First Dance Recital

Juliana had her first dance recital last week. She has only been in the class for a couple of months. She did so well, and I was so proud of her. I decided last minute to make her a Christmas-y skirt instead of having her wear a red one she already owned. She loved it. I made a matching one for Felicity too, and they have both worn them a few times this past week.

After the recital the girls got to meet Santa Claus. It went infinitely better than last year, when Felicity screamed and Juliana was too shy to look at Santa. This year Juliana hopped onto his lap and told him immediately what she wanted before he could even say hello. Felicity, on the other hand, refused to move her head from that position. She did not want to look at Santa.

Here is an up close shot of the skirt. I used some red and white Casey Scroll fabric that I have had forever that I originally intended for something else. I used this pattern from Zozo Bug Baby. I have made this skirt several times, and I love how easy it is. Everyone loves the apron, and I made this apron with green on one side and red on the other. That way when Christmas is over it won't look so much like a Christmas skirt as a red and white skirt.

I have been working on the girls' Christmas dresses using this pattern. I am mostly finished with one, and hopefully will get the other started today. I am also making some pettiskirts for the girls for Christmas. Wowza. Those take more time than I thought. I have to borrow my mom's machine as she has a ruffler foot, and it makes it go by so much faster. I don't think I would attempt one of these without one. I also have made some Jane Market Bags as some gifts and have a few more to go. Nothing like waiting to the last minute! Hope you all have your Christmas sewing under way and wrapped up soon!

Baby Quilt

I have been so inspired by Crazy Mom Quilts with all the quilts that she makes from scraps and had a lot of fun participating in her first scrappy nine patch quilt-a-long. So I made another scrappy quilt for a baby. It is made entirely from scraps front and back except for the binding which is some Jennifer Paganelli Flower Power. I inserted some bigger pieces of fabric and kind of wished I just made a few more scrappy blocks instead, but this is only my third quilt, right?

This is my first time doing free motion on a quilt. It was hard! It definitely got easier as I went along, but I am glad I didn't try anything bigger than a baby quilt for the first time. I just did some little swirly things because whenever I have practiced stippling it just looks funky to me. I was really impressed with how the quilt just looked different though once I washed it.

I used some Amy Butler Love for the back from leftovers from some pillowcases I made. Love, love this line of fabric.

Also, the winner of the giveaway is Duff! Congratulations! I sent you an email, so please send me your address! Thanks to all who participated!

Christmas Giveaway!

Janelle Wind's new Audrey bag pattern!

I am taking part of Sew Mama Sew's giveaway! Welcome and Merry Christmas! I know, I know...I haven't posted in forever. I think moving across country while pregnant took it out of me. Yes, we are expecting #3 sometime in May! And...it is a boy! My husband is happy. Anyway, my energy levels are slowly creeping back, and I should be posting more and sewing more! I just finished a baby quilt today, and it turned out so cute!

On to the giveaway....
I am giving away TWO patterns to one lucky winner, the Audrey bag by Janelle Wind and Rudy by Melly and Me! Just run over to my shop and take a looksie. I am having a big sale. FREE SHIPPING and lots of patterns are discounted, so check the sale section. Then leave a comment and let me know what your favorite pattern is and what kind of patterns you buy mostly. Clothing for kids, for you, quilts, bags, etc? Don't forget to leave your email address, so I can contact you if you win! The giveaway closes Dec 6th around 8 PM PST. NOW CLOSED! THANKS! Winner announced tomorrow!

Melly and Me's Rudy!

The Shop is Open!

Just a quickie post to let you all know that the shop is now open! Thanks to all those who waited patiently! I do have some new patterns in the shop as well, so check those out.

Over the next couple of days I will be discounting a lot of patterns to make room for some new ones! Please let me know of any specific patterns you would like to see in the shop! The new Sew Liberated Patterns should be here any day!

Crazy

That is the only word I have for describing our August and September. The move itself went pretty smoothly. Closing on the house took a month longer than anticipated. However, we are here! I have lots to write about, and I haven't sewn for weeks. I am totally feeling the itch. I did, however, purchase this sewing cabinet yesterday and can't wait for it to get here.

I am planning on reopening the shop on Monday October 12th! I have some new patterns already here and others on the way. I love the change of seasons! Always brings new inspiration!

