Podcast #4 - "Novo formato", um PAP e o Cose+

Scroll down for english, please. 

Cheguei a uma conclusão: não consigo manter o podcast com uma regularidade certa, por isso, optei por publicar sempre que possível, sem uma data à vista. Era isso, ou desistir e não me parece. A mencionar também que este episódio foi gravado uns bons dias antes da sua publicação, porque vou aprendendo à medida que vou avançando e precisei de tempo para me dedicar à edição do pequeno passo a passo em fotos que partilho no fim. 

A mencionar também que o podcast ficou assim um bocadinho desatualizado, em itens acabados e acima de tudo, não cheguei a falar da grande novidade de ontem na comunidade costureira deste nosso Portugal. Caso alguém não se tenha apercebido ainda, ontem foi lançado oficialmente o Magazine de Costura Portugês, Cose+. Um projeto que partiu da vontade de partilhar, de preencher pequenos vazios que existem na nossa comunidade a nível nacional. É com imenso orgulho que faço parte deste grupo fenomenal de 12 bloggers, cheias de vontade de partilhar com todos o que fomos aprendendo, tentando sempre, incentivar-vos também a coser mais. Não podiamos estar mais felizes com a resposta que tivemos do público perante a nossa iniciativa. Visitem o site, e sigam-nos no facebook ou no IG. 

Mencionado neste podcast, com respetivas ligações. 

Revistas
Burda Style

Blogues
Made By Sara
Rita Pirolita

Tecidos
Cotton & Steel
Liberty
Nani Iro

Lojas
Feira dos Tecidos
The Sweet Mercerie

Moldes
Just Chillin' Sweatpants
Small Fry Skinny Jeans 

Publicações noutros blogues
Lulu and Celeste, com o meu PAP das túlipas

Projetos
Swoodson Says - Try Something New Every Month 
Cose+ 

I can't seem to find a schedule to post my podcasts, so I am doing them everytime I can, no stress added. This time I tried to learn a bit more and managed to add a quick tutorial on how to find a specific pattern on pattern magazine sheets. Of course I am still learning as I go and I plan to improve. 

And, now let me tell you about a special project for us portuguese sewing bloggers. Me and an amazing group of other 11 talented bloggers, got together and have been working behind the scenes for months, on a new online sewing magazine, with the ambition of filling in the blank spaces we stepped into as we searched online (in our own language it is). So, Cose+ (Sew+) was launched yesterday and we couldn't be more proud of our work, or more happy with the response from everyone. I know that you probable don't understand it, but you can look at the pictures, so visit us or follow us on Facebook and IG for support. 

Mentioned in this episode and the links to everything. 

Magazines
Burda Style

Blogs
Made By Sara
Rita Pirolita

Fabric
Cotton & Steel
Liberty
Nani Iro

Shops
Feira dos Tecidos
The Sweet Mercerie

Patterns
Just Chillin' Sweatpants
Small Fry Skinny Jeans 

Guest Posts
Lulu and Celeste, com o meu PAP das túlipas

Projects
Swoodson Says - Try Something New Every Month 
Cose+ 

#TSNEM Quilting

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O ano passado acompanhei, enquanto espectadora, as experiências que a Stephanie to blog Swoodson Says ia fazendo todos os meses, uma vez que se propôs a fazer algo novo/pela primeira vez todos os meses. Este ano, juntei-me ao grupo no facebook e aceitei o desafio. Existe um tema para cada mês, que serve como motivação, mas não precisamos seguir à risca. Podem saber mais aqui.

Last year, I have followed Stepahnie's (from Sweoodson Says) experiments, as she completed her challenge of trying something new every month. This year, I joined the facebook group and accepted joining in the challenge too. There's a monthly theme to be used as motivation, but you don't have to follow it. You can read more about it here. 

O tema para Janeiro era quilting, e eu levei a maior parte do mês só a tentar decidir o que haveria de fazer. Ainda pensei pegar num individual que fiz há algum tempo e terminá-lo, mas depois dei uma oportunidade ao english paper piecing e saiu uma pequena amostra que fiz, só mesmo para experimentar, para ver como me saia.

January's theme was quilting, and it took me nearly all month just to decide what should I do. I thought about finishing a placemat I started long time ago, but then I gave english paper piecing a chance and I got a small sample, just to try it out, and check how I do. 

Não me sai lá muito bem, acho que não é suposto que se vejam os pontos. Mas achei piada à coisa, embora ache também que não será algo que farei muitas vezes ou em grandes peças. Requer muita paciência e isso está mais do que provado que não é o meu forte. Fiz o meu molde, o que também foi uma primeira vez e isso sim, correu muito bem. Já estou com o próximo tema/projeto delineado, e pronta a começar, vamos ver se não enrolo durante muito tempo. E sim, consegui publicar antes que o mês acabasse, pois andava a adiar e adiar.

