BACK TO SEWING

I got some new patterns.

2012-01-29T20:56:00.007-05:00

Yesterday I went to my local Joann Fabrics and picked up some McCall's patterns for $1.99 each.

Hopefully, this time I will get to sew all of them because I really need some new clothes that fit.

I picked up some pants, dresses and tops patterns. I ended up buying something for my little girl. That little girl is taking away all my sewing hours which by the way are not that many.

My spring sewing plans

2012-01-22T23:16:00.006-05:00

Firstable, let me say that the pattern companies are not helping me out to get my "sewing mojo" back. I visited the sewing store trying to find patterns that I like and lately it is very rare to come home with more than one pattern.

I just checked the Simplicity website to see if the new spring patterns were out and these were my favorites.

Since I had a daughter I cannot look at sewing patterns without thinking about what could I sew for her. It is a trap! I like this Simplicity pattern to make her some summer outfits. Adding to my pattern collection.

It was very hard to find a pattern that would not look like a sewing pattern I already own. This may not be many people favorite, but I like it because it looks modern and easy to sew. I like the one shoulder look.

This is a must have! Finally a pattern for mother and daughter. Reminds me of Matilda Jane clothing.

I hope you like my choices. Now I need to find some spare time to sew.

Another pillow case dress for my daughter

2011-11-16T00:29:00.002-05:00

It has been a very busy year. I can't find enough time to sew and when I do all I do are blankets for my children or alterations. While trying again to get my sewing "mojo" back I found myself doing another pillow case dress for my daughter. This time I picked some Halloween fabrics. Sorry this is the closest picture I got of her wearing the dress. I hope to be able to do more sewing for myself next year.

In love with knot dresses - Simplicity Pattern 2171

2011-09-02T00:10:00.007-04:00

I made a knot dress for my daughter using Simplicity pattern 2171. The pattern was very easy to use. It won't fit my daughter until next spring thou. I still don't understand very well how children measurement works. I measured my daughter waist and chest and decided I should go with a size 3. It runs a little bit big on the chest and I did not made adjustments because I would ruin the bodice part. Anyway, the dress turned out to be gorgeous.

This pattern is one of the most populars right now. Moms are using it to create "Matilda Jane" look alike knot dresses and I have seen a few dresses selling at Etsy for over $35 which I am pretty sure were created using this Simplicity pattern. My advice, if you can sew and like the look of this dresses go buy some Calico fabrics and you will love the results. I hope to sew more of this in the future.

Here is the dress I made. I picked up some Calico fabrics and tried to copy the one in the picture. I also made the ruffled pants which I altered so that she can wear them this fall. I will be posting pictures soon.

Simplicity Pattern 2699 - Cute apron!

2011-07-30T11:24:00.003-04:00

While I am trying to get my "sewing mojo" back, it looks like all I can do right now is sew for children. It may be because a lot of the children clothes in the retail industry are not fulfilling my needs.

I made an apron which I intend to use as a bib mostly for my two year old daughter. I used Simplicty Pattern 2699. I made view A with a couple of alterations. It was very easy to sew and only took me a coupe of hours.

I recommend this pattern for begginers. It is very easy to understand. So easy that I did not had to be reading the instruction so much when I was doing.

My McCall's Pattern Fall review

2011-06-27T22:29:00.008-04:00

I know I might be late for this review since it has been more than a week since the McCall's pattern fall collection was released. I may not be sewing a lot lately but I always check the new patterns and continue collecting them. There is nothing wrong about dreaming about new projects that may never become a reality because of my lack of time lately. Right?

I am not to impressed about this season adult collection thou. It doesn't look too different from last year. I see a lot of 90's fashion influence too. I love the fall crafting projects and the children patterns are darn cute. Here are my favorites.

Can you tell I have a girl? I love this look. Reminds me of Matilda Jane dresses.

Leggings continue to be a favorite this year.

Not loving this look so much because I would have to use knit fabric.

I like this quilting project, if I liked to quilt.

These pants are definetely a must have on my wardrobe.

