January Garment - The Basic T

Again - I may be in over my head, but here we go with taking a lot of measurements and making them into an actual pattern.

For real sewers this may seem like no big deal, but to us beginners - actually seeing something that looks like a pattern come together from our own body measurements is crazy exciting.

JoAnne's had no jersey cotton so I went online.  I still haven't received the fabric yet so I am a bit behind.  I will be using this cute hipster apple fabric from Funkalicious Fabrics.  I really hope this turns out alright.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rough photographs of knit mitts

Emerald Green Handwarmers Pattern by Creative Yarn

Simple and fun pattern with worsted weight yarn.   I kept these for myself.

These were intended to be gloves, but the ole man requested fingerless, so they were simply cast off a couple inches shorter.  The yarn had this amazing black to charcoal grey variegation.  You can see it kind of played out weird here.  It went from grey to black on one glove, but never got to the grey on the other.

But he is a dad and loves me anyway so I recon he will continue to wear them despite the mismatch coloring.

Molly and I's White Eyelet Tank

Molly and I worked on this tank top last spring, late at night, on a whim.

The goal was to complete one and then make improvements to the way it fits us and make another.

Alas - only mine was completed.  Too cold during the winter to wear it as is here, but I like it.

The empire waist tends to cause a slight baby-bump-look when you got none.  Also when we shaped the breast area it came to a sharp madonna-like point.  I bet that had more to do with our bad sewing skills then the pattern itself.  Don't worry - I am not cheating on my sewing challenge by just posting old things.  I really will make something new this month.

Moravian Stars

Alas, we gave all them away, but Brenna hasn't picked hers up yet so I have a few photos.  I posted on these a long time ago, but was never able to discuss the waxing technique, which is actually a big part of all this.  I couldn't find it online so here is what I did (sorry - no pictures of the waxing process).

Double boiler made by placing pie tin with water on the burner and then adding another pie tin to the top.  Medium heat works just fine.  Place a block of parrafin wax in it to melt.  Put your star right in the pan too and ladle melted wax on top.  Pull out and glitter quickly over the pan.  Totally fine if it mixes in with the other wax because you want it all glittery anyway.  Take it out and put it on wax paper to dry.  This takes maybe 4 minutes.  EASY BREEZY! 

 

They make wonderful ornaments, gift tags, or parts to mobiles.  

Sewing Challenge

Someone pointed out (Teresa!) that I did not commit to any challenges in the New Years Resolution Post.  I have a found a perfect challenge for me however that I would like to share with you all.
The Monthly Apparel Challenge!
The challenge is to complete a new garment every single month of 2012.  Why? Well it gives you a great sense of pride to create yourself, overtime you save money, you have the ability to wear things that fit you exactly, you are challenging yourself to grow your skills, and you get pretty clothes.
While I have been messing with some fitted garments I will not limit myself to this type of sewing.  It is extremely time consuming and seeing as I only work part-time (and a lot of that work is outside), I don't feel I will get as much use out of these.  So I want some comfy tops and skirts that I feel confident in to wear when I am being a mother, neighbor, and friend.  I may even add a pair of pants. 
So here's to mastering my pattern making skills, sewing with knits skills, making clothes that correctly fit skills.  Even if the clothes don't come out perfect, it will be great learning opportunity (this is something I struggle with big time... but you know what, you have to fail sometimes to get better... sad truth).
I will be sewing other things too and still knitting along the way, but this way I have some pressure put on for actually completing 12 new items of clothing this year.  How fun is that!
My hope too is in this challenge I will have created base patterns for my size.  I will be more confident in looking at something and then actually making it myself. 

My book collection about clothes sewing, so far time spent reading has exceeded time sewing.

Basic T Pattern from Design-It-Yourself Clothes

You really have to prep for these types of things.  I have so many books so most, if not all, of my patterns will be from my at home resources.  I will be starting with a basic knit T.  Wish me luck.

Junk Mail Mail #2

Junk Mail #1 Here.

Here we will be utilizing the scrap box for some homemade gift cards.  I pretty much keep all paper that has a color or print I like on it.  That includes the beautiful cards you all send my way generous friends!  Baby girl is looking adorable in her pigtails so I will include her too.  If you don't have a scrap box, get one!  Your gift tags, envelopes, cards will be much improved if you just glue something from your scrap box on it.  Try it!  I am telling you it is true.

Nothing life-changing here, but I really liked the way it looked.  My sisters will tell you that I only give what I would like to receive.  It is true.  So I decided this card would make me happy, so off to the mail it goes to Jeff with some niece scribbles on the back.  I think you can tell how it is made, but in case you can't keep reading. 

Strips and strips of card backings and paper glue.  That is it.  Cover as much of the base sheet as possible.  Then top the chunky background with their name using scrap strips.

Baby Shower gift

So I think I broke blog-photograph-rule #1 here.  No night time flash photographs.

But I had to pack this baby up and send it off to Melissa in Cali.

You can't tell from the photograph, but this is quilted and also has some stabilizer.  This is a change mat with pockets on the side to put in a couple diapers, baby wipes, and other baby basics.  Roll it up and throw it in the stroller for trips to the park.

She is happily expecting a girl, but a tough one... so no girly ruffles here.  I do like the hearts.  A bit of femininity.

This is an old close up of the leg warmers made from other left-over yarn.  The booties I posted before.

Not my pattern - Liss directed me to this one.  Baby-on-the-go kit - Nicole M Design