Necklaces

I got this paper bead necklace for Christmas and I've worn it more days than not ever since.  I love it; it's simple but pretty and it goes with almost everything.

I loved it so much that I decided to try making one myself, and though it's not quite as perfect and delicate as the original, I'm happy with how it turned out!

I love the versatility of these necklaces - they can be worn several different ways, and now that I have more than one, I can even wear them together!

This was a fun project, though a bit time consuming.  =)

Clothesline Baskets

I discovered this idea on a blog a couple of months ago, and because I love baskets, I was intrigued!  Thankfully, I had some clothesline that was just laying around, so I made my own that very day!  I have to say, not only do I love the finished product, but this was the most fun project I have done in a long time!  It was really quick and easy, and it makes something awesome!  What could be better?  =)

I've made several now; some for me, some for gifts.  I love how versatile these are!  You can make almost any shape, and you can make them plain, add just a little color with different colors of thread, or you can even dye the clothesline like I did with the yellow one (I used turmeric).  All are lovely!  I've decided to use them to organize my linen closet, so I'm slowly replacing the plastic bins I originally had, and I love it!  

Sewing For Baby, Part 3

I've been using homemade diaper covers for a few years now, and I absolutely love them!  They are awesome: simple, inexpensive, long-lasting, and they work great!  I had only made the medium and large sizes, so I decided that it was time to add some small ones to my stash for this baby.

I've used a different color thread for each size so I can tell them apart easily.  The five I made should be plenty to go along with the non-homemade ones I already had (although I love the homemade ones so much better, I just may feel the need to make a few more!).  Then, to go along with them, I made a new wet bag since the vinyl I used inside the old one (before I discovered PUL fabric) was tearing.  This one should last much longer, although I'm starting to wish I had made it a bit larger. 

Sewing for the Boys

I feel like I always do a flurry of sewing before a new baby is born, as though I'm afraid I won't ever have time to sew again!  Of course I know that's not true - I'll always find time to do a little sewing!

This time, it was the boys' turn to receive some handmades!

Ezra received some cute polo shirts for his birthday, and I wanted to make him a pair of plaid shorts to go with them, so I did!  I used my usual tracing method to make these, and I love them.  The outfit makes him look a little too grown up, though!  =)

Benjamin must have had a growth spurt recently, because all of a sudden most of his pants were too short on him.  He's obviously harder on his clothes than he used to be, as well, because none of them were savable for Ezra - instead they had to be cut up for rags!

Just for fun, I decided to make him a new pair of pants.  I wanted something a bit more polished looking, so instead of using my tracing method for these, I decided to try this free pattern.  I used the flat front version, adjusting it to fit Benjamin, and added pockets.  I'm really happy with how they turned out - definitely more professional looking than having an elastic waist all the way around, as I would have done without the pattern.  The one change I would make is to place the pockets a bit higher next time.  Benjamin likes them, though, and has already worn them several times, which I consider the highest compliment, especially given the fact that he's quite picky about his clothes these days!  I'd love to make him another pair or two for fall, but we'll see if that happens!

Sewing for Baby, Part 2

Before Benjamin was born, I received what became my favorite burp cloths - they were handmade, with a layer of flannel and a layer of terry cloth.  The perfect combination of soft and absorbent and I reached for them first over all the others I had.  I kept using them with Joanna and Ezra, but Ezra latched on to them, too, and they became his comfort item.  No finger or thumb sucking for him - he has his "rag".  He's not about to give them up, so I knew I would have to make new ones for this baby.

Fortunately, I've already been making my own version of these burp cloths for a while now, both to give as gifts and to sell, so it was easy for me to whip up my own stash.  I always prefer to use what I have rather than buy new, so I ended up with a combination of boy, girl, and neutral fabrics, and I'll just use all of them no matter what we have.  It really doesn't matter anyway, especially since the original ones were pink - and Ezra carries those ones around everywhere!  As a side note - I have made him some "boy" ones, but he'll only use those in an emergency - he prefers the pink ones!

I ended up with a stash of ten burp cloths, which should be plenty!  For now they're tucked in a basket on my night stand - perfect for grabbing in the middle of the night!  =)

Fresh off the Needles

After learning to knit last year, I've slowly been working my way through a few projects.  Mostly I'm still making dish clothes, but I've been picking up new techniques along the way.  A couple of months ago, I purchased a skein of locally grown and spun yarn, and my goal is to make a cowl for this winter!  I just need to find a simple-enough pattern!

I love that knitting is a great project to bring in the car or work on while watching a movie.  I don't often sit down and knit during the day, but when I do, Joanna helps herself to some needles and yarn and "knits" along with me!