I didn't do that well, I don't think the stitches are supposed to be visible. I kinda like it, althought I think it's something that I won't be making too often or in a large scale. It requires a lot of patience which is proved not to be my strong point. I made the pattern, which was a first time too, and that, well, that did in fact go pretty smooth. I already have the next theme/project lined, and ready to start, let's see if I don't chew it for too long. And yes, I did it, I posted this before the month ended, I've been postponing over and over. 

WIP: granny squares - for a change!

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Desde que meti a manta de quadrados que a minha mãe fez, na cama da G. há uns dias atrás, que fiquei com vontade de fazer uma também. Já ando para fazer uma de retalhos, como a minha há muito tempo, mas esse tem sido um projeto sem começo sequer. Voltando à manta de quadrados, em crochet, bem... a ideia andou a rondar durante uns dias, e para me fazer decidir, descobri há pouco um blog espanhol que é uma perdição e que está neste momento a fazer um curso de crochet para quem se quiser iniciar nesta arte que eu não domino. Assisti às lições 1-5 e achei-as básicas. Parece que afinal até percebo qualquer coisa. Há duas noites atrás experimentei brincar com a agulha e um novelo de lã rasca que tinha comprado para o cabelo de uma boneca - como todos os novelos que faziam parte da minha caixa. Afinal, crochet e malha é algo que passo sempre para a minha mãe. No entanto, acabei por fazer uma pesquisa online. Não li nada, olhei apenas para as imagens e achei que conseguia começar qualquer coisa de jeito. Ontem, sai de casa pela manhã com os pequenos e comprei 5 novelos de lã. Pedi conselhos à senhora, a grossura da lã, o nº da agulha que deveria de usar (não comprei porque estava certa que teria uma por casa e acertei, o nº 3 e tudo como a senhora me indicou) e fui-me a elas. Olhando de perto para a colcha da minha mãe, copiei o esquema e lá fui fazendo os primeiros quadrados. Comprei 5 cores e juntei o vermelho que já tinha comprado o ano passado numa tentativa vã de fazer uma boina para mim. Cada quadrado tem 6 voltas, mas ainda quero juntar o branco para fazer uma volta a mais em cada um dos quadrados. Também quero usar o branco para os juntar a todos mas nem vou pensar ainda nisso. Primeiro, vou-me entreter a fazer quadrados e quadrados... depois logo se verá se sou capaz de mais. Hoje mesmo fui comprar o branco e comentei com a senhora que já levava 6 quadrados feitos, ao que me respondeu que já ia bem encaminhada. Depois disso já fiz mais cinco, mas o último (ao qual já acrescentei mais uma volta em branco) não aparece nas fotos. Só sigo dois blogs especialistas nestas coisas, o da Susana e o da Naná. Duas meninas que já tive o prazer de conhecer pessoalmente. Elas têm sido uma inspiração e têm-me dado vontade de aprender mais, apesar de saber que não é o meu forte. As cores dos seus trabalhos deixam-me sempre com um sorriso na cara, principalmente as cores mais fortes, e isso é o que gostava de ver na minha manta. 

Ever since I've put the granny square blanket my mom made, in G.'s bed a few days ago, I've been feeling like I too would like to make one. I've been wanting to make a scrap one for a while, just like mine, but that's something i couldn't even start yet. Back to the granny squares, in crochet, well... the idea has been around for a few days, and to make me make up my mind, I found the greatest spanish blog, which is hosting crochet lessons right now, for begginers, like myself. I watched lessons 1-5 and got the feeling that they were too easy and I actually knew a little about it. Two evenings ago I  played a little with the needle and a cheap wool I had bought to make a doll's hair - just like all the wool in my stash. After all, I always pass crochet and knitting stuff to my mom. Even though, I went searching online for granny squares. I didn't read anything, I just looked at the pictures and thought that maybe I was capable of starting something worth it. Yesterday morning, I went out and bought 5 balls of wool. I asked the old lady from the shop some advices such as the width of the thread, the needle's number (I didn't buy one though since I was sure I'd have one similar and I was right, I had the same number she told me which was n.3) and got to it. Taking a good look at my mom's blanket, I copied the pattern and started with the first squares. I bought 5 colors and used the red I already had, from last year, when I tried in vain to make myself a beret. Each square has 6 rows, but I still want to buy and add a white one to each of them. That's the same color I want to use to put them all together, but I won't think about that yet. first, I'm just going to entertain myself by make square after square.. and then, we'll see if I'll be capable of further. I bought the white today and commented with the old lady that I had six squares done already, which she answered I was on the good path. After that, I have made five more, the last one though (with a white round too) is not on the photos. I only follow two crochet and knitting focused blogs, Susana's and Naná's blogs. Two ladies I have already met in person, by the way. They have been a huge inspiration and have been making me feel like learning more about it, although I know that's not my thingy. The colors of their works always leave a smile on my face, especially those strong, vibrant colors, and that's exactly what I'd like on my own work. 

