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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Sew along progress and New Machine Love

I'm almost done with my dress for the Sew Sweetness Jamie Dress Sew Along.  I just have the bottom hem left to do!  The completed dresses are rolling in each day to the flickr group, but there is still plenty of time to join.  The finished dresses aren't due until April 21st.  I may make another before then.

I picked some pretty crazy fabric!

I got a little sidetracked.  I've been learning how to use my new machine and I think I have her all figured out now!  Many, many thanks to my understanding husband who agreed to let me purchase her even though my Singer works fine.  I just really wanted a Bernina. I love how smooth it sews!

Here she is...

I know there are much fancier machines, but I think this one is perfect for my use.  I was looking at used machines, but found this one brand-spanking-new and on sale at my local sew and vac store.  I tried out a few features on the machines and fell madly in love with this one. 

Move over Silhouette machine, you have competition.



Urban Hoodie for spring

I finally got around to making a new Urban Hoodie for Travis to replace this one I made in the fall that is now too small.

I really love stripes, can you tell? 

This time I made passable buttonholes (and didn't cheat by using vel-cro). 

 

pattern: Heidi and Finn

fabric:  outside knit stripe from Annie's Second Hand Chic on Etsy (similar one here)

inside ivory interlock knit from JoAnn

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...

leprechaun outfit with reverse applique tutorial

Just had to make our mischevious little resident leprechaun a new outfit for St. Patrick's day.

The shirt is another Tee for Two, a pattern that I've gotten quite a bit of use out of lately!  My other versions are here.  I love making basic knit t-shirts, so easy and fast! Then I can embellish them too. For this shirt I made shamrock reverse appliques and then used my Silhouette (iron on heat transfer) to make the words. Bonus: these fabrics were both from the old shirt pile.

I added the reverse appliques like this:

trace the design onto the knit (t-shirt) fabric

pin contrasting knit fabric scrap to the underside of your design.  Be sure it covers the whole traced design with room to spare.

Sew on your drawn shape on the right side of the shirt.

Now trim about 1/8" on the inside of your stitching.  This is the fun part!

A super simple way to embellish a shirt!  This also washes very well since t-shirt fabric will roll slightly on the edges in the wash but won't fray.

I've also used reverse applique to highlight a design on the shirt:

And last but not least, I made these pants following Dana's flat front kid pants tutorial .

I added some pockets on the front and back.  He actually LIKES these pants. 






Instant Leprechaun!

**Update:  I'm so excited and honored that Shelly and Karen of Pattern's by Figgy's posted my mini-tutorial on their website, and they added a downloadable shamrock template so you can make your own!

Linking up here:

Happy 5th Birthday Ivy!

Today we're going to a birthday party!  My friend's daughter is turning 5.  Here's what I made for a gift:

It's the Warhol Dress.  Dana has the free pattern here for sizes 6-12 and 3-4 years.  I had to draft this pattern myself using her instructions because I needed a size 6X for the birthday girl.  The ruffle was my own add-on, it needed a little 'pop'.

I really like the yoke on this dress which ties on one side.

Materials used: interlock knit from JoAnn's and I used my Silhouette to make the iron-on transfer.

Ivy, the birthday girl, collects bikes so I thought a bike graphic would be cool and original for a dress.  Then I made a last minute tote with her name on it and added a few books.

It was fun to do some girly sewing for a change.