American Doll Clothes

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As American dolls não são muito conhecidas por nós, mas nos Estados Unidos são bastante queridas entre as meninas, existindo até cafés temáticos, onde tudo é pensado ao pormenor. Há uns dias, recebi uma mensagem de uma mãe que me pedia um vestido para a boneca da filha. Para além do vestido acabei por fazer mais 3 peças: 1 top, 1 leggings e 1 túnica. Para todas as peças usei moldes grátis que encontrei depois de uma pesquisa. Aqui podem encontrar várias opções. 

American dolls are pretty known in the US but not so much over here, so I was a bit surprised (in a good way) when I got a request for an american doll dress. Besides the dress I ended up making 3 pieces: 1 top, 1 leggings and 1 tunic. For all the pieces I used free online patterns that I found. Find different options for more here. 

Este molde encontrei aqui. 

Found this pattern here. 

Comecemos pela túnica. A intenção era fazer um vestido, mas não sabia a altura que cortar já que não tinha a boneca comigo. Calculei mais ou menos onde deveria cortar mas ainda assim achei que ia ficar curto, por isso, passou a túnica e pronto. A gola ficou estranha. Fazer roupas pequeninas por vezes tem as suas dificuldades. 

Let's start with the tunic. The idea was to make a dress, but I didn't know how long I should cut the skirt because I didn't have the doll with me. I knew it'd be too short , so a tunic it is. The collar's a bit odd. Making tiny clothes comes with difficulties sometimes. 

O molde deste vestido aqui. 

Found the pattern for this dress here. 

Depois o vestido, que foi o que me pediram. A parte de cima é forrada (a cetim rosa neste caso) e para o fecho nas costas, aproveitei um reciclado de outra peça que terá acabado transformada ou no lixo anteriormente. O tecido exterior foi-me doado por uma amiga. Este foi o que mais gostei de costurar. 

After I made the dress, which was the one thing I was asked for. The top is completely lined (with a pink satin) and for the back zipper I used a recycled one from a previous refashioned or trashed piece. The main fabric had been given to me by a friend. This was the one I liked best. 

O molde deste top aqui. 

Found the pattern for the top here. 

Gostava de partilhar convosco o link para o molde das leggings mas já procurei várias vezes e não o encontro. Foi a costura "mais descuidada" de todas por esta malha é muito leve e trabalhá-la assim em ponto pequeno exigia uma paciência que eu não tinha no momento. Pensei em não oferecer esta à menina, mas depois imaginei que ela não iria reparar muito se as costuras estariam direitas ou tortas. Isso sim, era mais uma peça de roupa para vestir e despir as suas bonecas. 

I'd really like to share the leggings pattern link too but I seriously can't find it. I've looked for it several times and nothing. This was the "less cared" sew of all because this knit is very light and working it on a tiny piece called for a lot of patience which I didn't have at the moment. I thought about not giving this one away, but then I thought twice, the little girl wouldn't care for bad seams anyway, instead, I'm sure she'd rather have another garment to put on and off on her dolls. 

Já o halter top foi a minha segunda preferida. Isto no meu tamanho até era coisa para eu gostar e usar bastante. hehehe Este está também todo forrado com tecido de um lençol branco. 

As for the halter top, it was my second fave. This in my size and I would wear it and like it a lot. hehehe. This one is also fully lined with a white sheet fabric. 

* Agradeço à mamã da menina por ter enviado fotos das roupas nas bonecas, para que eu pudesse publicar aqui no blog. 

Petite Stitchery |Fawn Leggings & Hazel Blouse|

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Recentemente recebi dois moldes da Petite Stitchery, o molde Girls Fawn Leggings e o molde Girls Hazel Blouse. Escolhi as leggings porque tivemos mais um surto de crescimento cá por casa e todas as que a miúda tinha ficaram a meia canela. Claro que ainda assim as veste (leggings são daquelas coisas que vai sempre servindo, só muda o estilo), mas precisava de leggings que chegassem ao tornozelo para quando os dias decidem ficar mais frescos. Como isto anda, pode ser a qualquer momento. A túnica, pelo mesmo motivo, além de que a junção das duas peças é perfeita. Adorei as mangas!

