NYC, November 2009



Suri is all smiles as she goes on a shopping spree with her big sister Isabella and mom Katie on the Lower East Side neighborhood of New York City on Sunday, 22.


Girls shopped at Topshop store and Madwell boutique, Katie already owns more than 10 pieces from the Madwell brand.. :)


After shopping, the trio grabbed lunch at Balthazar in Soho and Katie was taking pictures of Suri her phone. cute! :)


In the evening, S&K went to the Joyce Theater to catch a retrospective of the Complexions Contemporary Ballet Company.


Suri is wearing Vintage Dove Dress by Holmes & Yong (available at Maxfield), which she first wore on November 30th 2007.

and Fairy Boots & Backpack by Kidorable, which she first wore on November 21st (yesterday).

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Long Island, November 2009


on Saturday, 21 Suri & Katie were spotted around NY several times...




strolling in Red Trench Coat (PLEASE! send me a hint, if you know who made it) over her Red Silk Holmes & Young dress and holding Green Doggy Backpack by Manuella.

*****


shopping at SOHO Baby Boutique..



same dress, no coat + plus more green stuff: Fairy Rain Boots and Fairy Backpack, both by Kidorable.

*****


and attending a matinee showing of the Lion King musical on Broadway.

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Long Island, November 2009


Suri & Katie seen taking a stroll through Manhattan while on break from shooting her new movie, The Romantics on Friday, 20.


Suri is wearing Highlighter Skater Tank Dress in Pink and CozyChic Hoodie in White by Barefoot Dreams, which were both first worn on November 5th.

*picture removed


Look - heels are not always THAT fun but hey, at least she is not wearing diapers..

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NY, November 2009



Suri play around with caution tape on the set of Katie movie, The Romantics on Thursday, 19.



Suri is wearing Facet Button Cardigan in Cherry, which she first wore on October 26th and Printed Frill Blouse in Navy (FW'09), both by SEED.

Suri is proving her love for the red shoes by wearing hers custom-made Roger Vivier flats again!

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Cloche Hat Tutorial

I was watching 'Changling' on HBO last night. Yes, it's a somewhat depressing movie. But I have to say that Angelina Jolie looks stunning in her cloche hats and bright red lipstick. It made me long for the look again.

I remember last year cloche hats were ALL THE rage. They still are in my book. I'd love to have the one shown at bottom.

Here's a great free cloche hat pattern and tutorial from Weekend Designer.


I think if you made one of these you could start to improvise and create your own styles.

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Cloche Hat Tutorial

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The Strange and Wonderful World of Crochet.

There's something about crocheting that makes people want to create strange but useful things. Moreso than knitting. It's in a league all its own.

I've done a little crocheting myself. I like that it's a lot faster than knitting and a lot less complicated.

Check out these interesting finds from some etsy sellers who also love to crochet.


I thought this crochet ear phone hat (above) was a great idea! I only wish I had some in college. There were many a cold February morning when I was walking to class and could have used something like this.


Or for that matter, these these lace up crochet leg warmers (to right).


When I was a college freshman back in 1996 I used to wear pleated mini skirts and high heeled penny loafers to school on days when the temperature didn't get above 15. And I didn't wear a stitch of stocking. I look back and think what a lunatic I was. But in my defense, I was 18, the mini pleated look was in and it really flattered my stubby legs.

I really could have used some of these right? They look so Anthro!

I might just have to sit down and figure out how to make them myself. I think it might be doable.


Do you have a teacher in your life?


Surprise them with this cutsy apple cozy. I think it will be a first for him or her.


No more bruised apples sitting on the bottom of your bag! Get this super cute and stylish cozy for your apple. Handmade using 100% wool and decorated with a wooden or a vintage button.






Here's something that would be a great gag gift. It's the amazing crocheted beard hat.

Now I don't think I can honestly say that I ever needed one of these in my life but it might be great for that boyfriend or 'guy' friend you have on your Christmas list.

And here's a quick tutorial on how to crochet if you don't know how. It takes very little effort to learn.

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The Strange and Wonderful World of Crochet.

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Are your 4T jeans really 5T?

I think by now you all know that I love thrift shopping. Especially for kids clothes. You can get the same jeans at the Salvation Army that you do at Old Navy or the Children's Place. Sometimes better.

The one drawback is that when I find a pair that look really good I sometimes overlook the fact that they are one size too big. I take them home and as Lily is running around the house I see that they are slowing falling around her knees. Not good.

