Saturday, February 28, 2015

Carolina Sweetheart by Terra's Treasures

*Post contains affiliate links*
 
Terra's Treasures has a new pattern out--the Carolina Sweetheart.
I had the pleasure of testing it in the 6-12m size.
 
 
It has a wide range of sizes--from 6-12m all the way up to 14!
Plus, it is completely lined (other than the sleeves).
The front resembles a bit of a bow, sewn right into the dress.

 
The fabrics I used are April's Garden, Butterflies All Over and I used some of the fabric I saved from this project.

 
I really like the sweet button closure on the back and the flutter sleeves.

 
And, the optional lace trim can be replaced by piping, a strip of ruffles, etc. Or, it can be left off completely.
I like a bit of a pretty, feminine touch so I opted for a very simple white lace that I received from a friend.

 
Hop on over and buy it while it's on sale for $7.50 (regular $9.95.)
 
Terra took the pattern in a bit and shortened it a little after tester feedback.
These changes are not shown in this dress.


Thursday, February 19, 2015

Lace Headband Tutorial

I recently made a headband for my daughter, and I thought it'd be fun to show you how I did it!
This fit my 8.5 month old daughter's 17" head.
(Total length of headband is about 16.5".)
You may have to change the lengths to adjust to your daughter's head size.
 
 
Supplies:
-Fabric piece: 11" x 2.5"
-Lace Trim: 10.5" long, or other embellishments
-1/4" or 3/8" elastic: 6"
 
Instructions:
1. Take the piece of fabric and first fold and press the long sides to the wrong side by 1/4".
Then, fold and press the short sides by 1/4".
 
 
2. Remove pins from short folded ends, and fold the whole piece in half, wrong sides together.

 
3. Topstitch the long open end, being sure to keep the short ends open.

 
4. Topstitch the other side as well, still keeping the short ends open.

 
5. Insert one side of the elastic by about 1/4" into one short side.

 
6. Topstitch in place.

 
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 with opposite side.
You should now have this:

 
8. Pin your lace to the right side of the headband.
Stitch in place.
Or, add your choice of embellishments.

 
9. You're done!



Saturday, February 7, 2015

KCW Near Fail

I had very good intentions of sewing along for KCW this round.
But, those plans were dashed when first I dealt with a very sick little girl and then the last couple of days I've been sick.
Yep, not much sewing happening here.
 
Here is what I did get done in the short 'reprieve' this week.
 
6 pairs of boxers for the boys.
 
 
I know--only 4 are pictured--the other two were hijacked as soon as they were finished.

 
I think they're a hit.
 
Blue fabric is from the thrift store and the other fabrics are all scraps.
That counts as upcycling right?
 
 

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Jocole Leggings

Living in a rather cold climate, and being someone who now loves warmth, I decided that this was the year I would make myself some leggings to keep warm in the winter.
This is rather new for me--last year was one of the first years that I started wearing thick tights as opposed to bare legs in the winter--yes even in -30C I'd be out in bare legs.
I've become a little more sensible, and really, who wants to see blue and purple legs? Ha!
 
 
I used the Jocole Leggings pattern and I love how they turned out.
Fabric is from Girl Charlee. (referral link)  
And, this is how I'll be styling them--with a denim skirt, my Delilah Top (pattern from Golden Rippy) and, oh yes...I forgot my boots and socks. Those'll be there to.
 
 
I guess I'm still short-sleeved--blue and purple arms a little better than blue and purple legs, no?

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Centerfield Raglan

Awhile ago I had seen someone wearing a very pretty raglan shirt with a woven, silky front panel (I didn't dare ask how much she had spent on it!) and I was determined to make something similar myself.
 
 
I love it.
I did a little smaller seam allowance around the bust area on the side seams just to ensure it wouldn't be too snug around the bust, but other than that, it's normal sizing.
The dark grey fabric is from Girl Charlee (referral link)--a super soft and comfy cotton spandex.
And, the silky fabric for the front--well, I bought that around a year or so ago at the thrift store--a great find if I say so myself!
 
 
It'll be great to dress up a little without really dressing up.
Definitely not frumpy.
And, definitely cheaper than that shirt I saw...