Sewing for royalty

These are 3 of the crowns I made for E's preschool.  I keep forgetting to take pictures of the ones I made for my OWN children.  I also made a cape for E and will make one for little M too.  I totally love sewing like this.  Quick and easy.  Instant results--well, almost instant.  But much faster than entire outfits, that's for sure.
These are Ottobre again.  Issue 4/04.  I cut down the size on the crowns just a little.  Since I was making them for preschool heads, I just removed one side of the tab.  I also used velcro on the capes.  I never use anything that ties around the neck.  The pattern may actually call for velcro, I don't know as I didn't actually read it LOL.

Sewing Projects

It's been awhile since I really sewed much.  Little bits of things here and there and some mending, but not much "real" sewing.  Part of the problem has of course been time!  But I got bit by the bug last week (or the week before?) and bought some new patterns.

The first FO is from this new Oliver+S pattern I bought.  Click on the image to go to the pattern at Oliver+S.  Sooo cute!

Here's my variation.  Aren't you impressed that the only thing NOT from my stash were the buttons?  The red knit is from a bin of fabric I got from my IL's friend.  The blue linen-look is from a cotton IKEA curtain.  The Curious George was just in my bins.  I cut out motifs from the print and appliqued them all over.  E is very happy with his Curious George clothes.  I will definitely be using this pattern again.  It was easy to sew and came out great.

This is for Big M.  He likes sweatshirts and is forever in need of pants.  Can we all take a moment of silence to mourn the fact that the sweatshirt fits me?

Ok, thanks.

The pants and top are both from the 1/2010 issue of Ottobre.  I have plans to make him a coordinating t-shirt as well.  Just as soon as I find a knit I like.  I want a stripe or a subtle woodland type pattern.  Do you know how stinkin hard it is to find decent knit prints for boys??  Well, boys over 4?

Anyway,  the top is design #38, the New Generation sweatshirt.  I made a size 152.  I hope it's big enough.   The body is from a cotton french terry I found at Mill End. It's grey with a thin brown stripe.  The inner collar is a stone wall print from Moda.  M likes the pockets in the middle. Oh, and the cuffs are some random bit of teal ribbing I had in my stash.

The pants use more the Moda Stone Wall and are made from ripstop cotton.  Also from Mill End.  They are design #40, Casual Cut sweatpants.  I know, I know, the pattern is for a stretch knit.  And I worried about it the whole time I was sewing them.  But I think it turned out okay.  I left out the drawstring and just used the elastic on its own.  I really should have used contrasting topstitch thread.  The pockets have a neat topstitch detail that just doesn't show up in this picture.  Oh well.  I like them anyway.

The plan for the t-shirt is to 1--find a knit I like.  Then I'm going with a design from a previous Ottobre that has a cotton placket on the shirt.  I'll use the stone print again on the placket and in an accent tab.  Then the teal ribbing for the sleeve and neck edgings.  That should tie it all into a complete outfit.

I also have black and red fabric to do a jacket and shirt for G.  He wants an outfit too, but he wants jeans.    I've made jeans for the kids before, so I suggested I improve upon a rtw pair of jeans.  He's okay with that.  Phew!

Then, to include baby M (of course!), I have coordinating apple print, stripe and dots.  She will get the pinafore dress and pants from Ottobre 1/10 and a cotton top from (I think) 1/2006.  This should all keep me occupied for a while.

BUT, I also want to do some sewing for me.  I just have a hard time finding the right fabric for the right pattern.  You know?  That and I live in jeans or yoga pants and t-shirts.  So I have a hard time justifying the time and expense of sewing something new.

