Showing posts with label sewing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sewing. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
A Sneaky Peeky!
Ok, don't want to share too much but I'm bursting... the brand new "Summer 2011" series of Lavender Kitty patterns will be ready for release VERY soon! Can't wait to share... have I mentioned that I'm a tad excited yet?! YAY! Ok, I've got to go or I'll start spilling the beans...
Friday, April 8, 2011
Spring Sewing!
Ahhh Spring is in full swing and I LOVE 80 degree weather! Plus all the other springish bonuses - lime green trees, fuschia flowers, sitting on the porch and digging in dirt. You know, all the good stuff! Last night I even made pasta with a sage brown butter using goodies from my garden. And everyone ate it, success!
Anyway, I always try to stick to knitting when it's chilly cause it seems like torture to think of wearing a sundress while you're freezing. But at the first sign of flip-flop weather summer sewing is a go. So yesterday I sewed a ton of burlap bags for the Craft Social "seed bomb" workshop next week. Briar had fun playing with all the "itchy bits" - aka. scrap burlap. And I didn't have fun cleaning them up later!
But the most fun I've had in a while was something that's been on my craft "to do" list forever... last night I finally upcycled a thrift store skirt and tshirt into a sundress (70% off = $1.30 total). It was a bit of trial and error, but a super easy way to make a cheap, cute dress. I cut off the bottom of the skirt to create the sash, re-hemmed the skirt, attached it to the shirt, then sewed & attached the sash using a seam in the front and the skirt loops in the back. The skirt even has pockets as a bonus, yay! Really very easy, you can do it! Next time I think it'll be an even quicker process... Thanks Toya for the company and tech support! Summer here we come!!
-HAPPY SPRING SUN-
Anyway, I always try to stick to knitting when it's chilly cause it seems like torture to think of wearing a sundress while you're freezing. But at the first sign of flip-flop weather summer sewing is a go. So yesterday I sewed a ton of burlap bags for the Craft Social "seed bomb" workshop next week. Briar had fun playing with all the "itchy bits" - aka. scrap burlap. And I didn't have fun cleaning them up later!
But the most fun I've had in a while was something that's been on my craft "to do" list forever... last night I finally upcycled a thrift store skirt and tshirt into a sundress (70% off = $1.30 total). It was a bit of trial and error, but a super easy way to make a cheap, cute dress. I cut off the bottom of the skirt to create the sash, re-hemmed the skirt, attached it to the shirt, then sewed & attached the sash using a seam in the front and the skirt loops in the back. The skirt even has pockets as a bonus, yay! Really very easy, you can do it! Next time I think it'll be an even quicker process... Thanks Toya for the company and tech support! Summer here we come!!
-HAPPY SPRING SUN-
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Shopping in PJ's!
Oo, oo, oo NO MORE STORAGE UNIT!! I feel 10 pounds lighter and $96 a month richer! I'm telling you, those places are wonderful when needed and miserable when you're trying to break-up with them. M-I-S-E-R-A-B-L-E. So now that we've finally gone our separate ways, I've been digging through old boxes and happily finding all kinds of goodies. The best part is that it feels like decorating for free. Or maybe great thrift store shopping in my pajama pants - we all can dream! Anyway, thought I'd share a tiny snapshot of what I found. As well as an insanely cool turquoise sewing machine that I desperately tried to justify buying today. It really would have been great friends with my red machine...
-HAPPY COLORFUL BUNGALOW-
-HAPPY COLORFUL BUNGALOW-
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Phew!
Just thought I'd share a quick pic of the new Craft Social Workshop space. So exciting!! You'll notice that MG was a tad tired after all the hard work and that she designed her own outfit. Um yeah, it was a whole lot of look! Anyway, we had our first event last Thursday night and it was a blast. Plus we made over 20 blankets for the shelter animals - that's a lot of coziness! If you're in the Chattanooga area, the next KIND event is August 12th and we'll be crafting to benefit the Salvation Army Food Bank. Hope you can join us!
- HAPPY COZY ANIMALS -
- HAPPY COZY ANIMALS -
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Sneak Peak
Happy Easter everyone! Thought I'd give you a teeny sneak peak at my late night creating ... guess what? Finished product coming up as soon as McB stops teething. It makes him scream like a banshee going to war in the wee hours. Eek. Good thing I have MG's jellybeans to keep me going!
- HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY-
- HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY-
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Strawberries!
Alright, I've been chatting about the Chattanooga move with MG a little bit here and there and we hit a snag this morning... When I told her that she's going to get a new bedroom her face dropped, she held up her little hands and said "but mom, I can't move my bedroom. It's too heavy!". Okay, now what?!
