There's Always Time To Get Cozy

This week the girls made PJ pants with their sewing machines.  Check out the cute pictures below!

inside out and checking for size

froggy pjs

adorable

a little rick rack for extra detail

Dad Bag

I decided I needed to broaden my horizons a bit and sew something for the dads out there!  So many friends and family are having little ones and I am always finding myself creating something sweet for the new babe or for mom...I thought this dad bag would be a nice addition.  This is a messenger style bag with a darker outside for dad, and masculine red stripe lining finish. 

over the shoulder heavy strap

My husband kindly posed for the picture :) 

front zipper and pocket for storage

elastic pockets perfect for holding a baby bottle or water bottle

Summer Sewing Classes

With the crazy heat today, it was a great day to be in a cool house and sewing! Take a peek at a few of the photos from our sewing class.  The girls each made a classic reversible apron.  Their color choices were perfect for summer and the aprons turned out to be adorable :) 

Stay tuned for more upcoming pictures of classes and inspirations.

all set up and ready to sew

adding pockets

top stitching

Finished Product--Adorable

Empire Cinch

During this time of the year, I am always looking for something cute, yet simple to embellish my outfits with.  This empire cinch, made up of my favorite scraps was just the solution!  Bright colors and fun prints to remind me of SPRING.

This project was also very quick, easy, and fun to complete.  Tie it up higher for a a more empire fitted look, or wear it as a belt.  Depending on what you are wearing, maxi dress or blouse, you may want to tie it in front!  I also love this unique belt since it can be very flattering for soon-to-be mamas!

This belt if very functional since it can be two belts in one--wear the patchwork side or flip it over and enjoy the beautiful print.   I think I will make another one using cooler colors. 

 

Friends and Family Sewing

This month I have been working on a few special projects for friends and family.  Here's just a peek at a few :) 

Dog Training Jacket

A friend of ours has a beautiful German Shepherd that is working on socialization with other dogs and people. They asked if I could create something for their pup that would allow them to take her on walks and not have people always want to approach her.  She is friendly and very sweet, but gets nervous when people she doesn't know come up to her too quickly.  

I made this light weight water resistant vest out of Nylon.  The pattern was derived by tracing over another dog jacket and making modifications. Add some Velcro and letters and success! 

All Purpose Diaper Bag

With so many friends and family members either pregnant or recently adding a new little one to their family, I have had some time and experience working on projects for BABY.  I love this bright and colorful Diaper Bag! It is big enough to hold whatever you may need for baby and still looks trendy and appropriate for everyday use.  

 

Divider and pockets sewn in for organization. 

 

 

 

On-the-Go Changing Pad rolls up and is held inside bag with elastic loop

Nursing Cover

 

Spring Break Sewing

I have been going crazy these past few days with spring break finally here and having some free time to sew. Here are just a few projects I have been working on.  Enjoy!

Baby Mobile/Lamp Shade

Turn this adorable mobile into a lampshade once baby is big enough by simply clipping off birds.

I was very excited to finish this project since I had the pieces cut of for it since November of 2011!  I have been playing playing around with some different animals (owls, squirrels, bees). 

Wallet

Love the bright colors for spring

Pillows

For the past year I have been wanting to recover some of our living room pillows and finally it is done!  

love these flowers--wanted the Anthropologie look

I've used this fabric in various bags and purses, but thought it would be perfect to add some depth in the living room.

 

Next:

Nursing Cover for my cousins new little one :) 

Crib Skirt

I know I said I was going to post a "Tutorial" on how to make a crib skirt, but I discovered about half way through this project that once I got started, I was not very good about stopping to take pictures!  I think I get was too excited when I saw the vision actually coming to life. So, I hope you are not disappointed, but instead here are some steps that went into this fun creation.

On Sale: Bonus!

Wash and dry sheet, then lay out on cutting table.  You can also use a print or plain fabric, but I found this sheet on sale and felt it would do the trick perfectly.  Make sure you have measured your crib length, width, and height.  

Ever have trouble making sure your hems are perfect? Try this trick:  Use a piece of card stock measure out your hem allowance on the paper.  Then fold the fabric up to the line on the paper and iron.  Simple and consistent!  

Below you will see to 1/4 in lines. The fist line is for the first fold, and the second is for the second fold.  So, this crib skirt had a 1/2 double folded hem. 

 

 

Stitch hem in place

You can make the skirt cover the entire bottom of the crib or just do three sides, as seen here.

Once I had the three pieces cut and the hems sewn, I got a little excited and forgot to take pictures!  So below you will see the appliqued owls I did.

Love the bright eyes

Sequences and hand stitching around edges

love this big guy

I used a small piece of leather to make the branch under the three little owls.

Finished Product 

The crib skirt was made for my cousin who is due in March :) I can't wait for that little man to arrive.