Stroller Caddy Organizer DIY

So.   I need a Stroller Caddy Organizer thing.

I want something like this:  LINK

Or even better yet, this:  LINK

But.  I don't have a lot of extra cash, and I need it for a trip in 4 days.   I would probably settle for the ugly version and buy the cheap one from Babies R Us.... except.  The closest Babies R Us is 80 miles away.  Even if I ordered it online, I wouldn't get it in time for my trip.

So I decided sew one, and figure it out on my own.  I thought I would share the process here, in case someone else is interested in doing one of these.

Preparation:

I measured my Chico umbrella stroller and decided that a 16in x 16in organizer would be best for me.

I needed a large compartment in the back to hold toys and a change of clothing for the girls.

I also knew I wanted two small front pockets to hold sippy cups, and a small front pocket to hold my cellphone.

And I wanted one pocket to hold diapers, and one to hold wipes.

I had some yellow chevron canvas that I used for a tablecloth at a craft sale, so I grabbed it to use for the fabric.  If you're buying fabric, 1.5 yards is plenty.

Cut:

Two pieces 16in x 16in, on the fold.  (this will be the front an back of the caddy)
One piece 16in x 6in, on the fold. (this will be the top row of pockets on the front)
One piece 16in x 9in, on the fold. (this will be the bottom row of pockets on the front)
Four pieces 2in x 12 in (these will be the ties)
One piece 4ft x 1 in for binding, or buy a package of binding in a coordinating color.

Oh also, I ran out of parchment paper, and drew my pattern pieces on aluminum foil.   My goal was to only use what I had laying around my house, so I didn't run out and buy any parchment paper :)

(Not pictured is the skinny 4ft piece for binding.  Because I didn't realize I needed it until about an hour after this photo was taken)

I situated all of my pieces so that the fold was at the top of each pocket.  That way I wasn't sewing lots of square pieces of fabric together and ironing them.  I hate ironing seams and top stitching.  Notice the pins at the top of each piece of fabric.  That's where the fold is on each of them.  If you turn each cut over, you see that the fabric doubled.

Sewing:

1. Sew the tops of the four caddy pieces, on the fold.

Fold each piece so that the right sides are facing out.   Each pocket, as well as the front and back pieces should be situated to have a fold at the top.  

I wanted to make the top of each pocket a little stiffer, without using interfacing.  So I topstitched three seams across the top, where the fold is.


First top stitch.   The fold is at the far right side of the fabric.

Second top stitch:

Third Top Stitch:

Do this for the front and back pieces, as well as the two pieces for the front pockets.




2.  Sew the top front pocket (16in x 6in)

You've already top stitched along the top fold for the pocket.    Now, place the correct sides together (wrong sides out) and sew along the bottom,

Leave the sides unsewn.  Turn it right side out and press it with the iron.  This will give you a 'tube' of fabric, that will become the top pocket on the front, for sippy cups, etc.

3.  Sew the ties

Take two 2in x 12in pieces, and sew them together with the correct sides facing each other.  Be sure to leave one short end open!  Turn it right side out, and press with the iron,  Then sew the open end closed.  Repeat with the other two 2in x 12in pieces.

 These become the ties that attach the caddy to the stroller.

Here they are before I sewed them together, turned them right side out, and closed the end with a seam.  I forgot to take a photo afterwards.  Sorry :)



4.   Attach the ties to the back panel of the caddy.  

Fold each of the 12in long tie pieces in half. The fold should be at the bottom, with the two end pieces facing upward.   You'll use the two 'tails' to tie to the caddy to the stoller.

The tie will be sewn to the top corner of the back of the caddy.   Pin it about 1 inch from the side of the 16x16 piece, along the top.    The fold should be facing down.    Sew it to the back panel of the caddy  using a box and an "X".

Reapeat with the other tie, on the opposide side.

Now the ties are secured to the back piece of the caddy.


5.  Now, assemble the front piece of the caddy.  Lay the other 16in x 16in piece flat (the one that you didn't attach the ties to).  Pin the 6in tall pocket piece to the top portion, about 1/2 inch from the top., Pin the 9in tall pocket piece to the bottom portion, about 1/2 inch below the top pocket.

