Cheetah Girls 3 tiered Skirt

Simplicity 4206

http://www.simplicity.com/dv1_v4.cfm?design=4206

I used the skirt and the shorts out of this pattern envelope to make this skirt. I assembled the shorts and separately assembled the skirt, both all the way until they wanted you to create the waist elastic casing -- then sewed them together at the waist, created a casing and inserted the elastic, closed it up and viola, I have a true skirt with shorts on the inside.

I think this will not work for just any skirt/shorts pattern, they have to the exactly the same size around the waist to be able to sew them together (or you could use a knit and stretch it to make it work!).

This was a fun cheetah Girls fabric from my friend Tracy -- I have just enough fabric left to make the sleeves of the shirt in this same pattern envelope (view B) but I want to choose just the right fabric for the bodice -- something funky...It may take me a while to find just the right thing to make this shirt, but the skirt turned out awesome!

Pink & Black Smocked top and Polka dot Capris

I

FiINALLY finished this one. I made them both from scratch -- every stitch!

I LOVE IT!

I tried to get my daughter to model it for some photos but she wanted to go outside and play on the dirt mountains daddy has piled up out there digging the foundation for our house...where are her priorities?!?!

I found a cute crown pattern to smock on the top and then did some geometrics on the back from the same pattern -- i think it is called princess crowns by Francis M Jones

Anyway, the top was constructed from a pinafore pattern, shortened to make it a long shirt and I didn't add the little angel sleeve thingamabobs. the capris are super cute too, (I think they were from simplicity 3749) they have little slits on the outside ankle area that are opened up to where I applied the grograin ribbon trim. I think this is a "posh" outfit and I can not wait for my little girl to wear it to church this weekend!!!

I didn't make this

My friend Tracy made these sundresses for my girls (and her daughter) so they can all match -- she also cut out the capris but ran out of time to sew them so she sent them home with me after I visited her over spring break. All I had to do was hem the dress up a bit for my oldest daughter (it was a little short on her) to turn it into a long (to the bottom of her bootie) shirt and then assemble the capris that Tracy cut out for her and we got this cute outfit. I am thinking of adding an orange strip of ribbon around the hemline...to tie the pieces together -- they are both seersucker -- so very comfortable! I left my youngest daughter's dress long so they will coordinate without being exactly the same -- this top is made from that pre-elasticized seersucker you get at your local walmart -- the girls LOVED this fabric! (Click the image for a closeup)

I can't tell you how nice it felt for someone to sew for my girls -- what a gift from the heart Tracy!

Pink Froggy Shirt and Capris

I made these last year, but they were too big for my youngest and too small for my eldest, but I hope we get to wear them a couple of times this year -- I was out of town last week for spring break and today is the first day I think my brain came home from the holiday -- I hope to have even more crafts posted soon, I finally decided what to smock on that black top with the pink polka dot capris -- You're going to love it!!!

Recycle Old Christmas Cards into Crochet Embellished Ornaments

My mom used to make these when I was a kid so the pattern and idea were from her.

You take all of your old Christmas cards and cut a circle out of the pretty part (I used a drinking glass for the circle so I could "see through" to get just the picture I wanted). You'll need two circles of the same size to make an ornament.

I used a little bit of glue stick to hold them together while I hole punched all the way around. Make sure you have them both oriented the same way -- you know, head up and feet down...

Then using that thin cotton thread, Starting at the top of the ornament, I double crocheted three times in each hole for the first round...thn chained like 6 times for each loop on the second round grabbing the space between the 3 dc clusters with a single crochet -- At the end I chained like 20 or 30 times and joined back to the beginning stitches to create the loop you hang the ornament by.

After all of the crochet is finished, you mix a little white elmer's glue with water and just dab on a little with your fingers on the crocheted area to stiffen it up a little bit -- shape and let dry.

This ornament will be two sided so you won't have a "back". I made these for everyone on my "good" list last year...

Email me if you have any questions...you could really get elaborate with the lacy design around the edges, but I had to make a LOT of these so I just did the two rounds.

Another note, when my mom made them years ago, she changed colors on each round (white, green, red) but I chose all white for mine.

Two Sister Nightgowns Reconstructed from an old Bed Spread

My mother found an old light bedspread in my grandmother's linen closet and I knew just what to do with it. It already had lace running the length of the spread and also around the "hem" of the bedspread. I actually didn't have to do any lace attaching for this project. All I had to do was "fussy cut" my patterns onto the fabric so that the lace would be in just the right spots (front matching back and all) -- the bedspread was very thin and soft and the lace is very soft too.

