angry chicken

In Seattle this Thursday

I am very excited to be headed to Seattle to The Quilting Loft this Thursday for my book signing, and also to see some friends, do a little shopping, and have some quality time with the delightful Miss Emily, who will be accompanying me on this road trip.

I'm not even going to say how long it's been since I have been to Seattle (6 years! And we used to live there. For shame!) or how long it's been since I have been overnight somewhere without at least one of my children (Never! Unless the 5 hours between being in labor and having a baby counts.) So excited! I think I will feel like I'm in college again. Minus the super-cheap food, over-plucked eyebrows, and excessive flannel.

At the event, I will be giving away a tote bag with my book and my labels, chocolate, and of course there will be treats, silly antics and much tomfoolery. Please come and say hi!

on the merits of glaze—

I made this cake for our new house this weekend. We have been in our house for one year now (it's not a new house, being born in 1968, but it's new to us) and we thanked our house for a good first year. We also shared what we liked best about our house, which was the bunk beds, so said the children. This is funny because we had the bunk beds in the old house too, but you know how it goes. Pete likes the yard (as do I) but my favorite feature is a bathroom off of our bedroom. Oh, how I wished we had that wonderful luxury when I was pregnant 3 times, lugging up and downstairs 5 times a night having to pee. I almost considered sleeping in the bathroom.

Moving on, we ate the chocolate cake and I made a glaze instead of frosting. I found myself wondering why I don't always make glaze instead of frosting. I am not a huge frosting fan, but glaze I love! I kept the extra in the fridge to heat up and use on just about anything. Fruit, ice cream, crepes, you name it.

The cake recipe (my favorite chocolate cake recipe ever) is here in this PDF cheat sheet I made a long time ago and the glaze is simple and very forgiving— 6 oz chocolate chips with about 1 cup heavy cream. You heat the cream, pour it over the chips, let it melt, stir it up, and pour in on the cake.

Unrelated:

Joanne's is selling McCall's and Simplicity patterns for $1.99 until Wednesday (this was in our local paper, but I assume it's all over? Not sure, so call your local Joanne's first so you don't swear at me later.) I am going to stock up. Seriously, I never regret buying patterns when this sale hits, because my favorites always go out of print! I have marked down this blouse for sure.

Mailorder #5 re-issue! Now a PDF!

I am excited to re-release Mailorder #5, in its entirety, as a PDF you can print at home! You can buy it right here! And you can see examples made from this issue here in the Mailorder Flickr group.

This is a fun issue that is all about cross stitch. And don't worry if you haven't done it before—it includes a helpful how-to, perfect for beginners.

Here's what you get:

• Official Mailorder Sampler counted cross-stitch chart (shown in the first photo above)
• 3 small and equally charming counted cross-stitch mini-charts (perfect for the holidays!!)
• Mailorder recipe card
• Marvelous and handy you-color-in recipe card stand (print this on cardstock and color it in!)
• Secret word to unscramble, which after solving will earn you a very special prize.

Just in time for the holidays! The 3 mini-cross stitch projects would be lovely gifts/holiday ornaments which wouldn't take too long. Also, a nice gift might be this PDF, all printed out, with some linen and some thread all wrapped up pretty for that special someone who would love a project to start. I love giving craft projects as gifts, not necessarily finished items, you know? Less work for me and I like giving the gift of creating something.

You can buy it here ($8) and don't forget to hit "return to kingpod" after you pay. If you forget, just e-mail me. And this is a PDF, not anything that is mailed—instant gratification!

just some napkins.

 

These are my grandmother's salt and pepper shakers. She had many more sets, but theses are the ones I have. These colors are so her. She found her true design sensibility in about 1965 and never strayed from that aesthetic. I thought they looked lovely with the napkins I made the other day. Serging a stack of fabric squares was the best thing I did that day. So relaxing. I thought (briefly) about serging all my fabric into napkins, to give away as gifts, just so I could keep doing this serging of squares. This sounds insane, but I don't have a ton of fabric (it's true, my stash is really small!) and I get visually tired of fabrics easily, so I am always looking for ways to use it up, clear it out, and move on. Unloading it on friends and on Grammie helps a ton. Grammie never gives up a fabric. She still has fabric scraps from clothes she sewed for me when I was 3. I'm serious.

A few things:

• These rubber stamps are making me really happy—they are drawn by Ward Jenkins. You can buy them at Rubber Soul. (Thanks for the tweet, Claire!)
• There is a new e-book Crafty Tree Trimmings that Diane Gilleland has put together—it looks very cool and some of the profits go to a great cause. Please take a look.
• I was very pleased to find these free Cicely Mary Barker flower fairy coloring pages. They print small (half sheet) but are perfect to keep in my bag when we are out and bored.
• I'm going to re-release an out-of-print Mailorder next week (as a PDF for $8), which I think would be a nice one to have for the holidays. No electricity required for this project! Except to print the PDF.
• I saw Coco avant Chanel this week and liked it a lot. I had heard it was slow moving and Coco was not the most sympathetic of characters. Both were true, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it.
• I re-found this Finnish vintage paper doll site from my own archives and am in love with it all over again. Click on the smaller thumbnails and print!

Excitement, then tears, then happy times.

This is the wool plaid dress I mentioned I was working on. It's McCall's 5927. All was going well, I loved working on it. I sewed a little in the evening, on weekends, not rushing and really enjoying not starting and finishing a garment in 2 days. I lowered the neckline and added an extra little tab. I was having such a great time. The lining is all hand-sewn into place, all pretty and tidy, the invisible zipper went in perfectly and the pockets are lined in such a nice way. I was getting ready to hem the dress and then I cut a hole in it.

A hole, actually 2 holes, because it was folded, about 3 inches from the bottom on the dress. This was after I had trimmed it, so the hem would now have to be 3 inches shorter than I had planned.

Um, yeah, so saying there was tears and swearing and an all-around freak-out is an understatement. I kept telling myself it was just a dress, but I just felt like such an ass. I cut a hole in it! And it wasn't a patching/workable hole. It was a big horrible oddly shaped hole. A dress-wrecking hole. Through tears, I hemmed it as low as I could and tried it on to see if it could be saved.

Here's a photo of it too short. I had to serge the edge because I didn't even have enough to fold up. Now, I know I could have kept it like this, but it was so NOT what I had envisioned, way too short and too 1980s and really not a good dress when picking up kids and all that, I just was so sad when it was in this state.

So here was the fix, which as these situations sometimes go, if I am lucky and extra clever— I really like better than the original pattern. I am so happy with how this turned out. I had enough fabric (I always buy extra) to cut a strip on the bias, and then added a side slit and some bras buttons for a detail to match the buttons on the neckline. I actually copied the cap sleeve construction and folded the strip on the bias, so it's double thick, and this allowed me to skip the dreaded hemming on the bias situation, because the hem is actually a folded edge, dig?

And here we are all layered and much warmer and very happy with how this turned out. Whew. Thank you family and friends for your support with the drama.

make your own sewing patterns!

I received a copy of this new sewing book, Design-It-Yourself Clothes: Pattern making Simplified, by Cal Patch (cool name!) and am really impressed. I often recommend Wendy's sewing books for basic garment sewing know-how, but haven't been able to recommend a sewing book that fully covers pattern making. This is that book. Cal explains thoroughly how to draft, alter, and sew garments that will really fit you. She also how teaches how to grade patterns which is what you need to know if you want to make items in multiple sizes.

