Something Sew Special

200 Facebook Fans Giveaway!!

2011-03-04T08:29:00.005-05:00

ETA- The winner of the give Away was Erica Rollins! Thanks Erica!

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We finally reached 200 fans/likes on Facebook. As promised, I will be giving away the winners choice of:

* 1 free standard bib sz M or sz L (XL not included)

* 1 free bandanna bib

* 1 free set of 6 g-tube pads

I believe I have read that Facebook doesn't allow these type of "contests" on their site, so I will hold it here. Simply leave a comment on this post here on the blog. Feel free to post whatever you want.... anything from "I want a free bib" to your/your child's story... just please no spam. Any spam postings will be deleted. US shipping only

This will close tomorrow midnight... Saturday, March 5th. Winner will be chosen randomly on Sunday, March 6th. Winner will be posted here on the blog and on Facebook. But you MUST leave me a way to contact you. You must leave your name. You can leave your email address here or let me know that you are also on Facebook.

NEW: sz XL bib for adults

2011-03-04T08:23:00.002-05:00

I finally got the pattern for these drawn up and a few sewn. These are now available at the store. Size XL bibs for adults. Same great quality (if I do say so myself! LOL) as the children's bib, just in an XL size! 18" wide and 20" from chin to bottom.

Size comparison:

More Stash Game Sewing

2011-03-03T08:16:00.000-05:00

I didn't get as much sewn as I would have liked. I did sew A LOT, but it was all "work" sewing, though I do get Stash Game points for it... I just won't bore everyone with the pics LOL! Here is the more interesting sewing:

A new purse for Megan:

A couple baby sets for a gift:

A Valentine outfit for Katie:

The jeans are Farbenmix Dortjehe hearts were from a set of twill dish towels from Target!!

Shirt is Farbenmix Antonia:

Stash Game Week 1

2011-02-08T20:25:00.002-05:00

For week 1 of Spring 2011 Stash Game I sewed tons of bibs and g-tube pads. A purse, pj bottoms for Jake, and an iPad carry bag for Katie. 169 points.

How to sew a zipper tab on a sleeper

2011-02-05T12:03:00.004-05:00

My kids will get into their diapers, so we keep them in sleepers. A problem we have had with my daughter is that she has enough fine motor skills to unzip, which has lead to a few (messy) problems. So I sewed zipper tabs on all of her sleepers. The first few I sewed a little too big and she could still get her hand under the zipper. We still use these, but I use a safety pin across the zipper, hidden under the tab. The tab covers the zipper so that she doesn't chew on it.

So here is what I did.

#1- Get a sleeper.

#2- Using scraps of fleece and iron on stabilizer, cut out 2 rectangles about 2" x 3" and 1 rectangle of the stabilizer. Round off the edges of one end of each rectangle.

#3- Iron on the stabilizer to one of the fleece pieces (iron to the wrong side). Sew the 2 fleece pieces together. *I* sewed 2 long edges and the curve, right sides together using 3/8" seam allowance, and then turned right side out and zig zagged the opened end.

*You could place wrong sides together and just zig zag or serge around all edges, depends on how you want it to look.

#4- place the tab on the sleeper at the top of the zipper and decide where it needs to be placed. preferably covering th top of the zipper, some of mine I placed a little low and the top of the zipper sometimes pokes up into my daughters chin. She doesn't really care, but you know... it's a mom thing :-)

Fold under the short straight end. Pin into place. Stitch down the edge of the folded side. I stitched 2 parallel vertical lines, at the left most edge, stitching thru all the folded fabric.

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#5- After you have your tab sewed on, fold it down into place. Visualize where your snap should be placed (1/2-3/4" from the curved edge) push a pin through the tab and sleeper front. Using a marking pen or chalk, mark where the pin is going into the tab.

Then gently lift the tab a little so you can see there the pin is going into the sleeper front. Mark that spot with your pen.

Carefully unzip the sleeper, leaving the pin stuck through the fabric and mark where the pin is coming through on the back side of the sleeper front.

#6- Remove pin and unzip zipper. Iron on a 3" square piece of iron on stabilizer to the wrong side of the front of the sleeper where you have made your mark.

#7- I have a snap press and can use plastic snaps, if you don't have a press, you can get a snap setter and metal snaps fairly cheap at fabric/craft store and websites. Apply a stud (male) snap to the sleeper front. Apply a socket (female) snap to the tab.

New Fabrics

2010-12-31T14:33:00.015-05:00

I got a TON of new fabrics in the last couple months. Take a look and see if any catch your eye!

www.something-sew-special.com

Ottobre Hoodie for Katie

2010-10-16T18:42:00.003-04:00

This is called the Star Hoodie from Ottobre. I don't love it. First off, it's not pink or purple. LOL Secondly, I don't love sewing with velour. And third, I just don't love how the cross front lays. I think I may sew it shut and remove the tab. But it's wearable and is "OK" I guess.

Don't ask why I took so many pictures of something I don't even like!! LOL

OAWC and crock pot liners... woo-hoo!!

2010-10-15T14:23:00.003-04:00

I just found out about these. WOW! Who knew? Crockpot condoms?!?!? LOL

They are Reynolds SlowCooker Liners and I paid $1.87 at Walmart for 4 bags per box.

This week I started doing once a week cooking ( oawc ) or some people do OAMC (once a month cooking) but that's a bit much for me! I did 3 meals with ground beef and 2 meals with pork roast. Surprisingly, it only took 1.5 hours including clean up! The husband is bringing me home chicken which I will do 3 meals with tomorrow.

Here's hoping it'll taste ok!! LOL

Jeans, shirt, & hoodie for Katie

2010-10-14T11:43:00.003-04:00

She loved the hoodie... until I put it on her head! LOL She (both kids do actually) has sensory issues with her head and hair. It's an Ottobre pattern, as is the purple/ floral cross front shirt, which I love BTW! It's made from a baby blanket from Target that I got on clearance.

She really was not in the mood to model for me with these jeans. They are Farbenmix Dortje, of course. I have finally figured out what bugs me about this pattern. I love the fit but it doesn't have the panels above the back pockets. I will need to add that next time. I think they totally make a pair of jeans! I purposely leave them off of Jake because he's a wheelchair sitter and doesn't need the extra bulk back there, or the design since no one will see it. But Katie walks. The heart shirt modeled with the jeans are from a previous post. :-)

Last pair of jeans for Jake this year

2010-10-12T08:19:00.005-04:00

I sewed these jeans for Jake a couple weeks ago. Somehow they were too short. If he were able to stand they would have been fine, but because he sits in his wheelchair all day, and because we tend to hike his pants up in the back to cover his diaper (yes I do sew them taller in the back to cover the diaper, but it's difficult getting him in the chair by myself so the pants aren't always positioned just right) anyway, somehow when we put him in the chair they were too short, so I ripped open the hems and added an extra 5 or 6 inch panel at the cuffs. I had run out of the denim I had used, so it doesn't exactly match LOL, but it doesn't look bad. They are adapted from an Ottobre elastic waist jeans pattern, adapted with a yoga waistband and higher rear rise for diaper coverage and wheelchair sitter.

I keep planning on doing a tutorial on raising the rear rise to cover a diaper, but I always forget! And these are the last pair that I will be sewing for Jake till next year (hopefully LOL) I promise to try and put up a tutorial for that... sometime... LOL

Oh and forgot these! These were part of Jake's back to school. Again, all adapted from Ottobre. THIS is why I won't need to sew any for a while!

Bib GiveAway!!!

2010-09-24T15:50:00.007-04:00

Summer is FINALLY over and I have the kids back in school! I've had the store re-opened now for a few weeks and am actually caught up on all the back to school orders. I've decided to do another drawing for a free bib (except SpecialTee). Any size or style. Your choice fabric.

The only rule is, you must have a US address. Simply reply with a comment to this post and you're entered! If you link to this post on your blog, website, or other site (where I would be able to see it ie- not a private forum) you will get another entry in the drawing. Just post the link for me to see. Get your friends to enter and if they say that you referred them, you get ANOTHER entry.

Drawing will be held Sunday evening, Sept 26th. Be sure to leave an email address or some way to contact you if you are the winner!!

www.Something-Sew-Special.com

Back To School Sewing 2010

2010-09-11T21:37:00.001-04:00

I've finished the majority of our back to school wardrobe. Jake needs 2 more pair of jeans and Katie needs 1 more and maybe some hoodies, but those can wait.

First up is 3 pair of Ottobre jeans for Jake. One pair I did regular with a zipper. This was my first jeans zipper. Totally not worth the effort! It came out great but it took me forever to figure it out. I only did it cause I thought it would make it easier to get his pants up because all of his old elastic waist ones from last year, I just couldn't get over his hips, therefore I thought the opened up zipper would be easier. But what I found was that the old ones were so hard to pull up because well.... he grew... 3 sizes, and they were just way too small! LOL So the new ones I made actually fit and go up over his hips just fine. So we'll stick with those!

Katie's wardrobe is a bit more fun!

