Red Floral Skirt

Another piece of clothing down. I cut this out quite some time ago, just like the pink gingham top. This skirt is from the McCall's 5591 pattern. I made the one that is yellow and black above. The only real changes I made were the waistband & pocket edges...I contrasted them the same as the bottom.

The only snag I ran into was the size. I have lost enough that the original cut size was too large. I just took in the sides before finishing it off & viola! Although, by the time the weather matches the skirt, I hope to be even smaller. So it may need another alter.

The pocket edges are the red contrast and the pocket itself is simply muslin. It blends well enough, and frankly, I did not have that much of the floral print left. But I prefer this since if it were floral, it would not line up correctly.

The zipper even went in nicely. It is pale pink, but you can't really tell. And I don't think, well, I really hope, no one will be close enough to that area to tell anyway :P

This is inside the bands - both upper waist and lower contrast. I wanted to give a shot to a better cleaner finish. It went well. I will do it differently next time, but it should look the same, only the method will be messed with.

Now I need to find...or perhaps make...a top that will go with it.

Another Blue Dude

He's so cute and teeny. That's my sewing machine he's leaning up against and a 4x6 notebook to his left. See...tiny. But not quite tiny enough to be a key chain like the one in my shop. Well, maybe. I need to think about it some more.

I like the little suckers on the feet. And what a goofy grin. I hope he's not laughing at me. I do look pretty silly sitting here on the couch in my sweats watching TV while I sew him up. Or maybe he's just happy to be a part of the family. Papa is still in the shop. I'll have to keep them boxed together to keep each other company until one sells.

Market Tote

I have begun the market tote batch. It is a little bit of a work in progress being that it is a new material to me. It is made from a utility fabric, aka "bag fabric". You know, that mesh like fabric so many of the tote bags in the stores are made from? Jo-Ann started carrying the fabric last year and I picked some up.

The seams are something I may play with a little more. This tote has the seams pinched or "sewn in" with a topstitch. It does help the bag stand up. But I may make another with the seams edges folded under. Not sure.

I am keeping them unlined. It will keep the price down and speed up the making. But then I am left with these stitch lines inside...

The handles are nylon webbing that wrap entirely around the bag, lending some extra support.

Here you can see what can fit inside. Not that this is all, but it shows the height and width better. And this is the smaller of the two sizes.

I have one more this size and then two more larger. I hope to have them all done by the end of Wednesday. Wish me luck :)

Oh - and as a buyer - do the exposed stitching lines left from being unlined bother you? Not that there is a way around it if they remain unlined, but I am curious. Personally, since I'd use them for the grocery store, I wouldn't care. But that's just me.

Olive Table Runner and Hot Pad

I started these a while back but did not finish them because I was not sure how I wanted them finished. But then I got sick of them sitting around while I decided and just went with what I had on hand that caught my eye.

The hot pad got a simple purchased binding. I was going to make my own but the greens I had were not quite right. Why is it shown with a glass when it is a hot pad and not a coaster? Well, I

had one nearby & figured it would do fine for showing size. Not that it couldn't be used as a coaster, but it does have a layer of Insul-brite.

I put a small strip across the back corner for hanging purposes.

The runner is on the shorter side. Probably best for a side board or hall table or simply a small table. I just love the color combo. It is one of my faves.

I am glad I went with the bright red underside. It makes for a striking contrast.

Olive Corduroy Pillows

The last of the pillows are done. I really like these. They are nice and big. My 18 inch inserts fit very nicely.

I don't have the best shot of the back, but it is a simple envelope style closure. There is one reverse applique circle on it for a touch of oomph. A touch of oomph? Is that a real thing? It should be.

The inside lining is a minty green like the print in the applique.

Now I just need to decide whether or not to wash them before I photograph them & list. Being corduroy with raw edges, there is lots of fluff that keeps finding its way elsewhere. I suppose it couldn't hurt. After all, whoever buys it will most likely wash them at some point. I just know there are lots of people who don't like their new things being, well, not so new by being washed before they buy it.

Green Jellies

Two down this time. Both green. Both possibly sea creatures. They are actually the same as the very large Orange Jelly I made a couple weeks ago. Only teenier. There was also an even teenier one a very long time ago that became a key chain. He looked more squid like. Actually, so do these. Hmmm...so Jelly or Squidy? I may have to refer to the 5 year old for the best answer. He is good at that.

The larger one is nice and soft and made of fleece. The suckers and face are both felt.

The little guy has the same coloring as mama, but has yet to grow into his softiness. The young are felt - much sturdier for survival.

Pink Gingham Shirt

I did it. I got around to making some clothes. I won't embarrass myself by telling you how long ago I cut these pieces out. But I did finally sew them together. It even fits. Alas, no pics of it on me. It's not easy being your own photog.

The sleeves are full & fun. I am not a fan of tight sleeves. Nor do I care for my arms exposed. Maybe in a few months after some more strength training, but not just yet.

The sash is not attached, so it does not have to be worn. Plus, no loops left to stick out if you decide to go without.

The pattern I used was Simplicity 4112. Well, minus the collar. It was missing that piece. So I had to wing it...and won :)

The best part - the buttons. I found these in my stash. I think they are from Grandma. Notice the price. If only it still went for that.

