Sewing Contest Winners!

Thank you to all who entered the Fall 2009 Sewing Contest! I had a ton of entries to sort though and it wasn't easy choosing three winners! Here are my three picks! You will pick up your choice of two of my PDF sewing patterns!

I posted all the entries to my Flickr Pool, so stop by and take a peek at all the gorgeous creations!

A pretty Carson Shirt made for Pia by her mom, AJ.

Two super, extra cute dresses by Dianna Suarez (Caroline & Kyla Patterns).

Tiffany paired the reversible Kyla Pattern with cute ruffle pants for a "Posh" look!

Welcome Maisie!

Ruffles, bows, and a sweet little apron - what more could a little girl want?! The new Maisie Skirt and Apron Sewing Pattern is super simple and has oodles of possibilities. The apron is totally removable, too, and the skirt is precious on its own.

It is available now in my Etsy shop or on my website. Enjoy!

I also should mention that if you have not yet submitted your Frog Legs and Ponytails sewing creation to me for Round #2 of the Sewing Contest - the deadline is 10/31 so you have a few days left. View the details in my Etsy Shop Announcement. Thanks!

Just Can't Resist!

October is the month when the International Quilt Market and Festival takes place in Houston. I sold fabric for a couple years on Etsy, but never got the chance to get to the market. I am dying to go there someday! There are displays by fabric and pattern designers that are to die for and giveaways galore! Next spring, the Festival takes place in Chicago and I WILL BE THERE! That is a little closer to home than Houston. Although I would love to be in the warmth and sunshine right now, as I am sitting at my window looking at what appears to be some pretty nasty looking rain coming my way. Did I mention that it is currently 53 degrees? Ug. So long summer (or the so called summer we never had).

Even though the weather stinks, I am excited about something else;) Have you seen the new fabrics by Sandi Henderson, Amy Butler, and Patty Young? I have been scrutinizing their blogs and websites all week waiting to catch a glimpse of their new releases for fall. My husband came home from work this afternoon to find me pouring over print outs of the new fabrics - trying to exercise some restraint when it comes to ordering and planning for my new designs. He pleaded with me to just order what I will use from another retailer and not to buy the bolts for resale anymore (after many long nights of cutting, cutting, cutting and swearing that I'll never sell fabric again!). Well, I'm happy to report that I just got off the phone with Terri at Michael Miller and I am now on the books for the November shipment of Meadowsweet from Sandi Henderson (30 prints). I will be selling off a good portion of what I purchase, so if you are looking for some Meadowsweet - email me and I will set some aside.

With that said, I do have some kick butt sales going on in my fabric shop right now. Visit me at ruralfabric.com for prices as low as $5.50 on some designer fabrics by Amy Butler and Heather Bailey. Must make room for the newbies;)

Alex Lined Vest for Girls and Boys!

Some of you might have already caught a sneak peek of the Alex Lined Vest on my website! Here are a couple more pics of some really adorable (and cozy) vests I have whipped up this week as examples. I am really close (promise!) to releasing it, just in time for the arrival of cooler weather. It is so versatile. Works for boys (finally a boy pattern, yay!) and girls. Make it with spa fleece, faux fur, or any other warm and fuzzy lining. So cute!
Works for boys.......
Sweet?
Sassy!

Caroline for Fall

Don't let cool weather keep you from creating with your Caroline Dress Pattern! Layer with a shirt and a pair of jeans or tights and Caroline will take you right through the fall and winter seasons and right back into spring! Enjoy;)

Pumpkin Heads

I mentioned a few months ago that our gardening this year was a bust, due to monsoon like conditions (and lack of ambition)...

However, it seems that the pumpkins and the tomatoes
thrived on a complete and total lack of care!

Gotta love a girl who gardens in her sparkle shoes!

Any suggestions on what to do with 500 pounds of pumpkin would be greatly appreciated! Although I did get some great ideas from a cute Halloween magazine I perused tonight when I was standing in the Wal-mart checkout line (eww - it was unavoidable today).

Canada

I just looked back to my last blog and it was July 31st! I can't believe how time eludes me. I was lucky to spend a better part of August vacationing in Canada with my family. We had internet access, so I was able to get my pattern orders out and respond to emails. However, I didn't spend much time blogging or surfing the net since most of my work was done while sitting in our boat docked at the neighboring fishing camp while mosquitoes invaded me and my computer screen. My mother-in-law had an internet card which was supposed to work on our island - but do you think it would work? Of course not, that would have been much to convenient! But I can't complain, it was only a few years ago that we had power put in the cabin. Before that was gas lamps - which was nostalgic and pretty cool in it's own right.


