Confessions of a Cluttered Desktop

Well, those of you that have had the pleasure (or pain) of seeing my computer desktop, know exactly what this post is all about... I have issues with severe creative "idea" clutter! Yup, every single time I spy something fun to make, buy or look at, I drag the photo to my desktop. As you can imagine, this creates a bit of a visual disaster. But to be perfectly honest, the shear overload of color actually makes me happy, not stressed (though others have reacted quite differently!). And I know exactly where everything is. Honest!! So I thought I'd share a tidbit of the hundreds of images plaguing my desktop - they're from the bottom right hand corner. I'd really love to give credit to the original creators but they are long lost due to excessive dragging... I'm sure you could look them up on either Etsy or Instructables. Hope you find a bit of happy inspiration like I did - the tree bed is super awesome, right?!

A Sneaky Peeky!

Ok, don't want to share too much but I'm bursting... the brand new "Summer 2011" series of Lavender Kitty patterns will be ready for release VERY soon! Can't wait to share... have I mentioned that I'm a tad excited yet?! YAY! Ok, I've got to go or I'll start spilling the beans...

Sneak Peak

Happy Easter everyone! Thought I'd give you a teeny sneak peak at my late night creating ... guess what? Finished product coming up as soon as McB stops teething. It makes him scream like a banshee going to war in the wee hours. Eek. Good thing I have MG's jellybeans to keep me going!

- HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY-

The Poppy Halter Dress

Introducing the latest pattern from Lavender Kitty - the Poppy Halter Dress!! I'm bursting with excitement, this has been a long time coming!

So ever wonder what to do with all of those old or unworn men's shirts? Well, here's a fun pattern to help you turn them into pretty dresses for the sweet little girl in your life. Not only will she look incredibly cute, but whoever donated the shirt (dad, grandpa, uncle, etc) will feel extra special. Make one to celebrate an occasion like Father's Day or to feel close to a far away loved one. They're also great for everyday - MG loves how easy & breezy they are. The possibilities are endless and you can feel great about recycling an unused item!
A NOTE ABOUT MY PATTERNS: I write my patterns in a way that's very beginner friendly (lots of pics for reference). So if you're new to sewing they should be great for you. If you're a pro, you could sew up a ton in no time.

-HALTER HAPPINESS FOR SUNNY LITTLE GIRLS EVERYWHERE-

Meet Olive & Finn

Say a hearty hi to Olive and Finn - the first addition to the toy section in my etsy store! Help these block buddies decide what to wear and what kind of mood they're in today. There are tons of possibilities making for endless play and lots of imagination encouragement.

Made the old-fashioned way in our studio, with non-toxic paint and lots of love and happiness. They're tested by kids young and old and made to be played with often (just wipe clean with a damp cloth). Each set includes three 1 1/2 inch square wooden blocks (one buddy). Collect a few for even more mixing and matching fun.

Keep an eye out ... more block buddies will be arriving soon!
Please email me if you have a special request for a custom block buddy.

- NEW FRIENDS WITH MANY HAPPY POSSIBILITIES -

New Spring Pinny's & Dresses

Happy Thursday everyone! I've been a super busy sewing bee this past week and am happy to say that there are Spring pinafores (pinny's) and Clementine dresses available in my etsy store (think Easter and sunny weather, hooray!). As always, if you have a special request, please let me know. I'd be happy to make a custom order for you. I'll also be adding lots more goodies in the next few days including my Hazelnut leggings and a brand new secret item ... I'm not telling what it is, you'll just have to wait and see ...

- HAPPY NEW ITEMS FOR ALL -

Freebies for you!

In honor of my showcase spot on etsy today, I want to give you FREE things...seriously!

So here's the scoop. My new line of cereal box onesies is finally available... I've wanted to make them for years! Each one features a very cool vintage cereal box for your favorite yummy baby. They're great for unique baby shower gifts or just for fun. Besides the great illustrations and typography, you can't help but smile at the classic cereal flavors. There's everything from BooBerry, Alphabits and Cap'N Crunch to wholesome favorites like Wheaties. If you're like me, I'm sure you have a favorite from when you were little or at least one you always begged your mom for!

