The Sweet Stitches Shop

As you know, I've started a teeny, tiny, monogramming and appliqué business.  More like short order business, favors for friends.

I am so thankful for all of you that have been ordering, requesting and having babies for me to make more and more gifts.

Until I decide what direction to go, I have created a blog with posts of my designs.

The Sweet Stitches Shop

It is also attached to this blog account so you can always find it in my profile.

This will be an easier catalogue to see fonts, thread colors, designs and items that I can do.  As always, I am up for a challenge or new design, so just let me know what you are looking for if you don't see it!

It is still a (major) work in progress so there are details missing.  You will see most of the finished products are posted.  I will be working to get more information attached to the pictures but you can always email me.

Everything is changeable, these are just past projects.  Color, size, font, arrangement, design, product and just about anything else can be changed!

I have more designs just waiting to be made.

Contact me at sweetstitchesshop(at)gmail.com for order inquiries or any questions!

{Sweet Stitches} Embroidery Gift Season

I was able to get a good amount of practice with my new machine the past month.

Basically everyone got something monogrammed for Christmas.

Except my mom.  I'm still trying to figure something out.  Although she can't really complain because she made out pretty well with her gift this year.

I had so much fun making these.  I also started appliquéing.  It's harder than I thought.  The smaller the item, the more frustrating.  I definitely need some practice with onesies.  Luckily, I have lots of pregnant friends.  I get why some places charge so much, it's work.

Here are a few (many) of the gifts I made last month.

The simple monograms/names.



The appliques.

Many, many more to come.  Just downloaded a few really fun fonts and designs!  Hello, Valentine's day!

{Craft Corner} 3 Step Jean Hem TAKE TWO

Much easier the second time around.  Again, I refuse to pay $20 to have my new and hopefully not much used "post pregnancy" jeans hemmed professionally.  It really is pretty easy and darker jeans hide any little mistakes pretty well.

These are a little longer for boots since I hope that by the time flats and flip flops come around they will be too big.  New Year's resolution #1.

Tutorial here.

She also has a great swaddling tutorial here.

Craft Corner: Ipod Nano Case

I've been meaning to make another ipod case since I figured out a self made pattern last spring.

This one would be for my dearest and bestest friend, Meg. Oh I am so thankful for her. When we made dinner plans for last night I realized that if I was going to make her gift and give it to her for Christmas, I needed to get on it asap. It's only been about 5 months since she told me she wanted one.
It actually only took me about an hour and I was able to make all the changes from my first try to make this one look more complete and professional. I still wanted to line the inside with a soft fabric to cushion the i pod and then use a fun fabric on the outside. I used my experience with the tea wallets to sew the fabrics together and turn inside out so the seams are not visible.

I am really happy with the way it turned out. I just love this fun fabric! I just hope it fits her ipod since I went off guesstimates.

Treat or Treat

Gotta love goody bags from Mom! There was chocolate too, but I was afraid it would get confiscated by TSA at the airport, so I ate it. It was the sensible thing to do.

In other news, I have lots of holiday baking on my to do list tonight!!!



We are having our annual Halloween work party. Yes, any balloon boy costumes were outlawed. I know what I said after my Valentine's Day baking overload, but I am sure I can get it all done tonight.? Why do I do this to myself?


I even decided at the last minute to make a costume for the party. I am hoping I get points (or prizes) for sewing my own, even if it looks like a 4 year old made it.

Funny story, I actually wore the exact same costume (except my mom made it) when I was 4 years old. Pictures tomorrow if I can dig them up.

Here is a sneak peak. I mean, doesn't that just give it away...red felt?

Label Me

After completing my onesies project, I wanted to put a little something to mark my work. I realized that some of the tags would be torn off, not leaving a size. So I decided to order my very own personalized tags to sew into each piece.

I went straight to Etsy and found a great woman who created exactly what I wanted. Now each of my presents will have a little piece of me and it won't scratch or irritate the wearer. I can also add the size if it is missing.

I present, A Stitch Of Sweetness

Onesie madness

I finally made a dent in my onesie project(s). I have about 10 more to go on the list, but these were a good start with my new stencils and patterns.

These are my previous projects. I am getting a little more experienced with the sewing machine and using more elaborate designs. Read about these here and here.

Sew me a river

I know, it's horrible. I apologize. Now I have Justin Timberlake in my head.


