Me Sew Crazy

Fortune Cookies...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Things are looking up, first our very good friends came over and immediately found 5, yes FIVE, four leaf clovers in our front yard in a matter of 2 minutes...

Then I went out to eat with my hubby the other night and got this in my fortune cookie...

Thank you fortune cookie for your words of wisdom. And thank you to good friends who are always there for you, and help lift your spirits when needed.
Sometimes its the little things. Actually, its almost always the little things.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...

Happy Sewing!

My Big Fat Craft Fair FAIL...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Wed, 16 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Have you ever worked really hard at something, only to have it be a big fat failure?

Yup, that was me this past weekend with my big fat craft fair FAIL.

I had all of these dreams and visions of a semi-successful craft fair, with at the very least only half of my inventory selling. Wanna know how much I sold??? Zip. Nada. Not a ting. Well, unless you count the 2 barrettes that my craft fair partner bought when I wasn't looking, I think to make me feel better. HA! Now that is a good friend!

Needless to say, I was sooooooooo bummed.

I even had all of these plans to tell you what I learned, a whole week of a possible mini-Series. Yeah, ummmm...that is not going to happen.

That is not to say that I didn't learn anything though.

I worked really hard for the two months leading up to it, making all sorts of clothing in my free time. Learning how to 'assembly line sew' as I called it. Trying to figure out what clothing would be the fastest to make, in the least amount of time. Going through my fabric stash and seeing what I wanted to stash bust with. Even coming up with some new designs to premier.

I learned how to take credit cards, made up business cards, even figured out the cheapest route for clothing labels.

I had things for little boys, little girls, even a few things for Mom.

And our set up looked beautiful. (Sure, maybe it wasn't white tent and carpet beautiful like I first envisioned, but hey - it was our first time out of the gate, and I wasn't going to invest that kind of money for my very first one!)

I even made myself a new skirt (which I love!)...

So what happened?

Well first of all, location location location.

I don't know if it was because we were a first time vendor or if it was just the luck of the draw. But we were in the WORST location possible. Wanna know how many people stopped by our tent? Maybe 10 at the most. And of those 10 only 2 had kids. Not much of a recipe for success. There was one general location where ALL of the vendors were, and we were not there. The people who organized the Fair wanted to try to make tents all over their property, filtering people through the whole event - but that didn't happen. People visited the one main location, and didn't even see us on the other side.

I started to think of things like Celebrity Apprentice and how I could run around to the other part of the craft fair where all of the vendors were located and pass out flyers...if I only had flyers. Or maybe wearing my bustle backpacks over there and starting conversations loudly with people about how I saw this amazing vendor selling them on the other side of the area. Needless to say, I didn't do any of this. I would have felt like a total tool. But definitely could have been more hard core like that.

But all in all, it was a total blow to the big ole ego. What happened? Wasn't my stuff good enough? I thought it was all gorgeous. I mean, we did have 10 people stop by - and not one of those 10 people bought anything. They looked, and one person even took a picture of it (I wanted to shoo her away telling her not to steal my ideas - HA!). But no one bought anything. Some looked at the price tag and walked away. But that was it. Was I a total craft fair loser?

I took a look around the rest of the craft fair and realized something else. This wasn't my target audience. The vendors that were there in the main area were all selling what I like to call 'chotshke' items. All items for $2 - $10, with not a lot of quality product.

Is this what people want at a craft fair??? Maybe I was just way off.

These are all thoughts that went through my head, and are still going through my head to tell you the truth.

But there was one extremely GOOD part of the day. And this is the part I am clinging to. When my family showed up...

My girls got to see their Momma doing something with her talent...working hard outside of being a stay at home Mom.

My daughter Chloe was perhaps my BIGGEST cheerleader. When the girls came to visit, I got the biggest running jump hugs - and they were so happy to see and finally understand what Momma was doing with all of her 'craft fair items'. Chloe didn't understand why no one had bought her Momma's stuff, and kept asking if anyone had bought anything yet. She even tried to sell a barrette to my partner - HA! It just warmed my heart.