Next up clothing-wise...a skirt.

Mama Dervil

Remember the little pink paisley Dervil? Well, I made Mama.

Don't they make a cute pair?

Inspiration

There are a couple gifts I got this Xmas that have gotten my mind rolling a bit with some ideas.

I have embroidery on my list of to-dos this year. And fan based themes are always fun. So expect some Who'isms and Stargate goodies in the sort of near future. And depending on whether or not you travel via Tardis, that could be any time.

The little Lego guys were not part of my gift, but they may still find there way into a frame somehow.

And this watch was for my son. We found it on Think Geek...I just love that place! I now have some math related geekiness swirling too.


Now how soon I get started on creating is yet to be determined. I at least created a Stargate themed blog post. Does that count?
I still have some stuffies to finish, some clothes and new bags to start. But I have started watching the DVDs, so that's something :)

Ginger Dots Basket Set and Extra

I finished up the basket set. I just piled them up here to show you. The smallest is pencil width and the largest are 5 inch squares that stand 7 inches high. Not too big and not too small. Some have an olive lining, others have a brighter mustard yellow.

I had a nice rectangular piece cut and leftover, so I made a larger zip pouch. I realized the other day that most of my pouches sold at the show. I need to make a batch of them as I make the next batch of purses...which should be next week.

Friday Feature: Fingerless Gloves

I had a new love this Fall...fingerless gloves. They are so darn cute. And perfect for those morning walks when it was chilly but not cold & frozen...like now :P

This first pair is from Viola Vintage. Their specialty is "vintage inspired custom made wedding and bridesmaid dresses, 1940s wiggle dresses and 1950s dresses in natural fabrics, silks, cottons, linens and wool mixes." I got lucky and nabbed these a while back. I just love them!

And be sure to check out her Eco-friendly hippie couture shop, Jorja Clare.

Then we have these upcycled cashmere beauties from Cashmere Deja vu. There are still some arm warmers available in her shop if you are looking for some of your own.

You know I could not resist these lovely Jayne inspired wrist warmers from Whitaker Knits.

I even got my son a pair to match his Jayne hat from Ma Cobb's Hat Shoppe :)

Even now they rock when going out. I can wear them indoors to stay a touch warmer while still having use of my fingers. And looking super cute!

Rectangular Ginger Dots

I really liked that first square basket with the round abstract floral applique thingies. So I cut out a few more baskets, 2 smaller and rectangular & 2 larger square.

I have the rectangular ones completed. They are just the right size for pens & pencils to fit longwise. This is one of them...the two look similar.

And then there are the 2 larger ones, which should be done today. I'll post the whole set when they are all complete :)

Big Thanks

Big thanks to my Carried Away Team for posting up my yellow painted tote as the Bag of the Week. Tee hee!! *cartwheel* Made my day! And makes me feel better about making more - only smaller, unless custom - this spring.

This pink one of mine was the first of this "line"...it has changed up a bit with time.

What's Next?

Every year at this time people come together with one common goal...goals. I do not care for "resolutions", but goal is okay. Or game plan. Or even just "I wanna do this".

I have done a "what to keep" before and I actually did better with it than I thought. Not everything made it into the shops and not enough left to show much of a difference in styles. But it was there.

This year I am cutting back even more while expanding. The cut backs are bag styles and the expanding involve non-bag items. I wrote more detail about it on my other blog. Her I am just showing off the examples of what will be continued.

This sketch is a quilt I want to make...or wall hanging or table runner. I am not sure how large I am going to make it just yet. But it does represent something new I want to do. Although it shows it rather faintly...

Pink Paisley Dervil

Dervil? Yes, Dervil. Almost a devil but not quite.

I feel good that I am feeding the hungry stuffies. Someone asked me what they are for...selling or keeping. I am thinking sell. Otherwise my home will be quickly over run.

Now if they meant what do you use them for, um, well, nothing. They are just cute little buddies to have around. Although I have been using one as a pin cushion.

Don't worry, he wasn't harmed :)

Mini Squishee

I said I would get to their buddies and I have. Last night was busy with my son's new bed, but I did sit down to make this little guy.

The original idea was to attach a loop so he could hold keys or hang on a backpack zipper or something. In the end I decided not too, he's just a tad too big.

Of Jellies and Squishees

Say hello to Orange Jelly and Purple Tie Dye Squishee. See, he's waving hi. How sweet.

These guys have been sitting around for ages waiting for me to finish them off. I don't know why exactly I put it off. I guess just because they were for the heck of it and that kind of thing just keeps getting shelved.

So after over a year, yes, a year, of the Orange Jelly slowly being built - he is done and stuffed. And stuffed he is. It took a lot to fill him up. Hungry guy. Guess that's what happens when you aren't fed for more than a year.

And his little buddy has been waiting for quite some time too. Although he sat nearly complete after just one session on the couch. All he needed last night was a final fill and stitch. He sure looks happy about it too.

Next up - finish Squishee's relatives that are waiting in a pink bin on the shelf. Okay guys, I hear ya...I'm coming....