Pinterest Inspired:

Simplicity 5259 and Butterick 5354

 

I have longed for this outfit since I saw it on the NEW social network- www.pinterest.com I am in love with this site. It’s the new FaceBook in my opinion. I have made both patterns before. I don’t have a photo or review of the skirt because it was before my blogging and Pattern Review days. I think I gave the skirt away. I’ll have to check on that.

View F...the pink one.

The top is found here. This one is in the trash because I already knew I wouldn’t keep it long. It was a ‘muslin’ per se.

The fabric for the top is a polyester jersey knit in cream from Fashion Fabrics and it’s been the stash for a while. The lace is a mystery with equal stretch as the knit and I don’t know where I bought it from.

 

For the skirt, I used a twill. It is a medium weight in celery green, I’d say. I love the feel of it. It was acquired during a swap with my sister-in-law about four or five years ago. I was going to make a jacket from the rest but thought it would be too much of that same color. I like it but I am not in love with it. I found a final resting place for it with my sister, Evoni. She would find something to make of it.

 

Both pieces are very easy to put together.

However, I complicated things with the lace on the top and I was going to line the skirt but then I didn’t have enough lining fabric so that got nixed. It still came out good.

 

I made the skirt in size 16 because that is how big I was when first made it. After fit and cut downs, I think I ended with a size 12. I am a 9/10 in ready to wear. I just had a baby girl, too. So, hopefully, I loose a little more weight. I know will since I am nursing.

I tried to do one of those cute pot shots...LOL

Here’s a better one.

Here is my Pinspiration piece:

Here is my version that I wore to church today:

I used what I had on hand. Nothing purchased. Boots and bag, of course. The color is more like the inspiration not the light turquoise looking color.

Excuse the face, it was sunny.

Message for today (Missionary’s Day): John 4:35 “It’s Harvest Time”

Jewelry - Not a good shot.

I know you may be saying, “Hey, that top doesn’t look like that pattern!” No, it doesn’t. I pinned out the tucks on the pattern then cut the fabric in the finished pin out. I only have lace in the front because that’s all I had enough for.

 

Ok, I admit. This looks nothing like my inspiration. But I like it a lot.

 

Well, that is all for this SOTD (Sass of the day). Yeah, I make up my own.

 

Until later. Peace, ya’ll.

Every Baby NEEDS Baby Bibs

What is a need?

A need is something that one can not do without. For a baby that would include diapers, milk (of some kind), blankets, etc…, and bibs. Bibs are for dribs. And every baby dribble and slob, and spit up. It sometimes get to projectile shooting. That’s when you throw all the bibs out the window and just grab a garbage bag. Just kidding.

I was browsing the net and found some really cute bib patterns. I refuse to buy a pattern since I have some that were not given away or donated. I could use those as templates and make my own design. Right? Right. That’s called frugality. My definition? The reality of being frugal.

I happened upon more than a few sites that had some really cute (and some not so cute) bib ideas. Here are some of the bibs that caught my eye.

From Nested

From the PaperSeed

How cute are these? Very cute. I love Paisley and Butterflies! Taken from Creativekismet by Regina Lord.

Taken from Goingsewcrazy.

Looking through these websites and others, I remembered I have TONS of scraps from previous projects. But, in particular, the blocked bib three photos up (the one with the strawberries and dot), made me remember about some fabric I had bought a WHILE back from a store on Etsy. I said fabric but when I got them, I saw scraps! They are actually leftover saree fabrics. And when I say left over, I mean the sewist made a saree, used the leftover for a sleeve cuff or two, then made some fabric necklaces, wiped his (I say ‘his’ because it was a man that I’d them bought them from.) behind, and then sold me what was left! Or I bought what was left…

Don’t misunderstand me, the fabric (read: scraps) are beautiful pieces. I just wish there were more (much more) to them. But, I figured I could sew the scraps together and make a blocked bib or two. Here are the fabric scraps.

front

                               back

I don’t know how many I will be able to get out of them. Probably one front and back or 2 if I make the back out of terry or something.

