Sewing, Shirring, Maxi's and Layers

Well, if you didn't already know I was gone this last weekend and I promise to show you all the fun fiber stuff I got while I was away.  However, I have some projects that I haven't blogged about and today is the day I blog about them.

First up is probably my all-time favorite dress that I have made.  I think that it is a combination of the fabric (a gift), shirring, and the length.  Something about Maxi Dresses just make my day :)  I put one on and BAM!  I feel instantly elegant even if it's just a long piece of fabric with elastic at the top.

What I love most about this dress (besides having a cami that matches perfectly so I can fake you with spaghetti straps) is how easy it is to layer!  I live in Washington State and winter here can be brutal (we just got snow yesterday & it's spring).  Still you can wear a maxi dress even in winter so long as you wear it with a jacket...

Or maybe a sweater...

Really I think the possiblities are endless!  I am still hoping to put some sleeves/straps on this so that come summer I can wear it as is...but until then I'm loving the layers :)

This dress is soooooo easy to make because it's just a rectangle with shirring at the top.  What I did was take my hip measurement and added 5 inches.  1 inch for seam allowance and 4 for ease...I sorta wish I had added just a bit more for ease but what's done is done.  Because my fabric wasn't as wide as my final measurement I divided it in two.  I then determined how long I wanted the dress to be added 2.25 inches (.25 for top hem 2 for bottom hem).  Then I cut out 2 identical rectangles from those two measurements.

Next I sewed along one long edge of the fabric, finished my seam with the serger and then set to sew a narrow hem at the top.  I only did a narrow hem because I don't have green or blue thread for my serger (yes I am a thread snob, no you can't talk me into buying the cheap stuff so I have to save my pennies like a hoarder saves everything to buy thread).  If I had matching thread I would have just run it through the serger and skipped the narrow hem.

The next step is to wind a bobbin with elastic thread.  Actually I wind at least 2...though I like to have 3 because when you get in your shirring groove it's a pain to stop and wind another bobbin.  There are lots of great tutes on shirring out there so I won't beat a dead horse over it.  I simply sewed a straight line on the horizontal every 1/4 inch for about 7 inches.  Then I sewed and finished the second side seam, added the hem at the bottom and wore it!  It took me less than 24 hours to make and I get comments on it every time I wear it!

I hope you love it as much as I do...honestly I think that it's a great first dress project for anyone as you can make it as long or as short as you want.  Add pockets, color blocking make it from cotton like me or from knit...the possibilities are as endless as your imagination!

As I look through all my pics of me I look so serious and somber...but really I ham it up when I take the practice shots....

I hope you all have a great weekend and get your craft on!  I'm going out with Husband tonight for an old fashioned dinner and a movie date!  So excited :)

Elsa's Jane with a Pop Top

Last Thursday (wow, that was a whole week ago) I was in the crafting mood...no surprise there.  So I whipped up a shirt for Elsa.  The pattern is a free tute, Jane with a Pop Top, from the seriously talented Shannon of Luvinthemommyhood and I need to make this top for me ASAP...too bad I can cut out pieces and blog at the same time.

The cool thing about this top is that I sewed it entirely on the serger...probably not my favorite way to go but it was fast.  Since I already had it cut out it took me about a 1/2 hour to put together.  The sleeves are a little tight and while the pictures make it look too short it's actually a little long...it just creeps up.

I am in the process of making this adorable skirt for Elsa but...it is taking forever, you'll understand when it's finished...think scraps.  Anywho, part of the skirt has the same center fabric so I thought it'd be cute for a nice matchy outfit but not over the top matchy-matchy.

I promise to post pics when I finally finish the skirt.

I am counting this top towards my 50 Garment Goal...which brings my total up to 4!  That is seriously sad...four garments in 8 weeks...I'm way behind.  Well technically I have 5, but you'll have to wait for pictures of number 5 until I find something to wear it with.  I also have like 4 projects ALMOST finished so if I pull a few late nights I should be up to 9 garments by the end of February.

The new camera is especially motivating for finishing things and while Thursday's used to be my least favorite day...now they're become my fave as Lincoln is school all day and I have so much more time to craft!

Well Greta is calling me (my sewing machine) so enjoy the pics!

