Cheering On

Notice

2008-12-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

This blog is now officially closed.

I've started a new blog to take over from here on out. Please stop by and let me know what you think: RetroGirl Creative

Giveaways galore

2008-12-03T20:58:00.000-08:00

Hop over to Sew, Mama, Sew for a chance at hundreds of giveaways!

New Butterick Pattern

2008-11-29T07:29:00.000-08:00

I picked this up yesterday while I was out and about. It's starting to creep up to the top section of my to-do list; I'm liking it more and more.

The second baby blanket

2008-11-22T08:54:00.000-08:00

This one is lighter weight; just two layers of flannel. I folded all the edges under and machine stitched away; super quick and easy. And, it's incredibly soft.

The first baby blanket

2008-11-18T10:12:00.000-08:00

My little nephew needed warmer blankets for nighttime, so Mom offered to make him some. It really was quite funny putting together the combinations with the fabric we already had. We wanted them fairly quick, simple, warm enough, and bigger than normal baby blankets so he can use them for several years.

I like teddy-bears, but they have to be done just right. I remembered having this striped flannel fabric that I thought looked like an "engineer" in my stash, so I dug it out and I knew it *had to go* with the teddy-bears. They're perfect together.

I put cotton batting between them and started quilting. After a few tests, I decided that I liked quilting little ovals around the lady-bugs best. It took me several days with help from a few sisters, but we were able to finish it just in time.

I really think that it will be my favorite!

Wide Leg Pants take 3

2008-10-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

After the first two pairs, I discovered that I had enough of this denim (leftover from a skirt) to make another pair. Originally, they were going to be a "gaucho" length, but when the pockets turned out so well, I had to make them full length. That's why they have such a long cuff!

The pockets were styled after my favorite pair of denim pants (that I purchased). I used the measurements and shape. I LOVE how they turned out!!! Both the front and back. I'll definitely be doing that again!

And, what project have I not added cute little touches to? This was no exception. Blue calico with white vine like flowers and stripes adorn the inside of the cuff and the facing for the waistband. Topstitching was easy for this pair, as I did not have to constantly switch thread colors on my machine.

Wide Leg Pants take 2

2008-10-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

This was a brainstorm project. I thought of it, and cut it out within a few hours! I've never had a pair of corduroy pants before, so this was an experiment to see how I like them. Brown topstitching makes them easier to iron as that has to be done on the inside.

No pockets on this one as it was a quicky project. I cut the back long enough to just hem them, but I forgot to make sure that there would be enough for the front at the same length, oops! There wasn't. I picked this darling polka dot fabric up at Joanns a few days later so that it would face the hem and they'd be long enough. I also faced the waistband with the same print!

I've practically lived in this pair and the next one you'll see in a few days while I have been under-the-weather. They are perfect for lounging around the house, but they still make me feel like I have dressed for the day, too.

Wide Leg Pants take 1

2008-10-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

I always thought I should try that slanted pocket version, but did not get around to it until now. I already knew I liked the fit of the pants, so why did it take me so long to make this view? Probably that little thing called time... but, anyways, they're done now.

Tan top-stitching adds a finishing touch, but it was a pain to do. :)

I used this brown print scraps from my "someday I'll make a quilt" box to make a bias tape to enclose the hemline, face the waistband and line the pockets. Every time I see the little brown print, I have to smile. When I peek into the pockets or fold my pant legs up when that extra length I added is too long for around the house. It's such a cute touch!

I am very particular about the length of pants when they are worn with boots or heels. I can't stand it when they look like they are too short; that's careless and sloppy. To avoid it, I have to add length to all pants patterns I make. It's just an adjustment one has to make.

What do these calico prints all have in common?

2008-10-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

They accessorize three different takes on this pattern.

I have always loved wide leg pants. My sister's and I have made several pairs over the years and received many compliments. Paired with the right top, they are dressier than jeans, but work well for festivals, hiking and traveling, too. Flannel pj's fit well under them for extra warmth in the winter, too.

I've tried different patterns over the years and liked most of them with a few changes. I just shared my latest favorite, though. While I'm busy packing and out of town, I've

scheduled posts to highlight each take. Until I return...

A pattern tale

2008-10-16T11:06:00.000-07:00

This one is to die for, no?

It's the epitome of a charming housewife, yes?

She was probably a farmwife, as it came in an envelope from The Farmer. But, let's not talk about that right now. I will divulge the saddest thing in my entire vintage pattern collecting career....

...this is not the dress that the pattern makes. *tears* Yes, true. When I finally got around to examining every pattern that I possessed (which I should have done much sooner!), I discovered that the pattern pieces do not look anything like the shapes in the illustrations. You can only imagine how upset I was! I had been looking forward to making this dress for months!

