Sewing

Sewing Fun

This will be a current and catch up sewing post. I realized that I never actually did a sewing review for the year. I’m sure I’ve missed things, but will try to update some of them as I find them. (Please excuse any sideways pictures. They look correct on my computer but weird in the library, so I have no idea if they are correct or not.)

I made this table runner for my Grandma in Law for Christmas. She collects Nutcrackers, so we thought it would be appropriate.

I also made a star suit by accident. 🙂 I made these jogger pants from this lovely french terry. The pattern is a modified version of the Linen Loungers. I just slimmed down the bottoms of the legs. Sadly, I’ve worn them so often that some of the stars have started to wear off.

I wear them multiple times a week for pjs. I didn’t think I would like jogger style pants, which are gathered around the ankles, but it turns out I love them. They are definitly lounge pants or pjs though. I wouldn’t wear them out in public, but they are lovely to put on after work. I made a bright pink pair too, but I don’t have a picture of them, as they are currently being worn.

There was enough of the fabric left over to try out a new pattern for a basic t shirt. This one is the Sweet Tee from Patterns for Pirates. It was a little tighter than I expected, but looks lovely with a cardigan.

It has stars too, so obviously my favorite.

I have made a couple more versions of the Sweet Tee. I made a brushed waffle knit sleep shirt, which I made longer and a little bigger. It is currently in the wash, so no pictures yet. It’s lovely and snuggly. The neckline went wonky on me, because it was too big, but it was just a sleep shirt, so I haven’t fixed it yet.

This version was made specially for Chinese New Year. I wore it today and it was very fun. I plan to wear it for our Chinese New Year party too.

Batch cutting has been helpful in making me actually do the projects I say I will do, although it depends on what color thread I have in my machine generally. I have three pairs of leggings waiting to be sewn because I have white on the machine and not black.

Fancy was my fabric inspector while I was trying to make these leggings, which were part of the batch. I couldn’t resist the dinosaurs and I have see a bunch of little kids who adore dinosaurs. Obviously, I needed the leggings. 🙂 The Husband just rolled his eyes at me.

Speaking of the office, I made another batch of doll clothes and it was requested that my doll have a friend and then would need a big enough wardrobe to share with said friend. 🙂

Simple Tee from Ellie and Mac Patterns
Paige from Made for Mermaids
Patterns for Pirates Bonny Skirt and leggings-galaxy and grey, CKC Emmalyn Cardigan- pandas and black, Made for Mermaids Cora Coulettes- purple and grey

Pajamas and dance leotards have also been requested. Apparently my doll’s wardrobe is still lacking a few essentials. Oh, and a doll nail salon? Who knew?

This fleece is a Relaxed Raglan from Patterns for Pirates. It’s super warm for my crafting and sewing downstairs. Or for the polar vortex anytime!

I made it a size or so bigger in case the fleece wasn’t as stretchy, but I could have sized down, I think. It’s tunic length so my rear will stay warm. I realized after I had sewn one sleeve in that I had accidently cut it out upside down. I didn’t think it was directional, but when I put it on, all my sewing supplies were upside down! Whoops! Again, not going to be out of the house, so I’ll just laugh a little and wear it anyway.

This shirt was made right before it got super cold, so I have only worn it once, but it’s really comfy. It’s a shortened Agnes Tunic from Halla Patterns.

So that’s what I’ve been up to sewing wise. I cleaned out a bunch of clothes that didn’t fit and have two and a half boxes to take to the thrift store. It feels good to be able to pare things down, but makes me realize that I have a few holes in my wardrobe. I need a plain grey cardigan, a few more solid color t-shirts, comfy underthings, which won’t get posted, and some solid color and printed dresses. Knit dresses are lovely things. Especially with pockets!

This dog of mine has stolen my pillow in an effort to tell me it’s bedtime, so I need to take my spot back.

It’s supposed to be super icy tomorrow morning, so I may have some extra time to sew! Hopefully everyone stays safe on the roads though.

Have a great night!

Crafty

Cozy Sewing

We couldn’t take it! We had to turn on the heat. Fancy, as you can tell, was extremely happy. She’s currently snuggled on her fleece on the couch.

I love fall, but forget that about this time of year, I start to freeze. This continues until Spring. I wear two pairs of socks, sweaters, my Jayne hat, blankets as skirts, and wraps around the house. It’s not like we keep it that cold, I just can’t warm up when I get chilly. Fancy will only go out in her fleece when it starts to be 30 or under.

Being cold made me sew a pair of flamingo pj pants that have been in my U.F.O box for a while. I used a striped knit for a waistband and cuffs. I think they are adorable. It’s disguised flamingos in bowler hats, what could be cuter? They are very comfy and warm and I fixed the weird crotch pulling that happened with my last pair by actually following directions! Well, understanding them finally.

I also finished this cute elephant bag. I saw these two fabrics as remnants and they wanted to be together. Who am I to resist what fabric wants? 🙂

It has six outside pockets and three inside. It also has a recessed zipper. It is huge and I love it. Working on it soothed my soul after a couple of hard days at work. It also reminded me how to put in a recessed zipper, so I can add it to my bags for Etsy.

We also organized the pantry over the weekend and some of the closets.

We’re trying to decide how we want to finish the basement. The inner walls are covered in a veneer that isn’t even tacked on. You can’t see it much in the pictures, but the built-in shelves were not put in correctly, so it looks alarmingly like they are tipping forward. Those will come out and metal shelves will be put in instead.

We’ve learned to concentrate on just one area, rather than try to do it all. Being a homeowner can be a little overwhelming, especially when there is a lot to fix or change.

Fancy is teaching us the importance of play even when having work to get done. She’s a silly dog. She fits right in. 🙂

We tried to dress her up as a panda for tonight, but she tried to eat her costume. My sister-in-law sent us the costume and we were hoping it would be nice, but she was too focused on playing with it. Maybe we’ll stick to sweaters and capes for her.

Now I have to go walk her before we’re besieged with Trick or Treaters! Have a Happy Halloween!