Swimsuits!

Summer starts early here. We opened the pool for the season during Spring Break, at the end of March. It wasn't really that hot here, yet- we heated the pool. With a pool in our backyard and temperatures in the triple digits (we hit 115 this weekend), we plan to spend most days in the pool. This means we all need swimsuits, and more than just 1 each. It was perfect timing, because Katie and Leila were hosting SwimAlong2013. I had never sewn a swimsuit before- there had really been no need when we lived in Oregon. It proved to be really quite easy and quick!

I started with a swimsuit for Ashley. We used her old swimsuit, the one that was too small, as a guide. This did not go so well. It was too tight in the hips. I cut the bottom off of it, and decided to make a tankini.  After cutting a new, bigger bottom for the swimsuit, I realized I wasn't getting the leg opening right. I pulled out my Jalie underwear pattern and used that to fix it. I should have started with this pattern to begin with! The fabric was purchased at lowpricefabric.com.

I made a swimsuit for myself next, but don't have good pictures yet. They are all blurry. It will get it's own blog post someday soon. 

Natalie was begging for hers to be made next, so I picked out an Ottobre pattern and got to work. I used Ottobre 3/2009 #38 with #39 for the top. She and Alona loved this pink camo fabric.

Alona's swimsuit was so quick. Hers was my 4th swimsuit in 2 weeks and the same pattern as Natalie. She has the same size chest and waist as Natalie, so I just added a bit to the hips for hers.

My girls all love their new swimsuits! Can you tell? I wonder how tan they will be by the end of summer...

Casual Lady Dress from Go To Patterns

I was asked to test the Casual Lady Dress pattern for Go To Patterns in April. They needed the XXS again, so Ashley got another dress!

I ordered these cotton/spandex jerseys from Nature's Fabrics. The top one is the same fabric Katie used for the leggings she wore to our meetup and I loved the quality, so ordered some of my own. The blue with gold flecks was much thinner, sadly, so I decided to use it for this dress.

The dress was quick! 2 main pieces, 2 facing pieces. Easy. The instructions were great, and Ashley was so happy to have yet another dress. I will definitely make this pattern again. I might even try making the top for myself- yes, it can be a dress or a top.

Doesn't she look thrilled?

Simply Lovely dress for Ashley

A few months ago, Go To Patterns was looking for a pattern tester for their smallest women's dress size.  After taking a look at their sizing, I realized this would work perfect for my 12 year old and signed right up!  They sent me the Simply Lovely Dress pattern.

I picked out a stretch woven I've had in the stash for quite some time. I fell in love with the diagonal stripe, but never knew what to do with it.

I think this fabric has a little less drape than the recommended fabrics, but it works.  I would LOVE to make this in a light to mid weight linen!

The instructions were well written. The elastic at the waist was put in a way I never have seen before.  I followed the directions, not sure how it would work, but it did!  The sizing is great! Ashley is quite thin, so I was surprised that a women's pattern would have a size to fit. I did lengthen the dress, as usual.  I will probably do the straps differently the next time I make it, making the underarm binding continue up as the straps, as I think it will sit better on their shoulders.

This pattern is FREE, yes, free. You just have to head over to GoToSew.com and sign up for their newsletter.  The dress was posted there back at the beginning of April, but I believe it is still available.

Back in January I made this dress...

Ashley turned 12 back in January. I decided to make her a new dress for her birthday, as she really didn't have any dresses in her closet.  I let her pick out the fabric from my stash. I searched through my Ottobre magazines and let her pick between a few patterns. 

We went with 06/2008 37. In the magazine, the girl wore it layered with a turtleneck and tights. It is really a cute dress. I would have loved to make the turtleneck, but it just isn't that cold here.

This dress was quick and easy to make. My kind of pattern! I used a pink cotton interlock from the stash.  It's been long enough that I forget what size I made. I love Ottobre patterns. They have great styles for kids (and women). The instructions are minimalist- sew the shoulder seam, gather between marks, hem.   This doesn't really bother me, as I know how to do these things.

 I need pink thread for the serger.

Ashley loves her new dress (we moved a week after her birthday, so boxes were just a part of our life back then).

Blogger Meetup

A few weeks ago I went to my cousin's wedding and had the chance to meet up with Katie of Kadiddlehopper. 

