A Very Jackie O Muslin

Hello fellow crafters! It's Amy of Sew Well yet again with another last minute handmade gift.

My mom asked for a cape for Christmas, and I was happy to oblige. In fact, I thought I could draft a cape pattern that would fit her perfectly using the simple directions in Patternmaking for Fashion Design. All I needed from her were her measurements... about a hundred of them according to the book. I recently came to my senses and decided that I should figure out pattern drafting for myself before I move on to others, and I placed an Etsy order for a vintage cape pattern.

Since the cape pattern didn't arrive in time for holiday crafting, but Daughter Fish's Simplicity 6402 did, I quickly sewed up a very Jackie O muslin as a place holder for my mom. Lucky for me, my mom is understanding.  I think the thoughtfulness of not only a handmade cape but also a gorgeous handmade dress and jacket combo sometime in the coming month will make up for the fact that she only has a muslin to unwrap on Christmas day.

A Wee Sparkly Christmas Top

Hello fellow crafters!  It's Amy from Sew Well again, here for another update on my holiday crafting.

I wanted my six-month-old niece's first Christmas to be special, so I made her a little red holiday top from a bit of sparkly fabric from Fine Fabrics and McCall's M5416. The fabric was three inches shy of being able to make the full length tunic, but as my niece is still a tiny baby and the pattern I cut was likely meant for a small toddler, I figure it'll be just fine with tights or over pants.

I cut the lining from a nice white cotton remnant I got from Britex the last time I was there. The pattern just calls for a facing, but I wanted a full-length lining to class up this baby holiday number. Though I hand pick stitched around the edge of the lining to keep the facing in place, it still peeks out a bit. Maybe it's a design feature to match the buttons? Next time I might use the identical fabric for the facing.

I used my narrow-hem foot for the hem on the fashion fabric but just pressed twice and stitched the lining hem. All in all it was a quick and easy project, even with the hand sewing. I hope she likes it!

Mushroom tunic

So many of you are posting tutorials and tips. My projects are mainly from patterns, so I only have projects to share, no tutorials.

Anyway, for the kiddo's little cousin I made a tunic. She won't be matching in a purple jacket, since I didn't have enough fabric.

It's tunic with a keyhole neckline and drawstring, pleats at the waist. I just love the fabric and think that the tunic could also work for this season with a long sleeved t-shirt underneath. We need more bright colours for winter! And in the spring it will work with a regular t-shirt underneath.

Blog post.

Boxer Shorts

Hi all...Stitchybritt here, ready to show you my latest Christmas creation - a pair of boxer shorts for boyfriend.  They may seem like a regular old pair of boxer shorts but I am actually really proud of them - not only because they worked out well, but because they were really quick to whip up (about an hour in total) AND they're made from fair-trade, organic cotton.

Here's Snorky helping me to cut out the fabric.  Basically I took an old-worn out pair of boyfriend's boxer shorts and cut them up for a pattern.  I doubt he'll miss them, but I'm not sure how he will feel about me showing you all his pants on the interwebs : s oh well

I then had five pieces - two front, two back, and the lining piece for the front opening.  I stitched them all together with waist elastic and this is what I got...

Pretty neat, huh?  The front opening works like this, so boys can visit the loo easily...

And a simple elasticated waist.  That's all there is to it.  I'm quite pleased with them, and if they fit well, I'll probably make more for boyfriend in the future.

Not long to go now Christmas crafters!  Good luck for your last two weeks of crafting!

Stitchybritt xx

Oh Sarah O's Christmas To-Do List

Hello Everyone! My name is Sarah O of ohsaraho, blogger of all things artsy, crafty and fun. Christmas is less than two weeks away, which means that I am in full Christmas elf mode, knitting away on my last minute gifts, completing my last minute Christmas shopping, and wrapping up all of my Christmas gifts to place underneath the tree. Right now I have several projects on my knitting needles that I am hoping to complete. Here's a list of knitting pattern's that I'm hoping to complete this holiday season (note: if you have a Ravelry account you can click the link to view the patterns):

• To Eyre... by Carol Sunday. This shawl pattern is based off of one of the shawls worn in the new Jane Eyre movie (which I have yet to see). I picked up some skeins of Ella Rae Classic wool in a grey/navy blue color for this shawl and can't wait to knit this up and check out the film.

