An oh so sweet step outside my comfort zone...

I decided this year that I wanted to make my best effort to participate in some of the Project Quilting challenges.  And, while I am pretty comfortable sewing anything in the clothing/bag/accessory realm... quilts are scary.  Yes, hush all you quilters, they scare me. 

When we were little (like 7 or 8) my Great Aunt tried to get us to quilt.  My younger cousin, who is pretty flighty, had the patience to sit there and do it, I on the other hand, got bored sewing square after square, and I wouldn't pay attention and my rows would end up all wonky.  But, many (many, many) years later, I have decided that I can do this this...

I made a quilt for my older brother's wedding, and I really enjoyed it, even though I found it insanely stressful, but I need the push to force me out of my comfort zone, so Project Quilting seemed like the perfect thing.

This week, Challenge 3, the challenge was Sweet Treats and you can read all about it here.

And, remembering, I am still in my 100 items (misery) challenge, so I shopped my stash.... and with help from Inara (as always), decided on:

GUMMY BEARS!!

I wanted to make it sort of like a nerdy pixel quilt, so I pulled up Powerpoint... and here is where you get to laugh at me...  Some very nice friends said the first one "sort of" looked like an animal:

The second one apparently looked like a fire hydrant: 

And lastly, we ended with this:

And then after some discussion, Inara choose a pink gummy bear with green and blue to go with the gummy bear fabric... so I colored it in... (and she wanted to color one too... her gummy bear as a star bow.  I'm kind of impressed with her use of Powerpoint at 5!)

In retrospect, I wish I had rounded off the tops of the feet like I did the ears and maybe extended the hands and rounded those off too.... but all in all I'm really happy with it....

So then to work... Here's progress when I had a moment of "do I REALLY need to put a border on?"

It did, I found 1/2yd of an orange that matched in my stash, and pulled that out too... I had to go buy batting, which I decided isn't cheating, because I couldn't finish without it.  But I did have a decent match for the backing:

Then I got down to pin.... and realized these were the only pins I had...

Which were slightly less than fun to work with (note to self, pick up bigger pins), and then on to the quilting... My walking foot and I aren't really on good terms, so it was a little slow going for the stitch in the ditch around the bear outline and the border:

 Am I the only paranoid one who does this every little bit?

It's really silly because my machine will beep and stop when the bobbin gets low, but I was paranoid that I'd run out in the middle of a swirl or something... After the boring straight lines did the the accents to make the bear look more like a bear, and then I hemmed and hawed a bit and decided to chance it and wrote out the quilt name "Icky Sticky Yummy Gummy" (Inara chosen) in FMQ...

<<- top left

 bottom right ->>




After that, some stitch in the ditch around the gummy bear blocks and add the binding... and TA-DA!! 

I will definitely play again for the next challenge!  Stay tuned, we've got a busy week around here!

Pattern Review Soda Pop Polo

I am normally hesitant to review patterns, because, well, I'm afraid I'll leave something out, or someone else won't love what I loved ... BUT I made a new year's resolution to be better about it, so here goes!

This last week I had the joy to test for Rebecca of Candy Castle Patterns.  Joy partly because I love her patterns.  I have all of them, and they are just fun to sew, and partly because we always have the cheeriest tester groups... I had a silly streak this week and was getting good at making ppws (like a meme) to keep the levity... Here's one....

Because really, who doesn't want to look at that lovely face while taking a sewing break?  :grin:

And as always, Rebecca put out an amazing pattern.  I tested this one for both little ones, which was fun because there are so many options...
Connor got long sleeves and henley collar with a plain pocket.
Inara got short sleeves and a ruffle collar with a reverse applique star pocket.
 

There are also options for a hood, regular collar, heart shaped pocket, pocket with flap, lightning bolt and heart reverse appliques and a decorative inset.  Oh, and slim fit instructions as well.  And a lot of the accents can be done in knit or woven, making this a great knit project for people newer to knits, as the trickier bits can be done in fabric you are more comfortable with.

I also got to cut into some of my coveted custom knits that I've been snuggling and staring dreamily at on a shelf...

First let me say, and don't tell Rebecca, that I got the pattern and didn't open it for a full 24 hours, and then opened it just to print pieces.  Why you ask?  I was TERRIFIED of the placket.  I'd had some issues with a placket in the past and was stressing not making it perfectly for her...

In case the placket scares you, I will tell you now, don't stress it.  I like to do most testers twice, once I go through and work mostly off pictures, and then a second time I go through and work off words. 