She took me to Yellow Bird Fabrics, a lovely fabric shop! We just happened to run into Sunni while we were there. She cut our fabric and took our picture for us.

I bought a gorgeous brown wool blend jersey for a summer Renfrew and a stretch cotton remnant which will be a skirt for my daughter.

If you are ever in Salt Lake for a visit, be sure to stop by Yellow Bird. Katie and I petted the Liberty Lawn they had in stock. I didn't understand why it was so coveted until I touched it! It is worth the price, and I think I will be buying some in the near future!

After our fabric shopping, we headed over to Capital City Antique Mall. We were having a great time playing with the vintage cameras when it occurred to me that we should be taking pictures of our adventure. (You can see more pictures over on Katie's post.)

We found quite a few pattern stashes to raid, and I loved seeing them in old suitcases.

I found some sewing machine accessory boxes. This is the one I didn't buy.

There were several racks of vintage clothes, with a few pieces that made us question, "why?"  Here is Katie with one of them.

I did buy a few things at the antique mall. 

I found a few patterns to my liking, but none of them are for me. 

This Simplicity pattern will be great for one of my daughters one day.

Here is a closeup of the Spadea unprinted pattern.

The PJs and robe are perfect for Drew, and the adorable girl's dress will one day (hopefully) be for my a little niece. 

The Singer sewing machine accessories box I bought didn't look that exciting at first, but the top piece came out and revealed a surprise.

This is the lower section with the real goodies!

A binding foot...

...and a ruffler foot. I'm pretty sure these will fit my older machine!

I had such a great time with Katie! She is vibrant, energetic and so lovely. I had a blast! Thanks for showing me around! 

Polka Dot Frock

I joined up with Scruffy Badger Time for Polka Dot Frock Fest in February. Of course, in my usual style, I didn't finish it in February. I managed to wash the fabric that month, that's it.  The pattern is New Look 6000. I love the pictures on the pattern jacket. I wasn't sure how it would look on me, however. 

I used a double knit from Girl Charlee. They don't normally have double knit in stock, but I lucked out with a dotted one!

I graded the pattern up, as it only goes up to size 16. I basted it together and it was huge! I ended up taking it back in to just barely bigger than the 16, cutting the neck and shoulder seams down between sizes 12 and 14.  

Checking the fit before adding sleeves and neck facing.

Catch stitching the hem.

The dress went together rather quickly, and I really shouldn't have put it off so long. I was just so unsure of the sizing. It all worked out in the end!

I wore it to my cousin's wedding for it's debut.

I love the pleating!

Unfortunately, the fabric is very fond of static. I need an awesome slip and a can of static spray, apparently.

I do love the dress. The neckline is wonderful.The sleeve length is great for me. I didn't add the cuffs, as I didn't really prefer those. 

I may sew this again, but not any time soon.

Gray Renfrew

I finished my Renfrew top.  I am very sad.  I made it too small!  I think a stretchier knit would have been better with the size I cut.  The worst part is that I cut my pattern to that size.  Guess now I have to buy another one!  I should have started out with a bigger size- going down to the smaller would have been a whole lot easier.  I can still review the pattern, as the top is great other than my sizing error.  I am actually taking it in a little and giving it to a friend.  So it isn't a total waste.

The pattern is pretty straightforward.  The pictures are great- I didn't have any questions as to what was going on in them.  The instructions are pretty basic, not a lot of steps.  This was a quick sew!  I was running errands all morning and sewing in between.  I started around 9am and finished by 12:30pm.  So I'd say it took me 2 hours max to sew.  I cut it out last night, but even the cutting didn't take long.  Now that I've made this I think it will take even less time on the next one.

I used a gray ponte roma from JoAnns.  I made mine with the neckline from view B and the sleeve length from view C. I didn't use a zigzag stitch around the neckline.  Instead, I used a double needle with a straight stitch.  I just like the look better.  Everything else was done as per instructed.  I used a stretch (double) stitch for the seams and then finished them with the serger.  This pattern does not require a serger, though.  I can't wait to make another one in the correct size!  I also look forward to making the other views.  It is a great pattern, perfect for anyone who is new to sewing knits.  It is also a great basic pattern to have in my stash.

I will try to add a picture in a bit.

wardrobe planning?

I have been trying to formulate a plan for what I would like to sew/what I need in my wardrobe for my year of RTW fasting.  I set up a board on Pinterest where I can pin inspiration and patterns. You can find it here.

