Minoru, Take Two!:)

          Hello all!:) I've made a second version of Sewaholic's Minoru jacket pattern. I made my first version just after my son was born, and this time I'm carrying baby #2. I received some gorgeous bluish/purple cotton/polyester (I think!) blend fabric from a lady who recently gave up sewing. As soon as I laid eyes on it, I had the urge to make a jacket with it:) I knew with the cold weather on its way, not to mention my expanding waistline, I wasn't going to have much time to wear it but considering how much time goes into a jacket, it was probably a good idea to make it while the desire was there!:) I'm due early April, so it'll be good timing to wear my jacket then!;)

*Sigh*, my camera is still out of commission, so iPad photos it is again!

    Can I just say how much I adore this lining!?:) I love the gorgeous floral print! I actually interlined the lining, since it's a somewhat delicate silk/cotton blend fabric and I wanted to make sure it was strong. For the sleeves, I used a silver polyester or bemberg (not sure, it was from my stash and I just know that it's slippery!).

     


       I used a white/silver metal zippers and added front pocket exposed zippers as well. I found a video showing how to shorten a metal zipper, since I had to shorten all four! Pretty easy actually, you just need a pair of pliers and new top stops (don't frustrate yourself trying to reuse the old top stop!) Video here. I did have some photos on my good camera but they got lost:(

   I shortened the zipper pockets a bit too much I think!:( They're manageable, my hand fits, but it's a little snug. Note: don't get carried away shortening zippers next time!;) At least I have a spot for keys now!

    I wanted this jacket to be more fitted than the last version so I used a size 4 up top and 0 for hips. Size 6 up top probably would've been better, but this is alright!

   I made the hood 3 piece like last time, and cut the smallest size hood as well. I like the extra shaping it provides. Next time I make this jacket I'll interface the zipper window area on the collar.

   I shortened the collar by 1" since its rather high as-is.

I **looove* this lining!!!:) My iPad photos don't do it justice!:)

 

 

I really like my new jacket:) I look forward to wearing it next Spring! Til next time!:)

Pretty in Pink:)

     "Even the darkness is not dark to You, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well."

Psalm 139:12-14

   Hello all!:) I've been having issues lately with my camera/card/card reader (something's not working!). Ugh, anyway, my sister came over yesterday and took some photos with my iPad (whatever works right?). Since I've blogged last, my husband and I have announced baby #2 to all of our family and friends!:) I'm about four months along now and baby is sure starting to show!:) I have a few projects in mind (I must be a stylish momma!;)

      This sweater dress is a modified version of McCalls 7061. I wanted a less casual look & I didn't have to change much. I left off the front pocket, sleeve cuffs and hem band, and also the buttonholes off the cowl neck. I took the dress in on the sides to make it more figure-hugging, but I wish I would have given myself a bit more room. The fabric is not very stretchy, so I likely won't be able to wear it for more than a couple months more:p Oh well, I'll just have to make another one!;) Ha! Plus I'll be able to wear it next Fall when I'm not with child;)

These little gourds are so cute! I prefer calling them "baby pumpkins":)

 

    The dress on the left is view "D" which is what I used. I extended the sleeve length a bit, a couple inches (I think). I didn't have to add any length to the dress though, it was long enough since I wanted to pair it with leggings anyway.

   I would like to make view "B" on the right, but with a straight hem.

   I cut a size Small, which was good for me.  I sewed the sleeves in flat so I could adjust the side seams as necessary. As I stated above, I took in the side seams but I had to use a smaller seam allowance for the sleeves as I found them a bit snug. Glad I basted the side seams first!:)

   The fabric is a pink mix sweater knit from Fabricville. It looks like fleece on the inside and sweater knit on the outside. It has a slight width-wise stretch and is pretty firm and stable. They had many more colours but I decided on the pink;)

I made it with the intent of participating in the "Sweater Knit" contest on PatternReveiw.com, but my boy got sick, I got sick, Dan got sick, etc! Wasn't in the mood for photos/blogging:p

   I recently finished my second Minoru jacket, so that will be the subject of my next post.
Stay tuned!:)

Thanksgiving weekend with Butterick 4789:)

 "It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night.."  Psalm 92:1-2

     Hello sewing (and non-sewing) friends;)! This past Thanksgiving weekend we attended my cousin's wedding. It was really nice, not only to be able to share that special event with her, but also to see many of my aunts, uncles & cousins on my mom's side (I have a lot).

Sorry for the bad quality iPhone photo! I did take some nice photos with my good camera but my memory card reader died this morning so I couldn't get any photos off it!:(

     I wore this twist-front dress that I had actually made some time ago. I wasn't very excited about it at the time to be perfectly honest. I didn't even do up a review on P.R! I plan to do up one after doing this blog post however;) It's Butterick 4789, and unfortunately, it's out of print. McCalls has a version as well (although I didn't check to see if it was out of print, I bought it a long time ago). I had both at the time I made my version, but I chose the Butterick because of the cap sleeves and it was said to be more fitted in the back because of the darts.

    The fabric is from Fabricville of course. It's a polyester/spandex (my favourite for dresses & it travels so well!). My sister described the print as "earthy". Ha. I never thought of it like that, but looking at the colours, I can definitely see why she'd say that; white, black, brown, green, beige, yeah I guess that's pretty "earthy!":)

Back

 

       I had Dan take a bunch of photos but I wasn't happy with most of them. I got him to take some photos after the wedding, but it was FREEZING outside, so we only took a few before I had enough! There were a few indoor photos but I didn't like them (not Dan's fault, I didn't think I was very photogenic). Bah. I guess this is just a reminder for next time, to make sure I get way more than I think I'll need.

