Happy Halloween...and Thanksgiving...

Well let's start at the begining I suppose.

The little guy was a viking for Halloween. For him I sewed up some faux fur boot covers and fur vest. It was raining and yucky out so we did not stay out long although he was pretty warm. He even had on a fake red beard and hair under his horned helmet.

Sorry this is the only decent picture I got that night; you can't really see the boot covers or the vest over his coat.  

 

Then I got started on sewing for Christmas...

5 Imke's for the neices/nephew and son.

This is after cutting but before sewing them up, of course, I have already wrapped all of these up. It is the same Imke pattern that I have used in the past but this time with long sleeves and made of fleece.

 

Then I had to pack up the entire sewing dining room for Thanksgiving. We had just over 25 people at our house and everything was fabulous. I tried out a few new recipes and they were really good.

I did my own homemade cranberry sauce which is SO much better than canned. It is also so easy so I don't know why I never tried it before. I also made corn casserole--also YUMM-O!

 

 

 

Okay so then black friday happened which was a little like this:

 

 

No not really...BUT I did go to two different Kohl's and JoAnn Fabrics as well as a few other stores. Yeah, I am that crazy.

 

 

Then back to the sewing.

I made a stinkin' adorable kimono pj set for my nephew, Baby Eric as my son calls him.

 

 

It is from the Amy Butler book.

Little Stitches for Little Ones.

It is actually the outfit on the cover. I made it with some of my JoAnn's $1.99 flannel from Black Friday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then I made my neice a coloring book dress for her birthday. It is a reversible dress with a very light purple on the inside because it is her favorite color.

 

 

 

 

Last and not least I made some hanging dish towels.

 I used kleiosbelly pattern. That link takes you right to the PDF.

 I used another Black Friday score to whip these up. The towels themselves are The Big One hand towels from Kohls that I cut it half.

Total cost for each set $1.99 because of stashed fabric usage!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think that I only need to sew up some new PJ's for the little man

 and this mama is done Christmas sewing.

 

What are y'all making up for Christmas??

KCW Days 4-7

Sewing for an hour a day really is not TOO much of a stretch. As long as you don't mind letting the laundry and dishes pile up. Not to mention the threads and scraps on the floor and everywhere else, including the shower?

 

The hard part is trying to blog about it at the same time! So I'm just going to share everything that I got done in the second half of the week in one post.

 

 

Project #4

 

 

Sleepy time robe

From Melly Sews (Free pattern by the way!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marvel character flannel from JoAnn's. It has Iron Man, Hulk, Thor and Wolverine.

 

 Yummy donuts:)

 

Project #5

 

Sleeping Bag

Pattern from Crazy Little Projects (Free Tutorial)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both the inner and outer fabrics are also JoAnn's. I was lucky enough to find two coordinating fabrics in the red tag section when they were an additional 50% off! This pattern takes 3 yards of each fabric plus batting.

 



 

 

 

 

Project # 6

 

Fox Mask

Also a free printable pattern from IlliStyle.com

 

 

 

 

I'm sure your all familiar with the "What Did The Fox Say" video by now:

 



 

 

 

Well he is obsessed with it and I knew I had to hunt down a mask template for him!

 

 

 



Project # 7

 

Well he is modeling this with his fox mask but it is a basic vest made with faux fur.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I made the vest using the same sleepy time robe pattern sans sleeves and removing some of the length. The vest is actually part of his Halloween costume; he is going to be a viking with a great horned helmet.

 

 

 

 

Kids Clothes Week Day #3

Another day down!

 



 

For today is the infamous purple pants. I knew that I wanted to make the

Skinny Jeans by Peek-a-boo pattern shop so I went over to the JoAnn's and went to the denim aisle.

I asked the little guy what denim he wanted and he said "Purple!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know I should not be surprised, it is his favorite color after all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

--AND-- He can totally rock it!

 

 

 

 

 

 



Kids Clothes Week Day#2

Day #2

 

For today I decided to work on the Greenpoint Cardigan by Hey June.

 

Another fabulous pattern that I got from the SewFab pattern bundle that I almost did not buy. I literally waited until the last morning...at 5:30am. I'm so glad I did though because 3 of the things I'm making this week for sure came from the bundle.

 

Anyhow here it is!

 

 



Kids Clothes Week Day#1

So we meet again...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day #1

First up is my version of the Bimaa sweater by LouBee Clothing

 

I'm sure you have seen it all over the blog-o-sphere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my version I have added a short sleeve and alternated the green and grey striped fabrics on the hood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I did a bad-ace job on the stripe matching on the inside of the sleeve but the front of the hood where you can actually SEE it I did a umm 

... less than stellar job. Hahaa

 

 

 

This is a great pattern and easy to put together.

