Archive for the ‘Fashion & Fun’ Category

Get Dressed for Winter Holidays {Maternity Edition}

Thursday, December 2nd, 2010

Christmas time is hear!

Hurray, Christmas time is here!  This week is the turning point for us – so much to do, so much on the schedule.  I wish you many precious moments spent preparing surprises, decking the halls and enjoying special family traditions.

Here are some ideas for getting dressed this holiday season… for that special party, last-minute family picture and Christmas Day!

This red and black damask dress by Lilac Clothing is a fun look for the season!  I love that it has sleeves, because I’m a cold-wimp.  Pairing it with leggings or boots and red accessories is a must.  And, since it’s from Lilac, this dress is designed to be worn not pregnant too.  Handy.

Here’s another festive style from Lilac!  This scarlet red wrap is easy to dress up or down.  I could see this working well for a holiday gathering with family.  Again, it suits maternity or not.

Attending something more formal?  Black velvet is always nice this time of year.  This gorgeous maternity party dress by Maternal America features absolutely exquisite bead work   and a flattering empire cut.  Here’s a close up:

It’s just one of the many maternity formals we stock at Euphoria.  It’s so hard to find a nice dress locally – we know!  And, yes, we carry many floor-length formals too.

Thank-you for thinking of our family business at this time of year!  I’ll be posting a series of Christmas specials in the weeks to come from both Euphoria Maternity and Euphoria Baby!

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What’s Stitching

Thursday, November 18th, 2010

Spiderweb Christmas Tree SkirtThings have been moving along quite nicely at Stitched in Color (MAKE. handmade.  do. Good).  Here are a few glimpses of my projects this fall.

Spiderweb Christmas Tree Skirt

I finished up my design for a Christmas Tree Skirt made from the spiderweb quilt block.  You can make one too, see Tutorial Part A and Part B.  My skirt came out super-cheerful and full of color, which will suit our tree decorations quite nicely.  I can’t wait to get to see it around our tree!

Pillowcase tutorialZigzag Pillowcase Tutorial

I surprised Aria on her birthday with a new pillowcase made from leftover scraps from her Fairytale Patchwork quilt.  It was  a cinch to put together!  If you’d like to make your own, I also posted a pictoral tutorial here.

Easy Patchwork Tablecloth

In anticipation of fall festivities, I pieced together some 1/2 yards of various prints into a fun new tablecloth.  I’m not much of a tablecloth person, but when you have to use fold-up tables to accommodate large groups, hiding the plastic is a must.  I’ll look forward to pulling this one out!

pieced edges

Pinks & Red

Stitches for Baby

Here’s some embroidery for the next charity quilt I’m planning and completing for do. Good Stitches, an online quilting bee.  I sent an embroidered motif to each member of my circle.  Each woman will make a block incorporating the embroidery and then send it back to me.  I can’t wait to see what they come up with!  This baby quilt if for a needy young mother in my community.

So that’s a sampling of a few of the projects I’ve been stitching.  If you enjoy the creative arts, please come by for a visit!  I write lots of posts that are helpful for sewing newbies.  Been thinking about sewing?  It’s a lot of fun!

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New Sweaters for Fall

Thursday, October 21st, 2010

Fall mornings and long, beautiful evenings are perfectly suited to my favorite piece of clothing – the sweater.  I’m often cold, even when pregnant.  And really, is there anything that feels more comfy in a light chill?  Our maternity sweaters are fully stocked!  Wear your favorites alone now.  When it really gets cold, you’ll be prepared to layer on the warmth.  Shop maternity sweaters here.

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Get Dressed for Fall Holidays {Maternity Edition}

Monday, October 11th, 2010

I tend to be in denial about holiday clothes until the big day arrives.  At that moment, when I find myself putting on any old thing, I admit to myself that it would be nice to have something special to wear.  And later on when looking back at the pictures… let’s just say I have committed to being prepared this year, for myself and for the kids.   And, I’m shopping now, because shopping early on just means I’ll get to wear it more!

The Bella top by Lilac has long been a favorite of mine.  I’ll be wearing this version in scarlet at our Halloween party.  Fortunately for me (since I”m not pregnant) Lilac designs fit the pregnant and NOT pregnant body just as well.  But, if you’re pregnant take note – this maternity top would be lovely for the Christmas season too!

Another cute choice for Halloween is the Circles maternity dress by Lilac.  The rust and mustard colorway totally reminds me of candy corn!

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I love this look for a casual Thanksgiving.  It has that extra bit of layering warmth that I’m sure to crave about then.  Featured are the Megan Lilac top in rust and the Ashley Cardi in a soft knit polka dot that’s just too cute.  Although I probably won’t indulge in this set, if I was pregnant, I sure would.  I just love that Lilac clothes are for maternity and later… such a good investment!

Here are a few favorite maternity dresses that would be so nice for a Thanksgiving celebration:

1.  Maternal America Front Tie Maternity Dress

2.  Olian Maternity Kimono Dee Dress

3.  Olian Eggplant Ruffle Maternity Dress

For the winter holidays, something with a little more glitz and glamor is in order.   I’ll be back with a Winter Holidays roundup later this year!

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New Designs from Lilac Clothing!

Monday, September 20th, 2010

Sultry brown, rich teal, earthy green… the colors of Fall are arriving now from Lilac Clothing for every body.  Since I’m not pregnant, I’m thrilled with the way Lilac’s designs look on a regular mama body (oh, yes, I’ve been trying them on!).  Why did it take so long for this kind of maternity designer line to emerge?  We love it!  Click here to shop Lilac Clothing or here for all our New Arrivals!

