Christmas in July

"Record breaking temperatures." This phrase is so ubiquitous it's almost lost all meaning. It's been in the triple digits here in Austin so much lately that when the heat tops out at 99° it actually feels cool out. In December, we Austinites will be enjoying 70° days, and may have to don a light jacket in the evenings, but December is still a very, very long time from now. Or is it?


Every Christmas I promise myself that next year I'm going to get an early start. I vow to buy a gift here and there throughout the year and tuck them away. I tell myself that when I see a great deal on something that I know my husband/sister/mother-in-law would love, I'm going to buy it on the spot to save myself the stress of the holiday shopping crowds. I will get a head-start on any handmade gifts I intend to give, sewing a little here and there throughout the year instead of spending 12 hours a day at my sewing machine for the last two weeks before Christmas.


Well... it's July, and I have yet to purchase or make a single gift. But I have found some lovely incentives to get started, as dozens of EtsyKids Team members are having a Christmas in July sale. This is a great opportunity to pick up some wonderful hand crafted items for the mini-humans in your life. All sales are valid through July 2011. Here are just a few of the shops participating:


PetalPetal offers the most gorgeous modern flower girl and special occasion couture, and is offering a generous 20% off your entire purchase with the coupon code "SUMMERISFORLOVE". Her creations are so beautiful I find myself wishing they came in adult sizes!







*Photos by Marta Locklear


For the Christmas babies and new moms in your life , 2 Sprouts Stitchery has all kinds of wonderful offerings, like this chic All in One Diaper Clutch and cute toddler loungewear. She is offering 10% off with the coupon code: "christmasinjuly"










Bison Girl is offering 15% off her adorable handmade cotton baby booties. Lined with faux sherpa with faux suede soles, these booties will keep tiny feet snug and warm in the winter months. Use the coupon code "summer15" at checkout.








Apple N Amos offers whimsical wood toys and has something for tiny babies and older kids too, from teething rings to wooden yo-yos! I just love the wooden memory match games and stacking cups. Use the code "JULYSALE15" for 15% off everything in the store!








Chipper Cute Girl makes the sweetest "memory books", and is offering 20% off storewide using the code "EtsyKids20". These beautiful fabric covered journals are "divided by grade level, each page (left for mom - right for daughter) is filled with prompts and free space to capture the essence of each of you - together."







Happy shopping!

Birthday Presents

I managed to finish the second doll for my niece Madison, whose 3rd birthday is this weekend. I'd already made the kitty doll and was determined to make a puppy companion to go with her in time for the birthday party.


I will definitely be making some revisions to this pattern so that future dolls come together a little bit easier. Sewing the head and torso pieces together is incredibly difficult to do with all of the pre-stuffed limbs tucked inside, and I had to wrestle the pieces through my sewing machine. Future dolls will be a little more rotund, but overall I'm really happy with how they turned out.
I hope Madison likes them!