My girls LOVE these night gowns and they are always the first ones they wear when they come out of the laundry

Pattern for the shorter one Size 4 : Simplicity 4206 (modified to add length)http://www.simplicity.com/dv1_v4.cfm?design=4206

Pattern for the longer one Size 7 : McCalls 3679 (must be out of print because I couldn't find a link at mccalls site)

Make your own Luggage Tags

Aren't these cool? Maybe with a monogram on one side and a cool fabric on the other -- You'd be able to find your luggage at the airport!

http://thelongestyear.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/06/quickie_luggage.html

Will's Bib

Free Pattern at: http://www.poopockets.com/free/bibs/bibs.htm

I found a free baby bib pattern and it is EASY!!! I made this as a baby gift for a friend -- I think it turned out really nice -- very masculine with the flannel right? This is the front and back view of the finished bib B from the pattern, it is reversable -- and I just hammered on a snap -- I love these.

Linen Jon Jon/Shortalls with Monogram

Made this for a friend at church for her son to wear Easter Morning -- she handed me the fabric yesterday afternoon so it came together rather quickly. I would definitely recommend trying this one even for a beginner!!!

She got this linen looking blend fabric at Hancock. You can roll it up in a ball and then it still wouldn't wrinkle! I used pattern McCalls 2033 http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M2033.htm?search=2033&page=1 (Thank you Tracy A for this pattern!) for the shortalls/Jon Jons in a size 3. I embroidered his name in a plain block font with the smaller letters 1 inch and the larger one 2 inches tall. Also used up two of the buttons in my random buttons drawer...I love buttons!

Tag Detail on Gauchos

I wanted to include a Tag Detail that I may have written about before -- when you make homemade pants and sometimes shirts, it is hard to tell which is the back and front so I always try to include a tag in the waistband on the back. My girls love getting to pick the little loop of ribbon that I just sew into the seam of the waistband. Otherwise it is almost impossible to tell the front from the back of homemade pants! I used the LLBean tag that I ripped from teh seam of the overalls/jumper to make these special...my 6 year old thought that was "cool"

Gauchos Reconstructed from Adult Overall Jumper

I had an old jumper dress (size adult L) styled like overalls at the top that I paid a good price for years ago from LL Bean. I hadn't worn it in years (too teacher looking) so I decided I had to use this high quality denim for something wonderful. I used pattern Simplicity 4206 http://www.simplicity.com/dv1_v4.cfm?design=4206 to make some size 6 pants for my daughter to wear to school -- she's already worn them several times and they are about as comfortable as could be.

I didn't take a photo of my old jumper before so I took a photo of what was left! I am waiting for inspiration of what to do with the top -- maybe a purse, maybe an apron...We'll see what I come up with!

Yellow & Lavender Spring Outfit

My daughter was hamming it up for the camera in her new outfit. I cut it out last night and made it today -- The pattern seemed to run a little large -- I took it in on the center back seam, and just eliminated the zipper, she can easily slip it over her head so why fuss with a zipper?!?

I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner, the straps were not hard, just tedious...but I think it was well worth the effort...Her fave color is yellow so she is delighted!

McCalls 5572

Reconstructed from a Man's Dress Shirt!

I have to make one of these:

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=231518.0

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=170402.0

Ready to Sock Sundress or Shirt Toile Fabric

These look so nice as a sundress or as a long top with capris...if anyone wants it, let me know, it is size 6/7 and from the top of the shoulder to the hem it is 30 inches -- NOTE: it is not hemmed so you can make it a long shirt or sundress depending on the hem you do -- it is identical on the front and back and has 7 rows of pleating on it. Side seams are serged - I think this one is for Ebay...but I'm willing to part with it if anyone wants it now -- Make me an offer I can't refuse!

I do have enough fabric to make one for you still, Tracy A -- This is the style I recommend for P.

Laura's Blue Easter Dresses

Sister Dresses for you Laura!

Ready to smock size 6 mos and 2 with added length to the Allie's Diaper Set short dress/shirt pattern by B&B.

I bet they are going to be beautiful after you smock them!

Mirabelle & Molly

Don't Mirabelle & Molly look nice in their sundresses?

Jordy Purse Pattern thanks Craftster

I kinda used a Jordy purse pattern I found on Craftster.org. I just made it where you cut it out on the fold of the fabric so you don't have a seam running across the bottom of the fabric...This is the pattern I used for Caitlin's Purse -- Feel free to use it to make your own purses!

Caitlin's Purse

My eldest daughter is going to Caitlin's birthday party this weekend coming, and I whipped up a purse for the gift last night (after going downtown and enjoying "Fiddler on the Roof" - awesome!) I had the fabric left over from making her capris and used the leftover black from the shirt as the lining. Used the stiffest interfacing in my stash, so the purse has a nice feel. For my daughter's I threw some fancy trim on the top seam from my cousin Tracy (Thanks!!!!!) and machine embroidered their names on one side. I think the girls are going to love them!

Tip for Elastic for button loops or purse closures

The next time you buy a pair of shoes at walmart or any other discount store that sells them elasticized together with that nice, long round elastic cord - save it. It makes the best button loops -- and it is much more stretchy than the package you buy.

