Dear Blogger,
I am leaving you. You have tried your best to make me happy, but in the end, you are just plain frustrating to deal with.
So I am leaving you. For Wordpress. Which is so much prettier than you. And who made leaving you so easy by taking care of all of my old posts.
Good bye.
- Jodi
http://madebyjodi.wordpress.com/
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Dolly Slings
Dolly Slings
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
I started and made nine slings today to sell at the Festival. They turned out nicely. I am a little unhappy with the weight of the D-rings I received from Purse Supplies R Us. They are heavier than the ones at Joann's. It's not really a problem though and it was a lot easy to buy them all at once online than having to scrounge around for coupons for each set of two.
Searching for my new BFF
After much discussion (my husband encouraging me and myself wondering if it would be too much), I have decided to start shopping for a new machine. My Bernette 50 was a great sturdy machine for learning how to sew, but I am not able to do everything on it that I want to. Namely, it is HORRIBLE with knits and with many layers of fabric and don't even try to use interfacing. Blech.
So we made a family outing last Saturday to the "big Joann's" to get some recommendations from the salesperson. She now has me drooling all over Husqvarna Vikings. Wow. They are pricey but beautiful machines. I still want to get a "Really Big Bargain" so I am going to keep looking around. There seems to be another sewing machine shop about an hour away that will sell trade-ins and floor models for a significantly reduced price. I hope I can make the long trek out there soon.
So we made a family outing last Saturday to the "big Joann's" to get some recommendations from the salesperson. She now has me drooling all over Husqvarna Vikings. Wow. They are pricey but beautiful machines. I still want to get a "Really Big Bargain" so I am going to keep looking around. There seems to be another sewing machine shop about an hour away that will sell trade-ins and floor models for a significantly reduced price. I hope I can make the long trek out there soon.
Friday, August 7, 2009
A Trio of Gray Purses
I am sorry the horrible quality of lighting in these photos but it's nighttime and I do not have the energy to work at making them pretty. But they are done. YAY! Approximately 3 more to make for the festival. This is good because I am getting kind of bored with this pattern. But hopefully a fabric switch up will keep it exciting until I am done.
The D-rings came in this past week. So I should be working on the doll slings soon.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Rag doll
Rag doll
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
I made a rag doll for a friend's daughter who turned 1 today. I hope she enjoys it. I used the incredibly simple tutorial shown on Martha Stewart made by The Black Apple. It only took one naptime (less than 2 hours).
One the topic of gifts, I would love to learn to wrap gifts using Furishuiki. I'm drooling after this book in particular.
Friday, July 31, 2009
WIP: more purses!
WIP: more purses!
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
Wow, I have been productive today!
Here is the start of my next set of purses. :)
Nursing Clips for Sale!
Nursing Clips for Sale!
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
Under the watchful eyes of my two children, I made ten "Mommy Clips" for sale at the festival.
I was VERY happy to discover that etsy stores also sell sewing supplies. I bought these suspender clips from Funkey Monkey Supplies. The "Fingernail style" clips are a lot classier looking than the ones they sell at Joann's and I didn't have to wait until they went on sale to buy them. I am also waiting on a batch of D-rings in the mail for making baby doll slings. yay!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
PINK!
I finished my first batch of purses for the festival! This brocade was PAIN to work with but it was well worth it. These turned out so fun.
Up next... more purses possibly in a suiting-type fabric. Something classy and gray.
Emmeline Apron for a bride
Emmeline Apron for a bride
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
I made a lovely Emmeline Apron for my little sister for her wedding day.
Her and her groom catered their own reception and I thought she might need an apron with all of that spaghetti sauce to protect her dress.
Another little dolly sling
Another little dolly sling
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
Gianna got her own girly patterned doll sling because the kids kept fighting over the last one that I made. Plus, it gave me another chance to test out the design before I made a ton of them for the festival.
She is such a good little mommy to all of her dolly's. Today I caught her "nursing" one of them.
Simplicity 2898
Simplicity 2898
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
I whipped this one up for my son's baptism. I am very much learning about knits and sergers, but it was not too difficult.
I am not happy with the fit. It was a bit to baggy, but I am not confident enough to know how to fit it better. Maybe I will consult my MIL before making another.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
project updates
I think I am finally getting my sewing groove back. Especially now that Andy is spending all of his free time writing poetry. I need a way of occupying myself.
Recently finished (pictures soon):
I've cut out the pieces for an Emmeline apron for my little sister who is getting married this Saturday, and a pair of pajamas for Duncan (I found the fabric in clearance for $1/yd!)
I can't wait to get these done, because I am going to start making items for sale at the Universities Alumni Weekend festival. I would like to make some dolly slings, some purses, and a few nursing covers and clips.
Recently finished (pictures soon):
- Pajama pants for the kids: It is HOT now and the kids mostly have cold weather pajamas. I went to the store to buy them some cooler ones and couldn't believe how pricey they are. At $9 a pair, it would be far to expensive to buy them a new nightime "wardrobe". So I decided to see if I could make them pajama pants out of my current stash. I made a pair for both Duncan and Gianna.
- Nursing covers x2 - blue eyelet: I wanted to make a cooler nursing cover for myself and a friend wanted to buy one for her sister. I am really happy for how these turned out.
