My Creative Side

My Turn!

Finally, the day has come when my son cannot wait to see what I sew next. After making numerous girl outfits, the time had come to make something for him. At least that is what he said to me. He even picked out a fabric. It really was not a big deal. I had it cut out and put together in two nights. It also gave me some opportunities to play around with my coverstitch. Not so easy to master. You really have to play with it. The yellow tshirt was for Max's birthday, but I am afraid that it is way too big. Oh well, better too big then too small.

The pants were #09 3/06 and the T-Shirt #16 2/04. The fabric for the pants came from Atlantis. Great material. I have ordered from them twice. 100% cotton, and really very comfortable to wear in this hot humid climate.

Sew much for that!

I recently posted some pictures of my sewing room on several Flickr sites. I get an email daily from someone that they really like the room. Well, I had a good time finally setting up my room just like I wanted it. I surrounded myself with all my fabric scraps, and everything seemed just perfect.......until summer hit.
I should have known that this room would get way too hot for my three machines, an iron, and a computer as well as a tv. I tried everything to cool it down. I had two fans running, and I turned my computer off. I kept the house at 73 degrees, without turning my baby into an icicle. Nothing worked. I was getting headaches almost every night trying to concentrate on whatever it was that I was sewing. The hotter it got outside, the more I did not want to enter my room. What ashame.
So.......I had to move. Normally, I love moving my furniture around. I love change. I like to interchange furniture between rooms, and give a room a new identity, but this was different. The room was finished and clean. It just was not working.
So my mind started working. The only room in the house left was the same one that I had started out in. When you enter our house, there is the dining room on the right, and another room (formal living room, as it is sometimes called) to the left, as you then enter the living room. Both rooms do not have doors, but they do have alot of light. The room to the left was set up originally as my sewing room, but I could not handle the mess that was always there, so I moved the room. It became our family room/childrens room. Yes, the toys were everywhere, so I guess it really did not make a difference what went into this room. I will say this, I would prefer this room to be a closed bedroom, but I don't want to put anymore money into this house. Chaos exists in my sewing room more often then I would like, and the fact that guests see this room right as they enter my house does not make me happy. Nor do I want to clean it every night. However, this was the only solution that was available, especially now that my ds needed a bedroom of her own.
Today we moved the furniture, and believe it or not, this may be the very best thing I have done since I have moved here. My (old) sewing room is now a guest bedroom with a desk and computer (my desktop). That works out great. I have never had anyone stay at my house that does not like to use my computer. The rest of the room will house our exercise equipment, so that me and Lance can work out while watching tv. Yippee!!!!!!!!! Of course, we will move it out to the garage when guests do stay with us. The new sewing room has alot of wall to wall cabinets that will house my fabric stash behind closed doors. This is better for the fabric. It also includes a couch for me to sit down while I do some handsewing. I took care of the door problem by making curtains that don't necessarily hide the mess, but takes your eye away from looking at the room. The room is so big, that both my dd and ds can sit and play in the room while I sew. This too is great! The guest bed came out of my dd's room, so now she will have more room to play, and I can put a table next to my rocking chair.
Funny how things just seem to fall into place. Although I have had no time to sew, in the end I hope this solution made everyone happy.

Check out my Slide Show!

Pattern or Fabric First?

This is one of those cases, where everything just came together. The fabric came from Ebay. The price $3.65 a yard. The quality: perfect. Not only were the colors prettier then I imagined, but the lightweight batiste feel of the fabric was just right for a baby outfit. I knew immediately what I wanted to do with the fabric.

The problem was finding the right pattern. Baby patterns, size 62 in particuliar are just not easy to find. However, I did end up finding a suitable pattern in one of my old 2004 Burda magazines. I hated to test anything out on the fabric, but I measured the pattern pieces, and was fairly certain that this should fit. That is one thing I noticed, the magazine patterns fit much better then the actual Burda patterns you buy in the stores. They run very large.

