Category Archives: Make

striped top with tulip sleeves

I am proud of this one because 1. Its a silky fabric I’m not used to sewing, and it didn’t bite me. and 2. I made the pattern for the tulip sleeves myself! I used this tutorial for some help, and used my street sewing smarts.

I took a moment to add a hot pink button, because I could and I did.

Fluttery tulip sleeves in action! I always text Jon a picture of what I’m sewing, because he always gets so excited. I didn’t quite match the stripes on the side, but I think they matched up pretty well from the back view. Patting myself on the back for a job well done.

floral summer shirt

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Making good progress on the cute summer shirt collection over here! This week I added a floral sleeveless top, with a peter pan collar, and an asymmetrical hemline for a flowy, breezy look.

The fabric is a lightweight cotton for summer, and I like the watercolor look of the floral print. I also like that this is one of those kinds of pattens where, if I drip ice cream or something, its not completely noticeable (depending on the flavor of ice cream).

I read the directions wrong for the collar. I doubt it would have made much of a difference, and no one would be able to tell, but I would know. So out the stitches came.

And then it looked so much better the correct way, right???

And now, a grainy photo of the shirt being modeled. I ended up taking it in a bit on the sides because it was tooo flowy, but I am real happy with it now. I might add a couple little buttons near the collar too. (Please note the height of the tomato plants. They used to just be babies!)

sleevelessshirt6

coloring books

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I am real big on coloring. I entered all the grocery store coloring contests when I was little. I meticulously colored maps and reports all through school. My ma still prints out coloring sheets for me when I go home. Its nice to just sit still and worry about nothing but coloring sometimes.

It can be kinda difficult to find coloring sheets online, so I’m thinking about investing in some real coloring books. Here are some cool ones I found- bonus points to the ones where you actually learn a little bit too. Its always good to have random facts tucked away about quilt patterns, animals, the Book of Kells, and dresses made of flowers.

polly does not want a cracker

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Because this bird is made of felt, and is not that demanding. These little parrots took some time to make, but it was really fun watching them get pieced together. Plus they are super colorful and happy looking. The pattern is from this book full of bird crafts, because when their chirping wakes you at the crack of dawn, we have to be reminded that birds are still pretty cool.

making it work

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I managed to finish three new garments last week. (I watch Project Runway while I’m sewing. Makes me feel more legit.) I only planned on two, but I ended up having a little extra fabric, so I was able to squeeze out one more.

First up is this fancy little shirt with a peter pan collar. The fabric is super light and perfect for hot summers. I already want to wear it everywhere.

Next we have a striped tank dress. I have made this pattern before, but with sleeves. I was really nervous to work with a stripe, since its pretty obvious if it turns out crooked then, but I have to start somewhere!

I had a little extra of the stripe material, since I didn’t make any sleeves, so I made it work with another tank top pattern! I like all the different stripe angles. I think this design would lay a little better with a more flowy fabric, but it was nice to get used to the pattern, and its definitely still wearable!

cow tote bag

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These cows look so pleased with themselves. I guess they should be, since they turned out all cute and stuff. For mother’s day, I made my ma this fancy tote bag, with a little parade of cows embroidered on the front.

sewing machine

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I’m trying out a couple new shirt patterns this week, which means we had to go get some fabric. Oh darn. I get really sucked into sewing. Following the pattern, moving on to the next step, and the next and the next until its magically all done. I have to remind myself to stop to eat. We’ll see how many pieces I can finish this week!

a banner year

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We’ve lived in our house together and been married for almost a year, so it was time to add our family crest to the place.

I pay way too much attention to the back of my embroidery. Especially since it was covered up anyway. I just don’t want people in the 18th century to think I had loose morals because the back of my embroidery is all messy.

This kind of embroidery is the most fun. If I was around in the 18th century, I would have been cranking out the embroidery.

When that part was finished, I asked it what it felt like being. It said a flag, so then came some triangle math.

I used more leftover wedding fabric scraps for the back. It seemed fitting.

Then I sewed it all up, added some hanger loops, and stitched the edges. And someday, if someone rips it all apart, they will see how neat the back of my work looks.

braided rug

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I finished a new braided rug! It is made with fabric we used for wedding decorations. I originally thought we could use it for a new kitchen rug, but once I started putting it together, we decided that it would be perfect for a baby girl room someday. Wouldn’t it?

inside office projects

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I spent last week working in our outside office aka I did a lot of yardwork. The beginning of this week has been a bit warmer, and since the outside office doesn’t have air conditioning, I’ve been working inside so far this week.

I made croutons with some leftover sourdough bread. So good I have to resist eating bread cubes as a snack all day.

Working on a braided rug made of scraps of fabric from our wedding.

I made biscuits! I want to be a person that makes really good biscuits, and my guy makes the gravy to go on top. We are a good team.

Sometimes, you just want rice krispie treats. We like them a tiny bit stale, when the krispies are extra crispy.

And these flowers are in our neighborhood. The lady has the most beautiful wildflower garden. This is just the side of her yard, spilling out from around the fence. I want to write her a note and tape it to her door.