Looking for a New Sewing Machine?

I came across this valuable link today from Sew, Mama, Sew. Don't they just have the best info on their site? It seems like I'm always linking to something they posted. They compiled this list of tons of sewing machines and their reviews. It would be so helpful if you are in the market for a new sewing machine, which, unfortunately, I am not :(. Can you find your machine on the list?

My triplets?!

Wow, what a pleasant surprise to wake up this morning and see these photos of my Ruby Lou dolls that Kyla did for me. When I first started reading her post I couldn't see any of the photos, only her words about photographing some crazy triplets, and I was thinking, yikes, triplets! I was also thinking that she was rather bold to say such things about someone else's children! I had a good old laugh when I scrolled down and saw who the triplets were. I guess I'm the one that needs to learn some parenting skills :). Kyla is hilarious.

Shirring tutorial.

I have wanted to learn the ins and outs of shirring for a while, but have never actually needed it for a project. I found this great tutorial tonight from Pink Fig Patterns. Something about a shirred top or dress is just so fun. Actually, looking back over the years I think some of my favorite clothes have had shirring on them. Maybe it's just me?

Also, I have been working hard on my Ruby Lou doll pattern and am getting closer and closer. I'd really like to have it out by the beginning of December so that it's plenty early for Christmas. I was up in Canada last week and even had a photo shoot for the dolls! I was so lucky to have pictures taken by the great Kyla. She is seriously an amazing photographer. Pretty much the best around. She also took pics of my adorable nephew that day, which was so fun to watch. I made three new dolls for the pictures, which you will see later! For now, here's a sneek peek at my favorite new addition to the pattern:

Owl measuring tape.

Isn't this the cutest little measuring tape? You can find them here, on Etsy. The shop has other felted pincusions too, that are absolutely adorable.

Elf Slippers.

Christmas is coming! I found this tutorial today for these cute elf slippers on the Sew, Mama, Sew blog. Wouldn't they be funny for a little one to wear during the holidays? They crack me up, and I think kids would love them!

SYTYC - Harvest Week

If you haven't checked it out yet, the So You Think You're Crafty contest is now in it's first week, and the theme is Harvest.  Go here to see all the entries and cast your vote.  I know which entry is my favorite, and I have a feeling it will be the winning entry!  Voting ends Friday night.  I love that the contest is anonymous, but some of the entries scream the name of the crafter just by looking at them.  It's fun to guess who's craft is who's.

Git-R-Done!

Got a case of the Procrastinations? Story of my life. Jenn from Compulsively Creative, who recently was a guest blogger on Sew Much Ado (if you haven't read her tutorial on gorgeous gathers, do so here), is having a contest during November to help us all get some projects done that we've been putting off. It's called I'm So Thankful (I Finally Finished That) . Check out the link for all the details. I already have at least a couple of things that I'm planning on entering. Her rules do say "project(s)", so I guess that means we can enter more than once! The winner will be chosen randomly at the end of November and will get a custom made skirt by Jenn, which I know we would all love.

For the sake of committing myself, here are my two "for-sure" entries that I WILL get done this month, thanks to the contest:

1. Complete my Ruby Lou Doll Pattern and have it available on Etsy.

2. Sew McCall's pattern 5388. I'm planning on making view D, with several alterations I have seen suggested from other people's reviews of the pattern. Okay, to be honest, I am going to give myself a little room for finishing the shirt. It's more of a hope than a goal that I finish it. We'll see...