Maybe someday I will feel like trying to piece together the pattern that did show up in the envelope, but for now, I want to dream that this dress will someday become a reality in my wardrobe...

Vintage Pattern Stash part 6

2008-10-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

Cocktail and party dresses:

Denim skirt

2008-10-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

I have sadly been lacking enough denim skirts and decided that now was the time to rectify it. Well, actually a few months ago was the time, but it takes time to do something about it. ;) This is the second denim skirt I made over the summer, so I'll have to post pics of the first later.

It's below the knee enough that I can wear it with my tall boots and a flannel slip in the winter, but short enough that I can wear it in the summer too with a cute blouse. In a word: versatile.

Professional courtesy dictates that I mention that I used Simplicity 3688, but the similarities are so distant that you can hardly recognize it! Besides narrowing the skirt panels down, lengthening the skirt, and adding extra panels, I moved seams over more than an inch, topstitched all the seams, added a fly in the front and some cool details. The pink you see is the waistband facing! Well you don't see it while I'm wearing it, but you see it in the picture because I showed it to you! And while there is no picture to prove it, I used a pale pink ribbon to hem it!

A peek at my fabric stash!

2008-10-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

Yes. I do realize that the majority of them are pink! *smile*

Summer Blouses - two of three

2008-09-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

I've wanted to try this pattern for too long now, so I finally picked out some good "mock-up" fabric and set to work. It's not 100% cotton unfortunately, but it's what I had. I raised the split neckline some and I think I'm happy the way it looks. I chopped several inches off before hemming it, otherwise it would have looked much like a sixties dress and that is not the look I wanted.

Next summer I should be able to put this experience to use with some very pretty cotton floral fabric. The longer length options will be good for jeans and I might get creative with changing the neckline some, too.

Summer Blouses - one of three

2008-09-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

When I saw Simplicity 2936 while I was on vacation, I had to pick it up! It has the look of a peasant blouse without the extra bulk of gathers at the neckline. I did raise the neckline to adhere to my standards of modesty, but the rest of the blouse was left as is. I used a very lightweight "scraps" that I had in my stash and made this one as a test. It's a good thing that I did, because it's slightly too big for me! I think I'll have to make it again next summer.

Amoretti

2008-09-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

I love these frilly, feminine neccesities for little girls in dresses and since there is a British tea giveaway on the blog, I have to enter. Linking here gives me another entry and guess what? I gotta' take that! :D All littles girls should look this cute. Seriously.

Vintage Crochet: Shooting Star

2008-09-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

Long since finished...

Just pressed.

Vintage Pattern Stash part 5

2008-09-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

I like these dresses especially for the fun details they have. Much more thought went into the clothes of yesteryear.

The far right dress below is currently in the works for yours truly with some alterations.

Vintage Crochet: Whirl-a-Way

2008-09-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

I found my camera cable! I never thought to look in the car. 8-)

The first thing I learned when making doilies: The first ten or so rows go very fast. Once you get down to the last few rows, you feel like you are crawling. The results are worth the effort though!

This makes #4 that I've made without ruffles on the border. I like to mix it up a little, so that I don't get bored! :)

Vintage Pattern Stash part 4

2008-09-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

No matter what lot of patterns I buy, there is usually at least one simple dress. That's good. I like simple dresses and I can envision quite a few options with these that I decided to keep. I think #1 (view B) would make a nice apron, too with some alterations. Bows, pleats and collars abound plenty. And look at those heels!!!

Vintage Pattern Stash part 3

2008-09-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

The neat school-boy suit.

Collared shirts and pressed pants! Little boys never looked so good!

To keep the little ones cozy at night:

Vintage Pattern Stash part 2

2008-09-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

School dress, perhaps?

She could twirl all day!

Peasant blouses are just about the sweetest thing for girls! Casual, yet sophisticated.

I think little Miss-on-the-left can't decide which cake to try first!

Yes, I do seem to get the basics.

A trip to the post office after school?

Vintage Pattern Stash

2008-09-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

I always love seeing the vintage patterns that other people have, so I thought I'd show a sampling of mine over the next few weeks! Plus, since I somehow lost my camera cable, I can't post my newest projects yet! ;)

Starting off with some little girls patterns:

This reminds me of nightgowns I wore as a child in pink Lanz flannel! Oh so soft!

A smart blouse for back-to-school.

Look at that collar! And those pockets! And those cute little sleeves!

Another lovely sleeves dress, but more day-to-day than the prior one.

Have you seen Deanna Durbin in Three Smart Girls? She would have worn this! Gotta love those sailor styles!

Simplicity 4077: a pink blouse

2008-08-26T17:41:00.000-07:00

I have this darling green floral fabric that I want to make a very pretty blouse out of, but rather than run the risk of it not turning out correctly the first time, I used this pink that I had in my stash to make a "trial" blouse. This trial turned out good enough and better to wear!

