The Sew Off week 2 < A new Entry... >

NOTE: Heavy post!!!

So, here I am, second week of the The Sew Off competition. And this time around, the theme is Home Decor. When I first read the news that I did make it to the 12 contestants I sort of panic. When I made it to the 9 contestants I really did panic!

What was I suppoused to do now?! 

I was comfortable with the children's look because I was already sewing along Sew-vivor and PR&P. I never thought I could make it to the competition. Although I did audition for The Sew Off, I just thought I wouldn't make it anyway and was going to enjoy a light sew along... but, I made it, and suddenly I realised I would have to do bigger and better than I had previously believed I would. I have to do the best I can, for me and for the judges who picked me! 

So, back to my first idea - I tend to get lost, sorry - I decided it was about time to make my G. a brand new playhouse in which we could hide all her toys that usually makes our floor so messy. I was sure I didn't want to make something just like what I had been seeing around. I wanted to make something special to us, and on a imnsonia night, it clicked me!

As you may, or may not know, we live in Portugal, more precisely in the Algarve, the most southern region of the country. Right above us, there is one of the most beautiful and richers regions, the Alentejo, which I adore. As a tourism student, one of my projects was to write and present on a school trip the entire region of Alentejo, all its typical stuff and so on. Ever since, I still remember every single thing I talked about, and one of the most interesting ones for me is their typical houses. That's how I planned to make my playhouse like...

But my playhouse project died the moment I saw Amy's from Nap Time Crafters. Although I follow her blog for years, only recently I found out her playhouse, and I knew any other I would make would just look tiny and basic compared to hers. I did not give up on the entire idea of the playhouse, I just couldn't make it in one week. So, not done now, but certainly a to do project for the future.

I knew I had made it through another week last Monday, and let me tell you that, back then, I wasn't still pretty sure of what to do. I don't usually sew decorative stuff, or very seldomly I do. The only thing I could think was:

- I will never beat my baby's nursery project! or the mini sofa...

- There's no way I can do better than that... 

- Can I cheat and say I did that now?!

- Perhaps I can make a coordinate something to go with it?!

- Crap, that took me months to get done... and I only have a few days. 

Pfff... I was totally lost and hopeless about this week's theme. Honestly I still am. BUT, I had to get something done. I HAD to try my best, and I had to get whatever it was going to be, done ready.

I thought and thought and thought... and went through some magazines, searching for inspiration. It hit me when I saw a technique ("Catedral de Windsor" - free translation: "Windsor's Cathedral"... please correct me if I am wrong, because I'm not really familiar with it). I saw it in a magazine I had bought a few years ago, and that's from where I addapted my nursery pattern. There it was, I would try that.

I had to open my doorway to take this picture... since I have no angle at all for good pictures/or nice light for photos. 

Again, I have to say I am not a pro with the patchwork and similars, nor do I have specific items to sew it with. As I mentioned in a previous post, I don't even own a rottary cutter... That bad! But, I decided I should expand myself and try something new and different for this challenge. And I did it!!!

My very first try with this technique results are here:

So... I centered my attention in my entry after all. I bought this cube shelf about a year or so ago, and I meant to sew some fabric baskets ever since. Another project I never crossed from the list until now.

Here's how it looked before:

a total mess, I know.

I knew I wanted a place for all the mail we get and also a place for G.'s shoes. Next to the shelf there's a cabinet for our shoes, but it's full... and since she has so many little shoes, it would be nice to have a place on the entry to store them too.

there's a on work patchwork piece here too, but just because I didn't want it to look so empty!

My first idea for this project was to make four baskets and two pillow covers, but I ended up with only half of the first idea. I knew I wouldn't make it all in time. And when having to choose from 6 badly finished pieces and 3 well finished pieces, I went with the second choice.

I picked my project colours after the ones used on the picture that's hanging on the entry's wall. And always trying to adjust it to my already existing stash. I am pleased with what I got.

For the baskets I used diaper card boxes, covered in white paper sheets because the fabric from which I sewed the baskets was linen and would show the image below. In the front of each basket I added the words MAIL for one, and SHOES for the other with the same yellow I used on the pillow cover. I interface the letters, which were cut on free hand; and, I sewed them to the linen with a straight stitch carefully.

For the lining, I used a very sentimental fabric for me. It's white with little yellow/brownish polka dots. It used to be a sheet from when I was a child. I still remember when my mom bought it together with another one full of little pink hearts. One for me, one for my sister.

