Sunday, April 26, 2009

Ruffle Top


Ruffle Top
Originally uploaded by bethvanduzer

Sew Mama Sew has yet another great tutorial. This one is for a spring ruffled top.


The tutorial was pretty easy to understand for someone that has never made herself a shirt before. I'm not really a ruffle person but I figured I could try anything once. I must say - I do like the ruffles. I did add a row of lace around the top of the piece because I did not have matching thread and looking at the stitching bothered me so much that I had to do something to hide it!


Oh - and my summer hat matches! Love it!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Upcycled Shirt


I think this used to be my little brother's shirt. That, or I purchased it at one of the local thrift shops. Can't keep everything I have straight any longer.

Since it finally looked like spring (perhaps even summer-like) weather had arrived in New England I wanted to make a new shirt. I really wanted to try to sew one from a pattern last night but discovered I didn't have enough of the fabric I wanted to try. So, next best thing - I cut up this shirt, added some buttons, and some single fold bias tape. Voila - instant new shirt. Not completely flattering but it is completely comfy and that counts for an awful lot.

And a huge thumbs-up for my four-year-old who took these pictures.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Psychadelic Coffee Apron


Psychadelic Coffee Apron
Originally uploaded by bethvanduzer

Hit or miss?


I've been trying to find a fabric to go with my Michael Miller Tea Time (looks more like coffee cups to me) and thought the Robert Kaufman Chef's Choice (the coffee swirl) would look good with it.


Does it?

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Paige's Apron


PaigesApron
Originally uploaded by bethvanduzer

A dear friend just turned 40. This apron is her gift from me (I'm sure she won't be reading this before tomorrow).

Paige - Happy Birthday!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Flannel Shirt Teddy Bear

I picked up a flannel shirt awhile back at my local Salvation Army thinking it would become - something...Yeah, vague. But I like flannel. And I live in New England. I think flannel is a required fabric in this part of the world.

I recently received an e-mail from one of my homeschool e-mail lists that said they were looking for someone to make bears for a local hospital. After reading about the need I decided that becoming a teddy bear would be a better use of the shirt. I'd love to volunteer to sew these but I needed to know (1) if I could and (2) if my oldest, whom I am homeschooling, would be willing / able to help.


I searched the web for a free pattern but came up empty handed (hey - I know that I might not be good at this so why pay for a pattern I might only use once). But, my trusty library came through with a few books on the subject of sewing teddy bears. I consulted them, drafted a pattern and voila! An 'instant' teddy bear!


I think I need to work on attaching the ears better. I'd like to do it differently next time. And, I haven't bothered embroidering a nose / mouth yet. I might but the fabric nose is 'pointy' and I don't think would embroider nicely. Plus, I kinda like the no mouth look. Oh - and his arms. They are great for hugging but - um - I don't know. They stay up. I think I sewed them on wrong. Hmmmm - must see if the kids mind. If not then I guess it's okay, right? Should I stop pointing out his imperfections now?

On the positive side - he'll be a great prop to use when teaching about Teddy Roosevelt!

For those that celebrate - have a Hoppy Easter! I'm off to help the Easter Bunny hide eggs...

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