Eclectic "Catch All" Charm & Trinket Bracelets…..

…..are a great way to pull a bunch of those odds and ends in the bottom of your jewelry box together in one place. You can tell that I love little trinkets and charms…and I never part with any of them. I’ve done several posts on my other charm bracelets. To make a “catch all” bracelet you just need to purchase tiny jump rings and a bracelet to connect them to. Below are two bracelets that I’ve compiled with items collected over the years.
My eclectic “catch all” bracelet: I’ve started adding necklace pendants from my jewelry box that never get worn anymore…..I still have a ways to go. I’ve also added some random trinkets that could be connected by a jump ring.
Eclectic "Catch All" Charm & Trinket Bracelets via lilblueboo.com
A ring that I made when I was younger from a horse shoe nail while I was waiting for my horse to be shod:
Eclectic "Catch All" Charm & Trinket Bracelets 2 via lilblueboo.com
A small fish charm I brought back from China when I went to school there:
Eclectic "Catch All" Charm & Trinket Bracelets 3 via lilblueboo.com
An old dog tag of Diesel’s (not my phone number anymore, so don’t go and try to dial me up) and my grandfather’s old lutheran medal:
Eclectic "Catch All" Charm & Trinket Bracelets 4 via lilblueboo.com
An gold-leafed sand-dollar my mother and I bought at the beach in the early 90′s:
Eclectic "Catch All" Charm & Trinket Bracelets 5 via lilblueboo.com
Two necklace pendants from high school, a rock crystal (remember those?) and a small mosaic I bought in Rome:
Eclectic "Catch All" Charm & Trinket Bracelets 6 via lilblueboo.com
My old allergy medical alert and a locket my mother wore when she was younger:
Eclectic "Catch All" Charm & Trinket Bracelets 7 via lilblueboo.com
My religious medal bracelet: Religious medals, crosses and angels I’ve collected over the years.
Eclectic "Catch All" Charm & Trinket Bracelets 8 via lilblueboo.com
Various crosses…..
Eclectic "Catch All" Charm & Trinket Bracelets 9 via lilblueboo.com
…..tin religious medals…..
Eclectic "Catch All" Charm & Trinket Bracelets 10 via lilblueboo.com
…..and mixed finishes…..
Eclectic "Catch All" Charm & Trinket Bracelets 11 via lilblueboo.com
….make it interesting!
DIY Day @ ASPTL

The Finished Waves Border….

Remember Jacqueline, the woman who contacted me to paint “waves” for her son’s room? And I helped her do it herself? Look how it turned out! She sent me photos. What an amazing room for a little boy…..so many unique nautical details…..even the fan is made out of canvas to resemble a “sail.”
The Finished Waves Border via lilblueboo.com
The Finished Waves Border 2 via lilblueboo.com
The Finished Waves Border 3 via lilblueboo.com
The Finished Waves Border 4 via lilblueboo.com
The Finished Waves Border 5 via lilblueboo.com
The Finished Waves Border 6 via lilblueboo.com
Want to create this border for a room? You can download the “waves” template I created for her at my post How to make your own mural border template.

