Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Happy Top

This top makes me happy!
Late last year, I cut out two tops from this pattern. The circled view reminds me of some tops I had once-upon-a-time that I remember fondly. I like the collar, and the no-button front, and that you can tie the v-neck closed somewhat. I'm not much of a cleavage person. AND I like that it is a longer top, covering the hips.

The fabrics I chose were also happy fabrics. Flowery, fun and cheerful. When I finished the first of the two tops, and got a photo taken, I was less than happy with the result. Sigh.

Less than flattering.
I did some asking of people who's taste I trust - sometimes more than my own, which can sadly be iffy at times- and did some thinking. The photo isn't flattering because of the angle. But that isn't the only problem. Ron suggested there was too much collar for my short neck. Hmmmm. I think he's on to something there. The collar has bugged me when I've worn the shirt. (of COURSE I've worn it!)

The other top languished in the sewing room for a while, but I pulled it out and looked at the collar, constructed in two pieces to be more than I really need. I tweeked it. I'm not afraid to do that, you know. I cut off that bottom layer and just attached the top layer to the shirt. I had a facing for the front, and in the back, I used bias tape to finish and cover the seam. I put in the sleeves, and the hem, and tacked down the facing, and tried that puppy on.  Since there was no one around to snap a picture, you have the joys of the ubiquitous bathroom mirror shot. Even so, I think it turned out better.
Now, this top makes me happy!
Just in time to take it on my summer vacation travels. Pay no attention to the goofy, I'm looking at myself in the camera screen and the bathroom mirror at the same time, yeah, I think its enough light, look on my face...



Thursday, June 14, 2012

Totes & Baskets

Two posts in one week? Wow, must be summer. Yay!

First, I finished my first tote bag. I have been wanting to make one for a while now, and then I saw this fabric bundle, and it really spoke to me. Even so, the pieces sat around for a bit, waiting for their turn in the project line. I am very pleased with how it came out, and I've already got plans for others in the works. I think being able to do variations on embellishment and features (like pockets) is going to help spark creativity.
happy to finish my tote bag!
Even though it is finished, I will probably go back and add another line of stitching around the top. I find with the baskets that it helps with structural integrity. It also helps hold all the layers in place.

Speaking of baskets, Those were on the agenda yesterday and today. There weren't many scraps from the fat quarters I used to make my tote. Here's what happened to them...
baskets for guys
I was really pleased with how the one on the right came out with the fold-over of the lining fabric. I also added a couple extra lines of stitching around the basket, as it finally occurs to me that what it needs is basically quilting to hold the layers together somewhat. That is the last basket I made, of course. I hope the taller basket is useful. Again, it was an experiment in using the pieces I had left.

When my niece was here last week, I did some sewing for her, and she got to pick out a fat quarter when we went shopping. I put this basket together for her, with the leftovers from the top I made her as the lining.
butterflies and dragonflies!
The handles turned out to be a little long, I think (I actually trimmed several inches off - they WERE even longer!). They remind me a little of rabbit ears... but in a cute way. I hope she will like her basket.

So, between baskets and tote bags, I think I can get Christmas pretty well sewn up... (see what I did there?)



Sunday, June 10, 2012

For the Kids!

I've sewn up the batch of clothes that I cut out, and I'm ready to cut out a few more garments. I have to say that I am happy with how they are turning out. For instance, here is Raine's animal print outfit:
RAWR!
I know that the print I used for her shorts is more traditionally used in quilting or home dec, but she picked it out, and it is a nice weight for shorts, and the more I see it the more I like it.

Shelbi picked out some dragonfly fabric to make a top from.

View B on the right
cute dragonflies!















A cute swingy top to wear with leggings (we actually found a pair of turquoise leggings at Kohl's), and enough sleeve to be able to wear to school, as well. The top came out so very cute! I really wish I could see her in it, but don't know if that will happen, since we don't get to see her all that often.
I just love how this turned out!
I have another pattern with a similar top, but a collared neckline that I'm going to try out in a purple solid and print. I hope it comes out as cute as this one! I must demand pictures from my brother!