    -  Sew a horizontal seam at the bottom edge of the top pocket, securing it the the 16in x 16in panel (dotted line in the photo).  Then sew a vertical seam 6 inches from the side, on each side.  This will divide the top pocket into 3 sections (top two black arrows).

   -   Sew a vertical seam in the middle of the bottom pocket, dividing it into two sections (bottom black arrow).



6.  Sew the back and front panels together

Layer the top panel on top of the bottom panel, with the correct sides facing up.  Pin everything together.  Use your binding to attach the two panels together.  This will finish all of the side seams.

If you don't know how to do binding, I would go to Youtube and watch videos.  It's so much easier to understand than if I tried to take photos and explain it in writing.

Finished Stroller Caddy Organizer!

Simply tie it onto the handles, and you're ready to go!    I love this for Disney World, because the bright fabrics make my stroller instantly recognizable.

Stitch Fix Review #2 - February 2014

My second Stitch Fix has arrived!!   If you're not familiar with Stitch Fix, check out this post here to see what it's all about.  My stylist this time was Michelle, and just by seeing the online invoice earlier this week, I am really really impressed by her selections for me.  She totally nailed my style - now I just hope it all fits!   When my husband saw the contents of my box, he asked how much it was going to cost us to buy all five pieces, because he saw how perfect they were for me!

Check out the link for my first Stitch Fix here.

What is Stitch Fix?

Stitch Fix is a personal styling service. You tell them all about your style, size, and budget preferences, and your personal stylist sends you a box of clothing and accessories to try on at home. Each Fix is unique and hand-picked just for you.  You keep what you like, and return the other items for free!

My main reasons for using Stitch Fix:

1. I am a SAHM.  I cannot take a 3 year old and 1 year old shopping, while maintaining my sanity.
2. I live really far from shopping options.  I live 40 miles from Target and Kohl's.  I live 115 miles from Gap, Anthropologie, H&M, Dillards, etc. I can't just run out and find cute, good quality, unique clothing, unless I make a day trip of it.  And there's no way I could do it if both my girls are with me.  It would not be fun at all! 
3. When I factor in gas costs for a shopping trip, it's worth it to pay slightly higher prices through Stitch Fix.  Even if I could pay a few dollars less by shopping sale racks at the mall, the travel expenses and headaches to get to the mall aren't worth the savings.  Plus, Stitch Fix makes me go outside my comfort zone, and I need that!

I Cheated.  Again.   :)

I got an email last Saturday afternoon, letting me know my fix shipped via Fedex.  So I once again logged into my Stitch Fix account to see a list of everything in my box.  Then I googled all the item descriptions to get an idea of what I was receiving!

Based on what I found, my stylist did great!  I asked specifically for print or colored denim skinny jeans, and shirts or blouses with quirky prints or nautical stripes.  My box contained a nautical stripe tee with a bejeweled neckline, a stripe maxi skirt, cobalt blue skinny jeans, a stud detail shirt, and a heart print tab sleeve blouse.  

I *think* my stylist may have checked out my pinterest page.  I just went back and counted.  I pinned the stud detail shirt 11 times.  I also pinned 20-something pairs of colored jeans.  LOL!

Before I move on to the review, I want to share my referral link.  I'm not compensated by Stitch Fix for this review.  BUT... if you use my link to sign up, I'll get a small credit to use towards my next 'fix.'  I would be really grateful for a referral credit!
https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3242453

The Review

So, here's a pic of the box I got in the mail.

And once again, my items were so nicely presented.

There was a note from my stylist, and cards that showed me how to style the items in my fix.  But... um.....  Those jeans aren't cobalt blue.  They're 'dark denim'  -  nearly black.  I snapped a pic of the style card with the jeans, and emailed customer service right away.  I still tried them on, even though I don't need jeans this color.  I bought a pair of jeggings  from Old Navy last month in a pinch... since I knew I had asked for printed or colored jeans this month.