And I was also able to turn it into a good lesson for her. I was able to put on a smiley face and explain to her that sometimes it is okay to 'lose' - just like in her soccer games, sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. But what is important is how hard we worked or tried. And she got to see Momma 'lose' and be okay with it.

Furthermore, I got to witness just how much my kids love me. To see my daughter being my biggest cheerleader, my goodness I fell in love all over again. My husband supported me, and still supports me 100%. My girls love me unconditionally, and were there cheering me on all the way. And my baby boy was happy to see me home at the end of the day.

And the best part? We got mini dance shows from both of our kids...

I also learned something about myself. I learned that my sewing has matured. I used to be what I called a 'selfish sewer', dragging my feet if I had to reproduce something. This experience has taught me that I have been sewing long enough and made enough clothes, that I am now mature enough to be able to go the next step. I can make items on demand, I can take custom orders, and I can make the same item over and over again if need be. I used to hate doing that because I felt it kept me from being creative. I found I even enjoyed doing it!

So maybe it wasn't a success in the way the world views it. But it was a success for my heart, for my family, and for my Spirit.
And now I just need to take the next step. Do I try another Craft Fair at perhaps a different location, do I visit local children's boutiques, or do I go for the Etsy route.
We shall see. Lord knows I have the inventory - HA!
Thanks so much for stopping by, and for your support.
And until next time...Happy Sewing.

A Little Somthin' Somthin'...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

I am still gathering my head about me over the Craft Fair, and I am looking forward to telling you all about it. But today I thought I would share just a few things I made and took pictures of prior to the show...

Some Spring Scarves...

Some hand dyed Color Block Shirt / Dresses...

And some more ruffled bloomers, of a different variety...

And of course, that is not to forget the loads of Bustle Backpacks, Linen and seersucker dresses, Little Mr. Men Bow Ties, hair accessories, twirl skirts, bean bag chairs, and other goodies I made to sell.

But more on that later this week (hopefully tomorrow if I can get my act together!).

Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...

Happy Sewing!

Guest Posting at Naptime Crafters...Knit Baby Jumper Pattern & Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Mon, 14 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

I am so excited to be guest posting over at Naptime Crafters for her Bundle of Joy Series. Be sure to hop on over for your free pattern and tutorial to make this adorable Knit Baby Jumper...

Who doesn't love a good upcycle??!
Click HERE to head on over and check it out.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...
Happy Sewing!

CONTEST CLOSED - Southern Fabric Giveaway...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Sat, 12 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

We want to welcome our new sponsor Aubrey Marshall from Southernfabric.com! And by way of welcome, she is kicking off her fabulous Sponsorship with a super fun giveaway for you!!!

First, a little bit about Aubrey and Southern Fabric. Southern Fabric has been in business for over 7 years and has sold over 75 thousand items to happy customers worldwide. Feel free to browse her shop and add her to your favorites! She is constantly adding new fabrics from our favorite manufacturers including Moda, Free Spirit, Westminster and Riley Blake. You can also check Southern Fabrics out on Facebook and Twitter and be among the first to know about their special promotions.

Personally, my favorite things Aubrey offers are her fantastic sets of pre-cuts...

The eye candy to be had is just gorgeous...

So just what, oh what, could Southern Fabric be giving away today?!!

That's right! Aubrey is generously giving away a Gypsy Caravan charm pack by Amy Butler to one Me Sew Crazy reader. 
HOW COOL IS THAT?!!

Ok... so who wants to win this awesome fabric charm pack???  To enter, simply...
Hop on over to SouthernFabric.com and pick your favorite item! Leave a comment here telling us all what it is.
Want more entries?
1. Like Southern Fabric on Facebook HERE. 2. Follow Southern Fabric on Twitter HERE.
That's up to 3 ways you can enter for your chance to win!   For each way you enter, leave a separate comment letting me know about it.
***Please be sure to leave an e-mail address in your comment
so I can contact you if you are the winner!***
This giveaway will be open until Wednesday, May 16th - midnight EST.
But it gets better...Because Aubrey is also offering 10% off of your entire order to all Me Sew Crazy readers!
Simply enter 'newshopper10' at checkout!