The above photo is something made last fall, but I really like it. It is an Apron Overlay from Amy Butler's Barcelona Skirts pattern. Have you seen her new patterns coming out? Oh, and the fabric! Yummy. Anyhow, it just feels too weird to post without a picture, and I don't know where our camera cord is yet. Still sooooo many boxes to unpack. Boo.

We have...

a job in California and we are officially in escrow for a cute little house! Life is busy and is only going to get busier. I expect sewing and blogging are going to be taking a backseat over the next month. We are excited for the upcoming changes and a little nervous too! We feel very blessed.

I will be closing up my etsy shop for the next month starting next Tuesday, August 11th. So if you have been eying a pattern and can't wait until September I suggest you order in the next week! I know I want to rearrange the shop as well, and I think taking this month off will let me reassess and pray about what direction the shop should take.

Since there isn't any crafting in this post, have a little look at some of these fun tutorials that I have bookmarked in my favorites!

Knitting Needle Roll by Lupin Bunny
How to make a digital quilt mockup by Sarah Seitz
Little Patchwork Dress by Crazy Mom Quilts (Really love this!)
Birthday Banner by See Mommy Sew
How to sew a double sided purse strap by Fat Orange Cat
Superhero Cape Tutorial by Puking Pastilles
( I made one of these for a little boy and it was the hit of the party!)

Make It Perfect's Flirty Skirts Pattern Review

You can find the Flirty Skirts pattern in my SHOP!

Description from back of pattern:
Flirty Skirts will be the most comfortable, relaxed skirts you will ever make or wear. Featuring cascading tiers and patchwork designs, Flirty Skirts will leave you feeling free and graceful. Gentle gathers between each tier create a soft, feminine look - perfect for a day in the countryside, unwinding at the beach or some fun shopping. Whether you choose to make a stunning long or short ladies skirt or a delightful little girl's skirt with matching applique top, Flirty Skirts are guaranteed to make you happy!!

Pattern includes the following sizes:

LITTLE GIRL'S SKIRT -
sizes 6 months, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

LADIES LONG AND SHORT SKIRTS -
x-small: hips 36" or 91cm / midriff 26 1/2" or 67cm
small: hips 38" or 96cm / midriff 29" or 74cm
medium: hips 40 1/2" or 103cm / midriff 32" or 81cm
large: hips 43 1/2" or 110cm / midriff 35" or 89cm Added on May 21, 2009

Material and material requirements:

This depends on the skirt you make and your size. I used a five different 1/2 yds from a set of Jennifer Paganelli's Flower power line, and about 2/3 yd from a blue and white polka dot fabric from my stash.

Pattern as described/shown?

This skirt turned out very well and looks very much like the long skirt shown on the pattern. I was trying to work with a half yard set that I already had in my stash, and so I ended up being about an inch and a half short for one of my pieces. I am short so I didn't think this would be a problem. However, it is just about perfect on me, and I am short (5'3"). Plus, I am wearing this skirt at right about my belly button. So if you are tall or want to wear it higher on your waist I would probably add an inch to a couple of the tiers.

How were the instructions?

The instructions were clear and well organized. I was never confused, and there were just enough diagrams to help understand her directions.

Difficulty of pattern?

This is a pretty easy pattern. The only difficult thing is the amount of gathering you have to do for each tier. So I would say that you should at least have done one gathering project before attempting this pattern just to avoid frustration. However, there are no real pattern. You just cut rectangles (rotary cutter comes in handy for this!) and the overall construction is simple making it a good project for a beginner!

Alterations made?

The only alteration I made is just shortening a couple of tiers to accommodate using the half yard cuts I already had. Otherwise, all directions were followed. I did, however, have about a yard extra of trim leftover from the zebra print. So you can definitely cut out less. You also might want to top stitch on the tiers that are not covered with the trim just to give it a cleaner look. I keep meaning to go back and do it to mine, but you know...there are other things to sew! ;0p

Overall Impression

I love my new skirt! I don't have any long skirts currently, and I love the soft ruffles and feminine feel of this skirt. It came together quickly. I made this skirt on a Saturday for a fun and easy weekend project. I also love the fact that it comes with instructions for making a little girl skirt as well.