Evolution of a Bib

I have made a gazillion baby bibs (I counted, it is actually a gazillion) and nearly all of them were made using the pattern in Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol. And, I love that pattern but I was browsing Etsy as one does when they are handmade-obsessed and up at night. And, I noticed a lot of bibs that had more a square shape at the bottom, which I really liked. I also have always struggled with sewing an accurate topstitch around the curves at the back of the bib. So, I altered the pattern for the new shape and to make an easier sewing portion near the snap.
The change is probably imperceptible except to me BUT I do, indeed, know the difference and I love it. And, these, my friends are the crazy things that obsess sewing freaks like me.

When a Heart Needs a Hug

Recently, friends had a beautiful baby boy who was unexpectedly born with health and developmental challenges. They could barely hold him and waited at the hospital for those rare time the nurses would tell them they could touch their baby. All of this while caring for their first born and recovering from the birth itself....and trying to remember to eat and drink. Such an unexpected event shook me. I hear about pregnancy and I celebrate and look forward eagerly to the birth story. I assume nothing will go wrong. I'm accustomed to a world wherein if difficult things happen I can work really hard and make it better. This wasn't like that. I can't even imagine what it must have felt like for my friends. And, I'm really far away from them so I can't even be of help to them.

One of the health issues is that he has holes in his heart. They are hoping that some of them will seal up on their own but if they don't he will need surgery on his heart...at around the age of 4 months. Oy. It's too much.

To feel closer to them and combat my own feelings of impotence I quickly stitched some fancy japanese bias tape around the edge of a newborn kimono top and sent it off to them. A friend who lived in France once informed me they apparently call wrap sweaters 'heart huggers' because of how they wrap around and hug the heart. I'm thinking of this in the same manner...a heart hugger for a heart that desperately needs a hug.

10 Things I Didn't Know

Phew...I didn't really plan to be away from this space for so long. And, I missed it and I even kept composing posts in my head and then never finding the time to get. it. all. down! But, it's been a busy sewing whirl of activity in my parts.

When I left my job at the start of the year I knew that I wanted to integrate sewing instruction and just plain old sewing into my weekly, if not daily, life. I knew I didn't want the kids pulled out of their preschools completely and this would mean I have some time to myself. I knew a few people interested in learning to sew and excited to take a class with me. I knew all those things, but here are ten things I didn't know:

1. I didn't know it would be easy to convince my church to let me use the basement, on a regular basis to hold classes.

2. I didn't know I had it in my ever-cautious and deliberate nature to spontaneously say "Yes, I will buy those 4 sewing machines you are offering me at a steal."

3. I didn't know that same cautious nature would find the courage to dream out loud.

{got to love the work shoes tossed aside next to the machine pedal!}

4. I didn't know that every time I dreamt out loud someone in the room would say "I can help you do that? A web site? Sure, I know a guy....A facebook page? I can start it for you. Buzz and word of mouth? My speciality. A sewing machine? You can have this one that I never use."

5. I didn't know that every step I took away from the base of the tree and further out onto the branches and limbs would leave me feeling vulnerable and raw for a day...and then I would get over it. And, I would feel even more courageous afterwards.

6. I didn't know there would be days. DAYS! when I got nothing concrete accomplished and that it would drive me nuts and I would be wracked with guilt for not at least accomplishing something to help family life run smoothly. Then, suddenly I would work like a fiend and it would all come together.

7. I didn't know that people were serious, very serious about wanting to learn to sew and they would show up for class and want to talk sewing at every daycare drop off and we would develop inside jokes about bias tape and my husband would catch them chatting about fabric around town.

8. I didn't know that it would all begin to grow into something more like community...that it would mean a lot to take time out of the house, away from the kids or responsibilities, to sew something and to talk to each other. I didn't realize quite how much that feeling of making something that I love would also be loved in the same way by other people. Maybe even more because we are doing it together and each class would end with everyone looking at me saying "What is next?"

9. I didn't know what would be involved in being my own manager, website designer, bookkeeper, accountant, scheduler, fabric buyer, and social media player. That it would mean I barely sew for myself at all. That I might feel compelled, on a day like today, to make a single bean bag just to combat that feeling.