So on my first go round for Inara's shirt.  and the placket came together like a dream!  I suggest getting a Sewline or Fons and Porter glue pen if you don't have one.  I love mine for things like bias tape. and small areas that are pin tricky, and it makes this placket even easier.  Whether you are a picture or word person, just take a deep breath, and go with it... you'll probably turn your head funny a couple times, but be completely amazed when you see it come together.  It looks professional and is easy to do. 

I do have one suggestion here, pick a mid or light weight knit if you use a knit - I used a mid-heavy weight poly/cotton rib knit and it made it a little tricky when it came time for the buttons, but even so, it worked out.  Also, when it says lightweight interfacing - it means it, don't grab the random medium weight you have laying around.... (she says possibly from experience).  The rest of this shirt is a 95/5 cotton-lycra that worked wonderfully for a shirt. 

In about 3 hours, this is my first finished Soda Pop Polo:

Slightly off season print, right?  Well it was a holiday custom from Shannon at Fabric Stache, and Inara is just in love with it because of the snowflakes.  I went with buttonholes on hers, because, well frankly, she picked out the buttons and begged, lol.

All practice attempts with my automatic buttonholer went sort of iffy, and in the end I decided it wasn't worth ruining the whole shirt on the last couple steps, so I did it old school. 

She totally loves it, which in our book, is a win.  And on to little man.  Can I tell you how much I love patterns that are unisex?

Connor is REALLY into pirates, so I knew exactly what fabric to use.  Thanks Serina from Bamboo, Hemp, and Reprints for the yummy print!  Connor's is also a 95/5 cotton-lycra, and I used the same ribbing for the collar and placket (glutton for punishment apparently).

So, second time through and no ruffle to gather (I LOVE gathering ruffles! -Said no seamstress ever), Connor's took a little over two hours total. 

Do you not love that little squishy face? lol   He's such a more compliant model than his sister... 
He's actually a bit of a camera hog, but shhhhh...

I used snaps on his shirt, and at this moment I wished I hadn't used the medium weight interfacing that the pattern doesn't say to use, and had instead listened and used lightweight, because I wanted to use my size 16 snaps, and they were too short :(  But he LOVES it... Ran around saying "yo-ho" all night with his pirate sword.

We decided he needed matching pants, so I whipped up a pair of Panelled Pants from Little Kiwi's Closet, which are a current household favorite of both kids (knit or woven?! yes please!).

I love when a pattern fits amazingly without me making all sorts of nips and tucks, and this polo shirt is one of those patterns.   Sleeves, collars, length, width, it all just looks so professional.  In fact, I just posted a couple of pics and already have an order for one!  And with all the different options, I can keep making them for my kids without looking like I'm doing the same thing over and over!

Here's the link to the pattern:  Soda Pop Polo
And if you check out her Facebook page : Candy Castle Patterns, I bet you'll find a coupon code for an awesome discount good till the 6th!

And because outtakes are funny... yes she is wearing a ruffle crown. 

And a parting thought, (and I'm amazed at how few people know who this is!)

Slow and Steady, right?

If you know me, you probably know patience is definitely a virtue that I just don't possess.  I do try, really, but my brain races so fast sometimes, I just want everything else to keep up!  So we are continuing on our little journey to 100 items, and I have to keep pep talking myself.  I will get there, I will get there.

I was so excited when an order of custom knits I placed in like October showed up the other day.  Fluff mail makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, lol.   AND now I have some fun knits to choose from for the testers I'm working on.   All around a win-win.

So let's hit the highlights... #22

#24 and #25 are these super cute pants from LittleKiwisCloset.... the Panelled Pants and Shorts.

I love testing for Lydia.  Her patterns are so well written, easy to follow, and she takes so much care with adjusting fit to get everything just perfect.  Basically, you can't go wrong with any of her patterns.  Connor is wearing the size 2 that I took in the elastic and shortened a little.  Inara is wearing the round one of the pants -- don't the bows just totally make the look??

 #26 is actually the shirt she is wearing above... no pattern, just two squares, shirring and a couple rolled hems.  Straps are ribbons from the same fabric line.

#27 and #28 are from another favorite pattern designer.. Candy Castle patterns... this is the Bubblegum Swing and matching doll dress for a customer order...

#29 and #30 were scarves... #32 is the Mini Garden Girl from Ellie Inspired... but #31 I want to show, because I just love love love it... it's the Mini Pixie from Ellie Inspired.

