One By One

Shirr Madness

Been spending the last few days experimenting with the coverstitch conversion on my serger.

For anyone who might be interested, I have a Huskylock 936, and have had some success with using the chainstitch. I've been setting the differential feed to about 1.5, the stitch length to 3.4, putting elastic thread in the looper while setting the little looper dial to zero.

Anyway, my shrinkage rate is about 50%. I am hoping to get a dress out of this, but it all may be a very good lesson in "making it work!"

More later!! 

Flip-flops, altered

After stumbling across this tutorial from alisaburke, I knew that I just needed to make a pair!

 

I used up some scraps from this bag, in addition to picking up a "scrap" bag from Starry Night Hollow (for $3!) that coordinated perfectly.

These are really simple to make. I used some sample fusible batting that I picked up from a quilt show ages ago, and fused the fabric pieces to it prior to machine stitching. This made the process even more simple!!

Pretty cool, huh? DH thinks they are so awesome that he's even requested a pair. Who knew?

Oh, and I picked up the sandals from Target a couple of weeks ago, just in case you just have to make one too. I know I will be.

Test Stitch Out

I downloaded this from Urbanthreads.com today, and just couldn't wait to stitch it out.

Many ideas are floating around in my head as to all the items that could be embellished with this cute design! How great would it be on the front of a reusable shopping bag? Or lunch sack? How about embellishing toddler clothing?

First up for me, though, will be a re-fashioned shirt I think. More to come on that later.

Did I mention that this design is available for free? Not only for machine embroidery, but also as a digital stock picture and a template for hand embroidery! Thank you Urban Threads!!

Sewing for a baby - Simplicity 4243

Friends of ours welcomed a new addition to their family a couple of weeks ago. There is nothing more satisfying then sewing for a newborn.

Pattern Description -

Babies Romper, Dress, Top, Panties and Hats

Pattern Sizing - XXS - L. I cut the XS.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes. I recommend changing the construction order (more below).

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Like the pleating and pocket details.

Fabric Used: Cotton, purchased from Joann's.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

Since the armholes are so small, I recommend finishing these edges prior to sewing up the side seams. I also omitted the snap tape at the inseam. The XS is pretty tiny, I think maybe it would have used 4 snaps total. There is a back zipper, so getting baby in it will not be a problem. And, when my son was this small, whenever there was a diaper change it normally meant a clothing change as well, so easy of diaper access for this size probably isn't a necessity.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

More than likely I will sew it again - it's the perfect baby gift.

Conclusion:

A simple and straightforward pattern, yet with the pleating detail it's just a little different from the norm.

Square in a Square

I recently discovered that I do not like piecing triangles. I really really don't like piecing triangles!

Luckily, while at my parent's in May, my mom showed me an amazing piecing technique published by Jodi Barrows - Square in a Square!

I worked my way through "Constellation," one of the beginner projects in the first book. It is a small wall-hanging type project, so it's fitting that it was finished just in time for July 4th.

I also tried my hand at free-motion quilting without using the embroidery unit.

I think it turned out great considering it is my first time! And I'm hooked, to both Square in a Square and free-motion quilting. I will be on the look out for both books (especially this one since it shows how to convert existing patterns) and the ruler.

I also noticed that Jodi Barrows recently added some video tutorials as well as a new free pattern. I definitely need to get that pattern made for Christmas!

Simplicity 2724

This is seriously ages overdue. I wore this dress during out anniversary get-away back in April!

 

 

Pattern Description -

This is one of Simplicity's Project Runway Patterns.

Pattern Sizing - 6-22. I cut a 16.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like all the design options.

Fabric Used: Purchases from Mood Fabrics in LA - a gray cotton stretch shirting, and a cotton viole.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I used my bodice sloper to add to the bodice front, and take in the bodice back, add length to the shoulder seam, and adjust the location of the waistline.

I also lined the skirt portion of the dress.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I would sew one again if I needed another dress for a specific occasion.

Conclusion:

In addition to wearing this dress for our anniversary get away, I also wore it on Mother's Day. I just love how it turned out!

Two!

Our lil' man turned two a couple of weeks ago!

We had a jungle theme!

A snapshot of his first two years

Favors for a couple of friends (I embroidered those on the sewing machine!)

 

And he owned the unwrapping of gifts...

...compared to last year!

Happy 2nd Birthday Jake!

   

New Knitting

I'm here!

The Saucy Librarian was started the beginning of May. In just a few weeks I had made some pretty good progress.

 

It's been awhile since I've worked with Cotton Fleece, and I had forgotten how much I truly enjoy working with it! This is Wisteria, a bag of which I grabbed dirt-cheap during Stitches West this last February.

Currently Saucy is blocking!