I've cut out the pieces for an Emmeline apron for my little sister who is getting married this Saturday, and a pair of pajamas for Duncan (I found the fabric in clearance for $1/yd!)
I can't wait to get these done, because I am going to start making items for sale at the Universities Alumni Weekend festival. I would like to make some dolly slings, some purses, and a few nursing covers and clips.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Project list: Cottage Canopy
I came across an adorable play house on Ohdeedoh submitted by Camille back in January. It has got to be the sweetest little playhouse I've seen in a while. I LOVE the shingles and the quilted walls. I would love to make a little space for Gianna like that and I think I will replace Duncan's "fort" (see below) when Gianna is ready to move out of her crib into his old toddler bed.
I found even more inspiration for this project on Ikat Bag who made a Princess Pavilion over a circular table. I think the windows are precious (but how did she construct them?) and think a few flowerpots might be fun for Gianna's Cottage Canopy.
Some thoughts on this project:
I found even more inspiration for this project on Ikat Bag who made a Princess Pavilion over a circular table. I think the windows are precious (but how did she construct them?) and think a few flowerpots might be fun for Gianna's Cottage Canopy.Some thoughts on this project:
- I'm planning on using old sheets as much as I can. I have some nice floral ones that will do nicely.
- I would like to put some pockets on the inside for her to store all of her "babies" in. She has so many in her crib and we don't have a spot to store them in the kids room.
- I thinking about making one "wall" roll up/down. And put some windows on it, and maybe a faux door. We can have it up for sleeping and down if she wants some quiet play. I will probably throw this idea out though in order to make the project doable in the time I have.
- Duncan's fort got unbearbly hot so I might hide some vents in the roof.
- The fort sagged a lot. I will use more velcro to secure it and make sure I have a snugger fit. I might have Andy move the bed into my sewing area so I can actually test out the fit as I sew.
Flickr Archiving
So I was using Flickr as a portfolio of my sewing projects, but then it informs me I am maxing out my free flickr account. I don't want to spend the money on a pro account. Instead, I am going to try to use this blog to access some of my older photos. We will see if it works. I am also looking forward to being able to comment more on my WIPs and ideas for future projects in this forum.
Hopefully, I will be able to get back into sewing soon. Newborns take more work than I remembered and my older two kids are working through some jealousy/attention-needing issues.
Hopefully, I will be able to get back into sewing soon. Newborns take more work than I remembered and my older two kids are working through some jealousy/attention-needing issues.
Butterick 4176
Butterick 4176
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
I made this out of an old dress shirt of my husbands.
Birthday Pleated Purses
Birthday Pleated Purses
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
I really liked the "buttercup bag", but wanted to make some changes- as well as, be able to sell some without violating her copyright. I drafted a new pattern and made these two as gifts for my sisters for their birthdays.
They were made completely from fabric in my stash, and some awesome magnetic purse snaps.
From Daddy to Daughter
From Daddy to Daughter
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
I used McCalls 5416 to turn an old work shirt into a new girly pull over. To get the pockets to position well I had to pull in about 1 inch of fabric on each side of buttons
From Daddy to Daughter
From Daddy to Daughter
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
I used McCalls 5416 to turn an old work shirt into a new girly pull over. To get the pockets to position well I had to pull in about 1 inch of fabric on each side of buttons
Smock Apron
Smock Apron
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
A friend made one of these for another friend. I nearly died of apron envy until I made one for myself.
Buttercup Bag
Buttercup Bag
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
Buttercup Bag
Made with leftovers from my "Monster Bag"
Used free pattern @
http://madebyrae.blogspot.com/2009/02/free-buttercup-bag-sewing-pattern.html
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The "Monster Bag"
The "Monster Bag"
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
I wanted a purse that would fit three kids worth of diapers+gear+my purse stuff.
Plus I wanted it to be super cute.
This was what I came up with.
The "Monster Bag" - adjustable strap
The "Monster Bag" - adjustable strap
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
I want to be able to wear it across my chest like a messenger bag or over my shoulder like a purse.
The "Monster Bag" - inside
The "Monster Bag" - inside
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
I divided the purse up into three sections. One for each kid. Plus one of the dividers is a zipper so I can contain all of my things in one place.
Bag for doll house toys
Bag for doll house toys
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
another little draw string pouch. My kids love these.
Birthday Bathrobe
Birthday Bathrobe
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
My son requested a bathrobe... a "McQueen Bathrobe". His birthday is in a week and I cannot wait to give this to him.
Made with McCalls 4643. I give this pattern two thumbs up. It was super easy to whip up (I had it started and completed during one kids nap time!)
Made with Anti-Pill Fleece and premade bias binding. The applique was purchased at Joann's
Brown Sling for Baby B
Brown Sling for Baby B
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
A new sling for my baby boy. I can't wait for him to come out! :)
Rings from SlingRings.com
Made with Cotton Stretch Sateen + Quilting cotton for accent on tail.
Followed directions from www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/sling.html
Nursing Cover for D
Nursing Cover for D
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
For a good friends baby shower.
Fabric from Joann's
- Removable boning at neck
- Handy pocket on green side
Dolly Sling
Dolly Sling
Originally uploaded by umgeekgirl
Quick to whip up. A rectangle of fabric with a rolled hem. Velcro sewn onto one end to attach safely to D rings.
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