I did make a few modifications or changes to the pattern. Instead of just three lines of shirring, I decided to make 5. The romper just did not need that much "fluff" as was given by the pattern. Then I decided to do a rolled hem on the front top and back top, as well as the legs. The fabric was so soft, that it was easier and alot nicer then adding binding. The binding just weighed it down unnecessarily.

It was a cute pattern, and the magazine also includes a pattern for a dress.

Pink and Lace

After entertaining my in-laws for 10 days, my husband and son gave me the weekend to sew. I did sew, but there were so many things that got in the way, that I barely finished the dress on Sunday evening. On Friday, my daughter got her vaccinations and shortly thereafter developed a very high fever. I had less then three hours of sleep that night. I tried my best to stay awake on Saturday, but as soon as I read the pattern instructions, I fell asleep. Saturday night was a bit better. She woke up around midnight cying, but then fell asleep again until my son woke us up at 6:00am. Then to add to my bad luck, I woke up with a terrible migraine on Sunday and it would not subside all day. The good news is that my dd's fever broke on Saturday evening, and she was almost back to her "happy" self on Sunday.

So, back to the dress. I decided to try something besides an Ottobre pattern. This is NEW LOOK 6687 in a size NewBorn. I really liked the pattern picture. The Ottobre patterns in a size 62 have been too big, so I thought I would try something new. This dress was too big too. It will most likely fit her in about 4 weeks. The fabric is a pink and white striped seersucker.

The pattern went together very well, and the instructions were easy to follow. The bodice is doubled, which I will probably not do again. Instead I think a batiste as the lining would probably feel lighter and feel softer on the baby's skin. The armhole and sleeve binding went on very easily. I liked the way New Look applied this part of the pattern. The binding was sewn together to form a circle and then a 3/8" was pressed under on one of the long edges. The other edge is then sewn (3/8" of course) to the dress. I will probably use their idea again in combination with some other patterns. The skirt had a nice fullness. I was not fond of putting a zipper into the dress. I used a lightweight invisible zippper. Have to practice my techniques again. It has been a long time since I had to add a zipper to anything.

Very happy with this pattern, and I cannot wait to to make the romper.

Ripe Red Cherries

Frannie Baby

A pattern I bought last year from Childrens Corner. The dress is actually small enough to fit Olivia. This was a test garment. I needed to find out how easy this pattern was to sew, and if it fits.

I actually hit some rough spots with this pattern. The dress is lined, and it calls for piping at the neck - not binding. I did the binding, because I was too lazy to make the piping. It actually worked out quite nicely. I had a hard time with the elastic that ran under the arms. I could not pull the safety pin which was attached to the elastic, through the middle seam. I figured out a new way to get the same results, so in the end it worked just fine. Attaching the lining to the dress and pulling it to the right side also gave me a bit of a problem. I had to rip the stitches out at least once on the hem. Other than that, the dress fit wonderfully.

The bloomers were easy to sew. I added lace to the bottom of the bloomers. The fabric is red and white seersucker gingham. As usual the bloomers were way too big. I have no idea why. I could have pulled them up to her chin.

Conclusion: She looked adorable, and we got compliments in the Ralph Lauren Factory Store. Now I know I can add this pattern to my list of things to make in the future.

Blogging

I've been having fun looking at other people's blogs. It just amazes me how many creative people are out there, and all the wonderful information they are willing to share. It is so much fun.
- an ironing board cover tutorial
- a cute baby shoe tutorial
- another baby shoe tutorial

and lots of other really great information like covered hangers. I enjoy reading all these different blogs and seeing their sewing/craft rooms, or how they use some of the most gorgeous fabrics. For instance gift tags. Aren't they just gorgeous. So original and crafty. What a wonderful way to use your scraps. Beautiful burp cloths and matching baby daygown, a single mom who opened an internet boutique http://lillitutu.blogspot.com/. Lots and lots of wonderful things.

