Argyle Pull Over

The weather is cooling off and so is our home.   Consequently we spend much of our winters bundled in sweaters and long sleeved shirts.  Many of Clark's sweaters from last year no longer fit him, so I decided that it was time to pull out the sewing machine (not that it is ever really put away).  I was a bit disappointed because I didn't have any sweatshirt fleece on hand, but I am really pleased with the way this top turned out.  I used a solid brown interlock knit, and lined the pull over with the same material which really made it significantly warmer (and allowed me to hide some raw edges between the two layers).

I created the pattern for this top using one of Clark's zip up hoodies.  I simply traced the zipped up bodice pieces along with the sleeves and added seam allowances.  I ended up cutting a slit in the front bodice piece to accommodate the button flap.

 I used a 2/3rds rule for measurement when adding the arm cuffs and waistband, and I am pleased with how they both turned out.  I wasn't sure how much smaller I should cut the ribbed knit for the collar (given that the collar wouldn't be fully closed.  I think that I ended up shortening the  diameter by about  25%.  The ribbed knit along the button flap is cut to the actual length.

I added a little argyle design inspired by this top.  I attached the diamond shapes with fusible pellon, stitched around the shape edges with my machine, and then added the handstitching with embroidery floss. I had planned on putting a large brown button in the center of the main diamond, but Clark decided to hide it from me, so we will have to wait on that.

The pocket on the front reminds me of a pair of little briefs....I might have to rethink the pocket design.

It was a fun little project that was done in a day.  I love one day projects.  I seem to be a bit of an impatient crafter (which explains my issues with knitting, and my fear of quilting).

I'll be linking here today. Thanks so much for reading!

Halloween Costume: Elephant

I love the the legs have extra room, I think that it adds to the effect.

Well I'd hoped that I'd be able to get a few better shots of the costume, but my model was a bit less than cooperative.  I don't have high hopes for this weekend.  I have a feeling that the headpiece will not stay on any longer than thirty seconds. The headpiece was being ripped off in just about every photo (which explains the blurry shots and off centered trunk).

I used the McCall pattern M6105.  It was fairly user friendly, and it turned out how I'd hoped.  I also found that the sizing was fairly true, which was a big relief.  I ended up making the suit and headpiece out of polar fleece.  Idaho Halloweens tend to involve snow, so I figured that I'd play it safe and make it as warm as possible.  My only real regret is lining the headpiece with fleece.  Clark's ginormous head would have probably appreciated a thin knit in place of the added bulk of the fleece.

I ended up finding all of my fleece in the remnant section (while fleece was on sale), making it 75% off-booyah!

I figure that this is the last Halloween that I will be able to choose the costume.  I wanted to make his costume as cute and cuddly as possible.  He makes a pretty cute elephant (complete with elephant noises.

I'll be linking here.

Faux-Floral Headbands

 

Well I hope that you haven't grown sick of all of my faux leather projects, because I have another one for you.  I am pretty sure that the fabric ladies at my local home decor fabric store are sick of cutting quarter yard pieces of this stuff (in every available color), so if you have grown tired, you're not alone.  I actually have a real leather project lined up for next week...so be excited.

I spent yesterday with my sweet sister in law.  We made ourselves some lovely little floral headbands with one of my favorite materials. I'm sure you recognize it from these booties, this belt, and this table runner.  It is just such a versatile material.  I think that the red and brown combination create a nice color combination for autumn. 

 

This red flower was my first attempt, and is probably my favorite overall.  

  

I had to make a black headband, and I love the gray centers to these two smaller flowers.

 

 

This last one is a slight variation on the first.  I like that it is a bit smaller.  I feel like the larger flower is a bit overwhelming on me (but perfect on my great model). 

Jess made several cute headbands of her own.  She tried out a brown and cream combination that I am really liking.  Thanks so much Jess for spending the day with me, and for being my model.  

I'll be linking up here.  I'll be back tomorrow with the Halloween costume reveal! 

Peaches For Me

 

Last week I took a bit of a break from sewing and focused on the bushels of peaches harvested from my tree.  It is a scraggly half living tree that sits right next to our front door.  It apparently produces every other year, because last year when we bought the house the tree was barren.  This year the tree was fruitful....very fruitful.