My Little Orange Dress

According to most fashionistas for the better part of the last 100 years have said that every woman needs a little black dress.  Now while I do have one, I will say this and that is Orange is the new black...or at least it should be!  I love orange...fabulous color it is.  So bright and cheery and well orange :)  So when I was gifted this lovely orange fabric with little white polka dots I knew I had to make a dress for me.

Isn't she BEAUTIFUL?  The dress...I'm talking about the dress, I haven't become that vain...yet ;)

My favorite part is the neck line...

How cool is that?  I mean it's curvy yet depending on how you sew it up can be a daring plunge or a modest V-neck.  I'm in love with this dress!

What is even cooler is the pattern I used.  Several months ago a friend of mine called me up said she was gifted with a bunch of fabric, books and pattern making kits and wondered if I was interested in taking some of it off her hands.  Was I?  Of course!  So while I was off practicing for a Sunday morning she unloaded boxes by my back door...boxes I tell you.  In one of those boxes was this box that said Lutterloh System International...I opened it up and WOW!  I was hooked.

Basically it is a loose leaf notebook full of drawings of garments you can make a pattern just for you!  No, need to take time to make adjustments already printed patterns...no you draft a pattern just for yourself.  Now the patterns I have are most definitely dated I guesstimate around the late 60's to the early 80's.  Some patterns just make me laugh others I can't wait to make...especially after this dress.  However, as I was looking up the system online for this post I discovered that the system is still in print and you can find out about the Golden Rule and order supplemental quarterlies even today.

The other thing I like about this is that the pattern pieces are interchangeable.  Meaning if I like the sleeves on a shirt but love the style of a dress I can pair them up together without a hitch.  Talk about options!  I have found the easiest way to make the patterns is on the floor in my living room and perhaps I'll show you all one day how this system works.

Now of course every good thing has a down side and that is this system if for the advanced sewist who doesn't need written directions to sew.  Yes there are general directions for how to put in pockets, sew up darts, and other features in your garment but there are no directions for each individual project.  So if you need photos or pictures to figure things out you might not fair well with this program

Well what do you think?  Is orange the new black in terms of sexy?  Or do I just pull of the color really well?  I'm 3 garments into my goal...47 left and I'm seeing belts in my future.

#2- My New Shirt

Finally!  I can't tell you how many technical woes I've had trying to post my latest creation.  Add in having 5 kids and the chaos that ensues from them and well it has been a frustrating few days.  Even as I type I get pulled away every few words to remind the kids what they should be doing…leaving me alone!

Still, this past weekend I was able to sit down and get some serious sewing done.  In fact I'm hoping to get some more done tonight.  Now onto the pictures…

My hair isn't that red and I'm not sure I'll ever get used to looking at pictures of myself… still I had to show it off for you,

This is definitely not a one day sit down and sew project.  I worked at it slowly over a couple weeks though the bulk of it was done on Sunday.  I only added one dart on the fronts and it doesn't have any closures yet because I don't know what I want to do.  Buttons?  Snaps? or leave them off all together as I know I'll always wear it belted.

It was much longer than I expected but I do like it.  I can just picture it under a scoop neck vest or over a sleeveless dress for the winter.  It is a perfect grey color and I like the woodwork look to the print…perfect for layering.  Now to make a belt (or 12…you know me) so that I have some variety.  However it wasn't grey when I cut it out and sewed it up.  No, it was pink...

Not my color of pink.  I thought about dying it a darker pink, or even orange but settled on grey simply for the versatility.  I just love dying fabric…so much fun.  To take fabric that you don't love and make it FANTASTIC…well it's just beyond words to explain.  This time I used a Jacquard dye called iDye…I like it more than RIT…plus they have iPoly dyes for fabrics that have polyester or other man made fibers in them.  My poor husband is already overrun by fabric and yarn and I'm adding in dying…I might need a shed just for my crafty love :) 

The pattern is McCalls M5433 and I made option B.  If I ever make the longest size it will be more like a shirt dress on me…not a bad idea just something to know ahead of time.  I paid absolutely zero attention to all the sizing/shaping instructions and just did it as I know how.  Also…ignore all the serger tips they offer…total crap!  Still  I'll use the pattern again.

