Felt Bookmarks

I am lucky to have a mother who kept all kinds of little craft supplies, just in case, and she then gave it all to me a while back. I have followed in the tradition, and have added to the collection. Like why would anyone ever just throw out a broken necklace? If you buy a sweater with beading or sequins, they usually give you a little baggie of extras. Throw those in there too. Various bits of embroidery floss, darning thread (?), felt in all colors and sizes, all worth hanging onto.

Books are also a treasure. As much as I love books, I don't think I should ever work at a library or book store because it would drive me nuts to be with them all day and not be able to sit and read or look through them. Pure torture.

I bought books for a few people for Christmas (and a couple for myself) so I wanted to make them some bookmarks. These are an elastic style I saw on Pinterest but have never used myself so I hope they work well. I embellished the top felt piece and then hand-sewed the back piece to it while sandwiching the elastic between them. The only trouble is deciding how long to make the elastic. They will be too big for very small books but should work for average novels and even larger text books.

I have a few more to make still. The hardest part is trying to think of ways to personalize them. But that's also the best part. That's what makes handmade gifts so special, right?

Is That Really Another Nessie Top for Elena?

So you know I've used that CINO Nessie Top a whole bunch already, but I had to try Jess's own hack once I saw this one she made. I followed her instructions and it turned out adorable.

This outfit wins on many levels. First, Elena will wear it all day, meaning she doesn't change into a princess dress every time we re-enter the house. It is comfortable and cozy. The top is a jersey knit and the leggings are stretch velour. The leggings are nice and thick for winter temps. These pictures were taken after a full day of wear so the knees are showing it.

Secondly, this whole outfit cost less than $2! I do pride myself on being thrifty. As a stay at home mom with 3 kids, I have to be. As kids get older, they cost more and more (remember I have 2 teenagers) so I like to take advantage while they are little and not so picky about clothes. I found both of these fabrics at the thrift store on half price day. I got at least 2-1/2 yds of each for $6 and have lots and lots left over. So if you add in 19" of elastic and some thread, this outfit was super inexpensive.

Third, these fit in with my attempt to sew Elena's entire wardrobe myself this fall/winter, with a few exceptions (jeans, a winter coat, and socks). These are comfortable, easy care, everyday pieces that mix well with other pieces. But to be honest, I had a 30% off at Kohl's a couple weeks back, and in addition to the jeans and coat, I did buy a sweater tunic (to go with homemade leggings) and 2 basic leggings that were so cheap I couldn't resist. Practicality is the name of the game after all.

I haven't posted much lately. Did you notice? I haven't sewn a whole lot, but what's worse is the photography problems. Take one uncooperative 3 year old and add in some cold, gray weather and major camera issues, and this is what you get. My phone seems to be the only option right now because the above last 2 pics with my video camera are not good. I just loved that last one with her looking at me through the mirror, grainy as heck though. Ha, just noticed that her shoes are also from that same thrift store. We've been waiting to grow into those for a while.

I have lot of plans to sew for Christmas and so far not much has happened. I'd like to get to Joann's today to get some fabric and supplies so I can get started. So I better get off the computer and get some housework done and get moving. Have a great day!

Art Smocks

Elena's preschool teacher noticed that all (well nearly all) of her clothes are handmade and asked me if I sew. She was looking to have someone make some art and water play smocks. And since I can, and since I have to do service hours anyway, I wanted to help. The teacher had a good idea of what she wanted and described it pretty well but didn't have a photo to show me. I looked through Pinterest to get some more ideas, read a few tutorials, and merged a few ideas to come up with this smock.

For materials I used leftover scraps of Babyville PUL that I bought at Joann's to make waterproof training pants more than a year ago. I only made 4 pairs so there was a lot left in 3 different prints. I also used a plain men's large t-shirt. I love when I can use stash only to make a project and it costs me ZERO dollars and uses up stuff that had no other purpose.

You can see that the front is bib shaped but the back is only half as long. There are straps connecting the front and back under the arms. I thought that might make it harder for the kids to do independently but the teacher said it was good because they would get more practice at dressing themselves. All that Montessori practical life stuff that is so good.

And then because this was a lot of pink, I made another more boyish one. Again, I was working with what I had and trying not to worry about gender too much because 3 year olds don't worry about that much yet. So the front is an outer layer of PUL with another old t-shirt to line it and for the back.

Cleveland Browns colors!

I don't have photos of the process (because I work in my dark, scary basement and don't want to run upstairs every 3 minutes to photograph each step) but I can tell you how I did it.

First, I used a basic cap sleeved t-shirt pattern as a base. I went with Imagine Gnats Tumble Tee but there are other options you may already own. I cut off the bottom of the armscye to blend it into a sloping line down the side. I rounded the corners on the front piece as well. I cut one each from the t-shirt and the PUL. 

