12 Days of 1h Gifts |Guest Post|

Scroll down for enlgish, please. 

A Melissa do blog Rebel & Malice, tem publicado nestes últimos dias, ideias de presentes feitos à mão que conseguimos executar numa hora ou menos. Pelo meio tem algumas bloggers convidadas a partilhar algumas também e eu tenho o prazer de ser uma delas. E cabe-me fazê-lo hoje, com um passo a passo, para os ganchos coroa de princesa, que podem encontrar aqui. Entretanto, mostro-vos outras duas que fiz, uma delas a pedido da minha princesinha. 

For the last couple of days, Melissa from Rebel & Malice, has been hosting a series of handmade gifts that can be put together in one hour or less over her blog. Between one thing and the other, she also has guest bloggers sharing their own ideas too, and I have the pleasure of being one of them. It is my turn to do so, with a tutorial on how to make this princess crown hairclip, which you can find here. While you're staying here, I am sharing two more versions of these, one of them being a request from my own little princess.  

Bringing home a guest post

Today I am bringing home the guest post I did for CratingCon a few days ago.Just in time to link it to Project Run and Play week two... enjoy...

Hello CraftingCon fans. My name's Magda E. and I blog over House of Estrela, about my sewing projects. For over two years I've been sewing from my already existing fabric stash and refashioning. Yes, you can say I am cheap, but it has been a great challenge to sew according to many themes, using, only supplies I already have. It has improved my creativity. And for today's post it hasn't been an exception... and I started with this:

This is a dress my sister wore for a few years, when she was done with it, it came to my refashion pile. It was perfect for what I needed.

The idea of creating a princess inspired outfit, that my daughter could use on a daily basis was in my mind for a while. When the chance to do a post for Crafting Con came up, I couldn't be happier that I could finally do it. First I thought about doing cinderella, because I love blue, but then I did Princess Sophia, which is my daughter's favourite. Did you know she was inspired/based on queen Sophia from Spain? It would make sense for me to do her, since I am half spanish myself. 

I didn't want it to be too princessy, as I said before, I wanted it to be used on a daily basis. So when I looked at Sophia's there were three things I had in mind to reproduce... sort of... And they were the colour, the scalloped hem and the pearls. These were the three things I wanted to add to my dress. It was my first scalloped hem and I didn't follow any pattern or tutorial. It's not perfect, but works. I used the pearls in the hairclip flower and in the button in the back. 

I used RaeAnna's Bumblebee dress pattern for the bodice. I have used it over and over because I know it fits my girl in a lovely way. I even used it for a Snow White costume. But I did a few changes and adjustments to the pattern. Especially in the sleeves and back piece, which I cut on the fold as one and then sewed up an opening so it could fit through my daughter's head. 

The flowers printed in this dress reminded me of Sophia's skirt flowers too, which was a bonus I wasn't counting on. The little miss liked her new dress, she said she felt pretty with it and wanted two of the hairclips. Then she had a fun photoshoot with her daddy, which is great. I hope you all enjoyed it too. 

Thanks so much for having me.

CraftingCon Princess Sophia from Disney

Yesterday my entry for the CraftingCon series as a guest poster was up. Here's a link to it (click image below), in case you've missed it!

Knock it off Series

This is probably my very favourite series from the sewing community! I wasn't going to participate this time, I haven't been sewing, but then it crossed my mind that I had just finished a knock off a few days ago. The Series are over by now, by I was able to add this project to the Flickr group before it ended, however, I am only able to blog about it right now. 

This knock off was actually ordered by a costumer. Her little girl celebrated her 7th birthday on the 28th of July (same day nd age as my niece) and her mom threw her a Barbie themed partie. She wanted me to make her a tutu and a shirt like the one in the first photo but she requested a few things different. She wanted no bows in the shirt, the silhuette to be black instead of pink and an extra bow for her daughter's hair. 

I made a no sew tutu. I used the knots technique for the second time ever and this one turned out so much better. I might have to make a third for my daughter. She's been into Anjelina Ballerina and dances in her toes often... wouldn't she look adorable doing that in a beautiful tutu?

The t-shirt was my favourite! I searched for a Barbie silhuette online, this one was the one I liked the most, printed it, cut it out and used it as a pattern to cut it on my fabric. I added some interface to the fabric before I cut to make it easier, and then sewed into the t-shirt. Quick and easy with a perfect result. 

