Dresses for Guatemala

Back in December a lady from my church approached me to help make some dresses to send to another country, I think Guatemala.  She is going in February to meet her sponsor child and is also taking some dresses for a program there.  A group of ladies have re-modeled donated prom dresses for a variety of sizes.  I made some very simple and durable sun dresses for the younger girls.   I apologize that I don't have more information about the organization but I am praying that these dresses may be a blessing to those who will receive them.

These dresses only too about 1.5 hours each.  I made 2 more but forgot to photograph them.  I ended up making an extra one because my sister fell in love with this pink one for my niece.

These are so easy to make.  The bodice is a front and back piece with a lining.  The shape looks like bunny ears.  The skirt is 15 inches by about 60 inches and is also lined.   I think if I were creative enough I could make the dress fully reversible.

If you are seriously interested I can some how describe the pattern better to you personally.  I'm also working on a doll dress to match.

Dress-up clothes

This Christmas I made a special present for my mom and the grandkids.

For these tail I found this wonderful idea from Vixen Made.  I followed her tutorial except I couldn't find the name tags.  After a short trip to the thrift store I found a pair of suspenders.  The clips on the ends worked great.  Now I need to make some more to keep at our own house.

 

Felt ears sewn around hairbands

 

Felt crowns

A bit of elastic sewn to the back 

Simple felt flowers sen to a band of material.

I also made this tutu for TJ.  He has had so much fun playing dress up, so I made something to go with his wings.  It is made from tying little strips of tule around a length of elastic.

My next step is to properly set up our dress-up area with a mirror and hooks.

Pillow Case Dresses

When my friend approached me to make a pillowcase top for her I jumped at the chance.  I love to sew and try new things.  I made a tunic top for my friend to wear to her daughters polka dot party next weekend.  It was so simple to make and the results are pretty awesome!!  I don' have a picture of anyone in the top yet because I was at home alone when I took the photos.

I haven't made a tutorial for this because there are so many out there with different variations.


I had a birthday party the next day to go to for a 3 year old girl.  I decided to make the little girl and her doll  matching outfits.  I used the Pillowcase dress idea to make the two little dresses and a hair elastic.  So cute!!

Gifts for the polkadot party.  Doll dress with matching hairband.

Little black skirt

I had the best time at the Value Village sale on Monday.  I went twice!!  Yes I did and I bought almost everything for myself.  It's been a long time since I did that for myself and I loved it.  Here is what I bought for about $50:

1 purse
5 tops
3 tanks tops
2 mens shirts
1 coat for MJ
3 sweaters
1 dress
sheets for material

I saw this dress the first time I went and considered buying it, then when I went back it was still there so I got it.  Okay don't get mad, I know it is a cute dress and I fit me, but I turned it into a skirt.  I have been dressing more modestly and didn't like the fit at the top of this dress.

First I made an overlocking type stitch all the way around.  Then I cut off the top of the dress.  Ha!  It was just that easy.

I think it looks pretty good and the elastic waist is a nice fit.

I bought this material (bed sheet) with the idea to make a skirt.  Now I can't decide if I should make a dress or a skirt.  What do you think??

Have you found any good thrift finds lately?

Thrifty Finds Part 2

The other day I went to the local thrift store.  I was so excited about what I bought, that I spent most of the next day refashioning the onesies into doll clothes.  We have several birthday parties to attend this month (all girls), so I thought I'd make some cute doll clothes.  I'm also going to make some from scratch too.

Here is what I made.  I simply cut the bottom half of the onesie off (because they are too long for a doll).  I then added a skirt and some embellishments.  If the onesie was too big for a doll I took it in at the sides.  Yes I still have my old Cabbage Patch Dolls to try things on.

 This onsie with the tie is for MJ!

Because Blogger was down the other day I am posting later than usual.  Today is my wonderful husband's birthday.  We have having a party tonight for him.  I'll post more on that later.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JON!!

My Wardrobe

I was sorting through my closet the other day switching things around for the warmer weather.  It occurred to me that I really have 3 sizes of clothes: Pre-baby, Maternity, and Post-baby.  Since my closet is very small I obviously can't keep it all in there.  I share maternity clothes with my younger sister so that is all packed in a big box for the next person to use.  I sorted the rest of my clothes in to larger and smaller sizes, then figured out what size I am now.  HURRAY to me I am into my smaller clothes again!  So away went my larger things to the back of the closet.

I am excited now with what I have left because I won't be searching for to long to find something that I can wear and that will fit.  I have also been refashioning a lot of the clothes in my give-away pile to give them new life and save me money.  I really was going to do one post about my wardrobe once I was finished, but I have discovered that this is an ongoing project.

Here are the most recent clothes I have made for myself.  I'll just keep posting as I make more. I'll also learn to model my clothes better or teach my hubby to take some more flattering photos! 1. Simplicity 5189 pattern made with material from Africa. 2. t-shirt, bed sheets, curtain dress refashion. 3. two pairs of khaki shorts made into a skirt. 4. Same Simplicity pattern with a variation.

Here are some more pictures of my latest skirt.  I made it by combining two pairs of khaki capris.

I've got lots more ideas so I'll post them soon.  What have you made for yourself?

