My First Flashback

March 17, 2013 by hungie gungie

I bought this shirt a while back at a thrift store, thinking that it looked big enough to fit me. I just loved that retro squirrel print! Trying it on at home, I soon realized that this shirt came straight from the tween department. It wouldn’t even stretch over my rib cage! That’s alright, I knew I could turn it into something cute for Avery.

Rae’s Flashback Skinny Tee was the perfect opportunity to use this fun print and to get some practice sewing with knits. The thrifted shirt only provided enough fabric for the front and back of the tee. So, I had to scavenge for sleeve fabric. I found a purple rayon knit shirt that I’d never worn balled up in my closet. (I couldn’t take it back to the store because my parents’ puppy chewed up the tags, thank you Lenny. ;) ) It was the perfect color for my sleeves, albeit, a difficult one for a novice- so thin and drapey.

Pretty sweet right? With all new sewing projects, you learn a lot. Rae’s pattern is perfection, and she gives so many wonderful hints and options. My excitement got the better of me, and I made a couple of errors.

#1. I did not pre-wash that rayon shirt! My cuffed sleeves shrunk to a 3/4 length! I cut them off, and may decide to turn it into a short sleever later. For now, its cool with a raw hem.

#2. I did not measure my child. She is 3 1/2 , and is always 50th percentile at the doc, so I just went with the standard 3T sizing. I should have taken into account that she “has a pot”(Pulp Fiction anyone?) and used Rae’s instructions for adding length. Oh well, I took out the bottom hem, and left that raw too.

Now we’re in business.

I added the stripe across the front to cover up a seam that existed in the original shirt. The back of the original shirt became the front of this tee. I’m kinda glad it was there because I wouldn’t have thought to add such a cute detail!

Avery loves it! And so do I! I cannot wait to make another Flashback Tee! It is just so satisfying to be able to create something as mundane as a tee-shirt. What kid would object to such comfort? Not mine!

Happy Monday!

~Caroline

Geranium in Voile

February 22, 2013 by hungie gungie

I sewed up a Geranium tunic for Corinne last week and finally cut into some much-loved AMH little folks voile.

I love how my last Geranium turned out for Ellery, and I love how different this one is. This fabric is so nice and light, i thought it would make a nice breezy top. I’m happy that she can wear this now right on into the Springtime.

(Seriously, Spring. Get a move on it!)

So, I added long sleeves here - not an option in the pattern, but I figured it would just look super cute and couldn’t be too hard.

For the sleeves, I used a pattern piece that I already had handy- from the baby in the hood jacket (from this book) that I made a couple of years ago for Grant. I added an elastic casing at the cuffs. I did trim my sleeve pattern piece down a little bit along the sides, but I wish I had left it as wide it was- I think this shirt would be perfection if the sleeves were just a teensy bit roomier. But, it’s totally wearable, and I’m loving it on her, so no biggie. Next time, next time….

Here’s “Coco” (as she is affectionately known around here) and her bribery snack of choice: baby Mum Mum crackers.

Anyway, to attach the sleeves, I didn’t really have a plan of attack since I’ve never sewn sleeves to a lined bodice. But, I remembered Rae’s tutorial and video for adding sleeves to a Washi dress, so I followed that… I’m sure there are other ways to add sleeves to a lined bodice, but the girl knows what she’s talking about, so I let her guide me through it. And it went very well… even though it looks all kinds of crazy when you’re sewing it up! No really… check out that video to see what I mean.

That’s what I love about sewing- sometimes you just have to trust the instructions in front of you and forego your own thought processes.

I always learn something. Always.

I made the 12-18 month size for my almost 11 month old! 11 months already?? what??

Instead of using 3 buttons as the pattern suggests, I decided to use 2 here just because I liked how it looked. I’m really digging this pattern and have seen so many great variations in the flickr pool.

Action shot!

Corinne has been walking since just after her 9 month birthday, and I really feel like she’s in the mix with the other *big* kids because of that.. but it’s funny because she still looks like such a baby to me… I took her to an open-gym today with tons of other kids and she had no problem leaving my side to cruise around after balls, crawl through tunnels, and at one point even walking up to some random boy on a bike and planting the biggest slobbery open-mouthed kiss on his face.

He liked it.

C’mon, wouldn’t you?