I have a friend whose little girl turned three on this very same day too and also had a Barbie themed party for her daughter. I wonder if she would have liked an outfit like this one... 

A simple project: Flower hair clips

A couple of weeks ago, daycare asked us parents to help them collecting a few things so theu could sell in a local Christmas fair. The money from the sells would go to new materials for the kids. I went through my ready-made box of handmades and found two wallets and a dress I was willing to donate. But I thought that wouldn't be much, so to add a few more things I made some very quick hairclips. The flowers were done - I have a jar full of them from the time I learnt how to make them - so all I had to do was glue the ribbon to the clips, then glue the flower on it, and a button to finish. I made 6 hairclips to complete my donation in just a few minutes. Which is the best I can do lately. 

Maratón Telaria | 1. retro |

The Maratón Telaria has started last week. We had until the 27th to join the sewalong flickr group with the first theme: RETRO. So, guess when I decided to sew my piece?! Exactly, the 27th. Which meant I had to sew my dress, take pictures, and edit them to enter. 

But, of course I did it. I spent all this time convinced I wanted to do a rockabilly look for G. but then, as I got lost online, I chose to get inspired on those lovely short 70's dresses. Mine wasn't so short though and I'll tell you why. 

front and back view of dress - it closes on the back with snaps. 

As I've been saying forever, G. has got way too many clothes that fit for now. When I say she doesn't need anymore, I mean, I don't know where to keep anymore clothes, there's no space for them, really. That's actually something that has been keeping me unmotivated lately. I mean, I have been sewing, behind the scenes, but I'm not really in the mood to get too creative. 

So, back to the reason why this isn't as short as I wanted. It is simple, I made it hoping this would be a great fit by spring, so next year. The sleeves are wide enough for her to comfortably grow into this, I hope this will last as a tunic when she's even older. 

The pattern I used was the one I drafted from an existing dress and used for the Sad Cat Dress, can you remember that? The only changes I did this time, was on the seam allowances, this made this dress narrower than the previous on the neck line. Even though it looks like it is shorter than the other one, it isn't, it just happens that kids grow a lot in just 7 months passed. 

Contrary to the Sad Cat dress, this isn't lined, instead I used homemade bias - actually I made it from left overs from the sheet I used as lining to the cat dress - on the neck line and bottom seam. To finish off the sleeves I used a vintage lace I had selvaged from an old shirt I was given a while ago. 

So, after all, what makes this look retro? In my opinion, and intention... as I said before, I was inspired in the 70's. The features I tried to bring back from that period were the line of the dress, the lace, the width and the plaid of course. I wanted to include a peter pan collar to it too, but I was attaching the bias already when I suddenly remembered "the collar! Oh gosh, I didn't cut the collar!" - well, too late my dear, I'm not doing that. But, even though the day was rather warm, she wore a white shirt underneath the dress, which -look so convinient - had a peter pan collar too. 

Just before we left the home, I managed to make her a matching hairclip. I tried to do her hair inspired in the 70's pictures too. I love it! This isn't much of my style, but I confess I'm satisfied with it. Plus, I needed this kind of quick and simple sewing. 

The only thing I seem to feel sorry about, is that the lace isn't as white as the bias. It works though. Once again, I only used fabric and supplies from my stash and it feels good. 

This week's theme is knits. I still have no idea what to sew! Any suggestions?

Two Onesie Refashions

Oh Sunday already! Another week from our Refashion Month gone. It's going so fast! Have you been enjoying it? Have you been sewing along? Don't forget to check out our Flickr Group, where sewalongers have been sharing their creations too. There's so much more to come! 

Today I am going to tell you a bit more about two items you've seen before. The two onesies I have refashioned to go along with the Harem and the Play Pants. I had those onesies bought since last summer. My first plan was to fabric paint them like I did with the playboy inspired onesie, but I never got around to it, and I thought I´d might use them now, or soon they won't fit baby G. anymore. 

So, it brings me to the day I made the Harem shorts. I was short on time and needed something quick to refashion that would match my shorts for the photoshoot. And tah-dah: I thought of the well hiden onesies. I chopped the button of one, and turned it into a t-shirt. 

I had scraps from a striped t-shirt of mine that I had cut long ago, to make a comfy waistband for my jeans during pregnacy. That was a tight small shirt and I had basicly the top and sleeves left. So I actually used it to almost 100% to create the look above. I used most of it to make the short's cuffs and then I was able to cut a little stripe to add on the bottom of my newly made toddler t-shirt. 

