Featured on Sew-vivor =D

What a nice surprise it was, when I was checking out Button's week results from the Sew-vivor competition, and realised my Dreaming of Spring was featured from the sewalong =) Thanks so much! It feels so great, because it really was the button's theme that started this whole outfit! =D

Week One of THE SEW OFF < Dreaming of Spring Outfit >

Edited: This post was first meant for The Sew Off competition. Still, when I started refashioning this pants, I had The Sew-vivor sew along in mind, which theme was buttons. In the meanwhile I was informed I was competing for The Sew Off and immediately started thinking about making a full outfit for my entry on the kid's clothing theme. 

For the Project Run & Play sew along, I was hoping to make my niece a dress, with some flower details. I didn't know I would end up so short on time, and since I don't usually do much details, this outfit is pretty much the general detailed look I usually sew. 

I wasn't really expecting to hit one of the twelve. I was planning to sew along anyway, so as soon as I knew what the themes were, I started working on my kid's project. Spring just got in a few days ago, so I made a spring inspired outfit.

It is composed by three pieces: a blazer jacket, a top and a pair of denim pants. 

I love this picture! Can you notice her mini braid? ha ha 

too bad it was cold when we tried our first photoshoot, and she was wearing a long sleeved shirt under the top and a scarf... besides she was on a shell hunting, not very cooperative, but then again, when is she?!

The blazer is made out of polka dot cotton fabric and lined in white. I created the pattern for all the pieces, and for the blazer’s collar I have – on purpose – made it wide. It is a Spring blazer and it looks fresher this way. I added a single button (same as I used in the pants) and placket, and fluffy pockets with a ribbon on each. I made it a little bigger than G. is wearing now because kids grow fast at this age, and I'd like it to last a little longer - as I usually do with all her clothes lately. 

The top is made with knit fabric, with a ribbon detail on the front (same pattern I used here) and a central pleat. The fabric I used came from an existing woman's top that I deconstructed and turned into the new toddler top. Refashioning is my thing for sure. My G. calls it a dress - don't ask me why. I've told her it is a top not a dress, but she doesn't care. 

front & back

The pants are made of denim, which came from daddy's old jeans. I used red thread in all seams for contrast. On the sides of the pants, I sewed strips matching the blazer, or better, I made the blazer matching these, because the pants where my starting point for this project. On the back, I added placket pockets, large enough for her to stuff her favourite toys; and for the front I made a sort of sailor inspired button closure. I had done that before, so if you're interested there's a tutorial here. Another thing about this pants is that I added an adjustable elastic on the waist band for good fit. It was the first time I did so, and I guess I always will from now on. 

Just look: you have to bribe a child to have her doing what you want and still you suffer to get some nice shoots taken.

I love that fancy blazer, but I must confess that the pants are a favourite in our home. Even for G. She's a pants girl. I swear, this little lady has cried over me trying to put her a skirt on. She didn't want to, she said. Even dad is in love with the pants. So I guess, even if I don't make it to the second week, it is a win for us. 

Now, if you think I am worth it, go there and vote for me. If it happens that you think somebody else's deserves your vote better than I do, go ahead, I won't beat you up...he he he, Now seriously, go there and VOTE

The Quilted Chevron Dress - PR&P week 2 (and sew-vivor week 3)

If you've been reading my blog, you surely know that all I've been sewing lately has been created with fabric and supplies that I already had. I made a commitment of using what I have, before I buy any more. Why am I talking about that again? Well because it is The Riley Blake Chevron Week at Project Run and Play, and I didn't have any chevron fabric at all. 

My first thought, was turning this fabric into a chevron pattern, but then I had the last week of Sew-vivor sewalong in mind too, which theme is quilting. Well, I'm not a huge quilter, I don't even own a rottary cutter for sake, but I thought it was an excellent idea to combine those two themes into one project to allow me to sew along both challenges, saving me some precious time. Now even more, since I am competing for The Sew Off. 

I kept this dress pretty simple on the pattern. I used Emma Hardy's book cover pattern, but I had to adjust it to what I wanted. I really like the book, the good pictures and instructions, but I'm not so happy with the pattern sizes, just as I mentioned here.

What is there to mention about my dress then? The chevron quilting, of course.

This time I used left overs from a blue cotton sheet that I used in the past to make baby slings, and also a scrap of floral printed cotton too. I created a single chevron line all around the bottom of the dress. I choose not linning it except for the strap of patchwork. This was my second time quilting, I am terrified of doing it. 

Again I completed the look with non-mommie-made pieces. White tights, a simple white sweatshirt and a blue cardigan were the pieces I used to complete the look. We tried to get some pictures without the cardigan, but it was getting windy and cold again and we didn't want to risk it. Nothing's worth my kid getting sick, right?!

Again I went with something that already fits and might fit for quite a while still. The straps are adjustable and quite long to grow as she does. She looks terrible cute in it!