I've recently got two patterns from Petite Stitchery, the Girls Fawn Leggings and the Girls Hazel Blouse. I chose the leggings because we had another growth spurt over here and all the leggings this girl owned kinda shrinked. Of course she still wears them (leggings are one of those things that grows with them, restyled differently), but she needed some longer leggings, that would actually cover her until her ankles for the colder days. The weather is so strange lately it can happen at any time. The blouse, I picked for the same reason, besides, both pieces together look just perfect. I loved those sleeves! 

Ambos os tecidos usados foram ofertas. O da túnica, foi-me enviado por uma leitora do blog que numa mudança, se desfez de muitos dos seus tecidos e mos enviou a mim. Se me lês, mais uma vez obrigado! Aos poucos vão sendo usados!!! O tecido das leggings foi-me enviado pela Sara (Made by Sara) como já tinha mostrado num dos podcasts lá para trás. 

Both fabrics I used were gifted to me. The blouse's was sent to me by a blog reader when she moved and got rid of some of her fabrics. Bit by bit I've been using them!!! The leggings' fabric was sent to me by Sara (MadebySara) as I shared in one of my podcasts (in portuguese only, sorry!). 

A túnica ficou ótima neste tecido, que tem um cair magnifico. É suave, leve e a miúda aprovou. Infelizmente não deu para as mangas, era um retalho não muito grande e foi mesmo por pouco, assim que usei um outro retalho (que veio junto com este) para fazer os balões das mangas. O azul não é precisamente igual, mas deu para desenrascar e improvisar!

The blouse was just great with this fabric, it has a beautiful drape. It's soft, light and the kid approved it. Sadly I didn't have enough for the sleeves, my fabric piece was more like a scrap and I had just enough for the body and upper sleeves. I used a different scra (I got with this one too) to make the bubble parts of the sleeve. The blue shade isn't exactly the same, but it was good enough to get away with it!

Já o tecido que usei para as leggings revelou-se demasiado fino e tenho as minhas dúvidas em relação ao tempo que se vai aguentar. Ainda para mais com esta miúda que está super enérgica e imparável. O molde tem duas opções de leggings, as tuxedo ou as simples, e eu fui pelas simples desta vez. A outra versão está nos planos. A cintura também tem duas opções, escolhi o cós com dobra. Ambos as peças fiz tamanho 6 anos. As partes de cima geralmente assentam-lhe melhor neste tamanho que as de baixo, para as quais veste o número anterior (5). Ela só os faz em pouco mais de um mês, mas costuro com folga e esperança que durem pelo menos até ela fazer 7... ahahahah

When it comes to the leggings fabric though, I have my doubts it will last long, since it turned out to be too light. To top it all this girl has been deeply energic and unstoppable. The pattern has two leggings option, tuxedo or plain, and I went with the latest this time. The other version is in my plans. The waist has two different options too, and I chose the folded one. I made both pieces in size 6. Tops usually fit her better in this size, bottoms not so much, she needs the smaller size now (5). She'll be 6 in a bit more than a month though, so I am sewing with room to grow and the hope those things will last at least until she's 7...ahahah

Thread Faction 2016 Collection Tour

I always find it a pleasure to be in pattern tours. I do. But sometimes it is just a bit better and much more fun than it is on other occasions. Today I get to take part in the Thread Faction SS 2016 tour, where myself and other ingenious and talented ladies, are showing off our takes, hacks and reviews on Thread Faction's girls spring/summer collection. Besides, there are great giveaways, so keep reading. Thread Faction Studio's owner is Liz, the designer behind Hatchlings Patterns too, you know, I keep mentioning her pattern, M is for Motto Joggers because it truly is one of my fave and most worn pieces. When I got the e-mail for this tour I just couldn't say no, in fact I was pretty exited. 

The collection includes 7 girl patterns, including shorts, dresses, tops, a skort and romper, from size 2 to size 10. I used patterns #104 (tank top), and #105 (cropped top). I started with the tank top. My first attempted was a refashion, I used a women's knit shirt, the print imitates denim pockets and such. For the binding, I refashioned a shirt that no longer fit my daughter, in little polka dots. This top is super quick to sew, but it wasn't for me. My machine started acting as soon as I tried to sew with my double needed. After a lot of headache and losing precious time, I just gave up and used a zigzag stitch all over, it doesn't look as pretty but, well. I did a little hack to this one, adding a band in the bottom, that tights with a knot in the front. I think I need to sew it a bit more to close, and also I will have to buy a new double needle to try and see if that was the problem (I tried everything else). The top it's a size 5. 

