Presserfoot.com

New Web Addresses

2012-01-27T17:00:00.000-06:00

First of, if you are reading this then thank you for being such a dedicated reader. Life for both Rian and I have taken unexpected turns and Presserfoot has taken a back seat as a result. We finally decided that it is time for both of us to focus in other ways. Presserfoot will still stay here with it's info, but we will no longer be posting any future projects. You can, however, find us at our new current blogs. Please update your google reader and continue to follow us:

Kelli : www.truebias.com

Rian : www.trachties.blogspot.com

Thanks!

Kelli and Rian

Do you know the way to San Jose?

2011-06-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

My husband has an internship in San Jose, CA for the summer and we will be living in Los Gatos. I am excited to have a fun adventure and lots of sewing time. I was wondering if any of you guys have any suggestions on things to do while I am there and especially where the best fabric stores are? I am hoping there are lots of fashion fabric options. Thanks so much!

White Jeans Made Skinny

2011-06-02T15:42:00.004-05:00

I found these jeans at the thrift store for $3. I keep on seeing articles on how white jeans are one of the must haves for the summer. I am a little reluctant but thought that at $3 I didn't have much to lose. I used Cotton and Curl's tutorial on how to make regular jeans into skinny jeans. It is a great tutorial and you can find it here.

before:

after:

I think that they turned out pretty well. Now to have the confidence to actually wear them.

Featured on Sew Mama Sew

2011-05-20T17:00:00.000-05:00

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

2011-05-19T10:37:00.003-05:00

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.

2011-05-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

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

2011-05-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

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

2011-05-08T20:57:00.009-05:00

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

2011-05-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

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

2011-05-04T14:36:00.001-05:00

I'd love to know what you think.

One Pattern Seven Ways - #4

2011-05-03T11:27:00.004-05:00

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

2011-05-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

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.

One Pattern Seven Ways - #2

2011-04-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

For my second version of this pattern I decided to go a little retro with the sweatheart neckline. I first fell in love with this look through Collette pattern's Macaron dress and since then have seen it in several other designer looks.

To make this adjustment I simply drew the line that I wanted for the sweatheart. Then I added 5/8" to the bottom of the yoke pattern piece (white fabric) and then 5/8" to the top of the main pattern piece (floral fabric) for seam allowance. Otherwise I sewed the pattern up like normal. I did double the white fabric to prevent any see-throughness which also allowed me to omit the facings. Here are a couple of pics of the cutting process.

DIY arm restraints - The "Snug Hug"

2011-04-27T17:09:00.003-05:00

Seriously, who wants to thing about wrapping your kid in arm restraints? For what ever reason. But the fact is, for her own safety and my own piece of mind, at least once a day Miss Maaike is strapped down so I can take care of her trach needs. Welcome "snug hug."

I graduated college in linguistics so I am a firm believer in "a rose by any other name" would not smell so sweet. I think that what we call and the way describe things makes a big difference in the way we perceive things. Every parent of a special needs child knows this love hate relationship. You need the "label" or diagnosis to get help for your child, but you don't want those who help you to see your child as the diagnosis and not look pass the label. In the same, but obviously lesser light, I don't want to think about binding my child down in arm restraints day after day to manage her care, but I can accept the thought of hugging her snuggly with beautiful fabric to give her the love and care that I need to.

This is a quick and easy project, suitable for beginner sewers. The Snug Hug could also be used to swaddle newborns underneath beautiful blankets or anything else you might dream up. Let's get started.

The Snug Hug

Materials
1/2 yard of medium to heavy weight fabric
21 inches of sew-able Velcro
thread
scissors

Step 1
Measure the circumference of your child where you want the Snug Hug to fit. Make sure your are measuring them as they would fit in it with their arms down at their side. Add 8 inches to that measurement, this allows for future growth.

Step 2
Cut your fabric, folded lengthwise in half, with the measurement from Step 1 by 8 inches down (folded) or 16 inches open. Maaike's fabric was 32 inches by 8 inches (folded)

Step 3
With right sides together sew your long rectangle around the 3 open sides with a half inch seem allowance, leaving a 3 inch opening at one end. Clip off the seam allowance at the corners.

Step 4
Pulling your fabric through the 3 inch opening, turn you fabric right side out and iron it.

Step 5
Top stitch the 4 sides of your fabric at 1/4 inch seam allowance, this will close up your 3 inch opening.

Step 6
Cut a 6 inch strip of the fuzzy side of the velcro and sew it to one end of your fabric so that it lays vertically on your rectangle. I used the "blind hem stitch" but you could use a straight stitch or zigzag or almost any stitch.

Step 7
Flip your fabric over so that you cannot see the velcro you just sewed and lay two 10 inch strips of the tacky side of the velcro on the opposite side and end as the fuzzy velcro. These two strips will lay horizontally on the rectangle. Now sew them in place

Step 8
Roll up your Snug Hug how you wish to store it to test where you will place your last 2 inches of tacky-sided velcro to maintain closure and sew it in place.

Ready for hugging.

One Pattern Seven Ways - #1

2011-04-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

As previously mentioned (and in celebration with Rae's Spring Top Sewalong) I will be using one pattern - Simplicity 2599 - to make 7 different tops. When I first saw this pattern I knew that it was one of those patterns that is a perfect staple to a collection. Take away the ruffles and roses and it is a simple top that can be transformed in so many ways. I love it when I have tried a pattern and get it exactly how I want it. Once it is there it becomes a great launching point for altering and embellishing to your hearts desire.

So for my first top I made the pattern just as recommended. You could call this my wearable muslin. I made view A without the roses. I used the cheapest fabric I could find - a polyester blend that was $1.29/yd. I wouldn't say that I love the fabric, but I do love the fit. I think that if I style it in the right way it could be pretty cute. I really didn't have to make any alterations - although I would say that I went down a full size according to my measurements. After reading other reviews of this pattern I new that it ran big and I agree.

Here it is - version 1 - my straight forward muslin:

I'm a Spring Top Judge!

2011-04-25T09:59:00.003-05:00

Once again I will be helping out with Rae's Spring Top Sewalong and I couldn't be happier to help. I love the idea of spring tops. There is nothing I would rather wear in this warm weather than lightweight, flowy tops over skinny jeans and ballet flats.

Because I am a judge I will not be entering any of my tops, but I will be sewing along. Over the next two weeks I will be making - 7 tops one pattern. I am pretty excited about this. I love mastering one pattern and altering it in various ways to make many workable tops.

If you would like to enter Rae's Spring Top Sewalong over at Made by Rae, click here for the details.

Happy sewing!

Heather Bailey apron

2011-04-15T00:37:00.003-05:00

May I start with my apologies. I cannot figure out how to get these pictures to rotate. They are saved on my computer up right, but every time I upload them, no matter what I do, they are back sideways. Help!

But, I did finally finish the Heather Bailey apron I was making for my sister-in-law for Christmas. When I showed it to my husband and told what it was for he seemed quite impressed, followed by a, "Wow you are really ahead of the game this year." That's when I had to break it to him that this was her gift for last year and I am actually really behind the game. As far as the pattern goes I think it turned out well and is really cute, but I don't like how the halter and waist ties are added in. The ruffle flounce at the bottom was added on and not part of the pattern because I ran into some fabric issues as my sister-in-law bought the fabric before I found a pattern. I also top stitched everything because I think it looks more professional, but it is not called for in the pattern. Overall it gets a B+ in my books. Now if you could just tilt your head to the right you will see what I am talking about.

A few more wraps

2011-04-12T22:24:00.000-05:00

I just can't help myself. She looks so precious in them. They only take about 30 minutes to make. They are perfect for her trach and so easy to get on and off. I just picked up fabric to make two more. Thank you Amy!

The below photos show the slight change I made to Amy's instructions. Instead of having a second tie inside the kimono I add a snap closure.

Either way it works. I just like having a little less bulk under the arms and it is always fun to bring out the hammer when you are sewing.

Trach ties

2011-04-08T13:02:00.000-05:00

Today I am launching a new blog. New is really a relative term here. The blog is Trach ties, a blog totally devoted to life with a trach, but as of yet there is no new content. If you read this blog or my family blog you will have already read everything on it. For now it is a massive copy and paste job, but eventually I will write original content specifically for it. It wont be an every day thing, but hopefully an every week kind of a thing. As I have had the opportunity to connect with a few other trach moms and mothers with kids of special needs I have wanted a place to direct them. I love our family blog, but then you have to shift through the rest of our family stuff. I love Presserfoot, but this is a sewing blog. I have resisted putting this blog together for a long time because I simply don't have the time, but the other day I realized that between our family and Presserfoot I did have a lot of content and all I needed to do was bring it together. I was thrilled when I saw that "trach ties" was available on blogger. After all, I was a linguistics major and I love a little play on words. If you look closely at our family silhouette you will see that baby Maaike has her trach and trach ties. And as for the metaphorical trach ties, second only to the joy of having Miss Maaike in our family, the bonds that we have formed with other families with special needs children has been the greatest and most unexpected blessing of this experience. If you or anyone you know is looking for that kind of a connection I hope you will join us for the ride!

Sewing for special needs & spot lights

2011-03-31T07:50:00.002-05:00

Before I could take Maaike home from the hospital I had to take a five day training course and then proficiently preform all of Maaike's care for 24 hours without nurses assistance. Each class was 4 hours long, 2 hours in the classroom and 2 hours at Maaike's bedside putting my new knowledge into practice. Day one was practically dedicated to the lifestyle changes we would need to make. I was questioned as follows:

"Does anyone in the house smoke?"

"No."

"Do you have any pets?"

"No."

"Are you a stay at home mom?"

"Yes."

"Do you have any family support in the area?"

"Yes."

"Well, you were meant to be a trach mom."

I wasn't so sure about that, but I was willing to humor her. On day four it was brought to my attend that some adjustments would need to be made in her wardrobe. It is suggested that trach kids wear V-neck tops to allow for airflow around the trach and decrease the likelihood of trach occlusion. Well, it just so happens I sew. On day five I was trained to give CPR with a trach and how to rescue breath via ambu bag. Though practicing on my own child was horrifying I found that my glory days as a lifeguard came back to aid me. At this point I was starting to believe I was meant for this.
I scour the local consignment shops for V-neck baby attire. Sometimes I hit big and sometimes I walkout empty handed, but that's okay, because I sew. When Katie contacted me about sharing our story on film I had no idea what I would wear, but there was no question that Maaike would be wearing something I made. One of my favorite patterns for Miss Maaike is this kimono pattern by Amy at Habitual. It's easy, it's quick, and it's oh so cute. I like to make it out of a knit material because it's softer and instead of having the inside tie together with a bow, like the outside, I like to use a simple snap to reduce the bulk a little. It's the perfect pattern for a last minute baby shower gift or a trach baby just home from the hospital gift. The first one I made took about an hour, but now I can whip one out in about 20 minutes. They are great for pairing with bright leggings, like Maaike's from Target.Miss Maaike is 10 months old today! I can't believe how fast she is growing! 10 months down and 2 to go until we party hardy!