Second, I used the same pattern piece for the back but shortened it to fall halfway down the back. I cut one of those from the t-shirt using the original hem at the bottom and cutting it about 3/8" wider so I could hem the long sides.

I also trimmed the neck band off the t-shirt and set that aside.

I trimmed two 4" pieces of the bottom hem off the t-shirt to use for the side straps. I made sure not to cut into the hem's stitching so it wouldn't unravel.

Start with the 2 front pieces and place them right sides together. If you use pins you should place them only within the seam allowance so you put as few holes into your PUL as possible. Sandwich your strap pieces between the layers about 8" down from the top making sure that the right side will be showing when turned over. Sew all the way down one side, around the bottom and back up the other side. Trim your seam allowance and turn right side out. You will want to topstitch all the way around now. Use your fingers to roll the t-shirt lining to the back as you go. 

Now take your back piece and press under 3/8" on each side. Stitch in place.

Attach the front to the back at the shoulder seams. Finger press the seam allowance toward the back and topstitch in place. Then carefully trim any excess seam allowance off. 

Check to see if your neck opening is big enough because the PUL on the front will render the front stretchless. I cut my neck opening just a little bigger, tried it on Elena, and then trimmed a little more in case some of the kids at school have extra large noggins. Measure that opening and then multiply by 80%. Add 1/2" for seam allowance. Take your salvaged neck band and cut it down to the measurement. Open it up to sew the short ends to form a circle. Fold it back in to hide your seam allowance. Divide your neckband and t-shirt into quarters and pin together. You may want to baste the 2 front layers together first to make things easier. Stretch your neckband evenly between the pins and sew with a stretch stitch. Trim the seam allowance. I did not topstitch.

The last thing to do is attach the side straps to the back piece  to match the front and you are done. I used a zig zag stitch and went over it few times. Easy as pie. Please just ask if you have any questions. I hope I explained it clearly enough. 

How To Make a Free New Baby Gift

My son has been swimming with the same coach for 5 or 6 years now. We've known him since he was a single guy through his getting married and now having his first baby, a girl. I definitely wanted to give them a gift but funds are super tight right now so I turned to my fabric stash and the internet and found a solution.

This outfit is for when you've had enough with the pink. These 3 knits are all from Girl Charlee at some point in the past year or two. It's amazing how small 0-3 month clothes are and how little fabric they take up. I pulled this out of my really scrappy bin where I thought they would get used as pockets and little embellishments at best. Who knew you could make a whole outfit out of nothing.

So to break it down, the dress is made using Sew Much Ado's free Infant Peasant Dress pattern. I had to lengthen the sleeves since it's winter-like here already. So while I was out shopping the other day I measured the sleeves on a couple of things in the baby department and went with 8".  This is a nice simple pattern for a beginner. Because there is no difference in the front from back I decided to embellish with a floral applique and some embroidery to define the front.

The leggings are from a pattern I already owned but had never used. It is the Titchy Threads Fancy Pants Leggings that I got as part of a Sew Fab Bundle previously. I chose this pattern because I like the idea of a no elastic waistband for a tiny baby plus it provided another opportunity to bring in a patterned fabric on the rear. They turned out really great and so tiny and adorable.

The knot hat is something I just love. I used a lot of these with all of my own bald babies, especially the two born in the winter months. The pattern is from Zaaberry and is free. There are even a couple of different kinds to make but I went with the knot. Oh the cuteness! Plus it ties the 2 prints together to complete the outfit.

I wish I had a baby around to try it on. No, not really come to think of it. Having my last baby at 42 was enough - there will be no more babies here. So I will cross my fingers that the sizing is accurate and that it fits baby Lindsey sometime in the next couple of months. I'm not too worried because I trust all 3 of those designers and have used other patterns by most of them so it should all be good. I feel like I put together a nice handmade outfit and am so happy that it cost me nothing but my time and energy and gave me something fun and creative to do.

Here's one more look at the complete outfit:

Many blessings to the coach, his wife and baby, Lindsey!!!

Merida Princess Dress

It makes me really happy that Elena loves Merida from Brave. Merida is such a spunky character and a nice strong princess in a world of princesses who too often are waiting to be rescued. Elena has been asking for a Merida dress for months so I finally made something.

I wanted to stay somewhat neutral so it could be more multi-purpose so I went to Joann's and bought some navy blue panne stretch velvet. I think that's what they call it. I call it crushed velvet. I used Craftiness is not Optional's trusty Nessie top pattern lengthened to a dress. The Nessie already has a swingy shape so I just continued the same angle down to the length I wanted.  I also went with long sleeves and flared them out from the elbow down to be just a little bit bell-shaped.