I am Spoil-UHT

So, C was up in Beaverton running errands when he found himself next door to the Montavilla Sewing Center. I had told him I wanted him to look at any sewing machine I want before I buy it. I want an opinion on the mechanical side of things. He remembered me saying this and thought he'd stop buy and look at the Quest I want so much.
He called me and asked if I still wanted it. Uhhh, yeah. Seems the shop had a model they'd taken to a show and were selling at a discount. He wanted to know if I'd like him to bring it home.
I was rather surprised and didn't really know what to say. So I said what any self-respecting seamstress would say. Yes. My fabulous husband spoils me. I've already finished a t-shirt for my nephew. I really do love it. I'm looking forward to using all the whistles and bells I never thought I'd need or want.

What happens when the baby doesn't get his evening bottle on time:

He is still nursing and prefers that most of the time, but there are no doubts about that evening bottle!

My sleeping babes. It's nice to know they can settle down and stop fighting/yelling/screaming/running/bouncing for a few hours.

GramRe is here helping out and the boys are loving it. Here they are getting ready to watch some Wallace and Gromit. Fun stuff!Some pictures of my yard and garden.
Here is my serviceberry. I really hope it produces this year.
Here is the garden wildflower bed ready to go--thanks to GramRe and M!
Look what we found in the yard! A cute bebe!
One finished shirt. Remember my crazy sew-for-all-the-kids idea? G seems to like it. I have the skirt done and all the shirts at least cut out. I still need to start the boys pants. I don't think I'll get the jacket and button front shirts done. I'm okay with that.

No machine doesn't help

My sewing machine is broken, but all I can find is more fabric!
I stepped into Fabric Gallery today after I took G and E to Whole Foods today. I'd seen the sign and always wanted to go, but wasn't ever brave enough. That may be a good thing.
They have over 800 rolls of fabric in stock. They have thousands of fabric samples hanging in the main part of the store for special orders. They have an ENTIRE ROOM of fabric books to leaf through to special order more. Good grief. And trims. They have trims. I now have my kitchen completely designed. As soon as I get the kitchen of my dreams to decorate. And a machine that will sew the cushions I envision for my breakfast nook.

Last week, or week before I guess, Mom and I were looking for some fabric. We came across a site I didn't even know about. How did I MISS this?!?! It's called Fabric Fairy. Only, it's like fabric heaven. That is where I'm sure I'm going if I'm good in this life. It's the only explanation really. And if some of you knew about this and didn't tell, me! Well, then, you're fired. Really!

So, if I sewed professionally, which is something I intend to do in the near future, what would you all buy. Do tell. I'll make that and support my habit. C will probably thank you. I think he may grow tired of supporting my habit eventually. Especially if I keep discovering stores like this! It's a good thing he loves me so much and is such a fabulous guy!

I fell in love

So I have had my Viking 6030 for several years now. It is a fabulous machine. I've written about it before. I do truly love it. It sews through anything. It makes sewing easy and fun. But I just spent over $100 having it fixed. And now it is broken again. The poor thing. C has pointed out that at some point it is not really going to be worth fixing. So he told me to start shopping.
I went online and did some research. I felt I didn't want a computerized machine. What I didn't really consider is that they are ALL computerized. There really is no such thing as an entirely mechanical machine anymore. Except the really cheap ones. No thanks.
But I made a list of a few I wanted to look at and went to the sewing center. Darn sales guy. He listens to my list of needs and wants and points out that I'd probably really be happiest with something pretty fast and powerful. Or maybe I told him that. Anyway, he shows me the Viking Emerald, the Pfaff somethingorother, another Viking, and then pulls me over to the BabyLock Quest. Oh. My. Goodness! That thing is beautiful!! It sews 1,000 stitches per minute. It has 2 thread spools and separate feed systems for beautiful twin needle sewing. It has a tension dial and front loading bobbin (increases stitch quality). It has billions of stitches. Ohh, Ohhh, and a knee lever foot lift!! And push button start/stop and auto stitch locking. *Drool*
Okay, yeah it is computerized to the hilt. It has a million things I'd never use. But that long free arm! That wide workspace! Like I said. I've fallen in love. But I may have to put a paypal button on my blog. The thing costs $1549 on sale. It's normally somewhere over $2000. Yikes. I knew there were expensive machines. They get a LOT more expensive than this. I just thought I would be happy with something a little closer to the $4-600 neighborhood.
But I was talking to C last night about what I wanted in a machine. I was bummed, because to get it, I would have to have something computerized, which I thought I didn't want. He effectively talked me into wanting a computerized machine. Or at least not being against them at all. Good Job, C! I love you.
Actually, I do like talking to him about things like this. I know what features I have to have, what would be really nice to have. I don't know much about the mechanics of things however. He being a mechanical engineer, of course does. So I love getting his thoughts.
So, I thought I'd put up my list of needs and wants. Here goes:

Needs

• Twin needle capability
  
• free arm small enough, and long enough, to sew kids clothes
• wide enough work space to turn things while top stitching and making diapers
• adjustable presser food pressure
• Teflon foot (just has to be available to purchase)
• buttonholer
• front load bobbin
• variety of stitches such as : triple zigzag, stretch stitch, blind hem and reverse blind hem
• long stitch length. 5mm
• It has to handle denim and leather, as well as lightweight fabrics, with ease.
  

Wants

• a few decorative stitches. I don't use them much, but once in awhile I do and it is nice to have. If I had a lot, I'd probably use them.
• keyhole buttonhole and round buttonhole
• one step button hole would be fabulous!
• I have always wanted a knee bar for the presser foot lift
• independent bobbin winder. This is what I have on my Viking, and I'm spoiled. What can I say?
• some satin stitches, or at least one, for appliqué work.
• And can I get it to last forever?
  

Crafting for L

For some reason, I've been on a bit of a craft binge for my niece, L. Actually, it's because of Christmas and her birthday. I wanted to post pictures of what I've been working on. The first is doll clothes for her baby. They took almost no time at all and were lots of fun. I don't generally get to sew doll clothes. :)The second set is play food made out of felt and a bag to carry it all in. There are 3 oranges, 2 each of tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce, pancakes, bread, eggs and 4 slices of cheese and 1 slice of bacon. I had lots more planned out, but I ran out of time and my family ran out of patience with me sitting and blanket stitching tiny pieces of felt for hours at a time. LOL
I had fun anyway. And yes, I could make felt food for my boys. I even asked them if they wanted any because I really wanted to make some after I saw the stuff some of my fellow crafty moms were making. But they scoffed and turned up their noses. No surprise that when I finished the first egg I had a hard time keeping track of it. And every. Single. Piece. After. That. So it's good to be putting them in the mail. I hope she likes them as much as her cousins.

blasted timing

My sewing machine, the darling of my possessions, love of my creative life, has pissed me off!
I'm in the middle of sewing below mentioned Christmas crafts, and it decided to commit to a life of sewing in reverse. And I can't fathom how I can get it to the repair shop and home and paid for before leaving for Idaho.
Good thing Mom brought me another sewing machine earlier this year. It's a p.o.s. singer, but it sews forward. Thank goodness.
In Oregon, we the Taxpayers, get a "kicker refund." Ours came this week. Wonder if I can talk dearest husband of mine into letting me go shopping for sewing machines. Only problem is I don't trust the computerized machines and finding a good, reliable, not made by some dump of a factory, mechanical machine is hard. If not impossible. Anyone know of a company that makes good quality old-style machines. Not really old, just pre-computerization. And I HATE Singer and White so don't even bother suggesting it.
What I have is a Viking 6030. It sews like butter. It is music to my ears. I just spent $100 getting it's gears fixed. Maybe I should just get things fixed on it as I go and see how long it lasts?

In other news, I found out how to calm a fussy E. Simple, take his clothes off and set him on the floor. Happy as a clam in a mud bed. He's going to be just like G in that regard I think. Then I'll have 2 naked kids tearing up the garden. Look out world.

First, the baby pictures. ;)

Such a sweet face. He sleeps very peacefully. He just does it in 20 minute-2 hour snatches. He'll get better. He can't be like M, he just can't be. I'm too old for that.

