Just Sew!!!

Today I am sharing over at Mama Says Sew as a part of her Just SEW series!!!  I'm finally sharing the tutorial for how to do the Inverted Kangaroo Pocket from B's Elephant Shoes outfit!

Nantucket Bound...

No,  I am not on my way to vacation in Nantucket, or anywhere for that matter (oh I wish).  But, this sweet little top just looks like it belongs in the quiet, preppy, nautical town of Nantucket (or at least that is what Nantucket is in my mind).

Look at that peter pan collar - the little peplum - the puffed sleeves...

Ahhhhh sweetness.

yep, I love this little face ;o)

I was so honored to be chosen to test Popolok Designs' new pattern the Nelia Top/Dress that is being released Today.  I am a sucker for any pattern that has variations - and this one does not disappoint   There are three neckline options, three sleeve options, and three skirt lengths.

I chose the peplum length with the peter pan collar and the puff sleeve - hmmm a little 'P' obsessed   I would label this pattern as a Beginner/Intermediate pattern.  It isn't super hard, but you do need to do button holes or snaps for the front.  I added the binding to the bottom of the peplum (because I was short on the main fabric... oops) to make the look cohesive... this isn't included in the pattern, but it easy to do and gives such a  pretty finished hem.

If you aren't familiar with Popolok, you should check them out... she has quite a few unique designs that fit a variety of skill levels.  One of the things that impressed me was how pretty the instructions are - ok, yes, this is a PDF pattern, but it is arranged so sweetly with tons of pictures and these adorable little birds that denote hints and tricks to make putting the garment together easier.  I'm a sucker for little details like that ;o)


So Check out her Shop and maybe we can be Nantucket bound together ;o)

HUGS!

Knocking Off Gap...

There is a very special place in my heart for the 'Knock it Off' series, and for Heidi in particular.  You see, this was the first series I was ever invited to participate in.  I was floored to be invited, and awed by my fellow contributors.  I struggled to come up with WHAT to knock off last November, and then struggled even more to complete the garment (stinkin rolled hems on a curve #*&%$@!).  But, that opportunity and learning experience gave me just barely enough confidence to audition for Season 6 of Project Run & Play.... and somehow I made it on!!!  Because of Heidi and this series, I have 'met' so many amazing people and pushed myself to the point where it is so dang hard to buy my kids clothes... because I CAN MAKE THAT!

Now all that being said... Heidi may have forgotten to mention this season of Knock It Off to me until VERY recently ;op  So instead of a glorious dress that took days to make, you are getting a simpler knock off this season.  But sometimes simple is best, because my daughter is in desperate need of simple tops to go with the variety of skirts and shorts that have been passed down to her for summer.

So today I am going to show you how to knock off this Asymmetrical Ruffle Top from Gap.

theirs: $14.95

mine: $0

isn't it cute!

I started with the new Leilani Ruffle Top by Funktional Threads as my pattern

First I grabbed a women's white tank from my stash (when I do this again, I willpick a knit with a touch of lycra or spandex - or maybe just a higher quality cotton... this is straight cotton T)

Next, I laid my main body section on the T - I measured up 2 inches so that there would be plenty of room for the flounce.  Using the existing hem is just a time saving perk of upcycling ;o)

Then I cut a straight line from the arm hole corner to the bottom edge of the pattern piece and continued it to the hem of the T.  This will give the top the flowy loose fit it needs to match the Gap top.  If you want a little more fit, follow the original line of the pattern!

Here are the pattern pieces you will need to cut:  

-Body, front and back

-Bottom Flounce (this will be used a the neckline)

*I cut this in two peices since I was upcycling

-Arm Hole Facing

-Strap

-Curved Strap (not pictured)

 Follow the instructions to attach your curved strap, the side seams, and the arm hole facing.

 Attach your strap to the INSIDE of the bodice (this is opposite of the pattern directions)

 Gather your bottom flounce to match the circumference of your neckline.  Attach your Ruffle to the INSIDE of your bodice, pin and Baste in place.  Make sure your strap is laying down like the picture above.

Flip your ruffle over to the front and top stitch.  

*When I make this again I will run a thin 1/4 inch elastic through the neckline - or use two rows of shirring to give the neckline a bit more stabilization and memory.

Cut a length of elastic 2 inches less than your child's waist measurement - or exactly their measurement if you want a looser fit.  Sew into a loop (I used super soft underwear elastic)

Mark your elastic placement - I did 3.5inches up from the hem.  This will be the amount you have hanging below the elastic waist.

Pin the elastic in place.

Sew along both the top and bottom of the elastic - stretching the elastic as you sew.  I use a nice long stitch for this.

