Crafts: Poolside Tote #2

I knew I wanted to make a lightweight water-resistant version as well as a more structured one. I've had this water-resistant fabric for years, and Noodlehead's Poolside Tote seemed the perfect way to showcase it.

Doesn't the bag look like a LeSportsac?

I interfaced the exterior pieces with Pellon SF101 Shape-Flex, mostly because the water-resistant fabric is thin and I didn't want the lining visible through the exterior. I also added pockets on both sides of the bag to reinforce the bottom.

I went with neutral-colored straps, but would have used a vibrant cotton webbing if I had any. As it is, the straps are from one of my husband's decommissioned desert camouflage uniforms (read: sturdy and special). But I did add an extra pop of color with the facing.

A few notes about water-resistant fabric:

1. Not all water-resistant fabrics can be ironed and pinned without adverse effect; experiment with scrap fabric.
2. Use a sharp needle, and be patient.
3. Double or triple-stitch each seam; one line of stitches isn't strong enough.
4. Seams are difficult to match because the fabric slips and slides, even with pins.
5. Once a seam is sewn it cannot be removed without damaging the fabric; needle holes are permanent.
6. Fusible interfacing becomes sew-in interfacing, because water-resistant fabric is also glue-resistant.
7. When topstitching, the bobbin thread may be visible, no matter what.

I learned a lot while making this tote, and, despite the imperfections, am so very pleased with it! It'll get a lot of use at beaches, pools, and amusement/water parks!

Crafts: Jamie Christina Mission Maxi

For my muslin I cut a size 10, and it fit like a glove. The problem: I felt overexposed. The dress hugged every little curve, and that's not something I'm comfortable wearing in public.

But I liked the skirt portion of the dress.

To make a Mission Maxi skirt I added two inches to the pattern's sweep (making a 7-inch-wider finished bottom opening) and a yoga-style waistband at the pattern's narrowest part. I'm very pleased with the end result and will wear this skirt often.

I used a medium-weight bamboo-blend knit, and I love its thickness and drape. I want another maxi skirt in a solid color, maybe green or dark teal. Wouldn't that be pretty with a white tee and sandals?

Crafts: Poolside Tote

Ideal for Fourth of July celebrations, here's Noodlehead's Poolside Tote:

It's large enough to hold multiple towels, sunscreen, goggles, and assorted pool toys. And it comes together with ease thanks to Anna's excellent instructions.

I made this particular bag with two meters and a scrap of medium-weight cotton linen fabric and interfaced the exterior pieces with Pellon SF101 Shape-Flex. It's very sturdy but not so stiff it'd stand up on its own without being partially filled.

The only pattern omission I made was the key ring, because I didn't have the supplies.

This bag is a birthday present for a friend. She told me she wanted a bag to take to the pool and prefers earthy colors, so I know this bag will be perfect. Happy Birthday, Susana!

Crafts: Happy Drawing Baby

A friend of mine is having a baby boy later this month. She requested a quilt, but I also made matching burp cloths and a bib.

Most of the fabrics are from Ed Emberley's Happy Drawing line for Cloud9. I also used a couple of Lizzy House's bracelets, a spotty fabric by Denyse Schmidt, and Robert Kaufman flannel.

For the quilt, I followed a pattern I've had for some time. But once the blocks were cut and sewn I decided I didn't like the pattern's orderly arrangement. I mixed up the various-sized blocks and did some generous trimming to get the effect you see here. I rather like it, although it's nothing like I had planned.

I quilted in the ditch, but only after trying free motion scribbles and echo quilting. I have a special foot for quilting in the ditch, but I had the best results with my walking foot.

I used Cloud9's contoured burp cloths pattern and tutorial. The organic cotton and flannel make soft, lightweight, absorbent, non-slip burp cloths, and the contours make them easy and comfortable to wear. I wish I had some when Cole was a baby.

I don't have a model for the bib, but it's long enough to double duty as an apron. Hence its name: Bapron (pattern available here). The armholes and tie closure won't allow the baby to pull it off during mealtime, too. Messy bapron, clean clothes.

I hope these Happy Drawing baby gifts will be well used and loved! Congratulations, Mai!