This top is Farbenmix Antonia and the jeans are Farbenmx Kim

This shirt is Farbenmix Antonia or Quiara, I forget and the jeans are Farbenmix Dortje which I embroidered freehand:

Next, this shirt is from Ottobre and the jeans are Farbenmix Dortje again, just plain.

This pink striped shirt is from Ottobre and I know it looks bad. It wasn't completely dry and the flash accentuated the wet spots. I was impatient! LOL

This shirt is Farbenmix Antonia, just made really plainly:

And this shirt is Ottobre Orvokki:

These shorts started out as Ottobre "Pants with Frills". I cut out the uppers but when it came time to cut out the "frills" I just couldn't do it. It was just too FROO FROO. SO I hemmed them into shorts and added the pocket from Ottobre Sailor Pants.

PJs for Jake

2010-07-25T17:21:00.002-04:00

I FINALLY got Jake's pajamas finished up! WOO HOO!!! They took me forever! I used Ottobre patterns to start for both top and bottom, and altered. The top is Otto basic tee pattern (Creative Workshop?) that I altered into a onesie (instructions here). The first one, I cut the neck hole too small as you can see it's kinda tight on him, but corrected the rest of them. And the bottoms are Otto 6/2009 and I added french terry knee patches, raised the rear seat to accommodate his diaper height, and I also added buttonhole elastic.

iPad Cover Tutorial

2010-07-11T08:12:00.003-04:00

We got Katie's iPad last week, YAY! I bought a pretty sleeve to put it in from Target. (I LOVE IT!) I had planned on cutting out an area for the screen. But I was scared to death that I was going to mess it up. It wasn't cheap, like $26. So I chickened out. And I'm really glad I did! I ended up using some neoprene left over from when I made her a pressure vest last year. Yes I really wanted to use some pretty fabric but that would have meant using batting, not neoprene, and it needs the protection of the neoprene.

Anyway. Sewing neoprene is a PITA, or so I thought. I have a Brother SE-270 sewing machine. I've had 3 total, because they've all sucked and had to be replaced (with the same machine) I hate it and will definitely not buy another one. I have friends who love theirs, but I don't! Neither of my 3 have been able to sew a zig zag stitch (which is what you need when sewing neoprene). A zig zag should look like this: ^^^^^^^^^ and what my machine does is this: ^^^---^-^^^^^--- , misses/skips the stitches. It's maddening. I ended up pulling my grandma's old machine she gave me years ago out and used that. Man did it sew like butter!! It's a vey basic and simple machine (v/s the computerized one I use with it's dozens of stitches) Grandma's has straight stitch and zigzag. But oh what glorious zigzagging it did!!! It's been 15 years or more since she gave me that machine. When I pulled it out of the case, it smelled of her. It hit me hard and yes I admit I cried sitting there sewing! I miss her so much......

So what should have taken 15 minutes look 4-5 hours! Sew, rip apart, resew, rip apart, etc. ARGH. Back to the not using the pretty sleeve. Once I got the black one sewn, I put the iPad in and the window gaped open. It didn't fit snuggley. The pull of the sides opened up and gaped the window. The iPad could have fallen out possibly and it was ugly. If I had just cut the window out of the pretty one as I planned, it would have done the same and I would have ended up having to take that apart and sew from scratch. As it is now, The black on the iPad provides less visual distraction than the colors would have, and now I can still use the pretty one to put the black one in for extra protection in her bookbag because with the window cut out of the black one, there is risk there.

So in order to fix the gaping window, I had to use clear vinyl to stabilize it. No I don't like the vinyl on it, but it works. It looks all bubbly on the screen. It also makes it hard to get the iPad in and out (have to use a sheet of paper on top of the screen so it doesn't stick to the vinyl, and remove it once the iPad is in. The iPad works with the vinyl on the screen, except for the screen rotation for some reason. So I just have to make sure I have the screen the direction I want it before I put it in.

The neoprene on the back is loop neoprene, as in hook and loop like velcro. So we can put a strip of hook (hard) velcro on a table or a vertical board, and stick the iPad/sleeve to it, and Katie can't knock it off accidentally. I added loops to the top so we can connect it to her walker or wheelchair as well.

BTW- the pucker at the bottom is not a mistake. It's a cut out for the speaker.

SO while this may not be the most beautiful or professional looking thing (no, I won't be sewing or selling these). It'll get the job done. And it cost me $0 (except for the pretty cover, but I'm talking about the sewing part). I had all the materials already here. The only thing I need to buy now is some kind of latch hooks to go on the walker so we can hang the iPad from it properly.

A Quick Tute on how to make an iPad cover like this:

You will need neoprene, which is expensive, but you may be able to find some on ebay or at a thrift store in the form of an old wet suit. I had some already that I order from Rockywoods when I sewed Katie a pressure vest. You only need a couple of small scraps, a little bigger than your iPad.

1-Place your iPad on your neoprene (I used regular neoprene for the front, and loop neoprene for the back so that it can velcro on to a table).

2-Use a piece of sewing/tracing chalk (this is a thin chalk stick), trace around your iPad.

3-Place your iPad on the other piece of neoprene and trace again.

4-Now you want to add 2.5 inches (or so) to one long end, on both pieces of neoprene. And round the 2 edges of 1 short side. This will be your bottom.

5-Cut out both pieces. You now have 2 rectangles, a bit taller than your iPad.

6-Now you need to cut your window out of the regular piece of neoprene. Measure how far from the edges of the iPad the screen starts and transfer this to the neoprene. Do all 4 edges.

7-Using a straight edge clear ruler draw the lines with your chalk to form a rectangle within the rectangle of neoprene.

8-Cut out inner rectangle. You can make your entry cut right in the center because you will be throwing the center away. Remember not to cut the outer rectangle, this will look like a frame.

9- Using a clear vinyl (thin vinyl) cut out a rectangle to fit the cut out are plus around a 1/2 inch on each side.

10-Using glue stick, coat the inner edges of the neoprene frame and place on vinyl, gluing them together. Let dry.

11-Use a long straight stitch and sew around the inner edge, with the vinyl touching the sewing machine and neoprene on top. You will need to place some tear away stabilizer underneath, as the vinyl is going to stick to your machine and not feed thru properly.

12-Take your 2 pieces of neoprene, front and back, and lay side by side with long sides touching, right sides both facing up. You will need that stabilizer again, not to sew, do not put it under your stitching. It is only to go under the vinyl to help facilitate it moving thru the feed dogs.

13- Now with your 2 pieces of neoprene side by side and even edges at the top, use the widest setting on zig zag and either the longest length or next to longest. You don't want your stitches so close together because it will perforate the neoprene. IF YOU WANT THE SPEAKER AREA CUT OUT- mark where it should go on the neoprene before this step.

14- Now start zig zagging carefully. Keeping the 2 pieces butted up close together and keeping the seam directly in the middle of the presser foot. Your presser foot should have a midline marking or cut out. Go slow and careful. Be sure to tack/anchor your first stitches well.

15- Now zig zag all the way around to the opposite side. This will be tricky, so slow. When you get to those rounded corners you will have to go very slow and pull on the neoprene to get the rounder corners to butt up. You will have to let the neoprene turn and fold and stick up behind the needle area... however it needs to so that you can keep those edges together.

16-If you wanted the speaker cut out, you will need to stop at your cut out marking, then restart at the second marking, and continue all around, and be sure to tack/anchor well at the end.

17-Next, use 1" FOE, Fold Over Elastic, and using a zig zag stitch, trim out the top of your bag. I didn't stretch it when I sewed. I didn't want it to pull the top in at all. It is only for decoration, but needs to be able to stretch open to get the iPad in.

18-Sew in 1" Velcro at the top on both insides, just under your FOE. Cut your loop Velcro longer than your hook and be sure they line up well. You don't want the hook velcro snagging up the inside of your pouch.

19-If you want the straps, use belt webbing and D rings. Sew one end of your strap to the inside front left, put a D ring onto the strap, and the other end onto the inside back. Repeat for other side. Remember to cut the straps long enough to be able to pull out of the way in order to get your iPad in and out. If they are too short they will be in the way.

20-Pull the D ring all the way to the top of the strap and sew close to the ring in order to secure ring in place.

21- Place iPad in pouch, and enjoy!

Sleepers for Katie

2010-07-09T20:29:00.002-04:00

Katie has to have sleepers on to keep her hands out of her diapers. Fleece sleepers are easy enough to find in all sizes in the winter, but it's too hot here in the summer for fleece. So I cut one apart and sewed new ones in knit.

Sew a Big Kid Onesie / Bodyshirt

2010-06-22T07:02:00.001-04:00

(If you didn't know :-) Both of my younger children have profound disabilities. They will both always be in diapers and they both will dig in their diapers. Therefore, they both must wear a onesie. There are special needs clothing websites that you can order from, and before I started sewing, I did order from them, then I realized that they are really not that difficult to sew. There are no commercially available patterns for a onesie style bodyshirt once you get above about a size 3T or 4T (that I am aware of), so I just sort of winged it.