WOO HOO! How fabulous is that?! Giveaways are the best :)
GOOD LUCK!
Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...
Happy Sewing.

Here We Go...Craft Fair Baby!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Fri, 11 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Crossing my T's...

And dotting my I's..

.

And putting all of the finishing touches together for the big day tomorrow...

Craft Fair Baby!

So if you are in the area, we will be at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market Craft Fair tomorrow, Saturday May 12th from 9am - 5pm. Hope to see you there!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...

Happy Sewing!

As Good as it Gets...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Thu, 10 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Trying to get all three kids picture together is..interesting.

99 out of 100 look something like this:

And the 1 that you do get, this is as good as it gets:

We are working on it.

Anyone out there have any tips for making it work? I could use some help here. Lol

Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...

Happy Sewing!

Baby Knit Baseball Cap, More Sizes...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Wed, 09 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

With Spring here, it was time to start protecting that precious little head I love so much from the sun's harmful rays.

Which meant it was time for some more upcycled onesie baseball hats...

For the knit baseball hat pattern Sizes 6 - 12 Month, click HERE.

And for your instructions, as well as the 0 - 6 Month pattern in case you missed it the first time around, click HERE.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...

Happy Sewing!

A Line Pocket Skirt {Tutorial}

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Tue, 08 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

In case you missed it, the A Line Pocket Skirt premiered as a guest post for Whatever Dee Dee Wants Spring Fling Event...

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I don't know about you, but we were sooooo ready for Spring to arrive this year. There is just something about stepping out of the Winter doldrums that makes you itchy for Spring to come around. So when we saw some flowers starting to make their appearance, we decided to throw a little party for them...

And of course, what is a party without some brand new skirts to go with it...

Making the A Line Pocket Skirt is super simple, and once you get the hang of it, you can whip them out in less than half an hour, adding any embellishments you want!

To make, first determine the length you want your pocket skirt to be, then add 3" to the length for seam allowance.

The width of each panel should be between 15 - 17" (this is not going to be a full gathered skirt, but rather fitting instead).

Cut 2 panels of fabric using these dimensions. Once you have your front and back panels cut simply...

A simple, brand new skirt for Spring that wont keep you couped up inside and in front of the sewing machine! Now get outside and enjoy some of that gorgeous weather...

Want to know how to make the pleated version? Click HERE for that tutorial.
The Spring Fling event sure helped me shake off the Winter Blues!
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Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...
Happy Sewing.

Pink Elephants...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Mon, 07 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

You know those posts that people do where they show their local thrift store finds? I am always so jealous of them because I never seem to be able to find anything even remotely similar when I go.

Its kind of like an elusive pink elephant. You want to believe in it, but it just isn't real.

Well, this past weekend - I found my elephant!

I totally SCORED! I couldn't believe my eyeballs, and once I pinched myself and realized that what I was looking at was actually real - I started grabbing and throwing every kids patterns I could find in my cart as fast as possible.

But it got better...

Did you see that? Let me give you a closer look...

That's right. Gingham freaking ric rac! How cool is that?!

So the moral of this post? Pink elephants are real my friends. Very real.
Thinking of sharing some of this booty in a correlating post connected to the one I have coming up for the Vintage May Series in a couple of weeks at Craftiness is Not Optional - would anyone be interested in a vintage pattern giveaway with this find?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...
Happy Sewing!

Contest Closed - Heartmade Creations Giveaway...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Sat, 05 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Today I have another fun giveaway for you from the fabulous Heartmade Creations!

Heartmade Creations is a fantastic children's clothing boutique where you can find one of a kind creations for your little ones. Whether you are looking for something fun and whimsical, feminine and pretty, or rocker chic, Heartmade Creations has it. And with inventory that is constantly changing, you will find something new every time you look...

From clothing to accessories, it is all so cute!

Now, here is where it gets fun for you!!!
Because the fabulous owner of Heartmade Creations is offering one lucky Me Sew Crazy reader a $25 Gift Certificate to her shop. That is $25 to go shopping however you please for new clothes for your little one!

