Linen...

So a while ago I stocked up on all kinds of red fabric because I bought red Salt Water Sandals for Zoe. There is something about red shoes. I guess it reminded me of my own childhood.

The fabric is a Linen/ Cotton Blend. I have to say I really like the look of Linen. It is so breezy and airy. Perfect for hot humid summer days. It was a little more difficult to sew then the regular quilting cottons I usually opt for. The Blend was softer and smoother and I had to rip out a few seams because it kept sliding off of my machine and I ended up with a few crooked seams.

The pants are basic elastic waist pants. And the top is just a smocked top I made for her in the past. The whole outfit is a follow up on this.

Unlike the muslin/ PJ's version I made the top on this one a little longer and took the sides in a bit to give it a more form fitting look. Overall I like it.

I think Zoe likes it, too. What do you think??

Vintage sheets..

So a few weeks ago I went by one of our Goodwill stores and picked up 2 vintage bed sheets. After looking and contemplating what to do with them for several weeks I finally used them for pj's for Zoe. After my last project was finished, I was a little hooked on sewing more from my Ottobre magazine. I really wanted to sew some shorts for Zoe. So before cutting into the nice red linen I had bought for this project I wanted to make a "muslin" version from the traced pattern. So my vintage sheets came in handy for that. The pattern for the shorts is called "Hennina" in the latest Ottobre magazine. And I only tweaked the pattern a little bit by making the pants a little shorter and I didn't add the embellishment. So basically plain old shorts with an elastic waist.

I think the top and pants together make pretty comfy pj's for her. Pretty light. It seems to be the perfect combo for the hot and humid South Florida summer nights.

Ottobre 3/09

So a few weeks ago I received my first copy of the Finnish children's magazine Ottobre. After reading a few blog where Mama's raved about the magazine I figured I have to see myself what the hype was about. So of course as soon as it hit my doorstep I had to sit down and "read" the whole magazine. I was very impressed by all the different patterns (I think about 40 different ones). But then I looked at the pattern sheets and oh boy was I intimidated. All the patterns call for a seam allowance to add but the hem allowance was already included in the pattern. It made no sense to me. So I put it on the pile on my sewing table. It stayed there till a few days ago. I felt very brave that I could do this. So I picked out what seemed relatively simple to me, the "three way dress". There were only 5 pieces to cut out. Hey that sounded good to me. I traced a size 92. I figured Zoe will have plenty of room to grow into the dress. After tracing the pattern I added 3/8" seam allowance all around.

I have to say it came together fairly easily. I had some problems with the underarm seams. It just wasn't a smooth finish. So I just lined that area with some bias tape from the coordinating hem and sleeve fabric. By the way my fabric choices for this little dress where both by Alexander Henry found at my local Joann's.

I finished the little sleeves or frills with a rolled hem on my serger. And I have to say I was glad I decided to tackle my serger with the rolled hem and finally stopped being so afraid to do anything on it but to finish the seams. I really like the end result. Aside from the fact that the instructions are very minimal and definitely much less detailed then in a store bought pattern.

And more "Weekend sewing"

It seems like everything I sew these days involves "Weekend Sewing" of some kind. I guess I must really like it. This is my version of the Flower girl dress. I finished this way back when I first got the book. For some reason I never got around to posting about the dress. But here it goes.

The sizing is off somehow. But if I recall correctly I read that somewhere in Blog land.

After tracing the biggest size on pattern paper I realized it would be too small for Maya. So I just enlarged the bodice and I have to say the sizes are easily adjustable. The instructions where clearly written and it came together in 2 Nap sessions. I guess I just have to seize the opportunity whenever Zoe goes down for her nap. Sewing a few hours straight without interruptions is a rare around here.

Since making this for her Maya has worn it quite often. So I guess she must like it.

Girls wardrobe

Every time I go to the mall I end up being frustrated and head back home. I see thing and I am like, well I can do that without paying that much for it. So this summer I told myself I will sew everything the girls need for summer.
So here is a little something I have been working on.

Several action shots..

The skirt used to be a pair of Maya's worn out Jeans with a hole. So I cut off the legs and added some ruffles and denim trim and of course more fabric trim made with my bias maker. The fabric is from Heather Bailey's Freshcut line. I love the bright colors. And so does Maya.

Happy Birthday Maya

So last Saturday we celebrated Maya's 6th birthday. She invited the whole class and we had a Pool Party. It was great. I think all the kids and the parents loved it.

I guess the pictures speak more then a thousand words...

Here at the Hula Hup contest...

Maya expected cupcakes. Much to her surprise I figured an Ice cream cake is more appropriate. So I made my version of this in addition to the cupcakes.

It was really yummy. And the look on Maya's face was priceless. Hmmm blue whip cream...

Oh my...

..little artist in training...

I had just finished cleaning and put away the mop.

So what do I do? Laugh or be mad???

I just love my girls...