Addie’s Quilt

Sarah — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 20:11:22 +0000

I’ve made it a tradition to make each of my nieces and nephews a quilt when they are born. This newest quilt is for my brother and sister-in-law’s adorable newest addition, Josephine Addison (she’ll go by Addie). It was so fun to make another little girl’s quilt, since the last two family quilts I’ve made have been for little boys (here’s the set, if you’re interested: Ethan’s Quilt, Sammy’s Quilt, Maddie’s Quilt).

This turned out to be such a colorful string quilt, and I even got a little help from my friends in the Modern Quilting Bee!

Addie's Quilt, with my nephew Sammy helping to model

The back simply features a row of strings, sandwiched between the stark white. I quilted it with a random stipple design, although it’s hard to see it in the pictures.

Each family quilt has a label, and for this one I decided to use my machine’s alphabet to embroider the tag.

I so hope Addie will love her quilt and that it will stay in the family for generations to come!

Asher’s Nameplate

Sarah — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 04:44:01 +0000

When I commissioned Levi’s mom to make a nameplate for Asher’s door, I had NO idea she would come up with something as special and beautiful as she did (although I should have known!). She asked if she could borrow some fabric samples from the quilt I am making for Asher, and she ended up photocopying the fabric and decopaging it to the wooden letters. She even used the same grey paint as we used in Asher’s room. It turned out so wonderfully and I love that Asher now has something so creative and original made by grandma!

Here’s my little sweetie, he’ll be 3 months in just over 2 hours!

All smiles on his beautiful quilt from Auntie Emily!

One-Yard Wonders (Fabric-By-Fabric)

Sarah — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 04:12:29 +0000

Hi Friends, I’m still trying to get the hang of this whole blogging with a baby thing, so I apologize for my radio silence!

First off, I was excited to wake up Monday morning to see that my Undies Tutorial was featured on Grosgrain Fabulous! I’m a huge fan of this blog, so it was an honor to see that! Welcome to the new followers who found me through Kathleen, pop in and say hi in the comments!

Along the same lines, I have some exciting news in regards to my Undies Pattern….I’m going to have this pattern plus the pattern for a super cute matching tank published in the amazing new One-Yard Wonders book, Fabric-By-Fabric, scheduled to come out this November! The publisher released this sneak peak at the book, which features my pattern in the top right corner:

Head over to Facebook and “Like” One Yard Wonders to keep yourself up-to-date on the newest info about the book release!

Asher Campbell Seitz

Sarah — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:41:24 +0000

Welcome to the world, Asher!

Our precious boy was born on April 2nd at 12:41 a.m. after a smooth (but difficult!) natural labor and delivery. He was 8 lbs 5 oz and 20″ long. Oh, we are so smitten! He is such a little lover; he has the sweetest personality that his daddy and I are daily learning about.

I hope to eventually sit down and write out his birth story, it really was a blessing to have such an uncomplicated labor. I’ve had constant help from family and my dear husband who has been off of work. It will definitely be a reality check next week when he goes back to work! Hopefully we’ll get into a good rhythm and I’ll be back to blogging soon!

The Nursery

Sarah — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 20:19:05 +0000

Welcome to my little boy’s nursery! The babe is due to show up one week from today, and his room is finally complete. I’ve been slowly decorating since January: planning, painting, purchasing and crafting. I couldn’t be happier with the end result; his room feels like an oasis and my husband and I love to just go sit in there and enjoy the space.

This is the glider we found at Goodwill for $25. It originally featured an 80′s cherry red stain and the most horrendous flower print you can imagine. We primed and painted it this nice glossy white and I went to town recovering the cushions. I’ve never tried reupholstery before, but I was surprised at how easily it came together. I simply ripped apart the seams of all the old pieces and used those to create the new pattern. The cushions themselves were in great shape so the only extra expense that went into this was $15 of fabric from JoAnns (used a 40% off coupon). Factoring in primer and paint, we spent less than $50 on this chair. Not bad considering these look-alikes at Pottery Barn will run you $928.00 for frame, ottoman and cushions (no, I’m not kidding, have a look for yourself!!).