There are quite a few designs in the book, complete with sewing directions. But, to clarify, this book contains no actual patterns—because you draft them yourself! This book is full of wonderful tips on creating patterns in many different styles—but the look of all the designs (for the most part) is pretty casual and loose. Not a vintage-tailored look, but more a casual-cool look. This makes the fitting issues easier, but also means the overall style of these pieces are sweeter and simpler than your favorite dress on Mad Men.

I have not actually tried any of these designs yet, have any of you? I bet some people are making some dang cool clothes out of this book.

book siging coming up this thursday!!

This Thursday I will be at Bolt for a book signing! I will show examples from my book—with tips, hints and humorous stories, and then we can all chat, hang out, and one of you will win this tote full of Bend The Rules Love! It contains supplies, a copy of my book, fabric from Bolt, the Bend The Rules Gift Labels—how cool!

Please come on out, I'd love to see you!

Thursday, November 5th at Bolt (Bolt has a cool blog, too, just so you know.)

2136 NE Alberta St · Portland, OR 97211 · 503.287.bolt

7PM

Woot!

**I will be in Seattle on December 3rd at The Quilting Loft for a book signing, too.

some kind of crazy evil

I found myself over at Polyvore the other day after seeing a lovely photo from Uniform Studio and oh my good lord. Hours, HOURS, can be wasted on this site. It's a drag-and-drop collage fashion-y thing. How's that for a great description? Of course you can click and buy, but I'm not even going to discuss this option. So, sorry, but your day is ruined now. My bad. I spent about 10 minutes on this outfit. The sweater makes it for me. That and the umbrella.Here's a link for each item shown. Action Hero just pointed me to shmotter which is a similar site.

An unrelated but amazing link sent to me by Miss Hayley: Uncle Envelope. This makes me happy about the world.

pencil skirt with a sassy zipper

  

I needed a pencil skirt. A red wool one with an exposed zipper and it needed to be longer than the 1980s minis that seem to be all over the place right now. I wanted it kind of long and a bit frumpy, but actually very cool and naughty, because of the industrial exposed zipper and its tightness. So, that was the deal and I made it last week, and it worked out great. 

Here's the sassy back. There were exposed metal zippers at Anthropologie last spring and summer and was anxious to try using one, especially after being obsessed with invisible zippers for so long. I used a method very similar to this one (click on the exposed zipper link) except I included a seam below the zipper so I could make a back vent. The fabric is a lovely red wool from Mill Ends (All wool and lining is 25% off until the end of October and Bolt is having a big sale this weekend, too.) and the skirt pattern was just an altered classic a-line that I have made several times from Wendy's book. She gives dimensions and tips on making the a-line into a pencil skirt. Very simple. This one is lined and I am so happy I spent the extra $$ and used a rayon lining and not a super cheap polyester lining—which feels like plastic wrap to me. I mean, if I'm going to pay the money for really nice wool, why use icky lining against my skin?

This is the type of sewing I love. When I am making tailored clothes it's not super cheap compared to Forever 21 or Target, but I'm comparing it to high-end designer pieces I could never afford in a million years so I feel like I am saving loads of money, if that makes sense and I don't freak out about the baby and child smears that are already on this skirt. I will tell you (in anticipation of questions about it) the blouse I am wearing has that same gathering on the back that I just did that tutorial for (it's from Forever 21, actually) and the tights are from J.Crew (my favorite pair this fall) and the shoes are Miz Mooz. Just in case you are wondering.

Next up I am working a plaid wool dress, which is about 65% done and looking good. Although I realize now it matches our flannel bed sheets almost exactly. At least I am consistent.

super easy blouse alteration

 

I have been altering my purchased (and some home-sewn) blouses lately with elastic in the back. It's super easy, adds some cute ruching, and makes the fit a little bit more formal—which is nice, I think. Especially when I am not in the mood to tuck in my blouse, which is often. Here's the front of the blouse, on the left, and then the altered back, which used to just lie flat, but now has two rows of small gathers between the back darts.

I made a little tutorial on how to do this. I'm a little spacey sounding in this and seem to be forgetting words. You know how it goes.

**update: I swapped in new photos so you can actually see the blouse on. It actually looks exactly the same in front as it did pre-altering—just the back looks different. Of course, don't try this technique if your blouse is tight to begin with.

screenprinting on fabric made easy (really!)

So, back when I was researching different screen printing methods for Bend the Rules with Fabric, I stumbled upon a product made by EZScreenPrint. I was looking for something that worked like a bigger, better Print Gocco, and wasn't sure anything out there existed, but then I found it. This method of screen printing on fabric requires no photo emulsion, no wooden frame, the screens are easily cleaned and very durable and the screen is burned by sunlight. That's about 100 reasons to celebrate as far as I'm concerned. The fabric here, which is also featured in my book when I describe how to use this cool product, was printed using this method.

I am not affiliated with EZScreenPrint, so was thrilled when they contacted me to offer my book readers a discount on their screens and printing supplies. It's quite affordable already—but every bit helps. This discount is for a minimum order of $50. You might want to go in on this with a friend so you can split the cost and have fun trying this together. You can get your discount code right here.

There are some examples of using this screen printing product in the Bend the Rules with Fabric flickr group, like this cute one from Hillary. Please add yours to the group if you try this!

More about my book and book type stuff-

• I have a 2nd book signing and little lecture, Q&A, what-all, coming up at Bolt,—Thursday, November 5th at 7:00. I will write about this again, but I just wanted to mention it now. Hopefully you all can come out for that.

• I am 99% sure I will also have a booksigning in Seattle in December, just finalizing some details on that one. I really hope my Seattle friends will be able to hang!

• There is a project from the book complete with directions and all that on The Storque How-Tuesday— and it's one of my favorites. Take a peek and try it if you can. It's an easy reusable lunch bag. Quite handy!

• (Unrelated) I have a new banner up (spooky!) and I saw Zombieland last night and found it very entertaining.

Jacket for Sadie, too.

Sadie's jacket was finished for her birthday—which was this week, with time to spare. You can see the lining peeking out of the sleeve there and the matching sketchbook. This pattern was not the same as Delia's jacket. This one was made from Simplicity 2876. It's made of 100% wool melton, purchased locally at Mill Ends. It's not as soft and cozy as Delia's which is a wool/cashmere blend, but it's still pretty dreamy. It wasn't super fun to make, although it's been long enough now I don't remember what the swearing was about. I love that—when the frustration memories in a project fade. I think the collar was fussy perhaps, or there was some pleating agitation. I did love making the sleeve bands. I love that detail on jackets.

I always try to slip in buttons from Great Grandma Burchie's button tin in my clothes sewing projects, especially for the girls. It would be their Great-Great Grandmother, actually. I know my Grandmother's buttons are mixed in too—she gave the tin to me years ago, before she passed away, not to my Mom. I remember Mom telling me with a smile, when she asked Grandma why she didn't get the tin, Grandma replied "I don't recall you mending much." Sadie's jacket has 8 of these buttons, all shades of white and cream. None of them match, which I love. Now I add my buttons to the tin as well, so when the girls get the tin passed on to them, it will have four generations of buttons in it. I will admit I sometimes buy clothes with amazing buttons just to have the extras for the tin—so when the girls find them years later, I can remind them which dress it came from.

Happy birthday, sweet girl. I absolutely can't believe you are 7. But you are. And the crazy cute clogs I got you (which you don't know about yet) will look so stinkin' cute with this jacket, it's killing me.

homemade envelopes and a book

 

The girls have gotten really into writing letters lately and mailing letters to family and friends and we ran out of envelopes very fast. I couldn't face buying more and realized I could just make them. So I did—and now the girls make them too. So, this is so easy and simple I feel silly even writing about it, but just in case, I made a video tutorial of how we make them. No templates to trace, no scissors needed—just some paper and tape. They have been very well received. Even though Delia's envelopes often only contain a cotton ball and a band aid. She's more into the stuffing and less into the writing.

