I hope to inspire and entertain you with a lot of sewing and a little of everything else!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Happy Halloween! Costume Inspirations

Dalmation
Happy Halloween! Today I thought I'd share SOME of the costumes I've made over the years. I have made many more, but these are the ones I have digital pictures of, so it makes it easier to post while holding a baby! What is your favorite costume that you've made? Leave a comment; I love hearing from you!
I'm planning a few posts next week with some quick Christmas ornament ideas, so check back soon!!
Military Guy


Princess and Purple T-Rex

Japanese Geisha

1950's Poodle Skirt

American Girl Felicity

Green M&M

Native American Girl

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Smocked Rattle Romper


 This little romper is one of the outfits I made for Andy during my pregnancy. It was supposed to be a coming home from the hospital outfit, but it ended up fitting him around 2 months old instead! I used Maja's Heirlooms Jordan pattern. I emailed her about sizing and she kindly advised me how to make the 3 months size scale-down to newborn. I used light blue Imperial microcheck and pique from Fine Stitchery. I love both these fabrics. They are soft and easy to work with, look good, and best of all can be machine washed and dried and don't need ironing! Not to mention the very reasonable price.
 Because this is so small, I made the sleeves very simple. Instead of the cuff called for in the pattern, I made a plain lined sleeve. It's so easy to do and looks great on tiny arms. I love patterns that have a little area of smocking, so you can finish it in a reasonable amount of time. It's a great place for a little picture smocking; you don't get bored smocking the same motif five times. This little rattle is from the plate CR's Rattles by Terry Jane. I remember the first time I saw this smocked on something. I was 15 and baby-sat for a family with 4 boys. Their littlest boy was baptized and the Mom commissioned a Royal Babe Romper with this plate for the smocking. I loved the outfit and always meant to use it on something.
I will definitely make this pattern again! It was easy to make, I love the way it looks, and it's great to have a smocked outfit with long pants for those of us in cooler climates. Wouldn't this be cute in a soft baby-wale corduroy?
I've been back at the sewing machine a bit this week and my bargain leaf-block quilt top is almost done. I hope to share it with you soon. Have a lovely day!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Funny Computer Guy Shirts

My hubby is Mr. Techno. I can be sure my computer and photos are always backed up 4 different ways. He is also a software guy for his job, so when I want to sew for him, computer-themed stuff comes to mind.
 
This denim shirt was purchased at Walmart. I un-sewed the pocket, did the machine embroidery, then sewed the pocket back on. I love this saying. The embroidery is from Embroiderydesigns.com.









The next shirt was also purchased and embroidered on the pocket. This design is also from Embroiderydesigns.com. I like their site when you need something really specific. They always have tons to choose from, even if you need something unusual! These are shirts that always result in a funny comment. In fact, they've even led to some people "commissioning" items to be embroidered.
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