Christmas Garb: 2017

Every year I make matching outfits for my kiddos for Christmas.  Right now they enjoy it.  I know that someday, they will definitely not. I'm soaking it up before they start rolling their eyes and writing the forwards to their autobiographies that have a main focus on how their mother ruined their lives.  I think they're cute, though, so I'll just start saving for some therapy or chocolate or something.  But look at how adorable they are!

Let's start with the boy.  He looks so dashing, after all.  I pretty much just made a vest and a bowtie.  He apparently LOVES bowties...even though he HATED them at Easter time.  He was insistent that he get one: non-negotiable.  I decided to make and actual tie-able bowtie instead of my normal slide on tie. I used this pattern. I would make it longer and wider next time.  It juuuuust barely fit him even though I made it even larger than the pattern calls for. He may have called it "chokey"...but he still wanted to wear it!  At a young age, he's learning that beauty is pain.  His vest was a super easy sew and  I really love the fit.  It's the Schoolboy Vest by Sew Much Ado. It comes with the option of real or faux welt pockets and a back tie, but I made a really simple version since my fabric was so busy.  His shirt and pants were already in his dresser, so they were REALLY simple to make ::wink::wink::

The girl's dress turned out better than I had hoped for.  I made a version for this dress (The Nori by Paisley Roots) when I tested it in August.  My girl is very picky about what she'll wear and she chose this pattern straight away.  She just wanted it long, so I obliged.  I just made a gathered maxi skirt instead of using the circle skirt that the pattern comes with.  It's such a lovely dress and she told me that she felt like a princess.  WINNING!

The fabric used is by Michael Miller and it's the Glitz confetti border in Navy. It's actually a much deeper navy in person, but it wanted to be photographed with a blue PAPOW.  It's gorgeous, though.  I'm so glad I had some on hand.  I bought it a few years ago.  My New Year's Resolution for 2017 was to buy no fabric all year.  I actually only bought a total of 7 yards this year including Halloween fabrics. I think I can call that a success.  I'm glad I finally finished these.  The next 9 days are going to be a festival of crazy requiring copious amounts of spiked coffee.  The kids got to see Santa today as well (and I finished these LAST NIGHT).  So I barely met my deadline.  WHEW!  These may be my favorite Christmas outfits so far.  Can't wait to see what next year holds!

Merry Christmas, Y'all!

-Crystal-

Halloween 2017: The Girl

"I want a purple fairy queen costume!"  Now THAT'S what I'm talking about.  My girl gave me a super fun costume request this year. I'm happy to say, that she's happy and I'm done!  Boom shakka lakka.  She makes a lovely little fairy...and we all call her our little pixie anyway.

She was only a tiny bit picky...she knew what styles she DIDN'T want and I got to fill the holes.  She didn't want a tank top. She didn't want it too short.  She did want some poof, though and thank goodness tulle is so cheap ;)  

I insisted on sparkles and flowers and she was totally cool with that.  I also wanted to use lace- she reluctantly agreed, but I think she would have been more on board right away if she would have known what lace was when I asked her.

   

For the top, I used Glady's Graceful Leotard Pattern by Create Kids Couture.  It was a really easy sew and turned out so pretty and flowy with the lace got from Purple Seamstress Fabrics.  I added some flowers that we picked out together from...DOLLAR TREE, homey!  I love Dollar Tree.  

The skirt is 3 parts.  The bottom is an easy peasy no sew tutu. She wanted that fluff and I wanted something brainless.  Done and done.  The top skirt was made using Effy's by CKC.  I added a layer and converted it from a dress to a skirt.  Then I made the corset using McCalls 7230.  I wanted to really bring a fun renaissance flair in there for her and really finish off the look.

The accessories really set this costume over the edge of Pixie Hollow.  The crown was something she was INSISTANT on.  She wanted a huge flower crown and picked out these flowers specifically for it.  I think she did a great job!  The wings were store bought because eff that shiz.  That's my official stance on making my own wings, in case you were wondering.

