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.

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.

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.)

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.

Grandma's Scarf

I love making nice things for my grandmother...she scrimped and saved her whole life and has only just started indulging in anything for herself. So, after reading this and falling in love with velveteen I started considering making grandma a super indulgent scarf. And, I'm so glad I did.
The velveteen is really soft (and it DOES creep when you sew it, which can be tricky) and scrumptious. The scarf was so easy, which is really good because I had to work fast and ship it quickly because I was making this one really last minute. I had to include this final picture, quite possibly the oddest and most awkward picture ever! Ahh.

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.

Kid's Clothes Week Wrap-Up

Not surprisingly, I did not accomplish everything on my list for the Kid's Clothes Week Challenge by elsie marley. But, I did cross somethings off and mostly using my serger. Yippee!

This top, which had already acquired food stains by the time I was able to get a photo, was just a t-shirt. I put in the long sleeve arms by cutting up some baby leggings, resizing them, and sewing them into the armholes. It was a cinch and made me feel like a genius.

I repurposed some onesies into long-sleeved tees that means they last through the fall. Mostly these are t-shirts that I thought were cute but they just didn't fit anymore. So, I cut them, eliminating the snap-y section. For the star wars top I added a bit of fabric to lengthen and hem at the same time. For the other, I just did a quick hem with the serger. (I'm finding hemming the most difficult part of sewing with knits. Lots of, ahem, opportunity for learning in that area).
This was another repurposed onesie, without the snaps. It's big plan is to be a halloween costume. I've decided a little reluctantly, to go for a join costume with big brother as a school bus and little brother as a stop sign. I can't resist the cuteness, I just hope it doesn't cause too much psychological damage for the little brother.


But, the best thing to come of this week of sewing (and it was a pain to make the time, make no mistake about it, not that I'm complaining, I realize it was voluntary) was these fire engine pajamas. The was the only non-repurposed thing about my kid's sewing extravaganza. I made a pattern from a pair of my son's existing pajamas, which is great. A free pattern. You can't tell in the picture but the bottoms are full-length pants, the bottom cuff is in the right-side photo. They don't fit perfectly and the armholes are kind of goofy and look sort of space-age on (I was trying to avoid making sleeves or hemming, see above). But, these are the world's most loved pajamas. Truly. The first night he wore them he refused to put his bedsheets over him because it would obstruct his view of the new pajamas. He has been wearing them every night since. It's honestly been a highlight of my life as a sewing mama. For real. He wanted to wear them all day long. Until, of course, I asked to take a picture and then he took them off before I could find the camera.

Summer Shirt

I recently made this top from Heather Ross's Weekend Sewing, which is truly one of my favorite sewing books...beautiful, clever, and has a mix of different 'I actually want to make this' projects. The shirt is made with Anna Maria Horner's cotton voile and is fantastic, light as air but sturdy. The fabric seems to wrinkle easily, especially when it's left in a wad in the corner of the bedroom, but it doesn't need ironing...it seems to smooth out after being worn for a while. It's low maintenance like that.

I wear this shirt a lot...after a dip in the lake or ocean, on a summer day with a small breeze, or on a hike (as in this picture from our family vacation) and it never fails me. I did use the serger for the seems and I'm glad because this top has been given the run-around. In fact I finished sewing it and put it on when I heard the baby wake up..he then proceeded to throw up all over me and it's survived loads more *family life* since then. I'm referring to the shirt, not the baby.

The Second Skirt

Another skirt has been created! This one is also from found fabric, it lived a previous life as a...skirt. So, it is not feeling as transformed as I do with this whole clothing making adventure. But, I do like the skirt and like that it is actual retro fabric. I had to be very careful when I cut the pattern out that everything was set to match up and it worked, for the most part. Even if it did make sewing a bit painstaking. As much as I like this skirt, it's pretty bold so I'm feeling a little intimidated about wearing it. It's also pretty work-y, rather than casual so I have build up the courage to wear it to work. Blog-friends, got any confidence to pass on?

A Regular Scarlett O'Hara

I've been feeling the need for something new in the wardrobe lately and have been a bit disappointed by what is in the shops. I feel like my style is not quite eccentric enough to fit Anthropologie, not preppy enough for standards like J.Crew and just not quite loud enough for Boden. Not that I don't shop at those places but they aren't quite making me happy these days...that said the fall Boden collection is calling my name. So, I was inspired to try making something myself. I bought this book, Sew Serendipity, (which is only ok, but that's another post for another time). This skirt, is just a basic a-line but includes waistband facing, a zipper, a hem band and pockets that are making me feel proud of myself. This version, made from a pair of cafe curtains I found roadside (yay!) is my muslin. I put in enough detail that I might wear it, if I found the right top for it, but was also able to feel comfortable making mistakes. Now to muster up the courage to cut into some of my favorite fabrics!

No One is Going to Wear this Shirt

I finally got around to the 90 Minute Shirt that everyone is so crazy about and I love making my own pattern and it truly is fast but, frankly, I just stink at sewing the collar. It's crooked and wonky and uneven and takes all the fun out of the 'I just made a shirt' feeling. I did get to expand my serger experience, which is lovely. But, again, a bit of a let down when the top is a disaster. I'm not saying I won't try it again but it might take a while to get back on that horse. So, seriously, if anyone is interested in this top...for a doll the size of a one year old, perhaps?...let me know. It's yours...with cherries on top.

