Pattern Review: McCall's 4066- American Girl Doll Clothes

 I sewed this as a gift for my cat-loving niece.  I used McCall's 4066.  I changed the skirt to an elastic waist (just stretch and sew the elastic to the wrong side- no casing). I serged the hem.  The top is a lined wrap, with side snaps.  I used a suede like trim.  The pattern goes together very easily.  It also has pieces for a raincoat, pants and a puffy-sleeve top.

If your American Girl Doll needs undergarments, Check out how to sew doll bras .

Book Review: Craft Cycle by Heidi Boyd

 In honor of Earth Day (everyday), I made a few projects from Craft Cycle by Heidi Boyd.  I love this book!  Its got innovative projects and recipes!  It is divided into seasons with tips on how to be Earth friendly.

 I decided to make a coiled basket from old t-shirt scraps (leftover from another project).  Mine isn't as large as Heidi's example in the book, but the technique is the same.

 I added a few extra bows around the rim- it seemed to need it.

 The cats approve of it.  Alice wanted to try it first, then Emma had a go, below.

 Next, I made fused plastic bags.  Instead of the tote from the book, I used the instructions and decided to add a zipper.  It was something different to try.  I had a couple of bags from when I was in England (1981?!)  Each zipper bag requires several plastic bags to start with. 

This one is really showing my age- records and tapes! 

Here is the zipper top.  These were fun projects and I will be trying out the recipes soon.  I'm looking forward to making the shoe bracelet, mittens and owl clothespin holder.  Any recycled book recommendations?

Featured in Top 50 Stylish DIY Blogs

I am excited to report I have been featured in Careers in Fashion's Top 50 Stylish DIY Blogs!  I am honored to be in such good company.  Thank you!

Moby and the Cats

Its been awhile since I posted any cute pet pictures so...

 Here is Alice with Moby the fish.  She thinks we got him just for her.

 "Smells like dinner."

Emma came to investigate too.  These were taken a month ago and Moby is still healthy.  We keep him on a shelf where the cats can't get him.  They still love watching him though.

How Jeans Are made

This article/video, reported on Craftzine shows how jeans are made.  WOW!  It takes them under 13 minutes to sew a pair of jeans!  It takes me way longer, but it is very satisfying.  I love the look people give me when I say I made my own.  Have you sewn jeans?  The pattern I use is Butterick 6437.  I have sewn jeans using this pattern using white denim, blue, chambray, cotton print, linen, etc.