Recycled T-Shirt Halter / Tie Back Dress ePattern

Introducing….the Recycled T-Shirt Halter/Tie-Back Dress ePattern!
In a few days (Update: now available!) I will be releasing my newest pattern to my Etsy store so to celebrate I am giving away a copy of the pattern to THREE lucky blog readers! This is a 33-page PDF tutorial with 6 pattern pages and includes ALL of my tips and tricks for sewing knit fabrics on a regular sewing machine. The dress takes approximately 2 hours from start to finish and there are many options for customizing the dress to your liking!
I’m also celebrating the addition of my Recycled T-shirt Skirt/Skort ePattern to You Can Make This!
Start saving your t-shirts, knit clothing and scrap fabric now! My daughter received so many compliments and inquiries on these dresses that I decided to make it into a comprehensive tutorial that even the most inexperienced sewer can follow!
Recycled T-Shirt Halter / Tie Back Dress ePattern via lilblueboo.com
My original PDF pattern & tutorial includes:
:: 33 pages of easy to follow step-by-step complete sewing instructions
:: 92 full color images, diagrams and drawings to demonstrate pattern specifics
:: 6 pattern pages which include separate patterns for sizes 12M, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5 & 6
:: Bloomers pattern for the 12M and 2T sizes
:: Options for halter straps, tie-back loops, or stationary straps
:: Options for customizing your dress by adding a ruffle, pockets, and racing stripes/graphics
My friends, including my “consultant” Shari (of Happy Chickadee) and Deanna (my newest tester), helped me with the testing and provided amazing feedback and tips to ensure that it is the perfect ePattern!
Enjoy the gallery and make sure to read the rules below for the giveaway!
Recycled T-Shirt Halter / Tie Back Dress ePattern 2 via lilblueboo.com
Recycled T-Shirt Halter / Tie Back Dress ePattern 3 via lilblueboo.com
Recycled T-Shirt Halter / Tie Back Dress ePattern 4 via lilblueboo.com
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED – Winners of the Recycled T-Shirt Halter/Tie-Back Dress ePattern are:
Thanks to everyone for the amazing response to my giveaway! I would have never imagined I would get 192 entries! Will someone please, please tell me how to “number” my comment section so I don’t have to count by hand anymore though! That took forever and I kept losing my place!
The pattern is now available to purchase directly from my blog sidebar store or my LBB Etsy Store for $12.00! It is an informative 33 pages (plus 6 pattern pages) with 92 color images and diagrams to help you through every step. It even contains an entire section of “options” and ideas for customizing the dress!
GIVEAWAY (originally posted 7/30/2009)
ePattern GIVEAWAY to THREE lucky blog readers!
All you have to do to enter is leave a comment and I’ll randomly pick a winner next Friday, August 7th!

Rules:
:: US, Canada and the whole wide world welcome!
:: Enter before this Thursday, August 6th at midnight (eastern time)
:: Make sure to leave your email address in your comment as well if it isn’t available through your blog or profile.

Extra Entries:
:: Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me you do!
:: Add my button to your blog and leave me a comment telling me you did (or that it is already on your blog!)
:: Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment telling me you did!
:: Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment telling me you did!
I’ll announce the THREE winners on Friday, August 7th!
Good luck!

Fabric Shopping with a 2-Year-Old……

……equals crazy anxiety. Sienna had her first dentist appointment this morning…..then I thought it would be “fun” to go browse fabrics at Monica’s Quilt and Bead since we were already in that part of town.  I got some cute fabrics but I had no clue what I had bought until I got home since I was ALL over the store grabbing random bolts as I chased Sienna down.

Fabric Shopping with a 2-Year-Old via lilblueboo.com
My favorite luxury? Browsing a fabric store for hours by myself. But this trip I just wanted to get out of there before Sienna scattered tiny “seed” beads everywhere…she kept running over to the bead side and grabbing the little bead tubes. The ladies were really nice and kept trying to engage Sienna in conversation….and my lovely 2-year-old would yell “NO” and run the other direction. I’m pooped now.
My favorite purchase of the day? This cute fabric by Lecien: Caramel Town – Happy Chihuahuas. Wouldn’t this make a cute child’s apron?
Fabric Shopping with a 2-Year-Old 2 via lilblueboo.com
I have a great idea: fabric and craft stores should have a “coat-check” for children! I’d pay 5 bucks for that!

Fancy Skirts and Matching Owl Applique

Free owl applique download via lilblueboo.com
These are two matching outfits I made for Sienna’s twin friends who turned 3 this weekend.
Free owl applique download 2 via lilblueboo.com
The skirts I made using the Evelyn Apron Skirt pattern (without the apron). You can get the ePattern at You Can Make This). I used blue and pink owl fabric from Robert Kaufman’s Hot Couturier line (Screen print D#7116). I don’t think they make it anymore but you might be able to find it on the Internet.
Free owl applique download 3 via lilblueboo.com
I made one adjustment to the Evelyn Skirt pattern ….added an additional pink accent strip below the dark brown and white one to provide contrast.
Free owl applique download 4 via lilblueboo.com
I used the “Ultimate Tee” from Target for the applique (great $5 t-shirts with puffed sleeves). I added buttons for the eyes (a little off kilter because I think it makes the owls look sillier), added little bows to make them “girl” owls, and stitched some contrast onto the eye background using green DMC thread.
Free owl applique download 5 via lilblueboo.com
Here is the only photo I could snap of Sienna modeling it…..from the back as she ran from me…..
Free owl applique download 6 via lilblueboo.com
Here is my owl applique template if you’d like to make one yourself!
*Copyright © 2009 by Ashley Hackshaw. All rights reserved. This applique is for personal and home use only.

The New Wardrobe Staple – Pink "Super Hero" Boots

I didn’t think it could get any worse…..