I would highly recommend it although this is probably the only version I would sew for my boy.

 

 

 

 The cowl version is totally rockin' and I need to find a girl to sew it for! 

 

 

 

 

Kids Clothes Week Fall 2013

It's that time of year again...

 

and this time I'm better prepared and

 **hopefully**

I'm being more realistic than the last go-round.

 

Last time I had high hopes and thought I could get ALOT more done than was actually possible working my day job and being a mom AND getting a lot of sewing in as well.

 

This time I have hopes of making just 4 things; and I've already prewashed my fabrics and I've already measured the monster and traced my patterns onto exam table paper (like at the Dr's office).

 

My plans are to make the:

 Greenpoint Cardigan by Hey June

Bimaa hoodie by LouBee clothing

Sleepy Robe by Melly Sews

Skinny Jeans by Peek-a-Boo Pattern shop

 

Can ya guess I totally caved and bought the SewFab pattern bundle??

Also FYI- the Melly Sews Sleepy robe is a free download!



The Dinosaur Vest

 When your little man asks you to make something specific...

you do it. 

 (He probably won't be asking me forever)

 



Pattern Description: Children's and Boys' shirt, vest and pants. Shirt has long sleeves, side vents and patch pocket; vest has front zipper closure, patch pockets; pants have elastic waist casing, side seam pockets, cargo pockets and optional elastic at ankle.

Pattern Sizing:Children's sizes XS (3-4) S (5-6) and Boys M (7-8) L (10-12) XL (14-16)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?It looks exactly like the pattern envelope with the exception of my zipper.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Incredibly so.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This pattern was very fast to start to finish which I liked. There really was nothing that I disliked.


Fabric Used:I used some remnant bin fleece from Joann's. The little man picked it out and asked me to make him something with it. I was happy to oblige of course. The little man is very opinionated and even picked out his zipper.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I omitted the front facing and did an exposed zipper.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?This is so very easy to sew and was very fast. It just takes an afternoon even with the little ones buggin' ya every thirty seconds. I already have plans for a sweatshirt one. 


The little guy loves it! As soon as he put it on he picked up his arms and said 

"RRAWRR"

Simplicity 1923 Review

Pattern Description: This is a toddler's shirt with a stand collar, button front, and cuffed sleeves with a button tab. As well as a 3 button vest

Pattern Sizing:
Size 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes. It was fabulous:)

Were the instructions easy to follow?
 Very. The only hesitation was on the step where you sew up the sides of the vest and lining together.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved the the cuffed sleeve and collar with the vest. It is dressy casual. I did not like the finishing on the sleeve though; if you unroll it there is not a actual cuff there. Just a regular hem.

Fabric Used:
 Cotton on vest (inside and out, I made it reversible) as well as a thrifted heavy weight cotton IKEA sheet for the white shirt.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Adjusted the pattern slightly to for the collar. I thought it was a little too large and stood up to high so I trimmed it down some.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes I would if the occasion arose. My little man is wearing a 4 now so probably not for him but he has a cousin who is just a couple months old right now and could wear in the future.

I made this outfit for my little man to wear to my brother's wedding last month. It is a casual outdoor wedding and this was perfect for the weather and feel of the wedding.

Here are some shots of my little guy wearing it-

Insa Skirt and a GIVEAWAY!!

Insa Skirt Review 

 

From the book

"Sew Clothes Kids Love"

By Sabine Pollehn and Nancy Langdon

 


This skirt I sewed up for my niece for her birthday. She is technically off the size chart for this book. However, with the elasticized waist and fuller skirt, it did not matter and made it a perfect fit for this fall birthday girl.  


Pattern Description: Four gore double layered skirt. Yoke with Elasticized waist.

Pattern Sizing: 86/92 - 134-140. Like I said above though, I sized it up for her.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes. There are so many variations and zing you can add on that no two skirts will look exactly alike though.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. There was nothing that slowed me down.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I really like that you can mix and match different fabrics and make it as over the top or subdued as you want. She is a little bit older and I thought would want a solid top and fun pop underskirt.

Fabric Used: The overskirt is a dark brown 21 wale cord and a green 21 wale with sparkles. The underskirt is randoms; 2 prints from Joann's and 2 from Hobby Lobby. As well as a burnt orange rick rack trim on the underskirt.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did not make changes really. I chose to add the vertical elastic gathering to the over skirt though.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes I would sew it again and I probably will for Christmas for my two new younger nieces. 