Sew-vivor week 1 |Sew along|

If you haven't realised yet, the Sew-vivor competition has kicked off today. The 10 contestants are sharing wonderful projects, it is so hard to vote! I picked my favourite and voted for it, but first I had a hard time to choose who/what that would be. Go there, check it and vote too. 

My own project has been ready for about a week or so. I am really proud of my own creation, especially because it's been a while since I did anything for me. It's been all about my little girl, and I've been neglecting all the rest (nephew, nieces and myself). That's something I have to work on soon and am already making plans for. 

Anyway, I had this ugly vintage dress/skirt don't even know what to call it really waiting for me in the refashion pile for far too long. I loved the colour, since the very first moment my in law handled it to me, in a bag full of 80's clothes, lots of polka dots included. That was heaven for me. I even used one of those pieces in a previous refashion, here, if you want to check it out. 

I started with this uglyness here:

and turned it into this lovely new dress. 

I was really confused on how/where to start, I didn't even know exactly what I wanted to make with it, but just as always, I ended up with something a little different from what I first imagined. My first thought, was to turn it into a mini vest and a bubble skirt. Now, I am glad I didn't, because I need new dresses in my collection. 

I made my mind after going through a few of my Burda's. I picked the dress above pattern to do my own. I had to re-adjust the sizing, even the smaller size they were giving wasn't small enough for me. I have no breast at all, but I am quite lucky to have something to show on the back, if you know what I mean, so it is really hard to find a dress pattern that would fit me on both places. 

Anyway, you don't care about it. I re-sized Burda's pattern to fit me and made a few changes to the original version, such as adding a belt. I love my belt, do you love my belt?! And I added a strap around the neck. 

details

I took pictures to the whole transforming process and soon (I hope!) I will be sharing my how-to here. For now, here's a few more pictures of my newest dress. 

No sewing failures for me this time! hehe

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?

Oh... didn't I tell you?

I didn't make it to the top 10 of Sew-Vivor! That's right, but ok though. Did you see the amazing projects that did achieve that list? Go there and check them out. They are amazing! So, it's good to know I did lose to the best. I can't wait to see what these ladies will come out with for each of the 3 challenges. 

Anyway... I'll do my best to follow up with the themes. I have actually done week's one challenge (theme: Emerald). I only have to get some photos taken to it. And I am just starting the last theme (quilting). Yes, the last... I am kinda lost with the second one (buttons), so while I don't get there, I am working on the last theme already.

Which will also fit Project Run and Play's week 2 (chevron)....

Oh wait! I didn't mention that either, did I? The next season of Project Run & Play is starting. Here's all you need to know about the All Stars Season and of course I want to sew along once again. It was just too much fun to do so the first time. I am excited with the themes, and am making plans for all of them already. I can't wait for the competition to start and see what everyone comes um with - in the competition and in the sew along too. =)

Are you in?!

Project Run and Play - All Stars Season, themes:

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?

Flamenco Dress + Auditioning!

Auditions for Sew-vivor season 2 at Family Ever After... have started today and I have been waiting until the very last minute to make up my mind. I wasn't quite sure if I would try the auditions or if I'd just sew along the challenges. After a lot of thinking I decided I'll go for it, trying won't do me harm and who knows? Maybe I could make it to the Top 10? - let me dream a little, ok?

We can audition with something we have made before. First I was in shock, I went looking through all the things I have done, they are so many, from the simpliest thing you can imagine to corsets and underbusts! But I chose someting that's very dear to me: my first Flamenco dress!

I'm half Spanish, my father's from Huelva, in the south of Spain, near Seville. There is a huge tradition of Romerias, a religious event that takes place every year. I grew up making part of that. I too wore my flamenco dresses when I was younger and we lived there, and wearing a flamenco dress just makes you feel beautiful and special. They are magic and a little like princesses dresses.

My daughter was 11 months old by the time of my dad's village Romeria. A few months before the event I had decided I would make her a flamenco dress too. Her cousin had one so I made hers copying the cousin's. The fabric I used was equal, and I tried to make it as much as the original, just smaller =)

Here they are, my niece using hers (bought) and my baby using hers (made by ME). The typical pants and suspenders from the nephew were made by me as well). I had shared a little about those two projects here, but had never showed the final results yet.

Flamenco dresses aren't easy to make though. Not everyone can make a genuine flamenco dress. And I'm not saying mine is, but I was pretty happy with what I achieved! Even my supplies were bought in Spain (Huelva). My mom's boss gave me a few tips on the supplies, things that are typical to the dress that I didn't know before.

When I started the dress, I thought about making a tutorial, because I didn't find any when I searched for one online, but let me tell you, I was so involved in the ruffles, that after some point I just forgot to keep registering all the steps. It is all about the ruffles, dear god! And this was only a 12 months old dress. 

Here's what I got though. I started by drafting my own pattern as usual. Cut the pieces: 3 to make the front, 4 to make the back. Both in polka dots fabric and plain blue fabric for the lining.

Sewed all pieces together by the sides and then on the shoulders.

Then I started cutting the ruffles, and again, I got way too lost to keep taking photos of the steps. 

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!