Next try... "Mommy and daddy are getting a new bedroom also and what kind of new bedroom would you like?". Here's the exact response - "A strawberry bedroom, with a strawberry blankie and, hey mom, we could sew it!" And that's why you find me piled high in fabric again even though I should be painting walls and packing clothes. MG designed the quilt (see photo of drawing) and picked out all the reds and pinks (cause "then it's like strawberries & strawberry milk). We had a grand time cutting, pinning and stitching. We even had a well planned intermission for some pink milk. And that's when I realized that the house would get done, the junk would get packed and that a moment with MG was way happier than anything that should have or could have checked off the list. Finished strawberry quilt pics to come...
- HAPPY WEEKEND -
Next try... "Mommy and daddy are getting a new bedroom also and what kind of new bedroom would you like?". Here's the exact response - "A strawberry bedroom, with a strawberry blankie and, hey mom, we could sew it!" And that's why you find me piled high in fabric again even though I should be painting walls and packing clothes. MG designed the quilt (see photo of drawing) and picked out all the reds and pinks (cause "then it's like strawberries & strawberry milk). We had a grand time cutting, pinning and stitching. We even had a well planned intermission for some pink milk. And that's when I realized that the house would get done, the junk would get packed and that a moment with MG was way happier than anything that should have or could have checked off the list. Finished strawberry quilt pics to come...
- HAPPY WEEKEND -
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Finding Myself & Lost Ideas
Recently I took a personality test and let me tell you it was pretty nerve-wracking! It really forces you to be honest about who you think you are, who you hope you are and who you actually are. Hopefully it's a healthy mix of the three, but let's just say I mustered up a serious complex waiting for the results. Anyway, I'm officially an "Idealist Champion" and it's scary how dead-on the analysis was. On the positive, I like to create things and think big. Unfortunately, I don't always follow through on finishing those ideas. Duh. Did they notice my piles of fabric and bazillion paint chips or did someone tip them off??
So in classic form, I found this nightie on Monday while digging through one of our numerous piles of craziness. It was supposed to be a prototype for a "sleep tightie-nightie" pattern that was going to be part of my kids pajama line... 2 years ago! And truthfully I completely forgot about the whole idea until I found this. Maybe I'll revive the idea once we've settled again, but for now MG has something fun to wear to bed. Hopefully it'll make for happy, sweet dreams!
PS - I highly recommend taking the test if you haven't yet. It's very revealing & super entertaining (especially if you make other people take it too!).
So in classic form, I found this nightie on Monday while digging through one of our numerous piles of craziness. It was supposed to be a prototype for a "sleep tightie-nightie" pattern that was going to be part of my kids pajama line... 2 years ago! And truthfully I completely forgot about the whole idea until I found this. Maybe I'll revive the idea once we've settled again, but for now MG has something fun to wear to bed. Hopefully it'll make for happy, sweet dreams!
PS - I highly recommend taking the test if you haven't yet. It's very revealing & super entertaining (especially if you make other people take it too!).
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Ahh, Pool Blue
One of my all time favorite colors is pool blue. I mean really, is there anything better than a bright, sparkling blue pool on a hot day? Ahh. So for the past few days I've been bravely sporting my bathing suit (not the cutest sight at the moment) and we've set up shop at my parent's pool. MG splish splashes a ton, McB naps and I cruise along. It doesn't get much better than that in life.
With all that in mind, I made McB a taggie blankie. For those of you that sew, this is the best little project to make cause it's an excuse to use all the fun little bits of fabric and ribbon that you've been saving. Plus it's a quick, fun baby gift that's easily personalized. Just cut the fabric into 2.5 inch squares (I used a bunch of my fav vintage scraps) and the ribbon into 6 inch strips. Sew the squares together until it's the size you'd like - McB's is 14 x 20 inches so that it fits over him nicely in the car seat. Once the top is done, fold the ribbons in half and pin along the edge. Sew in place. Cut a piece of fabric the same size as the front, pin right sides together and sew. *Remember to leave a hole for flipping it right sides out (like a pillow case). Flip, pin the hole together and top stitch the edge to finish. Ta-da!
