Repurposing T-Shirts

I guess saving all those shirts throughout the years has payed off ;) 

For a cousin's new baby... to remind them of the connection back to Sinai, SD!

There's only a few people that I can sew using shirts that has my maiden name on the back!

Patterns: Peekaboo Pattern Shop's Lullaby Bodysuit and Patterns for Pirates' Playground pants.

A fun reminder of the hours playing T-ball and softball under the summer sun!

Pattern: Peekaboo Pattern Shop's Lullaby Bodysuit

It was a hard year for my high school graduation class - this fall, one classmate lost her husband to a hard-fought battle with brain cancer. Two months later, we lost a classmate in a tragic hunting accident where he and his younger brother both lost their lives. I graduated with about 40 other students after spending the previous 13 years together in the same building... so we're a tight-knit class, and these losses were very hard to deal with.

Well, that classmate who died in the hunting accident died about a week or so before his birthday. On that birthday, his little girl was born. I wasn't quite ready to cut up my senior shirt, but thankfully a classmate mailed me his, so I could make this bunny for the new baby. May she always know the love of her father and the support from his classmates.

Patterns: Bunny Lovey by UnlikelyNest

I also made this outfit for her - the top uses a shirt that my mom decided was too small for her (she still teaches at our school). 

Patterns: Peekaboo Pattern Shop Violet Tunic and Go-To Pattern's free baby legging pattern

These were made for a benefit for that same family. I was thankful that I could do something to help!

Pattern: Peekaboo Pattern Shop Violet Tunic 

Onesie Gifts are Complete!

Eek! I've had this post ready to go, but I just forgot to post it!

These onesie sets took me longer to sew up than they should have just because I kept choosing to accomplish quick sews between the different steps.

But finally, these are done and all but one has been delivered!

Pattern: Peekaboo Lullaby Line Bodysuit and the Peekaboo Spunky Skater Skirt

Fabrics are a mixture of stash knits and old t-shirts that have special meaning to each of the recipients

(Three SDSU Jackrabbits, one city rec softball, one 4-H and one band and choir shirt that was designed by the little girls' mom)

I've been pleasantly surprised with the reception of these onesies. They have all been so appreciative and it's been so fun to see a few of the babies in their special creations! (They fit!!)

I should go pick out two more shirts to upcycle... a classmate and a cousin are both due in September!

March Goal Complete!

My goal for March was to finish 6 baby onesies that at the time I had cut out but hadn't sewn together... here they are!

As usual, the pattern is Peekaboo Pattern's Lullaby Bodysuit. This time I branched out and used the 3 month, 12 month and 18 month sizes along with my usual 6 month size. 

Here are the college onesies :)

One is for a high school friend of mine who also attended the same college, one is for a running teammate and one is for a math fraaaaand (we used to have math parties together... aka study groups, ha).

And the hometown onesies... one is actually for a 18 month old little girl. Her mom actually designed the shirt out junior year of high school for our band and choir trip to Colorado. Then the other two are for one high school friend... a softball onesie and a 4-H onesie :)

It felt so good to finish these! There is four of them that will be going to girls, so I'm hoping to sew up quick circle skirts for those. Only one of the babies is due in April, while the others will be arriving later... I work better under pressure, so maybe it would be better if they were all due sooner!

Two More Upcycled Onesies

Valentine's Day Weekend was a busy weekend for my friends :) 

One baby boy was born on Saturday and another on Sunday. One was a day after his due date while the other one was right on time!

Both Moms (and one of the Dads!) were teammates of mine in college, so of course both babies needed SDSU creations! 

One of these is already on the way to its new home, but the other will have to wait for a baby shower. 

I still have several cut out and ready to go... more babies are on the way!

Pattern: PAB's Lullaby Line Bodysuit

Fabric: Upcycled T-shirts along with black, blue and grey cotton lycra from various shops - both online and local

My First PAB Bodysuit

Right after high school graduation, I starting making a t-shirt quilt. It didn't use as many t-shirts as I had saved, but I couldn't make myself throw out the extras. I finally took them from my parents' house and have been hoping to upcycle them. High school sweethearts and good friends of mine from my class recently had their second baby - a little boy, so it was the perfect time to start using up my old shirts!

