Detour sewing

My sewing took a detour this week. I thought I would get back to My Small World quilt but instead I went in a couple of different directions.

First I made some doll clothes for granddaughter Ava.

She asked for Barbie clothes on her last visit, so I made these three.

She also wanted a new dress for her baby doll and picked out the fabric from my stash.

I made a dress and diaper and used some decorative stitches instead of lace.

The stitches are barely visible on the hem of the dress.

I was motivated to delve into some storage totes that haven't been touched in years. In one tote of fabric I found the doll dress below. It needed a closure so I used some of my velcro stash. Another quick finish.

While I explored my stash I found some pillow covers that I had put away.

And there were two bags of batting scraps that I had collected from the leftovers of finished quilts.

Then I found two strange pillowcases that would never be used.

So I took the scraps and pillowcases and re-sized them into the two floor pillows shown above.

So proud of finding a new use for these and not adding to a landfill somewhere.

The last detour was an online buying trip to DMC.com.

I bought three embroidery kits to work on while I watch TV.

Each kit contains the fabric, pattern, thread, and needle.

I mistakenly thought the kits would have embroidery hoops, too.

I gave my medium size hoop to my daughter. I found that hoops are in short supply in my area but I did find one and have started the kit on the right.

Here you can see the contents of the kit.

The thread tin was included for free. I have filled it with my pearl cotton balls.

The kit on the left is cross-stitch. I will find out if my eyesight is better for embroidery or cross-stitch.

This last photo shows three needlepoint kits for kids. I'm hoping to interest Liam, David, and Ava in trying this. The yarn is included and already cut to the correct length. All they will have to do is match the color yarn to the color on the fabric. Lots of kids love doing 'sewing cards'. I think these will be much more satisfying. We will see.

How was your week?

Garment Sewing Finishes

The last few weeks have been busy with visits with our grandkids and children.

I like to have lots of time to plan and contemplate when I work on quilts.

But garment sewing is different for me. I can pick it up and sew a bit in spare minutes.

McCalls patterns were on sale this week for $2 each. I bought five patterns - four for tops for me.

This llama knit was on sale, too. Then I went in search of stretch needles and twin needles for my sewing machine. In no time at all this knit top was finished. I love the fit and it was very easy to make.

A new pattern, McCalls 8115, I changed the back and sleeves. I left out the elastic in the back and made the sleeves longer.

This top was made from my fabric stash. I bought the fabric to make a maxi dress many years ago.

I used about half of the fabric to make Butterick 5999, view A.

The fabric is light weight and presses easily. I think I will wear it often.

Same top on a hanger.

Another easy top to make.

I shared this one last week.

This is the second time I have made this pattern and it was easier the second time.

New Look 6374, modified view D.

I tried two new patterns this past week.

Thinking about going back to My Small World quilt.

But wait! I have ordered some cute crossstitch kits from DMC.com.

I will share when they are delivered. Look forward to some hand sewing while I watch TV. 

This and That

I've been doing a little of this and a little of that since I last posted here.

One of our local fabric shops is going out of business and having a great fabric sale.

I bought 2 yards of 15 different cotton prints. One was too light weight to use in a quilt.

So, I made a top. This is the second time I have made this pattern and this time I followed the directions much more carefully. I cut out two tops yesterday and finished one today.

Very pleased with the fit. Even got a compliment from Mr. M.

The pattern I used is below. I made view D without the center panel.

Well I didn't exactly follow the directions. 

I made the pleat in the back the opposite by mistake.

Let's say it was a design choice.

I replaced the handles on this vintage tote bag.

I broke a needle sewing through all the layers.

Grandson David did not know who Chip and Dale are but was happy to have 

bag for all his treasures.

The smock below was a panel. It will be fun for dress-up play but I don't 

think it will be much of a paint smock. It could keep clothes clean from

glue or clay play or just when a little one feels like an Artist.

That's all from me. We have grandsons here for the week end.

It's very hot so water play and movie night with popcorn are on the agenda.