Baby Clothes

This is a really old project. I think this was the 3rd item we did for my first sewing class. It's a little baby dress with bloomers. I think I found this fabric at Walmart for $1~$2/yard.


I didn't really want to sew baby clothes at the time. Buy now looking a back I realized how much I learned from this one project.

1. Invisible Zipper - I had to sew it on several times before it was "invisible".
2. Gathering
3. Stitch in the Ditch
4. Setting in Sleeves
5. Yokes
6. Collars
7. Curved Pockets
8. Elastic
9. Overlocking a curve - I had to do the bloomers twice, because I didn't curve with the overlock and ended up cutting my first pair of bloomers. I was very traumatized at the time.

I found out recently that they don't do this project anymore for the Intro Sewing class. I'm sorry to hear that since you do learn a lot from something so small.

Goodwill Trims

I love to wander in the Thrift Shops, Goodwills, and etc. Well in my last stroll through a Goodwill I found these trims for a steal!!!


Navy Grosgrain Ribbon $1.99
White Cotton Lace $2.99
1/4" Elastic $1.99 (not in picture)

They had several spools of each item. I should have bought all of them but wasn't sure that I should, since I'm such a pack rat. It's fun to find such good deals.

It's CLEAN .. . . mostly

In the midst of iron disaster I've forgotten to mention that I've got the garage mostly clean. I have the peg boards up, I just need some peg hooks. I have most of the shelves up. Only 2 boxes of fabric left to organize. I think that it's 80% complete. That's not too bad considering what it was like before. Here are some bad quality photos of my garage.

It's clean enough to fit 2 other people comfortably to work. If we were all just sewing I think I could fit 4 people (including me) to work in here and not feel too cramped. In fact I've had people come by and work in here. That's the real reason it got cleaned. We needed a bigger space to work.


I even moved my TV and DVD player out there in the corner, to have some background noise sewing. Maybe I'll catch up on all those TV shows I've missed since I don't have time for TV. Or not, I can imagine being planted in front of the TV and not working at all. But it's situated in front of the ironing board so that ironing isn't as tedious. If only my iron wasn't broken.


If you look closely there's hardly anything on the peg boards and it's still a little chaotic. I'm working on organizing it. Overall it's nice to have a space where I can invite a few people over to sew and have it be a productive space. I'll post later on all my organizing details, some of which I picked up from other websites. But for now I just wanted to brag about my 80%.

Disaster!! My Iron is Broken

Of course in the middle of a big project my iron breaks. This poor Panasonic my family bought 3+ years ago just gave up. My dad thinks I've fried it. I have no idea what's wrong with it other than it won't start when I plug it in. It actually died on me while I was trying to iron on some interfacing. But I've used it relentlessly and it's lived a good life fulfilling it's life as an iron. It wasn't the best iron but it was a working iron.

So now the big questions is what should a replace it with. I've been eying my friends $120 Rowenta that has it's own water tank and continuous stream of steam. Or there's this Reliable iron I've used and come to like that is $125. But that's a lot of money I don't have. We'll see what happens. I'll probably buy another cheap $50 one, if you can call $50 cheap. But in comparison to the $100+ irons I really want $50 is inexpensive.

Stray Socks, I have so many

Recently these books were pointed out to me and I can't stop obsessing about them.

Stray Sock Sewing: Making one of a Kind Creatures from Socks
Stray Sock Sewing Too: More Super-Cute Sock Softies to Make & Love

It combines two of my interests making plushies and RRR (recycle, reduce, reuse). I've already flipped through the books and think I have an idea on how to approach. I'm not sure if I need to own these books, yet. I'm going to try to do one of the projects and if I think I need more guidance, as opposed to a general idea on approach, then I might consider purchasing the books.

Some people have said that they would buy new socks for these projects. In a sense, I understand where they're coming from. You're cuddling a plushie that used to be someones smelly sock. But on the other hand, that defeats the whole stray sock concept, right? Then again, my socks usually don't match, so do I really own any stray socks?

Scrap Fabric, Ideas Apply Here

So I've been trying to clean out the garage, again! The question is always, "how small is a scrap of fabric TOO small to use?" I do have a few ideas of what to do with some of my scraps; tote bags, pincushions, pencil cases, tissue holders, draw string fish bags, and quilt squares (if I ever get around to quilting that is). But these still use a sizable amount of fabric. Of course, the question plagues me the rest of the day. Then off I go to the trusty (insert sarcasm here) Internet! My results are inconclusive.

Basically nothing is too small. Look at postage stamp quilts. And the basic premise of quilting is to use remnant fabric scraps. Which is why the idea of quilting, even though I've never quilted, is so alluring to me. So now I'm back to square one. Having to trust my gut instincts may just leave me with my garage fuller than before. It's a fine line between pack rat and hoarder. Sometimes, I don't know which side of the line I'm standing on.

On a brighter note, all my research gave me a two projects I'd definitely like to utilize with my scarp fabrics.