What special needs sewing projects have you done? I'd love to share them with our reads.

Tutorial : DIY Nautical Headband

2011-03-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

How to make a Nautical Headband

Materials:
-4 yds of rope or ribbon cut into 4 equal strands
-1/2 yd 1 inch twill
-hair band
-sewing needle
-thread
The following pictures show you step by step how to make the sailor's knot with your first two strands of rope. Pay careful attention to which strand is on top or under the other. For more help click here.

Now take your third and fourth strands of rope and snake them side by side into the knot by the first two strands.

Slowly pull the knot tighter, keeping it even and the knot flat.

Here is a closeup of how the knot should look now.
Take your needle and thread and about 1 inch from the knot sew together the four strands of rope to keep them flat on the back..
Repeat on the other side.
Here is the front.
Trim your ropes so that all of the ends are even and the whole thing is about 19 inches long with the knot at about 7 1/2 inches (so that it is on the side of your head).
Cut two pieces of twill at about 3 inches.
Using your sewing machine or your needle and thread sew both of your ends flat.
On the shorter side of the headband (closer to the knot) and on the front of the headband, line the edge of the twill with the end of the rope and sew with your sewing machine at 1 inch from the edge.
Fold the twill down over the stitch line and flip the headband over so you are seeing the back. Place the hair holder inside of the twill tape as shown.
Fold at about 1/4 inch.
Now fold up so that the folded twill tape covers the stitch line.
Sew this edge down as well.
Try on the headband to see if you need to take any length off. If you do then trim off a little rope before continuing. Now repeat the previous steps on the other end of your headband (the longer side). In the end it should look like this.

Here it is on.
Isn't it great? I want to try something similar for a belt as well. I will show you when I do. Enjoy making your own now.

Confession and a Promise

2011-03-29T15:05:00.002-05:00

So first for the confession. Remember the Mad Men dress that I started forever ago? Well, I just can't finish it. I have tried and tried and the truth is that it is just the ugliest thing I have ever made. My fabric choice was a disaster and I just can't bring myself to finish a garment that I know I will never wear. I hope you will forgive me. I plan on chopping the bottom off and making a skirt and I will show you once I do.

Now to make it up to you I have an awesome tutorial to show you tomorrow. I made this nautical headband over the weekend and I can't wait to show you how easy it is. Check in tomorrow morning for the full tutorial.

I Could Make That : Cascade Dress

2011-03-26T16:59:00.006-05:00

When I saw this dress at Gap I instantly associated it with the following pattern and thought . . . I could make that.

Dress : Cascade Trim Dress from Gap $69.95

To make this use . . .

Pattern : Simplicity 2360 View A

Using this fabric from Denver Fabrics . . .

Navy Blue Cotton Voile - $4.95/yd

Here are a few of my favorite versions of this pattern on the web:
(I think this is one of those patterns that could easily be transformed from wedding attire to beach coverup depending on your choice of fabrics.)

Hannah from Sew Tessuti
Wendibirdie
Farah Makes Stuff
Boo Dogg and Me

Taking a bath

2011-03-13T09:43:00.000-05:00

Do you remember my Christmas giveaway addiction? The red garland wasn't my only take home. I also won a Puj Tub! If you haven't heard of them before I can honestly tell you they are awesome! I randomly clicked on a link for a giveaway that brought me to, the inventor and founder, Katie's blog. Winning the Puj Tub wasn't just a nice win for us it was a revelation...a miracle.

If I am starting to sound over dramatic you must realize that I have a daughter with a plastic tube sticking out of her neck that provides direct access to her lungs. The thought of her slipping or rolling over in a bathtub is terrifying, so we stuck to simple sponge baths at the sink. Enter Puj.

Puj has been all over the place lately, like Ellen and Rachel Ray for starters. It's amazing to me I had never heard of it before...until I won one. I was so pleased with the product I emailed the above photo to Katie with a little thank you note. Then, about a month ago Katie contacted me, asking me if we would be interested in participating in a short documentary about us. I agreed and 3 weeks ago we had a living room filled with lights and cords and a camera. It took about 4 hours start to finish and that will be boiled down to about 5 minutes. It is currently under production and should be ready in a week or two. Crazy huh.

I don't really know what will become of it, but I hope it can serve as a spring board to connect and uplift mothers. I'll let you know when its done. And soon I will post Maaike's outfit I made for the shoot, after all, I sew.

Rian's Wool Jenny Skirt & Sewing Salvation

2011-03-12T12:13:00.001-06:00

I know it's been a while, over a month to be exact. Kelli and I have the constant pondering of getting sponsors or not, updating our blog look or not. We have really enjoyed the process of building this blog and would love to fully commit to it, but then there are months like this past one where we fall off the wagon and are glad that we have no one but ourselves to answer to. I have actually been doing quite a bit of sewing lately and have taken pictures of all of it, but the time it takes to type it up and fuss with the photos has evaded me...us. But the fact is that I do love this blog and what it has brought to me. Not only have Kelli and I grown closer and I have had an excuse to push myself with my sewing, but in the wake of last years trials and learning to be a mom to a special needs child this blog has brought me immense comfort.

Being a mom to young kids can be isolating. Just getting out the door can be hard. And as of late I have found that to be especially true with Maaike. Being home bound for 6 months of the year doesn't help you make friends in a new town, but through this blog I have found the friends I needed. So many of you have opened up your lives and struggles to me and I thank you. Who knew sewing could provide emotional salvation?

I shouldn't be amazed anymore when things end up working out for the best, they always seem to, but I am still constantly amazed. One such miracle has been Somer. Somer reads this blog from Texas. Her daughter Maisy used to have a trach. Really, what are the odds? Our friendship has grown over the last few months of my constant questions and her sage advice of experience. There have been several days when I didn't know where else to turn. It means so much to talk to someone who truly knows what you are going through. Who knew sewing could be so powerful. Thank you Somer.

So it is for Somer and me and the rest of you who read this blog that we will keep going at it. I will not be an everyday blogger. And my activity will wax and wain with the stress of my life, but thanks okay, after all no one is paying me to do this and you will understand.

Here is one of my last projects: The Jenny Skirt. I used a herringbone wool that my mother gave me years ago. I've just been waiting for the right project to use it on. I am thrilled with the results and it was pretty simple. Kelli was in town and was able to help me fit it.

Since the skirt is out of wool I opted to line the entire skirt. I went for the bright purple lining. It makes me happy to know its hiding in there just for me.

For My Valentines

2011-02-10T05:50:00.001-06:00

I saw this idea over at Martha Stewart, you know, the queen of craft. She has a whole section on kid friendly crafts for Valentines day. This one seemed the easiest, so that's where we started.

Step 1- sharpen your crayons and save the shavings

Step 2- spread shavings in a wax-paper sandwich

Step 3- sandwich wax paper in parchment paper

Step 4- iron on medium

Step 5- allow to cool, about 2 to 3 minutes

Step 6- cut out heart shapes (I used the old fold in half technique)

Step 7- tape to string and tape in a window

It took about a half hour start to finish & we love it!

- Rian

2011-02-08T22:02:00.003-06:00

Another lonely night while my husband flies this way or that. I've been filling my time by peeping into your lives. I've been going through the comments you left about your blogs and the others you follow and one by one I am making my way through. It has been delightful. Really. You and google reader, which are slowly being one in the same, are my life line to the outside world. I never knew how hard it would be to live in isolation for 6 months, but so far Maaike has remained admission free, so definitely well worth it.

Funny story, or rather amazing really, while in Beijing I met two women who had been on Presserfoot. Seriously! They were both expats living in China, but when we got to talking and some how conversations turned to sewing I mentioned that my sister and I run a blog called Presserfoot.com and they were like, "oh, I've been on your blog before." What! I hate sounding like a high school girl, but that is like totally awesome! One woman was from Virginia and the other was from Kentucky. I have retained a close friendship with the one from Virginia and this is what I found on Stephanie's blog today:

You may remember this project from our anthropologies inspired tutorials, the catch and release scarf. I'm loving the striped one. Might be just the project to get me out of the February blues. Glad you are still following us Steph!

Things I never thought I'd sew

2011-02-02T12:25:00.003-06:00

I have so much to catch you up on. I have actually been sewing! Crazy I know. While my husband was back in China Kelli flew out to keep me company! It was awesome...minus Kelli throwing up on arrival and then getting the flu, but we both made three skirts while she was here. I shall post on them later when I have the time to go through the photos.

Today's post however is on yesterday's sewing project...arm restraints. Yes. I can't believe it either. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be sewing custom arm restraints for my daughter. But here we are.

Every day I have to change out her trach ties (aka the straps that go around her neck to hold the tracheostomy in). I usually swaddle Maaike in a receiving blanket to get the job done, but she has now figured out how to wriggle her arms out. Last week as I was cleaning the wound area she got one of her arms out, reached up, and decannulated herself (aka pulled the tracheostomy out of her throat!)! I stayed calm and cool in the moment, but after I got it back in her neck I let myself have a freak out. As trach kids get older it becomes more common, often as an attention ploy, but 7 months is a little young for that. So, for now, arm restraints it is. But, at least I made it pretty!

Mad Men Sew-Along : Cutting my fabric

2011-01-19T07:26:00.001-06:00

To cut out my dress I first needed to make another neck facing since I changed the neckline of my pattern. It's pretty simple to do this. I got some tissue paper and traced my new neckline and the shoulder and center front edge.

Next, I measured 2 inches in from the neckline and connect the curved line.

Now cut out your shape and mark it. It is now your new neckline facing.

I then cut out all of my fabric and my lining. I decided to line my entire dress and also have a neck facing so this is what I cut out:

main fabric

- 1 bodice front on fold

- 2 bodice backs

- 1 front neck facing on fold (newly drafted)

- 2 back neck facings

- 1 skirt front on fold

- 2 skirt backs

- 2 sleeves on fold

lining fabric

- 1 bodice front on fold

- 2 bodice backs

- 1 skirt front on fold

-2 skirt backs

- 2 sleeves on fold

Buying fabric online

2011-01-10T21:58:00.000-06:00

This morning Google Reader brought these little gems to my computer screen:
They came via A Little Great, another new blog I follow. That got me wondering, where do you buy fabric online? I love these prints from Tonic Living and am fearful that I am missing out on some other great fabric sites. So please share! I'll compile a list in our right side bar for future reference. And for those that asked, I will put together a step by step "how to us your Google Reader" to appear later this week.

Mad Men Sew-Along : Fabric

2011-01-10T07:19:00.002-06:00

So, this is the fabric that I finally chose for my dress. It is a floral cotton. It is somewhat casual. I liked that it was dark enough to wear in the winter and fall if layered and light weight enough to wear in the spring.
The purple is the lining. A soft cotton.

Google Reader

2011-01-07T10:13:00.000-06:00

I must admit that for a 32 year old I can be a little old fashion sometimes. My husband just taught me how to use Google Reader and a whole new world has opened up to me. I was wondering how so many people keep up with so many blogs. Now I know. But now the question is: who should I be following? What is your blog? What are your favorites, sewing and non sewing? My husband is getting ready to go back to China next week, so I'm going to have the time. Laid it on me. I can take it.

