46 posts categorized "Home & Fashion"
March 29, 2013
Refreshing your home for SPRING
| | |
| |
March 21, 2013
Tips for adding COLOR to your living space
I love that color is trendy right now. Cheerful Spring colors are so much fun, especially if you live somewhere where winter is long and dark. It's easy to brighten your living space with just a couple pops of color. Fight your desire to pick out a couple floral pillows and call it good!
1. Mix geometrics & florals
Embroidered Pillow, geometric patterned pillow
Don't be afraid to mix it up. By combining floral and geometric (stripes, shapes, patterns) you're adding interest to a room. If you have a striped throw, add some floral or or patterned throw pillows. It is good to always include some patterned accessories!
Continue reading "Tips for adding COLOR to your living space" »
| | |
| |
March 19, 2013
Boardwalk Skirt
I'm continuing my tour through the Sun & Surf Collection. Sunday I showed off four of the Beachy Boatneck shirts I made for my son and daughter. Monday I highlighted a few of the Carousel Tops I made for my daughters. I think I forgot to mention that the pattern goes up to size 12 yrs. Today I'm showing off a couple Boardwalk Skirts I made. The Boardwalk Skirt has a wide range of sizes from 6 mo—14 yrs. If you're looking for a skirt with some flounce and twirl this is for you!
I love both of these. The one on the left is a Lizette lawn fabric with a crochet trimmed underlayer. The one on the right is a MoMo fabric with a ruffle trimmed underlayer.
That's the Santa Monica Cinch and Sunshine Dress on the right.
This skirt pattern comes with an easy elastic casing waist option or an elastic back drawstring option. It is designed to be easy enough for beginners. We think it's a fantastic twirling skirt and the bottom layer has less "twirl" so your girlie's little buns will stay covered. Yay for that!
This pattern is currently only available in the Sun & Surf Collection but will be available individually when the collection sale is finished!
UPDATE: All patterns are now available individually HERE.
Happy sewing!
| | |
| |
March 15, 2013
Make This Look: Designs By Sessa
For our final guest this week for Make This Look, Vanessa is here to show off the entire outfit she made! She made it all! So impressive!
*******
Hi! I'm Vanessa, {a sassy lady, Christian first, wife, mama to one, adopting mama, part-time fabric store employee, sewing blogger}, and I'm so glad to be here today! I'm LOVING my new hand-made outfit and I'm so excited to share it with you! I'm thankful Andrea asked me to be on her amazing blog! We are working together for She's Worth it! a campaign to stop human sex trafficking among women and young girls, and we'd love your $10 donation more than ANYTHING else! Find out more information here! It really does matter and your $10 does more than you know! The Inspiration: This fall/winter, I have been very inspired by the fur vest trend, perfect paired with leggings and a long sleeve tee. It just adds such an aspect of sass to any regular outfit! These are my pinned inspiration photos, in particular the chevron fur vest by Armani Exchange for $200!!!
My hand-made look:
All images taken and copyrighted by PhotosOfGrace Photography (Please give credit where it's due!)
| | |
| |
March 14, 2013
Make This Look: Little Kids Grow
Today's Guest for Make This Look is the talented, Shannon from Little Kids Grow. She was inspired by a ready made dress design and used the draping method to create her own unique look. So impressive!
Good Day "Train to Crazy" Friends!
(It's 6 o'clock in the morning as I write this post. Early. Very Early. The kids are asleep, and I'm trying desperately to squeeze my wintery comfort foods body into this cute little number. Ha! Ha! Priceless.)
So here's my little secret: Most of the clothes that I make/ design for myself have never been out of my closet. Why you ask? I do like what I make, . . . usually. :) It's just that most of it is just not very practical.
| | |
| |
March 13, 2013
Make This Look: Sew Country Chick
Tolday for Make This Look, Justine is here to share an amazing dress she made. You'll love this. Perhaps some designers saw her dress first and decided to make this look! (it happens! designers follow blogs too!)
******
Hi I'm Justine from Sew Country Chick. Thanks for having me visit Andrea!
And thanks to my daughter Isabelle for modeling this dress for me.