I am super happy to announce the new book by the masterminds at Photojojo, Photojojo!: Insanely Great Photo Projects and DIY Ideas. This book is jam packed with really creative ideas. I was flattered to be asked to contribute a project to this book (and I did.) Congrats Amit and Kelly!

The envelope project above here is not in the book, but it being made from a photo in a magazine and all, I thought thematically it worked with the post. Over think things much, you say? Yup!

little red jacket

Delia's Fall/Winter jacket has been made. I go back and forth every year about making jackets for the girls. I want to use wool but it can't be too scratchy. I also realize the labor involved is substantial—with no guarantee that the girls will wear them. I have been lucky so far. I think it's because they pick out the fabric, patterns, and buttons themselves (with some jedi mind tricks by me, of course.) This jacket is made from Simplicity 2534. The fabric is 80% wool 20% cashmere and is heavenly to touch and work with. The Mini Boden style polka dot lining is 100% cotton.

There is no shortage of pockets. There are pockets set in the seam on the outside and hidden pockets on the inside—with the requisite matching notebook. This a small moleskin journal covered with fabric using Heat & Bond Lite. I now use over-sized industrial snaps on jackets instead of buttons with buttonholes. I can always re-attach a yanked-off snap, but it's harder to repair a stretched-out buttonhole.

Happy. Happy.

There is a ton of jacket inspiration out there. We just got the Garnet Hill Kids catalog today and saw this one, and then there are to-die-for jackets over at Little Fashion Gallery. For sewing patterns, this coat pattern from Oliver & S is so very stylish—especially for the little dudes.

So, I did see a jacket similar at Target for $25 a few weeks ago and just about had a heart attack because it was a long week when I saw it and I was fried and hadn't even cut out this jacket yet and just thought, "Why am I sewing this?" Then there was the jacket still to sew for Sadie—the whole thing just made me feel really tired. Happily, the sewing stars aligned with this project and working on it a little bit, every few days for about a week, it came together really easily with no swearing and Delia loves it. That alone is worth it. This jacket, plus the lining and the pattern, was made for just under $40. That one at Target was 100% acrylic. The nice wool ones that I like are more than $200, so it's all good.

Sadie's jacket is almost done. It hasn't been as stellar of a sewing experience. It's a different pattern and looks lovey, but there has been swearing. There is some evil law that only one of my girls will get a perfectly sewn garment, never both of them. Baby will get a hand-me-down jacket or a towel. Or both. She's still prone to ripping her clothes off at any given moment, anyway.

Unrelated:

I have become a bit obsessed with the vintage-style hair and make-up tutorials over on YouTube. I immediately did my hair after watching this. It looks pretty amateurish, but hey, the girls like it. And it did only take about 5 minutes. Pete says it's very Blade Runner. He also said it was very high. Like in the air. Okay, then.

Liberty blouse

This blouse was made out of a Liberty print I had saved for almost 2 years, much like the Nani Iro fabric. I had originally intended it for Sadie (sorry, honey) and then thought about how cute it would be made into tap pants for myself, and then thought about maybe making it into a belt (I think I still might have enough for that) and then a men's shirt (but I only had enough for contrasting details) and then—without really giving it much thought, cut it out for Simplicity 2599 and made it. I am really happy with this pattern. There are so many ways to do this type of detail. I want to try an asymmetrical placement with the ruffle next, and a ruffle in a contrasting print would look very sharp on a solid color shirt. A stripe or polka-dotted ruffle? Something like that.

 

It's fitted—not too loose or tight, which is nice. Darts in front give it some shape.

And my favorite blouse closure is in back. I love this type of closure. So easy. I use a covered hair elastic for the button loop, which works like a charm.

I have to say, the weight of Liberty fabric is like nothing else. I would not sew this blouse in anything other than a super-lightweight fabric. I get pretty fussy about quilting-weight cottons being used for garment sewing—unless it's a skirt or a more structured dress. Liberty is a dream to sew with. Totally worth the high price in my book. Locally, there is Liberty at Bolt and probably other shops, too, maybe Josephine's? This particular print was purchased at Purl fabrics. They always have a great selection.

• I'm excited to try this dress over at Burda Style. I know I just made a dress very similar, but this one has great pockets. And what cute photography! Except you can't really see the dress that well. But still, I love the happy.
• Debating if I should sew a coat like this for Sadie. I think I can make it for less than buying, but not a ton less. Ugh. See, if I sew it, I will have to sew one for Delia, even though she has about 4 hand-me-downs that will work this Fall. Baby will get an old towel, she doesn't know. Only half joking. Actually she does know, but I am in denial about her alarming interest in clothes for a just turned 2-year old. I just re-read that last sentence and realize the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Ahem.

striped dress and socks with clogs

I sewed this dress with Vogue #7871. I have had this pattern for years. I never regret buying patterns, even when I feel I have too many, because they go out of print. This one has. This is the fourth dress I have made from this pattern. I actually had forgotten about the pattern until I saw this stunner and had to copy it. I promised myself to use fabric I already had on hand with an existing pattern from my stash. This was also because I couldn't face getting the 3 girls dressed to get them in the car and to the fabric shop.

Okay—the belt. I had in mind a belt exactly like this and couldn't find one. And then thought I should sew one. I kept thinking about the "perfect" belt and how it would be a natural cotton with a fake bakelite buckle and um, yeah—I designed a project like this for my new book and had the leftovers in my stash. So that was a good moment it terms of sewing the perfect belt, albeit alarming that I would forget such a thing. These belts are so easy you will never buy one again.The buckle and thick cotton canvas strapping came from Fabric Depot here in Portland. (And speaking of belts, I am totally making one like this for Pete, 'cause dang, this look is hot, and I think I have tapestry ribbon like this already.)

Here's the dress in real life action. Please notice the clogs. Yes, they are the clogs from this post, and yes, I love them so dearly—

And now onto most important matters involving the ridiculous use of a blog survey application.

nani all the time

This is a Nani Iro print I bought over a year ago. It's wasn't cheap and it's also quite narrow, especially when you wash/dry it. I had it ready to go for I don't even remember what and then just froze. It was too pretty to cut into and I just couldn't decide, so I shelved it. This bias binding is Nani Iro as well, and same thing—I couldn't use it, it was too pretty. Sarah just posted about the same issue and made this amazing blouse.

So, a bit back, while going through stacks of random plies in the sewing room, I just decided to make a dress out of it. Something easy. The fabric didn't seem as special and untouchable as it did a year ago—you know how it is. And now I am so happy I waited, because this is a really easy, very wearable, summer dress and it came together without a hitch. I really like my photo stylist.

 

I used McCalls 5042 (the same pattern I used 3 summers ago on this dress—but it looks to be out of print now.) I used a rolled-edge serger stitch on the hem. I didn't line the bodice, as it called for, just used the serger to finish the inside seams and the bias trim to finish the bodice edges. A long invisible zipper is in back.