Well what do you think?  Please tell me if I should keep it as is or add buttons or snaps…I'm desperate for advice.  I'm now 2 garments into my goal…Yay!!!

The New Goal

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This should be a post about the 2 garments I made this last week but it isn't because I am dealing with technical difficulties...seriously this is a bit pathetic...all my techie blues.  So instead of sharing with you my woes I shall share instead February's Goals.

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I know, I know!  I can't believe that February is almost here.  And while there is still a week left in the month and I can't do an official recap of the month in regards to my goals I will share with you what I am planning on for next month.

My goal next month is to lose 8 pounds.  That is exactly 2 pounds per week and I know I can do it!  This is how I plan to do it...

I will increase my water consumption from 5 glasses of water a day to 6.
I will drink 1 mug of herbal tea everyday, in addition to my water.
I will spend 30 minutes 3 days a week doing cardio.
I will not eat anything after 8pm.
I will drink non fat milk and make any treats with it as well.

source1 source2

I think that is fairly simple and should help out tremendously.  This month has been pretty hard for me because everyone is trying to lose weight and get in shape (something that always happens around the first of the year) and I knew it was something I needed to start at again, yet I couldn't because I already had a full plate with my small goals.

Now, I'm not a crazy wonder woman and know that since my plate is full right now I'm going to have to re-prioritize my small goals from this month to next.  The first is that starting in February I'll only be practicing the violin 4 days a week instead of 5 but will increase the time to 25 minutes instead of 20.  So really I'll be practicing the same amount.  I will continue to compliment the children but reduce the goal to 5 days a week and not 7... this isn't because they're awful kids and it is hard.  No, this is because I have been complimenting them on their day at bedtime and I'm not always home at bedtime.  This just frees me up to not have to think so hard on the days I'll be away at bedtime.

There, it is simple and totally achievable.

What about you?  How are your goals going?  Anything you need to fine tune?  Something not work out right?  Let's chat and be prepared for next month.

The Techie-Toddler Blues...

Poppy Paperie

So it's Tuesday and I have no finished garment...boo!  I know, I know this is only the 2nd week and I'm already behind.  However it just over half the month and it is totally a recoverable condition.  Yes I am going to be optimistic :)

Stylish Children's Parties

I wish I had photos of all the things I've been working on.  A convertible mitten for my dad, socks for me, mitts for me, Husband's sweater...and that is just the knitting.  I have a shirt I'm working on for me, plus a few Valentine projects and a super cute tute that I'm hoping to have finished by the end of the week!  So don't think I'm not doing anything ;)

Woodlands Home

The problem is I have been running into a few roadblocks...one of which I have absolutely no control over and that is my camera.  Last April we bought a new camera...we dropped said camera...camera broke...went to get camera fixed...not covered under warranty...cost to fix=price of new camera...thus we have been without a decent camera for a while.  I am borrowing a camera from my dad but the battery is slowly dying that I can hardly take any pictures without needing to charge it, plus it only takes pics when the camera is cold...so much work

Shannon McNeil via Pinterest

Thus I have relied heavily on my cell phone...the cell phone that is um...well slow.  Yes, it is new but the technology is really old, 3 years old, so while it does make phone calls, I can text and surf the web... it takes a while...and that includes uploading pics.

mod cloth

So right now I have the techie blues, waiting for enough money to go buy the camera I really want and waiting also for my phone to be eligible for an upgrade.   Yes, I do have the techie blues indeed.  And the toddler blues...you know the independent 'I do myself' which often turns into screaming and crying because she can't...plus all of a sudden she has decided she doesn't want to use the potty anymore...FRUSTRATING!!!

blogs babble

As you can imagine I've been drinking copious amounts of coffee, trying to craft and still get groceries bought.  A household of 7 isn't always easy but it certainly is never boring :)

A Goal to be Proud of

I confess, there is one goal I made for the year that I haven't shared with you yet.  That is the goal to give back from the talents and abilities that I have.  I'm really not sure what God has in store for me this year in this goal but I am super excited.  Especially since I've already had an opportunity to give back!

A friend of my posted on facebook that she was in need of some cotton skirts for her upcoming mission trip to Ghana (it's in Africa).  She was hoping that someone had some skirts her size to lend her.  I thought as I read her post that I didn't have skirts, but I did have cotton and I know how to sew.