She has some serious attitude.
| | |
| |
March 12, 2013
Make This Look: Madmim
The amazing Miriam from Madmim.com is here with us today to kick off the Make This Look Series! She's taken the basic idea from a fantastic shirt and made it her own. Thanks Miriam!
******
Hello Peeps (I've got birds on the mind)! I'm excited to talk about recreating looks we love, and being inspired by all the design bounty that's out there.
I'm a huge sucker for making designer looks on the cheap, but it's not very often that I let myself make a straight up knock off, as I usually like to take one or maybe two style elements I love and translate them into something Mimish by playing with the design, texture, color, scale and on and on and on. But every now and then I come across something that's already pretty magical, and I want to just recreate that bad boy in all it's glory. To be totally honest, this shirt wasn't one of those times. I mean I really like it, and I think I even pinned it, but it wasn't until I saw my sister Eirene knock it off that I truly saw it's Mim-potential. So this is a knock-off of a knock-off, if you follow me.
The original beauty, upon investigation, has some really lovely details that are worth talking about. First of all, we can all agree it's a great print. Also the color is pretty and the boat neck is nice. But the sleeves really steal the show for me, I love how the pleats and gathers are actually sewn into the seam, it's very cool.
My $2 version: it's not like I-can't-tell-which-is-which close, but it is pretty straight forward. I used this soft buttery orange jersey, and self-drafted this tee pattern (so happy with it!) with a round neck and a-line silhouette. I like the fit of the original (and if I were really going for an exact copy I would have used my trusty Renfrew), but truth be told I'm just a bit more comfy in an a-line silhouette, and I think it's a touch more flattering on my very happenin' hips. It seems like I just can't stay away from hand-printing these days, and I once again used my reversible stamp technique, which is really a barrel O fun. I also added a nice rounded hem because I'm into them lately--they allow for more mom-bending, which heaven knows I do a lot of.
| | |
| |
March 10, 2013
Make This Look: a miniseries
I'm so excited to announce this month's miniseries! It's all about sewing for ourselves. I am always inspired by ready to wear outfits and ensembles I see on Pinterest and thought it would be so fun to have a Make This Look series. I've gathered 4 amazing seamstresses and bloggers and we'll start sharing on Tuesday!
Tuesday: Miriam from Madmim.com
Miriam is always inspiring.
She blogs mostly about sewing womenswear and childrenswear and she always does so well with the details. She uses different media to transform fabric into something unique and lovely.
You'll enjoy her envelope clutch where she used Shibori bleaching to make this beautiful effect on the fabric.
She also used bleach or paint to stamp roses, unicorns, or even camels.
I adore this little boy's wool suit jacket. Those elbow patches are the best.
She also co-lead the amazing Stretch Yourself series. I think this Lola Tunic was one of my favorites but this Drafting and Sewing a Maxi Skirt is a close second. And if you ever sew with knit you'll love this post about cutting knit fabric.
Wednesday: Justine from Sew Country Chick
| | |
| |
February 28, 2013
Sewing for Men: Man Shorts
When I decided to sew something for my husband I considered something simple. Perhaps a tie. But I've made him one of those and he never wore it. And I already made him pajamas a few years ago. He still wears those a lot. Then I considered athletic shorts. But I didn't feel like searching for the right material. Then I decided to look for shorts patterns. And without much thought I decided to sew him some shorts. I still can't believe I sewed man shorts.
I used this BurdaStyle shorts pattern. The pattern is definitely for more advanced sewists. If you've never inserted a zip fly or a welt pocket I suggest a different pattern.
What I liked:
- The style of shorts is great. Flat front, zip fly, welt pocket.
- Great shape.
| | |
| |
February 25, 2013
Sewing for Men: Men's Button Up Shirt
Welcome to the Sewing for Men Series! Kicking us off is Melissa from Melly Sews with this wonderful men's button up shirt! It's perfect and she wants to know if you want the pattern for it. Read on!
Hello, Train to Crazy readers! Today I'm here to talk about the fun and challenges of sewing for men.
| | |
| |
February 02, 2013
Featuring You
Your talent never ceases to amaze me! As always, thank you for linking to Make It Wear It! I've selected a handful of my favorites! Please click through and leave them comments or follow their blogs!