Julie-K has given me a solution. Check out her adjustable elastic kids pants tutorial.

And the best part is that when your child grows you can simply remove the elastic. You can try this with almost any pair of pants. I've looked at it and it seems super easy! Try it!

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Are your 4T jeans really 5T?

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LAST CHANCE TO VOTE!!

Well, it's finally come down to it.

Tonight is the LAST DAY of the Shabby Apple Dare to Design contest.

If you hadn't voted yet and like my design, or are a fan of Grosgrain please stop by and vote for #7. The Lawn Frock. Click here to vote!

I would be quite grateful!

Here's a quick recap of the dress:
The dress is designed for spring. I imagined wearing this dress when attending a lunch with friends or on Sunday service or farmer's market stroll.

The color, obviously reminded me of spring. The way grass looks when first sprouting from the ground, all bright and noticeable.

I really loved the design of the collar. It bears a V-neck trim that attaches to a tiny gathered portion of the front bodice. Then I ruffle pleated a piece of matching fabric and added on top of the collar. I then added a white piping trimmed piece to keep the two in place. The sleeves are tiny and capped just right for warm spring weather.

The skirt was rather interesting. It is pleated the entire way around the body. The top of the pleats are finished with a rolled white hem and are not sewn at the tops but rather at the middle giving the look of a skirt but the piece is attached.

The white waistband cinches the pieces together creating a nice flattering A-line waist and skirt. The pleats reach all the way to the bottom of the dress which falls to the knee. Very A-line, very flirty, very feminine.

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LAST CHANCE TO VOTE!!

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Felt Flower Clip Tutorial

Felt clips are the cutest. They have a soft sweet quality that I really love.

Some of these adorable clips could be a great gift for a friend's daughter.

A Hoot and a Holler has made a fabulous tutorial for the flower to the left.

Both she and I recommend using quality felt. Something like 100% wool. You really can tell the difference. Plus, I've found the cheaper fabrics only come in corny colors.

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Felt Flower Clip Tutorial

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Flickr Favs

When I opened Grosgrain's flickr group this morning I knew there was definitely one picture which I had to feature.

Refugee Crafter made this as a blessing dress for her sweet baby girl. She described it as the pinnacle of her sewing career. Months in the works. She made her own pattern and tatted the lace trimmings herself!

She said, "It is definitely my most ambitious endeavor. I guess that's what happens when you give me nine months and little sleep due to pregnancy."

I couldn't agree more:)

The pattern for the lace on the sleeves comes from the book A New Twist on Tatting by Catherine Austin. She added the pearl beads to her pattern. The frog closures are her own creation.

The ruffles on the dress inspired by Butterick pattern B4967.

See more pics here.
I also really liked the skirt to the right made by flickr user Mosspink. I've always had a a soft spot for crinoline. Anything holiday related is always good this time of year.

Speaking of holidays, it's now time to put up the Christmas decorations. The tree, the lights, the garland. I'm usually super excited and eager to do this but unfortunately I've been really tired, lethargic and uncomfortable.

And speaking of uncomfortable, we went to see 'A Christmas Carol' last night at IMAX. The theater was sold out and we were at the end of the line. When we finally got inside all the seats were taken except for the ones in the very front and some single ones on the ends. We had to sit in separate seats with Lily sharing my chair for 2 hours.

Being seven and a half months pregnant I was quite uncomfortable. But the movie was pretty good. I'm glad Lily got to see the story for the first time. It was always one of my favorites.

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Flickr Favs

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Downtown Apartment Bolster Pillow Tutorial

ModHomeEcTeacher creates this stylish tutorial on how to make a beefy bolster pillow from stuff just laying around your home.


I also really like the couch covering in this photo. It makes me want to recover all my old furniture with tweed (very stain forgiving BTW).


Maybe after the baby is born.

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Downtown Apartment Bolster Pillow Tutorial

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What I am Thankful For

My Grosgrain readers.

I wish I could have pictured each and every one of my fabulous subscribers.

I can't thank you all enough for your support and enthusiasm. I know that this had started out as mostly a hobby but it has turned into much more.

I've often received comments from people in my life asking me why I put so much time into the blog. I can only say that it fulfills me the way a rewarding career provides a goal and purpose outside of the family (although having my family involved with the blog makes it even better).

Even though it pains me a little to say goodbye to each beloved piece I sew, I receive so much more in return from all of you.

All your support with the Shabby Apple contest has given me a feeling neither money nor retail therapy can equal.

