This week's progress

1 Apr 2013, Monday

I have officially decided that Monday's will be for mending. There is always something that needs fixing, and if not, it can be night to prep fabric and notions and whatnot for the projects I want to work on for the week. This works so well into my routine and feels just right for the beginning of the work/school week.

2 Apr 2013, Tuesday

I got a very late start on my sewing Tuesday night. I can't remember why now, but I didn't start sewing until 9pm. These trousers are from one of my favorite Japanese sewing books: polka drops. The patterns are for children sizes 90cm to 130cm (height), which both my kids still are within. When I went to find a link for this book I saw that they came out with another one and instantly bought it because the styles and patterns and fit are awesome and perfect for kids. I got pretty far along int he construction, but did not finish them on this night.

 3 Apr 2013, Wednesday

I thought I could finish the trousers in the afternoon, so I ignored the growing pile of clean laundry that needed folding and the growing pile of dishes in the kitchen, and sewed. Of course, I did not finish them, again. And I could have finished them that night, but instead was so tired that I read a few blogs and conked out on the couch at 8:30pm. 

4 Apr 2013, Thursday

I actually finished the trousers! But not without some hiccups on the waistband, which is probably my own fault. Truth be told though, these trousers/pants do not fit my big Tristan. The size is 110cm and I cut it out two years ago. He could wear them, technically, and he wants to because, "hey mom! i don't have to roll up the bottom!" Yes, my dear. That's because they are too short. I'll let him wear them, if he wants to but they are really meant for a slightly shorter boy. The fabric is awesome, it is a great pattern and has perfect stretch just like men's trousers. I bought it a little more than two years ago from M&L fabrics in Anaheim, CA. They have a ton of fabric and at good wholesale prices. BUT you have to walk around and really search and know exactly what you are looking for (in my opinion), and it is a bit annoying to drive to because it isn't close to any of the freeways and there are a lot of stoplights. Basically that means, I haven't been there since.

I was feeling behind on my projects since the trousers took three days to finish, so I got out some quickish projects that were meant to be Christmas gifts (for last year... ) and got to work on them. I couldn't believe that I actually completed one of the gifts! And although there are a few things I might do differently next time, I am happy with the way the pencil roll-up turned out. I didn't consult any blogs for tutorials or anything, I just looked at what I had and figured it out! I'm a genius! (well, not really. but i can see a huge difference in my sewing abilities and construction know-how since picking sewing back up 3 years ago).

5 Apr 2013, Friday

I continued working on the gifts for the two girls. They are my bestie's girls and I love 'em. The pencil roll-up I made the night before is for the oldest who loves to color and draw and bring it with her in the car. The above skirt and scarf are for the youngest. The outer fabric is a flannel and the inner is a light weight cotton to keep the bulk down. A little side note about the fabric: when I went to visit (they live in Washington state) two years ago, I saw that the younger had a blanket with this flannel fabric on it and mentioned how I had bought some of that exact fabric six months prior to make Evie some warm jammy bottoms. And my bestie mentioned how she thought the fabric was so cute and fit her little one perfectly that she had asked someone to make a quilt using it. Okay, so not the most exciting story... anyway, yeah, she likes the fabric. ahem.

The bottom picture is of a skirt I started last year, there is actually one for each of the girls. I made a freezer paper stencil of a Chinook helicopter, which their dad flies in as the crew-chief. The only problem is I couldn't remember if his Chinook had the refueling stick* or not, so left it out. And of course, his does have the refueling stick. I just added the elastic for the waistband and plan to paint on the refueling stick to the Chinooks before packaging and sending them off to Washington (I really wish I could just deliver them myself, but you know, it costs a lot more to fly me--and the kids--than to just fly the package out).

*Note: I am calling it a refueling stick, but I am sure there is a more technical name for it. Please don't hate on my terminology or lack thereof.

The rest of week 2

27 Mar 2013, Day 8

I set aside the dress for Evie to work on her mommy-made Easter gift. Initially I had planned this gift for Christmas last year, but with all of the other projects and our new living situation, I really dropped the ball on things I thought would be quick and could be done at anytime.

The skirt is self-drafted, which means it is not perfect. I think that any time you self draft something for the first time there are hiccups and you learn and over time perfect it. So, first time around and I am pleased, but I know I could do better after having done it. The skirt itself may be a little big because I didn't measure E, just kind of winged it. The idea was that I would make a ballet skirt for her to wear to her dance class, something simple, flow-y, and pink. The fabric, ribbon and sew-on-flowers are all from JoAnn's, which I hate shopping at, but when short on time it's close and really, they are starting to carry better stuff--at least better looking and more apparel fabrics (but I am still trying to find a small, independent fabric store in my area). The fabric I had sprayed the night before to stabilize it, which helped a lot with the cutting, sewing and designing. After getting the ribbon sewn on and the casing made for elastic, I realized I didn't have any elastic left for this project. Yeah, great. So I called it a night and was happy with what progress I did make.

