tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23450078896772478742023-11-16T11:22:57.592-06:00e&g creationsNikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181666540668046308noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345007889677247874.post-32584209527131839742010-09-19T17:30:00.005-05:002010-09-19T19:22:53.714-05:00Birthday Garland<span style="font-family:arial;">So my baby just turned 3 years old! I can't believe how time flies! It feels like the past couple of weeks have been <span style="color:#ffff00;">crazy </span>busy and not time for much sewing and/or crafting. However, before her party, I happened upon a blog that gave me a great last minute (literally) idea for party decorations.<br /><br /></span><br /><p align="center"><a title="Gracie Birthday by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/5005815981/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="Gracie Birthday" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5005815981_a1e2d61d41.jpg" width="433" height="500" /></span></a></p><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">For the kids' birthdays they get to choose a theme for the party. My daughter is currently obsessed with all things princess, so I was not surprised at her choice. I really wanted to avoid the Disney princess theme though. We love us some Disney movies...but for some reason, I really dislike any character clothing and any other paraphernalia (including party decorations). If she had really wanted Disney specifically, we would have gone that route, but she is generally easy to please (well....other than the multiple times a day when a melt down occurs and a tantrum ensues...but that is another subject). So, when I found these princess invitations, I thought they were adorable and a great neutral foundation for party decorations as well.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><p align="center"><a title="Birthday Invitations by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/5006175600/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="Birthday Invitations" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5006175600_d9e4124a38.jpg" width="477" height="391" /></span></a></p><br /><p align="left"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">My sister is awesome at making cakes, so I commissioned her to make a cake based upon the invitation (I have made the kids cakes in the past and I normally end up in a panic and completely stressed out...so I have decided there are some projects that are just best left to others). I gave her complete creative control other than the basic design and as always, I was very happy with the end result (she also made my son's cake this past year - a very cool race track)!<br /></span></p><br /><p align="center"><a title="Birthday Cake by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/5005549133/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="Birthday Cake" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5005549133_425b8ba45c.jpg" width="500" height="339" /></span></a></p><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I decided to just use pink & purple for the decorations. I could not find any decorations that were princess-ey that did not look cheap and/or were not Disney. I would have loved to have found some plates, garland, etc. that matched the invitations, but no such luck. The party was very small, mostly just family and just a couple of friends...and being frugal (i.e. cheap) I also did not want to spend a huge amount of money on decorations. The day of the party, I remembered a blog I had recently seen, showing how to </span><a href="http://ellenscreativepassage.blogspot.com/2010/08/circle-party-garland.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">sew paper circles into a garland</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> I didn't want circles...but I had a couple of extra invitations, so why couldn't I do the same with princess tiaras instead?!<br /><br />With literally minutes to spare before the party, I traced the invitation onto pink & purple construction paper.<br /><br /></span><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="WIDTH: 391px; HEIGHT: 377px" alt="Trace invitation" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5005573901_67353d3e19.jpg" width="334" height="366" /><br /></span></p><br /><p align="center"><a title="Start of the garland by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/5006191798/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="WIDTH: 397px; HEIGHT: 477px" alt="Start of the garland" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5006191798_5db76fb01d.jpg" width="434" height="500" /></span></a></p><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Once done tracing, I cut several layers at once. I then went to the sewing machine and got started! I started about midway through the tiara and sewed a straight line.<br /><br /></span><br /><p align="center"><a title="Sewing the garland by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/5005586941/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="Sewing the garland" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5005586941_face9689d2.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></span></a></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Sorry for photo quality!</span></p><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I decided to make the garland with one tiara pointing upwards and the next going downwards. So, I laid the next tiara close to the first that was on the sewing machine and kept stitching. I connected at the "bulb" part of the tiara.<br /></span><br /><p align="center"><a title="Attaching another tiara by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/5005594341/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="Attaching another tiara" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5005594341_de710e0373.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></span></a></p><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Again, sorry for the quality of the photo..my lighting is not good near my sewing machine!<br /></span></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">I continued to add tiaras until I reached my desired length. This a picture of a few tiaras attached together.<br /></span></div><br /><p align="center"><a title="Garland view by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/5006212092/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="WIDTH: 505px; HEIGHT: 286px" alt="Garland view" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5006212092_0e8afb8cf3.jpg" width="500" height="255" /></span></a></p><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">I made a total of four garlands with 10 tiaras per garland. If I had allowed myself more time and supplies, I would have likely made them a bit longer. I used one garland on the cake table and then used the other three as table runners on the three guest tables.<br /></span></div><br /><p align="center"><a title="Birthday Garland by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/5006179332/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="Birthday Garland" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5006179332_767c8f9dd5.jpg" width="480" height="500" /></span></a><br /></p><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">I was happy that I was able to decorate in the desired theme, without "characters" and on the cheap! It was a win-win! Most importantly, my daughter had a great day! Thanks to </span><a href="http://ellenscreativepassage.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">Creative Passage</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> for the inspiration (she is blogging from my part of the world too!). </span></div><br /><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">P.S. Thanks to the new followers of the blog!!</span> </div><div align="left"><br /><a title="sign by e&amp;g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4775668107/"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" alt="sign" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4775668107_0b5bb069bb_m.jpg" width="173" height="87" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I will be linking to these parties:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2010/01/04/made-by-you-mondays/"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img style="WIDTH: 172px; HEIGHT: 75px" src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg" width="320" height="84" /></span></a><a href="http://sewcando.