Fabric Curlers by Life with Monkey - These fabric curlers are soft and great to sleep in. At least it looks like a better alternative than those plastic pink ones everyone usually uses. I'm definitely excited to try this one out.

Jewelry Wrap by AgricanKelli - This is a traveling jewelry holder for the women on the go. I was just thinking I needed something like this since I've been traveling a little more this year. I was having problems with all my necklaces tangling up.

There were a lot of other good ideas, but they were either things that were similar to ideas I've already come up with or they didn't tickle my fancy.

Plaid Cape

I found this plaid fabric, with some digging, for $2/yard. I thought it would make a cute cape for Grip N Flip. So I tried to employ the techniques I learned from my Jacket to this cape. I don't know if it made a difference but it was fun nonetheless.

I ended up with some curling at the bottom since the fabric stretched a little. I trimmed it the best I could, but I guess it wasn't good enough. It doesn't bother me too much since this was for fun and a good learning experience. It also helps that this was one of the projects I started in the new year with the resurgence of my sewing mojo. I somehow lost my sewing mojo in the Autumn of last year and was afraid it wouldn't return. But all is well, it's come back with a vengeance.




Here's a closer look at the closure. I really like how the asymmetrical closure turned out. You can also catch a glimpse of the lining fabric. The lining has the cutest animal motif. I love the bunnies, ducks, dogs, cats, and chickens speckled throughout. I thought it would give the cape a more whimsical vibe. I know that no one would actually see it, but that's part of the fun. Having something only the wearer can appreciate is well worth it.


I found 3 of these buttons in my garage and decided they had to go on my cape. I haven't placed them yet. I wanted to see how the cape falls on Grip N Flip and place my buttons accordingly.

And now for the fun surprises. Inner pockets!!! I was able to sew a welt pocket for the inner breast pocket. It didn't turn out perfectly but I was going on gut and memory. I couldn't find my tailoring book for the instructions, I think I need to work a little harder on cleaning the garage.


There's MORE!! I also have a secret side pocket that isn't evident at a glimpse. This is what makes the cape special to me. I love adding secret pockets.


I really like how this cape turned out, I hope Grip N Flip likes it too!!!

Knock Off T-shirts

I was cleaning out the garage and found some of my old school projects. I think this is from 2007 but I'm not too sure. I thought it would be fun to post to see my progress since then. This was done for my intermediate sewing class. We had to knock off a t-shirt and then alter the pattern. I really hated this project and didn't really see the point but I had no say in the matter.

Here is the first shirt.


Here is the second shirt. I lengthened the sleeves and torso, then added a hood and front pocket.



Comparing these shirts to my current projects, I can really see my sewing progression. I'm not sure what to do with them now. Maybe I should stash them in the garage again to find in another few years to reminisce like this again.

African Prints

Sailor Venus was in Togo and brought back this shirt. It's not flattering or stylish, but she loves the bold colors and fun print. I have on in blue/green. I look like . . . . I'll show you if you see me but it's not flattering.

She asked me what I could to make it less of potato sack on her body. At first I was going to add some darts or maybe pleating to make it flattering on her body. But the more I played with the shirt, the more I realized that a few darts would not really make a difference. I spent random moments just staring at this shirt trying to find its true potential. And in a fit of inspiration I decided to hack it up to make a cute top.




Can you puzzle the pieces of this shirt back to it's original form?

Soft Tailored Jacket

For my Advanced Sewing class we had to sew a soft tailored women's jacket. Soft tailoring is using interfacing and steaming to shape the jacket as opposed to using stitches to shape a suit/jacket. That's a super abridged explanation.

Here's the finished project.





The jacket is made out of wool. I lined it with a blue bemberg rayon. I wish this jacket pattern had inner pockets. I really love secret pockets.


My first time doing welt pockets. It was a pain but I'm hoping with practice I'll get it down.


I was so frustrated with this bound button hole. I did three samples and they all turned out beautifully. But the one I put on the jacket was a disaster. It started to unravel and come apart.


I'm pretty satisfied on how my first jacket turned out. I'm hoping to get to men's wear in the not so distant future.

Spirograph Belt

A few months ago I had found a belt in the trash. Of course I took it home. I tried several different looks but this the one I finally settled on.


I'm really happy with the outcome.

LEO Time, Again

It's that time of year again for the LEO gift exchanges.

Just pillows, a blanket, and a scarf.





Nothing exciting or new but always fun to do.

Happy New Year

Happy New Years!!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful new year! I for one had all these wonderful plans to post past projects and update on my current ones. But as the wonderful Murphy never fails to bless me with his love even for this new year. I have currently no connection to the internet. The modem has blown up. If any of you really know me you shouldn't be surprised by this at all. But all my wonderful posting plans have been put to a halt. I only get internet now by mooching off a friend. But the good news is that without the thrall of the internet I have a new focus on sewing. So I'm churning a lot more projects out. Hopefully I get some internet back before the new semester and I'll be able to post something before I'm lost to school work for another half year.