28 Mar 2013, Day 9

Since I didn't make it to the fabric store to get more elastic yet, I decided to begin work on the gift I wanted to make for Tristan for Easter: a zip-up hoodie with pockets. The truth behind this project is that I initially cut the fabric out two years ago during KCW(C) and was trying to make things we would need for our trip to Arizona. The pattern is for a pull-over sweatshirt--no zipper, no pockets, no hood. And at the time he would have loved it as a pullover, but it's two years later, so hoodie it is. The problem I had with the pattern, and the reason I set it aside for so long, was that this particular pattern is from a Japanese sewing book (Polka Drops, my favorite but only goes up to size 130 cm) and it was my first time working with a Japanese sewing book and I made one really big mistake: I didn't cut the fabric with seam allowances. To my credit, I was used to the big 4 pattern companies and didn't know I had to add in the seam allowances when cutting as indicated in the pattern layout in the book. I had noticed when making Evelyn's sweatshirt that it didn't quite fit together but I just thought I was a bad seamstress. The bigger size I cut for Tristan was even more noticeable and finally did some research as why I was having so much trouble. And that was it, the seam allowances. Ugh. 

The good thing was, I decided to add a hood so I didn't have to worry about cutting out a new collar (which I had cut up because it attached horribly two years ago... ). The bad thing was, I pretty much just constructed it as I went along. I followed the advice of a very talented blogger and traced a hood from one of T's sweatshirts that fit him. I also measured out the pocket on the front and then added seam allowances and cut it in half. I got most of this sweatshirt constructed this night, partly because the main part of the sweatshirt was already cut out. I decided to line the hood and the pockets with some navy blue knit I had in my stash, the sweatshirt fabric is soft, but I just thought the hood should be a little softer and the pockets would be less lint-y with a lining. The reason why I think constructing as I went along was bad is because I didn't think everything through and some of the construction is not at a standard I am completely happy with. For example, I thought I was being good in sewing down the seams on the cuffs, but I forgot to use a zig--zag stitch, so there is no give in the fabric. Just stupid little mistakes like that. But I remind myself that this is a learning process and now I know exactly how I will construct and make the next one (and there will be another because this will only fit T for this season and if I'm lucky, the end of the year).

29 Mar 2013, Day 10

Friday nights are hard to get sewing. The Mr. and I usually like to sit and talk and drink good beer (like this and this), maybe putting on an old movie. But I actually wanted to sew, while drinking and talking and watching the original, "The Great Gatsby" movie (with Robert Redford). Luckily with all of the distractions, I was just adding the finishing touches to the gifts I made for the kids.

I wasn't able to take detailed photos of these because I didn't want the kids to see. Of course, the day before I had T try on the sweatshirt to "see how it would fit my friend's son." YES, I lied to my kid. And he will tell me that I lied to him. And he will also tell me that he knew it was for him all along (I love this kid). I had made a quick trip to JoAnn's in the morning to get some more elastic and a separating zipper. The zipper ended up being a little shorter than I had wanted, but it still works for what it is. Oh the pockets, sigh. I was so excited about the pockets and so proud of my "job well done" until I held it up to show my husband and noticed that the pockets were not aligned. Ah, shit. At least I know that my kids will love what I make them, crooked pockets and all. Of course, as I said before, I now know a better way to construct the sweatshirt and will definitely try it out once all of my backlog is complete.

On another note, I am so stoked that I have done 10 days!! And the best thing is, I am looking forward to the time I spend creating each night and even when I am tired or there are dishes/laundry/dog puke piled up, I still go and work on a project (ok, well maybe I clean up the dog puke first, but you get it). I'm so glad I am doing this. When I was first having trouble taking a multi-vitamin and allergy medicine daily, my doctor told me, "If you can do it for 28 days in a row, it will be a habit," and she was right. Now I can't go to bed without taking my daily vitamins and supplements. Although I love sewing, the end of the day can be kind of hard to be motivated to do anything, so this challenge is helping me create a good, healthy habit of creating that I need in my daily life. Twenty more days of my challenge, do you think I will be able to keep it up? I now I am looking forward to some selfish sewing after I get my backlog done! Bring it on! (yes, that is also one of my favorite movies... )

 

Day 7: For Evie

26 Mar 2013, Began work on project #5. 
And by work, I mean spraying fabric stabilizer on the fabric and doing a non-listed project while waiting for it to dry...

After I sprayed the fabric I thought, "awesome, I can work on this dress which will be soooo quick and then get the fabric cut so I can start on the skirt tomorrow." Ha! Of course what I "planned" did not work out (my husband is always asking why I plan because my plans never work out... sigh, he's so right). 

Not my formal photo, but one the Mr took.

