Christmas Dress

I started this dress last Christmas (2014). I found this tutorial and free pattern. And totally copied it. 

Except ...

As you've heard me say here a few times, I am no seamstress. Clothes making is usually very stressful for me. I get confused in the directions, the language is foreign to me and majority of the time end up calling my mom (multiple times) or have her do the 'tricky' part.

I thought I was doing pretty good with this dress - until I sewed the sleeves. I must have missed something while reading and re-reading the instructions. Also, I'm just not that good. My first run at it ended up making the sleeves look like armor. I really should have taken a picture! I was so frustrated with it, I gave up!

And there it sat. Balled up in the corner for a year. I would look at it every once in a while and think to myself 'I really should finish that'. But as soon as those armor sleeves showed themselves, I was out!

I finally talked myself into tackling it once again. After unpicking nearly the entire bodice, I got the sleeves on and looking decent. whew!

The rest should be a breeze, right?! Practically yes! I did have one other little hiccup though. There was supposed to be a band just under the bodice. It was there. My girl tried the dress on, and I did not like it. More specifically, I did not like the band. It made the dress look too big for her. I suppose I could have shortened the bodice, moving the band up. But I was feeling a bit of a time crunch with getting the dress finished, and just took the band off. 

Then, there was the zipper. I can do zippers. Just not this one. 

The elusive invisible zipper. 

I'm not really sure how it's sewn different. That's just what I'm told. And the diagrams that come with the zipper confuse me more than sewing on these sleeves. Luckily, my mom is an expert and had it on in no time.

Despite my incompetence to dress-making, this really is a beautiful dress. I love the way the shoulders are exposed, giving it a simple elegance. If I were to make this dress again (I really would like to), I would adjust the bodice and band to fit her better. Taking the band out made the skirt just a little tighter around. The poof is still there. However, when she sits down, we have to constantly adjust the skirt so she is properly covered. I might also make the skirt just a bit fuller, too.

This little girl loves to get dressed up!

Makes it all worth it. Even if it did take me a year to get it finished ;)

It's not the dress, it's me -- I cut out a dress last Summer -- and that's as far as I got.

I'm hoping to get to it before the end of this Summer. Sometimes it seems so overwhelming to think about it.

Then it's done, and I'm already planning the next one :)

Secretly Sewing

It seems like December is just flying by! Almost 2 weeks away from Christmas, and it barely seems like there's enough time for everything! Last week while I was looking through my mess of fabric scraps, thread boxes and sewing drawers for a particular thread I needed, I came across a Santa Bag kit I bought a year or two ago from the amazing ladies behind Sweetwater. I immediately put it on my list of things to get done before Christmas, but at the same time wondered if I'd even get to it.

Last night, while brainstorming ideas for Christmas, I again remembered the Santa Bag. After the kids had gone to sleep, I pulled out the kit and got all the fabrics cut and ready for sewing. I planned to sew it while the kids are at school today. Here it is, an hour after I dropped my last kid at Preschool, and still have yet to sew a single stitch. Um.. I have no idea where the time has gone. I'm fully convinced that time speeds up when Moms get a moment to themselves :) 

Are you doing any Christmas (or Holiday) sewing this year? 

Mosaic Tiles Quilt Along

Hey everyone! Just stopping by to let you know I am guest posting over at Craft Bud's for the Mosaic Tiles Quilt Along.

I'll be talking about my new tree skirt.

The Mosaic Tiles block already gives the skirt a modernized look.

I went with less traditional colors, pairing the block with gold, silver and bronze.

Click here to see my post!

 

Christmas Quilt 2012

You may remember me talking about this quilt, if you follow me on Facebook. I made this quilt for my brother and his family for Christmas. I had started this quilt about 12 years ago. I had all the pieces cut and little bits sewn. It was supposed to be a queen size. Somewhere along the lines, it got put away and forgot about it. A couple years ago, I rediscovered it, but decided I no longer wanted it to be a queen. Instead, I divided the blocks and made 2 lap-size-ish quilts. The first, I gave to my older brother in 2011. You can see that one here. So here's the second quilt ...

This quilt gave me a few problems. Or rather, I gave it a few problems. If I remember right, I found about 6 blocks that were sewn wrong. Of course, I didn't realize this until I started quilting it. I also had great plans to quilt some winter/christmas related doodle in each of the blocks. I quilted the first row and a half and didn't like what I had done. So I spent a couple days unpicking it all. After all that unpicking (and disappointment in myself) I decided not to quilt something fancy each in block. That way it would still have a little poof and not leave me time crunching for the rest of my christmas projects.