How fun is that?!!
To enter, simply...
Leave a comment! That's right, just leave a simple comment and you will be entered to win this fabulous gift certificate for $25 to Heartmade Creations! Woo hoo!
Want more entries?
1. Go to Heartmade Creations Shop HERE and leave a comment telling me what your favorite clothing or accessory item is!2. Like Heartmade Creations on Facebook HERE for another chance to win.3. Follow the Heartmade Creations blog HERE.4. Follow Heartmade Creations on Twitter HERE.
That's up to 5 ways you can enter for your chance to win! For each way you enter, leave a separate comment letting me know about it.
***Please be sure to leave an e-mail address in your comment
so I can contact you if you are the winner!***
This giveaway will be open until Wednesday, May 9th - midnight EST, and is open to US residents only.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...
Happy Sewing.
Good luck!

Project Run and Play Flickr Group...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Fri, 04 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

I assume by now that everyone knows and follows along with the amazing competition over at Project Run & Play. With Season 4 in full swing, there is once again some fierce talent making its way into each week's challenge. I am always blown away, and so inspired by all of the creativity.
As some of you may or may not be aware, I am one of the judges for the at home sewing competition that runs along side by side each week. And can I just say, it is so hard!!!
The entries submitted by you are all so incredible. I just had to share some of the amazing talent I have seen over the last couple of weeks...

Pat Bravo

Designs by Sessa

My Inner Need to Create

And that doesn't even scratch the surface!!! So be sure to check it out, get inspired, and find some new bloggers to follow. It is A-MAY-ZING!
Or better yet, add your own entry for the weekly theme for your chance to win some pirate booty.
You can find the Project Run & Play Flickr Pool HERE.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...
Happy Sewing.

Circle Poncho {Cotton Laminate Tutorial}...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Thu, 03 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Looking for a quick rain coat for your little one? I happened to be on the market for two new raincoats since my kids outgrew their ones from a couple of years ago.

I stumbled across this adorable rainbow polka dot Sunny Skies fabric by Riley Blake in cotton laminate (my favorite), and fell head over heels...

What is not to love?!

Instead of a structured rain coat, this fun and happy fabric needed a swinging style. And I was more than happy to whip something up for the youngest daughter in the house.

Making one is pretty simple. Don't be scared off by working with laminates, it isn't as hard as you think! I really love working with this versatile fabric. Let me show you what I did to make this poncho.

First off, I used 1.5 yards of laminate cotton for the exterior, and an additional 1.5 yards of regular cotton for the lining.
Using a pre-existing T Shirt for sizing...

You can actually omit cutting the armholes if you don't want to add sleeves to the poncho. I like sleeves for my kids so they can still wear their backpacks in the rainy weather.

I always make my sleeves longer than necessary, lesson I have learned throughout the years to extend the life of your kids clothing!

The great thing when you are doing all of this with the laminate is that you are working with the wrong side constantly against the sewing machine, so you don't need to worry about the 'sticky' factor.

Now for the hood. Grab a pre-existing hooded sweatshirt for pattern sizing.

Be sure to add extra room around the back and top of hoodie for pattern for a nice roomy hood.

I like using this method for hemming the sleeves as it eliminates any tricky sewing with the laminate. Your machine is always on the cotton!

You will be thrilled with this poncho, and it will last for a couple of years (which in kid life is an eternity). Cotton laminate can go in the washer and dryer, or better yet - just get wiped off. How stinking cool is that?! And with all of the absolutely fantastic designs coming out now in this fabulous fabric - you just have to try working with it for yourself!!!
Got some skills? Try sewing an inside back panel pocket so that the poncho can fold in on itself and turn into a bag you can carry around. You know you want to.
Later on this month I get to show off the more structured raincoat I made for my eldest daughter Chloe, using Riley Blake's Fly a Kite laminate. Love, love, love, love, love.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...
Happy Sewing!

Craft Fair What Ifs...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Wed, 02 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Gearing up for my very first Craft Fair in less then 2 weeks, and outside of the mass amount of sewing I am doing, I am also doing a lot of research on things.