I made a few minor changes to the pattern, some unintentional. I changed the collar so that it barely meets in the front. That gap at the neckline on the pattern front really bothered me, so I fixed it! I used snaps instead of buttons and added some ties to the back. I should have made a slightly smaller size, so the ties help bring it in a little, too.

The pleats on the sleeves are not stiched down except for some little hand stitches inside. Next time, I think I will change the sleeves quite a bit, but for this one, it's alright. The little sleeve snaps are useable.

The finish on the collar was the unintentional alteration as I misread the pattern instructions (the first in awhile I've actually bothered to read them on a modern pattern!), so I had to make that nice little bias tape to enclose the collar edges. I can't complain though as it gives such a nice touch! I decided to finish the sleeve cuffs the same way.

I have yet to start the green blouse...

Pardon the dust!

2008-08-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to fix the incredibly small font in my posts prior to being out of town for a month, but it is not working! At the same time, I figured an updated look would be nice.

Any ideas?

Summertime tiered skirt

2008-08-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

I had every intention of posting several projects over the last few weeks, but I had problems uploading the pictures correctly and have just now tried again after figuring out what I was doing wrong! :D

I traded some fabric with my sister for this skirt as it isn't her color anyway! She had intended to remake it identically anyway, so I did it (which is why it shows up here). I usually put invisible zippers in skirts, but I just used what was there. If I recall correctly, she used Simplicity 5752.

Vintage Crochet: Seafoam

2008-07-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

Seafoam is quite a fitting name for this lacy confection! Completed just last week.

I pray it survives a very long time...

Simplicity 2681: Vintage Nightgown

2008-07-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

This nightgown has been planned for many months, but just recently became a reality. I really needed to get back into sewing after my first trip, so I thought this would be a good one to begin with. Time-consuming tracing of the vintage pattern kicked it off!

I'm off again...

2008-07-20T17:30:00.000-07:00

...without my sewing machine. *tear*

But...really, I have found that it's not practical to take a sewing machine along while visiting family. Sewing always gets aced out, because I'd much rather spend time with people when I am around those people. Ya know? 'Cause... like... I don't see them all that often anymore.

I take my youngest sister with me. *happy dance* It was absolutely thrilling to surprise her with a packed suitcase!!! Her face was priceless.

Lots of emotion today, as you have proof. Ice cream is in order. ;)

Project salvage: Retro dress to a skirt!

2008-07-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

Before:

My younger sister made this charming dress from a vintage pattern, and while the first from it fit correctly, this one did not. More's-the-pity. During a much-needed wardrobe consultation session with her older sisters, she decided to let me work some magic with it! ;)

Because of the strange method the vintager's had for inserting zippers, I had to narrow the skirt down, which actually turned out to be very good. Using the scraps that little sis had leftover, I inserted the opposite stripe in the skirt. Then I hemmed it and managed to cut the waistband from the extra I cut out of the skirt. I salvaged the invisible zipper from the dress and used a blue piping scrap from my older sister. Some seams, hand sewing and pressing later, and the Cinderella skirt was ready to wear!

It's definitely a favorite-forever project now!

In progress: Blue and Yellow Afghan

2008-07-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

Itty Bitty Baby Dress and Panties

2008-07-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

When Lauren posted this dress pattern on her blog, I knew I had to try it! I cut up a very unflattering linen gingham jumper for the main part and some scraps of muslin for lining. I had to purchase more grosgrain ribbon, but I think the effect is worth it! For the panties, I used a Simplicity pattern.

Everything (save the buttonholes) were hand sewn; french seams and all! It took me a few weeks amongst several other projects to get it completed, but it was worth it!

I want to make a matching little boys suit now. :)

I just had to take this test when I came across it!

2008-07-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

145

As a 1930s wife, I am
Very Superior

Take the test!

Vintage Crochet: Pinwheel

2008-06-26T07:31:00.000-07:00

No pictures of the vintage pattern, just of the finished project. I am so thrilled that I was able to complete this one is such a short timeframe! Probably one week from start to finish and then I almost completed a much larger one and got halfway through yet another before I ran into problems with it. :)

Since I couldn't decide which flowers I liked better, I've just posted both! :D

I prefer fabric on laundry lines over laundry on laundry lines,...

2008-06-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

...don't you?! :D

Because, once dry, it is ready to be used in a marvelous creation, while clothes are just ready to be worn again. So, you see, the former is just so much more exciting!

Home Sweet Home

2008-06-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

I'm home!!!

After three and a half weeks away, it feels good. Very good.

