Sunday, October 21, 2012

Abstract Wrap Dress (NL6097) & More Baby Shower photos


I needed a dress for the baby shower so on Thursday night, I decided to make New Look 6097. It had the casual look I wanted and the pattern is rated highly at Pattern Review.  The fabric is from my May 2012 PR weekend in New York. I think it came from Metro Textiles but I'm not positive. The pattern needed 2.5 yd and I only had about 2 1/8 but with some very clever fabric placement, I squeaked it out. I thought I lined up the stripes perfectly but alas, the side seams are off a bit. Not so much that I won't wear it but enough that I won't wear it to any functions with my sewing friends!

I agree with the other reviewers that this was easy to put together and sized well. I made a 10 on top and graded out to a 12 at the hips. I had plenty of room. The sweater knit was a little sheer so I ended up underlining the skirt with a lightweight black knit that I had. If I hadn't decided to underline, I estimate the dress would have taken about 2 hours to sew. I don't love the fabric belt but that's my opinion about all fabric belts to be honest. I will wear it with a black belt next time.

More shower photos:
My daughter, her MIL and me (the two Grandmas!)

 My two daughters, my mom and me.



The adorable cookies made by a friend of a friend.  They were delicious, too!


Saturday, October 20, 2012

Baby Shower Loot



As I've mentioned before, my daughter and son-in-law are expecting a baby in December. I made some things to give her at the baby shower today. 

They decided on a policeman theme for the nursery (daddy is a police officer) but couldn’t find much in the way of bedding / accessories so we decided to design something as described in a previous post. My daughter ok'd all the designs and picked out the fabrics.  After piecing the quilt top, I took it to a local quilt shop to do the actual quilting. I was very happy with how it turned out - $35 well spent! Using some tips I found on various quilters’ blogs, I used my machine to put the binding on and added a little tag for my future grandson.

 


I scaled down two of the designs I created for the quilt to make a couple appliqued bibs. Rather than make the bibs, I purchased some fingertip towels at Big Lots (removed the monograms) and created over-the-head bibs by cutting a hole and serged ribbing to the neckline.

Other goodies include a University of Cincinnati bib (mom and dad’s alma mater) and another onesie (like this one) made from Jalie 3133 and an old t-shirt from dad.

 
I made coordinated Christmas stockings for my daughter and her husband last year and used the same pattern in different colors to make a stocking for the baby. Purchased Christmas socks will go with that present. I also knit a hat but it turned out way too big. 


The final project was a diaper cake. I used instructions found at this tutorial. My version took 67 size 2 Pampers, a 14” cardboard cake base, about 3 yd each of a wide and skinnier ribbon, and a BAZILLION rubber bands. I found the cute little Fisher Price police car on eBay and some blue pacifiers for accent. The bibs and onesie were also included as accents.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Sunshine Skirt (M6402)



I purchased a black ponte skirt for one of my daughters back in the spring but I liked it so much, I kept it for myself (Bad Mom).  I've worn it a few times and always seem to receive compliments so I thought I would make another out of a small piece of yellow ponte knit I had.

Originally, I wanted no waistband but couldn't find a pattern like that and didn't feel like converting a pattern (Lazy Mom). I found this skirt pattern that I liked WITH a waistband that had woven and knit options.  I finished this about a month ago but never got around to photographing and blogging.  It really has more of a summer vibe to it so I missed the boat for this year.

Details:
  • McCalls 6402, View A
  • Size 10 Ok, so I was a bit optimistic due to recent weight loss and a 12 might have made more sense but with some Spanx, it will be just fine. But I am KICKING myself that I didn't check the length. I'm a little over 5'3" so normally I have to shorten skirts / dresses but this one is SHORT. The length is ok for going out but I wouldn't be comfortable wearing in a business setting. I may make this again in a more conservative color for work but will add 2".
  • Fabric: Yellow Ponte knit remnant I picked up at Banasch. I think it was only 3/4 yard.
  • Conclusion: It was a little tricky matching the 4 points but I'm happy with the results. It went together fairly quickly. Mark thinks is looks "hot" so I'm calling it a success.