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img style="WIDTH: 86px; HEIGHT: 74px" src="http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac133/cerise422/sewcandoPARTYbuttonworking.jpg" width="95" height="77" /></span></a> <a href="http://thecreativeitchboutique.blogspot.com/"></a> <a href="http://thegirlcreative.blogspot.com/search/label/Just%20Something%20I%20Whipped%20Up" target="_blank"><img style="WIDTH: 94px; HEIGHT: 78px" alt="The Girl Creative" src="http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq286/happielife32/JSIWU_BUTTON.png" width="105" height="108" /></a><img style="WIDTH: 86px; HEIGHT: 81px" border="0" src="http://www.tipjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" width="133" height="128" /><a href="http://www.craftedition.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><img style="WIDTH: 92px; HEIGHT: 71px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoPFSC98vsaOYMrQX4qt6AMZ14ksczs9WqkxuDQM51xSbkVyqHzhfbQVStDn27-thbpTzIN76oNy06QAi7dljKTYQIL600CC3R73NdUmJdT56h7GrHsWdoQ7M_U0Wmw3-MKCoKhnS2lzk/s800/SB_button%2311.jpg" width="110" height="103" /></a><a href="http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/"><img style="WIDTH: 83px; HEIGHT: 76px" border="0" src="http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy351/jdsmit21/SMAbuttonWDIWargylecopy-1.jpg" width="87" height="106" /></a><a href="http://www.kojodesigns.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img style="WIDTH: 85px; HEIGHT: 77px" border="0" src="http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii160/kirstingentry/fffbutton150b.jpg" width="99" height="98" /></span></a><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><img style="WIDTH: 78px; HEIGHT: 76px" alt="Join us Saturdays at tatertotsandjello.com for the weekend wrap up party!" src="http://hadfield.smugmug.com/photos/825895175_xmTVA-O.jpg" width="108" height="108" /></a><a href="http://todayscreativeblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><img style="WIDTH: 290px; HEIGHT: 67px" src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/oldrallychick/get-your-craft-on.gif" width="369" height="79" /></a></div><p align="left"><a href="http://todayscreativeblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" border="0"></a> </p><div align="left"><br /> </div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181666540668046308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345007889677247874.post-3231456444325648242010-09-06T22:09:00.013-05:002010-09-21T12:42:17.488-05:00No Pattern Outfit!!<span style="font-family:arial;">Okay...while there are many, many bloggers out there that are quite adept at creating their own patterns, this is new territory for me. I am soo super excited about how this outfit turned out! I created a two layer top and ruffle pants without a pattern!!<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><p align="center"><a title="Two Tier Halter & Ruffle Pants by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4966612960/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img height="500" alt="Two Tier Halter & Ruffle Pants" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/4966612960_88c7d185a1.jpg" width="375" /></span></a></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></p><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />First, I have to say that the fabric for the top was from my mom's stash (I am not even sure it classifies as a stash anymore since it takes up an entire room) and I was not overly fond of the material. I had the idea for the top in my head for a while and decided this would be good practice material. I also just happened to have the magenta fabric on hand from a plan never executed several years ago. I am actually pretty happy with the end result...even with the less than desirable (or so I thought) fabric choices.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><p align="center"><a title="Back of outfit by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4966716822/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img height="500" alt="Back of outfit" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/4966716822_67be8fe9cb.jpg" width="314" /></span></a></p><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Quite a while back, I had saw this </span><a href="http://sewingdork.blogspot.com/2010/06/pattern-free-tie-back-halter-top.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">post</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> from </span><a href="http://sewingdork.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">The Sewing Dork</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> for a tie back halter she created. I decided to go in a different direction with my halter (if you can call it that), but I really like the loops that were used at the back of her halter to tie the top on. I have seen other ideas where button holes are used in the middle of the back of the top/halter...but I like the idea of the straps each having their own home! :) You probably are not able to see this on my "model" but I like to criss-cross the straps before looping.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><p align="center"><a title="Strap Loops by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4966625622/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img height="368" alt="Strap Loops" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4966625622_496fa99334.jpg" width="500" /></span></a></p><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I created my pattern for the bodice by using a tank top that I knew had a generous fit on my daughter and then folded the shoulders down and the tummy up. I basically traced what was left. I added some interfacing to the bodice and also added the loops and straps (the straps are really too long...but I will tweak that when I make another). Once done, I added a couple of layers of ruffles. The top ended up being long enough that my daughter has worn this once as a dress. It will also be nice as the weather gets cooler to pair it with the ruffle pants.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><p align="center"><a title="Two Tiered Top by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4966100341/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img height="406" alt="Two Tiered Top" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/4966100341_694e00af87.jpg" width="500" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p><p align="center"><a title="Back of Two Tiered Top by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4966106013/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img height="395" alt="Back of Two Tiered Top" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4966106013_6fa1ae88e9.jpg" width="500" /></span></a></p><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">For the pants, I again took a pair of pants that fit my daughter and traced the pants and then added a ruffle at the bottom. The pants are a bit snug around the bum for my daughter...so there is some tweaking for the next pair I make. For me, making pants without a pattern was daunting for me in concept...but they were SUPER easy to make. My daughter is a shortie (she comes from a long line of them) and so pants are always a struggle for the right length. I am excited that we have more options now!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><p align="center"><a title="Ruffle Pants by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4966675758/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img height="434" alt="Ruffle Pants" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4966675758_80d2397eb8.jpg" width="500" /></span></a></p><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Obviously, neither of these "designs" are my original ideas...I have used pieces here and there of what I have seen others make and created how I wanted to put it together. I have thought about putting together a tutorial for my version of these "patterns"...but we will have to see!<br /><br /><br />P.S - I have 3 (yep, count 'em) followers now!! This is soooo exciting!! Thanks so much!! WhooHoo!!<br /><br />P.S.S - I was featured (like two weeks ago now...because I am a little slow in blogging) on the </span><a href="http://thecreativeitchboutique.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">Creative Itch</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> after linking up for a party!!! Yea!!!! How awesome!!<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Thanks for stopping by!!<br /><a title="sign by e&amp;g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4775668107/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="87" alt="sign" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4775668107_0b5bb069bb_m.jpg" width="173" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><p></p><br /><br />I will be linking to these parties:</span><br /><br /><center><a href="http://s835.photobucket.com/albums/zz279/alliemakes/?action=view¤t=Photo-Frame.png" target="_blank"></a> </center><br /><br /><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2010/01/04/made-by-you-mondays/"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img style="WIDTH: 274px; HEIGHT: 78px" height="84" src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><a href="http://sewcando.