I'll walk you through the steps, but do keep in mind that you should alter my calculations to fit YOUR child. I like my kids bodyshirts to have A LOT of room for growth because, well, frankly, I would much rather be sewing something other than onesies :-). If you prefer a snug fitting crotch area, try taking off some of the length of the back crotch extension (take off no more than 1/2 inch at the time or you will wind up too short!!)

**Ok... the first thing you will need to do is start with a standard tshirt pattern. My favorite pattern company is Ottobre (a Euro pattern company), but I know many home sewists use one of the big 3 or 4. (McCall's, Butterick, Simplicity, but I think of all the readily available US patterns, Kwik Sew is the best, I really can't suggest a specific pattern)

**Next, you will need something to trace your pattern on. Many sewists may use carbon paper and the little wheel thingy to copy the pattern onto the fabic... not this time! LOL Get yourself something called Pattern Ease (or Easy Pattern). They changed the name and I'm not sure what it is. Anyhoo- it is available at Joann's. Alternately, you can use Swedish Tracing Paper, doctor's office tissue paper, etc.. something that you can see the lines of the pattern through).

Leave off the hem on the bottom of the pattern piece. Typically that is going to be 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch of the length on the bottom edge of the pattern piece. (In other words, if on your pattern piece for both the front and back pieces there are 2 lines on the bottom, one for where to cut the fabric and one for where the hem is to be turned under, you want to only trace the upper most hem line. Let that be the bottom of your pattern piece.) If you find that it is still a little too long for your liking, you can try tracing the hem of the next smaller size. (ie- trace out a size 12 shirt, but when you get to the bottom/hem area, trace the hem of the sz 10)

**Now you need to measure your child. Use a tape measure and with your child laying on the their back, place the end on your child's shoulder. On the flat part of their shoulder, in the middle. Measure down to the middle of their crotch (on a diagonal).

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#1-Trace your (store bought) pattern just as you would if you were going to do the tshirt.

#2- Now place your tracing of the front piece on the edge of your tracing paper (tape it in place)

#3- Use your tape measure, place the end on the shoulder area (just as you did on your child) and measure on the diagonal to the edge of the paper. You want the number of inches that you just measured on your child (this shirt is for my son. He measures 28" on the front). Mark your paper.

#4-How wide do you need the crotch? Measure across the crotch. For my son (size 14, I use 4.5", and for my daughter, sz 4, I use 3.5") Now take 1/2 of that measurement. That is how wide you need to draw the width of the crotch. (so for my son, with a 4.5 wide crotch piece, I will measure out 2.25" for the width on the pattern piece)

#5-Now just draw a curved line to connect the shirt hem to the crotch line. It doesn't have to be perfect or pretty! Just sketch it out lightly until it looks right to you.

#6- Now add two 1" sections to the bottom (as seen in red) for a total of 2 inches. (These 2 " will be folded up and add stability for your snaps)

Now for the back piece..........

#7- Take your pattern piece for the back of your shirt and place on the straight edge of the tracing paper and tape.

#8- Now take the torso measurement from the front and add ease to it. Here is "my" chart... right or wrong... this is the numbers I use. Feel free to adjust to your needs.
sz 4-5= add 5"
sz 6-7= add 5"
sz 8-9= add 5" to 6"
sz 10-12= add 6"
sz 12-14= add 6"

**** Depending on where you would like your snaps, there is an alternative method. If you want the snaps further down between the legs (ie- my son has been undoing his lately, so I now place the snaps a bit further between the crotch v/s sitting at-in front of the crotch) So what I now do is take the above numbers, divide by 2 and add that number on to both the front and back length. So instead of adding 6" onto the back length. I now add 3" on front and 3" onto the back lengths.

#9- Using your tape measure, place one end at the shoulder, just as you did for the front piece. Measure diagonally the length that you get when you add your torso measurement + ease. For my son, a sz 14 with a 28" torso, I get......... 28" + 5"= 33" back length (I should have used 6"). Mark that measurement on your paper.

10-Make the crotch width the same as you did for the front.

11- Now you will want to connect the hem of the shirt to the crotch width area. You can see that for the front, I curved the line inward (concave) but now for the back, you'll want to curve it outward (convex) to cover their bottom.

12- About 3/4 of the way to the bottom is where you want to bring the rounded out bottom toward the crotch and make the rest of it the same width as the crotch piece. I know it sounds confusing, but just try to copy what I have done in the pic LOL! Again, it doesn't have to be perfect or beautiful! It'll come with experience.

13- Add two 1" sections to the bottom of the crotch area (total of 2" long by crotch width wide) as seen in red. These will be folded under and will help support your snaps.

14- You don't need to alter your sleeve pattern piece at all. Seen here is a long sleeve pattern piece, but I made it short sleeves for the summer.

15- Now trace out garment onto fabric, adding seam allowance if needed.

16-Sew garment together just as you would a tshirt, except for the hem, of course.

17- I finish my onesies with ribbing at the legs. You could also fold under the edges and coverstitch, or serge/jig jag and fold under and topstitch. I use ribbing because we were always popping the stitches of the turned under hems.

18- After you finish the legs (either ribbing or hem), fold under one 1" section of the front piece crotch (shown in red). Press. (I also use glue stick, works wonderfully!!) Fold under again to the next (red) line. Press and pin.

19- Using a straight stitch, sew across the top and bottom of this 1' area.

20- Repeat step 18 & 19 to the back shirt piece.

21- Apply snap tape to the "right" side/ top of the front crotch piece.

22- Apply opposite side of snap tape to the "wrong" side of the back crotch piece.

In this shirt below, I did not use snap tape. I used resin snaps. I usually use snap tape and just wanted to give this a try. FYI- before I folded under the 1" crotch sections, I put some twill in there to help support the resin snaps so they wouldn't pull though.

Medical Info Holder

2010-06-15T08:47:00.001-04:00

I just got this sewed up for Katie. I need to do one for Jake. I think it came out ok. Not the best, but then again, I just winged the pattern. I went into my sewing room with the intention of sewing Katie some sleepers, and somehow ended up with this! LOL Anyway. The Medical symbol is embroidered (emb from www.emblibrary.com) though I can't seem to find it up there anymore.

I'll put Katie's picture in the sleeve along with all of her medical information including emergency contact info, her dx such as cerebral palsy, seizures, nonverbal, etc and medications, and a copy of her insurance card. But will also list her ABILITIES. Such as, uses some picture communication and sign. And also things that someone would need to know if I am unable to be there. Such as: what they will eat (hotdogs and pizza is about it LOL), puts hands in diapers, will fall out of a bed, needs an enclosed bed or permanent supervision, drinks Boost from a baby bottle 3-4 x per day. Jake will be much the same, except he doesn't use sign, or pictures very well for that matter, and of course, I will put that he BITES when mad or hurt.

Katie Kangaroo

2010-04-18T08:28:00.000-04:00

I've had the pant and dress finished for a while now, just waiting to find time to do the shirt. But I finally got it done yesterday. In Katie's preK class, they use symbols to represent their names, such as Isabella, her's may be a picture of an igloo. Well Katie's is a picture if a kangaroo. The kids may not be able to read each other's names, but they can identify a picture.

Anyway. I found this kangaroo fabric a while back and had to have it! This is what I came up with. The jeans are Otto 3/2005 #15 and the shirt is 1/2007 #18. The dress is Kwik Sew 3673 shortened into a pinafore.

The SpecialTee Bib

2010-03-25T08:28:00.002-04:00

I think I finally have this pattern like I want it. I sewed this up yesterday and will be making a few for the store in the coming weeks... hopefully! It's a tshirt bib to wear over your regular clothes. The front is lined with a waterproof bib panel that is hidden on the inside.

FarbenApples & OttoCords

2010-03-23T09:03:00.001-04:00

I finished up this set for Katie. I loved the shirt until I added the big brown collar! I didn't have any other ribbing that matched. So to balance it out, I decided to do the bottoms in brown too. I think that it does balance out the big dark collar, but kinda looks a bit boyish to me. But anytoot.

I love how the contrasting topstitching on the shorts look! I started topstitching in brown and didn't like it so I ripped it out and did green and I think it really makes the shorts.

The shirt is Antonia by Farbrnmix and I used Chez Ami apples, stripes, and solid pink. The shorts are Ottobre 3/2006 Sailor Pants (cut into shorts). Brown cord.

Starting on Katie's Summer Wardrobe

2010-03-13T09:47:00.003-05:00

Well, I sat down to go thru what I wanted to sew for Katie and had a couple things picked out and I realized that as long as it takes me to sew anything, I probably shouldn't do anymore long sleeves or hoodies!! It has started to warm up just a tad bit here, so I need to start on her spring and summer clothes. So here's my little start.

Farbenmix outfit for Kai

2010-03-01T08:54:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure if I like this outfit (together) or not. It's a bit more loud than what I'm used to. The colors match perfectly. It's all Chez Ami with the exception of the denim, but it seems a bit much. Mike likes it though, go figure.

Anytoot. Katie wears a sz 104 in Otto, I've never had any issues with the fit, but every.single.thing I sew for her in Farbenmix that I've done in a 104 has been VERY MUCH too small. So for the pants (Qumiara) I had to add a 3 inch yoga waist.