I won!

2011-01-06T10:57:00.001-06:00

Funny story. Since baby Maaike ins't allowed outside during cold and flu season (not funny and screaming with cabin fever) I have become addicted to entering online contests. I figure that if I can win something I will have physical proof that I am also providing for our family, aside from keep our three children alive and I really want at least one thing to move into our house since we sold everything else. I have entered everything from small blog fabric swatches to the HGTV Dream Home giveaway. I was really hoping that Ellen or Design Mom would come through for me, but they didn't. The dream home is still up for grabs...cross my toes. But, I did win a deco kit from Sweet Paul! One of my favorite new blogs.The funny thing is that I misread my winnings. I thought I won a decor kit, so I was picturing a box of some sort to appear in the mail. It also took forever to get here and I was starting to worry my dreams of providing for my family was a sham. But, the other night I pulled this over sized envelope from my mailbox with various custom forms on it and so here it is. The Eco Deco Kit. Basically it is punch out red paper garland... from Australia! I was totally confused at first, but now I am totally excited. This will certainly liven the farmhouse up as much as any decor kit. My only debate is whether to use it now or to save it for next Christmas. What do you think?

Add this to my list - diy t-shirt rug

2011-01-05T08:13:00.000-06:00

To be honest I don't know how I ended up on this blog, but I'm so glad I did. Laura has put together a great step by step tutorial, full of pictures to make this awesome rug out of old t-shirts. I want to make on for my son's room...after we move back into our house and he has a room....long story. Such a great idea for up-cycling all of the free t-shirts my husband brings home from conferences. Just add this project to my list.

Mad Men Sew-Along : Adjusting the Skirt

2011-01-04T15:20:00.007-06:00

To adjust the skirt the first thing that we need to do is sew the front and back darts. After pressing they should look something like this:

Using a basting stitch, stitch the two back pieces together starting at the notch and ending after the angle of the back slit like this:

Now sew the front and back pieces together.

Now for the tricky part - getting the fit right. First try the skirt on and pin together the back opening where the zipper will be (you could also just baste in the zipper if you prefer). Pin at 5/8" as that is how much the zipper will take it in.
Use pins to take in the skirt until it fits correctly.

Connect the pins with a line to mark the new seamline.

Sew on the new seamline.
Try on for fit.

Once the fit it right then measure 5/8" out from the new seamline and cut off excess.

Use the scrap you just cut off to adjust your pattern piece.

Now we are done with the muslin. Since I am adding length to my bodice pieces I am not going to sew the top and bottom together, but if you are not adding length then you can do that now to make sure the fit is right.

Back from the holidays

2011-01-04T15:02:00.002-06:00

Wow, time has flown. I took a little break for the holidays, which turned into a few weeks as it always seems to do.

Even though my Mad Men Dress wasn't finished in time for the holidays some others have finished theirs. Check them out:

Lynne of the Sewing Cafe
Regan of Stitch in my side

Has anyone else finished that I've missed? Check back tomorrow for an update on my mad men dress.

Looking to 2011

2011-01-04T14:17:00.004-06:00

Now that I have finally showered in 2011 I feel like I can admit we've moved into a new year. My sewing resolutions include all the the projects I didn't finish last year, including but not limited to the Mad Men dress. I can't bring myself to sew a dress that I hopefully wont fit into in a a few months. My advice to myself would be to just make it, after all, I could use a great new dress now and then I could just take it in later. But, I just can't do it. I resolve to take my own advice next year. I will however start sewing a couple of aprons. One that was to be a Christmas present (thankfully I'm related to the receiver and she is very kind to wait) and one for myself. I have made many an apron in the past, but I always end up giving them away as gifts. I have a few industrial aprons for crafting, painting, and wood working, but this one is just to fell pretty and sexy in the kitchen. The pattern just arrived in the mail and I can't wait to get started. This is what I picked:I actually got to meet Heather at a conference and talk to her a little about Presserfoot! She is absolutely genuine and was very kind to give me a few minutes over finger food. From her online store I also picked up a half a yard of her new laminate fabric for a stylish diaper bag that is in the pattern drafting phase. I'll share when it is done...just add it to my 2011 sewing resolutions. What about you?

Extremes in Sewing: 2010

2011-01-03T21:40:00.007-06:00

Best sewing project: So, due to the absolute craziness of last year I didn't clock in the sewing I thought I would, but the project that has, by far, gotten the most mileage is the Modern Tote to church totes I made for my kids for Easter. Every Sunday my kids pull out their bags, stock them with a few quiet snacks, crayons, and coloring books before heading off to church.

Best place to buy fabric: The Muxiyuan Fabric Market in Beijing, China. If I had any idea that I would end up only living in Beijing for 3 months I would have gone and bought this place out. They have a Vera Bradley shop that sells her fabric for 15 RMB a meter! That is about $2 USD a yard! This place is amazing. Street after street of fabric and notions. There are several hundred vendors, each with several hundred bolts of fabric, feathers, buttons, batting, and of course silk. If you ever go talk to me first.

Scariest Moment: Turning on my sewing machine for the first time in China. I was terrified it would blow up with the change in voltage. I had to add on an adapter and then ran it through a surge protector... and thankfully it worked just fine.

Worst Moment: Turning on my sewing machine after it finally made it back from China. This time the sparks did fly. We ended up having to ask a friend of a friend to carry it back from China for us. I flew alone with the baby and had no idea I wouldn't be going back and my husband flew alone with our 5 and 2 year olds and both our lap tops. This friend of a friend at least got my machine back to me, but at some point he checked it as baggage. The guy at the repair shop told me that "many parts are bent like somebody hit it real hard." I explained the situation to him but he gave a look like "I don't care and don't believe you anyway." At least he go it back up and running.

A Christmas to remember

2010-12-21T22:47:00.003-06:00

So, beyond buying my fabric I haven't even started my Mad Men dress. I have wanted to jump back into sewing and posting on the blog so bad, but it may be too early still. We will be taking Maaike back up to the hospital tomorrow after some recent developments, so we will just have to wait and see.

Despite my lack of sewing I have been putting a real effort into making this a Christmas to remember. With the kids out of school I have been trying to have at least one hands-on activity a day for them to work on. Here is what we have been and will be up to:

Monday: Make initial ornaments for the tree (ie paint and glitter smothered on a wood letter cutout)

Tuesday: Make reindeer food to thrown out on the front lawn on Christmas Eve (oats mixed with bird food and glitter- so the reindeer can see it from the sky)

Wednesday: Make sugar cookie dough

Thursday: Bake and decorate the cookies for Santa

Friday: Scatter reindeer food, make thank you cards for Santa, set out milk and cookies

Tomorrow morning there will be an additional surprise: a personal video message for Santa! Not sure if you have heard about the Portable North Pole, but it is amazing. I've made a mock example using my kindergarten picture so you can see what I'm talking about. Seriously, it's enought to make almost any child believe. Click here for a peek into my childhood.

Advent Calendar

2010-12-13T10:42:00.004-06:00

Simple, quick, and cheap. No fabric involved. I have never done an advent calendar before, mostly because I thought my kids were too young to get it and partly because I didn't want to invest all the time in making one... and its not too late to start one for this year either. Who says you have to do all 25 days.
It is amazing what you can do with $8 and a couple of glue sticks. With the $8 I bought the brown paper lunch bags and a few dollar store toys to go inside some of the bags. The decorative paper was left over from another project last year, but definitely isn't necessary. When it comes down to it all you need is the brown paper bags, something to put in them and a pen to mark down the days. Most of the items in the bags came from our house (old Halloween candy, gum, hot coco mix, muffin mix, etc). We open the bag of the day after the kids find Buddy. The kids have loved it and so have I.

The great thing about this advent calendar is that I will have nothing to store for next year. Straight to the recycle bin. Today Buddy was hiding in a stocking and the advent bag revealed Andy's mint chocolates...they were left over from my birthday. I know I'm cheap, but the kids didn't seem to mind a bit.

Mad Men Sew-Along : Adjusting the Sleeve

2010-12-08T22:21:00.006-06:00

Now that we have a fitted bodice we should make sure that the sleeves are good. I decided to lengthen my sleeve and here are the instructions for how I did it. You only need to make one of the sleeves for the muslin.

Since I took the sideseam in by 1/4 " then I needed to do that same to my sleeve so that the armhole matched up to the bodice. I started with 1/4" at the armpit and then gradually adjusted it to 0" about halfway down the arm.

Then, with right sides together, I basted the sleeve together at 5/8" under the armhole.

Next, I pinned the sleeve to the bodice with right sides together at the armhole.

Then I stitched them together with a basting stitch at 5/8". There will be a bit of extra fabric at the top of the armhole on the sleeve. You will need to gently slip the excess in the seam so that there is a small bit more fabric on the sleeve but the fabric is more taute on the bodice. This is called easing. This allows for your sleeve to move more freely. (remember this is the muslin so don't worry if it isn't perfect)

Now try it on and see if there are any changes. Mark where you want the sleeve to end and then add on another 1 1/2" for hemming.

Now to transfer any changes to my pattern piece. First I added a piece of tissue paper and marked where I wanted my sleeve to end (adding in 1 1/2" for hemming).

Then I added my adjustments for the sleeve with and cut the remaining tissue paper off.

Elf on the Shelf

2010-12-04T16:53:00.002-06:00

The only Christmas decoration I have left this year is our Christmas stockings. There is nothing like starting over to make you reevaluate what you've done in Christmases past and look to Christmases in the future to get you all excited about starting new family traditions for Christmas present. Enter Buddy stage left.Buddy is our elf on the shelf. He gets hidden each night in December leading up to Christmas. Then each morning the kids get to find him and Buddy hangs out on a shelf all day reporting to Santa if the kids have been noddy or nice.

There is a whole website dedicated to Elf on the Shelf where you can play Christmas games with your kids, fly through the North Pole, and even resister your elf with Santa. You can print up an adoption certificate for your elf to welcome him/her into the family and Santa can send a letter to your printer for the kids. It's really amazing.

I looked all over for a cute elf to buy, but the only ones I found looked like Gremlins. At Robert's I picked up an 8 inch artist's manikin for $5 (40% off coupon) and the red, white, and lime green paint. The hat and shorts are cut out of an old green sock and then hand stitched. The red buttons and brown ribbon suspenders where glued on. And finally I drew the face on with a permanent marker after a few practice runs on paper. I wanted to leave him faceless, but then Coy pointed out that if Buddy didn't have eyes he couldn't see what they were doing and if he didn't have a mouth he couldn't report to Santa. Good point. I then cut off the tips of two shish kabob skewers and glued them on for ears just to make sure Buddy could ear too.

Mad Men Sew-Along : Adjusting the Bodice

2010-12-03T21:55:00.004-06:00

Sorry I have been a little MIA lately. It was my husband's 30th birthday this week and so although I found time to sew I never could find time to actually blog about it.

