Custom Baby Bedding

I finished making a custom crib bumper and dust ruffle set just before I left on vacation. I wish I had a crib to put them in so you could see them better. Here's the inspiration photo.

The fabrics were chosen and supplied by the expectant mom. I can't wait to see photos when she has them in the crib because it's hard to appreciate them otherwise, especially the box-pleated dust ruffle

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The bumper pads have double thickness inserts, they're tufted, and have custom piping all the way around them. There's one fabric on the outside, minky on the inside with striped ties that match the striped piping and dust ruffle. I "fussy cut" the floral fabric used for the gusset so that the flowers in the pattern would line up all the way around and be consistent on all four pads. There are zippers on the pad covers so they can be removed and laundered.

These were a ton of work but I think the end result is very special.

Baylor Dress

I love seeing girls in these dresses, and I enjoy making them. It's fun to take a school t-shirt and turn it into something so much more feminine and fun.

And the great thing is, it doesn't have to be a school shirt. You can use a concert shirt, a sports team shirt, a vacation shirt. There are so many fun options. I've been making a lot of these lately. If I ever find the time, I'll add them to my Etsy store, but, in the meantime, you can always email me if you'd like me to make one for you. If you provide the shirts, they're only $45 each.

Easiest Way to Cut Foam

I don't know about you, but I'll take all the tips I can get for making tasks easier, so I hope you'll find this helpful. If you've go to cut foam with scissors, you can certainly do it.

But here's my secret weapon: an electric knife. Yes, that handy tool that collects dust until you pull out once a year to carve the Thanksgiving turkey. It works like a dream for cutting foam-- cleanly, quickly, and evenly.

Determine the measurements of the piece you need, then, with a Shaprie, mark your cutting lines.

Turn the knife on and just cut along the lines, carefully positioning the cutting line so that it is not directly on, but hanging off, the edge of your cutting surface so you don't cut that surface.

It doesn't get any easier than that.

On vacation

I will be on vacation until 6/27. I am so looking forward to getting away and relaxing for a week. If you are trying to schedule a class, they will be resuming on 6/27. I do have some openings, but not many. If you'd like to schedule for next week, email me and I'll reply when I get back. I'm going to be unplugged for the next week, so you won't hear from me until I return.

Summer Sewing Classes

You may remember my friend Rosie from last summer. This is her third summer taking classes with me and she has become an amazing sewer. She makes things that few adults will even try. She's started using the serger this summer and, although, she's not quite comfortable with it yet, she's got a great bathing suit cover up she made on her first attempt, with very little help and a bit of guidance.

With all of my classes, I try to add new skills and techniques to each class. In addition to learning how to use the serger, this project was also a first attempt at gathering. See how nicely the skirt part of the dress is gathered?

This project has led to some inspiration to use t-shirt or other garments to make new garments. Rosie has a great collection of Indian clothing made from beautiful fabrics with exquisite beading and hand work. She's outgrown many of them and we're giving them new life as new garments. Look at this beautiful dress. We took a new T-shirt and a beautiful skirt that was floor length on a 3 year old. We cut the top off of the skirt and then attached the remainder of the skirt to the bottom of the t-shirt for a brand new dress. We have a few finishing touches to put on this but, you get the idea.

Did I mention that Rosie is only 10 years old? We've got a bunch of projects lined up for the summer and we are off to a terrific start. Isn't she talented?

Aggies Dress & Upcycling

I love all the variations of these cute little Aggie's dresses. The design options are endless and you can make them from any kind of t-shirts-- Aggies or otherwise. I also like the idea of using a combination of t-shirts and fabrics to make them. Here's one I made for my niece.

I'll be adding them to my Etsy shop soon, too. People love them.  Isn't this a great way to upcycle things you already have in your closet? I'm working with some people to do just that and I am having a lot of creating new garments from old ones.

When I show people some of the possibilities of what I can create from things that are already in their closet,  their creative juices also start flowing as they realize how many things they have that I can re-purpose for them. My pile of things-I-have-to-sew-for-other-people keeps growing as people get more excited about the repurposing trend.

Is there something that you enjoy making from something you already have?

Pixie Dress-- Sharing my Students' Success

My private classes have been busier than I ever imagined possible and my students are cranking out some incredible projects. Check out this adorable pixie/fairy costume made by JaNae for a very lucky little girl.

Isn't it adorable? What little girl wouldn't love to have that?