-Erin

Washi #1

October 19, 2012 by hungie gungie

I titled this post ‘Washi #1′ because there will be a #2. And a #3. Aaaaannnd probably a #4.

Really. I love it that much!

If you follow any action in sewing-blog land, you’ll have seen many Washi dressses and tunics floating around. It’s a thoughtful pattern created by Rae. Rae has some great patterns and tutorials out there- I’ve learned a LOT from her site, so it was no question that I’d give this pattern a try. The back of the dress/tunic has several rows of shirring that help to keep the bodice fitting comfortable, yet snug at the same time….the skirt piece is pleated….and I’m convinced this would look good on anyone.

I solicited some advice from Kristin (thanks girl!) who’s two Washis are some of my favorites. (You can check out tons in the Washi Flickr pool)

I especially loved her second (who didn’t?) which has a lovely scooped out neckline. I took her advice and cut about 1″ more into the pattern and shaped it a bit wider at the bottom to give it a fuller U shape. I lengthened my bodice 1″ since I’m tall (as in 5’11″ kind of tall)… I’m so glad i did- it pretty much fits perfectly. I also lengthened my skirt piece by a good 1 1/2 “ to hit right where I wanted it to. Better to give yourself a little wiggle room if you’re not sure…I added 2 1/2 inches to the pattern and then cut about an inch off before I hemmed it.

P.S., if you think you need to lengthen your bodice too, add the inch on the back piece above the highest shirring lines… the bottom shirring line should be right at the seam where the bodice meets the skirt. It seemed to work out nicely for me anyway.

My fabric choice is one I’m super happy with. It’s Marqueterie in Berry from Pat Bravo’s Indie line. I don’t own a whole lot of floral in my wardrobe, so I wasn’t too sure when I ordered it, but it spoke to me, so I went with it and crossed my fingers. I think it’s fallish, but at the same time i think the colors lend themselves to any season. Oh, I also cut my fabric pieces out oppostie than way Rae suggests, just because I liked the flowery parts to go across my body instead of up and down, just perferred it that way when I took a long look at it.

Oh, and don’t get ahead of yourself- make a muslin to make sure it’ll fit before you cut into your nice fabric. All you need to do is cut the bodice out and sew the bust darts…. depending on your chest size, you may need to do an FBA or SBA (as in a full or small bust adjustment). I did not have to make any adjustments… but I’m still nursing. Believe me when i tell you I will be making an SBA on this pattern when i stop! Bye, bye boobage….

I would say the ONLY thing I would change next time around is the armholes, which for me and my somewhat broad upper-body, fit just a little too snug- I’ll blame that on my years of competetive (update: *cough*…highschool) swimming growing up- not the pattern! I’ll probably cut into the armholes an extra 1/2″ next time around. No biggie. I’m still gonna wear the heck out of this.

It’s so satisfying to sew for ME! I’m still somewhat of a novice sewer (got 2 1/2 years of practice under my belt)… so if I can make one of these, so can you. After the last couple of dresses for Ell got hung up in the closet- probably for good- it was really nice to focus on my own wardrobe… which is now hurting just a little bit less thanks to this shirt.

I am envisioning a few more… one with long sleeves (Rae is working on that, yay!), A dress version, a mini version… yup, I said mini…. check out Kristin and Rae’s MINI Washi dresses for their girls…. riDONKulous! The possibilities are endless, which is the mark of such a great pattern- props to Rae for perfecting the design and sharing it with all of us who love to sew!

-Erin

Another Spring Top

May 31, 2012 by hungie gungie

Alright, so these photos aren’t great. They were taken by my 5-year-old on the iPad earlier today. I installed a WordPress app and wanted to see how easy it was to post from it. I accidentally published to the blog! Whoops!

Anyway, here is the second spring top I finished:

You probably recall from my last post that this pattern is a free tutorial from Made By Rae.

The floral print is from Jo-anns. Our local store was just renovated, and it is SO MUCH BETTER. They actually have TWO bathrooms for customers (with potty training children)! They used to send us to TJMaxx for that.

The coral cotton is an Amy Butler solid, “mango” I believe.

All in all this one came together pretty nicely. I opted not to do the pleats, and just gathered instead. I don’t think it is quite as polished this way, but still cute! You can see that I made little slits on the sides and was happy with that move. Might even make them deeper.

