I have a tiled floor and the foot pedal seems to slip further and further away throughout my sewing session, until I have to fish it back again. It’s this sitting with one leg extended, sitting at an angle that … Read More...
Make your own pretty and practical fabric grocery bags in 3 SIZES using this PDF SEWING PATTERN. It is such an easy design but a very practical design too.
This is a 1-2 HOUR PROJECT for those with sewing experience, … Read More...
This roundup is for 10 Crochet patterns that will create games for the backyard. All of these crochet patterns are for outdoor play, some of them are oversized indoor game versions. These make fun gifts and are perfect for younger … Read More...
Although it may not seem like it, Spring is right around the corner. Time for picnics, parties in the park and Easter fun!
Or… maybe not.
Strict social distancing measures, while working in our favour, could stop us from having … Read More...
I have a thing for hooded jumpers, I am not sure what that thing is, but I seem to be collecting them at the moment. I use them a lot when out walking, I walk for therapy not exercise so … Read More...
Katelyn used large banner die cuts for the base for this lovely Spring Flowers Wall Hanging. She used pattern papers from Wild Whisper Designs for the base as well and the focal images, coloring in the black and white images … Read More...
Terhi Koskinen filled the background of her layout with lots of die cut hexagon shapes of pattern paper. Each hexagon is filled with different die cut coffee themed images. The white of the background helps the patterns to stand out. … Read More...
In between your full-time day job and your home chores, maybe be a couple of toddlers too, you might have lost hope of being able to find time to sew.
It may seem impossible to squeeze in a project with … Read More...
Flannel has to be on the list of almost everyone’s favorite fabrics. It is soft and fuzzy and makes you think of cuddling up by the fireplace in pj’s. It is readily available at nearly any fabric shop and overall … Read More...
Do you have a spare 10 mins? Then you can sew up your own quick face mask. This mask design or sewing pattern is great for anyone who wants to make masks quickly and efficiently.
This is a great step … Read More...
This super sweet baby elephant is perfect for baby scrapbook layouts, planner pages or shower invites. It’s FREE to download and print from Pretty Grafik.
-Heather
I love the look of colored pencil on kraft cardstock! The colors really pop and stand out, it has a really artistic quality about it. Jackie used the sweet Pup in a Cup stamp set from Not 2 Shappy for … Read More...
The current situation in the world has made a lot of companies rethink their strategies and chances of long-term survival, sometimes in ways that probably should have been done before the outbreak.
Vogue Knitting and its parent company, SoHo Publishing, … Read More...
This kids craft tutorial is for a mixed media Newspaper fox. This craft is easy to create and can be used as an art lesson or paired with a Children’s storybook such as the following books.
Fox went out on … Read More...
Men’s boxer shorts are one of our top search terms in our Facebook Sewing Group. So we thought it was time we dedicated a few more posts to men. We are hoping to share more men’s patterns in the … Read More...
CROCHET YOUR OWN slippers with this fun crochet pattern for kids slippers and adult slippers (both womens slippers and mens slippers) in the style of amigurumi crochet patterns. Perfect for DIY crafts, make them for your monster costume, Bigfoot afficionado, … Read More...
This chunky sweater knitting pattern is so simple and easy even beginner knitters can create their own wardrobe. This instant digital download will arrive in your inbox as a PDF pattern so you can start straight away!
Perfectly simple to … Read More...
Carrie used heat embossing and resist techniques to create some lovely cards. The wash of watercolors across the background adds loads of color and make the images really pop. And the trendy sequins and paint splatters finish off these cards … Read More...
One sure fire way to know that summer is here is seeing the ice cream truck drive through the neighborhood. I have such fond memories of that as a kid! Dorymar took that idea and turned it into an amazing … Read More...
Homemade beard oil is the perfect gift for Father’s Day, stocking stuffers for the holidays, birthdays, teacher presents, and any other reason you want to treat the special man in your life. And if your man sports a beard on … Read More...
As my “babies” are growing up and leaving home for college one by one, I find that my dog, Lila, is becoming the recipient of my mom attention. Lila is a fun-loving dog, always the life of the party. I … Read More...
Celebrate cultural awareness with these fun DIY Sewing project bilingual placemats with appliqued shapes of plates and silverware labelled in two languages. They’re a great way to teach children how to set the table and learn words in a foreign … Read More...
Finding affordable, easy-care curtains for our many homes along the way has always been a challenge for me. I want stylish curtains, that I can machine wash, and that won’t break the bank. This go-round, I decided to make my … Read More...
Learn how to easily add a tab to the top of a grocery bag – or any bag. Why? these tabs are used to hook onto the checkout counters to aid them with filling the bags. They keep the bags … Read More...
I made this small hooded poncho oval-shaped, as a perfect circle would make a wider poncho. I dislike very wide ponchos due to the fact that I am vertically challenged, at 5’1? tall a very wide poncho makes me feel … Read More...