First off...pricing. I mean, how do you know what to price your items?!! When I look around on Etsy to research, I am just blown away. I mean - do people calculate an hourly wage for themselves at all? Just cost of materials alone does not give one a going rate for a finished product. GAH. I have this irrational fear that I should be marking my things at the lowest price, the price you could buy it for at Target, just so people will buy them.

Luckily I was able to find a few good articles to help guide me in that direction, as well as answering a couple of other questions I had including wholesale vs. retail pricing. You can find them here:
Freshly Picked
Glue & Glitter
What the Craft

Another biggie is display. Trying to figure out how we, me and my friend Karen of Fancy Fonts, are going to set up one little teeny tiny 6 foot table. Lots of ideas out there to get me going in the right direction though...

Source: One Lucky Ducky via Craft & Show Designs

Source: Flickriver via Pinterest

I know I wanted to start small for my very first one, so I got the 6 foot table underneath the awning. But of course now I am wondering if I should have went bigger.
I think I am just starting to get nervous. There are so many 'what ifs'...
What if I cant get my act together in time? What if people hate my product, which would feel like a total reflection on me? What if no one buys anything? Or on the other hand, what if people love my products and they buy everything and I am all sold out. What if I don't have enough? What if there are technical difficulties?
I just need to remember to keep walking forward, one step at a time.
And with that said, its back to my assembly line Bustle Backpack sewing. (The hardest item I am making for the fair by far - I kept everything else nice and simple).
HI HO.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...
Happy Sewing.

2Pac vs Biggie Onesies for Twins...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Tue, 01 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

So what do you give your childhood friend who gave birth to twin boys?

2Pac and Biggie freezer paper stenciled Onesies of course!

I simply googled Black and White Biggie and 2Pac images, and was able to find some awesome vector art that I knew I could work with using an exacto knife...

After dying some plain white onesies to a more 'manly' baby color, I went to work. I cant tell you how thankful I am that these came out, it was a lot of work with that teeny tiny exacto knife! There is a great tutorial for showing how to do this found HERE.
I hope she likes them, you never can quite tell whether someone is going to get your sense of humor or not. I know I was super impressed with them when I was done! HA.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...
Happy Sewing!

Ruffled Boxers Tutorial...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000

When I made these as part of Elsie Marley's KCWC, I had no idea they would receive so much love!

Source: Made it by Tea Pony

They were inspired from a pair of ruffled boxers I found on Pinterest months and months ago, and simple knew I could recreate them.

Being short on time, I simply whipped the two pairs up for my girls without thought of a tutorial. (I don't like to recreate tutes on things I see for sale at small Mom and Pop shops. Feels like stealing money from someone's pocket who put their hard work, time and effort into their product. But the GAP or JCrew on the other hand - watch out! HA). Upon further investigation, this shop seems to no longer be in business. And in all reality, it is really just a pair of pajama bottoms with a ruffle along the bottom.

So when I received such an outpouring of requests for a tutorial for these cutie patootie bottoms, I did what I could to accommodate...

First, you will need a pattern for pajama shorts or pants. I like to self draft mine from a pair of pants that I know fit well to begin with. You can find a tutorial on how to self draft pant / short patterns HERE. And of course, if you are lucky enough to have a Size 2/3T child, Dana offers a free pattern as well!
(I apologize in advance for my hand drawn images, I didn't have time to make another pair and take pictures). White = right side of fabric, Grey = wrong side of fabric.
Once you have your 4 pattern pieces cut out, simply...

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The knit waistband would be more true to the original design, and would offer a great look and feel for the contrasting fabrics. For a good knit waistband tutorial, click HERE.
Of course there are many other ways you could decide to sew these boxers together, ways that may even provide you with a more professional looking finish. But for my own sanity in the minimal time I have allotted daily for sewing, this was the fastest way to whip up a couple of pairs.
I hope this helps!
Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...
Happy Sewing.

CONTEST CLOSED - Modern Fabric Studio Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Today I have a fabulous giveaway for you from one of my fabulous sponsors Modern Fabric Studio!

