Sewing: Patricia Cowl

Long story short, it's been a long time since I've made a "finished object" of any sort, and I wanted to whip up something to re-inspire myself.

Enter the "patricia" cowl, pattern found here

The pattern is part of the "Fat Quarter Gang" collection

written by Shannon of  Very Shannon.

I made it out of some random shirting fabric I had in my stash.

It has weird dimensions and a twist in the loop both attributed to

S.W.M.B (sewing with mommy brain).

I still love how it turned out.

Boy I strongly dislike taking pictures of myself. Awkward City.

But aint my new cowl purty.

I call it "pluffy" because...well, it was the first word that popped into my head when I put it on.

Noelle is a big fan.

making this cowl was a nice way to start off a much needed weekend.

Happy Friday everyone!

Saturday Sewing

Summer is finally here, and I finally had time to reunite with my Janome...

I had to literally dust her off poor thing.

Using Shannon's nifty FREE reversible project bag tutorial I finally made myself a project bag.

The pattern is so clearly written and was a great way to get my sewing legs back.

I used the same fabric for the whole bag, but I don't think it diminished the cuteness factor at all!

This random calico print reminds me of Little House on the Prairie.

Cute corners to help the bag stand up...

pinning, and sewing. I used to be lazy about this but the pinning is essential for a cleaner look.

This bag is such a great size, perfect for socks or bigger WIPs.

I used bias tape instead of cording. Need to find something a bit sturdier but this will do for now.

I'm so glad I dove back in!

Happy Weekend, y'all.

Ruffled - Day 5 and 6

KCWC Day 5 started off with a whole lot of seam ripping. I was determined to turn a never-worn pair of my shorts into a cute skirt for Noelle. FAIL.

Digging around in my stash I found this:

appa's old shirt. Big rip in the sleeve. Jackpot.

I used this tutorial: the ubiquitous Shirt Dress

and this pattern: Sweet Dress

For the ruffle I just cut a double length of stripey fabric and ruffled it up using the highest tension and basting stitch. Then I tacked it on. I left the edges raw on purpose because I prefer the unfinished look 

(plus the fluffiness covers up the less than perfect sewing...ha!)

Since I did the ruffle I nixed the elastic in the sleeves to complement the style. 

I also used the original hem of the dress. Easy peasy.

Waving to her loyal fans...

It's been a gloomy few days so it's difficult to get a proper picture.

I don't know how many shirt dresses I've made but this is the first time I combined patterns and it made me much more confident that it was going to turn out right. Ellie loves her new dress! 

This is my first KCWC and I'm learning so much. The Flickr pool is full of crazy inspiration! 

I miss my yarn, though...there. I said it. Can't wait to finish my last project so I can get back to my needles and fiber. 

The Third Day

I think I've spoken of my little problem before, but when it comes to crafting, I often can't stop working on something until I "get 'er done".
So, I finished her dress...

 pattern: Sweetheart Dress by Shannon of luvinthemommyhood

perfect for playing hide-and-go seek...

looking at the stars...

striking a pose...

and throwing a fit. ha!

I managed to wonkify the most special detail of the whole dress, so I had to "make it work".

Love the topstitching...

and looooooove that it's fully lined. No itchy seams! 

I was originally planning to make two of these dresses, but I just can't seem to bring myself to sew another one right away. That's not I rollz. 

So, the sewing plan for today is to create a simple skirt for Ellie using the leftover fabric. 

See you on on the other side!

On my way...

Check out my new lovely:

 Commuter Cowl pattern by luvinthemommyhood!

In keeping with the commuting theme I used cotton shirting for this cowl that reminded me of a train conductor uniform. I can't wait to experiment with more fabrics, definitely some brights. I also added an extra knot, because I like my cowls a little closer to my neck. 

While I was sewing this I thought of the countless hours I spent on the train, most recently when I was pregnant with Noelle and commuting to school and work in the city. As long (and painful, esp. as my due date came closer) as those hours were, I actually treasured that time to myself and my little bean, listening to my favorite music. I swear she got her groovy rhythm from the hours-long jam sessions on the train!

If you want to make one for yourself, here is the listing from Shannon's brand new Etsy shop. It's what all the Cool Moms are wearing for Spring!

arrrr, matey!

A while ago, my sister went to Japan and brought back all sorts of goodies, like pretty paper, washi tape, various hello kitty paraphernalia, and a few yards of Japanese cotton that she bought on the street:

Owls...

and skulls.

 

Less than a yard of each, just enough to make more simple skirts!

 

As usual, Ellie had to get in on the fun. You may recognize the orange skirt, I made it for Noelle eons ago.

*ding!* 

Springing Ahead

My goal for the weekend was to sew a simple project to get myself re-acquainted with my sewing machine.I I've been all about the yarn for months and months and have been neglecting it. Poor Janome.

Any-hoo, I decided to make a Simple Skirt. The pattern is by Dana of made. This pattern is a basic skirt pattern with many options, truly "the simplest skirt you will ever make", as she says.

I did modify it a bit. I did two layers and instead of folding both layers together at the top I created a casing by pulling the top layer up 2 inches, folding over and sewing it to the top of the inner layer. I also took the easy way out and used the selvedge edges so I could avoid hemming. Cheater's piping.Yay.  

Noelle loves her new skirt.

The perfect skirt for storytime...

or any time.

I should of taken photos of my sewing steps as I went along, but Noelle was cutting paper "cookies" and Ellie was napping, so I wanted to make sure I finished it before she woke up. I'll get there someday.

Nerds!

his nerdy man's shirt was reborn as an A-line, puff sleeved, be-ruffled dress for Noelle. The basic idea was from made, but with a few changes. I used the hem of the old sleeves and created a channel in the middle of the 1-inch hem to create a ruffly edge to the puff sleeve. For the ruffle I sewed three ironed strips of fabric together, hemmed the edges, gathered the ruffle and sewed it on the placket after removing the buttons. I was originally going to do big buttons but couldn't find enough matching ones in my stash. hee hee.

Grey Shirt Dress

Grey Shirt Dress with Yellow Flower. I used the shirt dress pattern from made using the Hub's old shirt. I originally wanted to do a ruffle collar but as I watched the pretty yellow strip of gathered fabric curl up it reminded me of a rolled rose crocheted strip and I decided to do a flower instead. I rolled up the gathered fabric and played with it until it suited me and then sewed it on with crochet thread. Sometimes I think I could make a flip book with Noelle's pictures...she's so animated...my super fun, super exhausting, always worth it, guffawing little firework...