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!

Spring Sewing Is Here!

Simplicity Pattern 4589

I am so excited to finally start sewing for spring/summer. While it is still a white cold mess outside, inside thoughts are warm and dreamy with spring weather so close to coming.  I had some left over material that needed to be used.  Why not make a quick top that is great for layering (hence the sweater in March) and also on it own?  The brown was a silky type material.  I not sure exactly what it is, but it is very light and has a nice drape.  I am inspired this year by natuarl fibers like linen and light cottons.  For textures I am loving those silks (and "silk-like") fabrics. 

The only thing I changed on the pattern was to add the extra layer of material. This top needed a little interest and that pop of color keeps the brown from looking to much like fall.  The extra band of purple at the bottom added some length.  Nice for when you are 5'9" and patterns are cut for those on the shorter side. I also added slits at the bottom of the top for better movement around those hips.

I just finished up another Amy Butler skirt  . Her simple a-line skirt to be more exact.  It turned out super cute and I even got a chance to embroider. Pics will be coming, if it warms up a bit.  I am also anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first Japanese sewing pattern book.  I really want to work on sewing pintucks and this book has some lovely designs.  Perfect for summer and layering pieces. 

I would say that spring has sprung around here!

A Happy Surprise

   The other day I was looking through some sewing books getting some inspiration for the holidays.  I finally found a winner with the book Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross.  Her guest slipper pattern caught my eye. I decided to give it a whirl, although I did some modifications.  I used fold over elastic and omitted the ric-rack.  I have so much of the FOE in my stash, this was a great way to use some up. I also omitted the little loop in the back of the slipper.  Next time I may add it, especially if gifting to others.
 My favorite part is the fabric.  I used  napkins from World Market! That store is so full of textile goodness.

 With this wearable muslin all done, there maybe many more pair showing up in the future. It was a fast and pretty simple project and there are LOTS of possibilities to really personalize and get creative with this.  

  A pair of fingerless mittens are all set for the holidays.  The pattern used was Susie's Reading Mitts that I found on Ravelry.  While my pattern was not exact, it was very easy to knit.  It was also was very fast.  That is the nice thing about those fingerless mittens.  The yarn I used was Berroco's Softwist.  It was hanging out in the stash just waiting for the perfect time of year to become something fabulous.  What I like about these for winter is you can make them nice and long to cover up any exposed skin.

These mittens are made up to give to friends this year.  I love playing elf.  Making the gifts and then giving them away.  It is the best part of the holidays!

I Heart Fall

I love fall AND I love new knits! Huzzah for a fun and finished knitting project.  Fall is the perfect time for fingerless mittens.  I love them.  You can access anything you need without having to sacrifice some cold hands. The pattern used was by Nutty Irishman Knits, titled Juniper Mitts. Found the pattern on Ravelry. The yarn I used was something left over from the stash. It was a heavy worsted weight yarn.  I cannot remember what I used! 

  I finished off the mittens with a fake buttonhole.  My buttons were found at the thrift store (of course!). I love that they are a great neutral color.  Most important, I use them all the time for running out, playing in the yard, and walking the kiddo to school with a hot cup o' coffee in hand. 

Summer Sewing Has Begun!

   It may only be the end of May, but if feels like summer around here! Highs are in the 90's and the boys are running in the sprinkler to cool off.  Salads, lemonade, and cool treats are in hand.  Crafting has taken a back seat to things like yard work, planting, birthday parties, and end of the school year activities.

   However, I have finally finished a tunic shirt for summer! Love the fabric. It is a cotton lawn. Although it can show wrinkles (see picture), the comfort factor wins. This fabric is sooooo light weight,  it calls, no screams to made into something light and a bit boho. The pattern was Simplicity 2586 ( Cynthia Rowley ).  It was pretty easy, the only modification I made was on the arm hole.  I used FOE (fold over elastic) rather than a finished sleeve.  I love that idea and it very comfortable (and forgiving!).  I think I will that method again on my next top.  I can another one of these making its way into the summer wardrobe. Yes indeed.

The Lined Pouch

  April's sewing project is all done!! YEAH!!  This month the challenge was to sew something lined.  Indeed it was a challenge.  I have an aversion to things lined.  Not sure why this is.  All those cute bags, a very pretty skirt, and other endless possibilities are found with a lining.  My thinking was to sew something small. The idea of a lined pouch sounded appealing  Not so scary, right?? You can use material that is lying around, and there are LOTS of great tutorials out there.  I used the tutorial found on tweleve22. 

I am finding that with the warmer weather coming, Ric Rac is catching my eye more and more.  Thought this would be a fun project to try it out.

Of course here is a picture of what this project is all about, the lining.  Not the best job, nor is it a perfect fit.  Just happy that I did it and it IS functional!

 Now that I have one done, I would not be so scared to try another. Might be good to have a couple of these handy for summer.  Cheers!!

3 Little Birds

  The softie project is done!  I went in a very different direction.  I still made birds, but I used a different pattern.  These three lovely birds are from a pattern found on Spool Sewing.  Although I did not make the mobile, these birds are headed off to be with my new nephew and his little brother. My sister is a fan of birds and nature,so I thought these suited her styleI did not put any eyes on them, I just kept them plain.  I was not sure what "mom" would want or not want on them.  So in the interest of safety and keeps it simple, the birds have not been embellished.  On my next go with these, it would be fun to experiment a little with some felt or embroidery. I loved this as a stash busting experiment. It always feels good to get some scarps used up.  Now it is time for these three to fly this house and onto another!

Thinking Softie

The project for March is to sew a softie.  Believe it or not, this very simple and small project is intimidating to me. I don't know why, I just really don't want to mess this up.  The fantastically creative  LollyChops has inspired me to create my own owl.  Look how cute her little guys is! (above picture is hers!) The project seems straight forward,simple, and I am hoping to send these guys off to my 14mo.old nephew and his soon to be sibling.  We are waiting to see if said sibling is going to be a girl or a boy.  In the meantime, I am taking a deep breath and plunging into the softie world.  THIS is the very reason why I am doing this challenge.  Time to get out of the comfort zone and try new things.  So onward and upward. 

February Knits!

  February presented a sewing challenge in the world of knits.  Knit fabric can be very fun and very scary.  We love its comfort and easy care, however on the sewing machine, it can be a nightmare!  I am happy to say that I have survived and even enjoyed this easy, simple structured knit project. The pattern was Burda 7866 .  Super simple pattern with few pieces to sew. I fell in love with the color of this fabric.  The knit was a bamboo with 2% Lycra.  The Lycra has some memory to it, so wash and wear is fantastic.  Nice pattern for a beginning sewer or for a quick project to build on a wardrobe. The next knit project?  I am thinking a pair of bamboo pajama pants would be oh so fantastic for summer!!! 

On Tap This Week

 With the Olympics in full swing I am ready to sit down in my sewing room and get busy! My knit project this month is going to be Burda pattern 7866.  I found a fabulous bamboo knit last night in a lovely shade of blue/green.  The pattern seems simple and I think it will make a great spring top.  My plan tonight is to at least get all the cutting finished and maybe some seams sewn. There will be distractions of speed skaters, snowboarders, ice skaters, and the like, but if things get to tense, I can put that energy into sewing.  Can't wait to get started!