Or next time you're making a purse, sew a loop of elastic on one side of the purse when you close up that last seam across the top...and a decorative button on the other side...and you have an instant purse closure...Some people also use hair elastics for this purpose...I'm cheap, and it's free!

I Quit on this one

I already removed the smocking threads from this one and then decided to keep working on it, but I have to stop now...I added some backsmocking in the blank area and another row of cables, but will forgo the flowers I was going to try in the blank area -- I made two and then ripped them back off -- maybe later I can feel motivated on it and will add some more glitz, but for now, I quit.

I think that extra row of cables anchors the top to the bottom, so it looks more finished now, and I am ready to work on something else -- those pink & black polka dot pants to be more specific. This may serve as my older daughter's Easter dress this year -- she really likes it

Ready to Smock Sz 6 Top

I am pairing this top with a pair of pink with black polka dot capri pants and smocking the shirt in a geometric pink -- haven't picked a pattern/plate to smock on it yet -- any suggestions?

I also am thinking of adding some hot pink fringe to the top somewhere and some black fringe somewhere on the pants -- won't this be CUTE!?!

This pattern is actually a "Pinafore" pattern by Grace Knott (thanks kim!), I just didn't add the angel sleeve part. It has no buttons, elastic, zippers, but has quite a bit of hand sewing -- so the pattern is simple, but not fast. The front and back are identical so it just slips over the head - fits nice and loosely on my 6 1/2 year old -- I hemmed it to just below the butt to show off the capris (which I haven't even started on yet.) This pattern is very similar to the pattern called "Amy" by Children's corner...but not exactly the same.

Black Ready to Smock 24 month top/short dress

Here is another one of the same pattern (already sold) -- buttons down the back and I am definitely going to use this idea for my older daughter -- I am going to take a black top and smock it in hot pink in some sort of geometric pattern and then use this polka dot fabric you see here to make capris, ooh I could put little grosgrain ribbons on the ankle area of the capris -- My little wheels are turning...won't that be cute for the spring & summer!?!

Two Ready to Smock 24 month tops

These two ready to smock tops are made from white broadcloth and are for my fellow smocking addict in Louisiana -- I hope she doesn't mind me calling her that -- she wants them to hit about "mid bootie" to show off bloomers underneath -- I can totally see that they are going to be beautiful after they are smocked...I think these are for her twin nieces, but I am not sure. I love this pattern -- if anyone wants any of these I'll charge $20 (plus shipping) and I have size newborn through 24 month They have buttons down the back.

Toile Sundress Size 6 Finished

They can't all be your favorite right? I absolutely LOVE this sundress pattern, but I really think the smocking needed to be a little more complicated, I am hoping that the area in the middle that isn't smocked will become an area of "rouching" after laundering it. That was my goal, but right now when I look at it, it just looks like I forgot to smock that area...maybe I can still fill it in with more waves? Any suggestions out there to save this one?

Well, it was the first time for this pattern and I will definitely be making more of them, my daughter loves it. The back and front are identical on the entire dress...if you get a stain on the front, you can just turn it around I guess...She is going to feel beautiful in this one.

Ready to Smock Toile Sundress

I have this one ready to smock for my own daughter -- it looks big (maybe even too big) even though it is a size 6 and she usually wears an off-the-rack 7

When I smock it I'll have her try it on and I'll see how this pattern works out on sizing and maybe I'd be willing to make these ready-to-smock in either a shirt length or a dress length.

Yellow Floral Dress

My oldest daughter's favorite color is yellow, and doesn't this one fit the bill?! I haven't made them hats in ages, but we are going to try these and see if they will wear them for at least long enough for me to justify making them. I can't wait for the warm weather to come back so we can wear them.

The Doll Dresses to Match

The yellow one fits my daughter's American Girl doll, but she wasn't available for photography -- she was cuddled up in her arms sound asleep! The Strawberry shortcake one really is for "Mirabelle" the doll, but soft baby had to stand in for the same reason...zzzzzzz

Strawberry Shortcake Dress & Hat

This is a new spring sun dress for my 4 year old -- it is a New Look Pattern # 6579 Size 5 -- not the easiest pattern for beginners with the flounce & rounded neck area -- but what an impressive result - the bottom flounce twirls so nicely, and the pleats on the skirt are a nice change from all the gathered skirts on most patterns. The hat was also from this pattern. My tip on this one is to mark every dot and dart on the pattern & watch your seam allowances closely if you try it!