10. I didn't know this post would make me a little weepy....

I didn't know a lot. And, I still don't know a lot. But, I'm learning and I'm so excited to share more as it all develops (like a new name!) and this whole new chapter develops.

What exactly am I doing? I don't know, it's evolving and maybe I am to. Or maybe I'm just going nuts and my family will look back on this as that weird 'sewing phase' but either way it is making for good stories in my old age.

Hootenanny Ready...

My son's frustration level reached boiling point last week at how difficult it is to hold and play a guitar at the same time. And for good reason. When you can't walk around while playing and holding the guitar you can't be the rock and roll star you really long to be...and when the rock and roll star you really long to be is actually the guy that teaches *preschool of rock* at your school and all you want to do is come home and pretend to be him all day long you absolutely must have a GUITAR STRAP, MAMA!

So, I hauled the sewing machine up out of the dingy basement (otherwise known as my studio) and got to work with some scraps and a little bit of bias tape. We made a small loop with the bias tape at one of the strap and attached some extra to tie around the guitar neck on the other end. Then a simple little screw with a loop into the bottom of the guitar and just like that Mama sewed up some magic. (He literally paced behind me while I was sewing...talk about pressure.)

And, about 15 minutes later is was absolutely essential that he go outside, sit on the steps and strum that guitar. All he needed was a few friends, somebody playing a banjo and we would have had a hootenanny I swear...he was so content out there strumming in the sun. My little music man.

The Summer Breeze Dress

A while back I made the dress in this post, and as I suspected it didn't fit...was way too tight. In the process of thinking through how to alter the pattern so that it would fit better I got to thinking that an all-around bodice just isn't realistic for an everyday girl's dress. I don't have girls but I do know that ALL CHILDREN need clothing that goes on and off easily....even better if it is super cute.
So, I ditched the whole back bodice and put in elastic casing, then I lengthened the straps in the back, added a criss-cross and while I was at it I shortened the length, widened the bodice in front and even lengthened it a bit because I liked the proportion a whole lot better. In the end, I came up with a whole new dress. I like it and so do a few other people, too. So, I've taken a request to make one out of this wonderful echino fabric.

I even snuck my making into the KCSC over at elsie marley. This whole adventure has strengthened my belief that there are no mistakes in sewing...only 'learning opportunities'. Every mishap leads down a new road that takes a turn that ends up better than where we started. This little summer breeze dress is that destination.

Kids Clothes Sewing Challenge: For the Boys

Elsie Marley's fantastic kid's clothing sewing week is such a good kick in the pants for me. I did manage to sew at least an hour everyday (except Saturday...just didn't happen) and I got a few things done for the boys. Up above, Jude got a pair of reversible pants...by being reversible they get a cute little accent cuff at the bottom, which will also make them easy to grow with over time. The pattern I made using a pair of his current pants. And, the top is the 'Kai shirt' from Heather Ross' Weekend Sewing book (I love this top...so cute, so easy.). The fabric is from Hawthorne Threads and I thought it would lend itself to a bit of a more sophisticated look than the average car/truck fabric and it does to some extent but not as much as I had hoped.

I also used Weekend Sewing for these pajama pants...one pair for both boys. The secret plan (sshhh) is to make Papa a pair and then break them out for Father's Day. Got to get to American Apparel for the matching tees. I will be perfectly honest about this...it's for me. I'm just dying to see my guys in matching pajamas. I don't know that they are going to care in the least. But, I promise to keep you posted. Perhaps I will be surprised! It could happen.
This is a detail of the fabric...again from hawthorne....it's called tiny town (I think) and along side a variety of fun cars and trucks are cute little shops including one for fabric and yarn. He. He. I told you this is for me!

Kids Clothes Week Challenge!

I'm very excited to be participating, for the second time, in Elsie Marley's Kids Clothes Week Challenge. The question is can I really sew kid's clothes for at least one hour a day for seven days? I sure hope so. Spring is mad at our house...three out of four birthdays happen for the immediate family, and then my mom's birthday and both my siblings...throw in Mother's Day and it's a little much. But, we are slogging through with determination. My plans for kids clothes week include a little outfit for my smallest man, some pajama pants for warm weather, and a few dresses for other people's kids. I never get to make dresses and I'm learning they are awfully fun so I'm indulging a bit.

