Surprise Surprise!!

Tags

bloggong, gifts, patterns, sewing, Sewing Surprises, Swap

Well, it was not a complete surprise- as I was expecting SOMETHING but I had no idea what coolness I would be surprised with!

In March, Sparkly Supernova announced she would be hosting a Sewing Surprises Swap. Of course I jumped on board! What could be better than giving a gift to a sewing blogger and receiving some goodies as well!?

Last week it arrived. I LOVE getting things in the mail. (Who doesn’t?) I confess when I was growing up I had many penpals. From all over! Just so I could get mail and write letters. Now, most of the time I just get junk and bills… sighhh…

BUT, last week I returned from picking my daughter up from school and what was residing on my front porch? A BOX! My heart rate sped up, a smile reached my face and I ran the last few steps to the door! YES! It was for me! I hugged the box to my chest, bolted inside, demanded Juliette get me a knife and was sitting on the couch enjoying all my surprises within a moment or two. 🙂

Happiness… My swap gifter was Becky over at Sew and So Blog… And I loved everything!

See??? Everything was perfect! For reals! I wanted to work on perfecting my button holes and Becky sent me a nifty little tool to try! And what sewist doesn’t need a cute new pin cushion? The pattern was on my list but alas, when I went to JoAnns they did not have one.  BUT happiness to find it included in my surprise box! The tote bag is “totes adorbs…” It is lined with SHOE fabric!!! I LOVE SHOES! 😀 And finally, a little selection of chocolate. YUM… gone within 24 hours.

The swap was lots of fun and I am so happy with my “loot.” Thanks a mil Becky!

-Laurie

Two Quilts!

Tags

birthday, challenge, cowboy boot quilt, fabric, flip flop quilt, footwear, friend, gifts, patterns, quilting, sew exhausted, sewing

We did it… We each made a quilt this month. From start to finish! And now we will each blog about our quilts! The funny thing is we both designed our quilts around footwear. 😀

I (Laurie) like to call this quilt my Boot Scootin Quilt. I realized my good friend’s birthday was coming up. She loves cowboys and country music. I admit I have made her other quilts for gifts. She has a Charger quilt (fave football team), a Winnie the Pooh quilt (she LOVES WP), and a daschie quilt. (Yes- she has a dachshund!) I know, I know- I have heard it before- “how many quilts can you have?” Well, I think you can have a lot! I have quite a few and I use them ALL! So, I made her a cowboy boot quilt!

I found a free boot template. (Link here). I cut 12 boots using 3 different types of fabrics, and then I mixed and matched the boot, heel and the tab. The block is a 10 inch square. I ironed the pieces on with Wonder Under, and then used a zig zag stitch to applique the boots onto the squares.

After the boots were all made I added simple sashing and borders. I used fabric from my stash- even the backing was a pretty green fleece I found while I was digging around. This quilt was simple, quick to make, and made the receiver very happy!

“These boots were made for walkin”… “Boot scootin’ boogie”…”What a great big star I’ll be in a pair of cowboy boots…” I guess you get the point! 😀

——————————–

Here is the quilt I (Kerrielee) made for my moms best friend. She has recently been diagnosed with cancer and I wanted her to have something she could either take to her treatments with her or just to have when she was at home resting on the couch. Laurie had actually made me a larger version of this quilt years ago for Christmas, and when my mom’s friend saw it she was in love with it, so I knew I wanted to make her a version of the flip flop quilt. This is what I came up with

I found the free applique pattern here at Craftsy.com

I used rick rack for the……you know, the part that goes in between your toe and holds the flip flop on your foot  (WHAT is that part called??)! I auditioned some buttons to add on, but didn’t like any enough to take the extra time to put them on (ya, I’m lazy!)!  Then I just added some sashing and a border. I backed it with a soft cuddly fleece.

It is now at it’s new home and I know it will be well loved. Isn’t that the best!? When you make something for someone and you just know that it is SO appreciated!

Laurie and I enjoyed making our quilts so much that we have come up with a new challenge for ourselves (like we don’t have enough challenges already!) We have so much quilting fabric waiting in our stashes that we thought we would challenge ourselves to make from start to finish 1 new quilt each month for the remainder of the year! Dang! that will be 8 new quilts by the end of the year (9 if you count the one we each made this month!)

