Silent but Busy

What is going on in your world? I've been pretty silent over here but busy none the less. School is out and that means kids 24/7. Since they are pretty young we don't do a lot of camps - maybe one or 2 weeks otherwise it is Camp Mama. I've been doing some refashion style sewing and crafting. I usually document that stuff at my other blog and save the pattern sewing for this one. I won't give a ton of detail but just show some pics of some of the stuff I've made recently.

Apron for one of my son's friend

Barrettes for one of my daughter's friends

Skirt made from old T-shirts in DD's school colors for the last day of Kindergarten inspired by mini Boden

FAILED attempt at making a tank to go with skirt that turned into muscle shirt for son

Fabric bracelet - part of the gift given to DD friend (see barrettes)

I'll be making a lot more kid's stuff. I am on a mission to make handmade gifts for the million and one kid's birthday parties we attend. If you have young kids you know what I'm talking about. See my other blog for more details on where to find the tutorials for the apron, barrettes, tank top and fabric bracelet.

Happy Birthday to Me!

I turned 35 this week! It seems like such a mature age. I'm still trying to process it all. This birthday milestone has me pondering some things about my life - you know those deep questions. At the same time I'm very excited about what the future holds. Let me tell you that cake was so good, amaretto buttercream with white chocolate shavings- YUM!

B5104 - Striped Top Completed

Remember my What Not To Do When Sewing Stripes? That hot stripey mess has become a finished top and I really like it. After 2 or 3 neckband applications, changing the sleeves, and picking out the hem once - it is finally finished. This will become my fitted T-shirt TNT. I plan to make some solid colors as well. I added elastic to the sleeve for a tighter fit.

Sewing with Knits Tip: I used wooly nylon in my bobbin when sewing the elastic casing and when using my twin needle for hemming the bottom of the shirt. I think it does provide more stretch. A few sources recommend this technique and they also tell you to hand wind the bobbin so there is less tension.

I have really big hair - ALWAYS LOL

The other side is off by a stripe so the green flows into the white. I'll do better next time - maybe. Again this was made using OOP Butterick 5104. Of course, I made a few modifications:)

Enjoy your weekend!

Vintage Goodies

I posted this on my other blog and since it was sewing related I thought that I would post it here as well.

While at my local discount fabric store - a place that I have banished myself from because of my overabundance of fabric, where was I going with this. Ah yes, I found some vintage patterns at my local discount fabric store for FREE! Yep, they were just giving them away. I only took 5 oh I mean 6 - I was trying not to be greedy.

My fave for my daughter is Simplicity 7835 - I think those shirt dresses are adorable! For me, I'm feeling Simplicity 6531. I know it looks like a nightgown or house dress but I think we can make it cute for summer wear. I grabbed some zippers and buttons for 25 cents and (cough cough) 3.5 yards of fabric. I know, I know. I'll just have to sew 3.5 yards soon - that will keep the universe in balance right.

I love how Simplicity 9388 has the name Lillian written on it.

The pattern dates range from 1966 to 1971. I'm not sure what I was thinking when I grabbed the McCall's nightgown pattern. Now it's time to dream up ways to use these gems.

Checking in

Whew! Just catching my breath from a whirlwind of activity. Unfortunately not sewing activity. From the last week of January to this week there has been a major activity every week. It is now finally over - yippee. I also realized that while on our annual ski trip, my one bin fabric challenge ended. My production was pretty pitiful but I'll be sewing from my stash for the next couple of months - I'll try to keep track of yardage out.
My kids and I were on a episode of HGTV's Curb Appeal - it was filmed late last year but just aired this weekend. The home of one of my daughter's classmates was redone. It was kind of strange seeing myself and the kids on TV. Man, my eyes look really big - LOL.
What's going on with everyone else? Ready for spring sewing?

Happy Valentine's Day

My sweetheart and I spent Valentine's Day on the slopes in West Virginia. Happy Valentine's Day to you and your special one.

What Not To Do When Sewing Stripes

When sewing stripes please do not follow my rules.