 

 

 

First Item:  Lulu Sheer Stripe Bejeweled Neck Top - $48

Now THIS is why I love Stitch Fix.   I would have NEVER chosen this for myself, even though it is definitely my style.   I love the nautical stripes, as well as the contrasting mint color on the neckband accented by jewels.  So cute!  My only reservation -  I tend to stay away from jeweled clothing.  If I lose a jewel, then the shirt is ruined.  When I tried it on, I noticed that the hem bunched up all the way around.   I think my hips are a little too wide.  Had there been a slit in the side hem, this would have been great.   Also, the material is 100% polyester, so it doesn't stretch when I move.  If I decided to keep all 5 pieces, this would have been totally fine to keep, the slight bunching really wasn't horrible.

Item:  Lulu Sheer Stripe Bejeweled Neck Shirt by Ellison Ellison Ellison
Status:  Sent Back

 

 

Second Item: Moni Stud Detail Dotted Print Top - $58

This is the shirt that made me want to try Stitch Fix.  It is so stinking cute!  I had high hopes for this one!   I am so glad that even though this was a teensy bit over the price range in my style profile, my stylist sent it anyway. (I have my price range for blouses set at "cheaper the better")  I wasn't able to discern the color of the blouse from all my Google searches, so it was a nice surprise to pull this out of my box!  I love polka dots, and I don't have anything this lovely burnt orange color.

 

(Notice the Harper photo bomb.   She was yelling 'cheese!!'  And I was laughing.)

Item:  Moni Stud Detail Dotted Print Top by 41 Hawthorn
Status:  KEPT!!!! I would probably buy this in another print :)

 

 

Third Item:  Elouise Striped Maxi Skirt - $70

Holy cow.  A $70 maxi skirt!  I just bought one last week for $16, and considered that to be the top of my budget.   So before I saw it, I knew that there would have to be something special about it for me to keep it.  And I love the unique striped print!  Plus, the fabric feels super nice.   To give  my stylist credit though, I upped my budget for bottoms this month.  I changed my style profile to "$50-$100" for bottoms, because I was trying to make it clear that I was okay paying more money for skinny jeans. So $70 is right in the middle of my price range for bottoms.

I tried it on with an open mind... because I really hoped it would all fit and I could buy the entire box.  And I LOVE it!!!  If I keep the whole box, I would love this.

Item:  Elouise Striped Maxi Skirt by
Status: Sent back

 

 

 

Fourth Item:  Colibri Heart Print Tab-Sleeve Blouse - $48

How cute are these hearts?  And I love the longer length hemline for this shirt.  This is so perfect for Valentines day, which I'm sure is a big reason it was included in my box.  It is pictured on the style card with a cobalt blue skirt, and my stylist suggested pairing them with the cobalt blue pants that were included in the fix.  Except. The jeans in my box were black.  And the shirt is true navy.   I wore this outfit today with my Old Navy jeggings I bought last month.

 

I love this blouse.  It's a nice weight material and it's tunic length, which is something I mentioned I was looking for in last month's fix.   I wish the skinnies in my box had been cobalt, but I tried to brighten up the outfit with a red scarf and shoes.

Item:  Heart Print Tab Sleeve Blouse by fun2fun 
Status: Kept... I think Kelly or Mint Green skinnies would look good too.

Fifth Item:  Amrita Skinny Jean by Just Black - $68

I got jeans!!! Happy dance!!!   Here is the trouble with Google.  It couldn't tell me what color these jeans would be when they arrived on my doorstep.  I saw them on different Stitch Fix reviews in navy, burgundy, bright blue, plum, green, and dark teal.  But OH how I hoped they would be green!

When I opened my envelope, I saw the style card and thought, "Cobalt Blue.  Not what I would choose, but still nice!"  My stylist did a good job getting me to go a little outside my comfort zone. Then, I opened my box, and saw the blackish denim jeans.  Super dark wash.

I was bummed.   BUT -  I'm grateful to be able to try a new brand of jeans in any color, ya know?  They were too long, so I turned the hemline under for the pics, which I totally don't mind.  The fabric was nice and thick, soft, and so luxurious.

Item:  Amrita Skinny Jean by Just Black 
Status:  Sent back.  Better luck next time!!

