Happy Find

schoolhouse tunic revised

***Hey there! I'm transitioning to a new blog and you can access this tutorial over here. Please hop on over and say hi!***

 

 

in the shop: pincushions and bibs

Hey there!

I've got goodies...

They're in the shop.

If you're looking for something more custom made, shoot me an email and we'll talk!

on my sewing table (blues, yellows & grey)

KCWC Fall 2011 pt 4&5...FIN!

Oh what a blast this challenge has been. I think this was the best yet, don't you?

I didn't realize how much I could accomplish, but I couldn't of done it if were not for Hubby's help and the girls giving me, "ME" time.

So here's my last project:

Now before we jump in, let me explain about this number. No, it's not a costume.

This is for my eldest. 14 year olds count for this challenge, right? I mean technically she is still a child... well my child anyway!

She had seen a skirt similar to this is in a Japanese Gothic Lolita Magazine last year and has been bugging me to make one. So during one of our romps in the LA fabric district last year, she found this fabric. She had her "heavenly" moment. Y'know like me, when I find the right fabric, the ethereal light shining, the angels singing... that moment.

Now... as you can probably see, she has a "style" of her own. We have had many discussions about her "style" and when and where it's appropiate to wear what. Typical teenager... rolling of the eyes, the heavy sighs, the whole drama. Sheesh! So I made her a deal.

"Okay, Soph... if YOU make it, you can wear it."

Oh God, what just slip through my lips, I thought. Too late now... can't go back on my word. So time went by, she didn't have any desire to learn how to sew. ***PHEW!***

Until now...

So reluctantly happily, I sat down with her and we did the skirt together. Mostly me, as she sat and watched.

 In the magazine, it had two buckles towards the top and a side zipper. Couldn't find any darn buckles so that was not happening as for zippers... I'm too dang lazy and I wanted this to be quick.

I didn't think the ruffles and pleats combo would work, but to my dismay, it ain't bad. Cute actually. In fact, it inspired me to make this:

Which she's still waiting for you in the shop, BTW!

Oh you should've seen her face when it was done. From "Mom, you don't understand!" to "You're the most awesomest mom!". So we shall see if she really pushes forward with sewing.

My offer still stands.

Who knows... maybe one day she'll be a famous crazy haute couture designer. We shall see.

***

Thank you, Meg for hosting another great challenge. And to all of you crazy-talented moms out there, what an inspiration you all have been! It was fun and I'll see at the next challenge!!!

 

KCWC Fall 2011 pt3

I must have been smoking some good crack. Seriously.

I'm amazed at how much I got done. I really buckled down and sewn like a lunatic. Forget the laundry, eating out was a treat and not taking a shower here and there was okay. I mean, it's not like you can smell me. Right?

Here's a dress from the same Butterick pattern I used for this top. I just extended the shirt to make it a drop waist. The fabric is that faux denim stretch knit and the mushroom fabric I got a few years back. I used some of it for this project.

I love tiny pockets. They make me happy!

So I couldn't stop here, oh no!

I had to make a matching vest. I had too!!! Remember? Good crack = looney sewing binge.

I used the same pattern from here.

Now if only Mother Nature will cooperate. It's been dang hot in my neck of the woods lately. When it's hot I don't like sewing. I gotta move somewhere cold and wet. Now that's my kind of place!

Weird? Yes. Thank you! 

***

Keep smiling... keep sewing my friends!

KCWC Fall pt2

 Hello!

Woohoo! I was on a roll last week and I'm so glad I planned ahead. This week is a doozy! Lala is taking her morning nap, so I have a quick moment to share with you today...

 

 I have a confession... I'm a fabric hoarder. I LOVE fabric. Thank goodness I'm poor, 'cause that's what keeps me at bay for the most part. I had bought this fabric about two years ago. LOVE it. Had no clue what I was going to do with, but I wanted it. So as I was rummaging through my stash, trying to find that right fabric for the tunic in mind, there it was... like a ray of ethereal light shining through the piles of glorious textiles.

"Ahhh... yesss! This is the one!"

