Kiwi Patti Paisley

I am seriously loving this beautiful weather! The temperature has been absolutely amazing! We could, however, use a little rain but from what I hear it is on it's way this weekend. :)

Speaking of amazing, today is Earth Day! And, in honor of Earth Day I thought I'd share details on the ever-so-popular green and purple smocked dress that has been the blog header for so long. It is one I always get asked about!

So far, I have made two of these beauties...both for dear friends. I used Michael Miller's Patti Paisley in Kiwi (which is getting hard to find) and the smocking plate is from the book, Geometric Smocking Design by Juliet McDonald. The smocking plate/design is the same one I used in Gorgeous Green. For this one though, I added an extra two rows to the bottom of the design since it was for an 18-month-old. And, the bishop pattern is a classic from Ellen McCarn.

I just love using the same basic pattern with fun, vibrant fabrics. It's crazy how different the same dress can look! xoxo Hannah

Good Friday

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26 NIV)

Vintage postcard image courtesy download from The Graphics Fairy.

Spotty Easter Eggs

It's been a long time since I've decorated Easter eggs, but I thought it would be fun to reminisce and share with you how my mama got creative with some crayons!

The idea is really straightforward. Basically, you melt new or used crayons with a lighter over hard boiled eggs. Obviously, this activity requires adult supervision! Lighter sticks work the best and are much safer.

It is really fun to watch all of the colors drip, swirl and layer! I think Matthew really enjoyed it! His goal was to cover-up all of the white...and he almost did!

I did this one with a girl in mind, and....

...this one for a boy! My siblings and I always enjoyed picking out the colors and believe me, the combinations are endless!

Regardless, these Spotty Easter Eggs are bound to be the most unique anywhere!
Happy hunting!

Sew 4 Home

Right now, Sew 4 Home is one of my favorite sites online! It is sponsored by Janome and is dedicated to helping you transform your space--they also claim that anyone can make their own home decor! S4H offers beginner-friendly sewing projects by making instructions clear and simple. How fabulous is that?

Check out this beautiful Citrus Holiday Hostess Apron pattern/tutorial! It may have been designed for Christmas, but who cares!?! I'd wear Heather Bailey's Pop Garden & Bijoux fabric
all year long! And, if you want more, here's a link to the entire list of Citrus Holiday Dining Room Tutorials. Have fun hosting your next party in style!

Spring is in the Air

I absolutely love Spring! The weather is just right, the birds are chirping and the flowers are beginning to bud! It is amazing to watch everything come back to life after the dead of winter.


The holiday that truly marks the springtime season for me is Easter! Not only is it precious because we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, but it gives me a huge sense of anew. Everything starts fresh! Plus, I usually get a new dress for the occasion...and who doesn't love that?? (Actually, this year I might make one instead...so stay tuned!)


So in preparation for cute Easter clothes for the kiddies, I thought I'd share some of my favorite appliques from SwakEmbroidery.com. Hoppy Easter & hoppy sewing!! xoxo hannah

Winter Wonderland

Well, we finally got our snowday the weekend of Valentine's day! I was really surprised and excited when Auburn University closed campus for that Friday. I was looking forward to a much needed morning of sleeping in and snuggling with my Stink! (that's King, not Matthew :)

But, when we woke up there was no sign of snow. It took awhile for it to start, but when it did it didn't stop! It was absolutely beautiful! I think we ended with about 4 inches.

Most of the time when it snows, we are out-of-town and never make it to campus for pictures. Well this time I did! It was so crowded and people were in line to pose in front of the famous Samford Hall.

I even made it over to my building, Comer Hall, on Ag Hill. It is celebrating it's 100th birthday this year! Amazing, I know!

And, whoever knew Ag students were so creative?!? I found this green-haired snow-woman and couldn't resist a pic.

And, finally we made our family picture before it all melted away. We've been lucky to see it for 3 years in a row now, so maybe it will be back next year!

Better Late, Than Never

I don't know about everyone else, but this year has not started out quiet like I had planned. We have been so busy and I am so behind on everything....I don't even know where January went!
One thing that's keeping us pretty busy are baby showers! It seems like something is in the water and all of our friends are becoming parents. So, be prepared for several posts surrounding the topic!

Back in December, my girlfriends Brigitte & Vanessa, got together to host a shower for our dear friend and sewing sister, Anna Pate. Anna, is expecting her second baby girl, Gracie, anyday now...literally! And, we all know that Parker is going to be an great big sister!

It was fun coming up with this girly snowflake & lavender theme for the winter tea. But, I especially had fun designing the invitations!


And, boy was the food yummy! We had grape salad, veggie bars, chicken salad cups, pimento cheese sandwiches, party mix, petit fours from Gourmet Tiger, sparkling punch and warm apple cider! What more could a bunch of girls ask for!?!

Well, except for Parker. She keep asking for the ornaments! :)

We thought some sort of girly games would be fun, so we played Baby Bingo. Basically, everyone filled out bingo cards with items they thought Anna would receive and when they had a full row on the card, they BINGO'd and won a snowflake ornament. It was pretty fun!

Congratulations to the Pate family! We all love you and can't wait to meet sweet, baby Gracie!
xoxo Hannah