I'm looking forward to sewing again! I've missed it a lot, but have been quite productive while I was away. Still, nothing beats sewing with a machine and the rapid projects that can be turned out. Yep, between catching up on all the reading done around here, all the fabric purchased and projects planned, I shall be quite busy. Quite busy.

Simplicity 3750 - Pink plaid summer blouse

2008-06-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

Ever since my younger sister purchased this pattern, I knew I'd have to make it.

First in blue to make sure it would fit correctly.

I wasn't going to make it before my trip, but I came across a cute pink plaid blouse online and decided to go for it. So I made all the changes I wanted and started it. I finished it up the next morning! :)

Simplicity 3750

Vintage Advance 2249 - Forties Afternoon Dress

2008-05-31T18:50:00.000-07:00

I have completely fallen in love with this dress. It's so elegant!

There was no instructions with the unprinted pattern, but it wasn't too difficult to figure it out. I used a sweet pink floral cotton print that I found on clearance at Joanns and lined it with muslin. There is a left side zipper opening that has an invisible zipper and the back ties define a shape so that it doesn't look like a twenties dress. Six pink buttons and pale pink rick rack finished the look.

First the bow, then the front collar and darts detail. Lastly, the back keyhole opening.

WIFD Day Six - Saturday

2008-05-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

I had six+ hours of driving and some classroom time, so I wanted cute but sturdy enough for the environment I anticipated. To accomplish that, I chose to wear my tall boots with jeans, purple hooded sweater and brown/tan tee.

WIFD Day Five - Friday

2008-05-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

For Friday I wore my new khaki skirt and vintage style blouse. I borrowed my sisters sandals for the pictures and *had to have* my denim jacket 'cause it was cold. I changed to jeans later in the day because I didn't want to get my skirt dirty and I had some cleaning to do.

WIFD Day Five - Thursday

2008-05-08T16:34:00.000-07:00

I wore my cotton tiered skirt today with a brown sleeveless shirt and a pintucked blouse over it. It was quite chilly this morning, so I wore my denim jacket for awhile. I switched back and forth between my brown flats and brown leather flip flops as I went outside to hang laundry several times. Sewing for both my sister and I and catching up on emails took up the greater part of the rest of my day.

WIFD Day Four - Wednesday

2008-05-08T10:32:00.000-07:00

No pictures of my outfit today. I wore the denim skirt from Sunday, the brown shoes from yesterday and my staple denim jacket with a brown pintucked Christopher and Banks blouse. I was running errands with my mother, so I needed an outfit that was practical for hurrying around.

When I put my blouse on it was too big. I've lost a lot of weight since last summer, so I have few clothes that actually fit me correctly. Since my sewing machine was already out, I decided to deal with it immediately. I french-seamed the sides lickety-split, ran the iron over them and put it back on. Now it fits exactly how I want it to. *happy*

WIFD Day Three - Tuesday

2008-05-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

Skirt: Ecru flowers on tan skirt that I made. I could rarely wear it because the office was so cold!
Shirt: Pintucked magenta blouse that I found for a super deal! I folded the sleeves up so that they wouldn't constrict me.
Accessories: Brown Naturalizer flats that are super comfortable, straw hat that was a gift from my sister and my favorite simple earrings (though you can't see them!).

I sewed most the day away on a new blouse design of mine! Perfect day, no?!

~Kyna

When one can't decide which project to sew next, one should just start a crochet project instead!

2008-05-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

*smile*

At least, that's what this one did.

I altered a basic flower pattern and then crocheted them together before adding a border. My mom thinks it almost looks like a grandmother's flower garden pattern. I still haven't decided what to call it though. Perhaps Roses on the Rock Wall? This will take pondering.

~Kyna

WIFD - Day Two - Monday

2008-05-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

Today I wore a brown floral skirt that I made a few years ago (I don't wear it very often) and an almost salmon pink twinset from Eddie Bauer. My pink sandals were a spur-of-the-moment purchase from Talbots.com because I wanted some more flat sandals for this summer.

WIFD - Day One - Sunday

2008-05-04T16:52:00.000-07:00

After much thinking about it, I decided to join the Week in Feminine Dress that the Sense and Sensiblity ladies do for each season of the year. I don't wear skirts/dresses daily, nor do I think that you *have to* wear them to be feminine, but I've wanted to start wearing them more often again. I figured this would help kick-off unpacking my spring wardrobe for the season, too!

Without any more ado, here is my first outfit for the week:

My ever favorite *almost* gray-blue denim skirt with a white on white floral blouse; both made by yours truly. White "eggshell" heeled sandals for fancy events. I'm wearing earrings that match the pearl necklace and in my hand I'm holding my denim jacket that I needed during the chill of the morning.

