Fleece Outfits Out and About and a Happy Mistake

Ansley's new jacket and pants were perfect for our recent trip to Chicago and winter (which is like FOREVER here). I used two remnants, though I was tricked by the sign on the remnant bin which said remnants were 50% off. It turns out they're 50% off the original price, not 50% off the price on the tag.

Anyway, I traced a pair of pants that fit her. I was guided by these tutorials. I made a blue pair and a purple pair. The purple remnant I bought was already serged on the side. Unfortunately I had to unpick part of it b/c I needed the material for the pants.

I was able to keep the serged edge for my sleeves. The jacket started out as a tunic length shirt (I traced a shirt that fit her) but it was too hard for my squirmy girl to get into and out of comfortably so I cut the front open and finished the edges. I added a button and elastic hook closure the next day. I love it! I think it turned out better than I planned. I also used contrasting pink thread for all of her new clothes, mostly b/c I was too lazy to change the thread and bobbin.

Little Boy Blue Blanket

I whipped up this little blanket for my friend's new baby. Can't wait to see him snuggled up in it.

I used this tutorial. I probably didn't do the corners exactly right but I think it still turned out pretty well.

I was also a little bit naughty and didn't prewash my fabric. I love how soft and cozy unwashed fleece is. After it's washed it just isn't the same. Any tips for keeping that lovely fleece softness??

A+ A Line

Modeling my skirt, using this free pattern from burda style. I love the little pleats and the delicious pink stretch herringbone.

This was my second try at this skirt. I tried making adjustments, since my waist and hip measurements correspond to different sizes. I realized with the practice round (with the practice fabric I don't really care about) that I don't really want to wear this skirt where my natural waist is anyway. I also can slip the skirt on without a zipper, so I cheated and left out the zipper and used elastic in the waist. (You might say I have a thick middle, I'd like to think of it as really little hips).

PS- I have a picture of myself in the same silly dance pose when I was in fifth or sixth grade. Maybe one of these days I'll figure out my scanner.

Yes, This is a Picture of a Picture

New artwork for our living/family/piano/tv room. I took this picture last month. I really want to decorate our home with pictures of places we've been and things we've seen. It's a slow process, mostly due to budget restrictions and the fact that it's not a necessity.

Frames are from Target. They were only $7 each!

Another Messenger Bag

Introducing the water resistant and less floppy version. This was my first time sewing with tablecloths. I learned that pins leave marks and unpicking a seam is a pretty bad idea. It's also horribly wrinkly b/c I didn't want to melt the tablecloth with my iron. This time around I shortened the top flap by an inch and a half. My favorite part is the interior, especially the way the polka dots almost line up at the bottom.

Messenger Bag

I love my new bag. It is so happy. I really like the fully lined interior and I found a good use for the scraps from my kitchen curtains (my first solo sewing venture), which matched so well, you'd think I'd planned it. I used this excellent tutorial. I omitted the short straps (which is really a genius idea if you have a stroller that gets frequent use on excursions) and added interior pockets. My bag is a bit floppy- I may have to use interfacing or a stiffer material next time.

Jersey Skirt

My pretty sister models her jersey skirt, made using this tutorial (sans pockets). I love the color combo.