So I promised a giveaway for this book and here it is:

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Imke shirt review

Imke shirt

from the book
"Sewing Clothes Kids Love" by Sabine Pollehn and Nancy Langdon
 

Pattern Description: A really versatile t-shirt pattern that you can customize by piecing the sides, adding hood (2 styles), and using different sleeve length/styles.

Pattern Sizing: The book includes sizes 86/92 - 146/152. I made the 4 for my tall 3 year old son, even adding extra length to that. I hear they run small but I'm always cutting larger for him. Also you should note that these patterns from the book do not include seam allowances so if like me you know you need extra in the length you can just add some on really easily.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? It did look like the pictures.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like how you get a lot of bang for your buck with this book. Lots of different variations on each pattern. The only thing I dislike is, as always, light on the boys patterns. This one however can go either way.

Fabric Used: Cotton jersey; the main blue on this one was made with yardage that I miraculously found at Goodwill and the sleeve and hood I cut from a solid colored tee that I got on clearance.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Other than the length I did not change anything. I chose the normal hood and short sleeved version.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I absolutely would recommend this to others. The little man already has a second shirt (same variation). As you can see from the photos though he was not sitting still for another shoot.

Conclusion: This pattern is great and I have already sewn another item from this book which I will be showing soon. 

I love this book so much and I know y'all will love it too soooo..

stay tuned and you will have the chance to win one.

McCalls 6020 Review

 

Stock photo from Mccalls

Pattern Description: Below mid-knee length dress with front band, gathered skirt, tulle ruffle on lining, back zipper and ribbon sash or tie ends. Sleeve options: sleeveless or gathered sleeves.

Pattern Sizing: 3-14. I made my three dresses in a 7, 8 and 12. All with changes except the sz 8. These were made for my brother's wedding this coming weekend.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? 
I think it does mostly.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't use them too much. I did the dresses assembly style; cut all the patterns on fabric, make all the bodices, ect.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked this pattern for the simple lines and square neckline.

Fabric Used: I used a Seersucker that was chosen by the wedding party.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I omitted the tie sash on the bodice and instead of using ribbon (too hard to match the colors right) I just used a scrap of the fabric and made it look like the ribbon. Again, omitting the tie on the ribbon opting for a clean front.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  It is a cute pattern but I don't know that I'll need another dress like this.

KCW Day 4-7

 

So I was working away on KCW and in the middle of it a family reunion.

 

This is what I got done

 

Day 4

 

I got to the button holes but decided that I should NOT do button holes while drinking a margarita.

 

Yea, your seeing that right, a margarita in a to-go cup. Who does that?? Me. That's who.

Better question? What restaurant let's a girl walk out of there with a margarita in a to-go cup?
As the big man said " Nothing say's drinking and driving like a to-go margarita."
Luckily I was not actually drinking and driving!

anywhoo...

 

 

Day 5-6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I got them done! Yay:)

Here is a shot of the wonky pocket

and the cargo's rolled up.

 

 

 

I

Day 7

 

 

I traced out McCall's M6020 for 3 girls for my brother's wedding in early September. I almost didn't have enough exam paper for my pattern tracing. Guess it's time to ask the Dr. for more!

The couple is doing a rainbow theme and the girls picked out their colors.





KCW Day 3

I figured out the pocket situation...I read the pattern wrong the pattern was all wrong. Haha

The directions for the pockets are pretty vague and hard to follow. I will have to sit down with it again and really see where it all went wrong. To many pocket pieces cut out and too few directions? I made it work though. The opposite lower pocket turned out beautifully once I figured out what was the dilly-o.

At least they are starting to look like pants though.


Big - < hurt my eyes to look at > - pants.

They are like Dino-Vomit pants.












However it is not what we think, it's what the wearer wants, even if he is a slave driver 3 yr old.

Kids Clothes Week Day 2

Have you jumped on the bandwagon yet?? Aww, Come on everyone is doing it, it's not to late for you to get in on it:)

Day 2:

We've got pockets people!

Some were easy

...some not so much...

 




See how my pocket and the picture doesn't look the same??






 

The bottom portion of the pocket is way wider.
I checked to be sure that I had the right pieces AND that I traced the right top piece right and not too short. . . I would do something like that. . . but I didn't.

I'll keep trudging along and see if it turns out.






I hate being pressed for time and something like this happens.

Well, there's always tomorrow.