Halloween: Custom Toddler Fox Cape Costume

It's hard to do everything by yourself. Sometimes, when life throws you curve balls, you just can't do everything that you intend. It's in those moments that you call on your friends. When those moments come during October and you have absolutely no time or energy to make a custom fox costume, you let your crazy friend who knows how her way around a sewing machine take over. I had such a fun time making this adorable little fox cape for my (fairy) goddaughter using this pattern from HelloDearKids. The only thing I didn't like about the pattern is that it didn't include a seam allowance so I had to free hand a little with the pattern cutting. Otherwise, it was pretty simple and the instructions that came with the pattern were excellent. The material used in the instructions was minky which I'm not a fan of. I used orange and white flannel for the outer layer to give the cape a little more heaviness and shape and a cotton print for the lining. It took me 3 hours to make this from beginning to end. The pattern goes up to size 6T.

Thanks for letting me make this amazing little cape for P. She's going to look amazing in it. It was made with love (there are even little hearts on the lining!) by her fairy godmother.

[I had some material leftover so I created a detachable tail because what's a cute fox without a fluffy tail? I free handed a tail shape using the orange flannel, added some white details for the tip, stuffed it with poly and attached a little elastic loop so I could attach it to the button I added on the back of the cape.]

[I love the lining fabric. Tuan actually picked it out at Joanns! Good eye, Husband.]

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Halloween: Easy Toddler Leggings Tutorial

I have been searching high and low for orange tights for Parker's duck costume. Target? Nope. Old Navy? Nope. Amazon? Yes, but for $15 NOPE. Buy Buy Baby? Maybe but I didn't want to drive to Encinitas. Halloween is right around the corner! Shouldn't orange tights be easy to find?? I gave in and went to Walmart on Saturday and found orange knee high socks. Using this excellent tutorial from How Does She? I made these easy toddler leggings in less than 10 minutes. So easy and they fit great. I'm feeling like a super mom after making leggings out of socks!

Me: Parker, stand by the door so I can take a photo of you in your leggings.

Parker: No, Iron Man!

Me: Fine, go grab Iron Man so we can take a photo.

My baby has opinions now.

Materials Needed

Pair of women's knee high socks

Scissors

Sewing machine

Instructions

The tutorial on How Does She? is really good and I didn't feel the need to revinvent the wheel. Check it out here http://www.howdoesshe.com/5-minute-toddler-leggings/.

[My only modification was using 1/2 inch elastic instead of 1 inch elastic since that is what I had on hand. 1 inch elastic would work better if you can get it. I'm amazed that knee high socks are the same length as toddler legs.]

Etsy Shop - childHOODS

The sweatshirts, shorts and skinny sweats in childHOOD's etsy shop look so cozy and comfy. It's a little too warm to be investing in these pieces now but they would be perfect for the fall. The prices are on point with American Apparel kids. And those shorties? I die. I wish I had a girl sometimes. 

Parker's Picks

 colorblock BEACH hoodie // $40

light gray french terry shorties // $30

charcoal/stripe skinny sweats // $30

red stripe skinny sweats // $30

dark gray stripe french terry shorties // $30

striped raglan hoodie // $40

boy shorts // $30

handmade baby crew neck sweatshirt // $34.99

nubby french terry bow clip // $25 for 5

Etsy Find - MarineParents

Check out these toddler backpacks from MarineParents! They are all cute but I'm especialyl digging the dancing bear one.

MarineParents by marychu on Polyvore

ruffled toddler backpack chambray by MarineParents on Etsy / toddler backpack bears in line by MarineParents on Etsy / toddler backpack rock 'n roll guitars by MarineParents on Etsy / toddler backpack superhero by MarineParents on Etsy

Step by Step Organic Fabric Teething Toy Tutorial

Mr. Parks is starting to become a drool/slobber machine. I suspect that his gums are itching and he may be teething. Here are step by step instructions to create an organic fabric teething toy. Don't have the skills to make your own? You can always message me and order some.

What you will need

Organic wooden rings (I ordered mine from Alexa Organics)

Two pieces of 10 in x 4 in fabric (I used minky and organic cotton but you can use two pieces of cotton)

Fabric scissors/Rotary cutter

Pins

Cutting mat

Sewing machine

Pattern which can be downloaded here 

**It looks like the link to the original template I used is broken. Above is a link to a similar template via The Clueless Girl

Step-by-step Instructions

[A photo of everything you will need.]

[Cut out pattern and pin it to your fabric. Fabric should be laid right sides together.]

[Cut out pattern.]

[Result after cutting pattern.]

[Remove pins and pattern and sew fabrics together using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Remember to leave an opening where indicated on pattern.]

[Flip inside out]

[Press and sew again using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.]

[Loop completed bunny ears around your wooden ring. Ta da! All done.]

Now give the teether to your baby or someone else's baby and snap some photos.

[Parks LOVED the teether.]

New to the Crib Gang - A Knitted Octopus

This past weekend was very eventful. We celebrated 3 birthdays and a bridal shower which means I ate A LOT of delicious cake (not good for the diet). I was able to personally deliver the whale blanket to baby E and succulent terrarium to Susan and Parker was finally able to pick up his octopus! Ahhh we are so excited about the newest addition to P's crib gang. I'm pretty crafty but I definitely cannot knit so, when I saw this tutorial on the Purl Bee site, I asked my cousin to work her magic. She's an amazing knitter and the octopus turned out so perfect. He doesn't have a name yet but I'm sure he will soon. Welcome to the crib gang, Mr. Octopus!

[P and Mr. Octopus]

[Mr. Octopus, Karson the Robot and Mellow the Monkey]

[Look at those tentacles]

[Loves it]

[Bonus photo: My husband Tuan and his mini me]

To view the original tutorial, visit the Purl Bee site. I was stuck on it for a while when I discovered it and I'm sure you will be too.

http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2013/5/19/whits-knits-knit-octopus.html