I would like to make some pencil skirts.  I think a double knit would be great for that.  Maybe a stretch woven fabric as well.  I am thinking of trying Pamela's Magic Pencil Skirt pattern.

Last night I bought some double knit at JoAnns for Sewaholic's Renfrew pattern.  I found a nicer double knit there in a charcoal gray color, pictured above.  They only had a few colors in the good double knit.  I bought a black and off-white print fabric for a button down blouse (also pictured above) while I was there that I plan to use with McCalls 6035.  I also grabbed a few yards of denim to try out a jeans pattern.  I have Vogue 1034 for the jeans.  We'll see if I like that one.

So, I have 3 projects ready to be started, and many more in mind.  I'm leaning toward wearing more skirts and dresses every day, but we'll see how cold that makes me this winter!

fabric

I browsed Gorgeous Fabrics website looking for the perfect fabrics for my dresses today.  Oh, there is so much I love.  Of course, I have to stick to a budget, so I am starting with 3 fabrics.

I picked this one for Simplicity 1804.

http://www.gorgeousfabrics.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=15971

I also picked a pink and blue striped knit, but it is sadly sold out.  But, only after I purchased all that remained!  I plan to use it for ???  I can't decide which pattern, Vogue 1224 or New Look 6936?  They are fairly similarish.  Hmmm...  When it arrives I will figure it out.

I thought I had the pattern for this one nailed down as well, but now I can't remember which one I had in mind.  But I love this print!   Let me know if you have any opinions. 

http://www.gorgeousfabrics.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=9096

I also added these to my wishlist:

pink and navy striped jersey 

(the one I got has equal width stripes)

coral impressionist ity jersey

bit by biy ity jersey

(this one is just like the one I ordered but in a different color)

 

Of course, then I went over to Mood Fabrics and fell in love with several of the knits over there.  Like this fabulous silk jersey.  Oh, I am in looooove...  

One day it will be mine.  A fabulous silk dress all my own. Yum.

The "Bapron"

I found this free pattern and tutorial on Pinterest and think that it's about the cutest bib I have ever seen.  It's going to be so sad when Maddox covers it in peanut butter and jelly.

Anyway, this is what I'm making today.  It's easy, it's quick, and it's useful.  So head on over to Craftiness Is Not Optional and check out this super cute pattern and tutorial, plus about a hundred thousand more and have a great day!

Cambie Dress Review

Tasia, the Sewaholic, just announced her new pattern today.  The Cambie Dress.   I LOVE this pattern.  I especially love the A-line skirt version.  Of course, sometimes what you love isn't what suits you best.  I muslined the A-line version first.  I didn't love it on me.  I was quite sad.  So I went ahead with the full skirt version (which I also love).

Adjustments: I did an FBA which resulted in a horizontal bust dart being added to the bodice. I also shortened the bodice by one inch in the armscye area.  I used a regular zipper, which I handpicked.

The instructions were easy to follow.  It went together rather quickly, as well.  I made a 12 with a thick waist adjustment.  I am so excited to make this dress for Ashley (once she fits into the smallest size of course).

Fabric: Striped cotton shirting with little flowers embroidered all over for the main fabric and white voile for the lining.  This was my first time using voile.  It is a great lining for hot desert summers!

I HIGHLY recommend this pattern.  I love it!  Sewaholic patterns are wonderful and make a great addition to any pattern stash.

Sorry for the sad phone picture.

Paper Chain? Nope, It's Fabric

Okay, here's the thing, I have ridiculously expensive taste in everything.  I'm not joking.  I get catalogs in the mail for clothes that cost $200+ for a shirt...A SHIRT!!  Do I buy that stuff?  No, I'm cheap, I don't have that kind of money and even if I did, I wouldn't waste that much on one thing.  No way.

So when I saw this fabric paper chain in the Land of Nod Catalog for Christmas, I wanted it. 

But there's no way you're going to get me to pay $29 for it.  I mean, I know it's not THAT much money, but it's only 20 links long, which means I'd need a lot more links to have it go where I wanted it to go.

That leads me to "knockoffs".  Yes, I do knockoffs.  I figure out how to make something similar, using my know how, my supplies, and my hands.  And typically, when I make a knockoff, it looks almost the same, without the $$$.