Modern Fabric Studio carries a lovely selection of fabrics from all your favorite designers, including Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry, Tina Givens and Valorie Wells. With fabrics like voile, organic cotton, quilting cotton, and sateen to choose from, you are sure to find something you love every time you visit!

Top Row: Rose Bouquet Sky, Heirloom by Joel Dewberry, Lauren Dots in Cilantro, Soul Blossoms Voile by Amy Butler
Bottom Row: Gypsy in Cobalt, Lark by Amy Butler; Floral Couture in Charcoal, Lark Sateen by Amy Butler

With so many gorgeous fabrics to choose from, it is hard to decide just what to make. Luckily Modern Fabric Studio has that covered too, with a lovely selection of patterns to choose from including...

Amy Butler, Izzy & Ivy Designs, Joel Dewberry

Furthermore, there is always a promotion or sale running. Right now can get a free Valorie Wells sewing card with any purchase, on top of 20 - 35% off all collections!
So just what is the fabulous Amanda from Modern Fabric Studio giving away today???

How about a $25 Gift Certificate for any fabric of your choice for one lucky Me Sew Crazy reader?!!
I love fabric giveaways...don't you?
To enter, simply...
Leave a comment! That's right, just leave a simple comment and you will be entered to win this fabulous gift certificate for $25 of free fabric! Woo hoo!
Want more entries?
1. Go to Modern Fabric Studio HERE and leave a comment telling me which is your favorite fabric2. Like Modern Fabric Studio on Facebook HERE for another chance to win3. Follow Amanda from Modern Fabric Studio on Pinterest HERE
That's up to 4 ways you can enter for your chance to win! For each way you enter, leave a separate comment letting me know about it.
***Please be sure to leave an e-mail address in your comment
so I can contact you if you are the winner!***
This giveaway will be open until Wednesday, May 2nd - midnight EST.
It gets better!!!
Buy something from Modern Fabric Studio all next week and receive an additional 10% OFF your entire order.
Simply enter Coupon Code MeSewCrazy at check out.
WOO HOO! Three cheers for Modern Fabric Studio! GOOD LUCK!
Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...
Happy Sewing.

Ruffled Boxers {KCWC}

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000

My girls have a thing for wearing matching pajamas. I don't know when or how it started, but they simply have to be wearing the same pajamas every night. And if they aren't...I better come up with a song and dance QUICK about how it is 'Crazy Mismatch Day'.

Source: Made it by Tea Pony

With the warmer weather starting to arrive, and their winter pajamas starting to get put away, I realized that I needed to do some fast sewing to make sure night times around here are smooth sailing.

Remembering something I had pinned on Pinterest for inspiration, I knew exactly what I wanted to try making.

Modern Blossom from Blue Hill Fabrics.

Enter KCWC and I suddenly had the kick in the butt I needed for getting started.

Whipping out some new fabric I had fallen in love with and purchased a few weeks back from Raspberry Creek Fabrics, and adding some blue gingham I had sitting around to accent, I went to work!
I think they came out adorable! I do need to alter Chloe's pair a tad, as they are a bit more snug in the derriere then I would prefer for pajamas. But a quick back panel will fix that right up (thanks Sgc Thomsen for the suggestion!).
Either way, the girls love them which is by far the most important part. Of course I didn't get pictures of them until the morning after they slept in them...so they are very wrinkled for these pictures. But heck, is there anything more fun than jumping on the bed?!!

Love those little things...

(the girls, not the boxers - HA!)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...

Happy Sewing!

Flower Tunic {KCWC}

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000

The flower tunic was a little something I whipped up this past weekend just before KCWC officially started. Wednesdays are typically tough sewing days for me - both of the girls are in half day schools and I do a lot of car pooling back and forth with odd drop off / pick up times. So I did not have a chance to do much sewing, but I did get this mini photo shoot with Madeline and her new flower tunic...

This is a bench on the side of the road that I stopped at quickly and started snapping for 5 minutes, then plopped her back in the car and continued on my merry way to pick Chloe up. I don't typically like taking pictures in the middle of the day as I feel the pics always come out with too much light, too many contrasting shadows, and the clothing a little bit washed out looking.

