Erin's Red Birthday Bowl

Wow! Apparently I'm much further behind in my blogging than I realized! I crocheted this cute bowl for my BFF for her birthday in May. I've made a couple of these before, but I like this one the best. It's very delicate but quite sturdy, too, with the sugar/water solution I used to harden it. I also used a taller, narrower bowl than the others I made to mold it over which gives it a nicer shape. I never noticed the hearts that are made from the pattern, either. Fun! Just goes to show how you can look at something for a very long time and not really see it.

Holly, it seems, took to it right away and had to decorate with it immediately. (Sorry for stealing your photo, Erin!) I'm glad she likes it, too! Maybe I can bring her over to the crochet side. Bwaa ha ha... 

First Sorbetto Top

First off, I must apologize for this photo! Maybe someday I will have a proper camera, but until then you all are stuck with pictures taken with my phone (or John's, which is a little better).

A few months back I started following some sewing blogs for a bit of inspiration. All of a sudden, everyone was talking about Colette Pattern's Sorbetto Top. A free pattern! I had already been following the Colette blog but must have come in too late to see this pattern. I loved her patterns but was hesitant to spend so much for a pattern when I wasn't sure of the cut or fit. This was the perfect solution! So many cute versions had been made and I decided to join the bandwagon. I'm not sure where this fabric came from (probably either Mom's or Grandma's stash), I've had it a long time, though, so in the spirit of cleaning out my stash I used it. It's a slicky fabric, probably a polyester or rayon or a blend of the two. It was just the right amount for the top. I used a prepackaged white bias tape for the neck and sleeve edgings. I'm fairly pleased with the fit, though there are a few adjustments I have in mind to make for the next one. I'll talk about that when I actually make it.

Right now, I'm going to take advantage of what's left of nap time!

Peaceful Apron

I do occasionally forget to take pictures of things I make. (I know, shocking!) In these cases I have to rely on the gift recipient to take the photo for me. This is what happened for my sister's birthday apron, so this is her photo texted to me after the fact. To be fair, I finished it the same day we were packing to leave for my grandfather's funeral. This being about a week after bringing home Mr. Baby.

Nat told me that she wanted an apron for her birthday, so I kept a lookout for the right fabric for her. I found the perfect peace sign fabric! It's totally right for her. I traced my favorite apron for the pattern, which is handy because now I can make it again (and again, and again, and again...). I made it double sided for thickness, absorbency, and wear, and trimmed the pocket and neckties in purple bias tape. It's cute on her.

Happy Birthday, Sissy!

What shall I do with the leftover fabric?

Little Man's Hat

Mr. Baby needed a sun hat.

I used Butterick 5056 size Medium and quilting cotton for both the hat and lining.

This little button has been hanging out in my button box for years. I can't even remember where it came from now. Obviously it was waiting for just the right thing.

I'm sure I will be making more of these, it was a fairly quick sew although making this hat felt like sewing in 4D. It was hard to visualize what I was supposed to be doing as I followed the instructions. The only thing I would change for next time is to cut the lining pieces a bit smaller than the outside pieces. It was difficult to get them to line up properly and it bunches a bit in a couple places on the inside, but you can't see that.

It looks even cuter on!

Two Dresses in One Day

I keep hearing Mickey Mouse's voice in my head when I say that. He actually said, "Seven in one blow". It's from Mickey and the Beanstalk. Anyway... Here are my dresses.

I got the sundress itch recently, which was weird because it's still too cold here in Seattle to justify wearing them. I need to find some light weight cardigans to match and extend their wearing time. I sort of cheated with these dresses. I bought this fabric pre-shirred and hemmed. I had planned to make a dress like this doing the gathering myself, but then I saw these fabrics that were so pretty and already done that I just bought them. I got one yard of each, washed them, made a seam up the back, and placed ribbon as the straps in the appropriate places. Ta Da! Told you I cheated. I wish all my sewing could be like this now that Mr. Baby is here.

Baby Blankets

Thursday afternoon and evening I cranked out these lovelies:

We are hoping (really hoping) to bring home a beautiful baby boy this coming week. We have met him a few times and he is such a cutie! We love him already and are so hoping it works out to have him come home with us. I have his nursery pretty much finished, but I needed to make something special for him from me. My Mother taught me how to make these blankets a few years ago and I have made many for my friends' children, finally I need to make some for me!

Dogs and such on green, backed in red with a fence-style stitching around the edges.

Camouflage with orange footprint stitching.

Playful blue puppies with running flowers stitching.

These are so cute! (If I do say so myself.) I have had the blue puppy fabric for many years just waiting for its boy to need it. The other two we picked up at JoAnn (I know, ugh...) recently. Both the camo and blue puppies are double sided with the same print, the green dog print is backed in a solid red. All are flannel.

These blankets are so fast and easy to make and wash up to a wonderful softness. Everyone I have given one to loves the size and weight of them and many have become inseparable from their child owners. I am thinking of writing up the "pattern" so that you all can share the flannel loveliness, that is if you are interested...

Catalyst...or the Last Straw

Isn't that cute? This blouse turned out very classic and girly. The fabric is a light cotton which makes it springy and light without being see-through. I used Butterick's B5711 pattern and the fabric is something I've had for a long time from some of Mom's stash she shared with me. The little all-over flowers are perfect for me and begged to be made into this top.

Here are some other views:

Puffed sleeves!

Snaps!

Now, let me tell you why I hate this blouse. It's too small!!! I seriously can't even get the sleeves past my elbow without major circulation cut off. The pattern says that this should be a loose top, so something is seriously wrong.

Hence the post title: Catalyst...or The Last Straw, it really depends on your point of view and current mood. After moaning and groaning to John for at least one entire evening, I finally decided that I've had enough of spending money, time, and energy on an article of clothing that I end up not being able to wear. I'm sure some of you know how unbelievably frustrating that is. There are no words. My choices were clear: 1) give up sewing clothes entirely or 2) figure out if it is possible to fit/adjust patterns to me. Option 1 just isn't going to happen. I know that I will give up for a while but eventually will find myself right back in this situation again. So, off I went to my current favorite fabric shop in search of an answer. I love this store, it feeds two habits: fabric and yarn - and they have knowledgeable staff!! Incredible! I spoke with a wonderfully helpful grandmotherly woman who suggested I buy this book and then if I was still not sure enough to attempt altering on my own, to take a class based on the book's technique. I promptly purchased the book and spent the next week absorbing (and drooling over) it. This is the answer I have been looking for!

I attempted my first alteration of a pattern this weekend and then came to a dead halt when I didn't have enough fabric. Grr... Not to be deterred, I selected another pattern, double checked the fabric amount, altered it, and am now ready to cut into it.

So, if you will excuse me, I have some sewing to do.

PS~ If anyone would like this top, I am willing to give it to you. Just post a comment with your email address and I will contact you. I would say this is a size small in pre-made size standards.