SewChic

Kirsten Kimono T-Shirt

2015-07-16T23:31:00.004-05:00

Seems like the only thing I know how to sew anymore is t-shirts. I used to think I would have more time to sew when I got older and when the kids were older. But here I am, 52 years old and sewing less than I ever did.

This week I sewed another top using a free pattern from Maria of Denmark. The pattern is free when you sign up for the newsletter; it's called the Kirsten Kimono Tee.

Of course I had to make some changes to the pattern. Using a RTW top as my inspiration, I lengthened the front and back, curved the hem, and flared out the side seams. After finishing the top as pictured, I decided that the neckline was too high for my liking. So I went back, took off the neckline binding, and cut the front neckline a bit lower. Much better--no longer did I feel like the neckline was choking me. Well, I don't yet have a picture of the new neckline, so you just have to imagine it.

The fabric is a knit with very little stretch. I made a size small and tapered out bigger from the waist down to the hem.

Ottobre Woman "Faded Stripes" Top 2/2015

2015-05-23T12:00:00.001-05:00

Did I mention that I feel like sewing again?!! I've spent the last several years knitting and knitting, but would you believe, I have not knitted a stitch in over 2 months?! I've crocheted edgings on a few baby blankets, but no knitting. (Really, I should finish up a few projects before putting them aside).

This time I made a t-shirt for me instead of sewing for Emily. The pattern is from the 02/2015 issue of Ottobre Design Woman, and really, it is a very simple top but with big appeal to me. I like how the t-shirt is fitted at top but is loose through the middle and hip areas. I also like how the pattern has shoulder yokes to add a bit of interest. I have plans to make another one soon in which I add a bit of lace fabric to the shoulder yokes.

The shirt fits great. If I can get somebody around here to take a photo, I'll post one of me wearing it.

The Pattern: Design #17 from the 02/2015 issue of Ottobre Woman
Fabric: Rayon Jersey Knit
Size: 36
Changes: I took out an inch from the shoulder area, a "petite"adjustment I often have to make to eliminate excess fabric in the upper bust/shoulder area.

(These two photos are from the Ottobre magazine.)

Daisy Dress - Ottobre 3/2015 No. 31

2015-05-19T00:17:00.001-05:00

The simplicity of this dress pattern and its classic style first caught my attention while browsing through the recent Ottobre magazine. I have been wanting to sew again (it's been forever!) and so decided to have a go at this dress. Emily chose the fabric from my fabric closet, and off I went....

What you don't notice about this pattern is that it is fully lined. And see that simple little pleat on the front? For the life of me, I couldn't figure out how to fold it, and the instructions weren't much help. I almost decided to just go with a box pleat, but then suddenly it just all fell into place correctly.

Thankfully, the lining and invisible zipper went together well--and for this, I really liked the Ottobre instructions. The dress was finished in an evening, and Emily has already worn it to her piano recital. My little girl is growing up, and I fear she won't want this style of dress much longer. I really must sew more often for her while she still wants me to.

The only change I made to the pattern was to add ric-rac to the bodice yoke seam. I also made a matching ric-rac flower that attaches with a pin.

The design: Daisy Dress, #31, Ottobre 3/2015
Fabric: woven cotton
Lining fabric: batiste
Size 134 (US 9 or 10, I think)

from the Ottobre magazine

Uptown Downtown Dress

2014-08-09T22:30:00.000-05:00

When I saw the call for pattern testers for a simple child's dress, I thought maybe this would be just the thing to motivate me to sew again. (How I have missed sewing!) So I answered the call and made my 9-year-old princess the Uptown/Downtown Dress designed by Terri of Sew Straight and Gather.

There have only been a handful of times that I've used a PDF pattern, so this was a somewhat new experience for me. I found that printing and taping the pattern together really wasn't as difficult or time consuming as I expected--certainly no worse than tracing the Ottobre patterns I'm used to sewing. One extra-nice thing about this PDF pattern is that I was able to choose the size I wanted and print just that one size---no maze of overlapping pattern sizes to follow.

