Happy Shirt Challenge #4 finally!

It took me a while - too long, actually - to finish the fourth shirt. I figured out something, though. My sewing area was uncomfortably chaotic, and that made sewing there not a happy thing. So, before I could finish my shirt, I had to organize, and I did. Well, at least the sewing part of the room. THEN I could finish my shirt! And I did! So happy to have gotten a new camera for Christmas to start taking pictures again! YAY!

green paisleys on green camp shirt

No, I'm not wearing it in this photo, it is - however - hanging on the newly organized shelving. I'll put together an outfit for the first week back to school, though!

I started with a camp shirt pattern that I have had forever it seems. I have made shirts from this pattern for me, for my brother, for my dad, and I don't even know how many times I've used it. Of course I don't have a photo of the pattern, but I will, tomorrow. But for now, I'm happy to have another shirt that will make me happy to wear.

I think I still have a couple pieces of fabric in that basket still, and I would love to get another shirt in the challenge completed before school starts again. At least cut out, would be a start.

I have some other sewing goals for the coming year. I want to learn more about my serger, and how to do more with it. I would love to make an outfit from some lightweight knit that I picked up, but I've been stretching out all the knits I've tried so far. I know that it is a matter of adjustments. I signed up for a Craftsy class, and have looked at the first couple lessons so far. Part of the class is to make a stitch book, and I think that will be a really good exercise for me. One of my friends also gave me a book on serger sewing that I think will be helpful as well. I also want to work on some steampunk clothing for Wild Wild West Con, that will take place March at Old Tucson. We have had a really good time at the two previous ones, and I'm looking forward to this one as well!

Gift Crafting for 2014

I usually do more makeing for Christmas than I did this year, but I still did get some in. Mostly scarves this year. In previous years, I've knitted several. This year, I started to knit, and then, I pulled it out and chose the crochet hook instead. I picked out a rather large one, so the stitching would go quickly.

The first scarf I made (and then remade as it was too wide and not long enough) was an old standby pattern. I switched it up by alternating where the pattern started and stopped, and got kind of an argyle effect, which I liked.

Merry Christmas Carl!

The next scarf was for my neice, and I picked out a varigated - self striping - yarn. I didn't want to do a bunch of single crochet I get too bored, but I also didn't want a crochet pattern to fight with the yarn. Then I thought about a texture stitch, but didn't know what to do for that. Simple solution. I looked in a book of stitches for all kinds of needlework, and found several texture stitches. They were easy and quick, and I don't know why I hadn't thought of doing that some time before now. For this scarf, I alternated single and half double crochet, and then on the return row did a single where the half double was, and vice versa. Easy peasy.

Merry Christmas, Shelbi!

I was pretty happy about how the striping turned out on the scarf, and was very pleased with this yarn. I also liked what the texture stitch added to the scarf. I hope she likes it, too!

The other scarf I made was for my long-time friend, and I didn't get a picture taken of it. It, too was a texture stitch, a basketweave kind of thing. The pattern was to alternate single crochet and chain one stitches, then on the return, single crochet in the gap made by the chain and the chain over the single crochet from the row before. It also gave a nice texture, and didn't seem hole-y, which I had wondered about before I started.

I was doubley pleased with my crochet for the season, since I got to make some gifts, and learn something, too! I will definitely be consulting my book of stitches again, and trying out some different patterns soon!

No, I Haven't

I haven't fallen off the earth. AND, I'm making stuff. You know, stuff for Christmas. Not a lot of sewing, yet, but making. I keep hoping to post, but the camera issue is frustrating me. I can take pictures, but I can't get them electronically where I want them. And, and, and, other frustrations and feeling like I'm moving in circles with it. One step forward, two steps back. We all know the feeling.

Pictures soon. Please, please, please. And more posts with them...

Have a happy walking to the holidays season!

The Shirt Challenge Resumes

So I've been busy with work, family, vacation, etc. Everything - it would seem - but sewing.

So, I won't make 6 shirts in 12 weeks. Oh, well. I will still make all six, eventually.

