Showing posts with label Sewing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sewing. Show all posts
Monday, November 26, 2012
scrappy Fabric box
After digging through the scrap bin last weekend, I opted to make something fast for myself. My cats like to clear my sewing table and hopefully this little fabric box will contain the spools of thread I am working with. I have high hopes of not finding the spool completely unwound all over the house. I try to tuck things away when I stop working on a project, but the cats have the uncanny ability to find whatever it is I am trying to hide from them. This then becomes a kitty toy.
I used the tutorial described on another blog and I was happy with the results. Definitely a great short attention span project for when you want to complete something fast.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Baby pants for Baby D
I was invited to a short notice baby shower and this baby needs a homemade gift. I raided my scrap bin and came across some larger pieces left over from a puppy dog themed baby quilt. I found an online tutorial and made two quick pairs of pants. However, the pants looked lonely by themselves. I added more fabric scraps to the front of store bought onsies and had two instant outfits.
Of course, the baby needed a gift bag, too. I made that up as I sewed and I'm happy with the results. I used a little homemade bias binding on the side to facilitate an easier opening and a ribbon as the closure. I tacked the ribbon within the pocket to keep it from being pulled out.
I actually think the bag will be handy for carrying a spare outfit in the diaper bag and I may have to make a few for myself.
Of course, the baby needed a gift bag, too. I made that up as I sewed and I'm happy with the results. I used a little homemade bias binding on the side to facilitate an easier opening and a ribbon as the closure. I tacked the ribbon within the pocket to keep it from being pulled out.
I actually think the bag will be handy for carrying a spare outfit in the diaper bag and I may have to make a few for myself.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
A finished Quilt!
My first quilt!
The quilt began as a pack of puppy dog quilt squares I picked up off of a clearance rack with the intent to practice quilt squares I had learned in an introductory quilting class. I liked the way the practice squares came out so much that I wanted to put them into a quilt. I picked up some complementary fabric once I heard that a friend of ours had a baby boy. I then opted to applique the baby's name on the center square. The final product looks more like a scrap quilt with a puppy theme for baby Kyle.
This quilt was fun to make and I hope baby Kyle enjoys the puppy dogs.
The quilt began as a pack of puppy dog quilt squares I picked up off of a clearance rack with the intent to practice quilt squares I had learned in an introductory quilting class. I liked the way the practice squares came out so much that I wanted to put them into a quilt. I picked up some complementary fabric once I heard that a friend of ours had a baby boy. I then opted to applique the baby's name on the center square. The final product looks more like a scrap quilt with a puppy theme for baby Kyle.
This quilt was fun to make and I hope baby Kyle enjoys the puppy dogs.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Girls like dinosaurs, too!
Princess dinosaur Hat
Auntie Sarah gave Big N a dinosaur hat when he was three. He still loves this hat and it miraculously still fits now that he is almost 8. Little N tries to steal it on occasion, which never ends well for her. However, I can see her point. What is not to love about wearing spikes on your head?
Big N wearing his hat
When I spoke to Little N about making her a dinosaur hat, she was very specific on the color combination. It had to be pink. It had to be purple. It had to be all that and made for a princess. It also could not have purple spikes.
Little N helped me make the pattern. We traced Big N's hat and added a 1/2 inch seam allowance. She then cut out the pattern pieces for me. I opted to sew it when she was in bed to surprise her this morning.
Little N was thrilled! I skipped the velcro chin closure because it covers her ears just fine. I think it looks a little more feminine as it is.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Little N is ready for the summer!
My latest project has been a swim suit cover-up for Little N. It had to twirl and it needed a hood for wet hair. I also thought a pocket would be nice. The cover-up is loosely based off of one I came across on crafterhours blog. I used a sweatshirt to build my pattern and added a big front pocket.
Little N could not have been more thrilled with the outcome. She wants to wear it as a dress.
I started with two towels with complementary colors in them.
I then traced a dress that fit's Little N well and added a very generous seam allowance. My thoughts are that the beach cover-up should be loose and slightly large. I made the dress a little boxier. I also shortened it and planned on a 7-inch ruffle on the bottom of the dress. I used a sweatshirt to figure out how large the hood should be and how to modify the back piece to attach the hood.
