Mason shirt!

Sooooo there's this story.  I ordered a box of fabric from a new to me online fabric company.  I got some things I liked, some new fabrics to try, and 1 yard of "Mason" to make Lyrick some leggings. ONE yard.  JUUUUUST enough for her leggings.  But that's fine.  I don't wear animal print.  Not my style but I know she can rock it.  Then it came in.  And OMG I decide I DO like animal print and I HAD to have something with it.  Problem - I already told Lyrick it was for her....and she is attached.

So I started brain storming....I had gotten a tester piece of mason which means at one end there was a 5 inch circle cut from the fabric....which in turn means that I have a yard and 5 inches of this fabric around that hole. Then went to Hobby Lobby.  There I bought several yards of plain black ponte - not the exact same fabric but similar weight and drape and stretch.

I was very thankful for my big cutting board all spread out on my big cutting table (aka ping pong table) and I laid out the pieces I wanted in the Mason for BOTH my project and Lyrick's leggings.  And then I laid out the rest I needed on the black....colorblocking for the win!

And because its still hot and Lyrick can't wear her leggings yet....she has to wait.  But I stitched mine up.  And it is my new favorite shirt. I've worn it twice in the last week and gotten so many compliments every time.  I'm glad I wear animal print now.   :)

The pants are also made by me. But I'll talk about those in another post.  They have been an adventure.  

Upcoming Sewing Projects

I've not sewn for a while.  We were out of town over the weekend.

I have a notebook.  Of course I do.  Each project I want to work on has a page.  I take notes on my finished things so I can easily find things I liked and didn't like and make future plans with less "research" required.

New yummy fabric from Amelia Lane Designs.  All new to me bases!!  I'm excited to check this out!  And have plans for all of it.  I'll talk about it soon.  

  But right here....is my list of plans for the next few weeks.  If I get my way, I"ll sew 2 afternoons a week and knock this out pretty quickly.  I doubt I get my way though.    My reasonable goal is 1 project weekly....or duplicates of one pattern (Lyrick needs several pairs of leggings and once I get the pattern fitted correctly-I can whip several out at once).  Anyway....here is my list!

COMPANY--PATTERN NAME

I already own the following patterns and have fabric for them (either for a muslin or for the real deal depending on how risky I feel)

George & Ginger -- Monna hoodie (the top 2 fabrics in the above photo)

George & Ginger -- Tie me up belt

George & Ginger --  Batty Tunic

Ellie & Mac -- Travelers Tunic

Love Notions -- Sabrina Slims (the navy plaid above)

Sinclair - JJ Knit Joggers

Apostrophe Patterns -- My Fit leggings relaxed (for Lyrick) (the animal print abov- after a muslin)

Apostrophe Patterns -- My Fit leggings snug (For me) (the teal above) 

Rad patterns -- Resistance Motos

Sinclair -- Prani Skirt

I have either already made a muslin and am ready for the real deal or need to buy something to make the next few patterns.  

Sinclair -- Laura  --  Lallybroch panel/Jamie's tartan
Sitch Upon a Time -- Merryweather -- white athletic (Need to buy the fabric)
Hey June -- Bryce Cargo Pants (need to buy pattern and fabric)


I thought about linking all these pattern companies....but deciding to link to my pinterest board where I drop links to all the patterns that I own....you can find all these and more there.  

Sinclair Harper Cardigan

Pattern: Harper Cardigan
Designer: Sinclair Patterns
Size: US 10 Petite

Materials:  White with silver dots.  Mystery Knit from Hobby Lobby

I consider this a successful, wearable muslin or toile, which is fancy seamstress speak for "I wanted to practice and make sure this is gonna fit me before I use favorite fabric"  :) 

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I like this pattern as far as a basic cardian with pockets goes.  It fits well.  I had a little trouble adding the pockets and they still don't lay perfectly but they are fine.  The petite size is SO nice (It also comes in regular and tall).  Im not a huge fan of white with silver dots but I'll wear it.  I will definitely make it again. 