But when this is the best you can do with the time you have, you go for it!

Madeline was just happy she could bring her doggy along for the pictures. Not that she looks it, lol.

My favorite part about this shirt (outside of the gorgeous flower linen fabric that my Mom gave me), would be the specialty stitches along the collar...

Don't worry, I took lots of pictures while sewing so hopefully a tutorial will be forthcoming.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...

Happy Sewing!

Little Mr. Men Bow Toes {KCWC}

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000

I have been wanting to make some bow ties since Easter. There were so many fabulous tutorials that popped up prior to the holiday, and I fell for them all. But time has passed, and they were never made.
Then last week Kelly from Sewing in No Mans Land made these fabulous no-sew felt bow ties, and my fervor for these darling boy accessories was sparked again...

Every little man should have a bow tie in his life. I mean, look at Ben...

Doesn't he look dashing?! The child even smirked for me.

Bond. James Bond.

Be sure to check out all of the fabulous projects being uploaded into the KCWC Flickr Pool, amazing stuff.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...
Happy Sewing!

Vintage Skirts and Dresses {KCWC}...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000

After watching the inspiring video I posted yesterday found HERE, I decided to finally cut into a vintage tablecloth I had been hanging onto for some time...

Found at the bottom of an overstuffed box at an estate sale, this gorgeous table cloth was hand embroidered and simply lovely.

I snatched it up and have proceeded to stare at it for the past couple of months now. Why haven't I cut into it yet? For a few reasons really...

1. Stains. There were age old stains on it in really unfortunate places. Stains I couldn't get out no matter how hard I tried, and always ended up in the middle of my bodice pattern whenever I thought about cutting into it.

2. Fear. Have you ever had a fabric that you loved so much that you were scared to cut into it? Kind of like a Liberty of London fabric...lol, there was just so much gorgeous hand embroidery on it!

3. Uncertainty. I never really knew exactly what I wanted to make with it, and I figured until I had the perfect project - there it would sit.

And sit it has, until it made its way to the bottom of my pile.

With all of the sewing I have been doing for the Craft Fair lately, I stumbled across this tablecloth again and after watching that video, I decided...well, why not?!!

So far I have a drop waisted dress, with elastic conveniently covering some stained areas...

As well as cute and simple twirl skirt that utilizes some of the fantastic lace pieced together to form a giant zig zag...

And with lots more tablecloth left over, who knows where it will pop up next. But for now, I am happy with what I have for Day 1 of Elsie Marley's Kids Week Clothing Challenge.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time...

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration from YouTube...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:37:00 +0000

A little inspiration...

Whether you need a nudge to do that project you have been too scared to start, adoring a piece of fabric for way too long not wanting to cut into it, or even need to take a step away from your machine to remember there is life going on outside your windows.

Make it Count.
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Kids Clothes Week at Elsie Marley

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000

This week is the Kids Clothes Week Challenge at Elsie Marley...

1 week, 1 hour a day, something sewing related for the kids.
I have admired from afar for the last 2 years and this year I decided to get in on the fun. Let's see what I am up to this week, on a more real time basis, rather than the weeks in advance pre-planned posts.

Anyone with me on the challenge?

Ruffled Bloomers Pattern and Tutorial...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000

In case you missed it, Amy's Ruffled Bloomers premiered as a guest post for See Kate Sew's Ruffle Series earlier this month...

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Is there anything cuter than bloomers on a baby? Seriously though.

My best friend is having her very first baby this Summer, a baby girl. Say it with me, awwwwwww...I know, I am so excited for this new Momma-to-be! And we all know what it is like to have that very first girl, its just...magic.

Needless to say, I had to make her something. Something handmade, unique and special for just her and that little lady.

So what could be cuter than bloomers on a baby? Ruffles on bloomers on a baby!

We have all seen the absolutely adorable ruffled butt bloomers, I decided to take that same idea and give it a bit of a twist. Placing the ruffles on side panels, and accenting with a giant bow that ties around the back.

Are you ready to make some Ruffled Baby Bloomers of your own?