I used my overlock machine for all of the seams. I only ended up using the sewing machine to attach the pockets, bias binding and hem the bottom.
I have one happy little girl who is ready to swim!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Big N's first lost tooth
Big N has been chewing on his hands for weeks. He finely determined that his lower front tooth was lose. Once we informed him that meant the Tooth Fairy would come to visit, he began to work on loosening the lower tooth every chance he got.
His efforts resulted in a positive result this morning. He found his tooth in his bed and has been bubbling about it all day.
We are now waiting for the Tooth Fairy to pay him a visit while he sleeps this evening. Big N is convinced that a first tooth is worth at least $10, but we seem to believe she will leave something in the $2 range. We will all have to wait until tomorrow morning to find out.
His Monster Tooth Pillow has already swallowed his tooth and is waiting patiently for the Tooth Fairy.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Cupcakes for Little N
I picked up this cute cupcake fabric because it was adorable. At the time, I had other intentions for the fabric. I saw it as a cute bag, but around Little N's birthday I thought it was a future little girl dress.
Little N is in love, she spun and would not hold still. This means I have met her criteria for a dress. If it doesn't spin, she will not wear it. I also love this color of blue on her since it goes with her blue eyes. She appreciates the pink ribbon and ois very happy that there is a little extra for her to wear in her hair.
Little N is in love, she spun and would not hold still. This means I have met her criteria for a dress. If it doesn't spin, she will not wear it. I also love this color of blue on her since it goes with her blue eyes. She appreciates the pink ribbon and ois very happy that there is a little extra for her to wear in her hair.
Monday, December 6, 2010
My little man
Big N tried on the tie and promptly made faces for the camera. He did look very cute in his Christmas bell tie.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Death of a tie
Big N has a violin concert, his first, tomorrow evening. In honor of the upcoming concert, I killed a tie. Sorry, Mom, this was a tie my mom gave to Pete a few years ago. He hasn't been wearing is because it was always a little too short. I put it to a much cuter use.
I planned on using a tutorial I came across on hideousdreadfulstinky's blog. The tutorial is really well written and I finished the tie this evening.
However, you will have to wait for a photo of the final product. My little man looks very sharp in a tie. Watch for tomorrow's post!
I planned on using a tutorial I came across on hideousdreadfulstinky's blog. The tutorial is really well written and I finished the tie this evening.
However, you will have to wait for a photo of the final product. My little man looks very sharp in a tie. Watch for tomorrow's post!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
A jacket for Little N
I am still playing catch-up on posts, and this one is no exception. The coat was finished on September 13th.
Last spring, I made Big N a fleece coat with Clifford on it. Little N also wanted a coat, with princesses on it. I made the same size for both kids, so I wanted to finish Big N's first, to make sure it was done before it was too small. Little N was very patient, waiting for her princess coat. It also helped that we didn't wear coats for a few months.
The finished product is super soft and I think my sewing skills improved between the two coats.
Little N is in heaven when she is covered in princesses. If I could change one thing, I would have placed a different princess on her left arm to balance out the images a little better, but overall, I'm very happy with the outcome.
Last spring, I made Big N a fleece coat with Clifford on it. Little N also wanted a coat, with princesses on it. I made the same size for both kids, so I wanted to finish Big N's first, to make sure it was done before it was too small. Little N was very patient, waiting for her princess coat. It also helped that we didn't wear coats for a few months.
The finished product is super soft and I think my sewing skills improved between the two coats.
Little N is in heaven when she is covered in princesses. If I could change one thing, I would have placed a different princess on her left arm to balance out the images a little better, but overall, I'm very happy with the outcome.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Halloween
I'm slightly behind on this post, considering this is the week of Thanksgiving.
I made Little N's costume this year, perhaps I should use that as the excuse for not posting since August considering I've been sewing since August. Little N wanted to be a purple and pink princess. These are, of course, the only color options she would consider and the brighter the better.
