Challenge Create: Adult Edition |week 2|

If you haven't yet, go HERE and vote for your favourite refashion!|

This has to be one of my favourite themes from the challenge. After all, most of the things I make are refashioned on a daily basis, and I host a Refashion Series (now twice a month), so me, me, me all over it. 

 However, when I went looking in my pile, I couldn’t find anything I’d really turn into maternity clothes, the only appealing thing to me was this long orange dress, original from the 70’s that, if I am honest with you, loved just as it was. But it was outdated, and I believe I’d be called “crazy” if I went outside wearing it.

I picked it for my project. I knew exactly what I wanted to make out of it, and also that I needed something else to go with it. I had a very clear idea of what I wanted/needed so it turned out pretty easy for me.

I didn’t have anything in the stash that would go with the orange so I went thirft shopping in my usual charity shop, and found a child’s size dress for 0,50€ (amazing, right?!). I wasn’t sure if it’d fit me at all or not, but I brought it home with me.

The brown “things” in the before photo? Two pieces, leg leftovers from a toddler’s trousers. I used those for the handbag/clutch.

So… in order to get the new look out of these two pieces, I did more unpicking and hand sewing that anything else. I started by taking off the flower on the front, the sleeves and the neckline ruffles from the dress, and hemming it to my height. I had to do a lot of unpicking, and then sewing again, so the dress would look even.

For the Cardigan, which was previously the dress, I did a bit more. I started by turning it around, front-back wise. I’ve removed the sleeves cuff – which was too tight for me, I’ve added an elastic to the hem instead and used some of the original lace from the dress sleeves. To close my cardigan, I used vintage lace, and tight in the front. Both dress and cardigan, have an invisible stitch on their hems, which I did by hand too. 

On the back of the cardigan I added some lace too, to make it a bit wider as I walk. I also changed the front to make it sort of triangular, and follow the dress shape instead how having a straight line.

To finish off the look, I made myself a new clutch. For this I used the trousers legs leftovers, the flower I took off from the dress and also scraps from the cardigan. I hemming it shorter, and those pieces were the ones I used for the clutch.

Shortie Nightgown & Bloomers Tour

Today I get to have a spot in the pattern tour hosted by Chelsea from GYCT Designs. I feel honoured to be part of an amazing group of talented ladies that will share with you all, their versions of Chelsea's pattern Shortie Nightgown and Bloomers. It offers the pattern for the bloomers, and the nightgown, and this has the sleeveless option, or the puffed sleeves option. 

I picked the sleeveless option, short top and bloomers. And, I even made a matching headband. According to my daughter's real size, I should have used the 18 month old pattern, but I wanted it to fit during this summer (and if I'm really lucky, next year too), so I made the size 2. It's a little baggy but I like the fact that it has room to grow. 

Ahahah... Let me just start by saying we had a family photoshoot for this. I prepared her, daddy took the photos and we convinced our little model we needed photos of her sockmonkey doll, the one she never leaves behind ever since I made it. And this was one of those when we got to get a huge amount of wonderful photos of her, she was happy, and smiling all the time. She jumped in her bed, played sleepy, hugged her monkey... just a great moment to remember later. And can I just say, how much I love to see her with the headband?!

Now about this pattern. 

I had no problems or so ever printing and assembling my pattern. Cutting the fabric was quick. I chose this blue flowers printed scrap I had in my stash for like 3 years or so. I also had the same in red, in which I made a dress for my niece but have never blogged about it, I have to, it's one of my faves ever. Anyway. for the collar panel and the bloomers I used scraps from an old white sheet (I have lots of these). And the greatest thing is that I was able to use the printed fabric scrap to the fullest. I used the round shapped pieces I cut off from the top to add to the shorts as side panels just because. And I cutted some (2 sizes) circles from another piece left from the scrap and added them, with a blanket stitsh to the collar. Ended up being one of my favourite things about the entire outfit. 

