My First Refashioning...size small

I have been really excited about changing up some clothes we already have and making them more usable, in one way or another. For my first attempt, I decided to try out a shirt from my neice that I saved from my sister's thrift store pile (even better than thrifting!! Completely free!) The shirt was one of Kelsey's favorite, but was too small. It was a girl's size 7/8 with 3/4 length sleeves. Here is the before photo (sorry it's bad).

Here is the after shot!

Basically the reconstruction was in the sleeves. I simply cut them off and reattached higher up the shoulder. I also cut off the seam running up the arm and on either side of the shirt. I resewed this seam to fit Sydney's size and hemmed the bottom. Lucky for me, the 3/4 length sleeves fit Sydney perfectly after the sleeves were sewn on, and the neck wasn't too wide for her. This took me a little bit of time, simply because I didn't know what I was doing...next time should go better. Overall, I rate it a success...new clothes for no money, and Kelsey thinks its really cool that Sydney is getting her hand-me-downs already!

Finalists!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the love and name suggestions for my new dress form. Here is the entire list (I received a few e-mailed suggestions from some technically challenged participants :)

Veronica, Penelope (Penny) Ingrid, Bertha, Greta, Mabel, Fiona, Julia, Vera, Millicent, Mildred, Priscilla, Martha, Taylor, Audrey, Juliette, Edie, Matilda, Tillie, Kate, Heidi, Claudia, Giselle, Naomi, Winnifred (Winny), Lola, Verushka, Sue (Suzy Homemaker) and Nellie

I'm sorry to say, I just haven't decided yet. Tomorrow, I promise, okay! But, here are my top five (I've totally lost track on my list who these are from, so I am definitely unbiased)

Veronica

Vera

Tillie

Lola

Nellie

Tomorrow, the decision.

In the meantime, I have been so inspired by my new friend and the Wardrobe Refashion site, that I actually sewed myself a shirt this weekend. This is probably the third piece of clothing I have ever made for myself. The pattern was so easy and the shirt is extremely comfortable (if you are pregnant, this is a must have!! And no Mom, I'm not!). I added a couple darts in the back (much easier than it sounds) and I think it looks acceptable. I've already bought some green fabric to make another one!

Library Tote

I bought this fabric a couple weeks ago. Our Hancock Fabric's is going out of business, so I got it for 60% off! I'm so glad I stocked up on it, because I'm already thinking of several more items I would like to use it for.

Last night I was in the mood for something quick, so I whipped up a library tote for me and Sydney to use. Going to the library with a small child means grabbing anything that looks remotely interesting and trying to run after your kid before every book in the whole place is pulled off the shelf. So, a rather large tote was in order! Nothing fancy here...no lining, pockets, nothing. Just some really sturdy handles. Also works good for never ending knitting projects, which it is holding in this picture. (On a side note, I am never going to knit anything on needles smaller than a 10, it takes forever!!)



I hope you all had a heart warming Easter and that Spring is actually happening where you are. We are enjoying one last hurrah with winter around here. But, it has motivated me to do a little more spring cleaning since its not very fun to be outside yet. Things have been a little crazy around here with the holiday and traveling and snow storms, but everything should be back to normal this week...whatever that is!

MIA

Sorry I've been MIA lately. I had planned a quick trip to MN to see my family and meet up with a blogger friend. But we ended up staying longer than planned because of a snow storm! We had a great time in spite of the weather. Thanks everyone!

Pictured above are some notebook/colored pencil holders I whipped up for Amanda's boys. They were so easy to make, these will definitely become a staple for gift giving. I read a couple tutorials, but then decided to go it alone. All I did was measure the notebook and add 1/2 an inch to either side, then double that for the width. I added interfacing to the front fabric, sandwiched a pocket (iron and top stitch the top of it first), then sewed all the way around it, leaving a little gap to flip it right-side out. Iron it again and top stitch the individual pencil spots and notebook pocket. Oh, and I did a little heat-n-bond applique to the fronts of each first. So easy!!

Too cute for a title

My friend Rachel came over last night for a little crafty fun. See what we made!!

I can't take credit for any of it really. She picked out the fabric, the design and the handles, I just helped with a little sewing and ironing. This was the first time either of us had tried the plastic handles. They were a little bit trickier than I had anticipated, but they turned out really good. I always save the handles for last because I don't really enjoy making them, so this is probably a good alternative for me.

Thanks Rach for a fun night!

Have you all signed up for Vallen's swap? She is doing an ATC swap but with a twist - it must be wall mountable in some way. I already have a ton of ideas for wall mounting, no clue about the ATC!! Oh well, should be really fun. You should all sign up, okay!!

Sweet Dreams!

I whipped this up yesterday for a good friend of mine that is in need of a little extra pampering. I gave it to her today, so now I can finally post about it. One side is a very snuggly suede type fabric in chocolate brown. The other side is a fun satiny fabric. I am currently working on a tutorial for these to share with you all. I know I've said that before, but this time I mean it!! I screwed a lot of stuff up on this the first time around, so to prevent any further seem ripping, I thought I would document it. The jar next to the pillow is full of lavender. I sprinkled just a little bit in between the layers. Hopefully it brings sweet relaxing dreams!