I use Peekaboo Pattern Shop's Bodysuit from the Lullaby Line. I used a heathered grey cotton lycra for the back and the bands while the sleeves came from a scrap piece of blue interlock. I used blue thread to accent the top stitching and match the Kam snaps. I made several mistakes, but I still think it turned out pretty well. The pattern itself is very easy to follow, and I look forward to making more!

I just cut out several more front panels from t-shirts... now to cut out the accent pieces... soon I'll be ready for all the upcoming babies that will be arriving over the next couple of months!

Lots of Jackrabbit Hats!

With all the new babies in my college friend group, I decided to make some matching "Go Jacks!" hats for Christmas presents :)

My kiddos each received one as well. This was my first time making fleece pom-poms!

I was in such a rush to mail all the hats out, that I didn't take a picture of the big pile prior to packaging them up. In total I made 5 little ones and 3 bigger ones. I hadn't made a hat out of fleece since the 4-H days, so I enjoyed the easy construction of this pattern. I also used my snap press for the first time! Of course, I didn't decide to use snaps in place of the velcro until it was too late to put interface in the straps... next time! Always learning!

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Pattern: 

Tie Dye Diva's Aviator Fleece Hat 

Fleece from JoAnns.

For the New Nebraskans

My brother-in-law recently accepted a new job position...

So, the family who recently moved back from New Zealand, will now be turning into Nebraskans.

Therefore, some specialized Christmas gifts were in order!

I used patterns that I already had on hand and bought the fabric on sale at a local store.

My nephew will be correctly decked out with a fleece sweatshirt and cotton/lycra comfy pants :)

He is only two months younger than JT, so he also got a grey pair of the footed comfy pants (I just made it at the same time that I made JT's pair). 

 Go Huskers!

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Pattern Links

Peek-A-Boo's Classic Sweatshirt (Link)

Peek-A-Boo's Happy Feet Pajamas (Link)

(The infinity scarf was put together after reading several different tutorials so I could get an idea of the different methods and sizes.)

Popeye Skater Dress {Plus November's ALYOF Goal}

Remember good-ol' Popeye? And his beloved Olive Oil and little Sweet Pea? 

Ok, I admit, I don't remember watching the cartoon that often... but I certainly remember his love of spinach :)

I found this knit fabric (selvedge says it was made in 1987 for Peter Pan Fabrics, Inc.) while buying a bundle of fabric from a lady on Craigslist back when we were still in Montana. I always knew it would make some really cute clothes!

Here is a Skater Dress (pattern by Kitschy-Coo) made for a sweet baby girl recently born to my first best friend (her husband was also a classmate of ours). I made the 6-12 month size (free add-on to the pattern), and I'm crossing my fingers that it will fit this coming summer.

I hope to finish Evelyn's version soon. I started them at the same time, but then some travel plans came up and I needed to finish this gift quickly. E's dress has a few differences, so I'll be sure to post it when I finish it! Actually, let's make finishing that dress my November goal. Wish me luck!

A Covey of Quail Shirts

A group of quails will be getting together this summer, and now they'll have shirts to match the family name :)

I cannot wait to show you pictures of the cousins together... but we'll have to wait until June!

 

I had so much fun finding the clipart of a quail, making the freezer paper stencils and painting with fabric paint (there are lots of great tutorials out there; in the past I used this tutorial to learn the process). I first learned this technique so I could make Evelyn some fun onesies... you can see a few of those here.

Seriously, this is such a quick and easy project... I love how they turned out! Evelyn has already worn hers a few times :)

Put a Ruffle On It! {Ruffles Blog Hop}

It's here! 

It's time for the Cha Cha Ruffle! 

Mdm Samm has done it again... this time it's the "Think Ruffles" Blog Hop with main cheerleader Amy from Sew Incredibly Crazy. Thank you to both of these amazing ladies for organizing such a fun hoppity-hop!

Anybody ready for some Cotton Eye Ruffles?

