Sew the Show: Six Degrees of Separation- The Witches

Welcome to my turn!  Woo hoo!  I like having turns!  "Turn for WHAT?", you ask... I'm part of Sew the Show's "Six Degrees of Separation" starting and ending with the world's best thing- bacon-.Kevin Bacon, that is.  So what is this awesome series?  Well, its exactly how it sounds.  We started with Kevin Bacon and will work our way around Hollywood and it's films linking them to one another by an actress or actor.  For each movie there are bloggers creating a look.  It can be a costume or underpants for Grown up or child, no one's picky.  The goal is to end up back where everything begins- Bacon.

My movie is "The Witches" brought to us by Angelica Huston.  But how did we get here from Bacon?  Well, Here are the links to the other stops leading up to now.  Go read...



Stop 1: FreeNotion

Stop 2 : Creative Counselor and Wining Wife

Stop 3: A Jennuine Life and Rebel and Malice

Stop 4: Climbing the Willow and Cindy Parrett

Stop 5:  Lauren via Sew the Show and ME!!

Ok,  Awesome!  Now, Onto the show!  When I signed up, I saw "The Witches" and knew straight away that I hit the jackpot.  I absolutely ADORE Ms. Huston and this movie.  It's pretty dark for a kids movie, but I thought it was awesome when I was like 8.  Its better than my baby sister loving the Poltergeist series at 4 (no, seriously), but I digress.  The thing I remembered most about the movie was that children smelled like dog droppings to witches.  YOU GUYS!  That is seriously the grossest smell on the planet.  Their poo is the exact reason I won't own a dog.  If I had to walk around and smell that all the time, I'd start hiding children in paintings and turning them into mice, too.  So, you see, I sympathize with the witches.  And so I based my look on two flat-toed ladies that really couldn't be more different: The Grand High Witch and her secretary, Miss Irvine.

The Grand High Witch played by Angelica Huston, had a very strong and powerful look.  Her black dress with a commanding shape really made her striking.  She also had that dark hair, red lipstick and, well, wore an awesome hat at her entrance...I love hats. It was very indicative of her personality- dark, domineering, and strong.  At the opposite end of the witchy spectrum is her secretary in a floral peplum dress with blonde floofy hair and a stupid grin.  She was dainty, submissive and weak. (or so we are made to believe)

When making my look, I wanted to include the strong but had to also keep it a bit dainty because I'm dressing a little girl.  I took some elements from Eva Ernst (Grand High): Black background, tighter fit, and tighter long sleeves to mimic her gloves.  Then, I added a bit of Miss Irvine: the floral and the peplum.  The result is a look suitable for a child, that captures the feel of the characters.

I got the fabric from Purple Seamstress on Facebook (LOVE her!).  I used a modified mixture of the Uptown/Downtown dress by Sew Straight and Gather and the Peggy's by Create Kids Couture to make the dress.  I'm always combining and changing stuff until I get EXACTLY what I want because life just can't be easy...especially when everything smells like dog droppings; so gross. Its just so gross.

Even though I made a practical dress that my girl will wear 100 times, I had to (of course) add a little whimsy and theatrics with the hat and tights.  Besides, the Grand High Witch was VERY theatrical.  Both witches needed to be represented in an accessory, too.  You wouldn't have forgiven me otherwise.  They were both store bought because...no excuses...I just wanted to buy them.  BAM!  Truth hammer dropped!

Now, by the end of the movie these clothing stereotypes throw the tables a little bit (I'm not gonna spoil it).  Luckily, my girl had the best of both- she will not be vermin.

Make sure you check out our other contributors coming up!  It's all in good fun and maybe you'll find yourself inspired the next time you turn on your favorite flick =) Click on the picture below to see what Michele over at Falafel and the Bee sewed up!

-Crystal-

Halloween 2015: Crystal Part 2

My second costume of the year is for my girl!  She's always so fun to sew for, so I couldn't wait to hear her idea.  Then she said the last princess I wanted to make: Snow White.  Now, I love Snow White...I'm just bored by her dress.  It's fine. It really is.  I just like a lot more fluff than that.  I couldn't convince her of anything else, so I decided to re-work it.  When I was finished I asked her "Do you love your princess dress?" to which she replied "Uh, No."  I could have died, but then she said "I'm a QUEEN!"  And she wouldn't take it off...so I live to sew another day. Well, here she is, my Queen Snow White.

