Baby – MonkeySmiles

Toddler Swimsuit Tutorial

March 28, 2016 3 Comments

Of all the projects I was willing to take on, sewing a swimsuit was definitely not on that list. Call me crazy but the thought of trying to manipulate the fabric as it got pulled and stretched in my sewing machine just didn’t sit well with me. Then it happened. I found the cutest bathing suit ever, made by Eberjey. It was on sale and I had to have it….sold out. So I looked elsewhere and the only place I could find it was on the brand’s website for a price that makes my heart drop. Plus, the smallest size they sell is 2 years and I needed something closer to 18 months. So I decided to give it a try.

Baby, DIY, Kids

Swimsuit Pattern Tutorial

March 28, 2016 11 Comments

I created my own pattern using an old swim bottom. I put the swim bottom (size 9 months) on Sister and beside it being too short (can we say baby plumber crack?), it was just the right width which is what I needed. I drafted up how I thought the swim suit would be constructed and decided which measurements to take whenever I could get Sister to sit still (yes, it took some time).

Baby, DIY, Kids, Sewing

10 FREE Summer Dress Patterns

March 28, 2016 No Comments

I am always on the lookout for sewing patterns for the kids. Now that it’s getting warmer, I have dress patterns in my sights and have been on the hunt! I’ve compiled some of the cutest, cheek-pinch worthy, FREE dress patterns that I’ve come across.

Baby, DIY, Sewing, Upcycle

DIY Toddler Dress

March 4, 2016 2 Comments

Purchase the pattern or buy the dress already made! (photo 3 via mingo & grace)

Allow me to introduce you to the Blake dress by mingo & grace. How stinking cute is this? As soon as I saw it I thought it would be perfect for Sister to wear for Easter (or a holiday party, special occasion, flower girl dress or just because – who needs a reason?) and I couldn’t resist. I mean, who doesn’t love a little girl in a dress? Ugh, love. You can’t tell in my photo but this dress has pockets too!

Baby, DIY, Kids, Sensory

October Sensory Bin

September 28, 2015 No Comments

Monkey has been into arts and crafts lately…and really everything to do with the imagination and learning. I’ve never made a sensory tub before but I’ve heard nothing but positive things about them and figured why not give it a shot.

Baby, DIY

Baby Shower: DIY Diaper Golf Caddy

May 13, 2013 2 Comments

We weren’t sure the weather was going to hold out for us to hold my sister’s baby shower over the weekend. We had to move some decorations inside while the weather made up its mind and covered the tables with trash bags but alas, it turned out to be a gorgeous day! My mom and I decided to hold the shower for both the mom and dad-to-be because everyone was traveling so far to come celebrate and we figured it would be great to have a party with spouses and kids too.

Baby, DIY, Holiday, Kids

Monkey’s St. Patrick’s Day

March 18, 2013 No Comments

As most other new moms, I wanted to dress Monkey up for St. Patrick’s Day in some sort of green shirt. Everything I found online seemed so generic until I came across a DIY project on Pinterest. I love this shirt and best part is, you can change it to say anything you want. I had no clue about freezer paper until I found this and let me tell you, it is AMAZING.