Before I start rambling on about what I've been up to, let me start off by saying - The Sewing Republic, a website I'm very proud to be a part of, has begun posting free project tutorials! Each week they will be listing a new tutorial (some of them will even be in a video format) - they even have an RSS feed available so you don't miss anything. I'll let you know when one of my projects is up, but in the mean time be sure to check out the cute Summer Serendipity Bag available for download now.

What have I been up to? Well, for one, making more baby items - this time, not (just) for me. Juliet from Chickpea Sewing and I met while working on tutorials for the Sewing Republic site. About a month ago, she had her adorable baby, Finn and I am just now sending off her gift. A minky blanket (backed with a snuggly flannel) and matching burp cloth:

Of course, I couldn't just make one.... Fortunately, I had enough materials left over to sew up one for myself too (well, for our little guy)! I think I'm addicted to making baby blankets - too bad places like Etsy are over-run with these types of items, otherwise I'd make a bunch to put into my shop!

Up next, putting together my Sewing Stars Elephant. What are everyone else's plans for sewing this weekend?

I'm still working on baby items... of course, not for myself, but for my swap partner!

One thing she had listed that she wanted was a blanket, so in keeping with my Rocking Baby theme I made this:

Originally, I had planned on using a Minky for the backside, but most of what was available were pastel colors. So, I settled on a quilted black cotton - which went perfectly with the Skulls and Roses print I had selected for the front (selected from my stash fabrics). I think this actually worked out better since the batting provided a bit more loft without being too bulky. Too bad I don't have enough left over to make one for myself - it's actually a fun look!

Before I start talking about sewing, I just have to brag on my alma matter - KU who won the Orange Bowl last night! Way to go Jayhawks!

Now on to the sewing talk... (and some belly pics)

I spent a lot of time contemplating what to sew next, yesterday. I'm really debating between this Burda (maternity) ensemble and the Jalie twist top (which can also be worn as maternity). My problem, my size:

As you can see (9 weeks vs 25), I've grown a lot (and still have 3 months to go). In fact, I've already started growing out of my RTW maternity clothing and am ready for the next size up! And l won't even get into the bust size.... All these factors are really making me debate what size to make in maternity as well as the Jalie pattern (do I go with the size I wear now, knowing that my top half will deflate eventually? or go one size up from what I normally would wear and cross my fingers that it'll fit post maternity?). So, instead of trying to figure out what to do, I opted to make a small, quick project:

A baby blanket. I've been seeing lots of expensive 'boutique' style blankets around lately, so I decided to take it upon myself to make my own. For this one, I used Heather Ross' gnome fabric (won at Sew Mama Sew) and some brown chenille remnant from an upcoming article I'm writing. Eventually, I'd like to use the same material to make a set of contoured burp cloths like these.