My daughter has spent the last several months begging me to make Lily (our Maltese puppy) a princess dress. We’ve perused countless Etsy websites, sewing blogs, and pattern sites together, looking for just the right outfit. When we stumbled across Julie Ahn’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/julie.ahn.129 we were both captivated by her designs. Julie is an incredibly talented Korean artisan who designs the loveliest dresses for small show dogs. My daughter was delighted and immediately suggested that I make Lily an outfit just like hers. The task was daunting but intriguing and I readily agreed.
Sweetheart by Janna © 2011
Thus began my research phase. I spent countless hours searching the internet for a sewing pattern that looked something similar to Julie’s outfits only to discover that very few existed. Somewhat by accident, I stumbled across this pattern book on Etsy from Pink Nelie. http://www.etsy.com/shop/PinkNelie. The book, written in Korean, contained thirty dog-related sewing patterns.
Studying the patterns, I learned how to sew a dog dress. Then I spent a week designing my own pattern pieces to create both a fitted blouse and jumper.
Sweetheart by Janna © 2011
Not wanting to spend a fortune on new fabric for a first-time (somewhat iffy) project, I scrounged through my stash and found some beautiful teal stretch cotton for a blouse and matching black and teal plaid for the jumper.
Sweetheart by Janna © 2011
And it worked! YAY! Snap closures in the front of both the blouse and jumper make for easy dress-up. Beautiful black buttons adorn the back of the jumper giving the outfit some extra pizzazz.
Sweetheart by Janna © 2011
Lace embroiders both the collar and puffy sleeves for an added touch.
A few adjustments need to be made to both my blouse and jumper patterns, however, I’ve already redesigned the pattern pieces. I will make another version before I attempt the grand finale, which will include both a pink tutu under-skirt and top bustle. (Super-princess outfit!)
And of course, I do have to give credit to my poor Lily who has endured much dressing, redressing, and endured several photo shoots. But, I think she enjoyed the extra attention and the antics of all my kids jumping up and down behind me as I snapped the shots. 🙂
So did my kids. Their smiles and giggles made the moment special and all the work worth it.
My daughter has spent the last several months begging me to make Lily (our Maltese puppy) a princess dress. We’ve perused countless Etsy websites, sewing blogs, and pattern sites together, looking for just the right outfit. When we stumbled across Julie Ahn’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/julie.ahn.129 we were both captivated by her designs. Julie is an incredibly talented Korean artisan who designs the loveliest dresses for small show dogs. My daughter was delighted and immediately suggested that I make Lily an outfit just like hers. The task was daunting but intriguing and I readily agreed.
Sweetheart by Janna © 2011
Thus began my research phase. I spent countless hours searching the internet for a sewing pattern that looked something similar to Julie’s outfits only to discover that very few existed. Somewhat by accident, I stumbled across this pattern book on Etsy from Pink Nelie. http://www.etsy.com/shop/PinkNelie. The book, written in Korean, contained thirty dog-related sewing patterns.
Studying the patterns, I learned how to sew a dog dress. Then I spent a week designing my own pattern pieces to create both a fitted blouse and jumper.
Sweetheart by Janna © 2011
Not wanting to spend a fortune on new fabric for a first-time (somewhat iffy) project, I scrounged through my stash and found some beautiful teal stretch cotton for a blouse and matching black and teal plaid for the jumper.
Sweetheart by Janna © 2011
And it worked! YAY! Snap closures in the front of both the blouse and jumper make for easy dress-up. Beautiful black buttons adorn the back of the jumper giving the outfit some extra pizzazz.
Sweetheart by Janna © 2011
Lace embroiders both the collar and puffy sleeves for an added touch.
A few adjustments need to be made to both my blouse and jumper patterns, however, I’ve already redesigned the pattern pieces. I will make another version before I attempt the grand finale, which will include both a pink tutu under-skirt and top bustle. (Super-princess outfit!)