They were also about an inch too short, so i had to add the ruffle at the bottom, which in my opinion, the leg hems were W-I-D-E enough and didn't need the extra width of the ruffle, but they were too short and not much I could do.

They're also a bit tight across the hips.... so all in all.... I should have went up (at LEAST) a size!!!!! LOL I would say that next time I will, but IDK if I'll make them again. I mean I like them, but you can't have but so many of this style pant!! LOL Maybe in a couple years.

The shirt is the Quiara. I did go up a size on this!! And SOOOO glad I did! Cause even in the bigger size, it's still a bit snug, and of course that Chez Ami interlock just does NOT stretch at all! But I love this shirt! I'll def make it again but will ad a tiny bit of width if I use Chez again.

I wasn't attending it while the emb stitched out and the tension evidently got off and you can see the bobbin thread about an inch! My own fault.

She wore this to school this morning and I told her let's go show all your friends your new clothes. So while I was pushing her down the hall to her classroom, she was pointing to her shirt showing everyone we met!! LOL

Valentine's Day outfit for Katie

2010-02-16T11:35:00.001-05:00

I managed to get this sewn. I was so proud of the pants... until I tried them on her! LOL The pattern is crazy skinny, and they did not fit. I had to do some creative problem solving. It looks pretty rubbish if you inspect it, but most people won't... HOPEFULLY!

She wore it to school, for all of 3 hours until I had to go pick her up and take her to the doctor!

Both pieces are Farbenmix. The top is Taja and the pants are Kim, with LOTS of alterations, including adding tapered side panels, rear rise, & front rise. I'm thinking I should have went with a bigger size maybe. She's a 104 in Otto, so that's what I did, Should have went with probably a 116! I also had to add a little length to the Taja sleeve, in the form of a cuff.

New Fabrics @ Something Sew Special!

2010-01-04T21:11:00.011-05:00

I went crazy and ordered TONS of new fabrics! Mostly solids, but also some new flannels. Please remember colors may not be totally accurate on your screen. My plans are to reopen the store on 1/11/10.

Solid color "Kona" cotton wovens for bibs:

Stretch Terry for bibs:

Flannels for bibs and bed/chair pads:

Christmas Sewing

2010-01-04T11:44:00.000-05:00

I didn't get to finish all of my Christmas sewing because Katie was sick and in the hospital, but here is what I got done in time.

A bag for Katie's teacher.

Scarves for family.

Plastic bag/Grocery bag holders, also gifts for family.

Here is what I finished up after Christmas. They were meant to be Christmas gifts for the kids, but I didn't have time to finish them until this weekend.

A new wheelchair cape for Jake.

A Hello Kitty Hoodie and a pair of jeans. Both patterns from Ottobre.

Katie's Thanksgiving Shirt

2009-11-23T09:03:00.003-05:00

This is the Thanksgiving shirt I sewed for dd that I messed up. When I was clipping the hem, I accidentally cut the coverhemming and the front fabric!! I got it fixed as best as I could and it's ok, I guess. The fray check dried mostly clear enough, BUT it's all hard a scratchy on the inside. I think it's long enough not to touch any skin though, so it'll be ok. No one will notice the pucker I'm sure, so I'm ok with it as long as it doesn't scratch her tummy.

I'm not sure if this is supposed to be a short pattern or if I just traced/cut it on the wrong size hem, but it was too short (would have been if I had hemmed it, and my dd is short so most things are too long on her!) Anyway, so I add the faux double layer on the bottom, which actually kinda ties in with the double sleeves, so I think it looks good. I did not do the shirring, instead I just did gathers (on both front and back).

This is the "Orvokki" from Ottobre 1/2009 with a Thanksgiving/turkey print from The Fabric Fairy that says "gobble".

I put it on her and she started signing "pretty" "purple".

Turtleneck for Katie

2009-11-10T09:15:00.004-05:00

I decided to finally get this thing sewed up yesterday! It's just a simple turtleneck. Nothing fancy at all. Just a simple basic piece to wear under other stuff. It's Ottobre 4/2007 # 18.

Halloween Hoodie and Celtic Butterfly Jeans

2009-11-07T08:31:00.003-05:00

I sewed her a Halloween hoodie last month, for Halloween of course! I love this shirt. It's from Burda.

And these jeans I sewed last winter, but they were way too big. Instead of taking them in, I just put them away to wait for her to grow... well, she grew! They are still to big in the waist so I had to take them in a little, but they were almost too short! So I sewed the smallest hem I could and it's good for a couple weeks I guess! I have no idea which pattern they are, but I know they are from Ottobre. They are recycled from a pair of my husbands old jeans. The Celtic butterfly embroidery is from emblibrary.com (The white shirt is from Target)

A couple pair of jeans for Jake

2009-10-15T10:47:00.005-04:00

I got a couple pair of jeans sewn up for Jake the last couple weeks. They are the same pattern (Ottobre) and are my go-to pattern for him. I'll be using this pattern until he's too big for it. I adjusted for coverage of his diaper in the rear.

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Sewing & Craft Blogs

2009-09-26T09:10:00.002-04:00

There are SOOO many interesting blog out there. Way too many to list! But here are a few that I frequent and have learned a lot from.

Hello My Name is Heather

Win a $50 Gift Certificate!

2009-09-06T20:16:00.005-04:00

Starting now through Monday November 30th,2009- Everyone who spends $25 or more (not including shipping) will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate!! For every $25 you spend , you will receive 1 entry.

School Clothes for Katie (and Jake)

2009-08-29T17:30:00.000-04:00

Well, I didn't get as much sewn for the kids as I would have liked. I didn't really do ANYTHING for Jake. I did just finish him a jacket and that's all I've done for him. I plan to start on at least 2 pair of jeans for him this week.

This pattern is from Otto 4/2007 called the Bulldog Sweat Jacket. I changed it to a snap closure instead of the zipper. I angles the ends of the collar down. Honestly I didn't read the instructions, so I'mnot sure how it was supposed to be, but I just saw a pic of someone else's and the collar isn;t angled down. Oh well. I like it better this way I think. The fabric is a sweatshirt fleece, but it is a super high content of poly. Has no stretch at all.

All the rest has been for Katie.

The sweatshirt is from Otto 4/2007 and called the Holey Hoodie. The darker purple outer is french terry and the lighter purple lining is Chez Ami interlock.

The pants are the Farbenmix Dortje and are a fine cord from Joann's.

The top is a combination of 2 Otto patterns. The crossfront shirt in issue 3/2004 and the Strawberry Tunic in issue 3/2008 and is from the same Chez Ami fabric as the lining on the hoodie. All 3 of these items will/can be worn together. The hoodie removed once she's at school of course.

This is the Farbenmix Hoverrock with some of the width taken out, shoulder straps altered to snap in the back, and lengthened into long pants. It is a twill from Joann's.

These pants are are very thick denim or heavy twill with a fine cord trim. Otto 3/2004. I changed the pockets up by using the pockets off of the Bert pattern. I raised the rear rise just a little to accomodate Katie's diaper. Hand embroidery on the back pockets took forever!!

The top is Otto 3/2006. I closed the sides of the dress, shortened it into a top and added buttons to the back (or front can be worn either way) One worn of advice if you want to change this pattern into a top, you might want to take some of the width out, I will need to put ties on the sides to take in like 3 inches off each side!!!

Well, that's it!! That was all of my summer sewing! It was difficult with both kids home. They are both so demanding of my time!! I will be opening my store back up on Sept. 7th and will be having a BIG SALE! Please check it out!!!

Bubble Wall in Vinyl

2009-08-15T20:25:00.000-04:00

I am redecorating my kids playroom. I'm almost done, but I just finished up this one wall and wanted to share. I think it turned out so awesome! If you like it too and think you would like to try it (It is super easy) here are the instructions.

If your kids are able, it would be cool if the kid's silhouette were of your actual kids! My kids are not able to sit still, so I will also tell you how to do this the way I did!

1A- If your kids are able, then all you do if the old trick we all learned in school. Hang a piece of poster board up on the wall with tape. Place a light (lamp, spotlight, etc) a few feet from the wall directioned toward the poster board. Have your child sit in between the light source and the poster board, so that their shadow is cast on the poster board. You want their side profile. (Have them sit with side to the wall) You will need to move the light and/or child closer toward the wall or farther from the wall, depending on how large you want your silhouette to be. You will have to play around a bit. I just went with the full size of the poster board. Have them hold their arm up and pucker their lips as if blowing bubbles (you can have them hold a bubble wand if you want, but they are so thin they might not show up well anyway. You can just freehand draw that) Trace their shadow.

1B- If you kids are not able to sit for this, then you can go to Google Image Search. Search for child blowing bubbles silhouette, or something like that. Find a picture you like (the bigger the better), save it to your computer.

Crop out anything extra in the picture if you need to. Print at full or fill page size. This will use a lot of black ink! Use fast draft print option, or if you have Photoshop, use the magic wand tool to select the entire black part of the image and delete it out, HOPEFULLY it will leave a slight outline of your image, which is all you need! Print at full/fill page size. Cut this image out.