The New Wardrobe Staple - "Super Hero" Boots via lilblueboo.com

….but today she insisted on wearing them* in the pool.

The New Wardrobe Staple - "Super Hero" Boots in the pool via lilblueboo

*These are actually Croc rain boots…..but they should have marketed them as “super hero” boots. I picked them up at Marshall’s recently in the clearance section for $4. I would have bought every color if they had more!



Wagon Cover Tutorial

We love our classic red metal Radio Flyer wagon….but it gets SO hot in the summer and TOO cold in the winter. I made an easy reversible cover for it (the cover is much cuter than the old towels we were using for a while….and I needed to finally use this fabric for something).
Wagon Cover Tutorial via lilblueboo.com
You’ll have to measure your own wagon since they come in so many sizes, but I use my own measurements in this example:
Wagon Cover Tutorial step 1 via lilblueboo.com
Step 1: My wagon measures 36 inches long, 18 inches wide and 5 inches in height. Based on these measurements, I cut two large squares of coordinating fabric with the following dimensions: 51″ x 33″
X = length of wagon + (3 x height of wagon) = 36″ + (3 x 5″) = 51″
Y = width of wagon + 3 x height of wagon) = 18″ + (3 x 5″) = 33″
Wagon Cover Tutorial step 2 via lilblueboo.com
Step 2: I pinned the two pieces right sides together.
Wagon Cover Tutorial step 3 via lilblueboo.com
Optional step: If you want to round your corners to match your wagon shape, fold your pinned fabric in half and then in half the other way and cut all four corners slightly rounded so they match. Notch the edges to reduce bulk when it is turned right side out.
Wagon Cover Tutorial step 4 via lilblueboo.com
Step 3: Then I sewed all the way around the edges using a 1/2 inch seam. I stopped 4 inches from my starting point to leave a hole to turn the cover right side out. (Note: I drew a line all the way around using a disappearing ink pen to give me a line to follow…..I’m an impatient sewer so it lets me go fast!).
Wagon Cover Tutorial step 5 via lilblueboo.com
Step 4: Turn your cover right side out and iron all of the edges.
Wagon Cover Tutorial step 6 via lilblueboo.com
Step 5: Set your sewing machine to about a 6 or 7 stitch length and top stitch your cover 1″ from the edge ALL the way around. I draw this line with the disappearing ink pen as well. It just helps me keep all my lines REALLY straight.
Wagon Cover Tutorial step 7 via lilblueboo.com
Step 6: Measure the circumference of your wagon bed and multiply by 2/3. This is the length of 3mm elastic or elastic cord you will thread through the casing you just created.
For example: My elastic measurement was: 2 (Length + Height) x (2/3) = 2 x 54 x (2/3) = 72″
Wagon Cover Tutorial step 8 via lilblueboo.com
Step 7: Sew the elastic ends together when you get it pulled all the way through.
Wagon Cover Tutorial step 9 via lilblueboo.com
Step 8: Then top stitch your opening closed!
Wagon Cover Tutorial step 10 via lilblueboo.com
And you are done! If you want it a little more padded you can add a layer of cotton batting in between your two layers. The best part is that it is reversible too! When one side gets a little dingy I just reverse it.
Wagon Cover Tutorial finished via lilblueboo.com
It is kind of like a big fabric wagon shower cap!
Radio Flyer….are you listening? I’ve just invented your newest accessory.
Featured on:

OCD, my Coke Rewards, and I am SOOO NOT perfect…..

For example, today I was working on the cutest project and THEN I found an ant crawling around….THEN I found some juice spots on the floor…..THEN I remembered I missed my workout this morning to take the dog to the vet. So time stopped, I couldn’t function anymore. So for the last two hours I have been mopping, putting everything in its place, labeling some stuff that needed labeling, cleaning toilets and I won’t be able to get back to normal until the house is spotless and perfect, I am showered, finally eat some lunch and then my daughter will wake up from her nap. So….my cute little project tutorial that I was going to post will have to wait. (By the way, if you don’t have a Magnet mop, you are missing out….I actually enjoy mopping.)

