Stop staring and start sewing!

Hola! Buenos Dias!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!  I took 4 years of Spanish and that is pretty much the extent of my ability to converse in Español.  Oh no, I have to find the code for the little squiggle over the "n" which is pronounced "en-yay" (I remember that much!).  Got it!  See?   "ñ"!

I've been super swamped trying to get everything finished so I'm ready for Quilt Market next week.  I'm so excited and I can't wait to try Stumptown coffee which I hear is amazing.  I'm also planning on eating seafood because it's closer to the source.  I've never been comfortable eating seafood in Arizona, it worries me.

I've had a chance to play with Jennifer Paganelli's Bell Bottom fabric and I love it.  It's so great because it coordinates with her Basics line so the possibilities are endless.  I made another one of those darn apron skirts.  I apologize for being a one trick pony here but I'm trying to make a little fun money for Portland and these sell.

Isn't it cute?

Here's the whole outfit.

Here's another Flirt outfit (oh man, I'm loving this fabric!).  For some (unknown to me) reason the Flirt fabric weighs less than the other ones and it's super soft.  I'm not familiar with the whole manufacturing ins and outs but there's something different about it.

I added a little covered button so the pants would have some pink in them too.  Easy Peasy and cutesie tootsie.

Here's something fun Olivia's working on (I think it's an apron).  I like the way the pink ice cream is dripping.

And Junior Man got some new shoes which he is loathe to remove.  He'd wear these and his Elmo shirt (and nothing else!) all day everyday if we'd let him and he throws a fit when we try to take them off.  I kind of know how he feels since I'm wearing this shirt again.  Oh and he managed to give the cat a bath and acquire a large scratch on his tummy at the same time today.  Gotta love that instant kharma.

Saltwater sandals are the best sandals in the history of the planet and I'm glad my friend Tiffany carries them in her store (I even have some white ones in my size.  But I had to buy them at a grown up store.).

And then this is just cute.  She's obviously keeping a close eye on that little basket of chicks (this isn't the scratching, bath-taking cat.  That one is her brother).

I'm planning on doing some fun sewing for myself but it might have to wait until I get back from Portland.  The pathetic thing is I may have to wear store bought clothes (gasp) to Quilt Market because I'm so busy sewing other things.  But I have had some fun sewing samples of the Oliver and S. patterns (blatant link to my etsy store there) for Liesl and I'm getting really good at them.  They are really clever patterns and I'm loving her fabric choices (Liberty of London, oh my gosh!).  Okay, back to the factory.

I may be a genius (either that or I'm an idiot)

Yesterday I had one of those serendipity moments while putting some fabric away.  I was pulling the plastic wrap over a bolt of fabric while standing at the ironing board.  The plastic wrapper got stuck on the hot iron and my heart sank (that's the idiot part).  I couldn't find my tube of Iron Off since I have re-arranged my sewing room at least two times since the last time I used it.  I tried all sorts of dumb things to remove it.  I squirted it with cold water thinking it would turn hard and fall off.  Then I sprayed it with canned air because that air turns cold and I thought maybe that would do it.  Nope.

I started thinking about that Iron Off stuff and it occurred to me that it's just a tube of greasy goop, so that gave me an idea (here comes the genius part).  I grabbed a tube of neosporin and squirted some out on a cruddy piece of flannel then ran the hot iron over it a few times.  It worked!!  Eureka!  Clean as the day it came off the factory floor!  Look.

After doing some research I realized that neosporin isn't cheap and maybe I should look for something cheaper.  Sooooo I found a tube of vasoline and heated up the iron.  I stuck some plastic to the hot iron on purpose and then squirted a blob of Vaseline on the flannel.  It worked lickety-split too!  You know, that's probably all that's in the Iron Off anyway.  They just change the label and hike up the price I'll bet.  So I'm feeling pretty darn smart except for the part where the neosporin melted through the flannel onto my ironing board cover (idiot part here, see lower left hand corner of the picture) and left a big old greasy spot on it.  Then I remembered that I had pre-washed my fabric when I made that cover so I can just take it off and throw it in the wash (genius!).  All in all a good day.