Place small cut out in between lamp and poster board the same as you have the child. Tinker with it to make it stand up. I used tape on both sides, taping it down to a table and somehow managed to get it to stand!! Trace shadow.

2- Cut out this large silhouette.

3- Place large cutout onto vinyl. I bought my vinyl from Vinyl Outlet. Tape. Trace.

4-Remove cutout and use an xacto knife to cut the vinyl. Go VERY slowly and VERY carefully!!! You can use scissors if you want, but the xacto knife will give you a smoother, more even edge. You will need the xacto knife for the smaller areas, and also the bubbles.

5- Place the new vinyl cutout on your wall where you want to hang it to make sure that it will fit and to decide for sure that's where you want it. You don't want to be pulling it off several times due to mistakes. Once you are sure, then peel off the backing of the vinyl and hang on wall. rub out all of the air bubbles. If you have textured walls, you can use a tennis ball to rub the vinyl into the crevices.

6- Use a circle cutter (available at Walmart or craft stores) to cut out multi sizes of circles. If you don't have a circle cutter you can use a cup or other round object, trace and cut out by hand (the circle cutter will of course look better)

7- Use xacto knife to cut out little triangular shapes in the circles to look like a light source.

8- Hang on wall randomly.

9- Stand back and be amazed at how cool your wall looks!

Pressure Vest for Katie

2009-07-31T18:40:00.000-04:00

I sewed up this pressure vest for Katie. Super simple. Cost about $30. I had to spend $60 but had tons of neoprene left over. Enough to make another vest (hence I said it only cost $30) I will make a pair of pressure shorts instead of another vest, but that'll have to wait a bit. The neck and underarms are bound in fold over elastic (FOE). The front is 3mm neoprene. The back is 3mm neoprene U-Loop. And I used 1.5" Aplix for the fasteners. Neoprene is a little tricky to sew on a home machine, but 3mm was not too difficult. I bought specialty thread but my machine would not sew with it. So I had to use regular thread, which they say can cut into the neoprene, but I'm hoping it'll be ok.

A pressure vest is used with kids who have sensory issues and muscle tone issues. It gives a "hug" and helps sturdy up the trunk muslcles.

Jake's Onesies that took forever

2009-06-21T10:08:00.000-04:00

I FINALLY got these done for Jake. They were finished for 2 months except for the leg ribbing and snaps. The just set in the UFO pile. I always dread putting on the leg ribbing and snaps and then when I finally do it, I don't understand what all the fuss was about! It's over in less than 10 minutes! Anyway, here they are. They turned out really good and I'm happy with them. They are about a sz 12/14.

Quick shorts for Katie

2009-06-18T18:50:00.000-04:00

Here's a quick pair of shorts for Katie. The first time I've done lettuce edging. They're cute. Ottobre issue 3/2007. I told her to give me a kiss, so this is her kissy face. LOL

My sewing room makeover

2009-06-06T20:46:00.000-04:00

I reckon most of you guys know I sew for both business and pleasure Anyhoo- I've been cleaning up my sewing room and was so proud I wanted to share! LOL ! My room isn't fancy or "pretty" but it's clean and tidy and MINE!!

So this is what you see when you walk in the door:

Close up. The ornament says "Angels Gather Here" ). The lady is my grandma who passed away a few years ago. She gave me my first sewing machine. She was my best friend (other than dh) and I miss her everyday!) The man is dh's brother. He was a deputy and was killed in an airplane crash in a drug sweep. The stuffed animals were a Christmas gift to my kids from a friend just before her daughter got her angel wings. They hold a place in my heart so I took them from the kids and now they watch over me while I sew.

OK, so if you are still standing in the doorway, this is on your left. I need to figure out what else to put on that shelf!

And this is on your right, though it's not taken from that angle. Notice the BIG hole in my shelves??? I pointed it out to dh... he just rolled his eyes at me. He knows there will be some more Chez Ami to put in there very soon!! LOL

and this is the wall with the door, I'm standing in front of my sewing machines. Excuse the poor naked manniquin!

Puffis & Bert

2009-06-02T19:32:00.001-04:00

The shirt is Otto 3/2008 Puffis. I cut the ribbing for the neck at 3.5 INCHES and it was supposed to be 3.5 CM.. oh well. The butterfly emb is from emb limbrary.

Shorts are Otto 3/2009 Bert. I didn't do the waistband as the instructions called for. I did it the way I prefer to do it. I may try it the other way at some point but I was pressed for time and didn't have the right elastic.

Emb on the back pockets I did by hand (obviously! LOL) I was going to do the front pockets too, but it was just too time consuming!!

I like the length of the Bert shorts better than what most of the other Otto shorts are. Easy Peasy pockets too!

I wish I could sew faster and I wish we went more places in order to need more clothes, because each new outfit is met with smiles and signing "pretty clothes" and now she is learning to self dress (and undress ARGH!!) and when she sees the clothes she starts trying to strip!!! LOL Luckily she can't totally undress if she's in a Onesie!!

Hoverrock by Farbenmix

2009-05-26T18:33:00.000-04:00

I finished up the Hoverrock pattern by Farbenmix. I did make a few changes, like taking out several inches of width in the bottom section. It's gathered and meant to look like a dress, but I went for a more traditional overall look as far as width goes. I also changed the front closure at the shoulders. I added D-rings on the front, lengthened the back straps and they come over the shoulder, thread through the D-rings, go back over the shoulder and snap on the back.

This is a good pattern for someone looking to keep "hands out of diaper"!!

But First....

2009-05-18T07:52:00.000-04:00

ARGH!! Anybody else have the "Butt First Disease"? As in....
In need to finish sewing Jake's Onesies......
But First.... I need to clean up my sewing room in order to get to my serger.....
But First.... I need to buy a new rack to put all the fabric on that's in the middle of the room....
But First.... I need to wait till my 10% off rewards coupon comes in the mail.

Oh it's so frustrating!!! Seems to be the story of my life!!

Anyway, in the mean time while I'm waiting for my coupon, I am busying myself with a project I've been wanting to do forever. I am sewing bibs to donate to St. Mary's Home for Disabled Children in Norfolk. I have about 10 bibs sewn so far!

Jeans & a shirt for Jake

2009-04-28T09:17:00.000-04:00

First up, just another Onesie. Yes, they are just about all I make.. and just FYI- I have 3 more coming up to SNS this week LOL, but I will be sooo glad to get them done! All that's left is the ribbing. Anyhoo-

And these jeans... oh, man these jean!!! I had such high hopes for them!! They drove me crazy!

Otto 4/2006 Cargo Pants.
Pattern goes up to a 146. I graded up to a 152. I was very diligent and measured accuratly. I KNOW I did it right... but let me tell ya... I think I could have went with a 140 or less with these! I mean I know they are a Cargo but crikey they swollowed him!!

I ended up having to rip off the waistband, take an inch off of the width of both sides (of the jeans , not the waistband) I only trimmed down the waist/hips, I didn't take them in all the way down the legs, though I could have, but I just left that baggy.

I also had added to the back rise to cover his diaper. I got the measurements correct in the back, covers his diaper great, but I had to add to the front rise too in order for the side seams to be level. Which brought the front rise nearly up to his chin LOL, so I kept the side seams the same but "dipped" out the front about 1.5 inches. That worked really well and I will probably do that more often.

{{I HATE doing back pockets and refuse to do anymore }} I forgot the back pockets, oh well, I'll remember next time {{yeh, that sounds convincing enough}} LOL seriously though. He sits in a wheelchair all day, no one sees the back of his pants!! Besides, why put any extra bulk or creases back there when he sits on his bottom all day, I doubt it's too uncomfortable, but he can't tell me if it is, so why put it?

And me oh my! I tried fading these with some bleach pen.. it worked great!!!! Until I got the great idea to scrub it with my fingernails to work it into the fabric... DO NOT do that!! You should just wipe it on with a sponge! So I had to cut the legs off and redo- them. That's why the different color of the top and the bottom. They weren't supposed to be 2 pieces with the topstitching like that. I haven't bleached the bottoms out yet. I don't know if I will. I don't want to screw them up again. I'll probably just leave them as is. He has a tray over his lap most of the time anyway.

You can kinda see on the pic of the back of the jeans where some of it looks ok faded, but on the right side toward the bottom, it's streaky... times that by 50 and that's what the front looked like,

Oh, I didn't add elastic at the bottom or do all the extra pockets on the legs like the pattern has. I just don't like those things on jeans for big kids. That's just me

Anyhoo- On the the pics!! The flash makes the color difference much worse than in real life.

PJ pants for Katie

2009-04-12T21:48:00.000-04:00

Got these sewed up just in time for the end of Stash Game. She will wear thru the knees so fast, I'll be sewing more in a couple weeks!! That's ok cause it was a super easy pattern. Another Ottobre of course!! The Lily Leggings. 2 pair were made according to their pattern and the other 2 , I adjusted and added 2 inches in the width of the leg. I wanted a less fitted legging. More of a lounge pant, but I didn't want to have to trace out another pattern, so I improvised! I also add a half inch to the waistband and used 1 inch elastic instead of 1/2 inch and I add diaper allowance to the rear. Next time, I'll take off an inch or 2 in the leg length though.

