March 25, 2011

Wet/dry bags

As I have mentioned in past posts, I am going to be using cloth diapers. One thing you need is a wet bag to keep them in before you get to washing them. There are a lot of really cute ones online, but I figured I could make one just as cute for a lot less. I was able to use everything from my own stash so I didn't need to buy anything new. My pregnancy brain is really bad right now so I was unable to make up my own instructions and it was much easier to follow someone else. I followed a tutorial from A Lemon Squeezy Home that was very easy to follow and turns out great. I did make mine bigger then the tutorial suggests so it would hold more. I was also able to make it to match the color scheme of the nursery. I am very excited to start using them, mostly because that would mean my little one would be here already!
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March 14, 2011

Spring time, Spring time, All around

I love spring! I always feel more rejuvenated and happy as winter slowly melts away. I love the tulips and daffodils that shoot out of the ground. I love the fact that it can snow in the morning and be melted and sunny by late afternoon. And believe it or not I also love spring cleaning. But, being a girl I especially love all the new spring dresses! I have always loved getting a new Easter dress as a little girl, and when I got older, getting a new dress for Sweethearts, Prom, & Spring fling. My mom always made my dresses, and we had fun designing the patterns and finding the perfect fabric. It totally stressed my mom out, but I contribute most of my love of design and sewing to those experiences. When I was in fashion design school I made my own wedding dress and I felt so proud of what I had accomplished. I always felt proud to wear those dresses and I still have a hard time parting with them because they made me feel so good when I wore them.

Over the years I have helped out other young girls feels the same way as they attend dances, weddings, graduation ceremonies and other important events. They have learned that you don't have to design and make a dress from scratch to get the look you want and to feel great, you just need a good seamstress and friend. Altering or redesigning something is the best and most cost effective way to create your own look. This dress was way too short. I unpicked the hem and it still wasn't long enough. The top of the dress has fabric flowers out of different types of purple fabric. We were able to find a corresponding fabric to add as a trim and make it just a few inches longer.



This girl wanted a fun new dress to wear to a wedding, so I custom made this dress from a commercial pattern. Now she has a dress that fits her perfectly and she looks great!

This dress was for a graduation party. It started out with just tiny straps. were able to find matching fabric to make thicker straps and a cap sleeve. It made a huge difference in the overall look of the dress.

So what if you find a dress but maybe you hate the straps. What if its too short or too long? Maybe you just wanted a certain color to brighten up your wardrobe. For all of these reasons and many more, I am here for you. Let your imagination go wild, or let me help you get started.



March 10, 2011

Embelished onesies


TWO BABIES! My sister in law just gave birth to twins today! I can't believe they are finally here to join our family. I am so glad that my little one will have playmates her same age.

I saw this iron on a few months ago that said 1 0f 2 and 2 of 2. I thought it was a perfect start to create fun and personal onesies for the twins. they were so easy, I might just have to make more for myself!


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March 8, 2011

Nursing cover tutorial


Here is how to make these simple, but practical nursing covers.

Supplies you will need: 1yd of fabric, 2 D rings 1.5 in., 16 in. of boning, matching or contrasting thread, and any buttons or extra trims you want to add.

To get started: Cut your main piece @ 27in. by 35in., (the short side goes along the selvage) The long strap @ 25in. by 4in., and the short strap @ 6in. by 2in.
Start by pressing a 1/4in. hem on the sides and bottom, then turn it again another 3/4in. and press. Sew the hem closed @ 1/2in. and press again.


Fold both the long and short strap in half with right sides together and sew 1/4in. seam. Turn inside out and press with the seam going down the back.

Long strap: fold one end inside itself 1/2in and press. Top stitch 1/4in. on all three sides and press.

Short strap: Put D rings half way down and fold in half. Top stitch 1/4in. on all three sides to secure rings.
Going back to your main piece, turn down 1/4in hem and then 1in. and press. Measure 8.5 in. from each side and pin. sew down hem just between pins. This is your casing for the boning. Slide boning in the casing.Next, pin the long strap on the right side and the short strap on the left as if you were wearing it. Pin them so the right sides are facing out and so they are as close to the boning as possible. Finish sewing rest of the casing closed.
To finish, bring up both straps to the top, and secure either by just sewing the length of the straps, or top stitch across the entire top of the casing.

Finally, press everything really well; every seam, ever wrinkle and use lots of steam.

Then comes the fun part, embellishing! Be creative with this part, you can make every one unique and fit different personalities. My favorite is to make these fabric flowers, or yo-yo's with fun buttons. To see how to make the fabric flowers follow the past post. I also used a thick thread on a large stitch to add a little interest.
And there you have a fun, personal and unique nursing cover! These are a great shower gift if you already have one or don't necessarily need one. :)
FINAL TIP: When you make anything, pressing is really important. If you press every step and do a finishing press, your project will stay nice longer and every seam, pleat, or dart will be permanent no matter how many times you wash it.

Happy Sewing!
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