Now I Can Sing in the Rain.

It's done!!! And, it didn't even take that long. Or at least taking it one step at a time made it seem all very manageable. It fits and it's so girly and pretty and I am really really pleased with how it turned out. I was going for something in my childhood memory and it must have worked because, I was babysitting a three year old little girl one day, and when I tried part of it on she lay her hand over her heart and gasped!

As soon as I finished it the weather turned unseasonably warm and very sunny and clear. Oh well, I'm wearing it any way.

I used a pattern from the Indy company "Favorite Little Things." I loved how there weren't a million pattern pieces and it went together really well, but I thought the directions were kind of sparse. I didn't really have any problems but if you were new to sewing I think it may have been a bit mystifying.

I ordered these rain boots online. They're Sperry and were super on sale. Even after shipping and handling they were cheaper then any I'd found in stores. Brian thinks their ridiculously pink and bright but I think that's really smart because I'll be easier to spot on a gloomy rainy day.

Singing is the sun dappled shade.
Just singing in the shade.

Do you see the tiny bird sitting on the
bike seat?

I'm so happy with it. It's such a wonderful thing to finish a bigger project and to be happy with it. Sewing isn't always like that, makes me super grateful when it does all work the way I pictured it in my head. Ranger seems to like it as well. I think he knows that it makes our walks a priority, even in rainy weather.

Closeup of the super soft flannel lining.

Here she is being displayed
on Ol' Gertie.

Summer Sewing Challenge!

Hoorah I finally sat down and made my official color palette for my spring/summer sewing. I've already made three items for this season so I had an idea in my head of where I was going, but I want to share it with you all.

My colors for the season are: Cornflower (just got a new pair of flats in the color), Coral (my Easter dress), Periwinkle (which was the color of my bridesmaid dresses about 10 years ago so I must love that color), Mint (I always love green: every season, every year), and Strawberry Red. Obviously this is a wide range but you know me I like my big colored prints for sewing so I think it will all work together beautifully.

A sneak peak of my Easter dress. Do you love
the vintage necklace and bracelet?

I've already made two tops and am planning one more (this one in blue with a peter pan collar). I have three more dresses planned (I already made and wore my Easter dress). One dress, casual in a very 1950's print for every day, to be worn with a wide red belt. A shirtwaist dress in a blue fabric (I'm sort of drafting/putting two patterns together for this one which is a big step for me) for the 4th of July. And if I have time, a silly 1940's inspired frock with dog pockets and some amusing embroidery. I'll also need a very basic skirt to match the tops and a couple pair of shorts to also match the tops.

I am very excited to get started on these projects and if I accomplish all of them I will have a very full closet and most of it will be hand made! I feel good about it since I've already started and because one of the dress patterns I've used before and is very simple. I also love having the palette because when I do shop for rtw clothes I have an idea of what will go and what I'll need so that every purchase fits with what I'm wearing. I end up with so many more options of things to mix and match!

What about you? Do you have any fun summer wardrobe shopping/sewing ahead of you? What are you looking forward to wearing as the weather gets warmer? This is going to be the summer of the dress for me, I can just feel it.

Space Capes the Final Frontier?

Hello! I did not drop off the face of the planet (thank goodness that would be rather frightening) but I have been keeping rather busy. I had birthday gifts and spring bunny baskets to sew for and then I was sick and then I had to get ready for family to come visit! All fun things (except being sick) Oh and I totally had to watch the entire first season of Downton Abbey, which did not disappoint and was very good (except now I have to wait for season two to come to to NetFlix blurg).

So my dear daddy turned 50! To save you from trying to do any type of math in your head I will just tell you; yes he's very young.  He and my mom beat all the odds and were and are amazing parents and very much in love.

For his birthday he requested a super hero cape because that is what all mature adults want for their birthdays.  I decided to go ahead and make matching ones for the boys because together they form a formidable Crime Fighting Team!! I used Alicia Paulson's book "Stitched in Time" which I just love.

"SP" for Super Poppie.

Training!

The front and backside of the cape.

I've always been a sucker for any kind of space/spaceship/alien fabric. Even before the good Doctor came into my life.

Hope your having a super filled day!

A Winter Wrap Up.