 

Like most things I make, no one pattern really did it for me. I like to combine elements to make something my own...which takes a lot of time and I end up hating myself.  Luckily, I've been missing my machine, so even though the changes meant added time, I enjoyed myself.  No one likes a grumpy Crystal, so everyone wins this time.

 

 

The majority of the costume came from McCalls 7212-  The underdress and overdress were both made from this.  But I made the underdress sleeveless and put the sleeves on the overdress because I thought it had a better flow and would be easier to wear.  I added the faux paned sleeve to make it look like Snow White since that was who I was supposed to be making...Uh DUH. 

 

 

The lower sleeve I made using Simplicity 4944.  I purchased a whole pattern for the sleeves.  Thank goodness Halloween is my husband's favorite holiday, too; it validates my spending on this.  I used a pretty, soft stretch lace because I wanted a really nice drape. It looks great and is super comfy for my sensory sensitive girl.

 

 

 

For the collar, I used Simplicity 2817.  Yep!  I bought a pattern for the collar.  Now the original pattern had a collar, but I didn't like it :::SIGH::: I'm like a toddler at mealtime sometimes.  I LOVED the fact that the collar was removable!  So what did I do?  I attached it anyway, because I ended up liking that better.  I HAVE ISSUES.

 

 

The accessories are just as important as the costume here...wait, no they're not, BAHA!  I'm so funny.  But they really did finish off the costume.  I purchased the apple brooch on etsy and the black snood and flower tiara at the local renaissance fair.

 

 

Overall my daughter got the Disney character she was looking for and I got to have fun designing and creating.  WINNING!

 

 

 

 

 

Now all princesses Queens have to have a little fun, so here are the sillies and giggles.

 

 

 

Happy Halloween you guys!  I have been loving all of the costumes I've been seeing and reading about on people's blogs.  This is seriously my favorite time of year.  Just remember look out for poisoned apples (even the photoshopped ones because you forgot to bring the one you bought with you).

 

 

 

-Crystal-

 

 

 

Halloween 2015: Crystal Part 1

I haven't blogged since June because there's a LOT going on in my home, but there's nothing like Halloween to get me out of the cave I live in. This year's costumes were just sooooo much fun to make.  Both kids had actual opinions about what they wanted to be.  Usually, my son ends up being his sister's costume sidekick (Anna, The White Rabbit, Twink from Rainbow Brite) but this year he wanted his own thing.  I gave him the freedom to pick whatever he wanted and I happily accepted the challenge he gave me: A dragon!  Actually, he requested "A dragon RAWR that's green". 

 

I started with the bodysuit.  I used Jalie pattern 3135.  It was a surprisingly easy sew!  I measured my guy's torso before I started though, because he's cursed with his mommy's long torso.  At 3 years old, I had to add 3" and really could have added another.  CRAZY LONG CHILD! There's a crotch gusset thing (back with my technical terms you all love) was great for movement, but was VERY uncomfortable for him.  I had to sew the seams down to add comfort.  After I did that, he loved it. 

 

His Mask was made using this Dragon mask pattern from Oxeye Daisey patterns.  Her patterns are SO COOL and she is incredibly sweet. Buy all of her patterns.  Seriously.  Go do it.  Anyway, I covered my felt with the scales fabric in order to keep it cohesive, so that added way more time to the project. But it was so incredibly worth it. I also used glitter foam and glitter sheets instead of felt...so more layers...so more time...and more blisters. 

 

 

The Tail, gloves, wings, and breast plate were my own creations.  I won't be doing a tutorial because I will never make them again.  Nopety nope nope nope.  They weren't hard, but they took forever and I got blisters on my fingers from all of the hand-stitching.  My hands aren't dainty anymore!  What the crap?!?!  I need my dainty hands!  They're the only dainty thing I have....er...had.

 

 

Also...yes, my son is covered in glitter.  But it's manly glitter.  And if you're my child, there will be glitter. 

 

Have a spooky Halloween and make sure to check in soon for my girl's costume!

 

-Crystal-

 

 

 

Back to school tees, a bit of I spy, and family time

A lot of you have little ones that have already started school.  One of my nieces started the last week of July!  Bopper and Sweets however don't start until September so my back to school sewing is still just getting going.

Turtle Power!