Today was a rough day and I needed a strong finish, so I'm super glad I was able to get this all done and snap some pictures of my very happy child.  My writing is a bit lackluster because my brain is all mush right now, but I know if I didn't write it today I'd probably just put it off until November.  So, I didn't make a whole lot of funny jokes.  Just imagine a fart noise and boob joke right about now.  Now giggle.  My work here is done.

Happy Halloween...again, Y'all!

-Crystal-

Easter Dress 2017: The Picky Child Edition

It's nearly Easter!  I chose not to make my children Easter clothes last year for no other reason than I just didn't want to make them.  Last year was a SLOOOOOW sewing year for me.  The kids didn't mind, though.  They love spending mom and dad's money at stores.  Anyway, I bought some fabric for LAST year's that I never used and decided to get my sewing butt in gear this year.  I have a new sewing space (my bedroom, but we call it what it is now) so I'm motivated and don't have to put my sewing machine away after every use.  The Easter bunny should give me hella candy for that. 

 

My daughter decided to break my heart last week and tell me that she's not a little kid anymore.  She made sure I knew that she didn't want me picking out clothes for her and that she has her own "style".  Naturally I was flabbergasted, but at seven years old she's almost an adult, after all.  She chose her pattern, the dress length, her hairstyle and poses. She wouldn't compromise and she wouldn't budge.  I just thanked the big man upstairs (not like a crazy uncle...I mean the deity guy) that she approved my fabric choice. Its called Jubilee by Kokka Fabrics that I bought from Miss Matatabi- whose shop I LOVE.   

 

That Dandelion picture was all her. 

The pattern SHE CHOSE (not me, remember) is the Gabriella Fae by Sis Boom.  I really didn't change much other than taking in the waist a tad to fit my HER personal fit preference.  I chose  SHE chose the ruched bodice option in the front only...that was very important. Also I used an invisible zipper because that's just what I prefer- YES ME!  I get to make some calls still.

 

She really did do a great job. I want to mean, but I can't.  I'll just be pouty.

 

Now comes the struggle of making something for the 5 year old boy who keeps telling me that suspenders look "silly" and that he only wants shorts with sleeves (also known as pants).  Heaven help me.  I'm planning on making something cute for myself though and my kids won't get to tell me what to do.  I'm bigger anyway.

 

Happy Easter, y'all!

-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.

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.  

Gabriella Fae by Sis Boom

Hi all,
I'm back from my extended leave.  2 months of being gone leaves this girl's fingers twitchy to get some crafting in.  That said while I was away dealing with some family business I didn't completely stop crafting thanks to sharing some of the same hobbies as my mother in law (the dear woman took me fabric shopping and let me commandeer her printer and her machines for my own use.  Then there was also the ever present knitting needles - never leave for a big trip without them!

While I was away I had the pleasure of testing Gabriella Fae by Sis Boom which is currently available as part of Pattern Revolution's Bundle Up.

Princess Rapunzel Dress

Hey folks!  I'm blogging today...no seriously.  It's been a while, but I finally sewed something and feel up to blogging.  Life has been crazy and my anxiety has been flaring up, so I've been quite anti-social lately.  I'm such a tortured artist.  Feel bad for me and send me chocolate ;)  My mother asked me months ago if I could sew a dress for my girl to wear to Disney on Ice.  Because she asked me 2 months ago I, of course, waited until I only had 5 days to make it.  I seriously finished it 25 minutes before my mom came to pick her up.  I'd say "never again", but we all know that's not true. Anyway, here she is!

Oh yes!  The frying pan and Pascal made it into the photo shoot.  What's Rapunzel without her BFF and her protection?  I mean REALLY!

The pattern I used was the Tori's Bustle Dress by Create Kids Couture.  I've really grown fond of them as of late.  The patterns are so pretty and they really have that princess feel to them.  The instructions are fantastic and there are cut charts for all of the rectangle pieces- no wasted paper!  WOOT!  I used various satins for the dress to give it a more luxurious feel (because 5 year olds are all about luxury).