The Fox Sweatshirt With No Fox

I found myself pretty busy lately so when I got a pocket of time not quite big enough for sewing anything I decided to freezer paper stencil this sweatshirt for my oldest. But, I didn't have alot of creative energy either. I just made a moon and then used a hole punch for hearts. Not very exciting. Well, this is the story of how it became 'the fox sweatshirt' and dearly beloved.

We sing songs at night--3 before I leave the room and he goes to bed. Sometimes he gets silly and request songs that are made-up. One time he requested "A Fox Song" so I made one up about a fox looking up at the moon and stars and searching for his Mama and a bed of leaves to fall asleep (the made up songs are always about the search for sleep). The song is droning and repetitious and I have to change it a little every time because I never remember exactly how I sang it last time but for some crazy reason he loves it. During the day he even acts out being the fox complete with dramatic facial expressions. So, back to the sweatshirt. When I pulled this sweatshirt out for the big reveal he looked kind of disappointed so I said "It's a fox sweatshirt." and he looked at me blankly so I added, "but you are the fox when you wear it." And, that was it...instant love. Now, it is the GREAT FOX SWEATSHIRT. I'm not sure what the moral of the story is exactly but it feels like some kind of ode to mediocrity or perhaps the lesson is---when the simple is great.

Kids Clothes Week--Days 1-4/5

I have really been enjoying all the kids clothes sewing this week, but funny thing is, by sewing for at least an hour a day (I find I often go over once I get started) I am not blogging. Logical, I suppose, but it seems like other parents have clones or something. I am very jealous of their time management skills not to mention their talent (check out what marzipan has been making!). On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I pulled together this little ensemble for the baby. The patterns are both from Heather Ross's Weekend Sewing and are great, though the shirt can get a little tricky with the collar and all. I used one of my husbands old work shirts to make the top and I love how it came together. It's an awesome re-use of what was great quality fabric in the first place. I added cuffs to the Huck Finn pants pattern, I wanted them a bit longer and I liked the idea of it all matching. I don't match my own clothes AT ALL but love when kids outfits are matchy.

And this? It's just an extra photo to highlight how dang cute this kid is.

Mother's Day and now, Mother's Work

The one thing I asked for as a gift on Mother's Day was a hike. I was positively spoiled in lots of ways and we did, indeed, take a hike. I love outdoor adventures but we haven't done too many since having kids. It is beginning to feel like we can slowly but surely get out for more these days. This one was a complete success.
Little C, our 3 year old, was crazy about it and chattered on an on. We did a 'quick' 20 minute loop that took us about an hour with all of the off-path adventuring we did. I forgot how amazing moss and fallen wood is when you are three. He is learning about his 'five senses' at school and kept saying "I'm hearing lots of birdies! I'm using my five senses!" I just about died.

Now, It's time for Elsie Marley's Kids Clothes Week! Last night was the cutting and today is sewing! My plan, so far, is to make Little C: one button down shirt and complete a freezer paper stencil sweatshirt and for Little J: one button down shirt, matching pants, one 90 minute shirt, and complete a freezer stencil sweatshirt. I'm not really going too ambitious and not even going that seasonal (I mean, sweatshirts?!) but I'm aiming to just be able to actually stick with the plan of sewing for one hour a day. My gauge of success is fairly low. It helps me feel like a rock star.

The Vespa Shirt

A while back, before my 'not going to buy things I don't need' vow, I was in Target and found piles of blank t-shirts and sweatshirts in both of the boys sizes. I finally got around to playing around with them. This one, for the big boy, turned into THE VESPA SHIRT. No real reason...it just happened. I made the design using old t-shirts that had interfacing ironed to the back of them. I started by drawing the base picture (using a dried soap sliver) on black before cutting out the design.

Then, laying the next color level behind the black image, I drew on the pieces I wanted green.And, so on and so forth...until I stitched it all together piece by piece onto the yellow t-shirt base. So easy! Last, of course, was sewing it onto the t-shirt. I didn't use a stretch needle or use the serger, the interfacing was sufficient in keeping the fabric stiff enough to be able to use a regular needle and straight stitch.

I actually considered holding off on this project and waiting to work on it until Elsie Marley's Kids Clothes Week next week. Isn't that sad? I'm just at a bit of a loss, still, regarding what to make the boys for clothes. This idea was like liquid gold for Kids Clothes Week! But, I wanted to get it to my son for his birthday, which is what happened in the end. Yay for my integrity!

More Shirt Rescue

before

after

I realize it doesn't look exactly like a rescue effort but I promise it is. Shortened the sleeves with the elastic thread again (for anyone asking: hand-wind it into the bobbin ONLY and sew with a long stitch while pulling the fabric coming out of the machine. It is a technique in the Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross). I do like the shirt more this way despite my complete inability to take a nice picture of my headless self.

The *new* shirt

I have, apparently, got really long arms so alot of shirts tend to fit well everywhere else but the arms are too short. This top was one of those, but it was on sale and I had to buy it. It sat in my closet for nearly a year until I almost put it in the donation pile. I decided instead, to try my elastic bobbin thread on it and cut the sleeve and give them some 'poof'.
I sewed a rolled hem on the very ends and then used the elastic thread near the edge. My sewing machine has a rolled hem foot so that was relatively easy and the elastic thread worked pretty well for me. I've read of lots of people having trouble with it, but somehow I have been spared that headache. Next time, however, I will sew the elastic thread a bit further from the arm hem, give it an inch or so of extra fabric...just as an aesthetic thing. I like how the top looks and it took all of 20 minutes to salvage it. I might just have to try this one again.

Don't you love my pose in this shot? Not exactly a natural stance for me, the whole self-portrait thing.