There was another small mishap during quilting. I got to a certain spot where my needle broke. Not thinking anything of it, I changed my needle. It broke again. I changed it, again. I may or may not have broken a third needle. I really don't remember. Nontheless, I checked the area, and the needle seemed to be hitting something. My first thought was the feed dogs. I mean, what else could it be, right?

Nope, everything seemed fine.

That only left the quilt itself.

Can you see it? It's a penny! My kids had been playing with coins while I was pin basting the quilt. One of them obviously landed while I was pinning, of course, without me seeing.

There really was no way of getting the penny out; at least, not without unpicking at least 10 inches of quilting. I did the only thing I could do, stitch around it. I told my brother about it, in case something happened while washing it.

Plus, I think it makes for a great story :)

The Eleventh Day Of December

Update giveaway is now closed!

Congratulations to #8 - Gill!!

Please email me at admin(at)fabricseeds(dot)com to claim your prize!

December the Eleventh

It's finally snowing here! I am so excited. I love the snow. I've always loved the snow. I love that my kids get excited about the snow too. One of my favorite things to do is go out in the middle of the night when it's snowing and build a snowman. One year, my brother and I, along with a neighbor kid built an 8 foot tall snowman. He was about 5 feet in diameter at the base. We even built him a live size couch too. Took us a few hours, but it was so much fun! We even stripped our coats half way through, we got so hot!

Today I am giving away a Spring Cleaning Apron pattern by Fig Tree & Co.

I plan on doing some major cleaning this week. It may or may not actually get done.

To be in the draw, leave a comment.

One comment per person. Open to everyone.

Winner will be drawn tomorrow, by Random.

The Tenth Day Of December

Update giveaway is now closed!

Congratulations to #2 - Podunkpretties!!

Please email me at admin(at)fabricseeds(dot)com to claim your prize!

December the Tenth

I've been participating in a local boutique for the holidays. Over the weekend, I received an order for appliqued onsies in a particular size (that was now sold out at the boutitique). I put a little heart shaped tag on each one. My kids saw me punching out the hearts and wanted to do to the same. I have 2 punches, large and small. My little girl can't squeeze the large punch and my boy was adiment on having the small punch. After some convincing he finally handed it over to little sister. After punching a heart, they would turn to each other and say "I made you a heart!". At some point during one of these exchanges, my boy was offering the heart to little Paisley. She excitedly said "thank you", which he replied, "you're welcome. Merry Christmas!" and gave her a big hug and a kiss. It was a such a sweet thing to watch.

and those punches kept them busy all night long!

Today I am giving away a Cinnamon Spice charm pack by Blackbird Designs

To be in the draw, leave a comment telling me the best-worst gift you ever got.

A couple years ago, my husband filled my stocking with 40 AA batteries that he picked up from his work on his way out on Christmas Eve, because he forgot to get anything for stockings.

One comment per person. Open to everyone.

Winner will be drawn tomorrow, by Random.

The Ninth Day Of December

Update giveaway is now closed!

Congratulations to #4 - Andy!!

Please email me at admin(at)fabricseeds(dot)com to claim your prize!

December the Ninth

Thank you all for putting up with me while I'm sick, and for all your sweet comments. I bought some Mucinex for me and the kids yesterday. Seems to be working well, but now I have a lump in my throat. I hope this is the end of it. 

On top of all this, we woke up to hubby's car having a flat. After taking him to work, I took the kids to my parent's and my dad drove back to help me with the car. It started snowing. Not the ideal weather for a flat tire. We decided to try pumping it with air first, and if it held pretty good we could drive the 1/2 mile to Costco. It worked. We had an hour or so wait at Costco. Good thing they had samples :)

Turns out the tire stem was broken, and since the tires were under warrenty, it didn't cost me a thing!! :)

 Continuing yesterday's giveaway of Joy,

Today I am giving away a Joyfully Quilt Pattern by Cluck Cluck Sew

This is one of Allison's newest patterns that I picked up from this last Quilt Market.

To be in the draw, leave a comment telling me something on your Christmas list.

I'm hoping for a tiled kitchen and a clean house - I know, it's a stretch.

One comment per person. Open to everyone.