P.S. You won't see my face in any of the pictures per my parents wishes.
P.S.#2 I really like unusual camera angles and my sister obliged me. ;)

The bridesmaids purses and hats

2008-04-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

These little purses afforded me much needed breaks from sewing the dresses and were quickly satisfying! :D I made up my own patterns for them, but exhaustion and running out of time worked havoc with the last one, so I looked to Craftster for it's replacement.

Please take a moment to let them introduce themselves.

"Hi! I'm the most tailored!"

"Hello! I'm chic with pleats and a little color!"

"ciao, sono una figura di divertimento" (In english, that's "Hello, I'm a fun shape!")

*giggle* "I'm the favorite!" *blush*

"I'm last. That's just life, I guess." (This is also the only one that wasn't completed. The embellishment was only pinned on during the whole thing!)

I used tulle, ribbon roses, satin bows and my imagination to embellish them. We finally put the last few stitches on the hats the morning of the wedding. It was so worth it!

Some had little pockets. Only one had a zipper closure.

Every girl had at least one jewelry pouch. I made these because there was one in each of the vintage purses that my grandmother lent us for parties. The snaps were a breeze once the hammer finally made it's way back to the house after some very efficient hands whisked it off! :)

The hats were TW's idea, but I created a pattern that would work and set Annie on making them.

They really added to the vintage look that the bride wanted!

Many, many thanks to my younger sister for so patiently helping me fashion the ribbon roses! Yep, all 38 of them; there was painstaking small stitches to wrap the ends up, too! Also thanks to Mother for finding us the instructions and the rest of my sisters for moral support and advice. We giggled a lot late one night working on them!

We did not carry our purses during the ceremony, but it was nice knowing that these cute little things were waiting with family for us and they looked very good with our bouquets on the bridal table!

Note: I do intend to eventually post pictures of the bridesmaids dresses, but I don't have the professional pictures yet and I want to wait for them! There are a few shots that I'm hoping the photographer caught!

Vintage Style Blouse

2008-04-18T12:02:00.001-07:00

I altered this cute dress pattern to make a blouse. I'd already made a muslin for a now almost finished dress, so I knew it would fit (perfectly, too, in my opinion!). I couldn't pass up this perfectly darling fabric when I saw it. With only 1 1/4 yds, I knew I'd have to be careful with the pattern choice. This was the perfect one!

Results: The ghost of a vintage pattern updated for the empire waist fashions of today!

The right side of the fabric was too bright for me, so I have the wrong side out; it's so much more pretty that way! It's lined with white muslin, but is still lightweight and perfect for the unbearable heat I'm anticipating this summer.

The finished aprons

2008-04-16T10:49:00.001-07:00

Birthday gift for a special friend

2008-04-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

My first ever crocheted doily!

EXTRA BONUS!!!
Here's the birthday card! From this tutorial.

Refashioned shirt

2008-04-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

I made this shirt a few years ago, but rarely wore it because I didn't like it 100%! My sister altered it some, but then she didn't wear it. Finally, I decided to alter it again! This time I completely ripped the sleeves off because they didn't fit correctly, changed the neckline and replaced the zipper in the side. Because it's a woven, it has to be just perfect in order to get it over the head with ease; I think I've accomplished that! I added full sleeves from another pattern and gathered them into a band at the bottom, then folded the excess an attached a button.

Here's a before shot:

Here's hoping I'll wear it now!

Friday Food

2008-04-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

A special sneak peek!

2008-03-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

I was informed that a certain little girl has been haunting my blog for pictures of the bridesmaids dresses. This post is dedicated to her! *cheering and clapping*

*smile*

Friday Fashion

2008-03-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

insert creative title here

2008-03-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

When I saw this skirt panel at the fabric store, I couldn't resist it! Who could?! I made it up at the end of January, but I'm just now getting around to taking and posting pictures. *grin* When I discovered that it wouldn't be quite as long as I like my shorter skirts, I decided to add a ruffle from some pink fabric in my stash.

I sewed pink bias tape along the seamline and waistline. This is the first time I've done that and I love it!

Brown bias tape for the ruffle seamline.

It twirls perfectly.

My sister said it's so Boden. My grandmother wanted to put her shades on when she saw it. Teehee!

A purse for Spring!

2008-03-02T20:06:00.000-08:00

I made up my own pattern for this. I'm not completely happy with the way it turned out (I wish I had applied interfacing to the outside pieces!) and I'll definitely make some changes next time. Oh well. I used just scraps from my stash and I'm quite excited about the possibilities of making more!

Here's a shot of the front. I forgot to get a picture of the side, but you can barely tell that the sides and bottom are the solid brown.

A pocket for a pen and one for a compact, a small wallet or whatever fits best. I used up a little piece of pink rick rack that I've had around for several months now. *happy smile*

A cell phone slot on the other end. The lining is the same as the strap and top border.

