Sometimes I like to Sew...

A Splash of Color!

Since I have been home more I have been thinking about things we need, or furniture that needs to be relocated, or projects that I have started and should probably finish... Well, I finally finished the downstairs curtains, got curtains ordered for our bedroom that arrived yesterday and only have one panel left to do for the guest bedroom. I'll take some updated pictures of the house to share soon.

Today, my mom kept Lucy so I could relax and run a few errands, and I decided to go to Ikea and World Market, two places I love to visit without my almost 2 year old. Ikea of course is great exercise and overwhelming. I did a good job leaving with only 2 tiny things! These really fun barbar trays! The bird one is going to go on a dresser in little bits room as a catch-all and the long skinny blue is sitting on the table behind our couch. I left with a slightly larger purchase at World Market, but one that actually was needed and reasonably priced. We have been looking for something to sit by my husbands man chair since we got it and I think these nesting tables are the ones! He hasn't seen it yet, but I hope he likes it/notices it. He'll probably just be glad to have a place to set his drink down. So easy to please! Oh, and I picked up this fun metal cut-out basket to go in our TV shelving unit thing. It needed some color and is constantly a work in progress with so many dark shelves to fill with knick-knacks. Now, at least the bottom right shelf is properly decorated!

Keep checking back because I have actually been doing lots of sewing waiting on baby #2 to arrive. She is taking her own sweet time and I'm kind of okay with it! I have been able to have a very productive and relaxing last month and a half of pregnancy and I know it will all end so quickly...

Creations by Michie #132 Sunsuit / Sundress

This is another great pattern by Michie. The most recent version I made was given as a gift from a friend.

 

I made it a couple of times this past Christmas, once for Lucy and once for a friends daughter with a matching Children's Corner Johnny for her son. It is a great pattern for a monogram or applique. Although her patterns require some hand sewing, it is well worth the effort and helps maintain the classic look and heirloom quality.

 

Creations by Michie #109 Infant Shirt & Diaper Cover

I made this one as a gift, but I love this pattern and hope to get a few completed for my own baby due in the next few weeks!

 

It is such an old fashioned pattern, but looks fun and modern with just the right fabric!
 

Oliver + S Ice Cream Dress

This may officially be my new favorite pattern. It shipped very quickly from Oliver+S after it was released on April 5th. So far, I have only made View A, the dress with pockets, but I plan on trying the shirt version next. It is a great dress for spring, summer and even fall and winter! Check it out layered over a long-sleeve shirt and some tights, still cute. Now, if only Lucy would stand still for pictures...

 

  

 

Creations by Michie #120 Sundress

 

I just finished this for baby girl #2. The big sister version is in the works, I just have to go pick up some more green rickrack! I'm obsessed with this fabric. I think it's maybe the cutest spring kid fabric ever. I got it here.

Oliver + S Swingset Tunic

For my birthday my mom got me the Swingset Tunic pattern by Oliver+S. She also, with Lucy's help, picked out some fabric for my stash. I have always wanted this pattern and was excited to get started. The Swingset Tunic also comes with a skirt, but I just can't bring myself to put Lucy in many skirts quite yet, so I added a large ruffle to the bottom to make it a fun summer dress. 

 

 

I've been busy?

Well, I really have been!

I have started a monogramming and embroidery business, thirtyone13, with a new friend, Jill, and have baby girl #2 due May. Don't worry. I haven't stopped sewing. I haven't necessarily completed any of the projects I started earlier, (see bottom right of blog), but I have started and completed many new ones! 

I know by now the three of you that actually read this have quit checking for updates, but maybe you'll come back?

Today we did a photo shoot in my mom's front yard of Lucy in some applique shirts and the two dresses we sell at thirtyone13. The pants we are not selling, but I will be making tons of them for little bit this summer. I used this pattern and added another inch to the stride because they were a little bit too low rise for my liking.

Here are the results...

 

 

  
 
   

 

She was a great little model!

I have also been working on these t-shirts for my cousins little boy. They should be shipped off tomorrow!

 

That's all for now, but I'm going to really try and update this thing more often. We'll see how it goes!

  

 
 

Heirloom Sewing & Lauren's A-Line Dress

I took an heirloom sewing class about a month ago and made this dress shortly after. I've been waiting to take better pictures of it after it has been ironed and startched, but I had the camera out tonight and went for it. I know my mother will be appalled, but if you can look past the wrinkles it's not so bad. 

I used Lauren's A-Line Dress Pattern by Bonnie Blue. It's very basic, but with a little lace it takes on a totally different look. I added pin-tucks to the front and ecru entredeaux and lace around the hemline and sleeves. I like it because it's subtle look and I was scared to use lots of lace on my first attempt. She wore it to church a few weeks ago!

This is the same dress pattern, but a totally different look. I made this one in a size up and it's still big, but I think it would look cute with a little apron or swing back top over it. The fabric is very bold!

Britches & Bloomers

I picked up some tops from Old Navy in the clearance section and made Lucy some pants to match. My mom picked out the fabric! Little bit does better in custom pants with an adjustable elastic waist due to her figure. :)

Oliver + S Pleated Skirt

I completed this quick project this afternoon. My mom found this cute Janie & Jack Sweater at a consignment shop and it looks like it was never even worn. The sweater even came with a matching hat, but I'm pretty sure little bit will never let me put it on her head. I wanted a cute skirt to go with it so I went with the pleated skirt pattern that comes with the 2+2 blouse by Oliver+S. I found this raspberry corduroy on sale at Joann's on my last visit. It's a little big right now, but at the rate she's growing it should fit just right by December. As always the pattern came together quickly and easily and I learned a few new things!