It is one of the most beautiful places on earth - at least in my minds eye - and holds a million wonderful memories for me. I started going on fishing trips to Canada with my dad when I was about 12 and didn't miss a year until many years later when I was 7 months pregnant with my first child. My husbands family owns a cabin there (not the only reason I married him, but it sure ranks right up there;) and we have been fortunate to visit each year with kids and extended family in tow.


I think I finally have the house back in order and I'm ready to start pumping out my fall and winter patterns. If I'm lucky, I might even get one finished tomorrow;) So visit again soon and have a great day!

Absolute Poppycock

Absolute Poppycock - don't ask me what it means, but I love to say it! If my memory serves me correctly, I have heard that phrase about a million times while my kids were watching Peter Pan in the backseat of the van. I believe Mr. Darling says it to Mrs. Darling in regards to all Wendy's nonsense about Peter Pan. My oldest daughter just happens to have the world's most adorable crush on Peter Pan. She literally beams when you mention his name. I even made a ridiculous Peter Pan outfit complete with a feathered hat and elf shoes last year and she practically wore it out.

Enough about Pan, this post is about Ms. Daphne Whitley and her insanely adorable blog - Absolute Poppycock. She sent me the sweetest email about my Caroline Dress Pattern and shared some photos of the adorable dresses she made for her nieces. I love the way she used simple eyelet fabric to create a really traditional looking pillow case dress from the Caroline Pattern. It looks so classic and her photography is wonderful. I scrolled through some of her old posts and saw a hilarious hot dog eating photo that I loved and had to stop myself from spending the better part of the morning reading and enjoying the photos.

Thanks Daphne for letting me use the photo here and sharing your great work with everyone!

Carson Ruffle Shirt Pattern is Here!

After about a jillion hours of working on this pattern, it is finally done! Sorry to keep you waiting so long. The Carson Ruffle Shirt is sooo sweet - what little girl wouldn't want one? Perfect layered over a long-sleeve t-shirt and jeans in the fall and winter, too. Make it sweet with pretty florals or sassy with funky prints. I am waiting on some brown zebra print fabric in the mail - can't wait to make my super sassy one soon! Enjoy!

Sewing Contest Winners

I made an announcement on my Etsy Shop a few weeks ago asking for you to email me photos of your Frog Legs and Ponytails Sewing Pattern creations. I had over 40 entries and about 100 photos to choose from! I have been sorting through them all morning, trying to narrow it down to three. Let me tell you - that was not an easy job! You are all so talented and generous to share your photos with me. After much deliberation - here are the winners of the Carson Ruffle Top Pattern. I couldn't actually pick 3 - so I went with 4, what the heck!

I plan to do this contest again soon so I can see all your Carson Ruffle Shirt creations, too. I want to do a holiday themed one, also - sound like fun? So start stitching away for those contests. Thanks again!

Caroline Dress and Matching Dolly Dress
(actually, puppet in this case!)

Matching Caroline Dresses - too cute!

These girls are having fun in their
coordinating Caroline Dresses!

An adorable Artista Crayon Tote!

New - Happy Day Party Hat Pattern

I know you are all waiting for the Carson Ruffle Shirt pattern (close - I promise), but with the birthday party for my little one this month I couldn't resist releasing this pattern for you!

The Happy Day Party Hat Pattern is such a fun way to personalize your little one's birthday party. They also make adorable gifts! Can be customized to match almost any theme and personalized with letters and numbers. These hats are so fun and easy to make, I couldn't resist making up 5 for pattern examples.

I can't wait to make more for the next party! My daughter wants an animal themed party and I am thinking zebra print hats with pink or orange feathers for the girls. And some giraffe or cheetah fabric (not sure if I'll have any luck finding that!) for the boys. Can't wait!

Visit my Etsy Shop or my Website for more information! Have fun!

Face Painting Gone Wild

My little one turned 3 this month, we had quite the party complete with some sweet face painting inspired by our recent Disney trip (sorry, haven't gotten around to blogging about that yet!). We got some good laughs (and pictures) when the girls decided to test their artistic skills and confiscated my paintbrushes to beautify my dad and father-in-law. They literally looked like a paintball gun exploded in their faces. We'll never forget that party!