So, let's get this bodice muslin done.

After trying on the muslin there were three things that I needed to do.
1 - lower the neckline another inch
2 - take in the sideseam just under the armpit 1/2"
3 - drop the waistline by another inch

Once I made the first two changes by basting and cutting my muslin fit like this :

I was really happy with the fit at this point so I decided to transfer my adjustments to my pattern pieces. (You could just use your muslin pieces as your pattern pieces, but since I needed to lengthen my bodice I decided it would be easier to just change the actual pattern pieces to match my fitted muslin.)

The first thing I did was lengthen my bodice. I wanted the bodice to hit at my belly button, but it hit 1" above (minus the seam allowance). To make the bodice the correct length I first cut a horizontal line through the bottom section of my pattern piece.

Next I added a bit of tissue paper in between the pieces and taped them leaving a 1" gap.

I then redrew my darts so that they still ended at the same point (so that they lined up with the skirt darts).

Next I took in the side seams. I needed to take in 1/2" at the top and then graded it down to 1/4" and then 0" by the end. This was a little tricky on the front bodice because of the dart.

I closed the dart temporarily and then drew the desired line down the side seam.

Keeping the dart closed I cut the excess off of the side seam. Now reopen the dart.

Lastly, I needed to lower the neckline another inch. While trying it on I marked the bodice where I wanted it to hit on my neckline. I transfered these muslin markings to my pattern piece. I then added 5/8" for seam allowance and then cut off the excess.

I then, of coarse, repeated these steps for the back bodice pieces.

Mad Men Sew-Along : Sewing the Bodice Muslin

2010-11-29T15:47:00.007-06:00

I hope that you all had a great Thanksgiving. I know that I did. Now that it is over, I am excited to get going on our dresses again. Today we will put together out bodice pieces for our muslin.

The first thing that we need to do is sew the darts for our bodice pieces.

With right sides together, fold your darts along the lines that you transfered to your muslin piece. You should be able to see the lines faintly through the fabric.

Use your iron to press the crease in the middle of the dart.

Starting at the bottom edge of your bodice, stitch on top of the lines. You can backstitch at the bottom edge if you want but do not backstitch at the point of the dart. Instead, leave a long tail and tie a knot. This prevents a pucker at the tip of your dart.

Press the darts to the center.

Repeat with all darts for front and back bodice pieces.

Next we will sew together the bodice pieces:

With right sides together, pin the shoulder seams together of the front and back bodice pieces.

Change your sewing machine settings to a basting stitch (the longest stitch length on your machine). On my machine it means changing the stitch length from 2.5 to 5.

Without backstitching (since this is a muslin there is no reason to backstitch, plus this makes it easier to unpick to alter if necessary) sew the shoulder seams together.

Repeat for the sideseams.

Your bodice should look like this:

Tomorrow we will make alterations to the bodice and add the sleeves!

Mad Men Sew-Along : Buying Your Fabric

2010-11-24T14:00:00.001-06:00

A few of you have asked about buying your actual dress fabric. Since there are a ton of crazy sales this week and many of you might actually have dad's home to babysit, this might be the best time to go ahead and buy the rest of the stuff that you need for this dress.

Main fabric - I would suggest something with structure. When you wear something that is fitted like this dress is it tends to show everything, so something with structure would be more forgiving and flattering. That being said I think that a light weight wool would be gorgeous, a thick cotton blend like a cotton sateen, corduroy, twill, or a linen for something more summery. I would avoid satin's unless blended with cotton or such, or anything with alot of stretch (a little in a cotton is good).

Here are few options that I found online that I think would look great , all of which would make drastically different looking dresses. (click on them to see their sources):

Lining - You can buy plain polyester or satin lining or a cotton if you prefer. The pattern only lines the bodice. Rian and I will both be showing you how to line the entire dress. So if you want to line the entire dress make sure to get the same amount of lining fabric as you did dress fabric. Does that make sense?

Mad Men Sew-Along : Adjusting the Neckline & Sleeve

2010-11-23T20:00:00.000-06:00

As mentioned before I am going for a dress that looks something like this:

As a result I decided to lower the neckline to more of a scoop neck and lengthening the sleeves to right above the elbow. Here is how I did it.

To lower the neckline I first used a pin to mark the lowest point that I wanted the scoop to hit on the bodice front. I used a favorite shirt to compare the neckline to.

I then folded the bodice front in half and then I used the original pattern to trace the bottom part of the scoop.
Then I connected the bottom part of the scoop with the dot on the top. This will be the actual stitch line and actual neckline once seam allowances are folded in. Now draw another line 5/8" outside of this line as seam allowance to be your cut line.
Cut the outside line.

Now to lengthen the sleeves.
Leave about 5 extra inches to the bottom of the sleeve piece.

Using a pen, draw a slightly curved line to the bottom of the fabric. You want it to almost be straight at the end since you will be folding it up to hem the sleeves.

Now cut on the line. Remember that this is still the muslin so don't be worried if it isn't perfect. Chances are it is too wide and too long, but we will take care of that later.

And here you go. Ready to start sewing.

My fabric

2010-11-23T12:33:00.003-06:00

I knew I wanted a floral print and I knew I only had 30 minutes to pick it, get it cut, and buy it. With a trach child getting out has become much more of a trial. Only those who have been specifically trained to take care of traches can babysit. I had to take a 5 day course before they would release Maaike from the hospital to me. This leaves me with my mother-in-law (who graciously took the class at the hospital with me as my husband was still back in China), my husband (who I have now trained), and my sister-in-law Melissa (who is an ER nurse). We were advised not to take Maaike out during cold and flu season, so you can see how this is going, but really, any mom with a new baby, or any kids at all, knows what I am talking about. So when you finally get the opportunity to get out it becomes an all or nothing kind of a trip.I can just hear Tim Gunn saying that this print is too safe, but I lets face it, I'm not hitting the runway any time soon. I did find a light blue vintage floral print that I loved, but the fabric weight was much too light for this structured of a pattern. Next time. All in all a successful trip. Now to cut out my muslin.

Mad Men Sew-Along : Cutting Your Muslin

2010-11-22T15:18:00.005-06:00

Today we are going to cut out and prepare out muslin pieces for sewing. You should have about 2 yards or cheap fabric. I ended up buying some yellow broadcloth because it was cheaper than the muslin. Thought it might make things a little more exciting.

I am going to be making the basic dress without the tie and with sleeves. My goal is something simple and flattering and a silhouette much like Joan's and Mrs. Draper's dresses here. As a result I will be lowering the neckline into a scoop and lengthening the sleeves to above the elbows. I will show you how to make these adjustments tomorrow in case you would also like to make these or similar alterations to your muslin.

You only need to cut out the main pieces including the skirt front and back, bodice front and back, and sleeves (if you are doing them) and tie (if you are doing them). You do not need to cut out any lining or facing pieces. You also do not need to be too worried about grain as you will not be washing this fabric. Just try to get fabric pieces all to fit and basically parallel or perpindicular to the selvage.

Once you cut out all of your pieces it is important that you transfer all markings to your muslin pieces. If you make a lot of changes your muslin may be your actual pattern pieces so it is important that they have all of the markings to make sure that those pieces are accurate.

Bodice Front
Bodice Back
Skirt Front
Skirt Back
Sleeves (mine have been lengthened - I will show you how tomorrow)

Mad Men Sew-Along Button and Participants

2010-11-22T10:10:00.006-06:00

As per request here is the Mad Men Sew-Along button for you to put on your blogs if you like (but no pressure).

Also, here are all of the participants. If you would like to be added or taken off of the list please let me know. I think it will be really fun to be able to follow along with one another as we sew.

Kelli Ward www.presserfoot.com
Rian Krommenhoek www.presserfoot.com
Kat http://citizensofnewsalem.blogspot.com/
Sarah www.emmyloubeedoo.blogspot.com
Wendy http://w38th.blogspot.com/
Cher www.snelldogs.blogspot.com
Brenda www.brendassewingnook.blogspot.com
Jill
Sewing Princess http://bombardone.com/sewingprincess/
Darsana
Susan http://mudinheaven.blogspot.com
Bonnie www.mycoldlittlefeet.com
Kelli http://www.whimsikel.blogspot.com
Kelli www.smalltownstitcher.blogspot.com
Bagfashionista http://bagfashionista.blogspot.com/
Kira Rae http://www.itsinthebagmadebykira.blogspot.com/
Kayla http://frecklesinapril.blogspot.com/
Sarah Jean http://haslemstuff.blogspot.com/
Emily http://afewthingsemilymade.blogspot.com/
Fullerton Regan http://stitchinmyside.blogspot.com/
Erin http://chocolatetatertotscheerios.blogspot.com/
Cami http://acandiedapple.blogspot.com/
Katharine http://sewdamnfine.blogspot.com/
Jessica
mbb. http://briebarton.blogspot.com/

First post on cutting out and preparing your muslin to come later today!

Personalizing a Gift

2010-11-20T08:47:00.001-06:00

I am a big fan of the one of a kind, totally you, made it myself kind of a gift. First, because it shows that you really thought about the person. Second, because spending time working on a project for someone shows love. And third, it's usually cheaper as long as you are ignoring the "time is money" rule. So when a friend of mine had a baby boy and named him Griffin I knew instantly what I would be making him.My first tip for bib making is backing them with chenille. I always back my bibs in chenille because it's soft on their skin and so absorbing. My other tip for a great bib is to double top stitch the edges. This gives it a more professional look. I always use a double needle so that the distance stays perfect as well. It takes a minute to change out the needle and get everything set up, but I think it is well worth the effort.

I hope baby Griffin likes drooling on them!

The Nate Berkus Show

2010-11-19T09:41:00.000-06:00

If you haven't seen it yet its time! The Nate Berkus Show is my dessert at the end of the day. It comes on at 3pm MST, just as the kids are getting home from school, so I record it to watch after the two older ones are in bed and I can plop down on the couch with the baby. I love it because the advice is practical and the budgets are reasonable but they achieve stellar results. Kelli and I discovered the other day, via Nate Berkus, that we are both "easily distracted clutterers" and our mother is without a doubt a "perfectionist clutterer." Want to know more? Check it out onThe Nate Show.

And, if you weren't one of the two lucky guests on last Wednesday's show who got a Mad Men makeover... never fear...the Presserfoot Mad Men sew along is here!

Materials and Winner!

2010-11-18T17:08:00.000-06:00

First of all, the winner of the 300th post giveaway vintage clutch is...

koritsimou who said...: I would LOVE to see something in 3-d, like a toy! And congratulations!

Send us an email to dearpresserfoot (at) gmail (dot) com with your address and we will
send your clutch on it's way.