 

We ended up giving away peaches to just about anybody that would take them.  I spent days drying peaches,  freezing peaches, making peach lemonade, and of course some peach freezer jam. I also took a bit of time to make a peach pie, and some delicious peach cobbler.  So I apologize for the lack of sewing related post, but I was busy making things (just not out of fabric).

You can find the peach pie recipe here.  Thanks Hanna for the recommendation.  If you are looking for a delicious blog to follow, you should definitely check out Bouffe e Bambini.

I've got an adorable halloween costume to show you....as soon as I can get a few decent shots.  Clark has grown a bit tired of photo shoots lately.

I'll be linking here.

Thanks so much for taking the time to visit and read.

GF Note:  The pie was made gluten free.  I substituted the flour for the filling with some corn starch.  I also used a gluten free pie crust mix from Gluten Free Pantry.  I haven't had very good luck rolling out their crusts, but they have a nice flavor and texture.  I simply pat the crust in the pan and drop flattened pieces on top.  It looks good when it is all served up.

Ruffle Bum Baby Leggings

After making tops all last week, I needed a bit of a change.  I found this lightweight knit fabric at Wal-mart.  They have five yards for five dollars.  It was one of those fabrics that I really wanted, but could hardly justify purchasing due to the fact that I had no idea what to make with it.  I gave in.  I purchase five yards of material, but luckily I found the perfect project for the fabric.  Ruffle bum leggings, now if only I could justify making little girl leggings. 

I used Rae's free baby tights pattern.  I am not certain whether or not this fabric has enough vertical stretch to it, but I figured I'd give it a try.  The ruffles are a double layer.  I probably should have extended them out to the side edge, but what's done is done.  

 I even made a pair of brown baby  leggings using the same material.  When I was dying the elastic (for the second time) for my circle skirt, I decided to throw a yard of the material into the mix.  It turned out a hot cocoa mix brown ( a lighter brown with purple undertones).  The dye that I used was RIT Dark Brown.

The leggings were really simple, and very quick to make.  I even figured out how to use some new presser feet and overcast stitches on my sewing machine.  It was quite exciting.

I'm partying here today.  Thanks for reading.

Top-Toberfest Round Up

I thought that I'd wrap Top-toberfest up by sharing some of my favorite tops that were linked up in the Show and Tell.

First off, I'd like to thank all of you who took the time to link up your tops.  You are some very  creative and talented ladies. All of the tops were really impressive. I now have a several new ideas that I'm ready to try out.  I also appreciate all of your kind comments.  They really do make me feel so good.

 Favorite Boy Tops

This adorable top was shared by Jen of Lil Mop Top. I must admit that I am kind of a sucker for argyle.  I love it, and think that it is very boy appropriate.  I guess that it is really gender neutral, but it is a nice option for boys.  This top was made for the fourth of July, but you could easily mix up the colors for any season (or no season at all).

Kara from Kara's Creative Place, shared this cute little boy's top.   I love that she repurposed an old pajama top  to make it.  I think that she was so smart in attaching the sleeves and hem to complete the look.

Favorite Girl Tops

Mama Says Sew shared this adorable peasant top.  I love the print, and the overall design of the shirt.  It looks like it would be so comfortable for a little girl.

This Kyoto top is so lovely.  Handmade Con Amor created this little gem.  I absolutely love the color combination.  I'm not sure if it's normal to have favorite color combinations, but I've had them since I was a little girl.  About 5 years ago I fell in love with this particular color combination.  I call it the Pistachio combo...has any one else noticed how beautiful the colors can be when you crack open a pistachio?  Love it.  

By the way,  I love Claudia's blog.  Along with her wonderful projects and beautiful photographs, she writes in both Spanish and English.  So if you need to brush up on your spanish-  tienes que visitar su blog.

Marie from Not very domestic made this -oh so cute-top from an old sundress.  I have a feeling that her blog title may be a bit incorrect. You should also check out the cute sundress that she made with the remainder of the fabric.

