Aztec Hudson Pants

It is a rare thing that I do custom sewing. Especially custom clothes. 

But, when my sister-in-law requested these pants, I figured, 'Why not? It'll be a fun challenge!'

First of all, kudos to those who do custom clothes all  the time. I don't think I could. 

I had nightmares that the fabric I ordered wasn't enough--that I wouldn't be able to match stripes. 

The next morning, I laid out the pattern pieces on the fabric to make sure. Whew! 

I used the Hudson Pants by True Bias. 

The fabric is a Ponte De Roma from Girl Charlee.  (Emerald Green Red Ethnic Diamond Rows Ponte De Roma) 

I'm quite pleased with how the pattern went together. 

I did have to add about 5" to the length at the lengthen/shorten line which was an easy adjustment. 

I was a little worried about the waistband--adding the drawstring with button holes. Only because I was afraid to mess up a custom order and I wanted it to be perfect. 

Now, I just need to make myself a pair of Hudsons. 

Suburban Tees in Fox and Tiger

This was a fun project! 

I had won a gift certificate to LanaLotta  and my boys helped me pick out some fun iron on vinyl appliques. 

When the appliques arrived in the mail, the boys picked the fabric they wanted for their shirts. 

They also picked where that fabric would go on the shirt. 

I think they fed off each other a little here. Ha! 

Both the red and the orange are not ideal for the neck band. 

The orange I had to cut a longer neckband because of lack of stretch. 

The red doesn't have super recovery. 

But, they are happy with their shirts, and I'm happy that they are happy. 

It can't last too long--them being thrilled with getting to wear 'mom-made' clothes. 

I used the Suburban Basic Tee pattern from New Horizons Designs (previously Terra's Treasures).

The black fabric is from Black Rabbit Fabric and the orange and red fabrics are old fabrics from Fabric.com that were added to my stash years ago. 

The iron on transfers are from LanaLotta.

Caroline Dress V.1

(This post contains affiliate links! Thank-you for using them and supporting my sewing addiction in this way!) 

My youngest daughter was somewhat disgruntled about wearing pants when her older sister got to wear fun dresses that twirled and looked so girly. 

So, I took out Mouse House Creations' Caroline Party Dress and whipped up a couple of dresses for her. 

This is version 1. 

I adjusted the back to throw on some snaps so that I wouldn't have to fiddle with a zipper while trying to dress her. She is not one to sit still for long. I extended the placket by 1/2" and added interfacing to accommodate the snaps. 

A butterfly applique was added to the bodice to tie it in a little better and to add a fun feature. 

Butterfly fabric is from Fabric.com (years ago!) and the star fabric is from Connecting Threads (also quite a while ago--I can't find it there anymore but it was called 'Little Stars'.) 

Cats and a Layer Me Up

Awhile ago, I had made mention of some cat fabric, and I caved and bought enough for my plan to use it as a panel for the front of a shirt. 

First a little back story here: 

I like cats. 

And, when a cat has kittens here on the farm, I insist that they be placed in the boot room so that they can be made tame. 

I had like 5 batches of kittens in there at one time this past spring. 

So, I was lovingly dubbed 'Momma Cat' by my husband. 

This fabric fit right in, so now my husband can officially call me 'Momma Cat.' Ha! 

I again used the Layer Me Up by Patterns for Pirates. 

It's a great fitting pattern, and it has become a fast favourite here. 

The eggplant fabric I used previously here. 

The cat fabric is from Fawnette Fabrics. 

Pattern Parade

Hop on over to the Swhetty Bettie's blog to see which pattern I have on parade! 

There's a huge discount on this pattern (45%) and there's a giveaway that includes every pattern that is on parade!!!

Desert Island Sew

One pattern. All the fabric and notions you may need. 

What a question. 

But, I came up with one because it is so versatile!

Mouse House Creations' Caroline Party Dress! (affiliate link) 

Now, this dress is meant to have a zipper closure but I switched it to snaps so it'd be easier to dress little babies, as these were baby gifts. 

To do this, I added 1/2" to the center back on each piece, added interfacing for the snaps, and sewed the whole bodice shut. 

An easy modification and that is what I love about this pattern--it is so easy to adapt, to add all sorts of fun features without needing another pattern. 

I could sew a whole wardrobe for my girls with this dress. I have in fact sewn up a couple more, but those will come in a later post...

Sew 20 Desert Island Sew Tour

7/18/16 to 7/22/16

Use #desertislandsew on social media to play along!

7/18 Sew 20 Tour Launch | Very Blissful | Lulu & Celeste | The Wholesome Mama   7/19 House of Estrela | FABulous Home Sewn | create3.5   7/20 Beri Bee Designs | mahlicadesigns   7/21 Rebel & Malice | Sew Starly | The Berry Bunch | Sewing By Ti   7/22 Candice Ayala | PenSeb&Rox | Mae & K | Sew 20 Social Media Round-up 7/25 Sew 20 Tour Wrap-up

Origami Tunic

When my friend Jess  did a destash and offered me to come and go through what she was getting rid of, I jumped at the chance. 

Who doesn't 'need' more fabric? 

Especially when it's free! 

One piece I picked out was a decent sized, somewhat sheer, knit piece with a bit of sheen to it. 

I had in mind to make a maxi skirt or the like, but after some debating how best to go about lining it, I decided it best to not use it as a skirt but to use it as a flowy top. 

I went through my pattern library, (Yes, I think I can call it a library by now....) and chose to finally make the Origami Tunic by Love Notions. 

I've had this pattern for a long time but never had just the right fabric for it. 

I love the handkerchief hem, and the flowiness (is that a word?) of the top. 

It works perfectly with my black band pants. 

Yeah....band pants. From high school. 

Back in those days we had to wear black pants and a white shirt. 

I only wore them for band and once or twice since we've been married. 

So, they're still in great shape and amazingly still fit. 

Perfect to dress up a little without really dressing up. 

I actually ordered some more fabric to make another one. 

At least that's the plan. 

And plans may change....