More Stash Busting (and embroidery )

  I am continuing to try and bust through some stash fabric.  I had a heavier cotton laying around.  I thought I was going to make a bag out of it, but then a skirt sounded more fun.  Using my go to skirt pattern (Amy Butler's Barcelona Skirt) I set out to make a simple skirt for spring.

 .  I did not make any changes to the pattern except that I did not hem the skirt.  I want it to fray at the ends.  The material is a natural color, why not keep it natural looking?  I love the skirt, but it is still a bit to cold for skirt wearing around here.  Right not the skirt sits in the closet waiting for the day when it can come out to play. 

In the meantime I continue to sew and to build up that spring and summer wardrobe.  It has to warm up sometime right????

Here Comes The Refashion

Last year I typed up a post on a bridesmaid dress that needed a little attention. Well, like any super fancy dress it was domed to sit in bridesmaid dress hell unless............

  As I looked at the lovely print and felt the soft material, visions of a swingy summer skirt came to mind.  So with a pair of sissors and some elastic I set out to refashion this dress.  It will not sit in closet for years collecting dust or end up at the Goodwill donation store.  No no, I have plans for you dear dress.  After much cutting, sewing and measuring we had victory!

  A summer skirt that works! (I have yet to find a top I love with the skirt, but hey it is still very much spring around here.)  Love it! I have a feeling that this skirt is going to get lots of wear.  I love its movement and the big print is perfect for the warmer months.  Hurray for new life breathed into an old dress.

I Have Hope

I received the book Craft Hope for Christmas and I have been itching to find a good project to start with. After countless time flipping through the pretty pages, I went with the classic pillowcase dress.  This is my first attempt and I think it turned out pretty cute.  I found a nice case at the local thrift store.  I loved the trim at the opening. The rest was as easy as pie, thanks to the books great instructions.  I made size 6-12 mo. 

  The only embellishment I added were the buttons. I had them sitting around in the stash and thought they would add a little something to the dress.  Kinda cute no?

  This dress is on its way to Florida for my new niece. I have some other pillowcases in the stash that are now on its way to becoming dresses.  I think many will be sent out for charity, but a couple may find there way as gifts.  The book is amazing and full of all kinds of projects.  It  is inspiring and also a great way to get the kiddos included in some activities for others.

Sweet Niece!

  In our family, we have boys. All nephews, including my 2 contributions.  There are 7 of them to be exact.  So imagine my surprise when I found out I am getting a NIECE! My lovely sister in law is expecting this August and we could not be more happy.  As soon as we found out, I set to work on putting a gifty box together. Along with some store bought finds I included some homemade goodies.

Embroidery is my new addiction.  I checked out several books at the library including Sublime Stitching by Jenny Hart.  Love it! I got my hands on some simple white onsies and went to town!

Bird pattern by Jenny Hart. Kept this one simple.

The front side of onesie #2

The back side of the onesie #2.  Pattern by Jenny Hart.

 Of course not only did I get to test out some embroidery, but having a niece means I get to FINALLY  try out all those super cute girlie sewing patterns out there! Will be coming in next post. Can't wait! There is something to be said for all this rainy cold weather.  You are defiantly more productive in the sewing department!