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This time I followed the directions, mostly. I like it. The only thing I changed was to make the back more narrow than the front to cut down on the back billowiness. Now all I need is a new bra with clear straps.
These really are the perfect summer tops. I think I like them so much because they remind me of my childhood. I can remember wearing many tie-strap tops. Fun times.
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This evening I was able to put together a new top made from this tutorial. I'm calling this my "vacation top".
I guess I like it. I certainly don't think it's very flattering on me, but I do love, love, love the fabrics I used! I'll wear it a few times, then I'll probably cut it up to make a purse.
I promise I'm NOT pregnant!! But this top sure makes me look like I am.
Of course I didn't follow the directions. I had to make my own changes. The result is that it doesn't quite lay flat across my chest and the straps stick out a bit. It's not bad enough that I won't wear it. I may make another one, but next time I'm sticking to the original design!
In case you're wondering, the fabric is a yummy cotton lawn from SewMamaSew. LOVE it!!
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Look what was waiting for me this afternoon when I got home.
Most of these are for a friend. She's hosting a baby shower and asked me to make some things for decorations and gifts.
All these blues and greens will be turned into buntings, appliqued onesies, patchwork bibs and burp cloths. Fun stuff. I'm pretty excited about working on this project.
But these, they're mine. I couldn't resist!
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I've been staying up way too late at night trying to fit my crafty in. One of the downfalls of long summer days is late summer bedtimes. Unlike my kiddos, who get to sleep in, I still have to get up at my regular crack of dawn time *yawn*. Is it worth it? Yeah, I think so.
(don't you hate these cryptic posts?)
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Do you like my turtle? The little turd I made it for doesn't. As I was making it, I told him what I was doing. He seemed quite pleased and said that he wanted it to be a snapping turtle. Okay, so I called it a snapping turtle. When showed him the finished turtle, he had a fit because he didn't like snapping turtles. Okay. I then tried to convince him that it wasn't a snapping turtle because it didn't have any teeth. Do you see any teeth? I didn't think so. Hmph! Hopefully, when he's in a better mood, my temperamental three year old will like his turtle - I sure do!
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How do I entertain my 13th month old during an hour of swimming lessons every day?
Suckers.
Lots of suckers.
Sticky, drooly fun.
YUM!
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Last night I made myself a new bag from the pleated tote pattern. Um yeah, I probably should have done that before I published the pattern. I've obviously made the bag, but I had never made it as I published it. No worries, all went well. The only problem I encountered was due to my not following directions. Oops. I forgot to stitch down the pleats before I sewed the lining to the exterior, so one of my pleats came undone during the assembly and turned out kind of wonky. Lesson learned.
Anyway, because I don't follow directions and I like to make things more complicated than they need to be, I decided to try something different with this bag. I not only used two fabrics on the front, but I interfaced the crap out of it, using both heavyweight fusible interfacing and fusible fleece. This baby is sturdy! I don't recommend using that much interfacing unless you have a heavy duty machine that can handle it. I like it okay, but I don't think I'd use that combo again. Too bulky. I like the lighter, floppier version better.
What I do love is the fabrics. I've been saving this cocktail kitchen towel for a bag for myself. That's part of the reason why I had to use two fabrics - there wasn't enough kitchen towel to make the whole exterior. I ended up having to unstitch all the seams of the towel to get enough width, thankfully it worked. Now I need to scotch-guard it because me + a white purse = DIRTY.
Unlike my last cocktail bag, I was able to keep the recipe fully in tact. YAY! I'm definitely going to try a rasmopolitan before summer is up. How convenient - I won't even have to take a list with me to the liquor store.
Psst - before I wind this up, go check out Shanna's version of the pleated tote, it's fabulous!!
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This is somewhat random, but here are a few projects I've completed in the past few weeks.
A pillow for a little guy's first birthday.
An appliqued t-shirt for my birthday boy.
A new bag for a friend.
I think I like this kind of sewing best, making gifts for friends and loved ones.
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The pleated tote pattern is finally done. You can download the pattern and instructions here or from the sidebar to the left. I really wanted to do a tutorial with pictures, but there hasn't been a whole lot of crafting or sewing going on lately. I blame it on summer, but I'm not complaining! We have swimming lessons for the next two weeks, then we're off on vacation for a week, so it looks like I won't get around to much in the next month or so.
I must warn you, this is a pretty crude pattern and my drawings leave a lot to be desired. I wish I had the skills to whip out a fancy pattern for you, but this will have to do for now. Please let me know if something isn't clear or is just plain wrong. Feel free to email me any questions, I'll be happy to answer them. Oh yeah, one more thing - it isn't mentioned in the pattern or instructions, but you need to tape the top half and bottom half of both the exterior and lining pattern pieces together to get one full piece. I hope that doesn't confuse anyone!
If you make a pleated tote and want to share, please add it to the flickr group. I can't wait to see what you come up with! Happy sewing!!
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Guess who's birthday it is? Yep, my little guy turns three today. Alex, my middle child, my only son, the spice in my life. This child makes me laugh every single day.
I can't believe that I was a bit disappointed when I found out I was having a son. I couldn't have been more wrong! Little boys are such a blessing!!! A heap of mischief, yes, but as sweet as can be.
In true Alex form, here he is, Polly Pocket in hand. I don't know why, but he loves those things. Alex at 3:
I wouldn't change a thing! Happy Birthday Alex, my blue eyed boy!!!
If you want a giggle, here he is demonstrating the lion stretch:
Gosh, I love this kid!!
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