If you need to make your own baskets, again Amy's got a great tutorial on her blog. That's not how I made mine, but it's a good one if you need it.

For the pillow cover, I used 5 different fabrics and tried my best to coordinate!!! Again, remember it was my first attempt at this new technique and after I sew all the squares together I only had to unpick 3 of them when it was time to press seams and I realised 3 weren't even sewn together... arghhh... I hate unpicking, but it was a necessary mean.

back 

And this is it. Sorry that this was such a long post.

Now again... if you liked what you've seen, go HERE and vote for me!!!

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

Just in case...

... you didn't see, I am one of the 9 contestants still competing for The Sew Off. 

Thank you everyone who voted! I really needed your votes as it seems and I'm sure pretty much each single one of you who voted for me made a difference. 

My heart was shrinking as I scrolled down the page earlier today. I was seeing everyone else's but mine. When I got to number 8 I was pretty sure I didn't make it... 

But then there it was, my Dreaming of Spring outfit made it to another week. I was the last person (9th place) to make it through next's week, but it made me happy to see that I was 4th place on the judges scores. 

I'm really sorry for the 3 other ladies who had to go, especially Michele from Falafel and the Bee, forgive the other two, but hers was absolutely one of my favourites. 

Next week's theme is Home Decor. I have nothing yet but a simple idea! I had a pretty exciting one until today but I had to give up, I'd tell you why later. 

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

Pinterest Challenge #6

Before I get on the subject, let me just make a quick note. Maegen Foster  was the lucky winner of the first week's sew along on Project Run and Play. She has compiled her favourite creations from the sew along and guess what? My Sad Cat dress was featured too. Thank you Maegen! You totally deserved to win!

Now, let's get to what brought me here. My latest project straight from my pinterest inspiration board was getting a look like the one inspired on the character Robin Scherbatsky from the tv show How I met your mother.

Well, it basicly means I needed a reason to finally refashion a  blue dress I was given. It belonged in time to my sister's mother in law, and of course, it ended up with me like most of all the old fashioned clothes nobody wants anymore. All I know is that this dress came from the USA a long, long time ago when they moved back to Portugal. And it is a so soft and warm knit fabric. 

I can tell you, it was ugly (not as much as the green one though). Well, you decide, see for yourself:

And yes, that's the after! With the blazer as in the inspiration look. I did go outside to get some nice photos taken, but when I took them I forgot why I was taking those photos, and didn't even wear my blazer. lol

I swear I acessorized the overlook with black earings and a large black bag (the one I use everyday, actually!). 

I liked the original neck collar, but it definately had to go. The changes I made were, getting rid of the sleeves (which means I got some fabric left and who knows, I might make anything matchy for G.), shortened the dress and add pleats on the waist line. It fits me just well. 

I used a belt I rarely use to complete my look. I enjoyed wearing it this time, I always feel weird with this belt, don't ask me why. I guess I am not a very belt person, anyway... Too bad I didn't get a single picture where my boots show entirely. They're old, actually it might have been the last time I wore them =( They are high heels and the only reason I still have them, is that I don't own any other pair of heels boots. 

Well, and this was me celebrating that I got to participate in The Sew Off competition!!! ahahah

Pinterest Challenge #5

The Pinterest deadline is tomorrow. What? Already? Yeah, looks like so! Good thing I have finished all my projects already. Today I am showing you the 5th and tomorrow the 6th and last one.

my 5th finished project was the cookies. My my pinspiration came from a friend's blog, here's the recipe source, which is written in Portuguese. Here's a (google) translation for you:

You'll need:

-300gr of flour,

-50gr of Custard Powder

-150g of butter

-100g icing sugar

-2 gems

-20ml of milk

-egg yolk

-chocolate bar q.s.

Join all ingredients until dough is uniform. Involve the dough in cling film and put it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Extend dough in a surface with flour, about 5mm thick and the cutouts are made with shapes. Place the biscuits in the oven on a tray lined with greaseproof paper. Brush with egg yolk and put in the oven for 12 minutes. Allow to cool and then melt the chocolate. Dip half cookie in the chocolate and place it on tracing paper to solidify your chocolate. 

google needed a helping hand, I guess...

I also used cream to mix with my melted chocolate bar. They turned out pretty tasty, and even a friend who is a cooker/baker said my chocolate was just perfect. I took those cookies to family lunch yesterday and the kids adored them. It was a great alternative to the chocolate eggs, which they all got a few of, but didn't eat because the had the cookies.
That's a try again recipe for sure!!!

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!