sunday skirts :: dress refashion

I am really happy to have this new skirt.  I refashioned it from a dress I had for a long time but only wore once.  I searched all over the place for some thick elastic and was so happy that I found some on Amazon.com.  Now, all I have to do is figure out what else to use my 9 yards of thick black elastic for.  This was such an easy refashion, especially for me, a beginner!

This project is part of my 29 things before I turn 30 list.  

Click here to see all of the projects and other posts related to 

the list.  All items listed are a wide array of personal challenges.

I look forward to bettering myself this, my 29th year of life!

Tohoku Tote

I have been wanting to do make this bag for a while now.  It feels great checking if off of the list!
I got this pattern from a charitable person after I donated funds to the Japan relief effort.  You can read about it here.  I was happy to donate and I was grateful for this generous gift from someone not benefiting from my donation.  I am always a fan of charitable causes and I like to support.

I had a random tea towel from Ikea that I used for the other half of the interior.  I don't know why I did it like this when I had more of the main fabric.  I actually don't love the polka dots with the other pattern but I'll live.  I do like the pockets that I added on (the polka dot ones you see and there is another on the other side).   And I'm so glad I found some snaps to use too.  I like the closure capability to a bag.  I think I'll use this for my new diaper bag since I don't need as much space anymore. 

 

*  a few things:  I can't seem to focus enough to read a pattern.  I just looked at the pictures and winged it.  That made it take a lot longer and it wasn't that easy to make.  I really don't like the polka dots on the interior fabrib of the bag, like I mentioned above (I actually love my polka dot skirt).  And can you believe that my sewing machine broke right before the interior and exterior pieces were sewed together and the handles needed to go on as well?!!!  It was fun to be forced to hand stitch, though.  I really like to feel like I am working hard for a craft.

*  I posted this super flattering picture of me so I'll always remember how humid this day was and how I sat in my hot kitchen sewing away while my baby was screaming at me for more food every few seconds.  This was a nice day believe it or not.  I love getting things done.

//  and now on to finishing a gift I'm working on...

(Do you hate it when you are making something for someone and you can't stop thinking about whether or not they'll like it and you really just hope to pieces that they really like it for all the time you are putting into making it?  In the end I think it will just feel good to get it done and I love giving gifts so its all good either way.)

pieces of progress

easter sunday :: dress refashion

*  A beautiful holiday that also, for me, represents the death of Winter and the new life of Spring.
*  I am wearing a skirt I made out of a $6 dress.  This is officially my first (of many, I hope) refashioning endeavors.  One down many to go.

//  I love my little Easter family.

Sew Many Things

Sew Many Things : 2nd/27, as in, sewing projects during the 2nd year of marriage / and the 27 projects listed.  I decided to make a list of sewing projects that I'd like to finish before our anniversary.  I like that to be the beginning of new goals and such.  I look forward to documenting them here - continuing with this list in no particular order:

. chelsea bag
. skirts for nieces
. tag blanket
. cover crib bumper
. add ties to bumper
 .teething guards
. refashion thrifted skirt x 2
. sew adornments on niece's shirt x 2
. Christmas tablecloth and pillows
. curtains

. crochet hook roll x 2

. add to burp cloths

. etsy shop items (more on this is coming)

. seersucker pants for baby

. pillowcases for nieces x 2 

. summer skirts x 4

. soft shoes (2nd pair) for baby

. embroidered pillow cover x 2

. gray pillow cover w. fancy edge

. refashion dress x 2 1

. mend jeans, hoodie, 

. tova dress or tunic

. babies favorite blanket

. tohoku tote

. shirt dress

. bugs for baby

. travel blanket for baby

* long list but to me its not too daunting. I have all the materials for each item, all I need to do is focus.

* for the record, I am totally a beginner.  Really, I have no training besides the handful of times I sewed simple lines as a kid.  I didn't use a sewing machine for 15+ years before I got my own (a gift from my love).  Now I am a wife & mom and I am embracing the domestic genes each woman has.

* I am not a perfectionist when it comes to developing a new skill/hobby so that will explain a lot going forward.  I won't have any problem with how my projects turn out so, I am sorry if you do.  The point with this list and these projects is to become better...  Making life better and better day by day.  

Homemade shoes for O Baby

I bought this kit from Weepereas to sew my baby some little soft shoes.  I was very tempted to buy other items including some already made soft shoes, changing pad (I lost ours), perhaps a quilt or napping mat.  The fabrics are so darling.  However, I am really glad I decided to go ahead and purchase the pre-cut fabric and instructions and patterns (which comes with all size options).  

The reward is better and longer lasting, wouldn't you say.  

See, I made my boy some shoes!  

 The best part, they are reversible. 
The worst part, they are too big right now.
He still wears them though.  He is a nice boy.

Weepereas also has an etsy shop with more fabric options.