Happy Sewing ~Kerrielee and Laurie

FINALLY Something Juliette will wear…

Tags

clothing, daughters, easy sewing projects, fabric, fabrics, Family, fashion, McCalls, McCalls 6751, patterns, sew exhausted, sewing, summer sewing, summer wardrobe

Whew… I did it. I, Laurie, mother and sewist (somewhat) extraordinaire, finally made something Juliette, my youngest daughter likes and actually wore to school! She also wants a few more. After the Christmas dress debacle I have not made her anything. WELL- I DID make her a pair of hip hop pants WHICH she wears!

Juliette is a clown… and she LOVES the camera. Trust me… From the time she was a little girl she has enjoyed her picture taken. She is always posing and always looking in the mirror. One day a few years ago she flipped the visor mirror down and stated, “Quick mom, give me your phone. I look really good right now!” (Camera phone- her FAVE possession!)

Here are her Hip Hop pants– I need to make her more because she takes several classes a week and really likes these. These are like the animal print ones I made Kadi for Jungle January. No pattern but super simple!

When I made her a dress for Christmas she dutifully wore it… once. You can see it all about it here. But at least she wore it! Since then I have dragged her in to the fabric store several times asking her WHAT she would like me to make her. And last week she picked several- including 2 swimsuit patterns. (YIKES)

I immediately set about making this McCalls 6751…  

Super simple. Super cute. She wants MORE! SUCCESS!

This is quick and easy- one yard of fabric and a package of bias tape. I used a cotton but am going to try a knit as well.

I should have trimmed and pressed the keyhole opening better but other than that? I still feel I have reasons to celebrate… Isn’t the back great?! I plan on making her several for summer… and some shorts! And a sundress… and the (drum roll) swim suit, which I already have the fabric for (bright orange!)

I feel pretty good now! Summer wardrobe for Juliette is on it’s way!

If you look to the right- you will see that Kerrielee and I are doing GREAT on our 100 hours of sewing in the month of April pledge. I have a feeling we will BOTH make it and have lots of projects to share. Both of us started and finished an ENTIRE quilt already this month. We will photograph and blog those next week.

And our panty parade? Well, we are finally under way. I was having trouble figuring out the settings and what to do on my machine and was getting a bit frustrated but last night I finished a pair and finally worked out my process. I plan on making a few more tonight and we will blog about those as well. If you joined us, how are YOU doing??!!

That is all for now! Must get back to our machines to make the 100 hour mark!

Laurie

Sewing for my boy!

Tags

clothing, fabric, fabrics, Family, fashion, McCalls, Men's patterns, patterns, projects, sew, sewing for boys

Kerrielee here! I have been doing so much sewing lately,  2 of my boys have recently asked me to add them to my list of peeps to sew for (right now I mostly sew for myself and my daughter with a few quilts thrown in here and there!)

Son #1 is 18, what the heck am I going to sew for him that he is going to think is “cool” enough to wear!? Any suggestions? I have looked in the McCalls pattern book but was not impressed by anything.

Son#3 is 7 and loves to wear a button up shirt, unbuttoned, over his t-shirt. I can do that! I knew I wanted to make him one with a skull print, he is really in to skulls right now. So I found some pirate skull fabric at Joann’s and picked up a discontinued pattern at Yardage Town, McCalls 3416 .

There were a couple projects that needed finishing before son #3’s shirt, but I finally got started Thursday and in about an hour I had his shirt finished! I did not add button or buttons holes because he keeps the shirt open, so I figured why waste buttons or my time, and for this time around I adjusted the pattern to short sleeves. I am so happy with his shirt and so is he. He wore it (and posed for these pics) Friday to school, Saturday around town, and wanted to wear it again this morning but it was dirty and stinky in the laundry pile! I told him I would have it ready to wear tomorrow! Guess it’s time to order him some more fabric and whip up a few more of these shirts.

