Maura's Morty Scarf

Yep, you guessed it, another Pokemon project.

 

Well another one of Maura's birthdays snuck up on us.  She's 15!!  She's been asking for a Morty scarf for a month or two and I decided to surprise her with it for her birthday, just like Last year's Totoro shoes.

Here was the photo I had to work from when making the scarf:

Morty

Her grama gave her that super cool Mew Two sweatshirt.  It was from Random Choices shop on Etsy.  This hoodie is really good quality and was a steal for the price.  Maura's happy, we're happy.

We had dinner out at the Rainforest Cafe.

...& then we topped off the weekend with a Jigglypuff cake!

Happy birthday Maura, I hope you never change!!

bird ornaments

Happy Holidays, everyone!  I've just finished my Christmas shopping, and starting to think of making a few little handmade goodies to give as gifts.

These bird ornaments are fun and fast and would make a good hostess or teacher gift. 

The larger birds are from a pattern found for free here on Daily Dish, the same pattern found in Sewn Spaces by Joel Dewberry.  It is a pincushion, sachet or ornament.  I have so many scraps around here, I could make these all week. 

The smaller felt birds are similar to the ones found in Fa La La Felt.

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We still don't have our tree up, but hope to get it tonight.  We went to Disney World the week of Thanksgiving and since then I've hardly even seen my husband.  He's been working like crazy and been on an extended business trip.  I'm really looking forward to the holidays when everyone will be home for the week!

a photo by Liam of us on the DW monorail

It must be easy if I can do it!

I've been a bad blogger lately.  I'm still sewing, but seem to have lost my mojo for taking pictures.  Hopefully I can start to catch up.  It also doesn't help that every blogging app for my iPad crashes and burns.  Has anyone found a good blogging app for iPad?  Does such a thing exist yet?


So I've been in the mood to knit or crochet.  I'm an extreme beginner and have only made scarves and one headband.  When  I purchased a few easy patterns on etsy which claimed to be for beginners, I was frustrated that they seemed difficult to understand.  I even turned to my handy Knitting/Crocheting references, but no, still too confusing.  For instance, when crocheting a hat, at the beginning you are instructed to make a chain of only two stitches and then make multiple stitches into each of these two original stitches.  When I tried that it turned into a huge ugly knot!  So I turned to Ravelry.  I found this great pattern , which is actually suited for a beginner.  It turned out to be right at my level.  It was my first time using stitch markers and my first time seaming pieces together.  My daughter, Maura loves them!  

And since I am so far behind in posting projects,

 it's probably now or never to show you our Halloween photos:

Ms. Maura as Jesse from Team Rocket.

I made her top using Jalie Pattern 2453, I just changed the shape and shortened it.  I also cut the sleeves a bit larger to get a puffed sleeve look.  I made her Pokeball candy bag so people would have a hint that she's a character from Pokemon.  (I love it that she is almost 15 and is still into Pokemon, she's hanging onto that childhood!)

And I am sure these guys need no introduction:

James and Travis as the Mario Brothers

The only thing I made here was the Power Up treat bag, which was fine since sewing Halloween costumes isn't my favorite kind of project.

and last but not least, Liam the old-time gangster:

We are off to Disney soon, but I hope to get some projects done before then.  I'm very slowly drafting an Octoberfest dress for myself (I know it's November).  I had visions of wearing it in the beer garden at Epcot Germany.
Maybe it will be done before next October?

KCWC days 1,2 & 3

It's time again for the Kids Clothes Week Challenge.

Since Travis has asked me not to sew for him I wasn't sure if I would participate. Luckily, I have a need for baby gifts! The shower is this weekend.

These gowns are made from Fishsticks Designs little one layette pattern which I downloaded from Bonnie's Etsy shop where she now sells PDF's! During the spring version of the KCWC I made these underwear from another of her patterns. I highly recommend them!

I also picked up this adorable layette pattern also designed by Bonnie of Fishsticks Designs which is only $5.00 and 100% of the proceeds benefit Orphan Relief organizations worldwide. (The hats pictured are made from that pattern.)

The cat graphic is a freezer paper stencil design. My attempt at making these gowns look like a set.

I loved making baby gifts, and found it hard to stop. I also whipped up these! Pattern found here and here from Herbst Patterns. Very easy and fun!

I can't wait to see what other people are working on this week!  Check out the KCWC flickr group!

Prepare for trouble...

The Team Rocket Motto:

Prepare for trouble...
...And make it double

To protect the world from devistation...
...to unite all peoples within our nation.

To Denonunce the evils of truth and love...
...To extend our reach to the stars above.
Jessie...
...James
Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light...
...surrender now or prepare to fight.

MEEEEEEEEEEOWTH THATS RIGHT!



I think he may really be working for Team Rocket, or at least he wants to.
All of my kids love Pokemon, so no surprise he does too. I decided he needed a villain sweatshirt, and as villains go, Team Rocket is pretty funny and harmless.



