These pictures are from mid-day last Sunday. We got another 8" Christmas Eve and another 7" today!!!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Snow, snow and MORE snow!
These pictures are from mid-day last Sunday. We got another 8" Christmas Eve and another 7" today!!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas Sewing Finished - only one IOU!
 | My Gram got an IOU for part of her gift... I finished her pants, but didn't get her shirt made as I need to dig through my stash for a piece of black crepe - when mom & I purchased fabric for her pants & blouse, we didn't factor in that it was only 45" wide. I made the pants, as I figured it would be easy to use an additional fabric for the shirt. I have enough to cut out sleeves & front but not for the back or facings. | |
 | 3 Swim Bags for my kids | |
 | Nightie for my mom - to match the girls | |
 | Jacket for my son from latest Ottobre | |
 | I was inspired by Lori's gift and we re-created a similar box for my mil. My husband created the "paper" to line the box and inside of the lid. The singer manual is a scan from the manual of the machine in my dining room, which was my mil's mom's machine. The wooden thread spools were found in the drawers when we got the machine. |
Monday, December 22, 2008
More Christmas Gifts
I am almost finished my Christmas sewing.... Only 2 more gifts to complete, one for my Dad, the other for my Gram. Last night I finished gifts for my kids and my Mom. Here are some of the gifts....
When we were at Disneyland we went to the Animation Academy... I framed this one for my mom's husband.
A whole bunch of reusable shopping bags, with a built in pocket to fold into and a couple of embroidered gift bags. The pink one if for my purse. They are made with two layers of light-weight nylon from my stash.
Framed Family photos for Grandparents:
When we were at Disneyland we went to the Animation Academy... I framed this one for my mom's husband.
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| From My Sewing and Crafting |
A whole bunch of reusable shopping bags, with a built in pocket to fold into and a couple of embroidered gift bags. The pink one if for my purse. They are made with two layers of light-weight nylon from my stash.
A bunch of reusable bags | All wrapped for my Dad and his wife |
| From My Sewing and Crafting |
Framed Family photos for Grandparents:
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| From My Sewing and Crafting |
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
New Fleece Pants & Some gift sewing
The weather has turned really cold here (ok for here anyways....) This week it has been below zero most days... My sons snow pants are too small. I don't have time to make a new pair right now, so I made him a pair of fleece pants (MM fleece bonded to mesh lining) today. Used a long OOP Stretch and Sew pattern modified slightly add extra hip ease as these are to be worn over other pants. The pants are currently being work - they went to see the Christmas Train.
Gift Sewing
Gift Sewing
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| From Sewing Photos |
Santa Purse: I made two of these in red/burgundy faux-suede with white crepe lining & white faux fur. The first I didn't like as much, too floppy. The second I used Heat-n-Bond between heavy canvas and the faux-suede - the purse then stood up all on its one.
Tote Bags with Embroidered zippered pocket
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| From Sewing Photos |
PJ Day at school
Mom to the rescue! Her old housecoat is on the island at our summer place (and it is getting too small). I was planning on making this as a Christmas gift - but I caved into the sad eyes this morning.
Today was PJ day at school and she goes for the afternoon only, so this morning I whipped this up out of polar fleece. I didn't look at the directions, or the pattern markings... so the pockets are at CF instead of near the side seams. It is also a little large (but that makes it cozy) as I used the same size as I'd made for her brother.
Today was PJ day at school and she goes for the afternoon only, so this morning I whipped this up out of polar fleece. I didn't look at the directions, or the pattern markings... so the pockets are at CF instead of near the side seams. It is also a little large (but that makes it cozy) as I used the same size as I'd made for her brother.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
More Sewing including an OLD UFO
Tonights Accomplishments include
- 2 teachers gifts
- 1 swim bag
- Snow Pants - for me - UFO finally finished - KS1936
- replaced the crotch seam in my sons snow pants
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Christmas Present Sewing
Wow! What a lot of sewing I can do without interruptions!
My husband took the kids to our vacation property to get a Christmas tree and talk to our roofer. The new roof is going on!!! We started the process choosing our roofer at the end of June, and after many delays this fall, the roofer started this past week. Weather permitting, the job should be complete in the next week! Off comes the original 40 year old roof, and on goes metal.
