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-

Sewing in a Winter Wonderland

We don't get a true winter where I live.  I mean, right now it's November and it's 80 degrees out.  But in a few weeks it'll get a little chilly and my kids will start complaining of near death by freezing.  Time to start my "Winter" sewing!  My boy was the first to get something mama made to keep him warmish.

The vest is The Dragon Vest by Puperita and is oh so cozy!

I added some orbit pockets using this tutorial from Paisley Roots.  I just made them a smidge bigger to work better with this pattern.

I also didn't have the correct size zipper, so this one was a little short. Still worked, though, and I didn't have to leave the house and buy a new one- and deal with people ::Shudder:::

The star of the vest really is the fabric though.  My best friend and I love how much it looks like a Monet.  The fabric is from Wanderlust Custom Fabric.  If you read this in time, there's a pre-order for this happening Black Friday through Cyber Monday. The price is gonna be super dope on a rope too.  BUY SOME. 

The shirt is THE BEST. It's the Flashback Skinny Tee by Made by Rae.  This is my go-to shirt for my skinny little guy.  It's a quick sew and really really cute.  

No joke, it could be used as just a striped shirt, as a Christmas shirt, or as a Where's Waldo costume.  I win.

This 5 year old has some MAJOR energy.  Seriously...

Anyway, there's the low down on my first bit of sewing for the new season.  I hope to do some more.  I may not...I get lazy.  But I'll try.  Haha!

Oh!  Back shots!  I almost forgot.  And I know how BADLY you want to see them.  So interesting...

Stay Warm, 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-

Halloween 2017: The Boy

It's my favorite time of year!  There are sewing droughts in my life, fuh shizzle, but Halloween always ends them.  No matter my mood, I always make time for Halloween sewing. It's when I get to let loose, throw guidelines out the window and make what I want!  So naturally this year, my son who is always opinionated, decided to tighten the reigns a little MORE than usual and give me a VERY specific list of what he wanted.  Goodbye, joy.  Hello chores.  BOOOOO.  His very first demand...the subject matter.  So here he is, the monster.

I used McCalls 6628 and really didn't have to CHANGE anything.  He picked his options and I took it from there.  One eyed, blue, green and white monster with horns,a spiky tail, polka dots, and a tummy spot.  And there you have it!

Every day I'd get a "Are you done with my costume yet?" or the "You should sew my costume."  Such a demanding customer.  Luckily for him, he's cute.

The claws, horns and eyeball are his favorite parts...and they had better be.  I had to hand stitch those little assholes on.  But they're great for "scaring" the dog, he says.  So far, the dog just chases him around trying to eat his tail and feet. I don't think she's scared. 

Even though, I couldn't be creative, I must say that I'm glad he chose a cute costume.  I know the days of adorable costumes is coming to an end and soon he'll want some sort of mega zombie vampire costume. I'm savoring the "little" boy stage.  Even with all of the hand-stitching and fur up my nose, ears and other various body holes, I did enjoy the process a little.  And of course, I enjoy the look on the little turd's face.

Happy Halloween, Yall!

-Crystal-

Suit Up for Summer!

It's that most magical time of year- the time for burned skin, dehydration, and boob sweat.  It's SUMMER!  Now I realize many of you have not yet been graced by the presence of the heat, but in the desert where I dwell, we are in full "gimme a popsicle and a fan" weather.  With all the misery that comes with the heat, there's a reprieve...SWIMMING!  Heck yes.  Our primal instinct to dip our bodies in water is what keeps me alive in the hot months.  I'm just glad we've all gone a little non-primal and wear clothes now. I'm so excited to put my bathing suit on and pretty much live in it for 6 months.  Unfortunately, my suit from last year was a bit janky.  Enter the "Suit Up for Summer Tour" and my reason to make myself one.  Yay!

This is the first time I've ever made swimwear and what I should have done was follow a simple pattern.  What I did...hacked a suit into existence.  WHYYYYY?!?!  It turned out cute though, so I ain't mad, homey.  I chose to join the Hello Sailor Swim Bottoms and Simplicity 8342 in holy matri-sew-ny (har har har)..  It wasn't as easy as I had hoped because of the way the top is constructed. Should have checked that shiz out first. Also dealing with SO MANY layers was a pain in the bootay.  There's a learning curve as with all sewing biznizz.  Also, I should mention that I wear a real bra when I swim.  My chesticles need the support and bathing suits alone can't cut it.  Every summer I take a current bra and use it for swim making sure to replace it with a new one for everyday use.  It gets the job done!