*A little edit:  If you're wondering why the ribbon on the sleeves isn't sewn completely down, there's an answer.  The satin was made in the devil's factory and pulled and moved and made the world turn black every time I tried to sew it down.  I decided to tack it down in a few key spots and let it poof a little.  Not worth fighting the forces of darkness on this one*

The back is shirred.  I used to hate shirring.  I thought it was the easy way out.  What I've learned is that shirring is a great way to create the illusion of a perfectly fitting garment with room for the kid to grow into it.  It'll look fitted for much longer this way.  Also, it's just super comfy for the kiddos and I don't have to help her get dressed, LOL.  Lazy mom WIN! So, I was wrong in my initial thought about shirring.  That's my one time being wrong in 2015.  I'll be perfect the rest of the year.

 She loves her new dress and I love making princess dresses, so we both win.  I'm hoping to snap out of my creative funk soon.  I guess I'll keep pressing on and hope the slump wears off.  If not, I may have to get this little rascal to hit me with that frying pan...knock some sense into me!

 

May all your sewing be magical (even if a stupid cable line ruins your picture).

-Crystal-

Uptown/Downtown Expansion Pack Tour by Sew Straight and Gather

Hey everyone!  It’s been minute since we’ve posted- we’ve all been dealing with life stuff. Stupid life stuff!  We're back today as part of a pattern tour!  WOO HOO!  But not just ANY tour, this one's a little special; it's for an expansion pack for an existing pattern.  WOAH.  I just blew your mind, I know it.

I was feeling a little blog neglectful, so when I saw my chance to sign up for the Uptown/ Downtown Dress Expansion Pack Tour by Sew Straight and Gather, I was like “YES!”  It’s such an unbelievably cute dress- just the thing to get me out of my funk.  I’m so happy to be a part of this tour because of how cool the designer was about releasing her expansions.  Instead of charging for them, she offered them to her customers for FREE just because she felt like it.  How cool is that?!?!?  About a billion cool- that’s how much.  So here it is!

If you’ve been following the tour, you probably know what’s included in the expansion, but here’s the list: cowl neck, long sleeves, pockets, tank top, and maxi length.  With that many added options, you can get a plethora of looks from ONE PATTERN.  Value- yes!  I’m all over that like Miley on a wrecking ball...but less gross, not naked and I won’t be licking things.  Ok...bad imagery.  Changing the subject.  Changing the subject.  Oh!  There’s also an added BONUS tutorial for a color-blocked waist panel.  SAWEET.

For my girl’s dress, I chose to utilize the cowl, longsleeves and pockets.  The cowl is super warm and my girl loves pulling it over her head like a crazy person.  The long sleeves obviously also aid in the avoidance of bodily freezing, plus, they’re très chic.  Paired with boots this combo is super cute, but it also works with sneakers and leggings for the crazy superhero kapow kid who also loves wearing dresses.

The pockets are awesome because all kids love pockets.  I chose to do them in a yellow knit so they’d stand out and add a little more color.  I love color!

My girl is IN LOVE with this dress.  She’s in heaven when I sew with knit, because it makes for easy movement and let’s face it- it’s super comfy.  This dress is a truly fun sew and just what I needed to get me back into the sewing groove.  I can’t wait to try some of the other options when the weather warms up again, but I’m in no hurry for that to happen.  I’ll just sew a few more winter versions- oh darn.

-Crystal-

Don’t forget to check out the other awesome bloggers on the tour.  You can see the list on the image below.

Also, here’s a giveaway because free expansions pair well with a free pattern!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you choose not to wait to win it, buy it with the coupon code UPTOWNEXPANSION25 for 25% off!  This coupon also works on the Etage dress in the shop or Etsy, so stock up while the gettin’s good.   The discount is good through Saturday the 22^nd.

Project Run & Play Sewalong- Season 10: Week Four (Crystal)

It's Signature Style time over at Project Run and Play, and I totally decided to go nuts and have fun with this one.  Maybe a little too much fun...almost got myself into trouble with the amount of fun.  But don't worry, I was Saved by the Bell.  Smooth intro, Crystal.  Smoother than Mr. Belding's Balding head.

Now, I know what you're thinking:

"This is wilder than than one of Jessie and Slater's fights" 
"This is sparklier than the Zack Attack blazer."
"Holy Hot Sundae, this is bright" 

But, dude, it's so me!

