April Vacation week (formerly known as Kids Clothes Week Challenge)

It's already over, but I did participate in Elsie Marley's Kids Clothes Week Challenge again.  I didn't have as much time as in the past because my kids were ALL HOME for that week.  The schools should know not to schedule April vacation during a sew-along.  Geez.

So with my one hour a day in my sewing studio, here is what I made:

Patterns used: Charlie Tee and Sailboat Pants

These pants are so cute I want to make them in every color.

I also worked on a skirt for Maura, which, as of now, has been devoured by her room.  Will it ever be seen again so I can photograph her in it?  Time will tell.

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

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!

KCWC - Day 5 - Skivs

Here is what else I made for Kids Clothes Week Challenge...

Skivvys.  Or, as my dad would say, Skivs.

These are mostly made from scraps.  I used the undercover boxer pattern from Fish Sticks Designs and also their FREE tank pattern from the Fishsticks Blog.

I made both versions in the pattern.  First the "regular" boxers with the fly.  He kept putting his hand it and telling me it was a pocket.  Next I decided to make the training pants version which makes more sense for him anyway.  They're nice and soft! 

Pardon the gloomy photos, we haven't seen the sun in New Hampshire in about a week I think!

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In other news, I just learned of a new sewing challenge I want to be part of!  This is just what I had in mind.  I have a bunch of skirt and dress projects ready to go!  Check it out!

I also have a dress planned for my daughter's 8th grade graduation and the fabric from Superbuzzy finally arrived today.  I hope it gets done in time!

this week's projects

Last week I was busy whipping up a (another) PBF Tee For Two.  Man those are easy and fun to do!  This was the first long sleeved version I've done.  I got this great soft jersey from Fashion Fabrics Club.

I also made this much-needed Sun Hat for my little red head.  I was able to make that from scraps!

Maura made these eggs for Easter, I had to include these guys!  Love the zombie egg.

And last but not least, I made this dress for a soon-to-be birthday girl in our family.

This pattern is the Perfect Little Party Dress from Heidi and Finn.  They are offering a Buy 2 get 1 free so I took that as an excuse for some girly sewing.  I already own all their boy patterns!

I've been shopping for patterns like crazy.  I just picked up the Monique Dress and the Juliet Tunic from Pink Chalk Fabrics.  I love that they always have free shipping on their paper patterns. 

I'm also working on a summer skirt for myself.  I hope to have pictures soon!

Sew Along Dress - finished!

I finished my dress for the Jamie Dress Sew Along a few days back and was finally able to get some pictures, thanks to my favorite 9 year old photographer, Liam. A few days ago it was too dark, and today it was really bright, maybe too bright. But, I'm not complaining!

This fabric was something I had lying around since last summer. It's from JoAnn's, it a "linen look" fabric. I actually like the drape, it's very light. I was a little worried about the large print making me look large, but I really like this funky pattern - good for summer!

The pattern, the Sis Boom Jamie Dress was actually very easy and enjoyable to follow. I have used Scientific Seamstress patterns in the past and I'm always floored at how great the instructions and photos are. I also loved how easy the paper pattern was to assemble on this one.

The only thing I changed from the pattern instructions was adding a ruched waistband to the back to match the front. Sara added instructions on her blog on how to do that. My favorite thing I learned from this pattern is how to use a glue stick to apply a zipper - SO awesome, how did I not know about this before??

I'm very happy with the dress and I'm already in progress with version #2, it's actual linen. Stay tuned for that one!

Than you, Sara, for hosting this sew along! Check out her flickr group of all the dresses.

Also linking up here:

 

 

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meet my new little friend

It's a ....

Droid !

It's a Droid X to be precise.  My phone contract was up and I was able to upgrade to a much better model.  I had planned to get the iPhone, but when I compared them side by side, there was something more exciting about this one, so I went for it.  I'm so glad I did!  I now have access to every song imaginable while out in the car (or anywhere) at the touch of a button, with my Rhapsody subscription.   

This phone is HUGE, however so I had to make a new case.  This is just a very simple wool felt case with blanket stitching around the edges.  It has an outer and inner layer of felt to keep my new friend safe.

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In other news, I've joined the Sew Sweetness Jamie Dress Sew Along!  You should too!  She is even offering prizes!  Go check it out!

 While I'm waiting for that to start, I'm finishing up another Urban Hoodie for Travis and just cut out a shirt for myself: 

Have a great weekend!  I know I'll be busy.

 

"He's All Boy" Blanket

Travis has a special affinity for soft fuzzy things.  At the sewing store he wants to spend hours in the minky aisle.  Whenever he pets soft things, he has to suck his thumb at the same time.  It's pretty cute.

When I saw this blanket tutorial on This Mama Makes Stuff during Celebrate The Boy 2011, I knew I found a great idea for Travis' upcoming birthday. 

Here's my version:

    I used black minky (the swirly type) because, well, that's the only type they had that day, so I decided to make it work.  Considering the dragging around it will have to take, black might be a smart choice.