My first idea was to make a coordinate cropped top to layer with this one, but I just couldn't seem to find the right fabric for that matter in my stash, so I moved on. I started my second piece. The cropped top using pattern #105. No changes to this one, although I think the pocket placement looks a bit weird to me. My fabric was super stretchy and I guess that messed up with it, it was super hard to sew the pocket, it kept slipping away and pulling when it shouldn't. 

I made my daughter a size 5, and when I tried it on her, she refused to take it off. I actually had to wash it before the shooting because she had stained it already. When I asked her what her fave piece was, she said it was this one. I made the leggings out of an Ottobre Design pattern (size 110cm), just to complete the bottom. I used the same knit fabric I used for the pocket. When I was done with it, I knew I needed a second tank top. Did I mention these are patterns designed for knits? Well... I tried a woven version, someone had to, right? So, yes, I used woven fabric for my second tank top (pattern #104), although I still used the knit for the arm and neck bands. Again, the same I used for the cropped top and the leggings, it is the dot line that conects them all. 

To make it woven I used a bigger size (a 6 in this case). My biggest concern was that it wouldn't go through her head or it was too tight to get her arms in, so I had her trying it on before I finished just to make sure I didn't need to cut and add a loop and button to close or something. But it actually works well as is and the extra work wasn't needed. Of course, using woven instead of knit wasn't enough for me, and I had something else in mind. Why not, adding some lace too? I have a tank dress that uses lace on the top back piece too, so I tried it on as well. I just cut the back piece how I wanted it to, and added seam allowances to both pieces. It's still a very comfortable piece, just a little fancier. By the way, I got that light and so soft fabric in a street market in Spain, and the lace, is a vintage one from my sister's MIL. 

That's how I completed my outfit. There's another hack for the #105 pattern on the cutting table, I didn't get the chance to finish it. I hope I do soon so I can share it. As for the tank top, Liz shares a lot of color clocking ideas/option in the pattern instructions. 

Now comes the fun part, right?! You can just go and grab all the patterns in this collection because they are hard to resist - I love the edgy, casual possibilities. During the tour (it last until June 2), there will be prizes given away each day, by the bloggers participating in the tour - so be sure to visit everyone and there is the GRAND PRIZES TOTALING OVER $200 too. To get a chance on that one, just go here. Take a look at everyone's creations, link below.

26/5 Nap Time Creations Miss Castelinhos Swoodson Says Needles to say 

27/5 Made By Sara Sew Not Perfect Hello Holli Whisk 'em 

28/5 House of Estrela Made By Amanda Rose Max California Brave Fabrics 

29/5 Create 3.5 Bless by Tone The College Seamstress 

30/5 Ma Me Mi Mo Paisley Roots Skirt Fixation 

31/5 Sew Very Rebel and Malice Call Ajaire 

1/6 Better Dressed Child Buzzmills Handmade Frenzy 

2/6 Lamb and ewe crafts All Things Beautiful Pen, Seb & Rox

If you want to try your chance on a free pattern of your choice, enter the giveaway below. Good luck and happy sewing!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Find out what discount codes you can get in the main giveaway page, and also, what does that prize actually contain, of course. The link is the one I shared above.

Kids Clothes Week |day 3|

On the third day, I was able to have something finished. Even with plumbers breaking my walls, working all day around, and everything. Of course I still feel very satisfied. I am facing the truth though, I won't be able to do everything I dreamed of, but that's fine. I am keeping the goal of sewing for at least one hour every day, just to make things right this time (I always sign for KCW, but most often I don't follow the rules). 

Let's move on though. The outfit for my baby boy is now complete. I used a men's XL shirt (dark green) and just a few pieces for details and contrast from a women's XXL shirt, for the two pieces. So... 