As much as I like the idea of projects with lots of detail, sometimes something that’s pretty simple is nice, too. It’s like the idea that you should always have some in front of the TV knitting as well as … Read More...
I love solar lights. I am always on the lookout for fun ways to use them and customize them. This idea for using recycled solar lights to make the most adorable fairy houses is brilliant. I bet they would look … Read More...
You’ll love curling up with these cozy cats! Looking right at home, our cat motifs make this wrap and pillow combo a “purr-fect” accent for any home. The charming pattern of cats and hearts is created by working the afghan … Read More...
Have you watched Tiger King? Everyone is going a little crazy with the Tinger King Theme of things at the moment so I thought it would only be fair to find a Tiger King Quilt for your Netflix Couch watching … Read More...
Meg created her own pattern paper designs for this adorable Bee Girl Card. For the first she stamped and cut out bee hives, adhered them to polka dot paper and then dry embossed them for a seamless design. The small … Read More...
Lilith used large rainbow pattern washi tape from Altenew to create this colorful layout. The large size is perfect for not only borders and background but can also be hand cut or die cut into shapes. She’s sharing a process … Read More...
Hi Mummies,
Now I know I may trigger some angry responses here especially for those who are struggling to concieve, and that is NOT my intention. I know i’m lucky to be able to carry and birth a child and I am forever grateful for that especially as it took me quite some time to fall pregnant, but I am writing this with you guys in mind too, I want to show the TRUTH of motherhood instead of sugar coating the experience like so many mums/ celebrities / influencers do across social media.
Guys, the newborn stage is HARD, you could be lucky and be blessed with a newborn that just eats, sleeps and poops but you do need to be prepared incase that doesn’t happen.
So here’s my story… the TRUTH
I will try and keep this breif so you’re not reading too much content.
Pregnancy
I had a breezy pregnancy, no problems at all and thoroughly enjoyed being pregnant.
Birth
I opted for a planned c-section after fears of low amniotic fluid, I was pregnant throughout the peak of summer in Turkey so it was very difficult to keep these fluids up. Birth wasn’t anything magical, I was the last person to see my baby after my husband, best friend and another friend of ours, BUT i was prepared for this to happen anyway so It was all expected. What I didn’t expect though was the feeling of loneliness and embarassment whilst in theatre.
Baring in mind I gave birth in a country that is not my first language, so Turkish is my second language and my language is limited, especially when it comes to doctor jargon – that’s hard enough to get your head round in english never mind in another language.
The room was SO cold, i was butt naked in a gown that was all open with about 15 men and women around me. They attempted the epidural (spinal block) twice but it wasn’t working. The bed I was on was electric and was able to tip me upside down as though I was doing cartwheels, I remeber my boobs flying out of my gown and my arms were attached to wires and injections so I couldn’t pop myself back in. As if being tipped upside down and around wasn’t embarassing enough my boobs were then flying around all whilst these 15 men and women were joking and laughing and talking amongst themselves about daily life. I just wanted to cry I was getting so upset and felt so alone, I had no idea why I wasn’t going numb and was scared there was going to be a problem if they proceeded even if it did go numb incase it would wear off too quick. Yes that has happened before and they had to inject her with morphine asap! Anyway, after 20 minutes of pure embarassment they had to put me to sleep for the c -section.
When I woke up I could feel the intense pain but that wasn’t my main concern the first thing I said when I woke up was “how is my baby is she ok” in turkish. Hearing the words “Baby is good” made me take a sigh of releif. Then the realisation of the pain kicked in as I was wheeled back to my room, every bump felt as though I was being jabbed in the stomach.
Anyway enough about the birth let’s get down to the newborn stage…
Newborn
I remember looking at my baby girl and my heart was so full, I didn’t know a love like this could exist. BUT this whole thing was so relentless sometimes I wondered when would I get this magical baby bubble feeling that so many mums talk about?
My newborn really was hard work, she barely slept, every nap time was a battle of screaming, rocking playing the hoover sound, I could spend hours doing this for her to only have a 20-30 minute nap. I was EXHAUSTED. I was breastfeeding every 2-3 hours on demand with a husband who worked 6 days a week long days and no family around for help. I just couldn’t catch a break at all and wondered how long this was going to go on for. The nights were long and tiring and there were times I felt like I couldn’t do this anymore. My baby was fussy and whingy, she was very rarely content and happy and I just felt like I wasn’t doing anything right.
It took me about 2-3 months when I eventually felt like I sort of knew what I was doing. It was just a case of her having to grow out of it, people kept making comments like “oh she’s breast fed maybe shes hungry its not filling her enough like formula” but I ignored them, I knew breastmilk was best for her and it was working for us, she would latch and drink amazingly well, that wasn’t the issue at all.
I was told many times “leave the house a mess, just nap when baby naps” It’s not that simple though, when do I find the time to shower? eat? or even just sit and have a hot cup of coffee to feel human?