The pattern includes a wide range of sizes from 2T all the way to size 10. I made a size 8 for Emily. The fabric is jersey knit that has been taking up space in my sewing room for years. It was perfect for this pattern. And Emily loves the dress. She has worn it every week since I made it in June, and she keeps asking me to make her another dress in the same pattern, even going so far as to pick out fabric at the store. (I didn't buy the fabric....just told her to shop my stash!) The pattern is quick to sew, and both the fit and instructions are great. I do hope to sew it again, and soon.

Crocheted Flower Garland

2014-03-27T22:05:00.000-05:00

One cold and blustery day last month, I walked into Walmart and spied the bright and cheery cotton yarn on the bottom shelf in the yarn department. I bought multiple colors, not really sure what I would make, but I knew I had to make something, anything, to help chase away the winter blues. Thanks to Ravelry, I found the perfect patterns for a daisy garland and daisy coasters. Well, we are starting to get a few warm days now and again, but the winter cold still seems to be languishing around. My colorful garland is hanging over the fireplace mantle ready to welcome the spring while the heat from the fire keeps me warm. I am so ready for summer.

Sweetheart Granny Squares

2014-02-13T09:05:00.000-06:00

Not exactly square, but in the tradition of crocheted granny squares, these granny hearts are made with brightly colored yarn left over from other projects. I found the pattern at a new-to-me blog, Yarn Pumpkin. (Thank you, Yarn Pumpkin, for sharing your pattern!)

I crocheted the hearts using a size J hook (6 mm) and assorted cotton yarns. My finished hearts are approx. 7.25 inches wide and 7.5 inches high. The hearts are super easy to crochet, and I made all five in an evening while watching the Olympics.

My daughters told me the hearts are too pretty to use as dishcloths and that they would use theirs as a coaster or doily.

Ottobre Cap Sleeve Pinafore Dress

2014-01-17T21:00:00.000-06:00

Ottobre Cap Sleeve Pinafore Dress
Design #21 from the 6/2013 issue

The fabric is not the best for this pattern, but my sweet daughter really wanted a dress from this corduroy print, and I really wanted to sew something quick and easy for her to wear to her piano recital in December. The busy print pretty much obscures the design elements of the top stitched seams, the drop waist seams, the skirt panels, and the mock pocket flaps in the front. Other than that, I love the dress on Em. She has worn the dress often, so I know she loves it too.

It was a cold, snowy day when I took the photos. I have no idea what to do with my camera, especially on a bright snowy day. (One of these days, I will learn!) Poor child of mine was so cold, but she was a good sport.

The dress is fully lined as you can see from the following picture. This makes a quick and easy finish for the armhole and neck edges. No facings or binding to mess with!

I made a size 128 (US size 7,8) for Emily, and lengthened it several inches. The pattern does go up to a size 146, and I can see myself making this pattern again with a solid colored fabric in the future. Other than lengthening, the only other change I made was to interface the fabric along the edge where the invisible zipper was inserted.

13 in 2013, Socks

2014-01-01T11:26:00.000-06:00

One knitting goal I had for 2013 was to knit 13 pairs of socks. I only made it to 12 pairs with number 13 still unfinished on the needles. The green pair was sent to my second daughter in Switzerland for her birthday, and the pale blue pair was gifted to my third daughter. My firstborn daughter can choose a pair for her upcoming birthday. (Did you read that, Jessica?) My fourth daughter doesn't like wearing socks, and the fifth daughter has a few pairs that I shrunk by mistake. So many daughters, so many socks. All is well. Happy New Year, everyone, and happy knitting, happy sewing!

This red pair was to be number 13, but is now promoted to number 1 for 2014. By the way, I do not plan to knit 14 pairs for 2014. :)

Felt Nativity Ornament

2013-12-17T12:52:00.000-06:00

The idea came from Pinterest. Of course. Like many of you, I find all kinds of clever and inspiring ideas on Pinterest. But for once, instead of just pinning that idea, I actually took it and made my own version.

Mary is standing in my version, and I gave her a head scarf.

I sketched it out on paper and then traced around the "parts" for my pattern pieces.

A loop of jute was sewn between the layers so that the ornament can be hung around a doorknob or on the tree. Don't ask why I tied knots in the jute. It just happened. :)

And then I made, not one, but two.

One to keep and one to give away to a special friend.

Ottobre Meoow Cat Skirt

2013-12-04T22:51:00.000-06:00

When my most recent issue of Ottobre arrived in my mailbox and I saw the "Meoow" skirt with cat face pockets, I knew I had to make it for Emily. As everybody knows, she loves cats! So here it is, Emily's cat skirt!