I also had a chance to play with some of that beautiful Flirt fabric I got last week.  I've been wanting to try this new pattern I got because it looked cute and simple and was cheap because it's a See & Sew pattern by Butterick (B5009).

I changed the straps to ties (about 17 inches long each) so it's adjustable and I added ruffles to the capris (because I needed an excuse to throw some of the pink nosegay print in there).  Here's what I came up with.

I thought it was cute but still wanting something.  So I added an apron (of course!).  Cute, fast, simple and it really adds some spunk, don't you think?  They have these beautiful shell buttons at Joann and they're fairly cheap (and have a variety of soft colors) so those worked perfect for making the apron removable.

I also made this little outfit and I really like the fact that it's a summery outfit but not summery colors (kind of throws people off that way!).  I've been wanting to use that embroidered lace (on the apron part) for awhile and it looks great with these colors.  I'm trying to use some of the fabrics that aren't selling as fast just to see if they really are cute or I'm just imagining they are.

I added the little birdie so it could have just a hint of some pink.  I like it.

Now I'm going to go play with some of that Bell Bottom fabric!  Fun!

Can't help but be inspired

I've been staring at these fabrics for a couple of weeks now and I finally had to play with some of them.  I really love the sweetness of Tanya Whelan's Barefoot Roses collection (and this fabric is so soft).  I can't wait to see her Ava Rose collection and I wish she'd give us some sneak peeks. 

I don't have a pattern for these outfits.  I just have the bodice pattern and kind of work from there and adjust the length, etc.  I just used a regular old pant pattern for the pants though.

I like making the straps that cross in the back.  I think the halter ones put too much weight on the back of a little girls neck (I think these are cuter too).

I think this is my favorite though.  These colors!!  Dang!  I really love the Fresh Cut line (have lots in my store) and I've never gotten tired of it.  It was fun to add a little bit of Jennifer Paganelli's Sis Boom too.  I think this pink print adds some more fun to it.

I made the back straps a little thinner on this one, and I'm so glad I had an opportunity to use some of  these pretty laces I have in my stash.

I've listed these on ebay and I'm trying hard not to check them every ten minutes.  Maybe I should go for a walk?

I should be getting tons of Jennifer Paganelli's Sis Boom Bell Bottom (fabulous as usual) and Robyn Pandolph's Flirt (oh my gosh!) next week.  I'm trying not to go into panic mode every time I hear a delivery truck coming down the street.  And sometimes the garbage truck sounds like a delivery truck and that's a real let down when I run to the window.  I need to get out for a walk.

Back in the saddle

Well we're back from Legoland and everyone had a good time (especially a certain 7 year old boy).  I'm glad we didn't pay full price though because I would have been demanding a refund.  And that's all I've got to say about that.

I was very anxious to get back to some projects and had a hard time sleeping last night just thinking about all the things I want to make.  Which makes me grateful for my morning coffee which I love so much.  Anyway...

I finally got around to making something with this pattern I've had for a few weeks and I'm so tickled with the result.  I finally weaned the baby a few weeks ago and I'm getting back to a normal "bosomage" so things are starting to fit better.  I will definitely be making a few more of these tops for summer.  I love the fact that it's sleeveless but still provides good coverage.   It's Simplicity 4176 and it's not out of print (bet you didn't see that coming)!

I made the top in the main picture but added about an inch to the length.  The example looked okay but I hate it when a top looks good and then when you lift your arms it exposes the horrifyingly jiggly results of 5 pregnancies.  Eeeek.

I love this fabric too.  I got it at Bolt in Portland last summer and have been waiting for just the right pattern. 

I really love the fact that it has no zippers or buttons but still doesn't look or feel loose.  It just has a few easy pleats and it went together pretty fast.  I did narrow the bodice at the top so the shoulders didn't tip out so much.  See my sunburn?  I always sunburn in other states but never in Arizona.  Go figure.