Styles are going fast, so if you see something that’s no longer available in your size, please check with us to reserve styles from our restock shipment.  New maternity clothes are arriving weekly!

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Make Your First Quilt!

Thursday, September 16th, 2010

Have you often thought about making a quilt?  I’ll be hosting a Quilt-Along that’s perfect for beginners (seasoned quilters welcome too) at Stitched in Color.  We’ll be making my first and favorite quilt – Colorbrick!

At home

If you’d like to join in the fun hop on over to take a peek at the Quilt-Along schedule.  You’ll want to follow Stitched in Color and join the Flickr group to share your work in progress and post questions!

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What’s Stitching

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

I’ve been sewing and blogging more frequently than ever at Stitched in Color (MAKE. handmade.  do. Good).  Here are a few glimpses of my projects this August.

Aria’s Fairytale Patchwork Quilt

I finished hand-quilting Aria’s new bed covering.  It was delightful to experiment with different patterns on different blocks.  And the finished quilt looks so wonderful in her room!  I’m already dreaming of making one for Liam now…

Stitch Your Life

Two new articles for those interested in catching the sewing bug:  How to Care for Your Fabric and Sewing Book Roundup.

Stockings All in a Row

Voila, they’re finished!  One for each of us and in just the right color.  I almost can’t wait for Christmas to get these out again.  Almost…  In reality, I have lots more sewing to do before then!

Refashion a la Alabama Chanin

When one of my favorite skirts was stained, I used the reverse applique method from Alabama Stitch Book to hide the stains and give my skirt a fresh new look.  The process was simple and oh-so-enjoyable.  I like it so much that I’m actually glad my skirt got stained!

do. Good Stitches

My charity quilting bee on Flickr is picking up steam.  This month I’ve formed 2 more quilting circles and our first circle is putting together it’s first quilt for Wrap Them in Love.  If you’re interested in joining our efforts, hop on over.

Lyla’s Banner

And, just last night, I shared this little name banner made for my best friend’s 2-year-old birthday.  I hope it brings my love to her across the states.  This project is easy and quick, if you’re looking for somewhere to start!

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5 Trends in Fall Fashion (for Maternity & Beyond)

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

Refresh your wardrobe with your favorite take on the top 5 Trends in Fall Fashion for Maternity & Beyond.

1.  Feminine.  Ruffles, buttons, lace – flirty, feminine details are still going strong in our favorite clothing lines.  Choose lightweight fabrics and romantic colors to highlight this look.

2.  Fitted.  From skinny jeans to leggings, fall fashion is all about flaunting your shape.  When fitted bottoms first emerged, seasons past, we wore the look with voluminous babydoll tops.  Not so this fall.  Fitted tunics are more on-trend, though loose babydoll styles still work for maternity.  (Note:  This maternity tunic by Olian is coming this fall!)

3.  Faux denim.  Think beyond jeans.  Denim is making a strong comeback this fall, as soft and stretchy faux denim tops, jackets, dresses and more.  So easy-to-wear – these pieces are a smart investment in any wardrobe – maternity or otherwise.

4.  Florals.  Full of color and loaded with personality…  florals of all shapes and styles are a favorite fall fashion.  Oversized florals make a strong statement even when cut in simple, classic styles.  (Note:  This gorgeous silk top by Maternal America is coming this fall!)

5.  Fluorescent.  Ok, so this fall it’s really about BRIGHT, not fluorescent.  But, watch out – fluorescent is coming!  By the new year the brights you’re loving now will take on that little extra glow.

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New Fall Fashion!

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

Each year, a few months before the season truly changes, a new wave of maternity and nursing clothes starts flooding our shelves.  I love it!  So fun to experiment with new shapes, admire new prints and fall in love with the colors of the season all over again. 

All three of these beauties are from Olian Maternity.  New arrivals from Japanese Weekend & Maternal America in rich rust, stretch denim and bejeweled black are also just posted.   Anyone else already anticipating cooler weather?

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What’s Stitching

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

Hello, from my other self at Stitched in Color!  Here’s July’s crafty update for those so inclined.
Turquoise and red mosaic
Aqua & Red and do. Good Stitches

Have you seen these colors together?  LOVE!  My charity quilting bee, do. Good Stitches, is making it’s first quilt for orphans this August… and it’s an aqua and red sampler quilt.  I’m piecing the first blocks now, actually.  Need to finish those tonight!

Stitch Your Life

Prompted by reflections on my 1 year sewing anniversary, I started a series designed to help dreamers become sewers.  So far in Stitch Your Life, see How to Get Started and How to Buy Fabric.
Hand quilting - Diamond Mine

Hand Quilting on Fairytale Patchwork

Work on Aria’s twin quilt continues.  I had so much trouble machine quilting it (that’s the step when you sew all the layers together) that I’ve decided to hand quilt it instead.  And, I’m more than halfway done, too!

Mama Top Refashion

I tried to refashion one of my summer tops that had seen better days.  The key word here is tried.  

By the barn

Clothespin Apron Tutorial

It’s too late now to win the giveaway, but I also made a tutorial for this half apron.  The “on point” quilt square lends itself perfectly to a clothespin apron.  You can made one!  Really, you can!   Please let me know if you do.  I’d so love to see it.

2 Down, 2 to goPatchwork Christmas Stockings

Yep, Christmas in July.  I’ve felt the itch to stitch for Christmas.  It’s now or never, no doubt.  So far I’ve finished 2 patchwork Christmas stockings with 2 more to go.  Oh, and I also made some fabric gift tags for Christmas this weekend at a crafty social

So, yah!  Share your thoughts, projects and problems with me.  I’d love to see what you’re making.  Until next time, I’ll be sewing at Stitched in Color.

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