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-

 

 

"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-

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.

Project Run & Play Sew Along- Season 10: Week Two (Crystal)

It's week 2 of Project Run & Play and the theme is "Hand-me-Downs" which translates to upcycling (essentially)...which translates to FREE (nearly)...which translates to WOO HOOOOOOOOOO (totally)!  Lets jump right in, shall we?

I decided to do a boy look this week since my little guy has officially grown out of all of the hand-me-downs we inherited from the wonderful male cousins that came before him.  Since 3T clothing usually doesn't outlive the year of use because boys turn into filthy and crazy daredevils that destroy everything, I was so sad to know I'd have to buy stuff.  The death of a cheapo.  So sad. Luckily I can upcycle and BAM!  Stylish stud

Imma gonna go ahead and start with the fancy pants he's wearing.  For this look I used a pair of MY old pants and a GIRL pattern.  I totally reused girly things for a boy look.  I bleach dyed the jeans using the preschool method of tie dying with random rubber bands all over.  It turned out just as I had pictured and worked like magic with the Sis Boom Katie pattern.  I forgot to get a pic of the jeans before I bleached 'em...whoops!  But I got a pic before I cut them, so points for me!

The vest was ALSO a "girl" pattern.  I used the Allspice by Paisley Roots without the pintucks to make it.  I added some length to get it to be manly and decided to go reversible because it's just cool.  The peach side has pockets (the original pockets from the fugly shirt from Grandma- she wouldn't even wear it) and the khaki green side has some custom stitching.  For that side, I used a pair of my husband's old torn up shorts.  Seriously, I don't even want to know what kind of bathroom issues cause a hole THIS GIANT to form in the crotch seam.  Gonna leave that one alone. All I had to purchase for this look was a reversible separating zipper.  That's it for the WHOLE LOOK.  YAY!

The hat pattern is from Apple + Fig. and is SO COOL.  The size ranges from baby to adult, so it's a good use of the dinero.  I used the rest of the mystery injury shorts to make it and added a little sea turtle reverse applique with the leftover bleached denim.  My boy loves sea turtles...it wasn't just some random "I like turtles" moment.

The shirt was made from a shirt.  So clever, I know.  But I love the fabric of this shirt and my husband didn't like the original, so yeah.  I made it better.  I used the Flashback skinny tee from Made by Rae.  It's so cool!  Love this pattern.  Easy and comfy and the perfect fit.

That about sums up my look!  4 pieces that can be interchanged with the rest of his wardrobe.  They'll blend right in with his other stuff....like a dresser ninja!

-Crystal-

Back to School Button Down

My little boy starts Pre-K on September 1st which seems SO late compared to what we are used to!  Back in California we would have already started and had a few weeks under our belt.  In any case, S is VERY excited to get back to school so he can make some more friends.

The last time I did a fabric splurge, S picked out this camouflage dinosaur fabric that was on the discount table.  When we got home S was all excited for me to make something for him.  Sad for him that I still had a tester on my sewing table for his sister.  Quickly finished that up and then started looking through my patterns.

I found my Sis Boom Ethan I was looking for and downloaded it so I could get started right away.  To my surprise I also found 3 other patterns (Katie Fancy Pants, Judy Fancy Pants, and Tommy Boxers) I purchased during one of the sales that I forgot I had purchased!  I know what I'll be sewing up for the kids, Mr. Viever and myself in the next few weeks!

Tobago Babies

Hey everyone!  It’s still 9,000 degrees here and while everyone starts up their Autumn and Winter sewing, I’m still on the tank train.  Even sewing long sleeves makes my pits start dripping and my palms start warming up like little portable ovens.  We didn’t even hit long-sleeve temps in winter last year, so tanks are a fair option until about mid-November.  Luckily one of my totes fave designers (Carla with Scientific Seamstress and Sis Boom) came out with the best little tank ever about a month ago and the bonus is that it’s a fast sew.  WOO HOO!  Tobago, baby.  TOBAGO.

It’s taken me a while to write about the Sis Boom Tobago because they’re so easy to make that I didn’t even have that “I better freaking blog about this damn project that took half of my life” moment.  They just slipped into the girl’s wardrobe without stress or complications.  But they’re way too amazing to keep to myself, so you get to hear about ‘em.

The Tobago comes in lengths for top, tunic and dress which you pick by measuring.  There are two neckline options- curved and notched- and it also has a slit with button closure in the back for the smaller sized children, because toddlers have giant heads.  The sizes range from 3/6 months to 13/14 and then you have the women’s version (The Tortola releasing on its own in October.  It’s part of the road Trip Pattern Club now).  It’s a 30 minute project that anyone can sew.  The strap construction is GENIUS and if you join the Lab Group on FB, there’s a video to walk you through it.  This tank is made with WOVENS by the way.  It’s designed to be cut on the bias for drape, but I’ve made one with it on the grain and it’s still perfect.

I even made one for my boy...then he went and got all fabulous on me.

We’ll continue to bake here while you all wind down from the brief heat you’ve encountered.  I hate you all.

-Crystal-

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-

Sis Boom Jenny SKIRT tutorial. Say WHAT?!?!?

When I WON the Jenny Craft-off because I’m a winner, I thought “Wow, craft-off winner, you should do something nice for the people that made you win.”  I thought that because I’m a winner....because I won.  So here it is, folks...The Jenny Skirt Tutorial (By Crystal, The Winner)

*If you have made a Jenny with a successful fit, use your existing pieces.  If you have NEVER made a Jenny before, PLEASE make a muslin for the waistband. PLEASE.  This will ensure that you make something that works.  Here’s a tip from me to you:  The Jenny is intended to fit perfectly like a glove.  It may seem like it’s too small, but more times than not it’s fine.  So grab a small cheap zipper and make your muslin WITH a zipper so you get accurate sizing.

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.