So this sweatshirt was made using the All The Rage Raglans pattern. I guess it wasn't stretchy enough fabric (sweatshirt fleece from JoAnn), so it was too tight to fit comfortably over his head. I got creative with the zipper, and I love the look, but guess what, it's still too tight! He put it on for the pictures, but this one isn't going to fit. Too bad!



I mean, check out this awesome pokeball on the back. His 14 year old sister is so jealous, she wants one too. She is going as Jessie for Halloween (I guess I should get started).

Like I said in my earlier post, Travis is getting tough to sew for. Being very fiery and seriously strong-willed, he's been rejecting the clothes I make recently. I know he's trying to get me going, so I'm staying cool. I can focus on other projects for awhile. Besides, getting photos of him in the clothes is exhausting!!



So, next on the list:
Baby shower gifts, Jessie costume for Maura, and skirt for me! That's the short list.
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I'll leave you with a photo of all 4 kids I took a few days ago, it's rare to get a decent group photo of them all, so I'll take it!

PBF cozy fall outfit

I've been doing plenty of sewing. I haven't felt much like taking photos! It's been a very rainy autumn in New Hampshire. Not very good for photography, just check out these gloomy photos.



Travis' cozy fall outfit
Details: shirt is Pattern's By Figgy's Tee For Two. Kickin' Back Sweatpants made with a pattern from their new book, Sewing For Boys
Fabric is cut from an Old Navy maxi dress that I snagged on clearance.



He actually told me he didn't want me to make him "shirts" anymore. The little stinker. Too bad I've invested so much in patterns and fabric for him! I'm thinking I will take a break from sewing for him for awhile, though, and sew for those who appreciate it more ( ie. Myself! ...and Maura, James and Liam who have been asking for specific items from me lately).

But first I will post pictures of his completely awesome but ill-fitting Team Rocket sweatshirt, that's next!

Amy Butler Sew Along - the Cabo Halter

Sara at Sew Sweetness is hosting an Amy Butler Pattern sew along. I had so much fun sewing a Jamie Dress with her that I really wanted to fit this in. The deadline is Sept. 14, so I just made it!





I spent the afternoon at the county fair wearing it, so it may be a little wrinkled!

The only Amy Butler pattern I had on hand was the Cabo Halter, and it's been sitting here for several years, so I finally took a stab at it.



The only thing that bugs me is that my invisible zippers are never invisible. I must be doing something wrong!

The fabric is just your standard calico from JoAnn. I think over the years they have gotten much more modern. I just wish they offered better jersey or knit fabrics.



Overall this was a very easy, quick project. It was easier than other halter tops I've made in the past. Too bad summer's is coming to an end!
Autumn in New England is something to look forward to though. Everyone is getting used to their school routines, and thoroughly enjoying their weekend.

Next up: fall Hoodie for Maura ( yes she still lets me sew her clothes even though she's in high school!)

Little Military Shirt

Here is a project I've had on my list for awhile.

I used the Heidi and Finn Little Military Shirt pattern.

This shirt is made of olive green ripstop with silver metal buttons.  I love the tabs and buttons on the sleeves, and the "service bars" just make the look.

This pattern was similar to the Bowling Shirt I made for Travis in the spring.  One word of caution on the sizing, both this shirt as well as the Heidi and Finn Urban Hoodie are both "slim fit", ie. run small.  I've learned to make a larger size in these patterns so they can fit longer.

Have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend!



another summer project finished

I'm still slowly checking projects off my summer to-do list. This is a gift for my friend, Sharon. She gave me one of her old, sentimental T shirts to remake into something else.

So I immediately thought of the Little Blue Boo pieced tunic pattern

This pattern was very basic and breeze to work with. I had a little trouble finding stretchy enough fabric for the bust area. I wound up cutting up one of my dresses!
It was worth it.. I love this top!

Off to finish up some more projects!
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Next up: summer pj's for Maura and me (done)
Working on: Little military shirt for Travis

New toy, and a case for it!

My laptop crashed and died a few days ago. I can't believe it only lasted two and a half years!
Anyway it worked out pretty good for me because my wonderful husband just nonchalantly said, "Go out and get any computer you want".  The computer I wanted was the iPad 2. It was about the same cost as my last laptop, but much more fun!

I immediately knew I needed a cushy protector for it for when I take it out with me. Here's the quick quilted case I came up with this morning.

I measured my iPad and made a very basic lined quilted pouch with a Velcro flap.
This my favorite fabric right now, Alexander Henry, In The Kitchen. I got it from Hawthorne Threads.

A fun, easy case for my iPad.


I was in such a hurry I didn't think to write a tutorial. If I make another I'll be sure to take step by step photos. Maybe i'll even post more often now that I have a computer that plays nice with Blogger.


Also, if anyone has any iPad app suggestions, I'm all ears!