The Shirt

I used the Rowan Tee pattern from Titchy Threads, and I did a different version from the previous ones I made (one for the test, one of the tour). I was happy that my baby already fits the smaller size (6-12M) and I got to make a boy version this time, and also try the hooded one since I messed up with it when I did the test. I used the original hem for the front and back pieces, and did a regular hem on the sleeves. I used a zig zag stitch in all my seams because I was too lazy to switch to the twin needle. This version has a kangaroo pocket on front, which is a feature of the Rowan that I hadn't try before. I've added patches in the elbows because I love the look and I thought the contrast fabric should be seen a bit more than just in the hood lining. I thought it would be bigger on him, but apart from the sleeves that are still too long, just like every shirt on him, even rtw, it fits great. 

The Pants

That's not much to say about it... I was able to save the original men's shirt sleeves after cutting all the pieces for the rowan, so I knew I had to make a matching pair of pants. I used a rtw pair to draft the pattern and make this one. After finishing I thought it'd be a bit too large on him, but apparently he's bigger than I think he is and it was the perfect fit. I added patches on the knees too - or so I hoped, they are a little off. Again, because I wanted the lining fabric from the hood to stand out too. I was afraid that by making both pieces with the same fabric it'd turn out too boring, so I patched everything away. The fit was spot on. 

What about you? Have you been sewing along KCW? What are you working on right now?

KCW |day 2| It's a boy week |PR&P9#3|

I made it! I was able to get a new outfit done for my baby boy... by 11.30 am... yey! Which means I still have time to start something else, but, later I guess. KCW so far, so good. 

But today's look, does not only fit my KCW plans, it also fits the 3rd week challenge of Project Run & Play, which is "Design your fabric". I took care of that part yesterday... I used a potato and fabric ink to print a piece of a white t-shirt. I've cut a potato an dused one of the halfs to crave my design. Then I used a ruler to make straight lines so I could print between them. I first painted the potato and just pressed into the fabric. Allowed it to dry and ironed to set the ink to the fabric. 

Today my fabric was ready to be used. Actually, by yesterday's evening it was dry already, so I was able to cut and prepare the patterns I wanted to use, and cut the fabric pieces too. I picked Sewing Mama RaeAnna's Cupcake Top pattern for the top and the Fancy Pants Leggings pattern, by Titchy Threads for the bottom. I was a pattern tester for both, I did two Cupcake tops so far, and it's only the second time I use the Fancy pants. 

Starting with the top, I did the 6-9 M size. I've got enough clothes for the boy for the first months; clothes that came from big sister and are neutral, so most likely, I will only make smaller sizes if I really want him to have something special. I used the back of my own t-shirt for the front of this one, I couldn't save the front because it had a print on it. I thought I had some more white t-shirts to refashion in my stash but I didn't, so I stole one of my hubby's. I'm betting on how long he'll take to realise it... maybe never. I used scraps of black knit I had used to make myself a dress a long, long time ago. Everything went perfectly well with this one, apart from the fact that the collar stretched out a lot as I added the binding. Buahhhh... It kinda ruined my top, but maybe I'll get to fix it later. 

When it comes to the pants, I used the 6-9 M size, and since I had a little bit of the self-printed fabric left, I had to use it in the back panel. Doesn't it look cute? Can't wait to see a diaper bum in it. This is such a quick and easy sew, and so satisfying. The rib knit is still from the same leftovers I have used in the Panda hoodie. 

And that's it! Two more items crossed from my list. Let some more come. 

House full of Pandas |PR&P9#1|

Season 9 of Project Run & Play has kicked yesterday with the first theme being Take me to the Zoo. Goal: create an outfit inspired on our/our kid's favourite animal, trying to stay away from costumes though. 

Ever since I saw the themes, I've spent a while thinking about it. I wanted to make something for the baby, then something for G. and just couldn't decide. I thought about the elephant shirt idea (maybe later, because it's really cute), then cats because we've got two, the shark hoddies and then I kept seeing teenagers wearing cute Panda hoodies... 

And it hit me! I want to make Panda inspired clothes for my kids too. They are just too cute and sweet, and they are black and white and G. loves Pandas because of Canal Panda. I only had to decide what to do. I wanted to do something quick and easy because, you know, I've been having lots to sew (with a couple pattern testing in the middle too). So, I didn't get to be that creative. I used other's creativity and just made my takes on some things I had seen online.

First thing on the list. I had to get that Panda hoodie done for one of my kids. Which one? Well, let's start with the baby, shall we?! Now, if you still don't know it... because I have mentioned it to some friends but haven't said it clear out here, the baby that's on the way is a... roll drum... baby BOY! And my first sewing project for him and him only was this hoodie. You can imagine how much I love it, right?!