I also received this jewel in my amazon goodie bag the other night. I can not wait to really read through it and start my sewing projects. My mom went over the basics of quilting with me so that is added to the craft to-do list. Although, it looks very tedious and I'm a little overwhelmed. One step at a time. Or should I say, one project at a time.


Can we talk about what was in my Amazon "suggested items" box today? Teen Witch, the movie! What is THAT supposed to mean? I guess they really know my taste in really cheesy 80's movies. And yes, it is kind of a good one. TOP THAT.

Baby Shower recap

Yep, Houston summers haven't changed much. It's funny how easily you forget (but are quickly reminded) what 100% humidity at 7am feels like.

Great time in Texas. Lots of family time and I even got to see a few friends.

Back in March I was able to have lunch with a dear childhood friend and her husband during their NYC visit. Well, she is now 7 months pregnant with twin boys! It is so exciting. I am beyond thrilled that I was included and able to head down to the shower in Texas. The baby shower was so cute. I love how elegant it was. No silly games, but delicious cake and fun gifts that we all got to ooh and aww over. Plus I got to see downtown Tomball, never been there before.

Made specially for Luke & Hudson by yours truly

Gift #2 Frog Pod (gift #3 was a diaper genie, I don't think it needs a visual display)

Isn't this gift box adorable? You can find them at your local Hallmark.

You can see her awesome nursery and other pictures here.

Ipod case - take 3

I finally got around to my third attempt at sewing an ipod case. My first attempt was by hand and was ehhh. My second one (did I not take a pic?) was eh.

This one I like a lot and was able to figure out the pattern and work my sewing machine a little differently. It's not perfect, but I like it and a great starting off point for better things to come.

Purl Soho

After watching Martha yesterday, I was reminded of this amazing fabric store, Purl, just down the street from my office. I didn't realize it was so popular. So naive. I went in today and fell in love with... everything.

Unfortunately the prices start at $9/yard and my beginner experience can not afford to practice/mess up on that expensive of fabric. As adorable as it may be.

I did however buy these two fat squares for cheap'er. They sell other bundles but I decided to start slow.

How amazing are their fabrics???

Home Ec drop out

Oh how I wish I would have taken home ec in 8th grade instead of Choir. I can't even sing.

Remember how excited I was over Christmas when I used my mom's sewing machine? Well a few months ago I ran out and bought a model much like her's on sale. I figured it was a great machine for beginners. And believe me, that is what I am. Don't think I didn't contemplate buying the Hello Kity one for kids.

So for 2 months it's been sitting in our living room, to scared to open it and actually try it out.

My latest craft project was 90% finished last night. All that was left was the stitching. Then panic arose and I almost went mental. The bobbin wasn't working right, where the heck is that dang thread stopper? I don't know why I didn't know to pull out the hidden container camouflaged as the front of the sewing machine!

All was figured out after a few sweat beads and curse words. Then I went to practice my stitch on an old t shirt and all went to hell. So frustrating. I had thread tangled everywhere. I gave up.

Tonight is a new night. I will start fresh. I will take deep breathes. I will keep my mom on speaker phone.

I always miss my mom, but I really needed her with me last night. Maybe we can do this over skype. Yeah, that's an idea.

Sewing 101

Here is one of my favorite things I did in Texas. 

1.  it's fun to be crafty (even if it is only a straight line) 
   
2. quality time with my mom and her teaching me 
3. trips to large craft stores where you can get everything & anything (which we don't have in the city)
4. You can say "Oh thank you, I made it"  "Really, I did"

Now I have to decide if I should buy my own sewing machine.
Pros

• They have come down in price and are reasonable
• Something to do during this cold winter season
• Being crafty (on my to-do wishlist)
• Practice the easy stuff and hopefully move on to real projects
• Save money by making it, not buying it
• Baking and sewing...goes well together

Cons

• Calling my mom every 5 minutes after my thread gets caught or I get stuck (happened about every other minute) **
• Small NYC apartment, large machine and lots of material and supplies
• Sewing over my finger and having to go to the ER (I am so dramatic, but yes it's a fear)

**actually a pro for my mom

I got a little ahead of myself and made most of them for spring

One is burgundy velour & black and the other is silver & black (all reversible)  

I call it my Winter '09 collection