Pattern Description: "The skirt is pepped up with images of the pet cat on the pockets. The skirt has a separate elastic and drawstring casing at the waist. The contrast-color bottom-hem facing forms a piping-like trim that gives body to the skirt."

Fabric: grey gabardine from Hancock's with blue contrast cotton for the hem and waistband

Size: European size 128 (US child size 8)

Changes I made: I cut a wider hem band than called for so that I could have more blue contrast showing at the hem. I modified the face of the cat, substituting buttons for the eyes and using a blanket stitch to attach the pockets to the skirt.

Likes: Ottobre patterns are so simple, but so extraordinary (in my opinion) because of all the little details that are included: the contrast waistband and hem, the topstitching, the ribbon threaded through the elastic casing, the buttonhole where the ribbon comes out at the waistband, and of course the cute kitty face pockets.

Dislikes: The skirt is very full! It's not really a dislike, but I would have preferred less fullness. The fit of the skirt is determined by the elastic waistband, so a smaller size may have been more suitable for my slender daughter.

Overall, I like the finished skirt very much, and so does Emily. It will be a great addition to her winter wardrobe.

The ribbon drawstring casing is added to the elastic waistband for a pretty effect.

The cat looks adoringly at the girl who feeds him and loves on him.

Three of her many cats. I'm glad they all live outside.

Ottobre Winter 6/2013, Design #15, Meoow Skirt

Leopard Spots: Ottobre 4/2013

2013-11-11T22:00:00.000-06:00

She chose the fabric for her new dress because "it has leopard spots." (I think it looks like paint splotches.) My cat lover of a daughter doesn't differentiate between domestic or wild cats---any cat will do. And any dress that reminds her of cats is sure to be a favorite.

My! Did it feel ever so good to sew again! And this simple Ottobre pattern was a quick and easy way to get my feet back into the water so to speak. Yes, it was a simple pattern, but the details of the binding and the contrast pockets make it more than just ordinary. Once again, I am reminded of why I like Ottobre designs so much!

The pattern: Ottobre 4/2013, design #13, the Princess Castle dress
The fabric: lycra jersey knit from JoAnn Fabrics
The Size: 128. The dress is a bit wide on Em; I probably could have gone down a size.
Modifications: I lengthened the dress slightly. I did want to make long sleeves since the cold weather is coming, but I did not have enough fabric. The short sleeves work better under a long sleeved cardigan anyway.

The Requisite Cat Photo

Germinate

2013-08-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

The pattern is wonderful. Well-written and easy to follow, but I just don’t feel the love. Maybe it’s my colors, maybe it’s the stripes with the lace---but I just don't love this shawl as much as I thought I would. I do like how the stitches in the lace sections gradually get bigger, and I do like how the lace is interspersed with stockinette. Someday I would like to knit this pattern again all in one color or tonal colors, and then I think I would adore it.

I knit this shawl as part of a Mystery Knit A-long on Ravelry. Mystery KAL's are appealing to me, and in that sense I am not one bit disappointed in my shawl. Who knows, maybe I'll even wear it one day. Definitely, I will keep knitting mystery shawls and mystery socks, and especially those put out by Through the Loops. Kirsten writes her patterns in such a way that I have never had any trouble understanding the directions, and her designs are breathtakingly beautiful.

The pattern: Germinate aka TTL Mystery Shawl 2013
The Yarn: Cascade Heritage Silk
Needles: Size 6 (4.0 mm)

Summer of Jo-Ann Tie-Dye Tote Bag

2013-08-08T22:43:00.002-05:00

A Jo-Ann fabric and craft store is coming to my town, and I am so excited! No more driving over an hour to get to the nearest Jo-Ann's! It was also exciting when I was asked to participate in Jo-Ann's Summer Crafting Challenge. The challenge was to choose one of the 72 projects from the Cape Discovery Spring Craft Catalog, buy the supplies, and then create the project with our own twist.

Emily needs a bag to carry her piano books to lessons, so when I saw the tie-dye tote bag in the catalog, I knew it would be a great project for us to make together. With the generous $25 gift card from Jo-Ann, we purchased the supplies. Emily picked out the cat appliqué and cat paw sparkles. Cats. Of course. The child loves cats.