1. Select fabric - I was eager to sew this fat stripey material because I liked the look and it felt nice too. It is from my stash.
2. Select pattern - I thought a raglan style tee would be simple and a nice basic.
Makes sense right, the wrong starts at the next step.
3. Cut fabric without acknowledgment of stripes- Doh! I totally failed
to recognize that this was a pattern that required a plan i.e. - the stripes need to be continuous from the sleeve and front to back.
4. Cross fingers that it will work - I hoped that is would just fall in place when sewn together. Wrong!
5. Purchase only required amount of fabric - I also only had a yard of fabric so zero room for error and of course I made one. Always buy extra, especially when it only costs $2/yd.
6. Wear it anyway - I plan to wear this shirt regardless of my mistakes. I've never sewn with stripes, plaids, or patterns that require matching. Did I mention I like the feel of the fabric so it's a keeper even if it's a stripey mess. I didn't have the heart to show you any side shots but I will when it is totally done.


It still needs a neckband (pattern calls for narrow hem - I prefer a neck band) and a sleeve and waist hem. I just had to share my foolishness. Oh yeah, this is the first knit tee that I've tried that is not oversized. I typically cut a 8 or 10 but the 12 fits me snugly. The pattern is OOP B5104.

FAIL - McCall's 5271

Here's the first FAIL of 2010 - McCall's 5271 and also a fabric from the bin.

The cowl hangs super low which is okay because this can be remedied with a tank underneath. But something else is wrong, there is just too much fabric that causes tons of ripples and waves down the front. The fit in the shoulders is also off causing the shoulders to hang incorrectly and slide off when I move a lot. It does not look that bad on my dressform but on me --Ehhh!

What I do like about this pattern is the fit in the back. I usually have issues with the back being to large or droopy. I also like the way the front and back are sewn together to hold the cowl in place. The top still needs the band at the hip (View F) and hemming at the sleeves. I will try to salvage this garment but not now. I'll pack it up and move on.

I'm eating ice cream and apple crisp right now. I know it is 10 pm but I skipped dinner - LOL.

Made IT! Monday - Cowl Neck Tunic

Butterick 5247 has been made by many with great results. I thought it would be a cute dress to throw on and go. I originally wanted to make View D but didn't have enough fabric. I tried to pull it off with the 2 yards I had by putting a seam down the back but I didn't like the length. I chopped off a few inches and made it into a tunic to go over leggings. I like it much better this way. I didn't like the way the sleeves tapered down either so I shortened these as well. I plan to wear bracelets so the length doesn't look too odd. I cut a size 8 and graded it up to a 12 in the hip based on the pattern measurements. The pattern is very straight forward and a quick sew. Great for a beginner. This is fabric from "the bin" and I haven't a clue when I bought this but I know it is at least 7 years old.

Front & Back View - Hmm...I wonder if I have a swayback?

My Hubby caught me in between poses.

It's wet and cold but I am trying to pose.

My handsome photographer aka Hubby

Happy New Year

I hope you all had a great time bringing in the New Year. I certainly did. I am really excited about 2010 --it sounds so futuristic. I remember imagining what I would be doing in 2000, 2010, 2020 and so on. It sounded so far away but it is here and now! WOW!
My One Bin Fabric Challenge officially begins today - again (LOL). I have swapped out a few pieces of fabric and actually cataloged what is in the bin. If you've made a resolution around buying less fabric or reducing your stash, join me. I am using the bin as a measuring tool because I need a tangible focal point and that's what I store my fabric in. If everything in the bin gets sewn that's great and if not a dent has been made in the collection. I've already cut a few pieces out from before and have a FO or 2 in the bin as well. Time to sew! Happy New Year Sewing Sisters!

Extension PLEASE!

Happy Holidays to you all! I hope you are enjoying the season.

It's been hectic in our household but hopefully it will be settling down soon. Most of the cards have been sent with our family newsletter that has highlights and pictures from our year. That bad boy took way too much energy but hooray it is done. Now - a little yummy baking. The Hubby is the baker but I can do a little something.
The One Bin Fabric Challenge.....uhhh silence. I have done next to NADA. I've traced patterns and cut fabric but little to no sewing has been going on. I think the frequent water in the my sewing area has been stealing the mojo. It's a pain moving stuff around to get the water up and my area is pretty unorganized. I will be addressing that soon. We are getting estimates now for water proofing- the first one took my breath away. Did you just say__thousand dollars. Yikes!
So...I am giving myself an extension, since it is my challenge I can change the rules - LOL. I am changing this up to a new year type of thing.

One Bin Fabric Challenge will be January 1 - February 15

I doubt if I will sew much this year. So if you don't here from me again have a wonderful holiday. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

CRASH & Crochet Ruffle Scarf

I was put out of blogging commission for a little while due to our hard drive crashing. I know - BAD! The good news is we have mostly everything backed up on an external drive. Right now, the IT department aka My Hubby is getting everything up and running. He's transferring data, loading software, and defragmenting drives. Whew - I didn't know so much was involved when your system goes down. We appreciate the IT department and so happy we didn't lose everything.
On to the fun stuff! A few months ago Gold showcased a cute crocheted ruffle scarf and I knew I had to make one. Here's mine.