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img style="WIDTH: 109px; HEIGHT: 92px" height="77" src="http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac133/cerise422/sewcandoPARTYbuttonworking.jpg" width="95" /></span></a> <a href="http://s835.photobucket.com/albums/zz279/alliemakes/?action=view¤t=Photo-Frame.png" target="_blank"><img style="WIDTH: 130px; HEIGHT: 108px" height="139" alt="Party Button" src="http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz279/alliemakes/Photo-Frame.png" width="141" border="0" /></a><br /><img style="WIDTH: 117px; HEIGHT: 101px" height="128" src="http://www.tipjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" width="133" border="0" /><a href="http://thecreativeitchboutique.blogspot.com/"><img style="WIDTH: 110px; HEIGHT: 120px" height="135" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p461/stanmist/Creative%20Itch%20Header%20Button/th_CreativeItchHeaderandButtons5121-3.jpg" width="129" border="0" /></a><a href="http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/"><img style="WIDTH: 103px; HEIGHT: 106px" height="106" src="http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy351/jdsmit21/SMAbuttonWDIWargylecopy-1.jpg" width="87" border="0" /></a><img height="102" alt="make it wear it" src="http://i874.photobucket.com/albums/ab308/thetraintocrazy/makeitwearitbutton.jpg" width="108" border="0" /><a href="http://www.kojodesigns.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="98" src="http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii160/kirstingentry/fffbutton150b.jpg" width="99" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://thegirlcreative.blogspot.com/search/label/Just%20Something%20I%20Whipped%20Up" target="_blank"><img style="WIDTH: 106px; HEIGHT: 91px" height="108" alt="The Girl Creative" src="http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq286/happielife32/JSIWU_BUTTON.png" width="105" /></a><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><img height="108" alt="Join us Saturdays at tatertotsandjello.com for the weekend wrap up party!" src="http://hadfield.smugmug.com/photos/825895175_xmTVA-O.jpg" width="108" /></a> <a href="http://todayscreativeblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><img style="WIDTH: 358px; HEIGHT: 85px" height="79" src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/oldrallychick/get-your-craft-on.gif" width="369" /></a>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181666540668046308noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345007889677247874.post-86734777390561720632010-08-19T13:00:00.001-05:002010-08-19T13:00:03.354-05:00Baby gifts finale (for now)<span style="font-family:arial;">So here is a wrap up the belated gifts that I made for a recent baby shower...a total of three more gifts.<br /><br />I had purchased some minky fabric when my daughter was a baby as well as a couple of flannel prints. I had used the minky to make her a car seat cover for the winter...but had lots left over. The fabric is so soft and feels sooo nice to touch...however, it is not my favorite for sewing. I have made a couple of blankets with minky now and I never feel like they end up looking quite as "finished" as I would like.<br /><br />For this blanket, I measured the blanket to be the size of the remaining minky fabric and then cut the flannel print to size as well. I made a basic box, with right sides together. I then serged three of the edges and part of the four edge. I then turned it right side out and top stitched around the edges, closing the last half of the fourth edge. Overall, a very basic concept...just lots of stretching and slipping the minky fabric. In the end, I still handed it over as a gift...so not so bad that I thought it had to be converted into another project. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><br /><p align="center"><a title="Minky Blanket by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4880764868/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="Minky Blanket" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4880764868_1d87c16bd7.jpg" width="500" height="440" /></span></a></p><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />In between some of my frustrations with a couple of these shower gifts, I needed a simple project to restore my confidence. I used this </span><a href="http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2008/01/burp-cloth-tutorial.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">tutorial </span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">to make a couple of burp cloths.<br /><br /></span><br /><p align="center"><a title="Burp Cloth by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4880172105/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="Burp Cloth" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4880172105_0f29a0061f.jpg" width="500" height="310" /></span></a></p><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I purchased a fabric remenant for $.70 and used some Warm & Natural that I had purchased on sale. Super inexpensive (i.e. cheap) and super easy to make gifts! I was not sure that I really like the unfinished/frayed edges...but I only washed the cloths once (due to time sake). I wonder if I had washed more if it might have looked better. I still would make these again....you can't go wrong with cheap & easy!<br /><br /></span><br /><p align="center"><a title="Burp Cloths by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4880769942/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="Burp Cloths" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4880769942_5f78294bc3.jpg" width="500" height="381" /></span></a></p><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The last gift for this mom was a diaper wipes case. I started with the intention of using <a href="http://sewspoiled.blogspot.com/2009/07/fabric-covered-wipe-case-with-sew.html">this tutorial </a>that included a diaper pouch. It was a great concept and super cute...but I decided I needed to start with the basics first. I ended up using this </span><a href="http://angieasplund.blogspot.com/2008/10/covering-wipes-case-tutorial.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">tutorial</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> instead. I am not normally a glue gun girl...so the glue gun & I had to come to an understanding...but after...things went smoothly. My only disappointment with the finished product is that the glue used under the ribbon embellishment is visible.<br /><br /></span><br /><p align="center"><a title="Diaper Wipes Case by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4880720868/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="Diaper Wipes Case" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4880720868_f2b888241c.jpg" width="500" height="341" /></span></a></p><p align="left"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I haven't decided if it bad or good, but I still have two other people to make baby gifts for as well. One is a friend who lives overseas and just had her baby girl (all 11lbs...can you imagine!!). Those presents are my first priority. There is also someone at church that is due at the end of October and I want to make a few things for her baby girl as well. Hopefully, I might be able to fit in another, un-baby, project in before her gifts! </span></p><p align="left"><br /><br /><a title="sign by e&amp;g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4775668107/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" alt="sign" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4775668107_0b5bb069bb_m.jpg" width="173" height="87" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></p>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181666540668046308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345007889677247874.post-14775186027961519352010-08-16T13:00:00.002-05:002010-08-16T13:00:00.446-05:00T-shirt dresses<span style="font-family:arial;">Earlier this summer, I was in a t-shirt dress craze. I bought the </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/52579689/diy-pdf-pattern-and-tutorial-recycled-t"><span style="font-family:arial;">Sienna Dress </span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">pattern from </span><a href="http://lilblueboo.