I'm very happy with this pattern and Joey liked it right away when he walked in the door tonight so that's a good thing too.  Fun!

Up for air

Thank you all so much for the shopping frenzy!  I just made my last trip to the post office until next week.  I did get a small lecture on stuffing those flat rate envelopes but they took them and I can handle a lecture (I went to Catholic school so I'm tough that way.  Bring it on Sister!).  Of course if the guy behind the counter had been carrying a wooden ruler I might not be acting so bold here.  I've been trying to be dainty in my fabric packing so people will receive beautiful, crisp, flat fabric but a couple buyers told me to just stuff it in there and tape like crazy and it worked!  It's not pretty but heck, you can iron the fabric when it gets there, right?

I finished up a couple little outfits (finally) and I thought I would share a fun way to "girlify" a tank top.  I had to make another one of these tanks so here are some pictures for making the little ruffles ("wings") on the sleeves.  This tank is about a size 6 (in childrens) so you can make adjustments if you're using a smaller one.

Take a piece of fabric 14 x 7....

fold it in half lengthwise and press....

Mark a curved line starting about 1/2" in from the folded edge (I used a fabric pencil because my "mark be gone" pen ran dry.  But it won't show anyway.)  Sorry it's so faint, you'll have to look close...

Make two rows of gathering stitches using the line as your guide...

trim....

Gather until it's about 7 inches long on the gathered edge...

Serge the edge to secure the gathers (you can also just stitch it and then zigzag to clean the frays up)...

Center the "wing" on the shoulder seam and zigzag (on the outside of the shirt) in place...

Ready for take off!!  Cute!!

I hope you all have a great weekend!  We are leaving in the morning for Legoland (yippy!  I think).  Time to pack.

Time for Tea

I finished my little teapot (short and stout!...) outfit today and breathed a big sigh of relief.  I've been invited to be part of a launch with a really nice group of gals on ebay and I actually finished ahead of time (that never happens).  I made a pair of jeans to go with it and appliqued a few things on them.  I think I'm getting a little better at it.   I seriously hope this makes me a ton of money because it took forever!

The straps are supposed to be sewn down in the back but I wanted to do something with a little more flexibility in case it ends up on a tall girl.  I made loops and then put the (extra long) straps through them and I think it really looks prettier than the pattern.

Guess who showed up again today?  I got a picture as he was coming up the walk (and he never even knew it!).   Sorry for the bright picture but it is Arizona and I didn't have time to adjust my camera because I didn't want him to catch me (I know I wouldn't want somebody taking a picture of my backside).

Here's a sample of the chaos that ensued.  I'm going to be crazy busy this weekend!  Don't worry though, I am planning on sharing. 

Fun!

Hey Cupcake! (this is harder than it looks)

I'm working on this little apron for a dress.  I know, another apron.  But when I said I was on an apron kick I meant it.  This one is turning our super cute but my machine applique work is harder than I thought it would be.  I don't have much experience with it and I think it's another one of those things that just takes lots of practice.  But overall I'm pleased.

The stitches on the teapot are sort of wobbly.  Especially the handle.  I really like this fabric though because it makes it look like a chintz teapot (don't you think?).

I started with this.  Some sketches and fabric choices.

Here's where I'm at now.  Not bad for a novice (as long as nobody look close).  Don't you just want that cupcake?!   Fun!

Practice makes perfect halfway decent

I've had a hankering to do some embroidery lately but, like anything, it's good to practice a little when you're rusty.  It's not like riding a bike (at least for me).   It's more like a use-it-or-lose-it kind of thing.

The first one (on the left) was awful because I realized, after the fact, that I needed a better needle and the floss I was using was some cheap stuff from a kit so the bullion stitch wouldn't slide through easily.  It wasn't soft and smooth like the DMC floss and it made a huge difference.  By the time I did the one on the right I was getting the hang of it again.

