Tucker's Birthday Party Prep - Embroidery

My sweet, sweet son recently turned 1. It has been the most joyous year of my life, but it also included a lot of learning, and growing pains. His first birthday was not only a celebration for him, but also for my husband and I for making it through year 1 of parenthood. Don't you think the parents really deserve the party?  I kid, I kid! 

As big Auburn fans, we decided to theme his party as an Auburn tailgate. What a fun theme to plan around! Orange, blue, footballs, and yummy tailgate food was on the menu. 

I definitely put my embroidery machine to work as I was prepping for his party. Here's a look at what I made: 

Burlap Banner
 

Up first was this burlap banner. I decided to use this orange and navy tri-check fabric throughout the party to anchor together the different fabric projects. I purchased the burlap banner at Hobby Lobby (don't forget your 40% off coupon!) for $4.99 before any discounts.  I had to combine 2 different banners, as there weren't enough panels on one.

I then used my embroidery machine to applique a football or letter on each panel.  It was strung up and nailed onto our fence for the cake smash backdrop.


Hat and Bib

Next up was the bib and hat.

For the bib, I purchased a blank bib from Blanks Boutique and appliqued a "1" in the same applique font and fabric.  I added Tucker's name straight across the applique.  The software I use to merge designs is Embrillance.

For the hat, I got a little help.  I first used the same method of appliqueing the number and embroidering Tucker on some scrap orange fabric that I had.  I then, contacted an Etsy shop to put my finished design on to a hat base, add the navy trim, and the pom pom on top.  As a small business owner myself, I always try to support other small businesses, and Etsy is a great way to do it!  Plus, it's so easy to talk directly with the designer and get exactly what you're looking for!

Shirt and Pants
 

 

The most  time consuming part of all of the embroidering was the outfit.  I use Embrillance to merge 3 designs to make his shirt.  The 1 was the same as on the bib and hat, as was the name font.  The football player was the most perfect design, as it was also the same football player on the invitation (and I used it a few other places to be shown in a later post).  He was a very long embroidery design, but I couldn't pass him up.  2 hours into making the shirt, I realized that I was sewing on an 18 month shirt instead of a 12 month shirt, and I was kicking myself for not double checking.  But, it ended up fitting great and I didn't need to redo.

As for the pants, I sewed those out of the same tri-check fabric to match the rest of the party.

 

His outfit was finished off with his Freshly Picked weathered brown moccasins, and a Janie and Jack navy sweater (similar).

High Chair Banner

 

Finally, I appliqued one small burlap banner with a "1" for his high chair.  My sweet friends threw us an Auburn themed baby shower, and one of the decorations I was sent home with was a fabric tie banner.  I cleaned that up, and added the burlap 1, and had a perfect high chair banner.

Here are some final pictures with every thing pulled together and in action.  Love, love the way it all turned out!

How have you incorporated the same fabric through event or home decor?

 

 

Baby Appleton Gender Reveal

Darin and I are grateful for our wonderful (and very large) family, and couldn't imagine having to call them all on the phone to tell them the gender of little Baby A. So, we decided to have a gender reveal party and all find out together! I loved getting to plan a sweet event to celebrate the birth of this baby that has already won my heart. As a mom, we don't get to plan any of the showers, or other pre-birth events, so I soaked up every moment of this sweetness. It all started with this envelope from the OB. Then, a long, long week and a half wait for the party. Looking back, I sure don't know how we didn't rip open that envelope immediately.

I hand cut pink, blue and silver confetti to load up a pinata. I gave the confetti to one of my friends who wasn't going to be able to make it to the party, and she loaded up the pinata for us in preparation for the big day.

A peek at the decor before all of the fun starts:

The guest book table had a bodysuit for everyone to sign in pink or blue. Such a fun keepsake for the new little baby. We also had buttons for each guest to wear to advertise their "vote"

Buttons from Abigail Lee Drinks are always a fun way to add an extra special touch to the party decor. The cups and napkins say "Boy Oh Boy" and "Tickled Pink"

There were two punch options, "Sweet Pink Lemonade", and "Bouncing Blue Punch". Both so yummy and appropriate. Drink dispenser decals from Abigail Lee

We did have a full spread of food, but in the rush, didn't get pictures of that. However, here was the tasty dessert table.

All of our friends and family started to arrive. They wore pink/blue depending on their "vote". We also provided the buttons to complement their outfits.

And now, it's time for the big reveal - he or she, what will it be?

Thanks so much for sharing such a special memory with us. We are so excited to welcome BABY BOY Joseph Tucker Appleton, due November 23, 2014!