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">Lil Blue Boo</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">. There are seriously almost endless possibilities of how this dress can be customized. I was particularly smitten due to how inexpensively I could make these dresses. My daughter can be pretty tough on clothes and so I hate to spend much for "play" clothes. The dresses are also very quick and easy to complete - something else I find very appealing in a pattern.<br /><br />The first dress that I made was from 3 t-shirts that I purchased at a garage sale. I had less than $1 invested in all three t-shirts. I still had material left, so the way that I figure, this dress was about $.50 (or less) to make!!!! I can't tell you how INCREDIBLY exciting that is to me!!! Yes, I am cheap...and proud of it!!<br /><br /><br /></span><p align="center"><a title="Sienna Dress - from Lil Blue Boo by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4776180557/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="Sienna Dress - from Lil Blue Boo" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4776180557_f4a6fcf2c7.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></span></a></p><p align="left"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I was nervous about leaving the serged edges on the outside of the dress...but I ended up loving it. I thought it made the dress look funky and relaxed. </span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></p><p align="center"><a title="Sienna Dress - from Lil Blue Boo by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4776824982/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="WIDTH: 385px; HEIGHT: 531px" alt="Sienna Dress - from Lil Blue Boo" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4776824982_26c43405fa.jpg" width="330" height="500" /></span></a></p><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">My first attempt at the Sienna dress ended up being my favorite (below). I found the Old Navy tee (I Heart Mom) at Goodwill for $2. I didn't know what I was going to do with it when I bought it, but I couldn't pass it up. It worked perfectly for this dress. I paired it with another Goodwill t-shirt and some white scraps courtesy of my mom. While the picture below is a bit cheesy....I love this dress (maybe due to the saying on the front...it is pretty good)!<br /><br />As a side note, this dress does not have instructions for cuffs on the sleeves. I wanted the sleeves to be capped, so I added this feature to both dresses. I added two pleats to each of the sleeves (sounds strange but I think it looks fine) to account for the extra fabric in the sleeves to fit into the "caps" that I made for the sleeves.<br /><br /><br /></span><p align="center"><a title="I LOVE Mom - Sienna Dress from Lil Blue Boo by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4776807440/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="WIDTH: 384px; HEIGHT: 538px" alt="I LOVE Mom - Sienna Dress from Lil Blue Boo" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4776807440_3ca8320822.jpg" width="307" height="500" /></span></a></p><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I made two more dresses from this pattern...but I have taken any pictures of them yet! I think that both look quite a bit different than both of these as well. Seriously...so many possibilities...all with t-shirts that could otherwise be thrown away!!!<br /></span><br /><a title="sign by e&amp;g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4775668107/"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" alt="sign" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4775668107_0b5bb069bb_m.jpg" width="173" height="87" /></a>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181666540668046308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345007889677247874.post-30175567195308788852010-08-14T20:18:00.004-05:002010-08-17T22:29:42.540-05:00More baby presents...<span style="font-family:arial;">Here is a continuation of the baby mania! I made another "outfit" for the belated baby shower gift, to accompany the </span><a href="http://egcreations.blogspot.com/2010/08/baby-mania.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">shirred baby outfit and booties</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">.<br /><br />I decided that I just had to try my hand at a ruffled onesie after reading this </span><a href="http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2010/05/baby-craft-quickies.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">post </span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">on Homemade by Jill. I used the </span><a href="http://www.u-createcrafts.com/2009/05/ruffle-butt-onesie-tutorial.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">tutorial </span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">she had posted about and I opted to use her idea of knit fabric so that no hemming/serging was needed for the ruffles. The picture makes the ruffles look a bit crooked but I think it was the angle of the picture (that is my story...and I am sticking to it...as it could not have been my sewing technique :) !). This was really easy...I love a fast and easy project; it feels so satisfying.<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><p align="center"><a title="Back of Ruffled Onesie by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4880125309/"><img alt="Back of Ruffled Onesie" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4880125309_d33cdf3b31.jpg" width="350" height="500" /></a></p><p align="left"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I wanted to also add something to the front of the onesie. I decided to try a reverse applique. I have seen this idea blogged in several different places...but I just winged it. I cut out the letter "K" and then turned the onesie inside out. I positioned the letter (backwards) on the inside of the onesie and then I added a layer of lightweight interfacing on top (slightly bigger than the letter). I then ironed the interfacing to the letter/onesie, which was for a two-fold purpose: 1) to add a stabilizer to the knits, especially the onesie and 2) to help keep the letter in place while sewing. I then chose a knit stitch on my machine and stitched around the letter. I actually went around the letter a couple of times. I then turned the onesie right side out and cut (this somehow felt wrong for some reason) out the part of the onesie covering the letter. Below is the result:<br /><br /></p></span><p align="center"><a title="Front of Ruffled Onesie by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4880742588/"><img alt="Front of Ruffled Onesie" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4880742588_2cb43da469.jpg" width="366" height="500" /></a></p><p align="left"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I have also been wanting to make a pair of baby legs since my daughter was smaller...but just never got around to it. I had purchased the socks and it coordinated with the pink knit fabric, so I decided to also whip up a pair of the baby legs. Again, this inspiration came from </span><a href="http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2010/05/baby-craft-quickies.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">Homemade by Jill </span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">and I used the </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/babyhopes/sets/72157594274454468/"><span style="font-family:arial;">tutorial </span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">she recommended. The picture quality is less than ideal...but again, these were super easy. I would make a ton of these, but I haven't seen a lot of cute, cheap socks. </span><br /></p><p align="center"><a title="Baby Legs by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4880138377/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="Baby Legs" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4880138377_ecfaaf654b.jpg" width="337" height="500" /></span></a></p><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Here is the finished "outfit"....the pinks don't exactly match...but I think it will still be wearable!<br /></span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Onesie & Baby Legs by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4880726298/"><img alt="Onesie & Baby Legs" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4880726298_d013a5e00e.jpg" width="335" height="500" /></a></p><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Linking to </span><a href="http://egcreations.blogspot.com/p/partying-it-up.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">these</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> parties!