After exchanging a few messages I started working and in short order had 4 skirts for her.  This was so much fun.  As I was cutting into my fabric in my stash I was reminded of how God had provided me the fabric.  Most of my stash I have acquired through gifts as the fabric I buy usually gets used for a specific purpose quickly.  For a while I had been struggling to use what was in my stash because once you cut into something it is gone, but this time I didn't even hesitate to cut into my fave fabrics.  I was giddy in expectation of what good will come from this.

I just want to encourage you to think about what you have and keep your eyes open to the world around you in need.  There are some fabulous opportunities to help using the talents you have and you don't even have to look farther than your street sometimes.  I know often I feel overwhelmed by the sheer vastness of charities and organizations that need help.  Yet I like to have that personal interaction with people, to know that I'm not just giving something to a big charity but to KNOW the person I'm giving to.


Note about the skirts:  I just made a simple A-line skirt with elastic waistband.  There are tutorials ALL over the web for how to do this.  I simply took the waist and hip measurement added 4 inches (2 for ease of garment, 2 for seam allowance) to each and then divided by 4 for a quarter of what the pattern should be and added 3 inches for hem and waistband.  I made a pattern to be cut on the fold of the fabric.  

The Reality of Sewing

Last year my Mother in Law made my niece a dress for Easter.  Now my niece is 9 (eight at the time) and she has a distinct taste to her fashion.  The two of them sat down and looked at patterns, discussed what my niece wanted and then picked out some fabric.  My Mother in Law lives close to us and my niece on the other side of the state, so my niece wasn't there watching every step.  The fabric was cut out, the pieces sewn together the dress made and my niece hated it.  She claimed it looked like pajamas (I'll be honest...it sort of did).

Now my Mother in law is a wise woman and has been sewing for years and wasn't at all offended by her granddaughters comment because she knew the reality of sewing...sometimes what you set out to make just can't be made.

Why do I start with this story?  Well that is because my first garment I made this week is kinda like that.  Now it didn't turn out like pajamas, in fact it is quite lovely...

but not for me :)  The color of the fabric, I love but the color doesn't love me!  I used to be able to wear any color I wanted, before I had kids, now my skin tone has changed and the subtleties make certain colors look hideous on me...this one makes me look sick and fat...no one want that.  However, the color is perfect for my daughter...so I'll put it in the reconstruction pile and maybe come up with a hoodie for her.

Yet I am counting it towards my goal, which was to SEW 50 garments, not to LOVE whatever I made.  I did love sewing it.  I used my new-to-me serger, a great pattern that I'll use again in a different color, and I made a few tweaks to the pattern to make it my own...let me show you my Awesome Amy Cardigan by the lovely Shannon of luvinthemommyhood...

I didn't have enough fabric to make the sleeves the length I wanted so I added a cuff which to be honest is more my style than flowing free and cuffless ;)

I omitted the blanket stitch edging because that is like my kryptonite of edging...I'm probably too much of a perfectionist :)  Still I loved the pattern and totally plan on making another one but I'll stick to colors I know look good on me.  You can find the tutorial for the pattern here.

Well I've checked one garment off of my goal only 49 more to go.  I've got two cut out and a surprise later this week.  How are you guys doing on your goals?  Any set backs you need to vent about?  Progress you're dying to share?  Pull up a chair and grab a cup of coffe and let's chat!

Drum Roll Please...

Yesterday I dove head first into my stash of fabric to see what I could dig up that could be turned into clothes for me.  I knew the items I wanted to make this month but had to find the fabric to match.  Without much more of an introduction here is what I chose...

The orange fabric on top will turn into this dress...

The dark green fabric will become dress pants...

The pattern is from Burda (2938).  I'm excited to try this out.

The turquoise fabric will become a cardigan.  Not just any cardigan though, it's going to become the Awesome Amy Cardigan by the seriously talented Shannon of luvinthemommyhood!  You might remember the MODify Dresses I made from her tute and of course Elsa's Holiday dress.  Shannon knows how to make a pattern easy, fast and fashionable!

Finally the light pink fabric at the bottom will become a fitted blouse.  

McCall's M5433 B

Though I wouldn't expect the fabric to stay pink long as it isn't my 'color' so a dye bath awaits her.

