tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37091259813285085112024-03-05T05:18:36.197-08:00sewzenmamaAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-79048891452293751172009-09-07T11:02:00.001-07:002009-09-07T11:37:17.023-07:00Back off Vacation!Okay alright, I actually came back over a month ago but have had so much going on that I took an extended vacation from the blog. I may be taking a bit of a hiatus from blogging about sewing and crafting because everything will be soon put in boxes to be moved overseas! We found out that Kev's next assignment is in The Netherlands, we are very excited to be moving and closer to some of my family that lives in Europe.<br /><br />Now onto the sewing. :)<br /><br />(okay according to the order of uploads I have not blogged about these yet sorry if any are a repeat.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jun09082.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jun09082.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Nice summer top using the sewmamasew <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=791">spring ruffle top</a> tute, only I am lazy lazy seamstress and gathered the front and back instead of the pleats.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jul09105.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jul09105.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>A retro mini dress using the same pattern. My orange fabric wasn't quite wide enough so I added the flower panel to make it work. I mean to add a style element.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jun09088.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jun09088.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Reversible skirt with comfy waistband.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jun09087.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jun09087.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The reverse. Notice anything? Look close. Yup those are suppose to be dandelion puffs but they are growing upside down. At least I cut both pieces upside down!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1aug09059.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1aug09059.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Uncut cord trousers from a Woman's Ottobre. Not sure which one off the top of my head, will look it up and add later. Oh but these actually fit and I had to very little modifying, just take in about an inch in the center back seam.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1aug09057.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1aug09057.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The waistband. I felt quite clever using the cotton for the waist facing, it really cuts down on the bulkiness of the waistband and adds a little extra cute. The pockets are lined with the same fabric.<br /><br />Newest knitting:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1aug09072.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 159px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1aug09072.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Beanpole beanie in dream in color classy midnight derby. I so enjoyed making this hat! The bobbles are really fun and surprisingly easy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1aug09047.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1aug09047.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Rani cuff (from knitty.com) in leftover dream in color smooshy in chinatown apple. This is my first beaded knitted item, I need to make the second cuff but it requires stringing 300 some beads, which is best done without little helpers.<br /><br />That is all I have pictures of for now! Hope everyone enjoyed summer, I know we did and we are definitely enjoying somewhat cooler weather ans starting on fall crafting and sewing.<br /><br />Love AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-15023667813392514642009-06-15T08:55:00.000-07:002009-06-15T09:18:08.668-07:00Fiddling with PatternsYou know how sometimes you get a new pattern and it's just not perfect so you keep fiddling with it? And all the time trying making something just a little different. That's today's sewing. I've been trying to find some good tee patterns for me and decided to pull from the <span style="font-style: italic;">Sew U Home Stretch </span>book. It's fun to see how the pattern can be altered just a bit to get something different.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jun09016.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jun09016.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The first 3 on the left are all essentially the same pattern. The sleeveless are, well, just sleeveless. I think there is an error in the book for the sleeveless pattern as it calls for 15" ribbing for the neckband and that is way way too short! But it did make a cute gathered edge in front. The last two tees are from Woman's Ottobre. The blue is a plain sleeve raglan and the black is the pleat sleeve (I posted the black before.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jun09017.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jun09017.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A slightly better picture of the pleat sleeves.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jun09018.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jun09018.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A couple of fitted diapers for wild thing. I always do something wrong when sewing diapers and I totally forgot the elastic on the waist on the doggie diaper. ah well.<br /><br />That's all I have pictures of for now. :) Happy June, We have lightening bugs out here finally!<br /><br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-59835392554757660912009-05-30T11:58:00.000-07:002009-05-30T12:30:46.532-07:00An Ode to French TerryI have a confession to make, I only recently (like really recently, about 2 months ago) figured out what french terry fabric is. Yup, no idea that my favorite zip hoodie wasn't some kind of weird sweatshirt but not sweatshirt fleece material. Had no idea what it was called or that I could even <span style="font-style: italic;">buy</span> french terry fabric. Obviously, I have been living under a rock. Once I figured out what the favorite material was called, and hurrah! I can even sew something great up, I had to find some! So today's post is the result of my discovery.<br /><br />All three pieces are from New Look <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/dv1_v4.cfm?design=6734">6734</a>. The french terry is a stretch (FT comes in not stretchy too!) in a lovely mocha color.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09225.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09225.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Zip front jacket. This is actually the last item I cut, I ran out of the mocha french terry fabric for the back and used a lovely bird print jersey which was lined with brown jersey for stability.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09226.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09226.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The back of the zip jacket.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09228.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09228.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />With the clam diggers. The pants were altered from a much longer capri pattern and did not behave nice when I shortened them, not sure what happened, but after ripping it all out and fiddling they worked out well.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09227.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09227.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The tee, this tee was wow short! About 3 inches above my belly button unhemmed too short as I forgot I lengthened the pattern like the first time I made it. I added the brown jersey at the hem for a layered look but I might try something else as I don't love it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09231.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09231.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Little i's robot birthday tee, made the day after his birthday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09233.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09233.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Pleat sleeve raglan from Woman's Ottobre 5/08 #14. I shortened the sleeves and probably should have sized up as the newsprint girls fabric is an interlock and not quite as stretchy as jersey :) I still like it though!<br /><br />Well all of my other projects, mostly tee shirts, are in the wash so I will get some pictures once they are all clean!<br /><br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-22124840696837480782009-05-19T09:08:00.000-07:002009-05-19T14:47:18.113-07:00Work In Progress: Summer PlayHello All<br />Halfway through May and the lovely weather is here to stay! Yipee! I love spring and summer, we spend loads of time outside so I don't do as much sewing but I do have a few projects to share. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09137.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09137.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The big work in progress: a play tent for the boys. It's made out of larger scraps of fabric and has wooden dowels and pvc joints. We were checking out the size here.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09154.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09154.