Featured on Sew Mama Sew

We had the awesome opportunity to guest post over at Sew Mama Sew a couple of days ago making this belt. If you want to make one too just head over to Sew Mama Sew for the whole tutorial.

Swimsuit Sewing

pattern : Kwik Sew 3779


pattern: Kwik Sew 3606

I had the opportunity to take a swimsuit sewing class last week at Vogue Fabrics in Evanston, IL. I don't think I can emphasize how great the class was. Not only was I able to make my own suit, but I squeaked out one for my one year old as well. I am pretty sure that I will never buy a suit for myself or daughter again. It was a lot more doable than I ever realized. And at just a yard of fabric it is so much cheaper too.

I think they only teach this class once a year, but if you are in the area I highly recommend putting it on the calendar for next spring.

If you want to try to make one yourself there are a ton of great tips at creative chicks at play.

Did you guys see this post by Fraufertig over at Made awhile back? As soon as I saw it I knew that I wanted to make it. My daughter, Alpha's, room is decorated in a somewhat mid-century modern type of way. As a result it has been really hard to find artwork for her nursery that is modern enough for the decor, but still young enough for a baby. I thought this was perfect. At about $3 total and maybe 2 hours of work I couldn't be happier.

Do you want to make one too? Click here for the tutorial.

p.s. if you decide to make one too here are a few hints - First make sure to use a dark thread. We started with red and it wasn't dark enough to really make out the letters. Secondly, most home improvement stores have a free wood pile by the cutting table. We found ours there for free.

DIY Growth Chart

My baby just turned one and I found myself frantically looking for a growth chart to start before it was too late. I couldn't believe how hard it was to find one that wasn't too cutesy, too expensive, or too gender specific. I wanted the chart to be used for our whole family, and something tough enough that we would be able to move it from place to place as life goes on.

Since nothing seemed to fit my needs I decided to make my own. Here is how I did it:

Materials:

- 5 1/2 foot piece of flat white baseboard (you can get this and also get it cut at any home improvement store)
- ruler
- one package of sticker letters/numbers in desired color
- pencil
- scissors

Step 1
Use your ruler and pencil to mark every foot and inch on your baseboard. Start at 18" at the bottom of your board.


Step 2
Cut up some of the letters you won't be using to make the large marks for the ruler at each foot marking. Add the corresponding numbers next to the markings.




Step 3
Next I took took the letters and arranged them so that each word was centered between a foot. Mine reads "Ward Growth Chart" but of coarse yours could say anything you wanted.



Step 4
Take the remaining letters/numbers that are left over and cut smaller pieces of sticker for every one inch mark.



Step 5
Hang it on the wall 1 1/2 feet from the ground and mark your heights. You can hang it with a hook or nails. Just make sure that it is secure enough that your kids can't pull it off of the wall.

And here it is... simple, modern, i love it.


Question: My only concern is that over time my kids will try to pull the stickers off. I think I should probably prevent that in some way. I was thinking modge podge or maybe a varnish? I just want to preserve it while still being able to write on it. Any suggestions?

One Pattern Seven Ways - #6

First of all thank you to Rae for featuring me and my tops over at Made by Rae yesterday. And on that note don't forget to enter your spring top into her contest. Last day is tomorrow.

I also finished my 6th version of Simplicity 2599. This time I decided to lengthen the top to make a dress. I used version F of the pattern to add the gathered waistline. Otherwise I just lengthened the bottom and added some ruffles to the neckline.


Here are some of photos/instructions for what I did to the neckline:

I first cut the neckline into a v neck instead of the higher scoop neck. I also added length to the pattern and an inches of width on either side after the waistline.

Then I cut out two large circles where the inside circle was about 27 inches in circumference. The ruffles are then about 5 inches wide. (there are two of these)


I sewed the two ruffle separate circles together at one end in a french seam.


I pinned and sewed (at 1/4") the ruffles to the neckline with the right side of the ruffle to the wrong side of the dress. The french seam should be at center back.


I then flipped the ruffle to the front of the dress and pressed it.
Pin the rest of the ruffle down the front middle of the dress until the waistline.
Pin and stitch the ruffle down the middle of the dress.



Next I topstiched around the neckline and down ruffles on the center of the dress.


Lastly I finished the edges of the ruffles. I wish I had a rolled hem foot, but I don't so I had to do it the old fashioned way. I hope you have a rolled hem foot because it was not fun.

One Pattern Seven Ways - #5

For version five of Simplicity 2599 I wanted to try something like this Anthropologie top. I must say that I am really happy about the way that this one turned out. I am going to be trying it again, but next time I will use a much more drapey fabric like a rayon. This cotton lawn keeps it pretty boxy. Although I think that this tucked into a high-waisted jean or skirt would be pretty fantastic.



To make this shirt I first made a new pattern for the neckline by sketching my desired neckline and then adding 5/8" for seam allowance.

Then I made two ties by cutting two strips about 3 inches wide, folding them in half, and then turning the tube right side out.

I then sewed them into the shoulder seam about and inch out from the neckline.

Next I cut out a long piece (about 1/3 longer than the neckline) that had a flat bottom and curved top peaking at 3 inches.

Sew right sides together and then gather the bottom edge.

Now attach to the bodice and press inwards.

Last thing to do is add single fold bias tape (I made my own but you could just use store bought).

Our Puj Video

I'd love to know what you think.

One Pattern Seven Ways - #4

Here is my fourth shirt made from Simplicity 2599. I loved the striped fabric when I saw it and I wanted something nautical for the summer. Thought I would play with the stripes a bit.


To make this shirt I cut the front and back on the bias. I added 5/8" to the center front to make a seam down the middle.

To make the v neck I decided where I wanted the neckline to fall and then added 5/8" for seam allowance.


The neckline piece was made out of 2 inch bias strips sewed together and added to the top of the bodice pieces. The rest of the shirt was sewn up normally.

One Pattern Seven Ways - #3

This third top's inspiration came from this awesome gingham fabric that I found on sale for 99 cents a yard. I wanted something a little more smockish.
To make this top I created a yoke in the front. I doubled the fabric for the yoke and cut it on the bias. I left it half open and omitted the button closure in the back. I also extended the arms to the elbow and then added a bit of bias tape to the edge to gather it. Lastly I added a bit more room through the bodice to allow it to flow a little more. Here are a few pics of the cutting out process.