Toddler Tees

One of my nieces recently had her first bday.  I couldn't resist making her a couple of embellished shirts.


I purchased 2 of these light purplr shirts, and then proceeded to cut one of them into strips.  I ruffled the strips, then sewed them on.  I used the same design here as I did for my Watermelon Pink Tee.



I think it's cute and if I were a 1 year old, I would wear it!
The second shirt is actually more like a light cardigan. 

I made a few little rosettes from some scrap yellow and gray knits.  I sewed them onto the left side.



I think this one is fun because its a grownup color scheme on a little toddler!
I think she looks cute.


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Halloween Clay Pot Characters

Today, I'm reposting my Clay Pot Halloween Characters, a project that I made last year that has been getting a ton of hits the past couple of weeks.   I didn't really take good pictures last year, so I want to help out all of those people that keep checking them out!

Making clay pots into figures really isn't a new idea.  My inspiration came from a nativity I have which is made from the pots and the wooden balls.   I had some extra pots, I was trying to come up with a way to use them, and it was October.  Hence, I decided to make a witch. 
As I was painting her, the idea snowballed until I was painting pots to make into a ghost, mummy, vampire, Frankenstein and scarecrow.  I used items I had on hand to glue onto the pots to create the various features I wanted.

My least favorite: The ghost.

I don't know why, but I think it has something do to with the fact that a ghost is supposed to be transparent and there really isn't anything more solid and less transparent than clay!  Maybe I should redo this one with a glass babyfood jar???

My favorite character:  The Vampire.

 I just think he is so stinkin cute!  To create his cape, I used Heat N Bond to fuse the two fabrics together so that it appears that he has a lined cape!  This also makes the fabric stiff, so that when I glued it on, the collar stands up.  Love it!  I also just really love his toothy grin.


I think my second favorite is the Scarecrow.

I used rafia for the "hay" and some teeny-tiny pots for the arms. Only one other character has arms, but I just didn't think you could make a scarecrow without arms.  My mental image of a scarecrow is always one with his arms out!
For the Witch, I made her hair out of shredded paper.

The hat is formed from a plate that goes underneath the pot, with a smaller pot glued upside down.


For the mummy, I painted eyes and then just glue ragged, fraying strips of muslin around.

To make the Frankenstein, I shaped cardboard into the hair, and then glued black felt to it.   Since the heads are woodenballs, I actually put in a couple of screws on each side!  His arms are formed from some leftover wooden knobs.


Along with the characters, I made a couple of jack-o-lanterns too.   If you haven't been able to tell, my kids have actually been "playing" with these characters and some of them are a little worse for the wear.  These pumpkins are now covered in scratches and pencil marks.  Oh well.


This was a really fun project to make while I was relaxing in front of the TV in the evenings!

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Thanksgiving Advent Quilt Sew Along, Part 3

Happy Saturday Everyone!
I hope that it has been a good one.  We've been busy.  Mr. Right and I cleaned out the workshed and garage today.  Not the most exciting job ever, but very rewarding at the end.  It's been on my to-do list for the past  2 months.  But, as always, there are always other projects that are much more appealing that have a way of creeping onto my list.  But today, when Mr. Right started working on it, I got the guilties and had to go out and help since 95% of the mess was mine.  Out 3 car garage could only hold my car because there was just too many tools and scraps and thrifted furniture plus bikes and strollers in the way.   A good sorting, plus putting those tools and the furniture in the shed cleared the way.  Extra bikes and strollers are up in the rafters or on pulleys. And now, we can easily fit both of our vehicles plus several bikes and strollers in the garage.  And, even with all the tools and furniture in my shed, with all the tools put away on shelves, I can actually walk into it and work now!
So are you ready to finish sewing the quilt today?
If you've missed the first 2 parts,  go ahead and catch up.  There is plenty of time to finish this quilt before November.
Thanksgiving Advent Quilt, Part 1
Thanksgiving Advent Quilt, Part 2
Now, if you've completed parts 1 and 2, your quilt face is completed.  Today, we will add the batting, sew on the quilt back and tabs, and quilt the top.
First, take your fusible fleece and cut a piece that is the size of your quilt face.  Then, iron it on.
Since this is a wall quilt, we can use the fusible fleece instead of regular, heavy batting. (this quilt isn't going to keep anybody warm!)