This weekend, I got to work on it. I cleaned off my sewing table, and set myself going. Saturday, I ironed and cut out shirt #4 while the laundry cycled, and Netflix played. This morning, I sewed. The shirt is a nice button-down camp shirt in a sage-ish green. It isn't quite finished, however. It still needs the sleeves sewn in (they are pinned) and the button holes and buttons. Not bad, though, I think. It brought home to me, that I miss sewing when I'm not doing it regularly, even though sometimes I need to set it aside for a while.

Pictures will follow when the shirt is done. I'll have to borrow my daughter's camera, though, since I misplaced (yes, I lost it) mine. In a hotel room, I think. No sign of it. Sadness. I liked that camera. Guess I know what to ask for for Christmas, though, don't I.

The next few weeks probably won't see another new shirt, either, as I have a couple of busy weekends on the way. Guess life is part of the challenge, isn't it.

Then, there's always the holiday sewing that I should be plotting and planning and getting a start on all ready...

What Creativity?

Sometimes on the wheel of life, things get hectic, and you just have to roll with it. This past week or so has been like that for me. Evenings were busy, and this past weekend, I helped my brother move. It's what you do, you know? Beyond getting to sleep in - and man, did I need THAT - it almost didn't seem like a weekend!

I would say I went back to work to recover, but today was even busier there. As soon as I arrived this morning, I went to go have my picture taken for the yearbook. The photographers were there, but they weren't set up. So much for that. I went to the office and picked up my testing supplies so I could proctor a standardized test this morning. That took all morning, and into lunch time. Took my prep time, of course, that I had prep time was one of the reasons they appointed me to proctor. (mind you it was the third prep in a row that I've lost to some sort of school business) So a few minutes for lunch, and on to the afternoon classes. I really enjoy my students this semester, so, high point of the day. We were working on Kennings. Those are poetic language and they go with Beowulf, being of Anglo Saxon origin. My first time teaching them - not first time for Beowulf, LOVE Beowulf... just first time for Kennings. ANYWAY the last class of the day was the time my administrator arranged to come observe me for my evaluation. The administrators complemented me on my lesson, so that felt good. On the other hand, one of the things I missed out on was having the lesson plans ready for them. JUST. HAD. NO. TIME. I'm disappointed about that, but it is what it is.

sigh

So, right, no shirt made again this weekend. No time with hubby, even though it was his weekend off. On the plus side, there will always be NEXT weekend...

Hmm Another Shirt Update

But this time, the update is that there was no new shirt this week. I didn't even pull the fabric out to feel it. Too much school stuff hanging over my head, I guess, and too many fires that I had to put out this week. Yeah, I'm disappointed in myself for not getting at least some of it done. On the other hand, there will be time to get it done next week-end. Or, the weekend after.

We had rain, rain, rain all week, which was nice... and even messy in places. We've been in  a drought for several years, and I'm starting to feel it might be breaking.

On to other creative stuff, I asked Ron to help me put together a steampunk outfit. Have to get it in the list so it's ready by March, when the Wild West Con takes place. I'll post the progress as the pieces get made. Update over and out!

Shirt Challenge #3

This week I was challenged by more than finding time to sew. This week the get-up-and-go debate was an issue. It would be easy to sit in the recliner and watch more episodes of  The Dead Zone or Once Upon a Time or Campion. I could pretend to do some grading and make it all all right. But I didn't, and I think that aspect of the challenge, the part where I've challenged myself to step up to this series of making, was tested and met today.

Here then, is the start. The fabric I picked for today's shirt is feathery.

ready for ironing

And I went back to this pattern because I liked the top so much when I used it for the elephant shirt.

Added sleeves to the notched-neck sleeveless version again

And the result is:

Love my new shirt!

I have to admit that I don't always get the notches to come out well, but this one is beautiful and flat! Yay! I'm not one of those who is in to all black all the time, but I am digging greys more than I used to, and I think this top will be wonderful through the fall and winter. I really like the fit of this top from this pattern!

Oh, and when I hung my new shirt in the closet, I found a sleepy head, snoozing in my "clean" pajamas...

silly cat!