This is an IKEA Hemnes dresser, which we are using as the changing table. It was a craigslist find, so we got a great deal. This dresser is full to the brim of adorable clothes for our little one. The best part? To date we’ve purchased exactly 3 items of clothes for him. One was new (purchased the day we found out he was a boy) and the other two were consignment. Talk about being blessed with a plethera of hand-me-downs and adorable baby shower gifts! We received so much clothes that I could only fit up through 6 months in the dresser! The rest is in back storage ready to come out as he grows.

These are cheap IKEA frames which I used to highlight the fabrics I’m using in baby’s quilt. The fabrics are from Laurie Wisburn’s Tufted Tweets and Monaluna Circa 50s. Framing fabric is such an inexpensive way to display art.

Here’s his crib with the bumper I made. This is now the 3rd bumper I’ve made (two other were commissioned by friends) so I’m getting quite quick at making them. I think this one took about 2 evenings. The slowest part is all the hand-stitching at the end, but I enjoy it.

These counting cards are from Children.Inspire.Design. We just spray-painted some clothespins white and strung them above the crib.

This absolutely gorgeous blanket was hand-knit by my dear co-worker. I am in love with the colors and the design and I know it will be something he will have his whole life! What a special gift!

This is the mobile my dear friend made for baby. I had been looking for the perfect mobile for his room and I couldn’t find anything I liked. When I unwrapped this gift I was overwhelmed by how perfect it was! She copied the rockets from one of his quilt fabrics and, of course, used his room colors. I love it so much and I think it’s the most custom part of the whole room!

Well, that’s the tour! I’m patiently waiting for him to arrive and I’ll be sure to pop on here once he has to announce his birth and also his name (yes, he has a name!).

I’d love your comments on the nursery and any advice you may have for a new mommy!
_____

Room Details…

Counting Cards: Children.Inspire.Design.
Dresser/Changing Table: IKEA Hemnes dresser
Paint Color: Glidden Granite Grey (Home Depot)
Light fixture: IKEA Glansa
Build a Fort print: Nikki McClure
Crib: BSF Baby Paris 4-in-1 Crib
Grey Rug: Hand-Tufted Rojan Wool Rug from Overstock.com
Green Window Mirror: Goodwill find

Changing Pad

Sarah — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 23:29:57 +0000

Finally, a finished project! I made this changing pad and matching diaper/wipes case this week.

To make the changing pad, I cut the fabric to 12″ x 23″ and rounded the corners using a CD. I fused two layers of batting to the outer fabric and then sandwiched that with the laminated cotton fabric, then basted around the edges. Measure 7.25″ from both the bottom and top and stitch a line to create the folding creases. Next, sew extra-wide double-fold bias trim (one 3 yard pack is plenty) to the laminated side, turn it to the back and handstitch it to the fabric side. Finally, attach snaps and you’re done!

The diaper/wipes case is a pattern from One Yard Wonders. For fun, I also lined it with the laminated fabric.

Next project on the docket is to make a Hooter Hider. I’m having such a hard time picking out what fabric to use! I’m not allowing myself to buy fabric since I have such a huge stash, but for some reason I just can’t choose!

Chocolate Guinness Pudding

Sarah — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:23:39 +0000

We went to a friend’s Oscar party last night and the theme of the party was “This is Why You’re Fat.” We were encouraged to bring the most fattening/sinful concoction we could find. I found a recipe on Epicurious for Chocolate Guinness Goodness which contained no less than 16 egg yolks, 6 cups of heavy cream, 2 cups sugar, 2 cans Guinness and 14 oz. bittersweet chocolate (after doubling the recipe). Oh my! I figured this recipe was fattening enough to make the cut.