This week's highlights:
| | |
| |
January 30, 2013
Make It Wear It Thursday
Welcome to Make It Wear It Thursday! Link up anything you made (sew, knit, crochet, glue, glitter) to be worn. Accessories count!
This week I've been sewing up quite a storm. I can't share a lot of it with you yet but there are a few fun things I can.
I made this ruffle knit skirt with attached leggings for my daughter after I made a skirt for myself. Ruffle knit fabric is cute but sheer so I wrote a tutorial about how to make one of these beauties, lined. You can see it HERE. I'm giving away some of that fabric as well so head over there and enter to win. Will you pin it while you're there as well? Thank you!
I shared this cute top on instagram. I whipped it up the other day. It is self drafted and I've worn it two days in a row. I'll be making more. Possibly a pattern as well. We'll see. I have a lot going on right now.
So what have you been making?
| | |
| |
January 19, 2013
Featuring You
Your talent never ceases to amaze me! As always, thank you for linking to Make It Wear It! I've selected a handful of my favorites! Please click through and leave them comments or follow their blogs!
This week's highlights:
O! Jolly! Crafting Fashion shows you how to sew a sweater. She makes her own sweater knit fabric! Isn't this amazing? (psst. She sells it too)
The always amazing Amy Stebbins drafted this amazing dress. Not a bad location for photographs either!
| | |
| |
January 12, 2013
Featuring YOU
Your talent never ceases to amaze me! As always, thank you for linking to Make It Wear It! I've selected a handful of my favorites! Please click through and leave them comments or follow their blogs!
This week's highlights:
This teenie tiny dress is absolutely amazing. I want to hang it on my wall it is so cute. I love the hand in the photo for size reference!
| | |
| |
December 31, 2012
The year end post where I realize how many of these I never blogged about.
Now that we've done our Top 12 Lists it's time for a year in sewing. Well, some of it. I didn't blog a lot of it so you might see something new. And a few outtakes. Like this one. Gorgeous scenery, perfect light.
This was the first week of Project Run & Play. I loved this jumper. She never wore it again.
Week two was my favorite. It was boy week. A little known fact: that's my girl. You know which book this is from?
Valentine's Day last minute outfit for pink day at school. You can never go wrong with a simple skirt. I don't know if I blogged this or not.
I made this cute car play mat from the Sewing for Boys
I made over my daughter's room for her 7th birthday. This is her coming home from school to find it. Find the duvet tutorial here. The wall gallery tutorial is here.
I never blogged this but I did a frame wall as well. Notice the canvas that wasn't finished.
Continue reading "The year end post where I realize how many of these I never blogged about." »
| | |
| |
December 20, 2012
A cape for women?
When I first started working on sewing capes for my girls I had a few people ask if I could make one for women. I laughed a little, thinking I couldn't imagine myself in a cape. Then the cape sewing pattern for girls was a hit and it got me thinking about capes for adults again.
Then this happened.
It turns out I like capes! This one is made from wool and lined with a woven cotton.
But the hood is lined with my precious Liberty print I'm currently in love with. I also used it in the embroidery hoop sewing kit.
I wore it out in our "frigid" winter weather last night and it kept me warm. Yay for capes! The Go To Cape for Women sewing pattern is now available if you want to make one as well! You can check the website for details.
Would you wear a cape?
| | |
| |
December 10, 2012
Go To Shift Dress
Now available in the shop! Thanks for the great reaction to this dress! The Go To Shift Dress for girls is a quick, easy dress that still has a lot of style. A wonderful sewing pattern for beginners as well! This girls dress sewing pattern comes in sizes 12 mo—12 yrs. It is a shapeless dress. Perfect for wearing plain or adding a belt.
(I love this behind the scenes shot)
| | |
| |
Go To Signature Dress Roundup
Last summer when the Go To Signature Dress sewing pattern was first released there were 14 bloggers who helped me get the word out about the pattern. Without them, the dress certainly wouldn't have been as big of a hit as it has been. THANK YOU ladies! Because of you we were able to quickly donate the first $1,000 procedes to a charity project my kids worked on for a year. I'm so happy to report that they just donated $5,100 to World Vision to buy a home for an orphan family. So thank you to everyone who bought their ornaments (the website they ran is no longer available) and purchased a pattern in that first month!