I used this morbidly hilarious fabric from Backstitch Fabrics for my main print.  Its so wrong and completely right.

Then I chose a cute polka dot coordinate from Peekaboo Fabric Shop to add a little pop!  I got my lining and power mesh from Peekaboo, too. And um...my elastics, too.  Seriously, she's a one stop swim shop with the best prices I've seen.

I added a little skirty for those days I'm bloated and need to avoid being asked if I'm pregnant again. Because the answer to that question is "No. Never.  Now go away." I used Butterick 5795 for that.  Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

The last thing I made was  Kimono from Patterns for Pirates.  I forget lots of things in the car when I go out to the pool...I don't want to be prancing around in the parking lot in my skivvies. I mean not without charging admission at least.

Overall, I think my first suit went well and I learned a lot.  Maybe next year I'll go for a bikini.  Oooh lala.

Make sure to check out the other bloggers...it'll be swimmingly fun.

May 22
Pearberry Lane
Inspinration
Its Leisel
Sewing for Four

May 23
HarperLu
Call Ajaire
Stylin Stacy
Skirt Fixation

May 24
Sewing by Ti
Sewing with Sarah
Sew and Tell Project
Me Made

May 25
Made by Meli
Life Sew Savory
That's What SHE Crafted
Aus Chick

May 26
Rebel and Malice
Everything Your Mama Made
Stitching and Making
Lilliepawillie


Also, blog tours just aren't as wonderful without amazing sponsors.  Take some time to visit their shops and give them a follow and some love.  There's a raffle and link up over at our hosts' blogs (Paisley Roots or Sew Sophie Lynn) as well, so get your pasty untanned tushes over there!

Swim on, 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-

 

 

Fiesta Fun Blog Tour

*This blog post was sponsored by Art Gallery Fabrics*

I am so excited to be finishing off the Art Gallery Fabrics "Fiesta Fun by Dana Willard" blog tour hosted by Paisley Roots.  It's been super awesome seeing what everyone's sewn up so far with this really festive line.  When Karly asked me to participate, I was SO EXCITED.  I am a huge fan of all things colorful and happy and what better to represent what I love than a line called "Fiesta Fun"?  It's just perfect for me.  And I decided it should be for ME.

 

Everyone knows I love rainbows and unicorns.  And although I'm sure there are very few unicorns at fiestas around the world, I try to bring the magic with me wherever I go.  When I saw this Happy Streamers print, I knew I wanted it.   Just to make sure I was making  the right choice, I asked my husband, my best friend, and my mother-in-law which fabric THEY thought I'd choose.  They all chose this one...because apparently, I'm really that obvious.  

 

Art Gallery fabrics are always high-quality.  I've never been disappointed when I get fabric mail with their products inside.  This fabric was no different.  It's wonderful to work with as always.  

 

I chose this dress pattern (Simplicity 1755) because I adore retro style. I feel oh so Jessica Day in this. The center seam was begging for me to turn a "stripe" into a "V". It turned out just as I'd imagined it would and I think it adds a cool dimension to an already cool print.  

 

The fussy cutting was really important for this look and thank goodness the fabric all lined up just right.  Sometimes fabric is printed all wonky and can make me batty, but Art Gallery is on point!

It's also super easy to accessorize!  With every color of the rainbow present, you can pick almost any coordinate and it's gonna rock.  

And my favorite part of the dress (besides the color PAPOW)?  POCKETS!

Basically, at the end of the day, I'm saying this fabric is seriously sweet.  It works for adults, kids, dogs...whatever.  It's awesome stuff.  There are 16 prints with something for every taste.  Happy Streamers is my fave though...obviously.

 

Make sure to check out all of the amazing work done during this happy tour. 

Everyone is so talented and each has a unique style, but they've all been able to use this line beautifully.  Check 'em all out!

Have sew much fun, y'all!!!

-Crystal-