Sew Ambitious

Valentine's Day Dress

2011-02-14T12:36:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!!! Happy Valentine's Day!! I made this adorable dress for my little one. I used a cute Valentine's Day vintage print fabric which I bought last year. My little one loved it and we got quite a few compliments :)

I just love her cute little red shoes. It's too bad she just outgrew them.

I had to squeeze her feet into them just one last time!

Hope everyone has a great Valentine's Day!

A Superhero and her sidekick...

2011-01-11T16:04:00.000-08:00

So, I've been gone for a while. I was really busy making clothes for this adorable little creature and her dolls, which she insists must always match her! Here's just one example, you may recall this super hero outfit I made for my little one a few months ago. It's still a big hit around here!

I'm going to make an effort to keep posting and sharing the many sewing projects I'm currently working on.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!!!

Rachel

Technical Difficulties

2010-11-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

So, my camera started giving me error messages this past weekend. I was only able to salvage a few Halloween pictures, like these adorable pictures of the kids on their way to our school's Trunk-or-Treat night.

My little guy won for Best Costume!

After all the craziness of Halloween was finally over I began researching DSLRs for a replacement camera and as if I wasn't have enough bad luck my laptop stopped worked. So now I had to buy a new laptop and a new camera. I settled on the Canon T1i and I absolutely love it. I was originally going for the T2i, but it wasn't in stock and I couldn't live without my camera another day so I settled. And I love, love my new camera! As for the laptop, I opted for a Mac Mini (a desktop and I switched from a PC) since I use my iPad as my laptop now making the change to a desktop made sense. I've got to say it's taken me 3 days to fully transition to my new Mac lifestyle and new camera. New settings and software to learn. As you can see I've been a bit preoccupied this week...

I hope to be back next week with some new projects. Now I'm off to catch up on my blog reading!!

Do you like green eggs and ham? - Costume

2010-10-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

After seeing this Sam-I-Am costume on Dana's blog I knew I had to make one for my little one's first Pre-school Halloween party. After two failed attempts, one was too small and I tried spray painting white fur the second time - a total failure, I was lucky enough to find yellow fur. I think it turned out great. Third times a charm!!

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Minnie Mouse Make-up

2010-10-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

My little one wanted to be Minnie Mouse this morning. Since we didn't have any Halloween parties/activities to attend I convinced her to skip the costume and instead wear her Minnie skirt, ears, and a bit of make-up.

I have to say the make-up gives her outfit that little something extra.

Yee-haw!! I managed to finish another costume

2010-10-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

My little one was desperate to have her very own Jessie costume. She loves the Toy Story movie trilogy and insisted on making a trip to the Disney store once a week to visit the costumes. I finally got around to finishing this up for her. Although it's full of mistakes and imperfections (don't look to closely at the collar), she absolutely loves it and that's all that really matters!

Have you been working like mad to finish up costumes too?

Making Costumes

2010-10-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

So I've been really busy and haven't had much time for sewing. I don't have any sewing projects to show everyone, but here's a little something my husband made for my son for Halloween. In my family we start our Halloween activity the first weekend in October. This year we started with Mickey's Trick or Treat Party held at Disneyland. The kids had a blast and my little guy actually made it through the whole night wearing this get up...

The costume is made from sheet metal, nuts, and bolts all from Home Depot.

I've been making these for the past week...

2010-09-07T13:25:00.000-07:00

So the capes are wildly popular. I've been making these non-stop for the past 6 days. It seems like I've made one for every 3 or 4 year old I know! Even though you're all probably tired of seeing these capes here are a few pictures of the latest ones I've made. Check out Get Your Craft On for this awesome tutorial.

I have one more cape to finish up for my nephew, then I'm no longer making them. I have a new tutorial sketched out and I hope it'll be ready to post Monday.

Because a cape wasn't enough for this superhero...

2010-08-31T11:30:00.000-07:00

My little superhero decided she needed a full superhero ensemble because she can't save monsters in just a cape. I took a couple of days to browse costumes online and finally settled on a superhero dress. I threw together a very simple pattern and can make it available if anyone is interested. It's based on a size 3, but I'm sure it would be fairly easy to alter it to fit a bigger or smaller child.

In case you're wondering she only takes it off for baths and bedtime. Now I'm off to make a very sweet 4 year old boy his own cape and mask. I'm going to make his reversible, black on one side and silver on the other.

Folding Fabric...

2010-08-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

I would love to say I spent the weekend sewing or putting together a tutorial, but the truth is my sewing area is out of control so I spent my free time folding fabric. Watching television and folding fabric...and I'm not even half way finished.

But isn't lovely, neatly folded and put away?? So worth the time it took.

Makes me want to get out my sewing machine!

Because she wants to be a Superhero...