Lola Head Scarf Pattern

Hi everyone! I know it has been a while since my last post. I have been feverishly working away on the Carson Ruffle Shirt, as well as a couple other new patterns. In the meantime, we had a big birthday party, the usual summer chaos, and we're gearing up for summer vacation!

Here is the new Lola Head Scarf Pattern - a sweet way to compliment any of your Frog Legs and Ponytails creations. I call it a "mini-pattern" as it is simple and about half the price of my other patterns, but it is still the same format as the others - filled with helpful information and adorable photos. We are packing a bunch of these for vacation this summer to keep the sun off little ears and scalps, plus keeps the hair out of their eyes which is nice. Oh, and they look ADORABLE, too! Such an easy way to add a punch of color to a t-shirt and jeans or use up your favorite fabric scraps. Match all her outfits, make them for the holidays, the possibilities are endless! Enjoy!

Sewing Contest - Win the New Carson Ruffle Shirt Pattern!

I am in the process of putting a few finishing touches on the Carson Ruffle Shirt PDF Pattern for my shop. Isn't it cute! What little girl wouldn't love this shirt. I wish I was 5 again so I could wear it! If you would like to be notified when this pattern is released, be sure you are on my mailing list! Contact me by clicking here or you can email me at mindy@froglegsandponytails.com and I will be sure you are in the loop.

While I am busy finishing up my pattern - I thought I would run a little sewing contest. I would love to see more of your creations! Entering is easy. Just email me photos of your Frog Legs and Ponytails Sewing Patterns creations. I pick out my favorite 3 items and the winners get a free copy of the new Carson Ruffle Shirt Pattern coming out in July 2009. Send pics to mindy@froglegsandponytails.com by 7/22/09. Happy Sewing!

The Artista Crayon Tote Pattern!

The Artista Crayon Tote Pattern - inspired by my childrens naughty restaurant behavior! This little tote makes a unique birthday or holiday gift. Holds 8 crayons and a pad of paper. Plus an extra pocket for stickers or notes. I keep mine in the car so my kids don't have to use those questionable restaurant crayons (who knows what is lurking on those!). Bring it along in the car, camping, to Grandma's house, outside to sketch flowers... I hope you like it!

Caroline Dress Button Closure Instructions

Hello! I created this today and wanted to share with you an alternate way to finish your Caroline Dress OR your Amelia Shirt. View this Button Closure Tutorial on my website. You can also use Velcro or snaps if you wish. Adorable!

Introducting the Amelia Shirt Pattern

Introducing my newest pattern - the Amelia Shirt Pattern for Teens, Tweens, and Adults! Sizes XXS - XL and it's super simple. You can make a mommy and me look by using the Caroline Dress Pattern for girls, too. You can buy the pattern on my website - Frog Legs and Ponytails - or on my Etsy Site! Cool summer style looks cute with shorts and sassy with jeans. Thanks for the great response already!

New Site Open!

At last - it has been a long process, but my new site if finally up and running! Please stop by and let me know what you think! You can shop for PDF patterns, find pattern updates and additional tutorials, and lots of other information. I'll be adding new patterns soon, too! Thanks for stopping by!

Estoy aprendiendo hablar español.

(That means - I am learning to speak Spanish.) I took an amazing trip in February with my sister to the Dominican Republic. This was the scenery on one of our excursions! I promise - this is not the stock photo that came with my computer. I took it with my cell phone nonetheless! Anyway, when we arrived at our hotel we were given the most delicious slushy drink. I tried to order it several other times (a day) during our trip, but always ended up with some inferior version of the original yummy rum drink. I vowed then to learn Spanish before the Punta Cana Girls Trip 2010! If not just to get the yummy rum drink, but to avoid some of the embarrassing events that occurred due to my naivety and lack of understanding of the Spanish language. (One incident - much to my sisters amusement - involved my handing over the room key card instead of the towel "ticket" to the handsome pool boy. The key and the ticket looked the same from where I was standing in line. All I wanted was a towel - promise!)

I got a new iPhone the other day and stumbled upon Coffee Break Spanish. You can download and listen to mini Spanish lessons on your iPhone while the kids are in swimming class! Jeez...what will they think of next! www.coffeebreakspanish.com . So, I am sewing two Kyla dresses for a friend right now and just touched up on Lesson 4 Spanish. I love to multi-task!

Little Butter Beans

I saw this adorable little blue-eyed sweetie in my Flickr Group the other day and had to share these pictures with you. The designer and photographer is Coleen from Little Butter Beans - isn't she talented?! She has done the Caroline Dress Pattern justice! Great job Coleen!