Now, if you are joining us for the Mad Men Sewalong starting on Monday here are the materials that you will need to start the muslin:

-about 2 yards of muslin or other cheap fabric (I sometimes use an old sheet)
-your pattern (New Look 6968)
-any color thread
-22 inch invisible zipper

New Series : I Could Make That

2010-11-18T08:00:00.001-06:00

A new series that we are starting here on presserfoot is called I Could Make That. If you are like me, when I shop I am always looking at items, especially expensive ones, and trying to figure out how I could recreate it myself for much less. The pattern companies are getting better and better at creating stylish patterns and so I am going to help bring the two together. With I Could Make That we will show you the ready to wear version and then what pattern, and fabric you could use to recreate it yourself.

So, here it is, our first I Could Make That post:

Milly metallic lace shift dress ($400)

Burda Pattern Wedding Dress $5.40

Solid Gold Lace Fabric from Fashion Fabrics $5.75 / yd

What do you guys think? A steal when you compare it to the $400 version. Would you wear it? Would you make it? Just wondering. If you know of any other I Could Make That ideas please send them along.

Mad Men Dress Sew Along Starts Monday

2010-11-17T12:40:00.001-06:00

We have definitely had enough interest. So, we will be starting the Mad Men dress sewalong on Monday. We have decided to use New Look 6968 as the pattern for the dress. It is a nice basic pattern with a lot of room for individuality. To get you excited here are a bunch of ready to wear dresses made with the same basic pattern.

Hopefully this will show you all of the possibilities. And once you are excited then go get your pattern and some muslin for a trial run (yep, that's right, we are going to make a muslin for this one to make sure that the fit is perfect).

If you would like to sign up for the Mad Men sew along please comment on this post along with a link to your blog if you have one.

Mad Men Sew Along Anyone?

2010-11-16T08:00:00.002-06:00

It's that time again - Christmas party time. And what better excuse to make a stunning dress than a Christmas party?

I love Mad Men and all of the great style that comes along with it, which is why I was thinking that it would be fun to do a Mad Men inspired sew along. We could make a simple sheath dress - one of the easiest things to make as well as one of the most flattering.

Rian and I decided that we are only going to do a few sew along's a year now to make sure they are really well done, and to hopefully get lots of you joining in. That being said, we only want to do it if you are excited so please let us know if you are.

Sewing for The Choir

2010-11-14T21:08:00.005-06:00

Kelli and I were raised as God fearing, church going girls. With few exceptions I have attended church every Sunday my entire life, until lately. Since October we have started a hermit experiment, aka see how long we can stay inside with little to no contact with the real world. I expect insanity to hit any time soon. In the last 6 weeks I have only left the house 4 or 5 times, so I'm sure warts are going to spring up on my face at any moment. But it will be absolutely worth it if we can beat the odds and keep Maaike out of the hospital this winter.

Today however I was able to make a prodigal return to church as my husband was home and able to stay with the baby. As I was struggling to stay away, bask in my "out of the houseness", and listen to the lesson on the Book of Jeremiah, I noticed an interesting note on the bottom of an announcement flyer. It read, "The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is looking for a volunteer seamstress to help in the women's wardrobe department of the choir." Humm. Very interesting. I am not a singer, but I can say that I do appreciate music. I cannot say that I am a big follower of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, but for sure they are legendary. So, I decided to find out a little more. I could do a little extra sewing if it was from my home.

As it turns out they need a little bit more than a hermit seamstress who can do a few alterations and hem lines from her toadstool. They are looking for someone who can draft patterns and be on hand two days a week for last minute alterations and then follow the choir for several weeks a year as they tour and perform. Oh well, not for now, but at least it helped be get through the rest of church with my eyes open and I sang the closing hymn with a little extra vigor.

300th Post Giveaway!

2010-11-14T13:51:00.003-06:00

I cannot believe that this is our 300th post. What started out as a simple idea to stay connected as sisters has really evolved into must more than that. It has become a place for us both to make friends and explore our talents. Since starting the blog I know that we have both grown a lot and refined out skills. We have also made some great cyber friends along the way.

To help celebrate we would like to host a little giveaway. This is a vintage style clutch that I made awhile back intending to give it as a gift, but it never happened. Instead I hope to gift it to one of our wonderful followers.

In order to enter just leave a comment on this post and let us know one thing you would like to see us make on this blog in the future. The giveaway will end this Wednesday at midnight central time. The winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Thursday.

Good luck!

Sewing up the butt

2010-11-08T11:54:00.004-06:00

While my kids and I are firmly planted back in the States for now, my husband is only half here. His last trip to China was for 16 days! Really, I'm not one for exclamation marks, but come on! Thankfully he is aware of the added stress in my life and arranged to fly my mom out to be with me. I would never trade my husband out, but in some ways having my mom here is so much more helpful than having him around. For starters, my mom didn't have to go to work all day so I had an extra set of hands at my disposal 24-7. And thanks to the stomach virus I used her for some of those later 24 hours.
My mom has always been very petite. I out grew her in the sixth grade (my dad in the seventh). But after birthing 8 kids she had a couple extra pounds to shed (I'm number three and Kelli is number four in the line up). With a little money and friendly competition on the line she recently got her game on and dropped a size 10 for a size 6! Hence the sad saggy jeans.
She brought two pairs of pants out from Alabama for me to take in. The above pair is the before of one and the below is the after of the other. Sorry, no brain cells left. And as you can see, if she drops any more more weight she's just going to have to buy new pants because those pockets can't get any closer.
I asked my mom if she want me to teach her how to take in her jeans through the back seam for the perfect fit, but she wasn't interested. She figured that since she funded my sewing lessons as a child it was about time for her to cash in on the investment. For a fully pictured tutorial on how to take in your jeans and get rid of the gap in the back click here for steps 1-4 and then click here for steps 5-11. Thanks Mom!

Sewing for Strangers

2010-11-05T08:01:00.004-05:00

Of all the tests they ran on our baby Maaike the game changer was the sleep study. Connected at almost every electron Maaike looked like she was ready to enter the Matrix. To help ease the anxiety of the ordeal the nurses take the children and/or parents to a special closet filled to the brim with blankets. The kids get to choose any one they want to wrap up in during the test and then take it home with them. The blankets come in every possible color and fabric choice. All made by hand and donated so that the little ones can feel a little extra love and warmth. I choose a blue daisy blanket with yellow crocheted edges for Maaike. That night and several times since I have wondered about the woman who spent all that time to crochet the edges of a blanket so beautifully for someone she didn't know and would never see. Despite all the sewing I've done I have never learned how to crochet and quite frankly the long needles and hooks kind of creep me out. But how wonderful for this woman, somewhere, to share her talent with us.
Up until this point Maaike was fooling us all. She seemed to be doing quite well and I was planning on heading back to China to reunite with my husband and two other kids. Our ENT was set to call me with the results on that Monday and I had my return flight on Wednesday, but Monday came and went without a phone call. I called their office on Tuesday and got a, "I'm not sure. We'll let him know you called." Tuesday afternoon the ENT's nurse called back to say that the doctor would like me to come in on Wednesday morning to get the results. So Tuesday night, feeling ticked off at the world, I put my flight on hold and let my husband and kids know I would not be coming back on Wednesday, but hopefully Friday. But, of course, my fly day would never come as the results showed that Maaike was dropping below healthy oxygen levels more than 100 times an hour. She would need to go on oxygen right away and schedule a tracheostomy.
Now the dreams would have to change. Out was the adventure of raising our children in China, exploring the far East, our children learning Mandarin, and our apartment view from the 35th floor. I'm not sure what comes next or what we are to learn from this experience, but as I snuggle Maaike up in her daisy blanket I feel assured that there will be kind and generous people to help us along the way. At least I have one new dream, to start sewing for strangers.

Back from the other side of the world

2010-10-27T19:43:00.005-05:00

Since my last post my whole world has changed and literally turn upside down. You may recall that my husband, two children, and I sold practically everything we owned, sew machine excluded of course, to follow a dream and move to Beijing China. We set up shop just in time for for the arrival of baby number three, but due to a few question marks in our baby's health I flew back to the States with our nine day old, expecting to return to China with a wonder drug in about two weeks. Oh how wrong we were.

An MRI, 8 hour sleep study, and nasal scope later we learned baby Maaike was host to un--numberable cysts. Starting in her lower lip and tongue and following all the way down her trachea the cysts leave her only about 10% of usable airway. In a matter of days we found ourselves at our last resort and in the operating room.

At one month old Maaike had a tracheostomy. Because of the locatation of Maaike's cyst's they are, for now, inoperable. With a safe airway via trach we hope to push out any proceedures until she is 3 or 4 years old, but only time will tell.
I spent a very long month in the states caring for Maaike and learning all the ins and outs of trach care while my husband and two other kids tried to maintain a life of work, school, and play without a mom in China. After 33 days my husband sold almost everything we owned again, sewing machine excluded again, and flew with our 5 year old and 2 1/2 year old over the ocean and back to me.

As long as Maaike has the trach we will be here in the States making new dreams. Just this week I turned on my sewing machine for the first time since her birth, 5 months now. I made Halloween costumes. It was wonderful and therapeutic. My sewing projects for the foreseeable future will probably be more on the simple side, so I hope you can be patient with me. We are carving out a whole new life, one stitch at a time, and I hope you will be along for the ride.

To the beach

2010-10-25T01:57:00.001-05:00

I am going on a much needed vacation to the beach for the next couple of weeks so things will be a bit quiet around here. Just thought I would let you know.

The votes are in

2010-10-14T12:02:00.002-05:00

I was just contacted by Burda to let me know that I received 2nd place in the Project Runway Rowenta Remake Challenge. Thank you SO much for all who voted for my skirt.

What was the prize? $200 and here is what I am going to do with that money:

-finally get that invisible zipper foot that I have been dreaming of
-buy some beautiful lightweight navy wool to make this dress
-pay someone to help us design this blog and make it a bit more professional

I was thinking about putting together a free tutorial for the blog on how to turn a wool blazer into a skirt (much like my entry). Would you guys be interested if I did?

Another Contest? Shabby Apple

2010-10-08T10:13:00.005-05:00

I guess I am in a contest mode right now. (Speaking of contests have you voted yet?) So I have been playing around with the idea of entering something into the Shabby Apple Dare to Design Contest. It ends Oct. 15th and no I have not started anything.

What do you guys think? Are you going to enter?

Burda Contest : Let's Vote

2010-10-04T18:33:00.003-05:00

So, I am pretty excited to say that I made the top 50 for the Project Runway Rowenta Remake Challenge over at Burdastyle. Everyone go and check out the competition and vote for whichever transformation you like the best.

Click here to vote on your favorite.

Sewing Spotlights

2010-10-03T07:41:00.005-05:00

I wanted to tell you guys about some of the awesome sewing projects that I have seen around the blogisphere of late that I just can't get out of my head.

First of all this Anthropologie inspired dress by Julie of Julie's blog. I just can't stop thinking about it. I want to copy her and make one just like it (I hope you would find that flattering and not obnoxious Julie). And if you don't know about her you should start checking her blog. She has a very rarely found fashion forward sewing blog.

So, I am just not a quilter. I don't have the patience to make them, and my decor doesn't really lend itself to them. That being said, Leslie of The Good Report (and an old college friend of mine) makes really beautiful and modern quilts that I just love to look at. Look at these for her daughter's room.