I didn't use the lining on the bottom piece of my top, so it saved me a little time, instead I used self made bias tape on the armholes for the finishing touch. I confess when I was sewing it and then finished, I would look at the armholes and find them too small... but then I tried it on G. and boy was I wrong?! I even mentioned that to Chelsea, but it was only in my eyes. I also didn't overflap the two top body pieces in the back when sewing them to the main body piece which made my top a tiny little bit more rommy than it was suppoused to. I didn't realise it was designed to be overflapped so it didn't need a button, and that was the only part of the instructions that got me confused, but I can tell you it has been changed in the pattern already. 

The instructions are clear and easy to follow, again I had no problems following them and was happy that I could put these two pieces together in an evening, after putting my daughter to sleep. In just a couple of hours it was done, and I do appreciate a quick project that turns out so satisfactory to me. I would probably just mention the lack of photos or a step to tell me when to attach the button(s) on the back. I bet most experienced sewist wouldn't have a problem with it, but maybe new begginers would like a note about it. 

I can tell my daughter loved it, and so did I. 

And that's not all... for this week (April 7-12th), Chelsea is giving a 20% off for this pattern, if you use the code "SHORTIE20". Or you can also enter the giveaway and try to get a free copy of this pattern. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

* I was offered this pattern for this review but the opinions are all my own. 

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. 

KCW |day 1| onesie for the boy

So, today starts Kids Clothes Week again. This time I decided to do things right, I've signed in the site when I read another season was coming, I have thought what I wanted to make, I printed out some patterns, etc, etc, etc. 

And it's funny, because the more I have on hands to do, the more I seem to get things done. Yesterday, after bedtime, I was able to make a plastic bags dispenser (an order for a costumer), finish up editing my entry for the second week of Challenge Create, and even cut the fabric pieces for the actual garment I sewn today. 

Today, the results from Challenge Create for the first week were up (and the link up for week 2 sew along is open too!) and I got a lovely second place, which I wasn't expecting (I was last in the viewers votes), and then I was surprised again when I knew - through a comment another blogger left me - that I won the second week's sewalong of PR&P. What a beautiful day! 

But it was also a beautiful day because it was warm and sunny, and I felt energic again, and sewn the first onesie for my baby boy. The very first thing I want him to wear after his birth. KCW has a theme this time, "Mini Me"... so in order to follow the theme, I grabbed two S tops of mine that I wasn't wearing at all. I really liked the colour but they were too short even for me. 

So, using both pieces I made the onesie. It's a newborn size (0 M), but the tops weren't enough and I had to use some scraps I had from a white t-shirt for one of the sleeves and the binding. I love it so much. It isn't 100% finished yet, I need to add some snaps still, but I'll do that after putting G. to sleep. And maybe cut a few more pieces... Oh, and by the way, the onesie was self drafted!

I've also been printing my fabric so I can sew up a quick project to enter this week's sewalong over Project Run & Play. Maybe it'll be ready to share tomorrow. So, I am sorry if I am a little late answering mails and comments, but it's been busy busy busy around here... and I still have to start my third look for Challenge Create too!!! Auch! Anyway, I'm happy for a good KCW start! What about you? Are you sewing along this week?

Spring Showers Jacket |Tested and Approved|

Today I get to share one of the items I enjoyed sewing the most in the last weeks passed. And I have been sewing a lot of things I liked, so you can have an idea. The talented Heidi from Elegance and Elephants has just released her latest pattern.

click picture above for further info

And I was a pretty lucky tester. This kind of garment's pattern was missing in my collection, and I've been eyeing her patterns for long. I still can't believe I didn't miss the testers call (I often do) and that I was picked to test it. I couldn't be happier, and let me just say, when it comes to pattern piecing, Heidi has just become my hero! It was so easy and quick that I was sure I was messing up somehow. Well,I wasn't! 

The pattern calls for a waterproof fabric, which I didn't have in my stash, and as you all know by now, if I don't have it, I will probably not go and buy it before I hardly search what else can I use from my stash (destashing at all cost!). I found this black one. It's not heavy, waterproof or that resistent. It was an elegant table cloth I bought in a sales from a decoration shop, because it would be perfect for a corset. 