In the mean time, here are some that I had made while procrastinating on the scrap-blocked bib(s).

I used a bib that I had saved for one of older girls as a template.

I traced it onto the fabric at first

because I wasn’t thinking to just tape two sheets of paper together to get a bigger size. Duh.

But once I came to my senses and done so, I cut a few different fabrics that was in the stash.

I played around with bias.

After I got a little feel of what I was doing, I finished each one just a bit different. The main difference is either the bias trim or sew and turn. Here are the finished bibs.

Just a little closer:

and

Until the next project before my mojo get up and go without me.

~~Scheryka.

Hair Pretties

While taking a break from sewing for the Mt. Pleasant Annual Christmas Banquet, I wanted to do something with the girls because they have been neglected. Well, not entirely, because I was indeed sewing for them. I put my dress on hold because I FORGOT that if I don’t sew their dresses as well, then it might be a huge chance they would not have anything to wear. But those are a separate story.

I ran across this site From an Igloo by Christine who made the most adorable hair barrettes. I had to make the girls some. Before I went a bought any extra supplies we used what was on hand to see how easy this actually was. Let me tell, IT IS EASY.

The supplies you need (taken from Christine’s page) are:

You will need:
- Glue gun/glue
- Yarn (We used thick embroidery thread)
- Beads- (size was small not sure of a measurement)
- Thread/needle
- A piece of cording (Used some scrap small rope from last year’s Christmas gifts)
- Alligator clips or barrettes (The silver clasp barrettes works too)
- Scraps of fabric and –embellishments like ribbon and buttons.

Oh, and don’t forget the sharpie because your dolly needs a face.

I don’t have any in-process photos because working with an anxious 2 year old kind of makes it hard to work with hot glue and take photos. I do have the finished product which came out pretty well.

Ann wanted to wear hers today to church. I know the real reason. Every third Sunday is children’s church and she just had to have something to talk about. I can imagine how the conversation went. “Me and Mom made pretty dolls for my hair and I want to thank God for letting my Mom need a break from sewing because now I have something new for my hair.” Sounds like something she would say.

Here is a close-up: Ann made her dolly’s hair extra long because she says it reminded her that needs to not play in her hair again and I want to cut it to make it grow again. Lol. Kids. They really do listen and learn.

Here is the one I helped to make with Nii. I had to get this photo while she was sleeping. She had to get an after service nap because crankiness is not an option! Just go to sleep if you are sleepy… so Mom can get a photo of your ”pretty haaiirrr”. That is how Nii says it while rubbing her hands down the side of her face and head. You get the picture. But here is this one I had to sneak. She kept turning her head back so one is all I got.

You should give it a try if you have little ones or little grands. They are fast and easy and you can use different things to get different looks. I may make a few more because the girls have some brown see through beads that I want to play around with and see how they come out.

Until the Banquet items,

Schey

Obi Ob-cessory

I have been loving the Obi Belt since I first saw them. I just could never bring myself to buy one. I tried a while ago to make one but that was soon scrapped:

Back of said scrapped Obi.

Front of said scrapped Obi.

 

 

 

 

Said Obi on me. (Before I made the big chop.)                                         

I made this one without a pattern from an upholstery fabric I founds in Big Lots. I never knew Big Lots sold fabric. It was $5 for 6 yards, if I am remembering correctly. The peach trim is a polyester lining that I gathered and had sewn to the burgundy fabric. There was no need to interface it since it was stiff enough to stand and walk away on it’s own! 

So. It has been over a year since this belt has been made and discarded. Here’s to a new Obi. The instructions came from a YouTube tutorial.

Excuse the wrinkles. This was right after church.

Back.

Gems put on with the GemMagic to give it some oomph.

Some earrings I was playing around with. I made these with some scraps left over from the obi.

Well, that’s it on the Obi Belt.

Until later, Schey.