I've gotten into the habit of not showing anyone my progress as I go along on a project. I just surprise them with the finished product! It's great fun and gives me more incentive to finish things quickly!

~Kyna

Project Salvage - A Retro Jumper!

2008-02-15T17:52:00.000-08:00

This is word-for-word from the sewing forum I frequent - sorry if you came here looking for "something more"! ;)

My little sister made this skirt awhile ago, but it was too small so it was boxed away with the rest of her unfinished projects. Last week during a drastic purge, she let it go. Guess who took it?!

Originally I planned to turn it into a shorter summer skirt for myself, but a brainstorm took place and I went to work. Viola! In one afternoon, I had completed (all but the hem) this retro jumper for my twelve-year-old sister!

I didn't use any patterns (I only glanced at one - does that count?). I chopped 9” off the bottom to use for the waistband and bib. I used the pre-cut waistband for the straps and I had to add the bib so that they would be long enough. Leftover scraps from an apron for the lining and two buttons from my stash completed the project.

Enough talk – onto the pictures now!

It's projects like these that keep me sewing!

~Kyna

Life these days

2008-02-14T10:18:00.001-08:00

.sharing the table with school.

.pre-shrinking dupioni silk. a precise, time-consuming process.

.making darts.

.caffeine to keep my energy up.

.calculations and more calculations.

.pins in fabric.

.trying not to be sick of that color.

.getting faster and faster.

.giggle fest with my sisters because we are too tired.

All of this means that the bridesmaids dresses are slowing taking shape and getting done. Repeat, slowly. I am gaining lots of experience during this time.

Crochet hook holder

2008-02-12T15:10:00.000-08:00

After six unsuccessful attempts to crochet one of these, I gave up and sewed one. I'm not complaining too much though, because I think it goes much better with my handwork totebag and it's far more glamorous! ;)

I didn't use a pattern, but I've seen a few on other blogs. Only scraps were used in this project and I must say I'm starting to love making things with only scraps. I can be so creative! I have more hooks than just these, but I wanted them to blend together in the pictures; I need to get all the same color hooks from now on! And here we have it all rolled up:

Finally done!

2008-02-08T10:30:00.000-08:00

I started both of these before Christmas, but finished them just this week. *facepalm* It is a relief to have them finally done.

^Is the one that I showed unfinished in this post. And here is the back of it:

This one is the second favorite of the three I made. I used scraps from a beautiful fabric for the back and lace that I got from my grandmother. It makes it quite old fashioned-ish looking.

Taken from Country Christmas Crafts by Better Homes and Gardens.

Recent acquisitions

2008-02-06T10:52:00.001-08:00

I've been antiquing with my grandmother and discovered these treasures. I won't say how much I paid for each, but believe me, it was a very good price! I'm really looking forward to making all of them. I know I never will, but I can dream, can't I? I sincerely hope to make all the vintage patterns I have acquired, but who has that much time and as I add more and more to "my collection", my hopes to be able to make them all diminish more and more. *smile*

McCalls 2169 - 1957 - Size 4 - Little girls dress and pinafore. All pieces included. Originally $0.45

Hollywood 1546 - Six years - Girls one piece frock with bolero and pantie. blouse and bodice patterns missing. *tear* I think this is from about the same time, but I'm not sure. Perhaps it's earlier as it was originally only $0.15.

This afghan magazine is from 1954, in "good enough" condition and enticing me to make some. Below I have posted two of my favorites, but there is many more to make. In the second picture, the lady reminds me of Irene Dunne.

I do believe this is the greatest find of all - Aprons magazine from 1945! All of the pictures below are from it and a view of all the opposite sides. Now to decide which to start with when I have the time! *dream* The pattern pieces are inside the back cover, they just need to be enlarged.

While it is not frilly, I think the far right one would make a fabulous apron for messy jobs; it is number 19 in the reverse views.

"Many hands make light work", especially when they are all wearing gorgeous aprons!

"Hmm, it tastes perfect".

"Did you hear about...?"

Cinderella, perhaps?

Domestic Diva has it under control

P.S. None of these are for sale and I have no plans to sell them in the future. ;)

Blue Time

2008-01-22T08:30:00.000-08:00

I really like layered skirts. It seemed to be the perfect time to make another one that I could wear during the winter with my flannel slip, but also lightweight enough that I could wear during the summer, too. So, I dug this fabric out of my plastic tote and got to work using Simplicity 5752 (which I cannot find on the website). I'm tall and I wanted it quite long, so I had to lengthen each layer to get it the total length that I wished. I forgot to get a picture of the vintage nylon hem tape that I used on the hemline.

A story of flannel

2008-01-20T19:47:00.001-08:00

I've made quite a few flannel items since the beginning of December and I decided it would be best to compose them all into one post.