So, why did I use it? Because the corset was never made, and many years have passed, and then, because it looks waterproof at first sight. Nailed it then! For the lining I used another very light woven fabric that was donated to me, many years ago too. It's a lot of it, and so far I have only used it for the linning of this dress:

click photo above to take you to original post

I made the 2/3 size for my daughter, it is the smallest in the pattern and I thought it'd be too big on her, but actually nope, it wasn't. The sleeves are too long but I love how we can just rolled them and let the linning showing. Also, I think the hood is a bit too big for her, but apparently it was for most testers and Heidi has changed it for the final pattern (remember mine is a test piece and little details were improved). 

I love how professional it looks and I'm sure I'll be making her another one when she grows out of this one, and maybe more - hubby says he still has to get used to the new level of my final pieces - I blush and feel proud, and I know I have to thank all the designers that make this wonderful patterns and tutorials. I have been using pattern magazines for years, but some things are just too hard to get from them, and the independent designers make it so clear, with all the detailed information and pictures. So, to all of you that design and are reading this: A BIG THANK YOU!

PS - yes... G. is also wearing the Parisian look from my latest blog post. 

Oh Paris! |PR&P9#2|

PR&P's week two theme is "Spring Break"... We're suppoused to choose our dream vacation place and make an outfit inspired by that. Well, with all the rain from the latest days - after some wonderful sunny and warm ones - it doesn't feel like Spring at all. We're not going anywhere so soon though so any vacations, are just a way to dream for me for now. We are lucky to live by the sea. I actually can see it everyday through the window. Just a little bit of it, it's true, there are lots of building between our window and the sea, but I still can see it. So, no wonder, I dream about other kind of vacation, other than beach and paradise views. 

After thinking for a while, I chose Paris as my inspiration point. I would love to take my daughter there, visit the Euro Disney with her (I've never been to it either), but as much as we love Minnie Mouse and all the Disney princesses I'd love to go on a sight seeing tour through Paris... visit all those huge, imponent buildings... climb the top of the Eiffell tour again, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Champs Elysees... just get lost in the magic, l'amour... all that makes Paris... well, PARIS! I was about 8 when I visited it for the first time. I still remember how amazed I was with all of this.

And what is it that comes to my mind when I think of a Parisian look? Always the same things: black and white stripes, a black barret, and a pop of red. Really, I always imagine the famous "french paintor look" when I try to come with an imagine of Paris as an outfit. And that's exactly what I tried to include in the look I created this week.

Images Original Fonts : 1 - 2 - 3- 4 - 5 

I picked two pieces to refashion again. A pair of black pants I didn't want anymore (I have a lot of them actually and it was just another one occupying precious space in my wardrobe). And I thrifted a 1€ button shirt a couple of days ago, I bought it in the usual charity shop for this project. Here they are:

I started with the skinny jeans. I've been wanting to make a new pair for G. for quite a long time. I first did the free 2T Small Fry Skinny jeans for a friend's kid, then I got to test the same pattern in other sizes, I did two shorts versions, one for my niece and one for my nephew, but I never got around to sew a pair for my daughter. I did a 2T size for her, And really liked the changes Laura made to the pattern (from the free one to the final). I really believe that this is my favourite pair so far and let me tell you there will be more in the future for sure.

Although, the pattern comes with great instruction to sew a girl's fly on the jeans, I just went and did the boy's one, most strore bought pants don't make them different anyway, and this way, it can be passed on to her little brother once she grows out of it. I used the shirt's striped fabric for the coin pocket, waistband lining and front pocket bags. This is the same fabric I used on the top. By using red thread, I was able to feature the pop of red I wanted. But that wasn't all, I also hadnstitched an Eiffeel Tour in one of the back pockets.

Then I did the top. I picked the Izzy top pattern to make it just like I did last week for the Panda's inspired look. I tried to follow the pattern and instructions as they are (find them HERE), but of course I had to do something differently - as always. I was half way through it when I thought about adding a black peter pan collar. Then I thought about making it with leftovers of the faux leather from my own corset. And then I thought I could add some beaded pins... just to try it, it was something I haven't done before, so why not?! And I did it! And I loved it! It's not perfect, I know, but I love it still.

