Mystery Challenge No. 2

It's another Mystery Challenge!!

 

 

I have to say--I love a good challenge as it often pulls out the creativity, and makes me go further than the 'plain' pattern.
When I was challenged by Barbara, from Country Bella, with a Jane Austen theme, I was quite excited--I love old style clothing.
As I searched, I saw a lot of peasant-style bodices on women, but I didn't really want to sew something for myself.
Then I found this:

http://bumblebutton.blogspot.ca/2011/04/free-jane-austen-regency-fashion.html

I knew this was what I wanted to use as my inspiration.

It's so classic and feminine.

So...I got to work, and though it's not exact, I love the results!

 

 

I used Leila and Ben's Sweet Little Dress in size 6-9 months as a jumping off point.

 

 

But, I cut the bodice apart from the skirt, making sure to add seam allowances, so that I could use a lace overlay on the bodice, as lace just seems so Jane Austen-y.

I also lengthened the skirt by about 4 inches so I could add little pin-tucks.

They are hard to see on the pictures, but there are 5 of them.

The dress needed a sash, so I broke out my bag of vintage trims for some velvet-like ribbon which I topstitched mostly around and then let hang.

The 'intersection' where it hung had to be covered since tying it in a bow would show the ugly underside, so I took some pretty lace and hand stitched it into a flower on top of the 'intersection.'

 

 Next, some vintage-style bloomers.

 I would have loved if these were longer so they could peek out while she was standing, but they're not, and I wasn't in a frame of mind to lengthen them anymore.

But I wanted to show them to you, so I put my daughter on the ground and this is the look she gave me:

 

'Seriously, Mom?!'

 Ha, and as she was rolling around, I managed to get a shot of the bloomers.

They're the free Sweet and Simple Bloomers from Sewing Mama RaeAnna.

No modifications were made on this one.

 

 

And, then....the headband to tie it all together.

 

 

 Well, the outfit might not be exactly accurate to the era of Jane Austen but I'm quite happy with how it turned out.

 



 

For a round-up of all the stops, stop by here.

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.



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!

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?

 

 

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?

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.

In comes the Centerfield Raglan from Greenstyle Creations...

 

 

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...

 

 

 

Girl's Bundle-Up Bundle

It's Bundle Up! time again!

This time it's a girl's bundle.

 

 I sewed up the Adeline Knit Ruffled Cardigan and the Wide Leg Pants--both of them are in the bundle.
 

For the cardigan, I used a Riley Blake knit, a Girl Charlee knit for the lining, and a simple white woven cotton. It's a bit thinner than quilting cotton.

So the cardigan is fully lined except for the sleeves.

It can be made as a cardigan or dress or top, with or without ruffles.

For the buttons, I used Kamsnaps. I really like how they work for baby clothes.

 



 

 For the pants I used a Premier Prints twill that I had ordered years ago from Fabric.com.

They feature a knit fabric waistband and the main pant can be made in woven or knit with two different pocket options. I opted to go pocket-less as she can't use them yet anyway.

 

You can get these both in the Bundle Up!