THANK YOU!
Before the year ended I wanted to make sure you all saw those fantastic tunics, dresses and maxi dresses that were made during that series.
Check out all the wonderful dresses:
| | |
| |
December 07, 2012
A Very Go To Christmas: Pea Coats
Wrapping up A Very Go To Christmas is Delia from Delia Creates. Delia is simply amazing at everything. She makes beautiful things and her photography is fantastic. She made the Oliver & Olivia Pea Coat sewing pattern by Peekaboo Pattern Shop. She didn't make just one. She made THREE.
They are so darn cute! Go check them out and take a look around her blog!
That's it for A Very Go To Christmas series! Thanks everyone!
| | |
| |
Knockoff fashion for children
I'm so excited to be over at Elegance & Elephants today sharing a knockoff outfit! I chose a fun outfit off my STYLE: kids pinterest board.
Head over to check it out! Psst. There may be a free pattern involved!
I found these suitcases at an antique store. I don't take my kids into antique stores usually (oh the things that can go wrong!) but I'm glad I did this time! They were hidden under a clothing rack and I just happened to see a bit of bright pink peaking out. I think I'll put them in every photo from now on.
| | |
| |
A Very Go To Christmas: Maxwell Shirt
I'm so excited that Stacey from Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy Crafts joined this series! She sewed the Maxwell Shirt by Shwin Designs. I love the details of this shirt pattern for boys. (Though I think it would be cute on a girl too!)
And while you're checking out the Maxwell shirt, check out the series all about making toys for boys. It's so great.
| | |
| |
December 06, 2012
A Very Go To Christmas: Basic Blazer
Kate from See Kate Sew is sharing the Basic Blazer pattern from Blank Slate Patterns today! Much like with Cherie's post, I could barely notice the outfit past the cute kid. Toddlers really are the cutest. Seriously though, this sewing pattern is fantastic. If you need to sew a blazer for a boy or a girl this PDF pattern is amazing.
| | |
| |
A Very Go To Christmas: Goodship Dress
Today Jessica from Me Sew Crazy is sharing her Goodship Dress by Circus Wear. As always, Jessica has picked adorable fabric and this dress couldn't be cuter! I had the honor of rooming with Jessica at Sewing Summit and she really is amazing. And she has some really exciting things planned for the sewing world so make sure you follow her blog and her website Sew Set so you don't miss the details!
| | |
| |
A Very Go To Christmas: Maggie Mae Dress & Tunic
Today Cherie from You & Mie is sharing her amazing little daughter. Um, I mean this adorable Maggie Mae Dress by Shwin Designs. The combiniation couldn't be any cuter!! Cherie is an amazingly creative seamstress. I always enjoy seeing what she comes up with!
Continue reading "A Very Go To Christmas: Maggie Mae Dress & Tunic" »
| | |
| |
December 04, 2012
A Very Go To Christmas: Commuter Cowl
This time of year a scarf or cowl is not just something to keep you warm, it's a fashion statement. The Commuter Cowl sewing pattern by luvinthemommyhood is just that. The talented Kirstin from Skirt as Top made one for this series and I love it!
| | |
| |
December 02, 2012
A Very Go To Christmas: Go To Leggings
Today for A Very Go To Christmas Lindsay, from The Cottage Home, is sharing a tutorial for making ruffles on the Go To Leggings. These are so cute! I love the color of the leggings too!
| | |
| |
A Very Go To Christmas: Go To Signature Dress
Today Justine from Sew Country Chick made the Go To Signature Dress. If her blog name isn't familiar, go check it out because I'm certain you've seen some of her work on pinterest. Justine sews beautiful clothes for herself adn her children.
This photo is intriguing me! I love the color combo! Hop on over and read the Go To Signature Dress review!