2010-08-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

My youngest has been pretending to be a Superhero for the past few months. All she had in the way of a cape was a wizard costume, so that's what she wore all the time! Now that the older kids are back at school I finally found the time to make her this adorable Superhero costume I saw last October on Lynette's blog Get Your Craft On. It is the cutest and she has gotten compliments all day (she's been wearing it since breakfast). I made my version nearly exactly the same as the tutorial because that's exactly what my little one wanted and it's so stinkin' cute!!!

Back to School Vida Dress

2010-08-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

So I was up till 2am finishing Isabella's back to school dress. This is the first time I've made this dress and I already see changes I'll be making the next time I attempt this pattern. The first thing on my list of what not to do next time is try applique and sew an entire dress in one day! Oh and my camera's memory card is no longer working so I only have one picture of her in her dress. I have to say it's not the best picture, but I'm so anxious to get back to blogging that I'm willing to post it. Now, I'm off to Target to pick up a new card and if she still looks put together after school today I'll take some better pictures of her in her new Back to School dress.

I'll be posting again real soon

2010-08-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

So I've been neglecting my blog lately, but I have three great excuses and they're all going back to school tomorrow. We've had an exciting, fun, and really busy summer filled with trips to Sea World, Legoland, and Comic Con (the comic book convention). The kids attended ballet workshops (Isabella spent 6 hours in the studio), sports camp, and reading/writing workshops. We also installed hardwood flooring (we did it ourselves) and painted what is now the kids new playroom. This alone was a 2 week project! I don't have any before pictures, but I will post the after pictures real soon. That's all for now...I'm off to try and finish up Isabella's back to school outfit (pictures will be posted). Yes, I am sewing again!!

I'm in a sewing funk...

2010-07-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been nearly 2 weeks since my last post. I'd like to be able to write about all the clothes I've been making, but the reality is I'm in a sewing funk. But I do have an idea. What do you guys think?

I'd love to read your comments/thoughts if you're still out there and haven't forgotten about my little blog

Happy 4th of July & a craft fail

2010-07-03T22:18:00.000-07:00

My little man in his 4th of July shirt!

It took a few days, but I finished up Xavier's 4th of July shirt. I saw this Captain America shirt on I am Momma Hear Me Roar. Since X is a huge comic book fan and he still needed a new shirt for the Comic Book Convention later this month, I thought this was perfect. It should be really easy to do, but because I'm a total dork I messed up the first attempt. Take a look...

I accidentally picked up a roll of Heat & Bond instead of freezer paper. As you can see in the picture I didn't realize my mistake until I tried to peel off what I thought was the freezer paper. The thing is as I was tracing and cutting out the image I remember thinking this paper just doesn't feel right. Oh well, I had a good laugh out of it, and that more than makes up for my goofy mistake!

We also managed to squeeze in some time to make these delicious festive desserts. I saw the cookies on The T-Shirt Diaries and the strawberries on La-DEE-Da Creations. They are so good and so easy to make. The kids love them!

I hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th of July!!

Participating in...

4th of July Toddler Jumper Dress & a Model Search Contest

2010-06-30T22:22:00.000-07:00

I think Elizabeth looks adorable in jumper dresses, so of course I made her another one for her special July 4th outfit. I've made her about 5 dresses using this pattern which I picked up at You Can Make This (in case you'd like to take a look search for Pouty Princess Designs). When making this dress I usually alter the length so that the dress falls just above her knees, but this time I decided to follow the instructions exactly. I feel it is a bit too long so I'll be shortening it and adjusting the straps. Other than that I really like this pattern, it's quick and easy to make.

Now for the model search...Beyond Stitches is have a model search! She's looking for girls to model her absolutely adorable hair accessories. Check out her blog for details.

Next up something for Xavier...I'm thinking a patriotic t shirt for the upcoming holiday. What a busy week!

Participating in...

Finally finished first 4th of July outfit

2010-06-29T21:28:00.000-07:00

I'm back!! Isabella's recital was so much fun. She worked so hard and she did a fantastic job. Now, I'm back to sewing. I've been working on the girls' July 4th outfits and today I was able to complete Isabella's. Her favorite character is Hello Kitty and once she spotted this fabric at Jo-Ann's she had to have it. I'm debating on the look with or without the pettiskirt. I could use some feedback, please let me know your thoughts...to pettiskirt or not to pettiskirt???

TheBoardwalk Britches Grosgrain Giveaway

2010-06-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

TheBoardwalk Britches Grosgrain Giveaway

I saw this giveaway a few weeks ago and fell in love with theses absolutely adorable sailor pants. If I had the pattern I would stay up all night to make two pairs, one for each of my girls. Go ahead take a look...aren't they too die for?!!!

TheBoardwalk Britches Grosgrain Giveaway

OK, now I've got to get back to Isabella's dance rehearsal. I'll be getting back to my usually blog posts next week. See you all later!!