I love Madeline of Uber Chic for Cheap. She did this DIY post over at ISLY recently and I thought it was brilliant. I want to use her tutorial and make one for myself. It's funny, but this kinda reminds me of when I was younger and puffy paint was so popular. We would put similar print cutouts on tshirts and then puffy paint around them. Just shows how things come back around - just much cooler. Here is Madeline's original DIY post of this on her blog.

I have been following Erica Bunker's blog for awhile. Not only is she from Alabama (where I grew up), but she is a very skilled sewer and seems to whip up amazing outfits constantly. I thought this skirt was especially great. It is one of the Cynthia Rowley patterns that I have had in my stash, just havn't made yet. Now that I have seen hers I think I need to make mine.

I hope these inspire you guys as well. It feels like a great day for sewing!

Rowenta Remake Challenge - Blazer to Skirt

2010-10-01T07:32:00.004-05:00

So I did it. I got my remake challenge in on time. Click here to see my post on Burdastyle. I am pretty excited about the way it all turned out. I guess they pick a few over the weekend to be voted on next week. I will keep you posted. There are a lot of great entries so you should go and check them out. I am so amazed at how many brilliant creatives there are out there.

before

after

Here is my process:
When I saw the beautiful plum color of this jacket I knew that it would make a stunning skirt. Plus, once I realized that it was made out of 100% wool I was even more convinced.
To make this skirt I first unpicked all of the seams of the jacket and ironed all of the seam allowances flat. The back of the jacket became the front of the skirt by adding some front darts. I then sewed the two front panels of the jacket together to make the back of the skirt while utilizing the former bust darts as my back skirt darts. Next, the lapels of the jacket were attached to the waistband of the skirt to create a flattering high-waisted look. On the back of the skirt I created a panel along the bottom section and then ironed in pleats instead of a slit. This also covered up the former pockets of the jacket. Lastly, I put in a lining and ironed all seams and points flat for a well tailored look.
I used almost every bit of fabric from the former blazer and added just a bit of lining fabric to complete the skirt.

Did you guys enter?

Something I made : Elastic Waist Skirt

2010-09-28T21:30:00.004-05:00

I just thought I would share one of the things I have made recently with all of you. I love it when really easy projects are so popular in the ready to wear world. I see elastic waist skirts everywhere in the stores and they are SO easy to make. I just used the same process as the bottom half of my vintage lace dress found here. But there are lots of similar tutorials in the sewing blog world to be found. The only difference is that I made it a little wider for more fullness and I put in some pockets which I think are a must in full skirts. I love the way it turned out. I also used some type of a rayon blend this time which lets the skirt twirl and flow a bit more.

I have a feeling that this skirt will be transitioning with me with leggings into fall this year.

Are you up for the challenge?

2010-09-21T15:12:00.003-05:00

Are any of you guys going to participate in the Project Runway Remake challenge? I have been thinking about it all week and really want to enter. I just need to find the time. The prizes are awesome (iron and steamer by Rowenta, Brother serger and more) and I figure it shouldn't really cost anything since it is a remake challenge right?

How about you guys? Are you going to enter?

Don't know what I am talking about? Click here.

Cynthia Rowley Knit Dress : Step 20

2010-08-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

So that one week break turned into 3 1/2 weeks - sorry - I just really needed to take some time for myself. My family took a last minute vacation out to Utah to see Rian and her new baby. It was the first time that either of us had met one another's new babies so it was extra special. I have never had any great urge to live near family. I have always been more of a wanderer and independant. This was the first time that I realized how wonderful it would be to live near my sister, and have our kids grow up together. Sigh.

OK, so lets finish this blasted dress. I must admit that if I didn't have you guys to answer to I probably would have put it aside never to return by now, but luckily you would know and so I am accountable. Thank you for that.

20 - Putting in the zipper. In order to make this a little easier ( I had many comments saying that it was impossible to put in the zipper with the pocket) I decided to have the bottom of the zipper end at the top of the pocket instead of halfway down. Really you only need it to get past the waistband anyways, so it should be fine.

To insert an inzisible zipper without an invisible zipper foot first lightly iron the zipper so that the teeth on the back side of the zipper roll flat. Make sure that you don't melt the plastic teeth or else your zipper will not close - I know this from experience.
Pin the zipper so that it is 5/8" in from the raw edge of your side seam. The top of the teeth should end 5/8" from the armhole. (where the zipper teeth are is where you seam will be).
Put on your regular zipper foot.

Stitch as close to the zipper teeth as possible. To help gently roll the teeth to the outside.
Stitch from the top to just above the pocket.

back
front
Repeat for the other side of the zipper.

Pin the skirt side starting where you stopped stitching the zipper. (right above the pocket) and all the way down to the bottom of the skirt portion.

Stitch at 5/8".

Turn dress inside out. Get rid of the excess bottom of the zipper by making a horizontal stitch just below where the zipper is attached to the dress. Backstitch.

Cut off the remaining zipper below stitch line.

Your dress should look something like this now.

Here is a great online tutorial for invisible zippers to help clarify.

Taking a Short Break

2010-07-30T10:50:00.002-05:00

So, I am really sorry for those of you who are sewing along with me this month and are convinced that I am a full 0n slacker. The truth is that I am moving TODAY and I just committed to too much this month. I am so close to finishing the dress, but won't have the time until next week.

So, go out and enjoy the sun and we will reconvene next week. Hopefully we can finish up the dress during the first week of August and then do the Jenny skirt (which I have already finished and it's fabulous) for the last three weeks of August.

Thanks for your patience in advance and see you next week!

Cynthia Rowley Knit Dress : Steps 12-19

2010-07-26T08:50:00.013-05:00

Today we are going to tackle the other pocket and also attach the skirt to the top. By the end of the day it should really look like a dress.

12 - Change your stitch length to a smaller one. (I changed my usual 2.5 to a 1.5) Then make a 1 inch stitch 5/8" in from the edge over each dot on the left front side of your skirt panel fabric.

13 - Change stitch length back to normal. Pin one pocket piece to left front side of skirt panel - right sides together - matching notches and dots and edges.
Stitch between dots backstitching at both ends.

14 - Press seam allowance towards the wrong side of fabric, which pressing the pocket piece out and away from the skirt panel.

15 - Pin other pocket piece, right sides together, to sewn pocket piece.

Stitch pocket by starting at top large dot, backstitch, stitch all the way around pocket, and end at other dot, backstitch.

Finish off and trim seam if desired.

16 - On front skirt panel, clip seam allowance to large dots. Get as close to the seam as possible without snipping it.

17 - Fold pocket to the inside of the panel - press. (your seam allowance for your pocket should now be extended out while your skirt seam allowance is folded towards the back of the skirt.

18 - On the front side of your skirt panel, slip your seam allowance that is above and below your pocket (above your top clip and below your bottom clip) to the front of the skirt. The seam allowance of your skirt should now line up with the seam allowance from your pocket.

Baste stitch over where the pocket meets the skirt seam allowance to connect the seam allowance into one continuous line.

19 - Pin the right side of your skirt to the right side of your bodice waistband. Pull threads until the skirt is the correct gathered size of your waistband. Stitch at 5/8".

Finish off seam if desired ( I did my mock overlock stitch on it).
Trim seam allowance.

Press seam allowance down towards skirt.

Here is what your dress should look like now. I am pretty excited about how it is looking so far.

Next Month's Pattern : The Jenny Skirt

2010-07-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

A very popular pattern of late has been the Jenny skirt by Burda. I have never sewn a Burda pattern before, so I have been dying to try this one out. It seems to be the perfect pencil skirt, with so many possibilities for personal touches.

Not only am I making this skirt, but I am also helping a few friends make it as well. I think it will be fun to see all of the different skirts all coming from one pattern.

So, if you want to sew along you can purchase/download the pattern here.

Until then here a few favorite versions of the Jenny skirt that I have seen around the blogisphere:

cluttershop
greenapples
nikishell

Cynthia Rowley Knit Dress : Steps 7-11

2010-07-23T13:00:00.000-05:00

OK, let's get going on these darn pockets. Now, just as a sidenote, one of the most common suggestions I have received on this dress is to omit the pockets. Some say that the fabric is just too heavy and it makes the dress hang funny, others say that it makes the zipper impossible to put in. I have to agree with those comments, but then also say I LOVE POCKETS - so I am going to try them anyway with the option of always sewing right over them and cutting them out at a later date if they don't work. Am I just a glutten for punishment guys?

So with that said, let's get going with the right pocket.

7 - First we need to prepare the skirt panel pieces for the pockets. To do this simply baste stitch (the longest stitch on your machine and don't back stitch either end) 1/4" from the top edge and 5/8" from the top edge on both the front and skirt panels. Start and stop 5/8" in from right and left sides to allow room for your side seams.

8 - Take the front and back pieces of the right pocket and the front and back panels of your skirt. Pin one pocket piece, right sides together, to the right side of the front skirt panel matching dots. Do the same with the other pocket piece and the back skirt panel.

Stitch at a 3/8" seam from top to bottom of the pocket pieces on both front and back skirt panels.

9 - Fold the pockets away from the skirt panels and press so that the seam allowance is pointed towards the pocket piece.

10 - Pin the front and back skirt panels and pocket pieces together along right edge with right sides together.

Stitch at 5/8" starting at the top, down to the first dot, pivot 90 degrees, stitch around the pocket to the second dot, pivot 90 degrees, and stitch all the way to the bottom of the skirt panel.

11 - Clip the seam allowance on the back panel right above and below the pocket so that it can easily stay towards the front. Press the pocket towards the front skirt panel.

checking in

2010-07-21T19:34:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to jump in and say sorry for the delay of posts. I am moving next week and so my life has been a bit out of control. I have worked on the dress, and do have things to post, just need to find the time to actually do it. I will be back soon!

Cynthia Rowley Knit Dress : adjustments and steps 5-6

2010-07-15T20:05:00.007-05:00

This is the last point that you can really make adjustments to the fit of the bodice so try it on and see see what you think. You can see from this pic that I had way too much width on mine so I decided to take it in about and inch on each side. Once I knew it was the right fit I finished the edges off with an overlock type stitch on my bernina and trimmed the seam.

As a result I had to take the same amount off of the waistband pieces and also reapply the interfacing to the left side of the bodice. Hopefully yours will fit just fine and you won't have to do these extra steps.

5- Pin interfaced waistband to bodice right sides together. Baste (long stitch) at 5/8".

6 - Pin noninterfaced waistband's right side to the wrong side of the bodice. (the bodice is now sandwiched inbetween the two waistbands) Stitch at 5/8" over basting and thru all 3 layers of fabric.

Trim seam allowance and press waistbands down.

Baste the bottom edges of waistband together.

Your dress should now look something like this:

front

back

Cynthia Rowley Knit Dress : Steps 1 - 4

2010-07-13T19:47:00.008-05:00

OK time to get started on this dress. I must say I can already tell this is going to be a challenge. Luckily I keep getting comments from those who have already made this pattern so hopefully we can dodge some bullets.