I am so grateful to have a happy healthy baby girl I really am but I am human and I tell you all this now, you can never be fully prepared for motherhood but each stage comes and goes. This hard time soon passed once she hit 5 and half months she began sleeping through the night and that honestly changed everything for me.
I just wanted to be open and honest about my story and let you know it’s okay to feel this way.
The post The Newborn Bubble of Hell – My birth and newborn story appeared first on It's Handmade.
Modern and stylish, this personalised miniature hip flask with keyring attachment makes a great gift for those that enjoy a small tipple.
Crafted from stainless steel, this mini hip flask is large enough to hold 1oz of your favourite drink yet small enough to slip into a pocket. The screw cap has a lobster clip attachment making it easy to secure to a bag or keyring.
Personalise this flask with an initial, name or date. Make this flask by extra special by including a short message on the reverse.
The perfect gift, it also makes an ideal thank-you present for groomsmen, best men, bridesmaids or Fathers Day gift
Choose your personalised text to be engraved on the front, with the option to include an engraved message on the reverse.
Personalisation will be printed exactly as entered on ordering, please ensure that all details are correct before checking out.
Stainless Steel
H60 x W40 x D20mm, Flask Size: 1oz (approx.)
The post Personalised Mini Hip Flask Keyring appeared first on It's Handmade.
This skillet chocolate chip cookie is large enough for a family to share or for a very indulgent one person feast. Serve hot with ice cream, grab a few spoons and dig in!
You can see the full recipe here.… Read More...
Sewing can be an expensive hobby, but you can also sew and save money and sew to save money. I have used these tips in my sewing practice, and I have saved my family money. Many years ago fabric used … Read More...
Treat your little wizards to some edible potions this Halloween. These edible wizard’s crafts are perfect stocking stuffers or party favors as well. They are easy to make in bulk and are big hit with wizard and magic fans. They … Read More...
Did you know that you can greatly improve the fit and the seal of your fabric face masks by adding bendable nose wire? It can be molded over the nose and fit individual face shape better.
Are you making face … Read More...
I love shaped mini albums, they are so much fun to create. Amber Mitchel designed this unique Hexagon shaped album and it just too cute! Each page is a hexagon shape connected to the center hexagon and it folds up … Read More...
Kristina Werner created a lovely coordinating envelope to go along with her stamped Yellow Rose Card. By using a black and white printed pattern paper she colored the flowers with Copic markers to match her card for a pretty custom … Read More...
I feel like this is my new motto “loungewear is the new daywear” as here I am saying it again. This comfy ensemble is perfect for tweens and teens who are looking for that grownup style of satin or silk … Read More...
I have started knitting more garments for summer in the past couple of years, but I tend to knit things that are really plain this time of year. I don’t really know why.
But this year I’m looking for a … Read More...
This tutorial shows you how to make a Christmas Angel wreath using coat hangers or clothes hangers.
You will need a total of 11 coat hangers (I have found that the kid/baby sized coat hangers work best.)… Read More...
This quilting pattern is inspired by flowers for Mother’s Day. This design features 3 block flowers and is a table runner sized pattern. You can see the full pattern and quilting tutorial here.
This adorable floor pillow or cat couch will make any pooch or feline feel pampered! This cozy mouse bed is made using
#4 worsted-weight yarn. Size: 18″W x 28″L excluding tail. Cat bed have been trending due to the viral … Read More...
Jennifer McGuire has a cool new technique using stencils with Distress and Oxide Inks. First she ink blends some white cardstock, then places the stencil over-top and then by placing a wet baby wipe over that and running it through … Read More...
Close To My Heart is sharing a free scrapbook sketch for a fun double page layout. There’s also a two page spread of summer pages to get you inspired. I love the pinwheel and hot air balloon designs they used, … Read More...
This Cream Cheese Swirl Dark Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a rich & decadent dessert that chocolate lovers will crave! If my bread comes out looking half as good as this I will be impressed. I mean it has Zucchini in … Read More...
I think everyone smiles when they see pretty birds flying around, both real and pretend. These fabric wings made from all different fabrics look like they would be a blast to make with all sorts of fabric and clothing scraps. … Read More...
Denim jeans – we all wear them, but what to do with them when they wear out or no longer fit. Here are lots of unique and creative ways to upcycle and repurpose those no longer needed jeans. Such a … Read More...
This free crochet pattern creates a unique shape when the pieces are assembled. The pattern uses simple stitches to create simple shapes. Instructions and pictures are included in the PDF of the crochet pattern to help demonstrate any tricky sections … Read More...
Medical workers prefer masks that tie behind the head as opposed to elastic ear loops as they rub the back of the ears and cause terrible irritation. This super easy face mask uses clothesline/shoelace instead of elastic and is super … Read More...
This roundup is all about Embroidered Crazy Plant Lady Patterns. Are you a crazy plant lady yet? I have accumulated quite a few real ones in the past few months, but I have always had plastic ones in my house … Read More...