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Uh oh! Mama there's no door! ;)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09155.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09155.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Almost done here. adding ties on the inside and had to run out to get more dowels and pvc joints for support.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09156.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09156.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Gardening apron and knee pads. We had loads of rocks along the garden beds, so I needed a bit of cush. Little i insisted on taking the picture.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09132.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09132.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Layered knit skirt, I cut an a-line skirt a size smaller than I normally wear and it fits very nicely. The waist is fold over elastic (foe) and I gathered at one hip with clear elastic. First time successfully doing that technique!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09113.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09113.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Frenchy Bag pattern by Amy Butler. I made up the shoulder bag, which is the bigger of the two patterns. Really fun pattern to sew and I had loads of fun appliqueing the print fabric to the bag, but unfortunately, it is not big enough to carry all the stuff we currently need. The cloth diapers can be a bit bulk and they don't fit very well. It will be a nice size for when I don't need extra diapering stuff though.<br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09166.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09166.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Another work in progress, but almost done! A one skein stole, using really fun zauberball yarn. A very easy knit and quick too. It's currently blocking and I need to weave in the ends.<br /><br />Hopefully more projects soon!<br /><br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-79473024354005680402009-05-07T09:24:00.000-07:002009-05-07T09:59:16.109-07:00Springy SewingMore fun projects that have finally made their way onto the computer :) Hope everyone is enjoying spring!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09060.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09060.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I was inspired by some lovely outdoor pictures and decided to try it myself. Um yeah, that sooo doesn't work well in Kansas, way to windy! Anyway, from left airplane tees (and pants for wild thing) made out of a blanket from target, Boatneck tee, and sun dress from ottobre for a friend's daughter.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09061.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09061.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Red french terry pants with fun drawstring waist, board shorts (burda pattern I think). The board shorts were way way big so I took them in quite a bit and now they are very comfy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09062.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09062.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Modified sorta wrap skirt. I had made the Amy Butler lotus dress and didn't wear the dress for about 6 months. Decided to make it into a top and skirt instead. The waist is held close with snaps and the ties wrap around the waist.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09101.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09101.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Blue Sky Hat with the brim modified to 4 inches wide and Smarty Pants capris. The waist wasn't working for me as the pattern directed on the pants, so I made it a drawstring waist.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09108.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09108.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>My first 'fancy' socks. The yarn is dream in color smooshy in chinatown apple and the pattern is (free!!) Hedera from knitty.com.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09102.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09102.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Decided to play with dyes too! All fingering weight for socks or shawls. The middle one is an over dye, the original colors didn't look nice knit up so I frogged what little I had done and overdyed with a different blue; toned down the turquoise and evened out the odd grey parts. The right started out as a lovely rusty red until I added too much black an ended up a georgous black cherry color. I don't know if I can make socks out of this one, might need to be a scarf or shawl!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09041.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09041.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I just had to share these photos of wild thing. I had told he we needed to change his shirt because it was filthy; this is what I got.<br /><br />NO mama I love my doggies.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09042.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09042.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I not taken it off.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09043.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1may09043.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>See how sad, no take off. Doggies has pocket. Mama make more doggie then take off. K?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1may09051.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1may09051.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Little i decided he didn't like the sap in his hair from tree climbing and apparently a bath at the end of the day was not going to fix the problem for him, so he decided to cut his hair. a huge patch right up in front. Out came the clippers and he now is sporting a buzzcut, like Daddy does, Mama!<br /><br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-26651826697403437912009-04-10T11:51:00.000-07:002009-04-10T12:19:32.298-07:00Skirt and TeeI realized when I was uploading these pics they are all skirts and tee shirts! Didn't even realize I had been doing that :).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1april09093.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1april09093.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>A boatneck tee (on little i) from ottobre 1/09 the neck was odd and fiddly, but ended fine.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1april09099.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1april09099.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Corny (ahahahaha, yes dad that is for you!) tees for the boys. Such a fun print and very appropriate for our location: middle of nowhere Kansas.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1april09109.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1april09109.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Ooga booga tee for little i, this is another one of those I can't believe I can buy this fabric reprint!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1april09108.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1april09108.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Barcelona skirt, the flowers are embroidered, so this was a must line skirt.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1april09106.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1april09106.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Another barcelona skirt with the apron overlay and a yellow ruffle tee to match.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1april09107.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1april09107.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The reverse of the apron overlay. I've been planning this skirt for almost 2 years! I am so glad I finally sewed it up :D<br /><br /><br />We had a suprise snow storm the end of March. Just when everyone was ready to plant seeds and get the gardens going. I was so irate that I couldn't work on the garden, I sat down and knit some thick warm house socks. Worsted weight knits so fast for socks! Anyway I had this great orange superwash (mission falls 1824 wool) in my stash that I had planned to make babylegs but the boys said, no don't want any. :P<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1april09082.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1april09082.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />They are a little loose round the ankle but that's perfect for around the house.<br /><br />After the snow was all done we went out and played for a bit.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1april09083.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1april09083.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />My sad attempt at a snowman.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1april09085.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1april09085.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Look snow!<br /><br />Maybe next week I can plant my garden...<br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-87241553643673711242009-04-10T08:19:00.000-07:002009-04-10T09:00:53.120-07:00Birthday Sewing!Hurrah! It's my baby's birthday, baby n turned 2 yesterday, (holy smokes 2!! how did that happen?) so what's a sewing mama to do but make a few fun birthday treats.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kyUoH5dOyrOQuQL3S4FRuaMfz2lqT71Pn-WuhcbeX2eFRWbEZIPngxA0oZzkT_HSOFNL9z3_jEe3AJCoYIILPjQQoBTSYOHu4FRjTBemwSAqcegYH2UkokBVKwrQdDWdKY23pxIMz2Q1/s1600-h/1+april+09+110.