More Than Sewing - Finished Cross Stitch Project

One of my projects that has been sitting around patiently waiting for me to add a stitch here and cross a stitch there is this one that I finished over the weekend.

Prosperity

It is not huge or complicated. Perfect for working on with the TV on. It is one of a set of six I've slowly been getting through. I'm waiting on finishing them all for framing so that it can be more unified. Raine wants them. Not sure if she REALLY wants them or just that she likes to get what I make. Either way, she will probably end up with them. They will make a nice grouping when finished, with good energy and good thoughts represented in them as well.

The next one up is this one

Peace

Picked mainly for the name, as I think all of these are nice. I can always use some peace! Seems like a good thought to focus on for a while.

Shirt Challenge 2 - update!

Despite - or perhaps to help alleviate - feeling stressed and behind at work, I did the last bits of sewing on the two shirts I was sewing on last weekend. I'm pleased with the fit on Raine's after I did the modifications. She would still like a little less neck opening, but she has some camisoles she could wear underneath for added coverage. She and I will discuss if further modifications need to be made. Mine is more fitted than I usually make, but not in - I think - a bad way.

all in black & white

Anyway, my hubby helped out with the camera, and I thought this was a cute photo of us. She is less than 2 inches shorter than I am... and this photo shows it.

Fun shirts for both of us! AND I'm ready to work on a different one next weekend. Finally a challenge that is going my way!

Shirt Challenge 2

I was kind of slow when it came to getting started on my shirt challenge this weekend. My excuse? School started. The official school (not just work) with students and everything. I enjoyed meeting my new students, and I feel like this should be an AWESOME semester. Still, it is - you know - work.

But I did get started, and this is what I was working with this weekend.

What's that?!? STAR TREK fabric!!!! Woot!

Oh, yes, I did! Remember when I said I was going to make clothes that make me happy? Well, Star Trek makes me HAPPY!!!

I started off with a plan to make a camp shirt, and then decided instead to use this pattern, because I like it, and no buttons means no buttonholes to make. Also no facings down the front of the shirt. Plus, I really like this pattern.

Yes, the top that is circled - and the model is modeling.

Since I was going to be sewing with white thread, and I had a top waiting to sew for Raine that wanted white thread, I worked on both. Since I cut Raine's top out while I was having sizing issues, I also adjusted it so it wouldn't be HUGE on her. (good mom) The upshot is, I didn't get finished with them.

Ready to finish, kitties & Enterprises

I got pretty far, though. All that is left is sewing in the sleeves (both sleeves on both shirts are pinned in) and the hems. Not bad, really. I count it as challenge met since it is two shirts, and I would have finished just one, AND I'll be able to finish them easily.

I'm gonna have a Star Trek shirt....(yes, I'm gloating, judge all you want)

Style or No Style

I got to thinking, late last night, that I should do a weekly post about wearing the clothes I make. It sounds well and good, but the reality set in, and there are some issues. Not sure I can get around them all.

First, there are all those photos to be taken. Not that I'm camera shy, but really? multiple photos every day (ok, maybe I don't wear something I've made EVERY day...)? of me? Yeah I don't know that I can face that much of myself. I'm not the cute Marisa of New Dress a Day. Nor am I the adorable Suzannah of Advetures in Drssmaking. They make this stuff look good! I'm more...ordinary. And round. And mature. So I'm not sure I want to face myself and judge what I'm wearing and how I'm wearing it every day.

Next, there is that whole "style" issue. I'm glad to share what I put together to wear, and show my audience, however small, how I do it. IF they want to know. I certainly don't think people really want to dress the way I do. I have a "it makes me happy" idea about it, but what makes ME happy may not float the next person's boat at all. I'm certainly not going to show off my huge and amazing collection of designer accessories because frankly I don't have it. Don't want it. Don't care. I'm not going to name drop the designers that I collect. And have I mentioned that there are days when I feel like all my taste is in my mouth? Yeah...no need for sharing that.

So, even with all that, what about us ordinary people, who don't care if we have the latest Coach bag? I think it IS an interesting topic, and something that would do me good - as a craftsperson - to think about and learn more of. That way, even though I don't care whether I follow the latest fashion trend, at least I could thoughtfully work on tastefulness. To put things together with intent.

