2019 Completions

2019 was a pretty productive year for me, sewing-wise. First off, my MIL moved just down the street from us, so I had a few more options for kid-entertainment when I sewed. Second, falling in love with and following some pretty amazing professional seamstresses online encouraged me to branch out. I bought a New-to-me used Babylock Imagine, which paved the way for some more ambitious sewing adventures and kept me excited. With my new, easier-to-use serger I got back into woven, and even tried out Tulle and organza skirts for my creations. Plus my first local nephew was born, and of course having a baby to sew for is always fun.

In addition to baby clothes, 2019 was the "year of the set" for me. I made sibling sets, Father/son sets, a mother-daughter set, and even Grandma got in on the action with one of my "sibling sets" turned multi-generational. I also managed to lure my daughter in for a *little* bit of sewing - she made a skirt and some shorts - but I think she's not quite ready for the speed of the sewing machine yet (she's 7). My family also made a last-minute trip to Disneyland (weekend commando raid), which provided the inspiration (motivation?) for a three-week sewing blitz that ended in cute Disney outfits for my husband, son, and mother.

And finally, it was the end of an era on my Oz quilt. A decade after I made the first pillow, and about 6 years after I made the quilt, I finished the last pillow and gifted it to my MIL. It's kind of crazy to think that I have been sewing for over a decade (and actually now that I think on it that means this blog will also be ten years old in 2020), and to realize that when I started that project, my husband (and the father of my children) was just my boyfriend and I hadn't made a single quilt yet.

At any rate, without further reminiscing, here are my completions from 2019:

Here's Your Frog Hoodie (link)

Completed: Jan 2019

Pattern: Megamax Raglan (with CKC Haven Pocket)

A Fun Hoodie for my son, whose favorite color is green. A fussy cutting masterpiece!

Aurora Fun Dress (link)

Completed: Jan 2019

Pattern: Girl's Fun Tee + SLPCo Isla

My daughter fell in love with this panel, and though it was cut off at the bottom, we found a way to make it work!

Fairy Tale Birthday Shirt (link)

Completed: Feb 2019

Pattern: CKC Esther

My first commission! My MIL picked out the fabric and pattern, and we gifted this shirt to my niece on her birthday.

Pajamas of WarCraft (link)

Completed: Feb 2019

Pattern: Brindille & Twig Baby Kimono and Footies

A gift for my local Nephew, who was due Valentine's day.

Pokemon Baby Set (Blanket) & (Outfit)

Completed: Mar 2019

Pattern: Brindille & Twig Baby Kimono and Footies

A set for my local nephew, gifted shortly after he was born.

A Collaboration with A (link)

Completed: March 2019

Pattern: Math!!!

Lots of straight lines made for a good first project for my daughter, who made this skirt mostly by herself!

The Happiest Dress (link)

Completed: March 2019

Pattern: Peekaboo Violet

Gifted to a Friend whose family was making their fist trip to Disney World.

Midsummer LOLs (link)

Completed: Feb 2019

Pattern: Striped Swallow Designs Midsummer's Dream

My Daughter had to have this fabric, and this was a quick summer-y sew!

Final (!) Oz Pillow (link)

Completed: April 2019 2019

Fabric by Quilted Treasures

The final pillow in a 7-pillow series, for my Wizard of Oz loving MIL.

Stormtrooper Father/Son Set (link)

Completed: April 2019

Pattern: Cole's Creation Jerry Raglan (Dad)/ Max & Meena Max Raglan (Son)

A quick set of raglans so the RLQ men can match!

Guardians of the Galaxy Father/Son Set (link)

Completed: April 2019

Pattern: Tie Dye Dive Zee's Tee/ Stitch Upon a Time Huntsman

One good turn deserves another.

Strawberry Shortcake Sister Set (link)

Completed: May 2019

Pattern: SLPCo Isla

Gifted to the children of a close friend over 1500 miles away! My first effort with a Double Border.

A Christmas Shirt for Father's Day (link)

Completed: June 2019

Pattern: Peekaboo Yukon

A Christmas shirt for my train-loving Dad, gifted when he came out to visit for Father's day.

Rainbow Brite Mother/Daughter Set (link & link)

Completed: July 2019

Pattern: Striped Swallow Designs Desert Breeze

Because why should the boys have all the parent-child fun?

Small World Sibling Set (Intro Dresses Romper Finale)

Completed: July 2019

Pattern: Violette Fields Threads June, Ruthie; Brindille & Twig Polo Romper

For my Brother's kids who live just a hop, skip, and a jump from Disneyland!