Win or lose, reading your positive comments and recognizing your faces at Shabby Apple motivates me to keep my ideas flowing and hands sewing. (And by the way I realize you are all probably sick of hearing about the contest and seeing multiple ads. I promise that after the contest ends on midnight this Monday I will promptly take them down.)

Sometimes I wish I could make enough dresses for every one that enters my contests. I always feel guilty when I can't give a popular frock to each and every faithful contestant. Obviously I wouldn't be able to do this without your encouragement. Perhaps someday I can find a way to share my designs with all the people who enjoy them.

Thank you all!

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Winner

I've decided to post new winners to the front page of Grosgrain and/or on the sidebar so that more people can see whether or not they've won.


Please email grosgrainwinners@gmail.com.


The winner of the Modern Blitz custom card giveaway is....Angie Mae of Lil'Angels


Please contact me to claim your prize!

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Black Friday.

This 'might' be what I'm doing RIGHT NOW!

It's 4am and very 'black' on this dark November morning. I'm planning on going to the infamous Walmart Black friday sale with my mother, sans makeup, sans sleep, sans sunlight, sans sanity.

I will let you know how it goes....


Update: Well, I'm back. A little tired, a little wiser. This was my first black friday doorbuster experience and I really did not know what to expect. If any of you considered going to Walmart on Black Friday or plan to try it in the future I have some sage wisdom to grant.

Walmart places sale items in different areas of the store to spread out the crowds and handed out tickets for the most popular items. If you wanted to get a popular item you had to be there early enough to get a ticket. These were mostly tvs and computers.

GPSs, blurays and smaller ticket sale items were first come first serve which got a little crazy. You had to come prepared with a map of where each sale item was in the store if you wanted to get there first. At 5am, employees tore off the wrapping paper from the skids and all it was every man for himself.

I think a lot of people shy away from Walmart because of it's reputation for chaos. However (despite the above photo I used) there was no mad dash. Mostly slow shuffling between A LOT of people. Not that pleasant either.

Here's one positive that might go unnoticed: It's warm. Target and Best Buy opened their doors at 5am. People literally slept in tents and waiting for hours in the cold. At Walmart you could come at midnight and walk around the store and shop, do your groceries, eat at McDonalds. If I were to do this again, I'd stay up all night. I'd get to Walmart around 2 or 3am. Get my tickets. Get all my grocery shopping done. Put my groceries in my car. Go back inside and wait for 5am to roll around. Maybe eat at McDonald's if I got bored. If you have your ticket, you don't have to push through any crowds. You can just pickup your item from an associate.

Negatives: Crowded. I parked, literally, 2 football fields length away from the entrance. Never in all my life have I seen Walmart so packed. If you had a cart you couldn't get anywhere. You really need two people. One to dart through the crowds, one to watch the filled cart. Some areas were so tightly packed with people you had to abandon any hope of entry (ie the toy department).

Long lines. Every checkout line stretched to the middle of the store. It took me 20 minutes to get a Sausage Biscuit at the in-store McDonald's.

Surprisingly, I would do it again. It was an experience. I'll give it that.

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Black Friday.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Gobble. Gobble.

Hope you are all enjoying tiramisu with your families like me:)
Photo courtesy of flickr user kathrynivy.com

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Happy Thanksgiving!

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Peppermint Stick Holiday Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.

I'm so jealous of Melody.

She looks so good in this holiday dress. I'd love to wear something like this to a Christmas party I was hosting. I should make a maternity version (not fitted of course:) and have a party as an excuse to wear it.


The dress is made from a stretch poplin, heavier weight cotton material. The color is crisp, "white as snow" white. It is contrasted by a peppermint striped grosgrain sash that ties at the waist.


It looks fairly simple, but to me it's special because it is the FIRST fitted skirt piece I've ever made.


I wouldn't call it a 'tulip' skirt, more like a 'pencil'. If there was one thing I would change, it would be the length. I would want it to reach past her knees by an inch or two and taper to a point at the hem. But other than that it looked very similar to my original sketch.


Brian and I were talking about the Shabby Apple Dresses and noting how some of them are fitted. And it dawned on me that I've never made a fitted dress. Not that it's more difficult, in fact, it was a lot easier and used a lot less fabric. I just don't favor fitted dresses but this one makes me want to make a dozen more.


I added a ruffle to the neckline and ends of the sleeves.The sleeves are very fitted and shows off a demure arm. I think my sister would look good in this dress too. Both Melody, Channy and Abi are very slim and slight.


