facebook.
  5. Follow Snicklefritz on Twitter.

You’ll get one entry for each thing you do. If you do all six things on the list you’ll be entered six times. HUZZAH!!!

Voting ends Monday, May 23rd at NOON PST.  The winner will be announced that evening Monday, May 23rd at 8:00PM-PST.

Good luck, and we’re crossing our fingers you win!

Vintage Roadtrip // The Kitschy Pink Palace // Madonna Inn

Best of Alix

My friend Elizabeth, of The Littlest, was on a lovely family road trip this weekend. Part of her trip included a first time stay at The Madonna Inn. And I was so thrilled for her, because The Madonna Inn ROCKS. In brief, it is an insane palace of kistch! I was reminded of my own trip there. Waaay back when I turned 30,  before Wolfie was born, greg planned a really amazing birthday weekend for me. We flew to Vegas to see Siegfried and Roy (I should explain the night we first met was Halloween and my roomie and I were dressed as Siegfried & Roy. We looked fabulously ridiculous (sequin capes, giant stuffed white tiger) but somehow greg still asked me out. We always joked we needed to see S &R someday and so he made it happen. Then after Vegas, greg took me to Disneyland (I love Disneyland. For reals. It’s one of my favorite things ever). Finally, the last leg of our adventure was a pit stop at the infamous Madonna Inn. Ahhh, the Madonna Inn! Pink, kitschy…faaaaabulous! Each bedroom has a different theme—bright colors, crazy wall paper etc—and I really think this is what Liberace’s guest rooms must have looked like.

Located in San Luis Obisbo, the Inn was opened in 1958 by Alex Madonna. It didn’t turn this flamboyant until after 1966 when a fire nearly burned the whole thing to the ground. Like a mad genius (who believed “Anyone can decorate a room”) he wallpapered, shellacked, and ticky tackified this place into the wondrous creation it is today. All the rooms have Theme names (“Barrel of Fun”, “Krazy Dazy” “Jungle Rock” etc), which just adds to the fun.

One of the centerpieces of the Madonna Inn is the pink dining room….and I DO mean pink, pets!
How amazing are those round booths? It’s as luscious in person as it is in this photo.

Greg and I stayed in one of the cave rooms, which is like Flintstones-meets-Tretchikof with a splash of Swingin’ Bachelor Pad. Did I mention the rock shower? Awww yeah. You can see the larger suite version of that room in this YouTube video. (seriously, is EVERYTHING on YouTube??)


Images: Madonna Inn

If you’re ever in California you have to swing by for sure. My dream is to do a big vintage photo shoot there. Maybe this year I can make it happen. Oh Madonna Inn, I love you soooo!


Also, today is the last day to vote for us and all the other grand ladies in the Circle of Moms Top 25 Kids’ Style blog competition. Won’t you please head on over and give us a thumbs up vote? Just one easy click. Click the circle below to vote. Thank you co much for being the best readers around!