- HAPPY SPLISHING AND SPLASHING -
With all that in mind, I made McB a taggie blankie. For those of you that sew, this is the best little project to make cause it's an excuse to use all the fun little bits of fabric and ribbon that you've been saving. Plus it's a quick, fun baby gift that's easily personalized. Just cut the fabric into 2.5 inch squares (I used a bunch of my fav vintage scraps) and the ribbon into 6 inch strips. Sew the squares together until it's the size you'd like - McB's is 14 x 20 inches so that it fits over him nicely in the car seat. Once the top is done, fold the ribbons in half and pin along the edge. Sew in place. Cut a piece of fabric the same size as the front, pin right sides together and sew. *Remember to leave a hole for flipping it right sides out (like a pillow case). Flip, pin the hole together and top stitch the edge to finish. Ta-da!
- HAPPY SPLISHING AND SPLASHING -
Monday, June 1, 2009
Happy Birthday Tee Tutorial
Happy June everyone! Thought I'd sneak in a couple more free tutorials before baby 2 arrives - I can't believe it's next week, so exciting! I've noticed a ton of number t-shirts lately in boutiques as well as etsy. They're not cheap, so I figured why not make a little project out of them? They're a great birthday gift for little ones, plus they make for good photos on the big day. I also figure I'm going to need a cheat sheet when I'm old & gray so that our kids will know which birthday they were celebrating in the pics!
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
- a t-shirt
- fusible web
- an iron
- fabric scraps
- sewing machine (optional)
- scissors
-computer or your imagination
These can be made with the kid's age in numbers (2, 3, etc) or with candles (see pic). Using your computer, print out a big number as a guide or go crazy and cut out your shapes freestyle - the cupcake is super easy. Follow the directions on the webbing to create fabric stickers. For the one I use, all you do is iron the fabric to one side, cut out the shape you want, remove the paper and iron it to the tee. It's so much fun! Once you have all your pieces stuck to the tee, stitch around the shapes to secure them. This step is not necessary (especially if you're not sewing savy), but it will make the shirt last longer. Finally, if you want, add embellishments like buttons or rhinestones for sparkle. Give em away, dress up your little one or celebrate yourself - happy birthday all around!!
- CELEBRATING HAPPY BIRTHDAYS AT ANY AGE -
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
- a t-shirt
- fusible web
- an iron
- fabric scraps
- sewing machine (optional)
- scissors
-computer or your imagination
These can be made with the kid's age in numbers (2, 3, etc) or with candles (see pic). Using your computer, print out a big number as a guide or go crazy and cut out your shapes freestyle - the cupcake is super easy. Follow the directions on the webbing to create fabric stickers. For the one I use, all you do is iron the fabric to one side, cut out the shape you want, remove the paper and iron it to the tee. It's so much fun! Once you have all your pieces stuck to the tee, stitch around the shapes to secure them. This step is not necessary (especially if you're not sewing savy), but it will make the shirt last longer. Finally, if you want, add embellishments like buttons or rhinestones for sparkle. Give em away, dress up your little one or celebrate yourself - happy birthday all around!!
- CELEBRATING HAPPY BIRTHDAYS AT ANY AGE -
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Anthropologie Tea Towel Tutorial
Most of you know that I'm not a big time cook. In fact, I mostly shine in the dessert category - if you count eating tons of them!! The only thing I do often, thanks to my South African roots, is celebrate tea time. You know, the real deal with a proper tea pot and a pretty tray with all the accessories. So this free pattern is tea time, Cath Kidston & Anthropologie inspired (I'm always drooling on their linens in the store, oops!). You can sew up a few quickly to add sparkle to your kitchen or for hostess gifts (wrap a box of nice tea with one & add a ribbon - pretty!).
What you'll need:
• a dish towel
• fabric scraps to coordinate
• thread, scissors, sewing machine
Ok, I admit there's some sewing involved with this, but trust me, it's minor... start by cutting your fabric scraps into rectangles. There's no right or wrong, just randomly cut. Sew them into a strip - keep adding until it's a 1/2" wider than your towel. Trim the strip so that the long edges are even. Fold over the short ends 1/4" and seam. Hem one of the long edges with a 1/4" fold over. Pin the strip to the bottom of your towel (right sides together) and stitch to attach. Flip the strip over and top stitch with a zig zag seam. Ta da - you're done! Now have a cup of tea, you've earned it!!
- A SIP OF TEA CAN MAKE A DAY HAPPY -
What you'll need:
• a dish towel
• fabric scraps to coordinate
• thread, scissors, sewing machine
Ok, I admit there's some sewing involved with this, but trust me, it's minor... start by cutting your fabric scraps into rectangles. There's no right or wrong, just randomly cut. Sew them into a strip - keep adding until it's a 1/2" wider than your towel. Trim the strip so that the long edges are even. Fold over the short ends 1/4" and seam. Hem one of the long edges with a 1/4" fold over. Pin the strip to the bottom of your towel (right sides together) and stitch to attach. Flip the strip over and top stitch with a zig zag seam. Ta da - you're done! Now have a cup of tea, you've earned it!!
