Make It and Love It

It's Christmas Morning at the Johnston Home!

At least for me.  You know when you get that one toy on Christmas morning and you spend the whole day playing with it and your excitement makes you act silly and well, like a child?  I have to admit I feel like I am experiencing this childlike behavior all over again. Tuesday night I got a new (to me) Sewing/Embroidery machine.  I've been wanting an embroidery machine for quite some time now, but the cost of one just did not fit within our budget.  To make a long story short, I have a great-aunt who has an insane amount of sewing equipment to make quilts, bedding, piping, etc...you name it, she can do it.  She's been sewing some pillows for my sister, so while my mom was over there one day she told her I had been doing a lot of sewing and was wanting an embroidery machine.  I guess my aunt decided to part with the machine she hasn't used in quite some time, because now it's sitting on my kitchen table!

I love to sew, create, and design things and with this new machine I can monogram, applique, and embroider.  I am SO excited!!! I probably won't use it as a sewing machine since I already have a sewing machine and am use to it, but I immediately had to make something! One of my best friends from High School is having a little girl in August.  She lives in Winchester, but her shower is in Chattanooga this weekend.  I have been going crazy making sweet baby Elise lots of goodies.  Here is my first official product made with my new machine- I think I'm gonna have to make Kate one too :)

Since my child slobbers (and eats her bibs) like crazy nowadays this is the perfect size for her!

My good friend Abbey Duncan and I decided since we were both making handmade  gifts and outfits for people who either wanted the items for their own children or to give as gifts, we should just work together and offer a line of handmade outfits, baby gifts, and accessories- our own little Etsy shop. LiviKate's Collection is a new line of handmade items for the cute kids in your life :)  Of course we are a little bias to girls, but we are working on some super cute John Johns and other clothing items for little boys- they need to be well dressed too :)  

Click here to view our line

I've really been into crafting these days too.  For Mother's Day, I decided I just didn't want to buy mom something for the sake of buying her something.  Since it's her first Mother's Day as being a "Honey", I wanted it to be special! So Kate and I made her some flowers that will never die :) I've got some super fun ideas for Father's Day too :)

AND Last but not Least- Steven and I celebrated our four year Anniversary on May 20th.  We were going to eat at Red Lobster (we had a gift card) but we didn't drop Kate off with my mom in time.  So we settled for another favorite- Ankar's, YUMMY!!! We were on a strict time schedule because we got to see Riverdance for the last time- It's "retiring" so it's on a Farewell Tour.  We had incredible seats- it helps to know the man who brings all these wonderful shows to Chattanooga (My Dad) :) It was the perfect way to celebrate! 

Look at how young we look!  I had just graduated H.S :) :) :)

And Fast Forward 7 years Later :) Dropping K Off to celebrate 4 years of marriage!

Also, Check out www.Makeit-Loveit.com for some super cute and fun ideas!!! It's becoming one of my favorite Websites!