Caroline Dress Class at Crafty Planet

If you live in the Minneapolis area, you might want to check out the Caroline Dress Class at Crafty Planet. The first class is June 14, 2009. If you are new to sewing - this will be a great opportunity for you to acquire some skills! You'll be stitching up a whole closet full of dresses in a weekend. Check out their site under "classes".

New Website!

I'm working on getting my new website up and running! It is so cute - I can't wait to share. Look for an email from me soon announcing the new site launch and new patterns for this spring and summer. Plus coupons and other fun info. Are you on my mailing list? If you have not received an email from me before, drop me a line at froglegsandponytails@hotmail.com and I'll be sure to get you on the list. Have a great day!

Facebook Friend Request

Yes, I know. I think I accidentally sent out a friend request to pretty much all of my customers today before I really had my Facebook page ready. Sorry about that - I really do want to be your friend! However, I think I was going about it all wrong. What I really needed to do was set up a "page" in my "account" instead of setting up another "account". So I had to abandoned the second account that I set up. Does it really have to be so difficult. Am I the only one who thinks Facebook could be a little easier to navigate? Anyway, I currently have a page set up (search for Frog Legs and Ponytails), although now I have no idea how to request friends from there. So I guess this is my friend request until further notice - please log into your facebook, search for Frog Legs and Ponytails and become a fan. I look forward to seeing you there!

Oopsie

I've been cutting my husbands hair now for a couple years. I normally do a pretty top notch job, except for a little divot here or there. It's not my fault really. He always has me do it at night when I am prone to fits of giggles and somehow screwing up his haircut always strikes me as hilarious. It is difficult to control your extremities when your are laughing hysterically.

He is always after me to cut it, so tonight he thought he would go extra short so it would last a while. He handed me the razor with the #2 attached. Well, the good news is that he won't be bugging me to cut his hair for the rest of the summer. The bad news is that we have a wedding in two days. Oopsie.

Beautiful Girl.

The weather is delightful and I'm sure everyone is out enjoying the warm breezes (as I did today with my daughters)! We played at the park and had a picnic with Nana. I would be planting my garden except for the fact that I got a little excited last month and tilled too early - lesson learned. Now I have to chisel through the rock solid dirt to plant seeds! The poor little guys don't have a chance. It is still too wet to re-till and there is more rain in the forecast:( Maybe next year! For now, I will enjoy my lovely crop of weeds.

My Space

A while back, I ran across a blog where a crafter showed her work space. I think it must have been a forum or something, because many others followed up with photos of their "studios". Call me nosy, but I was really intrigued by seeing the work space of other indies and crafters. Isn't it funny how some of the most beautiful things come from a tiny nook in the corner of a dimly lit bedroom? Or how some take over the entire dining room with sewing machines and such (guilty). OK! I'll admit, my studio used to be called the "playroom", but since the kids never actually played in here I pretty much took over. The shelving provided perfect storage for my online fabric business. I've since quit selling fabric, but as you can see, my stash is still taking over the house! It's bright and cheery and I find inspiration here for all my projects.

NEW - Kyla Reversible Dress Pattern!

I'm excited to say that I just launched my new pattern - the Kyla Reversible PDF Dress Pattern! It's really pretty with tons of vibrant photographs to assist you along the way. I loved making this pattern - as it was the second one I've done and Photoshop is getting a little easier for me. Can't wait to unveil the rest of the patterns that I have in the works...now if I could just figure out how to add a few more hours to each day... Enjoy!

Caroline Pattern Doing Well!

So I'm happy to report that my first PDF pattern - the Caroline Dress - is selling quite well! I originally created it in Publisher, but have since revamped the entire pattern in Photoshop. The new version hit the "shelves" today. Thanks to my sister I was able to catch on to Photoshop quickly and she lent a hand (and some camera equipment!) in photographing the process for the pattern. Thanks a bunch sis! Check out her site - http://www.nicoleisaacsonphotography.com/ .

Busy, Busy, Busy...

Hello, Welcome to my blog! I am an indie clothing designer and online fabric shop owner. I'm a mother of 2 and wife (although I'm sure my husband feels abandoned after all the work I have been doing lately!). I have recently ventured into pattern making and I am excited to say that I am working on bringing 3 brand new and adorable patterns to print this spring. Please stop back as I will be unveiling these patterns within the next few weeks. You can purchase a PDF pattern of my popular Caroline Dress on my Etsy site now...but I am making some exciting graphic changes to it and more... Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!