Especially because I have used one of his sister's shirt that doesn't fit anymore and I wasn't going to put him on. It was all fury, with finishing details in pink, such as the ruffles in the sleeves and hem, the pink bias in the collar and the flower embroidery in the front. 

So, the first thing I did was to deconstruct everything. I used the back of the original one to make my hoodie's front. Lucky for me, instead of pink too, the snaps on it were white. I then used the sleeves to draft new, without the puffiness of the original ones (another girly feature I wanted to get rid of). Those original white sleeves were transformed into the Panda's head. For the black parts I used some velvet I had in my stash for years. And I used rib knit for the cuffs that I had saved from previously refashioned (men) hoodies. 

When I was done with it, I just knew I had to make something for my big girl. I had seen an online Panda look that I loved and wanted to re-create that too. I was running out of any refashionable item to make the mismatched striped leggings, but I had this t-shirt from dad in my pile, and the word fashion standing out caugh my attention. I still could make a mismatched pair of leggings for her. 

But before I made the leggings, I finally made an Izzy top (free PDF pattern). I've been wanting to try this pattern since the day I first saw it over Climbing the Willow. I've seen wonderful pieces created with it, but was always postponing it. No more. I finally tried it myself and am a fan. I didn't line mine though, I used a white t-shirt from my stash to refashion, and the black ribbon knit for the bias again. I also made mine about 2-3 inches longer than the pattern. So it looks more like a dress than a top. I still haven't tried it on my girl.

I followed instructions and used the button tab and everything. But I forgot I wasn't lining, I was using bias instead and the tab had to go over it. I don't dislike it though, looks different but in a good way. I should have made the button tab just a bit longer for it to look better. It almost didn't have enough lengh to actually close. I've used a metallic snap.

For the eyes and ears of the Panda, I used sequined fabric I had in my stash, I added interface to make it stiffer. I embroidered the muzzle in a light pink. Half way through it I thought I could use a slightly darker thread but was too lazy to undo and redo it all over.

And that's it from me. There's a lot more inspiration for kids animal inspired clothes at the link party over PR&P. 

Basic Leggings Testing

Last month I was able to test the Basic Leggings pattern by MamaNene from Serger Pepper. They were released last Sunday, and you can click the link above to read more about it by the designer herself. 

As for me, I had the idea of making two leggings since January, when I visited my dad's town in Spain and bought this beautiful washed out blue, with polka dots knit fabric. Then, Irene made her call for testers and I thought it'd be a great oportunity to get done with it. 

I got a meter of that fabric for 3€, and it was just enough to make one pair for my daughter (size 3) and one for my niece L. (size 7). They were so easy and quick to sew together that I wish I had enough fabric to make a third pair for my grandniece too. 

This pattern is made to be very long and very high waisted, so I might have to adjust it a little next time I make it, because, my girls are short and they turned out just a bit too long for my taste (and my niece's too). I think they will get to wear the leggings a lot next year, but we'll just leave it waiting for now. 

The pattern includes a mark line though, so you can shorten yours if you want to, which is great. Also, Irene, has shared a very nice and usuful tutorial on how to make your own colorblocking leggings. And I love the cuffs and that they are tight on the bottom. 

The pattern goes from size 3 to 14, so I might as well make a pair for myself one of these days. I think size 12 would be pretty much enough for me. That would be interesting to see. =D

Butterfly Costume for/from school

Yesterday's the official Carnival day here. But for my daughter is has started a couple of weeks ago when they started preparing it at daycare. 

In my child's classroom, each kid picked an animal to identify their stuff, and mine chose the butterfly. When Carnival was peeking through the corner, their teachers decided to choose the animals theme for their costumes. Each would wear the animal of their identifications. 

So, as I said, mine is a butterfly. I was requested to take a pink shirt and a pink pair of leggings. In fuccia pink. Well, she actually had both, but the tones of pink weren't really matching and I wasn't feeling like buying any of the pieces. What to do then? Refashion of course. 

I went to the usual charity shop and their had the right tone of pink (matching the shirt she already had) for 0,50€ in the form of a child's dress. I bought it with the idea in mind of transforming it to leggings, but then it had a little tulle ruffle and I knew the teachers were going to make a tulle tutu for the costume. 

