Buzzing Buzzer

My daughter was given a challenge to complete during Thanksgiving break.  She needed to make something to hide a buzzer/alarm.  Where should she hide an alarm ...in a Teddy Bear!

So this became a mommy and daughter project. We worked together tracing and cutting out pieces.  It was a great way to catch up with my daughter and I love spending quality time with my babies.

(Sorry for the dark pictures...horrible lighting.)

How Joyful Bear
Find pattern here

Pattern Description:

Adorable teddy bear

Pattern Sizing: 

N/a

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes thank goodness!  When  I saw the pattern pieces I was a little worried.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Kind of.  Some of the names did not match.  The pattern directions states "Forehead" but the pattern piece says Front.  It was frustrating because we were not sure if we were using the right piece and we did not want to make any mistakes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I liked how the pattern was label.  Each corner or curve has a letter.  It became a matching game.  We had to match the letters to see where to sew pieces together.  Had some trouble with the labeling.



Fabric Used:

Fleece---It's so soft.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

No changes were made. 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I am not sure if I am going to make the Joyful Teddy Bear again.  I might make it for a baby shower gift. 

Conclusion: 

The pattern description on the pattern piece and in the directions would labeled differently.  The direction also includes a pattern number for each piece, however the pieces were not numbered. It was kind of tricky working with fleece.  I used a stretch needle and a walking foot.  I am not sure if that was the beat way but it worked. Every piece was basted by my lovely daughter before stitched on the sewing machine.   This project required some hand stitching.  To attach the head to the body I had to hand sew them together with an invisible stitch.


head

Front of bear.  Bully button poking out.
I'm too sexy for my tail.  Back of Joyful bear


This was adorable.  my daughter's teacher was very impressed.

Bib Simplicity 8110 View E

I was in Wal-mart shopping for bibs.  Out of NOWHERE something hit me...I should make my own bibs.  Shoot how hard could it be.  I strolled over to the Pattern drawer and found Simplicity 8110.  I didn't see the bib at first because it is hidden on the bottom left hand side of the pattern envelope. 

This pattern is a bib.  It has a pocket in the front which makes it great for my little girl.

  Picture on the bottom left. 

There was still one problem, where will I find fabric that's easy to clean?  Fabric that is water resistant or wipe off clean.  I wanted something that I could just wipe off.  The next day I went to Joann's and found "Babyville Boutique Waterproof PUL Fabric".  It's designed for bibs, diaper covers, and etc.  There's three in a pack so I started with this one.

Isn't is adorable!!!!

Half way through I stopped to admire my work.  I'm getting better.  WOOHOO!

 

Finish product!!!

My baby rocking her new bib!!!

 

What's my next project?

Who knows!!! Let the adventure continue.

 

 

Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

 Get all the baby accessories you need in this fun pattern designed by Andrea Schewe. Pattern includes floor play mat, high chair play mat, stroller blanket and organizers, and wrap-around apron bibs.

 

Pattern Sizing:

One Size fits all

 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

It looks just like the photo on the pattern envelope.

 

Were the instructions easy to follow?

It was extremely easy to follow.  There was only 3 steps the bib.  The instructions were extremely easy to follow.

 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

The pattern does not instruct you how to close the binding drawstring.

 

Fabric Used:

Waterproof PUL Fabric

 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

No pattern alterations made.

 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I am making two more bibs.

 

Conclusion:

The straight edge of bib, shoulders, and lower edges are encases with binding.  This was my first time working with binding so I basted the binding to the PUL Fabric before stitching it on the sewing machine.  This pattern was extremely easy.  I love how it looks.  Definitely a great addition to my collection of bibs. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy gobble gobble day!

 

 

 

Simplicity 1165--Sha Sha Shorts

I made these a few months ago but I wanted to share it with you.

My daughter is 10 years old 2 weeks shy of being 11.  I purchased a children sewing pattern for shorts and the largest size (16) was too small.  So I purchased Simplicity 1165 and she's a size 8!!!  I was shocked.  Kids grow so fast.



It's okay because I knew that she would love her shorts.. She is obsessed with the color pink.  While shopping I asked her to find fabric that would look good as a pair of shorts.  Everything she showed me was pink.  The majority of her closet is pink.  So I challenged her to pick a fabric with absolutely no pink.  She needs to broaden her horizons.  Finally I selected the fabric below  and she was not happy.  .

 

She wasn't happy until she saw her brand new shorts

 

Pattern Description:

Misses' pull-on bottoms with pockets include slim pants cut lengthwise or crosswise, shorts that are just above the knee, and short shorts with trim.

Pattern Sizing:

Size 6 to 22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

yes it does!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes.  I was a little confused with the yoke and pocket thing. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I enjoyed making this pattern.  The package is correct it is "Easy to Sew".