I'd say this dress looks 'sophisticated' but still 'youthful'. I really like how the sash POPS out from the white color of the dress.


I really whipped this dress up super fast! I was impressed with the amount of time it took. I started it on Tuesday and put the finishing touches on it as Melody came in the door.



I worked on it while Molly took her naps and all together I put only 3 hours into it. That includes creating the pattern, cutting the material and of course sewing it together.


Melody emailed me her measurements but I was so in a hurry I just started it without looking twice. I was shocked when she came down the steps with everything looking fitted and right.


I really liked the stretch poplin material. I would use it again for a pencil skirted dress. It's a heavier weight material which looks more expensive than say....broadcloth and it's very forgiving in terms of fit. I wouldn't use it with an A-line because of its stretch but for a dress like this it was PERFECT!


This frock looks great with a cup of hot cocoa and a peppermint stick to swizzle with.




I was so fortunate that Melody, Brian's younger sister who's home from college, was willing to help me out modeling the dress. As you might have noticed I've been enlisting friends and family into my obsession.


They've all been so wonderful and I must say they've all been very photogenic! Take Melody here. I would describe her smile as 'sparkling'. And she looks so cheerful and pleasant in every photo, not surprising since she's pretty much like that in person as well.


I like using people other than myself. I think it adds some variation to Grosgrain. I think, if possible, I'd like to keep using more friends even after the baby is born.


I just realized I never told all of you what I'm having. I think I mentioned how awkward it was announcing the fact that I was pregnant. Don't worry announcing the gender went much better.




But I want to tell you all in separate post. I just haven't figured out how I want to say it. Perhaps I will get too busy in these upcoming months and I'll announce it when I post the first photo.


I would say this dress would fit a size 2 to 5.


If you'd like to win this dress just link to this post either using the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.


If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link at the top. If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post.


If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.


Update!! While creating a link is still the only requirement for entering a giveaway, leaving a comment along with your link makes it much easier to find your entry. This is mostly due to the fact that blog roll links often show up in my search for entries and can be difficult to sort through.

Create a Link
















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Peppermint Stick Holiday Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.

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DIY Dress Form

If you're an etsy seller or an avid sewer who blogs about their work then you might have considered investing in a dress form.

I bought my dress form from ebay. It totaled somewhere around $60. Still not bad.

Tea Rose Home made a DIY version for only $17! And it looks very doable! I would definitely be interested in seeing an adult sized version too!

Looks pretty good!

See the tutorial here.

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DIY Dress Form

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Layla Grayce Winner!!

I've decided to post new winners to the front page of Grosgrain and/or on the sidebar so that more people can see whether or not they've won.


Please email grosgrainwinners@gmail.com.


The lucky winner of the Layla Grace Blanket Set Giveaway is Ginny of Mom of 2 Dancers.


Please contact me to claim your prize!

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Layla Grayce Winner!!

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Charm Design $50 gift card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.

My old purse is so shabby and not in a chic way. I've been meaning to go out and purchase a new one for some time but for one reason or another I haven't been able to get around to it. If you're like me, stop and take a look at today's guest giveaway, CHARM DESIGN.


The lucky winner of this giveaway will receive a $50 gift certificate to do with what they want in her fabulous store.


Charm design was founded by Ranja Lee who is a stay-at-home mom with two children.


She was born in Japan and started sewing when she was in high school. She studied at the Vantan Design Institute in Tokyo and worked at the Childrens Clothing Company as a clothing designer for several years in Tokyo.




She moved to Los Angeles in 1994, and studied Graphic Design at California State University Fullerton.


Now, aside from taking care of her kids, she loves to design and sew bags and childrens' accessories with her joy and inspiration. She hopes you will enjoy them too!!


Take a look at her zippered pouch bags too!


If you purchase 5 or more pouches, Charm Designs will give you a 10% DISCOUNT!! She will send you a revised invoice before you pay. (Round Pouch ONLY)


Flickr ： http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmdesign/
Twitter ： http://twitter.com/charmdesign



If you'd like to win one of these bags just link to this post either using the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.


If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link at the top. If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post.


If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.


Update!! While creating a link is still the only requirement for entering a giveaway, leaving a comment along with your link makes it much easier to find your entry. This is mostly due to the fact that blog roll links often show up in my search for entries and can be difficult to sort through.


Create a Link



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Charm Design $50 gift card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.

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