 

Note:  I did email Stitch Fix about the mix up on Wednesday.  I was really hoping they would find my AWOL jeans and offer to send them to me, since I kind of wanted that 25% discount.  Friday morning, I woke up to a reminder email to send back my unwanted items.  I still hadn't heard from customer service, but was worried that Stitch Fix would charge my account for the whole box if I didn't check out soon.  So, I gave up on my 25% discount and checked out with the two shirts I couldn't live without.  About 2 hours later, I received a super sweet reply email from Customer Service.  They offered to take the pants off my invoice, so I could still get my discount.  By then I had already checked out with my two shirts and dropped my package off at the post office.   I had also just ordered these jeans from Nordstrom, in the color 'oxblood.'  I am settling for a more subdued color with the Nordstrom pants...  I just can't wait another month for Stitch Fix to send me jeans, by then I'll be wearing shorts down here in the South.  It's not a big deal, really.  Just a bit frustrating.

 

The Verdict

So, if I had kept all five items, I would have received a 25% off discount, plus the $20 credit from my styling fee.  Which means I could have gotten five items for $206.  Now, this is significantly more than my first fix, which would have been $132 for all five items.  BUT - the items I received this month were perfect for me, and within the limits I set in my style profile.  I ended up keeping the two shirts, and paying $106.

 Was my Stitch Fix experience fun, convenient, and delightful?  Sure!   Was it the right size and the right style?  Mostly!  My stylist did a great job!  Yes there was a problem with the jeans, which I am bummed about.  But it's all good. :)

I decided to skip my box for March.  I really need to spend my money on jeans, in the next week or so.  Otherwise I'm not going to have much time to wear them before temperatures get into the 90's here.

As of right now, I have a box scheduled for April.  I asked for cute, comfy clothing that I can wear at Disney World.  We have annual passes, and I spend a lot of time in the parks.  I am also going to request the same stylist again next time.  She nailed my style, and I feel like she listened to what I wanted, and then pushed me to try clothing right outside my comfort zone.  Thank you to my stylist, if you happen to read this!  You did great!

Swimsuit Shopping for my Girls

I am loving all the spring items that are cropping up in our stores lately!   I fell in LOVE with a Garnet Hill kids swimsuit last season, but alas I waited too long to purchase it.  And it was sold out.  I was heartbroken, and so decided to order swimsuits early this year!   I found a few cute options online today, and thought I would share them on the blog.

1 - Circo Infant Toddler Girls' 2-Piece Tankini Set

1. 
   At $12, this is so cute!  The suit I missed out on last year was chevron. 

 

2 - Garnet Hill Kids Ruffle-Trimmed Halter One-Piece Swimsuit

This is the newer version of the suit I missed out on last year.  I love that it is fully lined, and covers all that parts of my little girl that I don't want everyone on the beach seeing.  This suit is available in lots of fun prints, and on sale right now for $20!

3 - Kelly's Kids Halter Style Bikini Top and Matching Skirted Bottoms 

Seersucker, embroidered whales, and the ability to monogram??? Yes please!!!  This is a little pricier... the top is $28 and the bottoms are $26.  Plus you have to pay $10 extra for monogramming, and also you must pay shipping on this site.  But gosh it's cute and preppy!

4 -  Carter's One Piece Ruffle Shoulder Swimsuit

My girls love flamingos.  The local high school has a flock of fake flamingos, and will put them in your yard as a fundraiser.  You can pay to have your friends' yards 'flocked.'   Since the flock landed on our lawn last year, the girls have been all about 'pink birds.'  Plus, this ruffled shoulder style is so cute too.  This suit is on the Carter's website right now for $20.40 on sale.

 So there you have it!  My favorite cute toddler swimsuits for Spring 2014!

Stitch Fix Review #1 - January 2014

So, I posted awhile back (here) that I was excited to sign up for Stitch Fix.   Well, my 'fix' has finally arrived and I am sooooo excited to open it up and try on everything that my stylist chose.  It's so nice to say those words, "My Stylist."  It makes me feel special!

 

 

 

What is Stitch Fix, you ask?

Stitch Fix is a personal styling service. You tell them all about your style, size, and budget preferences, and your personal stylist sends you a package of stylish goodies to try on at home. Each Fix is unique and hand-picked just for you.