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kyUoH5dOyrOQuQL3S4FRuaMfz2lqT71Pn-WuhcbeX2eFRWbEZIPngxA0oZzkT_HSOFNL9z3_jEe3AJCoYIILPjQQoBTSYOHu4FRjTBemwSAqcegYH2UkokBVKwrQdDWdKY23pxIMz2Q1/s320/1+april+09+110.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323087523252100322" border="0" /></a><br />The outfit. Baby n is currently obsessed with dogs, so a doggie shirt it is with coordinating linen pants appliqued with a dog.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdR4sBZK2-yk3TxuRdoOVh-n1m0saGISjU4WUedN3PN2VtEv5v8Ed0l5xYpZLpthyphenhypheni63EJb-dEJl6ftgDcGACkn2DSshF0aX5gZfkUFYMfa3M9MP3M0L0y2CPkKC4FDtcVZQ20XUpPRtR/s1600-h/1+april+09+136.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdR4sBZK2-yk3TxuRdoOVh-n1m0saGISjU4WUedN3PN2VtEv5v8Ed0l5xYpZLpthyphenhypheni63EJb-dEJl6ftgDcGACkn2DSshF0aX5gZfkUFYMfa3M9MP3M0L0y2CPkKC4FDtcVZQ20XUpPRtR/s320/1+april+09+136.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323087529522674338" border="0" /></a>The whole birthday ensemble. The cape is from ottobre 4/04, it's a cotton pique that was unfortunately stained in the prewash by some bleeding fabric. I felt very clever making up the crown all by my lonesome; it reverses to a robot print (we had a robot party) for wearing later, fits his head prefect, and I totally had a pattern I could have used. doh. Oops, oh well, now I know for little i's birthday next month.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQb5WBrYMR8NZWMEJdkMwE_HPjdyTdyrN4b_DaBi6EPsSAGkIexyemJLUzSphurocRcub6FESdhxOdHNG1XVRcnlpL19vT3s4cHGms61ns3CyF9wpeAF1_-D3h9-sxOzJ09OKycEvdvjm/s1600-h/1+april+09+137.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQb5WBrYMR8NZWMEJdkMwE_HPjdyTdyrN4b_DaBi6EPsSAGkIexyemJLUzSphurocRcub6FESdhxOdHNG1XVRcnlpL19vT3s4cHGms61ns3CyF9wpeAF1_-D3h9-sxOzJ09OKycEvdvjm/s320/1+april+09+137.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323087531912363330" border="0" /></a>Enjoying a new birthday toy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88xZtgmZtmrZ85vB130yWAdVykL4N206MBdmO7m54_vip3le_FMKJblopRH1R4icu0qQOV9V4VRCYZnqAlsyHJ2ZOrBXiO6PgevkK_AcMCzF55NE9kTP1If51p6WVLIbSRGbAb8t6JYDL/s1600-h/1+april+09+145.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88xZtgmZtmrZ85vB130yWAdVykL4N206MBdmO7m54_vip3le_FMKJblopRH1R4icu0qQOV9V4VRCYZnqAlsyHJ2ZOrBXiO6PgevkK_AcMCzF55NE9kTP1If51p6WVLIbSRGbAb8t6JYDL/s320/1+april+09+145.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323087538258979666" border="0" /></a><br />Ready to blow out the candles on the orange robot cake. Yes, yes there are more then two candles on the cake and the decorations are all squished, but that is what happens when the kids help. :)<br /><br />I've been thinking that since baby n is 2 he kinda needs a new blog name, as he really isn't so baby anymore (at least that is what he tells me). I've been racking my brains for a new name, and had been coming up with zilch (don't ask how long it took me to come up with the blog name, it's embarrassing). Yesterday the coffee guy comments that baby n looked like the kid from the <span style="font-style: italic;">where the wild things are</span>, sure enough he did and moreso, he <span style="font-style: italic;">acts</span> like the kid from the book, so there it is baby n is now wild thing. :)<br /><br />I've got more projects to post so look for another post later today or tomorrow!<br /><br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-23249669388253734032009-03-25T09:29:00.000-07:002009-03-25T10:27:08.060-07:00A few random projectsHaven't really been doing much sewing, we've been taking turns being sick this past month. But I finally finished up a few projects so I thought I would share.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1mar09150.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1mar09150.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Pair of wide leg lounge pants. I had initially made a regular elastic encased waistband, but got some cotton/lycra fabric in the mail and decided that a yoga style waist would be fun to try. I now have 2 more pairs of pants in the mending pile to convert to yoga style waistband. No idea what took me so long to try it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1mar09148.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1mar09148.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A raglan style night dress to try out a new pattern. (it's new look but i don't have the number off the top of my head)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1mar09197.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1mar09197.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A fun springy top also to try out a new pattern, I really like this one! (also new look, i think...)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1mar09198.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1mar09198.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The back. The pattern called for the back to be cut in two pieces but i was feeling very very lazy so I cut on the fold and just cut the slit down to the notch for the keyhole opening and finished the edge like the pattern directions.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1mar09181.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1mar09181.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />finished up the froggy socks for baby n. I was being to think this yarn didn't want to become socks (or the kid didn't want it too) cause the boys frogged it too many times to count. Broken needles. Cast on the wrong size. You name it, it's gone wrong. Anyway, finally just sat down and worked on them (it had been sitting in my diaper bag) and I think they are really cute!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1mar09180.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1mar09180.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A solo sock for me. I had every intention of making a second sock but the second skein of yarn has gone MIA. So I am off onto a new project, maybe I will make mismatch for this one some day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1mar09199.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1mar09199.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />We finally had a nice day (with no one sick) so I dyed up a skein of sock yarn. I was going for a deep indigo, but I quite like the result and I think it will make a fun pair of socks. (It looks a bit washed out in the pic it's about 2 shades darker.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1mar09240.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1mar09240.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I liked the color in the dye pot so much that I got out the wool/silk shawl that I had half dyed a while back. I couldn't decided on a color for the cream side so I had left it for a while and decided on a whim that this blue would be perfect! I love how it turned out! Totally different than anything else i have. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1mar09201.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1mar09201.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Attempting to take a picture with the wind blowing, lol, didn't turn out well. In case ya can't tell it's gradation dyed (darker at the edge gradually fading to the cream in the center.)<br /><br />I am doing a bit of mending/altering right now and working on my first Cookie A sock pattern! Oh and I got all of my fat quarters from the sewmamasew swap! I need to take pictures and share all of the wonderful goodies and notes.<br /><br />Take care,<br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-14605304513609245272009-03-07T06:45:00.000-08:002009-03-07T07:53:25.426-08:00All that dreaded sewingHello again, too much time has past yet again and I haven't posted. I had a sick little i this week so my time has been spent cuddling (which I love) and cleaning up sickies (which I do NOT love) and enjoying some lovely weather. I meant to try and take better pictures of the projects, but I don't think that is going to happen any time soonish, so y'all will have to take my word that they are super fabulous. ;) </span><p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br />A couple of months ago I decided the boys needed new and shorter curtains in their room, and at about the same time found out one of my favorite prints was being reprinted on home decor fabric. yipee!!! So when said fabric went on sale I snapped up several yards to make curtains. Once I got the fabric, I was overjoyed at the cuteness and decided it was indeed perfect for the boys' jungle themed room, and then realized this meant I actually had to sew curtains. Oh dear. I dislike curtains, we have lived in 6 different homes and have had to get different curtains in every single house and I have made 2 sets of curtains. Both of which did not turn out fantastic but did the job. Oh right, and one set was made out of sheets where all I had to do was make a rod pocket. So anyway, I fretted and plotted for a couple months on what to do about the loathed task of actually making the curtains and not just admiring the amazingly cute fabric. Finally, with a little nudge from my Mom I ironed and measured and ironed and ironed and ironed and finally, cut the fabric. :) I must say I am quite pleased with the results!</span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span> </p><p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09123.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09123.