Weekend Fun

I took this photo of Saga a couple of days ago. She added some decoration to the bedroom wall. Her expression says it all. The funny thing is she tried to hide the crayons from me. She really is growing up fast. I made this dress for her right before summer started. Just look at the colors I was dreaming of summer time.

On Saturday I went to the Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco. It was great to see in person what people are making. The fair was held in a beautiful area of SF. It was nice to walk around and enjoy the beautiful views of the bay. It was very overcast, that is why I don't have any decent photos to share. The cool weather was welcomed after the heat wave we had this week.
Hope you are all enjoying your weekend.

The romper that became a jumper.

Well here it is. I couldn't get a shot of Saga wearing it because I will not fit her until she is 5, or grows 5 inches in all directions. I haven't added the buttons because I am waiting on a package of vintage buttons I bought on Etsy. So what went wrong?
It all started when I decided not to cut out the pattern notches when I was cutting out the fabric. So when I began to sew I had no idea where to start/stop the rise. Instead of having Saga try it on or break out the pattern, I guessed. Obviously, I guessed wrong and decided to go with the jumper style. ( I had to go a buy more fabric too!) No need for an intervention, I promise myself to never do this again! For now on when I sew I will follow the cardinal rules of sewing:
1) use the pattern guides
2) mark the fabric when needed
3) peruse the pattern instructions
4) use pins
5) fix mistakes immediately and not just think it will still work out
6) use measurements
Okay, I think that is all I can handle right now and stick to my word.

I want to thank the ladies who always encourage me. You have made sewing not such a solitary activity.

Little House...

My brother and I in 1973.

It started way back when my mom would make me clothes that looked like this yellow dress. Almost everything she made me had a pinafore and a bonnet. During this summer I have rediscovered my love for Little House on the Prairie. I have decided that I want the entire wardrobe of the Caroline Ingalls. Yes, I will have to shorten the skirts, and have some short sleeved shirts, but I love how simple her dress is. So, when I see the shirts I make with my favorite calico fabrics I am not going to worry is it too Little House. I am just going to admit completely inspired by Caroline Ingalls.

Update: The romper I made is no longer a romper. I had to make adjustments due to my refusal to follow a pattern. I will post it on Friday.

New dress. Okay, maybe nightgown.

I so anxious to use some of this trim that I made up this little dress last night. When it was finished I immediately thought it looks like a nightgown. I am always overly critical of what I make so I just put the thought aside. This morning before going out when my husband saw Saga in her new dress and shoes he asked me why is she still wearing her nightgown. I said it is a dress and went on to story time. But tell me, is this a dress or a nightgown?

Oh well, at least Saga is starting to pose in pictures for me. This is a big improvement over me chasing her with the camera and only getting shots from the back. I am working on a romper right now, but if you want to see the cutest one ever check out what Frida's mom made her.

Day out in SF

Today we went to the Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco. They have a butterfly exhibit that I wanted Saga to see. It was wonderful, although she was nervous when butterflies would land on her. Yesterday I bought some new patterns that I want to try. I feel I need to push myself to move away from all my tried and true patterns. But I want to keep it simple because I want sewing to always be enjoyable and not a time of hand wringing or cursing. I am proud to say both Saga and I are wearing tops that I made. That is such a good feeling.

Fall sewing begins.

Over the weekend Saga was given a couple of sundresses. I realized she now has plenty of summer clothes, so I need to start making things to fall. I love this simple dress (Butterrick 3477) because I can add a top underneath to match the weather. I left the hem unfinished until the fall. Today at Joann's all notions are 50% off. I have several tools I want to get and have been waiting for this sale. I have my list ready.

New Top with Touch from the Past

This has to be the quickest and easiest shirt to make, ever. I love the fit, and how they just say summer. I used some chambray that is very soft and a great hue of blue. The best part is the trim on the sleeves. My mom gave this to me over the weekend. When I was growing up my mom kept all of her trims and ribbons in a drawer. I would go through the drawer and make requests, a dress with this ribbon , or a shirt with this ribbon. Luckily my mom saved all of them. While sewing on the trim last night I could remember looking at it long ago. Thank you, mom.