Anticipation

I'm not gonna lie. I've been stalking my Stitch Fix account for over a week now.  When my stylist began working on my fix, my account updated to let me know.  And then, I received an email with my FedEx tracking number.  So I logged back onto my Stitch Fix account and was able to see a list of everything in my box.  Of course I googled all the item descriptions to get an idea of what I was receiving!

Even just going off what little bit I was able to find through google, I think my stylist did a pretty good job listening to my requests.  I put in my comments section that the tiny details on an item are what sells me.. and I received a box with pleats, lace, feather prints, floral details, and even houndstooth.

One thing I'm a wee bit disappointed about... I asked for skinny pants, since I haven't bought new clothes since those came into style (Think: I haven't updated my wardrobe since before getting pregnant with my nearly 4 year old daughter).  But, after reading some other reviews, I think it's my fault.   When I filled out my style questionnaire, I put the price range for pants at 'the cheaper the better' option.   Now, in my mind, I know that Stitch Fix pants are in the $68 - $110 range.  And so that's what I budgeted to spend, and what I expected to receive.  Apparently, 'the cheaper the better' price range is Stitch Fix speak for $0-$50.  And so I did not receive any pants or leggings in my box, which is what I so desperately needed.  Instead I got a dress.  And ya'll, I'm a stay at home mom.  I need to upgrade my yoga pants to real world casual wear, before I make the leap to dresses.  But that's okay!  If the dress works, I'll have my husband take me on a date.  I am so grateful that my stylist took my style profile and price points into consideration!!!

Before we get in to the actual review, I want to share my referral link.  I'm not compensated by Stitch Fix for this review.  Heck, they don't even know I blog.  BUT... if you use my link to sign up, I'll get a small credit to use towards my next 'fix.'  Which would be AWESOME!
https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3242453

Edited:  I received an email from Stitch Fix today... thanking me for this review.  So I guess now that statement above about them not knowing I blog is no longer accurate :)  How cool is that!?!?

The Review

So, here's a pic of the box I got in the mail.  I love getting mail, it's like Christmas!

And when I opened it up, everything was so nicely presented.

There was a note from my stylist, Carney, and cards that showed me how to style the items in my fix.

 

 

 

First Item:  Mayson Houndstooth Faux Wrap Dress  - $34

Now, I didn't ask for a dress.  I didn't want a dress, I wanted jeans.  BUT, ya'll, the price was right.  And I don't have a single houndstooth print item in my closet. And I know that next to tribal prints, houndstooth is very popular right now. So, I gave it a try.  And while I really really wanted it to be good, it was not.   The top was baggy and the bottom portion was so tight around my thighs.  The skirt was lined, which is nice given the cost of the dress. 

 As a side note, when I wore this out for my husband to snap a pic for the blog, he tried to talk me into keeping it.  And then I demonstrated picking up Harper while wearing it.  And his words were, "You better send that back before you bust a seam."  LOL.  It looks fine, it just fit too snugly on my thighs.  Or maybe it's the material - if it stretched when I moved, the fit may have worked.

Looking back at the pics, I kind of wished I had kept it.  It's so unique.

Item: Mason Houndstooth Faux Wrap Dress by Collective Concepts
Status:  Sent back... bummed.

 

 

Second Item: Alexina Watercolor Three Button Blouse - $48

This was the most expensive item in my fix, but still well within my price range.  This was also the item that made me cringe a little when I looked it up on Google.  I'm not much into this floral print.  I have  a very long torso, and this shirt ran a little short.  But, since they sent it, I tried it on.  And I wanted to like it, simply because the fabric was nice and thick and soft.  But the print was just not my cup of tea.  When I checked out on Stitch Fix website, I put in the comments that if this blouse had been sailboat or tulip or Greek key or tribal print, I would have kept it.  I also felt like the black detail on the bodice made it have a western feel.  Maybe I'm just strange though.