2. Next, cut the back to match the quilt face.  (In these pictures, I am actually working on a different quilt.  I forgot to take photos of the advent quilt while working on it.)

Now, the backing should match up perfectly with the quilt face and the fused on fleece.

3.  To make your tabs, cut strips and iron on Heat N Bond hem tape to the edges.

4. Fold in half and pin.  This is your tab.  I made three tabs.

5.  Now figure out your spacing.  I place one tab in the center of the quilt, then the remain tabs on either end, about 1-2 inches in.

6. Pin the back to the quilt face, right sides together.

7. Sew the quilt together, 1/4in seams.  Leave a samll 6-8in gap on the bottom edge.   When the seam is completed, you will turn the quilt right side out through this hole.

8. Press the edge seam open and quilt flat!

9.  Hand sew the opening closed.

10.  Now it is time to "quilt" the quilt.  I "stitch in the ditch"  along all of the seams.  Simply line up your needle with the edges of all of the pieces.  Then carefully sew down the length.


The quilt is now complete and ready to hang up!

For the turkey I'm using as a marker, I used a felt sticker I purchased at Michaels.

Next Saturday, I will share the notes and activities that I will be placing in each of the 12 squares.

Friday Fashions, A Pinteresting Day

During my sparetime this week I've been busily working on Halloween costumes for the boys.  They are going to be fantastic!  I can't wait for their reveal.  But, I've got lots of sewing before that can happen.  It's also the kids' fall break, so we have been doing fun family activities, and I've had a little less crafting time than normal.
Today, we went hiking with their grandma, visiting from out-of-town great aunt, and cousins that live in the area.  We hiked along the edge of the mountains, enjoying the hills and rock outcroppings in gorgeous rusty reds and cream limestone. The leaves on the trees are a mixture of yellow, orange, brown and green.  I simply love the combinations of colors that abound during this season.
With the abundance of color in nature during fall, usually fall fashion tends to follow those themes too.  This year really isn't any exception.  I have spent a few minutes here and there all week happily pinning looks and colors I like for this season.  Here are a few things from my Pinterest boards that really stand out to me:

Source: mojansami.com via Leslie on Pinterest

I love the mustard yellows and camels that seems to be everywhere.  I'm definitely a girl that leans more towards warm colors like yellows and browns instead of blacks, so I love this color pallet.  I can't say that I honestly love all the items in this collage; most are just a little trendier than I can pull off.  I do love the modcloth dress, the anthro skirt and the J. Crew cardi however.  I am sure I can find something in a nice mustard color to add to my fall wardrobe.

Source: d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net via Leslie on Pinterest

Pencil skirts seem to be everywhere this season.  I couldn't be happier.  Slim straight skirts are flattering for my figure, so I am planning on adding a few to my wardrobe.

Source: anthropologie.com via Leslie on Pinterest

And, since color, pattern and texture are in, I won't be limited to plain neutral colored skirts.  I can add a plaid if I want!

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Leslie on Pinterest

I love this long, slim skirt,  and I especially like this below the knee skirt paired with tall boots.
In general, I feel like long, slender silhouettes are in this season.  Most of the dresses that I like have slim, straight skirts.

Source: shadeclothing.com via Leslie on Pinterest

My absolute favorite dress that I've come across is this Origami dress by J.Crew.

Source: jcrew.com via Leslie on Pinterest

The neckline is just so cool! I've been scouring the sewing patterns trying to find a sheath with a similar bodice that I could tweak to form this awesome neckline.

And lastly, the jackets, blazers, and coats this season are just so fun.

Source: modcloth.com via Leslie on Pinterest

Source: modcloth.com via Leslie on Pinterest

Gone are the days of simple lines.  So many of the coats have fun ruffles or details.

Source: jcrew.com via Leslie on Pinterest

Or, if the cut is plain, the color is vibrant!

My favorite coat so far?

Source: anthropologie.com via Leslie on Pinterest

This one from Anthropologie has ruffle details and color.  What more could a girl want?
I have so many ideas for clothes I can't wait to sew for my fall wardrobe!  So, back to the sewing machine I go.  I need to go to finish the kid's costumes and then, I can get to work on some new looks for me.

