Sewing Adventures

After seeing so many tutorials on pinterest for cute outfits, I decided that it was past time for me to try my hand at sewing clothes for my little ones.  Afterall, I can only take so much of searching the racks for any sign of modest little girl clothing.  Since when are booty shorts and mid-drift tops ok for a five year old (let alone an adult)? This week, I ignored all the housework staring at me in the face, got some fabric and got to work.  

If your children are anything like mine, they outgrow their clothes like whoa.  Madi has one pair of jeans that fit now and about 5 pair that are ready for the flood zone.  So, the first couple of outfits I wanted to try involved repurposing those high waters.  I think they turned out pretty cute.

Here is the first one I tried.  You cut off the bottom of the jeans below the pockets and zipper, and add two layers of ruffle fabric to the bottom.  My only caveat is I would measure the length you want the skirt to be instead of just going by her recommended length.  I would have liked the skirt to be a little longer.  But I still think its adorable! You can find the tutorial here.

The second jean repurposing outfit I wanted to try was this pair of adorable ruffle bottomed jeans.  I had some leftover fabric hanging around, and they turned out so cute.  My only problem was finding the right pair of shoes to go with them.  Apparently, we need to restock Madi's shoes.  We ended up going with tennis shoes.  Something I noted with this tutorial is that you want to use a pair of jeans with a wide leg bottom.  The pair I used were straight legged and they work, but when you pair them with any substantial shoe, there isn't much room. You can find that tutorial here.

The final tutorial I worked on was this awesome color block, reversible skirt.  It looked fairly simple and I love the fact it is two skirts in one.  More outfits, less work! Getting the waistband to line up on both sides was a little tricky, but if I can sew this anyone can! Check out the tutorial here and while you are at it, look at the other tutorials! They are all adorable and she patterns for women, girls, babies, and boys!

 

Not only is my model adorable, but I love that she loves to wear the clothes I make.  No embarrassment here! In fact, she is begging for more! Hopefully that will last a while. :)

I've got my eye on several dresses for my next project.  I will be sure to share and let you know how it goes!

much love, 

bc

{baby jake} The Nursery - Part 3!

Ok, so since the last post, I have added a few more things... mainly all the stuff that needed sewn.  I am still on the hunt for a small, dark wooded table to use as a side table, so if you see one for cheap (or free!) let me know. :) And I need to find a lamp for those late night feedings.  But, I am so pleased with how the rest is coming along!

I am very proud of myself for my newly acquired sewing "skills". I use the term skills very, very loosely.  My friend Steph came over and helped me figure out how to get the bobbin right and thread the machine... try not to laugh too hard at me.  And once she got me set up on that, I was on a roll! I made a nursing cover (which I need to take a picture of and post!) and my most adventurous project was slipcovering the old glider chair.  Remember what it looked like? See it here.  And look at it now! A vast improvement.  And if you don't look to closely at the slightly uneven seams, it looks great! And the color looks very close to the inspiration photo.      

This side of the room as a whole is looking pretty good.  The crib bedding is in and though the sheet isn't exactly the right color, it still looks good. I haven't had a chance to sew one in the right fabric. :) My Grannie Verne sewed the bumper pad and the crib skirt and they turned out great!

See... I told you this side is looking a lot better.

The white trees are coming for the wall behind the crib, I just haven't ordered them yet because we haven't had a chance to put them up.  And, its not exactly pertinent to Jake's care. 

I do have the pieces to make the mobile, I just keep forgetting about it.  If I can summon the energy tomorrow, I will make it and then have Josh hang it up!

Madi wanted a picture by the bed, so of course you know I have to include her cute self. She is thrilled to be a big sister on Friday!  Please note the new pumpkin earrings.  Its the first time they've been changed out since the initial piercing a couple of months ago and she is so excited.  I do make her put the gold studs back in each night though.

Well, I might post about Madi and my special lunch tomorrow, but if not, the next time I do will be after baby! I can't believe Jake will be here in less than 36 hours.  We can't wait!

much love,

bc