Without futher ado, here is my knockoff  fabric paper chain.  Keep in mind, I've only done 8 links so far, simply because I have about 80 other projects going all at the same time, but I will have it done soon.  Oh, and this is the "Birthday" version.  I am also making a holiday version...tonight.

So, How did I do it?

Well, here's the rundown.  You will need:

3+ Coordinating Fat Quarters
Mod Podge
Sponge Paint Brush
4 Sheets Scrapbook Plastic
Sharpee Marker
Rotary Cutter/Mat
Iron & Board
Paper Scissors
Velcro Dots or 3/4 yard Velcro

*If you use the Velcro yardage, you will also need a hot glue gun.

All you have to do is this:

Cut the plastic into 8 1/2" x 1 1/2" strips.  I used the Sharpee marker and my rotary cutting mat to measure and mark so I could make sure I got them all exactly the same size.

Iron the fabric.  Cut the fabric into 9" x 4" strips.

Once you've got the fabric and the plastic cut, bust out the Mod Podge and the Brush (make sure you work on a protected surface so you don't cover your good dining room table with Mod Podge).

Start by brushing Mod Podge over one entire side of the plastic, then place the plastic Mod Podge side down on the WRONG side of the fabric, as centered as you can possibly get it (I just eyeball it).

Next, coat the plastic with Mod Podge (this is the side you didn't coat last time).  Fold the ends of the fabric in, coat the right side of the folded over ends with Mod Podge, then fold one long side of the fabric in and press it to the plastic and fabric ends.

Now you need to coat just the remaining 1/4" of raw edge of fabric on the wrong side with Mod Podge.  Fold that edge under.  Now coat the fabric side that hasn't been folded to the plastic with Mod Podge and fold it over, pressing it to the plastic and the fabric.  Your link should now look like this, sans the velcro.

Let the link dry, then attach velcro.  I am lazy and use sticky backed velcro dots or squares, but if you buy regular velcro, you can attach the velcro using hot glue.

To attach the velcro, you will need to position one side of the velcro on the inside of the link, and the other piece of velcro on the opposite end on the outside of the link.  When the velcro has had some time to adhere to the fabric, you can velcro the link together.

Why do we use velcro, you ask?  Well, this way, you can store your fabric paper chain flat during the "off season" and it won't get bent up, scrunched, or otherwise damaged.

Here's a couple of great things about making your own:

*Use your own taste in fabrics, or use your leftover scraps up.  This way, it's personalized for you.  No one else will ever have the exact same thing in their home.
*Choose fabric for any occassion (how about one for Independence Day, or for that tailgater you're throwing during football season).
*Cost:  For the whole chain...under $10.  Yep, under $10 and that's if you're lazy like me and buy the more expensive sticky velcro.

So, keep getting those catalogs and watching those great designers.  You can create amazing knockoffs for a fraction of the price, and your home can look like you spent a million bucks, when you really spent just a few.

Happy Creating!


Kristin

Why???

Why must I find these things?  Now I want them!  Ugh.

These fabric organizers are ridiculous! (in the most awesome way)  Now that I have found them I feel that I cannot live without them.  Problem is, they really aren't cheap.  I mean, if I only needed 6 of them I would be all over it.  Needing 75 (more like 100+ but who is counting fabric) I just don't think I can convince Jeff that they are necessary.  Man, if you check out their gallery, you can see how beautiful a fabric stash can really be!  There is a before and after and I just wish mine looked that nice.  One day, one day...

Show your patriotism

For the 4th of July, I made skirts for the girls and an outfit for the boy.  I also embellished the girls' shirts.  I made the tiered skirts out of knit fabrics.  I used the tiered skirt tutorial.  I did 3 tiers using the 1.5x tiers.  I love how they turned out!  I made them much shorter than the previous skirts I have made.  I made fabric yo-yo's for their shirts- one each in red, white, and blue.  I stitched them together and then tacked them to their shirts.  They are easily removed.  Ideally, I will make them into pins so they can be put on any shirt and used every year.

I used the same knit to make Drew's outfit.  I used an existing out fit as a pattern, but added a red stripe in the middle with reverse applique white stars.  I think next time I will make the stripe a bit higher on the chest.  It turned out fairly well.  Next time I will plan ahead better so that I can have colored snaps to match the fabric.