Fabric Used:

Cotton purchased at Joann's

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I didn't make any changed to the design.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Absolutely.  It's a great pattern for a beginner like me.  It took me one evening to sew this pattern.

Conclusion:

Lightweight fabrics like jersey and double georgette was the recommended fabrics. But when I found this fabric.  I knew it would look great.  This cotton fabric did not have any stretch.  The size 8 waistband was too short so I cut a size 10.   My daughter loves these. I will definitely make them again.

 

New she wants another pair.  This time I think I will make it with a pink gingham.  LOL!  I can't punish her.

Discouraged

I can't believe I'm saying this (typing this) but, I'm afraid.  I have made so many mistakes that I'm not sure if I should try another project. 
I envisioned a closet full of custom made garments.  I am far from that.  After messing up the Vogue 8898 dress I don't want to make anything for me.  I've made a few items for my girls but nothing to call home about.  I am going to take a break and rethink this.

Grandmomma Mode

HAPPY MONDAY!!!!

My mom is an awesome grandmother.  My kids call her "Grandmomma".  Isn't that so proper.  My mom drives me crazy sometimes but, she has a good heart.  


 (DIY Skirt and Scarf made by Grandmomma)

This past Friday my mother calls me
and says have you checked your text
 messages.   I look at my messages
and see she made a house dress
for my newborn.  I made so much
noise from sheer joy.   My coworkers
thought I had lost my
marbles.  Look how adorable
my Babette looks.




Progress Report

• Sew Much Ado Infant Peasant Dress ---Done. Done. Done.! Woohoo!!!
• New Look 6449B: I need to reinstall the facing.  I did a horrible job the first time
• McCall 7441C:  Need to install the sleeves (I'm really scared of sleeves)
• Simplicity 8124: Pattern cut but I'm not sure if I like the fabric I choose.  Back to the drawing board
• Vogue 1520: Working on Part 2
• Baby Leggings: Muslim Done
• Vogue 8898 : need to resolve issue with bust arm hole amd finsh neckline

Hopefully if I keep up with my Progress Report I will not end up with UFOs.  But it’s not looking good. 

Sew Much Ado Peasant Dress

Some of you already know that I have  a newborn.  She's 4 months old and adorable.  I love her to pieces.  I was browsing online and found an awesome pattern for an infant peasant dress.  Check out this pattern here.

I found this beautiful fabric at Walmart in the Remnant Bin.  Sometimes you can find some good stuff at Walmart.  Always keep your eyes open.

Pattern Review
Pattern Description:
Infant peasant dress with elastic neckline and sleeves.

Pattern Sizing:
I cut the size 3 to 6 month.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes!!!!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked everything about the pattern.

Fabric Used:
Quilting Cotton purchased at Wal-Mart. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I follow the patterns and no alterations needed.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I am working on one now with some alterations.  Definitely recommend it to others especially beginners.

Conclusion:
I made this dress for my 4 month old daughter.  It was easy to sew.  Installing the elastic was tricky but I managed. I am working on a second peasant dress in a larger size with some alterations.

Bam Simplicity 8202B

Ladies and gentlemen it is done and ready to mingle.  8202B took forever to make.  Or maybe it felt like forever because I was ready to see the final product or because I didn't have a lot of time to work on it daily. It has been pretty crazy at work recently and when  I get home  I rarely have time to sew. Se Lavi!

What I Learned:

Buttonholes and Buttons:

I couldn't find the manual for the sewing machine so I kind of winged  it.  The buttonhole foot was tricky.  either way its done.  Woo woo!!!  I couldn't figure out the button foot so the buttons were hand sewn on.

I made this dress for my little Babouska (nickname).  She's slim but tall for a six year old.

I cut a size 7 in length but a size 4 waist.  In the end I still had to cut 3 inches from the waist. My skinny Minnie!   I love her so much.

She's definitely going to be a model.

~ENJOY!~

Blue but not feeling blue

Finally!  This blouse was hanging in my closet begging for attention.  I already reviewed this top Vogue 8898 here

Featuring my Hurricane Bag (McCall ) !!!

Holiday Party Dress-Vogue 1520 Part 1

Do you remember my potential company Holiday Party Dress?  Well a few ladies on Facebook decided to form a Sew-a-long Group on Facebook.  everyone's welcome to join.  That's awesome because I was afraid to make this dress, especially without guidance.

The designer Badgley Mischka sells this evening gown for $800 and its currently on sale for $550. This does not include tax or shipping.

Thankfully I  am going to sew this a beautiful gown.  I'm super excited.

So I begin this adventure with the fabric, a beautiful stretch velvet from Vogue Fabric

I am still ify about the lining and the beaded cuff.  

If I don't do the beaded cuff I will probably modify the dress.  instead of a long sleeve it will be a 3/4 sleeve.  I am also going to shorten the train.  

So is there any tips for working with Velvet?