He's smiling! Off and on. I don't think he totally understands the power he holds with this simple facial expression yet. But I think it's a magnificent smile. Well, duh, of course I do! The funny thing is, he's the first of my kids to smile for me first. At least I think he is. If not, C isn't saying anything so I can have that fantasy. M smiled for my mil first. I think G smiled for Aunt J, or maybe M, I'm not sure. But E gave be a few tentative smiles, then a big one. Melt my heart!

My mom rocks! She has decided that she can put all her awesome fabric to good use making bags. She does an incredible job. But then people found out what she had planned, so they started giving her more fabric. This woman can measure her fabric in cubic feet. She needs no more fabric. (You're welcome, PapaCoyote) But the fabric she keeps is really vintage fabric. This cut is obviously from the 60's. I was looking through her completed bags and was ooh-ing- and ahh-ing over this one. She said I could have it!! Yay! I have a cool diaper bag at long last. At least that's what I'm using it for now, for obvious reasons.
If anyone wants an original, very well made bag of any size/any use, let me know! I'll put you in touch.

They're actually done!

I got good shots of M's pants because he is willing to hold still. G's look the same, trust me. They haven't been washed yet or gone over for stray threads--so please disregard those. I made the mistake though of not measuring M's waist before I started. They are sooo loose on him. And he doesn't like the low rider look. If I can talk him into a belt, he can wear them, otherwise he can wait till he puts on a few inches. Shouldn't take too long based on recent history.

I made them from Ottobre's 1/06 issue. They are view #27 in sizes 134 & 92. They are supposed to roll up--my guys aren't that short ;). I used corduroy and twill from JoAnns. I wish there was more shaping to the waistband. It was just a simple sew&fold. Other than that I like them. They were also pretty easy to sew--typical of Otto.

We dyed again today :o

I'm still waiting for finished products to take pictures of, so I'll post them later. We had dye left from our tie-dye party and used them on some stuff. I was especially excited about the results of our silks. I have wanted playsilks for the boys for quite some time. I can't bring myself to buy them though because I know what the blanks cost from Dharma. So I found a great, permanent but quick way to dye them and they turned out great. This method doesn't make them all smooth and even and perfectly one color. It gives them a mottled look. Almost marbled.
First, we put the scarves in a stainless steel bowl and poured white vinegar over them and let them soak for 30 minutes. Then we wrung them out and put one-at-a-time in another stainless bowl. I let the boys squirt dye over them. We did lapis/midnight, yellow/orange, forest/bright green, red, and then lots of colors to try and make brown (as per M's request). After it looked good and dye covered, I put it in my microwave steamer, covered it and nuked it for 2 minutes. Then rinsed. And rinsed and rinsed and rinsed--silk holds it's dye well! After we did each one, I washed them in synthrapol and dried them. They look great! The boys had so much fun playing with them before bed too. I really should have taken pictures, but oh well. Tomorrow.
I also painted a skirt. I had this cool watercolor flower idea. I mixed the dye up thicker than I planned and then I couldn't get the look I wanted on my practice fabric. So I painted yellow and purple asters instead. I think I'll like it alright. We'll see. Who knows, maybe I'll love it?

G is astounding me with his growth the last month. He is talking so much better. He says all the grandparent names, repeats just about everything, and forms full sentences. He is starting to do scribble writing, where he writes a line of scribbles and tells us what it says. And he loves drinking out of a regular cup instead of sippy cups. AND he is more interested in using the potty. He has been great at using it as long as he is naked, but the other day he wanted his pj pants on with no diaper. He remembered to go to the potty and pulled down his own pants.
If this blog still exists when he is old enough to read, he will be horrified to find this here and I will be the cause of much emotional damage I am sure. But I'm thrilled at the progress he is making.
M on the other hand seems to have decided that 8 is darn close enough to 13 to be a total pill. Actually he is a really sweet kid. He just knows how to push my buttons. But that is pretty normal I guess.