So what was I to do but sew! Last night I cut out over 10 gifts and this morning I finished
Completed Christmas Sewing
My husband took the kids to our vacation property to get a Christmas tree and talk to our roofer. The new roof is going on!!! We started the process choosing our roofer at the end of June, and after many delays this fall, the roofer started this past week. Weather permitting, the job should be complete in the next week! Off comes the original 40 year old roof, and on goes metal.
So what was I to do but sew! Last night I cut out over 10 gifts and this morning I finished
- two ponchos
- a hat
- three pillows
- one drawstring backpack
- embroidery on pockets finished for 4 more bags
Completed Christmas Sewing
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Stats for 2008
With only one month of sewing left in the year, I thought I should total my stats for this year... So far I have used 110.2m but bought 60m. I have completed 135 projects including 4 UFOS, and as of the end of November only had 4 projects on the go, although one is quickly becoming a UFO. Hopefully after Christmas I will finish the black Highland Dance Vest that is 50% complete.
Looking back at my goals set in my first post of the year, I haven't done too bad... The only thing I've failed miserably at is organizing all my traced Ottobre patterns. And I haven't sewn for my husband. Doubt I'll get something sewn before Christmas for him, but maybe...
Tonights projects completed:
Looking back at my goals set in my first post of the year, I haven't done too bad... The only thing I've failed miserably at is organizing all my traced Ottobre patterns. And I haven't sewn for my husband. Doubt I'll get something sewn before Christmas for him, but maybe...
Tonights projects completed:
- 3 baby/toddler boy hats
A quick gift
My daughter has had a student teacher for the past 3 months, and is just finishing up this week. Today we made her a drawstring bag, out of denim (old jeans) and a pocket made from a test stitch-out from a teacher's gift I made in June.
Tonight I made a list of sewing for Christmas and upcoming birthdays.... I started organizing fabrics & patterns. Still a few more patterns to trace, tomorrow I home to cut out some items....
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Pirates!
Tomorrow is "Pirate Day" for my daughters class. Here is her skirt.
The yoke is from 1/08 #13, with a longer circle skirt panel added as the lower panel. Hem is pinked and zigzagged. Fabric is a stretch woven. Added belt loops & belt similar to 1/08 #2.
Embroidery is of a boat and treasure chest.
The yoke is from 1/08 #13, with a longer circle skirt panel added as the lower panel. Hem is pinked and zigzagged. Fabric is a stretch woven. Added belt loops & belt similar to 1/08 #2.
Embroidery is of a boat and treasure chest.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Photos
Here is the dress I whipped up for the party tonight. It isn't my best work (but unless I show off the inside of the dress no one will know), but the dress fits well and fills a gap in my wardrobe. I really wanted to make a blue jacket with tone-on-tone embroidery and possible crystals, but didn't have time to make it this year. I probably won't make the jacket until next year as I don't really have need for anything that fancy. This dress will look great with my blue blazer for a more casual look.
Here are some other items sewn recently - a birthday gift, a test stitch-out turned into a drawstring bag, and 2 pairs of leggings. Photos of the pirate skirt will follow once the camera has a charged battery!
Here are some other items sewn recently - a birthday gift, a test stitch-out turned into a drawstring bag, and 2 pairs of leggings. Photos of the pirate skirt will follow once the camera has a charged battery!
Last minute sewing
I've been meaning to make myself a new "black" dress all fall for my husbands staff Christmas party. Well in true last minute panic, I nearly finished the dress last night. First the dress isn't black, its navy (Found two dress length pieces of navy in my stash and no black. So its a Navy crepe dress. I lined it with yucky grey lining (but it really needed lining and it was in my stash!).
Then to decide on a pattern - I choose one from my stash - I would have prefered to use something from Ottobre, but they didn't have anything that would work... I used Simplicity 9441 (probably long OOP, copyright 1995!) that I had made in '96 or '97. It is a flared princess dress with a fitted waist. I had to modify the "shape" of the pattern as my waist isn't quite as tiny as it was then, and for a slightly larger bust. Its a good thing I read the instructions, as the sleeves are set very differently. The front and back are sewn at shoulders, the princess-side panels are sewn at the side seam, with the sleeve attached, then the sleeve/side panel are sewn to the front & back pieces all together!