And of course, I do have to give credit to my poor Lily who has endured much dressing, redressing, and endured several photo shoots. But, I think she enjoyed the extra attention and the antics of all my kids jumping up and down behind me as I snapped the shots. 🙂
So did my kids. Their smiles and giggles made the moment special and all the work worth it.
Snowmen and snow flurries!
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
We finally had enough snow to build this crazy little snowman. With a trowel for a hat and who knows what for eyes and nose (I think sidewalk chalk), it produced a lot of smiles and laughter.
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
Wonderful winter!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!
Gingerbread houses are so much fun to build. This year my youngest, who is three years old, surprised us all by spending the longest time building her super candy covered little house. (Note the one in the front on the end.) She was oh so happy and proud of what she’d created.
We all had a good chuckle.
Oh my goodness! Look at this cute little face!
At almost 6 months, Lily is a bundle of energy and bounteous kisses.
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
Perfect!
The weather is changing. Fall has arrived. My drive to make hats has returned. I couldn’t resist making this eye-popping red corduroy newsboy hat with an embroidered Canadian flag.
Nothing says patriotism more than displaying one’s national flag.
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
And why not do that in style?
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
This newsboy hat can be worn straight…
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
Or to the side for a trendy, modern look.
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
And of course, the inside features soft fleece and gorgeous cotton Canadian fabric.
Oh…and I should add…this one’s mine! 🙂
Meet Yellow Bunny
Adopted by Chloe
My three-year-old daughter has been begging me, for the past several months, to make her a yellow bunny. The request came at unexpected times over the course of any given day, which meant she’d obviously given it some thought
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
And how could I resist the pleas of this beautiful little girl.
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
I’d make her the moon if she asked…a stuffed plushie of course.
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
She needed a friend for her most favorite toy, blue bunny. Blue bunny doesn’t have a sparkle in her eye, .but I’ve figured my daughter won’t want me to add it, after the fact. After all, blue bunny is VERY precious. But then again, so is my little girl! 🙂
Medium yellow Penelope Bloom boutique bunny.
Handmade by Sweetheart by Janna
My Lily loves to chew, especially dog beds with zippers and foam. I decided she needed a more durable, chew-proof bed. 🙂 Erin Erickson has a free fleece dog bed tutorial on her web site (Dog under my Desk). www.erinerickson.com
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
Instead of fleece, I used a soft, red-rose petal minky.
I think she loves it!
Meet Medium Red and Small Blue Ninja Bunnies
Made at the request of my sons, these bunnies are not only soft and cuddly, they are super-hero ninja fighting monsters. Subjected to beatings and masterful escapades, they’ve been known to find themselves in the most unpredictable situations.
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
Until rescued by my three-year old daughter who carries them around everywhere and makes sure they are tucked safely beneath her covers at night.
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
Battered and bruised, small blue bunny has conquered many battles with his burning eyes of fire.
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
Made from the softest minky and coordinating cotton fabrics (thank-you for the fabric Diane!) these bunnies are my way of saying “I love you!!”
Medium red and small blue “Penelope Bloom” boutique bunny.
Handmade by Sweetheart by Janna
My heart beats for Lily.
At three-and-a-half weeks old, Lily is a sweetheart. She toddles around, eats mush, and loves to snuggle with her siblings and mom. What a joy!
We are counting down the days until she joins us in our home.
We are EXPECTING!!!
Um… no… not a human baby… but a beautiful and precious little Maltese girl. YAY!
Born May 5, 2012 she is one day old.
My husband picked out her first gift, which I wrapped for our children. When they unwrapped it, they were at first very confused, wondering why we would give them a pink squeaky toy. Their next question was, “Who is this for?” The “aha” moment came only a few moments later when we showed them a picture. Needless to say, they were THRILLED.
So now we wait. Fortunately, Holly from Pets-at-Play has a webcam set up that shows the mother and her pups live (for 14 hours everyday). WOW! Have I mentioned that we are pampered? I LOVE IT! Bruce hooked the live feed up to our television – don’t ask me how – so we are watching it live all day. The kids are intrigued, amused, and excited all at the same time. As am I.