Crafts: Apron Parade

I gave aprons as part of our Christmas gifts this year. There are a lot of apron patterns available, but I used these two:

1. Amy Butler's In Stitches Short Pleated Apron (p. 48)

We lived in Japan for nearly ten years, and my mother and brother's girlfriend spent time there with us. This project gave me the opportunity to use a few prints I've been hoarding, and to reminisce.

As for the pattern, I had no issues whatsoever. The directions and diagrams are concise and easy to follow. And I think the apron's proportions are spot-on.

2. Rashida Coleman-Hale's I Heart Patchwork Patchwork Bordered Apron (p. 50)

I went with a Christmas hostess theme for my sisters-in-law. My husband says their mother always wore an apron in the kitchen, so maybe they'll like wearing this one during the holidays.

The lining and patchwork make this apron more time-consuming than the first, but it's still easy to assemble. I did opt to follow Amy Butler's directions for attaching the waistband and ties, as they produce a cleaner finish (and I was already familiar with the process).

Now that the holidays are over, I want to make The Sometimes Crafter's City Girl Apron for myself.

Crafts: Il Presepe

Naples, Italy is famous for its presepi, or nativity scenes. They range from simple to elaborate, and many towns in and around Naples have special fairs selling presepi figures and other items.

In truth I never wanted a presepe, until I saw Annalisa Bonfante's unique treatment of this traditional craft.

Like a ship in a bottle, her presepi are carefully arranged within lightbulbs, decanters, and other glass containers. Each is made with painstaking attention to detail, without a single cut to the glass, and comes with a signed and numbered certificate of authenticity.

I was particularly drawn to those within lightbulbs - it's such a clever idea. And for once I prefer the less expensive variety. All are fair-priced, however, considering the artistry and patience they require.

Visit Il Presepe to purchase one for yourself or as a special gift, which I very highly recommend. Annalisa is such a lovely and talented Neapolitan artist, and her presepi make a perfect holiday souvenir.

Buon Natale!

Crafts: Drawstring Gift Bags

Cole's class is having another snack exchange. This time I made drawstring bags with leftover How the Grinch Stole Christmas fabric and filled them with homemade cookies.

I used Caila Made's Mini Drawstring Bag tutorial, but modified the dimensions and made the casing differently. I cut my fabric 7 X 9 inches (versus 7 X 12), and when sewing the sides together backstitched 1.25 inches from the top, left a half-inch gap, and backstitched again 1.75 inches from the top. These changes give the bag a rectangular shape and make a neat opening for the drawstring once the casing is sewn closed - no seam ripping required.

The best part is these bags are reusable, and the kids or their parents can use them to "wrap" small Christmas gifts, stuff them into stockings, etc.

My mother made the Santa basket, and it's been one of my favorite Christmas decorations since childhood. Cole also likes it, and is looking forward to Santa visiting his classroom tomorrow.

Crafts: Snow Bunny Cowl

I've made another Sewaholic Renfrew Top, this time with 3/4-length sleeves and a novelty print.

Like mini skirts, I may be too old to wear bunnies. But I think I can get away with this. Either way, I feel younger and happy wearing this top.

Admittedly, purple is not my favorite color, but I do love green. The lichen green background and this top are why I bought the fabric. And I've had this puffer vest stowed in my closet for years - it needed an excuse to be worn.

My only complaint is the sleeve length. The sleeves are too short to be 3/4-length and too long for elbow-length. My elbows hit at the sleeve cuffs, so I'm a tad uncomfortable when bending my arms. Next time I'll shorten the sleeves two inches, because elbow-length sleeves really are my favorite.

Crafts: Liesl + Co. Everyday Skirt #2

I liked my first skirt so much I made another, this time in a brown, textured dot fabric.

I made no pattern changes. The only difference between the two skirts is the fabric. This one is a lightweight cotton shirting, and the first is a medium-weight linen blend.

The color of this skirt isn't terribly exciting, but I can dress it up with some fun tights.

Crafts: Renfrew and Wristlet

Sewaholic's Renfrew Top pattern has been on my wish list for a while, and I'm so glad I've added it to my pattern library. It's a staple pattern that can be modified innumerable ways.

My measurements fall into three different sizes (8 bust - 6 waist - 2 hip), but a straight 8 works for me. I've read reviews that the pattern sizing is generous, but, for me, it's quite accurate. The 6 is too snug in my problem areas (upper bust and back), and the 8 is just right. (The fabric makes it look ill-fitting, but I swear it's not). The sleeves may be a tad long, but I like the extra length.