Birthday Banner

We needed a new birthday banner in these parts...I loved our old one but had to admit that it was not as cheery and bright as I would have liked it to be. (I have come to realize that I can be really cheap sometimes about choosing fabric for small projects...desperately using scraps rather than using a nicer, more appropriate print if it means cutting up something unused. Frugal has its limits, my friends. It really does.) So, I went boldly into some scraps and some bigger cuts. I used a new circle fabric cutter (*amazing*) and iron-on letters to make it quick and easy. And, there you have it...cheery, bright, ready to party!

Christie's Bag

Sometimes it is useful to be a stalker. A stalker of a lady with a nice bag, at least. After a year of admiring the bag of a mother at my son's preschool I finally mentioned how much I would like to borrow it and attempt to copy it. Turns out, she was pretty amenable to the whole idea and next thing I now she was handing it over to me. This is my copy of her pretty bag. I made it from fabric I had on hand...a tan essex linen and a heavier weight flower print bought ages ago from fabric.com (I think).

It's pretty big, which I like...slung over my shoulder it comes down to my wrist and it fits a whole world of snacks, sippy cups, notebooks, and rocks/trucks in addition to the essential wallet, keys, phone combo. I'm not crazy about the flowery pattern so I bought the fantastic fabric below to make another one now that I know the pattern works.

Crazy Boy Pants

I've been meaning to make reversible pants for boys for a long time and finally got motivated today. I used a pair of his good fitting pants to make the pattern and then cut it twice. The two pairs are nestled in with each other, the waistband is elastic so I stitched that up first, made a casing (by putting in a simple stitch below the waist) and put in the elastic. Then, I folded over both hems and topstitched to finish. The great thing about these is that they can be cuffed up and look super cute but also let down as he grows. In my experience boys grow down not out. I also added little pockets because I think that pockets are traffic-stopping cute on little kids.
And, as much as I like these pants...they were meant to be just a prototype using fabric I have laying around but never seem to find a project for. I put my kids through lots of "mama made" torture but I really don't expect him to wear this pair of pants. I've ordered some nice fabric for a future pair of these suckers. They do fit his wild personality, though, which is why he laughed when he saw them (not joking) and then refused to take them off.

There are Pants!

You know that feeling? When you are working on a sewing project and you are diligently cutting and hunkering over your machine making stitches. You aren't sure where exactly things are going and how it is all going to look. You get a little stuck on something and it just about kills you because you are so eager to SEE! JUST SEE! how this project is going to turn out. And, then, you finish and you turn everything right side out and shake it a little and you know...it looks *good* and you made it and you feel fantastic and full of possibility.

Do you know what is better than that feeling? Watching someone else experience that very specific emotion for the first time. This, I am discovering, is the most spectacular thing about teaching people to sew. Getting to that 30 seconds when the look of pride and enthusiasm crosses someone's face. And, look at these pajama pants (and these happy faces!):


Oh yes! The first official stitching class is complete! It was so much fun to make pajama pants with these women (though, we did miss our third friend who got sick :( poor thing. ) These are the most adorable pajama pants EVER and I think it's safe to say they are not the last pair to be made in both of these families! There may even be some plans for matching family pajama pants...so, take that Hanna Andersson.

Flashy Produce Bags

The whole family is really ready for spring this year...the boys are literally jumping off the walls with all their pent up outside energy and like a sad April Fools joke it is snowing outside today. So, rather than enjoy actually spring weather I'm preparing for the growing season and the arrival of our CSA bounty and start of the farmer's market.