I am ALL over color and crazy.  I'm a *bit* on the theatrical side when I sew and usually tame it a smidge for the sake of your eyeballs.  But since we're doing a signature style, I just couldn't leave it alone.  I let it flow, and I love it more than all of the Buddy Bands in the world.  I adore seeing kids dress in fun things because you can only do it for so long before you exit "adorable" and enter "institutional."  Kids don't need to dress as serious as a caffeine pill addiction.

.
This dress looks like something Kelly Kapowski's barbie doll would wear.  The fabrics I used were: An acid wash print cotton I found at Joann's a year ago, some sparkle 2 way knit of doom, and the pink stuff I'll talk more about later.  The biggest Papow is all those ruffles.  I normally don't "do" ruffles.  They're hell to sew when you don't know how to use the ruffler foot you spent $35 on and when ruffling on the serger is something you just never got around to attempting.  So yeah, I hand gathered those ruffles...all of them.  Over 160" EACH ruffle (4 of them anyway), but it was sooooooo worth it.  The pattern I used to get my ruffle measurements was the Francesca's by Create Kids Couture.  I really do love Create Kids Couture patterns and I love the ladies in their FB group page even more.  They're just friendly. My daughter FLIPPED over this dress.  She can't wait to wear it to school....which brings me to the bodice.

I needed something with enough coverage for dress code (3" strap minimum), but the Francesca's bodice just doesn't have that. I decided to make the bodice using the Saffron Twirl Dress by Paisley Roots for the front.  For the back, I used the Saffron back piece for the arm holes, but layered it over the back of the All Spice (same designer) and added a little extra to create a button placket to close it up.  Then I used the All Spice flutter sleeve to make the cap sleeve. The Saffron has deeper armholes than the All Spice, so I knew I'd need the width of the flutter instead of the actual cap sleeve...so confusing, but it totally worked as planned.  The fabric is amazing.  It was found at the same yard sale the My Little Pony fabric was at and then was given to me.  Most people wouldn't have been so excited to receive this fabric, but I SQUEALED.  And it totally looks like it fits in with the Saved by the Bell opening credits.

So there you have it: Bayside Barbie. I believe Lisa Turtle would wear this to prom making Screech even screechier.  She'll have to take a number, though, because I don't think my daughter will ever take it off.

 

-Crystal-

P.S. One child + Mommy's Heels = HILARITY

Modkid Avery "Tuttle" Dress

Fall is the time for pumpkins, sweaters, and breaking out the long sleeved clothing.  We had a match made in heaven with some fall colored material, a long sleeved dress pattern, one little girl obsessed with dresses and turtles, and fantastic timing for a sew along: The Modkid Avery Sew Along that is!

Paisley Roots All Spice: Summer lovin'

Summer time.  A time for ice cream, water fights, breezy dresses and bare shoulders.  A season that if you haven't made an All Spice yet because of some irrational fear of sleeves you should hop to it.

Here we had to pretend there was a little bit of summer in between showers of mist as our rainy season begins to descend upon us (I'm told it doesn't really start until next month but here's day two of cloudy mist).  But you get the idea.  One cutie patootie in her sleeveless size 2T All Spice.  Oh and please forgive the stubborn creases.... I swear I ironed this before putting it on her but alas there was no steam left in my iron and it was quickly becoming nap time!

Paisley Roots All Spice through the Seasons: Winter

We love the All Spice Dress at our house.  We currently have three and I'm working on a forth for my girl.  Crystal covered the fall look for when the temps start getting just a bit cooler.  You know when it's cool in the mornings and you need a sweater but warm enough in the middle of the afternoon in the sun.

Well now I'm here to bring you the long sleeved winter look.  But let's be honest, us Californian implants to the Pacific NorthWest are already pulling out the jackets, coats, long sleeves, and jeans.  So my long sleeved looks have more of a "fall" feel in their fabric choices since we're still in our year of adjusting to cooler temps.  So here are my two long sleeved All Spice dresses on my petite girl.  Both dresses are the 12-18 month size.