And here is a pic of her modeling the one of the pair that were a tiny too snug. I will probably end up slicing them up the outer side of the lag and adding a 2 inch panel to each leg.

Extra Long Seat Belt Cover Tutorial

2009-04-10T18:35:00.001-04:00

My son can sit in the van without a car seat. Just with a seat belt. But the seat belt rubbed his neck. He gets very red and sometimes even gets scratches. He is not able to adjust it. We bought him a regular store bought seat belt cover. It has been pretty much useless. Because it is so small, it moves around, going behind his head or down to his tummy. Because he has cerebral palsy, he isn't physically able to put it back in place and keep it there. So I sat down and made him a new one! These will work great for both special needs or not!

They are very easy to make. First you will need to sit in the vehicle with the seat belt on. Measure from just at/above the buckle, up and across your body, following the seat belt. Stop about half way between your neck and where the top of your seat belt threads through above your shoulder. You don't want it to go all the way up to that area, as it may interfere with it's locking/catching if you were to get in a wreck (I have no clue if it would interfere, but better safe than sorry, right?) This is your length. My son's length was 24 inches (he is small, a large adult would need a couple more inches) PLUS seam allowances- I use 3/8 inch seam allowances so my total length was 24 3/4 inches.

Your width will be 8 inches wide + seam allowances. (I use 3/8 inch seam allowances so my width is 8 3/4 inches)

You will need:

An outer fabric that will be seen. (I used a basic quilt type cotton woven)
A coordinating or contrasting fabric for the opposite site. (I used a basic quilt type cotton woven)
Fleece or batting for the middle layer(s) (I used 2 layers of fleece)
1.5 inch wide sew on Velcro or Aplix (Do not use 2 inch Velco! cut it if that's all you can find)

1-Cut all 3 fabrics 8.75 inches wide AND 24.75 inches long. (or whatever length you measured)

2-Layer your fabrics in this order: outer fabric (right side UP), coordinating fabric (right side DOWN), fleece, fleece.

3-Pin all layers together well.
4-Baste together both long sides and one short side. (This will shift a LOT so, take your time and pin well)

5-On the other short side, baste only 1 inch on either side, leaving an opening to turn the cover.

6-Using a regular sewing stitch, sew your cover together in the same manner that you basted.
7-If you have a serger, serge together (except for your open area for turning) If you don't have a serger, just use a zig zag or over edge stitch on your sewing machine.

8-Turn your cover right side out through the area you left open. Be sure to push out all corners.

9-Fold the edges of your opening under, iron, pin, and sew the opening closed using a straight stictch near the edge.

10-Press the cover and try to get every thing nice and smooth.

11-Using a water soluble pen draw a line down the middle of the length (on the front).
Now measure and mark a line 1 and 1/8 inches on both sides of that line. (You will now have 3 lines in the middle of your cover running the entire length)

12-Forget that middle line! Sew through all layers ON the other 2 lines. Use a regular straight stitch.

13-Pull the edges back tight (so you don't have puffy edges), press and pin.

14-Cut Velcro the same length as your cover minus 1/2 inch. (I cut mine 23.5 inches long)

15-Place hard Velcro(hook) on the edge of the outer/top fabric (decorative fabric) Use glue stick to place your Velcro, add pins if needed. Sew around Velcro, using white thread. Be sure to match your bobbin color to the fabric- I used black)

16-Place soft(loop) Velcro on the opposite edge of the back/under side (black fabric) Use glue stick to place your Velcro, add pins if needed. Sew around Velcro, using white thread. Be sure to match your bobbin color to the fabric- I used black)

17-Fold around seat belt. Enjoy!

And here is a comparison of the sizes. My extra long seat belt cover v/s the store bought version.

This week's sewing- More Otto

2009-04-10T16:39:00.000-04:00

2 more Onesies. I think that's all she needs. She has 5 or 6 total now. Both are from Otto. I think they are modified from the Bat Shirt, not sure which issue it is.

Otto- 3/2006 #25, "Sailor style pants" I shortened these a bit into shorts. Good fit.

Otto- 1/2006 #21, "T-shirt with hem frill". I forgot to shorten the shirt Kait needs a sz 104 thru the chest and tummy, but her length is more of a 92/98. So it's a little too long. The knit is no where near stretchy enough, so I'm not sure how long she will be able to wear it, as it's already a bit hard to get on.

When I first showed her this outfit, she smiled so big and signed "clothes" "pretty" and took them and hugged them. That was such an awesome feeling!!!

And a seatbelt cover for Jay. The standard kind that you buy at the store are useless. They're too short. They crawl up behind his head or down on his tummy and he isn't able to put it back in proper place. And his neck gets all scratched up/ rubbed red by the seatbelt and he can't move it. So I made him a long one.

Stash Game Day 1 & 2- Ottobre for Katie

2009-04-02T17:52:00.000-04:00

Stash Game has started... IT IS ON!!! Yes, I am lame. LOL :-) Stash Game is something we play occasionally on SewingMamas.com where you try to sew as much as you can. I typically SUCK at it as I don't have a lot of time with Katie here all day, but the kids MUST have some clothes, so I'm trying......

Woo- Hoo!! I got a whole outfit done for Katie!!! And a onesie.

Denim shorts- Otto 3/2006 #10 "Colorful summer pants" sz 104, fit pretty good, I just got the elastic a little too loose. I think I am going to add some belt loops. All the top stitching is triple stitched!! I like the look a little better than the single thin line. A little wonky in places, but not too bad!

Top- Otto 3/2008 #12 "Strawberry Tunic" sz 104, shortened quite a bit. I measured off a RTW that fits well in length. I also took in a little of the width of the tunic flare. (not the over all width thru the chest, as she is broad, but it was just too dress like)

Pink Hippo Onesie is Creative Workshop 301 sz 104 tshirt, altered into a onesie.

Jeans for Jake

2009-03-09T09:22:00.000-04:00

These are the first jeans I've ever sewn for Jake. The first pair of bigger size jeans I've ever sewn. I altered them a little by adding the the rear rise, but I didn't add enough to the front crotch depth. And the width across the hips needs to be widened a little. I forgot to raise the back pockets up a little when I raised the rise. The elastic is awful, not the right kind of stretch and I should have used 1.5 inch instead of 1 in. The length is perfect though. The next time I sew these, they should fit much better IF I can find good elastic!

I'm fairly happy with them because they are my first attempt and they did come out WEARABLE, which is what's important! And the back pockets ARE level!! They're just sitting funny.

Cart Hugger & Chair Hugger Tutorial

2009-02-20T20:23:00.000-05:00

My youngest daughter has cerebral palsy. When she outgrew her baby carrier, she was still a bit too wobbly to sit safely in a shopping cart. She COULD sit up (I don't recommend using these unless your child can actually sit up on their own)but every time I turned a corner, or stopped and started pushing the shopping cart, she would fall over or slam her face into the front bar of the cart. She also would mouth the shopping cart handle, which of course, is gross.

So I made her a shopping Cart Hugger. It helped hold her in place so she didn't fall over or forward, and it kept her from being able to put her mouth anywhere. Of course, the safety strap provided on the actual shopping cart is necessary for your child's safety. Never use a Cart Hugger without the proper safety strap buckled too. But these Huggers can go over that dirty strap to keep little one's hands off of it.

These are not just for kids with special needs. They are great for any baby or toddler, who can sit up on their own, but need a little extra stability (or perhaps to help keep their busy little butts still in the cart !!)

As my daughter got older, and bigger, I have found that these "Cart Huggers" work just as well as "Chair Huggers". Any chair that has slats in the back works with these as well. I use one with my daughter now that she's 3 when we go to restaurants if for some reason we don't want to use her stroller or maybe their highchair is too small.

So here's how I make them.

You will need:

Fabric
Batting
Bias Tape
Glue Stick
Velcro (1.5 inch width)

#1- For a basic baby/toddler Cart Hugger. Cut 2 strips of fabric 4 inches by 34 inches long. You can adjust the size as you need. (If you must use 2 inch wide Velcro, I suggest you cut your Cart Hugger fabric 5 inches, not 4) For my 13 yr old son, I go to 6 inches instead of 4 and of course actually measure around him in the chair to get the proper length, and I use 3 strips of Velcro instead of 2.

2- (After ironing your fabric) lay your fabric out on some batting and use glue stick on the back side of the fabric to tack into your batting so that it doesn't shift around when you are cutting and sewing.

#3- Cut out.

#5- Jig Jag stitch around each piece of fabric/batting. I have left too much batting. I would recommend trimming the batting even with the fabric.

#6- Put the 2 fabric/batting pieces, wrong sides together (ie- batting should be touching batting, and fabrics should be facing out on both sides) Pin ... A LOT!!! This is going to shift. A LOT! So use lots of pins!