Do you really wanna dance? Queres mesmo dançar?

Scroll down for english!

Desta vez diria não. Este foi mais um vestido que me foi pedido o ano passado, por outra mãe, e que não correu nada bem em vários aspetos. O pior deles, foi eu ter sido enganada. Mas comecemos pelo princípio. Se a outra mamã sabia o que queria, esta tinha apenas uma ideia e tivemos que andar a trabalhá-la. Se a outra mamã comprou os materiais, esta pediu-me que os metesse eu. Se o outro vestido foi trabalhoso mas prazeroso de fazer, este só me deu dores de cabeça. Era a cola que ficava na agulha, eram as agulhas a partir (foram umas 3 ou 4), e foi o pouco tempo que tive para o fazer. Para cúmulo, o vestido ficou larguíssimo à miúda e tive que praticamente refazer a maior parte do mesmo. Para terminar, depois de entregar este vestido e ainda mais o tutu e a t-shirt da Barbie que já vos tinha mostrado aqui, fiquei à espera que a dita mamã me pagasse o trabalho e o material, e até hoje nada de nada. 

This time I would say no. This was another dress ordered last year, by another mom, which didn't go so well in a whole lot of different ways. The worst of them all, was that I was deluded. Let's start from the beginning though. If the first mom knew exactly what she wanted, this one had a slight idea that we had to work out. If the other mom bought the materials, this one asked me to. If the other dress was a lot of work but an easy going to make, this one has only given me headaches. The glue would stick to my needle, like 3 or 4 needles broke, and the little time I was given to make it. If it wasn't enough, the dress was huge on the little girl and I  had to redo most of it. To finish, after delivering this dress, plus the Barbie t-shirt and the tutu I showed you here, I was never paid for my work or the supplies I bought for it. 

Não usei nenhum molde comprado, desenhei-o eu. Não tenho fotos melhores porque mesmo estas foram tiradas 2 minutos antes de o virem buscar. É mais curto à frente do que atrás, onde foi adicionado um folhe extra. As costas são completamente abertas e têm apenas uma tira para segurar e assentar melhor. Apenas a parte da frente de cima é forrada. 

I didn't use a bought pattern, I drafted it on my own. I do not have better photos, even those were shot like 2 minutes before they picked the dress up. It is shorter on the front, the back has an extra ruffle to make it longer. The back only have a strap for support. And, only the front bodice is lined. 

Do you wanna dance? / Danças?

Scroll down for english!

Mais um projeto realizado o ano passado e que nunca chegou ao blog. Foi uma encomenda. Geralmente, estes, caem sempre no esquecimento na hora de fotografar, por isso são muito poucas as coisas que tenho para mostrar, no que toca a trabalho para outros. No entanto, alguns ainda são possíveis de partilhar e este é um deles. As fotografias, foram ainda tiradas com a minha antiga máquina, por isso deixam um pouco a desejar. 

Another project from last year that never made it to the blog before. It was an order. I usually fail photographing these, and that's why I never have too many things to show when it comes to things I made for others. Some though, are still possible to share and this project is one of them. Pictures were still taken with my old camera, that's why they aren't that good. 

Pediram-me para fazer um vestido de dança para menina. A mãe sabia bem o que queriam o que facilitou bastante. Ela mesma comprou todos os materiais, e ainda me ofereceu umas coisinhas como bónus. E apresentou-me um desafio: forrar um fato de banho. Felizmente comprou um número acima, pois com a aplicação das lantejoulas nas alças, o fato de banho ficou mesmo justinho à miúda. Basicamente foi isso que tive que fazer, forrar o fato de banho, o que implicou ter de desfazer algumas costuras existentes e voltar a refazer. E também a aplicação das franjas no corpo e tipo saia. As brancas eram mais compridas que as rosa, no corpo ainda as aparei, mas na saia a mãe gostou delas assim mesmo. 

I was asked to make a dancing dress for a little girl. Her mom knew well what she wanted which made it so much easier. She bought her own supplies and even some bonus supplies for myself. And then she presented me a challenge: cover up a swimsuit. Luckily she bought a size bigger because when adding the sequins to the straps it made it quite tight on the little girl. Basicaly, all I had to do, was covering the swimsuit, which added unpicking existant seams and redo them again. And also, applying fringes to the main body and as a sort of skirt. The white ones were longer than the pink. I did cut them in the main body but according to the mother, I left it as they were in the skirt.