I did notice an error in the pattern directions: When constructing the cowl users are instructed to sew the un-notched edge with wrong sides together. This will result in an exposed seam! The diagrams show right sides together, so heed the diagrams and disregard the verbiage for this part of the step.

This heather mint fabric was also part of my Girl Charlee order. The fabric is nicer than the Striped Briar's, but it's slightly sheer, clings to my bra like Velcro, and not nearly as soft as I'd like. Where can I source high quality, super soft knits?

The Zip & Go Wristlet by Sweet Pea Totes is the first pattern I bought and made when teaching myself to sew. I've made twelve of these so far, but this is the first one I get to keep. I just love mint and orange together!

Crafts: Striped Briar Tee

I made another Megan Nielsen Briar! This time in a wheat and coral stripe with 3/4-sleeves.

I love the fabric colors, sleeve length and pattern, but the fabric was a pain to sew. It's lightweight and clingy (like Saran Wrap), and doesn't drape well or feel as nice as my Briar Rose Tee. My twin needle/sewing machine also had trouble with the low-quality fabric.

I purchased the fabric from Girl Charlee, because I've heard rave reviews about their knits. My order included three other knit fabrics, and, thankfully, they seem thicker and easier to work with. We'll see!

Crafts: Mathilde

Here's Tilly and the Buttons' Mathilde. I love her details: tucks, button-down back, blousy sleeves, and bateau neckline.

The downloadable pattern includes only basic instructions, but Tilly offers step-by-step construction details and photos on her blog. She also provides thorough instructions on how to shorten the sleeves, add gathers, remove the tucks, and make a dress-length version. You get a lot with your pattern purchase!

I used a lovely, autumnal cotton lawn and brown pearl snaps (idea from Make Something). I sewed a size 3 with size 1 bust darts, and the fit is just right.

I did make a few very minor modifications: sleeve cuffs have no interfacing and are sewn with 3/8-inch seams; the neckline has bias binding, no facings; and I added 1.5 inches to the blouse length.

I will definitely be making more! I have some Joel Dewberry rayon set aside for a short-sleeved, tuck-less version.

Crafts: Liesl + Co. Everyday Skirt

This skirt is aptly named, because I'd love to wear one every day. It's such a simple design, but well-constructed and fits to flatter.

All of Liesl's patterns teach professional dressmaking techniques. For the Explorer Vest it's bellows pockets, and for the Everyday Skirt it's how to sew flared hemlines and construct a waistband that's as beautiful on the inside as the outside - techniques I'll use from now on.

My skirt is a linen blend in dark aqua. I cut a size small with an extra large length. I made no pattern modifications, and I probably won't make any changes to future skirts either.

I like this color combination. Do you?

I also want to try Liesl's Weekend Getaway Blouse + Dress in rayon challis. The pattern's facing/placket details really interest me.

Crafts: Wiksten

So far I've made three Wiksten Tovas and three Wiksten Tanks. I've made size adjustments for each one and have finally found my fit.

My measurements register as S for both patterns, but I find a S/M combination works best for my broad shoulders.

For the Tova: S front with M armholes and M back, sleeve and cuff. I angle the back pattern piece 1/2-inch off the center fold at the neckline (as Made by Rae does here).

For the tank: S front with M armholes and M back, same angle, and I raise the neckline by 5/8-inch.

Now that I've sorted out the Wiksten sizing, I see myself making several more tanks and Tovas, some with sleeve, placket, and hemline modifications. But the original Tova may always be my favorite.

I love this flannel one!

Crafts: Halloween Divided Basket

I love Halloween! Young kids in costume, trick-or-treating, jack-o-lanterns, kid-made decorations, and candy corn make me happy.

Cole's class is having a Halloween snack exchange. No candy or costumes are allowed, but healthful snacks and classroom-friendly treats in cute packaging are okay!

I teamed Noodlehead's Divided Basket pattern with Lizzy House's Guising fabric. The basket is perfect for carting twenty stamped paper sacks (each with fruit leather, stickers, and a plastic trinket) to school, and for passing out candy to trick-or-treaters. I know we'll use it every year.

Look at those ghosts! And candy corn! I can't get enough of those jack-o-lanterns either...

Have a Happy Halloween!