 Sooooo the dress is not exactly perfect. I was a total dumdum and cut the skirt part of the dress double my daughter's waist size when I should have done double the measurement of the base of the shirt I was attaching it to, ahem. Alas, it is still cute and an "easy" fix. I have plenty of the floral knit fabric and the top will be a tad shorter, but it's a little long on her anyway so it all work out in the end. I won't be working on it until I finish the skirt because I am supposed to be doing my backlog, not thinking up new things. She has asked that it be her "Easter" dress, so more than likely I'll be sewing an extra night this week.

Until tomorrow!

Day 6: Monday mending

25 Mar 2013, Projects completed: 17, 18, 19, 22 and 25

Duck, Daisy and Bear for Evelyn and J's old man pants

For day 6 I decided to take it easy and relax on the couch with some mending. I think mending is the perfect project for all Mondays because in our house, we are still recovering from the busy weekend and getting back into our weekday rhythm. I enjoyed being able to just sit with my needle, thread, cup of tea and organic 72% dark chocolate and get something done. I also have to admit that project 25 was a freebie. After looking at my husband's shorts again, we both decided that they were beyond repair, even for yard work clothes (but I'm still counting it as completed because it's on the list and I can cross it off, woo hoo!). The rest of the days this week will be filled with longer projects, specifically for my kiddos.

Stay tuned, I'm still truckin' along :)

Project #2 complete! (Days 4 & 5)

For Mason

For Evie and Jaden (green raglan in action!)

Better late than never, right? I purposefully cut a size bigger than the kids currently were in December so they could get more use out of them. I'm really pleased with how they all came out. E is so excited to wear her set! It's fun knowing that all the cousins will have matching pajamas. But this next winter, I will definitely do a separate "boy" and "girl" print. T and M were the only boys until just recently (baby Nolan!), and they are outnumbered by the girls, so I think a print just for the boys would be nice, especially since our girls are very "girly."

I have done one whole week of sewing each night! It has been great and I am excited for this new routine. Since Project #2 took up 3 nights, I am going to have to do a lot of little mending projects again in one day. There are several bigger sewing projects which will take more time, and I want to make sure I get all 30 done in my 30 days! 

Keep cheering me on!

Part 1 of project #2, Day 3 (Wed, Mar 20th)

For Tristan

Project #2 has four different parts. This is part 1. I started with T's pajamas because he was a little bummed about not getting the raglan shirts (1 & 2) I had originally cut for him two years ago. He was quite pleased this morning when he saw these on the table. The fabric is a thermal knit, from Nature's Fabrics. I bought it specifically to make these pajamas for my kids and their cousins for Christmas 2013. Unfortunately, out of the five pairs I cut, only one pair of pajamas actually got sewn and gifted. What is nice about this fabric is that it's not too heavy or too light. It will work great for California's mild winters and can still be worn through Spring (especially this Spring since it seems to be staying cool). The neckband didn't cause me too much trouble (I think I might be getting the hang of it!), but on the back there was a portion that didn't sewn in and I had to go back and serge a little extra. I added a small strip of green fabric for the tag on both the shirt and pants.

I've been so happy these last three days. Sewing each night, even if just something small, has been so rewarding and allowed my creative side to shine. Sewing is like therapy, and I am so thankful that my husband supports that and continues to do the dishes at night and I can get to sewing right away.

Onward!

Projects #8-10-12, Day 2 (Tues, Mar 19th)

*Sorry for more crappy images. I need to find a better spot for photos at night or just wait until morning

 Yay! Another night sewing! Again, made extremely easy for me with J doing the dishes (luckily there hasn't been a lot). I was able to start as soon as the kids went to bed. Not only was this a productive project night, I also had time to pre-make our quinoa salad for lunch for the rest of the week! I'm feeling pretty awesome right now.
The projects were fairly simple, which is why I was able to complete three. The first was another raglan/baseball tee originally cut for T, but since it has been at least two years I know it won't fit him. I decided to "girl" it up again, placing a strip of embroidered/appliqué flowers along the side like a stripe. The flower strip is from my stash of notions I received from J's grandmother after her passing four and a half years ago (so much great stuff in that stash!). I LOVE the way this shirt came out, I hope E likes it too.

Project #10

The other two projects were in need of some mending/finishing touches. One is a dress I started for E when she was 2 years old for Easter Sunday. Because the dress was huge on her when I had it nearly completed there's a possibility it may still fit her. If it doesn't fit (or she doesn't like it), I know my littlest niece will appreciate it. The dress itself was complete, but I had sewn the zipper too low and the top-back just hung out weird. I added a hook and eye closure to keep the neckline closed and then did a little mending where the bias tape was lifting. 

Project #8

Project #12

The other dress-looking item is a nightgown I used to wear as often as I could between the ages of four and six years old. I remember loving it which is probably why I decided to put it in my keepsake box. It just had a little tear in the fabric below the pink bow, so all I had to do was stitch it back together. Easy.
And now I am a total of 4 projects down in just 2 days! Of course I know there are some multi-day projects ahead... I'll get to those later :)
P.S. T was a little bummed I hadn't made something for him and that the raglan shirts were no longer for him, so I think I should move on to a project that he can be excited about.