Denim Pinafore

Pattern link: Sew Now magazine templates, free

fabric: denim from Fabric Godmother, cotton from Sew Over It, anitistatic lining for the skirt

I started off with the Sew Now templates and made a muslin. There are no instructions, sizes or anything else on the templates. I modified the pattern to fit my body. 

The dress is fully lined: cotton for the top/straps and antistatic lining for the skirt. Next time I'll cut the lining on the fold at centre back and centre front. The front and back topstitching are keeping the lining attached to the denim and the hem encloses the lining as well.

I used sand paper and a hammer around the edges/seams to weather/age the denim. It's very fun to do! (just remember to do it before top stitching)

The only issue was using denim buttons - the shank is to high and the straps were moving all over the place so in the end I hand stitched the strap to the bib. Now I know what length the straps need to be I can just stitch them in) 

Verdict: I've actually worn it a few times! I wasn't sure it was going to be flattering on me or if I'd feel comfortable or trying too hard to be cool... Anyway, I might just make another one...  ;o)

Sleveless Shirt

Working on a shirt pattern...

   

                    

Spring Sweatshirt

Using the same pattern as the Little Fox Sweatshirt (slightly changed the neckline).

I'm adding a strip of biding at the back neckline to make it look neat. I'm recycling the boys old pjs for this (I'm keeping the back of the tops). I'm still working out an easy way to do it but I'll get there! :p

Little Fox Sweatshirt

Pattern: modified Burda 8042 (I used a favourite top to compare measurements and adapt the pattern)

Fabric: French terry, cotton ribbing and strip of recycled Tshirt

I've actually sewn a garment!!! After so many years, I can wear something I've sewn again. It's the best feeling ever (ok, in the grand scheme of things maybe not, but in my crafting life, it's a big deal!).

I've got to fiddle with the pattern a bit more to have the fit and finishing I'm after but I know I'm going to get a lot of wear out of it.

Totoro Baby Gift Set

My friend Jess introduced me to Totoro a few years ago. She's a big fan AND she's a knitter. Let me tell you I really enjoyed putting this together for her and her future baby!

First up, a little cardi:
Pattern: Puerperium Cardigan by Kelly van Niekerk, free on Ravelry here
I sized it up a bit
Yarn: merino cotton DK by Drops

I was planning to do a very ambitious Totoro border in stranded knitting but it didn't quite work out (several hours to do a few rows on a swatch... no thanks!). So duplicate stitch it was.

Here is the chart for Totoro:

Next we have a simple drawstring bag that can be used as a laundry bag to put the cardi in the washing machine or as a project bag. I used some scrap fabric for the leaves, Bondaweb then narrow zigzag all around.

And finally, let me tell you about those stitch markers...
I have always been arts and craftsy (with more or less natural talent...) so I had some polymer clay in my stash already. Fancy stitch markers and clay charms are big at the moment so I thought I'd have a go... How hard can it be? (ha ha, insert crying emoji face)
After several hours feeling like i have sausages instead of fingers, I have a decent set of stitch markers.
I used a video tutorial from TheLittleMew to help me out (youtube video here)

Mardi Gras Costume - Arlequin

This is what happens when your students tell you you can't wear your Pierrot costume again...

Based very loosely on Simplicity 9800 (that I used for the previously mentioned Pierrot costume... ) but I could have drawn around pajama pants and have better results. Anyway, Big hit with the kids! I might have to wear black for a few days though... :p

Drawstring Bag

This is a really nice way to personalise a baby present. Monogram, cute bear, washing line... possibilities are endless and bonus points for using up cotton scraps or FQs! I used some bondaweb to fix the M to the green fabric, then zigzagged all the way around (slowwwly...). The bag itself is pretty easy to make. There are a lot of tutorials on youtube or blogs.

I'm really pleased that I have overcome my worries about picking up the sewing machine after so long. I've only done project bags so far but I could could thread the machine (and serger! woop!) without the manual, so that's a good start :p