The Dog Whisperer

Just after school ended this past June, the girl decided that she HAD to have a dog. While I'm not big on the idea of having to take care of yet another living thing I figured what the hay. So on June 13th we brought home 8 week old Zorro. J has been potty training, clicker training, grooming, etc. I arrive home from work on Monday to find both J and Zorro in my office/sewing room. My first thought... "Don't y'all have the entire house? Why must my WoMan Cave now be shared?" When I asked what they were doing, other than watching the Disney channel (she had the nerve to change the channel on my TV LOL), J promptly told me that Zorro was cold and NEEDED a jacket. So, they were picking fabric and taking measurements. I normally post her projects to her website, but since they invaded my space I thought I would post this one here as well.

I think she did a pretty amazing job (I think her fitting is better than mine). There are matching shoes in the works right now as well as a raincoat and rain boots. It looks like I will have no choice but to repair my Singer so that I can set that machine up too.

Simplicity 3711

OK, So this is a post of my latest project. I promise I will post pictures soon of the other things I have done, but I needed to get this one in the mail so pictures were a must. A coworker and good friend just had the cutest baby boy so I whipped up two items from Simplicity 3711 for her.  I made both view B and view F. She should receive them by Thursday, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that she likes them and it fits. I have not been around any really little ones in a long time, so it just looks SMALL to me.

Pattern Description: Simplicity 3711 Babies Separates Babies Layette...Free Online Instructions for Baby Wipes Cover

Pattern Sizing: XXS to L or 0 to 18 Months

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it looked exactly like the pattern envelope. I made view B with the short sleeve and view F.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were simple. I do suggest that you mark all the dots, notches, etc because you really need them throughout.

Fabric Used: I used a cotton knit for the onesie and a really fluffy fleece for the blanket.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made these as a gift for a coworker’s new baby. I made the XS (1-3 months) so I made no alterations to the onesie. I used the left over cotton knit as the binding for the blanket and embroidered they baby’s name on the hood.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I would definitely sew this again and recommend it. It sewed up quickly and I think it makes a cute little baby shower gift.

Conclusion: The onesie is by far the best job of construction I have done. The bottom snaps were a bit of a challenge for me even using the zipper foot, it may have just been the small size of it. The set in sleeves were SUPER easy to put in and went in way better than any set in sleeves I’ve done for myself. The blanket was simple enough, although I wish I had a better selection of thread colors in my stash to use for the embroidery. The entire project can easily be completed in an afternoon.

I am working on a fitting shell right now in preparation for a much needed LBD. I have all the fitting shell pieces cut out and tonight I will sew and press all the darts. I check out sewing for real people from the library on Saturday, so hopefully the process will be painless. More tomorrow!

Oh Where Does The Time Go

So, I have not touch this blog in sometime and I think it is about to have me brought up on charges for neglect. I have been sewing, however only one of the items that I had traced during my self imposed "prep week". If I can get my photographer (ie. my DD) to take some photos tonight then I will start posting and reviewing the patterns. I am still fabric "fasting" but the patterned fast was short lived. I am currently finishing up a baby shower gift for a coworker and then next up on the cutting table is a muslin of the Vogue fitting shell. I am hoping to get it fine tuned so that I can use it as a starting point for the MANY projects in line behind it. I have never tried a real fitting before so I foresee a lot of time, pictures and questions on PR for help. I have quite a To Do list ready and waiting for me to get a better fit, which I will list tomorrow to keep me accountable. LOL! As for the 2010 list that I already have posted, I have pattern traced, fabric and notions for the White Shirt, The Shirt Dress, The Maxi Dress and the Bra (no notions on this one, but the piece are cut out for a quick baste fitting).
Oh in case your keeping up, the project that caused me to miss the PR Mini Wardrobe contest came in 1st Place for our state. So J got both of us bent out of shape for nothing! More tomorrow!

~Renae