The Pillow case dress that took for ever

2011-04-17T19:19:00.004-04:00

Finally I got to finish the pillow case dress from my last post. I used Simplicity Pattern 2383. It is not that it was difficult to make, it was just that I don't have the time to sew I used to have before becoming a mother of twins. I finished it about two week ago and did not have time to post the picture until now. The difficulty level of this dress is "easy". It shall not take more than two hours to accomplish and what took me the most was deciding if I should use ribbons or rig rag. The monkey embroidery part was not so easy for me because it was my first time doing this kind of work. Next time I will be better at it. I recommend using this pattern even for beginners.

Pillow Case dress Simplicity 2383

2011-03-15T14:55:00.008-04:00

I am trying to get my "sewing mojo" back. I am working on a dress for my toddler girl who just turned 19 months. For experienced seamstress it may be ridiculous to purchase a pattern to make a pillow dress. It is just a rectangle and all you have to do is close it and add a ribbon at the top, right? Well, I have been working on the monkey applique dress picture at the left (view C) for three weeks. When I saw the pattern I liked the fact that it has appliques. I bought some inexpensive Calico fabrics and it is turning out very pretty but slow sewing is what happens when you have a set of twins. First, I was very enthusiastic about the dress and I decided to use some gross grain ribbons. Well, it occurred to me that after sewing the ribbons so nicely to the fabric they needed some ironing and one of the ribbons had painted dots and it melted. After that I decided it was better to used rig rags. The applique part was not so easy for me either because I have never done appliques before, so I had some issues with the embroidery around the monkey. It turned out good but not perfect. Last night I finally closed the seams at the sides and today I will try to finish and take some pictures. I think this pattern is really easy to use and offer so many options to the now so popular pillow dress for children. It is just me who has become a lazy seamstress.

Spring projects

2010-12-28T16:34:00.002-05:00

Can't find the picture of the envelope to show you guys the shirt I am working on. I think it is probably an out of print pattern now. Anyway, since I don't have time that much to sew lately I am going to start looking for patterns and ideas to start sewing my Easter outfit. Any suggestions?

Goodbye Buddy.

2010-12-20T09:41:00.005-05:00

No words can describe what a pet owner may feel when the animal passes away. It was a cold Saturday morning and Buddy went out as usual and returned feeling dizzy and tired. Maybe the cause was that the temperature was still in the low 20's. I had to go out to buy some presents and took my daughter with me. I asked him "what's up Buddy and patted him on his head" while he moved his tail. An hour after I received a call from my husband asking me to come back so that he could take Buddy to the vet. While I was driving I had a weird feeling and some tears came out of my eyes while in my mind I apologized to Buddy for neglecting him love in the past months due to my busy schedule as a new mother of twins. Buddy was our baby before the babies were born and he slept in my room and was very spoiled. When the babies were born there was a change obviously, but he was also jealous sometimes and I was scared of him doing something to the babies. I started treating him like a "dog" sometimes. Still, Buddy always loved me and waited for me in the mornings and greeted me happily when I came home. I loved my dog.

When I got home, Buddy was already in the car and my husband did not let me see him. He was already dead. I knew he was dead because my husband looked so sad even though he tried to hide it. He took Buddy to be cremated. I called my mom in tears and told her that Buddy died. Around 7 pm my husband told my mother in law and people started giving me their condolences thru facebook. He passed away at 130 pm, just a few minutes after I left. He was born in Virginia in August 2000 and went with me and my husband to many places. He died on December 18, 2010 in Virginia.

Failed project

2010-11-10T11:19:00.002-05:00

What could I say about this pants? Do not attempt to do them. Yes, it was an easy to follow instructions. I used a very nice black and white flower printed fabric that later I regretted using on this project. I found the pants interesting to sew because there is no zipper required and I thought they looked very cool on the pattern illustration. The final results for me where very baggy pants that made me look like I was five months pregnant. Very unflattering! So, I did not bother to take a picture and sent it to my aunt in Panama who is a size 16. For what I heard, she was very happy with her new pants. Para gustos los colores!

Simplicit 2304 Tottler Halloween Costumes

2010-11-10T00:21:00.004-05:00

I used Simplicity pattern 2304 to make my twin babies first Halloween costumes. My baby boy was a pumpkin and the girl was a bee. I think they turned out pretty good, but it was very hard to have them stay still so that I could take good pictures. Anyway, I am posting some pictures and a brief review.