Last year I quickly threw together some produce bags so that when the big box of veggies did arrive I was able to quickly throw everything in cotton, breathable bags and get it into the fridge. It made things alot easier on 'box day' but the bags were made from such a flimsy fabric that they fell apart over the course of the harvest season and they didn't always protect the veg. from the harsh refrigerator conditions. So, this year, I took a little more time and made sturdier, thicker bags with pretty labels.
To make the labels I printed (mirror image) text onto iron-on transfer paper and ironed it onto twill tape. The bags are made from old tablecloths that I had long ago cut up and stored in the deep, recessed corner of my fabric stash cabinet. So, I'm very happy to bring them a new and thrilling life in the refrigerator.
In all I made six bags..3 larger ones for greens and smaller bags for herbs and vertical veggies like carrots and beets. I suspect I will need more but I ran out of old tablecloths! Got to do a bit more digging through the fabric weeds multipying in the studio.

Another Door Opens

Last weekend was the official beginning of something wonderful...and the first step (of many) of aligning how I spend my time with how I dream of spending my time. I've found a little space, some eager people, (I even got myself five more machines. gulp.) and we got together making pajamas. Look at these determined and concentrating faces! Pretty cute, huh? The class was so much fun, so much fun. I'm a little sad that it will end in one more session. Here is hoping there will be many more!

Rainy Day + Grey Skirt = Sunny Disposition

I made this skirt this week, using the a-line skirt pattern made to fit me in this class from the Design-It-Yourself Clothing book. It's a charcoal grey...simply but so versatile and it fits relatively well...it rests a little low on my waist so I'm back to the drawing board to alter the pattern to sit a little higher and I may lengthen it a little bit. But, I love how the skirt came out overall and I know that I will wear it lots. The picture is a bit foggy because it was a rainy day but, like I said, my mood perked up when I finished this. I even dusted off my knee-length suede wedge boots just to try the skirt on with a little lift. The boots were thrilled, they haven't seen action since I met my doula for the first time!

My Very Own Pajama Party!

I might just wear these pajamas every day this summer. The pattern is from Heather Ross' Weekend Sewing (which, as you know, I mostly love). One of the great things about this pattern is that the sizes range from a kid small to adult large. I've even used this pattern to make pajamas for my husband. I made them in a medium for myself because the hip area is (ahem) a little wide on me...so they are a bit baggier in other areas, which is great for pajamas in my opinion.

But, the really exciting news is that I didn't just make these pajamas because I wanted summer pajama pants or because I'm growing into a habit of wearing pajamas until noon on Saturday...both of which are true but beside the point. I made these to prepare for some Saturday sewing with friends. They are coming over and we are going to brave the depths of my scuzzy basement for some pajama sewing! They are brave and dedicated women.
(This gorgeous, spring-y fabric is Verna by Kate Spain for Moda. I've noticed I'm pretty keen on Moda fabrics these days. I don't think I've given them enough attention before. The quilt under-foot is wool and was made by my grandma, it keeps us warm all winter long without fail.)

Down that Crafty Mama Road

I relearned a classic lesson in crafty mamahood this week. I believe it is technically called "I love this thing I made for you WAY MORE than you love this thing I made for you." Harumph. I made these colorful and spirited napkins (robots, planets, airplanes! on one side and sprockets!! on the other) after receiving some gifts from my sister that were cleverly wrapped in fabric. I was so excited, because he has been dragging sad, olive colored napkins to school for over a year. I was sure he was going to flip over these. I envisioned him enjoying his lunch so much more and thinking fondly on me...his loving crafty mama.

This is not what happened. During the carefully constructed moment in which I presented them he immediately said, "I don't like them." I thought to myself, He will change his mind. So, the next day as I'm preparing his lunch I offered him a choice of NEW! FUN! napkin to include in his lunch sack. "I don't like those. I want the other one." So, I pulled out the sad, olive napkin (imagining it was mocking me) and stuffed it into the lunch sack. And, off he went to school.

I know this happens. You make something special, you take the time, you know how special it is and yet...the world doesn't always appreciate the road you have traveled. I'm ok with it. I know that I sew because I LOVE IT, not because we desperately need transportation themed napkins. I've recovered emotionally...but I am holding out hope that his younger brother will love them when he starts at the same school and needs a cloth napkin. That could happen, right?

