Welcome to My Modest Blog!

I've always been a crafty person. I love the visual arts and just like to create things. I tend to stare at each item in awe when it is complete... thinking "I made this!?" Call me a hopeless romantic, but the old days had it right in many ways, including traditional homemaking. I've been hobby sewing and crafting since I was a little girl. But in recent years, I found it necessary to sew clothes for my girls to keep them modestly dressed. While nursing my babies, I began making nursing covers for myself and friends. I've also done furniture restoration, crocheting, baking, painting/drawing, photography and more. Enjoying these feminine crafts and other projects has made me want to share my ideas and talents.

I hope to provide you with great ideas and quality products that will "keep you covered!" Some items will be available at an Etsy Shop. Also enjoy my tips and examples on this blog!
Showing posts with label Current Projects. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Current Projects. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Our Garden Plans - Watercolor

It's been rather rare for me to get on and create a post for any of my blogs lately. I've been reduced to quick posts on Facebook and maybe a little something on Pinterest. So I'm here with just a smidgen of a moment to share a watercolor painting I multi-purposed yesterday. It is a layout plan for this year's attempt at a garden. I've already made some changes in my mind, but it was too pretty to trash the drawing.

In addition to the multi-tasking of being artsy and planning my garden, it was accompanied by my sitting at the table helping 3 of our children with their school work. I homeschool, so this was no easy task. I'm simply astounded that I created this without a single spill or mishap. I truly believe you get the bad days (like I had the day before) so you can appreciate the good days!


 Our Work in Progress Garden
 

Over the next few years I'm hoping to embrace my family's creativity and fill our walls with our framed artwork instead of that of strangers. I'm very surprised I didn't do this earlier. Of course, we've always had fridge art. But in 14 years, it wasn't until this year I decided I'd be okay with the kids taping their favorite drawings on their bedroom walls. I guess I am a little OCD about visual conformity. I have 7 kids, it's time I get over that!

Happy carefree, family chaos filled, multi-purposed, mommy time crafting!
Melissa

Monday, August 11, 2014

Mommy and Me Set

MM Mommy & Me set
I was privileged to get an order from an old friend of ours. She had seen online many Mommy and Me skirt and matching pillowcase dress sets, she couldn't help but get one. However, she either didn't like the length, print or price that made it hard to find one to buy. Fortunately, she knew that I love to sew modest wear and had a good selection of fabric to choose from.
All via Facebook, she messaged me sizes and ideas, including this tutorial for the skirt. When it was done, I thought - I hope she likes it…. I hope it fits…. I hope the price was fair…. I hope she doesn't see the flaws! (I'm not the best at zippers)
MM Mommy & Me set
Then we meet up and  - she's giddy! So of course my spirits are lifted, and I confirm in my heart that I love to sew for other people. But I still hesitate, will she like it when she tries it on? Then I get a pic texted to my phone, immediately when they arrive home they tried them on!
MM Mommy & Me set models
She didn't stop there. Facebook friends saw this and they loved it too! I also later saw that they really DID wear it to a wedding the following weekend!

That's a good feeling. To know you're thought of for your talent, appreciated for it, utilized for it, did well and they like it enough to wear it in public! Let me just bask in this moment awhile…

Side note: Seriously, this has my mind working. I got to use my new sewing machine for the first time with this project (another good post), and I can't wait to sew some stuff for me and my 3 girls! This would also make a good "Big Sister & Me" project/set

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Adventures in Cloth Diapering

After using disposable diapers on my first 4 children, I didn’t think starting cloth diapering would pay off. Also, I just wasn’t ready for the idea of it. But now pregnant with our 6th child, I’m all set for a cloth diapering adventure with my almost two year old and newborn when she arrives. Why? We need to save money and we hope to potty train earlier than age 4! Everyone has their reasons, but those are our top two.

Cloth Diapering - Changing Table Setup
So after hours of surfing online at Craigslist.org, DiaperSwapper.com, GreenMountianDiapers.com as well as many other websites – came up with all of this. When all is said and done, diapering supplies for two children will have cost us around $350 or so. Depending how crazy I get with sewing more!

Cloth Diapering - Changing Table Setup
People know how much I love to be organized. I can’t wrap my head around any concept if it’s not organized. After wasting time looking at thrift shops for baskets, I broke down and bought cheap but new containers at Walmart. The two white and two green baskets cost $10. Glad I did. Found in the kitchen and office supplies. The blue basket was a gift my sister found in the Target dollar section once upon a time. It works nicely.