Finished Object Friday!

One of the things I've been hoping to do with some free time is spend more time sewing.  I'm hoping that each friday I have one "Finished object" to share.  Im typing this ON friday but the project has been done for a week....my phone (with the photos) and the blog were not cooperating.  But I fixed that last night.  so here we go! 

I bought the floral (Scottish Thistle) fabric from an Outlander pre-order with Shear Madness Fabrics.  I intended to make a shirt with it but the longer we chatted the more it asked to be a skirt.  This skirt pattern is the "mama chloe" skirt from Made for Mermaids.  I widened the bottom to the full width I could get out of the fabric.  It has a 3 inch waistband made from black athletic fabric.  It is comfortable and casual enough to wear every day but the fabric is so awesome that I think it will dress up well too. 

I'll be honest though....I don't love the skirt. I don't think I'll rush to make another one...I'm sure I won't. I chose this one because I bought 1 yard of this for a short sleeve shirt and skirts typically require more than that.  The mama chloe in my size can be made with a single yard.   I have been waiting to cut into this fabric I love for MONTHS and ONE day after I made this I found a skirt pattern I like the looks of much more.  It is fine though. 

The top is made with some fabric I've had in my stash for ages and I don't have any idea what it is....or where it came from.  My guess is the walmart clearance rack.  I snag $1/yd fabric there to use as muslin or practice goes at new patterns.  But the blue perfectly matches the skirt so I decided to jut roll with it.  I made the Halla Slim Dolman with short, banded sleeve, a high neckline, and a banded waist- regular length.  I am short.  For true regular length I would have to shorten the bodice by several inches.  I LOVE THIS SHIRT!  Honestly, had I made it before the skirt....I think the thistle fabric would have been this shirt.  I'll be making many more of these!  :D  Dolman sleeves go together so quick and easy.  Because I chose a high neckline the front and back are the same pattern piece so technically you could use a solid on one side and a print on the other and have a reversible shirt (which would be great during cardigan season or for travel to cardigan weather destinations  - like Scotland).  Even without a cardigan that would be a fun and interesting detail!  It is easy to wear out and flowing but also tucked nicely into the skirt in this thin fabric  It is a pattern winner!!!

My mannekin is smaller than me so the fit isn't great but this shows the top pattern much better.  

Top and Skirt made by me and ready for a morning at church.

So there it is....finished object friday.  I currently have 3 patterns ready to be taped and cut so I can sew them.  But I've also got several batches of jam to can so I'm not sure when I'm going to sleep, er, sew.  Happy Friday!!!!

Eat Well, Create Much, Travel Often! 

New Favorite Shirt!

Last February, for the first time, I got "in on a pre-order" of Outlander inspired/theme fabric.  It came sometime in May.  I prewashed it, petted it, carefully stored it and have been SO terrified of cutting into it.  I've got 2 tshirt panels and 4 different coordinating fabrics.  And its stupid to leave it all in a box cause I'm too scared to cut it.  But I LOVE it!  It has so much potential.  But once I make the first cut,  there is no more potential.  It will either be awesome in what I create.  Or be ruined! 

I've done several "practice" tshirts in cheap fabric to find the perfect shirt.  And wasn't overly happy about any of them.  I didn't dislike any of them...but none of them were perfect.  Then I cleaned out my closet and found a shirt I made a couple winters ago that I really like.  It is a turtleneck and 3/4 sleeves so I've not worn it for a while.  

The Merryweather by Stitch Upon a Time has 3 neck options, 3 sleeve length options, a fitted or loose fit option and has some color blocking options built into the pattern.  I decided to stop playing around.  Take a deep breath and make my new favorite shirt.  For the bamboo lycra of the panel (and accent fabric) I decided for a scoop neck, short sleeves and the looser fit.  

And I dove right in....except....