I could probably work on putting things together on hangars, with accessories, or as outfits (I mostly make separates, and pair them with different pieces at different times.) if I've made both pieces. I could blog about them about once a week or so & see what works, and what is iffy, and maybe even get suggestions from the audience on occasion. Heck it might even get me to iron a little more often. There's a plus right there...

Challenge Given, and Revision

So my challenge for a shirt a week is all ready off track. I think I need some revision to my time schedule, and think about every OTHER weekend. I love sewing, and I really want this challenge, but I also think my family is important, and this weekend was definitely family time. Lovely family time. Well, except for staying up past 3 AM thanks to a noisy party next door. Sigh.

So, in place of shirt photos...

Half square triangle experiment!

Here is how my HST block turned out as a mug rug.  Yes.  I still need to work on my HST self challenge some more, too. I ironed up some squares, and now I need to build my block. The one that looks like this:

better luck this time...

Note to self: take the picture to the sewing machine with you.

Oh, I have my elephant skirt all queued up to wear tomorrow, paired with the khaki skirt I made. Woot!

Happy Shirts Self Challenge

School starts next week. At least for us teachers. The kids get another week, and then it is back to school for them, too. So, I've been thinking about my work wardrobe, and what I should add to it this year. I've thought about style, and a little bit about fashion, and mostly about fun. Happy clothes make me happy. I might as well just go there. Happy clothes make me happy. Happy fabrics help make happy clothes, and I feel happy wearing them.

All this past summer, I've sewn for other people. Mostly my daughter, but also my niece. A few times, I've been out to my cousin Roxanne's house to sew, but she is not in good health right now, so it is a challenge for her. I've worked on a few things for her, but mostly, we've just visited. I've also helped out with my local SCA group, sewing this and that (or other crafts) . Not so much for me.

Now, that doesn't mean that i haven't had projects in the wings. I've collected some fun fabrics. A few days ago, I got out my basket, and went through some. I found six pieces, and I matched six patterns to them. Then, I challenged myself to make a shirt each week for the beginning of school.

My first fabric has a parade of elephants on it. I love it! It is fun without being too bright or loud, and even with elephants on it, it has a certain decorum.

March of the elephants!

I picked out a pattern, and then I started second guessing myself. I'm not a small person (only short). Would wearing this fabric turn me into "the elephant lady?" Wow. That nearly stopped me right there. I looked at how much fabric I had and thought very seriously about making it into a skirt. It seemed to me the elephants would not be so focal if it was a skirt. Ultimately, though, I decided I would get more use and wear from a top than a skirt, although it would make a really cute skirt. So, shirt it is.

The notch neck version, with sleeves added.

I've had this pattern for a long time, but evidently, had never used it. I like a tunic-y top, and I like that notched neckline. Of course I added sleeves, which were included in another view. Easy peasy. I measured and pinned and cut out. Evidently that bike riding is doing SOME good, as it was a smaller size than I thought it would be. In my usual sewing mode, I would then go to the next fabric and pattern, and cut things out until I had a pile. Today, I wanted a finished top, so I took it to the sewing machines.

The facing of this top is narrower than similar tops I've made. I decided to topstitch near the neck, and also and the edge of the facing. Then, I made another line of stitching in between. Sort of a quilted idea. That facing is not. going. anywhere. Actually, I might decide I really like that narrower band. I wasn't thrilled with the point on the notch. This is nothing new, and maybe something I could search for a tutorial on or something. Anyway, I've certainly made worse, and not often made better, so it will do.

I really liked the sleeve for the top, not too long, or bulky or poofed or anything. I made vents on the sides. I've recently taken to finishing what will be the edges of the vents with bias tape before I sew the side seams together. I think I like the way that looks, and the neatness of that edge. I'll see how I like it when I wear it, now, too.

When I tried on my finished top, I was very pleased with the shape and the fit. The neckline was more open than I usually wear, while still covering everything, and the shoulders fit very well. I lengthened it a little bit, because I like that longer length, even though the picture on the pattern shows the top to be fairly long. Still, I some, but not a lot. This may be my new favorite pattern, actually!

