Get your dirt on.

A couple weeks into the school year I realized I need to make Saga some play clothes. Specifically tops she could wear and I would not gasp when I say how dirty they were at the end of the day. Don't get me wrong I love that she is gardening and playing so freely during the day, but the condition of her clothes is scary. So, I made her a few basic tops out of old German duvet covers to wear over turtlenecks this fall. They are all bright, cheerful, and ready to play in. As you can see, she had this one on for an hour before she was wearing cinnamon. See they work perfectly.

Last one, for a long while. (I promise.)

I finished this shirt a few weeks ago and packed it away in my closet because I was a bit angry with it. It had to do with the sleeves. Now you can guess why it is wearing a cardigan. I love this fabric, but I need to learn that I should use "safe" patterns with expensive fabric that I am in love with. I have made 3 other shirts with this pattern which you would think would make it safe. This time I went for a better fit and ended up with a slim silhouette, yet funky sleeves. So, unfortunately I will have to cover up my fitted look with a cardi. Maybe soon I will get over it and just redo the sleeves. In the meantime I am cutting out some more love fabric using a sure thing pattern. I bet you cannot guess what pattern I am going to use. Thank you all for the nice comments about the skirt:)

The 50 minute skirt!

Okay, my plan worked! Cut out a pattern on the weekend and sneak in sewing time at night. I was able to get this skirt together quickly. As you can see it takes 10 minutes more than the 40 minute skirt, it's the trim. I wanted to use this fabric for myself, but I knew a whole skirt made from it would be too much. So, I just did a cutout. I never sew with black fabric so that was a little strange. It felt like I was making a witch's costume or something. When I added the color it started to look like an Amish quilt to me. (I love Amish quilts!) But I have to say that I am the least precise "seamstress" ever. I swear it would kill me to use a measuring tool. I am sure stone age women were more accurate in their sewing of animal skins. If you look closely you can see the pieces in the front are not even the same size. oh, well. I added the bias trim because I don't like to wear black skirts and black tights together. The trim breaks the two up, and the fabric is very lightweight so the trim gives it some heft. I won't be wearing this skirt anytime soon because it is 85 degrees here! I am not a fan of the Indian Summer. I can see how fall in approaching through others blogs, and I am jealous.

*Disclaimer* I realize I made Saga and I garments using the same fabric, but I promise you will never catch us wearing them at the same time...

New Dress for Saga

I made Saga another one of these dresses. I love how it turned out. I wasn't sure if the fabric combo would work. I wanted to make her a dress she could wear with her favorite patent red shoes. I had her try it on over her clothes and she wouldn't take it off. This is a good sign. She really enjoys putting her hands in the pockets. Other than sewing we have had a busy week. I finally have my work stamina, and can get so much more done. On Wednesday we went to the Mexican Independence Day celebration in our city. It was a great time with an amazing atmosphere. I saw so many families I know, and Saga danced the night away.

So good to be back.

I can't tell you how excited I was to sit down at my machine and make this tote bag. After 2 weeks of a serious dry spell, it was heaven. I have been so busy getting back into the swing of things. I have not been able to keep up with my fave blogs, and having the energy to sew was out of the question. I now have more of a handle on things, and I have been daydreaming about sewing all day. Let me tell you a little about this simple tote. I bought the fabric at the Alameda Flea Market last weekend. It is a nice canvas, and I love the print. The pocket is made from one of the many German, gingham duvets I bought. I really like how it turned out. I always use totes. I have so for so long that having to use a proper purse feels very fancy.

Even after posting this sign in my classroom, I got a cold. The first one this year, but it was not bad. It moved through the classroom like wildfire. Colds are just considered an occupational hazard. I also saw this sweet doll at the flea market. I have had this same doll since I was four. It surprised me to see it sitting all alone. I took the picture to show my mom because she saved my dolls for me for so many years. Saga plays with them, and that makes me so happy.

Endings and New Beginnings

So the summer is over. It was wonderful, and I can't wait for next years. I am excited about working in a new school, and meeting 20 new children that I know I will love and grow with throughout the year. Over the past weeks I have been working to prepare my classroom, and let me bore you with some photos.



Here is what the room looked like when I moved in.

Remember how I made a goal for myself to make 6 shirts. I thought I was going to have to settle with one short, but I got this one together over the weekend. I end the summer with a BBW just like I started. BUT, I have learned so much between these two shirts. Now it is time to set new sewing goals, and I can't wait to see where it takes me.