My first project is straight out of a country vision of sunshine and clotheslines! This clothespin bag is made out of some denim yardage (thrift store), an embroidered table runner (yard sale), and feedsack fabric (antique store). All items (including the buttons) were from my stash and I used this tutorial... if you decide to also make one, be sure to watch the video; the tutorial makes so much more sense after watching the video. I look forward to the warmer days ahead when I actually get to use my "Ruffly Pin Pouch!" Putting the laundry out on the line with this pouch by my side will sure make me sing the Party Ruffle Anthem :)

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You didn't expect me to join a ruffles blog hop without making something for my little Evelyn, did you? :) This "Ruffled Halter" is made from a fat quarter bundle of Pam Kitty Picnic fabrics I won from the sweet Amy of nanaCompany a few months ago. The pattern is one of Oliver + S's free patterns I found on their website. The smallest size was 18 months (Evelyn won't be that old until October), but I haven't added the elastic to the back yet, so I can make it fit her when the time is right... I'm thinking it will be a nice top for 4th of July :) She'll just be livin' on a ruffle!

My favorite part of this sewing project is that the ruffles are cut on the bias, so you don't need to hem them traditionally. Just an easy topstitch along the edge is all you need - yay for less ironing!! Reading that part of the directions made me want to twist and ruffle right there beside my ironing board...

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Last but not least, here is my "Tote of Ruffles!" I love using reusable grocery totes, even though I've gotten out of practice of remembering them since moving back to SD... I hope this ruffli-fied tote will get me back in the mood of remembering!

More stash busting... the same denim and purple feedsacks from the clothespin pouch, plus some added blue feedsack fabric, a doily and some white/purple striped fabric for the lining. I made this pattern up by myself. This doily lended itself well to being attached... I just zigzaged along the two concentric circles, which leaves a fun ruffly edging! Yup, I'll be that cool mom in the grocery store with this unique tote ;) maybe I'll just have to do the Cupid Ruffle while grocery shopping! Put I promise not to shout out "Who let the ruffles out?!" That is not what a cool mom would do, ha! (Maybe I should just be glad that I have several years before I have to worry about Evelyn thinking about having a cool mom...)

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Thanks for stopping by! 

Now, take a sip of Ruffle Potion No. 9 and go enjoy the rest of these ruffling ladies! 

Sew Incredibly Crazy

Malini's quilts

Missouri Mel

Just Quilt It

In the Boon Docks

On the Banks of Frog Creek (You are ruffling along here!)

Sparrow In Flight

It Still Fits! {Update on the Hexie Skirt...}

Last summer, for the Hexie Queen Blog Hop, I made a hexie skirt for the then 3.5 month old Evelyn. 

I must of made it plenty big, because it still fits my 9 month old Evelyn :)

And it is still just as cute!

Have a lovely day!

Pearl Bracelets Cheer Skirt

I recently shared that I made a skirt with the Pearl Bracelets fabric I chose to buy with a gift certificate I won last summer (Pink Chalk Fabrics). 

Well, I finally took a few pictures!

I first made this in an afternoon prior to Evelyn attending her first volleyball game at the local school. Because I was rushed, it wasn't the best skirt design, but it works! I sewed the strips together to make a long rectangle, lined it with some chevron flannel from JoAnns, and added some elastic. The elastic wasn't my first choice - I borrowed it from my mother-in-law since I couldn't find my stash in all our packed boxes. I designed the skirt so that I can replace the elastic easily enough when I do find mine.

She definitely has some school spirit! (And also some Minnesota Vikings spirit for Dan's sake... you should have seen the Sunday the Vikings played the Packers... a Green Bay onesie with this skirt, ha!)

This was the night of the Alumni Basketball Tournament as a fundraiser for the school/community wellness center. Dan played and his team even won one game!

Go Tornadoes!

Comfy Christmas Dress with Leggings

The Comfy Christmas Dress

If you remember, I won a gift certificate to Pink Chalk Fabrics this past summer. I chose the fabrics with clothing plans in mind.

The pearl bracelets have already become a stripey skirt, but I just haven't had a good time to take pictures of Evelyn in it. I have, however, had a few chances to take pictures of Evelyn's "comfy Christmas dress" made with the Riley Blake knits - red chevron and solid. She had a few other "nice" Christmas dresses purchased at second hand stores and garage sales last summer, but I wanted her to have a comfortable dress to wear throughout Christmas festivities.

