no pattern sewing

It’s hard to take a picture of an energetic baby. She kept moving around so these are the best that I can do under the ciurcumstances so I can show you the dress that I made this morning. Inspired by this one, mine is made from navy cotton with big wooden buttons. I just cut big squares of linen, smaller squares for the straps, add some elastic for the backside, and it’s done. It is a little too short because I forgot to figure in the seam allowances. Next time, I should make the dress part a bit of an A-line shape so it could be more swing-y.

something for both of us

For her, another great pattern from Liesl! Bubble Dress, size 12-18 months. It’s obviously too big because my girl is is a teeny tiny thing. I used some Japanese Trefle fabric instead of Katie Jump Rope. Don’t worry, the Katie one is coming too. The bodice is finished but I’m putting off sewing the scallops on the skirt. This one is made without scallops, so it’s faster to finish. No serger needed for this one! It’s fully lined and quite easy to sew. I finally learned how to make buttonholes. Apparently, I have been using the buttonhole foot backwards. Now that I know, I want to make more buttonholes! I’ve been purposely avoiding patterns that involve button fastenings. No more excuses now!

For me, Built by Wendy top. Simplicity 3835 in crisp white linen. I made the top with medium length sleeves. Perfectly rumpled after a day’s wear. I want to make this again with knits or stretch wovens. I love love LOVE making clothes!

Next, I want to make something like this in navy blue linen.

summer sewing plans

Simple peasant top from Japanese kids’ clothes book. Crisp striped cotton and a little red riding hood trim. Perfect for my girl. It does look to red, white, and blue-ish with that skort. Next time, it will be plain khaki shorts. Easy to sew but I just wish that I have a serger to finish all those ugly edges. I’ve been eye-ing Singer Tiny Sergers on Ebay. Is it a good tryout for a serger? I don’t want to invest in an expensive one yet.

Do you spot that white sandals? It’s a new purchase from Goodwill. Totally new! I just found that particular Goodwill store. It seems that they received unsold things from Target because I recognized some of the merchandise. I found a diaper swimsuit for a fraction of the price they sell at Target, also completely new. I think for baby clothing it’s ok to go there since she will only use it for a few months. I never score any vintage linens, though.

Now on to my plans. The summer quilt for the Four Seasons Quilt Swap is almost finished. Right now I’m doing some hand quilting with perle cotton in addition to the machine quilting. Then sew on some binding and hanging sleeve and I’m done. Another thing to sew this week is the Bubble Dress. There’s a birthday party this weekend and I want Abby to wear something handmade.

Week 9 of the star quilt along is done a few weeks ago, but week 8 is still not made yet. That is for next week, together with the setting blocks. I think I only like the sewing and pressing part. I hate cutting with rotary cutter! Align the selvedge and straighten the edges. A few simple words but really hard to do. Just how do you align 5 yards of fabric so it’s completely straight? Cutting with patterns and pins is easier. So today’s plan is to cut some Katie Jump Rope for the dress. It’s being used here for curtains and it’s also lovely for a dress.

What’s on your sewing plans?

week 3

Week 3 done! I also finished 2 of the 12 setting blocks. Not too bad, eh? They look so pretty lined up together. Can’t wait for the next installment, Amanda Jean!

Meanwhile, I’d like to make a top for myself. I tried to make this Built by Wendy pattern with disastrous result. First, it was way too big. A lot of people complain about the sizing but I never thought it was going to be that big. Second, my sewing is not neat at all. That is completely my fault because I didn’t use any ironing. I’ll know better next time.

For the next try, I’m going to try a pattern from my Japanese craft book. I hope it goes better this time. And if all fails, I’ll just make a smock. How can that go wrong with the video tutorial?