Pillow Cases

I found some nice velvet on sale at Joann's during my last visit. I wanted to change the look of the living room and lighten things up just a little. We used to have wine/burgundy colored velour pillow cases...I think these tan ones does the trick. I just made simple envelope style cases for our exsiting pillow forms.

It's getting cool outside

I made a couple more blankets using my handy dandy walking foot with minky. The light weight one with the colorful flower print will likely be a gift...Jenny, Shanny, or Michelle. The blue one below is heavier weight. The minky material is thicker and it's backed with flannel instead of cotton. It's perfect for these cooler nights to keep the little Piggie nice and cozy. I think I'll make some more for the little boys...Oliver, Fletcher, Connor and Davis. I found a nice sage green minky but need something else for backing. I'll have to go hunt down something.

On my plate and I'm super eager to try is the Amy Butler Snow Mum pillow. I think it would make a wonder Christmas present to friends. So off to Joann's or maybe Jenny's to collect materials for the project. I can't wait.

Empire Waisted Tunic Top

Well, I did it. My very first garment from a pattern. This is from Amy Butler's Little Stitches for Little Ones. It took me nearly 4 hours to complete from start to finish. In part I had trouble understanding the instructions. It wasn't very clear that some pieces I had to cut in flip flopped. Then I didn't realise I cut the the fabric panels not using the contrasting print. But I still liked the way it turned out over all. I second guessed a lot of the instructions because I couldn't picture how to put it together or turn. I would have made some changes in the armpit area, I think it puckers since the sleeve was simply a rectangle. It still looks like boutique quality and I'm happy. I think when I make a second one, I'll be able to do it in less time and produce a better fit.

Minky Blanket Take Two

After doing some reading online, I discovered a walking foot for the sewing machine would make it feasible to work with the stretch minky material. It feeds the material from up top in addition from underneath, so the fabric moves thru the machine evenly. I picked up mine from Joann's with their weekly 40% off coupon. So here's my end result with the walking foot. I'm so happy with the way it turned out. This was a test I made for the Piggie. She's grown so attached to her pink satin/minky blanket - I thought this would help her spread the love a little. She likes it but still prefers the original. Then last week for Columbus Day - Joann's had a sale 40% off all minky material. I picked up some in cream and light green. I thought the green would be a nice gender neutral color. It would make a nice Christmas gift for all the babies we know.

Fashionista Part 2

Doanie models my belt with so much more flair!



***Her apartment is not normally a shoe display...she's currently doing a shoe inventory.

Fashionista!

This is a beautiful eggplant purple belt created especially for Doanie. I'm not much a of belt wearing person, however as I'm modeling for this picture, I think I might want one for myself. It's approx 38' but totally adjustable to fit any size. The width is approx 4" - very nice to add a bit of color. I'll contemplate it.

Minky Blanket

This was my first attempt at a minky blanket. I've reworked it at least 3 times and still can't get it work look as perfect as I had hoped it would turn out. I've since read that minkys are hard to work with and should consider a walking foot on the sewing machine. I'll give that a try on the next go around. I should probably start with a easier blanket that is simply turned inside out and top stitched instead.

On a brighter note, I've finished the birthday banner for the little piggie. Well kinda, I think I still need to outline the letters P, I, and D with fabric paint so it pops out more. Her big bash is next weekend and I have to get a move on with the tutu I want to make.

I was able to repurpose our old wedding thank you cards into these love birthday invitations. I think it turned out nice. Invites were sent out last week. Lynne has offered to bake chocolate cupcakes, I'm making coconut cupcakes. Grandma Lin will be bringing down some party trays of food. Grandma Woo will probably contribute something too.