The dress is currently hanging waiting to be hemmed. I will hem once Alexandra is at school.
Then to decide on a pattern - I choose one from my stash - I would have prefered to use something from Ottobre, but they didn't have anything that would work... I used Simplicity 9441 (probably long OOP, copyright 1995!) that I had made in '96 or '97. It is a flared princess dress with a fitted waist. I had to modify the "shape" of the pattern as my waist isn't quite as tiny as it was then, and for a slightly larger bust. Its a good thing I read the instructions, as the sleeves are set very differently. The front and back are sewn at shoulders, the princess-side panels are sewn at the side seam, with the sleeve attached, then the sleeve/side panel are sewn to the front & back pieces all together!
The dress is currently hanging waiting to be hemmed. I will hem once Alexandra is at school.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Highland Dancing
The previous two weekends we've attended local Highland Dance Competitions. At the first competition she received one bronze, and got 2 silver at the other.
Her vest still fits nicely, but needs a new kilt. I won't be sewing it although a local Kilt & Highland Dance Costume Maker is thinking of retiring and has offered to run a course next fall. I've emailed her to put my name on the list.
Her vest still fits nicely, but needs a new kilt. I won't be sewing it although a local Kilt & Highland Dance Costume Maker is thinking of retiring and has offered to run a course next fall. I've emailed her to put my name on the list.
Friday, November 21, 2008
More sewing
The vest is finished - family photo is tomorrow!
Also completed tonight: a king sized knit duvet cover, a drawstring bag for a birthday gift, and a pirate skirt.
Photos will follow in daylight....
Also completed tonight: a king sized knit duvet cover, a drawstring bag for a birthday gift, and a pirate skirt.
Photos will follow in daylight....
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Progress
Got the pants (OD 2/05 #24) completed tonight. The vest is nearly complete - needs side seam sewn and snaps or buttons. I think I'm going with the snaps, for fun! And because I have them in the house. No black buttons large enough (need 5)
Also finished another pair of leggings for dd1. They are to match a dress that she has already outgrown 2 pairs of matching leggings. I made the dress for her when she turned 4, so this is her 3rd winter wearing this dress - now it MUST have leggings on as it is long tunic length.
Started a new bra for me, using Kwiksew 3594 - what I don't like so far, is it says to use your RTW size, but the cups came out HUGE, so I don't know what I did wrong.
Also finished another pair of leggings for dd1. They are to match a dress that she has already outgrown 2 pairs of matching leggings. I made the dress for her when she turned 4, so this is her 3rd winter wearing this dress - now it MUST have leggings on as it is long tunic length.
Started a new bra for me, using Kwiksew 3594 - what I don't like so far, is it says to use your RTW size, but the cups came out HUGE, so I don't know what I did wrong.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Sewing progress
The current project is Dress pants and vest for ds. The pants are Ottobre 2/05 #24 Plus Size Knee Pants lengthened to pant length made in black baby cord. Pants are nearly finished but still require a button or a snap and hemming. Too late to try on for hemming. The vest (Ottobre 6/07 Omni from group downloads) is sitting on the ironing board all ready to go - all interfacing has been applied, ready to make welt pockets. I don't tackle welt pockets at midnight. I would rather do faux-welt pockets, but my son wants real ones!
Leggings (Ottobre 4/08)- I wanted a quick project this afternoon as the kids were home from school, so I cut out dd1 a pair leggings and sewed them up to test the fit. I lowered the front about an inch for an underbelly cut and she likes them.
No photos tonight as its too dark out to take photos of black pants, and the leggings are still being worn!
For a non sewing project I also varnished the new dresser to hold hats, mitts, scarfs and dance shoes near the front door. I stained it last night and it will need sanding and another 2 coats.
Leggings (Ottobre 4/08)- I wanted a quick project this afternoon as the kids were home from school, so I cut out dd1 a pair leggings and sewed them up to test the fit. I lowered the front about an inch for an underbelly cut and she likes them.
