Madison is 2 Months Old

It's been a while since I blogged - a lot going on, but I'm still sewing and should have some things up soon. In the meantime, enjoy this video of my adorable granddaughter.

Sewing Pattern for Girls Top Update

I am still working on the girl's top but have made some significant changes.
I am not using the aqua and white fabric after all. I have switched over to an adorable floral print and want to bring in some contrast fabric for the sleeves and maybe as an insert in the middle, similar to the original drawing, but no drawstring.
Check back for the finished top. I have also decided to add shorts and make this a set. Hopefully, I'll have it finished tonight and will have pictures up shortly.

To see the progress from the beginning, click here.

Fabric for Girls Top, Part 3

Here's the fabric for the top I am making.
This photo shows how the red rickrack will look against the aqua/white fabric.

Part 1 here
Part 2 here

Making a Pattern, Part 2

I have revised my plan for this top.
Instead of the insert, I want to add a border/flounce with some white eyelet. I'm keeping the longer length.
I have some beautiful aqua and white cotton fabric and I cannot get enough of the red/aqua color combo, so I think I will use some red rickrack for accent to bring in more red. The black squiggly lines you see in the drawing are supposed to be rickrack.
Coming next: cutting out the pattern

See Part 1 here.

Pattern Design for Girl's Top

Here's one example of how my design process starts. With a drawing like this.

I liked the blue top I made for this outfit so, using the same basic pattern, I want to make this top longer with an insert. I'm thinking about using either some kind of lace or decorative thing or maybe a contrast fabric.
My plan is to make some capri pants to go along and I'm thinking of using a ruffle at the hem, so it may be the same fabric on the ruffle and the insert. Check back to see how this project is coming along.

Soda Can Pop Top Belt

I know I like to recycle but this soda-pop-top belt takes recycling to a whole new level.

Curious Girl was inspired by an article in Budget Living Magazine, which is now out of print.
She used over 100 pop tops.

Very clever.

Curious Girl
Complete instructions on how she made it here.

Baby Girl's Dress

I have just finished sewing this dress for Madison. I found the fabric a while back. I've been saving it for something and this summery sweet dress was just the thing.

I love the tiny floral print in pink and blue and, because the dress is fully lined, it hangs beautifully.

I handmade the 3 ruffles across the bodice along with the fabric bow. Sleeveless, zipper back with hook and eye.
I put in an extra-long hem to allow for growing.
So sweet!

7/25/08 Edit: I used this same fabric to make this cute little top and this one.

Embroidered Tea Towel Tour

I found this on Sublime Stitching's blog.

A tea towel was sent out, chain-letter style, to 12 stitchers to add their embroidery.

I just love things like this.