Here's the next one I did for the ruffle on this skirt.  I think it turned out sweet!  I also did some cute little french knots on the green "vines" but unfortunately you can only see a hint of them (but they're really cute, take my word for it).

And I was so shamed by my friend Kelci's post about using the fancy stitches on her new machine that I decided to try some of my own (seeing as I've had my machine 2 months longer than her!).  I'm so tickled with the results!  Look at the little apron!  It so weird watching the machine do all that pretty work in such a perfectly straight line.

Here's the whole outfit (Holy smokes!  It already has a bid!  No way!).  I added these cute sleeves to the tank top (more machine embroidery!) and it was so easy I will take pictures of the process next time because I think it's a great way to add some "flare" (or is it "flair"?) to a plain little top.

Thanks for the nice comments on the girls Easter outfits.  I promise to get some full length pictures up soon.

Oh, and I just put in a nice order with Free Spirit for some more delicious fabrics!!  Yippy!  And Sandi's Ginger Blossom fabrics are really flying out the door so don't wait to long to get some!

Lily Pads of Loveliness

I couldn't help myself.  I had to play with some of this Ginger Blossom fabric.  It's so soft and the colors are so great.  I used an old pattern (oldie but goodie) that I've had for over 10 years.  It's out of print now but I bought one on ebay recently (I see there's one listed now) because I wanted the smaller size ranges too.  It says it takes 2 hours to make it but after you've made it once you can probably do it in less than an hour, it's so simple.  The dress and blouse have 4 pattern pieces: 1 front piece and 1 bodice lining, 1 back piece and 1 bodice lining.

This lily pad print is so great on it's own I thought it would be a shame to use it in a "busy" outfit.  I think it turned out perfect.

I really love the little backpack too.  It's really fun to make and darn cute. The pattern only has a few pieces: an outside piece and lining, then a pocket and two straps.  Easy Peasy, just a bunch of rectangles.  I keep meaning to make a copy of this pattern but in a bigger size because I think it would be fun to have one for myself.

Cute!  Oh, and I found the cutest blog today.  Look at her sewing room!  The shelves, the chair...heavenly.

Oh another thing, I recently changed email servers and it looks like I lost some of your emails in the process so please don't think I'm ignoring you.  Because I like  you!  I really like you!

It looks like we've got it worked out now.

Let's hear it for the boy!

Nothing inspires me more than a clean sewing room.  The only problem is I get so inspired I start 3 or 4 different projects and my clean sewing room quickly becomes my messy sewing room.  But today I managed to get 2 cute little projects done and the room is still salvageable.   

I love making little girly things buy since my girls are big I've really felt like I should attempt to make some things for my boys.   When my grandmother passed away I was the appreciative recipient of a few of her sewing treasures.  This pattern was one of them and I've held onto it hoping I would eventually get around to making something with it.  I think the outfit on the pattern is kind of dorky so I made some adjustments and it turned out so darn cute.

I've been holding onto this bear fabric for awhile planning to make a cute little skirt to sell but I'm trying to turn over a new leaf and use the fabric I love for the people I love.  My little Skate looked at the bears and said "Meow" and my heart melted.  I added 3 inches to the length of the legs and a little trim to match the pocket (boys need pockets).  It was really simple.  2 pieces for the front, 2 for the back and the facing.  Plus I got to use my automatic-ish button-holer and it did a great job (even though I got a little crazy with the seam ripper and took out some of the stitches).  I'm so excited with the way it turned out and I love how the blue pocket matches his blue eyes!

And here he is pounding on the next door neighbors garage but I didn't care because he was standing nearly still so I could get this picture (I can always apologize later, right?)

This picture made me nervous because I want him to wear this to church tomorrow and here he is sitting on the ground.  But again, he's holding still so I'll go with it.  Gosh, he's just so cute!

I'm so glad I made this and it help relieve some of the guilt I carry for doing more sewing for strangers (nice strangers I think!) and not for my kids.  Whew.