Backstage working...

It is extremely hard for me to finish projects ahead and then have to wait so long to share them. I am the kind of seamstress that enjoys sharing whatever I create right away. But sometimes we compromise to other people, and sharing what's been made has to wait.

So, that said, let me tell you I've been like a busy bee, not only sewing, but sorting patterns, searching for inspiration... There are a few great things coming... have you heard?! Here are a few I can share for now... 

The 9th season of Project Run and Play is now starting with the introduction of the designers. The first link party will be open March 24th. Challenge Create starts March 31st, an adult sewing edition, organized by the ladies from Skirt Fixation. 

Themes for Project Run & Play (click link to read more on blog):

- Take me to the Zoo

- Spring Break 

- Design your own fabric

- Signature style

Themes for Challenge Create (click link to read more on blog):

- Inspired by Nature

- Refashion

- (a hint of) Vintage

- Destashing

Also, Kids Clothes Week is coming back (April 7th - 13th) with something new. It is a themed edition... Mini Me... And this time I am planning to do things right. I have signed in the site already, I am trying to pick my patterns already, and decide what I want to get done through that week. I hope I'll be able to share my creations on time too. I am planning to exclusively sew for the baby during KCW, and am trying to keep the list short, though it's hard. I get all excited and want to do it all, but I know that if I put high expectations into it, I might end up dissapointed, so let's do the best not to.

What about you? Will you be sewing along any of these too?

Carnival (sort of) Series

photo source

The official day for Carnival over here is March 4th, next Tuesday. But celebrations have already started. On friday morning, some schools made parades with their classes. Each class usually picks up a theme and all kids are dressed up according to the theme, while others just go free. 

My kid's class theme was animals, and they have made their costumes too, but they didn't make it to their school parade because they are so young and two of the carers are away. I was sad when I knew about it, but at least they got to wear they costumes in school and play around. 

I am not one of the biggest Carnival lovers on earth, but I enjoy it too, so in celebration of the season, I have prepared a few posts for this week, according to the theme. I will be sharing how it was for my daughter is school last friday, I will share a couple refashioned costumes tutorials, I will reveal the costume I made G. this year and will also show you some of the past costumes I've made. 

I hope you all follow me in this mini-series of mine and enjoy the fun that Carnival is supposed to bring! 

Can you guess?

Yesterday I went to my usual charity shop. Carnival is when we celebrate with costumes around here, and I was looking for thrift finds to make my daughter the costume she asked from me. I already made two pieces for her school costume (will show later, they will finish it in school), but I didn't have any fabric or refashioning clothing to make it ... or so I thought!

I found the colours I needed: dark and light blue, and yellow. I just wished the yellow was at least the same lenght as the light blue, but this was the best I could find. 

I was really excited that I found everything I needed. Once I got home I wasn't so happy. The yellow was too thin and it's a bit too cold yet - but I could fix it, I searched my refashion stash and found a pair of pants I can totally use for layering underneath... Good. Then, the light blue was ok, but the dark blue I brought, was from this beautiful girl's dress, in velvet... did I ever mention how much I love velvet?

I just can't put my scissors in it. I can't, I love the original piece too much. Of course it still is too big for G. and too short for my niece L. but I think I will save it until G. can wear it... or until I just change my mind and use it for refashioning. 

I really need the dark blue for this costume though. Oh... problem again! I searched the fabric stash again... the blue fabrics I have are no good for what I need... none of them. Then I remember, someone had donated something navy blue to me a few months ago. I searched and searched for it and ... my day was saved! I found it. 

I also need some pretty red fabric, and luckily for me I had the perfect silky scrap in my stash. Just a scrap but I believe is enough. So, all this will make for my daughter's costume. 

And I am wondering... can you guess what will it be? 

Want a hint?

 It's a princess... 

Bubble Shorts by DoGuincho Pattern Tour |and some great news|

Today is my turn to show you my version of the Bubble Shorts; which pattern has been recently released by Marta from DoGuincho. I was really lucky, and feel honoured that Marta invited me for her blog tour.

Let me start by saying I really liked the shorts when I first saw them over at DoGuincho's blog, in their first version. And when I knew they'd make great winter shorts I even liked them best. But I always thought, that it was the kind of garment I most likely wouldn't be making for my child. I mean, I loved it on her kids, just didn't think I'd love it in mine. Does it ever happen to you?

... (and) Boy, was I wrong? ...

