A Guy's Bag

I spent yesterday making this toiletry bag for my brother, who's birthday is tomorrow.  I've been wanting to try some reverse applique with knits every since I first saw the Alabama Stitch Book, and it seemed like a great technique to try for a guy's gift.  I used the ideas from this book for inspiration, but I didn't use the exact same techniques as outlined in the book.

To begin with, I layered some white bottomweight fabric, green knit, and black knit.  I used a 12" x 20" piece of each, and serged the edges to hold everything together.

I then found the sections of the panel that would become each of the sides (based on this tutorial and the size I wanted the bag to end up).  In the photo below, I marked the center of the panel and then measured 2.5" out on each side.  That 5" section will be the bottom of the bag.

On the sections that would become the long sides of the bag, I traced a few hexagons with chalk.  I also pin basted around the hexagons to help stabilize everything as I hand embroidered.  I intentionally drew one of the hexagons so that it would wrap around the bottom of the bag a bit.

Once my patterns were marked and basted, I hand embroidered each hexagon using a backstitch with white #5 perle cotton.  When the embroidery was complete, I cut away the layers of knit to expose the other fabrics.  On 2 hexagons I only cut away the top black knit to expose the green.  For each of the other two I exposed the white bottom layer - one has a green border and the other was done by cutting away the black and green together so that only a bit of the green peeks through.

After my panel was complete I used the tutorial link above to finish off the bag.  Initially I wasn't going to line the bag, but I didn't want the embroidery stitches exposed for fear that they would wear.  I added some white kona for lining, and it seemed to work well.  For this bag and other small projects I think I will stick with just 1 layer of knit to reduce bulk.  But I really do love the effect of having the 2 colors of knit and the variety of ways to cut away the layers.

 

I hope he loves it.  Next I'd like to try this technique on a bag for myself.  I've got the fabric ready to go, but I haven't quite decided on a bag pattern or an embroidery pattern yet.

It must be genetic...

There are lots of ways that Addy reminds me that she really is a combination of myself and Matt.  Her not-so-subtle anal retentive tendencies are at the top of the list.  But this is the one that really melts my heart:

While I was visiting my sister last weekend, Matt took Addy out to some local garage sales.  For just 50 cents he scored this sewing machine for Addy!  He had to do a tiny bit of work to it, but it actually works!  And she *loves* it.  She asks me daily if we can "do our sewing".

Yep, she's my girl. :o)

Itsy bitsy cupcakes...and a skirt

Addy and I spent several hours last night working on cupcake bites.  I don't even remember how I stumbled on that blog, but I'm a huge sucker for anything miniaturized.  Food is no exception-though I really should try to limit my crafting to things that aren't consumed.  It sure would help keep me in check a bit more. :)

So, despite my growing list of unfinished projects, we decided to give these a try.  I'm pretty proud of the fact that A.) a few of my cupcake bites actually do look like tiny cupcakes, and B.) my almost-three-year-old and I both survived another joint baking effort without any emotional scarring.  Well, that we know of yet.  It was a lot of fun though, and Addy was a pretty fun baking companion.

Here are our "itsy bitsy" masterpieces (which sounds WAY cuter when spoken by a 2 year old!):

The directions are in the link above, so I won't include those here.  I will say, I got far more than 50 cupcake bites from 1 batch.  I think the mold that I used for the cupcake bottoms was smaller than the mold used in the link, but I just used what was available at Michael's.  I was able to use up all of the almond bark that I had laying around (yippee! less to move!).  But I ran out of the dark chocolate melts for the cupcake bottoms, so several of the cake balls were just rolled in colored almond bark.

The best part-not only are they adorable, but they are yummy too!  Luckily, I have several opportunities to share these with friends in the next few days. :)

Now on to that skirt...

I found this fabric at a local shop, and knew it would make a cute garment.  And as much as the bubble skirt fad has passed, that was still the project that I couldn't get off of my mind.  I'm not head-over-heels in love with the finished product, but it's cute enough.  And I did already get 1 compliment in it!

