freezer paper stenciling - I heart you

When I don't have much time, freezer paper stenciling is such a great quick craft fix.  (I learned it here: freezer paper stenciling tutorial) It also saves me money! I've been sewing more for my family this year than ever and I love it when I make things that I would normally buy for the kids. Like this Totoro shirt! Maura's been wanting one for awhile and on ebay they're like $17 + shipping . Here I've made one for about $3. This is made with one of those cheap Jersey's T-shirts that are on sale everywhere.   The greatest thing about this method of stenciling is how well they wash (using tulip soft fabric paint)!  I'm so glad to have found something that works on shirts that can stand up to repeated washings.

Don't you love Totoro?!

Right now I am also working on a skirt from the book Sew Serendipity.  I am making the skirt on the cover.  I totally did not need another sewing book, but this one I couldn't resist!!  It comes with full-sized patterns to save me time.  I'll show off the skirt when it's finished.

a few quick projects

It's been so hot here in New Hampshire in July that my sewing area has turned into a literal 'sweatshop'. I've been opting for some quick and easy projects for the kids.

bomb shirt for the T-Bomb, especially true in restaurants. This was another freezer paper stencil. I can't get enough of those.



A quick and awesome project for a 12 year old boy! The CD Pocket from the book One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Fabric Projects; Look How Much You Can Make with Just One Yard of Fabric! It was quick and easy and my son is loving it. It has 12 pockets for his video games to keep them safe from the T-Bomb!

"dawdy yote!" - (aka doggie shirt)

Here is Travis modeling his newest 90 minute shirt.


I like these because the ribbed trim is so cute on him and the color possibilities are endless. I added the doggie on the front using a stencil I picked up at Michaels near the fabric paint.

a new summer dress

I feel quite guilty looking at the stack of fabric I have waiting to be turned into sundresses. I finally finished one!



This is made with New Look 6974, which while searching for a link I have found is out of print! The fabric is by Kitty Yoshida, City Girl Espresso Pinwheel which I bought at FabbyFabric.


I really like some of the new New Look patterns. I'm so glad pattern manufacturers are finally getting a clue! That being said, I did have to lower the neckline on this dress because it was too high/matronly for me. I wanted it to look more like the halter dresses I buy at the Gap and J Crew. I also really like the long skirt included in this pattern!!! I've made these twice, and will probably make more. I'm not much for shorts in the summer and wear mostly dresses and skirts, so those long skirts are a staple for me.

Next up, summer robot pajamas for Maura...

simpsons phone/ipod case

Another case finished. I sent this one in along with the previous Domo case with my son for his school auction. I managed to get them past Maura, no small feat, who wants everything I make for herself. Suddenly she *needed* a Domo Ipod case so badly! I don't feel guilty, her room is stuffed full of homemade goodies. Plus, I have plans to make her a Totoro case soon.

I like how it came out. Some of my favorite characters made it on. Comic Book Store Guy, Chief Wiggum, Gus and Lunchlady Doris to name a few. We're a Simpsons family for sure. Bart is there, too. Which is good since it says "Where's Bart?". He's on the inside of the tab when you open the case.



Up next: finish Mom's birthday gift before Thursday...wish me luck.

The hardest way is not always the best way...

Today during the T-Bomb's nap I decided I would make something for James' upcoming 6th grade auction.

It's a really cool idea they've had at the school. For the last quarter of the year in 6th grade the kids earn "money" printed with the teachers faces! Each week they 'earn' money for coming to school, they can also earn extra money for good deeds and have to pay money for bad deeds. Then at the end they have a big auction where they can spend their money on donated items. I should have done this earlier, but as is my style, started to think about this today.

I know there is usually a shortage of boy items, so after racking my brain for gender-neutral items to make, I settled on ipod or phone cases. I'm working on a Domo case right now, just look at the mess I make! Here is the finished Domo case. I fought with the fleece a little and ended up with kind of a lopsided face! Maybe it adds to the charm? Maybe not? I'm out of time today. I'm hoping to get some more sewing time this weekend!

the new peeps...

Look what my kids managed to talk me into this weekend! We already have 11 full-sized hens...what's 6 more???? 17... that's what! I must be nuts.

"But mine are only bantam chicks, three bantams are only as big as 1 1/2 regular chicks"

Not pictured: James' chick, "Rover". James was busy at the time of this photo shoot using his 2 hours of weekend gaming time (no video games during the week, we ARE the meanest parents.)