Material Mama #32 Consider the Source

Click here for the direct download.

Gifts for close friends, family, kids -- yes a little late but better late than never! :)

save: Free patterns from Amy Butler

spend: Gigglebug

give: Let's Say Thanks   

3 Things You Need to Know Before Giving to Charity  also, check out Give.org created by the BBB for some great charity giving tips.

WIN!

Best Patterns of 2007

---->>>did you know? Bread ties  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday <<<----

What I'm making:

Holiday Ideas for family:

Motivated Moms 2008 chore planner
Motivated Moms 2008 planner with Bible verses

For Children:

Pretend and Play School set --make your own using  a 'science project' board and supplies from a teacher supply shop

sewn food. be sure to make a shopping bag out of canvas! (just like mama LOL)  Cake  donut  sliced cake strawberries

Make a doll representation of your family.  You can make a family using bendy tutorials, simple dolls, waldorf dolls.

Playsilks.  Good for any occasion!  Dye for great colors and fun.  I get mine through Dharma Trading.  You can use Rit dye, or fiber reactive dye, even kool aid works!  Have fun, these last from 1-100 everyone seems to love them.

fairy wings
embellished onesies
freezer paper stencils for kids t-shirts
Felt baby shoes by Martha Stewart
Sweet blanket tutorial
Soft Toys & Games
Long list of dolls, stuffed critters and more. 
 

Gifts for children to make

16+

Purchase a top like this hooded pullover tunic, and embellish! You can dye, embroider, use iron ons to make it personal to your loved one. 

Make your own Swiffers, free!

Bind a book

solid bubble bath  or any sort of soap or bath product!

Dirty/Clean Dishwasher Status Indicator

soft trees from Little Birds Handmade

Good of us all:

Sandra Betzina's new podcast   "Use Steam a seam light on tee shirt"

Rosa "LittleHands" Review of Ottobre Spring 2008

Gosh, it's funner to review when I have more criticism.  LOL Which might lead one to believe that I'm pretty pleased with this issue.  So, what do I like specifically?

I really like how the design team seems to be listening to the feedback that they're getting from subscribers. We want different, but we want wearable. We want fresh ideas, and new interpretations. I really think they delivered on this one. There are still a few styles and items in this one that I'm not drooling over, but hey, you can't please everyone, every time, eh?

I'm not totally thrilled with the grunge/punk items, but after looking at each piece, I found that even those I might sew, one at a time and put on my kids in a more conservative manner. #37 for example. I like it as a top alone, but not so much as modeled with the vest and knickers. Just not our style.

The boy stuff in this issue all got a thumbs up from me. Basic, but fresh.  Good details.  Fun appliques.

The knit items they included had some really nice things that I haven't seen them do before. I like the layered sleeve on #14 and the cross top on #12. #29 and #39 are also great for the older girls. I like the flared pants. They have similar in other issues, but these are a basic for my girls, so I look forward to different takes on this style.

This issue is destined to be the "basics" issue that people refer to for wovens. The variety is fabulous. The size range great...something for everyone in each range. Stuff for both boys and girls. Tops, pants, dresses, skirts.... I love the sweet, whimsical styling of the baby items. Most pieces are very classic. My kids can wear these styles in ten years and not look "dated".

I particularly like the dress, and the two tiered skirt styles. The skirts actually hit knee or below! I'll still make them with leggings for my girls, but it's a start. They do seem to weigh heavily on shorter skirt styles and would love to see more longer styles included. Maybe fall? hint hint

All around, very recommended. I think this will be one that Suz has a hard time keeping in stock as back issues. Great issue!

Now, what to make first? I haven't even traced. Baby swap is moving up on me fast. Spring swap is right around the corner. I've been spending my crafting time digitally scrapbooking. LOL (Did I just admit that on SM??!)

Support:

Would you like to support the show?  You can help this happen by taking a look at my sewing advocacy items. I also have a  PayPal donation link here. Thank you so much!

 

Comments

[Karen]

Hi, Nutmeg! So glad that you're back again! I listened to your show today while working from home, because I'm sick with a head cold. So I can totally relate to your bout with winter illnesses. I hope that everyone at your house is well now...You mentioned in your podcast that you have a great bread recipe that you would like to share on your blog. I looked, but I haven't been able to find it yet. Would you be able to share it with us? Thank you again! One of my resolutions this year is to make one small sewn item (or make significant progress on a larger item) every month this year. Blessings!

[artgirlatl]

Hi Nutmeg,
I hope everyone is feeling better. Will you podcast again soon? I miss your show.

[Catherine]

Hey Nutmeg.

Love your show and have recommended it to various folks. Question: Last night I was listening to your most recent podcast and you mentioned the hello kitty sewing machine at Target. I swear you said it was $25. I went on their website and it was listed for $99. Did I hear you correctly?...or was I just imagining it? Thanks so much, Catherine

[jmbmommy]

WHere is Material Mama?? I need my fix....been missing you, hope your house is coming along well...and that you haven't left podcast land!!!

[Nutmeg]

LOL I'm still here!!! Yes, the Hello Kitty machine was on clearance at my local Target for 25.00. Their website doesn't have that price though.

♥ Nutmeg