I've also switched the original sleeves for the ones from the original striped shirt. Of course I had to resize them first. 

To make the detail on front, I used little scraps from the fabrics used in the shorts, and made bigger and smaller petals applied with the reverse applique technic which was something new to me. 

And I enjoyed it so much that I had to use it in another onesie. This one was even quicker, since all I had to do was making a little M pattern (traced by me), and applying it to the onesie. A few minutes and voila, it looks like a complete new one. 

Just because they were such an easy and quick projects, I even had some time to make a matching hairclip with scraps from the play pants (same fabric used for the onesie, of course), to make it all matchy as a gift for my little niece. 

Feather's Flights Pattern Tour Harem and Play Pants (and a giveaway)

When I read Heather's e-mail asking me to be part of her pattern tour, I couldn't feel happier and more honoured than I did. It is my first time taking part of something like this and I am a Heather's fan. And let me tell you I was ambicious. Heather has recently release her first patterns, and I could review just one - the Harem pants pattern, or both - the Play pants pattern too. 

Those have been seen as a boy patterns by some, but let me tell you, they are perfect for little girls too. Especially if those girls are like mine. Though she just turned two a week ago, she knows exactly what she likes, and we've been having trouble trying to put her into skirts, so pants and shorts are never enough around the house. 

Let's talk about Heather's patterns though. I went for the harem pants first, and chose the shorts version since it's pretty hot here, right now. This pattern came in so handy after my master fail on doing my daughter a pair of harem pants! But that's something for another post one of these days. 

I chose size 2T, though I know baby G. wears a little smaller. But kids grow fast and I wanted to make sure it would last the entire summer. I used a mustard, very light woven fabric from my stash. As for changes in the pattern I made one: the pockets. The original pattern has optional front pockets, but I decided to make my own side pockets. And I even put up a little tutorial for you, if you want to try it. 

To make a pair of harem shorts/pants, like mine, with the side pockets, you should follow the next steps:

After copying the original pattern, I drafted a side pocket. Make a bigger and a smaller one, remember the smallest will be the size that will be showing on the final piece. 

* I meant mustard and lining! oppssss better stop editing late at night. 

From here you just have to keep following Heather's instructions. Her patterns are very well documented with pictures and even tips on the fabric you use (for better fitting, etc). 

Then have your child wearing and enjoying the freedom the harem pants/shorts give them to play! I paired my harem shorts with a refashioned onesie matching. I will blog about it in a few days ! Come back to check it out!

My second choice were the Perfect Play Pants pattern. As I've said before, pants are never enough around this house, but this particularly pair (and rest of outfit) was made for my little niece M. I will surely be making a few more out of this pattern for my own daughter because, besides being wonderful for active playing kids, it's also great that it is an easy pull and take piece, for my potty training toddler. 

My idea for the shoots was to have her playing in her room, but she didn't cooperate much... she was either sitting with her computer, or reading a book. Or she would just lay down on the floor. 

I didn't make great changes to the pattern. I used again a 2T but mine is a bit shorter because I skipped the cuffs (and pockets too if you didn't guess!), and used a wide seams. At each side I sewed button holes, through which I've put two ribbons, so we can tight it. I kept all the rest as it was. Let me tell you, I just love how it turned out, again with a light woven fabric. A polka dotted piece my mother-in-law had given me like 1/2 years ago and I loved so much I was always afraid to use it. 

As I said, I made this for my little niece, so when thinking about how to complete my outfit, I upcycled another onesie (just added the "M" to it, with the reverse applique) and even made a hairclip, because those pants are so quick and easy to make, I got enough time for all that!

Now, if you haven't checked all the previous posts from the rest of the ladies that make part of the tour, I suggest you to. And don't forget to check the next ones too, there's three more to go. Here's a link to all their blogs. 

July 1: Suzanne from Winter Wonderings, Wanderings, & Whatnot July 2: Rachel from Once Upon a Sewing Machine July 3: RaeAnna from Sewing Mama RaeAnna July 4: Heather from Feathers Flights July 5: Stacey from Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy Crafts July 8: Ari from Max California July 9: Magda from House of Estrela July 10: Sophie from The Sisters 4 July 11: Toni from Sugar Tart Crafts July 12: Celina from Petit a Petit

Now that it is all said, would you like to win one of these patterns? Heather has been so kind to give one away for a lucky reader. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So, what's next?!