No photos tonight as its too dark out to take photos of black pants, and the leggings are still being worn!
For a non sewing project I also varnished the new dresser to hold hats, mitts, scarfs and dance shoes near the front door. I stained it last night and it will need sanding and another 2 coats.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Dress modelled
Currently the belt isn't interfaced, just pinned on. Its also folded in thirds so quite narrow, but doesn't fold over as she moves. I think I will interface the belt to give it a little more weight, then attach the bow.
Dress Progress
The dress is nearly done, but I don't know what to do about the belt. The tartan doesn't have the body that the taffeta does.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Cleaning and sewing....
In order to get some sewing done, I need to tidy my sewing room. Well, I still need to tidy it, but I did sort some fabric and put away my Ottobre magazines. (All found except the most recent Woman's magazine as its missing!)
First I thought I'd make a long sleeve tshirt for me. Its Ottobre 1/05 #38 (cross front top) in a grey with turquoise blue stripe stretch knit. I modified it to be like the girls Hugs tshirt, and then didn't like how high the neckline was, so I cut it down lower at CF.
I started sewing the Tartan dress. The bodice is just needs bias binding on the neckline and sleeves. Then attach the skirt and put in the zipper. And then to make the belt. The skirt is one larger piece, no side seams as why line up all those lines on the pattern, when it is a rectangle!
While watching TV the other night, I poured through the magazines looking for patterns for Christmas gifts. I created a list of items to trace... so hopefully tomorrow I can get some tracing done.
Last night I did some mending too! I pulled apart a fly of some jeans I made as the zipper failed, fixed the CB seam on a pair of my cords as it had worn out and sewed the binding back on a baby blanket.
First I thought I'd make a long sleeve tshirt for me. Its Ottobre 1/05 #38 (cross front top) in a grey with turquoise blue stripe stretch knit. I modified it to be like the girls Hugs tshirt, and then didn't like how high the neckline was, so I cut it down lower at CF. I started sewing the Tartan dress. The bodice is just needs bias binding on the neckline and sleeves. Then attach the skirt and put in the zipper. And then to make the belt. The skirt is one larger piece, no side seams as why line up all those lines on the pattern, when it is a rectangle!
While watching TV the other night, I poured through the magazines looking for patterns for Christmas gifts. I created a list of items to trace... so hopefully tomorrow I can get some tracing done.
Last night I did some mending too! I pulled apart a fly of some jeans I made as the zipper failed, fixed the CB seam on a pair of my cords as it had worn out and sewed the binding back on a baby blanket.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Christmas Sewing
Birthday Gift: a leather purse for my mom (it will be a late birthday present, as she had her birthday while we were in Disneyland)
Christmas Clothes Sewing
Christmas Gift Sewing
Need to figure out what I'm sewing here...
Sewing for the School Concert
- The school needs 150 "collars", not sure of any other details yet. No I'm not sewing them all!
Christmas Clothes Sewing
- Dress Pants for ds
- Tartan Dress for for dd1
- Vest & Tie for ds
Christmas Gift Sewing
Need to figure out what I'm sewing here...
Sewing for the School Concert
- The school needs 150 "collars", not sure of any other details yet. No I'm not sewing them all!
Fabric Found!
I went back to the fabric stores on Friday morning and still no traditional plaid/tartan. I also called to another store (about an hour drive away) to see if they had any. No luck. But since KwikSew patterns were 1/2 price today, I went back to get the pattern. Guess what arrived in yesterday's shipment? Traditional Scottish plaids in poly/rayon blend! They had 3 or 4 red different red tartans - I chose the Royal Stewart tartan (the one I'd originally been looking for).
Plans for the Christmas Dress
Ottobre 1/07 #25 (Taffeta Dress) with the plaid skirt and black bodice. I think I will do the belt with the plaid on the bias. The sleeve and neck binding will be the plaid on the bias.
I also picked up KS3594 as I wanted a pattern for a full band bra. Notions, interfacing and other items were on sale, but the girls were with me so I didn't stop to look at those. The sale is for another 3 days, so hopefully I'll have a chance to go grab a few notions.