So, even though I thought that it would be a garment I would probably not sew for my kid, I was excited to be part of the tour and get my hands on it. In my mind, I was going to use it to make a few Christmas gifts. But then I started seeing all the versions other bloggers in the pattern tour were making. And weren't all of them so cute and different?! I had to rethink my goals. I changed my mind. I went to make one for my daughter. If I didn't like it, then I could always donate it or whatever. 

I carefully chose my fabric - black velvet (from my stash of course, this particularly one was given to me by my mother in law a couple of years ago). I wanted something different from what I had seen before, and I wanted something classy. If I wasn't so tight with a lot of projects I would have enjoyed making a matching jacket for those shorts and pair it all with a plain while top. But I had no time, and that will have to come later. 

I had problems getting a decent picture of the details. Turns out black velvet isn't that easy to photograph, being I  not-by-any-chance a professional, having a broken machine that only works half way, the weather being as grey as ashes, this, my friends, was the best thing I got.

So, for this photoshoot I paired it with a shirt she was offered a while ago and surprise... my new Dreaming of Spring blazer, in a winter edition. Go figure! And all together make for my PR&P signature look. 

How come signature look if I wasn't even so sure about the shorts?! Well, yes. After all, this pattern proved to be one of my favorite from the latest I've tried. Everything went together perfectly. It was easy to tape the pattern together, I used a size 2 and it fits my daughter perfectly, which doesn't always happen, the instructions are clear and easy to follow, and I just loved the look of it all and the attention given to details and the entire thing by Marta. Oh, and one great thing about it... they were so quick to put together! I love the velvet shorts on my daughter so much. Hubby or my mom, can't tell anymore... called her little Camões, which made my day. lol 

I don't think I have a signature style. Not yet at least. Or maybe I do, some people have told me they like my style, so there must be something that defines me. What? I still didn't figure out. If you know what that is, then please let me know, so I don't get so freaked out with every Signature look week every season of PR&P. I have mentioned I like to do knock-offs, often refashion... but I believe the thing I really stick to is making wearable clothes for my kid. Clothes that I know will worn over and over. 

So, the big news?! I have created a pattern for this blazer. You might have heard about it, because I had 5 lovely and talented ladies testing it for me (thank you Suzanne, Al, RaeAnna, Max and Shannon), and helping me improving it before it is finally available here in the blog as soon as possible. I was actually hoping to share it today, but with all the sewing to do, and the Refashion Runway competition going, I'm sorry to say you have to wait just a few more days. Please be patient because once it is ready, you can have it for FREE! Size 2 only, sorry! 

Despite the original name, I made a winter version of this blazer jacket. When I first made the first, my daughter used it with a scarf and I really liked the look, even though it has a wide neck, meant for Spring weather. In this blue version, I used flannel inside to keep it warm. You will love the changes the first testers did to it, which I will be showing you pretty soon. 

Now, to the best part for you, and back to the shorts pattern, Marta announced on her blog that

Until September 30th the Bubble Shorts by DoGuincho will be for sale with a special price...Use code RELEASE1 to get 20% off. Grab it while you can!

You can buy the pattern on (my) Etsy Store and - good news - as it is a digital file, the pattern is immediately available for download after payment.

And if you've missed the rest of the tour, it's always time to visit each of the bloggers that have shared their own bubble shorts versions too. Let me tell you, you'll love it and you'll surely will feel the urge to make a pair too. So, visit them, buy the pattern, you're still on time to use the discount and share your bubble love too. 

Ashley e Emily, Dotta, Karly, Suz, Maria, Rachel, Ana Sofia, Marte, Venus, Constança, Janice, Magda, Sanae

Sorry, this turned out so long, but I really needed to say it all. I guess that's just me, anyway... 

Mickey & Minnie Drawstring Bags

One week away from my daughter's birthday and I still haven't done anything else but the invitations, and started sewing her outfit!!! Oh well, but that's not what brought me here today! 

I came to show you the finished drawstring bags I was ordered from a friend. They were a total of 26 - 13 each, and although I got to get a few calluses from my eyelet pliers, I got burnt with my glue gun and being up until late a few times, I finished them in time to send it to my friend, as party favours for her son's birthday. She got it a couple of days ago, that's why I waited a bit to show them here. I wanted her to be the first to see it. She said she loved it, so I'm quite happy about it. 

Note this is not my original idea, she showed me what she wanted and I just had to recreate it! I'm glad this project is done. 

I also kind of crossed one of my pinterest challenge items. Kind of because it was a sewing failure! I still plan to share it here and try again. 

Project Sewn and my own thoughts

This is 80's themed week at Project Sewn and as I try to decide (yet) if I join the sew along or not, I just had to share my thoughts hoping some of you will tell me back your own opinion about it. 

The 80's were rebellious. I was born in the early 80's. 1983 more precisally - actually by the end of 1983. When I thought that maybe I should join this week's sewalong, I found it funny to do something inspired at a picture from the year I was born. 