Lime Green Car Seat Canopy

So,  I couldn't resist sewing my sister a carseat canopy (another great invention that didn't exist when I had my babies!)  Her stroller/car seat is black, silver and lime green.  So, I picked out fabric to match the carseat.  

My mom with the baby in the carseat.  You can see a little bit of the canopy.

Here is a good look at the canopy.  However, the carseat that is serving as the model is actually mine and navy blue.  Doesn't quite match.  I live in a different state than my sister, so the only pic I have of her carseat with the canopy is the one above.   So, here are some photos I took before I gave it away.

I really love the fabric.  It has a fun pattern, so it's cute for a mama to pack around. But since it's green and gray and matches the carseat, it is gender neutral.



I love the way it turned out!  I couldn't resist trying out of the decorative stitches on my new sewing machine.


For instructions on making your own: http://just-because-i-am-me.blogspot.com/2010/02/car-seat-canopy-tutorial.html

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Elephant Parade Nursing Cover

My sister recently gave birth to a darling little boy.  As part of her shower gift, I sewed her a nursing cover.

Sorry, this is a pic from my phone. 

I just couldn't resist appliqueing a mama-baby elephant set onto it.  It just makes it a little bit more original.
For the covers that I sew, I actually add about 8 inches to the width.  From experience, I've realized that extra width can be nice when its a bit breezy outside.  Nothing like giving a show!

I'm modeling the cover here. Tried to get Mr. Right to model it, but he refused. Lol. 

If you want to make one, there are numerous tutorials already out there.  So,  there is no need for me to add my two cents. Here are a few I like:
http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/2009/02/description-stylish-and-practical.html
http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-to-make-nursing-cover.html
http://madebythemamamonster.blogspot.com/2008/04/nursing-cover-tutorial.html

I love giving these away at babyshowers!  They weren't around when Anakin was born, but I received one  when I had Buzz, and it was a lifesaver.

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Thanksgiving Advent Quilt Sew Along, Part 2

Welcome back!  I hope everyone's quilt is coming along nicely.
Are you ready to work on your own Advent Quilt?

Click Here for Part 1.

Today, we are going to sew on the pockets and stencil in the numbers and the Give Thanks!
1. First, you need to cut out 12 rectangles that measure 3 3/4 inch x 3 1/2 inches.  

For my quilt, I had 3 fabrics, so I cut out 4 rectangles from each.

2. Ncxt,  take one rectangle and on the long side, iron down 1/4 inch with Heat N Bond hem tape.  This creates an easy finished edge.  We don't need to worry about fraying since this is a decoration and not an article of clothing that will be washed.  This will be the top opening of each pocket.


3. Now, go around on each side and iron down 1/4 inch.  Your fabric should now look like this on the wrong side.

Repeat this for all 12 rectangles.

4. Arrange your pockets on the quilt face into 3 columns, 4 rows each.   Pin each pocket in place, making sure that the side with the hem tape is facing up.

5. Now, carefully top stitch around the sides and bottom edges, as close as you can to the edge, leaving the top side open.  Now you have a pocket!  Repeat this on all 12 rectangles.






6. Now it's time to create freezer paper stencils.    If you have a cricut and a silhouette, simply print numbers 1-12 and "Give Thanks" onto freezer paper.   If you have a die-cut machine, punch these out.
I don't have a cricut or silhouette.  I don't have a die-cut machine either.  However, my local scrapbook supply store has a project room with hundreds of die cuts anyone can use.  So, I did!  If you don't have access to these things, you can always draw your letters and numbers and then cut them out by hand.   
The paper side of the freezer paper will be the top of the stencil, and waxy side will be the bottom.   You won't be using the pieces you cut out, but rather the negative.  This is your stencil!
7. Carefully place your stencils onto your fabric, waxy side down, and IRON in place.  The wax melts to the fabric, holding the stencil in place.  

8.  Paint your numbers and "Give Thanks" with fabric paint.

9.  After the paint has dried for a few minutes, you can carefully peel the paper off! 

There will be no waxy residue left, just a beautiful stencil!
Allow the paint to fully dry.   This can take a couple of hours.

That's all for today.  I will see you next week!

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