I was already cutting when I notices I didn't take a before picture, so I did then. 

I took it to school and shared my idea with the main teacher. What if I did a dress instead and she'd wear it with some tights in the same colours as the wings (which they did at school)? She liked the idea, but then I realised that G. had no tights to match it so we went back to the leggings. In yellow for contrast. I knew I had a pair of (shorts) leggings of my own in yellow so I used them to rezise and make it for her. 

When I finished the whole thing, I took it to school to school together with the scraps and some pairs of tights of my own that I wasn't using anymore. One of them was the stars printed one that they have used to make the wings of the butterfly, which we all loved. The fabric scraps, were used to make the antennae. The school costumes were simple but they were all just too cute. 

As soon as she was outside and saw me and daddy, she was really dissapointed, telling us how she couldn't fly. The wings weren't working. She spent the previous day believing butterflies did fly because of their wings and now that she had hers, she couldn't. 

But don't worry... daddy and I found a way to make her fly... she couldn't be happier!

Gift for Lia #3

It is time to show you the third and last present we took to Lia, the newborn baby girl from our friends. In case you missed it, the first one was a breastfeeding pillow, and the second was one of the cutest dresses I've done. The thrird and last present was the simpliest of them all. I had these two ready for her, but since I still had time to sew something before we meet, I made her a more spring/summer like pair of leggings. It is so cold right now, but I just can think of warmer weather right now. 

I picked a slightly stretching polka dotted fabric I bought last year in a street market in Spain. I had a meter of this fabric that I just love and couldn't decide what to do with it. Our friend J. (the mom), just like me, isn't  a fan of the traditional pink used on everything baby, so I thought she'd like this one. 

I made the 3-6 month size, I drafted the pattern from  apair of leggings from G. and tried to make it just a tiny bit bigger, because I looked at it and it just seemed so little, I was kinda afraid it wouldn't fit the baby when the warmer weather arrived. 

It's amazing how we forget how tiny they are and look when they are this young. She was about the same in weight and height as mine when she was born but still, I looked at her and couldn't believe G. was that little back in the days. It felt so good to hold a newborn again in my arms, and to see how caring G. was with her. Can't believe I will be holding one of my own again in a few months. 

|day 26| Refashion Month Guest: Kat from Sew Chibi

I'm so glad that Kat from Sew Chibi accepted my challenge to be part of the Refashion Month. I got to know her blog (better!) when we both competed in The Sew Off. I am pretty sure I had been checking her blog before, but I've only started following her by that time, when I realised I was missing great and colourful projects posted by her. What I like most about her style is that she does what I am most afraid of when sewing: risk it and mix bright and powerful colours! And she does it good! I am sure her kids are the happiest kids on earth! 

Greetings everyone!!!  I'm really quite pleased to be guest posting here at House of Estrela!  Truth be told, I am not an avid refashioner, but I do love a good challenge.  I have a reject box....err.. "box of good intentions" in the closet of my sewing room that I dabble in every now and again when I am in need of fabric.  Most of the time, I'd say I refashion old bed sheets into everything from custom piping to full blown outfits.

But this time, I took a sweater that I have been itching to refashion since it came into my possession.

My mom had hopes that I would just wear this sweater.  It was a bit big for me to ever consider wearing it out, so I started thinking of what I could make it into.

Originally I wanted to make it a hoodie but I didn't have the right size zipper nor the proper fabric for a hood.

So.

I made it into a sleeveless tunic for Azriella!!!

Only her head didn't fit in it.

So I chopped off my original neckline.

Enter the Bimaa cowl!  

I found a dress that was an ancient sewing fail, and I used it to fashion a cowl.  And wouldn't you know, the piece fit the neckline like a glove!  

 After that I figured I needed to do something with the sleeves.

Capri leggings!

I used a self drafted pattern from a pair of slim-fitting leggings.

And super quick, I had a comfy, hip refashioned outfit for Azriella!!

She loves it.

She loves it so much that she wore it for the next three days!  She was so sad to take it off!

 Nice!

Thanks so much Magda, for giving me the incentive to make this adorable little outfit for my girl!  I might never have gotten around to it if it weren't for you!

And come stop by sew chibi sometime and take a look around!