I will say as much as I love this print and this designer—oh, that double gauze vexes me. I don't have a deep love for this fabric type. It's clingy as all get out. It's a cotton linen blend that feels like kleenex, has no drape at all. The double layers stick to themselves. It also sticks like crazy to my underwear but lining it would make it too warm for me, since it's already got two layers, so I wear a little slip under. However, I am so happy I finally was able to get over it and use this special fabric despite my kvetching just now about the weave. I really do love this dress.

summer sweater (that's really a t-shirt)

I was fussing about not having the right cardigan the other morning—one to wear when I am a bit cold, over my jammies, while making breakfast. It needed to be soft, very thin, fitted, with 3/4 sleeves. Something I could throw over dresses and then maybe sleep as well. That kind of thing. I have about 152 cardigans and found it hard to believe that I didn't have one that met all these requirements, but I didn't. Until now.

This is a long-sleeved t-shirt (this one is from j.crew in the tissue-weight jersey, which I love to hate) that I took a pair of scissors to—and it's perfect. It's my new favorite cardigan and now I have about 3 more (and 3 fewer long-sleeved shirts) and I love them to death.

No sewing is needed. There are no seams to finish here—the jersey doesn't unravel. I have done this with both v-necks and scoop necks. I didn't add anything, I just let them hang loose or tie in a knot. Done and done. Someone take away my scissors. I'm going to wonder where all my shirts are this Fall, but for now I am thrilled.

quite patriotic

I made up the Collette Pattern that I had on the boards for a few weeks. I really sweated on the fabric choice here. I wanted a ton of pattern, which I knew would mean sacrificing the insanely cute pockets—just too much going on. But I also knew if I made made this in a solid color, it would show so many potential flubs, especially with the gathering. I found this outstanding silk at Mill Ends and had to buy it immediately.  Check out Melissa's version. It looks so awesome.

I realize now I probably needed to make it in a smaller size. This style of dress is not one I would normally make for myself, so I was a out of my element on the bust/ribcage/waist measurements. I also made quite a few changes to the pattern, so many it's confusing and too long to list—but in a nut shell, I lined the bodice instead of making a facing. So, this affected the gathers. I also ditched the button strap detail and made normal straps. I'm glad I lined the bodice, the silk would have been a bit thin on its own.

The pattern itself was a pleasure. The directions are clear, easy to follow, and the format of the pattern is really pleasing to use.  I think she has a great pattern line here and my only caveat is that I would not recommend this dress to beginning sewers. But for sewers up for more of a challenge, this is a really rewarding pattern to tackle. I can't wait try the skirt next.

Need any amazing pie recipes this weekend? The Tie One On Gallery is up (and the newest theme is set) and along with amazing homemade aprons you will find more than 40 pie recipes posted. You all are so rad—thank you!

slippy (adventures in sewing with silk part I)

 

 

This silk slip was made with some swearing. In theory it was very easy. 2 side seams and some straps. I used a silk slip I already had as a pattern to copy. I laid it out on the bias, cut, and sewed. Done. But, it was too big and taking it in didn't go as planned and then it was shorter than I intended, so a wide bias strip was added to the hem—which worked great but ended up using more yardage than I wanted. I had bought extra to use in other projects. Aside from all that, the slip is lovely, feels incredible, and was a nice project. I did confirm my theory of bias cutting + slippery fabric that is also expensive = stressful sweating and unnecessary yelling at my children who seem to only be interested in helping when I use the most expensive fabric.

Some notes:

• I did switch to an extra fine sewing machine needle for this and that was a wise decision. If I am ever too lazy to switch sewing machine needles, kick me.
• I finished the edges with the serger and added stretch lace on the neck and arm edges. I used lingerie elastic for the straps because the stretch lace is too stretchy. If I had no serger (can't image this) I'd use French seams for finishing and swear my way around the rest.
• I used the rolled hem on the serger to finish the bottom edge and this made my life so good. I would not try to do a rolled hem on the bias in silk. No way, man. Not for a million bucks. (You could also finish the hem with an overlock stitch and then stitch lace on the edge if you don't have a serger.)
• This wasn't the cheapest project, but was still less than the $49 some mall store that shall remain nameless was charging for their silk slips that were shorter. This project was also much less expensive $150-200 I've seen for similar slips at some high-end boutiques both in person and online. Silk makes all the difference here, satin was just not doing it for me.
• Although I didn't use a pattern, I think I should have. It somehow grew too big without one. Not sure why, but it did. I'm sort of crying right now looking at all these vintage lingerie sewing patterns.

More silk sewing to report on soon. And speaking of old-timey loveliness and crying, I'm in a tizzy about this line of vintage reproduction luggage. You know, for that 1928 world cruise I plan on taking (after I get my time machine working again.)

simple is hard. sometimes.

This is Simplicity 2922 and is wasn't so simple. I'm really happy with how it turned out and it's very wearable and comfortable (ignore the wrinkles, it's linen) but you know, simple is hard.

The pattern has a several variations, like many of the Project Runaway patterns that Simplicity is putting out. In theory, this design is easy to sew. The sleeves aren't set in, and the variations allow for both a gathered neckline/sleeves or without. I went with the option including gathers.

Here's what I changed and noted:

• The pleating on the sleeve top shoulder is a really nice detail. I copied it for the front instead of the gathers, because really—the gathering look terrible. It barely needed to be gathered, and with a solid fabric, it just looked like it was sewn wrong. It impossible to evenly distribute the gathers across the front.
• There are rows of top-stitching on the neck and arm bands which is nice looking close-up. I think attempting this in a contrasting thread (as it suggested) would be a very swear-y experience.
• The back has a slight gather as well, and again, it would be nicer with pleats instead. I used an invisible zipper, although I am going to try an exposed metal zipper really soon on something.
• This dress is not what I would call a beginner sewing project. At least not in a solid colored linen. I sure like it however, so that's good. It was fun to make but I found myself thinking that I would never let my beginning sewing buddies try this pattern without a serious talk. There are too many places where any mistake would be painfully obvious.
• The pockets are awesome. They look great and are so useful—I love them.
• Melissa has a great bit about sewing from commercial patterns. It's so full of goodness, please check it out.

I finished this about 2 weeks ago, so onto the Collette pattern next. I am excited.

on the boards (revised)

_{photo by Collette Patterns}

The men's floral shirt is taking the backseat for awhile. I just got my hands on this pattern from Collette Patterns, and it's freakishly cute and must be started immediately. I have a linen dress I am finishing up now, and then this little number will come next. I'm thinking I will skip the buttons and make the straps non-opening (there is a side zipper) and use possibly 3 different prints/solids for the dress. Daring, I know, but I think it will look very stylish if I can find the right prints in the right weight. Or, I might not do 3 prints at all, but a gingham. Sigh. I will let the fabric gods guide me next time I go out to the fabric shops. Sometimes I feel like a fabric dowser.

_{photo by Collette Patterns}

I will report back soon. I am super excited to start this project, especially these tiny pockets. Please take a look at all of Sarai's patterns, they are swell—that skirt might be next.

summer skirt

Okay, this sassy skirt was made using the standard skirt pattern in Sew U. I forget about this basic pattern often, but it's a great one to alter and customize. (I used it here, too.) I shortened it and ditched the waistband facing using a pre-made white bias trim instead for the waist band. It has an invisible back zipper. The white buttons are set just inside the dart lines, mimicking a sailor pant-bib type button-up-thing. I really dig the buttons on the front of pants/skirts right now. I'm all about the nautical-cuteness.

I used a soft navy linen and am slightly cursing myself for not lining it. I sewed a few silk tap pants that make for an easy slip for this type of thing, so it's all good—but next time I will line it, mostly because the linen is soft, I think a lining would help keep it in shape.

I finally had to stop fussing with the button placement. It was a little crazy making. Everytime I shifted they looked crooked. But then I figured I'd usually be moving around in this skirt, not standing still like I am now (?) so, what the heck. They look straight enough to me.