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />I know it is difficult to tell, but the print is Alexander Henry's 2 D zoo in blue. I tried a modified roman shade style with the ties shortened and attached snaps to the ties to hold the curtain up. It works wonderful! The boys can't mess with the curtain and I don't have to worry about long ties hurting the boys.</span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09128.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09128.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">No I did not take the picture while dropping the camera, baby n decided he wanted in on the picture taking fun and this is the pic HE took of the curtain. Sadly, it's better than the one i took!<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:100%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09131.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09131.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></span><p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I decided to whip up a little fabric bin for my knit scrap fabric. I had a laundry basket but it didn’t fit in the corner very well and was difficult to lift out and actually use the scraps!</span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09133.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09133.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Beanbag chairs made using the Michael Miller blog tutorial. I didn’t make the inner portion of the beanbag with the stuffing material, I instead made easy to open enclosures so they can be filled with stuffed animals! They hold quite a bit, and they boys think they are great fun to fill and drag around the house. I think they are kinda lumpy to sit on but the boys don’t seem to mind and the dog likes them too. Each the pattern calls for 3 yards of fabric but I did notice that did not take into account directional fabric, so if you have a print that would look odd running sideways then get 2 yards. ;)</span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:100%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09140.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09140.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Duvet covers for the boys, they coordinate but are slightly different. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09138.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09138.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">So there it is all of the dreaded sewing for the house, not my favorite stuff to sew but very rewarding (and useful!) to have it all done.<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" face="arial" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" face="arial" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Annmarie<br /></span></p> <span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:100%;" > </span>Annmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-17181136855940580532009-02-23T11:48:00.000-08:002009-02-23T13:04:47.558-08:00Dirty LaundryYup, gonna show ya my dirty laundry today! I know y'all are terrible excited about that! ;)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1feb09084.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1feb09084.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Haha, see, nothing to cringe about! Just the hampers :) I've been needing to do this for a loooong time, like 6 months. My older hamper tore at one corner and was no longer performing well as a hamper. It was also ugly. New extra large sorters, they are attached with snaps so they are much easier to get off to wash if they get icky from wet towels and gross field uniforms. Not sure how the snaps will hold up so I will just have to wait and see!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1feb09090.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1feb09090.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A patchy scarf for baby n; I've seen a couple of patchwork scarves for woman on etsy, and had a stack of charm squares that I thought would work well, the reverse is some textured fleece I had leftover from a hat and mitten set.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1feb09088.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1feb09088.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Completely impractical sewing for February, a lovely aqua blue knit dress. I love this fabric and had to have it when I saw it; I had two maternity tops in similar fabric and was very very sad when I could no longer wear them! The pattern is <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/patterns/sewingpatterns.pl?patternid=17562">new look 6774</a>, it's for wovens but it's the style I wanted so decided to make the smallest size and omitted the zip. It was still a bit big so I took in a bit (about 3" total) and it fits fairly well. I used interfacing (cause the pattern called for it) for knits and i really don't love the interfacing, it's very stiff and kinda itchy. If I use this pattern again I think I will omit the interfacing but keep the lining on the bodice.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1feb09089.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1feb09089.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Close up of bodice, i like that the top actually crosses in front and isn't a mock cross.<br /><br />I have sewed some other items but they are secret fairy gifts so I can't share them here :)<br /><br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-66556420974775088922009-02-16T09:33:00.000-08:002009-02-16T11:29:27.205-08:00New patterns, spring sewing!Boy do I need to keep better track of the cord thingy to the camera! I have been snapping pics all week and keep meaning to upload them but kept getting distracted in my hunt for it...<br /><br />First Project: Ava handbag<br /><br />Lovely pattern, easy with a fun shape and reversible<br /><br /><img src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1feb09055.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1feb09057.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><br />Close up of the flowers are outlined in gold gild, so it's slightly shimmery<br /><br /><img src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1feb09059.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><br />Reverse to organic avocado twill, love this fabric!<br /><br />Next project is Stella Apron, also by grand revival.<br /><img src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1feb09066.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><br />I used park slope material, i think is nice and springy.<br /><br /><img src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1feb09067.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><br />sorry the pics are funky i've been messing with the manual settings and need to work on it.<br /><br />I really like this pattern and LOVE the apron! My only complaint is it calls for prepackaged bias tape and I wanted to make my own and wasn't sure how wide to make the bias tape so i just guessed.<br /><br /><img src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1feb09058.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><br />trousers for baby n, these match the kimono jacket, the pair on the left are quite long so they get rolled up. and the pair on the right only have elastic in the back so the front looks nice and neat.<br /><br /><img src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1feb09071.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><br />appliqued tee from target for valentine's day. as you can see baby n had already hit the frosted cookies. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1feb09078.jpg%20"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1feb09078.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Had to share this pic! little i got a toy sewing machine yesterday (which i broke straight out of the box opps) and played with it all night. He needed just two more minutes mama and I walked into the kitchen to see this!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1feb09079.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1feb09079.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I think I need multiple copies of this one to share with all future girlfriends!<br /><br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-3029580840594742402009-02-05T19:54:00.000-08:002009-02-09T07:52:03.690-08:00Stash interviewOver on <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=731">sewmamasew</a> a stash interview was posted so I thought I would answer a few questions.<br /><ul><li>What do you usually sew? all sorts of things, whatever strikes my fancy really. clothes for the boys and myself, handbags, stuff for the house.<br /></li><li>When you shop for fabric, what size cuts do you usually buy? (i.e. If you see something beautiful, but you don’t have a use for it right away, how much do you buy?) with no project in mind, 2 yards for knits, anywhere from 1/2 yard to a yard of wovens, but am rethinking prints for the boys, might need more as they are getting bigger.<br /></li><li>Do you buy on impulse or do you go out looking for something you need? err both? i tend to look for something I need but get distracted by pretty fabric.<br /></li><li>Are you a pre-washer? If you are, do you wash your fabric before you need it, or only when you’re ready to use it? YES! Everything gets prewashed the second it comes into the house. nothing worse than having a project ruined due to color running (turquoise based dyes take the longest to rinse out so turquoise and red are the worst offends here) or shrinkage. I didn't prewash stuff in college cause I was broke and ended up with items that didn't work out. Plus, I like folding fabric.