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Block Printed Toddler Skirt

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This is my first time trying out block printing on fabric. It was way too easy. I can’t believe I haven’t done it until now. I bought the supplies about 3 years ago!

Block Printed Toddler Skirt tutorial via lilblueboo.com
I came across this page in one of my old journals and was trying to figure out a way to incorporate this paper doll shape into something for Sienna to wear. I decided on a block print.

Block Printed Toddler Skirt tutorial picture via lilblueboo.com
For the printing part all you need are the following tools:
Carving Tools – I use Speedball Linoleum Cutters (they came in a little kit)
Fabric Paint
First I drew out my little paper doll on the stamp block……
Block Printed Toddler Skirt tutorial step 1 via lilblueboo.com
….and carved it out using my tools.
Block Printed Toddler Skirt tutorial step 2 via lilblueboo.com
Using the brayer, I coated the stamp with fabric paint. I mixed my pink color using red and white paint.
Block Printed Toddler Skirt tutorial step 3 via lilblueboo.com
I used a thin white muslin for my fabric base and put a yardstick at the bottom to keep my stamping straight. You’ll need to refill your block with paint each time you stamp.
Block Printed Toddler Skirt tutorial step 4 via lilblueboo.com
To set the fabric paint, I ironed it on medium heat from the reverse side. Here is the finished fabric.
Block Printed Toddler Skirt tutorial step 5 via lilblueboo.com
To make the skirt I just cut 4 rectangles out of the fabric (the fabric was thin so I made a lining), sewed them together and added the elastic waistband. It is the most basic skirt I could sew.

I stamped a few “paper dolls” on the front of a $3 Target tank to match. It is a little big but I was impatient. Below is Sienna modeling her new outfit. Check out her frizzy “pool hair” 🙂 we are in the middle of swimming lessons!
Block Printed Toddler Skirt tutorial finished via lilblueboo.com

Recycled T-Shirt Toddler Pants & Gauchos

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Recycled T-Shirt Toddler Pants & Gauchos via lilblueboo.com
T-shirt pants have been around forever right up there with pillowcase dresses. There are so many tutorials out there. I have a few friends who are just starting to sew so I thought I’d post my own tutorial with updated measurements and tweaks that I’ve incorporated into the PERFECT t-shirt pants. (disclaimer: perfect for me, maybe not so perfect for everyone else)
Recycled T-Shirt Toddler Pants & Gauchos cut via lilblueboo.com
I call them “gauchos” now because as your child gets taller you’ll find that you start to lose the length because t-shirts are only so big! These little pants/gauchos are so easy to make and have endless creative possibilities! My tutorial is at the bottom of this post and is easy to download and print!
These were my favorites by far that I made when Sienna was a year old. I made them from one of my t-shirts that featured a cupcake on the front. I attached the cupcake portion using an applique technique on one of the pants legs before sewing the pants together (see my applique tutorial).
Recycled T-Shirt Toddler Pants & Gauchos 2 via lilblueboo.comRecycled T-Shirt Toddler Pants & Gauchos 3 via lilblueboo.com
These cute little pants were made from a white undershirt and the detail was done using reverse applique. I made a matching t-shirt as well. You can see the detail of the pants here. My reverse applique tutorial is easy to follow as well!
Recycled T-Shirt Toddler Pants & Gauchos 4 via lilblueboo.comRecycled T-Shirt Toddler Pants & Gauchos 5 via lilblueboo.com
The pair below was made from a black Superman shirt. I cut out the Superman logo and sewed it onto one of the legs before I sewed the pants together.

Recycled T-Shirt Toddler Pants & Gauchos 6 via lilblueboo.com
These gauchos were made from an old Carolina Panthers t-shirt. I originally started making them for a friends son but the length wasn’t long enough. They are now Sienna’s lounge pants!

Recycled T-Shirt Toddler Pants & Gauchos 7 via lilblueboo.com
Sienna loves comfortable clothes!
Recycled T-Shirt Toddler Pants & Gauchos 8 via lilblueboo.com
A few tips:
1. If you are going to add applique or other detail, add it AFTER you cut the pants out but BEFORE you sew them.
2. Measure your child’s inseam first and adjust the length of your pattern to match. You can make shorts, capris, pants…. endless possibilities!
Email me if you have any questions! I’m glad to help in anyway!
T-Shirt Pants Tutorial

 

A baby book 35 years later….my venture into scrapbooking

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My husband’s birthday was yesterday. I’ve been working on his present for 6 months! I have this elaborate baby book that my mother made for me when I was younger that I often pull out to compare my baby photos to my daughter as she grows. I wanted him to have one too so I decided I would find everything I could from when he was younger and make him one. Let me just tell you….I had NO IDEA what I was getting into. I wasn’t there when he was growing up, I don’t know the context of the photos…..it was hard.
Brett’s father Barry and stepmother Gale live here in the desert and gave me two big boxes full of stuff that I don’t even think Brett knew existed. It was a ton of stuff to sort through but the boxes were a treasure trove! In the boxes I found baby photos, hair clippings, report cards etc. Kathy, Brett’s mother, recently found a bunch of cards that were given to him from his birth. Going through the other things she has sent over the years, I found his baptism certificate, birth certificate and footprints.
Here is the finished book and photo of just a few of the pages:
A baby book 35 years later, my venture into scrapbooking via lilblueboo.com
The first page…..
A baby book 35 years later, my venture into scrapbooking 2 via lilblueboo.com
I had Brett’s mother write out some of her memories of his birth: who was at the hospital, bringing him home, his nursery……
A baby book 35 years later, my venture into scrapbooking 3 via lilblueboo.com
Photos of Brett’s first birthday and an envelope I found with a lock of his hair…..
A baby book 35 years later, my venture into scrapbooking 4 via lilblueboo.com
His 1st grade photo and report card! When Sienna, our daughter, smiles REALLY hard, her bottom teeth go in front of her top teeth….Brett’s teeth do that in this photo! It is great to see where she gets some of her characteristics…..
A baby book 35 years later, my venture into scrapbooking 5 via lilblueboo.com
Football photos…..
A baby book 35 years later, my venture into scrapbooking 6 via lilblueboo.com
An old ad Brett was in for Crisp ‘n Tasty Pizza…..
A baby book 35 years later, my venture into scrapbooking 7 via lilblueboo.com
It was a great birthday. Very low key. Brett’s dad and stepmother joined us for a dinner of grilled chicken, greek salad, balsamic brussell sprouts, and grilled corn.
Sienna and I spent the afternoon making a huge banner out of construction paper. Sienna also picked out a “Cars” balloon to decorate the table.
A baby book 35 years later, my venture into scrapbooking 8 via lilblueboo.com
Sienna helped blow out the candles on the low fat cherry cheesecake “birthday” cake.
A baby book 35 years later, my venture into scrapbooking 9 via lilblueboo.com
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