And the blouse is super old—from the Gap about 7 years ago.

My eldest child is learning the poses.

I ♥ fat quarters!

Okay, this was so fun. I was ridiculously excited I was asked to create a fat quarter pack for the lovely online fabric shop, Sew Mama Sew. I named it Summer Picnic—to bring on the sun in rainy Portland.

You can buy the pack and read more about it here. I love fat quarter packs so much. I unexpectedly received a pack as a gift years ago and it was one of the best gifts ever. It had so many fabrics I wouldn't have necessarily chosen on their own. Something about the small cuts of fabric all tucked together make it a kind of happy crazy bundle of fun. Hope you all dig it!

I'm sure you all already know how wonderful the Sew Mama Sew is. Please check them out. Kristen and her staff do such a wonderful job of creating a friendly place to buy fabric in the shop, get sewing help in the forum, and find inspiration on the blog. Thanks ladies!

Okay, I just got confirmation from Sew Mama Sew and it's sold out—but the individual fabrics will be in stock again soon. Thanks all!

on the boards-men's dress shirt

I have been wanting to try a men's dress shirt for Pete for a while now and after a recent jaunt to a fancy-schmancy clothing shop—I have decided the time is now. Or, sort of now. When I get around to it, anyway. Some of the floral ones I saw there reminded me of Liberty fabrics. I adore men in florals. The mix of the masculine cut of a shirt paired with a preppy/classic floral is just too good. I'm not really thinking something as formal as this image here, but I liked it anyway. I'm looking at Kwik Sew 3422, probably the short sleeve version, mostly because dang—that Liberty fabric is so expensive.

 some contenders, all Liberty of London-

This is a favorite of mine.

I haven't even looked here in town or even online much for Liberty fabrics—these are all directly from the Liberty of London site. With shipping, it would be crazy expensive. But the fancy shirts I am looking at in the shops are around the $250 range. Still, there is no way I'm going to get this project done for less than $70. Maybe I should try it in a linen first, but then I have to try it in a Liberty print. See, here's my rationalizations. First— it's flippin' Liberty fabric, so there's a good reason right there. Secondly—the weight. It's so perfect, so thin and so crisp at the same time. But having said that, I do need to try this pattern in something else first. Just a simple men's shirting. See how I talk myself off the ledge? But I will revisit the ledge soon, I can feel it. I also have a shirt making book coming from the library, ready to tackle collar stands with gusto!

Liberty must be in the air! I just got this update from A.P.C.—lest I think I am clever. ha!

 

very very excited by this top

This top is deceiving. It looks pretty sophisticated (to me anyway) but is really simple. It's Simplicity 2593 and it's a new design by Cynthia Rowley. It's got no darts, just a front and a back. Very easy. I made a little alteration by using a pre-made bias tape in white to finish the armholes (the pattern instructs you to make your own to match) and I didn't bother binding the inside on the neck edge, I just serged it, because I knew the twisted neck band would cover it. The twisted neck band is on the bias, so this pattern requires more yardage than you'd think. It's just a big tube you twist, pin on, and hand tack down when you are done. I love it so much—so sculptural and simple. I'm thinking a linen or a silk charmeuse version would be outstanding.

This is made up in a seersucker purchased for crazy cheap at Joann's. I belted it here (orange belt from target) but a self-tie would be nice. It looks good unbelted as well.

The newest Tie One On gallery is up! Please check out the outstanding submissions. I have decided to give away a new craft book with every new theme (randomly chosen from the apron submissions.) I will be posting the chosen book for the next new theme, Pie Makin' Apron, very soon. I went back through the old galleries today and counted—over 975 aprons have been made for Tie One On since it started. That is frikken amazing! Thank you all so much for your total radness.

 

a new dress

This is a dress made from Vogue 8232 and I am pretty happy with it. I got the pattern with Frenchie (she made up a stellar dress which is next on my list) and she also alerted me to this flippin' awesome print. I got this at the sale at Bolt (it's Alexander Henry, My Secret Garden—Wine and is available all over online, and in your local fabric shop) It reminds me of Vera in the best way, even if it looks a little like I am wearing a tablecloth.

I changed/added a few details. I altered the neck to make more of a boat neck shape, used an invisible zipper (the only kind I use when I can because they are so easy and are invisible!) added a contrasting red waistband-type detail, which is just sewn over the top on the dress, and then some little covered buttons for some sassy love.

 

And here's the real life version 20 minutes later after freezing my hiney off. Yeah. Well, at least I can garden now.

homemade cards

 

These cards were made for 2 reasons. Documentation and blank card requirements.

We have been writing down our kids comments on a master list the last few months because they have been getting more and more amazing. I know this is the case with all kids, but dang. So, I wanted to document these quotes and was originally thinking flash cards, but wasn't sure what to do with them. Then I was thinking small business sized cards—I could tuck in cards and gifts, but again, wasn't sure how they might be kept, save putting them in a scrapbook/photo album. We needed a blank card recently to give to a family member and I realized putting these quotes on cards would be perfect.

I love making homemade cards so much. It also fulfills my creative urges to combine stark simple design with crazy child brain. (Apologies to certain design talent who are totally over Helvetica, you know who you are.)

the minutiae of jersey

Here's a new underwear set, this time from Pete's old t-shirt. The undies are from the sleeve (I made two pairs) and the long camisole/short nightie is from the shirt part. A few things-

• Although I love stretch lace, I think it's a bit stretchy for the straps. I am going to try narrow lingerie elastic next time.
• Tissue t-shirts kind of make me mad. They wear out so fast, are usually kind of see through and are too soft and stretchy for undies, in my opinion. These stay up fine, but I think a thicker t-shirt makes for a nicer set.
• Using the existing hem of the t-shirt as the hem of the camisole/nightie top makes this so very easy and makes me feel clever, and I love feeling clever.
• I used the same t-shirt fabric for the gusset, eliminating the contrasting fabric gusset, which although one doesn't see all the time (presumably), is nice and understated.
• I also finally encased both seams on the gusset piece, which is easy, but kind of a weird moebius strip-type thing to do. This made for a much nicer finish and looks much more professional. On the other hand not matching my thread on the inside was a little less professional looking (me = lazy) so let's just call it a deconstructed/raw look and pretend that's exactly I was going for.

Unrelated—

• I am really digging this new comment platform Typepad has. I can reply much easier now to questions and am really having fun with it. I also like the new feature which allows you all to reply to each other. So cool.
• I am having a book giveaway over on Tie One On, so check it out! (There's a catch.)

paper flowers

All 3 bonnets were sewn in time for Easter this year. It wasn't that bad, but I will say sewing the same thing for three girls gets a bit tedious. Also, they either need to be pretty much identical or totally different— otherwise there is much comparing and discussion. These were all the same, pink linen with a lovely fabric lining, the only detail that made them unique was the color of ribbon and flowers. I knew I wanted to use flowers to trim them, but was stumped. I looked at the craft store and the silk ones were pretty awful. They were not silk, too huge, and expensive. I wished I had a secret stash of vintage millinery trims, but I do not. I was getting pretty discouraged and then found a gold mine in the paper/scrapbook section.

Okay, there is a huge paper flower selection out there that I didn't know about and they were perfect for the bonnets. I actually am not sure how you would use them in a scrapbook, they are 3D, so I'm not sure how the book would close, but they are great as little embellishments for craft/sewing projects.