Next in Line

I'm finished. I am finished sewing in a frenzy trying to get everything done for Sophia's birthday. It was fun. Hectic but fun. So of course my mind continues to work, and I have to think about what I am going to do next. It will be awhile before I start sewing again, because my house has some serious "hot spots" that need to be addressed.

In the meantime, I am blogging alot of pictures of sewn items that I would like to make. I started a new blog which I am using as a source of inspiration. That was alot of fun.

Well, these shoes are going to be the inspiration for my next project. Mom bought these for Nicolas when he was a baby. I think she bought them in Portugal. There is no reason that Olivia cannot wear these shoes as well. I just dont have anything in navy blue for a little girl. I just need to find a pattern and material that will go well with these shoes. So how about something in white? White....boring, but so clean and crisp as a summer dress. That would be cute. I have some cute white fabric in my stash that I think would do well. Ruffles. How about this? Cute dress and it would look great in white.

Burda Romper 9650

Burda Romper 9650
Originally uploaded by jeanninemccloskey
Such a cute pattern, but way too big. However, I finished the project anyways, and know that it will be worn sometime in the future. I had to redo the ruffle pattern piece because it is just too short. The straps are also too long. I think I can take two inches off the length of the straps.

Eyelet Pants

Eyelet Pants
Originally uploaded by jeanninemccloskey

This is an Ottobre Pant pattern #5 Summer 2007. I needed something to match the shirt and it was the only thing I could think of to sew.
I bought the fabric at Joann's and I must say that I would have preferred a better quality eyelet. I did find one there, which cost $12.99 a yard, but they only had it in turquoise. I looked online and did not find anything either, so this will just have to do. It is nice and light perfect for the summer months, and it does go well with the lace on the shirt.

Flower Girl

I found this material at A&E Pharmacy. Yup a pharmacy. It is an old building and the fixtures look just as old. It sort of reminds me of Andy Griffith or something you would see in a Dick and Jane book. The back side of the store is filled with material, and there are some lovely elderly ladies always willing to hold your baby while you shop.
Anyways, I loved the bright fresh colors, and knew if I bought a yard I could make one for my niece and one for my daughter.

I used pattern #5 from Ottobre Winter 2003. I completely lined the garment in pink broadcloth, therefore eliminating the back closure. I extended the back straps, and added buttonholes to the front straps. It was a very easy and quick garment to sew. What I like sew much about this type of romper is that they can wear it with or without a shirt. Short or long sleeve, in any kind of weather.

Pinafore Dress Ottobre #5 Winter 2003

Pinafore Dress Ottobre #5 Winter 2003
Originally uploaded by jeanninemccloskey

Finally finished everything I wanted. I messed up this dress twice. The fabric was expensive, and I guess I was just too tired at night to be sewing. The first time I wrote the initials wrong. The second time I must have somehow put the fabric too close to my rotary cutter, and it slashed the fabric twice. Well, thank goodness nothing went wrong on my third try. It looks wonderful. Here is a picture of the initials. Here is a picture of the hem.

Ottobre #3 Summer 2007

Ottobre #3 Summer 2007
Originally uploaded by jeanninemccloskey

Part of the set that belongs to Sophia's birthday presents. I will post the other items as soon as they are finished. Very nice fitting pant. I hope it fits. This is a size 74. I did a review here.

Ottobre #11 Summer 2007

Ottobre #11 Summer 2007
Originally uploaded by jeanninemccloskey

Just another gift for Sophia's Birthday. I made this in size 80, however it is not much bigger then size 74. I really like this pattern. I did a review at Patternreview.com. Here is a link

Gnome Wrap Pants and Top Ottobre

Gnome Wrap Pants and Top Ottobre
Originally uploaded by moonchild studio

Is this not adorable! Love the knome fabric. This another design from Moonchild. She is so talented.

Dyeing wool felt

Just found a link to a site that shows you how to dye wool felt.

3 piece Waldorf Kimono style set

3 piece Waldorf Kimono style set
Originally uploaded by moonchild studio.