I am in love!
When we can all agree on a name, I will post an update.
A family of robins decided the lush, weeping cherry tree beside our front door would be a perfect place to start their new family. With beaks full of twigs, grass, and leaves, they carefully crafted a nest to house their tiny blue eggs.
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
With anticipation, we wait to see the little one’s emerge.
“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? “
Mathew 6:26. New Living Translation
Meet Bailey
Adopted by Aynalem
This boutique doll was designed specifically for a very sweet girl named Aynalem. She features beautiful coordinating fabrics, hand embroidered facial features, and lace trim around the neck and undergarments.
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
Standing 18 inches tall, she boasts brown Mary Jane’s and fun purple-striped stockings.
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
And of course… a pretty light pink bum ruffle. These dolls just wouldn’t be the same without it. 🙂
Handmade by Sweetheart by Janna
My friend Sandy had a dream last night…
I had the coolest dream last night. I was standing in the middle of chaos, trying to decide what to do about it. I heard God speak. He said, “Come & look at it from this standpoint.” I turned toward Him, stepped into a bubble of pure love & looked through the bubble; it became like a contact lense to my vision.
Looking through love everything looked different. I didn’t see problems – I saw answers in seed form, just waiting to bloom. Easter eyes – resurrection life.
Used with permission: Sandy Ohlman 2012 www.mentorsofministry.com
Have you ever had one of those days when you were completely and absolutely blessed by someone? How about “over-the-top” blessed? Today I had one of those days. 🙂 Thank-you Diane Broekhuis for blessing me with mounds of beautiful fabric. WOW!!! I am completely overwhelmed by your generosity and your kind heart.
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
YAY!!! Look at all these amazing colors and patterns. They are lovely, vibrant, and so much fun!
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
Have I mentioned that I am in fabric heaven! 🙂 I love All of these! Oh… and did I mentions, there’s even more…
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
Gorgeous. I love to run my fingers through my fabric stash. I am envisioning so many wonderful things to make.
Thank-you again, Diane! You’ve blessed me greatly.
Lots of love, Janna.
Meet Brooke.
This pretty bunny is affectionately referred to as “purple bunny” in our home. After hours of adapting my original bunny design and sewing together Purple Bunny #1 (disaster – officially referred to as ugly bunny) I went back to my initial design and made some smaller adjustments. Purple Bunny #2 was born. I will continue to play with her pattern a little before deeming it complete. More pictures will follow I’m sure.
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
At 6.5 inches this little girl is tiny enough to fit in the palm of your hands.
Small purple Penelope Bloom boutique bunny.
Handmade by Sweetheart by Janna.
Meet Blossom!
Bunnies and spring go hand in hand! Although spring has not technically arrived, it sure feels like it. With all of this warm weather, I half expect to see my yard covered with wild bunnies and half eaten tulip stems.
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
But cute lovable mini bunnies will have to do. At 6.5 inches, these darlings are the perfect size for toddler hands.
Meet lovely Lily.
Janna Vanderveen © 2012
This cute little (6.5 inch bunny) was born today at noon and has been the apple of my daughter’s eye ever since. It took quite a bit of cajoling to convince my two-year old to part with her new-found friend, and as such, I consider myself lucky to have these two photos. I have non-stop obsessed over the development of this tiny sewing pattern, hoping to be able put to good use the small remnants of fabric that I have stashed from other completed projects. Lily will need a few tweaks to her pattern, but hopefully it will be finished in the next couple of days. Perhaps I will develop a set of clothes for her tiny frame. Sewing is so much FUN!
Deep within your hallowed heart
Beats blood of truest red.
Poured out for me, you gave your life
Whispering words of love instead.
Ransomed my very soul.
Repaired the very heart of me
Jesus you made me whole.
~ Janna Vanderveen
(Photo Credit: http://www.pbase.com)
