Crystal's Kinda Crappy

Haha!  Made ya read!  But seriously, I'm crappy at having time to do fun stuff and blog about it.  I'm still fabulous in every other way and don't you forget it.  I haven't blogged at all since December and I wanted to just do a little roundup of what I've been up to creatively.  Mostly small projects here and there.  We had some issues with a "light" kitchen/living room remodel and 14 months later, we're not done yet.  We could be, but the heat came before we could finish and 110+ degree temperatures are not worth working in.  Needless to say, I've been preoccupied trying to get that done and not cry every time I have to reach into a cupboard with no door.

So here's the stuff I never got around to blogging in 2015 and so far in 2016:

I made myself a few fun things:

A star wars top made from an altered version of the Uptown/Downtown Women's pattern from Sew Straight and Gather.  This just happens to be my new favorite shirt. I wear it ALL THE TIME.

A LBD from the Lady Skater Pattern by Kitschy Coo

A Patterns for Pirates Grandpa Cardi that I can't wait to use again!




A Coraline hoddie from the Patterns for Pirates Women's Relaxed Raglan pattern   

 

A cute polkadot Pumpkin Spice Dolman from Patterns for Pirates. Another shirt I wear a ton.  In fact I'm wearing it as I type this.

And finally, a pretty Desert Breeze dress from Striped Swallow Designs that was inspired by Pocahontas's "Colors of the Wind".  It was my first official Disneybound! I modified it to have an elastic casing underneath the bust for a more flattering fit.  I also made it a maxi because I LOVE maxis.


Yep!  I spoiled myself a wee bit....ain't sad about it!


Here's the stuff for my girl!

 

A bit of Scotland in an Uptown Downtown Girl's dress from Sew Straight and Gather

A Very hipster modified Saffron Twirl from Paisley Roots

A Modkid Arianne dress

 

A few Hourglass dresses by Rabbit Rabbit for the holidays

And most recently I made her a little princess's dream come true with a modified Town Square top from New Horizon's patterns and some Bonny legs from Made for Mermaids.

She made out pretty well, too!

Now for my son!

A TIE! ...in December...and nothing else.  Poor kid.  But if he wouldn't ruin clothes so fast, he'd have more!  He's a maniac, people.  Oh well, he rocked that tie!  Before he puked on it.  No seriously, he did.

I hope to be more productive these last 6 months of 2016, but promises like that just can't be made.  I can promise Halloween costumes, though.  I kill it with Halloween costumes.  They are my happy place.

Thanks for reading y'all!!!

-Crystal-

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.  

"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-

Heat Transfer Vinyl Fun with Expressions Vinyl!

Ok people listen up! I have some fun to share with you today!!!

Do you remember this shirt from my CRAFTICON post, and then I promised you I'd share more about it later? Well today is "later". 

First off I used a Silhouette to cut my vinyl. why do you ask? Well it is the cutting machine I have. and I fricken love that I can grab an image and trace it in the program. When you cut to vinyl you are going to want to mirror your image. I didn't use words so it really wouldn't have mattered a lot if I didn't mirror such a basic shape, but I knew which way Mario and friends run across the screen - I have the games! 

I used Siser easy weed vinyl from Expressions Vinyl. and let me tell you - it is EASY to weed!!!!! I've weeded other things before and it felt more torturous than watching golf on tv, which for me is worse than watching paint dry. This easy weed stuff just lifted right off, nothing ripped or pulled and the backing is slightly sticky so the pieces I wanted to stay on the backing to iron to the shirt nicely stayed on the backing!

Then I went on over to Expressions Vinyl's you tube channel and watched this video, if you skip to about the 6:50 mark you can go right to the ironing bit. This shirt was my very first attempt at heat transfer vinyl so I figured I should watch a demo first and all the tips and hints in that video are AMAZING!!! Plus he uses an everyday iron - which is perfect since I do not have a heat press. So, if you want to learn the finer points of ironing on heat transfer with an iron I highly recommend the video!

This project was so much fun and such an easy first project! I will be on the lookout for more things to vinyl forsure! Plus, I have a bunch more vinyl so keep an eye out for more non sewing projects using vinyl! or maybe sewing projects using vinyl... Who knows really, we SHE'S like to keep things fresh!

ps see Luigi above, that is what happens when you think you should put your iron just a little bit hotter than the video recommends (even though the video warns against too hot ironing). I've learned my lesson. Trust the video and the experts when it comes to applying vinyl properly!

and yes, I still do love my shirt! Everyday with a little bit of my geek showing!

I should tell you that when Expressions Vinyl sent me the vinyl for the project, they shipped it right away and it arrived in record time to my middle of nowhere area! 

Road Trip Pattern Club!