This fall I did two big things in my wardrobe. The first thing I did was take a pledge not to buy myself any new clothes. If I wanted or needed anything I had to get it second hand or make it. The second thing I did was to embark on a color palette challenge which was suppose to guide my choices in what to make and wear.

This was the palette:

Both things are over though the way I shop and sew has forever been changed and for the better. I won't get on my soap box since I've gone on about it before but I definitely have a better wardrobe and a way more defined style then ever before. I have such nicer brands of RTW clothing and my sewing skills are about three times better then when I started, as is my confidence.

After the kids were born I really went through a frumpy frump stage. I felt like the things I could afford would always just look blah on me. But now I see that there are so many options!!!! Not to mention all the cool second hand boutiques and Indie sewing companies I've discovered along the way.

Okay, keep in mind my camera's not great and keep in mind my palette as you take a tour of my fall "closet".

Here you see the items I made. A dress, bolero (jacket), shirt, more casual skirt, and scarf with matching fingerless gloves. I think I did well with the colors. But wait until you see everything together!

I couldn't get a good photo of everything so here is one of the shirt paired with a handed down jacket. Also a black Anne Taylor cardigan (oh how I love cardigans) and it doesn't show up but an absolutely fabulous pair of Chico jeans.

A London Fogg dress, A super elegant vintage slip, A beautiful Talbots blouse (it would have looked great with my unfinished skir0t. And a Limited sweater paired with the skirt.

Here is a close up of the slip because it is truly the prettiest thing I own. I think I got it for $12 at an antiques shop in MD, and wasn't sure if it would fit. It does it fits! I feel so amazingly pretty in that thing you can't imagine.

Tada! The pink cardigan was also a Limited brand from this fall. It's my most versatile piece, surprisingly. You can see it will transition right into spring nicely.

Having made such thoughtful pieces with my own hands and having discovered so many great upscale pieces makes me feel good. This is the most put together my wardrobe has ever been. And this isn't including all my amazing accessories and things given to me as gifts.

There are a lot of people who helped to encourage me along the way but I want to give a special thanks to My husband for letting me use our money and all the sewing time and taking lots and lots of outfit pics. I want to thank my friend Beki for suggesting we take the "no new clothes" challenge together. And, to my sister Heather for not only being the most encouraging about my wardrobe endeavors but also for showing me that you can get away with a lot as long as you wear it with confidence.

Well Howdy Ma'am. Are You a Quick Draw with that Sewing Machine?

"Well yes in fact I am." I say blushing. The cowboy/ninja warrior saunters off with his new holster and all his weapons.

Are you confused? Let me start again. My oldest son is into all heroes. Actually, both sons are into heroes. Currently Power Rangers is at the top of their list but really any thing that wields a weapon and kills bad guys is totally cool. So when my SuperH came up to me asking if there was a way he could have his guns on his hips like they do "in the fighting game." I got to tell him that there was a thing that did that and it's called a "holster" and that I would make him one. I like it when I get to be the cool mom.

He wasn't mad, this is his
"tough guy" pose. Very intimidating.

This is an example of why if you sew and have children there should always be squares of felt in your stash. I took a brown and grey felt square folded it in half traced around two different guns and cut it out. I sewed up the side cut two slits in the back and fed a belt through.  After that I made a scaber for a sword too because you never know when your going to need guns and a sword.

I know that there are moms out there who don't allow weapons in there homes and to them I say "does that work?" (not in a snotty way but a totally confused way.) Because my boys can literally make anything into a weapon. Conster's favorite toy is a plastic yellow tent peg that he uses as a sword. I know a mom who gave up trying to keep guns out of her house when she saw them chew their pb&j into the shape of a gun and chase each other around the table (that is a true story).

That's the tent peg. He lays it on his bedside table
every night and gets it first thing in the morning.

So if your a mom like me and you have boys like mine, this holster will make you totally awesome for about four minutes which is exactly two minutes longer then normal, and I'll take what I can. Also it's so easy!

Well I better mosey. Hope your skies are not cloudy all day.

The Blouse is Done!!!

Lace on the sleeves, down the front and as trim along the bottom.