The Flour Sack Dress

Last summer my aunt mailed me some very special fabric. Her husband's family owned a flour mill in Minnesota back in the day and she had inherited the flour sack fabric from that time. And, given that she didn't know of another family member interested in sewing, she wanted me to have it. Well, it has been really hard for me to come up with a project that warranted using the fabric and was also small enough to work. But, while flipping through Heather Ross' Weekend Sewing I came across her flower girl dress and thought of a little friend about to have a birthday. It seemed silly to keep this stowed away rather than turned into something beautiful and useful.
So, I made the dress already. It's pretty cute, I must say. This picture makes it look a little crooked and it is not crooked BUT it is way to small! Yup, the bodice has no zipper, no buttons, nothing to help put it on a small body. Frankly, I think it would only fit on a small, small, small person...not what I had intended. And, come on! Children need their clothes to be easy to put on. I mean, so easy that the clothes nearly magically appear on them. So, I'm disappointed. And I know a special someone that can use this as a special occasion dress but I'm going to be tweaking the pattern so that it can actually function as a dress. Check back on Monday for my book report because this whole debacle is making me think that Weekend Sewing ought to be next on the review list.

Max's Quilt.

An innocent conversation in the park, "Melissa, do you quilt?" recently transformed into my first very special quilt commission! I've gathered up all of the precious baby clothes of our friend Max and am turning them into a special memory quilt. You know these clothes, we all have them...the ones indelible in our memories...from the quintessential baby picture, from the day you held the baby all day long with a fever, the ones that made you go gooey in the shopping mall or that were bought on the first trip away. These are the clothes that you look at and every detail of your little baby comes flooding back. They are emotional and important.
Yup. Those. Well, I've gently washed them and then cut them up. Gulp.
This is truly a job that a mother could not do!
And, in the end...that whole stack of clothes boils down to this pile of quilt squares. Amazing.
I don't want to give it away so here is just a sneak peek at the quilt top:
Since, children's clothes are inevitable a mix of fabrics (including lots of jersey!), the cutting and preparation is about half of the job. I put interfacing on the back of all of the jersey knit so that it would hold stiffly and sew smoothly. Everything is cut to 5 inch squares so some images are incomplete but without that other items wouldn't be in the quilt at all so I had to. In the end, it has really come together. Now! I just have to quilt it and sew on the binding! Then, all of those baby memories won't be stowed away in a tub in the basement but will be given new life! We love you Max!

Holiday Books

It's done! I've been working on this fabric book for a long time...in fact, it was supposed to be given to the baby on his first birthday and he is now 20 months old. The good news is that I've waited long enough to set it under the Christmas tree and no one is the wiser.

We live pretty far away from family so these books (I made one in a more timely fashion for our oldest,too) are a great way to keep family near and dear to our hearts when they can't be physically near.
It's also a great way to use up bits and scraps of fabric because, for some reason, the crazier the fabric mix the better, in this case. This is my first completed holiday gift (and it's a cheat, at that!) but it's getting the holiday making juices flowing. Bring it on, December! I think I'm ready for you.

Something for Mom

Well, it has been awfully quiet here lately. I hate when that happens. I have been sewing a lot just feeling a bit...reflective...about it, I guess. There is lots going on and it has me a little topsy turvy.

I did manage the sew together an exciting collection of things as a gift to my mom, a deeply belated gift I should add. It's nearly all from Weekend Sewing, which I go on and on about, I know. These were somewhat adventurous sewing projects for me. My idea was to create a pampering kit for her. So, I made slippers, a washbag, my zipper pouch, and the face wash, lip balm, and face oil from here.

The slippers were very satisfying. Cute, not that hard, and so functional I nearly cried. The border is ric-rac and they even have a little elastic at the back to keep them from slipping. But, none of it is fussy to sew.

The washbag was more challenging, I must say. Inside are little pockets to keep small things...they are even a little elasticized so things stay put. The components are straightforward enough but sewing it all together is a pain and a half. I'm an idiot about these things anyway and this just left me completely befuddled. I even stuck a pin in my hand. I don't think it was a function of the directions but more my lack of experience, if truth be told.
But, completely worth it. If for nothing than the pure joy of taking on a challenge. I will have to make more of these now, or all that effort to scale the learning curve will have been lost. Good thing it is getting on holiday time.