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????

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!

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of Buckwheat?

Oh yes they are!  For a few months I have been waking up with neck pain.  Sometimes it was so bad, I would find myself with a pack of frozen peas on the neck.  My mom suggested a new pillow, a buckwheat pillow.  Well, what the heck? I would try anything at this point. So, I ordered one up from here... and after a night or two of sleeping on this unusual pillow, I feel better! I don't wake up with pain anymore.  I am so happy.

The crafty gal in my could not resist making a new pillowcase for this amazing piece of sleepy goodness.  It truly deserved some LOVE.  Amy Butler LOVE that is.  So now every night I get to rest my head on something pretty and comfortable.  Hurray for new pillows and pretty fabric!

Upcycled Chic

 I know that the Oscars are far over, but I am so taken with Ms Firth's dress. Her dress is from Vogue's Green Carpet Challenge and it is beautiful.  The dress is eleven different dresses rolled into one beautiful gown.  The sacrificed dresses come from charity/thrift/vintage shops that were in the area of The King's Speech. Every single part of this dress has been recycled, upcycled, and repurposed. 

It is amazing.  Honestly, is shows some real talent and creativity on behalf of designer Gary Harvey.  I think I may have to add this piece to my inspiration board. 

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.  

Built By Wendy Top (again)

Built By Wendy Top (again)
Originally uploaded by doodlesprouts

Last week I looked around my closet and felt like it could use a little spruce up. Those summer tees has lost some luster. I love the Built By Wendy patterns from Simplicity. This pattern is so simple and quick. It should be a staple in anyone's sewing pattern collection. The pattern is number 3835. I really would like to try making the tunic "dress" (for me it would be top). I think it would be fun this fall. Anyway, I had some green chambray fabric laying around and thought that would be perfect for a summer day. So with a seam here and there, presto!! New shirt!! Thank goodness for stash fabric and a nice simple pattern. May the summer fun continue on!

Is There Anything Better??

 How about a blanket for summer picnics, playing, beaches, camping?? Right now, I am thinking there is nothing better. This blanket comes right from the book Handmade Home By Amanda Soule (of SouleMama).  Used bits of old pillowcases and sheets, along with new material that I had in the stash.  I then found an old chenille bedspread to use for the back.  My favorite part of the blanket is that I was able to incorporate pillowcases from my childhood. I love that!  I can totally see making a couple more of these.   

   The family already has plans to use this blanket.  I honestly can't wait.  Finally feeling like summer is here!

In Awe

 Has anyone else seen this blog? Seriously, I am so impressed with Melissa has done! She has a super inspiring summer quest. 21 dresses in 21 days.   It is so fun to see her sketch and create her amazing designs.  You can read her confessions and inspirations here.  Some great ideas from using pillowcases, sheets, and those tops that are sitting in the closet.  Or you can just purchase them from her shop.




For a little inspiration of your own, check out some of her designs (her pics) below...

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.

A little time away

  No, we did not go out on a vacation or holiday.  We stayed put, however our little home was invaded by family and some fun.  So, any crafting was put on hold for a bit.  Now that everyone is gone back to their homes, we are slowly returning back to the daily routine of things.  The only crafty news I have is that the picnic blanket top is finished.  I am waiting for the back to come in the mail. 

Mother's Day was a good day.  The boys were very sweet with breakfast, lots of hugs and kisses, a day to shop, and dinner at my moms.  One of my favorite splurges was on some Liberty Of London flips.  If you sew, then you know how great it was to have Liberty at Target for a bit!! 

These are very comfy and I think the print is pretty fun for summer.  Hope to be back to more regular posting schedule!

Inspiration

  The other day the kids and I went to our library to see what we could see.  In all the wonderful stacks of books I came across Handmade Home by Amanda Blake Soule.  I cannot tell you how much I love this book.  There is such a great mix of things to do with the kids, for kids, for others, for yourself.  Fantastic.  The best part is that you use what you have, what you thrift, what you find. 

 I am thinking that a paper mache bowl for the boys to keep all those spare Lego pieces in would be good.  Those little bits wander ALL over house.  There is a wonderful beach blanket that I have my eye on making as well.  Actually,  there is much I have my eye on.  Rather than try and cram it into the time allowed by the library, a book purchase maybe in order.  Isn't that the beauty of trying out craft books from your local library?!  If you love a book, just maybe it works its way into your home permanently.