I’ll try to edit this post with a better photo as soon as I have an adult around to help me. Still, I’m thrilled to be sewing wearable items for myself! I urge you to try it!

Have a fantastic weekend!

~Caroline

Vintage Spring Top

May 20, 2012 by hungie gungie

Well, I had to get in on the Vintage May action too, especially when I came upon this sheet set at Goodwill last month.

The woman in front of me was fairly certain that her parents used to own a set! Sweet. My thinking was to use it for muslins, as I wanted to delve into some more advanced sewing. But, then again, it would be great if I actually could wear my ”practice” Spring Ruffle Top (minus the ruffles). What do you think?

I like it! You can find this tutorial by Rae, which appeared as a guest post a couple of years ago, on Sew Mama Sew, or in Rae’s tutorial section. Looked easy enough, and I was really excited about maternity alterations that were suggested by another contributor (help, can’t find a link to the woman who made a few of these, one with a tie on the bottom hem?). Anyhoo, yes, I said it, maternity. 16 weeks ya’ll! And now for the baby bump reveal…

Due date is very close to my birthday in early November, but I’m targeting Halloween, cause I just love it. I don’t think I will have any trouble fitting into this as I expand, it is pretty roomie. The new skill I attempted was adding piping to the bust seam and straps! Check it out… and allow me to enjoy my temporarily voluptuous (ha!) bosom.

I thought the addition of the lime green piping added to the retro-vintage vibe.

I hemmed the back piece a good bit shorter than the front. You kinda have to try it on and figure it out for yourself a bit. I really wished I’d included the arm divots, but it wasn’t making sense to me in the tutorial pics. I needed my mom to help me, but she was out-of-town!

Attempting a pigeon-toed pose.

I can just hear my childhood ballet teachers scolding me now. Seriously though, what’s with all the pigeon-toed poses out there?

Anyway, I’m pretty psyched to be sewing for myself for a change. I have a few more ideas up my sleeve, and some pretty fabric to cut up, so stay tuned.

Just for fun, I whipped up a couple of “Garden Skirts” for Ellery and Avery out of the big sheet.

Nice fourth position Ell!

I might have to make a grown up Garden Skirt. I actually have yet to sew with elastic thread, gonna try it.

Cheese!

~Caroline

Easy, Breezy, Ellery…

May 22, 2011 by hungie gungie

I love a good naptime sewing project. Rifling through my box of scraps, I found the start of a shirt that I had tossed aside a few months back. It’s just 2 panels sewn together, with an elastic casing at the top. I had some leftover bias tape from here, so I cut it in half and sewed the two ends to the front, and added a couple of buttons. Voila! A new flowy, flowery halter for my little darlin’.

I’m such a fan of this fabric. I love all the green in it, and the little orangeish-red dots in the center of the flowers. The halter straps are made from this. Both fabrics are from designer, Heather Bailey.

My kids were really good to me and slept a bit longer. Long enough for me to make a second attempt at sewing pants for E. My first try involved using MADE’s kid pants tutorial… they ended up being too tight and short on her, so today I drafted a quick pattern from an existing pair of pants. I’m so happy I did because they actually fit perfectly, and she didn’t cry for mercy when I put them on her.

I knew I wanted to give the girl some highwaters, or “cropped” pants as they call ‘em these days… I love how they look on her. Love her little ankles, and her new neon pink shoes that her friend Caroline gave her (she actually calls this little girl ”Friend Caroline” so as not to confuse her with her Aunt Caroline. ha).

Want a glimpse into of Ellery’s greatest talents? Okay! Here ya go:

Rifling through the fridge! Hope she finds something good…

Seriously, Ellery… tomatoes? Who’s child are you?

I’m kidding. This kid would eat tomatoes at every meal if I let her.

Now, if only she’d ask her Mommy for a napkin!

-Erin

Oldies, but goodies.

January 26, 2011 by hungie gungie

I was looking through some photos from one year ago and came across pictures of my first sewing projects. I think my very first project was a bib, but the first things I really enjoyed making were clothes for my girl. I made 2 apron shirts using Butterick’s pattern 5019. They were easy for a beginning sewer like myself, and required a yard or less of fabric and some bias tape.