Project Mania

So, when you have two fourth graders in your home and they both have huge projects, what do you do? You freaking make them, that’s what. Each had to make an “ancient artifact” and costume to go with it. I don’t have finished pictures of the other costume, but I will soon enough. I do have this one though. She wanted a chinese kimon-type costume with giant sleeves. This, people, is why there has not been much popping up on my blog lately. I could have probably have sewn this in a few nights, but instead, I watched and helped while she sewed most of it (bent over at the waist night after arduous night helping her feed yards of ravelling jaquard through the slloooowwwly moving machine – aaauuugggghhhhhhhh!). She sewed the whole body of the gold robe and I did the black “sleeves”. Joking aside, I was really pleased by her hardwork and follow-through. We spent a little bit of time each night working on this. One night we just spent folding miniature pieces of paper and reading the directions. I’m really proud of her. She loves it and that is what really matters.

We used Simplicity 1573, View F as our starting point. I traced the largest size (8) and made the facing wider. I also added length to the hem and sleeves because she is 9 and looong. When we sewed on the facing, we flipped it to the outside instead of inside. We also made a wider Obi-type belt instead of the thinner one pictured on the pattern. Really, we didn’t change too much about the pattern. I embroidered on the dragons (Korean, not Chinese) at night after she went to bed (109 minutes of stitches per dragon!!!) and then sewed up the black panels and attached them under the arms. Whew. I’m glad that’s done. I will try to remember to post pictures of her wearing this.

 

Isn’t the embroidery amazing? It’s from Urban Threads. They have pages of dragon embroidery! Here’s the one I used. 

 

I actually did get some other sewing done while the embroidery machine was stitching it’s heart out. Stay tuned!

Happy Mom!

Can I just tell you how proud I am of all my kids? We did the Heart Run 5k this weekend and all four of the kids rocked. They are really becoming quite the runners. I could only find pictures of two of them at Heart Run site. Maybe the other two kiddos will pop up on pictures over the next day or two. And yes, we enjoy our face paint and spray paint. :) 

This little powerhouse finished the 5k in 27 and a half minutes!! That's a sub-9min/mile! She's very competitive though and wanted to beat everyone.

I ran with them the whole time. I always tell them I'll run with the fastest kid. That motivates them to run faster. :) You can see a green shirt behind #885.

This girl finished just one minute behind her twin.

The six year old ran the whole 5k and the 11 year-old disappeared somewhere along the way. It's so much fun now that they are older. Moms with lots of kids and twins take note: it does get easier!

I have been sewing a lot lately but some is secret sewing (and no I won't hint!) and some is for school projects (think full costumes).

Sewing for Spring

Spring is officially here. No snow, temperatures in the 50s, chicken poop in the yard, and trampoline set up. I am READY. The winter was crappy with almost no snow and continual icy conditions. I only skiied one time and I ran most of the winter. I usually take a break from running and lift more weights and do more skiing. Not this year!

Needless to say, I’m ready for the next season. I have a thing for shirt dresses right now. I looked back through my Burdas and found this little gem. It is perfect for what I was wanting to make. There is another view that has 3/4 sleeves too. This is 04-2010 #116. The only bummer about it was that the smallest size was the 38 and I’m a 34. I had to size down two sizes while tracing it. It’s more annoying than anything. When I first saw the line drawing I was like, YASSSS. I thought I would look at the model photo and, as Burda usual, it’s super unhelpful. Gee thanks, Burda.

 

I really like how it turned out. I used a peachskin woven fabric from Girl Charlee. I really like the weight of it and how it’s pretty easy to sew. The edges do tend to fray so you have to either serge them or do french seams.

 

It has a shoulder yoke and a gently curved hem at the front and back. IT has just enough ease to be fitted but still comfortable.

 

It does flare a bit at the bottom hem.

 

We are both divas. Do not sass a diva.

 

This is the best collar I’ve ever done. I really like how it turned out!! The thread and bobbin thread are slightly different colors of blue. Dammit! Only you guys will ever know.

 

There are little cuffs on the short sleeves.

 

I could have made buttonholes and sewed on buttons, but snaps are easier and I love these copper ones.

 

I love the little details on this dress, the pockets, the sleeve cuffs, and the curved hem. I didn’t try to match the pocket; I don’t think it matters much on this crazy pattern.

 

This is more the true color. I’m trying to incorporate more variety of colors in my clothing. I tend to wear the same colors over and over again. I chose this print because it’s pretty and it’s one of the Pantone colors for spring.

 

Next? More running tights. Spring cross country is starting and my little baboos need tights! (Probably. When I make a plan, my only thought is to do something else. It’s the rebel in me!)