Vintage Ladies

It was time for me to sew something a little less complicated than my last dress (I will not give up but I will set it aside and try again with a knit....that should be a more forgiving fabric!). I used these tutorials (1, 2) to make a sewing machine cover. I like it, in a Granny-Chic way.

Lookin' classy!

Then I couldn't stop and I had to make my little baby's onesies vintage like too.

It was kind of a miracle I found the vintage lady fabric in the first place! I love it! 

A Wedding Present

 Remember my sewing tragedy? Well, I found a silver lining! I made an apron for my sister from what would've been the dress.

I thought it was all finished but it is a bit too stout on the top for my liking. So I'll take in the sides before I give it to her. Maybe I'll spot it in a thrift store months from now, but hopefully, after I've taken it in, she'll like it. It supposed to be vintage looking.

With the apron I've included a Frenchy Sparkling Rose Lemonade that looked fancy and yummy. Also, a book I wish I had when I first got married. Being a homemaker is sometimes snickered at, but seriously, if you live in a home, why not learn how to make it comfortable?

Happy wedding Jennifer!

Geeking it Out and a Navy Dress

A few weeks ago I told Matt, my husband, that I wanted to be a sewing nerd.

"Well, you've got the nerd part down."

That's not far from the truth...probably because it is the truth!

But I feel like I am becoming a specialized nerd...I'm getting closer to my sewing nerd goals.

So my sister is getting married and her colors are navy blue and silver...but primarily navy blue. Luckily I've been able to score some great deals on dresses for myself and a few of my kids, but I didn't for my little Kate. I love how this dress turned out though, even if it is a little big. And although you may not be able to tell, the zipper is the best zipper I've ever made!

For the first time I did facing and interfacing in a dress. They really make a world of a difference in how a dress looks in the end!

So I must give a few shout outs to some great sewing references:

1. Sunni Standing's free Craftsy zipper class.

2. The book "Dressmaking: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Own Clothes." There are many great sewing books I've come to love, but just to have every step photographed was so cool. It  was so helpful for a very visual person like myself. 

Just like a nerd to recommend a book!

A Table House

 I know...nothing too fancy but my kids like it! And I like that it is easy to put away. It is another one of those projects I've been meaning to do forever but I've had a hard time getting around to it.

My little sewing "nook". Quite cozy, yes? Well, it works for me. Hopefully, baby willing, I'll be able to sew a bit! But, as the old saying goes, (something like this) "I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep."

A Sewing Tragedy!

 Let me tell you a sad, sad sewing story.

So I had this pattern in my stash:

and about a year ago I purchased two yards of this designer fabric below, called Soho Confetti. Even with a coupon it was about $12 a yard. That is the most per yard I have ever spent on fabric! I just thought it was so cute.

I decided that I would make the dress on top with the fabric. I somehow got it all to fit in 2 yards, or I thought I did. When I was putting it together, I realized I had to cut 2 sections of the skirt and I had only cut 1! Long story short, I needed 2 more yards of the fabric, which is now out of print.

I racked my brain trying to think of ways to salvage the dress, like finding more of the fabric online somewhere, making the skirt and back out of an entirely different fabric, or making only one cut of the skirt work, but alas, none of those options result in an attractive dress I'd want to wear!!! Waaa!

I think I'll put this pattern back on the shelf. I'd like to someday make something more like the blue with red trim version on the pattern cover. With the fabric, I think I'll make an apron for the next newly wed in the family. We'll see. 

Maybe next time I sew I'll use my college education to actually read the pattern!!!!!!

My Newest Baby Doll!

Isn't she just gorgeous?! 

She makes the dress look good!

Refashions

So this morning has been amaz-zaz-zing...

I put on my makeup without having to break up a fight, I ate ice cream and watched TV in the morning, and I sewed! All because my husband watched the kids. Thank you my love!

 

I added a bow and buttons on this baby.

I already refashioned a dress that is the exact same dress as this one, only smaller. I found the second one at a thrift store! This one is ruffled instead of "bowed". I love it!