I used a very very light fabric for the lining and it didn't go so well for me. But, it looks ok. As for the button tab. I was careful this time, but instead of having it closing on the inside, it goes in the inside of the top, so it won't mess with the collar. It's functional, and invisible at the same time.

Now, in my first photo of this look I am sharing just three options on how to wear it.
First one: with the red jacket I refashion for the Winter Wonderland theme from last season, and the cutest little girl shoes we own. In red of course!
Second: With a red beanie I had made from an old sweater. It was never blogged about, and same shoes.
Third: same as first, just changed the shoes. This ones are leopard printed with a pink bow and binding. 

Challenge Create: Adult Edition |week 1|

So, this is the first week of Challenge Create, and if you missed it before, I am one of the 4 (5) contestants participating. I feel happy to get the chance to dedicate some time to sewing to myself, especially now, in this wonderful moment of my life, with a new baby on the way. 

The first theme is Inspired by Nature, and I assumed this challenge in two ways, and they are divided into the two pieces I created. When I first thought about Nature... Spring... I thought about poppies. They really take me back to my childhood and I remember I loved seeing them popping in when Spring arrived. Unfortunately, I almost can't find them anymore. I searched for various fields and I only found a few on some road sides. Sad! But I still used it as my inspiration and chose my fabric for the shirt/tunic with them in mind. It is a dark blue chiffon, with some sort of polka dots that are not red nor orange. 

Of course, I am sewing maternity clothes during this challenge. And I started with a tunic that I can use now, and after I give birth. It will also be okay, when the time comes, to nursing. It's long and wide enough to grow a bit more with the belly, and to give it a better shape there's some hand sewn puckering on the front top, and across the back. To finish it off and fit it to my figure, I've sewn a belt. It keeps the front close enough for decency and if I take it out it will open just enough for nursing. 

My photographer (aka husband), forgot to take close ups with the macro when we did the photoshoot, I guess the cold weather took the best of both of us. So, I had to photograph these details after I got home. 

And now that I have told you about the tunic and first inspiration road, let me tell you about the second way I looked at "nature inspired" and the shorts. 

Nature = Mother Nature = Maternity... of course! Nature is right now working its way on me and I couldn't let it pass on unmentioned. And I used this inspiration in my shorts. I first thought about making maternity pants, but I already had a pair and what I really missed in my wardrobe, now that warmer days are around the corner, are shorts. I drafted the pattern out of my existing maternity jeans, but instead of using a large belly band, I switched it in my piece for a smaller band with a wide elastic. The construction of the shorts was pretty much the same as you sew jeans,I can't precise what fabric is this that I used because it was donated to me and it's been in my stash for a while. It's not denim or chambray, but feels quite similar to it. 

To personalize my shorts, I wanted to somehow add a maternity symbol so I searched google for one. I came across an image that I absolutely adored and tried to recreate to one of my pockets, with a free hand drawing using red and black fabric markers. It's a mother, holding her baby. In the other pocket, I have stitched _ _ _ MATERNITY=love _ You can barely see it, but I know it's there and love the details. The shorts are fully topstitched, and have front pockets that we failed to detail photograph too. And since I still have a bit over 3 months to get fat, I made them a little roomy for now. 

I just love how the belt looks and how it shapes the belly. It is very comfortable and (because I have tried it right after this session) it looks great under a cardigan or a sweater. I love that I can use the pieces separatedly if I wish to, and that both pieces are still wearable after pregnancy. That is absolutely a bonus. 

The weather got so cold right when we had some time for the photos. I was freezing as we took them, so as soon as I thought we had enough, I would go running to my cardigan and getting myself into the car... And he was still photographing... ahahaha... Hence the boots (I had planned using this lovely slightly high heels in dark blue), tights and t-shirt underneath the tunic.  I couldn't risk to get a cold or something. 

I hope you like my look. And if you haven't yet, go check my fellow contestants and don't forget to vote for your favourite, if it happens to be me, I'll be happy but if I am not, don't worry, it's fine! =D Check out the works from the sew along ladies and vote too.