I really like this scarf. You can download the pattern for free from the LB website. It is called the Belle Scarf. I had this skein of homespun for a few years and finally used it. Very easy and quick pattern. I wore it today and people wanted to touch it because it looked so soft. Yikes --with all the germs out there you hate to have folks touching your personal effects. Enjoy your weekend.

Disclaimer - The photos may be a little off - just realized that my photo editing software is missing. I'm not sure what device it came with. I also have crazy shadows dancing across my face. Oh well! I'm off to sew.

Made IT! Monday - 11/2/09

As you know Halloween was the past weekend and of course I had to make a costume. My daughter wanted to be a fairy and my son kept changing his mind, so I made my daughter's costume and my son wore Batman PJ's. I didn't make the wings but bought them from the dollar store and embellished them. I know they don't match and they are gaudy but hey I was being cheap! I did have to go to the fabric store to buy material for her costume but since I sewed it up I am still true to my One Bin Fabric Challenge. I have some things cut out that will be sewn soon.
Her birthday is the day after Halloween so she is too excited. We typically celebrate the week after so she can be the star! Her party is this weekend so not much sewing going on but after that - it's on!
Here's my little fairy enjoying Halloween.

One Bin Fabric Challenge

I've blogged before about the water that sometimes gets into our basement when we have heavy rains. When we got the super heavy rains, that caused severe flooding in some parts of GA, we had more water than usual. We don't get a ton in our basement, but just enough to be annoying. During the last clean-up a thought popped into my - what if my fabric got ruined! Yikes - the very thought made me shudder. I keep it in storage bins so I'm sure it is fine, but what if.....There was sweat and tears and of course money put into my collection of fabric so losing it would be devastating. Then it occurred to me that maybe I should put accumulation on pause for a minute and turn those flat pieces of fabric into wearable items or at least attempt to transform them.
So with the help of my 3 year old, I started filling a new storage bin with fabric that I want to sew and of course it was easy to fill. Then I thought it would be fun to do my own challenge or contest. I will challenge myself to eliminate 1 bin from my collection (you see I am not revealing how many I have - yep intentional) by December 31st. I know this is an impossible challenge for me - you see my rate of production but I love to challenge myself. If I just clear half a bin I will be happy. I think this is a great way to bring in the new year. The bin has cotton, fleece, flannel, wool, polyester suiting, etc. and I've selected my patterns to correspond. I only have two guidelines: 1. If I decide I want to work with a new fabric I can add it and remove something else 2. If I need fabric for a project that I will sew immediately then I can purchase it. Wish me luck! I'll feature my finished projects on Made IT! Mondays. If anyone else wants to lighten their loads as well please join in with me!

My adorable and very active little helper

The Fabric

I leave you with a parting shot of our adventure today. Our family went to a state park and observed this spectacular view.

Amicalola Falls State Park

More Pics for Refashion/Re-Form Friday

I just remembered that I took a before pic of the mirror - so you can see the transformation. I also took another pic this morning of the finished product. Natural light is a good thing. Now you can actually see the detail.

One of my neighbors just dropped her stuff off and it puts my stuff to shame! All in the name of charity:) I didn't ask if I could post it but I may sneak a photo to show you all later. Make it a great weekend.

Refashion/Re-form Friday

I am playing with some different themes on my blog (ie Made IT! Monday and today's theme). I am just trying something new. I have all these ideas in my head and I am trying to make them tangible. This is a Re-Form post.
A family friend, who is the creator of the event HOTOBERFEST here in Atlanta asked that I work with the little ones to make some art out of recycled materials. The art will be sold to benefit the Joseph B. Whitehead Boys and Girls Club. If you are in town this Saturday come check it out. I will be volunteering in one of the booths.
Project #1 - We had some leftover while tiles from a bathroom in our old house. In Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts book she has a project on making coasters and trivots using old tiles and ceramic paint (you "fire" the tiles in the oven after you paint them so the paint sets and is dishwasher safe and heat resistant). My daughter painted these by using non-writing end of a color pencil and toothpicks (the kind where one end is a small circle). I think she did a good job. I helped by filling in some of the empty spaces. I learned that I need to take a back seat in her creative process. I think I gave a little too much direction because she got frustrated fast. We added felt to the bottoms so they won't scratch surfaces.


