Sew, a needle pulling thread

This summer I became the owner of a brand new sewing machine. Brought to me by birthday money and Craigslist. During a hasty exchange at a random gas station, a woman about my age took my cash and handed over the box. She told me with a look of mild disgust that the machine had been a birthday present to her. Her birthday loss, my birthday gain.

A few days ago, I finally got the chance to try it out. It's a Singer, like my old machine and a pretty basic model but definitely an improvement. It's smooth and quiet and has a few more options. I can't believe the difference it makes.

My first project was simple, basically just sewing pieces of elastic. The tutorial found here. (thanks for the inspiration, Shannon!) I was reminded of this idea while going through Sadie's old clothes. Old tights become knee-high socks. Simply by cutting and sewing elastic at the top.





A couple weeks before my Craigslist find, I dug through debris at a nearby estate sale to uncover a beauty of another sort. No one else in the family currently sees its potential. I'm hoping Sadie will someday will agree with me. Because it's for her.

I showed it to her today.

Not the reaction I was hoping for.



First she attempted to poke out her eye.



Next, she sampled the antique thread.



It's missing a needle but supposedly it really works. I hope she gets some use out of it someday.

Try, try again and again and...

Visual-spatial skills. I wish I had some. It would probably help a lot with the 'ol sewing ventures.

A few months ago, in time for Drew's graduation I managed to pull off a major sewing feat. Ties (purl bee pattern) for each of the boys and a dress and bonnet for Sadie. All in the same lovely Joel Dewberry(Chestnut branch eggplant) fabric.

That was before we found out that Drew would be wearing a "robe" of sorts (a white dress shirt of Keith's) for the ceremony. I still haven't photographed them all together.





The bonnet turned out to be pretty small (not to mention Adam's tie being a little large--that was on purpose, though) so I set about modifying the pattern to make a new one. How hard could it be? Just make the lines around the current pattern a little bigger, right?

Wonky. And still a little small to be truly functional. Cute, though.




A few days ago, I attempted the 90 minute shirt from Made. Only problem is, you make your own pattern.

I tried using a couple old t-shirts of Keith's. First try was a disaster. The arms were a puzzle to me. I stared and reread and stared at her detailed tutorial without comprehension.

I forged ahead. Behold:


Finally, on my second attempt, it clicked.



Not perfect but better. Also, a serger would help.





In the words of my wise A&P professor, "You don't have to be smart to be successful. You just have to be persistent."

Anticipation

We've got a lot to look forward to around these parts. Spring break starts tomorrow and hopefully, very soon, spring itself will pay a visit. One can always dream.

Ethan just finished winter soccer and will start the busy spring (did you hear me, spring?) season soon. Drew is excited to be playing micro soccer as well. I'm fairly confident he is ready, unlike the last time we tried. 4 days a week of soccer! I'm going to pretend that makes me really happy.

We are also excited about a new girl cousin, soon to be born! Any day now, right Claire? I can't wait to see pictures, and someday meet her in person. In the meantime, making stuff for her is the best I can do.

Of course, I'm going to show you what I made. Musn't disappoint.

I finally tried out Christine's Baby Booties, a popular pattern kicking around ravelry and the knitting world for years. Wish I'd tried it sooner for my own babies.

















Had to make Sadie a pair after I finished these. They really do stay on better than any other sock or soft shoe she has. I used a combination of old stash sock yarn for Sadie's so they aren't beautiful but they are warm with room to grow.

Claire told me about a great product she had her eye on called a diaper clutch. It's a changing pad which includes a pocket for storing wipes/diapers and rolls up for easy portability. There are some really nice ones available on etsy and a whole lot of free tutorials and variations online.
























I decided to attempt one, using a very straightforward tutorial found here. I found I had some vinyl in my stash which seemed perfect for the changing pad side and paired that with a heavy-weight cotton for the outside.

I liked it so much, I had to make one for myself. Quick, easy, cheap and practical. My kind of project.

















Also much anticipated: Maple syrup, if we are able to gather enough sap. More to come on that if spring cooperates.

There will be tights!

Imagine my excitement at stumbling upon this tutorial a few days ago. Tights! For babies! Almost as good as leg warmers, baby socks or baby Uggs. Possibly better.
























A way to use up that old Benetton stretchy t-shirt I've had hanging around for years, waiting for magical weight loss to occur.

















I'm not kidding, these things are easy to make. I made them in 6-12 mos size with a little extra room in the toes for the couple months of tights weather we have left.


















I just might be able to dig up a few more garments that don't fit me anymore. Just maybe.

Hold the fort

We seem to have a near-obsession with the fashioning of "forts" in these parts. Let us define fort: a collection of random objects (toys, a dirty sock, pillows, books) gathered together into four loosely determined boundaries. Systematic destruction of the living space taken to a new level.

And woe to him (or her, really) who mistakes this madness for a pile of junk. Any attempt to tidy up the eyesore is met with a warning scream, "That's my FORT!" I don't have the heart to stamp out this activity because it is probably a great creative outlet and can keep Adam and Drew occupied for some time. But, the clean-up!

