31 Washi Dress #3

My latest Washi dress... numero 3!

See my little peek-a-boo contrast fabric on the sleeve? I had originally wanted to make the sleeve fold up so that the contrast is more visible, but given my buff arms (don't be jelly) I need to alter the sleeve in order to do so properly.

Next time...

*darn!*

I guess I have to make another one.

I'm in love with the piping detail and the skirt band. 

Oh my gosh, have you seen Rae's collar tie on her latest Washi?!

Prerequisite for next dress:

1. folded cap sleeve

2. tie collar

MUST.MAKE.MORE.

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Have a lovely Monday, folks!

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17 The Staple Dress

Finding dresses that fit properly and flatter (NOT fatter) my figure is challenging. Tailored dresses are the most ideal, but man-oh-man... they're not always comfortable, especially when I'm running around after a toddler. I envy gals who can wear flowy dresses. So when I came across Go Make Shit Blog via Rachael at Imagine Gnats, and their first sewing challenge using The Staple Dress by April Rhodes, I thought I'd give it a go!

And I'm so glad I did.

I used a lightweight sweater knit fabric I purchased from one of my romps to the LA fabric district and opted for shirring around the waist.

GAH...

Sooo comfy!

Like the fifty-million cardigans I own, this too will not be the only Staple Dress I'll own. As a matter fact, I have just finished Staple Dress #2 yesterday and I'll be posting it as soon as I can get a pic.

So if you're in the market for a great "staple" to add to your wardrobe, this is one to make. Hop on over to Go Make Shit and see more fabulous versions. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

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22 animal sleeves

You can wear more than just your heart on your sleeve.

How about a raccoon or a bear or even a fox? I was inspired by Jennifer of Parrish Platz who made a panda sleeve shirt for her little one. Check it out over here.

The hardest part of the creating process was figuring out an animal. 

*think*think*think*

A-ha!

A raccoon!

I remember Rachael from Imagine Gnats did a series called, "Raccoons The New Black". It was really cute. So I thought I'd give it a go.

Since the raccoon was going to be on the sleeve I didn't want to have too many layers as it might be too stiff for movement and comfort. First, I cut the sleeves out and marked the centers to help with placement of the faces. Then I cut out pieces for the face using black flannel with fusible web on the backside. Next, I placed the eye detail and nose onto the sleeve and ironed it. Once it was fused, I did a decorative zig-zag stitch along the edge of the nose and around the eyes. The eyes are buttons and the ears are black flannel with white piping that was sewn into the seams. Quite a few steps, but it came together fairly easy. The blouse is a pattern I have used before (seen here) from this book.

The vest is a pattern from Cucito Babies And Toddlers Magazine, 2011 Winter and Early Spring volume. I tried to locate it for you if you were interested in purchasing it, but I can't seem to find it anywhere. Sorry. The fabric is this suuuuper yummy sherpa fabric I had bought from Fabricworm last year. I had originally wanted to make a throw blanket, but now that we're getting into warmer weather, I opted for a vest. At least now she can wear her blanket, right?

Now the pants...

Okay this deserves it's own post. I'm sooo in love with the harem/sarouel pants at the moment. I've already made quite a few and I promise to talk more about it later. I know... I'm such a tease...

*wink*

So are you ready for a little animal love?

What would you wear on your sleeve?

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21 Lala's Cowl Neck Tunic

After making a cowl neck tunic for Lily Moon, I had to make one for Lala.

I added big pockets with a slight gathering on the side. I think next time I need to add more gathering.

The fabric for the top is from JoAnn's and I lucked out... it was on sale (half off) and so I spent a total of $5. Not too shabby. The leggings are from Old Navy. 

Okay, so I made a cowl neck for Lily Moon, Lala and next, Sophia. Stay tuned...

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I'm linkin' up:

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12 Improv Sewing: Cowl Neck Duffle

Happy belated Thanksgiving folks! 
My belly is full and spirits high and I'm particularly excited to share with you my first Improv Sewing project, the cowl neck duffle. 

When Kelley and Rachael posted about their new sewing adventure, I had to take part. The concept is easy... get the book, Improv Sewing, every month they'll pick a project from the book, everyone does it and we all post about our creations. Easy. What I like about this sew along is seeing everyone's interpretation on the same project. 

I wasn't able to participate in the first project, the linen placemats, but when I found out the next project was the cowl neck duffle, I was rarin' to go! At first glance this project can be daunting for some, but after reading the instructions and how it's broken down, it's actually not scary at all. It was really simple... so simple that I whipped this baby up Thanksgiving morning in between baking.
No joke.
AND Lily Moon got to wear it for dinner.
How cool is that?!
I'm thinking of making one for Lala, Sophie and myself as well in between gift making...
who needs sleep anyway...
SO over rated...
HA!

*If you'd like to learn more about this sew along,  click on the button below or on my side bar.

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