I used this pattern because I wanted them to wear similar costumes and I could not find anything at the store that would match, since I was looking for a boy costume and a girl costume. Also, I do not like costumes that look like stuffed animals because I think children can get overheated in areas where the weather is not so cold.

Here is a family picture.

Here is the "little pumpkin" running.

Both of them playing with the door.

I used an orange suede fabric and to make the jack-o lantern face I used crafting felt. The hat was very easy to make. I also used crafting felt to make the leaf and the stem.

For her costume I used a yellow suede fabric.

I purchased the shirts and leggings at a popular children store.

This pattern is great for beginners. You can read my complete review at Pattern Review.

Witch dress Simplicity 2324

2010-11-01T00:22:00.005-04:00

I hope everyone had a happy Halloween celebration. This year I made costumes all the family. Well, kind of. For my husband I did some alterations. Anyway, I will start by reviewing Simplicity Pattern 2324 which I used for witch costume.
As you can see in the illustration the girl is wearing fishnets which I decided not to wear because it was cold. Also my dress is longer than hers.

I used leather leggings. I think they worked fine.

purchased a witch hat and decorated with the same fabric I used for the dress.

This Simplicity pattern was easy to sew but it is not a beginner pattern because the instructions stops after the dress is assemble. It does not says anything about terminations. I knew I had to use binding at the collar and the sleeves, but will a newbie to sewing figure that out? Also there is a zipper at the back and an overlay which some people may find difficult to handle. In general, instructions where easy to follow. I like this pattern so much I am keeping it for the future. To read the complete review go to patternreview.com

McCall's New Winter patterns 2010

2010-08-25T07:51:00.007-04:00

Ho-ho-ho! It is that time of the year again when we at the sewing community start planning on the presents that we will be making for our friends and family. Well, if there is time available of course. In my case, I think I will just go to the mall this year.

Anyway, it is always fun to see what the patterns company have release for the upcoming season. Here is my review on the new McCall's Winter patterns:

M6218 makes me think of getting a new puppy just to sew these cute coats!

I wonder what were they thinking at the designing department when they came out with pattern M6216. Maybe they were thinking about a pattern that even a Kindergartners could use. The Santa to keep Christmas cards is cute.

I think this Ipod cases are very cool to make presents for teenagers. M6215 is a going to be added to my collection.

M6213 is another cool pattern for those cute little presents.

M6210 looks very easy. If I have time I would make this for some friends and for myself.

M6194 for the classic Children's Christmas pajamas.

Haven't we see this before? M6192

Is anyone planning on halloween customs?

2010-08-09T23:31:00.002-04:00

Hi there,
I think I will find time to sew Halloween customs this year. The only problem is that I do not see many options for toddlers this year. I think my mind is blocked right now. Can't think too well! Any suggestions?

I might sew if I have more time

2010-08-03T16:10:00.005-04:00

Today I was looking at some of my followers blog and I found Amy's blog which is named after one of my favorite phrases : "I might sew if I had more time". How many of you feel this way? This phrase applies to me so much right now.

Yes, I would like to sew more if I have more time and if possible I would stay up all night sewing while the babies are sleeping. But I need to get my beauty sleep too. So, here I listed the top 10 reasons why I have no time to sew lately.

1. I have a set of twin babies who are turning one year old next week.

2. I spent too much time planning on my trip to Puerto Rico and now that I came back I am just too lazy. I just feel like having more Pina Coladas!

3. My almost new electronic machine needs a new bobbin again, so I am using my Brother backup machine. So what is the excuse here?

4. I am still trying to finish some summer projects which are in the process of becoming UFOs really soon.

5. I only feel inspired when Project Runway is on TV. I did not watch last season because I kept forgetting which channel was Lifetime TV.

6. I need to decide between doing laundry or sewing.

7. I gained weight and I don't want to do projects on a bigger size.

8. Last time I went to the fabric store I did not like any of their selection. I just wish G street fabrics was closer.

9. Summer is ending and I just feel like enjoying every minute outdoors and indoors.

10. I have no time. But I will try to use a few minutes before midnight.

My review for McCall's new fall patterns 2010

2010-07-26T08:38:00.006-04:00

After being away for almost a month I am back and here is my first view on the new fall patterns for 2010. I will start with the McCall's patterns release for this fall. Here is my point of view on some of these patterns.