A great pajama for a child. Found this on someone's flickr page moonchild studio. I love this idea.

Summer is here!

My first Ottobre project for the year is finally finished. I knew I wanted to make this garment the moment I saw it in the magazine. I just wish I could have found the same fabric. The european fabrics are gorgeous, but so expensive. Oh well, I made this test project, and it was incredibly easy and fast to sew. I can only recommend it.

I am working on some ideas for my niece whose birthday is right around the corner. She is a very big girl for her age, so I tried a size 74. I find the top to be a bit small, so I will have to make it again.

Construction:
I had a hard time figuring out how to shirr, but thanks to the girls in the Ottobre group, I was told exactly how to get it done. They told me to buy some elastic thread and slowly wind it around the bobbin, pulling a bit as a I go. Then just sew. So sew I did, and then I steamed the fabric, and wow, I had a shirred garment. It was so pretty. It immediately got me to think how much I am going to like this pattern, and how many different things I am going to do with it.
I did not like the straps too much. The idea is great, but no matter how perfectly a did a rolled hem, the ends always looked unfinished. Maybe someone can give me some advice regarding the ties and how to finish them off. I would also extend the ties by about an inch on each end. Other then that, the pattern went together very easy.

II picked this fabric up in Joann's and decided to use it because it matched a pink and white stripe fabric that I found at Sewzannes (which by the way is so Ralph Lauren and beautiful to touch). I a

Girlie Things

I had so much fun sewing for my son, can you imagine how much fun it is sewing for a girl! There is so much to choose from. The choices for patterns and fabrics are endless. So I always like when I am inspired by something or someone else. Coming up with new ideas is just not my strongpoint.

So I found this burda pattern, and since Olivia is not blonde like me, I thought the red prints would look great on her. I intend to add some more pieces to this ensemble, however I really had to work on another important project.

This was a size 62, and it turned out to be bigger then her normal size 62 clothes. The construction was easy and fast. I had problems with the front ruffle piece, which ended up being too short. I also thought the ruffle was too wide, at least for the baby sizes. I reviewed this pattern here at Patternreview. I will definitely sew this up again, but most likely when Olivia gets a bit older.

Olivia's Room

Although I am not completely finished with her room, I have finished everything important, and thought it was time to get the pictures up on my blog. I actually only have a few small things that still need to be done, like hanging pictures.

Cool Slideshows

First of all, I owe the completion of this room to my parents. If it was not for my father and mother painting and sewing, and their great ideas, I probably would still be working on this room. The only thing I did was the crib. Thanks mom and dad.

My father painted the room. It turned out to be a bit more neon then the paint chip, so we had to paint the room twice, adding a quart of white paint to dim the color. My father also painted the dresser, the dollhouse, and the flower hooks. Yes, he is a great painter!

My mom put everything together. She made the daybed cover, and all of the pillows. She found the carpet in Target, and loved the various pastel colors. I was stuck on pink and green, but she liked all of the colors, in particuliar yellow and pink. She was right. The yellow looked much better with the pink then the green. She went to Michael's and found all the knick-knacks for the wall, and the dollhouse. She also added the roses to the lamp.

I did the crib and the bulletin board, and the pictures which are not finished yet. I saw the bumper pads on a website and fell in love with the plush padding. They really turned out nice. I do realize that they will probably have to come out once she is old enough to stand. The idea for the bedding came from a store in Germany called "Baby Royale". The bedding in that store was simple and very elegant. I copied their boys room for Nicolas, which was alot like this one, except navy blue ribbon and no ruffles. If I can find a picture I will post it.

I am very happy with how the room turned out. Although the room is a bit cramped due to the sleigh bed, it comes in quite handy. I have often spent the night there when Olivia gave me a hard time sleeping. It also allows me to keep my sewing room intact. We don't get that many guests, and when we do, I will have to move Olivia into our room or the sewing room. It is that simple.

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