Since I have never before tie-dyed anything in my whole crafting life, I was glad for the detailed instructions that came with the dye. It was so easy. So fun. Such fun that after we dyed the bag we started searching the house to find something more to dye.

Two of the Shirts We Dyed

Jo-Ann's Inspiration on the Left and Emily's Project on the Right

I love Emily's finished tote bag, and now I want to dye everything in sight. I'll refrain, but I won't refrain from attempting more of the projects from Jo-Ann's. Did I mention how thrilled I am that Jo-Ann's is coming to town?!

Take a look at the Jo-Ann Pinterest page for more inspiration or search the hashtag #summerofjoann. Also, if you sign up to become a Preferred Customer, you will receive a 20% coupon.

One thing about the dye kit—it only came with two plastic gloves. I ended up with lovely blue hands because Emily wore the gloves. My fingernails remained blue for weeks!

The Anniversary Shawl

2013-06-26T13:58:00.000-05:00

June has been a month of knitting knit-alongs for me. Two mystery shawls, and two pairs of socks. Yes, I'm behind, but I rather expected to be. That's a lot of knitting for me for one month!

I am close to finishing the second pair of socks, and I hope to finish the second shawl before the week's end. Going on a road trip this weekend will give me additional knitting time. :)

But....drum roll, please.... yesterday on my 30th wedding anniversary, I finished this blue lace shawl! I don't even wear shawls, but I am so happy in the way this shawl turned out. So happy, indeed, that I may just have to learn to wear shawls and be comfortable wearing them.

The Pattern: Wendy Knits Summer 2013 Mystery Shawl
The Yarn: Knit Picks Shadow, lace weight, 100% Merino
Needles: size 5 (3.75 mm)
Finished Dimensions: 68" x 29"

Bucket Hats and Babies

2013-06-15T20:44:00.000-05:00

Too Hats

Two Babies

Too Big

The hats are too big. Good thing babies grow, right?

Thinking they might need some protection from the hot Oklahoma sun this summer, I made two bucket hats for my 2 grandsons. I don't yet have pictures of the redhead, Grayson, wearing his hat, but it was too big. The size smaller was too big on the little one, Trey.

Oh, but aren't these babies just adorable?! This Grammie sure thinks so.

First Fight?

The bucket hat pattern is free from Oliver+S, and it is reversible. It comes in several sizes, from baby to big kid. It was an easy pattern and fun to sew. I discovered that I do need to add some "boy" fabric to my stash; I have next to nothing suitable for boys.

Skirt Week

2013-06-12T10:10:00.001-05:00

My skirt made it to the top 10 at Crafterhours Skirt Week, yay hooray. :) And now I just need all you lovely Sew Chic readers to please head on over to Crafterhoursblog.com and vote for skirt #7, Simplicity 2226. Today is the only day to vote, and I would sure appreciate your vote.

The Cat in The Bonnet

2013-06-11T21:01:00.002-05:00

It's been awhile since I've embroidered anything. It felt nice. Making this bonnet was a bright spot in my otherwise sick-with-the-aches-fever-and-burning-throat kind of day. And tonight I'm actually going to bed early in hopes of kicking this icky-sicky bug.

The lovely pattern is from Rosy Little Things, and I think it's adorable. I sewed it at a friend's request, and I hope she likes it. I also hope it fits a 3-6 month old baby. If not, though, I can just make another. It was that much fun.

No baby is around to model the hat, so one of Emily's stuffed cats will have to suffice for today. Cute looking cat, wouldn't you agree?

The bonnet is reversible and comes in 4 sizes. The pattern was easy to put together, has great instructions, and I definitely plan to make it again one day.

Thanks for reading, and thanks for commenting. :)

Polo Shirt Resized for Tiny Daughter

2013-06-10T21:48:00.001-05:00

My daughter is volunteering at the hospital this summer and was issued a size small polo shirt. She was drowning in the size small; such a teeny little 17 year old!

Enter Sewing Mom to the rescue!

This is one good reason I'm glad I know how to sew. Now I just need to teach Tiny Daughter how to sew.

The Before Shirt:

(You can't tell but there are a good 12 inches of fabric tucked into her slacks).