Projects for the rest of the month include more panties (I have only 2 pairs done so far!), a bathing suit for the daughter and a couple outfits for our Palm Springs trip coming up in May. Oh and of course I will be on the look out for the perfect pattern and fabric for son #1!

Happy Sewing! Kerrielee

Pretty Spring Dress

Tags

clothing, cotton, dress, fabric, fabrics, sew, sew exhausted, sewing, Simplicity, Simplicity 3777, springy dress

I finished up all of my “must make” list in March except for the navy slip. The slip did not make the cut because the Polka Dot Frock is still a little snug in the hips- so I don’t NEED the slip yet. 🙂 Sounds reasonable right?

So I finished the hip hop pants, the polka dot frock, the lavender skirt (still not photographed), some aprons, started on Bowie and Sew For Victory and WHEW… even squeezed in a Springy dress for Holly!

I LOVE this fabric. (Even though it has to be ironed) It is a floral cotton with a bit of stretch I bought from Fabric Mart in the dead of Winter. it was shipped to me in a box of dark knits and gabardines and brightened my mood as soon as I saw it. I LOVE florals… but I am starting to feel like I am too old for sweet, pretty florals. 😦 SO, it became a dress for Holly. I used Simplicity 3777, and made the short fluttery sleeved version.

Because it is my new favorite thing to do, I french seamed the inside. I still have a little trouble french seaming gathered sleeves but seem to be getting the hang of it. Anyone have any tricks?

I really like the gathered bodice. It is fully lined, along with the fluttery sleeves and the waistband.

The dress was a happy success, and ready in time for Holly to wear on Easter Sunday. She loves it and she will happily add it to her wardrobe.

Currently I am working on the Archer shirt and joined the Archer Sew Along! It is really nice being walked through the finer points like sleeve plackets. My first one is in a black and white floral cotton voile. The fabric is so soft and beautiful to handle. I am hoping to have it finished by the weekend.  I already have an awesome idea for a second one I will be making from my stash. (Dressy and pretty and involves Challis!)

Kerrielee and I will also be sharing some of our “unmentionables.” Do you remember when I told you my youngest daughter, Juliette, hates the word panties? Well, apparently she hates the word “blouse” as well. Reminds her of Nacho Libre. LOL

~Laurie

Little China Girl- David Bowie Inspired Top

Tags

Bowie, Bowie Challenge, challenge, China Girl, David Bowie, fabric, fabrics, fashion, projects, sew exhausted, sewing

I’m a mess without my… little china girl
Wake up mornings, where’s my… little china girl…

HERE I AM DAVID!!

The song China Girl was on the album Let’s Dance– released in 1983- and not necessarily my favorite DB album, but because it was released my Senior year of High School, it had quite an impact. We always seem to remember those really stand out years- I was 17… I had moved and was at a different high school… so most of my days after school (and I was out before lunch!) were not spent with friends, they were spent watching soap operas at home and listening to music. Remember MTV? Haha- well, MTV is still around but the format is way different! I feel like every time I had it on I was treated to David Bowie or Billy Idol!

I chose this because, I really like the look of the Asian style tops and had wanted to make one anyway. Probably not as creative as some of the other amazing things I have seen come out of the Bowie Challenge BUT I am happy with it, and will wear it.

I bought fabric for this- a turquoise brocade but then I found this in my stash- and decided to use it instead. I just loved the fabric. It is a cotton- probably a quilting cotton to be honest but I did not care. I used a New Look Pattern… I am glad I used the cotton instead of the brocade which was a bit more expensive. The fit is a little off so this can be my “wearable muslin!”  I would add some darts. There is one set BUT I think it needs to be a little more fitted. It sort of just “hangs”… Other than that, I like it. And every time I wear it I will think of David. Can’t be all bad! 😉

My attempt at “Oh baby just you shut your mouth…” (Can you hear that voice? I CAN!- sighhhh)

I actually am looking for an Asian print knit– I want to make it in a knit, with some black comfy crops for sleeping. I think I would feel very stylish padding around the house in some David Bowie/.China Girl inspired jammies!

Thank you Tempest… I had loads of fun keeping up with your David Bowie tidbits, videos, and the incredible compilation of “All Things David Bowie” you put together. It was great fun!

