The White Sheet Challenge

(week three of project run and play)



I used part of a queen sized 100% cotton 300 thread count sheet. I was tempted to dye it (hence the 100% cotton) or stamp it or do something crazy but my love of white won. I also wanted to use the existing hem on the sides and bottom of the sheet for the ruffles (and minimize sewing time wahoo), which were already hemmed with white thread (which doesn't dye well) so here it is.



I used my favorite pattern, simplicity 0351a (which I noticed has another pattern number but I didn't write it down. I tried to google it and it linked to my blog ha) for the top (I know, I've used it a ton) and the idea from my (again very cryptic) secret sewing jumper (using the Kati Cupcake Darla Jumper pattern) for the bottom. With the secret project, the tiers and ruffles were all different fabrics and it was fun to have them all peeking out. In hindsight I wish I'd covered up the tiers in this dress better (ie made the ruffles and tiers the same height). Guess there's always another time like week five or six of project run and play. I didn't copy the measurements from the pattern, just the general idea. I had to decrease some of the ruffle measurements too from my first calculations so I wouldn't have to hem any of them. :)



From the simplicity pattern, I measured the bottom of the bodice. Then I did some math at midnight and came up with the following measurements, which I'm documenting so I can throw away the receipts and envelope I scribbled on. All measurements in inches.



Bodice= 13.5
Ruffle 1= tier 1 x 1.7= 29.75 wide x 3 high
Tier 1= bodice x 1.3= 17.5 wide x 4 high
Ruffle 2= tier 2 x 1.7= 38.7 wide x 5 high
Tier 2= tier 1 x 1.3= 22.75 wide x 6 high
Ruffle 3= tier 2 x 2= 45.5 wide x 7 high



I added a waistband similar to the directions in the Darla Jumper except the bodice isn't lined in this dress. I made a sash from the bedsheet to tie in the back.







I'm also pretty excited about the texture in the top pictures and how these turned out even though my hand was numb (which has temporarily resolved my carpal tunnel- best news ever) and I was recovering from food poisoning.

Double Dipped

Background story- I was making a dress for one of Ansley's friends and thought it would be awesome to use a sheet that a neighbor gave me and give it the ombre treatment. The ombre part looks fine but there's a big splotch of dye on the back (boo!!) so now it'll be a play dress for Ansley and I have a few days to start over.

Since I'd cut up the sheet, I decided to use as much of the unstained part as possible- including a shirt and circle skirt for Ansley and a circle skirt for me. I didn't mean to make Ansley's shirt so short, just short enough that she can manage by herself in the bathroom (if you know what I mean ;) ). This was my first time dyeing elastic. I used the whole bottle of dye, really hot water, and extra salt but the beautiful royal blue turned into a light periwinkle and the ombre effect is less pronounced.

I dipped in the bottom section of each item (except for my skirt- the darkest section is on top and the bottom is white) for the longest time and tried to "constantly stir" as the RIT bottle says. After about ten minutes, I submerged more of each item in the dye bath, then a bit more a few minutes later. Maybe I need one of those electric stirrers and/or shouldn't be in such a hurry and try to dye four things at a time. I will also buy 100% cotton for the next dye project, unless I want a more pastel colored result.

Oh and in case you missed it, I blogged about Ansley's jacket here and yes, she did pick those boots.

And don't forget to enter the giveaway, at the bottom of this post.

An Afternoon in Balboa Park

It was getting kind of dark and Ansley threw an awesome tantrum b/c we wouldn't let her push her stroller into people but we still had a fun time. I'm pretty sure there's a picture of me and my sister, Jen, by this same fountain! If my dad finds it, I'll post it. :) I wish we had more time to explore and hike some of the paths.

I made Ansley's dress using Me Sew Crazy's Julie's Dress pattern. I love the full skirt, the multiple tiers and the slit and button closure in the back. I made my own bias tape b/c I couldn't find any that matched enough. I also didn't buy anything to make this dress- everything was from my stash. The lining is from a clearanced bed sheet, bought the same time as the bed sheet I used in this dress.









I think I need a haircut.







Following directions to pet the bird from behind.



Looking for fish and turtles.









I didn't even know this path was there.

Quadrangle Quilt

I made this quilt a while ago and never blogged about it. I made it with free sheets, kind of stained. I figured they would make the perfect picnic/camping/I don't care what happens to it quilt. I dyed them (the stains didn't come out but look a lot better) and they were the most gorgeous blue. . . until I washed them. Next time, I'll use more dye and more salt. I tried taking pictures of it but Ansley was not interested.

Fun in the Sundress Simple Raglan Style

I found this darling dress from Kalleen At Second Street via icandyhandmade and it got fast tracked to the top of my to sew list. The timing was perfect b/c I was trying to figure out how to make a sleeve like this. Kalleen's method worked perfectly!



I do have a bit of adjusting to do to the bodice pattern but that's okay. I used a hand me down dress to make the pattern.



I actually made a decent practice button hole but the real one isn't as pretty. Luckily the giant button covers it up. ha.



Thanks ladies for a fun sundress! It's certainly hot enough that we did our photo shoot indoors. Yes, she does work for chocolate chips.

My New Favorite Skirt

Last week I helped my friend, Katie, sew a beautiful blue circle skirt. I had to make one for myself with the most gorgeous fabric! It's the prettiest Amy Butler sheet set that I bought on clearance at Bed Bath and Beyond (plus I used a 20% off coupon, which don't actually expire btw).





Note the less awkward pictures once Ansley is around. :)





I'm planning to make Ansley a matching dress, but we won't have to wear them at the same time, all the time. ;) Maybe I'll make a second one, since it's just that awesome. Then I can wear one while the other is being washed. (Does anyone else buy multiples of clothes they like that fit well?)

Even though I have enough skirts, I might need to make more. . . .

Long Sleeve Peasant Dress

I am a little hyper when it comes to sewing. I was in the middle of sewing part of my brother's Christmas present when I saw this tutorial yesterday. During one of my favorite times of day (aka nap time), I cut up one of my super sheets from my favorite store (Target). How cute is this dress on my little princess?



I made a few changes like skipping the elastic in the sleeves:



And adding a sash with angled ends that can be tied in a bow:



or a knot (which I like better):



I think she likes it.



And another shot, b/c I like her!