Football and Some Sewing

 I made this Tea party sundress the other day but just now have has time to sit down and blog about it. I was going to take pictures of it on Sweet pea yesterday but lets just say the day flew by! The whole dress was made out of scraps of fabric that I have been hording, errr saving.

 I was able to sit down and play around with some of the embrodery stitches my machine does, a fun way to play around with them. Plus the stitching matches the dress well.

This little fellow started football the other week. (The reason why I haven't really sew alot this week, that plus I have been under the weather too so I took a couple of days off from doing anything really.) It's his first year playing and he is having a blast! I'll have to take some pictures, it's the cutest thing to see these little guys playing like the big boys!

Have a great weekend!!

Sharon



A Jump Rope Dress or Two

Yes it's another Oliver + S. This is another Jump Rope dress just it's in view B. I love the lines of this dress. It's perfect for Sweet pea to play in and still  a bit girly. (don't look at the messy fabric in the back ground!)

I made this dress after the Charlie and Lola story books. It's not the same fabric but it is the same style of dress with the white collar. I do love Charlie and Lola!

And this dress goes great with corn!!

Here's another but with packets and a button tab on the sleeves. Notice the nicer edge stitching by my new side kick?!?

This is such a wonderful pattern and it has really grown on me.  I plan on making a few for the fall in long sleeve out of corduroy. Anyone else thinking of fall sewing yet too?

Happy Sewing!

Sharon

The Ruffles Sun Dress Tutorail

 I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! It was nice sunny and hot here, a great weekend! Now onto our tutorial.

You will need

two fabrics, about a 1/2 yard to 1 yard each . (less for a smaller girl more for an older.)

Elastic thread

thread

Now lets get started!

 1, This dress requires no pattern at all just simple cuts so it is pretty easy to make.

For the top of the dress measure you child and x that by 2. so Sweet pea's 20"x by 2 + 40. Since she was so close to 22 I just cut the intire width of the fabric. For little ones you need just one big cut but for older you'll need 2 pieces of fabric. (if your measurements is 25" you'll need two 25" cuts). or the lenght I measured a long Tshirt of hers. you won't want this part to long.***note if you are not using a serger add 1" to the lenght for narrow hemming.***

For the two rows of ruffles cut them 4"x double the width of the top piece you just cut out. Cut out both colors. ****note if you aren't using a serger add 1" for hems so instead of 4" make it 5"***

Cut out a width of the fabric x4" for straps.

 2, Serge or narrow hem both top and bottom of fabric. Sew the seam(s) together using a 3/8" seam allowance. For the narrow hem fold over and press 1'4" and then fold over again a 1/4" then stitch in place.

 Take your long 4" strips, the main color first and sew the strips together to make one long piece of fabric. Now take the second color and do the same.

Now place the two long strips of fabric you sewn together and place them right sides together and pin. Sew them with a 3/8" seam allowance. Press the seam towards the top9main fabric)  and then edge stitch the seam down.

 3; Now take the two short ends, pin together with right sides facing and stitch. Finish edges and press the seam.

 4; Now serge or narrow hem the top and the bottom of this piece.

Now make a gathering stitch across the top of the ruffle fabric, about 3/8" seam.

 5; Working on right sides of fabrics, over lap the ruffle fabric 1" over the main top piece. Gather evenly across pinning in place. Stitch over the gathering stitch so attach ruffle. (see next two pictures)

 6; Now mew 8 rows of shirring starting a 1/4" from the top and make them a 1?4" apart. Here is great tutorial on shirring.

 7; take the strap fabric and fold it in half, pinning in place. Sew with a 1/2" seam allowance, turn and press. Then edge stitch both sides.

 Now place the dress onto your little girl and measure the straps lenght and placement marking both. Take and finish the edges of the straps and then pin and sew in place. We are all done, enjoy!

Happy Sewing!

Sharon



The Sun Ruffle Dress

Lately I haven't put any tutorials up for you ladies or for my little Sweet pea but today I got a wind of inspiration for a beautiful sun inspired ruffle dress perfect for twirly for my newly dancing daughter!

 The top of the dress is shirred with serger finished edges, I have been wanting to make her a shirred top dress for some time now. It is made out of light weight cotton fabric so it is nice and cool on hot days and comfy with the shirring too! I will be posting the tutorial for this dress on Monday morning!!

 Can you tell where this is leading to??

Yep, too many photos Mama. Well not the best photos but it was the end of a long day. Maybe she'll sleep really well for us tonight. :)

Happy Sewing and have a blessed weekend!

Sharon

An Upcycle!

I had these two shirt sitting in closet and made them into a shirt and this dress for Sweet pea. She loves them but she really doesn't wear alot of knits.... until now! I use the Oliver + S  hopscotch pattern. It sews up very quickly and easy, about an hour for the dress. Can you tell I am addicted to these patterns lately?!?

 Sweet pea thought it was the perfect couch jumping dress so pardon the photos seeing she wouldn't sit still.

Happy Sewing!!

Sharon

All night Sewing Party at My House!!!

Yes, Sweet pea can hardly hold her excitement about this! I sat at my new sewing machine yesterday evening and got to know my new friend. I made Sweet pea this Hopscotch top first, which after I tried it on her she wouldn't give back, lol.

 And then the skirt to go with the top, I can't believe how nice my new machine sews. It makes sewing addictive, not that it wasn't already. ;) I also finished up the strips in Sweet pea's room yesterday morning. I thought I would never finish! 

 Say cheese!!

 The top is all knit, yes that's right! I was so excited to sew a top from a pattern and it turned out! The skirt has a working button placket down the center front and cute pockets that were inspired by Chinese take out boxes.

And a new bubble dress with the scallops. I love this fun print, it loos like bubble floating off in the summer breeze.

 and yes there is even more!! New curtains or Sweet pea's room makeover. I used fabric from Hobby Lobby, marked down to $7 a yard. I really love this print. Now all her rooms need is new carpet and a new home made bumper pad. whhew, I am tired!!

Happy Sewing Ladies!!

Sharon

Let's Go Explore!

 I was able to finally finish my boys' explorer vest tonight!! I used the pattern from the Little Things to Sew book. I don't know who is happier, them or me. My good old sewing machine started to have a number of problems and after weighing the cost of getting it fix and buying a new machine we decided to spring for a new one. (only $50 more for the new) This is that part that makes me happy!! :)

 They loved the pockets that were on the front and the back of the vest, lots of room for neat treasures they can find.

 This fellow found a pretty neat moth, it is pink and white. We haven't seen one of these before and he thought it was the coolest thing. Of course he found it because of his explorer vest. ;) or so he thought.

I hope every one's weekend is going well!

Sharon