Well there it is, the clothes I'm making for me this month.  Don't be surprised if a few things for the kids show up, Samuel does have a birthday this month plus there's a top that I'm itching to make Elsa.

So tell me the verdict, good patterns or not?  Excited to see them completed?  Me too!  I better get crackin'!  Next Tuesday one of those lovely patterns will be on display for you to see.

Super Awesome Crazy Goal

crochet spot via Buffy on Pinterest

Before I begin with my post today, I just want to say thank you for all you lovely comments last week as I posted about my goals and my anniversary.  They meant a lot so thanks!

Now I'm sure you've probably noticed that there has been one area of my life not yet covered with a goal, sewing!  The reason of course is that it is integral with my one and only very big goal for 2012.  A goal that I'm gonna need everyone's support on and encouragement.  This goal has been on my mind like a lingering cold in August so when I finally sat down with Husband to discuss it he told me I should go for it!  What a guy right?  Now I'm sure you're all curious and I won't make you wait a minute longer.

zanzara via Buffy on Pinterest

My goal is to make 50 garments and blog about them by December 31, 2012.  Yes you read that right FIFTY!  However, I'm going to take it just a little bit further and say that the majority (38) have to be for me or another adult.  Yes, I want to make some clothes for me!

Buffy on Pinterest

Last year I discovered the joy of sewing for myself, combined with another overarching goal of not looking like I was cast for Frumpy in the role of Momma of Five.  My desire is that this goal will stretch not my sewing skills but also help me to develop a deeper sense of what fashion styles work for me.  Other little bonuses will be the additional blogging and prayerfully better photography.

blogs babble via Buffy on Pinterest

I probably should now take a moment to say that what I'm defining as a garment is anything that you wear...yes anything!  So accessories and the like are included.  I have opted to go this relaxed route for the simple reason of time and that they are necessary in fashion.  So don't be surprised if a belt or hat show up on the blog :)

GQ via Buffy on Pinterest

In fact I actually have a dream list of things I want to make for myself in the new year and a list of things I want to make for the kids.

Since my goal is about one garment a week I will post on the first Tuesday of the month the 4-5 garments slated for the month to make.  This will give me the flexibility to work on what is working and not stress that one project is taking far longer than I expected.  Yet on Tuesday I will also post pictures of my newly completed project.

I've thought about different sorts of rewards for this but have determined natural consequences tend to work best in these situations.  I have 5 outfits planned for January but if I fail to make them all then February (a shorter month) will have to play catch up.  However the positive benefit is that if I'm sewing that means I'm using up supplies which in turn means I get to go shopping!!!  Winning right?

Well there you have it, my big goal for 2012.  I know I can do it and to be honest the excitement I have can only build right?  I'll be back tomorrow with my choices for the month.  Have you started a goal yet?  Still thinking about what you want to accomplish?  Just because the new year is already here doesn't mean it's too late!  Find a quiet moment and turn those wishes into goals and let me know!

The Medium Goal

On Wednesday I shared my small goals, most of which are one time goals for the month of January.  (I'm still on the prowl for some accountability buddies for some of those goals)  So today I want to share with you my medium goal, To Redecorate the Kids Rooms.

We live in a tiny house and Thaddeus (the baby) is very particular in how he sleeps...meaning he sleeps in his own room.  We only have 3 rooms in our house so this means that the other 4 kids sleep in one room.  Currently this is how they sleep...

As you can see it works but it isn't using the room to the best advantage.  What I want is to have double bunk beds built to go along the long wall with drawers underneath.  I even have a picture that as inspired this goal...

try this via Buffy on Pinterest

My favorite part of this is that the beds are like berths on a ship and have the curtains for each bed.  I imagine that the curtains will be perfect for keeping in the warmth in the cold winters and keeping the light out of early summer hours.  I do love the nautical theme but not sure if we'll go that route.  I will need a theme once we start painting and getting supplies.  Themes and decorating ideas is where you lovely people come in, I kneed your help!  I'm not the best decorator in the world...but I'm pretty good at copying others fantastic ideas.

