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Archive for the 'sewing' Category
Iz doesn’t sit still. At all. When she took her first steps (at 18 mos mind you), she didn’t walk, she RAN. I’d like to say that we take leisurely strolls side-by-side, but no, I walk quickly to keep after her. And as she gets older, I try hard to let her walk on her own, but still, my heart beats a bit faster, knowing that she’s fine, but I’m not right next to her. She’s still movin’ with a purpose, and couldn’t stop for a second to get a good photo.
She’s been very interested in princesses. Of course, who can resist all that’s supposed to mean? Think of the clothes, the bling, the clothes, the shoes, the nail polish, the clothes. We are not fans of the typical Disney Princesses. I’m sure they are all wonderful girls, but they are always in distress. I mean, WHAT’S UP WITH THAT? **There are princess movies that do not involve being rescued: . . and so many more.
We want Iz to know that she is a princess. One who can make her own decisions, one who is strong enough to take care of herself and not have to be rescued. I don’t think there is anything glamorous in being a damsel in distress. So, dear sweet Princess Iz, here’s your fabulous Royal Dress, and you can rule the world in it. And wear your fabulous shoes and great rainbow tights.
I bought the from the lovely . Amazing clothes they are making.
It’s a great pattern, easy to understand and very quick. I made the dress 2 sizes too big! Crazy, but I love it so much, I want her to have it for years. I think the styling details are to-die-for. I love the bias tape finish on the neck and sleeves. I really, really , really like the gathered yoke and bell sleeves. (trick – )
We’ll be making a few more of these, and work our way through the stash.
“ta-da”
My sewing machine is finally out of it’s box, and in it’s “permanent’ corner. While Iz is excited about it, I think I’m even a bit more excited. I bought a lovely pattern months ago, and my stash is piling up, so we’re making a dress. Iz is helping. She cut the pattern pieces, helped fold the farbric, smooth it out, and pin the pattern to the fabric. She dusted off my machine (she loves to clean, must be related to grammie), made sure the presser foot was in the right spot, and tested the tension for me. Seriously. She’s a pro, and she’s barely 4!
I can’t wait to see what she’ll be sewing in the next few months. I need to have my other machine serviced, then we’ll sew side by side. I’m not sure what she’ll want to do first. I’m pretty sure it might involve a bit of free form sewing.
She helped to make the bias tape for her little dress. Ok, I did all the ironing, and it was too hot to handle, so she handed me the pins, so we could keep it folded while they cooled down a bit.
It’s an adorable little dress. I’m hoping to find the perfect buttons this week. I’ll post pictures once the buttons are on and Iz is busy twirling in it…
I am very much in love with . These are just so precious. Perfect gift to make for the stitcher in your life. .
Iz needed a new hat, so I found a bag of brown/red yarn at Value Village, threw in some eyelash yarn and knit her up this quick little hat. I used the . Let me tell you, it is my favorite pom pom maker OF ALL TIME. So quick, so easy, doesn’t fall apart, it’s a dream. I’ve made pom poms, just to have them.
I don’t know about you, but I have become a fan of , BIG TIME. You can shop on their if the Japanese site is tough (but so worth clicking around).
Birds. Yep, on the brain, like everyone else. You’ve seen them all I’m sure. I’m working on my own little pattern, a few variations. Thinking about a possible class at when it opens in Seattle. These are so quick and take just minutes to cut out, sew and stuff. Next step – off to to find the fabrics for my little flock.
I found these at too.
I’m going to be using them for the ornaments for the .
I can’t believe Thanksgiving is next week. Why is there so much Christmas stuff in the stores already! I know why, I just wish those retailers wouldn’t do it. It makes me so crazy, I’m not buying anything this Christmas, I’m making it all from found stuff. So there.
My blog friend always finds the most interesting and beautiful art and events to read about and see. I love checking in and seeing what she’s found, and today, well, it made my heart beat a bit faster than usual. In fact, I almost have to think she posted it just for me!
These wonderful animal illustrations from . She’s got that you can download (free), give to the kids to color, or as , use them as crewel patterns. As I like to stitch most of my gifts, I’ve been thinking about stitching animals for kids, and I think I might have to use these!
But as I explore even more, I am just swooning over her and kits. I am totally drawn to these. I think it is because they are printed on fabric (if you know me, I am obsessed with anything printed on fabric, and well, just fabric in general), and two, I am completely drawn in to each design, I just love her illustrations.
I am really intrigued by cloth kits. Some, I must be honest, I wouldn’t make, but I would make Louise Elliot’s kit in a heartbeat, and anything from especially:
this . SWOON CITY!!!