Don't mind her insane hair... my parents very graciously gave me money to go get my own doll so Inara doesn't destroy it, lol.  NO I am not too old for a doll.  I never wanted them when I was little, so why not now!

#33-#38 were birthday presents for Connor's little buddies from LiveYers/Wednesday morning McDonalds' playtime.

#39 is a Jackson Raglan that was a bit big on my little one, so I want to make him another with larger seam allowances.

#40 and #41 are worth showing off... These were also testers for Lydia from LittleKiwisCloset.  The
Stripwork Skirt, which also includes a pleated version that is on my list before I get through my 100!
The fit on these is perfect - not too short and not too long, and there is a twirly and slim fit version.  

And the last one for this week #42... when Inara picked this fabric, I cringed... I thought, we'll find a dress that I can break it up and not have it overwhelm.  Or, we'll do it in stripwork skirt.  Nope, she decided she wanted it in the Adelaide from Seamingly Smitten.

Looking at some of the listing photos, I wasn't convinced that I loved it, as it looked a bit like it might fall off, but we decided to give it a whirl.. .and you know what?  I love it!  I'm still not sold on the fabric, and I did do the hem a little differently so that the lining would peek out at the bottom, AND i want to make a sleeveless one that's reversible still, but the fit was nice and she calls it her "dreamy dress."

Slightly bright? lol.  Sometimes I look at her fabric choices and say "are you sure??"  The response I usually get is "mom, just trust me."  Seems to work out okay most of the time! 

Well, we're almost halfway there, right?  And its February :/  At this rate I'll be able to by fabric for Easter!!  I can do this!!!   Besides, I have some awesome friends, like my friend Kim, who sent me fabric mail this week, that included all sorts of fun stuff... fabric and FOE, and buttons, and needles ANNNDDD... these!!

Awesome right???  Thanks Kim!! You're keeping me motivated!!

#16-#25 ... soooo far away

Seriously, how do  I get so far behind?  I need to make myself a BLOG NOW day lol.  So I have been successfully chugging along at my 100 items and I wanted to update you.  I won't drown you in pictures though, so I will tackle a few a time this week!

#20

  On tap right now... #16 - #21 !

#16

#17

#18

#19

#16 and #19 are variations on that head scarf from the first 15.  Both are done in one piece instead of a back tie, and #19 is a knit.
#17 is another variation on the Baby doll toys from the first 15 as well.  Connor really loves Despicable Me, so he was so excited to get his own Purple Minion. 
#18 Don't laugh... its 10yds of homemade bias tape -- don't judge - that stuff takes FOREVER
#20 I needed a new key fob, and I have all this Dr. Who ribbon sitting around, so it was time to break it out.

ANDDDDD The highlight of this post... #21....

 Recognize the Candy Castle Patterns Peppermint Swirl Dress?  Well we all know how awesome the twirl is, and how much Inara loves her other one, so when Rebecca said "tester call for sleeve add on!" I jumped.  I did the short sleeves with elastic at the bottom option... Here's a close up..

Inara picked her own fabrics for this one, and I was so proud watching her studiously switch fabrics in and out and lay them out in the order she wanted them in.

Since she's weirdly sensitive with clothes, I've been doing linings in soft knits lately, and I did the same with this one.  I used a super light, slinky knit that was like $2/yd at Walmart, and works awesome to line things. 

The sleeve elastic is perfect too - fitted, but not tight and doesn't bother her at all.  Another win from Candy Castle, in my opinion.  The add on has a variety of sleeves included and works on both the Princess and the Peppermint Swirl.  Maybe I can get myself caught up enough soon to do another Princess dress.

 You know it's a win when she is a cooperative model (and rockin her heels)

#22 - #25 are testers that haven't been released yet, so we will skip them for now, and pick up with #26 when I chat with ya'll next!

85 left... and Dolls Dolls Dolls!!!

Well one week into the new year, and I have finished 15 items... the upside is that there are only 85 more to go until I can shop again, the downside is that I STILL have 85 more to go until I can shop again.