<br /></li><li>Do you iron it? mheh sometimes. depends on my mood. and wrinkliness.<br /></li><li>How do you sort it? (color, print size, collection, etc.) color/intended project for quilters cotton. subject matter for knits (i am a geek I reorganized so all the land based animals and water based animals were all together.) by color for solids.<br /></li><li>Do you have any special folding techniques? yup just started ruler folding and it's so great! I can actually see what all of the prints are.<br /></li><li>How do you store your fabric? On shelves in the closet, 2 bookcases and 2 rubbermaids for the wool and velours. Drawers for scraps and fat quarters<br /></li><li>What tips do you have for building up a well-rounded stash? buy boring coordinates and don't worry about having a rainbow of color if there is a color you don't like (not much pink for me!)<br /></li><li>When do you say enough is enough? that's tough. when i spend more time picking fabric up off the floor cause the boys were 'sewing' than actually sewing<br /></li><li>What are some of your favorite stash-busting projects? lined pants for the boys. skirts for me.<br /></li><li>Do you have a current favorite print in your stash? Let’s see it! </li></ul><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09034.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09034.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />its from an oop line amy butler charm.<br /><ul><li>What’s your definition of the perfect stash? when i have enough to sew but not too much that I can't move around!</li></ul><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09033.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09033.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />quilter's cottons and a few solid knits<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09035.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09035.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Knits for the boys<br /><br />there is more in the closet but it is impossible to take a decent pic of!<br /><br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-25247250647463459892009-02-03T18:22:00.000-08:002009-02-03T18:53:13.602-08:00Sew Much...Sorry not feeling terribly creative with words. We all have head colds. Here's the sewing for the past couple days, I am participating in a 'Stash Game' on the sewingmamas.com forum and we get points for sewing (neg points for buying fabric) so I have loads of projects lined up.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09013.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09013.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A lovely linen spring dress for me. I lurve the style of this dress! It was big (think bag like big, not flowy big) in the torso, so I took it in by adding pleats to the side seams.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09014.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I have a cute knit (yeah that one I feel off the wagon and bought!) that would look great as a long sleeve tee under this dress. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09030.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09030.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Dog bed slipcover. Really it's just a pillow, but the dog sleeps on it ;) it's reversible the reverse in the same fabric as the apron I made myself a couple weeks ago.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09015.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09015.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Toy buckle carrier for baby n, he has been wanting to play with little i's and little i is usually using it, so it was not working out well. Super cute hedgehogs and numbers print.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09024.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Grey ruffle capris. This was white interlock that got accidentally stained in the prewash. Sigh. I had been looking for grey fabric and have charcoal dye so there ya go. :D The leg is slimmer than the previous pair I made.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09018.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09018.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Kimono jacket for baby n, such a fun print! It modish little birdies on flowers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09020.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09020.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Reverse of kimono jacket.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09021.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09021.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Back.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09022.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09022.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Close up of sleeve/binding. I so enjoy this print!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1feb09001.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Medium pressing mat, has 1 layer of insul-bright and a layer of bamboo batting (it's what i had on hand). Perfect size side by side with my cutting mat.<br /><br /><br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-75440050809091777842009-02-01T12:59:00.000-08:002009-02-01T13:27:37.817-08:00Birthday PresentsFinished these up last week and, of course, only just found the cord thingy for my camera. It was my friend M's birthday last week and her daughter's 1st birthday the week before that. I couldn't decide what to get them and procrastinated until the afternoon of M's birthday. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">opps</span>. Bad friend! Anyway, decided to whip up an apron for M and a little sun dress for the baby girl :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09181.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09181.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Tunic dress from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ottobre</span> 1/2009, I think it's #14. I think it's very sweet, the gathered bodice was fun for something different.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09186.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09186.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Emmaline Apron, I cheated again and only used 1 yard for the straps. The print really isn't quite so florescent.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09187.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09187.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The reverse. This fabric is really thin (like voile weight) so I wasn't sure what I could do with it, works well in the reversible apron!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09193.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09193.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Better pic of the colors.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09196.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09196.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Finally finished a pair of knit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">longies</span>!! After only a year of trying to knit a pair and having sizing and stitches problems, i finished a pair. This was how baby n decided to model them for action pics. The yarn is bulky weight from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">knitpicks</span>, so they went pretty fast.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09215.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09215.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Wall-e tee shirt redo. This was a short sleeve tee and the neck was tiny, poor little i couldn't get his noggin to fit. It fit otherwise, so I redid the sleeves <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">raglan</span> and made the neck bigger. Went a head and did long sleeves so he can keep wearing it!<br /><br />Lots of projects to come :)<br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-2275081863582039622009-01-28T12:11:00.000-08:002009-01-28T12:44:02.060-08:00First Bloom Spring HoodieDecided I wanted to make a lighter weight hoodie for spring, I found a lovely pattern for basic tees and hoodies for women <span style="font-style: italic;">and men</span>, and decided to give it a shot. It turned out true to size, so hopefully the men's will be true to size and work for Kev when he gets home. The front and back are two different colors, but i think the layered sleeves and lined hood in both colors pulls it together.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/IMG_2472.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/IMG_2472.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The lavender is rib knit and the olive green is interlock both from the local JoAnn's. I decided to add a little embroidery on the pocket, just a vine and some leaves.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/IMG_2476.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/IMG_2476.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I read about using double strands of embroidery thread to make the embroidery stand out, I usually end up stitching the emboridery twice, to make it more noticeable; the double stranding works really nicely! Makes the stitches pop. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/IMG_2473.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/IMG_2473.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />And the bloom! I knew I wanted a simple lily like flower, I was getting ready to look for clip art shapes when the new kids ottobre magazine showed up and had the prefect flower all ready to be traced!