These would make a great dessert for a St. Patty’s Day party. The pudding has a deep, rich chocolate flavor and you might even get hints of coffee (which comes from the Guinness). The whip cream topping has a nice Guinness hint, but it’s overbearing. My husband declared them delicious!

To make 12 servings, buy a dozen 8 oz. canning jars. I made Guinness labels and adhered them to the jars using double-sided tape. Find the recipe below, which I slightly adapted from Epicurious, and my printable Guinness labels here:

Guinness_Pudding_Labels

Chocolate Guinness Pudding

adapted, slightly, from Epicurious
12 servings

Ingredients:

16 large egg yolks
2 cup sugar
Two 14.9-ounce can Guinness Draught
6 cups heavy cream
14 ounces high-quality bittersweet (70 to 72% cacao) chocolate, finely chopped
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

In large nonreactive mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar.

Open can of Guinness and pour into large, heavy-bottomed saucepan (pour down side of cup to reduce foaming). Add 4 1/2 cups cream and whisk to combine. Set over medium heat and heat, whisking occasionally, until bubbles just begin to form at edges. Remove from heat, add chocolate, and whisk until smooth.

Slowly pour hot chocolate mixture into eggs, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Return mixture to saucepan and set over moderately low heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until mixture thickens and coats back of spoon, about 15 minutes. To test if the pudding has set, pour a small amount of pudding onto a small plate and refrigerate until set. Turn the plate upside down to see if the pudding has set. If the cold pudding runs off the plate, continue heating the pudding mixture a bit longer.

Pour pudding mixture into blender and blend on high for 1 minute. Divide pudding among 12 jars, leaving at least 1 inch of space at top of each. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled and set (overnight, preferably).

Meanwhile, pour the other can of Guinness into small saucepan and bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium heat and simmer, uncovered, until reduced to 2 tablespoon, about 20 minutes. Pour syrup into small bowl and let cool.

Beat remaining cream until soft peaks form. Mix in approximately 2 tbsp. powdered sugar and 1 tbsp. vanilla (or to taste). Add Guinness syrup and beat until combined. Using an ice cream scoop, carefully divide cream among 12 glasses of pudding and tap jar to smooth surface. Top with shaved chocolate and serve.

City Thistle

Sarah — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:45:14 +0000

My dear friend, Bethany, has opened a new Etsy shop, City Thistle! She’s sellling absolutely beautiful jewelry and is hosting a giveaway on her blog to celebrate her new shop!

This is my fave item in her shop…just gorgeous!!

But I also love this necklace:

And these lovely earrings:

Visit her blog to enter the giveaway and be sure to check out City Thistle on Etsy. Tell her I sent you!

Winner!!

Sarah — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 01:13:11 +0000

Thanks to everyone for playing. Wow, 514 comments, you guys are awesome!

We have a winner!!

Congrats to Leah on winning a custom Kissed By Kate hat and on expecting her first boy!! So exciting!

If you didn’t win, be sure to pop over to the shop and check out all the delicious boy goodies!

CLOSED – Giveaway: Celebrate the Boy!

Sarah — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 06:59:08 +0000

To help Rae at Made By Rae and Dana at MADE Celebrate the Boy this month, my oh-so-talented sister is having a giveaway for one of her precious flat cap golfing hats from her Etsy site, Kissed by Kate. Since she doesn’t currently have a blog, you can enter this wonderful giveaway here on Come and See the Seitz.

The giveaway is for 1 custom made-to-order hat. She will work with you to decide the size, color, texture, and fabric you want – it can even be made as an adult size.

Giveaway Rules:

1. One entry per person.

2. Just comment on this post to enter the giveaway. Make sure you leave your email address in your comment (or have your email address visible in your profile).

3. The winner will be randomly selected.

4. Kate will ship internationally.

5. The Giveaway will run from Feb 19-midnight through the end of the day on Feb 20.

Good luck!!!

UPDATE: Comments closed! The winner will be announced later today. Thanks for all your wonderful comments!!