Cloth Diapering - ML ContainerCloth Diapering - Newborn Container
We chose to use prefolds and covers for our children, fitteds at night with doublers. Why? I guess I love the natural, soft cotton fiber against their little bums and how easy it will be to wash and dry these. Our son, age 20 months, has this stash of gently used quality prefolds (26), size large, and Flip and Econobum diaper covers. Our daughter, due Mar 2014, has Econobum prefolds (24), Snappis sz 1, and diapers covers from Econobum, Flip and WAHM (RattleMyCrib).

Cloth Diapering - Night Fitteds ContainerCloth Diapering - Pad Covers Container
The bottom bins hold our extra prefolds, fitteds and changing pad covers. The fitteds (contour diapers with snaps and elastic) are intended for nighttime wear. They are gently used MotherEase, Tiny Tush and Kissaluvs. Some have doublers, but I know I’ll need to make more. I hope to order some hemp fleece from DiaperSewingSupplies.com. I also plan to sew a few of my own, especially newborn size, using all the awesomely free patterns at Prefold2Fitted’s blog.

Sewing ProjectsThe Co-Sleeper Bed Pad
I made several waterproof pads for co-sleeping and diaper changing. Basically it’s a square of flannel backed with white PUL (PolyUrethane Lined), leakproof fabric. To make the typical changing pad cover, I used stretchy cotton jersey and fitted with elastic using measurements of my foam pad. I’d love to make one or more for you!

Cloth Diapering - Wipes ContainerCloth Diapering - Wipes
I never thought I’d like butt wipes so much! I told my husband if we’re going to cloth diaper, we’re going the whole nine yards with it. Wipes included. My friend advised me to size these prewashed/shrunk at least the size of my hand. Our monster poop wipes are flannel lined with terry, and pee wipes are flannel doubled. So easy to sew on a serger, my young daughter might be making more for me. I’ll be filling a spray bottle (tucked away between uses) filled with water and essential oils (Melaleuca Oil for us) to spray onto the wipes when ready to use.

Cloth Diapering - Wet Bag on Changing TableCloth Diapering - Pail Liner
Where do I plan on throwing all of these diapers? For basic wet diapers, they’ll go into a wet bag attached to the side of the changing table. Others will be rinsed in the toilet and thrown into this Dekor diaper pail (CL find $10) fitted with a pail liner I made.
Cloth Diapering - Pail LinerCloth Diapering - Pail Liner
I followed the directions from RunsWithSpatulas Blog: Wet Bags and Pail Liners
Cloth Diapering - Wet Bag

Not sure if we’re going to cloth diaper on the go, but I am totally ready for it. Only difference is we’ll be taking along disposable wet-wipes. (In our Thirty-One Organizing Utility Tote) It has a few fitteds, prefolds, covers, changing pad, wet bag and wipes.
Cloth Diapering - Diaper Bag Packed

Hoping I can share my fluffy cloth diaper butt photos with you all very soon! In the meantime, my hubby will be working on building a clothesline for me before the frost sets in the ground!



Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Prioritizing

Today's Tuesday Tip: Figuring Out What's Important.

I have a hard time prioritizing my day. I'm also a nitpicker when it comes to my to-do lists. Always have been the type to rewrite it if it looks too messy, or clear off the things I've done to not be overwhelmed by the look of a long list. While it's great to see my accomplishments crossed off, it helps me focus on what I still need to do. My husband will leave his up until it's all crossed off, he loves to see what he got done. (Unless I get crazy and write a new one for him too!)

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Hanging them up side by side, it can get competitive to see who can cross off the most. Motivation!

Procrastinators To Do List

So after many rough drafts, here are a few versions of my printable to-do list for you! Note the short/long term goals can be folded over or cut off so you can think about them, but put them away when you feel overwhelmed.

 

My Accomplishments of the Day

Accomplishments of the Day

The Procrastinator's To Do List

Procrastinators ToDo List

The Husband's To Do List

Husbands ToDo List

(feel free to add your extras to this one :)

 

And the more simplified 2/sheet:

 

What Mommy Did Today!

Mommys ToDo List

Things I can help Dad with

Daddys ToDo List

 

You saw this on Modest Mommies!

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Painting a Snow Day

Snow Day by Melissa Michalek

This is a painting I made while having winter art time with my children. It's been a LONG time since I did this, so I'm rather impressed. Using kids cheap paint brushes and old paint on a mini canvas, it was a nice challenge.

