Flashback to Flashdance

"What a feeling" to return to 1983! Today I took a trip back in time while sewing a new top for my wee one. I bought her a similar top the other day and thought what a great way to use an old cheapy ribbed tank in another way.

The green lady bug printed knit, was an inexpensive, lightweight knit I picked up at the fabric store. The pink tank, is a too small to wear, also inexpensive, ribbed tank from Target. Very similar to this one. The top is basically a large necked tshirt style top. However, the pink tank, is sewn in. It gives the Alex Owens (From the movie Flashdance) look without the hassle of having the top constantly fall off your shoulders.

The neckline is just a tad bigger than I had envisioned. I think my next attempt will be done with a ribbed knit collar instead. I think the stretch in the ribbed knit will make the collar a little less baggy and droopy. However, I still think it was a success. Casual and comfy and Jordan didn't freak when I put it on her today!!

That's how I measure success!

Summer Randoms

*Relaxing Breath* Summer is finally here! I love it! The kids have only a few days left of school (thanks to snow days and a brutal winter!) and summer plans are underway!

This holiday weekend will be filled with the usual sunny activities. Boating, grilling, okay so hockey isn't the norm, but we did have practice, family, friends and plenty of the outdoors!

The neighborhood smells like a scrumptious steak restaurant and is filled with the sound of playing kids. While relaxing in the shade today, I couldn't help but stare at my kiddos and take in their cuteness. Just the beginning of what is yet to come. Can't wait, and wish it would last forever!

Dinner outdoors. All manners go out the window! (Wait, window outside? Anyway....) Who needs a spoon when you have a perfectly dirty hand with sand under your nails??

The legs of a typical active 5 year old. So cute. Bruised, scratched, scraped, dirty, slightly tanned and mostly pastey all at the same time.

Sissy is napping and mom's watering the grass. The swim trunks only seemed appropriate!

Happy Holiday Weekend! LOVE the one you're with!

My very own doll!

Finally, a post after many weeks of trying to decide what to do next. I settled on a cute doll parttern from Black Apple. I never saw myself making dolls, but it turned out to be quite fun. I must say the ideas are flowing. I can think of so many fabric combinations and designs to incorporate with this one simple pattern.

I must confess. I scampered off to my sewing room in such a hurry that I failed to read the instructions. So, my design varies a bit from the pattern. I added piggy tails and tried to make her sweet and innocent, just like my daughter. (For those that know her, you have to be laughing right now!) She loves her babies though and this one is for her. I stitched everything in place, anticipating her taking a dip or two in the spin cycle!

I look forward to making more. (When time allows)

Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder

I had to laugh when my girlfriend asked me to make her an eye mask (Love ya girl!) to wear while she sleeps. I guess the thought of her hubby rolling over to find a masked woman next to him, struck me funny somehow. But apparently she's not alone. I think I could sleep anywhere! Those who know me can testify to that one!

But, I had some fun last night making these beauty masks. Or, sleep masks? I'm not sure how beautiful I look in them, so we'll call them sleep masks.

What was even more amusing was the photo shoot that took place after the sewing was done! Lord, I think my husband is ready to commit me. I interrupted his hockey game (playoffs nonetheless) to have him take pictures of me, in bed with this thing on my face. He's recovering today.

Well, if you ignore the crazy model, and just look at the mask, they are actually quite cute and functional. The elastic strap is adjustable and can fit a rather large noggin. A piece of felt is sandwiched in between the 2 layers of fabric for added darkness. The front and back fabrics are different, but coordinating. Thus, making the mask reversible too. I've topstitched the perimeter for added durability and it should cause less shifting of the felt during washing. Machine wash, air dry and apply a warm iron as needed. Viola! Cute and comfortable.

My husband was snapping pictures while trying to get into the mindset of taking a 'for real' photo!

Just a quickie

Quickie as in, just another quick post. However, this item is a really quick project too. I'm talking one episode of Scooby-Doo quick.

Since the color black consumes about 98% of my wardrobe, I figured it was only appropriate that I make one in my signature color.

Wear your heart on your sleeve. Or a cuff on your wrist!

cuff^{1 n The part of a sleeve nearest the hand, sometimes turned back and decorative}

^{And decorative it is! With summer upon us and our shirt sleeves getting shorter, why not show off your favorite fabrics in the way of a decorative wrist cuff?!}

Three coordinating cotton prints were used. I gathered, pressed and sewed the pleats in place, just to give a little more visual interest. An elastic hair tie and button, secure the finished piece. One problem. I can't decide which side looks better outward facing?!

Butts & Bags

Two discarded items collide to create this unique pouch, pocket, bag... whatever you want to call it!

I got home from a busy day (which as always, begin at 4:30 a.m.) yesterday and flipped my laptop open for a quick check of my emails. Well, as a newly named 'blog addict', I couldn't just stop with email. I go to my reader and ventured WAY off onto a craft blog which I hadn't seen before. Noodlehead. Such a cute blog, and honestly, I haven't even had time to poke around in there yet. I came across this cute pocket pouch made from the pocket of an old pair of khaki’s. I just zipped down, looked and all the pictures and headed to my sewing room. The kids were fed and watered and content with Dad downstairs. I snuck away to my haven. Oh, except the quick detour I made to find some of his old splattered and tattered khaki’s. THEN to the sewing room!

I grabbed an Amy Butler scrap and quickly stitched it up. I had a thought, however. After succeeding with the melted plastic grocery bags craft, I thought how perfect this would be for a lining. SO... let the melting begin. After getting everything assembled, I topstitched the two layers together and finished it off with a long strip of Velcro. So, now you have a washable surface on the inside and a cute and functional outer layer. The pocket on the outside still functions and is separate from the inside.

This could be a reusable treat bag, makeup bag, pencil case, wallet... so many functions. And very easy to make!

Let's hope hubs noticed the 5x6 square cut from the butt of his pants before he puts them on!