I glued these on with E6000, which is very stinky but sure works well. I also glued them to tiny terra cotta pots that had chocolate eggs tucked in them for the girls' baskets. Next I need to make some brooches with paper flowers for my spring/summer cardigans. I have the compulsion to gussy up unadorned cardigans, but realize it's not always best to make the embellishments permanent—hence the brooch idea. And i've been seeing some very stylish hair clips with flowers too, so I will try that next.

it's coming soon! (sorta)

I am jumping-up-and-down excited to let you all know that my second book, Bend the Rules with Fabric: Fun Sewing Projects with Stencils, Stamps, Dye, Photo Transfers, Silk Screening, and More (Potter Craft Summer 2009) is now available for pre-order!

Here's a sneak peek inside. I was able to work with the same ridiculously talented team on this book as my first (photography by Alexandra Grablewski and design by Amy Sly) which means this book looks amazing, is clearly organized, and puts a big smile on my face.

This book is all about altering fabric—and not all the projects require a sewing machine, so it's great for sewers, and non-sewers alike. Woot! Here's a painted toile artwork project shown with an inexplicably creepy mask.

Here's how to make t-shirts for your family band. These say It's not my bedtime. You will freak out when you try this technique—it's silk screening without photo emulsion or drawing fluid or Gocco. Life changing, I tell you.

And the Uncle Pete and Aunt Sarah dolls make an appearance, of course.

There are plenty of sewing projects with patterns as well, and they all come with ideas, techniques, and tips on altering fabric to make it your own. I really think you guys will dig it (I hope so!) Please pre-order it, how's that for a hard sell?

It's available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your local book shop (I didn't see it yet at Powell's) and it will be out in the world, for real, the end of August. I already have a book signing/party set up at Powell's here in Portland the end of September (and I will have one at Bolt, too) and I just want to say two words. Cake walk. I'm serious.

 

vintage/new quilt

Following the calico patchwork theme from the last post, here's an outstanding quilt Grammie just finished. The top is vintage, found by Grammie in Indiana a couple years go (right, mom?) She took the top, added a batting and a backing and then machine quilted a wonderful design on it. I love it so much— the borders and sashing are so randomly wonderful. Were are both kind of freaking out about how cattywampus it is.

 

Like the fabric in the last post this uses a cheater cloth—the block patterns are not pieced, but printed. Although we both think the border colors are very 1930s, we have decided that the top is probably from the 1970s-the calico seems to be leaning that way. As I write this, I am remembering that long ago in blog time I posted about quilt related items every Monday. So, here's a very long overdue Quilt Monday.

I'm not sure what I'm going to start for a new quilt project, but I sure am having fun over at All People Quilt looking at all the patterns, especially this one here (which isn't actually from All People Quilt, but from Better Homes and Gardens, which owns All People Quilt, confusing, but you know what I mean. I never know where I end up after all the clicking.)

Unrelated, I read this really interesting article about Facebook yesterday. I signed up on Facebook, but we just never hit it off.

sewing for kids is a good thing

Happy Friday! Here's Miss Delia playing in clothes that Grammie (we call my mom Grammie) made for me circa 1976, as if you couldn't tell. Oh the patchwork. It's a cheater cloth, but still. The colors, so very Holly Hobby cool.

Grammie has this huge box full of clothes that she sewed for me when I was little. There is a lot in there—I had no idea she made that much. There is often a ballet/dress-up freak out party when they go over there involving characters like Snappy Tomato and Bella Blue. It's so sweet and makes me remember why I want to sew for my girls when I am swearing at my fabric/machine/elastic and getting a neck cramp or some such thing. So, I better have some grandchildren—and some better be girls at that. Ha! No pressure, or anything.

I need to start a new quilt project

Material Obsession: Modern Quilts with Traditional Roots, by Kathy Doughty and Sarah Fielke, is on the table right now and I am so happy looking through it. The quilt projects are really unexpected in a very cool way, with refreshing color combinations which bridge the gap between modern/simple and vintage/complicated. I made some horrible scans of the inside pages (what's my problem?) that aren't worthy to show, but here's some nice interior shots and a much more thorough review of this book at CraftyPod.

easter thoughts

                                                    _{photo by Dream Child Studio}

In thinking about Easter/Spring baskets for the girls I found myself on Etsy and was struck by the simple loveliness of the items for sale over at Dream Child Studio.

                                                    _{photo by Dream Child Studio}

                                                  _{photo by Dream Child Studio}

I'm really digging the use of wood here in this photo. And of course the crown is just perfect. These would be so sweet in their baskets. I also plan to sew up some bunnies (cute insanity!) from this Wee Wonderful's pattern and print some Shiny Happy Printables from The Small Object as well. A little homemade and a little purchased—that's my speed right now. Add some unpainted wooden eggs and paint for them to decorate and we are done. Oh, and chocolate lambs and chocolate nests, can't forget those. And bonnets. Okay, the list is getting longer now.

matchy

 

I couldn't stop looking at the belt on this dress and had to copy it. I see these referred to as corset belts sometimes. I'd like to make another with smaller grommets, and more of them, so it really looks fairy tale/hobbity. It would be nice a little wider too, and laced up in back. Then I would need help getting dressed—which is always fun, however impractical. This wonderful print is vintage and hand silk-screened. I have been saving it for something special—like a belt, match handbag and

earrings. In a fit of insane matchiness, I also made earrings. I love matching accessories more than anything. Even though I don't normally wear them all at once, I like knowing I could.

The belt is 3 layers—the floral print, an interfacing in the middle (iron-on, I dislike the stuff, but this had to be stabilized) and then a light blue lining fabric on the back. I used a pre-made bias tape and sewed it on with the method shown in my "no swearing" video tutorial, and finished with the grommets which come with a little fastening tool, making them very easy to apply. (I get a huge thrill putting grommets in anything. Not sure why.) A little leather lace is threaded though the grommets to tie it up.

The handbag pattern I designed. I originally wanted to make an over-sized clutch, but I just couldn't get that 1980s, so the ladylike 1960s style won out. I used grommets and the leather tie on it as well, but these details are non-functional—the closure is actually a little magnetic thing-y on the inside. The white strap and the trim is the same bias tape I used on the belt.

The earrings are covered buttons with the shanks removed (easy to do with pliers) and glued to earring backs.

I feel more belts coming on. I have this notion of making a few lightweight linen dresses that are baggy and loose, (maybe they are nightgowns) and then I could just cinch them up with a belt like this, grab a matching handbag, and boom—dressed for the day! Okay, maybe I wouldn't really sleep in the dress, but I like the idea of a nightgown/dress fake-out with a belt/handbag as the secret transformer.

easter bonnet

Easter is approaching and the girls' heads continue to grow, which is a good thing, I know. So, new Easter bonnets are in order. I am using my handy bonnet pattern (conveniently displayed above) which is also for sale. This pattern comes with 3 sizes—baby, child, and adult. Last year I also made a variation without the brim, as shown here, and was thrilled with the storybook cuteness of it. You can see more bonnets made up from this pattern in the flickr mailorder group.