Winner will drawn tomorrow, by Random.

The Eighth Day Of December

Update giveaway is now closed!

Congratulations to #19 - Kirston Barton!!

Please email me at admin(at)fabricseeds(dot)com to claim your prize!

December the Eighth

Thank you all for your well wishes. I appreciated reading them. I'm sorry I didn't reply to anyone (I will try to be better today, but no promises). The kids are getting worse and we spent the day in showers and bed. Unfortunately, I think this cold will be hanging around a few more days. I managed to get a nap in yesterday, and it was wonderful! I hope the same again, for today :)

Today I am giving away a Joy charm pack by Kate Spain

To be in the draw, leave a comment about something(?). I'm too sick to think!

One comment per person. Open to everyone.

Winner be drawn tomorrow, by Random.

The Seventh Day Of December

Update giveaway is now closed!

Congratulations to #12 - gccmom!!

Please email me at admin(at)fabricseeds(dot)com to claim your prize!

December the Seventh

This week has gotten away from me.

The kids and I have chest colds, although I hope we are  finally on the mend

 - I'm getting the shakes today - yuck!

I'm trying my best to reply to everyone's comments. I might be a late in doing so.

I just want to go to bed!

Today I'm giving away an Olive Swing Bag Pattern by Betz White.

I made this bag earlier this year for my sister. You can see it here.

It sews incredibly fast, I'm talking complete bag in less than 20 minutes! And it comes with a sunglass case pattern that is easily made from the leftover fabrics.

To be in the draw, leave a comment telling me who would make this for if you won.

One comment per person. Open to everyone.

Winner be drawn tomorrow, by Random.

(I may or may not reply to comments on this one. Please do not hold it against me if I don't. I plan to spend a good part of the day in bed.)

Oh, and there's still time to enter the Sew Mama Sew giveaway here.

The Sixth Day Of December

December the Sixth

(if you're looking for the sew mama sew giveaway it's right here.

but you might want to stick around for this one too)

 

 

Be sure to visit the Fabric Seeds Facebook page for today's giveaway.

The Fifth Day Of December

Update giveaway is now closed!

Congratulations to #13 - Robin!!

Please email me at admin(at)fabricseeds(dot)com to claim your prize!

December the Fifth

(if you're looking for the sew mama sew giveaway it's right here.

but you might want to stick around for this one too)

I spent the day quilting yesterday. My index finger got a little close to the needle while I was guiding the quilt. For a second, I thought it was pierced. I guess I just hit the needle about 3 times in a row - going at the highest speed. I was surprised the needle didn't break or pierce my finger. But it sure hurt! A few hours later I noticed I didn't get a clean getaway like I thought. I have a little almost blood blister under the tip of my finger. I'm hoping to finish up the quilt today

Today I am giving away a Peppermint Frenzy Quilt Pattern by Basic Grey.

To be in the draw, leave a comment telling your favorite holiday treat.

One of my favorites is Linzer Cookies and a good Caramel!

One comment per person. Open to everyone.

Winner will be drawn tomorrow, by Random.

The Fourth Day Of December

Update giveaway is now closed!

Congratulations to #15 - Joan & Kevin!!

Please email me at admin(at)fabricseeds(dot)com to claim your prize!

December the Fourth

(if you're looking for the sew mama sew giveaway it's right here.

but you might want to stick around for this one too)

Last night I took my kids to a local dairy that serves freshly made scones. This is something my family did at least once a year. There is usually a long line and a long wait to accompany. When I pulled up, the line looked pretty long. But by the time we got through the door, there wasn't hardly anyone waiting. I got to the counter to order my scones and they said it would be a few minutes, because they had to make more. Of course I was willing to wait. About 15 minutes later, I made mention that it had been a long while. My mom had joined us and said she was told it would be at least 30 minutes since the dough was raising. We waited an hour! Meanwhile, the kids are hungry and bored and was in tears by the time we actually got our scones.

Once the kids saw the scones, all was good!

Today I am giving away a Sentiments charm pack.

To be in the draw, leave a comment telling me one of your holiday traditions.

One comment per person. Open to everyone. Winner will be drawn tomorrow, by Random.

The Third Day Of December

Update giveaway is now closed!

Congratulations to #34 - Katy!!

Winner has been contacted.

