Cute and easy baby bib project...

Today I came into work and saw these adorable bibs (yes I love everything baby) getting ready to be hung for display. I just wanted to share them with you. First click here for the free, yes free, downloadable pattern from Westminster Fibers. It is called Slobber Monkey, by Heather Bailey. What a great name!

These would make a great, and inexpensive, new baby gift. You could even get creative and personalize them. Maybe one for each day of the week or just embroider slobber monkey on them. These bibs are backed in flannel, super soft, but another option is terry cloth. I loved the bibs my mother-in-law made that were backed in terry cloth. They made clean up so easy. Add a bit of water and you have an instant wash cloth to first clean there face, than the tray, than right into the washing machine. I also love the button detail on the top of these. These bibs are so soft, if only I didn't know what a mess they would be after that first feeding. I suggest a bundle of six or seven, tied with a pretty ribbon. Teething babies go through bibs like crazy.


                                             

Here are a few pictures of the ones going up for display. If you love these prints click here, or check our all our cotton prints. There are so many options. Have fun and be creative.

Enjoy!

80/20 split

So 80% of the time I'm an employyee here at Michael Levine, but 20% of the time I am a shopper, crafter, and have even tried my hand at knitting. Before coming to work here I never would have called myself crafty, but being around all these amazing products day after day I found myself wanting to try my hand at a few things. The first thing I remember making were some really cute place mats out of oil cloth. No sewing required so it was a perfect first project for me. All I needed was pinking shears and the fabric. They turned out so cute and added a punch of color to my table. Once I had a baby around I found my focus shifted to baby items. Baby bibs, baby burp cloths, and baby blankets took me through the next few years. All my friends were so impressed when a one-of-a-kind baby bib or birp cloth was pulled out of my diaper bag. And a few years ago we brought yarn into the store. I love the look of the yarn and just had to give it a go. I will have to pull out the ones I did and post the pics. While I loved the results, I have to admit with 3 little kids and my low level of patience I didn't make that many items. I do have a few great winter scarves and love wearing them.  We have recently got in these collars, some are plane, while some have more embellishing. I was going through my many fashion magazines and saw all these t-shirts with embellished neckline. My radar went up and I thought I can do this. For a few dollars and a nice Michael Star T-shirt I had mysel a really cute, not so everyday T-shirt. Here are a few pics of my personal projects that I really thought were simple and that I really use and wear...





Here is one of my latest projects. I have been into making jewlery. I made this great vintage feeling necklace awhile ago, and still love wearing it. It was so simple. We have chain here and of course a hugh selection of buttons. These are rhinestone balls that hang just perfect.

One day when I was working in the button department I met this shopper who had this amazing necklace on, one that would be perfect fot the "Black & Bling" party I was invited to. When I asked her about it & took a closer look I realized it was all buttons. She had just bought it a one of the big department stores. Again I thought I can make this for 1/2 the price. While we didn't carry the exact button her necklace contained I found something similar that I liked. I love this necklace. While I use it as a special occasion piece I get compliments everytime I wear it.

I hope you feel inspired to try something new. While we may not still carry the exact products show in these pictures, we have so many newer, great options. Remember, even if your a novice like me, have fun and give it a go!