Favorite Halloween Tops

I haven't really gotten into holiday themed tops, but  I think that this one is right up my alley.  It's graphic, clean, and simple.  Very well done.  It was made by  Lil Mop Top using a freezer paper stencil.  

Here's another adorable holiday top.  I love that cheerful little jack-o-lantern face (and that cheerful little smile on the model's face). You can find out more at Strictly Homemade-thanks Maridith for sharing.

Favorite Big Girl Tops

I love this rosette top that Kimberly from Everyday Expressions.  The color is lovely, but my fingers hurt just thinking of all of the handstitching that must have gone into making those eight rosettes.  

I love this cozy Melody Wrap from What Allie's  Making Now. I love the colors, the stripes, and the fit.  Allie has some mad skills.  Be sure to check out her blog.

Don't forget to check out all of the other amazing tops in the Top-toberfest Linky.

Top-toberfest Day Six-Tops to Try or Buy

To celebrate the sixth day of Top-toberfest I thought that I'd share a few tops that I didn't get around to making, along with a few spots of inspiration.

Pattern by Little Weasel (this one is a freebie).

I don't know how many of you frequent the sewing site burdastyle.com, but I love it.  You can find great tutorials on sewing techniques, along with a huge collection of patterns (both for purchase and free of charge).  I recently printed out the pattern piece for this flutter sleeve cardi.  I need to find the right material for the project before I set to work.

Photo No Big Dill

Speaking of cardigans, have you checked out Katy's (from No Big Dill) Billy Cardi tutorial on Luvin' the Mommyhood?  I can't wait to try this one.  I love the neckline, the lack of closure, and all of the raw edge goodness.  Also, do you recognize the rib knit she used?  I used it on this and this  (you can find it at Joann's). 

The Sadie Shirt.  I mentioned this top earlier this week, but I'm going to mention it again.  Jess has come up with an easy to follow tutorial to create this adorable ruffled placket top.  I need to find a little girl to sew it for, maybe a niece or the neighbor girl I watch during the week...I'll have to decide.  You can find the full tutorial here on her blog Craftiness Is Not Optional.

Image Source: Replicca

This next top I really want to own.  You can find it for sale here at Replicca.  I love the color, I love the fit, but most of all I love the cowl.  Oh it looks so comfortable.

Well those are a few of the tops that are inspiring me lately.  If you are need of a bit more inspiration don't forget to check out all of the fabulous tops that are linked up in the Top-Toberfest show and tell.

Top-Toberfest Day Five: 'Bot Top

Today I'm sharing this raglan sleeve robot shirt that I made for Clark.  He loves this shirt and lovingly refers to it as his "bot".  I'm sure that it is a lot of fun to dress up little girls in ruffles and lace, but there is something about robots and dinosaurs that warms my heart. I love my little man, and am so pleased that he loves this top.

I had found a free downloadable image of a robot.  I was pretty excited and I showed it to my husband.  I was sure that he'd be pleased that I was going to make a robot related shirt for his boy, but to my surprise, he seemed less than enthused.  As it turns out he was not impressed with the image itself.  He said to me "You can do way better than that", so I set to work and sketched out this quick little robot.  I think that he's pretty cute.

I also made this little BEEP word block.  I placed it on the back of the top, and love the way it turned out.  I transferred the image to the shirt using a freezer paper stencil.  The gray paint is a mix of a white and Night Sky Pearl soft body textile paint from Tulip.  The gray paint had the slightest bit of glitter in the mix, but I think that a bit of sparkle is fitting for a robot.


I added some embroidery floss stitching around the heart, head, and the word block.  I think that it adds a bit of dimension to the top and ties in the colors of the shirt itself.

Because I ended up liking this robot so much I thought that I'd share it with you.  You can access the printable version here.  It is available for personal use only.  I hope that you enjoy it.  I have two little nephews on the way and am planning on making some little robot onesies to welcome them to the world. You could use this image for an applique or a stencil, whatever you need it for.

Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to read.  I enjoy your comments and feedback so much.

I'm partying here today.  Don't forget to link up your top related projects to the Top-toberfest show and tell.