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/IMG_2475.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/IMG_2475.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Little bit closer up of the flower. there are red/orange seedy things in the middle of the flower (double strand of embroidery thread again :).<br /><br />I actually made NO modifications to the pattern! It was long enough in the sleeves and body length and wide enough in the shoulders for me! I think the only thing I would change is the boxiness in the body, i like things to be a bit more fitted in the waist but it does work nicely for layer.<br /><br />I also finished a pair of Knickerbocker inspired short for little i, but, well they look a little <span style="font-style: italic;">Pirate of the Penzance</span> to me. Little i declared them 'perfect!' and wore them all day, so maybe I won't change them after all and take a pic once they are out of the dryer.<br /><br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-20258846218177952362009-01-23T17:22:00.000-08:002009-01-23T17:54:35.449-08:00My first ruffle projectYup. Pretty sure. I've been sewing since childhood, but I am pretty sure I have never made anything with ruffles. Actually, I don't even think I <span style="font-style: italic;">own</span> anything with ruffles. Obviously, when I sew for the boys the projects are ruffle free, but I don't really *do* super girly stuff. But, someone was talking about <a href="http://matildajaneclothing.com/viewcategory.php?ID=3">Matilda Jane</a> clothing and I feel in love with the adult ruffle pants. So fun and different (well, for me at least!) that I had to try making a pair (remember no rtw clothing? ;)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09127.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 90px; height: 317px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09127.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I used a medium weight jersey brown/red heathered. So comfy to wear! My worn out pj pants were the pattern again and i just added the ruffle; it was about 1.75 times longer then the hem of my pants. I tried the ruffler/gatherer stitch on my serger but was having a bit of a user error problem. The fabric looked like it was eased instead of really gathered; gotta work on that! I just pinned gathers into when attaching to the pants and sergered (does that make sense?)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09132.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09132.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09131.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09131.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I love that baby n is trying to do tree pose too!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09128.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09128.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Ignore my poor posture I was trying to show off the pants ;P I think if I made them again I would make them a little shorter, like capri length, and a bit slimmer in the leg (that would depend on the weight of the fabric though!)<br /><br />I've been working on a lint collecting UFO, It's almost done, but my machine needs a break!<br /><br />Love<br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-82819873460148074392009-01-21T21:20:00.000-08:002009-01-21T22:32:50.094-08:00Kimono tops and pants, pants, pantsI finished up some of these projects over the weekend but have finally sat down at the computer. But first. sigh...I have a confession to make. I bought fabric. Not just need to finish a project, need a yard of yellow knit. Nope. Cute stuff. Boy knits at Joann's (on sale). Really, BOY knits at Joann's!! And a cute knit for me online as I needed size tags. January fabric sales make a diet very challenging. Anyway fell off the wagon, but I am back on and planning to participate in stash game on Sewing Mamas Forum. Gotta make sure I know all the rules, but it's just for fun; sew what ya got and no buying new fabric or you lose points.<br /><br />First project! A little kimono lightweight jacket for little i and coordinating fancy pants. Well they aren't fancy as in frilly and only wear to church, just more involved then the typical 10 minute pants I've been making.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09115.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09115.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>This was marketed as a girl's pattern but I thought it would be cute for my guys too! I did a halfway length, they had a short jacket or knee length jacket and I decided about the middle would be good. I used snaps instead of ties and the fabric is featherweight cord.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09123.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09123.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The reverse or lining (I made it fully reversible!) The two prints used were cause err I couldn't decide. No really! It had nothing to do with the fact I only bought a yard of each and didn't have enough of either to do the whole top :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09124.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09124.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Close up of the prints. I love the animal print!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09125.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09125.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The back of the jacket. This came together really quick! I can see myself making another one :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09126.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09126.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Green fancy pants. From Ottobre umm 1/08, I think? I haven't got the new one yet so pretty sure that's the spring one I've been using. The fabric is a diagonal lime green/regular green twill. Very nice to sew and perfect weight for spring. I did a boo boo and forgot seam allowances (again) and kinda goofed the billows pocket but it turned out pretty nice. Oh and I didn't use a zip like they said to cause, yeah it would be 2.25 inches long. really? all that work for less than 3 inches of zipper? So I added snaps instead and they coordinate with the kimono top. Two<br /> of the tees coordinate with the pants too!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09114.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09114.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Fixed up Woollybottoms footies. Managed to get my hands on some woollybottoms (made of recycled wool, hard to get around here :) and little i loved them so much he wore holes in the legs where the back of the leg meets the foot! I took off the old feet, attached new ones with an extra long footbed that folds up behind his heel so he hopefully won't do that again. I had to use different fabric, and we picked out the robot fabric so it matches his shirt. He was so nice to show off my machine appliqued suede grippies on the foot.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09121.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09121.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Desert Pants also from afore mentioned Ottobre. This is such a cool pattern you only need one cut of fabric. Not two like I cut this morning! I added a super huge pocket that I am told can fit a checkbook, keys, 5 cars, a pencil and wadded up tissue paper.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09118.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09118.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Annnd this would be the second cut of the fabric! I cut it down to baby n's size added a not quite as huge pocket and reverse appliqued a tee I had sitting around. Gotta say reverse applique is fun!! The rocket print was just perfect to reverse applique.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09108.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09108.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>A kimono top for me. I had finished this awhile ago but had some stitches come undone so it's been sitting in the sewing room in the dreaded mending pile. I know the picture is terrible but it's dark brown jersey, has lovely drape.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09112.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09112.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Last project!! Yes I am showing you my dirty laundry. Sorry about that! An open wetbag for my used kitchen towels and washclothes. I had been putting them in the hamper but it's cloth and would get smelly and gross and I would take apart the whole thing to wash it. Not. Fun. I then just piled the dirty towels in front of the garbage can in the kitchen and that was gross. So this has been in the back of my mind for awhile and I finally got some white PUL to do it. It's in two parts the outer fun fabric is lined and then the white bit is the PUL that can be pulled out and thrown in the wash. I can make more PUL liners as needed and keep the cute fabric cube in the kitchen :D.<br /><br />Okay that's it. Thanks for sticking with me through all of those projects! I did proofread this but blogger spellcheck isn't working and blogger's giving me fits. Sorry for the poor grammer and terrible spelling.<br /><br />Lots more to come!