I think for Easter this year a neutral linen would be lovely for the bonnets, with a sweet calico lining. Then we can wear them when we make our butter. Okay, really, no one in the house digs the butter making as much as I do, but they sure eat it up with no complaints. I think I need to try the jar method, so they can actually get into it more.

new (old) bag

me: okay, today we are going to take pictures of mama, 'cause getting out the tripod never works with the baby out and running around. so, who's first?
sadie: me!
delia: no me!
me: alright, delia look through this hole. hold this thing tight, it's very expensive. no, this hole. no the screen won't show you—look through the view finder. awesome. now press the button. open your eyes. now press that button. awesome! aim it at this red bag. see this? right here.
sadie: why are we taking photos of your new purse?
me: um, well, kind of the same reason I take photos of our breakfast. it's my new bag. it's preppy.
delia: what's preppy?
me: um—delia, put the baby down.
me: delia, put the baby down.
me: put the baby down.
sadie: mom, I can't see the photos on the screen. Is this good? I like your belt. where did you get your bag?
me: thank you. It's a Coach bag I found used online. I had to have it because it reminds me of being 16, when I got my first one, which I can't find right now. we need to go through boxes at Grammie's to see if she has it.
sadie: the bag matches your tights.
me: yes, I'm not sure if it's too much, but oh well.
sadie: like wearing too much pink at the same time.
me: exactly.
delia: can I take more? one of my sisters?
me: yes, but let's put the strap on first.

let it be noted that baby shattered the french press that she was playing with during this photo session. I was wondering why she was so quiet.

green

Why I didn't think to post these on the 17th, I have no idea. They would have been perfect St. Patty's Day fodder, so let's pretend I did. Happy St. Patty's Day!

These are made from an old t-shirt are are so comfy and soft they might just be my favorite pair yet. I can make 2 pairs from one t-shirt, so I am thinking of making another, or a matching not-very-functional bralette, can't decide. The pair I copied these from were a high waisted vintagey style. I really dig the Wonder Woman look. These would be stellar in a stretch silk. It's so nice to have a fuller cut. I get so sick of the lack of coverage with the sassy boy short cut, you know? Nothing like flashing friends and neighbors every time I bend over to pick up a kid.

So, this is just like the first pair I made. No serger needed, just a t-shirt, some stretch lace and a little extra cotton for the gusset.

button-y

Button It Up: 80 Amazing Vintage Button Projects for Necklaces, Bracelets, Embellishments, Housewares & More, by Susan Beal is out and I am thrilled to have a project in this lovely book.

You all know Susan from Super Crafty and Bead Simple fame—she is a crafting star and a wonderful person as well. This  book is full of clever projects and ideas for how to use your button stash, making me want to collect even more. Come see Susan at one of her upcoming events, all of which are listed her on her cool button it up blog, along with PDF's, extra projects, and other fun stuff. She's going to have a button-y gathering this Friday, March 20th at 7:30 at Powell's. Congrats, Susan!

a bit more sassy-

Still sewing underwear. Here's a little set I made about 2 weeks ago. It's dark brown stretch lace (sounds scary but it's actually very soft) with some super cool light blue stretch lace trim. I found both of these items here locally at Mill Ends. They actually have quite a bit of this type of stuff, and I have learned the hard way that you really need to feel and stretch potential fabrics before buying. It's just too risky taking a chance of what you will wear on your bum. The stretch lace trim I have great success with buying online, but not the stretch lace fabric.

This was copied from a DKNY set I had bought years ago and loved. It was dumb expensive when I bought it and once again, I am in shock at what is charged for these types of items. There is a cotton gusset sewn in the knickers in dark brown. I have a few dark t-shirts I use for the cotton lining gusset material. 

I did make it to Molly's book-signing and it was so wonderful to hear and see her in person. Then I found myself chatting later with people and talking about making underwear. So, it was a good evening.

Thanks for the spoon print love. The week was made even worse by the disappearance of our beloved 12-year old orange cat, Lionel. He has been gone 6 days now and I fear the worst. You all know how pet loss is and how it makes you cry in public and all that, so add the death of Gramps in there, and I am a soup of emotional craziness. But, we are moving forward and I am trying to stay positive while knowing that he is probably really gone. The girls are all ready for kittens or possibly a tree frog, they say. I am trying to borrow their enthusiasm and their kid-way they deal with stuff.

One more thing, I'm trying to write down more rhymes, you never know when you will need to bust out some rap (um, I don't think the kids say rap anymore, huh?) and Pete just rhymed frittata with gymkata.

stripey set

More homemade underwear. This set is actually made from a shirt, which I sewed last spring. So, from raw fabric into a shirt, into underwear—talk about re-using. Now if I could figure out a way to cook it and eat it, it would be a complete cycle.

 

The booty pants. Boy-short style stitched with my best friend, stretch lace. A cotton gusset is sewn in there as well, you just can't see it. (Henceforth, the cotton crotch will be referred to as the gusset, because that word I just typed, I can't type again—it being such an unpleasant and funny word to me, not in a good way. We all have our issues.)

And the not-terribly-functional but very comfortable bra. I have seen these called bralettes, which sounds cute, but better for a 16 year old, I think.  Again, the stretch lace is perfect here. The straps are not adjustable, because they only have to fit me and I can take them up a bit when it gets stretched out.

Again, these are made-up pattern copied from a set I had (similar to this fancy one) and it helped me justify the cost knowing I could copy it. This one just pulls over my head, no fasteners needed. I have another set to show soon, I can't seem to stop. Why is sewing my own underwear so much fun? I find it oddly rebellious and wonderfully silly. The girls think it's very funny and are now asking me, when I stop and look at one piece of clothing too long, "Are you going to make underwear out of that?" Never in a million years did I think this is what would be coming from my children's mouths.

4 girls in the house and only 1 brush

While the girls were working on their ATC cards for the swap (due in the mail this weekend) I worked on the hair ribbon thingies I had been meaning to make.

These are modeled off the fancy hair bands with ribbons given to the girls for a birthday or Christmas gift from I think a family member. I don't remember because I am bad. They have become pretty popular. The middle child also wears them as bracelets, which means baby does, too. They have pink and lavender ones and I thought it would be cool to have more. They look better when they are monochromatic (not to be too controlling, but you know what I mean) so we went with green and blue.

That's it. Just tie the ribbons in a double knot. This was with 3 ribbons per band, a yard each, which was a bit long. Then I trimmed them. Later I trimmed them even more and scrunched them a bit.

Here they are finishing up their cards. I feel sort of silly posting ribbons tied to rubber bands (the bands are made by Goody and available at the drugstore, the ribbons came from the fabric shop) but they were so well received, I thought I'd show them. They would make such sweet gifts too. A homemade shrinky dink charm would be cute—attached with a jump ring on the band. Oh, we should do that!

And so random, but we have the fraggle CD turned up way too loud right now and there is a duet with Mokey and Gobo that sounds just like Meatloaf.

happy ending (working with fake fur part II)

The fur was much better to work with this time. I had this lovely very lightweight wool sweater passed on to me and the lines were so nice. Super long ribbing made it quite awesome. However, it was crazy tight, see-through, and a turtleneck—all issues for me.

I cut it up the middle, finished the edge with a rolled hem on the serger, and sewed on a fake fur collar. (Sorry about the jammie pants there, what can you do? It was in the morning.)

 

I really dig the way the turtle neck flops over now.

So, this fake fur trim was purchased. I could have made it myself. it's just a strip of fur folded in half and serged, but buying a fake fur this cool is kind of expensive, and this trim was already made—so there you go. I got it at Mill End Store here in town. It was about $5 a yard, so not cheap, but I only needed a yard, less than that actually, so it was still a great deal. I think this is my favorite re-fashioned sweater yet.

