At Home on this Mountain

Friday, April 13, 2007

Birthday Sewing

Posted in Making
I made a birthday gift yesterday for my niece.  She'll be four next month and I think she will really enjoy a super twirly skirt.  This one is made from a full circle of fabric with another smaller circle cut out for the waist.  I stitched the waist "hole" to a piece of elastic (while stretching the elastic) then serged the edge and turned the elastic and fabric to the inside and stitched it down (again while stretching the elastic)  It was sort of flying by the seat of my pants but it worked out very nicely.  Since you can't actually see the waistband in the photo you'll just have to take my word for it   I also added the ruffle to the bottom and although I would have liked a bit more "ruffle" to it, it worked out all right.

The shirt is a plain white tee from a McCall's or Simplicity pattern.  I shortened the sleeves and left off the back opening (who designs a tee-shirt that needs a ZIPPER?!?)  I cut it from a undershirt that my dad bought and didn't like.  It just didn't fit him the way his regular brand does so he gave 4 or 5 of them to me.  I used the existing hems from the bottom and the sleeves- just cut the sleeves from the sleeves, if that makes sense.  It was really nice not to have to hem all the stretchy knit as that is not my forte.  I finished the neckline with some picot-edged elastic and that worked out very nicely.

I cut the appliques from scraps of the skirt fabric (I had just one yard and cut the largest full circle I could which left a good bit in the corners)  I used Stitch Witchery to affix them to the shirt and then used some non-fusible interfacing as a stabilizer on the back.  I used a medium width, very short length zigzag to go around the outside.  Most importantly, I tested the whole set up on scraps from the t-shirt and cotton fabric before I did anything to the actual project.  It all worked out very well and I am quite pleased with myself.  The whole project was from stash fabrics, notions, etc so virtually free :)  Everything was purchased at least 6 months ago, some of it was inherited.

Oh, I should say, in the interest of full disclosure, that the black ribbon trim on the skirt is a "design element" that came about because I caught a small chunk of the blue fabric in the serger while finishing the seam between the skirt and ruffle.  It was pretty maddening but my husband couldn't find the flaw so I am satisfied

Oh, here's the picture (before I forget!)


I see that I forgot to turn the left sleeve down for the photo, and you can't really see the right sleeve applique, so I will say that one blind mouse is on the right sleeve, tapping along with a cane.  The other two are on the back of the left sleeve; one is holding the other by his tail- v. cute!

Lest you think I am a super-whiz who does everything 3 weeks before it's due, let me set the record straight.  I got this all done yesterday because I was avoiding doing my taxes.  I will finish them today though.  NO more sewing until they're done (but I did tidy up the sewing room this morning to get ready for my post-tax sewing orgy )
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Friday, April 13, 2007 - I LOVE it


Posted by Chas
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the skirt and shirt! You will for sure have to show me how to do it! I want to make one for my girly girl cj! :D GREAT JOB!!!!
Love you!
Chas


Friday, April 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment


Posted by CandyFoote
Wow!
Great time!

Candy


Monday, April 16, 2007 - Untitled Comment


Posted by countrygalu
You did a very good job. I added you as my friend because think your blog is coooollll.

Makayla


Monday, May 14, 2007 - Untitled Comment


Posted by Mom
I'm so glad that you got a picture. That was soooo darned cute. I guess we can hope that it will be donated to some little girl somewhere who will truly love it! You are so talented. I love you!!
Mom<><


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Preserving the Harvest 2008


~June 22nd~
*11 half-pints
honey-sweetened peach-strawberry jam
~June 27th~
*7 half-pints and 2 pints
honey-sweetened peach jam
~June 28th~
*24 home-grown chickens in the freezer
(7 whole, 17 cut up
plus feet and backs for stock!!)
~July 6th~
*8 pints and 14 half-pints
honey-sweetened peach jam
~July 16th~
*18 cups fresh green beans,
blanched and frozen (a gift from the boss)
*12 pounds ripe bananas,
cut into 1 inch chunks and frozen for smoothies
~July 22nd~
*32 ears home-grown corn
blanched and frozen in meal-sized packages
~July 27th~
*8 pints cream-style corn
(home grown)
~July~
about *8 cups blackberries
and *5 cups wild blueberries
from around our property,
in the freezer
~August 4th~
14 pints
4 half-pints
and 1 quart
hot and spicy tomato salsa
(that's 18 cups altogether)

What I'm reading

The Bible- currently in the book of Acts

The Last Battle by C.S.Lewis

Home Comforts by Cheryl Mendelson



What I've Read Recently

At Large and At Small by Anne Fadiman

How To Be Good by Nick Hornby

The Book of Joby by Mark Ferrari

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

World Without End by Ken Follett

Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery (for the 12th time or so)



What I Watch


The Office

30 Rock

Doctor Who

Heroes

Eureka

Scrubs


2008 Crafty Stats


Yardage In:

13.5 yards

Yardage Out:

3 yards

Items Made:

Money Spent:

$58.06

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Pleasant View Schoolhouse