Summer Reading Program - handmade prizes

Each summer our library has such a fun Summer Reading Program for our kids.  They plan tons of free events for families and kids like field trips, concerts, and craft activities.  The kids set a reading goal and try to reach it by the end of the program.  At the end there is a huge picnic where each family brings a dish to share and the kids all get a prize.  I try to donate some prizes each year because I know it must be costly for our little town library to have a prize for every child who participates. 

I realized a few days ago the deadline is the first week of August!

Here are a few of my handmade prizes this year:

pattern is Little Lizard King Crayon Roll

Monster softie - my own design

Pattern Gingercake's On The Go Organizer

and my favorite this year:

Owly McPillowpants!

made from a pattern from the book Small Stash Sewing.  This guy is totally worth buying the book.  He is HUGE which you can't tell by looking at the picture.  He's about the size of a standard size bed pillow.

He's going to make a great reading buddy!

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Trying to finish your summer sewing to-do list?

Link up here with me!

Sew Serendipity Skirt

It's another skirt from the book Sew Serendipity.    

I started to panic about the backlog of projects I had, so I made a list of all the projects I have in mind, and then chose to focus on those that I wanted for summer.  This was the first on my list.

This is the second skirt I've made from the book.  The other one is here.

I love red (it gives me an excuse to wear red lipstick).  This fabric is from Tina Givens which I found on Ebay.  

1 down, 6-7 summer projects to go!

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1. summer PJ's for Maura

2. summer PJ's for Me (almost done)

3.little military shirt for Travis

4.Sunny Day Dress for me

5. LBB Pieced Tunic for my friend, Sharon (in progress)

6. 1 or 2 kid's raffle items for the Summer Reading Program, due in August

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Join the mad dash to finish up your summer sewing.  Link up here:

perfect beach outfit for Travis

I made a few things for Travis last week with my free patterns, and I'm totally in love with this outfit.

It is the Charlie Tunic from Made By Rae and Boys Cargo Shorts pattern from Little Lizard King. 

The shirt is made in a super light "linen-look" from JoAnn fabrics with seersucker at the placket.  This is great for keeping Travis covered at the beach, his skin is so fair!  The fabric is really thin and cool.

The cargo shorts are made from striped seersucker, a classic for stylish little fellas.

Both patterns were a breeze to whip up, the perfect relaxing summer night project.   

Blows my mind!

I know this post is very late, but I wanted to have a chance to thank Adrianna and Susan of Crafterhours for hosting Skirt Week again this year.  There's not much I love more than sewing along with people from all around the world.  It was a fun challenge.  My goal was to submit 6 skirts, but I only got to 2!

Each day I checked out the sweet tutorials on skirt making on crafterhours.  I also checked the Flickr pools for A Line Skirts , full skirts, and straight skirts.  There is so much inspiration there I could spend all day looking at them!  There was also a category for little girl skirts.

So I was in total shock when I actually won the Judge's choice for the A Line skirt category.  It made my summer!  Ever since then, all these great prizes have been rolling in.  I still can't get over it!!

I'm already getting to work on some of the patterns I received!

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So a HUGE thank you to all the sponsors as well of Skirt Week 2011!

Jamie Christina Patterns - The Twill Tape Guy - Birdsongs and Bows -Whimsy Couture - Sew Liberated - Hawthorne Threads Fabric - Fishsticks Design - Little Lizard King Patterns - Made By Rae - Patterns By Figgy's - and Above All Fabric !

Thanks for making sewing even more fun!

The Sunny Day dress from Jamie Christina and Voile from Hawthorne Threads, just one of the many awesome prizes!

Where was I in June? Sprucing up the house!

I've been busy, busy the last few weeks, but not sewing!! 

I have however gotten to some of my projects around the house and yard. 

We decided to put our property on the market.  A few years ago my husband, Jim, went from working from home to having an hour and a half (one-way) commute.  We are however totally aware that this is a bad time to sell, so if we need to stay here that's really fine with us.  We really do love it here.

 

This is from the front.  If you didn't guess, our house is very old!  We think maybe even pre-Revolutionary war.  The floors look like the floors on the USS Constitution!

So I thought I'd show you what I've been doing this month, even if it isn't sewing related!! 

In the kitchen, I repainted the cabinets.

 

Repainted the upstairs and downstairs hallway and sitting room.

Painted the upstairs office, shown here with my resident video gamer.

The upstairs bathroom finally got painted!

my sewing area nice and organized (and neglected!)

repainted the red on the stairs, very careful not to splash the rug!

I even got Maura to clean up her room!  Wow!

And cleaned out the barn.

Also did a TON of landscaping/gardening/weeding!

Pool clean and blue, check!

I'm glad I got so much done

All while this guy was plotting against me...

He's trying like crazy to give up his nap!  Little bugger!!

So I didn't blog at all for the whole month of June, but I'm still here.  I also neglected to post about my completely unbelievable SKIRT WEEK WIN!  So that's up next.  I want to show what I'm doing and planning to do with some of my free patterns and fabric.