#7- Serge together (or if you don't have a serger, you can just use the zig zag stitch again)

#8- I have used extra wide double fold bias tape. Line it up on one of the short sides about half way. You may want to pin in place if you need to.

#9- Straight stitch to the end of the short side and backstitch/tack down. I set my stitch at 3.5 length and 1.5 width. Then I line the left side of the bias tape up with the left side of the clear edge of the presser foot.

#10- Fold the bias tape around the edge, a mitered corner. Pin if you need to.

#11- Straight stitch the length, and continue around the rest of the Hugger by repeating the above steps.

#12- You can see in the pic below that I added a square/box at each corner. You don't have to do that, but it helps keep the corners down. You can just add them after you're done sewing around it if it's easier.

Cut the bias tape at the edge of the last short side as shown.

#13- Fold back the edge of the bias tape and glue.

#14-Place folded bias tape in position and pin if needed. Continue straight stitch sewing, continuing past the edge of the folded piece. Sew all the way to the end of the short side. Back stitch several stitches, then forward again. You can also stitch down the folded end edge.

#15- Cut out two 8 inch strips of hook (hard) side of Velcro and two 8 inch strips of loop (soft). If you make your Hugger 4 inches , then you need to use 1.5 inch width Velcro. (If all you can find is 2 inch width Velcro, then I recommend cutting your Cart Hugger 5 inches tall.)

#16- Place 2 like pieces of Velcro, long sides together and use a wide, very short jig jag stitch. Repeat for other 2 pieces of Velcro.

#17- Apply glue stick to the back of one of the Velcro pieces and apply to one end of the Hugger.

#18- Stitch on the Velcro. Be sure to match your bobbin thread to your fabric and don't just use white! Stitch around the entire rectangle. Stitch to either side of your zigzag stitches in the middle. And stitch the vertical middle.

#19- You will need to repeat steps 17 and 18 to the other end of the Hugger, but please remember to flip the Hugger over. The Velcro needs to be on opposites sides of the Hugger (not just opposite ends!!) Note in the pictures below, the Hugger that is folded in half. The hook side of the Velcro is on the front of the Hugger and the loop side of the Velcro would be on the back side of the Hugger if it were laid flat, as shown in the other pic .

Cart Huggers are NOT safety devices! ALWAYS use a shopping cart with an attached safety belt that locks around your child. Cart Huggers are meant to wrap around your child OVER the attached seat belt.

Cart Huggers are meant to be very snug around your child's chest. Wrap Hugger around your child's chest, under arms, and wrap around toward their back. Then thread both ends of Hugger through 2 or 3 of the shopping cart's vertical bars on the back of the seating area. Pull Hugger backward, bringing your child into an upright, stable position. Cross one side of the Hugger's velcro over the other side's Velcro, until your child is stable. Press Velcro sides together firmly. Always place the Velcro closure in back so that your child does not unfasten it.

Never leave child unattended in shopping cart. Always check Cart Hugger before each use. If Velcro is loose, or if any threads are loose or broken, please DO NOT USE.

Do not start or stop pushing your shopping cart abruptly, as your child'shead and neck is not supported and this can cause injury. Do not use if your child can not sit up by themselves unassisted. Do not use if your child can remove Cart Hugger by themselves.

Your child's safety is YOUR responsibility.

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-01T11:41:00.000-05:00

Happy New Years everyone! Have you made any resolutions? Better question... have you already broken them? It's 8am here, New Years Day, and I have already broken at least 1 of my own resolutions!! LOL How's that for a promising star to the year??? One of my resolutions (in a general sense) is to be healthier. Of course, that's divided up into eating better and exercising. That's probably the goal of 2/3 of the nation, I know.

I'm supposed to start eating breakfast instead of just coffee. Well, I sit here typing, coffee in hand, and no breakfast yet!! I'll shoot for 8:30, just the thought of eating right now is like... blech! I weighed this morning. HAHA! Crap.. what a cow! I have eaten anything and everything that I wanted the last 3 days. That's something I never do. Though I am way overweight, I still try to watch what I eat as far as, I'm not gonna sit down with a whole box of donuts, etc. But ya know, I did this week... literally!! SO what happened? I gained 5 pounds in 3 days!! YIKES! My weight this morning was (cough, cough) 187. My weight is usually about 182, so that is what I am going to actually consider as my starting weight. I'm sure these last 5 pounds would have dropped back off if I went back to my normal eating.

My body is starting to give out on me. I have a really bad back and neck. I have degenerative discs in my neck and do not have full ROM in my neck. I have most of it, just not all the way left and right. Makes it more difficult to turn and look at the kids when they are behind me and when I am driving. I also have a really bad sway back. And it's been killing me for years, but is almost unbearable at times now that I have put on so much weight. I think my calf muscles have shortened, too. They hurt all the time when I walk and make me limp. I used to be embarrassed when we would park in the handicap parking with just Katie. But hey everyone just thinks I'm the handicap person I guess, with the way I hobble into the store! I really need to get in better shape!

Other things are mostly dealing with the kids. Jake needs to be stretched and in his stander. He has basically lost all ability to stand. He's not had a walker in over 2 years because Medicaid/CAP's incompetence. One is supposedly ordered, but at this point it's going to be useless. He has also been without AFO's for 3 or 4 months, but we go pick his now ones up next week. And Katie needs to walk. She is starting to bunny hop more than crawl. We have to get her to do more reciprocating. I need to be more diligent in making her walk. I also I want to increase my/her sign vocabulary.

I NEED to be more dedicated to sewing. I love to sew. I want to sew... but somehow I just end up HERE (online) all day. I do have my sewing room almost done and lovely and it's much more "inviting".

Anyway, it's 8:30... hum... blech, guess I need to go eat. I was going to do oatmeal, but I'm thinking maybe an egg. Something small and quick.

2009 Resolutions

1- Eat Healthier- (notice.. I didn't say diet, that's a positive step, right?) Breakfast everyday. Drink more water. I know I should set a number here, but I'm not sure what's realistic. I know what you SHOULD have, but I also know that's not gonna happen for me, at least just yet. Less junk, more veggies.

2- Start Cooking- I want to starting cooking (healthy meals) instead of opening a can of Spaghetti O's. I have several cookbooks here and will start making time to cook. It's not something I enjoy doing. Maybe if Gordon Ramsey came and gave me a few lessons??? Probably not.. he'd end up cussing at me and calling me a stupid cow I would bet! LOL

3- Exercise... daily- I do have a treadmill. Honestly. It's somewhere in the bedroom, under a pile of junk. Last time I used it, I could only go 10 minutes which shocked me as before I had Katie, I could do 30 minutes just fine. I intend to walk everyday as well as some yoga and/or pilates for my back, neck, and calves.

4- Put Jake in his stander and stretch his legs daily.

5- Get Katie up walking daily.

6- Learn/use 1 new sign per day.

7- I will be off the computer by 9am everyday and do housework, then SOME form of sewing/crafting, even if it's thumbing thru an Ottobre for inspiration. I think when everything is hidden in the back of the house, it's easy to forget that you want to be back there "playing", you know?

Cheap Clock to Chic Clock

2008-12-28T16:11:00.000-05:00

Well... maybe not chic... but definitely more me!!

I've had this clock for ages. About 5 years in fact. It was my oldest daughter's that she did not use. It ticked too loud for her. LOL So in the closet it sat. I always intended to use it, but never got around to it and also didn't personally care for the industrial look of it, but being a packrat, I just couldn't toss it out. SO I FINALLY got round to making it more my own. It was super easy!

I went from this to.... This! Much better in my opinion. Of course, you can use any fabric that you love!

So....

#1- Find the fabric that you want to use and iron it. You can use some starch on it if you want, I suppose, I did not and it turned out fine.

#2- Take your clock apart. Take off the cover and the hands. You may need to unscrew a small nut and washer that is under the hands in order to get the paper front off. With a piece of chalk, mark on the clock where 12 is, so that you know what is the top of the clock and to help align your paper when you later use it as a template. Word of advice- Do not just cut off the paper haphazardly (like I did)! You will want to keep it fairly intact so that you can mark your numbers properly when you get your fabric on.

#3- Lay your clock down and make sure that it has 12 at the top and 6 at the bottom. You have to get it as perfectly straight as you can so that when you hang it that the 12 is at the top properly AND your fabric pattern will look right.
#4- Spread your fabric over your clock, making sure that your pattern is placed how you want it.
#5- Cut a small nick out in the middle for the clock mechanism to come through and so you can put the hands back on later.

#6- Once you have it all lined up like you want it, lift up the bottom half of the fabric very gently. Give the exposed clock a small blast of adhesive (I used Craft Bond.... but I you can use glue stick, it doesn't need to be a permanent bond as you will be lifting it back up) If you use a spray remember to put some masking or painters tape around the clock edge so you don't accidentally get it all over where it should go (OOPS) Keep this tape, you will need it again later.
#7- Fold the fabric back into place and give it a little rub/tap to help it adhere.
#8- Repeat for the top half of the clock.