She is so excited about picking this fabric -- I am pretty sure there will be a dolly dress to follow, but I haven't cut that out yet. Now I am working on the big sister version out of the fabric she chose

Two Blue Ready to Smock Tops

These two tops are from a new pattern that my fellow smocking addict down in Louisiana let me borrow. The blue check one is size 18 mos and the solid one is size 24 month (largest size in the pattern). They are meant to be worn with bloomers. This pattern pretty much uses the entire width of the 45 inch wide fabric on the front of this top so it is very full and has a pretty look to it. I am liking the idea of making smocked tops instead of only making smocked dresses -- you can wear them with different bottoms to really change the look! These both are lined with the same fabric as the top, and they both have button closures all the way down the back. Didn't they turn out really pretty?

Ebay

I did it, I finally got an hour to myself so that I could list all those ready to smock dresses on Ebay -- I put them all for only $14 each so maybe they'll spark some interest. If you want to see how they do -- check them out -- my ebay id is johnbass72

I will have some more stuff to show off in a couple of days -- I got two new things cut out last night -- maybe I'll get one assembled tonight

Toile Sundress/shirt

Pattern calls this a sundress, but I think it looks like a nice long top. Size 2T ready to smock *Looks bigger to me* I think I'd wear this myself in an adult size! Can't wait to make one of these for my girls. It looks exactly the same on the front and back - this is a great "ready to smock" pattern as it is not lined behind the smocked area. The toile is so classy!

Toile and Corduroy Ready -to-Smock Bishops

I like both of these bishops...The brown one is that very thin corduroy that you smock on -- How trendy with those aqua blue spots! This is a banded sleeve bishop in a size 2T.

The blue/white toile is gorgeous, isn't it? It has little children playing in the pattern. It is an angel sleeved bishop in size 2T also.

Both of these are already spoken for -- I can't wait to see how they look after they are smocked!

Pink Polka dot Mary De Jumpers

These turned out really cute. Size 7 and Size 1 Mary De Jumpers for sister dresses for a lady I make ready to smock clothing for. I think the girls are going to be so cute -- You can't really see in the photo, but the polka dots are actually velvety -- nice texture. I had a hard time pleating this fabric for some reason, but I ended up layering waxed paper over the entire pleated area and then it just slid right through my pleater.

Thanks Madison -- Barbie Skirts

I had to shorten the Madison's ALine Dress by 4 inches after she tried it on-- -- and couldn't bring myself to throw away the bottom 3 inches of that dress because that trim was too cute -- Today, my youngest (crafter in training) saw the strip I had cut off and asked me to make a barbie skirt out of it -- I made 4 -- She wears one as a "boob tube" and the other as a skirt to make a "layer dress" she named it -- so both of my daughters got a new outfit for a barbie -- aren't they stylin? All I did was fold down the top of the "skirt" and then stretch a piece of 1/4 inch elastic as far as it would streach and sew directly to the top to create a waist and then measure it on Barbie's waist and stitch the back seam...took about 5 min...they are pleased.

Free Pattern Baby Doll Bib

Just made this one up this morning at request of my 3 year old -- she said her babydolls needed new bibs so mommy obliged!

Just cut two, sew together (1/4 inch seam) right sides facing, leaving a hole for turning, clip curves...then turn right side out, press and sew the opening shut -- you can topstitch or leave it plain

These two are the bibs I made while working out this little pattern...She LOVES the ballerina one with the lace -- my little "Fancy Nancy"

Birthday Girl's Doll Dress

I finished up a doll dress for my littlest daughter. Her birthday is in a week and she is modeling her fancy dress for her party a couple of posts down, so I pieced this little doll dress together with what was left of the fabric from that dress to suprise her that day. She really loves her babies and is going to love matching...(so am I)

Molly, American Girl Doll, New Dress

This morning, before breakfast I decided to make our doll, Molly, a new dress...This is what I came up with -- just found some scraps and started cutting -- no pattern, no measuring...I think my daughter will flip out when she gets home from school today and sees her pride and joy in this "ensemble"

Grocery Cart Cover -- Polka Dots

This is a grocery cart cover that I made -- $25 -- for the cover and the tote for it. The all blue one on the Walmart cart above is just to show you what it looks like on a real cart. I made that one a long time ago.

Isn't that polka dot fabric a hoot?!?

All exposed seams are serged on the cart cover and the seat area has a layer of batting inside it for cushioning. It has two large buttonholes along the baby's back so you can pull the shopping cart seatbelt in to really secure your child. I don;t know first hand, but I'm told it even fits the sam's carts and restaraunt high chairs too! Let me know if you want it!

My Daughter's Birthday dress

My 3 year old wants a dressy birthday and this is the pattern, fabric and embellishments that she has chosen -- she wants to be a bride...I still have a little bit of lace & Pearls to put on it, but what a nice dress she picked out! I think it turned out perfect! It has three layers, top dress, netting and a lining -- she is so excited.

Clemson Purse up for Grabs

If anyone wants one of the Clemson Purses I posted a while back, I have one available that I can put your own name on one side and the tiger paw will be on the other side -- just let me know -- $20