Something Lined

 The month of April brings about a new sewing challenge.  Something lined.   I have been thinking this over for some time now. I am still not sure on what exactly to sew.  A skirt? a bag? WAIT.....WAIT..... I have it! I think a zipper pouch is just the way to go!! A handy item to have on you.  Love that one can work right out of your stash fabric and  have it done in a day!!  I think I love this idea! YEAH!!   Ideas can be found from Sew Mama Sew. Thinking of this by twelve 22

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. 

Friday Fun

  Yesterday I happily went over to our local library where I picked up the sewing book Seams To Me by Anna Maria Horner.  It is FULL of beautiful pictures using her beautiful fabrics.  What I love about the book is that there is LOTS of instruction.  A good book for a beginner!  Some of the projects in her book that look like fun might be.......
Basket Case pillowcase, the smock top, pincushion caddy, any of the aprons, the taxi tote. 

Oh goodness!  I better get cracking! For some inspiration check out the Seams To Me Flickr Pool.  Lots of great ideas and finished projects.

Have a great weekend!!

Quick Knit For A Friend

I love the yarn from Yarn Hollow.  How lucky to live in the same town as her.   A while ago I purchased some of her yarn at a local yarn shop.  The colors were bright, the yarn was soft, but I was not sure what I was going to use it for.  Then it hit me, the fun, fast pattern Toasty by Leslie Friend would be great.  To really motivate things I decided to gift the mitts to a friend.  Needless to say, the mittens are off at their new home and they went over great! Love it when that happens!! With this project done, I can refocus on some sewing projects.  February is fading fast and I have a knit sewing project to finish!! 

Let's Hear It For The Boy(s)

While getting up to par in Twitter world (yes, I know, but I have to stay in touch with all these crafty things somehow!) I was so excited to check out the MADE blog.  For the entire month of February they are rocking all things for boys!  As a mom of 2 young lads, (no girls) I am so excited.  I miss out on making pillow case dresses, tutu's,  headbands, hair clips, leggings, and all kinds of stuff.  It has only been two days and I love what they have! Rae has a great idea of making a button down shirt for boys from a man's shirt!! Love the whole recycle thing! So check it out and be inspired!

January Sewing Is Done!

I finally finished the dress.  In plenty of time to wear to grandma's 90th birthday party!!  I promise to have MUCH better pics of the dress at a later date.  In the meantime, you will have to settle on what I could do, while two little rug rats took turns playing fashion photographer.

Now, onto the deatails.  I used simplicity pattern 2925 view A.  It was a pretty easy pattern to follow.  I did leave out the ties but may add them on later. I also changed up the neckline just a little.  I made bias tape out of the material I was using and decided to use that on the neckline instead.  Otherwise everything went as written. The material was a drapy blend of rayon with 2% spandex for some stretch. Love a little give in a dress.  So nice when sitting. I have stated before and I will say it again.  A mom must have pockets! They come in handy when you least expect it.

Overall I like how it came out.  It would make a VERY comfortable dress if done in a more casual fabric.  Could see another one of these or a little different version being made in the future.  Will try and  post pics from the party and of the entire outfit put together.

Simple Yet Effective

If you have not checked out the fantastic SwissMiss blog, then you really must!  Her site is full of things to make you smile and enjoy.  While hanging out on her site, she led me to Matt Brown and his fun ideas.  His simple idea for kids and parents is fantastic.  I know that the lower pocket would have come in handy for all those rocks, acorns, and other treasures that are found and NEED to be taken home.  Sometimes the most simple ideas seem to be the most brillant.

A Small Step

In January one gets the itch to spruce things up around the home. The holiday decorations are coming down anyway, so why not change things around. The hope next weekend to start a painting project in the upstairs. In the meantime, I had the urge for something small, quick, and super simple. How about a new runner for the kitchen hutch?? Yes, a good start! I had a little Joel Dewberry fabric that was begging to be made into something. The colors go well with the hutch, I think.
I think I really like how it turned out. It is keeping me motivated to keep working on things around here. Of course I will have to remind myself of that next week as we prep to have the upstairs painted. I can't wait. It is going to be my own sewing space!! How exciting!

She Is All Done!

Wow, seriously I need to get back into the swing of things. Feels like I have been living in the holiday fog, and I am ready to see the light! In order to feel more ready, I have pictures of the holiday skirt. It was my first time working with a satin material, and it went better than I thought. Although there were some tense moments. Used Simplicity pattern 2512 and a satin backed shantung material. Love the color and my favorite part of the skirt are the pockets. A momma MUST have pockets.

This is my second time putting in the infamous invisible zipper. Not the best work, but here's hoping that my rear is not scrutinized to much! All in all I think this skirt was fun and might come out of the closet on more than just a holiday occasion.