 

The key to these paintings is layering. Sky first, midground, then foreground. It adds depth.  I was trying to teach my kids to do this instead of just painting in the lines. Remember that shadows aren't always black, sometimes it's just darker in color. Add pops of bright color to keep interest. Think of objects creating invisible lines that draw your eye from one object to another. Use ragged bristles to paint leaves/pines, use end of brush or toothpick to make dots, and don't be afraid to use your fingers!

 

Leave a comment on my blog with a link to your spur of the moment project.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Stitching up a gift

Here's some quick peeks at what I made this past week for my kiddos' and their stockings.

Saint Nicholas Day
My old doll bed needed a makeover (since 1980 something). So this fabric I found at Joann's clearance section made the perfect sheet and comforter set. The comforter is top cotton and bottom fleece.
Saint Nicholas Day

Saint Nicholas Day
After looking on Etsy for modest fashion doll clothes, all I could say was "i can make that!" So I did. [Not the man's clothes, I bought that set to free up my time.] I pulled most from my scrap fabric bag, and tried the ideas I had seen without a pattern. I'm pretty pleased with myself at what I could make, and hope it will just get better until I hand over this project to my oldest daughter.
Saint Nicholas DaySaint Nicholas DaySaint Nicholas Day
The key to making the clothes is to use elastic bobbin thread, stitched by hand at waist or top. I must say, I love my serger for doll clothes, though I did turn over a few edges. Maybe this time around, I won't find SO many naked barbie dolls around the house?!

Saint Nicholas Day
Moose had surgery on his arm, and went home with a fleece coat, hat and mittens. No pattern, just made it up as I went. Happy that fleece stretches to fit, and hook'n loop helps pull it together. My son couldn't be happier.

Saint Nicholas Day
My little guy also loves his crocheted hat, complete with a Santa beard. He wore it to hand out candy canes at gymnastics class. Wish I had a picture of that!

Friday, December 7, 2012

My First Boutique Sale

dscn1059

After a week of excessive sewing, I loaded up the van for my first craft sale. It was at our church, and fees went to the CCW which benefits the church. So I felt that it was no loss if I didn't sell anything. That way I just had fun meeting everyone, talking about babies and sharing my talent with others.

 

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The event helped me take a good look at my logo, my prices, and other business stuff. I offered a drawing from a stocking to get 5, 15 or 20% OFF their purchase with a code to use it online later.

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I sold the camouflage cozy car seat canopy, the starry night valance and a pocket friends kit. I also received interest from the parish to enlist me to make Quiet in the Pew mass kits for children to grab as they come to church. I sold enough to pay for my booth and lunch - so you could say I broke even.

dscn1055dscn1056

My daughter came along, but only lasted one of four hours before becoming bored. Lots of old ladies with no intent to buy for mommies or babies in their family. But that week she learned a bit about business, profit margins, crafting and more. She took her $3 profit and ran with it! My husband and I made the switch and our littlest guy grabbed smiles for me and modeled his car seat canopy.

dscn1058dscn1061

 

The items that did not sell will be available on my Etsy shop very soon! See anything you like and don't want to wait? Email me today     4modestmommies@gmail.com

Monday, November 26, 2012

Advent Stockings - Monday Motivation

Counting down to Christmas Day is a holiday tradition for many families, including mine! Come visit me at Homegrown Catholics to see how to make these stockings!

Advent Stockings

http://stbrigidsacademy.blogspot.com/2012/11/advent-stocking-tree.html

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Giving Our Christmas Away

OCC_logo

National Collection Week Nov 12-19th!

Our family is giving our Christmas away! We've done this in years past, and wanted to share how we are doing it this year. This week is a huge opportunity for you to pack a shoe box, bring a smile to a child somewhere across the world, and bring them the message that Jesus is the greatest gift! Consider spending some or all of your gift money towards gifts for a needy child or family. Whether you support Operation Christmas Child (Samaritan's Purse) or take a name of your church's giving tree - just make the effort to GIVE! The blessings to a giving heart bring more joy than any present under your tree.

Veggie Tales pack a shoe box:

Kids Can Make A Difference video

How to pack a box: Click Here

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"All About Me" coloring pages to include in the box:

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/images/occ_art/ColoringPages.pdf

OCC About Me LetterOCC About Me Letter

Don't forget a personal letter & picture from you, and the label!

GirlBoy_Label

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Drop off boxes at a local drop off center. Locations listed on the website.

"Give this Christmas Away" Music Video

 

Please comment on ModestMommies.blogspot.com how you are giving this Christmas!

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