This shirt, as you probably know, has been taking a long time. It cost me much brain power and gave me a very wounded finger. Actually, finger aside, it was a pretty pleasant project to work on. I took my time got great advice my sewing friends and came up with a decent shirt to wear.

There is lace along the back but you can't see it very good.
Also this is my "Edwardian" hair

I live in great fear that all shirts I make look like pajamas. I guess I'm just drawn to that light and girly fabric that seems only appropriate for pajamas in women. This top was no exception and I think if it had matching pants (which it won't there is no more fabric or lace) it would definitely look like a swanky pair of lounge wear.

What it was suppose to be, however, was something completely different. This blouse started it's life out as a super soft, light, cotton, japanese fabric that I fell in love with. Then it became an Easter dress that I made using a vintage pattern. I hate the dress. Old patterns assume you know what your doing and when I made this dress I had no idea what I was doing. I mean any kind of skill you practice means your going to get better which makes this dress just... blech. But I still love the fabric. So I thought, "it's an entire dress why not make it into a shirt? Surely there is enough fabric." Well, there really wasn't but I made it work!

The lace is so cool I wish you could see it better.

I had in mind a cross between a light girl inspired summer top that would breath and be a joy to wear. And something inspired by "Downtown Abbey". To be honest I've never actually seen "Downtown Abbey". But literally all the sewing blogs I read go on and on about it so I totally do feel like a fan of it. I'm like a collateral fan? It's in my netflix queue I just haven't gotten around to watching it yet. I did however see and love an episode of "Dr. Who" that took place in that same time era and am a big fan of "Anne of Green Gables" and "The Secret Garden", so you get the idea. Edwardian period clothing.

I used vintage lace and vintage buttons both picked up during an antique/junking trip with my mommy. I lowered the neckline from the original pattern (the sorbetto top, I've made it three times now) added sleeves and had to piece together the front and back instead of cutting it on the fold.

I'm not 100% pleased with it. I mean when am I ever? I know it's flaws and it's more flower child then "Anne with an E" but I think it will be a pleasant enough top to wear this summer.

What do you think? Honestly if you just think that it's too pajamas I want to know! But if you think it's wearable I'd like to know that too.

A Little Green Typing Table.

The last time I was in Maryland we went thrifting (of course) and my mom bought me this little green typing table. I was drawn to it's color and the fact that it was small and metal and even though I didn't know what I'd do with it, it was really cheap. I thought I might use it as a night stand in our new guest room. It just sat in the living room for days and I used it as an awkward side table to one of my chairs (awkward because it didn't look right) whilst waiting for our basement and new guest room to get finished.

My little table and my thrifted sewing basket
and thrifted dish turned into a pin dish.

Then one day while grumbling as I was moving my sewing machine onto the kitchen table and off again it struck me. I could put my machine on this little table and leave it there and just wheel it out of the way into a corner when it wasn't in use. It's clearly not the most amazing sewing table, it is quite small, but isn't it better then spending half my sewing time moving my machine from one place to another?

Yes, it is better! I got so much more done this Christmas because the machine was out and ready for me to use. It used to be that I'd want to sew but by the time I got the machine out what little time I had to use it between diaper changes was gone. Now I just sit down and sew a seam. And, one seam at a time I got a surprisingly lot done this Christmas season. I made seven aprons, seven dolls, four pair of pajama pants, three winter hats and two sets of mittens. I mean that's a lot for me for one season.

My view of the tree where the birds eat.

Some day soon I am hoping to have a sewing room. This room will be complete with a large sewing table and shelves filled with all my fabric and notions so beautifully arranged. But for now this works (better then it did before for sure). I'm militant about keeping anything not sewing off of it and the view from the little table looks out my large living room window at the birds.

Another New Dress.

From Sew Serendipity Studios.

There is a funny story behind this dress. Well, maybe a better word would be amusing.  At our local independent sewing shop (SewUnique Threads, which if you sew and haven't been there you must it's fabulous and the owner is so helpful and sweet), I saw this dress pattern. Probably at least six months ago if not longer and have been ogling it since. I go in and look at it and sigh and then go on about my business. I've even had in-depth discussions with the shop owner about this pattern. It's difficult for me to spend $12 on a pattern plus the fabric because it can get costly fast and you can usually get a pattern from the big three on sale for like $2 (though, my splurge for my birthday dress pattern showed me that using these boutique patterns makes a world of difference in your sewing.) 