In Preparation for Baby....

There isn't really much that I will have to do to get ready for baby #4, since we pretty much have everything that we need, but one thing that was on my list was to make new cloth diaper wipes.  I made cloth wipes way back when Benjamin was a baby (shown here), but after nearly 4 1/2 years of constant use, they were a little the worse for wear.....

I was lucky enough this time to have lots of cute flannel scraps in my stash, so our new wipes are very colorful and cheery!  I improved them a bit from last time, too, making them two layers instead of one, so they are thicker and work a bit better.  To save time, I skipped the serger and just zig-zagged around the edges.  They fray a bit the first time they're washed, but then they shouldn't.

My storage method has remained the same over the years - I still keep them in the same wipes box I had  4 years ago, and I still use a squirt bottle of water to wet them down as needed.  This works great for us!

Shirts for Benjamin

Benjamin's summer shorts from last year still fit, but he needed a few more short sleeved shirts.  After seeing this free pattern (in the right size, even!) I decided I could make them myself.  I made one out of an old shirt of Seth's, which worked great and was super quick and easy, since I didn't have to do any hems.

I also picked up a little knit fabric to make another that matched his favorite shorts.  I bought half a yard, which made for an inexpensive shirt ($2.50), except that I realized (after I made it, of course) that I cut it out the wrong way.  The fabric stretches vertically instead of horizontally like it's supposed to.  It does fit him, but it's a little snug getting it on.  I may have to buy a little more fabric next time to make sure I can cut it out the right way, but it will likely still be cheaper than buying a shirt from the store - plus I get the fun of making it!

I'm not sure what those spots were, since this was right after I finished making it, but they came out in the wash!  =)

I definitely recommend this pattern!  It was quick and easy and fit great!  The neck ribbing seemed a bit small to me, so I cut it a couple of inches longer, which still is a little snug around Ben's head, but other than that, the fit is perfect.  I'm hoping to get a couple more shirts made for him, but these are a great start!

Sewing: Clothes

Although I made lots of clothes when I first learned to sew, I haven't done as much in recent years.  I have made a few things for the kids, but not much, simply because they haven't needed clothes.  I realized recently, though, that if I don't make them a few things now, when they're young and will actually wear what I make, I'll someday regret it.  And, as they get older, I'm finding they have more gaps in their wardrobe that need to be filled, so sewing a few things seems like an obvious solution.

So far, Joanna is the first of the kids to receive new mommy-made clothes, as I whipped up a couple of summer dresses for her.  Sometimes, buying fabric can make sewing clothes more expensive than buying new (especially those on clearance!), so I've been trying to be a little creative with my fabric sources.  I found some fabric and a cute tablecloth at Goodwill, and by buying both on a sale day, I made both of Joanna's dresses, and a skirt for me, for about $5!

For this dress, I used the free Summer Picnic Dress pattern from the Cottage Mama.  It was easy to make and turned out adorable!

This dress is a basic "pillowcase dress" (although I made it from a tablecloth instead!).  Cute and simple, this will probably be my go-to design for summer dresses for the next couple of years.  Although definitely more basic than the Summer Picnic Dress, it is still very cute and was so much quicker to make!

I had enough tablecloth fabric left to make a cute skirt for myself.  I used this tutorial, although I followed a suggestion in the comments to eliminate the elastic and make a wider, fold-over waistband from the knit fabric.  It turned out great and the knit waistband is so comfortable!  Although it's technically a maternity skirt, I have a feeling it's going to be especially useful at the end of the summer, after the baby is born!

While I was making a flannel shirt for my dad for his birthday, Seth kept hinting that he'd like one, too. How could I ignore that?  So I made another and managed to get it finished just in time for his recent school trip.  

Next on my clothes list is some summer shorts for the boys, and probably some t-shirts for Benjamin.  This tutorial makes t-shirts seem really easy.

A Quilt for Joanna

Benjamin received his Mommy-made quilt for his third birthday, so I decided that would be our tradition.  When I finally got a chance to start Joanna's quilt earlier this month, I was a little worried.  After all, I had made Benjamin's over the course of several months, and now I needed to make Joanna's in less than six weeks.  So I was thrilled when I finished it up last week - with plenty of time to spare!  First I was amazed that it had gone together so quickly, then I started wondering why on earth Benjamin's had taken so long...and then I remembered that when I had been making his we had not only packed up and moved, but I also had had a fussy infant, meaning I didn't exactly get a chance to sit down and sew for a couple of hours at a time!