Winner!!!

2010-06-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

Before I announce the winner I wanted to thank everyone for taking the time to enter my first small giveaway and for reading my blog :0). I chose the winner the old-fashioned way.

Now for the winner....comment #4 made by Selina from Sister 4 Say...More is More. Congrats Selina and I'll be contacting you shortly.

I'll be a bit busy this week with my daughter's dance recital so I don't know if I'll have time to get much sewing done, but I'm going to try to get a tutorial up by Friday.

Embellishing a Hoodie w/ Freezer Paper

2010-06-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post something I recently made for my son. I took an adult sized shirt and altered it using a Lil Blue Boo Hoodie pattern. I used freezer paper and fabric paint to add a little something to the hoodie to make it interesting. He loves it!!

Participating in:

Over 100 Followers and a GIVEAWAY

2010-06-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have 102 followers!! To celebrate I'm going to have a small giveaway. For the past 3 days I thought about what I could possibly giveaway...maybe I could make something or pass along something from my fabric stash. Since I couldn't make up my mind I finally settled on a $10 gift card to Jo-Ann Fabrics. To enter just leave me a comment and include your email address. The giveaway ends Sunday at 10pm, I'll announce the winner Monday. Good luck!!

From Jeans to Denim Bubble Skirt Tutorial

2010-06-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

I hope you're not tired of refashioned denim because I have one more to share. This idea isn't new by any means. I mean I've turned a pair of pants into a skirt before and I've made a bubble skirt as well. I simply combined the two to make a denim bubble skirt. To make things easier for myself and because I admit to forgetting to take pictures of this refashion I'll be taking info from my bubble skirt tutorial. Before I get started here are few pictures of Isabella in her "new"skirt.

To make this you'll need a pair of jeans and some fabric for the bubble skirt lining. First cut the pant legs.

Open the pant leg seams.

Stitch the front and back pieces together to form two long pieces

Cut the two pieces so that the tops and bottoms are straight.

Now measure the bottom of the skirt. My skirt measures 11 inches from side to side. Double this, I get 22 inches, now cut the pant legs so that they are each 22 inches.

Measure the length of the pant length (top to bottom) I get 5 inches and cut two pieces of fabric 1 inch shorter and 4 inches narrower, 4" x 18". This will be the lining for the bubble skirt.

Sew the lining pieces together to form a circle. Sew the two pant legs together to form a circle and sew a gathering stitch along the bottom.

Gather the bottom of the pant leg to the bottom of the lining. Make sure to keep right sides together. Pin and sew. Sorry no pictures of this step so I'll borrow from my other tutorial.

Now sew a gathering stitch along the top and gather to the bottom of the skirt. I actually first gathered the pant leg to the skirt and then the lining because they are different measurements. Sew pant leg and lining to bottom of skirt. Again no pictures, so I'm borrowing from previous post.

Serge or zigzag stitch and you're done!

I added this yellow Hello Kitty ribbon as an after thought.

What do you think with the ribbon or without?

Little Lace Flower Hair Pin

2010-06-11T00:21:00.000-07:00

Today is Isabella's last day of Kindergarten so I decided to make all her friends a small goodbye gift. I immediately thought of the little lace flower I saw on Aly & Ash (check out this blog for some super cute, easy to follow tutorials) this past May. It took me less than 5 minutes to complete one and within 2 hours I had made 22 of them. The tutorial was fantastic! Not bad for a spur of the moment project!

Some came out better than others!

Peony Hair Clips and Envelope Gift Bags

2010-06-08T23:10:00.000-07:00

This past Monday Isabella had a few friends over for her birthday. The girls were so sweet to give her gifts and I wanted to make them a little thank you gift. I made each girl a hair clip following Disney's Peony Hair Clip tutorial.

So pretty and very easy to make!

I then made cute little gift bags out of envelopes from a tutorial I found on How About Orange.

I'm happy with the my gift bags considering how horrible my paper creations usually turn out!

Embellish a pair of cutoff jeans in 5 minutes - Mini Tutorial

2010-06-06T23:03:00.000-07:00

Well, this isn't really a tutorial. I bet you'll take a peek and think do I really need a tutorial to do this. So, I'm going to make this short and sweet. As I've mentioned before Isabella just recently outgrew nearly all of her pants and I've been trying to come up with different refashions (I've also used some of my son's old pants for her). Before I get started here are a few pictures of Isabella in the finished product.

Here's all you need: a pair of jeans and eyelet trim

Take a pair of jeans and cut the legs off. I like Isabella's shorts to fall at least at mid thigh level.

Now for the eyelet trim. To be honest I didn't bother pinning the trim to the pants. I just stitched it right on and made sure I was sewing on both the pants and the trim.

That's it! I know, I know it's not really a tutorial.