Sweetbriar Sisters

Adorable Sewing Patterns

What’s the big deal?

I get a lot of people who tell me they are jealous of my life.  That they'd love to be able to just lie around all day.  (here's a hint: never say that!) I also have a lot of friends and family members who seem completely confused if I ever mention that I'm having a hard time with my illness.  Because of them, I’ve thought about this question over and over.  How can I possibly explain?  Long term ... View Post

Why Don’t You Have Kids?

I thought we'd start off with a big one :) Doug and I have been married for 7 years and are both in our 30s.  As I’m sure you can imagine, the subject of us having kids is one that comes up quite often.   Most people erroneously believe that the reason we don’t have children is because I’m not healthy enough to carry a child full term, or that my somehow illness affects fertility. The ... View Post

Chronic Fatigue Awareness Day is Just a Week Away!

Chronic Fatigue Awareness day is just a week away!  Because this illness is something that affects me so drastically, I want to devote this blog to awareness posts for the week. (if you're thinking, wait!  I thought you had POTS, check out this page) If they bug you, I’m sorry.  You are totally welcome to ignore them and I promise they will stop in one week and I’ll be back to sewing and crafting ... View Post

Friday Faves: Seam Rippers

Lately I've been dreaming of new seam rippers.  Not that I... ahem... use one all that often or anything... :)  A couple years back I bought myself a pretty wooden handled Clover one which I love.  My problem is that I tend to tear out seams while I sit and chat, or watch a show, which means my good seam ripper is never in my sewing room (or...anywhere that can be easily found...) when I need it ... View Post

How to Make a Bath Toy With a Softie Pattern

A while back one of my pattern testers made our Paddy the Penguin pattern into a bath toy.  What an adorable idea!  I've been thinking a lot about the easiest way to make a bath toy ever since.   The main concern for me was what to stuff it with.  My tester used one of those big bath sponges that she kind of carved into the shape of a penguin- which is great for a penguin with a nice, simple ... View Post

Introducing the Rockin’ Rocket Ship Pattern

I'm so excited to introduce our new Rockin' Rocket Ship Pattern!  This pattern was especially inspired by my little nephew, who will pick up anything that fits in one hand and looks vaguely like a spaceship, and sit for hours making it fly through the air.  I wanted to create a pattern that was cute to look at (I mean, if a bunch of toys are going to be strewn out on your floor, they might as well ... View Post