Bopper has been OBSESSED with Ninja Turtles.  Not sure when the obsession started but it was full swing prior to going to his grandparents' for the summer and was continuing strong when he got home.  Needless to say when we went fabric shopping afterwards he returned he picked out this fabric.

Mommy and Me Tops

I guess it's time to jump back on the blogging horse.  I've been crafting and busy with a variety of family things but the blogging well the blogging took a back seat.

I mean I couldn't let these tops go unrecognized!  I found this cotton and steal fabric from the August line last fall at my local Ben Franklin's and fell in love.  It sat in my fabric pile neglected except when I stared at it longingly wishing I had some sort of plan for it.  Last week I decided to do something about that and finally find something to coordinate with it to make a top for ME.

I settled on Deer&Doe's Datura top as I had it traced but hadn't made it.  I thought the simplicity of the lines of the top would add to the flowy gorgeousness of the fabric.  

Top Stitchers: Chicago!

Hey guys!  If you came over from Top Stitchers to check out my materials list and a few more pics, then you rock.  You're way better than those that didn't.  But don't tell them I said so...it's a secret.  If you're just seeing this look for the first time, head over to the Free Notion blog and read all about it!  It's a look for moi based on The Lion Kind Broadway show and I made a lion sex joke over there...no seriously, I did. Anyway, here's my look!

And here are my materials =)

Top: Crinkle chiffon with a metallic gold finish purchased at Fabrics 'n Lace on Etsy

Skirt: Metallic Bronze stretch faux leather purchased (and gifted to me by my bestie, Karly over at Paisley Roots) at Nuttall's fabrics in Layton, UT

Necklace: Backed with white faux leather from Fabuless Fabrics on Etsy.  Beaded appliques from Trimendous on Etsy.

My accessories include:

Earrings: Sears Outlet
Sandals: Charming Charlie
Flower Necklace (Worn with shorts): Some random shop in the mall 10 years ago...
Belt: The bestie's closet
*note: I WAS going to wear those wedges, but I couldn't climb the rocks in them.  It was quite fun to watch me try though...just ask my husband.

 

During this process, I muslined, of course.  There's nothing quite as awesome as a cute wearable muslin.  My skirt test was so fun that I just had to share. New favorite skirt BAM!

Now go gimme and Brianne from AliCat & Co some love over on Free Notion.  NOW, dammit!

And many thanks to this stud muffin for taking my pictures and being so patient with me <3

-Crystal-

Project Run & Play: February (Crystal)

It's time for February's Project Run & Play challenge! This month's featured past contestant is Susan from Living with Punks and she's chosen her Mademoiselle muscle tee tutorial for us to change up.  My girl is all about the lounge wear lately- I guess my yoga pants addiction rubbed off.  I knew an all knit look would tickle her fancy, so I went with it.

I didn't make her a dress because honestly I didn't want to.  Such a great reason, I know.  But good enough for me!    I also wanted to use the tank in a way that would be a little unexpected, so I used it to make a scarf neck cardigan.  No, I didn't use the shirt pattern to make the shirt...I make lots of sense. I like the long, drapey, comfortable look of this cardigan and the black and white polkadots are super fun. 

 

I used the tank as a base then extended the front 11" and made some dolman sleeves.  Easy peasy and comfy womfy for my wittle wovey dovey.

 

The shirt without the cardi is hilarious.  I had no intenton of making a guinea pig shirt, but when I asked my kid what her favorite animal was, she said "Guinea Pig".  Challenge accepted!  The pattern I used was the Skipper Top by Sew Much Ado.  I just did a little colorblocking and busted out the iron-on transfers.  

 

The Pants are the Nightfox Pant by Puperita.  These pants are so super comfy and I want them for me. I've made them for my son before and he loves them too.  I totally dig a pattern I can use for both of my kiddos.  My cheap little heart sings.

One more picture of the shirt because...well...guinea pigs!

 

Well, that's it!  I hope you like it and can't wait to see what all everyone else links up.  There's some great stuff already <3

-Crystal-

Valentine's Day Goodies

Normally I'm the mom the just shows up to preschool on holidays to volunteer with the party and maybe bring an item or two from the teacher's wish list (this timeI'm bringing frosting and convo hearts).