On to the freebies - it's super simple. The first 2 people to comment on this post will get a free cereal onesie of their choice from my etsy store (you choose size as well). So don't be shy ( I mean it) and best of luck to you!

- HAPPY FREEBIES TO YOU -

It's official - I'm in business!

What's bright and happy and looking for new friends? My hot off the press Lavender Kitty business cards! I finally took a moment to design some cards for myself (which is way harder than designing for other people) and am now feeling official. I even made them 2 sided with different backs...hey, it's been a long time coming!

Hope you're all having a happy one and can't wait to share a few new things with you at the end of this week...

- HAPPY LITTLE CARDS, HAPPY LITTLE BUSINESS -

Kick-er-bocker Pants

I'm always designing for little girls (guess that's what happens when you have one), but my latest creation is comfy pants (aka kickerbockers) for baby and toddler boys. They deserve to have some style and fun too - don't you think? So if you're a mom of boys, this one's for you...

I took inspiration from all the sweet little boys that I know and designed a classic pair of pants with a few extra notches of happiness and fun thrown in. Super soft, yet made for plenty of kicking around, they're sure to become a favorite!! Available in my etsy store in sizes 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months and 24 months. More to come soon...

-HAPPY KICKING AROUND TO A LITTLE BOY NEAR YOU-

The Clementine Dress

Lately I've had kid's clothing and the economy on my mind a ton. Mostly because it's so expensive to keep little ones in clothes that fit, besides being cute! So I've been designing sewing patterns for children that require small amounts of great fabric (fat quarters) but deliver big oomph.

Here's my latest, the Clementine Dress. It's comfy and sweet, plus the dress is cut in a way that should easily last a whole season - nice on the wallet! The pattern will be available in my etsy shop by the weekend (I'm going to burn the midnight oil getting it done, promise!). Also, many of you have asked if I'm selling my dresses, pinafores, etc. Truthfully, I never expected people to ask, but am excited to say that I'll have some in my shop soon. If you're interested, please take a look over the next few weeks.

-HAPPY LITTLE DRESS, HAPPY WALLET-

New xStitch Pattern - Havens!

I'm really excited to introduce my newest cross stitch or xStitch pattern - Lavender Kitty's Havens.

Nothing in life is more cozy than your own personal haven. Whether it's a little cape, a Brooklyn brownstone, apartment building, farmhouse, duplex, cottage, townhouse, traditional colonial or castle, nothing beats home!

This cross stitch or xStitch pattern includes them all and is a great way to personalize your home. As a bonus I've added the chart for house numbers, should you choose to use them.

Each "haven" fits perfectly in a 3 inch wooden embroidery hoop and you can use whatever color floss suits your fancy.

Now I know...I know... cross stitching is old fashioned and not so cool. Well, if you've never tried it, you should. It's as easy as counting and very satisfying. Plus with a pattern as quick as this, it makes great little gifts for housewarmings, hostess goodies and making friends feel special. Who can say no that?!

So give it a go and maybe you'll discover something new to keep your hands busy while you're watching tv. Or, if you're like me, while you're waiting for your little one to finish a nap in the car. Story of my life!

-COUNT ON STITCHING A LITTLE HAPPINESS-

TA DA - leggings pattern preview!

Here's a little sneak peek of my new leggings pattern...soon to be listed in my etsy store. Hooray!

I've tried and tested the pattern to see if it's as easy to sew and comfy as possible and I think it will be a goody. They're super cozy to wear and I've designed them to have a nice wide, easy to pull up and down waistband. For those of you in potty training mode, you'll love this feature. It's been super helpful with MG. These leggings are also really cute paired with pinafores, dresses and tunics. It's like peanut butter and jelly - they were just meant to be friends.

If you're interested, please check out my store. The pattern for sizes 1 to 3 should be listed in the next few days. Enjoy!

-SEWING HAPPINESS FOR LITTLE LEGS EVERYWHERE-