On the sewing front, I used up some more fabric in a baby gift. So I didn't really use that much I guess, but it felt like an accomplishment. Then I cut out matching pants and shirts for the boys. The pants are taking awhile as they are 12 pattern pieces each and I'm double topstitching them. They had darn well better turn out! But they used a lot of fabric. Yay!!

2 yards down, 9998 to go (give or take)

These got really wrinkled in the wash and I refuse to iron kids clothes, soooo
But, M has new pants. I modified #29 from the 3/06 issue of Ottobre. I lengthened the shorts and left off all hardware. I also topstitched the pockets before sewing them on. He really likes pull on pants, so I thought this would be a nice compromise between pull on and a little nicer looking. I only had this issue at this point. 1/06 just arrived in the mail yesterday, so I'm really excited to have lots of great boy clothes to sew. And sew and sew and sew. Now if I can just limit myself to stash fabric for awhile that would help immensely.

Front view-plain-plain

Back view. He really likes these pockets that are set in the yoke. They are really easy to sew too. No pinning and checking to make sure all is even on both sides. Just sew and go. I let M pick out the topstitch thread too. Of course he picked some random cheap thread that I will now throw the rest of away. Yes, cheap thread does make a difference! Next time I will only offer him choices from thread that is nice to sew with.

L's new dress

I happen to have the cutest niece anyone has ever had. I know this because I am her aunt, she has another aunt who agrees with me, AND her grandparents agree. That many people can't be wrong, right?
So, with all my boy sewing, I had been looking through my fabric quite a bit. Naturally I had not been able to use this adorable floral in the boys shorts, but it was calling to me. There are lots of darling little girl patterns in the Ottobre magazine. So L gets this one. I had to buy ric-rac and buttons (I know Mom, I should have called you and asked for ric-rac, but I forgot until I had already bought it) but the fabric was already owned. Yeah! I'm making progress. Of course, I did then go and buy fabric for pants and shorts. But I don't have much bottom weight fabric.
Anyway, L will get a new dress from Aunt S soon and look cute, as usuall.

For the sewers out there, this is from Ottobre 3/2006. It is a combination of 2 of the dresses in size 86. I used the plain sleeves and the rounded collar. The pinafore has ribbon and buttons for the fasteners. And since I ran out of the floral, the inside of the front top part is green dress fabric. It was tight as I have no scraps left. But it was a great way to use up scraps.

Back view

Just the dress.

Finished outfits!

So that one innocent use-the-stash-shirt sorta snowballed. Now we have two outfits. Well, I did use fabric almost exclusively out my stash. I had to buy the yellow for G's pants as I don't normally have a lot of yellow. That should be changing really since orange and yellow are his 2 fave colors. M likes his sailor look. He also likes the fact he can go from pants to shorts in just a minute without having the extra leg pieces to find something to do with like the zip-off kind. All the patterns are from Ottobre 3-2006. I really want to buy more issues, but have told myself I need to sew enough from this one to justify the $20 I spent on it. Although if I was buying Burda or something, it would cost me that much for just 2 patterns. I'll sew up some more pants for the kids and a baby gift, and maybe a dress for my niece, and call it good.

A new shirt from Ottobre pattern mag (click on in english on left side of page). I am loving the way it is turning out. Of course, it could stand some buttons and button holes. And someone who takes more time with the inside details.... Although I did french seam the side seams and sleeves so they didn't look too corny rolled up. It is one of those projects that snowballed on its own. I was looking through my mag and wanted to make something. Then I found a piece of fabric. Then I thought, "oooh, trains!" and this is where it got me.
G loves trains, and is growing out of any clothes with trains on them. So this is a good addition to his not-so-small wardrobe.

Grandma R made the boys these great sweaters for Christmas this year. I had a hard time getting them to sit still. I guess I could say I was just trying to get a front and back view in one picture. She gave them matching pants too. But they wear them so much they are never clean at the same time or when I want to take their picture. Good job Grandma!!