So I started a pin board on Pinterest that is open to contributors (if you aren't able to contribute email me and I'll add you).  I'm hoping to find a theme that appeals to both boys and princesses alike.  Also it has to be fairly classic too.  I'm not planning on redecorating for 5 years or more at which point Lincoln will be 13.  Other things that I would like ways to make a small space feel big, organization for toys, clothes, bedding, books...pretty much everything 4 kids need in their room.

Also the wardrobe will stay but the red dresser can be repurposed or passed on.  My goal is to be done by the end of June, six months.  My small term goal for January on the project is to get measurements of the room, start pricing the cost for the bunk beds and come up with a reasonable budget for the project.  I'll be looking for the perfect theme too, but I imagine it won't be completely solidified until February or March.

Only one more goal to share and it happens to be the one I'm most excited about too!  How are your new year goal plans coming along?  Have any small goals you'd like to share?  Go ahead jump in and dream big then make the plans to make your dreams a reality!

Starting Out Small

more design please via Buffy on Pinterest

One should not be nearly as excited about setting goals as I am.  However, it is true.  It surprises me how analytical I can be especially since I'm am very much a right-brained, creative person...though I imagine a large part of my analytical thinking comes from being married to Mr. Left-Brained for almost 10 years (more on that later).  Still, I've always loved lists and crossing off the stuff on my list so maybe it's always been there just under the surface.

Today I'm going to share the small goals that I have, most of these are just for the month of January and many are just specific goals to achieve a lot of those things that I say to myself all the time.  For instance I'm often wishing that I would drink more water or that I read the Bible more or that I was nicer to the kids.  These little wishes can become reality with a little planning and a plan of attack!

Monday I sat down and wrote out all the areas in my life I'd like to improve on, areas I wanted to grow in the new year.  Spiritual, Marriage, Parenting, Knitting, Music, Health, Writing, Giving, Sewing and Organization...that may seem like a lot of areas, but not all of them will get a big goal...in fact only 3 of those areas will take 6 months or more to achieve my goal.  The others are areas that I can make small monthly goals.

Perhaps in February I'll decide that some of those areas can wait another month, or severely step back from the amount of time I put into it.  Yet, I talked these small goals over with my Love and he agreed that they are completely doable...provided that I give some stuff up.  Yes, I may not get to watch as much television as I have, or I may have to wake up earlier to get it done but that is part of the growth.  Determining what is important to you and making the decision to change and giving up on something for something that you value more.

For my Spiritual Goal I plan to read the entire Bible in a Year.  I will achieve this by reading a little bit everyday.  I have an app on my phone YouVersion that has reading plans, including a Chronological Bible in a Year.  I will also read it in The Message as it is a much more fluid version and it will be more likely that I will continue with the reading.

j.t. lowery via Buffy on Pinterest

My Health Goal in January is to drink at least 5-8 oz glasses of water a day, everyday.

west elm via Buffy on Pinterest

My Knitting Goal is to knit my husband a sweater.

interweave knits via ravelry via Buffy on Pinterest

Husband and I have a goal for our marriage to institute a date night at least once a month.

Sara via Buffy on Pinterest

For Music I am going to push myself to practice my violin for 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

manufactured1987 via Buffy on Pinterest

For Writing, I want to spend 10 minutes writing, 3 days a week.

mme.bookling via Buffy on Pinterest

For Parenting, I want to compliment each of my children at least 3 times a day, everyday.

meggielynn via Buffy on Pinterest

Additionally I want to blog at least 3 times a week.

foxtongue via Buffy on Pinterest

Now of course I have more goals, those are a bit larger.  These are the small ones.  I'll be keeping track of my progress on goal for it!  This is a really cool website that not only helps you build your goals but will send out reminders to you when you want them.  I put my health, Bible reading, music, writing, blogging and parenting goal on a chore chart.  I can print off the chart and manually track my progress and I can update it online.

we heart it via Buffy on Pinterest

I have determined that if I complete my goals at least 70% of the time I will reward myself with $ for Starbucks.  Obviously, I want to achieve my goals 100% however, I know that with 5 kids life can turn crazy in an instant and that I don't want to deter myself in future goals if I miss a day.  Though I will get more money for coffee the better I achieve my goal.


So now that you've had a little bit to think do you have any goals for the new year?  Are you looking for a Friend to help you reach your goals?  Comment below and let's work together and realize the best year is still in the future!