I made this pin holder out by affixing a magnet
on the bottom. I got the dish at Amazing Grace in Marshall
for $3!

Then I turned 30 and one of my gifts from a lovely and very generous couple in our church was this pattern plus a gift certificate to SewUnique!!!!! I was so thrilled and a little amazed that out of all the patterns in the world she picked out the one I have been wanting for so long (my dad calls that a side blessing. Something God gives to us not because we need it but just to bless us and remind us He's here.)  The card was really cute it said: We bought you a dress, you just have to make it. You know your a strange person when that makes you all giddy inside.

The trim is vintage I got it at an antique store.
I actually think I would leave it off if I was doing it again
but I do like the scandinavian feel it adds.

Back to the dress. The directions were great until the very end.  I seriously could not figure out the very last step in the directions. I finally just used my common sense and in all honesty it probably would make sense to some one else. I always struggle with construction but this pattern was a breeze to work with. I even installed an invisible zipper with out crying or swearing!  I'm happy with how well it went together (pretty fast for me I think I worked on it in little spurts for a week), though I'm a bit disappointed in how it looks on me. I don't think it looks bad just not as good as my birthday dress.  I didn't realize that it was an empire waist because it doesn't really look like that in the picture and I don't think that's the best style on someone as "well-endowed" as me. Still, it's cute and summery and I'll definitely wear it  through out the rest of the summer (I have a cousin's wedding shower coming up, perfect.) and I left space so that I could take it in next spring if I continue to loose weight so hopefully I'll get more wear out of it since it's already August (doesn't that just make you sick?).

 I have to take a sewing break while my dad and I work on remodeling the basement but I think you will all be amused with my next project.

I Must Confess.

Because I am an oldest child it is in my nature to confess my short comings.

I have been such an all around lazy person I think some one should fire me.  I have not blogged and have done even less writing on my novel in weeks.  That book is not going to write itself and that lake home is not going to get bought with out said book (or a secret inheritance from a wealthy stranger I once impressed; but I'm not holding my breath over that one). I have not even down loaded the pictures of my Easter dress or the dresses of my neighbors to blog about.

I have been slowly working on a new skirt. Sew a seam stop change a diaper.  Sew a seam stop clear the table for lunch etc. But even that was halted by the disappearance of my buttonholer because of course I can't move on until I make two tiny button holes. And how much time did I waste looking for that stupid attachment anyway?

I've pretty much given up cooking real suppers for the rest of the summer. Yesterday my children had yogurt for dinner and last week I'm fairly certain they had cereal at least twice. It's just not in me to heat up the kitchen when it's warm out. And I'm pretty sure we're having french toast for dinner; maybe I'll cut up some strawberries to go with it but I'm not making any promises. I'm not really into folding clothes right now either.

Then of course last week we all had some gross stomach virus which I followed up by immediately catching a cold. If I could get rid of my children and spend the next three days in bed watching old episodes of SeaQuest DSV and eating toast, I'm pretty sure I would.

I promise I will try to get to blogging about all of my great sewing ventures soon, it's just so far to the camera and then I have to find the plug thing to hook the camera into the computer...

So to sum up I am lazy, a little crabby, stuffy and would like to be fired.

I've Been Dreaming About It Again...

No not those kinds of dreams silly.  I've been dreaming about dress patterns and fabric again and hair styles.  How weird am I? Wait, you don't have to answer that I'm simply quirky and charming.  Ok, the problem is, Hunter has been watching old Super Man cartoons from the 1940's pretty much non-stop, at the same time I have been discovering some amazing sewing and sewing vintage websites and blogs (I did not even know these kinds of things existed! The World Wide Web can be so amazing!) and Brian, knowing how much I love cheesy comic book movies (it's so true), keeps showing me Captain America Trailers, all this adds up to me being obsessed with the clothing and look of the 1940's (Lois Lane is a really snappy dresser) and with me wanting to sew them my self (well I mean how else do you get garments with these specifications unless your going to pay $$$$).

This is my favorite so far I love the green and the two tone shoes!!!