I used the Janey Jump Around Pattern, which is a free download to newsletter subscribers from the Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop. http://www.peekaboopatternshop.com/product/janey-jump-around-dress

I didn't follow the pattern exactly (the main change being that I didn't add the buttons because I didn't want to have buttons where her inquisitive, strong fingers could find them... I will however add them to any more dresses I make with the pattern when she's a little bit older. You can't see it in the pictures very well, but the faux wrap part of the dress really does need the buttons to help it from not folding out). It really was a perfect dress for Evelyn to wear during the Holidays!

I used a double needle for the first time, and I was impressed by how easy it was to set-up and use. I do think I'll need another double needle - one that has a wider space - as I thought that mine was a bit too narrow. This was the first time I've worked with knits in several, several years. My machine had some trouble getting started on the seams, so I used some paper to help out. The stretch zigzag worked really well for the seams. I look forward to making a Skipper top for Evelyn with the leftover chevron fabric.  I already have the pattern (Sew Much Ado).

There are umpteen hundreds of tutorials - written and video - around the internet for turning lady's knee high socks into baby and toddler leggings. These socks were from JoAnns, and a few quick cuts and one line of stretchy-zig-zag stitching made for the perfect leggings to go under Evelyn's dress.

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Now, let's see the dress in action!

Evelyn really likes paper. After a brief second of her being on the floor which led to a few stolen bows, we put her in the old walker. Hmmm... she still found ways to chew on paper!

Overall, she had a very nice Christmas. Lots of toys and books from lots of friends and family. She sure is loved!  I'll post again with a few more Christmasy pictures later.... for now, I need to go put a little girly down for a nap :)

Baby Sewing!

This picture heavy post will highlight a few baby projects I sewed up last month. 

I didn't waste any time cutting into the Lizzy House fabrics I ordered with a giveaway prize gift certificate from Pink Chalk Fabrics. I pretty much whipped this skirt up one afternoon before heading to a volleyball game in town (Evelyn wasn't too happy that I was scrambling to finish the skirt while she was stuck playing by herself on the floor). Dan's happy since the colors are also of his precious Vikings (I'm a Packers fan... but I try to be fair to Dan!). The lining is a chevron flannel from JoAnns. I promise to get a picture up of Evelyn actually wearing it soon!

I was able to meet up with a college friend a few weeks ago. She is due with a baby boy in January! I just happened to find my plain cloth diapers that I use for burp cloths the night before our shopping date, so it's a good thing these are quick projects! I plan to make a few more things for this special baby boy soon :)

A cousin and a high school friend both gave birth to sweet little girls earlier this summer/fall, so it was about time I sent them their gifts (leggings, burp cloths and bibs)! I had two extra leggings that I had bought still in their packaging and then I sewed two more sets with knee-high socks I found on clearance at JcPenny's. The burp cloths are just flannel and terry cloth (obviously I made these before I found those cloth diapers I mentioned above!). This was the first time making burp cloths like this, and it wasn't too scary. I still prefer my cloth diapers, but in a pinch, this pattern will also work.

Finally, I experimented with some bib making with my leftover scrappy hexies from making Evelyn her skirt for the Hexi-Blog Hop this summer. I made two different types... one where I used the burping method (I just picked up on this vocabulary from Moneik!) and then one where I quilted and used store-bought binding. One bib has velcro, while the other three have snaps.

 This was actually the first time I used a snap that I didn't have to sew it on. Why haven't I tried these sooner! So much quicker!!! Oh, and I couldn't resist saving one of the bibs for my own little girl :)

 Here's a bit of a close up of the hexies and the vintage binding I finally got to use :)

 Cute, right!? 

(She's on the verge of reaching for my camera strap or my phone or whatever was on the floor at this time. She's always on the go, go go!)

Ok, sorry for the lengthy post. I wish I could blog about the projects sooner - like as soon as I finish them - but living out of boxes and dealing with a teething-almost-7-month old and having my sewing area in the basement without good picture-lighting leaves me blogging lengthy catch-up posts. Thanks for reading anyways!