Head on over and enter the giveaway to win $50 of fabric and some patterns! Multiple winners!
| | |
| |
December 01, 2012
A Very Go To Christmas: Clean Slate Pants
Once again I am overwhelmed! The always lovely Elizabeth, from SIMPLE Simon & Co made some Clean Slate Pants by Blank Slate Basics for A Very Go To Christmas and they are so cute. I want to make a pair for my little guy!
And that sweater! I need to go check out this post!
Continue reading "A Very Go To Christmas: Clean Slate Pants" »
| | |
| |
November 30, 2012
A Very Go To Christmas: Skinny Jeans
Today for A Very Go To Christmas series Abby from Sew Much Ado is showing off the skinny jeans she made her son from the Skinny Jeans sewing pattern by Peekaboo Pattern Shop. If you've thought sewing for boys wasn't fun, think again! I love that the bright colored pants trend has extended to boys' pants. These pants are amazing!
Sneak peek:
| | |
| |
November 27, 2012
a sweet little linen cape
| | |
| |
November 14, 2012
Alphabet Photography
We love books in our house. Children's books, that is. I do love books for myself but I've gotten rid of bookshelves for my books. Too much clutter. Which brings me back to the bookshelf of children's books. Too much clutter.
There's no before picture so just take my word for it. I think I removed half the books for this photo. Yes, that's possible. No, it wasn't pretty before. But we got this fantastic Alphabet Photography artwork and I needed a pretty place to hang it. Thus the clearing of the shelves.
I'm pretty sure I love this space now.
Nice reflexion of my overhead light eh? It's a learning process.
The Alphabet Photography arrived well packaged and a bit more like a package from a great etsy seller than an impersonal company. Wrapped in twine with my name handwritten? Such a great surprise.
Things I love about all this:
- I love seeing handmade items out and about. Notice I popped that quilt in the last photo. A little bit of handmade everywhere.
- The Alphabet Photography. I chose the photos I wanted to use for each letter (and chose the word). There were dozens of photos to choose from for each letter but I love the architectural nature of these. And the Eiffel Tower is there too. The photographer traveled the world to take these photos herself and started this fantastic company. I love companies like that!!
- Eiffel Tower bookends. I found those at an antique store last month. I had intended to save them as a Christmas gift for my 6 year old who adores geography, monuments and books. But I couldn't wait.
- That mermaid doll. She was a handmade gift to my daughter for her birthday. Isn't she adorable? If you want one send me an email and I'll connect you to the seller. She sells at craft shows around here and her work is fantastic!
I did receive the artwork free. And I'm so glad! I love photography and I love word art. If you're in the market I can definitely recommend this. The photos, frame, mat and glass are all quality.
The perfect customized gift that includes photographs from all over the world, this is the original Alphabet Photography. Celebrity owners include: Prince Charles, Prince William and Kate, Tyra Banks, Ryan Seacrest, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, John Schneider, Nelly Furtado, and many more!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Alphabet Photography. The opinions and text are all mine.
| | |
| |
November 03, 2012
Finding inspiration: sew for home
I love how pillows can change a room. Pillows are so easy to sew and make such a big impact. I'd love any of these rooms. We don't actually have pillows anywhere because they'd just be thrown on the floor constantly and that drives me nuts. But I can dream of a day...
| | |
| |
October 26, 2012
Finding inspiration: sew for self
Sometimes I get in a rut and stop sewing for myself. I love inspiration. You might love these too.
Dottie Angel: A self drafted frock with so much charm.
iCandy Handmade: knit boyfriend cardigan. an easy way to get your sewing groove back.
grey luster girl: refashion a men's polo shirt to a bow shirt. simple.
Do you sew for yourself?
| | |
| |
October 11, 2012
Jazz Up your leggings tutorial
I'm over at the Southern Institute today showing you a fun way to "Jazz Up Leggings". Stop on by!
| | |
| |
October 10, 2012
Day Three: KCWC
Once again I'm making samples for my Kids Clothes Week Challenge. Today we've got a Go To Signature Dress (in the tunic length) paired with some Go To Leggings.
Yes, that skirt is part of the leggings.
I told you this was a "Go To" leggings pattern! These leggings are cropped length. Clearly. There are 4 lengths included in the pattern.