Why oh why do these things happen to me? Remember my last attempt to sew myself a dress it did not end well... But I also remember a time when I wanted to learn to french braid my own hair and I spent hours in front of my mirror screaming at myself (I was in Jr. High) however, I can now french braid my hair... So the question is; is it worth trying and trying and trying until I can make my own clothes (from old patterns and using vintage and reclaimed fabrics)?  Remember I have to set every thing up on my table and it's always in the way and a pain and I'm a little on the chubby side and my poor poor husband must get so sick of this weird hobby of mine and having to see my sewing machine balanced on the back of the couch while we eat dinner.  On the other hand it would be good for the environment and could cost less if I find those elusive places where you buy old fabric and notions (like I keep reading about on line). Brian has strange hobbies that include video games and he's never once complained about the sewing. I wouldn't have to worry about slave labor involved in the things I make. I love a more vintage look... And the biggest bonus? I will have to go junking junking junking to find patterns (which I will now have to collect) and fabric and notions etc. YEA SHOPPING!

This is actually from the 1930's but I'm LOVING it!

I will have to junking eh? (In case your wondering junking is our term for antiquing b/c we like to go to junky antique shops and look for treasures).  I think it may be worth it! Who wants to go junking with me, and soon, I have an itch that must be scratched?!

National Make Something For Yourself Month.

I am declaring the next thirty days, make something for yourself month. I meant for make something for you self month to be in January but I got busy so now it's February; show yourself some love this month.

The thought behind it is as a crafter, baker, whatever-er is you spend almost all of the fall and Christmas time making gifts for other people. That is great and so very special, as I've pointed out numerous times in the past, but I find that if I go too long with out making something for myself to enjoy I stop enjoying the craft altogether.  Maybe that sounds selfish, but sometimes you need something physical to remind you what you can do, how much you've improved and how nice handmade things can be. If you give away every single thing you make then you don't have those physical reminders and if your the type of person that likes home made items then it will make you a happier person to have handmade items in your house and on your person.

With that in mind pick up those needles, go to the fabric store and look through books for inspiration. Sweet talk your husband into watching the kids for a saturday so you can finally finish that project you've been dreaming about for yourself. Your not allowed to feel guilty about spending time for yourself making something for yourself because I have made it a national half a month thing. I am requiring that you do this for yourself. What better way to spend a dull winter's day then with cheerful yarns and fabrics?

Sorry about my face getting in the way of this picture!
Any way the head band and flower are both crocheted and then
I hot glued a button on to the middle of the flower.

I made this headband, and am working on a skirt (the skirt has become a crazy thing I'll tell you about it when I'm done). I suggest you do something equally as fun.  And if you are not a crafter, bake your favorite thing for you and if you are not a crafter or baker then I suggest you take yourself out to your favorite restaurant or buy yourself something pretty.

Have Fun!

Would you like to sew an easy apron?

Well then I have the project for you.  In fact I almost hesitate to share this with you because it is so simple that you will start to question all of my "hand made" gifts.  Sometimes, however it's nice to have a project that isn't the marrying kind of commitment but just a summer fling or evening flirtation.  What I mean to say is sometimes I'm in the mood to create but I want simple, fast and minimal clean up.  So if you are in need of a project like that or are new to sewing this will be perfect.

Find a dish towel.  Yes, a dish towel, one that is already made and one that you like a lot.  Twos Company sells really cute ones but they're just a little too expensive to buy to fill my washing and drying needs but not too expensive to turn into super cute aprons so that is why I came up with this idea.  I mean I could cut and applique and embroider the perfect dish towel but why should I if it's already been done?  Any way this particular apron is made from a Twos Company towel as a gift for one of my coffee girls graduation present (perfect right?).  Then go to the fabric store or your stash (if your lucky enough to have the space for one) and get a yard or so of a coordinating fabric preferably in a cotton.  This next step is my least favorite because by now I'm really antsy to get started but you MUST wash your dish towel and fabric before you sew or all your hard work will be for nothing (imagine the different pieces shrinking and tearing when you wash them after spilling chocolate milk on your apron for the first time because that will happen eventually; the spilling I mean).

