I haven't done a custom birthday set in a while so it was fun to pull this pattern back out and sew it up. The customer requested the hot pink houndstooth, and I love how bright and preppy it is! The fabric is actually a flannel, so the winter birthday girl will be warm and cozy for her special first birthday. I tried a new way to make the bows (thanks, Pinterest!) and I'll never make bows any other way. Having 3 girls, I've tried to make my own hairbows before, but just couldn't quite get it without them looking homemade. The tutorial I found is fool-proof and makes big, perfect bows every time. It does require a needle and thread, but I think even a beginner can manage it.
It's been crazy busy around here! Orders are pouring in, and I'm trying to keep up without completely neglecting my family. We just marked a big "to-do" off our list with Ava's spelling bee yesterday. Is there anything more nerve-wracking than watching your child stand alone on a stage and attempt to spell perfectly in front of hundreds of her peers? I almost couldn't take it, but Miss Ice-in-her-veins did beautifully. She was eliminated with "intrigue" but ended in the top 14, so we are all very proud of her. The winner was actually a 5th-grader who beat out all the 6th, 7th and 8th graders! I love it when the underdog wins.
I suspect that I may be having e-mail issues again with my Chocolate Zebra account, so if you've emailed me and haven't heard back, please leave a comment on the blog letting me know you're having trouble reaching me.
Have a great weekend!
This is a fun custom set for a sweet baby boy. It includes a stroller blanket, personalized onesie, bib, burp cloth and name pillow. You can customize the items in your gift set, and as always, you choose the colors, fabrics, etc. 
October is a big birthday month for us, and Tatum was first, celebrating the big FIVE! I won't wax nostalgic about how she is my baby, and how five is the age she will be when she starts school, and that I can remember the day she was born like it was yesterday, so I'll just say we had lots of fun enjoying this little person. She had a Hello Kitty party with lots of friends and family, went to Build-a-Bear to pick out a new bear (she had to get a bear "because it's called Build-a-Bear!") and eat at Rainforest Cafe, which she requested because last October her big sister got to eat there for her birthday and get the cool Volcano dessert. This little girl adds so much enthusiasm and humor to our lives and we're glad God gave her to us. We love you, Tatum Verbatim!
