January 2017 Future projects and ideas

Well I am still not completed on the "surprise" I had started in 2015.  I do hope to finish this year - 2017!  Also I would like to resume sewing or sewing related activities on a more regular basis.  Kristen has requested one of the fancy (sequins, beads, embroidery) Christmas stockings for her family.  I have over half of it done and will post picture when complete.  The stocking is from a Bucilla Felt stocking kit.  I shutter to say the kit I am completing is about 20 years old (???).  Oh my goodness, I guess better late than never.  Since I am once again able to post in the blog, I will try to do more regular updates.  Stay tuned for new projects or ideas.  Hope everyone is having an amazing January!

Future projects beginning in November 2016

Well it has been a long time since I have done any sewing and I think I may be resuming this fun hobby once the excitement of the wedding is concluded.  I have a request from Logan for a Batman costume plus the project I began in January 2015.  My paper crafting classes are undetermined at the moment while the store I teach at is planning to close -- or change ownership.  I will post more pictures and projects starting in November.  Stay tuned.

Belle Costume Apron - September 2015

Here are the details of the Belle costume apron from Queen Elizabeth patterns on Etsy.  This is the apron Megan plans to wear to Kenzie's 5th birthday party.  It was lots of fun and was a first for me -- downloading a pattern (really more of a tutorial) from Etsy.  I hope Megan will like this and yet again, Megan has gotten me into the sewing mood.  Also another first, used some of the new capabilities of my Cricut Explore to make the tag to accompany the apron.  Here is the tag.

Also made the Belle centerpiece frame with the colors and papers per Megan's requests.  Here is the frame packaged.

Finally here is the sample of the Belle invite, designed by me based on Megan's request.

Shhhhhh It's a secret -- new sewing adventures underway

Getting ready to cut out some new items.  I will continue posting a few "teasers" along the way.  The projects have gotten me into "relearning" and hopefully using the wonderful embroidery sewing software for my machine.  I was up until 1am today - January 29 going through the embroidery software tutorials.  Still not achieved what I would like but I will keep at it.  Anyway, it feels good to be at my machine.  It is snowing outside so it is the perfect time for crafting - sewing and paper crafts.  Stay tuned for more details. 

The Elsa saga continues -- January 27, 2015

For anyone who reads this blog, you know I had a very busy sewing month in September 2014.  Well I think it took me a little while to unwind from all that activity but I began to get interested in sewing at the beginning of January.  I had hoped to complete the Elsa dress for Rylee - per Kristen's request - for Rylee's birthday - January 1.  Unfortunately that did not happen.  Dennis got a very bad sinus infection and I was going to the doctor's with him and lots of extra household duties during his illness.  I finally began the cutting out of the dress on January 17.  I finished the dress on January 27.  I did not work on the dress everyday but at least 6 or 7 days some sewing each day.  Lots of finishing touches to all the seams trying to prevent loose threads and have the garment look very finished on the insides.  I did French seams on all the organza fabric - overlay and neckline and sleeves.  I then sewed down those seams.  I did flat felt seams on the dress satin.  I lined the neckline with clear organza.  I wished I had this fabric when I made Kenzie and Savannah's dresses.  I guess when you work on your 5th Elsa dress you learn a few things.  This dress for Rylee (age 8) was in size 5-6 with 3" added length and 1.5" added to sleeves.  I very much hope it will fit.  I am pleased with the finishing details.  I also made an Elsa tag to accompany the dress.  I hope she likes the dress and the tag.  The McCall's #7000 pattern makes a wonderful Elsa dress and at some point I plan to make the Anna dress on the same pattern. 

A Pirate's life for me (well Savannah anyway)

Shown above are the Pirate skirt and belt I made for Savannah for their Disney cruise in October 2014.  This items are from McCall's #4952, same pattern I used for Logan's costume.  Also shown above is the Pirate girl tag I made to accompany the Pirate items.  I am done with costume sewing for the cruise since they are going very soon.  Lots of fun to create.

Elsa costumes times two update September 22 2014

I am making another set of Elsa dresses for Savannah and Kenzie in a smaller size.  This set will be a size 3-4 for Kenzie and size 7-8 with a couple extra inches in length for Savannah.  These costumes were made from McCall's #7000.  The other set, posted previously, looked very cute on the girls but was too long and a little too roomy too.  It will be good for growing room for the girls but are too long for the girls as they run around on the Disney cruise.  I will post pictures of the next set of costumes later this week.  Updated September 26, 2014 the day I mailed costumes to Megan.  Also, included Elsa tags and a small note, with each dress, tag format the same as in the previous Elsa costume posting.  Glad to be done with Elsa costumes for awhile since they take me at least 4 days to sew them.  The longest time seems to be all the seaming details for the overlay.  I used flat felt seams whenever possible, however on the organza it was easier/better to simply run a second seam 1/4 inch from the first seam.  The bodice is lined and the satin seams are all enclosed.  Trivia -- each dress is approximately $50 in materials (fabric, notions, pattern).  Lots of work, lots of fun, and wonderful results from this pattern. Update September 29, 2014: showing Savannah, Logan and Kenzie in their costumes I made for their Disney cruise in October 2014.