Yeah, I hate these mirror shots.

So here, you can almost see what it looks like and how it fits. I paired it with black capris today, and didn't even worry about jewelry or anything else for my fancy photo shoot. OF COURSE no one was home to take my picture... how else to you think I could have finished it in one day?!? Still, I don't think the elephants are overpowering, and I really liked how it fit. Looking forward to wearing it to school!

Red Dots Part 2

Remember this?

red dot top FAIL!

This top totally did not fit my daughter. It is the garment that got me to realize that she inherited my narrow shoulders, though, before we passed it along to someone who will wear it and enjoy it.

BUT Raine really liked that fabric, with all those red dots. So, I tried again. I cut it out by a pajama pattern that had a yoke.

Yeah, this is the one.

Only I changed it up some, and instead of buttons, I extended the front pieces and crossed them over each other. Oh, yeah, and I shortened the sleeves.

She looks thrilled, right?

I like the detail of the cording where the yoke is attached. If I make another one, I'll probably do some kind of embellishment around the neck line to define it more. It crosses over so no closure is needed, but it opens to slip over her head just fine, glasses and all. I think the fit is good, too, thank goodness. I'm happy with it over all. Now, I'll be even happier if she will WEAR it! (or any of the tops I've made her this summer... sigh)

Flames and Cats on Motorcycles - A Kid's Clothes Week finish

One last summer post of KCW for me. I know, the week has passed, but I wanted to share what I started last week, and didn't finish until today. A button down shirt in a fun fabric for Raine.

I started with this pattern:

Short sleeves, mandarin collar

and some fun fabric. I think clothes can and should - where appropriate - be fun. A happy fabric makes a happy garment.

Here's where we were today. I searched through my button stash and found the perfect ones...

Orange buttons!?!?!

Want to know how long they had been in my stash? (and probably my mother's stash before that?) Check out the price on these babies...

On sale for 19 cents!

Crazy, right? I felt like the buttons had been in the shelter for SOooooo long, and they finally found the right forever home.

Button holes and buttons sewed on later, Raine tried it on (over her t-shirt, sigh) and discovered that it has pockets!

Hey! Two pockets! and crazy hair from the pool...

One fun shirt!

and it even fits!

Kid's Clothes Week Summer - RED!

This summer has felt more like "Kid's Clothes Summer," and most of my posts have been about what I've been sewing for my daughter and neice. So, I'm happy to get to participate in this round of KCW.

The first thing I finished this week was a red A line skirt for my neice. It is simple and basic, and just what she asked for.

Bright!

I would have had her model it, but of course she all ready went home. I kept the hemline straight this time, even though I used the same pattern that I did for the denim hi-low hem skirt I made for her while she was here. I hope I got a good start on her school clothes for this year! I packaged it up, and even got it mailed today.

Then, there were these red pants that Raine wanted. Definitely not school clothes, as she has a uniform dress code at her school, and red is not on that list. Red is, however, her favorite color, and she would have had shorts from the above fabric, too if there had been enough of it...

Yeah for red pants!

I went back and measured her again before I cut these out, and I think it helped to deal with the sizing issues I've been having this summer. She is 10 years old and 5 feet tall, and not very big around... I have to modify which ever size I chose to sew with. I did get these a little long, so after the photo shoot, I made them a little shorter, and easy enough fix.

The fabric for both of these pieces is a cotton twill with spandex. I liked the idea of a little stretch and movement. I had to be careful not to stretch the fabric while sewing, though. I did pretty well, except in a few places on the skirt hem. That was partly due to also trying some hem tape for that. My first time for using that, and it was some I had laying around (inherited) not some expressly bought for the purpose. It was Iron on hem tape, and this fabric isn't really iron-friendly. A little experimentation for me, though, is good for the learning curve.

Raine's pants are fairly light weight. Good for summer, but I debated about putting the cargo pockets on. I consider them to be one of the details that makes Raine like this pattern, though, so I did, and I think they look pretty good. So, I'm glad I went ahead with them.

side seam and cargo pockets

Most important? Raine was thrilled with her new RED pants, and she had a little bit of fun with the pictures.