</span><br /><br /><br /><a title="sign by e&amp;g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4775668107/"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" alt="sign" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4775668107_0b5bb069bb_m.jpg" width="173" height="87" /></a>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181666540668046308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345007889677247874.post-86419129893007514302010-08-10T18:16:00.014-05:002010-08-13T23:47:29.447-05:00Baby Mania!I have been baby crafting up a storm...and there is not an end in sight yet! I had baby shower that I was supposed to attend last month and I could not make it. I had decided to make all of the gifts. Well, I finally finished all of the gifts and handed off the presents today! There were quite a few though...so maybe that is at least something of a reason (excuse) for my delay. I am going to spread the presents out over a couple of posts.<br /><br />I can't decide which to show first...so I think I will go with my favorite (though it is tempting to save it for the last post). This project started with a pair of booties (acutally they were requested by a relative of the mother). I used the basic premise of a Simplicity pattern, but I adapted the pattern to make it a Mary Jane style, with a lining and with elastic for the strap. I love baby booties...they are just too darn cute.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Baby booties by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4876418006/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="Baby booties" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4876418006_0ee94f9c27.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></span></a></p><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">(Sorry for the photo quality...my camera and I are not on speaking terms right now!)</span><br /><br /></em></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Well, I decided that I couldn't just make baby booties...they needed to coordinate with an outfit. I LOVE elastic thread now (thanks to Dana of </span><a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">MADE</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">) and so of course, I thought it would be great to use the </span><a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/summer-vacation-dress-and-shortie.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">Summer Vacation Dress </span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">concept for a matching top. However, I am embarassed to admit, I made this top a total of 3 (yes, really) times. The concept is super easy and once I figured out the sizing...it was easy peazy...however getting there was quite a process. Dana's pattern does not include sizing for newborns..but there are basic instructions for adapting. Well, my adapting skills need some work. I don't have a newborn...and only have a couple of newborn onsie's on hand. My unsuccessful attempts ended up being too small; however these have made great doll clothes for my daughter. I am still not completely confident that the sizing is correct, but I definitely think it is close. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><p align="center"><a title="MADE top for newborn by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4880756532/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="MADE top for newborn" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4880756532_cc94fe2a0a.jpg" width="500" height="354" /></span></a></p><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;"><em>I used the star fabric from the booties for the bias tape for the shoulders/arms and the polka dot fabric also from the booties.<br /></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;"></div></span><p align="center"><a title="MADE top for newborn by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4880756532/"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></a></p><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Of course, the outfit would not be complete without a pair of bloomers. I used an old pattern that I had for my daughter for sizing of the bloomers. However, I decided to continue with the elastic thread (it is addictive!) for the waistband and legs instead of the traditional casing in these areas.<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Bloomers by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4880751616/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="Bloomers" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4880751616_623b16e74c.jpg" width="500" height="430" /></span></a></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">I used the fabric from the bottom of the booties for the bottom of the outfit! </span></em></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So here is the outfit together! I love anything newborn...it is so little...just for that alone it is adorable! I was pretty happy with the finished project though!<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><p align="center"><a title="Baby gift by e&g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4880106979/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="Baby gift" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4880106979_e3dee5352b.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></span></a></p><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">Several other projects will be forthcoming...and plans for even more in the very near future as well!<br /></span><br /><br /><br />Linking to:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><img style="WIDTH: 260px; HEIGHT: 82px" src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg" width="239" height="65" /></a> <img style="WIDTH: 93px; HEIGHT: 94px" src="http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac133/cerise422/sewcandoPARTYbuttonworking.jpg" width="79" height="87" /> <a href="http://www.craftedition.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><img style="WIDTH: 84px; HEIGHT: 94px" src="http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp246/mandybeez/takealookbutton.jpg" width="68" height="82" /></a> <a href="http://www.thetraintocrazy.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="make it wear it" src="http://i874.photobucket.com/albums/ab308/thetraintocrazy/makeitwearitbutton.jpg" width="86" height="96" /></a> <a href="http://www.kojodesigns.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii160/kirstingentry/fffbutton150b.jpg" width="100" height="94" /></a> <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><img style="WIDTH: 125px; HEIGHT: 101px" alt="Join us Saturdays at tatertotsandjello.com for the weekend wrap up party!" src="http://hadfield.smugmug.com/photos/825895175_xmTVA-O.jpg" width="117" height="135" /></a> <a href="http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/"></a><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.kojodesigns.blogspot.com/"></a></center><br /><center><a href="http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/"></a></center><br /><br /></div><p align="left"><a title="sign by e&amp;g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4775668107/"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" alt="sign" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4775668107_0b5bb069bb_m.jpg" width="173" height="87" /></a></p><div align="center"><br /><br /></div></span>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181666540668046308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345007889677247874.post-41808404178157176062010-07-19T13:34:00.002-05:002010-07-19T13:34:00.227-05:00Current Projects!!<span style="font-family:arial;">I stumbled upon </span><a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">MADE</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> after via the </span><a href="http://www.soyouthinkyourecrafty.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">So You Think You are Crafty</span></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">blog/competition</span><span style="font-family:arial;">. I was immediately smitten with her blog and her creations. When I saw her Summer Vacation Dress and Shortie pattern, I knew that I had to buy it. I thought that I would start with just the basic dress. I used fabric that I had leftover from my </span><a href="http://egcreations.blogspot.com/2010/07/other-projects.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">teacher gift wallhanging</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">. I had planned on this being my "test" pattern. However, I fell in LOVE sooo much with the pattern and the dress, I ended up deciding to use one of the more elborate patterns. It was really a quick pattern and I am definitely addicted to using elastic thread now. I would have never thought I could have sewn with it or that it would be so easy to use. So DO-ABLE!