As the forts migrate and the building materials add to the general litter of the household, I must decide if each little piece of something is worth bending over to retrieve. I could get stuck down there. Which brings to mind this post, without the neck pain.

Enter dear husband with the perfect gift: a long-handled-reacher of my very own! I haven't been this excited about a daily living aid since my stint working in rehab. These should be standard issue at every baby shower.

Totally unrelated note: I found a new granola recipe which I've tried a few times now and really like. The great thing about it is there is no oil required. Seemed strange to me but it's as tasty as ever. I add some form of dried fruit, usually raisins, when available.

Inspired by a memory of a baby blanket I'd seen some time ago, I attempted my own version with some fabric favorites I've had hanging around (thanks, Joanne's). Nothing fancy, just two pieces of fabric sewn together.

Working on

Yarn hair is harder than I thought.
















Prop hat by Kate Oates

Random bits

Woe is me, the good camera has flown the coop for a couple weeks. It's just me, the point-n-shoot and three cranky boys in various states of SICK. Sadly, I only made it fifty days into my 365 daily picture project. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. Or rather, it wasn't really fun for long which is why it ended.

All is not complete doom and gloom though. I found some inspiration and energy to try out a tutorial I've had bookmarked for a while. Yes, I'm a bit of a plastic-phobe when it comes to food and as impractical and mildly crazy as it appears, I was drawn to these reusable snack containers.

















Not ideal for all snacks, but it's a start. I also fashioned (that is, folded in half and stitched) a couple bread bags out of old dishtowels for storing fresh, homemade (warm) bread. (Inspired by this post) Warning: gets stale quick! Maybe next time I'll wrap the cloth bags in plastic to keep them fresher? Needs tweaking.

While I mentioned it on facebook, I don't think I ever made it official here on my blog, which is where I'm trying to spend more time now. We are expecting a girl in June! The house is filling up with pink. And various shades thereof.















Also getting excited about all the plastic bottle alternatives I'm finding out there. In the past, I've only been able to find these 8 oz glass bottles, but now they are available in 4 oz as well. And, if you don't check out the price tag, these are fun options, both plastic (free of phthalates and free of bisphenol A) and stainless steel.

I know some people are scared by the possibility of a glass bottle breaking but I've found they are pretty tough. Mine have survived many deliberate hurls to the floor. There are protective covers available though.

On my list to try out soon: This well-reviewed chocolate chip recipe.

Homemade pasta with the help of this book which I just may have to keep out of the library forever. It's that good.

A blogging breakthrough

Blogging is one of those extraneous limbs you lose when you're trying to keep vital systems functioning. Which is an overly dramatic way of saying I haven't been feeling great lately. Nausea, fatigue and sleepless nights. All my energy has been channeled into survival.

That is, until about a week ago. I had a surge of energy and inspiration and I made the most of it. After all, Christmas and birthdays are coming. For the first time in quite a while, I wanted to create. And now, a week later, I'm feeling ready to write a couple sentences about it and put up pictures! Progress.













This first idea was inspired by this memory game tutorial. Simple and cheap. A little time consuming but satisfying. I found the wooden squares at Michael's and discovered some really cool paper there as well. Next time I would make more matches. I only did twelve squares and it makes for a fairly quick game, almost too easy. But, there are times when that's a good thing.















I relied on a some old standbys for other gifts. Like The flower washcloth from Weekend Knitting for part of a teacher's gift.















Good ol' bean bag frogs from purl bee:











































And the Wee Wonderfuls Big-Footed Bunny:















(The best part is that none of the recipients read my blog, so I get to post pictures)

My manic crafting has already slowed down but hopefully I'll be inspired a few more times before the month is out. If so, you know I'll share every last, boring detail!

World's scariest sock monkey and a giveaway!

We didn't do a whole lot for Adam's birthday but I did decide, at the eleventh hour, to make him something quick and easy. And a little creepy.






















It was a group effort. Keith picked out the socks on his way home from work. If you think it's hard requesting the right kind of milk or bread over the phone, try communicating your sock monkey needs coherently. I think he did a good job with the colors and pattern. The length of the socks was startling but just makes for more monkey to love. Right?















And Adam does love it. He wanted to kiss it, rock it and read it a book. Love is blind.

Also, check out the cutest backpack ever and leave a comment for a chance to win.

Sewing some more

With all these projects lately I know I'm running the risk of that question: How do you find the time? Simple: neglecting my house and the general cleanliness of my family. I'm actually kind of offended by this sentiment in general. I think people make time for leisure in their own way. It just may not look like someone else's choice of relaxation, that's all.

At the risk of being overly defensive, this latest accomplishment came about as a direct result of chronic insomnia. After a largely sleepless night, I woke up yesterday at 5:30 and decided to just stay up and get stuff done. It is truly amazing how many very useful and practical things I was able to complete in the hours before everyone woke up. As a result, I felt justified in starting up a project I've had on my mind for months now.

This beanbag chair pattern caught my eye last year. It looked simple enough. Also it's free. I did splurge and order two yards of some fabric I loved and planned to use it with some denim I had on hand. When I priced the styrofoam pellets for the filling in my local craft store, I began to have some second thoughts. One small bag was fifteen dollars and I knew it would take several bags, making the finished project much more expensive than a brand new chair from a store.