Sew For Victory- Late but complete…and made from a sheet!

Tags

1940's vintage pattern, easy sewing projects, fabric, Family, patterns, projects, retro, sew exhausted, Sew For Victory, Vintage, vintage dress, vintage pattern, vintage patterns

I finished. Late. I do not know what I was thinking. I KNEW April 1, but it did not click that April 1 was passed. Ah well. I am finished with my blouse, and I am pleased with it.

My pattern was a 1940’s blouse pattern I bought off Etsy from Vintage Girl. It came to me all the way from the UK, but I had to have it… I fell in love with the sleeves! Initially I was going to make the long sleeved collar one with the great cuffs, but the more I looked, the more I wanted to do View 3. And so I did!

I had a lot of trouble getting started. Mainly because I could not find a fabric I wanted. And when I finally found an aqua poplin I liked at Fashion Fabrics, it was time to pay the rent and I could not spare the cash. So in true #SewForVictory spirit I spotted an unused purple sheet in my garage and BINGO! It became my blouse!

See? Aren’t those sleeves great? Although, oops, they seem to require a bit more pressing! I am wondering if I should add the shoulder pads. I KNOW they were the thing in the 40’s… and 80’s… Hmmm- do you think they will be back any time soon? I think the shoulder seam would be in the perfect spot WITH the shoulder pads. I may try it out!

The pattern was pretty easy! I was surprised, because I admit I was very hesitant to begin. I looked at those completely blank pattern pieces with punched holes scattered throughout, and ONE page of directions for several days before I even got the courage to start… and finally I just dived in! And it wasn’t bad at all. As a matter of fact the manner in which they did the collars was very simple! And despite there being quite a few darts, once I had marked and pinned them all they went in easily! And I really like all the darts and tucks. They add a nice fit! So feminine!

On a side note- No pattern pieces were harmed in the making of this blouse. 😀

Inside I used all french seams. Oh how I LOVE the look of the inside of a garment with french seams. I put up the hem by hand using hem tape (lace)… I think the inside looks almost as nice as the outside!

I was also worried about the button holes. It has been years since I have done any, and frankly using my daughters $80 sewing machine (mine is still broken) made me wonder if my whole blouse would become a wadder once I tried fighting with it. BUT they went in without a hitch! Easy as pie… I covered buttons because I wanted a nice clean look.

When I was finished I got out the dye. The color of the sheet was a wishy washy kind of purple and I wanted to deepen it so I bought purple dye, and added in a bit of blue. I think the color turned out perfect! BTW- Purple is HARD to photograph! It is a deeper purple than the one below- It is more like the first pic of me…

I wanted to look like the girl on the pattern but my hair is too long so I pulled it back… BUT I did add a black ribbon as a tie. 😀 I am very happy with my blouse and absolutely WILL wear it! Probably sans the ribbon tie!

I think this is a blouse I will make again. I would change the length of the blouse- I would add on a few inches I think. I would LOVE to have a dressy long sleeved one made from silk charmeuse… and I am still pining after a pretty aqua cotton poplin blouse- maybe the short sleeve one for a springy/ summery top.

I would like to thank Rochelle of LuckyLucille for hosting Sew For Victory (and apologize for being late!) What a great opportunity for us to peruse all the wonderful clothing, learn about what the sacrifices the women made during the war- like working at jobs that typically men held and holding the families together. During my research just seeing the changes in styles from the early to the mid to the late forties was an education! I definitely have a greater appreciation for my grandma! My grandpa was a soldier in the Marines for many years! I definitely enjoyed this foray into that period of time and plan on participating again next year!

That is my grandad! He was a career Marine and joined up in the early 1940’s… Later on he became a recruiter and recruited my mom and several of his sons! 🙂

And that concludes Sew For Victory… Better late than never I hope!

Tomorrow- I will post my David Bowie inspired blouse… Yes, I have been slightly BUSY!

Laurie

March Roundup Part 1

Tags

clothing, costumes, fabric, fabrics, fashion, patterns, project, projects, sew exhausted, sewing

As promised, here is March Round Up… The things we got finished during the month of March! It is Part One because, well, we are terrible at pictures and there is more. BUT there may never be a Part 2- if we don’t do the photograph thing! We are trying to work out a “Photography Plan,” but it is so difficult. We don’t want to waste Saturday Sewing Time taking pics!

