Sewing Slump

It's summer...the kids are home...lots of swimming to keep them busy...

I have some projects I need to do, but I don't seem motivated right now. The kids need shorts for the summer.

Anybody out there have a suggestion for a "fun" project to get me moving again?

Blanket Stitch

Before Christmas my daughter picked out some really cute soft and cuddly fabric to use as a blanket. I was really busy sewing Christmas presents so I never got around to "preparing" the fabric to be used as her blanket. In all honesty, I didn't know what to do to finish the edges of the fabric. I really did not want to put binding on it.

The simple solution was to hand sew a blanket stitch around the entire blanket. Only problem was I didn't know how to sew a blanket stitch. A few weeks ago a friend demonstrated it for me. She made it look so easy that I decided to sit down one night and finish this blanket so I could give it to "C" for her birthday. By the way, December to May is a long time for a little girl to wait for her special blanket.

It was the perfect birthday present! She loves her new blanket, and never complains about being cold. Now if only she'll let me wash it so it can smell good too...

The Zipper

Let me start by saying I really do love to sew. I love seeing my children wear the clothing I've made for them. And I love making things for others. What I don't love is zippers. I realize zippers serve a purpose, and it really is nice to have them. But I certainly don't like to sew them into clothing.

My first encounter with a zipper was three Easters ago when I made sweet little dresses for the girls. It was my first attempt at a more complicated pattern which included a zipper and lining. I was determined to figure it all out on my own. After reading and re-reading the pattern, I managed to put the dress together with only a few minor problems. Then it was time for the dreaded zipper. I studied those instructions and thought it shouldn't be too complicated. Boy was I wrong!

I've always known I am a visual learner. I need someone to actually show me what to do, not tell me. Needless to say it wasn't going so well. So I called a friend who is an awesome seamstress, and she said come on over. Once she got me going on the first zipper, the second zipper wasn't so bad. I'm so thankful for that day when a friend was willing to take the time to help me.

I can now say I've sewn in several zippers, but I still don't like doing it. That brings me to today. My dear husband has a favorite jacket. The zipper bit the dust a LONG time ago. We have searched and searched for another jacket just like this one, but we can not seem to find one. He suggested we try replacing the zipper now that I keep adding to my sewing skills. I've been putting him off for a while. I actually took out the old zipper and pinned in the new one several weeks ago. Well folks, I finally got brave and went to battle with the new zipper. And guess what? I WON! It's finished, and my husband has a smile on his face. And he'll wear it proudly!

Happy Mother's Day Tote

I decided to get with it this year and quickly put together a tote for my mother for Mother's Day. Decorator fabric was on sale, so I chose these pink and green coordinating fabrics. I've been wanting to use a heavier fabric for the totes, but having never sewn with decorator fabric I wasn't sure how it would turn out. I love it! And I think my Mom does too.

Mom, you are the perfect recipient for my first decorator fabric tote. You are a wonderful mother and a very giving person. Thanks for all you do. Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I love you!!

Finished!

All 22 pillowcases are finished!!! The project definitely took longer than expected, but well worth the effort. They will be used for party favor bags, and then can be used on a travel size pillow. I'm so glad I was asked to do this project. I'm sure the kids will enjoy their pillowcases.