Kids Sewing Projects

On a recent weekend, my kids decided they wanted to sew something. My daughter, 10, designed the owl. She is fully capable of sewing it herself, but she ran out of steam so I assembled the pieces.

My son, 7, drew the griffins on fabric and then I sewed around them. He helped stuff. I try not to pressure my kids into sewing. I wait until they are ready to work on a project. Hopefully this approach will lead them to view sewing as a fun hobby (not something Mom made them do!).

Antique Sewing Machine!

My New Antique Sewing Machine!
Originally uploaded by Kim Naumann - Curiouser & Curiouser Designs

Beautiful! I love the vibrant colors. I wish my old machines look this good!

Kindernähmaschinen - Toy Sewing Machines

Kindernähmaschinen - Toy Sewing Machines
Originally uploaded by *Püppilottchen*

Again, cool machines on flickr!

Unusual Fun Sewing Machines

new sewing machine
Originally uploaded by malisonian

I found this on flickr. I love the color!

Pattern Review: Simplicity 3775

Looking forward to spring, I sewed this cute knit dress from Simplicity 3775. It went together very easily and quickly and I love the results! (It looks better on).

I used my serger to sew quick rolled hems on the sleeves and skirt.

Actually, the fabric was super cheap on sale, so I was testing out the pattern to sew later out of this velvet burnout knit, in the long sleeve version. I am thrilled with the first dress so I will start working on the velvet one next!

Orangutan and the Hound

Orangutan and the Hound

Posted using ShareThis

I realise this has nothing to do with cats or sewing, but it is so darling! I love animal friends!

Easy to Sew Letter Pillows

I made these for my niece, but I've also taught classes to kids on sewing letters. They are fun and easy. You can choose a mixed look or use all the same fabric. It is a great gift for young kids just learning how to spell their names. Older kids like them as decoration for their rooms.

One thing to keep in mind, cut the letters larger than you want them. They will end up smaller due to seam allowance, stuffing. For letters with a hole (a,b,d etc.) I applique the "hole" before stitching together.

Cute Cat and the Dryer

Here is the view from my sewing room window. Alice, the cat, was bird watching. We might be finally getting a dryer tonight! In order to stack it on top of our washer, I have to empty out one wall of shelves. My sewing/laundry/exercise room will be a mess until I can find a home for all my displaced supplies, but it will be worth it not to have wet laundry hanging all over the house!

Book Review: Larceny and Lace

Larceny and Lace is an intriguing novel by Annette Blair. She weaves mystery, romance, humor and fashion into a great book. The main character, Madie Cutler, is about to open a vintage clothing store when she finds vintage bones and a murder to solve! A fun book to read!

www.penquin.com

Valentine's Day Tree Ornaments

We decorate our ficus tree every year for Valentine's Day. Some hearts are from years ago, my husband's and my first Valentine's Day together!

This year I sewed a bunch of small pillows with ribbon, lace and ricrac scraps. Lots of fun!

My kids made pipecleaner and pony bead hearts last year.

Heart shaped paper doilies too.

This one I made 20 years ago out of scraps from my wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses. It is cheerful to look at and easy to do!

How to sew Doll Bras!

My daughter wanted bras for her American Girl Dolls (18"). I took an old cotton batiste slip with lace already attached and cut out a strip 12 1/2" x 2".*

I serged the bottom edge and sewed velcro to each end. The straps are 1/8" wide ribbon, 6 1/2" long.

I added a flower applique to the front.

Here are two bras. *They ended up curved because the bottom of the slip was curved, but it fits just right.

Fabric Covered Sketchbook

Fabric Covered Sketchbook
Originally uploaded by daily threads

This is another flickr find by the same artist. Such a great idea to have a zipper pocket in front. I love the lively colors too!

Fabric Covered Sketchbook

Fabric Covered Sketchbook
Originally uploaded by daily threads

Yes I've been on Flickr looking around again. I love the saying on this book cover.

le cravatte di papa`-Silk Tie Quilt

le cravatte di papa`
Originally uploaded by Peoniagialla

I found this on Flickr. I absolutely love the colors in this quilt! I'm also partial to crazy quilts. Gorgeous.

Ally-oop!

Ally-oop!
Originally uploaded by Cats n Dogtown

I found this on flickr- really cool! That is a Bengal cat flying through the air.

My Sewing Room After a School Snow Day and a Broken Dryer

This is how my sewing room looks after 3 school snow days off and a broken clothes dryer. You can barely see my sewing machine! Needless to say- there is not much sewing going on. We have been playing in the snow, making valentines, baking brownies, presenting a fashion show, creating a haunted mansion and dodging clean wet laundry all over the house! And it is snowing again!

Wrap Skirt Class Postponed Due to Snow

The class at Quilting Adventures is now Feb.10,17 due to all our snow. This means you still have time to sign up! www.quiltingadventures.com This is my take on the pattern (not the version we will be making in class), but I want to share it just to show how versatile the pattern is.

Here I used ribbon for the waistband and ties (super fast and easy).

I used my serger to make a rolled hem. The fabric came from Quilting Adventures as well.

Altered Men's Dress Shirt

Altered Men's Dress Shirt
Originally uploaded by heycarrieann99

I spotted this on flickr. I love that she recycled the shirt and it turned out so cute! I'm inspired. What else could you do with a men's shirt?