It’s summer!  For most people that means vacations and family fun.  For seamstresses it means all of that PLUS some awesome sewing.  If you haven’t heard about the Road Trip Pattern Club, you’re about to.  It’s FIVE awesome patterns for one low price ($35) all designed and geared toward vacations. One new pattern releases every month for 5 months.  They’re all a big secret until the pattern is revealed.  All you know is the designer and then it’s like HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  So far there has been The Road Tripper Duffle bag by Betz White, then the Kimono Wrap by Modkid, and today is the Tortola Tank by Sis Boom.  I was lucky enough to be able to test 2 of these patterns and I’m sharing them with you.   Get ready to want to leave town....  

Aren’t they summer funneriffic? That’s a word I made up just because I can...my post, my words.

First up is the Kimono wrap from Modkid!  This pattern literally comes in EVERY SIZE because it is made completely by using your own measurements.  There are no pattern pieces; you make your own using Patty’s guide.  It’s not hard AT ALL, so stop your sighing.  Anyone can (and should) make this.  I think it’d be great in terry for a pool robe, in cotton for a little coverup, or in satin (like I have) for getting ready for a night out- great for keeping powder, makeup and hairspray off of your pretty fancy dress.   I also think that with a little embroidery, these would make the cutest bridal party getting ready accessory. 

The second pattern, The Tortola Tank by Sis Boom, is more day to day whether you’re going shopping, riding in the car, or even going out at night.  This tank in sparkles or shimmer paired with skinny jeans and sexy shoes would be awesome for a karaoke night with the girls!  It’s designed to be made with WOVEN fabrics, but when cut on the bias makes a pretty drape and adds a little stretch for getting it on and off.  The size range is from XS (0-2)-3X (24-26W).  You get to pick your length, too!  I didn’t make this one on the bias because I’m a rebel!  Actually, I just wanted vertical stripes.  It still fits great and is super comfy, just doesn’t have that draping that it’s designed to have.  If you like tanks, this is a great pattern for you. By the way...45 minutes to sew TOPS from cut to finish.  No lie.

Anyway, I hope I convinced you to buy a member ship to the club.  There are still 2 surprise designs waiting for you and the previous 3 will get to you too.   YOU NEED THIS.  Your vacation wardrobe is waiting to be made. you can buy HERE:

Click here to view more details
 

All of the patterns will be available to purchase separately from the individual designers starting October  1st, but your chance for the best deal is now!

Still not sure? 

And how about now?

And here’s a backstage shot of my muslin for my Tortola.  I felt it needed something...and I had just learned how to use my embroidery machine, so.....

 -Crystal-

BundleUP, Yo! Citron Twist Shrug by Candy Castle

I have been doing a LOT of mama sewing lately.  A.LOT.  So why not do some more?  Onward! I was asked to give a little review post about the Candy Castle Citron Twist Shrug which is now available for purchase when you BundleUP, so I did.  And I’m so glad I did!  This is my first Candy Castle pattern and I am super impressed.  Just look at it! (I kind of look like a Beverly Hillbilly’s version of Maryanne from Gilligan’s Island).

When I first saw this modeled in sneak peeks, I immediately thought of a camping trip.  I’ve seen this dressed up, too, and it totally works, but for me it just screamed CAMPOUT!  I don’t have the figure for a crop top...NO WAY BLUEJAY, but this gives that feel without having to expose the flub.  Now,  I have never been camping, but I am going soon, so this was like YES.

Crystal's Jenny: Craft-Off Day 2

Before we get started with Day 2's Competitor, we wanted to let you all know that on Friday we will be having a giveaway with an extra entry for participating in our linky party!  All you have to do for the EXTRA entry is make something for you!  Get your selfish sew on and link up on Friday.  You'll be able to enter the giveaway even if you don't link up, but linking up gives you one more chance at being a winner and not a LOSER!  Ok...onward to battle

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It’s my turn to compete, so heeeeeeeere’s Jenny! 

When the gals picked the Jenny for this craft-off I was a little nervous.  My fabric was just not speaking to me.  I was begging it to say something...anything.  But bin after bin and not even a whisper from my textiles.  I HAD to choose from my stash, ‘cuz I’m broke as a joke, yo.  I eventually picked out 3 different fabric combos as contenders and decided to go with the brightest since spring was in the air.  I wanted to make this one different from my last fabulously plaid Jenny, so I decided to do a 2-tone dealeo.  I love my retro dress wardrobe and this dress fits right in with the others.  BABABABOOM!  I win.  

Cozy Julia Cardigan

Spring is well underway and yet if you are like me you still get chilled depending on the day or time of day.  I bought a red knit from Joann's a couple of months ago with the intention of making a full sleeved cardigan for myself but my sunshine loving self needed more than just a cardigan to get through the end of winter and much of the beginning of spring.  Now that it's warmed up a full sleeved cardigan seems to be a bit much so I decided on making A Mouse House Creation Julia Cardigan in a 3/4 sleeve.  Just long enough for chilly days but not so long to be overly warm.

Please excuse the grubby/realness of my photos.  I got up Mother's Day and decided our back patio NEEDED to be pressure washed.  So my husband got out our landlord's pressure washer and got it started for me.  So the dirt and mud on my jeans are from that.... I may even have some on my face and a bit on my cardigan.... not just for night's out or looking cute!