Project #2 was made from a mirror I found at a thrift store for a buck. I sanded it down and then painted it a solid color. I found some old CD's in the basement (while moving boxes out of water) that we bought awhile ago but never used because they were the wrong type of rewritable discs. The technology is now obsolete due to jump drives. I cut the CD's up (this part should be done by adults only) and then glued them to the mirror. Little people can help with arranging the pieces - though with care and close supervision because some of the pieces can be sharp depending on how you cut them. The end result is kind of cool. One CD was silver and the other was blueish. It was tough to get a good picture because the mirror and CD pieces are reflective. I had to do most of this project because of the sharp pieces involved.

Made IT! Monday - 9/28/09

With the arrival of Fall, new clothes are needed for the season - clothing with more weight, texture, and new colors. My daughter is first up on the the Fall sewing list. I had some leftover twill from a pair of capris I made her when she was 2 but not enough to make the skirt she wanted. Digging through my stash I found this fun floral print that I bought to make patches for her jeans. The pattern calls for just 3 tiers and I wanted the last tier to be the lighter weight material so their would be a little motion to the skirt. I added the floral material to the 2nd tier to break up the khaki. She has some adorable boots that will match with this. I hope she will be a willing model soon, so you can see the skirt in action.



More about MADE IT! Monday later. I have been silent due to the life and also our basement (where I sew) got its share of water during all the flooding in GA. My sewing space is a wreck but I sewed in the dining room. Which is an adventure with 2 little people that are very curious about my machines and notions. Edit - not sure why the picture is not centered properly but when you click on it, it is.

Meet Grace

Say hello to my new right hand girl - Grace.

She is part of the Babylock family also known as BL40A. My mommy purchased this little gem for me back in May but it was on back order until July. Isn't my mommy so sweet! She insisted that I needed a new machine since I was using her old Singer from the mid-80's. I haven't had time to take my new owner's class yet - the kids are keeping me oh so busy this summer, but that hasn't stop me from playing with her. I did purchase from a authorized dealer here in GA so I could have local support. As I use her more and more I'll let you know how she runs. My old Singer will still be used just not as frequently. I think it will be fun to have 2 machines. Does that mean double productivity? In my case since I haven't been sewing 0 x 2 still = 0. I'm buckling down and really trying to manage my time better. Hope to see some results soon from my efforts and I plan to have more to show. Plus one kid is heading back to school so that gives me a little extra time.

What's on Your Sewing Table?

I have a few things on mine. I really need a sundress or two or three for that matter. It is really hot here in Atlanta. I has been in the 90's and will continue on through next week. The kids and I hit the zoo and a pool today - it was hot as hades out there. I have Butterick 5083 cut in a very busy cotton print.
I found a striped knit at one of the neighborhood discount fabric stores along with the sundress material mentioned above. There are 2 discount fabric stores near my house. I'll have to post about them one day. Anyway, I think I want that fabric to turn into a cap sleeve raglan T-shirt. I'll be modifying a long sleeve raglan pattern.

The third thing is New Look 6470 view D with this fabric.
I know several people bought this fabric last year from Hancock. It's time that is has left the stash and turned into something. I'm not sure how much I'll get done this weekend but I'll steal some time here and there to sew.
Here are all the fabrics I bought during that trip to the fabric store. I went in to find something for the sundress and left with a few extras. The first pic shows the 2 wovens and the second pic shows the 3 knits. I told myself that I had to have something in mind for each fabric before purchasing. There was so much more I could have bought.

Built by Wendy Bandwagon - Simplicity 3835

Has it been that long! Geez! Life has been busy - the Little Guy had a rocking 3rd B-day party, my daughter graduated from Pre-K, my mom and in-laws visited, and we made a trip to TN.

On with the post, I finally made this super simple Built by Wendy shirt that has been made like a million times. I love how easy this shirt is to make and I think it's cute. If you've read the reviews, you know there are fitting issues and of course I didn't modify for these (ie a little snug in the arm area and the neckline is a little high). Next time I'll make it a little roomier in the arms and maybe scoop out the neckline a little. An old co-worker of mine use to sew like crazy but now only sews home dec stuff. She gave me a few items from her apparel fabric stash back in 2006 and this was one of the pieces. I will make one of the dresses but no time soon:) I am trying to get the summer wardrobe in order.