M6167 reminds of last year fall trend of tartan and pin tucked shirts. Also, this is another of those styles that I would consider to wear only if I get pregnant again. The asymmetrical shirts are going to be everywhere this fall.

M6170 brings of an interesting "comeback" of a 90's style blazer. I love it but won't be sewing it, maybe another of my blogger buddies who has more time on her hands will try it.

M6171 is trendy and classic at the same time, but I have seen this before also on the late 90's. I would not sew this either because of the front zipper since I am not an expert when it comes to zippers.

M6173 will be added to my collection. Leggings have been around for the last three years or longer. They don't seem to be leaving us soon.

No sewing, no blogging

2010-06-18T18:19:00.002-04:00

Lately, I have been very busy with the twins and trying to loose weight at the gym. At night, when I have my free time I feel so exhausted that I don't feel like sewing anymore. I am afraid that if I continue this way all my current projects with turn into UFOs. Currently I am working on a skirt and have a pile of fabrics already cut.

Sorry guys, hopefully next week I will post something. ;P

Simplicity 2596 floral top

2010-05-17T10:33:00.003-04:00

Here is one of my latest projects. This shirt can take less than 2 hours to make but it took me a week since lately I only sew for 30 minutes at night and that includes the cutting process.
I used a floral silky fabric. I made view E but I did not add the lace to sleeves and the neck. This is a very easy to use pattern and I recommend it for beginners.

I cut a size 14 but I think I could have use a size 12 because it is very "roomy". I looks good on me anyways.

If I use this pattern again I will try to sew view A.

Out of print Simplicity 0508 finished project

2010-05-15T22:16:00.005-04:00

Here is the finished dress I made using out of print Simplicity Pattern 0508 which I considered to be unpopular because there where not reviews at all at Pattern Review and it went too quick to the out of print category.

Here is the not so popular pattern. It was easy to sew, I just wish I used the right size.

I did not use the darts on this dress. The dress was still to tight on me even though I added more inches to the bust and the hips. It still won't fit on me since I have not loose all the weight after having my twins. Still, I think it is a very nice dress.

Here is the back. I consider I need to get more practice sewing zippers but it is OK.

I added a Burda pattern to my collection

2010-05-13T19:09:00.003-04:00

When I saw this pants I thought that they are just so cool. So fabric is cut already just waiting for me to get started. I will work on view B.

Vogue 1161

2010-05-12T09:33:00.007-04:00

I am planning on making this dress because I think it is stunning and doesn't look so complicated. Vogue pattern 1161 has also been influenced by the 80's fashion. I remember wearing a pant set with a shirt with a very similar cut on the back.

I received a Metrostyle catalog and look what I found... A similar dress for just $39! Should I buy it or make it my own way?

Thanks to Sharon!

2010-05-11T19:37:00.005-04:00

This is the vintage pattern that my blog buddy Sharon sent to me about a month ago. It is from the 80's era. I really like that children clothes were more formal back then. Hopefully I will sew this in the future when my baby gets a little bit bigger.

Not blogging on April

2010-05-10T20:35:00.003-04:00

I actually did some serious sewing last month but have not make any reviews or taken pictures. I will start posting pictures and reviews tomorrow.

I would like to thank Sharon for sending me a wonderful girl vintage pattern. I will be posting soon about it too.

It is all about the "pintucked" shirt

2010-03-31T22:45:00.007-04:00

Vogue pattern 1165 is a trend that I have being seeing everywhere in the stores. Personally I find it too difficult to sew. Just looking at all those pleats or "pin tucks" that I will have to spend doing makes me feel sleepy. Also I am not a fanatic of making shirts with collars and lots of buttons. Or lets say when I tried it in the past it just looked homemade.
There are a few reviews at Pattern Review mentioning that it is not a difficult shirt to make, but still I am not giving it a try. I am posting about this because I really think it is a better idea to go buy one. By the way I saw one yesterday at Target for only $19.99. The shirts are similar to the Vogue pattern, not identical.

The shirt from the top picture can be purchased at Chadwicks.com and the shirt from the bottom picture can be purchased at Metrostyle.com

http://chadwicks.com/

http://metrostyle.com/