Many, many months ago, I got a call from a young man looking for help to learn how to shorten shirt sleeves. See, he’s a rock star and well his clothes need to be tight, but the sleeves were always too long. Then his fiancé called and we met in a groovy cafe on a snowy day. The rest is history, and after a few months, Libby had a wonderful and unique wedding dress. While she’s been a sewer (the stiching kind, not the stinky kind), she learned a bit more about her sewing machine, how to sew with knits and how to make a pattern, among other fun sewing tid bits. We draped the pieces, drafted the patterns and stitched up this lovely dress (tunic and skirts). Congratulations Libby and Aaron, you look wonderful! Thanks for letting me be a small part in your amazing celebration. xxooZ
The top tunic part is a lovely jersey with a surplice neckline and petal like hem.
The skirt part is actually multiple parts, both made of interesting gauze pieces that Libby draped and buttoned around her.
Note the lovely green Dr. Martins. I think she has the largest collection of DMs ever! Amazing! – and Libby – love the necklace choice….
Libby sent her party green fabric and they each made their own (or had help) dresses. I think they all did an outstanding job. I love the green and red together.
Here’s a shot of . And here’s a shot of us .
All photos © Coleen Rudolf
Ponchos are pretty fabulous. I have one I knit before Iz was born (of course it’s in a box somewhere! argh!). Iz is totally experiencing poncho love right now. We found a really cute one at a consignment shop that she’s been wearing constantly, even in the rain, and the other day she asked me to make her another one! Who am I to refuse a request like that? Off we went to the fabric store and she picked this out, it’s the cutest farm print. On yellow. I think I’ll be making many, many more of these. I made this in a jiffy, less than an hour to cut and sew, and Iz was running around in it in no time.
This morning, she got to choose which poncho she wanted to wear. Picture this: Me holding up two ponchos, Iz lying on the bed, hands under her head, ankles crossed saying, “Mom, back up, more, back up more Mom. Ok, one step that way, can you turn the pink one around? Ok, I’ll wear the yellow one today. Good job Mommy.”
It was a wonderful weekend. We spent it with cousins and we stitched it up (among other creative things). While visiting , we stopped in at Heirloom Quilts. The girls each picked fabric for their skirts. It was so much fun. If Iz could have, she would have taken a cut from every single bolt. She’s a girl after my own heart.
I had promised my cousin that I would teach her to sew, and making one of these is so perfect. She learned how to measure herself, how to rip fabric (so we didn’t worry about cutting straight lines), how to iron, wind a bobbin, thread the machine and sew in straight lines. It’s the perfect skirt, because it’s ok if you can’t sew a straight line, you won’t see it! You can totally design them with the right fabrics and band placement.
photo by Iz
Iz loves the sewing machine. If the table were lower, she could certainly step on the pedal herself.
Sarah did such a great job. Her skirt was AWESOME! The prints she picked were adorable and a total reflection of her personality. It was great for me, I’ve been missing . I keep thinking that I’ll just start teaching again. soon. really soon!
PS – Want to make your own Twirly? Here’s a really, really wonderful tute from .
Every year I talk about doing it, but this year I’m going to talk about it now instead of 2 months from now. I want to make my Christmas gifts this year. I have a list of ideas (not matched up to the recipients mind you..)but a list of wonderful useful projects that I’m using as a starting point. Of course it will evolve according to wish lists and such, but I’m excited about it none the less.
Felted Sweater Coasters : and and , oh and , gosh I love
Blankets: I love , this ,
Napkins: because I LOVE bias tape. Here’s not using bias tape.
Freezer Paper Prints: The ideas have been percolating over here (in my head…), I’m eager to attempt a few….here’s a cute , and a on .
Pillows: In a perfect world I’d love to and make some groovy pillows. But I have other ideas for pillows too. , , and all of these .
Bags: The possibilities are just endless. But this season I’ll probably focus on fabric shopping bags….. I love my , but I think I love my more, it’s easier to carry…., but I also love making bags out of found clothing/bedding/fabric.
Looking for your own ideas? Check out . There are so many , you are sure to find something for everyone on your list. But start now. Or the list over at .
You don’t have to sew to make your gifts either. I’ve been cooking up a storm and have been tossing around food gift ideas, maybe a collection of my fave recipes, or ingredients in a jar for my fave soup or cookies.
The possibilites are endless, so I’m making my list and checking it twice, going through my supplies and doing a little bit every week. I’m hoping to get together with some of my fellow craftettes and plow through the project list so I’m not late!
What are you going to make for the holidays?
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