And my favorite feature of this particular version of the Go To Leggings:
| | |
| |
October 02, 2012
iPhone cases for those who love to sew
I'm working on some big self imposed deadlines. So I started another project. Naturally. I designed a few iPhone cases that I think you'll like! You can also buy these in prints, greeting cards, canvases, etc. Check out my Go To Designs Society6 shop.
What do you think? Any color schemes you'd like to see?
| | |
| |
October 01, 2012
Fall Accessorizing & a chance to win $10,000 (yes please)
I am SO ready for Fall to come. So incredibly ready. The forecast is for 101 degrees here today. Not so "fallish" if you ask me. That hasn't stopped me from breaking out the cool weather clothes though. You know me. I'm the crazy lady in a sweater.
I had the opportunity yesterday to do a little shopping solo. If you have little kids you know what a treat that is. Okay, treat is an understatement. It's absolutely decadent. I made a few stops. First was at World Market. Have you been?
I've always loved the store. Over the years we've owned various pieces of furniture from there. I love dark wood and eclectic vibes so it's a perfect fit for me.
a few treasures I found
After picking up some fantastic finds and a few accessories and I'm ready for Fall.
The scarves are fantastic. I truly can't wait to wear them for real. It doesn't count as wearing them for real yet because after 30 seconds in a scarf and 95 degree heat I was ready to burn.
I love the earrings I got too! Affordable and unique. But the watch is my favorite! If I said "ya'll" I'd insert it here. Like, "ya'll, this watch is awesome." But I don't. Because I sound kind of ridiculous saying ya'll when the closest I've ever been to living in the south was the one summer in college when I lived in Missery Missouri. Don't get me wrong, it is a beautiful state. But as I think we've established, I don't love the heat. And I love humidity less. So the south and I aren't really compatible.
Oh, and thanks to everyone on instagram for encouraging me to get that great lace blazer on Saturday! (from Nordstrom Rack) It really loves my watch as well. While we're at it, the mustard sweater is from Target. The pinkish one is from the Rack as well. Do you follow me on instagram?? If you've got a smart phone/iPad I'd love to meet you in the IG world =) I'm TheTrainToCrazy. Which is probably obvious.
Down to business:
There are prizes to be won.
HGTV Passport to Style Sweepstakes:
- Grand Prize package includes: A $10,000 World Market shopping spree and design consultation with an HGTV Designer
- There will also be 3 runner up prize winners that will each receive a $1,000 World Market gift card!
- The HGTV Sweepstakes runs from September 22, 2012 until October 26, 2012.
- If you share the sweepstakes with 5 of your friends (via FB share or email) you can receive 5 additional bonus entries. This is part of the registration process when entering. Users can also enter daily for more chances to win.
- Enter online at WORLDMARKETSWEEPSTAKES.COM or FACEBOOK.COM/WORLDMARKET
Now pardon me while I go open this bottle I bought at World Market and take a trip down memory lane.
Have you had this? It is intertwined with some of my favorite memories and World Market is the only place I can find it here. I first had some in college when I was studying in Belgium. Then we used to get it all the time at our favorite little restaurant in Soho. Speaking of which, I still crave their desserts. They had the best roasted dark chocolate banana crépe that makes my mouth water just thinking about it...
Fine Print: World Market is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™. All photos and opinions are my own.
| | |
| |
August 22, 2012
Ribbon Pick-Up Skirt Tutorial
Today I'm sharing another fabulous, fun skirt tutorial. This DIY skirt is great for the 10 and under crowd. With an elastic waist it is also wonderful for beginning sewists! I love the ribbon pick-ups and hope you do to! Easy, fun, cute. What more could you want in a little girl's skirt tutorial?
I love sewing and have a special place in my heart for skirts. When I first taught myself to sew clothes I started with skirts. You can see my first skirt tutorial, The Simple Skirt Tutorial. Why does 2008 feel like a generation ago in blogland?? After that I made the Drop Waist Skirt Tutorial and the Ruffle Skirt Tutorial. All of these skirts are perfect for beginners. And this Insa Skirt pattern review is also worth checking out! I love how "fancy" it is. Perfect for any girly girl.