These were a Christmas gift for my younger sister along with the dark purple turtleneck.

Cuff detail with the fancy stitching I did on it:

I made these for my brother, also for Christmas. As I was at the cutting counter I remembered, so while the clerk was cutting my other fabric, I had a few minutes to browse for something suitable. I would have chosen this one if I'd had hours to choose it. I really, really like it and so does my brother. I used McCalls 9638.

I decided to make the back of the pockets a solid black.

Again, another Christmas gift. I made two sets of these pjs for my younger brothers using Simplicity 4381. I should have moved the buttons up farther; I'll do that next time.

Collar detail:

The wavy stitch on the pockets and hems:

I've wanted to wear more skirts this winter, but I freeze every time I wear them. So I made two flannel slips to wear and they are much warmer! I didn't want ordinary white, so I made them in fun colors. For both of them I traced off existing slips. This pink one is my shorter one and I used the wazy stitch again.

This blue one is very long and very cozy. I was originally going to put lace on the hem, but didn't have enough, so I went with a ruffle and bias tape instead.

It seems that I make something flannel every year. ;)

Cranberry Celebration

2008-01-18T17:04:00.000-08:00

There is kind of a story behind this blouse. I bought the fabric almost two years ago intending to make a Christmas shirt. Shortly before Christmas 2006 I realized that more important things must take precedence. I set it aside quite sadly.

This year I finally started by making a mock-up and then cut into the fashion fabric only to realize that I was short on fabric. Very depressing, I assure you. I asked my dear mother to get me some that would go with it. In the store lighting it looked much more purple and the solid fabric was the closest match. At first I was leary of it because it is quite a different shade, but I decided to use it anyway. Now I am very glad I did. I love the combination.

So, after some long sewing days (including other things, too), I knew it wouldn't be finished in time for Christmas. I kept on sewing though and even worked on it Christmas Day while I waited for our holiday guest to arrive. :8o

By that time I only had some hand sewing left to do and the front closure. I barely had a chance to work on it while our Christmas/New Years guests were here, but picked it up again once everyone had departed. I was determined to finish it then and after I attached the buttons I decided to line the solid sections. I did all that by hand while sipping tea and staying warm. :D

At last it was done and I just had to wait until another snowfall to photograph it. *deep breath*

This is my first synthetic shirt. I normally stick with natural fibers, but I couldn't resist this fabric when I saw it it on clearance. The bolt said 100% linen, but it cannot possibly be right. It is not linen. I'm guessing it is polyester. *Note: it is much more burgundy than the pictures lead you to believe.

I used Vogue 8196. Other than size alterations, I changed the bottom sections to be flat instead of gathered. I knew gathers don't look good on me, so I used some pieces from another shirt pattern. I am really pleased with the way that part turned out.

In fact, I am pleased with the way the whole thing turned out. I think I might make this shirt again in a cotton print for summer. I just can't decide if I should do the long sleeves for protection from the sun or the short sleeves.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2008-01-02T11:30:00.000-08:00

Pattern link for "Pretty Snowflake":

A Christmas stocking

2008-01-01T11:26:00.000-08:00

~front~

~back~

~an unfinished one~

Taken from Country Christmas Crafts by Better Homes and Gardens.

.finished recently.

2007-12-06T10:46:00.000-08:00

.pink. take two. love the flower.

.bright blue. won't get lost.

Vintage crocheting patterns...

2007-11-23T17:10:00.000-08:00

...for this winter. I'll have lots of fun and frustration figuring them out! :D

~Kyna

Newest patterns

2007-10-11T19:04:00.000-07:00

"Tie in the blue" skirt

2007-09-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

Simplicity 4044 - I pinned the pattern pieces together to eliminate the front and back seams. Love this skirt, but packed it away for next summer!

~Kyna

Brown houndstooth travelling suit!

2007-09-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

I used Simplicity 4129 for the jacket and I made the skirt pattern myself. I did love the stir we created at the airports! :D

~Kyna

Dress with purple jacket...

2007-09-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

...for a friend! I started on a Sunday and had to have it finished before I left on vacation that Thursday morning, plus I only could work on it before and after work. I used a highly altered dress pattern that I have made before. The jacket is Butterick 4792. I shortened the sleeves and the length. Before my friend headed to the wedding, her aunt pinned inverted pleats into the sleeves and back to make it more fitted.

"It's in the blue" skirt

2007-09-19T20:35:00.003-07:00

Butterick 5041. I can't resist beautiful clearance fabric! *sigh* I love pretty linings, lace and bias tape hems, too. Those three combined=practically perfect in every way! :D

The best denim skirt I have ever made!

2007-09-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

I used Vogue 8315. As you can see, I altered it quite a bit. :) Immediately noticable is that I made a skirt and it's a dress pattern. I also narrowed the flares down two inches on each piece just so I would have enough fabric and it's plenty full without those extra 16+ inches!

