Projects: Update on Current Sewing Projects

I have mentioned a few times that I have been very busy with a variety of projects. Currently I am trying to start no new projects until I work my way through several half completed projects. I am making astonishing progress and I will soon be able to start all new projects (to leave half finished-wink).

You may recall the second portion of this post, where I received a box full of all kinds of goodies. A large portion of that box of goodies was quilting squares in a variety of sizes, textures and retro patterns.I have been working my way through the enormous stash and I have a couple of new projects to share. I decided that I did not have the time or patience to trim all of the squares into the exact same size. I am just far too free form for that level of tedium, so I did what all lazy great women before me do when they find themselves in that sort of a quilting conundrum; I made a crazy quilt. Well, more precisely I made two crazy playmats. One is for our friends who will be expecting their third child in a matter of days. The second playmat is for our soon to arrive little lady.

For the record the playmates are un-ironed fresh from the wash. I am about as likely to iron, outside of the actual sewing process, as I am likely to eat green beans without theatrically gagging. 









Since I went all free form on the playmats I decided that I should try something that required a little precision. However, my attention span for precision sewing lasts about 30 minutes, up from 20 seconds. I decided that I would tackle one of my more simple projects that needed some attention. I made some new curtains for above the kitchen sink.



I used an uber trendy chevron print and made super simple curtains. What is precision about that you may wonder? I made the chevron pattern match up in the middle---watch out! I know, it boggles the mind...

So what projects have you been tackling lately?

Projects: Current Projects and Bonus

I have been doing a little bit of sewing lately and by a little bit I really mean it. I have been turning out projects that take less than 1/2 an hour, mostly because that's all I have had time for. If you have been looking for some quick projects that will make your heart sing with the glow of accomplishment (major overstatement) then look no further.

First up I have been making headbands for Cordelia. She has curly hair and while I generally try to keep her well groomed she sometimes rolls around on the floor and does her best to turn her hair into a tangled mess that defies all reason. On days when she does this I need an out, meaning neither of us can handle another brush through of that wild and beautiful hair of hers. So, a great little kerchief is the prefect solution. I used the pattern from the aptly named, Simple Sewing for Baby. I don't think the project could be any more simple and Cordelia was beyond thrilled!




My next project is one that comes from the inevitable outgrowing of clothes. Cordelia has been choosing her own outfits lately and she recently chose a dress that was a bit too short. We were staying home so I just let it slide, planning to set it in the save pile for daughter #2. My mother came over the day she was wearing the too short dress and suggest that I just turn it into a skirt.



You can see the dress was really quite simple in its design. I used my seam ripper to separate the stripey top part from the skirt. I spent all of 2 minutes accomplishing this feat.



I will probably do something to the top too, make another dress or something, but not today.

Honestly that could have been it. The elastic on the waist was in tact, but I just wanted to make it a little special and new for my girl who was eagerly watching the process. So I grabbed some non-wool felt scraps from my stash and made a little freehand cupcake. You can see that it consisted of three simple pieces.



I assembled the cupcake.




I spent less than 5 minutes sewing it to the skirt and voila, a new skirt for the girl. When Cordelia put it on she said, "Oooo, so beauitful. Oh mommy you make me laugh." So I won some toddler cool points today.

****Bonus****

I am so excited to be guest posting over at Kirsten's Kitchen. Please go check out her great blog (she has some killer recipes) and my post as well!

Wonder Pets

Have you heard of the Wonder Pets? If you are a parent to a toddler I assume you have, if not---then perhaps this is the first time you are learning of them. They are a team of animals (a guinea pig, a duckling and a turtle) who rescue animals in trouble, from a children's tv program.



We don't allow Cordelia to watch much TV, but she is absolutely crazy about these Wonder Pets so we allow her to watch a bit of Wonder Pets on Netflix. She uses her imagination, playing Wonder Pets, throughout the day. Eric and I are happy that she has turned this into something fun that really fosters her imaginative play and we really love to encourage that kind -o- thing.



Eric had the great idea to make Cordelia her own Wonder Pets cape. So yesterday evening I sewed up a little cape. Eric designed a W logo for the back and put on a snap. When we presented her with the cape she was beyond thrilled. She put it over over her cupcake pajamas and went crazy playing and using her imagination.



Simple project that sure made a big impact. I have no doubt that there will be some public cape wearing in our future. Ahhh, the magic of a cape.

Project Update

Well, I know I told you I was nearly done with my first ever quilt and I am, but I have been having some sewing machine issues. I think I need to take it in to the shop. I have tried everything suggested in the manual. So now I am finishing off my quilt by hand. I am veryclose to being done and the end results will be posted ASAP.

In other news I went fabric and supply hunting at the local thrift stores. I found some zippers, bias tape and these great fabrics. I had a great time looking through vintage sheets and old tablecloths as well as fabric remnants. With the remnants I always wonder what their purpose was supposed to be and why they were never fully utilized.

I also had fun looking through the old craft books from the 60s, maybe not projects that I currently want to do (tin can shakers, lamps from boots, etc.), but it is interesting to see projects that were all the rage in the past. I wonder what trends will define our time?

Do you hunt for crafty supplies at thrift stores? What's your best ever find?

Project

I have been busy at work on my first quilting project. With a little guidance from my mother I am nearing completion. The front is quilted and the back has applique fabric polka dots. I have been sneaking in bits of time while Cordelia is napping, taking any moment to sew a few stitches. I am really happy with the results so far. It has been so long since I took on such a huge project.

I did learn to sew in junior high school. I had a home economics course where I learned how to set a table, how to cook a few things and I also learned the basics of sewing. I made a duffel bag and a teddy bear in that class. I also learned some basics from my mother. She knows her way around the sewing machine; she even made my wedding dress!

Since junior high I have used my sewing skills for only the most basic projects. My skills sat in the recesses of my mind, gathering dust for many years. Now with a more flexible schedule and a head full of ideas I am starting anew.

Can you sew? If you can, where did you learn?