Color Blocking Is It:

Will you get color blocked?
From looking at the fashion icons, one can tell that color blocking is a wanted look. But do you have the guts to do it?
Picture taken from www.makeupandbeauty.com

Photo taken from www.thecurvyfashionista.mariedenee.com

Or do you think the clown in you will finally show up?
 Taken from www.clownsforhire.com

Well, color-blocking does not require a degree nor does it take any deep thinking. Just do what I done and search sites and other sewers. In my case, I happen to just traipse along in blog city and ran into Erica B. (Well, really I just about live on her site waiting for the next great item she’ll post.)
So, I used what I had (read: stash) to make what I wanted. I had Simplicity 2315 for a long time and used it for the bottom color in which I made hot pink.

 Description: Misses’ petite skirt in two lengths and slim pants. Originally I was supposed to make the pants but I made the shorter of the skirts. 
Sizes: Comes in 6 to 22. I made the 16.
Did it look like the photo or drawing once done? Yes, except for my omissions.
Were the instructions easy to follow? No instructions needed. I have gotten to the point where the basic items have basic construction and if you have made one then you’ve pretty much made the rest.
What did you like or dislike about the pattern? I don’t quite remember if I have ever made a lapped vented skirt but I like it. There are really no dislikes but if it’s made again, I’ll probably line it.
Fabric used? Again, this came from the stash and I am not sure if it was the linen blend or the twill. It is not as light as linen nor is it as some twill. If I had to choose, maybe I’d say medium weight twill. If there is such a thing. I ran into at Hancock a while back for $1.49 a yard.
Alterations or design changes? 1. I left of the tabs or ties. 2. Instead of the lapped zipper, I put in a regular zip. I just couldn’t get to to lap right. So, that’s another try for another project. For right now, I was going for quick and easy. I ripped it once, put in a regular zip and kept it moving.
Would I sew again? or recommend? Yes, I may and yes, I do.
 
For the top I used McCall’s 5661. I made it in orange.
Description: A Palmer Pletsch Perfect Fit Misses’ Top and Belt. I made the pink top, view B.
Sizes: 8 to 24. I made the 14 but could have made 12. I wanted to be safe because my fabric had just slight of stretch being it is a crinkle.
Did it look like the photo or drawing once done? Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, if you have sewn a PP pattern before. Once you get past the fitting tips (which I ignored because again, I was going for quick), everything was ok. But then again, I really only used them for the facing pieces.
What I liked and disliked about this pattern? Well, I am still not sure if I like it or not. I bought the pattern on a whim because of the green view. After I got it home I realized: 1. It’s not a stretch, and 2. There are buttons in the back. **blink, blink**. So, I decided to go ahead and give it a try since I had spent money on it and it was just sitting collecting dust. I can tell you now, if you are not at all double jointed or some circus limbo, please have a third and fourth hand nearby to help you in and out of this thing. I like the fitting tips and IF it is decided it’s worth sewing again I would take the time to use them. The back is awfully long for me and I need to taper that part to my sway.
Fabric used? I used a crinkle (possibly poly/cotton) also from Hancock’s. It was originally $3 something, it was on sale for $1.49 (or at least that’s what the sticker said), went to have it cut and found out it cheaper than that. I paid .49 a yard for it. “Good give me five yards.” Now I can get my niece’s sundress made and send it to her before the Oklahoma weather starts to change.
Any alterations? Nope, none.
Would I sew it again? (And this said with slow hesitation between each word) I don’t know. Do I recommend? At this point I can not recommend anything I am unsure of.

Top in and out- black belt.      
Change of accessories- green belt.    



The note about the pink and orange earrings: My 12 year old son was the photographer. When he saw the earrings up close, do you know he had nerve to ask me what kind of earrings I had on. “Ma, they look like fish bait.” Could you say back back 50 feet because boy you 'bout to get it!

  The earrings.

The fish bait (lures).
Taken from www.sandiegojack.com.

…
Well, I guess he was right. :/ I found these while googling for feather fish bait photos.
  Taken from www.lulusoso.com

Until later everyone, Schey.