I had to taper the top pieces in to fit my waist and drafted my own waistband pattern. The belt loops and the topstitching make it more casual, but with the right top and shoes it is quite dressy! :D The waistband facing and the hem facing are both brown cotton. I love doing that, but forgot to take a picture!

It works great with sandals for warm weather and I am looking forward to wearing it with tall boots this fall/winter. It is a very versatile weight 100% cotton denim from Joanns, purchased with a coupon, of course! :)

Vintage Housecoat

2007-08-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

Here is my first attempt at a vintage pattern and I am quite pleased. I will definitely make more, especially since I have quite a stash of vintage patterns now! :)

I made this from $1 yd clearance fabric I purchased at JoAnn's in a few pieces. In the future, I will make it with a really pretty floral print, but for now, I'm quite happy! :)

This is a lightweight cotton which makes it perfect for summer. The pattern instructions were very good, except I did have trouble understanding the back collar at first. :)

Graduation card!

2007-08-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

When I looked for a graduation card a few weeks ago, I couldn't find many and I didn't care for those I did find. So, I made one!

Ta-da! Another apron...

2007-08-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

...and the last for the year I thought. Then I found some vintage apron things, so I might have to make more. :D

Butterick 4945 View E. ^Actual color! :D

A Few Gifts~Reversable Aprons

2007-07-22T15:24:00.000-07:00

L-R: Simplicity 4282 View D, Butterick 4945 View E & Simplicity 4282 View B.

Pj's

2007-07-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

I used a very basic drawstring pants pattern, but made a few alterations. :)

Darling little teacups!

2007-07-04T17:08:00.000-07:00

When I found these teacups at a sale, I couldn't pass them up! Even though they don't have saucers, I still love them. They appear to be quite old and made in Germany, but I haven't had a chance to do more research on them.

Skirt

2007-07-04T16:51:00.000-07:00

Yep, un-ironed and all!

Tote

2007-07-02T19:17:00.000-07:00

I sewed this tote up in no time at all the day before I took off on a little trip. It was perfect!

Tan summer skirt

2007-06-27T18:17:00.000-07:00

I used McCalls 4783 for this skirt and eliminated the waistband on it by just cutting the skirt piece several inches taller and contouring it. There is a center seam that is not very noticeable. > That is the inside hem.

Parade of the Blue Aprons

2007-06-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

Drumroll...
I bought some of this darling blue fabric at Wal-mart because it screamed “APRON” at me! *smile* I started out with 2 ½ yds of it and after making two aprons I had to go back and get more; I just couldn’t resist! :D I ended up using three different blues to line them all, but they all go quite well together.

^ Simplicity 4282 View B (I left the back pieces off)

^ Butterick 4945 View E – My #2 favorite!

^ Butterick 4945 View E – This one was made out of some of the scraps. I shortened the flounce just so I had enough!

^ Simplicity 4282 View D – I did not use the pleat marks on the pattern; I just did it where I thought it looked good.

^ Simplicity 4282 View E – Not much to say about this one, except it has the best coverage for messy jobs!

^ Butterick 6567 View A – This is my favorite one!

^The back of the above one. My sister ties the most darling bows!

The Yellow Eyelet Dress

2007-06-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

For the dress we used the top part of Simplicity 7219 and added it to the skirt of Butterick 4513; adjusting the waistline, of course. The jacket it Butterick 4792 which was altered to have a lining and no facing. She is wearing a petticoat that has been so altered that it wouldn't be recognizable from it's pattern. Oh, so classy!

P.S. The hemline of the jacket is not uneven, it is just photographed that way! :)

Coin purse

2007-06-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

Pink skirt#2

2007-06-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

This one still hasn't been hemmed because I decided to make a different skirt for the event I'd intended it for.

I did not use a pattern; just took it off a already existing skirt. The stripes are chocolate! *happy sigh*

Pink skirt#1

2007-06-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

I wanted the flounces to be much fuller, but when you work without a pattern, there are risks. *smile* The lace on the seams came from my grandmother and I have no clue how old it is! It was time consuming to tack every flower down, but I managed.

I'll start this...

2007-06-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

...with one of my favorite April projects; a black and white skirt for my little sister.

Why "Cheering On"?

2007-06-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

Cheering:

Cheer (chîr) noun
1. Lightness of spirits or mood; gaiety or joy: a happy tune, full of cheer.
2. A source of joy or happiness; a comfort.
Cheering: synonyms: auspicious, bright, comforting, heartening, hopeful, promising, propitious.

On: [on, awn] preposition
35. forward, onward, or along, as in any course or process: further on.
36. with continuous activity: to work on.