Fabric Galore

I find so much excitement in getting new fabric...and I got lots of it this weekend!  I am going to be busy sewing new items for my Etsy shop. 

On top of all that fabric, I got ribbon, beads, buttons, fabric paint and fabric dye.  What a patient husband I have to take me shopping for all of this. 

And finally....my newest pair of booties I made for my Etsy shop with my new pattern.

Time to make more!

Lil' Kickers

Here is my boy version of booties called Lil' Kickers.  I could not believe it, last night my Cutie Booties sold on Etsy!  They weren't even listed an entire day!  So, I was inpired to create these...

LIL' KICKERS

SIZE 0-3 MONTHS

This pair of Lil' Kickers is perfect for your little man's feet. With a cute little robot your guy is ready to rock. The inside is soft minky so those toes stay warm and cozy and the outside is made with 100% cotton fabric. The heels have elastic to gently fit your baby's ankles and stay put. The inside seams are zigzag stiched twice around the edges for maximum durability.
Turn them inside out and wash on the gentle cycle in your machine and tumble dry.
These Lil' Kickers come tied with a ribbon, ready to use or give as a gift.

So fun to make, although the little robots were a pain to cut out since they are so tiny.  I love robots for little boys...I may have to make a robot family!

Seeking Him

There are days that can be stressful and discouraging.  Whether it's too much to do, unexpected trips to the vet (that seems to be happening a lot lately since Rocky is almost 9), things that need fixed on the car, etc.  We each have our own. 
I never realized how much I tried to control all of these things until I stop for a minute and realize God has a plan in all of this.  Then I give up the worry and stress that comes along with all of these issues.  And when I do, everything falls into place.  Instead of trying to change God's plan for my life, even in the smallest of things, I have been learning that even the hard and stressful moments that we just can't possibly deal with for one more minute, hour or day are turned into good if only I seek God in EVERYTHING!
I turn to prayer, worship, and reading my Bible and can feel a sense of relief when God's Word speaks straight to my heart.  Like it was written just for me in this VERY moment.  My goal now is to continually memorize scripture so it is always in my heart and the first source I turn to in difficult times.

Some of my favorite scriptures that I turn to often:

"For we are God's masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the things he planned for us long ago."  (Ephesians 2:10)

"Always be humble and gentle.  Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love."       (Ephesians 4:2)

"Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything.  Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done."    (Phillippians 4:6)

"Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable."  (Phillippians 4:8)

"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."  (Phillippians 4:13)

"God blesses thoses who patiently endure testing and temptation.  Afterward they will recieve the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."  (James 1:12)

"Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don't have.  Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless, like chasing the wind."  (Ecclesiastes 6:9)

"Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed."  (Proverbs 16:3)

"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.  They will soar high on wings like eagles.  They will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint."  (Isaiah 40:31)

"Don't use foul or abusive language.  Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them."  (Ephesians 4:29)

"I know the Lord is always with me.  I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me."  (Psalm 16:8)

How encouraging it is to know that this is the TRUTH! God's grace and unfailing love is AMAZING!

Sewing, sewing and more sewing

This was my project for today.  I made these little "cutie booties" for my etsy shop. 

CUTIE BOOTIES

SIZE 0-3 MONTHS

This pair of Cutie Booties is perfect for your little darling's feet. With the added touch of ribbon and little flower with a button, your little girl is set for style. The inside is soft minky so those toes stay warm and cozy and the outside is made with 100% cotton fabric. The heels have elastic to gently fit your baby's ankles and stay put. The inside seams are zigzag stiched twice around the edges for maximum durability.
Turn them inside out and wash on the gentle cycle in your machine and tumble dry.
These Cutie Booties come tied with a ribbon, ready to use or give as a gift.

Now I just need some fabric so I can make more!  Little boys will be next on the list.  FUN FUN!

My Bella Baby

mybellababy.etsy.com

I am currently trying to add to and expand my etsy shop.  So, that means I have been sewing, creating, thinking and designing things like crazy. (Specifically baby items)  The first successful product that I have created are Little Washies.

LITTLE WASHIES

Introducing a different approach to bathing! Little washies are made out of 100% cotton on one side, terry cloth on the other with a layer in between for absorbency/thickness. There is an elastic strap, 1" wide, on the back covered with matching cotton fabric.

These little washies measure a 3" circle. Easily slip the strap onto your hand while bathing your little one and enjoy the option to use the terry cloth side or the cotton side, just flip the strap.
Little washies are the perfect size for your toddler to use when they get to the "I want to do it myself" stage. Give them their own!

Easy to travel with, just slip in the diaper bag. Easy cleaning, just toss in the washer and dryer.

I have sold a few sets in addition to making some for friends.  So far, great reviews!  I am excited about all of the ideas I have on what else I can make and sell in my etsy shop.  This is just a start!

The Giacalone family

Hi and welcome to my blog! 

I created this blog for a few reasons.  I am always doing "new projects", making things, taking pictures, etc. and I want to document it all here.  Also, so our family and friends can share in our everyday lives even though we don't live nearby. 
I am blessed to be able to be a homemaker and I strive to make my home welcoming and a place of comfort for all those who enter.  I enjoy sewing (especially baby items), baking, cooking and reading.  (Check out mybellababy.etsy.com for my latest sewing creations.)
I am focused on living a life pleasing to God and continue to grow daily in His Word.

My husband and I are thankful for many things.  We have wonderful family and friends that we love dearly.
I have two loving parents that will be married 25 years this June.  What an example they are to us as newlyweds!  I have 3 brothers, 1 sister, a sister in law, and a niece.  My husband has three brothers, all younger.  We have wonderful grandparents and extended family that we don't see nearly enough.

We have two pets.  Rocky (our golden retriever) and Kya (our siamese).  They are our "pet children" for now until we have children of our own.  We live a simple life in western Michigan.  Summers are beautiful by the lake and winters are....cold! 

I am excited to be in the "blogging" world now.  It may take awhile to get adjusted, but I hope this blog is a blessing to others!