• Cambridge by Carol Sunday. I've had my eye on this shawl ever since I saw those paparazzi photos of Kate Middleton pushing her shopping cart. I've even caught myself thinking that I could shop like a princess, if only I had that shawl. I'm sure I could not afford the original, but thankfully there is a look-a-like pattern available on Ravelry. So this weekend I picked up some skeins of The Spectrum Collection Fluffy Stuff DK yarn in green and began casting-on this shawl. Check out my progress:

• Wurm by katushika. This floppy hat pattern is based off of the hat worn by Michael Cera in the film Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World. It looks like a fun, quick knit, but I'm not sure of what colors and what kind of yarn I'm going to use.
• Ribbed Watchman's Hat by Channah Koppel. This pattern was originally designed to create hats for Israeli (IDF) soldiers. I'm actually going to use this pattern to create a navy stocking hat for another soldier that I know whose a little closer to home.
• Winding River Cowl by Kathleen Cubley. I recently purchased some beautiful Lion Brand Amazing yarn in Mesa and hope to quickly knit this up for a family member who often ventures West.
  

Frankenstein Skirt

Hello, Crafters! This is Seeks, and I have another refashion-as-gift-for-cousin to show you. This one consists of parts from two dresses and a shirt. I only have pictures of two of the three original components, but it's construction was super easy (at least, once I got my hands on a serger).

This skirt is for another cousin, who had commented on how much she loved the blue lace dress that I didn't photograph, but how it just never fit well in the top. She especially noted a love for the material itself. I thought it'd be nice to give her something made from the material that she'd actually wear.

Two of the three original pieces.

To summarize the process, I took the skirt from the dress not shown, sewed it to the waist of the second dress, and lined it with the body of the shirt. The shirt was easily converted to a skirt by cutting off the sleeves and feather neck thing (don't ask me) and then sewing up the sides to taper to a waist.

It was totally gratifying to make with the serger. The seams were all simple, totaling only four in all. The fabrics are super super stretchy and comfy, so it will work out well for a range of body shapes. The lining does peek out a bit at the bottom, but I like how it helps to tie in the waist with the bottom of the skirt as well.

Refashioned Sweater to Skirt

Hello, Holiday Crafters!  My name is Seeks, and this is my first post here for the Crafty Christmas Club. I am a blogger who's interested in a number of things, so my blog ranges in posts from sewing to art to food. I'm starting to pick up some sewing momentum of late, so I am happy to have a chance to contribute here. I just finished one of my first present projects and really need to show it off somewhere before I spoil the surprise! Thank goodness you're here to save me from blabbing!

I had a sweater that both my cousin and I loved, but just never wore. It had a few holes in key places that just didn't make it wearable to most outings.

So, for Christmas, I thought I'd refashion it into something I knew she would wear: a cute knit skirt and leg warmers. The nature of the knit and ribbing of the sweater was perfect for the refashion because it wasn't itchy, and the V-neckline stretched just enough to serve as a perfect waistband. A nice detail on the skirt, as I've not seen many v-waisted skirts.

I used the sleeves for the leg warmers, and the top curved portion of the sleeves to make the pockets (one kangaroo pouch on front, one small pocket on the back). My cousin loves pockets, so I am excited by their addition.

I used a blanket stitch on the raw edges of the leg warmers, and they stay up quite well without the addition of any ties.


They're a little loose at the top, but that doesn't seem to compromise their hug elsewhere. My hope is that they'll spring back after a wash.

The pockets were sewn with some embroidery thread "X"'s at the corners to help keep the bulk of the inner sewn edges from sticking out.

Hope you like it!

You're welcome to check out my blog for other stuff I'm working on. Most of my good stuff will be showing up here in the next month though, as most of my projects are gifts at the moment.

Purple jackets

I've been having a sweatshop over here, sewing three, pretty much identical jackets (two of them are a bit bigger).They also have different zippers so that it will be easy for me to tell the bigger ones (pink zipper) from the small one (blue zipper). I know that the kiddo loves his, it feels cruel to make him wait for Christmas, but maybe then he'll have forgotten about it and be surprised all over again. (What to do next year when he will be more aware of what I'm doing. I must resort to sneaky sewing and no fitting).

The fabric is a sweatshirt fabric I found in the scrap bin and for the wristlets I chopped up an old failed project.

More pictures and information on my blog.