But then again. Seriously? Who, in right concious would do anything from the 80's? Ok, there are some acceptable pieces but most of them use colours I would never use... no way... and the shape? Oh Jesus, that shape... The 80's were creepy in my point of view. 

Then I tried to think/recall some of my mom's clothes from that time and get inspired. But all the clothes I can recall I would never wear either and can't find a way to recreate them now. 

So, if I join this week's sewalong, I am pretty much getting inspired in someone I adored back then. Someone that even though I didn't understand a single word of what she sang, I would sing along and dance like crazy... From her it was said that (...) look and manner of dressing, her performances, and her music videos influenced young girls and women and her style became one of the female fashion trends of the 1980s (...) the look consisted of lace tops, skirts over capri pants, fishnet stockings, jewelry bearing the crucifix, bracelets, and bleached hair.

Not too hard to know who I am talking about, right?!

Knock it off |sew along|

So, I told you about this dress I've been sewing lately. What I didn't tell you is that it was a knock off I had planned when I started it back in January. The KCW was the starting point for me to get my hands on it again, and the knockoff series over Heidi's blog was the perfect timing for me to show the finished product. 

It was done yesterday after dinner. But I thought it was too long, and unpicked, cut and pin in place again. I didn't feel like continuing sewing after that and only finished it this morning. It took me about 5 minutes. 

The inspiration (original) piece was the dress romper from the cathalogue from LaRedoutte. It costs 59,99€... I really liked it, but there's no way I was going to pay basically 60€ plus postage to order it. Especially when I could hit it for free! No cost at all. Oh I am so lucky I can sew some. 

I'm so sorry I haven't got a better picture of the original. =( But I guess it's enough to compare, right?!

I did make a few changes though, and I think it got even better... at least for me! errr...

Most important thing: baby G. loved it and did not refuse to use it. That's a bonus. But she was too moody today for photos. Too bad!

Again, I used fabric and supplies that I already had. The dark denin was given to me by my mother-in-law, and the lining are left overs from single sized sheets that I have turned into crib sheets. Since I didn't have 8 of the same colour buttons, I tried playing with them and mixed two tones of blue. What do you think about it? Honest answers are needed, please!

Oh, and just because I am very satisfied with it, here's one more picture. 

KCW. Day 6 and the forgotten romper dress

I said I was done when I finished the only thing I did for the Kids Clothes Week. And I really thought I was , but it seems I just couldn't let it pass like that, when a thought came across my mind. All the way back to January, I started a new romper dress for my daughter, but then I went for the PR&P challenges, then there was Sew in Tune, the Pinterest Challenge, Sew-vivor, The Sew Off, Peques de Cine and April is ending and the romper dress was nowhere to be seen anymore. After I found it, I couldn't find the rest of the fabric - apparently I kept them separated! I spent 1h over midnight searching for it yesterday, because I really wanted to give it another try before the KCW was over. 

I'll try to do it today. Since January the only thing I did was sewing the pockets about two days ago. But later today I'll be off to spend the weekend over my parents.

KCW: The Flower Fairy Dress

It's the third day of the Kid's Clothes Week challenge, and everywhere on the blogland I see people sharing their wonderful creations. I told you I wasn't quite sure if I would join in the fun or not. But with so many great things coming up from basicly everywhere, I couldn't help but to enter my own little thingy too. 

I guess this week's the perfect oportunity to finally finish my niece's dress. It was promised her since the time I made her brother an outfit for the boy's themed week on PR&P season 6. 

If you followed me, you know I had planned to make her something for the details week challenge on PR&P all stars season. Well, I didn't! =( And since I didn't get anything done, I thought it'd would fit pretty well the Spring formal themed week, on the same season of PR&P. Well, again, and just by a couple of days I didn't again. 

As I said above, KCW was just my excuse to get it done. 

I actually worked on it last week, I cut the pattern and all the pieces into the fabric. I used the same french burda magazine pattern I used for my daughter's knock-off challenge, using a bigger size of course, and not doing any changes to the original pattern.

The dress is pretty simple (pattern), but the fabric is so light, and fresh and beautiful in colour and details. And the cherry on top is the detailed flowers belt. I added pink bias on the collar and arm holes for contrast since I used pink ribbon on the belt too. 

Actually my mother sewed the pearls to the flowers while I was busy sewing somthing else. She was visiting and feeling bored, so I gave it to her to help me, since the detail from the belt was done long ago, and left waiting. My first idea was to have it making part of the front bodice piece, but then I visioned it as a belt, and as a belt it was made. It tights on the back, and niece L. can wear it with or without the belt according to where or when she's wearing it. 