And The After Shirt:

A Favorite Skirt Pattern

2013-06-06T07:59:00.000-05:00

I made it last year, and I made it again this week. Simplicity 2226 is a skirt pattern that I can see myself making again and again. I like it that much.

The fabric I used is a lightweight cotton with a bit of stretch to it. I bought it a number of years ago on the remnant table at Denver Fabrics (in Denver, not online). The border print of the fabric runs down both selvedge edges, and I have enough fabric left to make another 2 or 3 skirts. Oh, well, I don't need another skirt, but maybe I'll make Emily a summer dress....

Simplicity 2226 is a "Learn to Sew" pattern. The pattern gives options for two lengths, pocket trim, belt loops, tie belt, and center back zipper. The skirt is designed to sit below the natural waistline.

Because this pattern is geared for beginners sewers, the instructions are detailed and include step-by-step directions and illustrations. The details and stylish design make it a great skirt pattern for those with more sewing experience as well.

Modifications:

I used an invisible zipper on the side seam instead of at center back. I cut the skirt back in one piece, eliminating the seam so as not to disrupt the border print.
I stabilized the pocked edges and the top seam of the waistband with a strip of interfacing to prevent stretching. I also interfaced the zipper seam allowance.
I added a lining to the skirt. (Does anybody wear slips anymore?)
With green thread, I topstitched the hem, the pocket edges, the waistband, and the belt loops with the triple-stitch setting on my machine.

And there you have it! Now I need to find a green top to match or perhaps a chunky green necklace....something, anything, to give some relief to the black. :)

Lastly, if you haven't already, head on over to Crafterhours for Skirt Week 2013 for photos of beautiful skirts, tutorials, and inspiration to make your own skirt, not to mention a fabulous contest coming up.

Sabotaged!

2013-05-30T17:15:00.003-05:00

My plans to sew a skirt today were sabotaged by an eight-year-old girl! Am I the only one whose child wants to sew whenever I want to sew?!

What took up the most time was re-threading Emily's machine numerous times, and me rotary cutting the strips of fabric that she sewed together. (I don't want Emily using the rotary cutter until I take the time to show her how to use it properly). After she sewed all her strips, I squared off the piece into a rectangle and showed her how to pivot at the corners as she sewed it into a pillow.

~stuffing the pillow~

And what a cute little pillow it turned out to be! Emily was excited when I told her how much I liked that all her little "squares" were cattywampus--a word she had never heard before. You know how much she loves cats, and any word about cats is right up her alley.

Okay, I really don't mind that my sewing plans were thwarted. We had a good time in my sewing room today listening to Pandora while she sewed scraps of fabric together and I made slow progress on my skirt. In the end, Emily ended up with an adorable little pillow and I got the pockets sewn into my skirt.

And one day this summer I want to take a few days and teach Emily how to sew something more. Perhaps I'll take her to "Mom's Sewing Camp" or something along those lines....any ideas?

my skirt - Simplicity 2226

Ottobre 4/2012 Skirt and Top

2013-05-27T19:50:00.001-05:00

In which we don't comb our hair and we grow weeds in flower pots....

Taking a good photo today was just impossible. She consented happily as long as I didn't fix her hair. But then the sun shone too brightly, and along came Jinx to distract her. But who can resist a cute kitty?

The outfit was cut out last fall....and restarted (and almost finished!) a few months ago. I think I've been knitting too often that I forgot how to sew. I first had trouble with the long sleeves (cut them off short, but still too long, so cut them off some more), then the binder attachment on my coverstitch machine gave me fits, and then my elastic thread was so old that the shirring at the waist refused to cooperate. Finally, today, I finished the shirring with new elastic, added two snaps to the skirt, and ta da, the outfit is done. Big smile. And now I want to sew all the things. Maybe it's time for a knitting hiatus....

The Patterns: Ottobre Autumn 4/2012
The Top: Visiting Granny, design #31
Size: 128, (European sizing)
The Skirt: Spinning Around, design #32
Size 128, lengthened

(the brown skirt fabric has tiny polka dots, but they do weird things in the photos)

the pic from the magazine:

Tornado Socks

2013-05-24T14:44:00.001-05:00

I'm home today with a migraine while the rest of my family is out helping with the tornado damage. So many people were affected by these tornadoes, so many have lost their homes, so many are without. It's sad. Overwhelming. But encouraging, too, now, to see all the people from around the state and even from other states, coming together to help with the clean up and relief efforts.