<br /><br /></span><br /><p align="center"><a title="Summer Vacation Dress from MADE by e&amp;g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4776166103/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="Summer Vacation Dress from MADE" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4776166103_a79684d5e6.jpg" width="290" height="500" /></span></a></p><span style="font-family:arial;">Dana also provided all of us with a wonderful FREE pattern in the </span><a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/warhol-dress-pattern.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">Warhol</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> dress. I modified mine slightly. She designed the pattern to have a tie at the side of the collar of the dress. I think that this is adorable...however, I wanted try it without the tie. The pattern is fabulous...but my first attempt was not quite the intended effect that I wanted. I needed to have gathered the dress at the collar bit more to make the dress fit correctly on the shoulders. Additionally, my attempt at omitting the tie on the collar proved not to be the wisest of decisions. Overall though, a great play dress! I can't wait to make another!!</span><br /><p align="center"><a title="Warhol dress - from MADE by e&amp;g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4776834222/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="Warhol dress - from MADE" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4776834222_4c0cb22539.jpg" width="283" height="500" /></span></a></p><span style="font-family:arial;">On a side note...the fabric is retro - taken from my mom's sash. It is directly out of the 80's or early 90's. I am pretty sure that my sister and I had something fashioned out of that fabric back in the day!<br /><br /></span><br /><a title="sign by e&amp;g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4775668107/"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" alt="sign" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4775668107_0b5bb069bb_m.jpg" width="173" height="87" /></a>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181666540668046308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345007889677247874.post-19056005440741165192010-07-17T21:23:00.001-05:002010-07-18T20:53:41.616-05:00Christmas in July<p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">As I am looking back over my projects, there are a few Christmas projects that I wanted to detail. When is a better time for looking at Christmas projects than July!! Ha! Ha! However, I am trying to go in some sort of order, so hence the reason for the craziness (and I am seriously thinking to myself that I really should start on some of this Christmas projects now..). </span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">As I have been reviewing my projects, I have found there have been several projects that I have not photographed. I don't know why, but I like to have pictures as a reminder of what I have done. I can use this to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">critique</span> past work and tweak to improve the next time around. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">One of those projects that I failed to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">photograph</span> include crocheting 16 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">miniature</span> stockings last Christmas. I did this for my son's kindergarten class. For Christmas parties, everyone sends treats, so I thought it would be great to make these <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">miniature</span> stockings to hold the treats but could then also be used as an ornament. When I got done, I swore that I would NEVER do this again...however...I thought they were cute once done and so I might be inclined to try it again. I had printed off this pattern several years ago and can't find the exact site again, but this </span><a href="http://planetmfiles.com/2008/11/25/free-little-stocking-crochet-pattern/"><span style="font-family:arial;">site</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> is a close match to the stocking pattern that I used. They have even added mini teddy bears to the stockings. Adorable!! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">A couple of the Christmas projects that I did photograph last year are pictured below. In trying to decide what to give my son's teacher for Christmas, I decided upon a wall/door hanging. She loves bees and so I decided to use them for the theme. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">desperately</span> searched for a wall hanging tutorial, but could not find anything that I felt was fitting. I decided to use a Disappearing 9's quilt pattern for the wall hanging. I used this </span><a href="http://quiltsatcs.blogspot.com/2007/04/disappearing-9-patch-tutorial.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">tutorial.</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> This was my first attempt at any sort of quilting. It looks a bit wonky...which I didn't realize until after the gift was given and looking back at photos. I added a border to the quilt and also added some tabs when attaching the binding to add a dowel rod and ribbon to create the wall hanging. I do not have an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">embroidery</span> machine, so I had a friend <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">embroider</span> Mrs. (Teacher's Name)'s Busy Bees. Overall, for my first attempt, I was happy with the end result.<br /></span><br /></p><p align="center"><a title="Disappearing Nine's Wallhanging by e&amp;g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4756052293/"><img alt="Disappearing Nine's Wallhanging" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4756052293_af2483c707.jpg" width="329" height="500" /></a></p><p align="left"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Another project that I decided to tackle (waiting until Christmas Eve to make this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">brilliant</span> decision) was a pillowcase dress for my daughter. I decided that she must have festive outfit and so took the kids to Hobby Lobby to pick out some fabric. I also purchased a shirt and fabric for my son to applique a "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Christmasy</span>" design on his shirt...however that did not get completed. Below is a less than ideal picture of the pillowcase dress. Those are large Christmas cupcakes on the fabric...just too cute! I know that it will certainly be large enough for her to wear this Christmas as well...which is why the pillowcase dresses are so great. I used this </span><a href="http://www.aroomsomewhere.net/2007/07/pillowcase-dress-tutorial.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">tutorial</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> as my guide for this dress. </span></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><img alt="Christmas pillowcase dress" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4756680774_bf70020bd4.jpg" width="375" height="500" /><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9clXKmSCQ4eQ3hs4tfT1G4VopcsMkhRLPwC7s1acqbFeB7A9MEnuZARuX5aYme_wo9bum5Tzrn4F_DiaZdF6Wk7Fh9hxk3huCY7zttThZbwB-bSxswXwcPD8byGMkwjKCu0bh-Yz6MJug/s1600/signature.bmp"></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Up next....reviews of some current projects!! Yea!!!<br /><br /></span><a title="sign by e&amp;g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4775668107/"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" alt="sign" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4775668107_0b5bb069bb_m.jpg" width="173" height="87" /></a>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181666540668046308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345007889677247874.post-46154603464470743972010-07-16T13:39:00.001-05:002010-07-18T19:44:49.656-05:00A few more projects....<span style="font-family:arial;">So, I am still reviewing some of my projects from last year. One of my favorites, which my daughter is still able to wear this year, is the twirl skirt. I based the panels of the skirt from this <a href="http://weefolkart.com/?q=node/358">tutorial</a>, however I also added a band to attach the panels to the skirt (from the apron skirt described <a href="http://egcreations.blogspot.com/2010/06/sequel-more-of-last-summers-projects.html">here</a>). I felt that the band on the skirt added volume - or more of a twirl effect. I also opted not to add pockets and a ruffle to the bottom of the skirt as the tutorial suggested. I just adore this skirt though!! So cute!!