ANOTHER capelet

 I know, I'm not very exciting because I made the same capelet twice this month. The first version was for myself, but when my sister saw it she requested one of her own. We went to a fabric store, battled some terrible customer service (don't get me started), and she ended up choosing this lightweight canvas for the lining. It's pretty cool, I've never seen anything like it.

I found this black somewhat stretchy fabric for the outside of the cape at a local store. It was my first time sewing something so stretchy that just cutting it was a challenge. When I sewed it I used tons of pins which seemed to make life easier. 

As I mentioned in my last post, the "hood" is definitely more fashion than function, it is not going to fit over her head.

I tried it on to show all of you :) I can't wait to give it to my sister!

Please stop by my blog and say hello! I love meeting new sewing friends on the world wide web! :)

Singlet Appliqué...

Hi, Pam from Threading My Way here. Down Under in Australia, we're nearing the end of Spring. By the time Christmas comes, we'll be well into Summer. Our Summers are HOT, so no scarves or beanies for us at this time of the year.

Here's an idea for a baby, or young child, that's quick and easy to make: appliquéd singlets...

Found tins... and a Sorbetto refashion!

Hi everyone!  Stitchybritt here, ready to give you an update on some crafty and christmassy things.

First of all, I've been hunting down some second hand tins.  I mentioned in my last post that I theme my Christmas gifts, and this year's theme is tins.  Here are the three tins I have found so far, the big ex-panatone tin from a second hand shop, the two smaller ones from a school fete bric-a-brac market.  Nice!

Second hand tins for housing nifty gifties!

 I have really only just started my Christmas crafting, but I'll save that for another post.  Today, I thought I would share a top that I recently made for a friend, refashioned from a men's business shirt.

The 'before' shot

The 'after' shot

If you're a bit of a stitcher and have a keen eye, you probably recognise this as a Collette Sorbetto top.  That's right - I just traced the pattern onto an unwanted men's business shirt, kept the buttons and pocket at the front, and finished it off with some bias binding (I unpicked one side of the pocket to put the darts in, then sewed the pocket back on).  This one was actually a birthday gift for a friend, but it would be very easy to whip up a few for Christmas gifts as they are such a simple shape that they suit all types of women.  And you get to save a shirt from landfill!  Bonus!

Ok, I promise next post will actually feature some Christmas gifts (otherwise I'm going to fall waaay behind!).

Ciao

Stitchybritt x

My Totally Achievable Christmas Crafty List (Fingers Crossed)

Hi everyone!  I’m Lindsay and I blog at Lindsay Pindsay.  I just learned about Crafty Christmas Club last week and I am so excited to see what everyone is making for the holidays.  Hopefully you all won’t inspire me to pile more projects onto my list!

Here is what I have planned:

Each year my husband and I print calendars that feature photos from our adventures during the year.  This year’s calendar will feature photos from our recent roadtrip out west to Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.  I’ve been recapping our 23-day trip if you want to check out our adventures.  This picture of the Grand Prismatic Spring will most likely make the cut.

Explorer Vest from Oliver + S Little Things to Sew book for my nephew.  Our little guy is turning 5 in February and I thought it was time that he had something official to wear on his excursions.  Isn’t it adorable?  I’m so excited to start it.

Image Source

I’ve been commissioned to make a personalized superhero cape for my sister’s nephew, much like the three that I’ve made for my nephew and a couple of cousins.  Kids these days are nuts for Lightning McQueen!

I’m using the leftover fabric from a set of potholders that I made my mom last year and making a tea cozy for the host of our annual cookie exchange, who always makes an array of different flavored teas for the event.

Last year I made peppermint soap for my co-workers and they have been talking about it ever since, some begging me for more.  I used the recipe from How to Make Soap: Without Burning Your Face Off by Raleigh Briggs which includes peppermint and basil essential oils and sand for exfoliation.  I’ll be making it again since it’s a pretty easy gift to put together for the 35 people in my department.  I know, I’m nuts for making a small gift for each of them, but I just love to spread the holiday cheer!  Last year I wrapped up each bar in plastic wrap and kraft paper and delivered them with a holiday card from the American Cancer Society.  Store-bought holiday cards aren’t in this year’s budget, so I’m going to try and find a way to incorporate the “card” into how I wrap up the soap.  Suggestions are welcome!

