Needle Felting Fun

We've been enjoying a really fun winter break.  It's been a lot of relaxing, staying in our pajamas and trying out some new crafts.  My daughter has been interested in learning about needle felting so we got some supplies and tried it out.

This is really fun activity for kids and adults.  Both my kids, age 8 and 6 were able to make some cute little shapes and had a lot of fun doing it.

 Here's what you'll need if you want to give it a try.  A foam block, needle felting tool, wool roving, and a cookie cutter for the shape.  We watched this video to get us started.  One word of caution, the needle felting tool is just that, it's a needle.  I was very nervous that the kids would poke themselves and reminded them constantly (much to their annoyance) to be careful.  In the end, the only one who poked themselves was me!  Go figure.

We attached metal rings to a few so we could use them as keyrings or backback charms.  They would also make really fun Valentine's gifts.

Once you get the hang of it, it's fun to experiment.  There are lots of videos and tutorials for endless fun!

Here's to a fun and crafty New Year!

Sweatshirt Dress for Me // My Creative Process

If you read my last post, you already know that I've put myself on a fabric buying freeze.  I've decided I have way too much fabric and I need to use some of it up before I'm allowed to buy anything new. 

I had the itch to sew something for myself and grabbed this green sweatshirt fleece off my shelf.  I have a few yards of this and it's the same fabric I used to make a cardigan for my son over 2 years ago!!

Right now I pretty much live in leggings, boots, and long sweaters or tunics.  This particular sweatshirt fleece has a super soft underside and much more stretch than is typical.  I contemplated making a Lola Tunic.  I have the pattern cut and ready to go, but it just isn't quite what I want.  It looks a little oversized in it's fit.  Which brings me to my "creative process".  I have trouble following patterns because I find myself wanting to go in my own direction.  Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't.

 image source

 I searched around and found this picture for my inspiration.  I think the result is not too far off, though I'm not sure my fabric drapes quite the same.  Here's what I did.

 I wanted the top to be fitted but also a little slouchy.  I grabbed a dolman style sweater and traced it for the top and sleeves. 

 For the skirt, I used my Dress Pockets Tutorial and Pattern.

 Because this fabric is kind of thick, I cut one of the pockets out of a lightweight knit to make it less bulky.

I also didn't want to topstitch the pocket opening, so  instead I understitched it.  If it's not a technique you're familiar with, there's a great tutorial and explanation here at Sewaholic.  The purpose is to keep a lining from peeking out without having to topstich.  Essentially you sew the seam allowance to the lining or in this case the pocket.  I'm not sure why it works, but it definitely holds the lining in.

Once I put the bodice and skirt together, I had to do A LOT of tweeking.  By the end of the night I was pretty sure my "creative process" had failed me.  I ended up having to add darts to the front and back and also took the sides in so much that the pockets openings are pretty tiny.  Good thing I have small hands, because they still fit in.

I topstitched a little triangle a the neck on the front, tried the dress on, and was pleasantly surprised.

 It's far from perfect.  The white thread from my serger (I always only use white because I hate changing the thread) peeks through in spots and some of the seams are a little wonky, but it's amazingly comfortable.

 And I kind of love this side view.

 I'm happy that so far I've managed to not buy new fabric and now have a new dress!  Win, win.

Getting Organized // New Clothing Labels

 Over Thanksgiving break, I took advantage of the extra time off and went through my fabric.  I folded and organized and put together a bag of fabric to donate to a friend's business.  I love to buy fabric and end of buying more than I actually use.  So I made a pledge to not buy any new fabric until I use a bunch of what I've already got.  Part of that means sewing up some items to sell in my etsy shop.

I did a few craft events in November and ended up feeling a little disappointed with how much stuff I didn't sell.  It's not really about the money for me, I have a full time job and don't think I'd enjoy sewing if I depended on it as my primary income.  What I do enjoy is making cute things for cute people, ie baby clothes!  My kids are getting old enough now that they are pickier about their clothes and truthfully, their clothes are big enough that it takes so much fabric to make something for them, it's cheaper to buy them things...  It's not always about saving money, but that's a whole separate post. 

 So, in an effort to use the fabric I have, I've been making lots of cute baby things that will be listed soon.  I've been wanting to make new labels for my baby clothes for a LONG time and finally took the time to do it.  I designed the label in Powerpoint so that when it's folded in half, one side has my shop name and the other has the size.

 I printed the labels on printable fabric, cut and ironed.  I think they are so cute and I'm really happy with the way they look sewn into the side seam of the baby clothing.

It's amazing how something so little can feel so satisfying!

Baby Cuteness // Lotta Jansdotter's Snuggler

All of a sudden, a number of people in my life are having babies, which has rekindled my interest in sewing for babies!  I happened across Lotta Jansdotter's Snuggler pattern, and oh my goodness, the cuteness is too much!  The pattern is a free download HERE.  Assembling the pattern is not at all intuitive, so I took a picture of mine assembled.  It might be helpful to see how it goes together, and note, there is quite a bit of overlap in the pieces.

If you're a regular reader, you know that I pretty much never follow a pattern the way it's written.  Don't know if that's my way of being a rebel or contrary.  Anyway, I decided the corners of the flaps would be cuter rounded, so I used a small bowl to round them out. 

 I also decided to sew mine from knit fabric only.  I didn't use the instructions that came with the pattern since it doesn't have many pictures and I'm a really visual person.  Instead I just followed along with this post.  These days I'd rather look at the pictures on my screen.