This was a very quick/easy project, it took only a few hours!

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And because I'm such a sucker, I let him have it early...

a couple of (11th hour) handmade gifts finished!

These were a few of the gifts I'd planned for the handmade holiday challenge, and I'm happy to report that they're done with 4 days till Christmas!  Nothing like a little pressure to get me moving!

For Travis:

A gigantic fleece blanket shaped like Nemo.  This is from Simplicity pattern 3955, and it's HUGE, like 6 feet long..  Look at how it dwarfs my couch in this photo:

And for Maura who is 14, (I hope she doesn't read my blog):

A cool cover/holder for her Amazon Kindle which she will (hopes to) get from her grandparents this year.

 Here is a shot of the inside.  It has pockets and also a reading light holder.  I wrote her name and phone number already...my kids might be a bit forgetful.

This was a great pattern to follow, very sturdy and well-thought out.  I got the pattern here on Etsy.  The fabric is Michael Miller Script which I love, and plan on using on more projects.

Next I'm hoping to make some peppermint bark to hand out to the teachers next and get to wrapping.

Have a wonderful holiday everyone!!!!

Look out ladies! Little (reversible) menswear

Yes, I realize I'm late in finishing and posting this week's gift for the handmade holiday challenge.  But look what I was doing!

Making a reversible outfit!

I was asked to be a pattern tester for Little Lizard King Patterns newest reversible vest pattern.  This was such an easy, fun pattern to sew.  Perfect for dressing up over the holidays.  I knew I wanted to try it with menswear fabrics. 

The pants I made to match are also reversible.  One side is flannel suiting, the other is brown plaid.  All fabrics are from JoAnn's.  I made the pants reversible by making 2 pairs of pants, and sewing them wrong sides together, folding under the edges to meet.  Then I inserted elastic for the waistband.  The patch pockets are made using this tutorial found on MADE.

This will be so cute for Thanksgiving.  I'm not sure which side I like best.  All he needs now is a scali cap to complete this outfit I think.

I just found this pattern Etsy that would look so cute with this.  I can't believe it's reversible too!  I like that it comes in a wide range of sizes.  I think I have to get that one.







I promised him a lolipop for modeling!

UPDATE: This pattern is now available at Little Lizard King's Etsy shop!  I'll have to tell Travis that he had a brief modeling career!



DMK Pea Coat for tiny T.

I had hoped to have this coat done earlier in the fall, but having it done by Thanksgiving is OK.  This is made with the DMK Trendy Unisex Pea Coat pattern.  Just now looking at the pattern online, I just realized I forgot to attach the wristbands.  Will do!

 Here is my favorite shot, he can't read so I can get away with this!

The outside is pinwale corduroy, the inside lining is this great Alexander Henry dragon print.  I added a little pocket inside for his "guys".

I just love it when I find good sewing patterns for boys!

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I need to find something cool to make for his oldest brother.  It's more challenging to make something he will wear in a men's size!

linking up here for cool stuff for Guys:

Here she is, gift #1...

Clucky is done.  Maura is going to love this gift for Christmas.  I've actually had this Melly and Me Pattern since the spring. 

Maura loves chickens, and until recently had her own flock which she fed and took care of, until tragedy struck and they were killed by some kind of viscious animal that snuck into the stall one night, only one was left alive.  Maura was devastated.  She especially misses her favorite, Odin, an all white leghorn who despite a deformed foot hopped around anywhere the other hens would go.

Maura and Odin

I especially loved that this pattern has chicks that fit into the mother's wings (just like my 4 children!).  So I made one of them to look like Odin.  Maura will be so surprised!  Better go hide it now!

 

Next in line for the Handmade Holiday Challenge: Something for Travis!

animal pajamas

Again with the pajamas, I know!  But that's what he needed.  I also had this animal fabric laying around since 2005 and needed to do something with it or get rid of it. 

The shirt is freezer paper stenciled on a 90 minute shirt both ideas I found from Dana at MADE.  I know now I will never ever get tired of making the 90 minute shirt.  I can get one done in about 60 minutes now, and the color combos are endless!

I've had a little less time this week, Travis is now in a toddler bed.  Some of the time he lays right down and goes to sleep, other times he runs out of bed, and I put him back, and this pattern goes on until he passes out from exhaustion!  He's one determined little bugger.

Here he is helping take the crib apart with his toy drill.

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linking up to this today:

 

Right now I've got a few sewing projects going on.  When Travis goes in for his nap I'm not sure what to work on!  I'm thinking of making some gifts for the kids to put away for Christmas.  I'll have to work on those secretly.  For Maura I've been meaning to make Clucky the Chook, so that's in the works.  I'm thinking Travis would like some quilted letters, so I started on those too.  I'll post the pictures as I complete them.  It may be a little while because I just ordered even more new patterns and I'm having idea overload at the moment.  See you soon!