Late Night Infomercials

Recently during late night infomercials I've been catching this one product called the Yudu. It's a do-it-yourself-at-home screen printing machine. It has everything. I mean everything. The machine does everything you would ever need for a simple screen printing job. It reminds me of a PCS (printer/copier/scanner). I can see its appeal. Who hasn't wanted to screen print a few shirts? Heck, I've wanted to screen print for as long as I've been crafty and I've recently taken a screen printing class just to squelch the obsession. And it looks simple and easy to use. But I'm not sure I'm ready to fork over $300 just yet. I think I'm going to stick to my ghetto ways for a little longer. But I have to say those infomercials are good. I've come close to falling for their siren's call.

Wired Frog Buttons, First Attempts

I found pictures of my first attempts at the wired frog buttons. I don't make them this way anymore, but it's fun to look back.

I made a photocopy of actual wired frog buttons and used them as a template. I placed pins in the areas where I wanted to bend or shape.


Now instead of a template I just free form them with my hands and some pliers. Ah the joys of trail and error. I'm pretty sure I'll figure out a better faster method next time.

Screen Printing 101

One of my projects from my summer screen printing class.

My projects were simplistic but I was aiming for understanding rather than trying to print my own art work like the other students. It also helps that I don't have my own artwork and have no drawing talent, which I need to work on. I only say that it helped, because some students got so caught up in their art they didn't have time to finish their projects. So their art became a hindrance.

I've only taken pictures of one project so far. I'll have to dig out the other ones.

This is one of my later projects. Art was done by a friend who requested this shirt.


Shirt: Koalas are 8's because they're telepathic and can control the weather

What's the meaning behind the shirt. I don't have first hand knowledge, but it's supposedly based off of a movie called The Nines with Ryan Reynolds, who my friend is a huge fan of, hence why this shirt was made. If you want to know about the meaning click on the link, I don't know if I can properly explain it since I've never seen the movie.

Qi Pao II

Here are the pictures of the qi pao I made for Sailor Venus. Her mom said that it was a nice dress but the colors are too dark. Her mom's right, I have no idea why Sailor Venus didn't want a gaudy and loud dress that would over power the brides wedding gown.

Wired Frog Buttons

A more in depth discussion on wired frog buttons. For a while now I've been trying to make my own version of these buttons. I've actually tried my hand several times at it, if you all remember Grip N Flip's Winter Formal Dress last year. I mean other than self torture why not buy the button. Well other than my masochistic tendencies, I do have legitimate reasons for trying to make my own.

Reasons for Making Wired Frog Buttons:

1. Color - No explanation needed.
   
2. Material - When I do find one in a matching color the cheap polyester just doesn't match the nice silk I bought.
3. Design - I would like to have the button match my fabric motif.
   
4. Originality - I know that no one in the world will have the same buttons as the dresses I produce. I can't make two buttons the same anyways, my skill level is still lacking.

I think this time I produced a much better button. There are still a few kinks I need to work out. But overall I'm satisfied with it's outcome. Here is a better picture of the button on the dress.


Through all that trail and error, meticulous prototyping, and the agony of failures, I proudly presented this button to my father. And his response was, "why didn't you buy a book?" And he claims to have seen one before. In a 30 second conversation with my father, he has the ability to make me want to gouge my eyes out in frustration. I might be a bit crazy, but if there was a book out there that would have taught me how to make these buttons I would have bought it, I don't enjoy torturing myself. But the twist is that after some thought he finishes with, "oh maybe you couldn't find these books because I think I saw them in Chinese." My father is an emotional roller coaster. If anyone out there wants to develop the urge gouge their eyes out in frustration, I will gladly send my father over for a visit.

Thailand T-shirts and Screen Printing

Last year in May I traveled to Thailand for a friend's wedding. One of the souvenirs I brought home were t-shirts made by local artists at Chatuchak Market Bangkok (aka Weekend Market). It was stuffy and a bit claustrophobic but really fun.


I was drawn to the artwork. I love the whimsical and off beat nature of the pieces that have a dash of steam punk surrealism mixed in. And I'm all for supporting local artist.








If you all haven't noticed I've been interested in screen printing for a while now. If the Tako Shirt and all those links at the side didn't give you that indication.

So after all these ghetto screen printing trails and tribulations, I decided to take a Textile Screen Printing Class over the summer. It was a short intense 4 week class, but I had a lot of fun. I'll have to pull them out of the garage and take pictures of them.

MY FINGER!!

Two weeks ago I was at a baby shower chatting with some friends. It turned to Project Runway, and one of them asked if I've ever sewed my finger, like some of the contestants have on the show. I thought about it and answered, "no matter how much pressure I'm under or if I'm in a rush I've never ever sewn my finger." And then I think I go on about how that would never EVER happen to me. So if any of you know me well enough, you can guess what happens to me a 1 week after this conversation.


That's right I sewed my finger on my sewing machine for the first time in my life.