Plans for the Christmas Dress
Ottobre 1/07 #25 (Taffeta Dress) with the plaid skirt and black bodice. I think I will do the belt with the plaid on the bias. The sleeve and neck binding will be the plaid on the bias.
I also picked up KS3594 as I wanted a pattern for a full band bra. Notions, interfacing and other items were on sale, but the girls were with me so I didn't stop to look at those. The sale is for another 3 days, so hopefully I'll have a chance to go grab a few notions.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Stumped at the fabric store
I had a great idea for my 5yo daughter's Christmas dress... but I don't have the fabric I wanted in my stash - so this morning when I was without kids, I went to 2 local fabric stores. And I was sadly disappointed. I want some red plaid (poly-blend), but I only found very muted colours (greys, browns, beiges) or very dark (Black Watch Tartan). Now what do I do? I wanted to make this dress this weekend!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Some emboirdery
As we are headed to Disneyland for Hallowe'en, I thought I needed something seasonal... So I took an old black shirt and added a pumpkin and ghost. The ghost is done in glow-in-the-dark thread.
A princess, a fairy and peter pan
Ottobre 3/08 #19 with sleeves added and 4 layers of skirts....
Bodice loosely based on Ottobre 3/08 #19, detail along the back zipper because I cut it too narrow trying to make it a little more fitted. Skirt is 14 petals with an underskirt. Shorts are using Ottobre 3/08 #16 (Daisy) pattern shortened...
Top is based on Otttobre 2/05 #29 (with modifications for woven - wider larger head and cut on sleeves) as I really wanted the collar style, shorts are based on 4/08 #24 with yokes attached to the bodice and no pockets. Belt, hat and tank top are self drafted.
And Hallowe'en....
First I must thank my husband for taking the kids out so I could get some sewing done this weekend.... Yesterday morning, he took the 3 kids to R's Taekwondo class, then they went onto complete their list of "chores" that involved hitting many stores on a SATURDAY. They went to Zellers, a dollar store, Michael's, Home Depot, and Fabricland. Yes! The 4 of them even went to the fabric store for me!!! What a wonderful family I have. They were out for over 4 hours, what peace and quiet.
So what did I do with my peace - sew Hallowe'en costumes while listening to Podasts!
This year I have Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). Tinkerbell is in pink, and her costume was designed by my 5yo and includes a short dress with petal hem and shorts. Peter Pan (my 7yo son) designed himself a shirt, shorts, belt, and dagger. Aurora has a ball gown, that uses more fabric than Tinkerbell's dress and is 4 sizes smaller!
All patterns were originally based on some of my recent creations - all Ottobre designs - although some were modified to fit my costume design specs as handed by my kids :) I love all the great patterns in Ottobre, that make it easy to create custom costumes...
So what did I do with my peace - sew Hallowe'en costumes while listening to Podasts!
This year I have Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). Tinkerbell is in pink, and her costume was designed by my 5yo and includes a short dress with petal hem and shorts. Peter Pan (my 7yo son) designed himself a shirt, shorts, belt, and dagger. Aurora has a ball gown, that uses more fabric than Tinkerbell's dress and is 4 sizes smaller!
All patterns were originally based on some of my recent creations - all Ottobre designs - although some were modified to fit my costume design specs as handed by my kids :) I love all the great patterns in Ottobre, that make it easy to create custom costumes...
Saturday, October 4, 2008
A new fall sweater
For some reason my daughter is short on sweaters (compared the the many, many sweaters her older brother and younger sister have)...
So it was time to use some of the pink sweater knit in my stash that I received from a friend. The pattern called for satin bias tape, which I couldn't find locally so I ended up buying some yardage and making bias tape... A very quick project, even with the bias tape - which I don't normally like - and dislike slippery satin bias tape even more :)
So it was time to use some of the pink sweater knit in my stash that I received from a friend. The pattern called for satin bias tape, which I couldn't find locally so I ended up buying some yardage and making bias tape... A very quick project, even with the bias tape - which I don't normally like - and dislike slippery satin bias tape even more :)
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