Back to School Sewing

It really is that time. I guess if everything was to come from the store, maybe not but I've gotta sew a little bit. I started with this dress, which is the Ice Cream dress pattern from Oliver + S. I also used this pattern to make Sophie's birthday dress. This time, I chose solid fabrics from my stash (not a single trip to the fabric store) and I made the striped version instead of the pocket version. Emma was not so interested in the colors at first, but this morning when she tried it on she was really happy and even commented on the colors. Not only does she like them, she asked me how I knew they would go together (that's the artistic girl trying to come out). So, we are both happy with this dress and I have to say that Andy is just the best. He picked up the dress and checked out the seams (admiring the serger work, of course - thank you, honey).

I have a few other things in the works too (not really anything for Sophie because she has a lot of old Emma clothes to work with, but Emma really outgrew her last wardrobe). Among other things, I have started two projects for the girls for Christmas! I know - it seems way too early to be thinking along the lines of Christmas, but again, not everything is a quick trip to the store so I have to plan.

Swingset Skirt

I only bought this pattern because the skirt is really similar to one that I like to make for Emma that is in a Japanese sewing book of mine. The book doesn't include Sophie's size, so when I found a copy of this pattern and realized how similar it is to my favorite skirt for Emma, I had to get it. So far, I have made just this one skirt, but I definitely plan to make more and I most certainly will make the cute top that goes with it. The pockets aren't included with the pattern, they are actually from another Oliver + S pattern, but Sophie likes to collect little things so I thought the pockets would make her happy. The fabrics used are leftovers from a Popover Sundress that I made for Emma (also an Oliver + S pattern from Sew Hip magazine), she picked out the fabrics. I also used the remaining scraps to make a fabric covered birdcage for Sophie for her birthday. I will photograph that soon and share as well.

My other sewing endeavors are still in the works from the Elsie Marley week. I did finish the pants (Oliver + S, again), but they are mighty huge on Miss Emma and will have to wait a while before being worn. I also finished one of two pairs of jammy pants, but they need to be hemmed still. I am on step 3 (of about 20) on Sophie's birthday dress. Since I had a house full of sick people for the last week, I would say that's actually pretty good (oh, and the weather has been fantastic so I have truly only sewn in the evenings or early morning and no more than one hour each day).

Day 2

I brought down the iron and ironing board today. It meant that I was able to iron a bunch of fabric that I later changed my mind about using. I also had the serger downstairs most of the day and managed to serge a little. Emma's pants are nearly finished. Sew on a few buttons, that's about it. I cut out the pieces for Sophie's jammy pants. I picked out a different fabric entirely for Sophie's birthday dress. Unfortunately, I have to go to the fabric store tomorrow (okay, I get to go) to pick out a contrasting solid for the bottom band of the dress. Tomorrow is a much busier day for us (back to school for Emma and an appointment for Sophie during our precious alone time). I hope to sew...
5/13 edit: the girls were sick over the weekend and Emma just went back to school today (Thursday). Tonight, Andy came home from work and announced that he doesn't feel well. He has been sick all night. So, I have to be off the hook on this clothes week that I signed up for - right? I do have a few things nearly complete and the girls are anxious to have them so I will be sharing new mama-made goodies soon. Just not this week! :(

Day 1

Today is the first day of Sewing for Kids week. I spent about 30 minutes in the sewing room before getting swarmed by the girls, both of whom are still sick. I did make a little progress, but since then I have had no opportunity to get back up there. My first project is a pair of capri pants for Emma using some Japanese fabric from my friend Emiko. They are coming together nicely, but I have some work to do, to say the least.
I have my first lesson on using my new serger tonight. I have a few questions, and then I just want to listen to what she has to say. Unfortunately, my project is not nearly far enough along to take it with me - I would have loved to have some Q&A time with a project in hand.
I'll report back tomorrow - hopefully with some progress to share as well.

Kid's Clothes Week

I am participating. I have a rather short-ish list of projects I hope to complete. Some even require use of the serger (AKA, my new baby). Here is the list:

*capri pants for Emma
*birthday dress for Sophie
*jammies for both girls

Then, I have a short list of other things I would like to accomplish as well, though I think it is too much pressure to include them in the main list. Here is that list:

*capri pants for Sophie
*skirt for Emma
*library tote bags for each girl for the summer visits to the library (as found in the new Sandi Henderson book that I adore) - yes, I know these aren't clothes but I still want to make them.

So, that is the list. I think I can complete the top three if I follow through with the main goal of Kid's Clothes Week. Sew for one hour each day. Nevermind that the girls have gymnastics on Monday, swimming on Tuesday and Thursday and I tutor on Wednesday.

Playing along...

I have plans in the works as it is. So, this is really convenient and maybe it will get me moving a little faster with my project. I'm planning on it anyhow. Maybe I can show some sneaky peaks soon too. Time to get started...