December the Third

I might just be the only one who was unaware that Sew Mama Sew giveaway day is today. That's what I get for not keeping up on things. Luckily my friend Lindsay reminded me yesterday. And even more lucky, I already had a giveaway planned for today.

Today I am giving up a Needlebox Purse Kit.

These cute little purses require no sewing! They are large enough to hold a couple spools of thread, scissors, needles, floss or just about anything you need to finish up your projects.

Don't be fooled by the listing. You can pick any fabric that is available by the yard for your kit. What's shown with this listing is not listed in the store elsewhere.

To be in the draw, leave a comment. Maybe tell what your favorite handmade item is - whether made by yourself or gifted to you.

you can get an extra entry if you follow my blog, facebook or pinterest.

Anyone can enter. Giveaway open until December 7. Winner will be chosen at Random.

P.S. if you are looking for the winner of yesterday's giveaway, the post has been updated with the winner at top!

The Second Day Of December

Update giveaway is now closed!

Congratulations to #3 - Dede!!

Please email me at admin(at)fabricseeds(dot)com to claim your prize!

December the Second

 Yesterday I went to see my little brother play Scrooge in a local production of A Christmas Carol. As I watched the ghost of Christmas past, I thought about my own past Christmases. How exciting it became as Thanksgiving ended, putting the tree up and slowly seeing presents appear underneath, having snow days and making cookies & candies. I could never wait for Christmas to open my presents. I always snuck in little tears here and there. Until my Mother grew tired of me doing so, and then color coordinated everyones presents, with no name tags. It made it worse & better at the same time. Now that I am older, I have much more restraint.

I don't get near as excited about the Christmas season now, as I did growing up. Somewhere along the way, the magic seems to have been lost inside me. I guess because it doesn't really feel like Christmas for me until it snows. Or maybe I'm entering a slow decline into Scroogeism. Or perhaps it's because it's still early, and we haven't done anything really Christmas-ey yet. With the exception of pulling out our tiny tree.

To show you I am in fact, not a Scrooge, today I am giving away a Cherry Christmas charm pack!

To be in the draw, simply leave a comment telling who you think you relate more with: Scrooge/Grinch or Charlie Brown. (I may be a combination of all 3)

One comment per person. Winner will be selected tomorrow.

P.S. if you're wondering about the winner from yesterday's giveaway, the post has been updated with the winner at the top of the post.

Fa La La La La la la la

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas around here! The first shipment of this year's Christmas lines arrived  late yesterday from Moda. I have 3 new lines to show you today!

Blitzen by Basic Grey

 available in fat quarter bundles, fat eighth bundles, layer cakes, jelly rolls & charm packs

Joy by Kate Spain

 available in fat quarter bundles with 2 panels, layer cakes, jelly rolls & charm packs

Sentiments by 3 Sisters

 available in fat quarter bundles with panel, fat eighth bundles, layer cakes, jelly rolls & charm packs

For these and all other Holiday fabrics, click here.



Christmas Handmade

Okay, This post might be a week or two late, but I really wanted to show y'all what I made for Christmas. We draw names in my family. This year I had one of my brothers along with his 4 children. I had a lot of sewing to do this year. To start, I made my brother a quilt. He has been complaining for a couple years that I have not made him a quilt yet, even though I made each of his children a quilt when they were born. The quilt I made was actually one I had started some 10 years ago and somehow forgot about it along the way. All the pieces were cut and the majority was sewn. It was supposed to be a Queen, but I decided to make it into 2 lap quilts instead.

 

I think he likes it!


For my nieces, I wanted to do something unique. This idea has been on my brain for a long while, so I was pretty excited to have someone to make them for. I made up some little monster purses, and I LOVE them. It was almost hard to part with (mostly for my kiddos), but easy enough to make again. I already know I will be making these again.


And for the eldest nephew, who wishes his name really was Indiana Jones, I thought I would make him an Indian Jones Satchel. I bought a suit from a thrift shop and upcycled it to the satchel. This was my first upcycle, and I loved using the suit. I think it was perfect for this satchel.



My nephew was really excited when he opened his gift (complete with a whip!)


And for my littlest nephew, who is barely a year, I made him a slug. I'm pretty sure he liked it too, considering he gave it a great big hug :)

I also made a few decorative wreaths. My Auntie had given us those "Merry Christmas" blocks that are different sizes, and I thought it needed a little something extra. And since I was making me one, I made one for my Auntie and Mom too.

Did you make any gifts this year?