I made separate "cuffs" like Merida has at the elbows with some cream cotton lycra and more of the crushed velvet. Again, going for versatility. The wig is from Target to complete the Merida look.

Elena has been living in this dress. The girl who formerly didn't wear clothes in the house or to bed, now lives in this thing in it's stripped down plain version. Notice in the picture below that she was watching Brave, again. This was the first try-on so it isn't hemmed yet on the bottom or sleeves. She wouldn't take it off to do that until later that night, and only with tears. Aww.

I had more crushed velvet in my stash so I made a second one. I made this one about 2 inches shorter because the original is a tad scary with her running up and down the 3 levels of this house. She still prefers the blue, but wears the red when the blue is in the wash. She evens wears them to bed. Soft, cozy nightgowns.

How's that for versatility? She can be any princess/queen she can imagine or Merida. We also bought Merida's bow and (suction cup) arrows with a quiver. She did wear this for Halloween but 15 minutes before Trick or Treating started she said she wanted to be Sophia the First. I said it's too late to change your mind now. She said she would pretend to be Sophia. So every door we went to that someone said something like, "Oh you're that girl from Brave. What's her name?" Elena said, "I'm Sophia." Whatever. I got tired of explaining the mind of the 3 year old.

Ansley Dress & Top Pattern Tour

I'm very excited to participate in my first pattern tour and show you my Ansley Dress, a new pattern from Blaverry. This pattern has so many options. You can make a dress or top with a regular, ruffle or high-low hem. There are 6 sleeve options and 3 collar options! You can print just your size or follow the chart to print only the variations you choose- which collar, which sleeve, etc. Use the discount code ILOVEBLAVVERY10 to get 10% off through this Friday and get started making some sweet holiday outfits.

I decided to make a dress for Elena and went with the cuffed 3/4 sleeves and pointed collar.

I had no trouble printing only the parts I needed. I love the layered size option but can never take advantage of that because I'm almost always combining sizes. This was a 2T with 3T length. I kind of wish I had trusted the chart and gone with the 18 month for width. I just have a mental block against that for my 3 year old. I was worried that it would be difficult to get on, but it  wouldn't have been a problem because there is a placket opening at the top of the skirt portion so it opens up nicely and goes on easily. You can see it just below the buttons in the picture below.

That placket opening is a tricky part if you've never done one before. I had fortunately, but I think that is the main reason this pattern is rated advanced beginner/intermediate. It's a hard thing to describe in writing, but if you read her instructions and follow the picture, which is good at showing right side vs. wrong side, you will get it. There are plenty of photos and instructions throughout, but again, this is not for a beginner and it would be best to have some experience.

For fabric, I used this soft denim I found at the thrift store. 5 yards for $2! I added white piping to the collar and cuffs and thought it would be fun to use a back stitch to embroider some of the leaves to give it a little flare. Plus it helped pass the time at my son's swimming meet. It's quite Canadian looking, eh? Well, maybe they're more of tulip tree leaves than maples? Any botanists out there?

As for pictures with Elena wearing it, they aren't great. This girl just never stops moving. I have 60 pictures of the back of this dress and some slightly blurry ones of the front. It is adorable on her and we plan on wearing this a lot this fall/winter. And since the pattern goes from size 9 months up to 14, I'm sure this is one I'll use many more times. There are so many ways to change it up and go from classic little girl like mine to stylish teen.

I promise she likes it much, much more than that last picture would have you think. And even though I was given this pattern, I like it very much too and all opinions expressed here are my own. Be sure to check out all of the other Ansley's on the tour. It's so cool to see how many different ways this can be made.

November 3rd

Felt with Love - The Crazy Tailor - Rebeka Sews - Sprouting JubeJube

November 4th

Sewing Sober - Sew Starly - Filles À Maman - Work, Pray, Sew

November 5th

Lulu & Celeste - Rebel & Malice - xoxo Grandma - Sew Cool for the Tween Scene

November 6th

Paisly Roots - Ginger House Designs - Needle & Ted - The Sewing Sparrow

November 7th

Frenchie - SewOutOfControl - Made by Sara - Daisy Chain Creations

Elena's Fall Jackets & Sweaters

I can't resist Kids Clothes Week. Any excuse to sew and not clean the house, right? So today's excuse is that Elena will never learn to zip a jacket if she doesn't have a zip-up jacket, and every kid needs to learn to zip, right? So we fixed that problem.

Tuesday, I made her a pair of black fleece leggings out of fabric from my stash. They didn't exactly seem blog worthy and didn't even make it into the Kids Clothes Week Instagram pool. This morning I found a few minutes to cut out a coordinating jacket to sew up during her miniscule nap this afternoon. Everything is again from my stash, including the zipper which I removed from her big brother outgrown hoodie. (And what a nice zipper it is- the edges are all bound in soft knit fabric.)