Paisley Roots All Spice Week!: Autumn

It’s Allspice week here at That’s What SHE Crafted.  Our very own Karly came out with her sophomore pattern “The Allspice” under her pattern company Paisley Roots.  We decided to spotlight this pattern because we are fine with shameless friend promotion.  It means more Christmas present for us when she becomes a millionaire and Crystal's broke and in prison for being sarcastic with the president or something.  Anyway...THE ALLSPICE!  Here's a pic of all 4 versions sewn by Karly, herself:

 

Here’s the description from her Etsy listing because we're too lazy to write a new one:

“The All Spice dress features a square-neck with 2 different closures for the front: Button or Zipper. Back is completely closed. It also comes with 4 sleeve options: Flutter, Sleeveless, Cap and Long sleeve. This dress is perfect for all seasons and has a size range that stands from baby to tween!

It comes in 11 sizes:

6-12 mos.
12-18 mos.
2T
3T
4T
5
6
7
8
10
12

Skill level: Advanced Beginner - Skills used for this pattern *zipper, *buttons, *pintucks and a lining.
(closure is optional depending on preference and pintucks are optional.)

Pattern comes with a full tutorial and color photos in an easy to print PDF."

Man, that was hard work to write....er copy and paste ;)

Since each sleeve option represents a season, we’re starting with Autumn.  The cap sleeve version is perfect for the Autumn weather. It’s great for layering with a pretty cardigan and pairs well with boots and tights (or, you know, tennies).  We would also like to point out that the Allspice is great for school.  Crystal's girl has worn 3 of them to school already on non-P.E. days.

    

They're easy to dress up or down depending on your girl's personality and taste. The lines are super classic and pintucks never go out of style.  Your kid will look fab while scarfing down a pumpkin muffin and drinking a pumpkin spiced cocoa while at the pumpkin patch full of pumpkins.  We really miss Autumn. It’s almost here, though, so get your Autumn Allspice on!

-The SHEs-

Back To School with Maggie Mae!

I’ve spent a lot of time the past few months working on school clothes for my first child in kindergarten.  I was not ready for my BAAAAAABY to be in kindergarten AT ALL.  Not ready to not have her all day.  Not ready for her to be more independent.  Not ready for parent homework.  With all the things I wasn’t ready for, I was determined to be ready for one thing: that child of mine was going to look fabulous.  I combed  all of my patterns looking for ones with sleeves (there’s a 3” strap rule which is basically sleeves on a 5 year old) and got to work.  One of my go-to patterns for a successful sew is the Maggie Mae by Shwin.  I made two for school and I love them both!

The first I made was a tunic length.  There’s also a “no leggings as pants rule”, so I had to make sure it looked good with jeans.   Seriously...these rules.  SO MANY RULES.  I had a rule of my own- I had to use my stash.  We do not have any disposable income right now, so stash busters were a MUST.  I had some of this leftover Cherry Print that I’ve used for a bunch of stuff and I found an old dress I hated and used the grey skirt for the yoke.   BAM!  One top down and my awesome factor is UP!

I decided to make a dress version as well.  Kids grow up and need to be “cool” so quickly.  I’m DEFINITELY not ready for that, so I’m keeping her young as long as she lets me.  I was given this AWESOME gnome fabric that I’ve been obsessing over for a year and I knew I needed it for something.  I paired it with a sparkle denim and YEP!  This one’s for all my Gnomies. This dress started out as a different pattern, but my daughter complained that the bodice was “too itchy”.  Whiner.  (But it totally was itchy).  I decided to go back to Maggie Mae and it was better.  Muuuuch better.  The only thing I changed , really, was the skirt.  I made a wider skirt and gathered it, rather than using the slimmer and pleated version that comes with the pattern.  I also made  a white sash and a denim flower for that Papow!  My girl even wore it to picture day!  Maggie Mae saves the day!  But I’m, at the very least, her sidekick.  But like a sexy sidekick that everyone likes and invites to parties because no one wants to be Robin...

Anyway, I hope you like two of my school looks.  There have been a lot more and you’ll get to see at least 2 of them next week...ALLSPICE WEEK.  WOO HOO!!!

-Crystal-