Sewing Under the Influence: May 2012

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Abby or Lena... that is the question.

Some of you know that John and I have settled on naming the baby girl Abilene and I had just assumed we were going to call her Abby for short. Well as I was slouching on the couch the other evening John says to me "what about calling her Lena for short?" I had several thoughts run through my head within seconds. "no, were calling her Abby" " where did you get Lena from oh abiLENE" "huh, I never thought of that...what do I think of that" "well it's sooo different from Abby" "I kind of like it". All that came out of my mouth was "I don't know". Some things come with the baby and nicknames are definitely one of them. But I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. Maybe it's my tendency to plan things in advance or maybe it's just because my brain is on baby stuff. Either way I'd like to know what you think. So share your thoughts...Abby or Lena???

I did put together some things last week for said girl. I made two coordinating sheets for her crib. I use Dana"s pattern from MADE, which you can find here. I love making crib sheets and only wish i had know how simple it was sooner. Buying boring or baby looking sheets is just no fun and so for the same price (or way cheaper if you've got a coupon) you can make you own out of cotton, flannel or knit.

Both of these are cotton and I found the fabric at Joann's. They came together real simply. Just a little udder 2 yds of fabric and 80 inch of 1/4 inch elastic.

I also whipped out (..up...out..??) this gauze blanket, mentioned here. I had gotten some really cute gauze fabric from fabric.com in order to make some gauze swaddle blankets. Here is one of the fabrics I got.

I also love how easy and cost effective this was. It only takes a yard and 1/4, or a 45 inch square to be exact. So at $3.99 a yd it only cost about $5 bucks.

To finish off the edges I just did a double fold hem and straight stitched it. When I got to the corners I just folded one down onto the other so I didn't have to worry about being too fancy.

After I washed it up and was so soft and wrinkly I just love it!!! Can't wait to swaddle the little cutie in this cute blanket... 13 (to 15) weeks left and counting down.

Until next time...

Holly

Mondays with Melody

I'm new to this business of sewing, if you don't count a brief stint in junior high making scrunchies for my friends for Christmas. I started about a year ago making a quilt, and I just can't stop making blankets of all sizes. I do an occasional bag or household crafty item, but most of my sewing is straight lines, quarter inch seams, and quiltcentric. And that's the way I like it! When I'm not sewing, I'm chasing my two little boys around....and when I'm not doing that, I'm probably catching my breath and trying to take care of a new little one that's on its way (due in September)! Check back every Monday, and you'll catch bits and pieces of my life (sewing and non-sewing) as I continue to blog here.

Fat Tuesdays with Miranda

The name Fat Tuesday was chosen for me by the girls because of my love for fat quarters and the fact I blog on Tuesdays- why? What were you thinking? It’s true, I like fat quarters- they give me the ability to indulge my love for fabric without breaking the bank. My other loves include quick projects, not pinning anything, rotary cutters, never using a pattern (actually, I’m happy to use a simple pattern made from my own clothes or an easy one printed out from the internet- but the filmy bits of McCall’s floating around with their hoity toity old fashioned sewing words? No thanks), my three darling babes and one wonderful husband who you may see here under the name of Mr. Handsome. Come join me every Tuesday for a quick fun project or something of the like.

Wine on Wednesdays with Nina

When it comes to my humble sewing roots, I'm pretty much still a sewing newbie by most regards. I first set my hands on a sewing machine back in April of 2011, barely with the skill to sew a button back onto a shirt by hand. I learned quickly, because I realized very quickly how much I enjoy it! My original inspiration was to be able to design and wear fabulous costumes to themed parties and Burning Man events, and that continues to be my favorite types of sewing and crafting projects. Though, I find great joy in any project (albeit a cute blanket, household accessory, décor, purse, or random gift) when I can sit down to my sewing table in the evening with a glass of red wine, listen to some good tunes playing in the background, and let myself embrace the relaxation and fun I find out of sewing. I don’t think I could ever try to sell my creations or have a business out of sewing – that would make it work to me. And sewing is one of my favorite things to do when I’m not in work-mode. If the sun is shining and the weather’s right, I’ll probably choose a good beach bike ride or trail run/hike over staying indoors at my machine, but in the evenings, I love to sew! Check back on (most) Wednesdays for a taste of what fun projects I’m working on and what tasty libation I’m enjoying in the process. Cheers!

Sew Thursdays with Holly

I am a stay at home mom and I love my job. Even on the most challenging days I wouldn't change a thing. In my spare time, ha ha, I love to sew. I prefer quilts and bags/purses but I have dabbled in clothing. Although I have learned it is better to stick to the kiddie clothes for me. I love the creation process of quilting and for someone who always follows the rules I have learned a great deal about making things up as I go. I guess I have found sewing as a place of liberation from always having to do something the "right" way. Join me on Thursdays as I follow some patterns, make things up and learn a whole lot from my mistakes.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Abby or Lena... that is the question.

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