#9- Use a pencil with a sharp edge and trace around the inside corner of the clock. You want the pencil sharp so that it really gets into the crevice. This line is where you will be cutting the fabric and you want it to cover the entire face and not have places not covered. If you don't get trace all the way into the corner, when you cut it, you might not get full coverage. Use your fingers to hold the fabric down taut as you trace around.

#10- Cut on your line. You actually need to cut JUST on the outside of your line, less than 1mm. You have to be very careful. If you cut on the inside of the line at all, you won't get full coverage, if you cut too much on the outside of your line, you get way too much excess. This is why you need a temporary bond with your glue , you want the fabric to stay in place while you trace, but you will have to lift the fabric up to cut it.

#11- Now you should be rid of all the extra fabric and just have the circle of fabric sitting in your clock. Put your tape back around the edges of the clock. Lift up your fabric on the bottom half of the clock. Give it a good coat of adhesive. Don't over do it, you don't want the adhesive to soak through your fabric and show through. I did spray a bit too much and just let it dry a minute or so before I replaced my fabric.
#12- Repeat for the top half of the clock.

#13- Smooth down your fabric, make it nice and pretty. (ignore the pink ribbon, it didn't work out and I had to take it off because the top cover wouldn't go back on properly)
#14- Replace your the nut/washer onto the clock hardware.

#15- Use the paper facing that you cut out and use as a template for where to place your numbers or other marking for numbers. Place the paper back in the clock making sure you have the 12 at the top.
#16- Use sicissors to snip each number you want to mark. I snipped and marked them all, but ended up only marking 12, 3, 6, and 9. Mark with a water or air soluble pen)

#17- Put the hands back on the clock. (I decided NOT to put the red seconds hand back on because I didn't like the red on pink and also... I broke it! LOL)

#18- You can mark your clock anyway you want. This was my original plan, but didn't like it. My second idea was bobbins, but they were too big. That's why you put the hands back on first, to make sure they don't hit whatever you use.

#19- I decided to go with these. Heavy Duty Snaps, just the caps.

#20- Place the cap into the strike plate and hammer down the post so that it's flat.

#21- Glue them onto the clock where you would like to mark (I did 12, 3, 6, 9)

#22- Put clock cover back on the clock.

#23- Hang it on the wall... you're done!

My Database for Ottobre Patterns

2008-12-19T17:44:00.000-05:00

I've been working on a database of Otto patterns for a while now. It's impossible to find what you are looking for, when you are looking for it! All pictures in the database belong to Ottobre. If you sew, I highly recommend that you give Ottobre a try!!

The database is searchable by tags. Most of the pics probably have flash on them. I detest using a scanner, so I used my digital camera (with flash). But you can still see everything, even if it's a bit shiney. LOL

My Ottobre Database (password is database)

Christmas Dress & Patchwork Ball for my niece

2008-12-18T20:35:00.000-05:00

This dress, despite all my mess ups, came out beautiful! I am so proud of it!! It is for my dad's new wife's, new grand baby... make sense? My new step niece (I don't know them, but love my new stepmom, so wanted to do something special for her).

The dress is Otto 1/2004, # 6 Dress, sz 62. I added the sash and ring.

The manni it's on is stretching it a bit across the chest, so that's why it may look a bit big up top. The top is some scrap crushed velvet/panne (whatever it's called LOL). The bottom is flannel backed satin.

This is the first zipper I've done in like 10 years, yep, I screwed up big time, it's down too low from the top. But oh, well, it's done.

The sleeves look like they are going to be too long, but it's wide enough that it could probably be worn as a shirt with some jeans in a couple months, as well as being a dress for now.

It actually has a bit more fullness to the bottom than what the pic shows.

And a patchwork cloth ball that I found a tutorial for here:

Tons of Tutes- Odds & Ends

2008-12-07T12:43:00.004-05:00


All links are to various tutorials around the net. They are not mine unless marked as such. By clicking on a link, you will be navigating away from THIS site. You may want to right click and open in a new tab so that you don't get lost! (how do you think I found so many links? LOL If you would like to link to my Tons of Tutes list, here is the master list: Tons of Tutes



Keychain	Quickie Luggage Tag
Wristlet Key Fob
Garden Toolbelt Roll-Up Tutorial	Needle Book
Wellness Bag	Checkbook cover
CD Holder /card book	Abraham Owl
CD “Pocket”	Gift Pocket
Notionette – A Carryall for Serger Notions	Indoor/Outdoor Exercise Mat
Cup Cozy and Can Cozy	Eyeglass Case Set
Suitcase Tag	Seminole Pieced Eyeglass Case
Purse Tissue Cover	Caterpiller Eyeglass case
Coupon/Money Holder	road-trip neck pillow
The Perfect Mat	Checkbook Cover
Coffee Cozy	Sewing Supplies Case/Pouch
Big Apple Pin Cushion	Wine Tote
Needle Book	Fabric Shopping Bag

	Wedding Pillows
Pretty Pincushions	Thumb Pin Cushions
Square Deal Pin Cushion	Covered Tape Measure Tutorial
Thread Catcher Tutorial	Sewing Machine Cover Tutorial
Business Card Holder Tutorial
Make Fabric Labels	Wrist Pincushion and Give-away
DIY Therapy sacks	Log Cabin Block Pincushion Tutorial
Baby Food Jar Pin Cushion	Pin Cushion
Pin Cushion	Pin Cushion
Seatbelt Sleeves	Wrist Pin Cushion
House Shaped Pouch	patchwork apple Mini Patchwork Pin Cushion


Am I missing a link to a great tute? Would you like to have your tutorial listed here? Leave me a comment!

Tons of Tutes- His & Hers

2008-12-07T12:42:00.004-05:00


All links are to various tutorials around the net. They are not mine unless marked as such. By clicking on a link, you will be navigating away from THIS site. You may want to right click and open in a new tab so that you don't get lost! (how do you think I found so many links? LOL If you would like to link to my Tons of Tutes list, here is the master list: Tons of Tutes


Hers

Tops	Dresses/Skirts

Chic Bohemian Style Top	Yoga Skirt
Spring Ruffle Top	Wrap Skirt
Tie Top Tank	Danielle Dress
JJ Blouse	AMC Dress
Franzi Vest	Wrap Skirt
Jocelyn Ladies Top	Peasant Skirt
Ladies Pin Tuck Shirt	Circle Skirt
Leg-of-Mutton Knit Top sz 36	Three Tiered Skirt
Retro Top	Flutter Skirt Dress
Assymetrical Tunic	Sassy Mini
Triangle Halter Top	Simple Sweatshirt Skirts!
	Broomstick Skirt
	Pencil Skirt
	Marie Skirt
Pants/Shorts	Jean Skirt
	Malissa Dress
Ellen Pants	Mila- Dress
Knit Culottes/Gaucho/pantskirt	Baby Doll Summer Dress
Classic Jeans	Skirt
Easy Fit Yoga Pants	RUCHED EMPIRE DRESS
Just Tute's Double Tie Wrap Pants	DIRNDL SKIRT
	HANDKERCHIEF SKIRT
Nighties/Underwear/Bathing Suits/etc	Halter Gown
	20 Minute Skirt
Super Simple Nightie	Ruffle Skirt
Bambi Nightie
Cheeky Panties	Coats/Jackets/etc
Bikini
Bow Tie Bikini	Eva- Medium Length Jacket
Panties	Kimono Style Jacket
bra	Jorinde Blazer
women's panties	Circular Cape
Alison- Bathing Suit	Talea- Variation 2- Double Breasted Coat
	Hooded Wrap Coat
	Double-Breasted Waistcoat
Misc	Cozy Shawl

Foo Fangle's Headband
Heather Bailey's Hooray for Headbands	Aprons
Free Patterns
Shower Cap	A Feathered Nest's Quick & Easy Apron
grosgrain watch	Spool Sewing's Chef's Apron
Amy Butler Eye Pillow	The Mikkelsens' Simple tea towel apron
Running with Needle's Headband	Craft Apron Tutorial
Make Up Brush Carrier	Lined Apron
Scrappy Summer Belt Tutorial	Apron Tutorial
Fox Neck Boa	apron instructions and pattern
Fox Hat	Half Apron
Wedding Veil	Sweet Cupcake Apron
	54 aprons
	50 more aprons
	Layla Apron
His	Apron

Man's Tie
Man's Tie 2	More
Great Outdoors Fishing Vest
Sturdy Tool Wrap	S coodie
Dolphin Toiletry Bag	Rain Poncho from shower curtain
Boxers	Covert Scarf
Bow Tie	Indoor/Outdoor Exercise Mat
Cardigan	Shoe Insulation
Waistcoat/Vest	Polar Fleece Scarf
Pete- Basic Men's Tshirt	Chefs Hat
Jammin Jammers	Summer Slippers
VESTS MAKE THE MAN	Serger Robe
Classic Thistle Bow Tie	Historical Costumes
Boxer Shorts	Tunturi Hat
	Sailor in Burmuda (drop front pants)
	Yoshimi Hand Warmer







Am I missing a link to a great tute? Would you like to have your tutorial listed here? Leave me a comment!