Easy to put on reversible Super Hero Cape

My TJ just loves to play dress-up.  The other day we were talking about Easter.  I mentioned that he could wear his bunny ears if he wanted.  He said "Oh yes I need a costume.  I'll be a pumpkin!"

I was inspired my several of the super hero capes I've seen in my blog hopping rescently, but most of them had ties to do them up.  I wanted to make TJ a cape that he could put on by himself.  Here is what I did.

1. I went to the thrift store an bought 2 shirts (okay one was a dress) that were larger that what TJ wears.  This is so that the neckline would be easy to put on.

2. I cut out a basic cape shape using the back of the shirts for material.  On one shirt I included the neck.

3. I made a cool applique for each side of the cape.

4. Sew the two capes together.  Use a zig-zag stitch around the neckline.

5. I chose to add seam binding around the raw neck line.

6. Look out bad guys it's Supper T!!

Some things I'd change for next time:
 - I really need to learn more about sewing with knits.  This wrinkled and puckered a lot.
- use a slightly smaller neckline.   This one is stretching a bit.

"Look mommy I can wear it like a funny apron"

Of course because he can't see the cape if it is behind him!

What is your super hero wearing?

I linked up to:

Someday Crafts

House of Hepworths

It's Sew Stinkin' Cute

Fireflies & Jellybeans

Thrilled on Thursdays @ Paisley Passions

Wednesday Crafts: Reverse Applique Shirts

Ever since I made my monster shirt I have been inspired to make more shirts for the boys.  Both of my boys had a shirt in their drawer that they were not going to wear.  MJ had one with a bulldozer, but the shirt was made too short and wide to fit anyone.  TJ had a Thomas dress shirt but he doesn't like buttons.  I decided to find a way to save these unwanted gems.  I give you my reverse applique shirts.

They are quite simple to make.  Here are some pictures of what I did.

1. trace around the picture you'd like and cut it out.

2. Pin your picture to the inside of the new shirt with the wrong side facing you.  Now using a zig-zag or applique stitch, sew around your picture.

3. Cut on the inside of your sewing line to reveal your picture below.

4. enjoy your new shirt!!

Sorry I have no pictures of the boys in their shirts.  MJ has worn his a few times.  TJ won't wear any of the shirts I've made him.  Not sure why but I'll be patient.

Does your little one have a shirt that doesn't fit but they still love?  What did you do?

I linked to:




http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/

Upcycled Sleep Sack

I don't usually blog on the weekend, but I was crafty today and didn't want to wait until next week to share with you all.

I came across this idea from lovinthemommyhood about making a sleep sack from a men's dress shirt.  The original tutorial is from The Cottage Home along with some other incredible tutorials.  I encourage you to check out both of these blogs!





The reason I made a new sleep sack for MJ was... I just wanted to try out this tutorial, and because he is outgrowing his old one.  My niece is currently using our next size up. MJ is about the same size as his older cousin, so I had a great excuse to try this out!  Now my wonderful husband doesn't wear dress shirts on a regular basis (he owns two for suits), so I headed over to the Walmart clearance section.  Oh my lucky day!! I picked up two ladies night shirts for only $3 each.  I also got some great kids clothes for gifts...

I mostly followed the tutorial but made a few changes.  I used the full length of the night shirt as MJ is wearing size 18months (he is only 9months old).  I also used the full width of the shirt, so I had very little sewing to do.  On the light blue one I used white bias tape.  On the darker one I used double wide navy bias tape.

Unfortunately for me I traced MJ's old sleep sack that I also made and the arm holes are way too big.  I'll just sew them up and take in a little at the sides tomorrow.  I'd love some ideas for how to decorate them a bit more as they are rather plain.

Have a great weekend and I'll see you next week!

Tuesday's Tips: Quick and Easy Doll Clothes

Okay so I don't have a girl right now, but I do have an adorable niece who loves her dolls.  I know just how expensive it is to buy doll clothes.  It can also be time consuming and difficult to make your own.  My tip today is to check out the newborn section of your local thrift store.  It may help to measure your doll or bring it along for the shopping trip.

I bought a newborn onesie for $0.99, then using my amazing crafty skills I turned it into a little shirt/dress.  It was too long as a onesie , but I think a little doll will like this new outfit.  You may need to make some slight alterations but just think of the possibilities!!

Okay so here is a sneak peek at the dress.  I may save it as a gift or give it to my niece sooner.

What are your doll wearing??

http://raisingourfamily.blogspot.com

Monster Shirt

Yesterday I was looking at some of the blogs I like and came across this contest at I Am Momma Hear Me Roar.  I was very excited about it, but quickly realized that the deadline was fast approaching!  Here is what I made in my few moments of free time over the past few days.

My inspiration was an old calendar that we use as a colouring book.

My shirt is a plain blue one that still fits TJ

I also used scraps left over from MJ's upcycled boy hat.  I need to post some pic for that, you can check them out on my Facebook page.

Here is the front

Here is the back

TJ loves the shirt.  Now that it has snowed again I think we may get some use out of it.  I also found a plain shirt in MJ's draw that needs some sprucing up!

Do you have any boy crafts to share?
http://raisingourfamily.blogspot.com

I linked this project to...