Zelda Set for Baby W (link)

Completed: August 2019

Pattern: Brindille & Twig Polo Romper

A Sequel to the Pokemon Set.

Back to School Creation for A (Top Shorts)

Completed: August 2019

Pattern: Violet Fields Threads Ruthie & Allie

A Ruffled back-to school shirt from mom, and some shorts she sewed herself!

Should You Need Us... (link)

Completed: August 2019

Pattern: Hey June Lane Raglan

Gifted to a friend who had recently lost a pet.

Golden Sun for Grandma too! (link)

Completed: August 2019

Pattern: Pattern 4 Pirates Basic tee (modified sleeves) 

A last-minute project #1 when we booked a surprise trip to Disneyland

Star War Mickey (link)

Completed: September 2019

Pattern:  Cole's Creations Jerry's Raglan (Dad) / Max Raglan (Son) 

A last-minute project #2 when we booked a surprise trip to Disneyland... this one was really down to the wire!

Descendants Hoodie Dress Repeat (Dress & Socks) 

Completed: October 2019

Pattern:  CKC Haven's Hoodie 

A sized-up version of one of my Daughter's favorite dresses from 2018

Rainbow Cheetah Tulle two-piece (link) 

Completed: November 2019

Pattern:  SbPP GIrls' Fun tee and CKC Delaney mash-up (with original tulle skirt)

Inspired by trends at some of my favorite designers, a "test effort" with Tulle 

Frozen Premiere Dress (link) 

Completed: November 2019

Pattern:  SbPP Girls' Fun Tee 

Using Organza, another 2-piece creation, the top can go with Jeans or a fluffy skirt!

Boys of Frozen (link) 

Completed: November 2019

Pattern:  Max Raglan

A Frozen premiere outfit for my son, with a matching shirt for his friend!

101 Dalmatians Raglan (link) 

Completed: November 2019

Pattern:  Cole's Creations Jerry Raglan 

A Christmas gift for my youngest brother

Christmas Train Mickey Raglan (link) 

Completed: December 2019

Pattern:  Cole's Creations Jerry Raglan

A Christmas present for my youngest brother to turn my Father's Day gift to my Dad into a Father/Son Set

Glad Tidings (link)

Completed: December 2019

Fabric: Glad Tidings by Henry Glass

Made with love (and help!) from my mom, using a panel we picked up in Houston in 2017

Zombie Hunting Princesses (link) 

Completed: December 2019

Pattern:  CKC Haven's Hoodie

A Christmas Gift for my niece and her Zombie-loving Dad!

Call Me Khaleesi (link) 

Completed: December 2019

Pattern:  SbPP Girls' Fun Tee

A Christmas Gift for my niece nicknamed "Princess"

Stats:

Garments: 37

Woven vs knit: 4 vs 33
Kids vs Adults: 26 vs 9
Garment Sets: 8
Baby sets w/ Blanket: 2
Other projects: 1 (pillow)

WiPs without any progress in 2018: Star Wars II, Christmas Traditions. Quilting is shelved while there are so many fun outfits to be made!

Glad Tidings

In 2017, I went to the the Houston International Quilt Festival with my Mom. While I was there I fell in love with a Henry Glass "Glad Tidings" Advent Calendar by LeeAnne and Kaitlyn Andersen. This calendar caught my eye in part because of the colors and the artwork, but also because it had a pretty interesting premise - rather than a treat for each day, the calendar had a proposed activity that would further the spirit of giving during the holidays rather than that of receiving. Things like "staff a soup kitchen", "walk a neighbor's dog", "have an elderly person over for dinner," or "bring cookies to someone who's lonely." Good ideas that were sweet, but entirely sugar free.  The mother/daughter duo the designed it were really friendly - and had a super appealing booth - so I indulged in the panel and some coordinating fabric before I left, as did my mom.

Of course, as often happens with a harried Mom of 2 (me), I got the fabric home but never actually got around to making the calendar. My Mom even tried to help out in 2018 by pre-making all the pockets and the tabs that went in them for me,  but still I found myself unable to make time for the project. So in 2019  - after my SIL requested an Advent Calendar and my Mom made one for her - my mom packed her bags and arrived at my doorstep ready to help me get MY calendar DONE. 