Also, after printing out the pattern, I had some difficulty understanding the directions. My visual-spatial skills are minimal and I just could not imagine how the initial cutting out would work. The pattern designer was very gracious in returning my email and explained it more to me. Still, I did not want to make a mistake and ruin my beautiful fabric. I went on to something else.

Recently, I thought why not make the beanbag as a cover for our old, pleather beauty which sits on our living room floor like some unsightly blemish. I puzzled over the directions some more, trying them out on paper first and finally it clicked for me.

















After the cutting, it was really quite simple, even the velcro closure.






















And, it fits over our old beanbag chair perfectly.






















The boys put it to the test right away, using it as a landing pad for flying leaps off the couch. Then, of course, the fights broke out.

















As is customary, I took way too many pictures.































Now, I'll go slave in my kitchen. I promise.

Dr. Barbie, a hat and a public service announcement

After this week's verbal spanking from my dermatologist, I was inspired to try a pattern I've had in my library for a while now. Jansdotter's sun hat. My dermatologist's entire body mass is probably equal to that of my left thigh but she wields the cancer word with authority and I listen.

Actually, my dermatologist resembles this American hero in almost every way except her diminutive height and brown eyes. No exaggeration. In spite of that, I really like her. She is perky and friendly. A bit of a close talker but upbeat and engaging even when pointing out my flaws.

"We can take care of those red spots on your arm!" Oh, uh, red spots? "Yeah, and your face can look virtually ageless just like mine!" I'm sorry to point this out, but when you are over 40 and your face is wiped clean of every sign of living, I call that freakish. That's just me.

Right before sending me off to the receptionist to schedule the removal of yet another suspicious spot and add to my collection of hideous, red scars, Dr. Barbie asked if I was much of a hat person. She explained that she was fond of using a straw hat, one acquired for the attendance of a horse-racing event, which she prefers because it helps dress up every outfit. With my eye on her perfectly coordinated, size zero designer clothes and strappy heels, I smiled. "I'll find something," I said.

Word to the wise: You can have no family history of skin cancer, sunbathe less than the average female, never use a tanning bed and still be susceptible to skin cancer in spades. My only risk factor being my fair skin along with a tendency to burn. Know that darker skin tones are not exempt.

So, hat details. I used some light and medium weight cotton hanging out in my stash and cut an inch off both the brim and the crown after reading in several places about the hat being way too big.















It was a fairly quick project and I am really happy with the size. I did have quite a bit of trouble getting the top part of the hat to line up correctly with the crown, and as a result the fit is a bit wonky. I'm really not sure how to avoid that.






















I don't think that it's meant to be, but it's also kind of reversible.
















It'll serve its purpose in keeping me white, pasty and UV free. Hurray.















Here's a little rant about sunscreens. Dr. Barbie was always telling me to use sunblock with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide but I wasn't really listening. I've known some sunscreens have carcinogens in them but figured the brands I used were fairly safe. I did a little research yesterday and was properly horrified about the chemicals I've been slathering on my family. Try finding a sun product without the chemical Benzophenone (or its derivatives Benzophenone-3 or Oxybenzone).

I had to hit up my local Whole Foods to find something safe. Nature's Gate and Badger are a couple good brands I found. Not cheap, though.

A playsuit...for playing

I often catch myself drooling over various handmade garments for girls. All those sundresses, swirly skirts and projects which appear both charming and doable. Following the links from one such post, I found this delightful site, Oliver + s and begin to look around for patterns for boys. That's when I spied the Tea Party Playsuit which claimed to be a unisex outfit and which I found intriguing in a vintagey sort of way.

I found a similar pattern on ebay for a fraction of the price: a true vintage treasure. Look how much fun those little girls are having. Wait...girls? Oh well, I figured the playsuit works for boys as well. I discovered one of the happy benefits of buying a barely-used pattern: the pieces were already cut out for me.




















I have to say I am very happy with how this came out. For the most part, my sewing ventures have been largely confined to silly little toys and useless objects. This, being an actual garment for a real live person, made me a little nervous.















Lucky for me, this pattern was fairly simple. No darts or waistband. I used some linen I've had in my stash since idealist-I will make curtains for this cell room-intern days. Perfect fabric for those hot days to come.















There were, however, buttonholes and snaps to conquer. Sadly, my machine does not have a buttonhole-making setting or even a buttonhole foot. Good ol' youtube helped me with that one, although they are a little rough. And, no, he's not hailing a taxi from our driveway:















I had some of those hammer-on snaps on hand. I'm not kidding when I say it took me hours to decipher the world's worst directions and actually get those things to work. Strangely satisfying when completed.















So there. Sewing for boys: possible and even fun.

Elephants at play

I did it! I did something decent and right in the sewing department, for once. Well, don't go looking too closely but overall it came out pretty well. With a simple addition of some super cute superbuzzy elephants, the boring old curtains have a fun, playroom look.


















The color is muted enough to add interest without being too busy I think.


















They definitely help give the room a more finished look.