Circles & Stripes and Everything Nice

My latest tote bag. I love this one so much I made two so I can keep one and hopefully sell one! I got the circle patterned fabric on our trip to Minneapolis a couple weeks ago. I was crazy about it, but I tried to stay under control and only got 1/2 yard of it. Luckily its 60" wide fabric, so 1/2 yard goes a long way. The lining is some sort of satiny polyester that I got at my trim "variety store" (which, sob, no longer has my trim!! They shipped it to another store!! That's all I can say about it right now, I'm still in mourning.) I got 4 different patterns of stripes all in the same color scheme and about 1 yard of each one for $1. Can't beat that! I love finding fabric that is a little different than you might find in your local JoAnns (especially when its cheap!!) I've gotten some other fabric at that store that came from an old tie manufacturer. Its pretty cool stuff, just haven't found the right thing to do with it yet.

The stiff dark washed denim is my favorite old standby. Instead of actual interfacing I used some weird fleecey stuff I had in the stash. It gives the bag really good shape and makes the inside feel nice and cushy. I am really happy with how this one turned out. Don't you love it when that happens...you have an idea, make a plan, and it works! Its rare, so I'm going to enjoy it!

All Sorts of Pretties

I've been working on (and even finishing!) all sorts of pretty stuff.

Vintage Earrings turned magnets, soon to be found here.

Spring flower bag for my friend Stacy. Between the two of us, we had this whipped up in one short afternoon! Thanks Stacy - it was lots of fun. Hope you enjoy the bag!

Up next? I'm thinking something with these...

Apron Prototype

I finally finished the apron/tote bag for Sydney. This is a prototype for some I would love to make for my Etsy shop. I have some kinks to work out first though. Sorry for the dark photos, I think I stood in front of the window when I took these!

The main idea is that the top of the apron folds down into a pocket on the back to make a tote bag. So I had to think of some way to have a loop on the front that didn't look dumb. I originally saw this idea on a vintage apron I got at an estate auction. That one has a clown on the front and the handle loop was his smile, but I'm not too big on clowns. So I figured the daisy was a good alternative. I used heat and bond on the flower then blanket stitched around it all. Added a couple pockets and a ton of bias tape (homemade of course:) and it was done! I'm thinking a boy version with a dinosaur or frog would be really fun too. I won't point out my flaws, I am sure you can zoom in and find them for yourself! But, like I said this was my first go at it. I found some things that worked well, and some things that need some improvement. Overall though I think I am pretty happy with my results.

So, one more thing I get to check off my list. No big plans for the weekend, so hopefully I can get a couple purses cranked out for the shop. I'm thinking something like this and this that I made for myself last month. We'll see though, maybe I will get a new shot of inspiration when I visit the stash!

Have you been saving your scraps?

I found a great way to clean out the scrap box yesterday! I saw these on Stardust Shoes and had to check out the pattern. Since I am all about trying new things lately, I thought I would give it a go. I have to say I was a little nervous, JoJo said she had trouble matching up the points on the end. So, I took my time, copied the pattern exactly (make sure you copy the circles at each point and only sew up to that point) and it didn't go too bad. The hardest part was sewing up the opening where the balls were turned and stuffed (as you can see on the pink one if you zoom in. This was my first attempt, it got better don't worry). I stuffed mine with 1/2 rice and 1/2 poly-fill. This gave them a nice bean bag feel, but still cushy. (So, when someone gets nailed in the head, it will smart for just a bit!) My mind is racing now with lots of ideas for these. I just used up some scraps for these since Sydney will be playing with them, but I think I need a pretty one that might double as a pin cushion. Hey, another thought, maybe I need one of these as a stress ball next to my sewing machine! :) I think these will soon be popping up dressed in recycled sweaters as well...oh my gosh, wouldn't they be really fun Christmas ornaments! Okay, I've gotta stop, smoke is starting to come out my ears. Let me hear your ideas and be sure to let me know if you try your hand at these!


P.S. I did not enlarge the pattern the way it instructed. I used it as is. The finished ball is about the size of a tennis ball.

Sewing 099

I am, because of my own stubbornness and stupidity, mostly a self-taught sewer. I have received a couple very valuable lessons from my mom and my Grandma V in the past couple years, but prior to that I tried hard to rebel against the very specific method of sewing. Sewing in the begining was simply a means to an end for me. I knew what I wanted to create, and unfortunately there was no other way to do it other than sew. By now, I have grown up a little and accepted sewing for what it is. Not just a medium to create with, but an art form in itself. An art form that has been perfected over more years than any of us even know about. And so, when I finally break down and take the time to really learn it, it sometimes amazes me!