You can read about my mom's experiences with her calendar here. Fortunately, I was able to capitalize on her past experience, and use the techniques she had discovered by trial and error to make my process faster and easier. She chose to do the kit as designed, and I, ever the trailblazer, flew by the seat of my pants on a simpler (and smaller!) design. 

A panel and then a border made around the title block for easy assembly, and since I've got a house full of Christmas quilts already (including the one that is taking me forever), I didn't miss the more showy blocks and borders. I borrowed from my mom's stash on the binding, backing, and piping technique, and by the time she was ready to leave, I did have a brand new Advent calendar for display on the wall. 

Now when I look at it, I have the fun artwork, the good suggestions, AND the memories of time spent with my mom. Here's to a calendar made with love!

A Zombie-Thrones Christmas

One of my favorite parts of sewing my own clothing is being able to combine fabric and pattern in ways you wouldn't necessarily expect. I'm a child of the 80s, and kids clothing these days is far too gendered for my tastes - who decided boys get puppies and girls get kittens? And more importantly, what's a clan of zombie lovers to do when they birth only (or at least, mostly) daughters?

My husband's whole family is full of zombie fanatics. And when I saw this print, I knew it was perfect for any daughters-in-law my brothers-in-law might produce. Unfortunately it was a little bit big to be used on a baby, so into "deep stash" it went. But this past year my two youngest nieces just turned 2 and 4, and this year we were going to see them for Christmas.

For the youngest (who, fortunately, has grown like WHOA over her first 2 years and now fits a size 4), I made one of my go-tos, the Haven's Hoodie. It's fast, it's efficient, and it works great with panels. I couldn't just do her, though! Her older sister carries the nickname "Princess," and when I bought this panel, Danerys Targen from the Game of Thrones series was beloved by all.

Of course, after the GoT Finale... less so, but my niece can definitely have an obstinate streak some days, so perhaps the shirt can help signify the days when she's a little *too* hell-bent on having her way.

The shirt and dress were delivered in Christmas 2019, and both my nieces and their parents had happy faces after the presentation; after all, it's not everyday you get a Zombie Dress and a Game of Thrones shirt for your kids!

A Doggone Train of Christmas Gifts

Before I sewed, it was always hard to shop for my youngest brother A, whose tastes have remained VERY consistent for the past 30 years; over time, he's accumulated just about everything he could want! But of course these days, I know I can always plan on a handmade gift. In previous years, I've made him a  Gone to the Dogs Raglan and a Gone to the Dogs T-Shirt. This year, my stash was piled a little high, so he got *two* goodies from me.

The first was a Dalmatian-themed raglan, since 101 Dalmatians (the live action version) is his favorite movie. For the second, I drew inspiration from the Mickey Train Button-Up shirt I'd made for my Dad. My brother isn't really a woven fabric kind of guy, but fortunately I was able to get my hands on a yard of the same print in knit.

So, why let my husband and my son have all the fun? Here's my Brother on Christmas day opening up his Dalmatian Shirt:

And here he is opening his train shirt.

Look at that grin! Here he is later that day, rocking his new father/son set with my Dad!

It's a family full of handsome men, and well-dressed too!

Back to the Unknown

If you read my previous entry carefully, you'll notice I refer to the Rainbow Cheetah Skirt as being a "test run." Well, here's what the test run was for:

Several years ago, when the first Frozen movie was all the rage, I'd picked up an organza-like mystery fabric, with foil snowflakes on a sheer turquoise woven. Whatever it was, it needed to be hemmed, and at the time I didn't own a serger. So, it spent a good 5 years in my stash before acting as my impetus to learn the rolled hem on my serger, as well as how to make thinner seams. But when a Frozen print showed up at my door just in time for the Frozen 2 premiere... it was too perfect a pairing not to use.

To make my Frozen Mystery Fabric skirt, I the used the construction methods I'd developed on the pink stretch mesh. In this case the "top" layer was 5 yards of snowflake print gathered into a single layer, with four individual 5-yard layers of tulle underneath. In retrospect, 5 layers of stiff skirting was overkill. Live and learn, I suppose.

For the top, having just had success with a Fun tee/Delaney/Isla short-sleeved combo, I decided to go with what worked; this time in a long-sleeved version. I got brave an tried a hi-lo skirt instead of straight, which I think was a nice addition. I also shaved an inch off the bodice, so it wasn't so long-waisted on my daughter. This Frozen print looks great with jeans, and paired with the skirt, the outfit really comes alive.