Item: Alexina Watercolor Three Button Blouse by Collective Concepts
Status: Sent back

 

 

Third Item:  Marleena Front Pleat Button-Up Shirt - $38

This blouse seemed very matronly and business casual.   I just can't see changing diapers and wiping runny noses all day while wearing this crisp, snowy white button up.  And I barely have time to brush my teeth in the morning.  I just don't see me taking the time to iron umpteen-million pleats... and then never leave my house while wearing it.  Plus, you can't tell because I tucked it in... but there is a LOT of fabric. I goes down to mid-thigh.  My stylist actually suggested wearing it as a tunic, with tights, for church.  It just didn't work out for me though.  The only way this wasn't horrible is if I tucked the bulk of the material inside a pencil skirt.  But, I can do that with the plain white shirt that already hangs in my closet.

Item: Marleena Front Pleat Button-Up Shirt by Collective Concepts
Status: Sent back... as fast as possible.

 

 

 

Fourth Item:  Crosby Floral & Dot Print Tie-Neck Blouse - $38

When I googled this blouse, I wasn't sure about it.  I typically do not like blouses that tie at the neck, since I can't wear a necklace with them. Based on the only review of this shirt that I could find, the shoulders of this blouse run a little narrow.  So since I noted in my style survey that I have narrow shoulder, I'm sure that is a big reason I received it.  And then I was so pleased when I took this one out of the box.  It has this gorgeous lace inset, in addition to the polka dots.  I really wanted this one to work, even before I tried it on.  And it did!  The upper arms are just a little tight, but I think if I requested a larger size that the shirt would look sloppy

Item:  Crosby Floral & Dot Print Tie-Neck Blouse by Uttam Boutique 
Status:  It's a keeper!

Fifth Item:  Kathy Feather Print Shoulder Pleat Blouse - $38

Holy cow I loved this blouse from the moment I laid eyes on it.  The print is so quirky, and I love that the feathers get larger the closer they are to the hemline.  (In my mind, it's kind of ombre... but maybe I'm just weird).  And this blouse would look GREAT with red skinny jeans.  Maybe I'll get some in my box next month!  I wanted this shirt to work SO BADLY.  And, if I had to choose one item buy just looking at the photos, it would have been this one.  But it was so big.  And the material was kind of like shiny satin.  The manufacturer tag said 'Small,' and the Stitch Fix tag said 'Medium.'  So I asked for them to send me a size smaller in my next fix, if it was available.

Item:  Kathy Feather Print Shoulder Pleat Blouse by Ravel 
Status: So sad to send back

 

 

The Verdict

So, if I had kept all five items, I would have received a 25% off discount, plus the $20 credit from my styling fee.  Which means I could have gotten five items for $132.  Not bad!  But, I ended up only keeping the Crosby Floral & Dot Print Tie-Neck Blouse by Uttam Boutique.   I'm still bummed that I didn't get any pants, but I updated my style profile, specifically asking for jeans even if they're over $50 or $75 :)  Was my Stitch Fix experience fun, convenient, and delightful?  YES!   Was it the right size and the right style?  For the most part!  My stylist did a good job - especially considering this is my first fix.

My next box is already scheduled for this time next month.  I asked for skinny pants or leggings, especially print jeans or colored jeans.  I also requested the feather print shirt in a smaller size, as well as a dolman style top that won't fall off my shoulders.  I'm not sure they'll have any of those things in stock when they do my next fix, buy it doesn't hurt to ask.  Either way... I can't WAIT to see what I get!

That Time I Went to Matilda Jane Art Fair

 So, last June, I went to Matilda Jane Art Fair.  And I thought I would put together a little travel fyi for anyone out there who might be planning to go this year.  This was a once in a lifetime experience for me.  I got to meet several good friends who I've previously only chatted with online.  I also got to hang out with some old friends who I've known now for awhile.

It was soooo fun, and a much needed mommy's weekend without kids!

What is Matilda Jane Art fair, you ask?

Well, Matilda Jane is a small children's clothing company based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  They sell through in-home shows.  And once a year, they do a huge sale of one-of-a-kind items in their old warehouse.  It's super fun!

Where to stay

We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott downtown.  It was within walking distance to the MJC property.  We had to drive to a local part for the preparty though.  Matilda Jane reserves a block of rooms for Art Fair attendees.  They sell out fast, in January.  So you have to be quick to reserve your room, once they announce the info on the company blog.