Now back to the skirt at hand!
Supplies:
- Ribbon— 2-4 yards
- Fabric— 2 types of fabric. Amount depends on length of skirt. See below.
- 3/4" non roll elastic— See amount below.
- Coordinating thread
| | |
| |
July 31, 2012
Where has the summer gone?
I don't know about you but I feel like the summer has slipped between my fingers. How is tomorrow August already? It's not that I haven't been busy with pattern tours, guest blogging, more guest blogging, and still more and more. Or launching a pattern company. But really, where did it all go??
I'm still keeping busy. I've been working on my next pattern. If you folow along on instagram you've seen a few shots. I'll give you a peek too.
| | |
| |
June 20, 2012
Cottage Mama Ruby Dress & a giveaway!
I'm so honored that Linsday (The Cottage Mama) asked me to preview and make one of her new patterns! I had the opportunity to sew the Ruby Dress pattern for the Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns Blog Tour. Yay! I loved it!
Did I mention her patterns are paper patterns? No piecing anything together. And this Ruby pattern comes in sizes 6 months to 10 years. I love patterns that come in many sizes!
The Ruby dress is a normal sleeveless A-line dress but it comes with 3 variations. One simple, one with a front panel and one with ruffles. I chose to make the ruffles.
I had just the right fabrics in my stash for this dress. I love the combo here. Girly and modern in a timeless style.
I love the front panel.
And I only used one shoulder button on each side where the pattern called for 2. I just didn't want to go to the store I was too excited to finish. And I love this fabric covered button.
Interested in seeing more finished Cottage Mama dresses? Check out the blog tour! Want to follow The Cottage Mama?
Website: www.thecottagemama.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thecottagemama
Twitter: www.twitter.com/thecottagemama
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/thecottagemama
Contest Closed.
| | |
| |
May 16, 2012
Window Shopping
Let's have some more fun window shopping! Do you want to make this dress? I thought the handbag was so cute! And those Tom's shoes are adorable. But seriously, the necklace? Perfect for any serious fabric fanatic.
Dress: Bold in Bushwick
Shoes: Tom's yellow wedge
Pattern: McCalls 6551
Fabric: Jersey Knit Stripes Red/White Fabric
I love this dress and it look so simple to make! Are you up for making yourself a dress like this?
| | |
| |
May 08, 2012
Window Shopping
It was so fun putting an outfit together last week that I thought I'd give it another shot! Sew this knockoff outfit for yourself! Would you make this?
Pattern: Simplicity 3503
Fabric: Brown Paisley Voile OR Missoni Zig Zag Lace
Have you made a maxi dress yet?
| | |
| |
May 05, 2012
Window Shopping
Sometimes I like to peruse Pinterest for outfits, pretending to be fashionable. Because, let's face it, I'm really not. I have about 6 outfits in my closet and half of them aren't cute! But sometimes I dream of cute outfits. Like this one, for instance.
Dress: Enchanted Afternoon Dress
Shoes: Bright on the town
Sweater: Betsy Johnson Love Cardigan
The BEST thing about sewing is you can have that cute dress AND have fun making it yourself!
Pattern: Colette Parfait Dress
Fabric: Antique Blue Berry Floral Print OR Bright Sky Floral crepe de chine
How do you feel about this outfit? Have you made a Parfait Dress yet?
| | |
| |
April 30, 2012
Boys and bow ties
I made my first little bow tie for Easter. There were a ton of free tutorials and all of them are similar. I chose to use wool felt as the interfacing as one tutorial suggested. I think it made the bow a bit too puffy and it was difficult to sew through all the layers but I still love it.
Plus, who could resist that face?
| | |
| |
April 02, 2012
Gathered Quilt or Duvet Cover Tutorial
I spent a lot of time on Pinterest and google images looking for inspiration for my daughter's quilt. I never really found what I was envisioning so I created this Gathered Quilt or Duvet Cover. I'll show you how to make this top with a tutorial and you can quilt it or turn it into a duvet cover if you choose. I actually made it a duvet cover because I thought my daughter would prefer that but I might quilt it down the road. All you need is the ability to sew a straight line and you can make this cover yourself!