Here's how to do the flowers!!!

This is probably my one and only entry for the KCW. It's the first time I sewalong this challenge, and I am loving it, but this is going to be all for this time. I have important things to get done this week. Have fun!!!

My thoughts on Placket Pockets tonight

Don't you just hate when something doesn't come out the way you want to? I do! And I'm not going to make any mistakes today. It's gonna be perfect!

I've been practising doing placket pockets here. I need to make a couple for the project I am working at the moment. I don't do one for years, plus I haven't done more than 3 in my entire life, and I was going to make the first one on the final piece, but then found myself scared of messing up the whole thing, since a few of my latest projets didn't go as well as hoped... (here)

Good thing there is a lot of great tutorials out there just to remind us how to do things the right way. Though it's not quite as I used to make them, I'm going to try to follow this tutorial now. I've also been reading a Burda book I got, but again, why do I find Burda's indications so hard to follow? I usually get even more confused after I read them. =/ and I'm glad to know I am not the only one thinking so.

So, off I go to try to get a perfect placket pocket. ;D

The Sew Off auditions started today!

I must be out of my mind, but I just got myself into a new challenge. Today auditions for The Sew Off have started. Do you want to know more about it? Just click the button below:

As I was saying, I must be crazy, but I did link one of my posts to audition too. And again, it's more about the fun than actually the prizes. I need to sew in order to stay sane these days, and I need to sew through my stash. Of course, it'd be fun if I make it to the 12 participants, but if I don't, I will happily sew along as I've been doing with all the other challenges/contests/whatever!

Tomorrow the themes will be announced and I really can't wait to see what they will be. 

Will any of you audition too? 

Project Run And Play - Sneak Peek

As I've told you before, I am very excited about PR&P's themes and have started planning and creating already. I just finished week 1* project and have week 2** started too. I know exactly what I want and will make for week 4**** and I know week 3*** will be dedicated to my 5 year old niece. Back in season 6 I made her brother an outfit and she asked for a dress, of course. So, she deserves it and I will make her a dress, though I haven't made up my mind yet, I do have a slight idea of what will come for it, and what fabric I will use.  

Today, I will tease you... Here's a little of what I've been working on:

Today could have been a great day to put G. on her new dress and take some photos, if it wasn't for the damn rain. It stoped now and looks like the sun wants to come out, but every place is wet outside and still looks dark inside... =( 

I am so happy that week one is done already, and I won't be finishing right on time as I did before. I want to do the same with all the rest of the weeks (have it done one week ahead) so, I'll have time between one and another to just take good pictures, edit calmly, not staying up late like I did before, just because I wanted to be part of the sewalong. =) hehehe.. yeah, I'm like that! 

So, more about the dress and all the details when I have photos taken to it. =) 

*Week 1:  Inspired by Art---Choose an artist, art movement, or artwork and create a children's look inspired by your choice.

**Week 2:  The Riley Blake Chevron Week---Create a children's design where a chevron pattern is featured. 

***Week 3:  It's All in the Details---Choose a favorite detail to showcase in a children's wear design.  (Such as piping, embroidery, pin tucks, etc.)

****Week 4:  Spring Formal Wear---Design a formal look for spring--perhaps and Easter outfit or something suitable for a spring wedding?

One Project Fits Two (or three!)

Yep! When I made a commitment with myself about following as much sewing challenges as I could, I knew at some point, I could use turning one only project into two (or more who knows?!) challenges done. 

So, first challenge

Over at Project Run & Play, there's a new Pattern Remix Party going on until the 8th of March. As soon as I took the first glance at the Jess' Spring Fever Pattern  I knew exactly what I wanted to make for my daughter. Of course, I changed my original design as I started and went trhough with it. I spent all my little free moments from yesterday sewing this new outfit. 

To make it I used a blue cotton sheet, and a fat quarter polka doted cotton fabric, that I already had in my stash. As well as the buttons on the placket and the elastic on the waistband. I didn't lined it, I wanted to keep it pretty fresh(y) for Summer. I thought it would be a little too big right now, but I guess she has developed physically lately. I used the Sping Fever Dress pattern for the bodice, and I used the shorts pattern I drafted myself for the Sew in Tune outfit. 

I had some pockets planned for the shorts (front pockets on the sides) but can you believe I actually forgot to make and add them before I attached the waist band?! 

Anyway... I am kinda mad about a few things in this oufit that didn't go that well. I could have fixed them, I know I could have, but most of it my made last evening, it was about 1a.m. when I actually finished this and I was not in the mood to unpick seams and re-do it all over again, and still I did do that a few times, I kept messing up with such an easy thing as putting my shorts together. dahhhh!