Stop! In the name of love... 

Did I mention that she is 10?

Some Crocheted Projects Finished

I don't just sew, ya know. I have nimble crochet fingers that get itchy if there is nothing to work on. The other day, I finished a lap blanket that I had started last fall with random yarn from my stash. Odds and ends and skeins that needed to be used up. It is a fun pattern that I like a lot, and is easy to do. I like the zig zag pattern that develops. It is all single crochet, but you pull the thread through lower stitches than normal.

colorful zig zag motion

This blanket is destined for donation.

My second project has all ready been donated as a prize for an SCA (Society for Creative Anacronism) event next month. They needed a prize for a kid's activity, and I said I'd make a small dragon.

Raine named him Pebble

He'll be going to his forever home soon...

Some Basic Kid Sewing

Before I drove Shelbi home today, I finished up a couple of basic pieces for her. I had good length of denim on hand, and what could be more basically useful that denim shorts and a denim skirt?

My consultation with my neice brought this pattern to the fore

Make it like this, Aunt Dina!

 It is a pretty basic pattern but there is nothing wrong with that. Unlike my sewing for Raine, this summer (still working on that), I got a pretty darned good fit on my neice. And, of course, I added some personal details even on these basic pieces.

Pockets from a lovely batiked fat quarter.

Shelbi wanted a hi-lo skirt, so I cut the middle of the front as short as the size smaller (about one & a half inches) and the back about that much longer in the middle. I hemmed with some denim bias tape I had gotten to finish the armholes of a denim jumper I made earlier this year. I thought that would make the changing hemline go a little more smoothly. I don't know how much it helped, but it certainly didn't hurt. Then, while I was sewing it, I wished I had some cute polka dot bias tape or something to hem it with for a cute little flash of hem. I might actually try that some time... if I can get to it while the hi-lo hems are still in style.

Hi-lo hemline on the skirt.

She had fun modelling them for me. Can you tell? She called her dad to tell him what time to expect us, and told him the would have to have a fashion show as soon as she unpacked her suitcase... or probably more like, AS she unpacked her suitcase. Kinda fun to sew for someone a little girlie for a change!

I haven't given up on Raine's clothes, though. Got a batch cut out and ready to sew up!

Cute top for Shelbi

I did get to sew for Shelbi this year. Not as much as some times, but she likes new clothes made by Aunt Dina. AND I get to sew something girlie for someone, yay!

We went to JoAnn's, and Shelbi picked out some wild, neon colored fabric. Fun! I showed her some patterns I had, and she liked this one.

cute pattern on hand

the one she liked

The top had an upper and lower part, which allows darts for shaping. They are pretty small, but I think they add a nice touch for girls who are beginning to need it. The ruffles are three different layers that all attach to the upper bodice with the lower bodice. It makes lots of layers for me, and makes me hot just to think about it (especially with a summery top) but it really looks cute, and lots of girls layer shirts and tops these days. My main challenge was the sleeves. I guess these would be cap sleeves. The piece was basically a half-circle and left the bottom part of the arm hole uncovered.

finished sleeve detail

 Since I like to finish sleeveless tops with bias tape, I decided to try a little something. I hemmed the sleeve with the bias tape and then finished the arm hole/sleeve all the way around. It looks very finished, although it adds an extra seam around the top of the sleeve.

finished sleeve inside detail

 Not sure that matters. They make cute little summery sleeves that she can wear to school.

Fun top!

I'm happy with the result, and it fits her well. If I were going to change anything, I would probably make the top longer. Maybe next time. I love the bright happy colors and the overall shape of the top.

Tied Blankets

My niece is visiting this week. As usual, we enjoy a variety of activities, including some sewing. I enjoy sewing for her, and she enjoys new clothes. I also have tried to encourage some sort of crafting opportunity while she is here.