I chose some bright quilting cotton fabrics but you could go monochromatic or even use sheets for this. An all white cover would be really cute as well. My daughter just loves, loves color so that is exactly what she got!
Gather your supplies for the top:
- neutral or white thread
- 63-- 21" x 10.5" fabric pieces for top (more if you are making this larger than twin)
- 63-- 10.5" x 10.5" fabric squares in white or unbleached woven fabric for a "backing" piece. I used muslin.
UPDATED: For 63 squares like this one you'll need 9.25 yards of fabric for the top (assuming 44" wide fabric). You'll get 6 cut pieces per yard if you want to think of it that way. I think I used 9 different fabrics. The squares are 10" square when finished which should help with your math if you are making a different size quilt.
For the backing fabric you'll need 4.6 yards of 44" fabric or a full sized flat sheet.
Step 1-- Gather long sides of fabric pieces. Use a long stitch or a ruffler foot
Step 2-- Sew gathered piece to a backing piece to stabilize.
Step 3-- Sew squares together! I recommend laying them all out to decide how you want them arranged. I chose to alternate the direction of the gathers to create the look I was going for. Then sew one row together at a time with a 1/4" seam allowance. After the rows are sewn you can finish the edges. I serged mine but you can use a zig zag stitch or pinking sheers if you'd like. This will prevent fraying.
After you have all your rows sewn, sew the rows together. Make sure to pin well and match the corners. Then finish the remaining edges.
Step 4-- Make your cover into a Duvet or Quilt! I used a flat sheet and stacked the cover, right sides together and sewed around the edges leaving a 4 foot opening on one end to stuff the duvet inside. Design Sponge has a tutorial for making a duvet cover if you want more instructions. To make a quilt you'll sandwich the backing piece (the same size as the top), top and cotton quilt batting. Stitch in the ditch (the seam) in a grid to sew the whole thing together. Sew on a binding around the edge. There are tons of quilt tutorials and you tube videos if you need help!
Be warned, this is not a super quick project. It is very easy but takes time!
***Edited: You will save a LOT of time buying a ruffler foot
| | |
| |
March 13, 2012
A Child's Art Display Wall
Finding away to display the art of a young artist can be a difficult process for most families. Maybe you've got a great system for saving the gems and tossing the rest but I've not found that method yet. I allow my kids to save or toss as they'd like, taping artwork all over the walls and windows where they see fit. My oldest is especially prolific. She even keeps a roll of tape in her room so she can tape things everywhere. She just turned 7 and for her birthday I gave her a little room makeover and included a fun art display wall. Something that looks fun and allows for creativity without looking crazy and cluttered.
Here is the room before:
Does this girl have food on the brain or what? Fortunately, the room isn't all food art. She has lovely things hanging all over the ceiling too.
Needless to say, this girl needed a gallery wall for her masterpieces. So here it is, the new improved gallery wall:
I had three criteria for the art wall. First, it had to be safe. She doesn't need heavy frames falling on her in an earthquake and glass was out of the question. Second, it had to be easy for her to change the artwork. Third, it had to look good. I think this fits all three.
This is so simple, you'll wonder why you never thought of this. The frames are foam board. Yep, foam board. I bought 4 large pieces of foam board for a couple dollars a piece, cut them and spray painted them then glued on little clothes pins. Simple.
Detailed instructions:
- Make a paper template for the shape you'd like then trace that shape on your foam board
.
- Use an x-acto knife
over a self-healing cutting mat
to cut your shape. Use a sharp blade and go slow. I cut out all 10 of these shapes and my wrists were pretty sore so maybe take a break in the middle.
- Spray paint the front and edges of each board. Or use them white if you'd like. This would still look great on a colored wall.
- Glue little clips or Mini Clothespin
on the boards. Use a good glue. A hot glue gun will likely not hold well enough over time. I used E-6000
.
- Let the boards air out for a while before putting them in a child's room I aired them out for a couple weeks. Hang up with Removable Mounting Squares
.
Done! I can't wait to see how my little artist fills her gallery wall. Do you have an artist in your house who would appreciate a wall like this?
| | |
| |