1 - Staystitch - Staystitching is permanent stitching that helps to stabilize curved edges.

Staystitch the front and back pieces 1/4" in from the seamline (or keep the edge along your presserfoot). Start in the middle of each piece and then stitch to the outside edges. I used a regular straight stitch for this (not a stretch stitch). Backstitch at both ends.

2 - Cut 2 pieces of lightweight interfacing that are 3/4" wide and about 7 inches long. Apply to the wrong side of your fabric on the seam allowance of the left side of your front and back pieces. (where the zipper will go)

3 - Pin front and back sections together at right side seam and stitch with a 5/8" seam allowance using a stretch stitch.

Stretch Stitch - my machine has a stitch that is a slight zigzag that allows the seam to stretch slightly after stitching. Number 9 on my machine. Check your manual to see if you have one. If not, a very wide (almost straight) zigzag will give a similar effect. (test on scraps first)

4 - Apply fusible interfacing to 1- front midriff and 1- back midriff. Put right sides together and stitch the front and back midriff on the right side seam with a stretch stitch.

Cynthia Rowley Knit Dress : Cutting Out

2010-07-09T15:44:00.005-05:00

I spent the morning at the farmer's market eating organic hamburgers and berries, listening to great folk music, and being jealous at everyone else's great summer dresses. I wish mine was already done, so let's finally get started.

Today we are cutting out our fabric. I know this is pretty explanitory according to the directions, but here are a few tips that I learned as cutting mine out.

- make sure that your stretch goes width wise (if it only stretches one direction)

-amazingly enough this is my very first time to cut out fabric that needs to match up (such as stripes). This was more difficult than expected. Matching up the sides seams was pretty easy. I just made sure that the knotches on the pattern were at the same point of the stripes on all pattern pieces. The curved yoke, however, was pretty much impossible to figure out and would have taken tons of fabric to get right. As a result I decided to have the stripes on the yoke and waistband go vertical instead of horizontal. I figured that because the yoke and waistband are both interfaced they really arn't supposed to stretch anyway. Hopefully this will make it look interesting. We will see I guess.

here are some photos of my fabric all cut out:

the top pieces (you can see how i matched the stripes)

the skirt and pocket pieces

and the yoke and waistband pieces ( you can see how i made the stripes vertical on these)

Do you guys think this will look good? Do you have any better tips on matching stripes/patterns when cutting out your pieces?

Cynthia Rowley Knit Dress : Materials

2010-07-08T09:02:00.003-05:00

So sorry guys to put you guys off for a couple of days. I got sick at the beginning of the week and have had a couple of crazy days with my baby and just got sidetracked. But I am ready to get going. Usually I try to finish a project a month ahead of posting it, but this month I am going to be sewing right along with you. So let's all go get our materials and we will cut out our fabric tomorrow.

What you will need:

- 1 7/8 yards of 60" knit fabric (most knits are wide like this, but if not just get double the amount of yardage)(also, if you are doing stripes like me get more for matching)
- 12" invisible zipper (even if you don't have an invisible zipper foot I am going to show you how to put one in with a normal zipper foot)
- all purpose thread
- ball point needle
- 1 1/4 yards of lightweight fusible interfacing

see you tomorrow!

working with knits

2010-07-03T08:26:00.002-05:00

We will start sewing our dress on Tuesday - after the holiday weekend - but until then I wanted to redirect you to this amazing tutorial I read today on Sew Mama Sew by Meg McElwee of Sew Liberated on sewing with knits. I feel like I just learned so much (and just in time).

Has anyone else sewn with wooly nylon thread? I'm wondering if I should try it out with this project.

Sewing with Knits : Tip #2

2010-07-02T09:03:00.000-05:00

Another important thing to use when you sew with knits is the right needles. For stretch fabrics you want to use ball point needles instead of universal needles.

Ball point needles are used for stretch fabrics for two reasons:

1 - the ball point of the needle glides through the closely woven loops of knit fabrics and therefore does not leave unwanted holes in your garment

2 - the stitch of a ball point needle is less straight allowing a bit more give and stretch for your fabric along the stitch line.

Sewing with Knits : Tip #1

2010-07-01T08:42:00.001-05:00

Before we get started on our dress, I wanted to relay a few tips that I have learned for sewing with knit fabrics. The first one is selecting the right knit fabric for your project.

On patterns that work with stretch fabric you will find the following diagram on the back of the pattern envelope:
To use, take 4 inches of your fabric and stretch it along the diagram to make sure that it can easily stretch along the length without too much pulling or curling. The pattern also suggests that the fabrics best for this amount of stretch are moderate stretches such as jerseys, light weight double knits, or sweatshirt knits. In other words avoid fabrics that only have a bit of stretch such as stretch cottons, and fabrics that have a ton of stretch like swimsuit material.

I hope this helps.

Next Month's Pattern : Simplicity 2443

2010-06-24T19:16:00.004-05:00

As Rian mentioned in an earlier email she will be taking a break for a little while as she tends to the needs of her family. As a result you are going to hear a lot from me over the next few months. And I am excited because I have so many patterns that I have been dying to try.

For the month of July I decided to tackle one of things that has always scared me : knits.

We will be doing a couple of short tutorials, but the main pattern that we will be tackling is Cynthia Rowley's knit dress pattern 2443. I have loved it from the first time I saw it and am so excited to get started. Plus, my mother gave me some awesome nautical striped knit fabric from her stash that she has had since I was born.

So, get your patterns and fabric and get ready for next month. See you then.

In with the new. Out with the old.

2010-06-22T18:48:00.002-05:00

Welcoming our newest addition to the family.

name: Maaike Rane (Micah Rain - its a Dutch thing)

weight: 8 lbs 14.5 ozs

length: 21 inches

biggest surprise: Maaike's beautiful purple lip sent us back to the US when she was only 9 days old for some medical treatment. As I am still there, far away from my sewing machine, and not sure when I will be able to return to China and my family, I will be saying goodbye to Presserfoot for the next few months. So, until then, happy sewing!

Finished Yoga Bags

2010-06-21T12:42:00.000-05:00

On the left you will see Shawn’s finished bag in blue, made as prescribed by the pattern. To the right you will see my yoga bag with alterations.

Shawn’s only complaint is that her yoga mat peaks out of her bag. My only complaint is that the perfect yoga class is now at least a 14 hour flight away. Shawn, breath in the sunrise for me.

Attaching the lining, Step 6

2010-06-17T11:59:00.000-05:00

The instructions are pretty clear for rolling the tops down and sewing them. Due to my need for closure I added length to my lining as noted in my “Step 1” post. I like the idea of having the lining peaking out. For my drawstring closure follow the steps below.

1. Fold down the top of the lining a half inch, iron, another half inch, and iron again.

2. Unfold the casing and sew a one inch button hole in the side of the casing to thread the cord through.

3. Sew along the edge to close the casing.

4. Insert the lining into your yoga bag and sew it in place.

5. Pin a safety pin into the end of your cord and thread it through your casing for lasting closure.

Sewing on the bottom, Step 5

2010-06-14T11:47:00.000-05:00

What I liked about this step: The circle turned out to be the exact right size! That never happens.

What I would change: The instructions have you sew the outside of the bag first and then go back and sew the inner lining. I would reverse it. Practice on the the unseen lining and then sew the outside to perfection.

Pockets, Step 4

2010-06-11T11:05:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, I like things that close. Call it minor OCD, but I have bad dreams about things falling out, you name it. I therefore decided to leave off the 3 panel pocket as described in the pattern and instead added a closing pocket for keys and such and a second smaller pocket for my yoga punch card.

I used a simple rectangle folded in in half. Sew around leaving a hole to flip it right side out and, as always, don’t forget to trim your corners.

Here is the finished pockets. I will be adding a button or snap closure to the brown pocket so that nothing will be falling out.

I asked Shawn how she like the three panel pocket as designed in the pattern. She said the construction was pretty simple and was happy to find that the pockets were big enough to hold her keys and a water bottle. Pick a pocket.

Making the Strap, Step 3

2010-06-08T10:51:00.000-05:00

This step can be as simple as folding the fabric in half twice and stitching, but I just couldn’t. The problem was really in my cutting. I, once again, paid no attention to the print of my fabric when cutting out my strap, which is amazing since there is so much extra fabric left over. Depending on your fabric print this may be a no issue. I also found the strap to be a little wide, so I cut out about 2 inches and centered by fabric print down the strap.

The pattern instructs you to sew a seam down the 2 long sides, but I decided to add a third seam right down the middle, but do as you please. Happy strapping.

Yoga bag step 1 – cutting the fabric

2010-06-05T11:27:00.000-05:00

The pattern instructs you to use a yard stick and chalk, but really…really, if you don’t already have a rotary cutter it is time. This is Shawn kneeling on the dining room table that was formerly known as mine. On our last trip to the fabric store together Shawn bought a set.

If you are worried about the size here are a few things to consider. The pattern is for an open bag. If you want to be able to close it I would add about 4 inches. I left the external fabric the same length, but added 4 inches to the lining that peaks out of the top and draw strings shut. Also, my yoga mat is double thick, but had no problem fitting in, so I wouldn’t add anything to the width.

Inspiration Anthro : Catch and Release Scarf

2010-06-04T13:39:00.008-05:00

So here is my tutorial for the Catch and Release Scarf from Anthro. Better late than never right?

Materials:

- 1 piece of fabric about 90 inches long
- elastic thread
- matching thread (all purpose)
- rit dye (optional)
- tailors chalk
- sewing needle

* Your fabric needs to be light weight, breezy, and somewhat see thru. I think a cotton voile, cotton lawn, or cotton gauze would work really well. I am not sure what mine is made of but I found it on clearance in the home decor section.
here is a closer look at my fabric:

1 - Cut your fabric so that you have one long piece that is about 90" x 17"

2 - To finish the two long edges fold in 1/4", press, fold another 1/4", and press again. Edge stitch both sides with normal all purpose thread.

3 - Leave the top thread of your machine with your normal all purpose thread. Hand wind the bobbin with your elastic thread.

4 - Using your tailors chalk, mark 3 vertical lines down the middle of your fabric - each 4 inches apart.

5 - With all purpose thread as your top thread, and elastic thread as your bottom thread, stitch all three vertical lines from top to bottom allowing it to gather as it goes. Do not back stitch at either end.
*test on scrap fabric first. i found that my machine used the elastic thread best at a longer stitch length (4) and the usual straight stitch.
here is a good link to learn a bit more about sewing with elastic thread.

6 - Using a sewing needle, pull the regular thread to the back and tie a knot with the elastic thread to secure ends. (the video suggests backstitching but everything else i read said you shouldn't backstitch with elastic thread as it wont hold.)

7- Try on scarf to make sure that the length is what you want (depending on how much your machine gathered your fabric it may be different - the goal is about 40" long)

8 - Finish off ends the same as the sides by folding at 1/4", fold again at 1/4", press, and stitch.

9 - If you want a different color as I did, use RIT dye to dye your scarf. I used teal.