OCD, my Coke Rewards, and I am SOOO NOT perfect via lilblueboo.com

I thought I’d share this so I don’t give a false impression. Yes, I get a ton accomplished during the day, but some of it is out of necessity to keep my life in order. I have some attention issues and I have very obsessive tendencies. It drives people nuts when I am adjusting the volume on the TV and I can’t stop until it is on an even number or on a multiple of 5. Mathematics and numbers rule many parts of my life. I clip coupons and sometimes spend 2 hours at the grocery store making sure I get every discount I can….then I keep a spreadsheet and do analysis on it. Then other days I won’t even think about coupons. AND…..when I mop the floor, I mop in a precise pattern of “quadrants” ;)
But every so often I’ll amaze myself with the details. I started collecting my coke rewards a few months back. So here is my question, which is worse: 
that I have enough magazine subscriptions to supply a doctor’s office
OR
that I drink enough diet coke to renew all of these magazine subscriptions with Coke rewards?

Hand-Sewn Ribbon-Top Curtain Tutorial (and using ribbon to pull a room together))

These are as easy as curtains get. I used ribbon to hang simple square curtains and then used the same ribbon throughout my daughter’s room to tie everything together (no, Sienna does not have a mural yet). I’ve also used this ribbon technique for shower curtains. Sienna doesn’t have an overhead light in her room, so I made her curtains so light would show through. In this tutorial I also include an option for adding a liner or blackout fabric.
Hand-Sewn Ribbon-Top Curtain Tutorial  via lilblueboo.com
Here are some curtains in Sienna’s room, the lighting makes it hard to get a good photo.
Hand-Sewn Ribbon-Top Curtain Tutorial 2 via lilblueboo.com
Materials needed:
Fabric
Fabric lining or blackout layer (optional)
Coordinating thread and sewing needle
Ribbon
If you’ve never made curtains or drapes before, here is any easy tutorial I put together for the main curtain piece, I made it a download so you can print it off easily. You will need to create this piece/pieces first.
I like to hand stitch the sides of the curtains with a slipstitch like I show in the download. For me, the slip stitch looks nice and I think it is relaxing to do in front of the TV while I am catching up on my taped reality shows! Make sure to have some quilters beeswax (I use Dritz) on hand to run your thread through or you will be cursing the thread as it tangles!
Hand-Sewn Ribbon-Top Curtain Tutorial main curtain via lilblueboo.com
Once you have your main curtain pieces finished, sew 1/2 inch plastic drapery rings (you can find them in the drapery section of your fabric store) onto the main curtain piece about 1 inch down from the top edge. Space the rings out about 6 to 8 inches apart making sure that you have one ring at each corner.
Next for each plastic ring, you will need 30″ of ribbon. I like to use the kind with wire in it so I can shape the finished bow. Thread your ribbon through each loop like shown below:
For each ribbon, drape both ends over the curtain rod pointing away from you….
Hand-Sewn Ribbon-Top Curtain Tutorial hanging 1 via lilblueboo.com
Bring both ends of the ribbon around and tie in the front…..
Hand-Sewn Ribbon-Top Curtain Tutorial hanging 2 via lilblueboo.com
And then complete your bow!
Hand-Sewn Ribbon-Top Curtain Tutorial hanging 3 via lilblueboo.com
Cut the end of each bow into a “V” and add some Fray Check to the ends to keep them from unraveling.
Hand-Sewn Ribbon-Top Curtain Tutorial hanging 4 via lilblueboo.com
I used the rest of my ribbon around my daughter’s room to tie everything together. I added some ribbon to this bird cage on top of the hutch……
Hand-Sewn Ribbon-Top Curtain Tutorial extra ribbon via lilblueboo.com
….and made bows to decorate these Beatrix Potter-themed frames I put together (the bows are only decorative, the frames actually hang by themselves).
Hand-Sewn Ribbon-Top Curtain Tutorial extra ribbon 2 via lilblueboo.com
Let me know if you have any questions about making the curtains! Anyone can do this tutorial….

What is the most random thing…..

…you’ve ever decorated with? The item that other people just don’t seem to understand…..but you just love it? Mine is this old framed vintage framed portrait I found in an antique store for $30 (Brett thinks I paid to much). It hangs in our master bathroom.

What is the most random thing you've decorated with? via lilblueboo.com
My husband thinks it is a little creepy. I’ll admit that sometimes late at night I think the children’s eyes move….
What is the most random thing you've decorated with? 2 via lilblueboo.com
The molding on the frame is falling off and cracking, but I think it adds character. I think I bought it mostly because I was sad that a family portrait was “lost” and for sale in an antique shop.
What is the most random thing you've decorated with? 3 via lilblueboo.com
I like to imagine the grand house this family portrait once hung in!
What is the most random thing you've decorated with? 4 via lilblueboo.com
Well, that is all for today. My house looks like a craft tornado came through. And I’ve got to come up with something to cook for dinner….

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