<br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-59306226646407597642009-01-16T09:07:00.000-08:002009-01-16T09:58:07.757-08:00Wardrobe StarterI've started working on little i's wardrobe. Got 5 raglan sleeve tees done over the past 2 day and made a nice dent in that stack of fabric he had picked out.<br /><br />I modified the pattern I had used for the boys' Christmas jammies so it's longer in the body and a bit slimmer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09090.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09090.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I decided to start with 2 long sleeved and 3 short. Totally awesome apple print (c &c) with some heathered grey, lime striped sleeves.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09093.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09093.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>This one is a cute dog print (from JOANNS!! why doesn't my joanns carry cute cotton knits?!?! pouts.) that I got in a trade. I am really glad I did contrasting sleeves as baby n looked very pitiful when he saw that the doggies were for little i, I have enough left over to work the print into a top for baby n too!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09105.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09105.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The rest of the tops. The skulls on the right are a thermal with grey/black stripes and bright green topstitching.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09106.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09106.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Closer up of the prints. I was so excited to be able to get the robot one on the left, it had been out of print and crazy hard (and expensive) to get so I was jumping up and down excited when I found out it was being reprinted. :D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09098.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09098.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Managed to finagle baby n into his hudson hat. He decided to ham it up for the camera last night.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09096.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09096.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />What a squishy tassel!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09104.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09104.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I can do it by. my. self.<br /><br />Gotta go the boys are watering the plants for me...<br /><br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-79648893605990750112009-01-15T11:48:00.000-08:002009-01-15T12:10:40.579-08:00Purple Wool DressSo about a year ago when we decided to switch to cloth diapers, I discovered that I am not totally allergic to wool :) Very exciting for me because I was pretty much limited to cotton, silk or cashmere for sweaters. Now I have added some love wool items to my closet, as well use wool covers for the boys. (oh right and knit with wool) I had bought some wool jersey to make covers for the boys, but after making some shorties decided I liked interlock and blend wool better. So I had 2 lightly felted yards of jersey to do 'something' with. I decided to try out dip dying and make something for me out of it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09082.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09082.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I modified a pattern I had on hand and used a knit dress in my closet for inspiration. I am pretty happy with how it turned out. It's definitely unique!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09077.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09077.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It's slightly see through, so it will be an over other clothes type dress.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09079.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09079.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I overlapped the straps in the back and added a pleat to help it fit better.<br /><br /><br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-41911766898921101042009-01-14T07:19:00.000-08:002009-01-14T10:35:54.169-08:00Orange Coats Part 3Finally, Orange Coats Part 3, my coat. I think it should be subtitled 'I surrender!!!' This coat was challenging from the get go. Had a hard time finding lining material and buttons, ran out of thread twice, machine and fabric didn't get along. So finally, last night I just decided I needed to stop sewing on it. LOL At any rate, it's as done as it's going to be, it fits (oddly that was never a problem!) and will be warm.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09080.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09080.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I used a classic peacoat shape, mid length with a vent in the back and slit seam pockets. The pattern is McCall's 5525, I ended up cutting a size 12 as McCall's tend to fit very tight in the shoulders for me and it's easier to take in than add fabric! I decided to leave off the belt as I never like having a belt on a coat. I lined it with dupioni silk in a lovely warm brown, I think the color was called gingerbread. I ended up using fabric covered buttons (note: wool suiting is thick for a covered button!) as i didn't find coordinating buttons in the size I needed. The buttonholes...well let's just say the buttonhole feature on my machine is not my favorite feature and I would rather sew 2o zippers any day!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09081.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09081.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The hem is even i swear! I think i got it crooked on the hanger when I flipped it to show the back.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09085.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09085.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Quick run outside for some more self timer shots, coat was warm even in the wind, but my ears were cold!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09086.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09086.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Phew! Glad this project is finished :)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09087.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09087.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The trilogy, all ready for our next outing.<br /><br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-51410407185730971622009-01-12T17:17:00.000-08:002009-01-14T10:07:28.128-08:00Super Bright Domestic Goddess ApronFinished project! Got my Amy Butler pleat bodice domestic goddess sew along apron done. Wowza that is a long name for a project. When I first saw the AB apron pattern I thought it was very similar to the Sew Liberated Emmeline pattern, I am happy to say it's not. :D The pleat bodice, waistband, and straps are fully lined and there are cute little pockets on the skirt part. A moderately easy pattern, nothing too tricky, just a bit fiddly with all the pleats on the bodice and sewing the curved pockets. The one thing I would change is topstitching the open edge on the pocket. I also think it would be fun to make it totally reversible; all that would needed is cutting an extra skirt piece and the lining bodice piece in different fabric.<br /><br />I tried using my self timer for the pictures as the apron was hard to photograph on the hanger.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/IMG_2371.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/IMG_2371.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>As you can see, I had helpers! Super bright, fun fabric, mocca mums and lime green apple. It's <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> super bright!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/IMG_2373.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/IMG_2373.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I topstitched in pink for something different, and well, I have several spools of pink thread that have been neglected. (do you see that mischievous glint in baby n's eye?)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/IMG_2374.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/IMG_2374.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Yup ignore my face, trying to distract the boys from playing with the camera.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/IMG_2375.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/IMG_2375.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />patchwork potholder, i was feeling lazy and just turned and topstitched instead of doing a binding.<br /><br />ETA: Adding some detail pics ;) I realized something else I would change when using this apron yesterday; I think I will change the side that the towel loop is on, it's on the right and I am left handed so makes using it a bit awkward.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09076.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09076.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Pocket.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09073.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09073.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Bodice and waist.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09075.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/1jan09075.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I totally forgot about this! I made some little tags, mostly to sew the waist and necklines of clothes so the guys can figure out which side is the back. Couldn't decide on what to put on them so just went with the blog name :)<br /><br /><br />I had little i pick out some fabric for his spring wardrobe and the stack is taller than him! Glad he's excited for me to sew!