Only a Year Late.

Soooo Halloween is coming. It's been a non-stop-sew-fest at my house the past few weeks getting ready for Halloween 2014. And it shows. The dishes are taking over the sink, the laundry is piling up, and my kids have eaten cereal for just about every meal. But if nothing else, my kids will have a costume this year gosh darn it. 

I must admit, messy house aside, it feels really good to get back to sewing projects. Since it's been almost a year since I've sewed something for my little ones, I thought I'd kick off a few project sharing with some gems from Halloween 2013. 

First up is our little Southun' Belle.

For the gown I used 5 yards of floral chiffon, a queen sized sheet for the lining, and a velveteen fabric for the sash. I made a hoop skirt out of an old garden hose, duct tape, and a lot of cursing. : )  Over the hoop skirt I made a tulle pettiskirt to add additional fullness. It was a TON of work, but seeing how happy it made the little one, it was all worth it.

The dress was simply divine on her.

I'm disappointed that I didn't take more photos of her in the dress; but this one in my empty dining room was my favorite. Of all time.

 Happy girl.

Next up, I have my Wittle Wumber Jack. The little one managed to collect the most candy last year. I think it was that beard. And the smile. Aaaand the super tight skinnies he borrowed from his sister (yikes!). Either way, it worked out in his favor. 

The beard was made with yarn attached to a piece of felt. Pretty simple.

 Hopefully I'll share this years Halloween pics sometime before 2015, but no promises. ; )

Boy's Look

It's Boys Week at Project Run and Play!

I was ever so excited to sew something for my Wittle Wovie, Baby Wills. : )  Boys clothes are so very underrated, don't you think?

I barely squeaked this look out; as in I just started and finished the button down shirt and tie this morning.  Every single one of us (at different times this week) was blessed with a stomach bug that had us me scrubbing toilets and washing sheets for four days straight. YUCK.

So I'm feeling pretty good that I completed the design I had in mind.  : )

For boys it's all about seperates, separates, separates.  And so separates I sewed.  I decked baby Will's in some green skinnies, a cardigan, a white button down shirt, and a black skinny tie.  

                                            

                                                    

Alright, let's talk specifics, shall we?

The green skinnies were made using a pair of Baby Will's ready to wear jeans as a guide.  I followed Male Pattern Boldness's Jeans Sew Along found here (Peter is an angel, I tell you!).  I learned how to sew a flat felled seam thanks to Peter and I'm hooked!   Seriously, why didn't I try this technique before? Regretfully, I didn't get many pictures of this, but the jeans have a coin pocket and some super adorable pockets in the back, perfect for stashing his treasures.  I adore the jeans; the hubby hates them. Who's side are you on?? Or maybe you shouldn't answer that. ; )

The cardigan is upcycled from an old shirt of mine. I added some bias tape and buttons and it was done. 

The tie was made with a black sheet and my own tutorial found here.

The white button up shirt was made by looking at one of Baby Will's shirts as a guide.  I am honestly jumping up and down that I was able to sew this without a pattern. I  had some serious doubts that it was going to be done. : ) Just as a note, I used the rest of the white sheet from the white sheet challenge. Hooray! I decided to add some black piping to the pocket to tie the look together.  I can't figure out if I made the shirt look too much like a Mormon missionary with a black name tag. haha!  What do you think? 

There you have it.. A complete boys look all made with materials I had on hand.

If you have any questions on how I made any item, don't hesitate to email me

Loves,

Amber

5 Minute DIY Newborn Cocoon from Sweater.

This one is for all you photographers out there.

  Have you seen those adorable newborn cocoons? They are all over the place and have been for a while.  Most of these lovely cocoons are either hand knit or crocheted. I made mine just a bit different; and I must say that I love it. Alot.  

I made this lovely in under 5 minutes using one of my old sweaters.

These not only make for a killer newborn prop, it would also be a great gift for a new mom or a photographer in your life.

Want to make one too?

Let's go. : )

 What you will need:

• Old sweater with a ribbed trim (preferred).  For the comfort of the baby, stick with a cotton sweater.  You really don't want the little one to break out from an itchy cashmere, wool, or angora sweater. : )
• Ruler
• Fabric marker
• Scissors
• Sewing machine or serger
• Thread.

FYI, Because every sweater will stretch differently, I will give you dimensions for the cocoon when stretched fully. Your finished cocoon will be 15 inches wide and 15 inches long (at it's longest point) when stretched fully. We will add 1/2 inch seam allowances.

Here's how you do it:

First stretch the bottom of your sweater as wide as it can go.  Measure16 inches along the bottom of the sweater.  Mark with your fabric marker the beginning and end of the 16 inches.

Now stretch your sweater from the bottom to the neckline. Measure 15.5 inches from the bottom of the sweater up.  Draw a small mark to show where 15.5 inches is on your sweater.

Using your fabric marker, draw a slight curve like the one pictured below.  

Cut your cocoon out. 

Put right sides together. 
 Set your machine to a stitch suitable for a knit fabric.

Using a 1/2 inch seam allowance, sew or serge your cocoon rounding at the corners (see below).  Be sure to leave the bottom of your cocoon open.

Flip your cocoon right side out. And that's it;  you're done.

Loves,
Amber

Little Man Tie Tutorial

Okay, so here's a tutorial on how to make a fabulous tie for your little man. So if you have 30 minutes and some basic sewing skills, this project is for you. 

Ready to see the entire tutorial.. Just click below to expand!