It's always a good feeling to turn some long-hoarded fabric into something beautiful, and in this case I feel extra good that the outfit I made is both perfect for the fabric, and perfect for the moment with my daughter. She's in love, and you can see pictures of her rocking this outfit at the Frozen 2 premiere here.

It's the perfect outfit for a stirring rendition of "Into the Unknown" for sure.

Boys of Frozen

My daughter isn't the only Frozen fan in the house; my son also loves Elsa and her friends. So for the Frozen 2 premiere, he too got a few new duds. Initially, he was overjoyed to receive a "Boys of Frozen" raglan, with Elsa + the male members of the cast.

This was a super-quick (and relatively inexpensive) project, consisting of a custom panel and some solids from Purpleseamstress. I used the MegaMax Raglan for the pattern, and it came together in an afternoon. I even snuck back on the site and bought a second panel for one of my son's friends, since it came out so nice.

But apparently fate (and Frozen!) wasn't done with me. When all was said and done with my daughter's peplum, I caught my son admiring that fabric too. It turned out there was *just* enough to eke out a second raglan and so... here he is in his *second* Frozen shirt.

Same pattern, same big smile. Now my son could match his friend OR his sister! 

Here they are partying it up in their matching outfits at home...

... And here they are having fun with friends at the Frozen Premiere! With WAY too much going on to look at mom and the camera, no less.

A Rainbow of Discovery

For several months now, I've been really admiring some of the tulle-Skirted creations I've been seeing online in my sewing groups. Sew Stylin Stitches, Kendall Paige Designs, and a number of other designers over at the TulleTastic and Fancy Pants Fabric groups have all been posting fun, colorful, full-skirted outfits that capture my fancy. A collage of some of my favorite examples from Tulletastic and Fancy Pants is below.

I'd dismissed the idea of recreating one of these dresses myself as a passing fantasy until one seamstress posted of a customer's Very Good Idea, and it happened to be a 'dress' that was actually composed of a peplum top, and a separate tulle skirt that went under it to create the look of a dress. Well, wait a minute... I could do THAT. Having 2 separate components meant the wearer would get more use out of the top after hours spent sewing it, and it minimized the odds that would I ruin a good bodice with a bad tulle attachment.

Conveniently, right about that time 2 yards of Rainbow Leopard Print from Oh So Pretty Fabric graced my doorstep, and my daughter fell in instant love. I paired it with a "Casa Collection" stretch mesh from Joann's, since this outfit it was essentially a test run.

For the skirt, I used 4 yards of stretch mesh. I sewed the ends together, then folded the circles of mesh in half height-wise to make 4 gathered layers of fabric. The length was near enough to my daughter's knees that I did not have to hem. I also cut & sewed a small (1.5x  my daughter's waist measurement) woven lining to ensure the skirt was opaque. For the waistband, I used a strip of CL cut to 8 inches wide and 0.8 x my daughter's waist circumference in length.

To construct the skirt, I put the layers of mesh, the woven fabric, together, then I sewed the waistband to them front to front. Then I then stretched the waistband over and tacked the raw edge down in the back using a zig zag stitch that enclosed the woven and mesh. I also ended up having to add a band of elastic inside my folded-over waistband, since it turns out 4 layers of stretch mesh is heavy.

For the top, I knew I wanted to match one of the lovelier creations I had recently seen; a beauty with a bow back, puffed sleeves, and a peplum, skirt. For the base & sleeves, I reached for the Sew by Pattern Pieces Girl's Fun Tee, which is fast becoming a much-loved basic at out house. For the bow back and neckline, I used the CKC Delaney. The peplum skirt was a mashup of the girl and baby Isla, to give me the waistline and length I needed.

For all the fussy elements, the top went together pretty quickly; the Delaney bow back was the only part I hadn't tried before, and while I'm not crazy about the construction method (exposed seams in the back), it came out fun and cute without *too* much extra time. Definitely a neckline I will incorporate into other creations. Here are the top and the skirt, paired together like my original inspiration:

And how does my daughter feel about it? She loves it. I think I was spot on when I judged the top would get a lot more wear if I detached it from the skirt; it's gotten worn with jeans on a number of occasions.

The skirt, well it sees a little less action, but it was essentially a learning tool that turned out surprisingly well. That Casa Collection stretch Mesh from Joann's does seem to wear and wash pretty nicely, so I wouldn't hesitate to get it again. And my daughter sure does have a blast when she's wearing it. So, I consider it a job well done.