Next get out your ruler or tape measure and shears (I have no idea how to spell scissors so I'm going with the Granny term shears) and measure across the width of your apron (the part that will be the apron waist) add two inches onto that measurement, this will be the measurement for the width of your fabric for your waist band.  Then decide how tall you want your waist band to be, I like mine pretty tall say six inches, then double that and add on two inches (so 14 inches in my case).  Your measurements will make a rectangle on your fabric cut out this rectangle and fold it in half down (so that the waist band is now longer then it is tall or in my case 12 inches by 7 inches, this fold will sandwich the top of the dish towel).  Open up your waist band and fold each raw end in one inch and iron (this way when you go to sandwich the towel all the raw ends will be folded under).

Next cut your apron ties from what's left of your fabric.  Decide how long you want them and then make them about six inches wide.  Cut two.  Iron them in half, folded down so that they are now three inches wide, with right sides (the pretty side) facing.  Sew along the long edge 1/4 inch away from edge and then turn and sew down one short side.  Turn right side out.

Finally sandwich your dish towel in your waist band and pin in place. Then put the ends of your apron ties (the unsewn end) in each end of the waist band and pin in place.  Sew 1/4 inch all the way around the three sides (short side, long side being sure your catching the towel, and short side).  And voila you now have a finished apron.  And I promise it's easy, if my directions are rambling and confusing just use your common sense.  If you try this and have a question for goodness sakes Face Book me or leave a comment here.

this was so fun and easy I felt guilty plus I wanted to use my new book "An Embroidery Companion" so I cross stitched the student's first initial into the waist band before I sewed it to the dish towel.

Sometimes Giving a home made gift isn't what you dreamed it would be.

As in I dreamed that this giraffe would be the hit of the birthday party.  People ooing and aahing over how talented I am and how hard I must have worked to finish this little cutie.  I imagined that in time this giraffe would become my nieces favorite stuffed toy; you know the one she can't sleep with out the one that goes every where with her.  I imagined that this toy would be loved so well it would loose an eye and get really floppy. That some day it would end up in an antiques shop and someone like my mom would see it and fall in love with it and buy it for an unreasonable sum saying all the time "I have to have it, you can tell how loved the poor thing was." then they would take it home and display it on an old child's rocking chair next to a ratty stuffed dog and a bunny missing an ear!

That is what I imagined would happen... what actually happened was my sister-in-law pulled the toy out of the bag while my niece was trying to escape off her blanket back to her cake and said "Oh how cute a sock monkey." (let yourself pause here to get the full effect of my let down) then I giggled politely so she would know that wasn't right and she said "I mean sock giraffe." Friends this toy is neither a monkey (I hate monkeys) or was it ever a sock.  I CROCHETED this GIRAFFE during the afternoons while the children were asleep and in the evenings after they were in bed, I went to wal-mart (WAL-MART YUCK!) because the face didn't look right in the colored yarn I already had on hand and it was late.  Oh well my favorite crafter (I hate that term isn't there a more romantic term then crafter?) Alicia Paulson (who's new book, The Embroidery Companion, I LOVE) warned me this could happen.  In her first book, Stitched in Time, she talks about how there will be times when people won't appreciate what you've made them quite as much as you do...

And you know what that's all right with me because I still feel like a hand made gift is more special then any thing I could buy in the store (especially any fisher price light up crap) Tasha Tudor says that when you make someone a gift you gift them twice; once in the actual gift and a second in the time you took out of your schedule to make them something because you thought of them.  I like to use the time when I'm making something to stitch and sew little prayers and hopes for that person (especially when it's children) into the project.  And I like to think that some of that magic is left there.  A piece of me, so that when they hold the toy or wear the garments they will feel how much I love them and how much I hope for them.  The blessings that I want to give them but am not sure how to put into words I put into stitches instead.

This giraffe has rather large arms which I like to think of as muscles; and really doesn't a little girl need a stuffed animal with large muscles to keep her safe from the boogy man at night?  The bib I did mostly in the car on our Maine trip.  My niece had a rough start in life spending the first many months of her life in the hospital so I wanted this bib to be light and free, full of colors and flowers and the idea that she will be a free spirit blowing with the wind, following her dreams.  And a sun because of that Irish blessing, "The Lord let his face shine upon you."