Funny how things work out. ***wink***

So after sewing the tunic (which was another quick sew to my surprise), I realized the cuff is sized for "delicate" wrists. Aaaack! Dagnabit... what the heck?! Lala is a "healthy" girl and there ain't  nothing delicate about her wrists. So Improvised. Clever, ay?

 Here's the pattern I used. Really easy- really quick to sew. This another pattern I'll be using again. Maybe plaid? Hmmm... time to hunt through my stash!

Before I go, here's one more! A simple stretch knit top.

I used a Alexander Henry Heath fabric collection in grey for the trim around the collar. I plan to make some bubble shorts in it to match (a tutorial will be coming soon!).

And here's the pattern used for the top. Again, an easy pattern and quick to sew. My only gripe is that I'm not too fond of the collar. I think I need to open it up a bit... a bit more "rounder" in the opening.

I'll be using this again as well.

***

Okie-dokie my friends, my time is running out and soon my boss will be calling for me. Until then...

keep creating!!!

KCWC Fall 2011 pt.1

Alrighty... let's get the party started! ***woot-woot***

So technically you're suppose to start sewing this week, but I had to start a wee bit early. A dear friend of mine is reopening her pottery shop and has asked moi to help out this week. OH, I'm so excited! Y'see, I LOVE typography. I used to make huge banners and posters for my girls' school back in the day and when I worked at my friend's pottery shop, I would do the chalk boards. So when she asked, I was MORE than delighted to help. Anyways... this is another post later.

What was I talking about? Ah yes, KCWC. ***woot-woot***

Okay, so let's start with my one of my most favorite of favorite patterns:

The Charlie Tunic by none other, Miss Rae Hoekstra

***muppet arms waving***

 I can't tell you enough how quick and easy it was to whip up one of these babies. Rae... can I just say... "I love you". Not one and I couldn't stop at two, but so far I've made three. Yes, three... and counting...

Let's start with this one. I went for the shorter sleeve and added pockets.

I had just enough fabric to have the design centered and adding the pockets was the cherry on top. How cute with a little cardi and tights, right?

Next is this little number.

Long sleeves this time and I added a band on the bottom. I made it a wee bit loner than the first one. Lala has orange crocs to match. Dang it, I wish I had a photo of it. 

Lastly (for now), is this pretty. AH! I just love Japanese fabric, don't you? I made this one slightly larger so that it will fit perfectly as we come closer to the colder weather. Also, do you notice anything different?

I rounded out the collar detail. I think I like the more rounded edge versus the square or the pointed. It's seems a bit more fitting with the design of the fabric.

Man, I love this fabric... did I mention how much I love this fabric?!

***

So if you have wee ones (boy or girl... it's all good), and you sew, this is a MUST try pattern. For reals! I'm not gettin' paid to say this and Lord knows, Rae certainly doesn't need my help, it's just when I come across something awesome, I'll let the whole world know!

Okay, so I'm off to help a dear friend. Enjoy the day and get sewin' peeps!!!

***

Oh by the way... did I tell you how much I'm love with Japanese fabric?

***wink***

a visit from Mildred

Hello sweet friends.

I have a treat for you...

Dear sweet Mildred has come to visit.

I am jealous.

She always has the most delectable little aprons. C'mon... are you kidding me?!

Ruffles and pleats... together?!

You kill me.

How I love to hate you...

***

She'll be in the shop, waiting for you.

new pincushions and your help

Remember this pic?

I have found some really neat egg containers at Sur La Table for a steal and what do you do when life gives you egg holders?

 Make pincushions!

I've been having so many of these moments lately.

This one goes out to all you craftin' freaks out there...

holla!

Oui! Talk about sore fingers after making these babies!

Hey, do you remember these lil' guys? Yup... I'm making more! Yippee! Now my problem is coming up with some clever words to put on them. Like what I did with my latest pincsuhions.

I need your help! Have any clever words I could use?

As for the pincushions I just made. I'll have them in my shop by the weekend. I'll let you know here, first. *wink*

***

See you later!

Kids Clothes Week Challenge FALL 2011

Just in time...

 
'cause I have tons of these...

and three of these.

Wanna play?

Check it out over here.