I used my body measurements to determine the size of the pieces to cut.  The waist was cut at 1.5x my measurement and gathered at the waistband.  The bottom of the skirt flared out to about 2x the diameter that I wanted, so that it would gather nicely.  I used a band of fabric at the bottom of the skirt to create the bubble effect, rather than lining the skirt.

This picture reminds me that Matt could really use some photog classes!  Maybe for Christmas. ;)

Spring top #2!

I got the idea for this top while I was sewing a pillowcase dress for Addy last week.  The fabric is from the apparel section at JoAnn Fabrics, purchased this spring.

I started with a simple rectangular shape.  Based on my measurements I took in the top some, curved the neckline a bit, and curved the openings for my arms.

Once I had the basic shape sewn, I tried the top on and marked where I wanted the shirring to begin.  I shirred a 3" band and trimmed the bottom of the shirt 2" from the shirring.  The rolled hem didn't look quite right to me, so I trimmed the bottom of the top to 1" from the shirring.  This time, after the rolled hem there was only a 1/2" below the shirring.  Perfect!

The last alteration that I made was to take in the sides of the top until I had a flattering fit.  I also changed out my original cream tie at the neckline for the floral tie shown in the pictures.  I'm so glad I did that!

I think this top will make a great pairing with my denim pencil skirt, which is probably the single most versatile piece in my spring/summer wardrobe. :)  Now I just need an occasion to wear it!

 

More girlie clothes!!

I have to admit, there's something so nice about the instant gratification of sewing clothing-especially for children!  I still love the entire process of creating a quilt, but I'm also very much enveloped in the world of sewing garments.

Here are a few more things that I've sewn up for Addy.  All of the clothes for Addy were made in a size 3T.  But don't ask me if she's big for her age, because I have no clue.  She's healthy, so she doesn't go to the dr often.  I don't own a scale, and getting an almost-three-year-old to stay still long enough to measure their height is impossible.  She'll be 3 at the end of June....so use your imagination. :)

 

Pattern here.

Pattern here.  This top turned out to be really big, so I think I'll stick it in the closet for next year.  It's always fun to find a fresh, handmade garment when I'm switching out the closets for a new season!

 

Pattern here.  I actually made this apron top last year, but it was big on Addy, so I put it away for this year.  It was a pleasant surprise when I found it in the closet this week! (Note: this may be a 2T?  I can't remember what size I made!)

I have 3 more dresses cut and ready to sew.  Maybe those will be on next week's to do list. ;)

Spring Top Week - Top #1!

I'm really excited for this event!  (Go here to learn more.)

The first top that I created was from the Spring Fling Make It Perfect pattern, size XS.  I typically wear a small/x-small, or pants 2-4.  This top fit really well without any major alterations.

The fabric is from Amy Butler's Midwest Modern line in the Ohio Star colorway.

The one adjustment that I made was to take in the bottom side seams a bit to create a smoother look.  I also left the sash off.  All in all, I'm really happy with this top and I think it will become a staple in my summer wardrobe!

I have a few ideas for drafting my own patterns.  The fabric is patiently waiting for me, but first I need to make a few muslin mock ups.  I hope to have them finished in time to enter!

Last week's "to do" list

I love to make lists.  At the beginning of the week, I usually make a mental or written "to do" list of things that I hope to finish by the end of the week.  Here's my list from last week:

Cut the red and white fabric for the Peek A Boo redwork quilt that I just finished embroidering

Finish piecing the strips for my sister's bed quilt (pattern here)

Finish 2 tops for Addy!  The second is actually a dress, but who's counting? ;)

(First pattern, no link for second pattern)

 

Yay!!  I'm well on my way to finishing up all of the clothes that I have cut and ready to sew for Ad's summer wardrobe!  More to come... ;)