For the Dogs

While organizing my sewing room I came across some hardware I had bought so I could make some dog leashes. I have had them for probably three years and figured it was about time I had done something with them. So I made these leashes and tiny dog collars.

Not quite what she wanted

I had a nice visit from my neice one weekend and she asked me if I could make her something. I, of couse, said yes. She picked out a pattern and a couple different pieces of fabric. This is what she wanted. The pink one in the middle right.

This is what she got.

 It wasn't supposed to be a wrap-like skirt. The skirt just ended up so big. I know I probably could have taken it in at the side seams, but I just didn't. If I would have worked with just the waistband, maybe I could have gotten the bottom closer to the picture. I don't know.

It didn't have the flounce that she wanted, but she said she still liked it.

Self Control

I will no longer buy sewing machines on impulse. I will no longer buy sewing machines because I feel sorry for the old lady who wants to see it go to a good home, they aren't animals. I will quit, I have to. I no longer have my nice and orderly sewing space because I have bought 5 stink'n sewing machines. Pulse some other stuff, but whatever.

This guy is in great condition, but it's more a decorative piece. It stays to add charm to the place. Keep

 This is the newest addition. I haven't even had time to play with it. It needs to stay longer. Keep

This is my first sewing machine and the only one to be bought completely brand new. It is very lightweight and can't sew through many layers of fabric. However, it does have many decorative stitches to choose from. Keep

 This was my second machine. I thought it was a bit of an upgrade since I was able to sew through more layers of fabric. I don't want to let it go because it is the only machine I have taken to the repair shop. Take it in only to get rid of it, I don't think so. Keep

This is a serger, not a sewing machine. It doesn't count against me. Keep

 This guy, this will be heading out my door. It is the only machine that doesn't work. It just takes up space that one of my other machines could be sitting in. I was reluctant to give it up, but now thanks to a few people over at We Sew Retro I will be able to let it go.

Three machines might seem like a little much, but I would like to think that someday me and my two children could all be sewing together.

Pregnant CoWorker

After my coworker let me know she was pregnant with a girl I decided to knock out a baby outfit.

I choose this pattern. This was not the first time I had pulled this pattern out. My first attempt was so bad I had to discard it immediately. I didn't read the instructions and sewed all the seams together. I left raw edges on the neck and arm holes and sewed the back shut where there should have been buttons or a zipper. My balled up fist couldn't fit though that hole, think about the baby's head. Attempt number two was exponentially better.

Front

Back

Close up of Back

Inside

The bodice is completely lined and looks just as good inside as it does outside. I was wondering why I had so many pieces left over when I finished my first attempt. I never knew I was supposed to line it.

I know my pictures are horrible, but someone stole my camera and I just haven't gone out to replace it. It has been forever since that happened, but it still pisses me off. So I'll just keep using my phone.

June 2011

My mom, little sister, and my nephew came to visit during the summer while school was out. My little sister bummed out on our sofa almost the entire time texting to friends back home. I thought I would still ask her if there was anything in my pattern collection that she would like me to make her. She picked through my box of patterns like she was picking something out of a garbage can, teenagers. I told her she could quit looking if nothing looked interesting. Then she picked out a couple midriff bearing top that she really liked. I said cool ask mother if she is okay with them and I'll make them.

The pattern made it look innocent enough, but apparently the final product was not parent approved.

She said she wanted to wear it over a swimsuit top when she went to the beach or pool. Which I thought was fine, but mom was still shaking her head at it.



 I made my sister two of these tops, but failed to take a picture of the second. It was made out of a white cotton fabric and had little blue flowers on it. I thought is was the best out of the three.

Patriotic Dress

While going through my patterns I came across this.

My husband told me I should make the first one. You know, I could wear it while I clean and make him dinner. Keep dreaming, I'm going for something more like the middle dress. I used a red fabric with blue and white stars on it and it came out looking like I should wear it for the fourth of July. There are pockets in there, but they completely blend in. I do like it, but I need to get some shoes that look like the ones on the pattern cover to go with it. Flip flops just didn't do it any justice.

I omitted the straps that tie in the back and I changed the back from a zip up to a lace up. I like it and I think this is more interesting than a zipper.

I think with different fabric, change the pockets, and one more ruffle on the sleeves it can go from 1975 to 1949.

Vintage Patterns Wiki

Girl Pants and Boy Cape

My daughter has been called, from a medical standpoint, advanced for her age when it comes to her weight. This makes it impossible to find pants that fit her belly without being too long for her legs. So I whipped these up for her.

She loves them and wears them a lot, especially the Dora pants. I then asked my son if he wanted me to make him some pants. He told me no pants, but he would like a cape. Not just any cape, a gold cape. Gold? I never started the cape and kinda forgot about it after awhile. One weekend I decided I wanted to go the fabric store. I asked the whole family if they wanted to come. My husband, of course, said no, and so did baby girl, but Bubba put down what he was playing with and said,"Let's go Mom." I was surprised he usually stays with his dad.  I get in the store and he takes the lead looking for fabric telling me to follow him. What does he eventually pull out, gold fabric. An extremely bright shiny gold fabric. Remember mom I wanted a gold cape. So you did, but how about some other sort of fabric. We both agreed on a crushed velvet. Look at the little super hero.

With pirate fabric on the inside.