I had a lot of fun sewing this. I had to research how to deal with the thin fabric that is the top of the skirt. The actual pattern called for tulle, but Little N picked out this bright purple and pink sheer fabric with stars on it. She was in love and there was no convincing her otherwise. It took me about a month of sample swatch sewing to finally figure out the best option for the hem and the interior seams. The seams show through, meaning you had to be careful in how you dealt with them. I ended up using a princess seam for the interior seams. The hem was a little harder to deal with. I first marked the 16 feet of fabric with a line to determine the edge. Then sewed just next to the line. After that, I trimmed the edge as close to the seam as possible, trimming off the pen line. Then folded the hem up and into itself, ironing the edge into a rolled hem. Another seam all the way around almost at the fold and the hem was finally done. The rest of the dress followed the pattern. I did have to add seams on the topskirt where the zipper opening was, where the pattern called for no seam on a tulle.
Little N is quite a slave driver, watching me sew and commenting on my progress as the gown came along.
"But, Mommy, you haven't finished my dress," was always the statement after she told me good morning and I had spent the evening before staying up way to late sewing. She was thrilled when it was done, as was I.
All in all, this is the most complex item I've made and I've had to put the sewing machine away for a bit. I'm a little crafted-out for now.
I made Little N's costume this year, perhaps I should use that as the excuse for not posting since August considering I've been sewing since August. Little N wanted to be a purple and pink princess. These are, of course, the only color options she would consider and the brighter the better.
I had a lot of fun sewing this. I had to research how to deal with the thin fabric that is the top of the skirt. The actual pattern called for tulle, but Little N picked out this bright purple and pink sheer fabric with stars on it. She was in love and there was no convincing her otherwise. It took me about a month of sample swatch sewing to finally figure out the best option for the hem and the interior seams. The seams show through, meaning you had to be careful in how you dealt with them. I ended up using a princess seam for the interior seams. The hem was a little harder to deal with. I first marked the 16 feet of fabric with a line to determine the edge. Then sewed just next to the line. After that, I trimmed the edge as close to the seam as possible, trimming off the pen line. Then folded the hem up and into itself, ironing the edge into a rolled hem. Another seam all the way around almost at the fold and the hem was finally done. The rest of the dress followed the pattern. I did have to add seams on the topskirt where the zipper opening was, where the pattern called for no seam on a tulle.
Little N is quite a slave driver, watching me sew and commenting on my progress as the gown came along.
"But, Mommy, you haven't finished my dress," was always the statement after she told me good morning and I had spent the evening before staying up way to late sewing. She was thrilled when it was done, as was I.
All in all, this is the most complex item I've made and I've had to put the sewing machine away for a bit. I'm a little crafted-out for now.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Piggies for little N
The second nightie and she loved it! I made the ruffle longer to show the pig print better.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Nightie for little N
Little N picked out the fabric for her nightgowns. This is the first nightie of two. I actually made this one in a size six, but shortened the gown considerably. When it does finally fit, it will land near her knees.
She actually sat next to me at my sewing machine while I worked. She wanted to wear it to bed this evening and insisted that I finish it as soon as possible. Little N appears to be quite the slave driver.
She actually sat next to me at my sewing machine while I worked. She wanted to wear it to bed this evening and insisted that I finish it as soon as possible. Little N appears to be quite the slave driver.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
A spiny dress
Little N loves dresses. I've sewed at least 4 for her recently, but she complained they didn't spin. I have made simply A-line tank style dresses so far. I decided to get creative and go off the pattern, or off the reservation.
I visualized it with a large skirt and thought I could simply make a series of ruffles. I guessed at the amount of fabric, assuming 1/4 yard per tier. Then 1/2 yard for the bodice. I based the top off of the bodice of the A-line tank dress I have made for her in the past, but cut it so the top would be about 14 inches. I used the pattern bottom to trace a curve. Then I made the skirt. I approximated that I wanted each level to be about 6 inches and to have a short, 3 inch ruffle at the bottom.
