Thursday, June 23, 2011

Pattern Review: Butterick 3772

Pattern Envelope






My Photos





Am I happy with the way it turned out?
Yes. It turned out very to be cute. I haven't seen it on the child that I made it for, but it seems like it should fit.

Were the Instructions Easy to Follow?
Yes. This is one of the easiest things I have sewn in a while and the instructions were very clear. This would be a good pattern for a beginner.

Did I Make any Alterations?

Yes, kinda. I just added the ribbon to the hem. I thought it would be cute and that it would add a little more flare to the dress.

Would I Make This Again?

Yes. It's the type of dress that a little girl could wear all summer long. I could see making several of these for my daughter if I have kids some day.

Anything Else?

Have fun with this pattern. There are so many things you can add, like ribbon, cute buttons, bows, heart shaped pockets, etc...

Fabric Used
Anne Kelle's Remix.

Final Thoughts.
This was an easy dress to make and results are so cute. Give it a try!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Pattern Review: Simpliciy 2512 (Cynthia Rowley)

Cynthia Rowley Skirt: View A/B




My Photos







Am I happy with the way it turned out?
Definitely. I don't know if the skirt is the best for my particular shape (I'm pretty pear shaped), but it turned out nicely and would probably look good on someone who doesn't have such large hips. Also, the skirt ended up looking like the photo on the front of the pattern. Generally, I am very happy with it.

Were the Instructions Easy to Follow?
Yes. I was surprised with how easily this skirt came together. I don't think that there was one moment where I was really confused, which is uncommon. I wouldn't reccomend this skirt to a complete beginner, but someone with a little sewing experience could pull it off.

Did I Make any Alterations?
No. I did everything in accordance with the instructions and pattern. However, I think that if I were to make this skirt again that I would leave off the ties. I just don't feel like they add anything. Also, they are pretty short. You can't tie them in a bow, so you are left with just knotting them, which looks a little strange. If you are going to keep the ties, I would suggest making them several inches longer. Other than that, I wouldn't change anything.

Would I Make This Again?
Probably not. The pattern and the skirt are both great, but like I said, it's probably not the best for my body shape. Also, there are a bunch of other things that I would like to make and getting time to sew is difficult for me.

Anything Else?
Don't make the mistake I made and use a white zipper with a colored fabric. I am still working on my zipper skills and I wasn't sure what color zipper to choose because Hancock didn't carry one that was the same color as my fabric, so I chose white. I recently read that if you can't find the right color zipper that you should go darker, not lighter. I will remember this in the future. :)

Final Thoughts.
This is a great pattern that produces great results. Give it a try!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Here are some pics of the baby quilt that I made using the paper piecing method. It was a lot of work, but I am happy with the finished product.




Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Use Those Scraps!

Another way to go green is to use all of those fabric scraps you have left over from various projects. I just finished machine quilting a baby quilt made (almost) entirely from fabric scraps. All I need to do is attach the binding and then I am done. I will post pictures (and possibly a tutorial) once I'm entirely finished. But for now, here are some scrap projects that you might want to try. Enjoy!

Monday, May 17, 2010

Some Upcycled Products on Etsy

Here are some awesome itmes that I found while purusing Etsy. Each is made from recycled materials and each one rocks!

1. an Upcycled 'Too cute tealy denim' Waste Wonderful wristlet: http://tinyurl.com/2vj66go

I love this wristlet. It is so original. My fav part about it is that it is probably 100% unique. You could purchase this and know that no one will have one that is exacly the same. Yay for originality!

2. Bon Bon - The Blushing Woodland Squirrel Plush: http://tinyurl.com/34qsabm

This little plush squirrel is just too cute. The rosy cheeks and coy little smile are just adorable. I might just have to buy one for myself.

3. Recycled Wine Bottle Glass -- Four Green Upcycled Wine Bottle Tumblers: http://tinyurl.com/3al4ljq

I love wine and anything wine related. These glasses made from wine bottles are really cool. I could imagine using them, along with some colorful, mismatched dinner plates and table linens, for a casual dinner party with friends. What a great idea.

4. Upcycled Tie Onesie: http://tinyurl.com/37q89qp

This baby onesie with a built in tie makes me want to have a baby (almost). This would make the perfect gift for any career minded infant.

Upcycled and Recycled!

Hey Everyone,

Starting today, I am going to be focusing on upcycling and recycling and eco-friendly products. I am going to be featuring cool products and tutorials that I find on the interwebs. If you have any ideas, let me know. Peace!

Sam