 I took the above picture because when I got to this point in the pattern, I was worried I had done something wrong because mine seems to look fairly different from the pattern picture.  I think mine is fine and the pattern picture just doesn't show what it should look like that accurately.  Not bashing the pattern, it's super cute and free.  Just trying to help out anybody else out there who might be struggling with it.

The end result is crazy cute!  The one on the right is the pattern as is, which seemed a bit big for a newborn.  I tried to size the pattern down to a more typical newborn size, which is the one on the left. 

 This one is newborn sized, lined with an incredibly soft microfleece, and has a matching hat!

I cannot wait to see an actual baby in one of these!  It's going to be a few months....  So, what shall I make next?

Self Drafted Laptop Bag

This fall has seemed to fly by in a blur.  Between the start of school, both kids birthdays, Halloween and getting ready for some upcoming craft fairs, I haven't done much sewing just for the fun of it.  Luckily all that stuff is pretty much behind me and though I know it's right around the corner, I'm not quite ready to think about the holiday season yet.

 I recently got a new, much smaller, work laptop and therefore needed a new bag for it.  I searched online and couldn't really find anything that met my needs. 

I wanted something small, but larger than just a laptop sleeve.  It needed to have handles, room for my power cord and a few extra odds and ends. After much searching, I decided to just make my own.  I was surprised at how easy it ended up being.

I measured my computer and drafted a bag just slightly larger than the laptop itself.  I used some home dec vinyl I had in my stash to make the handles.

And as usual, I dove into this project not sure if it would turn out well or not, so I didn't take any pictures along the way. Turns out, I LOVE this bag and wish I had taken pictures so I could post a tutorial.  

I'm thinking I'll either make one to sell or make one to give as a gift.  Either way, there will most likely be a tutorial in the near future. 

Have a lovely weekend!

Just For You Blog Hop // Topstitched Belt

I'm so excited to share this new book with all of you today!  If you haven't seen it yet, you definitely need to take a look.  The amazing Caroline and Sarah of SewCanShe have put together a beautiful book full of projects Just for You! 

And, what's even more exciting for me personally is that I'm one of the featured bloggers!  I almost can't believe that my picture and project are in such a beautiful and fun book.

My project is a simple and stylish topstiched belt.  I was inspired to create this project for 2 reasons.  First, I love belts, especially colorful ones.  With color trends constantly changing, I feel like I could spend a small fortune every season trying to keep up.  The second, is being fairly small, I often have trouble finding belts that are the right size for my waist.  This belt solves both those problems.

This belt can be made in all colors and sizes!  And the topstiching gives it a more professional, less handmade, look.

Want a copy of your own?

You can enter to WIN a copy along with a fabric bundle for 4 projects HERE. 

Or, you can buy your very own copy HERE.

Be sure to check out all the stops on the blog hop.  Future links will be added here as the posts go live, so check back often!

Handmade Oktoberfest Costumes

 Last year we got invited to an Oktoberfest party at our neighbor's house.  The invitation said "lederhosen optional".  Knowing my neighbor, I should have known he was joking!  Everyone was dressed up, except for us.  This year, I was determined to get us all dressed for the occasion.

 The kids outfits were pretty easy.  I made a simple elastic waist skirt for my daughter.  I used this tutorial for the waist and drafter the rest of the skirt from a skirt from my daughter's closet.  I added a simple rectangular apron and finally used some of the embroidery stitches on my sewing machine.

 The top is another rectangle with straps and a velcro closure a the back.  I used a narrow bias tape for the lacing on the front.

 The boys' outfits were even easier.  I bought each a pair of pants at the thrift store ($2 each!), cut them into shorts, and used the extra fabric to make the decorative pieces.  For the little boy, I used black elastic for the straps.

 I used felt for the embellishments and hot glued them in place.

 

Since I am the seamstress, I decided to use an actual pattern for my dress.  I bought McCalls M6187.  Be fore-warned if you are considering this pattern, the envelope is deceiving.  The envelope makes it look like the pattern includes both adult and children's sizes.  So the first time around, I just grabbed one, not realizing that it was only kids sizes.  Had to go back and get the adult size pattern.

I made a few modifications to the pattern to make it more flattering on my small frame.  I took quite a bit of fullness out of the skirt, cut the apron smaller and drafted my own, less full sleeve.  The bodice is fully lined and was a bit of a challenge.  Ultimately I figured it out and really like the dress.

 We had a great time at the party and made a pretty cute German family.

 

Unfortunately, I couldn't convince the kids to use these costumes for Halloween too.  And, though I planned on wearing my dress for Halloween, it most likely will be waaaay too cold.  So my husband and I are planning on being popcorn and a stick of butter.  Gotta get working on that....

Mini Comfy Cozy Cowl // Recess Raglan

 The little girl saw my new comfy coral sweatshirt and asked if I could make one for her.  It's nice to have a mama that loves to sew!

 I made hers using See Kate Sew's Recess Raglan pattern.

I followed the pattern, but then added a band at the bottom for more of a sweatshirt feel.  She also requested a kangaroo pocket for the front.  The above picture makes me smile because I asked her to try a different pose, maybe looking off to the side.  To me the look on her face is so forced....it's so cute!

 

I'd say she's pretty comfy in her new sweatshirt.  The boy is getting jealous so I guess I'm going to have to make a boy version.  I'm thinking of adding a hood instead of the cowl neck.  Stay tuned to see how that turns out.