Step 1 was to sew the top. I completed that without finishing the bottom edge. When that was done, I measured the circumference of the unfinished bottom and used that as the base calculation for the skirt. For Little N, the top came out to 16 inches across, or 32 inches around. Using 16 as my base number, I approximated that each level could be 1.5 times larger. This placed the first tier at 24 inches per piece of fabric, the second tier at 32 and the last at 44 (my fabric was 45 inches across). Then I cut. I made 3 tubes and started to join them. I first added a rolled hem to the bottom, the largest tube. Then I gathered and pined. I attached this to the second tier. I added a zigzag stitch to strengthen the seam and pressed the seam upwards. I top-stitched the seam on the next tier to further lock it in and force it to lay flat. I repeated this step for the next tier.
Finally, the moment of truth. I followed the same steps to attach this to the bodice. The best part about the project is since I started with the hem, once I attached the skirt to the bodice and trimmed off the strings, the finish work was done.
Little N was in love!
The spin-ability of the dress was a hit with Little N. She did not hold still long enough for me to take a photo. Granted, it doesn't take a spiny dress to have this effect on her, but the spiny dress sure sped her up.
I visualized it with a large skirt and thought I could simply make a series of ruffles. I guessed at the amount of fabric, assuming 1/4 yard per tier. Then 1/2 yard for the bodice. I based the top off of the bodice of the A-line tank dress I have made for her in the past, but cut it so the top would be about 14 inches. I used the pattern bottom to trace a curve. Then I made the skirt. I approximated that I wanted each level to be about 6 inches and to have a short, 3 inch ruffle at the bottom.
Step 1 was to sew the top. I completed that without finishing the bottom edge. When that was done, I measured the circumference of the unfinished bottom and used that as the base calculation for the skirt. For Little N, the top came out to 16 inches across, or 32 inches around. Using 16 as my base number, I approximated that each level could be 1.5 times larger. This placed the first tier at 24 inches per piece of fabric, the second tier at 32 and the last at 44 (my fabric was 45 inches across). Then I cut. I made 3 tubes and started to join them. I first added a rolled hem to the bottom, the largest tube. Then I gathered and pined. I attached this to the second tier. I added a zigzag stitch to strengthen the seam and pressed the seam upwards. I top-stitched the seam on the next tier to further lock it in and force it to lay flat. I repeated this step for the next tier.
Finally, the moment of truth. I followed the same steps to attach this to the bodice. The best part about the project is since I started with the hem, once I attached the skirt to the bodice and trimmed off the strings, the finish work was done.
Little N was in love!
The spin-ability of the dress was a hit with Little N. She did not hold still long enough for me to take a photo. Granted, it doesn't take a spiny dress to have this effect on her, but the spiny dress sure sped her up.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Recycling and Sewing
I had a bright idea as I looked at one of Pete's shirts destined for the rag bag. The front was stained beyond what I would allow him to wear in public, but I thought that the shirt had a better future if I could re-purpose it.
I cut off the sleeves and modified an existing pattern for a little boy's shirt to work around the stains and pen marks.
The last photo is Big N in the finished product prior to adding buttons and button holes. All that is left is to cut the threads from the button holes and wash and press the shirt. I've added the buttons, but have not had a chance to take a photo of Big N in it. For some reasons, clothes really do not excite him as much as his sister.
Big N has mentioned that he finds zippers much easier to work than buttons, but I'm not ready to send him out to join the bowling league, yet. I have promised that he can pick out the shirt from the rag bag so I can make one with a zipper for him on my next project for him. There are plenty.
I cut off the sleeves and modified an existing pattern for a little boy's shirt to work around the stains and pen marks.
The last photo is Big N in the finished product prior to adding buttons and button holes. All that is left is to cut the threads from the button holes and wash and press the shirt. I've added the buttons, but have not had a chance to take a photo of Big N in it. For some reasons, clothes really do not excite him as much as his sister.
Big N has mentioned that he finds zippers much easier to work than buttons, but I'm not ready to send him out to join the bowling league, yet. I have promised that he can pick out the shirt from the rag bag so I can make one with a zipper for him on my next project for him. There are plenty.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sewing Projects
I have been sewing up a storm lately. I broke my New Year's resolution and purchased some fleece for a jacket for the kids. Big N saw the clifford fabric while we were picking up thread for something else and begged me to make him something. It did not hurt that it was on sale, so I bent my rule a little bit and made him a coat.
