Christmas Projects

Well now that Christmas has passed, I can post about the projects which became gifts. It was so hard to keep them a secret before Christmas! I know you are all DYING to know what I was making after I posted a picture of the fabrics. Haha! My brother was disappointed that he didn't get a spelling bee blankie!

I found the cutest pattern for a Toddler Backpack on Made by Rae's website. I can't remember how I got there, now, but it was well worth it! I think I bought the pattern nearly as soon as I saw it! I decided to make one for Ainsley and one for her cousin Drew for Christmas. Here's Ainsley's, but I don't have any pictures of Drew's. Silly me, I forgot to take pictures before packaging it up!

The pattern was pretty simple to follow, although I am glad that I made Ainsley's first. I always do better on the second try than the first. I did discover that she's right when she said that you should use a medium to heavyweight fabric or it won't hold its shape. I only used a lightweight fabric for Ainsley's and it sure doesn't stand up on its own very well. For Drew's I used interfacing to give it some structure and that helped immensely! And even though I don't have pictures of it, I have to show you the fabric I found because it is just TOO cute! I saw it on Whipstitch Fabrics, my new favorite place to find fun fabrics.

Alexander Henry: Traffic Jam in Blue (from Whipstitch Fabrics)

My second project was to make matching child aprons for Ainsley and her friend Sanaa. Also on Whipstitch Fabrics, I found the perfect apron material - Metro Market Apples in Red. I was SO excited when my package of material arrived in the mail! I made up my own pattern for the aprons and I think they turned out pretty well. I think the neck strap may be a little long on Sanaa's and I think both have too long of a torso section. But overall, I'm happy with the finished product.


My third project for Christmas was a purse for my sister Kendra. Of course I had to make a practice one for myself (and I LOVE it!). I found the FREE pattern for this purse on Made by Rae's site, too. She calls it the Buttercup Bag. Here are some pictures of Kendra's I thought it would be the perfect little purse to take to her sorority formals and other dressy affairs.

Darling Blouse Giveaway

I love this blog that I've been keeping up with for awhile now; it's called Grosgrain and she posts the neatest things. I am always a bit jealous of her skill, but more often, I am challenged and inspired to do something creative on my own. Her latest giveaway is this cute Estate Sale Blue Blouse - here's the link - Estate Sale Blue Blouse GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

Check it out and be inspired!!

a cute new purse?!?

I have been eyeing the purses that are in this store for a long time and now a blog that I read is having a giveaway! Oh I hope I win! Check out Charm Design's store and see all her stylish bags!!

Charm Design Bags and Totes $50 gift card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Little Ivy #3: An Update

If you remember, over a year ago I wrote a post describing my lack of ability to keep ivy plants alive. Well, I'm proud to announce that Little Ivy #3 is doing very well. I have had to cut it back once already and need to again as it is invading my kitchen counter. Let's just hope I haven't jinxed the poor plant by bragging on it!

About a month ago, the ideas for Christmas presents started rolling and I just couldn't stop them! I picked out the perfect fabric for each project; just recently I realized how strange all these fabrics look together without knowing what they will become. I just had to snap a picture!

And the WINNER is....

...HORN HERD MOM, who said "Love your fall cards! Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year..the crunch of falling leaves, pumpkin spiced lattes, getting to wear sweat shirts again!"

Congratulations, Horn Herd Mom!!

Please send me an email (kristen.munson@gmail.com) and let me know two things:
1) Which set of Fall Thank You Cards you would like (the Bouquet set or the Wildflower set)
2) Where to send your cards

Now, since I love to try to win things and never do and I know the disappointment of not winning, I'm offering a one-time-use 20% discount at my store to EVERYONE who entered this giveaway contest. You can use this discount now or later and I will make a note of who entered. Just to make sure, though, enter AUTUMN1 in the "notes to seller" when you checkout. The discount is good on your ENTIRE order (excluding shipping). If you choose to take advantage of this offer, I will refund the 20% after receiving the order and payment. Happy shopping at The Littlest Daisy!

As for what I love about fall - it's the coolness in the air, especially since we live in HOT Texas now. I love baking apple pies and peach pudding. I love the crunch of leaves under my feet (I actually picked up a habit from my first college roommate of intentionally crunching through the leaves). I love a hot cup of coffee on a crisp morning. Oh - and I love the birds singing. I think they are happier this time of year, too. I have noticed that their songs seem livelier lately. (Perhaps that's my imagination, but I like the thought of it anyway). I love all the spices associated with fall and I can hardly wait to get baking!!

Autumn GIVEAWAY at The Littlest Daisy!!!

Yesterday was the first day we've had cooler temperatures here in Texas for, well, a long time. I don't think the temperature reached 70 degrees, and it was wonderful!! Ainsley and I enjoyed an evening walk; I cannot tell you how much in the mood for Fall I am!!

So, in celebration of its coming arrival, I am having a GIVEAWAY of one set of my NEW Fall Thank You Cards. To enter to win either one (1) set of Fall Wildflowers Bouquet Set of Three Thank You Cards or one (1) set of Fall Colors Bouquet Set of Three Thank You Cards, just leave me a comment below letting me know what you think of the new cards or your favorite thing about fall. I will put all the names in a hat and draw one at random on October 1st. I will announce the winner on the morning of October 1st.

That gives you until midnight on Wednesday, September 30th to leave a comment. Good luck!!