But some part of me this time went crazy.  I think it's because Bopper had missed so much school and some big class celebrations while we were gone.  I didn't go get the $5 Valentines cards that you can just write names on and pass out.  No I HAD to do something special.  So I fully expect to get those looks of "Oh so you are THAT mom with over the top goodie bags."  Not that it's my norm at all but Bopper (and Sweets) are pretty excited about them and that's what I was aiming for.

Now to the goodies all found from Dejah Vue Designs.

Lollypop holders in mustache and lip shapes.  How fun are these!?    I mean these were super quick.  6 stitched out in my 5x7 hoop on my embroidery machine.  Cut and punch some lollipops through.

Shake it Off: Look 2!

Yay themes!  They make me sew!   This is gonna be short and sweet folks!

 Paisley Roots is having her contest here and you should link up like I am! Here's my second look.

BaBAM!  Look 2 based on the hip hop break dancing people.  Lets be real: I have no idea what type of dancing they're doing there.  I can't do it...that's all I know.

I used the Aurora Tee by Hey June with a few small mods.  I tapered the sleeves more and lengthened the hem but removed the curve...I have enough curves.  Other than that, it was awesome!  Fast, simple and fun.   PEACE OUT!  (told ya it was gonna be a quickie :::That's what SHE said:::)

-Crystal-

The Invasion of the Hobby Horses

Last year I made one little girl's dreams come true earned her aunt a "World's Best Aunt" title with one little hobby horse (pattern from WhimseyWoo Stables on Etsy).  Since making that hobby horse... my kids won't stop pestering me about getting one of their own! So I decided to make them one for Christmas as well as my nieces.  So four horses total.  I started during the summer so I could totally finish by Christmas right?!

Well a monkey wrench got mixed up in my plans.  I managed to have my nieces' horses head done sans pole to take back with us in October and then finished them at my in laws house so they could be stored and hidden until Christmas.  Then I started on my kids' and lo and behold family emergency leading to going back home in November rather than December and my kids were without horsies come Christmas morning.

But not to worry!  I worked on them (reins, stuffing and pole addition to one, and just stuffing and pole addition to the other) as soon as we go home and it was like having a third Christmas, but in January!

"It Offin"- You don't know what that means

My title confuses you.  It should.  You are normal, don't worry (well, maybe some of you should, but that's a topic I don't get paid enough to cover).  My title comes from the 2 series I am sewing along with as a butt kick to keep me sewing.  Paisley Roots is having a "Shake it Off" competition and link-up on her blog and Scientific Seamstress/ SisBoom is having a "Knock it Off" theme for their "Just for Me January" challenge in their Facebook group.  Click on my links and take advantage of the opportunity to win free stuff.  Otherwise, we can't be friends.  If you don't like free stuff, you're not my people.  So here's my look!

We'll start with the Paisley Roots competition.  She challenged us to make SOMETHING inspired my the "Shake it Off" video by Taylor Swift using a pattern from one of the sponsors' patterns.  She had a bad 2014 and wants to shake it off and I'm with her.  EFF YOU 2014!  Anyway, I chose the cheerleader look as my inspiration.  It's peppy and fun and YES!  Perfect for shaking things off...like this awful cold I have.  I look like a damn fool in the following picture. I'm "dancing".  God help us all.

Along with the color scheme, I decided to pleat my skirt to mimic the pleats in the cheer uniform and chose some colorblocking to bring it all together.  The dress pattern I used was the Angie by SisBoom- More on that below.  The cardigan was made from Simplicity 2125.  No, Simplicity is not a sponsor, but I made it anyway since cardis are more like and accessory. (Yes I definitely look sick in this picture.  And my head is exceptionally round.  I blame the tripod...it can't argue back).

My dress is sooooo comfy.  I used interlock knit because I realized that nearly ALL of my store bought stuff is knit.  If I'm BUYING knit clothing, I should be sewing it.  The problem I faced was dealing with knit bias binding.  LORD NO. So I took the construction technique from the SisBoom Tortola and made a woven neck/arm facing to limit stretchy wonkiness and keep is nice and sturdy.  I Win!

Since this was a knock-off look, I clearly took inspiration from somewhere...here's where:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151715081173501165/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151715081173495164/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151715081173499902/

Anyway, there you have my "It Off" looks.  PLEASE go make your own and enter them!  If for nothing else than motivation and Sew-jo creation. 

-Crystal-