A summer dress

I made this dress for Corinne in late spring, but have been holding on showing it to the blog until I had nothing else to show! So, here you go.

These aren't the best of pictures, but sometimes you take the shot when you get the chance.

The dress is actually a halter top. She is wearing her bathing suit underneath, hence the white criss cross straps. (Yes, in the background, that's Nathan, he's turning up the radio!)
Now that the music is louder, we could all dance :)

I was so happy with the way this dress turned out. I still love it, and it's been warn several, several times this summer so far. It was also very easy to put together. I was surprised by how quickly it came together.

This was also the first time I used Amy Butler fabric. I was inspired by this one - Coriander. I am itching to get some more, especially from her new line. I purchased two others with the intent of making myself a new dress...they are still waiting for me ;)

This was the first time I tried a blind hem. I learned a lot from that experience, and have since done more on clothing I have bought and made. I like the blind hem a lot, although it does take some patience to keep it "blind".

The very best part about this dress - when people tell Corinne they like her dress, she smiles a big smile and says proudly "My mommy made it!".

Break on Mini-Wardrobe Challenge

Last week I finished bottom #1, the drawstring skirt. I am not happy with the result and want to convert it to something else...we'll see what it becomes. I think I am going to step away from it and figure out what to do. I have a few things in mind...I'll get my hubby to take a picture and post it here to get some female feedback.

I took a break from clothing sewing this weekend and did some home sewing. I found a lot of satisfaction in it. I think, as I venture more into sewing, that the constraints of sewing clothing for myself is not as satisfying as creating something for my home, my children, or for gifts for others. Or, maybe it's the boring fabric I have chosen? I was trying to go for practical fabrics that could blend with all sorts of clothing items...but....the end results are a little, well, boring...

This weekend we worked on Corinne's sandbox. It needed a little help.



The orginial "roof" lasted about 2 years. It was 2 green Home Depot tarps, overlapped and screwed on with grommets. I guess they don't last forever. All those strong thunderstorms didn't help.

Thanks to Jo-Ann and a 50% off outdoor canvas sale last weekend!
I bought 2.5 yards one day, then discovered I needed more to get the correct width. I went to a different Jo-Ann and bought what I thought was the exact same canvas. I didn't realize until I got home that they were actually different! But, thankfully, they are all in the same colorway, just a different size stripe. I stitched a border around the main top, and voila, a custom, fun, sandbox cover! I already enjoy seeing this outside my kitchen window much more than that green tarp!

I am sew inspired by blog world that I am having trouble deciding what to do next. I REALLY want to try something like this for Corinne's jeans that she's outgrown. I also want a new purse and am not sure which way to go. I found this and think this would be incredibly convenient - much more convenient with the two kids to keep my hands free.

Nathan's quilt keeps calling my name, too. I can't wait to get that done - it's going to be so unique and boyish.

I really want to get to work on making the office a child friendly playroom/craftroom.

Today I saw daylillies that would be GORGEOUS in my gardens and I am thinking I need to make that trip to the local daylilly sellers and check them out. I have only been thinking of doing that since we've moved here....

Someone I know asked me to make another cape for him (I'll have to get a photo of the orinigal), and little Miss Corinne has requested an apron more than once....

All those things seem more exciting right now than making clothing for myself...

Sigh - it all takes time, money, time.

Gardenias

If you've ever been around a Gardenia, you know their enchanting scent.

It's a strong scent, yet fresh and welcoming. I have about 12 lining my front porch. Yes 12. And they are all in bloom. This is my first year they ALL decided to put on a show.

Sniff strongly and you might enjoy their sweet smell. One can not ignore it.

My eternal garden "helper".

I love this image. It my current favorite.

Top 1 is done!

McCalls 5636

Yay!

Mini-wardrobe Challenge

Stephanie started a mini-challenge that I thought I'd participate in. She challenged her readers to make 4 coordinating items, try to use items already in your fabric stash, and set your own goal to have everything complete. It sounded easy enough. I stated I was interested, because earlier this spring I bought fabric for outfits I had yet to make. I didn't write anything here because I was afraid to commit to all of YOU. But, today, she posted her entries into the challenge and she had me on there. Oy Vay. Here goes nothing...

My Plan

Top 1, Bottom 1 McCall's 5636

View A and View E.

OK, so, yes - looking at it now it sort of looks like a 70's maternity shirt. I thought, though, that View A looked rather "hip" with the belt.

The status of this? It's in progress. I thought I'd finish the shirt tonight and if it had not been for me messing up the bottonhole placement (this was my first time doing a "real buttonhole that needed to be in the RIGHT place), it would have been done. Instead, it's done all but the buttons. I say it's "done" but it's not complete. I believe it need some darts/pleats in the back to make it fit more flattering. I am going to seek the advice of my sewing mentors (mom/Steph) and see how it can be remedied before I post a picture.

Bottom 2: Simplicity New Look 6811, View B

Yes, this might look too easy - but after my mistake with the shirt and the time it took to get THIS far, I want something really easy on my plate. I think this skirt is litterally 3 pieces of fabric...Is that cheating? :)

Top 2: Simplicity 2892 View B

I DID start this challenge with a different approach rather than the skirt. I really wanted to make McCalls 5633, View A.
Since I had never made pants other than the Snoopy pajama pants, I made a muslin of View A before cutting into my fabric. Turns out, I was WAY off on sizing. The muslin pulled over my hips, but I am sure if I added the zipper and tried to sit or walk, the seams would have ripped right out. The pattern I had didn't go up to the proper size. Hence, the skirt is in the offical plan.

The item I am most nervous about: those capris! Wish me luck.

The Graduate

This was the last week of pre-school. How proud are we? It's been a wonderful experience. We all enjoyed the field day celebration.

Butterflies. How fitting. She wore them on her first day, too.

An apron for every artist

My new apron!

I love it!

I made this apron using the pattern from Craft Apple. It was so easy to follow! And, it has already made a difference in my sewing rthym...no longer am I misplacing down a pair of scissors, my invisible pen, or my trusty seam ripper.

I made two at the same time, one for myself, and one for Steph. Learning many things from her (and more to come I am sure), I cut both the aprons out at the same time. I stitched up one, then put that one on and utilized it in stiching up the second.

She had no idea it was on the way. Sometimes it's fun to send something "just because".