Last night I made bias tape. For the first time. Obviously I have heard of it before, and possibly used it (I can't really recall), but I've never made it before. Its pretty incredible stuff! I always thought it would just be a waste of fabric...you want me to chop my fabric up at an angle?? There wouldn't be anthing left! Turns out, its worth it! I am currently working on an apron for Sydney that converts into a little tote bag. I'm hoping after I have perfected it a little to sell a couple and of course share the pattern with all of you guys. But, it might be a while! Anyway, bias tape is a God send on aprons! Makes them so much easier. I know what you are all thinking - Duh!, right? I guess some lessons just take this very stubborn girl a little longer than others!

In light of this epiphany, that the basics of sewing are the basics for a reason, I have decided I need to make a change. I need to slow things down. I need to enjoy the moments of sewing, not just the moments of completion. I need to learn how to do things the right way (button holes!! aahh) and take pride in each step of the process. I'm sure this will slow me down a little and you might have to bear with me through a couple more WIP posts, but I think in the long run it will teach me some valuable sewing skills, and a little lesson in patience.

Edit: I had to come back and tell you guys to check out this link. Words to live by don't you think!

The Great Fabric Challenge

I just finished up my project for Mary Ann's Great Fabric Challenge.

Mary Ann - If you want to be surprised, don't read this post!

I know I've told you all about this before, but just in case you missed it here are the details. I sent Mary Ann one yard of fabric from my stash (as did 10 other people!). She made me an amazing scarf and really cool notecards and sent it back to me, along with one yard of fabric from her stash. I was to make something out of it and send it back. Isn't that a great idea! What a fun way to use up your fabric and get a new perspective on something (especially in my case) you've been staring at for years not knowing what to do with it.

This is the fabric MaryAnn sent me. Challenging, right?

So, I decided to punish myself and take the challenge one step further and really push myself. For this project I: 1. Used a pattern (I even followed it, down to the smallest detail. This is extremely rare for me.) 2. Sewed in a circle, which for some reason is very hard for me. It requires lots of pinning, which I am not a fan of, and 3. Sewed in a zipper! (semi-successfully). Without further ado, here is the finished product.

I would say this bag is made purely for function. It turned out cuter than I expected, but not exactly runway fashion or anything. It does however hold a ton of stuff! In order to take this picture, I had to shove it full of 12 skeins of yarn! I also made her a small zippered pouch pictured here (thats where the zipper came in).

Here is a picture of the deflated bag and the pile o' yarn that came out of it!

So, if any of you are planning a camping trip, are making one of these, or plan to run away from home and must take all your fabric with you...this is the bag for you! The pattern (Butterick #3562 Bag F) is relatively easy.

Hope you enjoy it MaryAnn!

On a side note, you should all go visit Amy. She is doing a giveaway every day this week! She has awesome stuff over there, hurry and leave a comment so you can win!

Just another tote bag

Here is another purse that I hope to sell some day soon. Hope you guys aren't getting sick of these yet! This one is made from a really dark wash denim with green cotton accents. The interior fabric is a really cute golf print. I don't golf, but it is still fun and reminds me of Spring! Happy Friday!

My Latest Project

Here is my latest project. Sorry my pictures are dark and kind of wonky looking. Not sure what happened!
This small tote bag is in really deep rich colors. The exterior is two toned, while the interior is lined in a very heavy dark green canvas which gives it lots of shape and support. I think this might just be put in my etsy shop someday. We'll see. I've got a lot of work to do before I get to that point. Lots of WIPs that I hope to show you soon!! Take care until then!

Fabric Brainstorm

Hope you all are enjoying your weekend! Our plans were canceled because of stormy weather, so we've had a very relaxing weekend. As is typical of my free time, I have been completely uninspired on new things to make.

I was however very excited to receive this in the mail...


It is part of Mary Ann's Fabric Challenge. I sent her a yard of this black and grey houndstooth. I've had it for years and love it, but could never think of anything to do with it. So, I shipped it off to Mary Ann and a very short time later received an amazing scarf. The picture does not do it justice. It is lined with a gorgeous dark red fabric with some very neat trim details. Also included were some really cool notecards. I never would have thought of just sewing some peices to paper, but it looks really neat. AND, some really cute fish kitty toys.

In return she has sent me this fabric...


So, I have been brainstorming trying to decide what to make out of it. I've got a couple ideas rolling around in my head, but nothing definite just yet. Any ideas out there? I'll keep working on it. I'm thinking something in "high fashion lumberjack" which of course is very chic around here!

An Apron At Last

I have been eyeing all the adorable aprons that have been created out here and finally decided to try one for myself. Of course I didn't use a pattern, that would have been to easy. So this took twice as long as it should have, but oh well! Not sure when I may use it. I'm afraid I am too much of a messy cook to actually use it in the kitchen, so it may become a crafty apron.

I remember one of my favorite books when I was little was about a kid that won a contest and couldn't find the ticket he needed to claim his prize. After searching high and low, it ended up being in his mom's apron. I think mine should be like that...a keeper of important mom stuff. Pencil, paper, tissues, winning tickets and the sort! Speaking of tissues...I may just put this to use today. My little one has a cold and her nose is a constant dripping faucet. Unfortunately my daily work attire (sweats) is not outfitted with pockets to hold tissues. I think I just found my solution!

Anyway, its bright (maybe too bright?) and springy and I made it.