This is how it will look from the outside

***I did debate making a casing, but honestly didn't have a long enough section left of my upcycle, you could certainly do that if you didn't want elastic touching baby's skin.

And you have a finished top!!!

*One note - the Original has a rolled hem on the Ruffle.  I would have done this, but forgot to add length when cutting my piece.  If you want to finish this edge, add .5 inch to your bottom ruffle piece when cutting.  The great thing about knit is that it wont unravel ;o)

 More Cuteness....
*This is actually the shirt after being washed, I put it on her the night before to take pictures at a cute park, got to the park and realized I forgot my camera ;op  Oooops, by the time we got home is was dirty.

Tip toe through the tulips ;o)

Hugs, and keep on sewing for the itty bitty loves in your life!

Spring Cleaning....

Well there isn't enough time to really get the house clean ;op  So instead I spruced up the blog a little bit.  

What do you think????

KCWC day... well its all a blur ;op

I keep looking at all these bloggers who are completing whole looks in one day... ummm, yeah, even in my PR&P speedy best I wasn't quite at that speed. Hahahahaha, this is why we should NEVER EVER compare ourselves to one another ;o)
But I have been sewing!!!
Here's the sneak peak of  the fabric for the ADORABLE top I tested and can't show you.  But I did the photoshoot this morning and it is perfect *(even if it actually isn't perfect, there are two little puckers where I did a binding, but you can't see them so all is puppies and rainbows).  I loved getting back to 100% upcycling for this project.  The main fabric is a women's cotton button up (with a little stretch) and the accent is a bed sheet.  Can't get better than FREE FREE FREE!

I spent Wednesday sewing up the top, but it took me until Thursday night to add the button holes and buttons.  Finishing.... sigh.
 

This morning I cut out 2 pairs of PJ shorts.... I can't wait to show you them... well here's another sneak peek.

I am so ecstatic to finally be using some of my favorite onesies of the boys!!!  I've been sewing so much for baby girl recently, that I needed to throw something in their for the boys - and the only thing they really need is summer PJs.

I will just say that I LOVE testing patterns LOVE IT!!!!  The only hard part is not getting to show it off right away ;o)

Tonight I plan on cutting out my knock off for Heidi's Kock Off series (nothing like procrastination to put a girl in gear)  Hopefully all goes well and I'll get it sewn up tomorrow and photographed so I have a post to share ;op  Oh, and then there is that prom dress I am making/altering for the girl I give sewing lessons to.  I think I thrive on chaos ;o)

Hugs to all!!!

KCWC Days One and Two

I know I know... I've been hit or miss lately - it is all because my baby girl turned ONE on Saturday!!!!

But I am doing my hour of sewing each day for KCWC... love this top (a soon to be release from Funktional Threads)

  I'll be sewing more, but it is another test that I'm not allowed to share... maybe I can show you the fabric I choose ;o)

And then I'll be sewing up my knock off to kick off Heidi's awesome series next week.  So see, I'm still around, still sewing up a storm, just not having time to blog about it ;op
HUGS!!!

Bubble Shorts!!!

In case you had been hiding under a rock, I wanted to let you know that Heidi from Elegance and Elephants has released a pattern for her AH-MAZ-ING Bubble Shorts.  But it doesn't end there!!!  Not only does the pattern cover the classic bubble shorts that I fell in love with and used as inspiration for my PR&P 'Mo Squish Le' look, she has also included an equally adorable Sailor version.  You are getting two completely different shorts for the price of ONE pattern!!!
I tested the Classic - and I can confidently say that it is a comfortable beginner pattern.  You make casings for elastic at  the waist and the pockets and the rest is plain old attaching pieces together.  If you have a serger, I suggest using it for a clean finish - but even without one, you can finish off your seams with a zig zag or overlock stitch.  Heidi leads you through the pattern with detailed instructions and photographs that are easy to follow.  While the details on these are already so sweet with the pockets and little bow, there is plenty of room within this pattern for exploration of your own style - I would love to do a version with piping between the cuff and pocket and the pockets would look darling with embroidery.  This pattern can be made in EITHER knits or wovens - so the possibilities are endless!!!

Here are some pictures on baby girl...

Look at those toes - dancer maybe......

A little peek at the inner waist band where you get to use a contrasting fabric.  

For this pattern I used three Riley Blake fat quarters from the line 'Pieces of Hope'.  It seemed appropriate with April being Autism awareness month.  This fat quarter bundle was one the the prizes I won from Project Run and Play.

*I tested the Classic and have not yet sewn up the Sailor Style - it will certainly be slightly more difficult with button holes and bias tape binding, but Heidi's instructions are very clear and easy to follow!!

What are you waiting for - GO GET THAT PATTERN ;o)