#7

So I wanted to keep you all posted with a quick update and some awesome news ... here are items #5 thru #15

#5

#6

#8

#9

#10

#11

#12

#13

#14

#15

#5 Playhouse Dress from Fishsticks Designs
#6 Mini Butterfly from Ellie Inspired
#7 No Pattern - nightgown and head scarf
#8 Monsterbunz from Opulent Monsters  Basics in Fleece (Ignore the TERRIBLE print placement ...sigh)
#9 Monsterbunz from Opulent Monsters - size small for a customer - so tiny <3
#10Monsterbunz from Opulent Monsters
#11Connor modeling my new headscarf .... how throwback is this thing?  I LOVE IT 
#12 Satin hair cap... who knows ... I was just trying new patterns...
#13 Baby Minions!! Adapted from free tutorial from My Funny Buddy
#14 Mini Sandpiper from Ellie Inspired
#15 Mini Swimsuit from Ellie Inspired

So I am totally loving the Ellie Inspired doll patterns, and I totally jumped on her sale to pick them up before they were no longer available as stand alone patterns. 

Now, I decided to add a couple of constraints to myself for this as well...
1.  I will purchase NO MORE THAN three patterns between NOW and when I reach 100 items
2. Only items made from stash fabric will count, once made from custom bought fabric, don't go on the tally.
3. I am capping my "notions" purchasing at $25 until I reach my 100 items as well...

Today I spent $0.40 on needles, $0.50 on zippers, and $0.75 on doll joints, so I have  $23.35 left...

I also want to participate in Project Quilting this season, so lets hope I can pick up a new rotary blade and some velcro and stay within my budget, lol.

<accepting all quilt shop and fabric store gift cards>  <looks pathetic> Seriously, I am going through withdrawl, how silly is that??

OKAY, so my AWESOME announcement before I head to bed... I've been totally loving these doll patterns, and I have 3 more cut out on the table ready to go, and I posted them on the Ellie Inspired Facebook Group and my friend +Kimberly Odell  likes to talk me up (she seems to think I'm cooler than I am, shhhhh don't tell her the truth).... the end result is I just signed a mini contract with Ellie Inspired to work with them to sew doll dress samples!! She'll take all the awesome pro photos and tag my little shop (shameless plug:  Mermaids n Mudpuddles) and direct people to me who want to buy her gorgeous patterns sewn up!  So be on the look out! I will be adding custom doll dresses to my shop!!  (Many of which have matching girl outfits!!!)

Thanks for sticking with me for this journey and hopefully there is much more to come!!

Miley and Stashes... (random right?)

Happy New Year!  Both littles actually made it up till midnight, and though I was very excited to see the Times Square show and ball drop, Inara was just mostly confused.  Her primary Concern was that Miley Cyrus was not in a "bathing suit" as usual.  Which kind of cracks me up, because she was very upset that she had pants and a coat on, and I realized that she really did think that all her weird half-naked outfits were just fun bathing suits.    Say what you will about Miley, but she sure soothes and calms an overly tired toddler (oh my gosh -- :( he really isn't a baby anymore)

After the Miley Cyrus concern, Inara's next point of concern was WHY they were dropping a ball in New York City, and what that had to do with it being a new year, and what impact that actually had on her.  Obviously I had no good answers to this barrage of questions, but I'm finding lately that I rarely do have answers that satisfy her.  Today, I completely ruined coloring time... MOM YOU RUINED EVERYTHING!!!  What I did was color Ariel's necklace pink, and that was wrong of me, BECAUSE the only thing I was supposed to be doing was coloring the background of the picture blue....

Anyways.... so new year, new projects.  I'm really excited to start working on orders again, in fact... here's the fabric for my first dress order of the new year...

BUT I'm also super excited about this group one of my Facebook friend's invited me to.  It's called Creating 100 items or more and the concept is as follows... from the point that you start... (for me that was yesterday), you are not allowed to buy new fabric/or whatever craft medium you work in (unless for custom orders) until you complete 100 items.  This does not include finishing items (buttons, zippers, etc) AND finishing of UFOs is encouraged.  Daunting right?  Maybe one little stash shot will show you why I really need to do this...

The really messy shelf is Inara's stash lol

So I'm  really excited, and I'd love for any of you who have a stash to work through would come join too and post your progress!  The group of women so far is diverse in what they sew and tons of fun to hang out with... there are also random tutorials posted by various members as we find cool things to use up scraps and other things for. 

So I will keep you all posted on my progress too... AND to get things started... here are my first 4 items!

#1 Monsterbunz basics (Opulent Monsters)

#2 PJs Mini Snug as a Bug PJs (Ellie Inspired)

#3 Infinity scarf Order

#4 Infinity Scarf Order

I'm way behind some of these wonderful women, but I'll keep going, and I am determined to see this through!  Wish me luck!  And Happy New Year to you all!