Finished scarf:

Yoga bag fabric

2010-06-03T11:15:00.000-05:00

You know you are a dork when you buy your fabric for your yoga bag to match your yoga mat. Yes, my yoga mat is that green color. I bought it with my birthday money at Target. My dear grandma, who has 25 grandchildren and will soon top the charts with 26 great-grandchildren, has never missed a birthday, or an anniversary for that matter. Every year I can count on a Hallmark card with a crisp check and her endearing shaky handwriting. She insists that we go and buy something we want and not groceries or diapers and so, for my thirty first birthday I bought myself a green yoga mat with a tree design on it. And yes, it was the double thick one, but hey, I am no longer 20 and it was on sale :)

This is Shawn’s beautiful blue fabric. Her yoga mat is blue, but not quite as matchy as mine. We were crazy enough to take our kids to the fabric store together to get fabric. Thankfully we are both pretty decisive and had our fabric in hand in about 15 minutes. One could say that we just settled for what was one sale, but I think we did rather well. Shawn’s blue fabric has a very zen feeling to me. I secretly like hers better than mine.

Yoga bags between friends

2010-06-01T11:43:00.000-05:00

You may notice that these photos are not from China. Yes, I cheated, but I am having a baby any second. In the final weeks of the move my good friend Shawn and I decided to make yoga bags. We had taken yoga together for a while, before I got pregnant and fell off the wagon. The class was really inspiring and deserved a beautiful handmade yoga bag. (This was a no makeup, no retakes kind of a day. Oh, us pasty Southern girls)

Our class as from 6 to 7:15 AM on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It was on the second floor of a performing arts center, in the ballet room. One whole wall was a window, facing east. Our instructor, another neighborhood friend, is from South Africa. Imagine for a moment a beautiful South African accent singing you through movements. It is pitch black outside when you arrive, but as you move the sun begins to rise over the mountains. Ahhhh.

Shawn is a beginning sewer, but with only a little guidance was able to make her way through this project. I am thankful once again to creative people who are willing to share their brains for free. Thank you Amy Butler. Click here for her free yoga bag pattern. You will need to down load it and print it. Shawn and I will walk you through the project this month. Shawn’s bag is made as prescribed by the pattern and I will show you how to make the alterations I did for my bag if you should want to. Have a happy downward dog on me today. I on the other hand will be working on dialation.

anthro scarf

2010-05-31T21:22:00.001-05:00

my internet is down so i havnt been able to post the tutorial for the anthropologie scarf yet. should have it back up and running in a couple of days and will post it then. im excited for you to see it. it turned out great.

-kelli

Inspiration Anthro : Tutorial Tissue Three Roses Top

2010-05-27T14:30:00.008-05:00

Here is the complete tutorial on how to make the Tissue Three Roses Top from J Crew.

1 - Using your tailors chalk roughly sketch on your tshirt the placement of your three roses and zigzigs.

2 - Cut about 8 - 16" x 1" strips of fabric out of your knit (I used an old black shirt).

3 - Starting in the center of one of your roses, tack one end of a strip in place in the middle of of the fabric. Continue to wrap the strip in a circular fashion and stitching it in place in the middle of the strip. (the strip will then fold in half giving more bulk to your rose.)

4 - When one strip is used up, simply add another where it stops and keep wrapping and sewing. This is not an exact science and will look a little messy - this is part of the shirt - it should look a little rough.
* I found it very helpful to keep my needle in the down position so that every time I stopped sewing I could just lift the presserfoot and pivot easily - which you will be doing a ton of.

5 - Once one rose is complete continue with the other two roses.

6 - To make the zigzazs on the lower portion of the top, cut a bunch of 1/2" strips in varying lengths.

7 - Take one strip and place it on the top where desired - folding and zigzagging it. Stitch around all edges roughly. Continue to cut more strips and sew down until desired result.

8 - Thread a hand sewing needle with coordinating thread. Hand sew small clusters of beads on the shirt in various places.

9 - Add a few more strips of fabric and a few clusters of beads to the right hip of your shirt.

Finished shirt:

Inspiration Anthro : change of plans + materials

2010-05-26T19:50:00.004-05:00

So there has been a little change of plans. Originally I was going to do a demo on the winding road tank by Anthropologie. After trying to make it repeatedly and unpicking it 3 times I gave up. For some reason it just wasn't working for me. If you still want to make it , Adventures in Dressmaking made a great tutorial here.

Once giving up I realized that I still had a bunch of strips cut out of my fabric and so went out to find another top that I could make and use the strips already cut. Then I came upon the tissue three roses top at Jcrew and fell in love. So this is the top that I will be demonstrating instead.

Here are the materials you will need:

- 1 tank top or tshirt with a scoop neckline
- about 1/4 yard of matching fabric (I used an old shirt)
-1 package small matching beads
- chalk
- hand sewing needle
- rotary cutter or scissors

* i will be posting the entire tutorial tomorrow so go gather your materials and hurry back.

Inspiration Anthro : Vintage Lace Dress : Steps 31-36

2010-05-18T08:05:00.004-05:00

Today we finish up the dress with the hem.

31 - Try your dress on and mark where you want your hem to hit. (I did mine at middle knee)

32- Take off dress and mark 1 1/2 " down from hem mark. Cut off excess fabric.

33- fold up the bottom edge of the skirt 1/2" and press.

34- fold up the edge another 1" all the way around and press.

35- On the right side of the fabric stitch all the way around the bottom edge of your skirt 3/4" from the edge. Backstitch at both ends.

36- Iron your dress. Try it on and enjoy!

front

back

Inspiration Anthro : Vintage Lace Dress : Steps 21-30

2010-05-17T08:01:00.006-05:00

Now that we have the top and bottom ready, it's time to connect the dots with the belt portion of the dress.

21- Take your 1 1/2 inch wide black elastic and fit it around your high waist (wherever you want the two portions of your dress to intersect). Mark where it fits comfortably. Add 2 inches for overlap and cut. Pin with 2 inches of overlap.

22- With black thread securely stitch the overlap down so that it now forms a permanent circle. Stitch a box and then and x in the middle as shown below.

23- With pins or chalk mark center front, center back, and the two sides. Do the same on your skirt.

24- Match the markings up with those on your skirt, with the overlap being center back of your elastic. Pin at all points with the skirt tucked about 1 inch under the elastic. (There will be a lot of excess skirt fabric inbetween each marking as the skirt portion will be gathered.)

25- Put your machine on it's longest stitch -basting- and stitch around your skirt about 1/2" from bottom of elastic on the inside of your garment. Do not backstitch either end as this will later be taken out. While stitching, pull the elastic with your right hand so that the top fabric is not gathered (once your let go of the elastic it will gather the skirt fabric). This can be a bit tricky, but go slow and remember this is just a basting stitch so it doesnt matter what it looks like.

26- Press the skirt gathers.

27- Change your stitch length back to normal. On the top side of your elastic and dress, stitch 1/4" from the bottom edge of the elastic all the way around. While stitching, pull on the elastic so that the skirt fabric is no longer gathered like before. (this is important otherwise you will snap your threads the first time you try to put the dress on) Backstitch both ends. Trim any excess seam allowance on the inside of the skirt.

28- Now let's do the same thing to the top of the dress. First mark the CF, CB and sideseams, and match with the same on the elastic.

29- Basting stitch all the way around on the inside of the garment. Stretch both the elastic and tanktop while doing so.

30- Top stitch around the elastic 1/4" from the top edge on the top of the garment. Stretch both the elastic and tanktop while doing so. Remove all basting stitches from elastic.

*we are almost done. tomorrow we will hem the dress.

Inspiration Anthro : Vintage Lace Dress : Steps 17-20

2010-05-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

Now that the top of our dress is finished, it is time to make the skirt portion.

17- Measure your hips (or the widest portion of your lower section). We will call this number (A).
Measure the desired length of your skirt by measuring from your bellybutton to where you want your skirt to end. We will call this number (B).

18 - Cut two rectangles out of your preshrunk skirt fabric using the following formula.

width = A /2 + 2 inches (ease) + 2 inches (seam allowance).
height = B + 1 inch (top seam allowance) + 2 inches (hem)

example :

hips = 38" (A)
length = 22" (B)

width = 38" /2 + 2 + 2 = 23"
length = 22 + 1 + 2 = 25"

*always error on the side of larger. You can always take it in/up more, but you can't replace what you cut off.

19- With right sides together, pin two side seams. Stitch, backstitching at both ends.

20 - Press open seam allowance on inside. Try it on and make sure that you like width of the hips. You can always take it in a bit at this point if you need to.

Tomorrow we will make the belt portion and connect them all together.

Inspiration Anthro : Vintage Lace Dress : Steps 11-16

2010-05-13T08:00:00.002-05:00

Now that we have most of the top portion of the dress completed we are going to finish the top off with the embelishment.

11 - Cut 2 pieces of lace, both the length of your centerfront plus about 2 inches.

12 - Place the pieces of lace with the straight side of each one facing the inside. Pin in place.

13- Edgestitch about 1/8 " inside of each piece of lace.

14 - Fold over the top ends of the lace over the neckline. Iron and pin.

15 - Stitch around the center portion of the neckline at about 1/4" to secure the neckline lace in place.
It should look like this after stitching.
16 - Trim the bottom of the lace so that it is even with the bottom of the tanktop. The top portion of your dress is now finished and should look something like this:

Come back in a couple of days and we will make the skirt portion of the dress.

Inspiration Anthro : Vintage Lace Dress : Steps 1-11

2010-05-12T08:00:00.006-05:00

Today we are going to put together most of the tank top portion of the dress.

1 - Try on your tanktop and use chalk or a washable pen to mark approximately where you want the tanktop portion of your dress to end. Usually this is most flattering right around your bellybutton as this is where it is the skinniest. Mark Centerfront, Centerback and both sides at this place. (it helps to stretch the elastic over it to help visualize)

2- Measure down about 3 inches from your marking and cut all the way around the tanktop.

3 - fold the tanktop in half at centerfront. Cut about 1 1/2 inches off the front (totaling about 3 inches once unfolded)

4- Put the tanktop aside and grab your white cotton fabric. Cut a piece that is about 3 inches wide and double the length of the center front of your tanktop (about 30 inches).

5- Fold in about 1/2" on both lengths of the cotton strip - Press. Fold in half so the so dont see the presses edges.

6- Put cotton aside and grab your tanktop again. Using a long basting stitch, stitch down both sides of the cut center front right at the edge. Do not backstitch at either end.

7- Pull on one thread to gather the centerfront up about 2 inches on both sides.

8- Open cotton strip and lay the gathered edge of the tanktop within the folded edge of the strip. Overlap by about 1/2 inch.
9 - Fold top down and pin in place.

10 - Top stitch about 1/4 " from the edge on both sides.

11- Try on. Trim bottom so that all edges are about 1 inch below where your marking are. (in the front this will now be different since you gathered it. Make a new marking for cf before trimming).
Tomorrow we will finish the top by adding the lace.