First print out the free pattern pieces for size 0-6 months found HERE.

Once you have your pattern pieces cut, we can start sewing. I used linen, but any kind of cotton or knit will work just fine. Being a visual person, I like lots of photos with my tutorials. So be prepared for photo overload. Let's go...

First, hem the bottom of each ruffle.

Do a zig zag stitch to secure ruffle onto side panel.

Be sure to leave room on the top when doing this, as well as checking that your ruffle will cover the top of the next ruffle when turned down.

Notice, there is about a 2" gap from the top on the side panel once the ruffle is turned down.

Set ruffled side panels aside for now, and lets work on the front and back pieces.

Set aside front and back pieces, and now work on the ribbon strap.

You can opt to do this on the back pieces if you wish. I liked the look of the ribbon strap tying around all the way from the front to the back.

Now, let's pick up those side panels again...

I am not saying it in the instructions...but as a side note - I always finish all of my seams. Either with a serger or zig zag stitch.

We are almost done!

I did the waistband casing a little different. I didn't want it to be all the way under the ribbon straps - so in order to keep it higher I sewed first in between the ribbon straps in front, then again around the back.

You can use 1/2" elastic cut around 15 - 16" in length.

Hem the bottom of the bloomers, and you are finished! You can of course add an elastic casing around the legs if you wish - just use 1/4" elastic at 8" in length.

And there you have it - super cute ruffled bloomers for the little lady in your life!

I cannot wait to see the look on my friend's face as she opens up this little package all wrapped up in pink tissue paper.

Thank you so much for stopping by, and until next time...
Happy Sewing!

Vacation Photos, Part 2...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica at Me Sew Crazy) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Ok, seriously. My jaw dropped when I got to the winery / ranch my husband's family manages. I had heard stories from Greg about his youth and spending summers camping there, but I just wasn't prepared. It has been his dream to bring his family there for as long as I can remember, and now I know why. This place is B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L. It is a photographer's dream, a farmers love, and a wine lovers destination. It is incredible!!! I was soooooooo kicking myself for not bringing any of my sewing creations to photograph here. I could go around this 36,000+ acre property for a week straight and still not be anywhere close to being done exploring its beauty.

Rancho Sisquoc is in the mountains of lovely Santa Barbara, it has an incredible winery, cattle ranch, and vegetable farm with a natural lake going through it and just acres of fossils and rocks that archaeologists visit to dig. I mean just WOW. I was literally blown away, ummm...yeah, I could live there. Just wow.

Let's get to some photos, shall we?

Here is when I knew we were in for something good, as we were getting close on the drive...

Stepping off the RV, I was so excited...

I mean, this biked was just sitting there begging for me to take a picture with it...

Chloe was super excited to meet REAL cowboys too, one of their horses...

Lemon and orange trees were right outside our door...

We had fun with those...

Our cousins dog Beaut, and boy is he a beauty...

Beaut is particularly fond of babies...

Picking some fresh lettuce for that night's dinner...

Did I mention bird lovers? Yeah - they would love it here too...

Sunset on the rolling hills...

Digging up fossils and old whale bones...

Ben loved the rocks, he loved to eat the rocks, I had to be careful...

Whale bones and other fossils like this one here are estimated to be over 6 million years old...we found TONS of them!

They loaned us a jeep to get around, the only way on this rocky terrain...

We also taught the girls how to throw and skip rocks into the river...

I had the running high score of 10 jumps...

Have you ever noticed the only day people take pictures of you, is the day you haven't showered yet...

Simple gorgeous, we had to explore without shoes...

Wading through the water...

Now that's country...

How picture perfect is this old truck, and yes - our cousins used it for their wedding ride...

We had a fabulous trip, and more stops were made along the way. But while trying not to post too many pictures of friends and family that may or may not want their faces all over my blog - these should suffice.
If you are ever in Santa Barbara and want to visit an absolutely lovely winery, be sure to check out Rancho Sisquoc. I certainly enjoyed my fair share of it during the trip :).
Thanks so much for stopping by, and thank you again to all of our family and friends who visited us along the way. We had an absolutely fabulous time!