- A SIP OF TEA CAN MAKE A DAY HAPPY -
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Chocolate Dots Hair Clip Tutorial
Ribbon is a dangerous business my friends. It has a way of wanting to be kept, regardless of having a purpose. Truthfully, I have tons of little ribbon scraps from all over creation bogging up my sewing boxes. I know they should be sent packing, but I just want to own them. Yes, it's a problem. So, I've decided to make use of some with this little tutorial. These hair clippies are quick, easy and could rival the expensive ones in children's boutiques. Trust me, you can make these!!
What you'll need:
- about 6 inches of ribbon (1" width works best)
- a couple buttons
- a needle and thread
- an alligator hair clip (available on etsy)
Here goes... thread your needle & knot. Starting on one end of the long side of your ribbon, sew a running stitch (looks like a line of dashes) all along the edge. When you get to the end, pull the thread so that it gathers the ribbon into a flower. Sew a little stitch to hold it in place and knot. Don't cut the thread! Now sew on the buttons using the same thread and knot to secure. Glue the flower to the clip and ta da!! Your home ec. teacher would be proud and your little girl will be happily stylish!
- CLIPPIES FOR HAPPY GIRLIES -
What you'll need:
- about 6 inches of ribbon (1" width works best)
- a couple buttons
- a needle and thread
- an alligator hair clip (available on etsy)
Here goes... thread your needle & knot. Starting on one end of the long side of your ribbon, sew a running stitch (looks like a line of dashes) all along the edge. When you get to the end, pull the thread so that it gathers the ribbon into a flower. Sew a little stitch to hold it in place and knot. Don't cut the thread! Now sew on the buttons using the same thread and knot to secure. Glue the flower to the clip and ta da!! Your home ec. teacher would be proud and your little girl will be happily stylish!
- CLIPPIES FOR HAPPY GIRLIES -
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Poppy Halter Dress
Introducing the latest pattern from Lavender Kitty - the Poppy Halter Dress!! I'm bursting with excitement, this has been a long time coming!
So ever wonder what to do with all of those old or unworn men's shirts? Well, here's a fun pattern to help you turn them into pretty dresses for the sweet little girl in your life. Not only will she look incredibly cute, but whoever donated the shirt (dad, grandpa, uncle, etc) will feel extra special. Make one to celebrate an occasion like Father's Day or to feel close to a far away loved one. They're also great for everyday - MG loves how easy & breezy they are. The possibilities are endless and you can feel great about recycling an unused item!
A NOTE ABOUT MY PATTERNS: I write my patterns in a way that's very beginner friendly (lots of pics for reference). So if you're new to sewing they should be great for you. If you're a pro, you could sew up a ton in no time.
-HALTER HAPPINESS FOR SUNNY LITTLE GIRLS EVERYWHERE-
So ever wonder what to do with all of those old or unworn men's shirts? Well, here's a fun pattern to help you turn them into pretty dresses for the sweet little girl in your life. Not only will she look incredibly cute, but whoever donated the shirt (dad, grandpa, uncle, etc) will feel extra special. Make one to celebrate an occasion like Father's Day or to feel close to a far away loved one. They're also great for everyday - MG loves how easy & breezy they are. The possibilities are endless and you can feel great about recycling an unused item!
A NOTE ABOUT MY PATTERNS: I write my patterns in a way that's very beginner friendly (lots of pics for reference). So if you're new to sewing they should be great for you. If you're a pro, you could sew up a ton in no time.
-HALTER HAPPINESS FOR SUNNY LITTLE GIRLS EVERYWHERE-
Thursday, April 2, 2009
New Spring Pinny's & Dresses
Happy Thursday everyone! I've been a super busy sewing bee this past week and am happy to say that there are Spring pinafores (pinny's) and Clementine dresses available in my etsy store (think Easter and sunny weather, hooray!). As always, if you have a special request, please let me know. I'd be happy to make a custom order for you. I'll also be adding lots more goodies in the next few days including my Hazelnut leggings and a brand new secret item ... I'm not telling what it is, you'll just have to wait and see ...
- HAPPY NEW ITEMS FOR ALL -
- HAPPY NEW ITEMS FOR ALL -
Monday, March 23, 2009
Baby Wash Scrubbies
If you love sewing and you're like me, you've probably got a stash of fabric scraps that you can't stand to part with. Seriously, I bought a bag of scraps at a Denyse Schmidt workshop and have been adding to it for years. I think it's growing overnight, but I love them all!