Besides the pockets that I forgot about, I am unhappy with the picks on the back of the romper. On that rounded area, can you see them in the pictures? It makes a very badly finished look, but again, I wasn't really in the mood to unpick seams and guess what? It is wearable! 

The next thing that got me upset about it was the front placket, and that leads me to the...

Second challenge

Here, when I announced the 6 projects I have pinned and would try to do, there was listed as number 3, a very cute placket, right?! 

Well, that's actually the first thing I got done out of the six of them. The tutorial for my pin came from The Crafty Cupboard, but honestly, I only had a look at the images and guess-timated how to make it. Of course I messed up with measurements and it didn't turn out as pretty as it was supposed to. But, I tried it though, it was only the very first placket I made, I'm sure, I'll try it again later and hopefully they'll be better. 

As if wasn't things enough, today, when I tried to put it on her for the photoshoot, I realised I didn't leave space anywhere to actually put it on her. Luckily enough for me, the wide of the colloar plus the placket fully opened were enough to slide her little body in and squeezing arms I made it - luckily for me, she was very helpfull and didn't complain at all. It was way easier to take off though. 

So, because of that, I might still have to undo one of the side seams under arms and insert a zipper, just to make it more confortable to baby G. to put in on. 

One project:

Project Run & Play - checked

Pinterest Challenge - checked

Sew Your Stash Thin - checked

Thrift Shopping

picture origin

On the last Sunday of every month, there is a second hand market on a small village nearby. I use to go there because I love to find some little treasures. Sometimes I go there searching for a specific item, but most of the time I just go and look at all the beautiful things I (unexpectedly) find there. 

Last month I went searching for cheap knits to make baby G. her Carnival outfit - ooppppsss I still haven't bloged about that - and we were there again today. The two of us. 

Most of all I went searching for thrift clothing. I didn't care much of the sizes because I was mainly interested in getting some knits and some colours I needed. Those colours were emerald and mustard. I did find the green, and there was a shirt in yellow but not quite refashionable for me, so I passed. Sadly is not an easy colour to find there, maybe next month. 

 

What did I buy there?! Let's see... 

1 - An amazing short brown dress |2€| and it's an S... how lucky I was?! Still I think I might have to take a few inches on the sides to perfectly fit my slim figure

2 - This caught my eye because it was red... with polka dots! Yay, it made my day even before I discovered it was actually a corset! I l o v e corsets. It's an M, and I might have to re-do very boring seams but it is worth is. It looks almost new and it says me me me all over it! |2€|

3 - If there is something I love after polka dots, it has to be stripes. Me buying this shirt came after I seen the number 8 girl's shirt. I thought they were just a perfect match for me to create a mom and daughter look. I don't do that for far too long. |1€|

4 - I just loved this top and got it. |#4+#7+#8 = 1€|

5 - As I've already mentioned above, this shirt had the green I found. I first wanted it for a refashion, I loved the lace around the collar, and it's elastic, but it looks so beautiful as it is, that I might keep it like that or if maybe, just do a little upcycling on it. |1€|

6 - Dark blue shirt. It's an M but fits me well. Will keep it as it is. I found out I'm trying to find my own style (STILL!!! shame on me!) and I need a few basics to compose my dreamed looks (I swear I am trying!). |1€|

7 - A 8 year old sized skirt, absolutely to refashion into something for G.  |#4+#7+#8 = 1€|

8 - As said on number 3.  |#4+#7+#8 = 1€|

Total cost of my finds was 8€! 

Not bad, right?! 

Now let's hope I won't take too long to fix/refashion whatever I have to from this list, because I am not suposed to get any new stash into my thin, remember? I think I've been working quite well into it so far! Wish me luck! hehehe

New Challenges for me

I'm up for all the challenges I see lately. I don't care if I'm not competing for anything, I'm just enjoying sewing along every challenge I come across lately. 

I have finished the Sew in Tune outfit last night, I still have to get some nice shoots of it before I can share. I am considering auditioning for SewVivor and just a few minutes ago I came across this Pinterest Challenge over at Merrick's Art. 

What is it about? Taking 6 of your pins on Pinterest and make them through the next 6 weeks. Let's stop pinning and just stare at the inspiring images; let's actually make them! I take the challenge, but I admit it was a little hard for me to choose the 6 projects I would accomplish (or try to, at least!). Eventually I made my choice, here they are:

1 - A Father's day activity to make with baby G. 

2 - A new cell phone cover for V. - he's been asking for ages!

3 - Chocolate cookies

4 - Cell phone holder

5 - A placket!I've been wanting to add one to my sewing project for a while now. 

and 6. Copy this Robin Scherbatsky (How I met Your Mother, right?!) look... I only need to get the dress. 

Will I make it? Will I not? Stay around to find out!