Embroidery Month

Jenny Hart

Did you know that February is Embroidery Month?!? Me either. But I’m kinda excited about it because I really love embroidery. In fact, I’ve been thinking that I’d like to do a bit more of it. So why not now? After all, it IS embroidery month!

If you need some Embroidery 101 (or a refresher,) why not stop by Sublime Stitching?

While you are on the blog, pick up one of Jenny Hart’s free patterns, I’m partial to the mustaches.

Or better yet, grab a copy of Jenny Hart’s latest book, Embroidered Effects

Or if you are cozy right here on Prudent Baby, why not try our Monogrammed Hair Clips or Cozy Embroidered Clock for Valentine’s Day because nothing says romance like felt and analog time telling. It’s true!

Stay tunes for more embroidery fun as we celebrate Embroidery Month. FANTASTIC! And if you have any embroidered projects to share, please send them our way.

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DIY Doll Stroller Liner

BEFORE:
AFTER:

“Meema” bought Scarlet this doll stroller for $1 at a garage sale.  Scarlet LOVES it, but the liner has seen better days, so I decided to create a DIY doll stroller liner tutorial.  Also, if you have a boy who likes doll strollers but not so much the pink they usually come in, this would be your chance to throw some planets or truck fabric on it.  Or make him a new pink one and tell him this isn’t 1954, real men love pink.  


Get the full DIY Doll Stroller pattern and how-to after the jump…

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Giveaway: Hello, Cupcake!: WINNER


And we have a winner of the fantastic book, Hello, Cupcake!

Anu said: “aww, i can’t help it – fave cupcake memory was my wedding!” So Sweet.

Enjoy you’re new book Anu, and be sure to send us a picture when you make some treats!

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Prudent Project Round-Up

Eva at Handmade Beginnings made these shoes for her toddler using an old pair of jeans and our DIY Recycled Denim Baby Shoes Tutorial. See how she sized up the pattern and added trim?  Love!

Rebecca at Happy Baby Designs made these using our DIY Doll Diapers tutorial.  Little girls and boys love these toys!

Melissa over at Naptime Crafts sewed this adorable bib using our DIY Pocket Bib tutorial as well as a burp cloth using our DIY Burp Cloth tutorial.  One of her first sewing projects and it turned out great!
Happy Crafting!  And remember to send us a picture!

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Prudent Baby DIYS: Hot Mess Mommy Round Up and Tips

Jacinda and I both work/craft/mom from home and we know the challenge of trying to look decent or even, say, taking a shower.  We’ve tried to create some simple DIYs to make you look/feel a little better. So here’s a list of our “Hot Mess Mommy” DIYs for your crafty pleasure.  And in the spirit of that I’ve also added my top five Hot Mess Mommy tricks for quick ways to feel more put together, and I sincerely hope you will let us in on your secrets in the comments!


DIY Flannel Scarf Mommy
Crochet Neck Cuff / Scarflette
Crochet Ruffle Scarf
DIY Feather Hair Clip
Crochet Headband
Braided Fabric Headband
Freestyle Tunic Dress
DIY Checkbook Cover and More Versions
DIY Eye Mask
Closet Organization
DIY Nursing Cover


Jaime’s Top Five Hot Mess Mommy Tricks
Caveat:  I am not actually that “hot” and more of a “mess” but these are my go-to tips for trying to appear human most days.


1.  Baby Powder

It works.  When you don’t have time to wash your hair… it’s like day three and you’re looking a little greasy… a sprinkle of baby powdereats up the oil and your hair looks decent again.  Try it, you’ll be glad you did.


2.  Big earrings.

Listen, I know big earrings aren’t for everyone.  I never used to wear any at all. But I’ve found that if i throw on a pair, even if my hair is a mess and my shirt is stained, I look 50% more “dressed” and my husband might say i look cute.  I think because it makes it seem like you’re at least trying, even though it really only takes five seconds.  Also, you can get all sorts of cute earrings for cheap if you dare to venture into Forever 21.  These earrings were $3 and i get compliments every single time I wear them.


3.  One great pair of flat boots.

I have a whole closet full of gorgeous heels I never get the chance to wear, there’s no point in pretending they will ever be a staple of my wardrobe again.  I’ve realized that a cute pair of boots makes you look “done” even thought they’re flat.  Throw some dr. scholls or whatever inserts in there so they are extra comfy and banish the slippers and flip flops, even around the house.  These boots were $29, again from Forever 21.  This length isn’t the most flattering though.  My husband gave methese knee high bootsfor christmas and they would look good on pretty much anyone, for $70.


4.  Scarves.

Scarves keep you warm, you feel cozy, and they allow you take your jeans/tee shirt look to the next level.  They can also hide any stains acquired throughout the day, wipe baby noses, and cover little breastfeeding mouths.  In the summer, replace with a cute necklace:


5. Beauty Tubes
I’ve said it before on Prudent Advice, I’ll say it again now.  Mascara is the ONE cosmetic that really makes you look the most prettiest.  If you can get into the habit of putting it on every morning, your eyes look brighter, you feel cuter and the hubby will notice.  I am a HUGE FAN of L’Oreal Beauty Tubes because it doesn’t smudge and it comes off with only water. Don’t listen to Jacinda diss it she’s crazy.

Ok, that’s what I’ve got.  What are your tips? I want to see some serious commenting on this post ladies because I NEED these tips. Are there any Hot Mess Mommy DIYs you’d like to see?  We’ll try to create them for you…

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Modern & Comfy DIY Booster Seat


The phone book is a reliable tool for helping “big girls and boys” sit at the table with the grown-ups, but I think this handmade booster seat is way cuter. I hope you make one, if only because I sewed right through my finger making this (through the nail and out the other side – impaled) and I’d hate for that to be in vain.

Get the full DIY Booster Seat Pattern and How-to after the jump…
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