making clothes

A few weeks ago I wrote about making a tunic style top and while I did end up finishing it that weekend, I was not completely happy with the finished product.  As I wore it around the house, I kept imagining myself with a light saber, like Luke Skywalker - definitely not what I was going for!  Anyway, here's the shirt,

and here's Luke Skywalker.

But after getting some suggestions from my brother's girlfriend (thanks Meg!), and doing some reading about sewing clothes, I'm ready to try again.  I'm thinking 3/4 length sleeves, taking in the sides, and maybe adding ruffles to the neck/collar. 

Kids clothes are SO much easier, especially when my kids are to young to be picky!  Here are some recent items for Ella and Brice.  

i think this cost under $4 to make - and I have left over corduroy, perhaps for a headband



game day corduroy pants - i have decided to make all Brice's pants - his belly just doesn't fit in the store bought ones!

oh the "thinks"

Sometimes I just look and think about the possibilities

There are so many, but how can I be sure I have the perfect idea?  Then I start to feel like I belong in this book...

Thinking and thinking, and going around and around in circles.  Never making a decision.  So I started to cut,

and then piece.

At least I did something with it right?

little things

I've been working on some little projects lately.  First up are these two little embroidered houses, inspired by the tutorial and designs from this lovely blog. 

my 1st try

2nd one - a little wedding gift for my sister and her new husband (they are cyclists)

Also, last week I checked out a Cincinnati Modern Quilt Guild meeting and participated in a potholder swap.  Here's what I brought...

the center square is from my Nana's Marimekko collection - my 1st time quilting on my own machine!  (all by myself! without my Mom!) 

And this is what I got...(aren't the scooters cute? I love how she framed one on the front.)

But today I need to get back to reality.  Piano lessons are starting and t-shirt quilts need to be made...

all so I can get paid!!! 

 

"Hi'ya Butch"

On Tuesday morning this week, we heard the sad news that Brent's grandfather had passed away.  Ralph was a wonderful, kind man who will be fondly remembered.  As we drove home from the funeral today, Brent and I were talking about how we'll miss his trademark greeting - every time Brent walked in their door, he was greeted with a hug and a "Hi'ya Butch".  He will be missed. 

I have found that while funerals can be filled with emotion and sadness, they can also provide new, happy memories.  Like our little family of four sleeping in the same room, and by 5 am all of us ending up in the same little bed.  Or playing with new puppies

Ella and her pal Layla

And projects that can be enjoyed in the car

Good finds

After a great weekend spent with family and friends, we made a trip to the local Vintage and Thrift Market and Goodwill.  My great finds...

The wooden spoons and yellow bowls are from Loveland's Vintage and Thrift Market.  The shop is fantastic!  Stop by if you haven't yet.  They are at the corner of Loveland Maderia and Loveland Ave and proceeds go to autism research.  The rest is from Loveland's Goodwill, which recently underwent a renovation and has improved greatly. 

The "Angel Baby" stool has already been recovered and claimed by Ella - everything she did today involved the stool.  She sat on it and played legos, watch Dora on it, "shared" it with her brother and made a fort with it.  All for $3! 

before...

                                         

and after!

Thank you to my wonderful husband Brent for making the shelf and back last weekend!  (Now I just need to decide what to do with the shelf.  Should I paint it, or line it with wallpaper or with fabric?  Any ideas?)

updated t-shirts

Here are two shirts I wore post pregnancy.... 

I took in the sides, and with the scraps I dressed them up!