Here are a few of the items Kerrielee completed. Eleena was a lucky young lady in March! Look at some of her new outfits!

The larger photo is Kerrie and Eleena in their Easter dresses. Aren’t they pretty?! The floral print one was not even on Kerrie’s list- she cut it out a while back, but with some time on her hands she snagged it out of her stash and had it finished in a few hours. It is a pretty floral knit and I think she looks great! Such springy colors! Eleenas dress is a cotton, grey and pink with a small floral print. At this point in Eleena’s life EVERYTHING must be pink or have some pink! And there is nothing wrong with that!

In the small photos is a striped knit top Kerrie pattern tested for, with the skirt at the bottom also part of her weekend of pattern testing for GoToPatterns.com. That was a BUSY weekend for Kerrie but she still got them finished! The white outfit is a Dance Costume for Eleenas solo. Yes, she is also a dancer! 🙂 And another little sun dress for E! Like I said- great month for Eleena in the clothing department!

And here are a few of my projects. Just a few as I too am guilty of not photographing my projects! Aren’t the little “Carwash” costumes adorable? Ok- It is the sweet little girls that are adorable! I made my girlies some aprons from my stash. Now I hope they get the hint and spend some time in the kitchen. And I made myself a long skirt from a great knit I bought from Fabric Mart. I also made a matching green dolman sleeve top. (From the same fabric I put on the waistband!)

We have a great start to our goal of 100 hours. YAY! And I just finished photographing my Bowie inspired top and Holly’s pretty Spring dress.

And remember Kerrielee and I are hosting a “Panty Parade” this month. Watch for those undie posts – Thursday night we will be making several pairs! We shared a few free patterns here–

Happy Sewing!

ONE HUNDRED HOURS

Tags

challenge, clothing, easy sewing projects, fabric, patterns, projects, quilt, quilting, sew exhausted, sewing, sewing vintage clothing, vintage patterns

Halloooo… and YES- you read that correctly.

I have been mulling this over in my mind for the last week or so. And I discussed it with Kerrielee on one of our 4 mile walks… AND, WELL, I am thinking I can do this! I am thinking WE can do it! Kerrielee took a little convincing, but once I broke it down for her, she thought it COULD be doable. And why not give it a shot? If we only make it to 92 hours, well HEY! That is 92 hours of sewing!

Oh the things we could make! And you know we all have PLENTY to make! A never ending list!

So, this month, we are going to sew for 100 hours. 😀 And that is 100 hours each. We will keep a little tally going in the sidebar in case you want to check on our progress.

The nice thing is we already sew 8 plus hours on Saturday together, and about 5 hours on Drink and Sew Thursday… That leaves 22 days in April- each day 2.27 hours. I just made it an even 2 and a half hours a day.

The truth is it will be easier for me. I have older chilluns. I have a full time job but I work 5 AM to 1:30 PM. At 1:30 Kerrielee and I meet for our 4 mile walk and then I pick up 1 child, my youngest, from school. (She is all of 16!) Off to dance classes she goes and I am free. Sometimes until 9 PM at night! What do I normally do with that time? Ummm- well, I confess I have made great friends with my Roku and Netflix account. Do you know how many GREAT series’ there are out there I have never watched? I watched over 100 episodes of ALIAS! Just finished Season 5 of Mad Men… Watched Lost Girl, Criminal Minds, Warehouse 13, and well, the list goes on and on. I think I can easily find 2.5 hours per day!

Kerrielee on the other hand has a 2 year old at home and 4 other kiddos she gets to care for. AND the hubby– lets not forget the husband. And to top it all off she is caring for her mom too. So, it will be much more of a challenge for her- BUT I will cheer her on. 🙂

So- On our marks, get set… and GO! Let the sewing begin!

Laurie and Kerrielee

PS. We do have a lot of March projects to share- we will do a little March roundup in a few days… AND I have completed my Bowie Sew-A-Long project- I just need to take pics! 😀