<br /><br />Love<br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-29269252809593853082009-01-09T10:41:00.000-08:002009-01-10T11:10:04.031-08:00It's all a work in progressI was hoping to have a finished project to post this week but I haven't finished anything. My winter coat is kicking my booty. I had to take a break (and it's 50 degrees again, not feeling so urgent to finish it) as the hem has me all frustrated. Topstitching has been a beast on this coat, my presser foot and the material are not getting along. Anyway, here's a work in progress pic for the coat:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09066.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09066.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I decided work on my sew along apron instead last night, here's a little sneak peek:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09067.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09067.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />And I've been knitting another Hudson Hat; it's about 80% done and I actually used up some scraps! Guess I better find another biggish project :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09065.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09065.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I thought I'd add a fun pic of the boys. They think popsicles are a year round treat; I think they are an outside only summer treat. Our compromise is in the wintertime they are eaten in the bathtub as they are sticky and gross to clean up :D.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09045.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09045.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Take care, hope everyone is enjoying the new year.<br />Love<br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-84119934112982043422008-12-31T22:25:00.001-08:002009-01-01T09:08:49.261-08:00Happy New Year!Hard to believe a year is up again! I think the years are going by faster and faster. :)<br /><br />Well, I don't have a project to post, but I wanted to share my New Year's resolution. I don't typically make resolutions, but this year I have something specific and, hopefully, attainable in mind. I am going on a craft diet for 3 months. No new fabric, yarn, etc., with the exception of coop commitments I have already made and notions needed to finish a project. My supplies runneth over and I really want to use it not just stare at it nicely folded or stacked. The second part of my resolution is no buying new rtw (ready to wear) clothing (excluding special items and shoes). So everything for my spring wardrobe will be handmade or refashioned. This is going to be a wee bit challenging because I love spring dresses and skirts and end up with a closet full by June! I also plan on making most of little i's clothes for spring/summer so I shall be quite busy (baby n has soo soo many clothes, lots of wonderful handmedowns!). I've decided to give myself the option of purchasing one handmade item during this time, mostly because Kev will be deployed and I do my own present shopping while he is gone (Valentine's Day is smack in the middle of this time frame ;).<br /><br />So why handmade only? Why not! I can sew ;) (and knit) I have lots of wonderful patterns, fabrics, yarns, and i tend to love the fit and style of the handmade items I make moreso than rtw, why not stick with what I love? :D<br /><br />I am adding a pic of my last rtw purchase for the next 3 months: totally frivolous but a steal:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09016.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/1jan09016.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Faux fur lined slippers, very warm and cozy :)<br /><br />I'll keep the blog updated with my progress and if (really i am not going to ;) I slip up!<br /><br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-37738933710753384742008-12-30T14:20:00.000-08:002008-12-30T15:14:42.964-08:00The Rest of the Christmas PresentsThe boxes finally arrived so I can post the rest of the pictures!<br /><br />First off, it seems I owe my Dad any apology, I did not include a note about the pillow I made him and he was a bit confused; sorry Dad, it's not a heat therapy pillow, but a little birdie told me you might enjoy one... ;)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/15Dec08009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/15Dec08009.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>A BOOK pillow for my Dad and matching eyeglass case. As you can see the loose ribbon in the middle is the book marker ;). I got the idea from a <a href="http://www.sewliberated.com/patterns.html">sewliberated</a> pattern. Little i chose the fabric, the squirrel print is a lovely linen blend japanese import and the green underside it super soft corduroy. The pillow is slipcovered and the insert is muslin with two compartments. the top half is cotton stuffing and the bottom half is buckwheat hulls to give it a bit of weight.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/15Dec08015.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/15Dec08015.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Housewarming apron for my Mom. Patchwork squares are a charm pack from Moda (Sandy Gervais, Pumpkins Gone Wild) and the reverse is a coordinating print from the same line.<br /><br /><br />(I am taking a chance here and hoping that my brother without internet won't see this before he gets his present!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/15Dec08016.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/15Dec08016.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>A 'manly' apron for my youngest brother that just moved into his own apartment and coordinating flour sack handtowels. Both projects are from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Gifts-Stitch-Elegant-Projects/dp/0307347567">Simple Gifts to Stitch</a> and really are simple!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/15Dec08022.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/15Dec08022.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Hot/cold therapy packs for Kev's parents, sister and bil. Little i chose the print fabric again and they are backed with super velvety soft bamboo velour (I love this fabric!!!). They are slipcovered as well so the flaxseeds don't get washed. The little bag is for my sweet nephew (who just learned how to crawl yay!!), it's a boo boo bag, also filled with flaxseed, it's perfect for kids because there is no worry about their sensitive skin being damaged by ice. (and is fun to throw! LOL)<br /><br />That's all the gift sewing I did this year. I had wanted to do more, but time was too short. I do have some good ideas for next year! I am currently (finally) working on my winter coat. It was actually cold enough last week to make me think about sewing it! Annnd...I almost forgot! I know all of my sewing friends will understand! :) We rearranged some furniture in the house and all of my machines are in the sewing room! Yay! No more hauling fabric and projects all over the house. I can stand and surge (better for my back than sitting in the kitchen chair) and all of the difficult to store knits have their own storage area. :D<br /><br />Love,<br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709125981328508511.post-64780420591825905652008-12-29T19:09:00.000-08:002008-12-29T19:47:36.341-08:00Christmas Pajamas!Yes, yes late again, I know. Been having fun with the guys and finally uploaded our Christmas pics. I really like having matching pj's for the boys for Christmas cause I never liked the having to get dressed before we could open presents rule. Delayed the fun way too much for me ;) so I decided cute matching pj's are the way to go; still get fun coordinated pics on Christmas, and no delaying the fun! This is the first year I have made the pj's and didn't have any Christmasy fabric but I think they turned out cute. :)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/29dec08226.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/29dec08226.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Some lovely brushed cotton (super soft) sock monkeys for the pants. Hemp jersey (cause I can't find off white/cream cotton jersey LOL) tops, with rib knit raglan sleeves. Top stitching was done is red to make it more festive.<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/29dec08234.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/29dec08234.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Christmas Eve (yup that's really Kev, he's home on R &R!!!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/29dec08242.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/29dec08242.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Christmas morning! The boys had tons of fun opening presents except every time we said something was from, say Grandma Gayle, the boys would say 'Grandma open your present'!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/29dec08227.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/abentz_photo/Craft%20Items/29dec08227.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I also tried wrapping a few presents in fabric, I was surprised by how easy it was to do! No tape, no cutting off too much paper; just fold tuck and wrap in ribbon :).<br /><br />Love,<br />AnnmarieAnnmariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255155190614826203noreply@blogger.com2