I’m whipping up tissue holders as stocking stuffers for all of the stockings that I will have access to on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning (the total is 15 in case you were wondering).  Last year I made reusable bags using this adorable Jay McCarroll fabric.  This year I’m using the leftover fabric to make the tissue holders using the JCasa pattern on Sew Mama Sew. 

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Lastly, my mom’s birthday is December 28^th and this year I’m making her a quilt.  I ordered the City Green quilt kit from Mad About Patchwork to help me out with all of that cutting!  This is the second quilt that I have planned to make in the next few months (the other is a baby quilt for a baby that will arrive any minute!), so I’m a little worried that this won’t get finished until January.  

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I started the tissue packets yesterday and have promised myself (and my husband) that I won’t work on any other projects until all of the gifts are finished to avoid crazy last-minute sewing marathons.  My fingers are crossed that I finish everything in time!

The Christmas wrap-up

Hi everyone

I just wanted to say, quickly, that I hope you had a fantastic Christmas day and that you are recovering from the compulsory over-eating and drinking that often goes along with it.

I did get my Christmas dress finished in time - and I've got to say that I'm pretty happy with it.

Thanks Tilly for coordinating this great blog and thanks to everyone who inspired me with their handmade gift ideas. Count me in for next year!

Stitchybritt

Christmas Aprons - Done!

I finished my Christmas Aprons today. (I posted about them here recently) They're little extras for the Little Tornado's Nan and Great Nan.

I adapted the pattern a little and added the embroidery to personalise. My first attempt at these, so hopefully they'll go down well! More about it over on my blog

Happy Christmas and a happy, healthy & prosperous 2011 to Tilly and all at The Crafty Christmas Club.
Miss P xxx

Christmas Aprons......

Further progress on my Simplicity 2512 will have to be stalled while I knuckle down to sewing up a couple of little cuties for J's Mum & Nan for Christmas. From my stash I've dug out a lovely chambray for the main fabric and a Cath Kidson floral (which began life as a duvet cover!) for the contrast.

The pattern is Butterick, a collection of 1950's style pinnies that I bought about 2 years ago as a beginner project but never used. The final aprons will be a "fusion" of the styles on the envelope. A half apron, with a wide shaped waistband and ties, with 2 patch pockets, one floral and the other cut from the chambray but emroidered with each of their names.

I didn't like the shape of the waistband piece, so did a little re-shaping of my own. It's testament to what a bit of practice and training can do for your sewing confidence. When I bought this pattern I was too scared to even cut it out, let alone start adapting the design and reshaping the pattern pieces. Hopefully finish these tomorrow....

Oh Knickers!

I'll be honest, I attempted to make a pair of knickers from a pattern I had made in tutorial #1. They weren't great.  I thought they were so hateful, they went straight in the bin! The fabric was all wrong, it didn't compliment the lace, and I hadn't thought through what I needed to do before I dived in.

I did stick with it to the end though, and learnt some handy lessons for this attempt! I used different fabric, different lace and all in all I'm happy with my first second attempt. Plus, I can only improve with practice and I definately intend to make more! It's a fun, quick and satisfying project. Once I'd tweaked it a little.....and with the right fabric and lace would make a cute little Christmas gift. Perhaps with a matching camisole..... Tutorial here.....

The bloomers are finished!

The good news is that I finally finished the bloomers that I was making for some good friends of mine. They look pretty cute, don't they? (and sorry, no, I wasn't game enough to model knickers on the internet)



I am going to package them up with locally made soaps for my buddies.


On another note, here's a little felt angel that I made for the top of the tree a few years ago.

Meanwhile, I've just blogged some ideas for a more sustainable Christmas at the Stitchybritt blog, if you're interested in having a read.

Pyjama party

After Karen's post on some gorgeous warm pyjamas, it's funny as that's what I've been concentrating on. I wish I had a source of cheap fabric, but got mine on-line, opting for cotton lawn (not particularly cosy for winter!) I made three sets of PJs with a matching camisole for my three girlfriends ...perhaps we should have a sleepover (when it's warmer ??!)

The PJ bottoms have all got heart shaped pockets...

Bottoms tie up with ribbon. The camisole pattern is taken from a fab Japanese pattern book (Camisole & one piece patterns), more info on my blog. It's quick to make & as I'm not 100% sure of sizing it'll be loose & adjustable.

And to add to the nightwear theme, I've also made my Mum a nice long cotton nightie

using this pattern from the 70s & acquired from Ebay. Happy crafting everyone !