     Next up will be my next Minoru Jacket!!!:D I have to fix the hem and then get my wonderful husband to take dozens of photos for me!;) Til next time!
   

70's Vibe Summer Maxi:)

"They (Jesus and His disciples) came to Capernaum. When He was in the house, He asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road? But they all kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."
He took a little child and had him stand among them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me but the one who sent Me.

      Mark 9:33-37

 
      Well, I think it has a 70's vibe;) I think this is the first maxi dress I've ever owned, let alone made myself! I typically shy away from long skirts & dresses, usually preferring shorter and more fitted looks. I found myself drawn to this pattern after seeing some versions on patternreview.com. Even after making it I wasn't sure how much I liked the long length and full skirt but after wearing it last evening it's grown on me!:)

 

     The fabric is a rayon challis that has been in my stash since *forever*! *Forever*, meaning its one of the first length of fabrics I've ever purchased! I got it at one of Fabricville's buy one get two metres free sales. I bought three metres of this beautiful hawaiian print fabric and every so often I would just take it out and admire it (you sewers know what I'm talking about!;). I figure it was high time I used it.

 



   This is the pattern I used. I would like the make view A at some point as well. Either maxi-length or knee length with a straight hem, that's just my preference.

The pattern includes pockets but I didn't add them. I'll probably include them if I tackle another one!:)

I wanted to have a straight hem, so I added length in the front and took off a few inches from the back, 3 or 4" since I'm 5'2"&  drew a new hem line.


 

    I feel very feminine in this dress:) I love how long and flowy it is! I cut a size small, but I think I could have gone with an xsmall. I found the top a bit too billowy and tried to take in the sides a bit. I think if I ever made it again, I would cut the bodice to be more at waist level. I have to adjust the straps, they're a bit too long, they keep wanting to slide off my shoulders!:p I tacked the straps together at a couple of places otherwise they would slide around a bit too much. I did find the v-neck a bit low, but raising the straps helped.

 Happy sewing all! I hope you're all enjoying your summer!:)

McCalls 5400, Retro-Inspired Swimwear:)

"Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints."

Jude 1:3

   Hello all!:) Sewing has taken somewhat of a backseat the past couple of months since we've been busy with packing/moving/unpacking. Thankfully, we're finally settled in and I'm now able to resume making stuff!

      My lovely sister, Rachel, requested a modest, yet stylish,  swimsuit some time ago, so that was first on my list! I made a modified view of McCalls 5400. She lives a few hours away, so I made a wearable muslin with this pretty floral nylon/lycra I've had in my stash for sometime now. She said the suit fit "like a glove", which I was happy to hear since I only had measurements to go by! I've since made her a lilac version, which I will write about once I get photos!:)

Reviewed on PatternReview.com here.

 

    This suit, made by Rey Swimwear, was the inspiration suit Rachel sent me that she liked. I used it as a guide, taking the more prominent features that I thought Rachel would want. Such being: thick halter straps that tied behind the neck, gathered bust & circle skirt.

 


     This white suit is view E of McCalls 5400. I used the top for my version, modifying the pattern pieces to add a circle skirt and cutting the strap pieces as wide as the middle tie piece to make them a bit thicker.

 

     

  I left the circle skirt un-hemmed. I inserted bra cups for a little added oomph!;) The pattern doesn't include instructions to add them, so I just did my own thing, pretty much just tacking them in.

      I wish I had used a thinner lining fabric, as mine caused a bit too much bulkiness and was hard to topstitch in areas. Oh well! Turned out fine I think!

       

           

   

  Modest, yet stylish! Who says it has to be "itsy bitsy"?;) Til next time sewing friends! Hopefully I'll have another post soon!:) I trust everyone is enjoying their summer! xo
 

 
































     





 

Frozen Fever, DIY skirt & Barbie dress:)

         Hello all!:) Can I just say how much I enjoy Pinterest?! Lots of inspiration and diy projects. My most recent make has been this flat-front elastic waist skirt from Jaime @ Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom:) I won't go into depth, as her tutorial is fantastic! Very easy. I spent extra time finishing the seams and making it look not too "homemade" it was made as a gift for a friends daughter. She was having a "Frozen" theme Birthday party so I thought this combination would be fitting!:)

       The front skirt piece is gathered to fit the front waistband. Jaime used a corduroy for the main skirt piece of her tutorial. Since I used a cotton, I interlined the front waistband with another piece of cotton cut on the lengthwise grain. Not sure if it was necessary but thought it would be a good idea to give it a bit more stability. The "Frozen" cotton is from Fabricville:) It was on sale too, yay!

        The back waistband has elastic that forms gathers in the back. For the contrasting bottom band, I used a wine coloured "bottom-weight" fabric which was also on sale! I thought the colour coordinated perfectly, and it was good quality fabric. One of the sales associates was very helpful, she suggested that particular colour and the ric-rac trim. Fabricville is definitely my favourite store!:)

       This skirt was such an easy project and I think it looks rather good if I do say so myself!:) It was nice & low stress!  I'll keep this project in mind for future skirts for my nieces. They love frilly, girly things!;)

With some of the leftover scraps I made a matching dress for Barbie! I thought it would be a cute addition to the gift.

     I used the basic bodice pattern from janelwashere.com with a gathered rectangle of fabric (about 12" wide and 6" long). I added a bottom band to her skirt as well. Velcro is used for the back closure.



      I'm sure enjoying sewing for Barbie these days. Stay tuned for more;)

   















 

Well, here's the skirt once more. I seem to always be making things last minute, especially around Christmastime! This skirt however, was made over two weeks in advance! Wow, that never happens!

Happy sewing all!:)