<br /><br /></span><br /><p align="center"><a title="Twirl Skirt by e&amp;g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4756082723/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="Twirl Skirt" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4756082723_5de08934f1.jpg" width="225" height="500" /></span></a></p><span style="font-family:arial;">Another "test" outfit I made last year is a combo of the <a href="http://louisestuart.typepad.com/miffysworld/2009/05/introducing-made-by-miffy-shareware-its-just-good-karma.html">apron skirt </a>(without the apron) and a <a href="http://indietutes.blogspot.com/2007/07/peasant-blouse.html">peasant </a>top. I do not love the fabrics...but it was a test outfit after all. I still have some many ideas of how I want to use this peasant top pattern....so many possibilies...just a matter of getting to those ideas!!<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><p align="center"><a title="Peasant top and twirl skirt by e&amp;g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4776409024/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="Peasant top and twirl skirt" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4776409024_f938680c27.jpg" width="318" height="500" /></span></a></p><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span><br /><a title="sign by e&amp;g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4775668107/"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" alt="sign" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4775668107_0b5bb069bb_m.jpg" width="173" height="87" /></a>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181666540668046308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345007889677247874.post-40597263880222467522010-07-01T23:05:00.005-05:002010-07-08T21:59:05.506-05:00The Sequel - More of Last Summer's Projects!<span style="font-family:arial;">I have to admit that I find it a great deal of fun to sew for my daughter...and not just sew, but to make hair ribbons, crochet hats, etc. The options are just so much more abundant for girls than boys. </span><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Last summer, I saw several "apron skirts" and I thought that they were just adorable. I decided that for my daughter's birthday outfit, I would make her an apron skirt with an appliqued shirt. I also decided that I would buy some beautiful fabric from our small town fabric shop. However, this fabric is not cheap. I pride myself on getting a good bargain...and this shop really has no opportunities for getting a better deal than the listed price. However, I loved the fabric and was willing to make the comprise. Before I cut into that expensive fabric though, I decided that I certainly needed to test my skills on fabric that I did not deem to be quite as important. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">So practice, I purchased some fabric on clearance (at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wal</span>-Mart). I was not really fond of the fabrics, but again, the price was the deciding factor for the "test" pattern. I found a </span><a href="http://louisestuart.typepad.com/miffysworld/2009/05/introducing-made-by-miffy-shareware-its-just-good-karma.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">tutorial</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> (which does not seem to be working any longer) that I would use for the skirt and came up with a simplistic pattern for the shirt. I used Wonder Under to iron on the fabric to the shirt and then <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">zig</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">zagged</span> around the patterns on the shirt. I also attached "ruffles" to the tank/shirt, which I thought was a very cute addition to an otherwise plain tank. Even though I was not overly fond of the fabric at the beginning, I ended up really liking the final products. I attached a orange ribbon to the bottom of the apron piece. That same ribbon was used to create a hair piece for Gracie (which you can barely see in the picture..and has since been lost). </span><br /></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuU40nuMVHAoX-5jKYd7l5QteixuAssId3TOCk7aga6EcIDxW1K_iZLPPiAAQhmd8F1iLtpMLXVnGLvwZbreZrbUVXFUebuLPwYl64gWECssXI5rQ7FuC9Vo5zjiHjD5mIb2vqfgIzRRqx/s1600/HPIM0969.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 277px; HEIGHT: 338px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486934160648459810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuU40nuMVHAoX-5jKYd7l5QteixuAssId3TOCk7aga6EcIDxW1K_iZLPPiAAQhmd8F1iLtpMLXVnGLvwZbreZrbUVXFUebuLPwYl64gWECssXI5rQ7FuC9Vo5zjiHjD5mIb2vqfgIzRRqx/s320/HPIM0969.JPG" /></a><br /></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpnTtWhW-AEph9FOKCDiJuXy7zm8arrT82FOqrycIZhHc_QYhOJ2byTkWTjM4DxntIvpdct2jqpEcF32gGlzOU11r8TKPBKasC4Fjdf7o7V9QveBfDjq6E4c4VeFl81NtW7OrwdyBw_Ch/s1600/HPIM0970.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 276px; HEIGHT: 322px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486934366654879202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpnTtWhW-AEph9FOKCDiJuXy7zm8arrT82FOqrycIZhHc_QYhOJ2byTkWTjM4DxntIvpdct2jqpEcF32gGlzOU11r8TKPBKasC4Fjdf7o7V9QveBfDjq6E4c4VeFl81NtW7OrwdyBw_Ch/s320/HPIM0970.JPG" /></a></p><p align="left"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Given that I was happy with the results of the "test" pattern, I then used the expensive fabric to make Gracie's birthday outfit. The skirt is basically the same, however I used three colors in the skirt this time around and attached a piece of lace to the bottom of the apron piece. I adored the skirt. I appliqued a shirt for the birthday outfit as well, but it was a short sleeved shirt instead of a tank this time. I was at a loss as to what to applique on the front of this shirt. I ended up cutting out designs in the fabric and using the same Wonder Under process and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">zig</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">zagging</span> the fabric on the shirt. This shirt was not was not what I had envisioned. I still am not <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">satisfied</span> with this shirt - but Gracie loved her outfit and had a great birthday! </span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="WIDTH: 273px; HEIGHT: 345px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486939772107232354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44fdVDh-tTI9dozhUDFextVXw8K3lRu-xscvr2zCHY6o0V9SxhAYgdfY6lnHC4hFHdTJJ76wkdSKu0PydcxfqYGqwePBRN_fVJM-idtO1k76FV3B9J0kDkIQ9mcRGk9tOFPHCg5FdljuO/s320/HPIM0975.JPG" /></span><br /><br /></p><p align="left"><br /><a title="sign by e&amp;g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4775668107/"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" alt="sign" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4775668107_0b5bb069bb_m.jpg" width="173" height="87" /></a><br /></p><p align="left"></p>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181666540668046308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345007889677247874.post-55217582003673174392010-06-26T16:58:00.007-05:002010-07-08T21:58:17.483-05:00One of Last Summer's Projects & a History Lesson<span style="font-family:arial;">So, in my effort to track some of my progress in terms of "creating," I am again looking back at some of my projects of last summer when I started to follow blogs. Before that though, I will go way back....and it seems like it keeps getting further and further away...but I digress. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I have indicated in my profile that I like to "create" - but to clarify - this really involves more sewing than anything. I will occasionally branch out...but I found that I really enjoy sewing. I officially started sewing when I was younger - around 10 years old. To be honest, I hated it. I hated the fabric selections and disliked the patterns even more. My mom was an excellent seamstress and she would (and still can) sew just about anything you could imagine. She attempted to teach me and I tried to stick with it for a couple of years. I can remember a few projects that I made back then, but when I decided that I would no longer try to continue sewing, I never envisioned that I would sew again - and much less WANT to sew. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Fast forward a few years (ha!)...and I have two kids. I inherited a great-aunt's Singer (from the late 60's - receipt and all) and decided that I might try a few projects. I had only known sewing from patterns from well-known pattern companies and I continued to sew mostly using these patterns. I was still a bit disillusioned with some of these patterns as well as the fabric selections at my local major fabric chain. And then in my tiny, small town a great fabric shop opened. They carried the most gorgeous of fabrics (many lines from Moda) that I had never seen or knew existed. It completely renewed my interest in sewing. They also talked about "free" patterns on the web. I started to explore and found so many great tutorials. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">One of the first projects that I took on after completing my son's nap mat, sans traditional pattern, was creating a dress for my daughter. I had seen a similar version at the fabric shop referenced above. I actually decided to take the plunge - and made the dress with NO pattern. I bought the fabric from that lovely shop and got started. The dress was very simple and basic, so it was by no means difficult, however it was a major leap of faith in terms of sewing for me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br />Gracie modeling her new dress (she is quite the model these days too).</span></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xbzo_QF74djv28A3lFqN9i0zY2aVJttL6xybfEJyk9brSUNpB1qVDDo_f3td3ZCrsTkyL3T9uYiYD3UmXWc8e_bO2jEcXVxm9o_FQqcV3RITIIFvr944dVsfd1VBXEaXDGA-leQSOTEO/s1600/HPIM0927.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 323px; HEIGHT: 370px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486923171120840130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xbzo_QF74djv28A3lFqN9i0zY2aVJttL6xybfEJyk9brSUNpB1qVDDo_f3td3ZCrsTkyL3T9uYiYD3UmXWc8e_bO2jEcXVxm9o_FQqcV3RITIIFvr944dVsfd1VBXEaXDGA-leQSOTEO/s320/HPIM0927.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">The inspiration dress was one layer. I added a second layer (the orange fabric). There is just a basic casing at the top of the dress and a halter tie at the top of the dress. </span><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpW9UO-qgglpVso1OHVeC73cQvVLihoyCM4iCyP4AjMCLrTthvScoLi5uzQrdC_utEDVQF3fCuI70GIvMzTlp1gToBhONnIM7PyrmqW-6L_o_dFF7QMuxb_ZNURgmmhVbNXThMnw28j2B/s1600/HPIM0929.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 321px; HEIGHT: 351px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486923863340145554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpW9UO-qgglpVso1OHVeC73cQvVLihoyCM4iCyP4AjMCLrTthvScoLi5uzQrdC_utEDVQF3fCuI70GIvMzTlp1gToBhONnIM7PyrmqW-6L_o_dFF7QMuxb_ZNURgmmhVbNXThMnw28j2B/s320/HPIM0929.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">The "flower" is several layers of fabric that were cut into petal shapes with pinking shears. I then cut a circular piece of fabric for the "button" in the middle of the fabric and to attach it to the dress.</span> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYqCNixjqcm6Dh7tLi_kJBFcsREMPiLv6esxcZ4MfJE6SjqLFsqu-k_zu6oRZzP7sv6N4RrmeGVY4ek0vRjroat0UJ0LG-V4HJEBTwhJbEJJFuxEnjN1lnPCrAcXtZJErjRHZ7K-IylQ5/s1600/HPIM0930.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486923499098718402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYqCNixjqcm6Dh7tLi_kJBFcsREMPiLv6esxcZ4MfJE6SjqLFsqu-k_zu6oRZzP7sv6N4RrmeGVY4ek0vRjroat0UJ0LG-V4HJEBTwhJbEJJFuxEnjN1lnPCrAcXtZJErjRHZ7K-IylQ5/s320/HPIM0930.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">More project revie</span><span style="font-family:arial;">ws to come!</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdV4ixc07oD8rvXztckkWrO8yNQjNGhQoyWBrMGxnMQ8mcNrhvuMlNJO-5S4wbg5-mxrBBJMpsmQ2FRZbF51c8dXYIjmSMBGDtQW8tKYPxXombkIK05mqYyq7fx0EALrb77gsuDeCvJqr/s1600/signature1.bmp"></a><br /><br /><a title="sign by e&amp;g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4775668107/"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" alt="sign" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4775668107_0b5bb069bb_m.jpg" width="173" height="87" /></a> <br /><br /><p></p><p align="left"></p>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181666540668046308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345007889677247874.post-16343705257529524422010-06-25T19:57:00.005-05:002010-07-08T21:57:40.816-05:00None other than (drum roll please)... "My first post!"<span style="font-family:arial;">Hello Blog World!! I am really saying hello to myself, as no one evens knows of this blog yet. I have been contemplating for while to begin a blog. My reason for wanting to start to blog is really pretty selfish - for myself. I *think* that this might be a good way to track the projects that I have done and also a way for me to prioritize the projects that I want to complete. I also have found some really amazing blogs and would love to share my excitement for those blogs with others! </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I first stumbled upon blogs about a year ago (I know, I know...I am behind the times). My son was going to start kindgergarten and he needed a nap mat. I could have bought the traditional plastic version, but I just couldn't bare the thought of spending my money on something so unoriginal. I searched the stores for patterns and could not find any...so I turned to the Net. I stumbled upon Jenny Garland's site with a <a href="http://jennygarland.com/tutorials/">Nap Mat Tutorial </a>. While I did not precisely follow her pattern, I immediately feel in love with her site and all of the projects that she had documented. I found it very inspiring to look at her projects - and then think of projects that I could complete. I now have several blogs that I look at on a regular (okay - daily) basis. </span><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">Below are pics of that first project via a blog. I started this project the afternoon before my son started a week-long kindergarten summer school. I, of course (crazy lady that I am), wanted to get the project done before summer school started. Jenny's pattern calls for using foam for the nap mat. If I were making this again, I would definitely go that route. However, I did not have any foam on hand - but I did have quite a bit of batting on hand (from another project that I don't recall now). So I decided to use several layers of batting for the "body" of the mat. I also did not have any velcro so opted for buttons for keep the map together once rolled. The batting was a nightmare to get through my machine (because it was soo thick), however, I was satisfied with the end result (not perfect and lots of room for improvement, but satisfied none the less). My son used this mat every day of kindergarten and it still has lots of life left. Too bad that his little sister probably won't appreciate the Cars motif when it is her turn for kindergarten! </span><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The finished product - all rolled up!</span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizizdfsxZOx5irXxippwqpH1rkNK1X81QEGLUImzc6d2lO8-6yhV6YHjfA6D8DcTt-21-TnHnE5vgP_rftLxlGF4itvRPIYxflynO40AwbQg_OwN8pb9oHZ6Mm5cf2NUL0QvvOJHFujbV4/s1600/HPIM0921.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486884969786936962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizizdfsxZOx5irXxippwqpH1rkNK1X81QEGLUImzc6d2lO8-6yhV6YHjfA6D8DcTt-21-TnHnE5vgP_rftLxlGF4itvRPIYxflynO40AwbQg_OwN8pb9oHZ6Mm5cf2NUL0QvvOJHFujbV4/s320/HPIM0921.JPG" /></a></span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;">The mat rolled out...the left side is the pillow...though it is hard to tell...</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFjG1ey9Uc5tERCtXuvZ4Als4t0ZqS1Sva9F7cRnCVUGhxmrOxvPFPbTKBQpHK7hB3lSmjb1R5oKKojK35XGChcmatcguU4alN_DJmWN95P38xrE7ZJQt-znPyqdLO9uwuclusj-B97yu/s1600/HPIM0925.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486887066974674914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFjG1ey9Uc5tERCtXuvZ4Als4t0ZqS1Sva9F7cRnCVUGhxmrOxvPFPbTKBQpHK7hB3lSmjb1R5oKKojK35XGChcmatcguU4alN_DJmWN95P38xrE7ZJQt-znPyqdLO9uwuclusj-B97yu/s320/HPIM0925.JPG" /></a></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;">My little guy - ready to go to school!! </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpj649EVUwhJmYbGupxA0jWMzx2_OvM-9gQ0D3SE0bub2dgxbW7zjwFVPRvrjbgdgbh6cjDug9o43jkXAFBtA2m5MTNGqdKygOGmpZjut28r1VgNQgZVdEK1xXYh6Ns0rplp37WYOBTLkQ/s1600/HPIM0919.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486888616599486770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpj649EVUwhJmYbGupxA0jWMzx2_OvM-9gQ0D3SE0bub2dgxbW7zjwFVPRvrjbgdgbh6cjDug9o43jkXAFBtA2m5MTNGqdKygOGmpZjut28r1VgNQgZVdEK1xXYh6Ns0rplp37WYOBTLkQ/s320/HPIM0919.JPG" /></a></span></div><br /><br /><a title="blank7 by e&amp;g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4775925978/"></a><br /><br /><a title="sign by e&amp;g creations, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51684566@N02/4775668107/"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" alt="sign" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4775668107_0b5bb069bb_m.jpg" width="173" height="87" /></a><br /><p></p><p align="left"></p>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181666540668046308noreply@blogger.com0