Still constructing

Hello everyone!

Somehow my latest projects have been stretching out over a week instead of just days.  It isn't because I am having any difficulty, it is merely because I have only sewn here or there, rather than every night like I was in a habit of doing.  The market skirt for my daughter is coming together nicely, though I still have to attach the pocket and buttons, fix the waistband, and hem the skirt.

Here is what I have so far:

I doubled up on the fabric for the second tier so that you would not be able to see through the skirt.  I think the combination of fabrics came out better than I hoped, and I think adding the pocket will add extra cuteness to the garment.

Stay sew-filled!

Coming up next

I have been putting some thought into what I would like to sew next when I came across a website I used to visit all of the time: Made.  This is a cool website created by a mom in her 30s, and  is all about sewing for kids.  Most of the projects she creates and sews do not require a pattern, and are so cute!

Out of all the tutorials she has on her website, the one called "market skirt" stood out to me.  It is sized for a toddler a little older than my daughter, but the neat thing is that she gives a formula for the dimensions so that you can adjust the sizing to fit a girl of any age, even yourself if you like!

My thoughts on fabric choice is the following (I should have made sure I have enough of it first!):

This is a blue gingham, 100% cotton, next to a blue flannel (excuse the wrinkles) that looks a little green in the photo.  Now I just need to find some cute buttons to go with the fabric.  That should be easy enough!

Check out the market skirt tutorial here.  Wish me the best!

I'll check in with you all soon!

Stay sew-filled!

Little lady ruffles

Last night I sewed my heart out, so that today I could present this to you...

Yes! The ruffle jumper, or Simplicity 2572.

Here is a close-up of the front.  I decided to use yellow binding instead of red, because I thought the red would draw too much attention, and I wanted the prettiness of the dress to be the main attraction.  Also, I started making my own binding from the same fabric, but that just looked all wrong.  I ended up using store-bought bias binding, but I just am not a fan of it because I can never get it to lay right.

This is the back.

And a close-up of the back.  I used a yellow 7" zipper for the closure.  Eventually, I will get back into buttons again.

And here is my "principessa" in the dress!  Mind you, it is still big around the bodice on her, but I love how cute she looks in it!  

All in all, I really like this dress!  I think it is my favorite of the things I have made for her so far!  On the next dress, though, I plan to work on some fitting techniques to get a more fitted bodice for her.  I know she will grow into the bodice, but I want her to be able to wear the things I sew for her now, not later.  Besides, I don't want it to be fall or winter before she can fit them.

So, my latest book on fitting is this one:

I borrowed this book from the library and it has a great section on fitting children.  It shows you how to take their measurements correctly, and choosing pattern sizing.  Right now I am not sure what the next project I am working on will be, but I will be using this as a reference guide for my future sewing adventures!

Sewing it up

Hey everyone!

Can you believe it?  It is June!  Half of the year is almost gone!  Doesn't time have a way of creeping up on all of us?  I hope you are living out your year well.

I am!

I have been surprised at how much I enjoy to sew.  Even though I am not the best at it yet, I am so content working on projects (the easy ones, that is).  As you can tell by this post, the week has been going well so far with sewing Simplicity 2572's jumper for my daughter.  It is not finished, but here is an in progress photo...  

So far I am loving it!  I tried it on my sweetie today and it fits pretty good.  If I were to make it perfect, I would decrease the width of the bodice a little because my daughter is slimmer there for some reason, but has a little pot belly!  Because of this, I ordered a book to help with the fitting issues I have.  I love to sew, but I would also love for the clothing I make to fit well.

The name of the book is Fitting Your Figure from Threads.  It is an older book, published in 1994, but the reviews of the book were excellent on Amazon.com so I figured I would try it.  Also, I got is used for a good price.

My plan is to work my way through this book, but there are a couple of other fitting books I've had my eye on too! Fit for Real People is one of them, and Pattern Fitting with Confidence by Nancy Zieman is another.  By the time I start working on the kid's fall wardrobe I want to have some fitting skills under my belt!

So I am working on finishing the ruffle jumper now.  I am making my own binding for the armholes and attaching that tonight.  I am debating on using the same fabric, or red for a little punch of color.  Anyhow, the details will work themselves out.

Thank you so much for all of you that read and follow my blog!  It is an honor that I do not take lightly.  Thank you also to Toocutedobs for your helpful comments!  You are a great blog buddy!

Stay sew-filled, and I will return with the finished jumper and some pics of my sweetie in the dress!