SOCIAL MEDIA

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Upcycling Challenge 2018


Hello there!
I know it's been a while but what a better way to feel inspired to post than with a challenge. Candice Ayala, from CandiceAyala.com and Sewing Portfolios launched her Upcycling challenge earlier this month, encouraging creativity through the use of things that we already have at home or from thrift stores. Well, I used both!



I have a few pairs of pants that didn't survive a full year being worn by my son and decided to turn them into shorts for my daughter, but of course I wanted to add a little something to make them new and special. I visited a thrift store in Denton and found a hospital gown that was new for $3.00! It had 4 ties and nice details in the sleeves and neck, plus lots of fabric to work with.


I used The Simple Life Pattern Company's Bella pattern and made it in top length. I cut the ties from the gown to the measurements indicated in the pattern instructions and that was fantastic, I didn't have to make ties!


I also used the sleeve details to add at the hem of the pants that I turned into shorts and used jeans thread to match the rest of the stitching. 


I added some beautiful Art Gallery fabrics I had been hoarding for the skirt portion of the top and the colors coordinated beautifully.


Overall, I am very satisfied with the results, my daughter couldn't be happier to have pretty clothes to play in, every now and then she asks for shorts and a nice top instead of dresses and this outfit definitely fulfills her demands.


I hope you enjoy my entry for the challenge and follow the other entries on instagram through the hashtags  #CAUpcyclingChallenge2018 #MichaelMillerFabrics #MakingitFun #Babylock #BabylockSewing

Love,
Paola
Wednesday, March 7, 2018

The Clementine Dress






Hi there!
I am finally getting my sewjo back (well I don't think I ever lost it, I just have so much on my plate it's hard to find time to sew). I was happy to test Tie Dye Diva's latest pattern: The Clementine Dress and Top for Girls, it is such a great pattern!
It comes with two different neckline options, 3 different sleeve styles and a beautiful double hem feature, but the special touch my little model liked the most was the inseam pockets, roomy enough to store little treasures (anyone have a little girl who likes to pick up random leaves and rocks? I do!)

This amazing pattern comes in sizes 12 months to 10 years and it is available in PDF format on the Tie Dye Diva's website HERE
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Love,
Paola



Monday, February 19, 2018

Easy Baby Burp Cloths




Hello! I'm so happy to start this week with one of my favorite kind of projects: Baby Gifts. This is one of those projects that can be perfect with or without embroidery and it is just so useful to the new mom! For a set of three, you will need:
  • One fat quarter of fabric
  • A pack of Gerber 3-ply pre-folded cloth diapers (Like these - Affiliate link)
  • Sewing machine and basic sewing supplies


  Step 1: Cut one (or three for a set) piece of fabric 15"wide x 5"long.
 

Step 2: Fold one long edge of fabric 1/2" to the wrong side and press.

   

Step 3: Place the strip of fabric right sides together with the cloth diaper (the raw edge of accent fabric matching the diaper's short edge), centering the diaper so there is equal amounts of accent fabric on each side (between 1/2" and 3/8"). Pin or secure with clips.

 

Step 4: Sew along the edge with a 3/8" seam allowance.



Step 5: Press the side fabric to the wrong side so it matches de cloth diaper width. Fold over to the right side of the cloth diaper and press. Pin around to sew. Sew around all sides with a 1/8" to 1/4" seam allowance. I use my topstitch foot for even results.
   

 



Step 6: Enjoy! You have created a beautiful gift with very little fabric. You may add embroidery if you wish, that adds a special touch. I usually make several sets in advance so I am always ready, I made a set for my new nephew, Tyler, with his name and some birth stats embroidered. Just wrap some pretty ribbon around, maybe add a children's book and you are good to go!
 
 





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