Thanks for all the blog b-day love! I have nothing interesting to report today. I got my haircut and it was flat ironed, which I always find thrilling/creepy. I got some new shoes (in the teal color). They are perfect and I love them to bits. I can't finish Outlander. I'm just not swept up in it. I think I need to take a break. I'm more than half-way through, but it's not sustaining me right now. Harem pants are a horrible thing (even through I like Free People)—and I totally am tucking in my blouses now, (librarian chic) after saying in a video no less, that I would never do that. So I am a big hypocrite.

snow tomten (working with fake fur part I)

 

This is the snow tomten. He (the only male character Delia plays) is wearing a fur capelet and a fur hat, as you can see. The fur was kind of disastrous to work with. It's been over a month now since I made this outfit, so the fur particles floating in the air and on every surface in the sewing room are finally gone, but I am still a little traumatized. I serged all this because hemming wasn't a great option. It all turned out fine, but again, working with the stuff wasn't fun. Having said that, I worked with fake fur again recently because I felt compelled to—being on this furry/black forest/pelt kick this winter.

The hat. You can see how I finished the capelet collar there, just a serged edge, which was much easier than trying to make a lining. I found many tips online for sewing with fake fur, all of which I read and then promptly ignored. If I hadn't, it might have made this project less swear-y, but I don't know how I could have avoided the fibers getting in my nose, which was the worst part.

No patterns here, which was fine for the capelet. That was just a circle cut up one side and then adjusted. But the hat was a bit harder to make up as I went, especially in fur. This was hat attempt #3.

And from someone very special—the tomten now has keys! The tomten whispers a very gruff "thank you" and goes back to his barn/cave.

happy presidents' day

photo from hand over fist

I am so in love with these bandanas from hand over fist. They are hand drawn by Marissa Corwin and printed in Brooklyn.

photo from hand over fist

photo from hand over fist
 

I am showing my underwear, again.

 

So, I made this sleep set and am now kind of obsessed with sewing my own undergarments. This is cotton jersey with just a wee it of stretch, like 10% Lycra, I'd say. It's a bit thicker then the standard underwear jersey, which is nice.

 

I made this pair in a boy-short style. I used a pair of undies that fit me well as a pattern. Then, after really looking closely at how these types of items are made (from my own dresser and in shops) I sewed these with some stretch lace. I still love FOE, but I think stretch lace is now my new best friend. I am fickle.

Here's the camisole with a bit of sassy ruching. Again, no pattern, I just used what I had in my dresser drawer as a guide. The stretch lace makes the straps. Easy as pie. Even easier, actually.

Okay, I could write a flippin' book about how fun this is. I can't stop. Here are some things I want to mention before I forget.

• Please just take a favorite pair of underwear out of your drawer and copy it. It will fit you much better than any pattern you might purchase.
• I have used t-shirts for this type of thing and will show them soon.
• I got all my stretch lace here and they shipped it out super fast.
• To avoid a lot of swearing, please read this book on sewing with knits. It's easy, but not if you make it up as you go. For these, I use a straight stitch on the side seams (where it shouldn't stretch) and a small zigzag over the lace around the leg openings and waist, where it needs to stretch. The edges are raw and they don't fray, because it's a knit. I don't pull the lace as I stitch it on, just let it lay flat.
• A serger is absolutely not needed to make these. In fact, I barely used mine and when I did, it was just to make it neater inside, I still reinforced with a normal stitch.
• I have learned all these tricks for making these (especially for all the different ways to make the cotton lined gusset) and am continually learning more—I'm thinking about a video tutorial for a basic how-to.
• I want to get some nicer fabrics for another set and try a different cut of knickers. The stretch lace is great with knits, but I have also purchased stronger lingerie elastic to use with silks and wovens.

More soon on all this stuff, but dang—where have I been? Not sure why it took me so long to try this type of garment sewing. I want to try a bunch of different styles and items, like robes, high-waisted vintage style undies, and all that. And bloomers. Don't be scared. Cute ones, not Little Bo Peep ones. Anyhow, with prices what they are for this stuff (when it's well made, out of nice fabrics, not the cheap-o stuff) sewing it is a fraction of the cost. I think this set was less than $4 to make, actually. I have been in a few of the really nice lingerie shops here in Portland lately getting inspiration and they have such amazing collections. But, for real, there's no way I am paying $75 for a non-functional bra. But, hey, I'l sew one for sure!

dress + scissors = sweater & scarf

This cashmere sweater dress was just too short, but it was too flippin' cute to give up on. I stared at this dress for so long before I decided how to re-fashion it. I am always tempted to go crazy with details and adding trim, etc. but realized the simple solution was the best here—plain ol' scissors.

 

I cut off the bottom and it is now my favorite sweater.

 

Much better.

 

And the part I cut off is now wrapped around my neck pretty much 24/7—it's the perfect scarf. I finished the short ends of the scarf with a rolled edge on the serger, but realized I didn't really need to, so the long side I let roll onto itself. It's so warm and cozy. It's even warmer when I wear it with a shirt. I realize I am sort of in my PJ's here—long story.

Here's a detail of how I finished the edge of the sweater—a 3-thread rolled edge on the serger.

Hey blogliners—I have a new banner up and some new links, just so you know.

re-fashioned small style

I recently was the recipient of some clothing castaways. It's always more fun re-fashioning other people's clothes, or thrifted clothes, than clothes from my own closet, I think. I take more risks and am much more ruthless with the scissors. Free is such a good price. This top, (quite cute as-is) was commandeered by Miss D-

 

A short sleeve jumper appeared in its place-

And the sleeves turned into leg-warmers. She loves it, as do I. I am so digging this rag-tag-box-car-kid style. Here's the list of alterations, which may not be that helpful, because it really just only makes sense to make the decisions as you sew when doing this type of thing. That, and try it on about 100 times.

• The front was stitched up, making the cardigan a dress
• The sleeves removed, and made thinner, creating leg warmers
• The buttons shifted and were reinforced
• There is a new large box pleat in the back, taking up some girth
• The shoulder seams were raised.

Most of the edges are serged with a 3 thread rolled hem, but some edges are raw and look fine that way. I used a large zig-zag when I stitched up the cardigan. It was a collaborative effort, with lots of opinions thrown in by the 4-year old. Thank you so much miss black apple!

And wow, the alarm clocks! Who knew you all had so much experience with the moonglow? So, I lost the auction—curses. I will keep looking and there will be another round of this, I will not be beaten.

The Tomten—for real

The Tomten outfit Sadie and I made for Delia for Winter Solstice was a huge hit. HUGE. Two nights ago, when Delia wore it all to bed (the whole outfit) she woke up twice, hysterical, because her beard had come off. Here's a drawing of all the pieces. I have not found suitable keys yet, but they appear in the book below, and they look cute in the illustration, so I added them in. This outfit is based on the book combined with the ornament in this post. I got smart and made sure the whole costume worked over the red nightgown I was sewing for her gift anyway.

Some specs:

• The hat is soft fleece. I didn't finish the seams or anything, just made a wide cone and stitched it up. The pattern came with the nightgown pattern below, which was so convenient.
• The smock is felt and made from an enlargement of the smock pattern in my book. To make it look like a pine cone, I cut out strips of scallops and stitched them on (actually Sadie did.) It just ties in the back.
• The beard is one layer of cotton quilt batting with elastic sewn on.
• The keys don't exist, but should, so I am looking.
• The slippers are the classic ballet leather ones.
• The red nightgown is a simple pull over in red mini-corduroy made from McCall's 5510. I love this very versatile pattern. It's great for dresses, nightgowns, and costumes—super easy and fast.

The Tomten says in character all day. She is quite solemn and a bit gruff, and it's all very very funny. She knows this, but won't crack a smile.

We got this surprise in the mail—The Tomten and the Fox book with no note or message. It was quite thrilling. We now know who sent it (thank you!) and love it so much. This whole Tomten business is so wonderful. I love the woodsy, natural, bearded little troll gig. There is a lot of princess love in this house and this is such a nice balance—you know what I mean.