So what to do with them? Make personalized baby gifts of course! Maybe this little free sewing project will help you out...
1. Have fun diving through your scraps and find a few favorites.
2. Quilt them into 5 inch squares - there's no rules, so have fun!
3. Cut a new washcloth into 5 inch squares (Homegoods always has them on sale, yay)
4. Sew right sides together, leaving a gap for flipping right side out.
5. Flip and sew 1/4 inch from edge to finish.
6. Add a pretty ribbon and give to a favorite friend's baby for bath time.
PS - I'll be adding some of these to my etsy store later this week for your giving pleasure
- KEEPING BABIES CLEAN AND HAPPY -
So what to do with them? Make personalized baby gifts of course! Maybe this little free sewing project will help you out...
1. Have fun diving through your scraps and find a few favorites.
2. Quilt them into 5 inch squares - there's no rules, so have fun!
3. Cut a new washcloth into 5 inch squares (Homegoods always has them on sale, yay)
4. Sew right sides together, leaving a gap for flipping right side out.
5. Flip and sew 1/4 inch from edge to finish.
6. Add a pretty ribbon and give to a favorite friend's baby for bath time.
PS - I'll be adding some of these to my etsy store later this week for your giving pleasure
- KEEPING BABIES CLEAN AND HAPPY -
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Kick-er-bocker Pants
I'm always designing for little girls (guess that's what happens when you have one), but my latest creation is comfy pants (aka kickerbockers) for baby and toddler boys. They deserve to have some style and fun too - don't you think? So if you're a mom of boys, this one's for you...
I took inspiration from all the sweet little boys that I know and designed a classic pair of pants with a few extra notches of happiness and fun thrown in. Super soft, yet made for plenty of kicking around, they're sure to become a favorite!! Available in my etsy store in sizes 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months and 24 months. More to come soon...
-HAPPY KICKING AROUND TO A LITTLE BOY NEAR YOU-
I took inspiration from all the sweet little boys that I know and designed a classic pair of pants with a few extra notches of happiness and fun thrown in. Super soft, yet made for plenty of kicking around, they're sure to become a favorite!! Available in my etsy store in sizes 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months and 24 months. More to come soon...
-HAPPY KICKING AROUND TO A LITTLE BOY NEAR YOU-
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The Clementine Dress
Lately I've had kid's clothing and the economy on my mind a ton. Mostly because it's so expensive to keep little ones in clothes that fit, besides being cute! So I've been designing sewing patterns for children that require small amounts of great fabric (fat quarters) but deliver big oomph.
Here's my latest, the Clementine Dress. It's comfy and sweet, plus the dress is cut in a way that should easily last a whole season - nice on the wallet! The pattern will be available in my etsy shop by the weekend (I'm going to burn the midnight oil getting it done, promise!). Also, many of you have asked if I'm selling my dresses, pinafores, etc. Truthfully, I never expected people to ask, but am excited to say that I'll have some in my shop soon. If you're interested, please take a look over the next few weeks.
-HAPPY LITTLE DRESS, HAPPY WALLET-
Here's my latest, the Clementine Dress. It's comfy and sweet, plus the dress is cut in a way that should easily last a whole season - nice on the wallet! The pattern will be available in my etsy shop by the weekend (I'm going to burn the midnight oil getting it done, promise!). Also, many of you have asked if I'm selling my dresses, pinafores, etc. Truthfully, I never expected people to ask, but am excited to say that I'll have some in my shop soon. If you're interested, please take a look over the next few weeks.
-HAPPY LITTLE DRESS, HAPPY WALLET-
Monday, March 9, 2009
A Toddler Twirling Skirt
I'm a total sucker for fabric, I have it stashed everywhere! So needless to say the Alexander Henry Bolero fabric called my name this weekend in the store. Actually it screamed and made me buy a 1/2 yard - see, technically it's not my fault!
Anyway, I wanted to make a no-brain needed sewing project with it for MG. Thank you Two Little Banshees for a great free toddler skirt pattern that's super easy. I used it for inspiration (switched up a few measurements & added rick rack) and was done in under an hour. Just enough time for a two year old to play happily before getting bored. Phew!
-HAPPY SKIRTS FOR TWIRLING TODDLERS-
Anyway, I wanted to make a no-brain needed sewing project with it for MG. Thank you Two Little Banshees for a great free toddler skirt pattern that's super easy. I used it for inspiration (switched up a few measurements & added rick rack) and was done in under an hour. Just enough time for a two year old to play happily before getting bored. Phew!
-HAPPY SKIRTS FOR TWIRLING TODDLERS-
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