So, the sew along for Project Run & Play is over now. 

I still can't believe I made it! I did follow and sew along the six themes. Six outfits in six weeks. I am proud of myself. I am so proud, so happy that I made it, I did not give up, I did not left any item unfinished! 

Yes! I did it and I like it. 

Did you miss any of the entries? Don't worry, here's a short summary of what I made here:

The Party Dress Remix

Stripes and Polka Dots

 Boy's Week
And remember, there's a Tutorial for this outfit here!

Love is in the Air

The Men's Dress Shirt Challenge

Your Signature Look

So, what's next?!

 Time for Sew In Tune. I have chosen my song, I have design my outfit, so I better start sewing, I don't want to be late. It starts off next Monday! 

Project Run & Play: Week 5 |Sew along|

First of all let me introduce to you my Blue Summer dress. Such a simple and quick project, and it made me so happy. 

We are getting to the end of Project Run and Play season 6 already. There's only one more week to go and I have to be honest, when I decided to sew along with all the themes, I never thought I would actually succeed with it. I thought I would probably do one or two of the themes because sometimes I take so long to finish what I've started. 

The funniest thing about it, is that even though I've been sewing with PR&P, I managed to also make two Carnival costumes (which I will blog about later, of course). 

I was really excited about this week at first, because I have a few men's shirts in my stash that I really want to turn into clothes for baby G., but I kept postponing it over and over. When I thought about this week, I first had in mind a romper, then I got an order for one of those costumes and I knew my time would be comsumed by that one. Mostly because I've been having a muscular pain for a few days that stops me from sewing for long hours. 

So, my second thought for the week's challenge was a dress, I made a scatch but didn't fully stick to it, and ended up with what you've seen on the above picture. 

I've turned the front of the shirt into the back of the dress, and the back of the shirt into the front of the dress. I just knew I had to use the pleat as a dress front. 

I started by deconstructing the shirt:

The sleeves were short, so they were perfect to make a diaper cover. 

And this is it. I made a dress, the diaper cover and a little bow (hairclip). I particularly like the details on the front of the dress. The already existing pleat and the two stripes tighted in a bow too. 

I might add some stencil to it later, I wanted to do it but I didn't have any more time. I started and finished yesterday after putting G. to sleep. 

I hope you liked my refashion, not there's more HERE, the other ladies would appreciate you checking their work too. Enjoy!

And now I will sew a polka dot skirt for a Minnie Mouse costume... just got a text message from my sister, she needs ones for my niece. For tomorrow morning!!! 

Project Run & Play: Week 4 |Sew Along|

It is fourth week on Project Run and Play. It's Love is in the Air themed week. Here's what I made:

Last friday I was so happy about myself. It was yet friday and I had most of my outfit done. Actually it was basicly done by saturday evening. Why am I sharing it only now? Well, saturday evening was actually the last time I've put my hands on it, until after lunch today, when G. started her naptime. 

All I had to do, was to hem the cardigan and add the collar to it. All the rest was pretty much done. 

So, this week, again, I went through my stash. I first thought about making a Cupid Costume for G. since we're having Carnival around here and we didn't have a costume in mind yet. But turns out she loves her sock monkey way too much and I started thinking it'd be just too cute to make her a sock monkey costume - or sort of. 

Anyway, my first thought Cupid costume was put aside, and I continued my project on another direction. 

I refashioned this week! And I am happy about it, that I'm not only using my fabric stash, I am also going through that huge pile of clothes to recycle. 

I started with daddy's sweater. I always (almost!) forget to take a before picture, and honestly there isn't much left of it after I cut it all out. 

But I used the bottom of the sweater to make a skirt and attach it to an existing shirt of hers. I only changed the original white buttons for a plain red one, and two more of the heart shaped buttons I used here. Too bad the red from the buttons isn't quite as dark as the fabric, I'd love that! Oh, and of course, I patched a big red heart on it, because I wanted to, and also because I could cover up a stain in the middle.

With the top part of the sweater, I made her a cardigan, something quite simple, but with a few lovely details. The pleat on the back, the bow and the zig-zag hem. I thought about lining this piece but I quit on the idea easily, and I think it looks good this way too. Actually it is my favourite piece of the whole outfit. 

To finish this look, I made two scraps rosettes and glued them to a hair chlip. And done!

And the next picture comes, just because I loved it!!!

Now go and check all the great creations!!!