To Blog or To Sew?

I am finding myself thinking of blogging as more chronicling my sewing attempts. (ha!) Sadly, it just doesn't seem to be my thing.

Here's what I find myself making time for instead...

Latest aprons for the shop, my designs and a few from Modern Vintage Designs as well.

            

   

            

Spring and Summer Dresses...

My takes on Pink Fig's the Lydia Dress no.6

Summer love in a Ribbon Pillowcase dress in Amy Butler - Lotus Lacework

My first version of The Ava Knot Dress by Pink Poodle Bows

My model is such a goof and I must say I do love seeing her in each of my little attempts.  So, if you wander upon this address in the vastness of blogdom, great!  Now go check out these suggestions and try something new for yourself too!   Each of the patterns I tried out here were easy to understand and produced lovely results.  Enjoy :)

A Holiday Layered Skirt

I have realized that when your girls wear Mama's creations at school, someone with similar taste to your own will take notice.  Without trying to advertise, it just happened.  I actually received my first request from a teacher.  Basic qualifications...it had to match her daughter's favorite red boots and be something with a little holiday potential to it.  We decided on some complimentary prints from Riley Blake's Large Chevron and The Sweetest Thing Multidot...with a little shiny tulle as well, because why not, right?!  Hawthorne Threads pulled through with their awesome selection and fabulously speedy service and we were on our way.

After much wondering, I compiled a layered skirt with a contrasting waistband.  I really love the way it turned out.  I took bits from lots of wonderful tutorials out there like this one here, and here, and then just used my common sense on how to make the best arrangement for this skirt.  I originally planned to make a tulle ruffle to add to the hem.  After constructing the cotton layers it just made sense to make a simple gathered tulle underlayer and sew it into the waistband along with the other 2 layers.  Definitely created fullness and a little peekaboo fun at the hemline.  And the little girl wearing it can revel in all the shiny tulle-ness underneath without looking like a ballerina.

To celebrate this little venture,  I decided to place my first homemade tag inside.  Makes me smile.

Made to order aprons for boys and girls!

Just updated in my Etsy shop ... I am now happy to take custom orders and requests on both the half aprons and full aprons shown below.   If you have an idea or favorite fabric in mind, we can work together to create a sweet gift for someone special.  Always happy to direct you to some wonderful fabric suppliers if you need a place to get some inspiration.

To kick off this new part of my shop (and to promote it at a local event recently) my sweet friend of Lisa J Photography took pics one day while we played around in some samples.  Lots of fun and I think she did a splendid job. Thanks Lisa!

Let's hear it for the boys! (and girls a little too)

It has been awhile....alas, I am not cut out to be a blogger.  Just a fair-weather poster.  I can deal with that.

While not blogging, I have been at work on new designs!  Thanks to a little idea planting by some mama friends, I unveil my grand plans.  Ha.

For the boys...still the same easy on and off velcro closure at the waist, minus the yo-yo's, ribbon,  ruffles & flowers.  The embellishments over the closure are all hand sewn felt designs I think up to compliment the fabrics.  The rocket is already sold, but the others will be in my shop from today on for your perusing.  I am very happy to say I will now take custom orders since there are endless fabric choices out there!  Just convo me here.

And here are a few new style additions for the girls, with even more ruffles or just simple lines and the cutest little pocket.  

Spread the word if you know a little person who would enjoy one.  Handmade holidays are the best, in my opinion. :)  Thanks friends!

Open for business!

Yippee!!!  I made it to my deadline...okay, my 3rd adjusted deadline...but I made it none the less.  A few of my child's aprons, designed by the fabulous Skip to My Lou, are up for the taking.  Peruse my version in my Etsy shop at your leisure...

Funny thing...

So I got the cart before the horse. ;). Since my first illustrious post I have crashed two dinosaur computers and settled into less technological ventures. I found this wildly funny as I spontaneously started a blog with less than adequate devices. C'est la vie.  Alas, my sturdy Huskystar rarely crashes, so we have been hangin out quite a bit. I am happy to brag on my incredible man for bringing home an iMac a week or so ago. It is so loverly. Still in the PC to Mac learning phase, but I can tell we won't be going back.

 As for sewing, my best friend mentioned in the first post left behind a pile of fabric for me to make whatever for her sweet girl. I delved into that challenge head first.  Out came 3 dresses, a skirt, an apron and yo-yo hair clips to match. I ended up trying out a few pinned items from my boards & even dabbled in personal pattern making.  Of course I sent them off without remembering to photograph all of the items.  But, here are a few pics from the first two in the adventure.

This adorable pillowcase dress is from the tutorial here.  I added the border at the hem for just a little more contrast.  It was a fantastic tutorial and I learned how to make french seams! I think I have made 5 of these to date and find the instructions so well done. Give it a peek and see what I mean.

This next one was my first attempt at remaking a favorite play dress that the girls already had in the closet.  The navy blue dress on the left is a favorite little cap sleeve that had a nice fit.  I grabbed it, drew up the bodice, cap sleeves and ruffles and came up with the last two creations.  It was fun and the ruffles came out extra twirly.  I think a tutorial for this one will be my first one.  Fingers crossed!

 

As you can see, the girls love to pose.  Ey yey yey. :)

So that's all for now.  Aprons are a calling and the opening of CAKEstitches on Etsy is on the horizon. Happy stitching! 

Today is my birthday. Why, you might say, on this day are you opening a blog that is intended to be a place for handmadeness? It just seemed like a good day to jump in. You see, I have this little dream of what I can do with my love for fabrics and creating beautiful things. And today I am reflecting on why and how that dream came to be. My Mama is an amazing seamstress. After growing up resisting her attempts at teaching me many skills, I am now finding ways to catch up for lost time. My lifelong best friend (who just spent the weekend with me) is incredibly talented in seeing and designing beautiful compositions. My kindred Germany best bud is a decorating diva and lover of all things handmade. These people have been plopped down in my life for a reason. They make me a better person and help me want to see the world in different ways. So, after setting up this page a while back and sitting and waiting...I step into it today with hopes for many moments of inspiration. Here's to 38. May it be a beautiful and creative year!