See those white triangles sticking out....yeah, my panel isn't big enough for the pattern piece.

So I did some creative hacking up of the pattern.  Remember you have to add a seam allowance on both sides of any new cuts. when you cut your fabric.

I did it!  I cut the fabric!  

Added the extra strips in a coordinating fabric to create the complete front piece.  

I'm never very good at modeled photos.  But here is the finished shirt. 
It fits perfectly and the fabric is dreamy!  

Sewing Studio!

This summer I decided to take over the bonus room above our detached garage.  I cleaned, we got a window air conditioner, and I painted the subfloor.  I wanted a usable space on the cheap! And now I have a sewing studio.

It has made all the difference and I'm sewing more.  INstead of having to spread everything all over my kitchen and dining room....and quit and clean up even if a project is unfinished. I can go out, listen to an audiobook, and sew while I have time.  And either finish or not finish. 

"Sew-phia" is my bust.  Unfortunately, we are not the same size but I can at least use her for hemming and displaying.  I also am excited to use the mood board to plan out possible projects and plans.  

My sewing desk is HUGE.  12 feet long.  and I love every inch of it!  :D

This cabinet came out of an old house....and then out of the boys bathroom where it just collected crap.  It is perfect for notions and random things.  And it matches.  I want to make the sewing machine in the corner for twin needles but I can't find the power cord so its in time out for the moment.  

My cutting mat is sad but I'm saving up for a big one....or 2 big ones to put together.  :D

Since my room is finished, I've sorted through all my fabric and am working on finding the perfect "t-shirt."  I have some "Outlander" fabric that I plan to do shirts with but am totally stressed about cutting into....it NEEEEEEDS to be perfect.  I think I have enough for 2 tshirts, a skirt/bottoms, and a cardigan. (tshirt panels, coordinates, and a "Jamie's tartan).I'm probably going to be running a lot of "muslins" through to find the perfect thing for all of them. Cause seriously PERFECTION is my goal!  HA!  But first narrowing down to the perfect t-shirt.  I've got at least one more to try.  I'm getting closer every time. 

A friend encouraged me to blog about my projects and travel plans and things.  So I'm gonna try.  I am not a photographer.  I am awkward in pictures.  And sometimes its hard to write well.  I feel like what I do isn't all that special but apparently, at least one person is interested.  (I'm not asking for compliments or followers or whatever but it just feels weird to write about things that are just what I do). 

So, that's my studio.  I love the quiet space to create that it gives me.  I hope to spend an afternoon or two out there each week during the school year....I have so many plans.  So.  many.  plans. 

Sewing Frenzy!

Realistically, I've been sewing a lot lately.  Purses and other things to try to sell to raise adoption money.  I have enjoyed that sewing and have helped add money to the savings account for adopting our little girl.

However, yesterday I decided I am tired of sewing because I have to.  I do not want to make another purse, or Christmas decoration, or whatever.  I enjoy sewing but I do not want to have a "job" sewing anymore.  So, I sewed something just for fun.  I found some online tutorials for things I'd like to make for myself but I didn't have the fabric to do those.  So I found some other tutorials online and made a few things for Baby Sister.  It was FUN!  It is hard sewing (or shopping for that matter) for her because we don't know in which season she will be joining our family...but I decided I don't really care.  I am going to make things that I feel like making.

These two projects were made from tutorials I found online.  The sleepsack comes from www.sewingmamas.com.  The booties are from  www.HELLOmynameisHeather.com

 
This is a sleep sack...think like a sleeping bag for babies.  It unzips all the way and the straps velcro up over baby's shoulders so after baby is asleep you can lay her down and not have to get arms in any holes.  She will still wear a sleeper...this is just the "blanket"

These are faux suede newborn booties.  The pink bows aren't yet attached and I think I found some that I like better.  I am not thrilled with the finishing around the top edge and am thinking about adding a decorative stitch up there.