In only 25 minutes I managed to attach the front pieces to the back, attach the pockets, attach the sleeves, sew up the sleeves and side seams, add cuffs to the sleeves, and sew on the collar. Then I had to wake Elena up to pick up big sister from school. When we returned, it didn't take much longer to add the waistband and zipper and bam- a jacket.

All was going well until picture time. Oh man, I've had enough of pictures, cameras, 3 year olds, and computers this week. It is what it is, right? As of this moment, I have no plans to sew tomorrow, but we'll see if I can stay away.

I used McCall's 6782 for the jacket. The only modification was to size up a bit since it's meant for moderate stretch knits and polar fleece doesn't stretch a lot. I also stopped the zipper below the collar because it didn't seem like it would be comfortable all the way up since the zipper is exposed on the backside. It fits great and is so soft and cozy.

The pants are my self drafted leggings pattern with the smallest seam allowances I could manage to add just a little more ease because it's not super stretchy. I think they're going to be too short soon, but I can add cuffs to extend them when the time comes.

Both fleeces came from Joann's over the last few years and are very thick, soft, anti-pill fleece. Elena LOVES it. It can be hard to get  my little nudist to try things on while sewing, but she did not want to take those pants off. I put the half done jacket on her to go pick her sister up since she naps in her underpants and she didn't complain at all about being woken up to wear that softness. She left it on when we got home too. Until I took it off her to finish it up. Then she wore it the rest of the night. A real win for me.

As for Elena's other jackets/cardigans for her all handmade wardrobe, here is a round-up of previously blogged items. Click the pictures to go to the original post for details.

Figgy's Nituna in Wool

Greenpoint Cardigan Modified and Dip Dyed

Aster Cardigan Refashion

That's mainly it. Her winter coat from last year still fits so we may get away without buying a new one. That is one of things I'm not interested in making for her. Maybe I'll even be able to wait long enough to get one on clearance or at least a really good sale. We were also given a nice thick snow suit so we are ready for playing in the snow too - but that had better not be any time soon!!!

A Tumble Tee for Fall

My mom went through her closet and drawers recently and brought me a box of goodies to re-purpose. I loved the colors and thought Elena would love the sparkle of this t-shirt, plus it is incredibly soft, so I cut it down to Elena's size. As you can see, she loves it!

I used the Tumble Tee pattern from Imagine Gnats for the quickest tunic ever. I re-used the decorative edge at the bottom so I didn't even have to hem it. The sleeves are an add-on also found on the Imagine Gnats site when Rachel made some for her girls recently. I used scraps of sweater knit purchased from Joann's last year for the sleeves. The whole thing cost me $0, my favorite price to pay. And it took 25 minutes.

There is only one problem with this shirt. Look at this picture below and see if you can spot it. (And no, it's not the wonky neck hem due to the double needle hitting the bling.)

Yep, my 3 year old is wearing a shirt with a half naked lady on it! Nice boobs. Oh well, it's really only noticeable once you blow up the picture or point it out. I think we'll still wear it, but lesson learned. I will look more carefully in the future.

I crocheted the hat last year as part of another outfit. I love the colors for fall. Shoot, I love FALL!

Corduroy Sally Dress

We liked our first Sally dress so much, that I made another for fall. I found this great 1980's corduroy at the thrift store for next to nothing. I don't usually pay more than $2 for a cut of fabric there and I think I got about 3 yards of this one. We went with long sleeves and no pockets this time.

Why no pockets you ask? Because this girl doesn't care about pockets. Plus the last Sally I made had light pink pockets that got stained from mud her brother gleefully played with her in. Since the pockets are incorporated into the side seams and hem, there is no replacing them once they are there. The stains are still faintly there, probably only noticeable to me, but I wasn't feeling like committing to pockets again. (Without pockets, there is no difference in the front and back so that sure makes it easy to grab and throw on.)

So, so, so cute. I just love the shape of this dress. I will say though that there is a price to pay for having the ease of no closures. The neckline is wide for her shoulders still, but the waist is just right making it a little tough to get on. The good news is that she therefore can't strip down like she usually does when we are in the house.

Still a great dress. The pattern is available here. (Not an affiliate, just being helpful.) It is comfortable and swingy and Elena loves it. She got lots of smiles from people when we went to the library.

And can I just say that we LOVE our library. It has a huge selection of materials, great toys, and such helpful staff. Such a great place to hang out. I love when I can go by myself and sit in a chair by the fireplace and read for a bit. Not that that happens much, but I can remember doing that before and I look forward to it again, some day.

Most adorable doll house. Ever. And the dress is cute too!

That's 2 Sally's for me now. How many have you made?