If you're in the block of rooms, you get a special treat when you check in.  This year it was a rainbow of yummy candies.

Where to eat

There's a restaurant in the hotel, which came in handy.  And there are several downtown restaurants within walking distance.  We chose to drive to the Casa Grille, a locally owned Italian restaurant.  The service and food were awesome!

Link here for Ft. Wayne locations and hours.

Special Events:  Chicks for Children luncheon

I attended the Chicks for Children fundraiser luncheon.  Chicks for Children is a non-profit based in Conway Arkansas.  Their goal is to help the people of Kitale, Kenya.  

"Our overarching mission is to reduce or eliminate the devastating consequences of poverty characterized by a lack of food, clean water, homelessness, illiteracy, sickness, despair, hopelessness, voicelessness, fear, abuse, and social isolation."

I was so blessed to hear about the work Matilda Jane Clothing Company is doing alongside Dr. Mark Cooper, founder of Chicks for Children.

Please visit the link HERE to learn more about this awesome organization, and consider donating to their cause. 

We all got to sit through an awesome presentation by Dr. Mark Cooper,  we ate a delicious lunch, and then we got to shop the warehouse sale a day early, for one hour.   Honestly, I was so blessed by the experience that I didn't even need the perk of shopping.  It was truly a touching experience.

 

Pre-party

The preparty was held at Headwaters Park in Ft. Wayne.   The location was beautiful and there was plenty of room to move around.  You have to buy a $10 admission ticket in advance, but it includes an awesome dinner buffet.

Be sure to buy raffle tickets!  Because they give away pretty awesome things, like the entire fall collection and first to shop the event.

What about camping out?

The line to get into the Saturday morning shopping event started Friday evening, and was quite long.  But the clothing racks empty really quickly on Saturday morning, and camping in line bettered your chances of getting any specific items that you really want.

Be forewarned - it gets really cold at night!   I was regretting wearing flip flops and dreaming of my UGGs by 3am.   We had a lot of fun talking, meeting new people, and playing games while we waited.  We also slept a teensy bit too :)

One thing we did do, was write our position in line on our hands.  This came in handy when people tried to break in line at 6am the next morning.  We simply called over the security guard and he checked the line breakers' numbers, sending them alll the way to the back.  So don't break in line!  It's not worth in and everyone will know who you are and remember.

 

 

 

Shopping

It's good to have an idea of what you are looking for when you go in.  I got a lot of good items just wandering around.  A lot of people will grab big armfuls and then sort them and discard what they don't want.  I found a ton of cute things by waiting for the discards to be reshelved.  And I shopped for both my girls, and got them quite a few matching sets.

 

 

 

The best part?  The people!

I met so many great people, and grew friendships I already had.  It was so fun and I would love to do it again!

SO.... There you have it.  An awsome experience.  A fun weekend.  And a presentation that changed how I look at Kitale, Africa.

Kids Chunky Necklace DIY - Part Three

Today, we are going to talk about using stretch string, to make those chunky bubblegum kids' necklaces.

This is part three of a post that I started two weeks ago.  you can read the part one here, and part two here.

Just like the last couple times, let's pretend that you already have your necklace supplies ready.

• You have all your pretty beads laid out in order.  Always remember to add Color, Texture, Pattern, and Shine... it works for jewelry too, not just on What Not to Wear.
• Spacer beads. Note:  spacers aren't necessary.  I like the look of a necklace that doesn't have spacers.  BUT - spacer beads offer flexibility to a necklace.  Without spacers, there will be more stress at the connection points.  Meaning, there is a higher likelihood that the necklace will come apart at the clasp.
• Stretch string... you can buy it in the craft section of Walmart, where they sell Pony Beads.  Or, any craft store like Hobby Lobby sells it.
• Super glue

The Process, using stretch string:

Add your beads to the stretch string

There's no need for a clasp!  Just tightly knot the two ends of the necklace together, using several square knots.

 Put a little dot of super glue on the knots, so they don't come undone when you trim the extra.

Trim the extra string away after the glue dries, and you're done!

 

Super easy, huh?   And super cute too!!!