I managed to cut out the alternating Clifford dogs such that ALL of the dogs in the front are upside down. The right side up ones lined up perfectly with every seam. Luckily, Big N is happy that he can look down and see Clifford. However, this was a learning experience for me on cutting out patterns.
I also made something for Little N and her doll. I used up some more of my scrap fabric to make a sundress for Little N and a matching dress for her doll. This one was fun to make. I had originally bought the fabric to line a hand knit purse. I used the yarn for something else and had the fabric lying around. This was a perfect use and a very happy recipient. I winged the doll dress, but I'm very happy with the overall results.
I managed to cut out the alternating Clifford dogs such that ALL of the dogs in the front are upside down. The right side up ones lined up perfectly with every seam. Luckily, Big N is happy that he can look down and see Clifford. However, this was a learning experience for me on cutting out patterns.
I also made something for Little N and her doll. I used up some more of my scrap fabric to make a sundress for Little N and a matching dress for her doll. This one was fun to make. I had originally bought the fabric to line a hand knit purse. I used the yarn for something else and had the fabric lying around. This was a perfect use and a very happy recipient. I winged the doll dress, but I'm very happy with the overall results.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Little N had snowflakes on Valentine's Day
Just in time for Spring, we have snowflakes! Little N wore this dress to church this morning.
As I mentioned earlier, my New Year's resolution has been to use up what I have, as far as craft projects. I purchased a beautiful blue corduroy fabric with white snowflakes before Big N was born. And, yes, that was 6 years ago. The plan had been to make overalls out of it. After Little N was born, I thought this might make a cute baby dress. That was 4 years ago.
I'm really glad my plans didn't work out! Or perhaps, this is positive reinforcement that procrastination can work for you.
Little N loves her dress. It twirls well when she spins, which is her only requirement.
On the sewing front, I learned how to gather a skirt and sew a button hole. Skirt gathering is a requirement if I want to make anything that twirls for little N.
As I mentioned earlier, my New Year's resolution has been to use up what I have, as far as craft projects. I purchased a beautiful blue corduroy fabric with white snowflakes before Big N was born. And, yes, that was 6 years ago. The plan had been to make overalls out of it. After Little N was born, I thought this might make a cute baby dress. That was 4 years ago.
I'm really glad my plans didn't work out! Or perhaps, this is positive reinforcement that procrastination can work for you.
Little N loves her dress. It twirls well when she spins, which is her only requirement.
On the sewing front, I learned how to gather a skirt and sew a button hole. Skirt gathering is a requirement if I want to make anything that twirls for little N.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sewing during my vacation
My new year's resolution is to use up some of the fabric and yarn I already own and make some things. It is New Year's eve, and I've already made a small dent.
Here we have brand new flannel jammies pants for Big N. He loves them, and not just because they match the sheets I made him a few years ago.
Instead of using a pattern, I based these off of a pair of pants he loves. I made them narrower, as he is narrower. They are a perfect fit! I left a little growing room in the elastic and the hem can be lowered.
Little N now has a fleece nightgown. I used a pattern for this one. I originally picked up this fleece before she was born intending to make her a baby blanket. I'm very happy with the outcome, even though I stored the fleece for over 4 years. The nightgown is very large on her. She wore it over her clothes until dinner time last night, when she got "too warm!"
Here we have brand new flannel jammies pants for Big N. He loves them, and not just because they match the sheets I made him a few years ago.
Instead of using a pattern, I based these off of a pair of pants he loves. I made them narrower, as he is narrower. They are a perfect fit! I left a little growing room in the elastic and the hem can be lowered.
Little N now has a fleece nightgown. I used a pattern for this one. I originally picked up this fleece before she was born intending to make her a baby blanket. I'm very happy with the outcome, even though I stored the fleece for over 4 years. The nightgown is very large on her. She wore it over her clothes until dinner time last night, when she got "too warm!"
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