Happy Black Friday!

Happy Black Friday everyone!

I know most of you are probably out shopping, snagging up some great deals for your Christmas Gifts. We like to go on a little shopping trip every year as well, but usually keep it at reasonable hours and very rarely buy anything. 

I wanted to remind everyone that tomorrow is "Small Business Saturday" and Monday is "Cyber Monday". If you are planning on shopping small or online this year, make sure you visit Grits & Giggles Pattern Shop for some beautiful children's and accessory patterns.

Use code GRITS2014 for 20% off of your pattern purchase, bundle deals included!!!

Cold Weather Sewing

Is it getting cold where you live? Make sure your little ones have all of the cold weather staples they need in their wardrobe!

Cold weather makes it easier to sit at the sewing machine under piles of fabric and create...at least for me anyways!

Here are some great Grits & Giggles Patterns to help you build an adorable winter wardrobe for your little ones.

The Abigail Tunic

The Bradshaw Reversible Jon Jon

The Laura Jane Dress

The Adams Vest

For Boys AND girls!!

                                                      The Jennifer Sue Ruffled Cardigan

And to help get your sewing underway.... use code GRITS2014 at checkout on Etsy for 20% off your pattern purchase! It can even be used on the bundle deals!!

DIY Clothing Labels

After sewing many many many quilts and pieces of clothing, I decided it was time to add some labels to my pieces! It looks professional, and it helps the kids know which side of their clothes are the back, in case both sides are similar. 

I've seen people print on fabric, or order fancy labels, or use fabric pens, but I wanted to use things that I had on hand that would stay nice for a while. So I used printable iron-on paper.

I followed my transfer paper's directions for printing. First I reversed my image. I used "Grits & Giggles" and my web address for custom orders tags. You have to print the text backwards so it will transfer correctly!

Cut out your individual labels to the size you want, and cut ribbon at least 1" longer on each side than your label. This is so you can turn your ribbon under for sewing.

I followed my paper's directions for ironing. Nothing fancy, just press and hold!

Once sewn into a garment, it made it look so much more professional! Although this dress has a definite front and back, it's still nice to see a tag in the back saying who made it.... ME!

I'm glad I finally took the time to make these. It only took minutes, but it adds just the right touch to my finished garments and projects. I'm excited to sew these into everything I make now!

The NON-emergency Car Kit

Lots of us have emergency kits, or at least first aid kits in our car, diaper bag, or purse. If nothing else we have a cell phone for emergencies.

But what about those little things that AREN'T emergencies, but are annoying when they happen? Soon after having baby boy, my baby brain made me forget lots of things. There were certain items I always found myself reaching for, but didn't have.

So....the non-emergency car kit was born. And it has been USED!!

My kit only has six items, but these items have proved to be necessities multiple times. Your kit can contain whatever you like, but here is what we reach for the most at our house.

My 6 Items:

Band-Aids

Hand Sanitizer

Pain Reliever

Dental Floss

Sunscreen

Tide Stain Pen

(zippered bag)

These are the items (especially the sunscreen!!) that we often leave at home, or don't need until we NEED it. I keep this kit in my console at all times, and restock when necessary.

What would you put in your non-emergency car kit?

The Elf is Coming

Did you miss our Christmas in July post about the Elf on a Shelf?? Our friend Micah will be coming to visit our home soon, and if YOU have a friend coming to visit too, then you need to get your ideas together!

Click HERE to see the original post with ALL 23 ideas for your Elf. Ideas from December 1st to Christmas Eve, all toddler friendly and approved!

Fall Porch Inspiration

Fall is when our front porches start seeing more love. We may be sitting on them in the spring and summer, but it isn't until fall that we really start to care what they LOOK like. Once the mums, pumpkins, and hey bales come out, you know it's time for fall.

Here are some beautiful, but simple ideas to dress up your front porch for the cooler months of the year.

This ladder makes a unique shelf at Craft-o-maniac

I love the oversized reclaimed wood sign at Fox Hollow Cottage

Pumpkins and vintage items at Organized Clutter

I love everything about this porch at Our Vintage Home Love.

Use flowers and veggies to create a beautiful display like the one at Unskinny Boppy

 

 

The cooler weather gets me excited for fall decorating. Whether you start in September, or wait until November, it's always a good time for fall!!

Online Craft Show!

Grits & Giggles is participating in an Online Craft show, just in time to start your holiday shopping. There will be LOTS of vendors, each with coupons to save you some serious money while buying handmade artisan gifts.

Grits & Giggles is offering 30% off of your pattern purchase with the coupon code from the craft show. That's our biggest discount EVER!!!

Click Here to be taken to the website with all vendor and show information.

The show is November 7th, 8th, and 9th online, so don't miss out!

Adams Vest Pattern Hack

The beauty of sewing your own items is the personalization. You can make them HOWEVER you want. Our Adams Vest pattern is easy to sew, and so cozy warm for winter.

I recently found some pre-quilted fabric that I just fell in love with. Had to have it. As soon as I saw it, I saw Goldilocks in a vest made from it. The problem was, it was double sided, and both sides were equally beautiful. The Adams Vest includes a lining, which would cover one side of the quilting up.... so what is a girl to do?

Find a way to make it without a lining!

My solution...French Seams. I've never ever made French seams before, but they totally transformed the inside of this vest! 

The end result made me so happy, and made Goldilocks happy too! She loves that the inside of her vest is pretty like the outside. The quilted fabric keeps her warm without the bulk of an actual lining.

Perfect for play.

A little bias tape on the bottom reduced the bulk from trying to turn the bottom under as well. French seams, bias tape, and pre-quilted fabric. That is a fun new way to make an Adams Vest! 

Have you sewn an Adams Vest this year? 

Have you tried it without a lining??

Thanksgiving Printable

Whether you're decorating a fall mantle, or creating a lavish Thanksgiving tablescape, this Thanksgiving printable will pretty up your decor!

The printable will fit a 5x7 frame.

Click HERE to download the PDF file