This year, Shelbi asked if I could make her a tied blanket. I was confused, actually. A tied quilt? I can make that, but not in just this week... and it didn't really seem like what she was wanting. Well, we talked about it for a little while, then ended up in Joann's. She drooled on the fleece. She fondled the fleece. And, I FINALLY figured out that what she was wanting was one of those fleece blankets where you cut strips in two layers and tie them together. OOOHHHHH! A tied blanket! We got a couple of pieces, and as soon as it was washed, she was at work trimming the edges. She finished it in a couple of days.

neon tied blanket!

Before she was even done, she was wanting to make one for her dad, who had a birthday this week. Back we went to Joann's, and more fleece came home with us. Since he LOVES fishing, she got a bright and cheerful fish print, and some mildly tie dyed green. She got to work on it today.

watching TV and tying a blanket

It didn't take her very long to finish it up too. This turned out to be an awesome craft for a 12 year old! It doesn't have to be perfect to look awesome, and I'm sure she and her dad will get lots of use from these cozy blankets.

Raine also did a little crafting, and made herself a tail from the edges that Shelbi trimmed...

I have something to tail you...

It's been a good day!

The Thing for This Summer

For Raine, the thing she seemed interested in having this summer, was tunic tops. MY thing, sewing for Raine this summer, seems to be sizing.

I've made her long and short pants, and she likes the long shorts with a cargo pocket, and cargo pockets on her long pants as well. She's tall. Almost as tall as I am (not that I'm all that tall, per se, but she is 10), but not very big around. Evidently she has my narrow shoulders as well, which wasn't an issue in my making things for her until this year.

Neck opening WAY TOO BIG!

So here is a tunic top that worked a little better, but still could have been more fitted.

She wore it the day after I finished it, a good sign of liking it!

Better fit, and a more forgiving garment on the whole. Still a little big around. I made the grey pants as well, intentionally long, but they were really longer than intended, and pretty big on her. Sheesh. You would thing I hadn't measured, but I did, and USED the measurements. Sheesh. The dragon fabric makes up for a bit, I would thankfully say.

I do have some more of the red dot fabric, and my intent is to try for a different tunic type top with that.

ready for modifications...

I thought I would start with this pajama top, but instead of a button closure yoke, I would do a cross over in front. That would allow some "give" for her to put her head through, and create a notched look, but not make the opening too big. I'll also go with short sleeves, maybe even a little shorter than the top above.

That way, I can work on my thing, and her thing, at the same time.

HST update

So, here (again) is the block I'm working on...

The pattern

... and here is what mine is going to look like...

The fail

Notice something? Yeah, me too. *Facepalm.

To too disappointed though. It is still pretty and will make a nice mug rug. On to the next attempt!

I Challenge Myself - to half-square triangles!

This blog post was the last straw for me. In a good way, in a good way. Sarah at Habibti at Home blogged about making half- square triangle blocks by sewing two squares together around the outside edge, and then cutting them apart corner to corner in an "X". OK, I said to myself, that's it. I have to do something with half-square triangles!

But what? Well, I know I have seen so many beautiful things done with them in the various blogs that I love to peruse. Should I search those blogs? Should I go look in pinterest? Run to the fabric store for a new book or magazine? Wait! I HAVE quilting books. My Mom left them to me. So, I pulled this one off the shelf...

Thanks, Mom!

And I found this inside...

shouldn't be beyond my skills...

I don't remember seeing anything like it recently, and I thought it looked interesting on it's own, and that several blocks put togther should also be interesting.

The next step is fabric... what should I use? Then a bag of hand me overs (a friend of mine passed some piecing to me that her uncle sent to her after picking it up who knows where) caught my eye in my craft room. Hmmmm, I thought, I KNOW there are half square triangles in there. It isn't filling the challenge of creating them though, I countered myself. BUT, I responded, it IS using up what is already here, and it IS practicing making the block(s). Practice on them, and then see how that goes, then work on cutting and the rest. Well, I just had to agree with that, and I pulled out the bag, and found some cute little squares.

two inch squares

I picked some that were pink and yellow, and I also found some blue and yellow, green and yellow, and - I think - blue and green ones that I thought would work together. I ironed and trimmed the pink and yellow ones and then cut some solid yellow for the longer strips. Now for the sewing and the first block!