Appliqué...

So I took a chance and taught myself how to appliqué.  It turned out better than I anticipated but still had some rough spots.  My first born turned 3 last week and I wanted to make him a special shirt to wear on his birthday...

I bought a pack of plain t-shirts and went to it.  I used iron on letters for his name because I didn't think I was up to the challenge of sewing around them.  But I cut the number out of fabric and attached it with heat and bond... but it was starting to lift around the edges so I carefully sewed around the edges... and viola!

I have to say that I am proud of myself and can't wait to do more!

P is for Pajamas

I can't recall where I got the idea but I seem to remember looking at my son's pajama pants and thinking, "I could do that..."!

So I did.  There was a huge sale on flannel fabric and I jumped on it.  I bought 8 different kinds and one for myself.  Since I am not an experienced seamstress (not yet atleast) I bought onesies for the baby and Hanes white t-shirts for the big boy...

I made the first pair today... for the baby since they are smaller and I would waste less fabric if I messed up.  What do you think?

Remote Storage

Here is another Amy Butler fabric that you might be seeing a lot of.  I have seen these before in the store and have realized how important they really are.  My family and I have issues putting things back where they belong but we had one problem with the remotes to the TV and DVD players... the had no home.

So once again I grabbed my sewing machine, some extra fabric and my imagination and went for it.  Now they have a home...!

My Favorite Boxers

I purchased a pair of red boxers with zebras on them from Old Navy about 7 years ago for $5.  I have worn the as pj's, workout shorts and around the house.  Unfortunately the bottom gave out and I was forced to make a decision... 1. throw them away or 2. re-purpose them.

So I set them aside as I pondered what to do.  Since the front of them was the only place that I could use my project had to be small.   So I could make a bag... nope.  I could make a case for my electronics... nope.  But since it is the end of the year, my mom bought me a new planner.  I love it but it is bright yellow and screams MOM.

I have decided to take myself back to me the mom and not just mom... so I made a cute cover for my new organizer.

I added a little personal touch.  And some black ribbon to close it...

I made pockets for my large items, my pen and pencil, and my business cards...

And I needed a little ribbon tab to keep my place...

Fabric Necklace

I got this pattern from Amy Butler and decided to try it.  And I really like it.  I got a compliment on it the first time I wore it.  Although my next one might be more scarf like then a necklace.  But it is quick afternoon project that took about an hour to make... great rainy day project.

CD storage

So I am not behind the times on this one.  I do have an iPod and I have tons of songs on it.  But driving with the kids in the car it is just easy to throw in a CD of their favorite songs.  But since it has been so long since I had CD's in my car I needed some storage.  Luckily I had some extra fabric and a little creativity.

I know that this matches my dress but I just happened to have a ton of this fabric.

Bible Cover

I know that it seems that I have made a dress with this fabric already but I happen to have a lot of it... so I don't want anything to go to waste.

My parents bought me my bible back in 1993 when I was first exploring religion.  The even had my name engraved on the cover.  But since my family and I started going back, it was proving hard to carry along with all the other things that come with two kids.  I kept seeing ladies with bibles that looked like purses.  So I grabbed my sewing machine and went for it.

It has handles on it and enough room to store the announcements from church.  I love it.

The Dress is Done

I am so proud of myself.  While there are some minor alterations that need to be made.  I would have to say this is pretty darn cute.  I even installed my first zipper.  I have some other projects that require zippers but was scared of them until today.

I love this Midwest Modern fabric from Amy Butler.  Her fabrics are so great for everything.  I hope to made more dresses for myself.  I will probably use this pattern but alter it a bit so that I don't have a million of the same dress.

My First Dress

On a side note... the cake was delicious.

I am attempting to improve my sewing techniques and be able to sew clothing instead of things for around the house.  Most of the items I have made have been very simple designs.  But I had this great Amy Butler fabric and I wanted to make a dress out of it.

So I purchased a simple pattern and went for it.

I still have to install the zipper but I have to say I am very impressed with myself.  I was able to cut the pattern and sew it together all while taking care of a sick and teething infant and baking my carrot cake.

I will post the final product once I have it done.