Anyway, I love how Joanna's quilt turned out!  In keeping with their room colors, I used lots of red and yellow, but then I added in some pink and purple to make it girly.  To keep it doable, I made a super simple design, and I don't worry about perfection on a project this big!

It complements Benjamin's quilt so nicely!  I can't wait to see the quilts in their room together.

Handmade Gifts for Kids

I finished up a couple of the gifts I was working on for the kids and I am so happy with how they turned out!

The first project was these darling little wooden people.  I kept them simple mostly because I want the kids to be able to use their imaginations with these and simplicity helps with that, but also because I am not a painter and I didn't have much confidence in my skills beyond this!  =)  I absolutely love them!  They are exactly what I love toys to be - natural, quality, simple and imaginative.  Perfect!

The next project was playsilks!  I used the Kool-aid dye method which was easy and inexpensive.   The colors turned out beautiful and I know that the kids are going to have lots of fun with these!   I enjoyed dyeing these myself and at about $5 each, they were much cheaper than the $15 or so that pre-dyed playsilks usually cost.  

Simple Washcloths

I wanted to make a couple of washcloths to put in our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, and I was originally going to knit some.  But I had some leftover pieces of terry cloth to use up, so I decided to try another idea!  I used fabric scraps to make homemade bias tape, and simply sewed it around the edge of the terry cloth.  I made the washcloths on the smaller side to make them easier for little kids to handle.  Super cute and easy!

Introducing....

Simple Threads, my new sewing business!

Sewing is one of my passions, and I have long considered selling some of the things I make.  After participating in a small church bazaar a year ago, that desire grew, and finally this spring I took the first step and obtained a business license.  Over the summer I built up a stash of items that I wanted to sell, and this weekend, I am participating in my first real business event, The Christmas at North Creek Bazaar!  I am really excited, not only because I am selling some of my favorite things, but also because this is a really fun bazaar, one I have enjoyed attending several times in the past.

For now, bazaars will probably be my main method of selling, since it fits in with my life well.  However, I am also planning on selling a little bit through Etsy, and I am also willing to take special orders.  For more information on my business, the things I sell, special orders, and the bazaar this weekend, please visit my new business blog, simplethreadssewing.blogspot.com!


Thanks!

The Easy Way to Make a Narrow Hem

I've always thought about making a pile of cute cloth napkins.  What's stopped me?  The thought of making all those narrow hems - the ironing!

However, I've been making lots of receiving blankets lately, which has meant lots of narrow hems.  Thankfully, I quickly discovered an easy and quick way to do it.

Instructions for narrow hems usually say to fold the edge over a little bit, iron down, fold it over again, and iron it down again.  That takes forever!  So, here's a better way to do it:

Fold the edge over a little bit and iron down.  Try to fold over less than 1/4 inch, if you can.  Don't try to measure your hem while you're folding - that takes way too long!  Just eyeball it, and it will turn out just fine.

Then, instead of ironing the second fold, you're just going to sew it!  Starting on one side, and folding the hem over as you go, start sewing your hem down.  I have found that it works really well to fold it over and hold it with my right hand to apply a little tension while I sew.  Don't pull it and make it hard for the machine to sew, but applying just a little tension keeps the hem straight and neat.

Don't bother with fancy mitered corners or anything like that - just fold it over on one side....

...then the other side, and sew.

While it may not be fancy, it looks good, and it's quick and easy.

Another trick I discovered - a zigzag stitch is perfect for narrow hems.  Not only does it add interest, but it is great for hiding minor flaws.  No one will notice if your stitching isn't perfectly straight!

I was so happy to discover this simple way to hem!  It is seriously to fast that I can make a nice big receiving blanket, from start to finish, in about 20 minutes.

I may just get to that pile of cloth napkins one of these days after all!

A New (old) Sewing Machine (Or Two)

Seth found this 1956 sewing machine at a salvage shop for just $15 and bought it for me for Mother's Day.  It is so darling!  It is currently brightening up my laundry room, although I do want to try it out to see if it will actually sew something.  Wouldn't that be a fun machine to sew on?

The guy at the salvage shop said he had another one at home that we could have if we wanted it, so when we went back so I could check out the shop, we brought that one home, too, for just $5!  It's the same brand, a Morse, but newer, probably from the 60s.  I cleaned it up and have been trying to get it to sew.  It's in good shape and seems to work, except that I can't get the upper and bobbin thread to connect, so it won't actually make stitches.  I've been trying to look for possible solutions but haven't figured out what the problem is yet.  Hopefully I can get it to work!  =)