Diaper bag

A shower present for my sister-in-law who became a mother in September   This was quite a bit of work!  I didn’t use a pattern, so it was a lot of guessing.  It took awhile to figure out the type of interfacing I should use, and exactly how to attach the base with extra stiff interfacing, etc.  What a project!  In the end, I like it.  I wish that I had made it a bit bigger, but it’s big enough I think.  I have no babies, so I don’t really know   it’s loaded with features though!  Lots of slip pockets, a large zip pocket, and a key holder.

Aprons galore

Oh what fun.  Last weekend my sewing group had a booth at a garden club fair.  We sold aprons.  I use the term “sold” quite loosely.  A few of us did pretty well, me not included   I tried not to expect much, after all I only made 4 aprons!  Here are some pics.  The one that sold is the pink floral   A little girl bought it, go figure!

My favorite   I also added some faux pearls around the waistband.

A mother-daughter set I made, plus one my mom made.

The pretty floral one the little girl bought.

All of us.

And our booth

A Wedding and a Fair

I have been so busy lately that I can’t find time to post on my blog   Since I last posted, my sister got engaged!  My mom and I are going to work together on the bridesmaids dresses and her wedding gown!  I’m so excited for her, and very excited to make the dresses

So, although the colors will be very different, these are our inspiration pictures for the bridesmaids (only three of us):

In other news, I’ve been working on some aprons to sell at a fair with sewing group.  They are so fun (and easy) to make!  I’m only doing 4, but everyone else is making a bunch.  I just don’t have the time.  Pictures to come!

Next up: A diaper bag for my brand new (first) nephew!  That should be extra fun to make.  We’ve already been planning our fabric combination.

Plus: The BurdaStyle Project Runway Remake Challenge!  I’m already planning what to make…

Super Cute Shorts

I kept telling my husband these would be sujper cute while I was working on them, so that is his name for them   They still need a button, but here they are!  I hope you like them!  My pattern review is here

Short Shorts

My current project (after a little too much procrastination) is a pair of ivory 100% linen pleated and cuffed short shorts using Simplicity 3849 (a juniors pattern for the more modern fit that I prefer).  These are going to double as an entry for the wardrobe contest and for the Natural Fabrics Contest for the PR runway show at the American Sewing Expo.

I’m still hoping to finish the wardrobe, although it may be wishful thinking at this point!  At least I have quite a few of the pieces cut out   I’ve changed a few things around to make it simpler also.  I’m substituting a pink bias linen skirt for the walking shorts, and changed the Cynthia Rowley top because it sadly didn’t quite fit in.  The whole collection is going to be much more ivory and pink now than I originally planned.  But it might just coordinate better this way!

I also am planning a couple other projects which might be after the wardrobe contest, but could just wipe it out altogether.  First, I will be selling some aprons at a fair in mid-September with sewing group, and have to finish at least 4.  Also, a friend of mine requested a pair of pajama pants from some cute fabric she found.  And I’m making a diaper bag for my sister-in-law who is due in mid-September!  In other words, let’s see how stressed I can possibly get after work

My New Favorite Dress

I finished the dress in time for the wedding!  It still needs some work (the gathers aren’t sewn very well), but it’s definitely wearable.  I really like this fabric that I’ve been dying to make something out of!  I’m so glad I finally got to it!  Click the picture for the full page.

Another Dress & a Question for you

I began my dress for the wardrobe contest last night.  It’s fairly similar to my burdastyle dress in the construction (but not the design), so it should come together easily.  Also, its not lined which will help quite a bit.  I’m hoping to finish before a wedding on Saturday evening (quick work!).  I’m using burda 3/09 #121, the “Exclusive Design” from the issue.  It’s so gorgeous in the mag, but my version will look very different because of the fabric (a printed linen blend).  Much more fun than formal, more like a sundress.  I’m excited about it.  I’m also using the pleated waistband from burda 9/08 #132.

The other thing I’m working on is renaming my blog.  The best one I’ve come up with so far is “Versatility”.  The concept being that I enjoy making pieces that can be worn for many occasions, dressed up or down, etc.  This is one of my goals when sewing garments for myself (because I want to get some use out of them!).  The name could also be parlayed into the name of a line down the road (if I ever get there).  The one thing that could be very confusing is that my style in general might not necessarily be considered incredibly versatile (as far as the types of pieces I make).  I’m still thinking about it, but do you have an opinion?  Do I need a name that’s more descriptive of my style rather than my “goal”?  How do other people name their blogs, lines, etc?