I received several emails and messages asking how my family weathered the storms. I'm so grateful to report that we are all fine. Two of my married daughters were closer to the tornadoes than I was, but they both were in shelters with their families during the worst of the storm. It's especially during times like this that wake me up to a new awareness of how precious are my family and loved ones, how fragile is life. And I am thankful, so very thankful.

While my daughters were holing up in storm shelters, we sat in our living room watching the news on TV, following the path of devastation as the tornado worked its way some 40 miles to the east of where we live. As I watched the news, my hands were busy knitting. Because of the tense moment, my stitches were tighter than usual and my fingers flew faster. But I finished a pair of partially completed socks that I am dubbing as my "tornado" socks.

Green Tornado Socks

Pattern: Charade (a free Ravelry download)
Yarn: Bare Sheep 100% merino, fingering
Needles: Size 0 (2.0 mm)

This next pair of socks was finished last week, and it's the start of a year-long KAL (knit-a-long). The goal is to knit all 17 pairs of socks from the Soctopus book by the end of October 2014. The Soctopus group on Ravelry is the place to be if you want encouragement and help while knitting the beautiful socks from this book.

Pattern: Totally Vanilla, from the Soctopus book
Yarn: Felici, from Knit Picks in the color Putty
Needles: Size 1 (2.25 mm)

Prairie Dresses - McCall's 9424

2013-05-17T22:54:00.000-05:00

Just look at these pretty girls and their big smiles! They loved their new dresses and the matching doll outfits, and that made me happy. It was a joy to sew these outfits, and a joy to see the girls' excitement and gratefulness. I'm sure they will have hours of fun and imagination as they play in their "Little House on the Prairie" dresses and bonnets.

The pattern for these dresses is one that I've sewn many times before. First for my own girls years ago, and then again for another friend's daughters several years ago. The pattern is still available in the pattern book, and I may just buy another to replace my worn and used copy.

The pattern does run wide, but that's okay for a costume like this. The girls will be able to wear them for several years, I imagine. (I do wish I had made the sleeves a bit longer, though.)

The doll clothes is also a McCall's pattern, number 3627, and fits 18" dolls.

I love this picture....reminds me of Holly Hobbie!

the doll dresses, bonnets, pantaloons, and aprons

Elephants on Parade

2013-04-28T15:51:00.000-05:00

A quilt for my grandson!

the elephant pattern: Effie and Ollie Mini Elephant, from Heather Bailey
I enlarged the pattern on my copy machine to make the elephants bigger than the 4" size of the pattern. We tied helium balloons to the noses as part of the baby shower decorations, but sadly, no pictures were taken of them.

the quilt pattern and fabric: Bungle Jungle from Moda Bakeshop. I can't seem to find the pattern right now to link to it.

It had been some time since I last made a quilt, and so I was delighted with this finished quilt. It is big...plenty big enough for a toddler bed. The quilting was done on my Pfaff machine using the seams and edge of my presser foot as stitching guides.

Making this quilt was very enjoyable for me, and now I want to make another, and another, and another. But you know how it is, so much to do, so little time.... But seriously, now I'm looking for an excuse to make another baby quilt. :)


The Front

The Back

Introducing HGTV fabrics at Joann Fabrics!

2013-04-23T15:55:00.000-05:00

This HGTV HOME™ fabric kit from Jo-Ann Fabrics arrived in my mailbox recently to share with our readers. While my home decor project with these lovely new fabrics isn't quite ready to show you yet (Remember, I have a new baby, but it's coming soon!), I wanted to share the spring fabric love and pass on the info!

These two coordinates are so fun and modern, and they go perfectly with a gray coverlet quilt I recently bought on clearance at Target. I'm working on pillow covers for my soon-to-be re-decorated bedroom!

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has teamed up with HGTV to launch an exclusive vibrant collection of indoor and outdoor home décor fabrics – just in time for spring! Check out their pinterest board HERE for more prints and inspiration!

TheHGTV HOME™ fabric line is available only at Jo-Ann Fabrics and is currently on sale for 50% off the regular price. Use the coupon below for additional savings though May 4th.

Blessings!

Jessica