KCWC Day 4

And back to my regular colourful sewing schedule. 

After Jas saw Jude's red pants yesterday, he requested a pair for himself. These are just simple sweat pants with a fitted yoga waist.

The cardigan is from a felted wool sweater from the thrift shop. 

And now for the blurry photos. My camera has decided not to do auto focus anymore, and I'm finding it difficult to remember to adjust the light meter, AND focus at the sametime, plus I'm in the habit of just pressing the button and letting it focus for me. Sigh!

Tomorrow is the last day of KCWC Fall 2012! I feel like I need to go out with a bang, and still have no clue what I'm going to make. Hopefully inspiration hits me soon, because I'm not likely to last long today. I was up late (until 2 am) reading the second book of the Hunger Games, Catching Fire. OMG! I can't wait to start the third book! 

Staying up until the wee hours of the morning is not such a great idea for me, and I wish I had a little more self control, but it's just such an exciting book, and I couldn't tear myself away from it. So there is a chance I will be making something simple and not too exciting, but keep your fingers crossed for me, because I'm not a coffee drinker and have to make it through without help. 

Have a great day everyone!!

New Patterns!

When I started creating clothing, I was measuring out each piece. every. single. time. I told myself I should really just make some patterns so I wouldn't have to measure each item out, but it never happened, and I know it never will, so I have decided to purchase patterns. Not only does this help me out, but it also helps out the people that create these fantastic patterns. Usually other moms.

Here are the patterns I have purchased so far, and love!

The Sewing for Boys book

I use the patterns from this book regularly. Here are some of the items I have created:

This raglan shirt is a staple for me. I love it.

With the raglan shirt I can also make dresses! Perfect!

Mr. Two face pants! A good pants pattern is important.

And the long sleeve raglan. 

There are many more patterns in the Sewing for Boys book that I still haven't gotten around to. If you are looking for some great boy patterns I highly recommend you get yourself a copy of this fabulous book!

Next I was looking for some fun ruffly patterns for girls. I discovered Lilygiggle on Etsy, and was immediately in love! This amazing designer is a homeschooling mother of four, so I felt an immediate connection! She creates these beautiful patterns to share with others, and says she hopes it will help other moms who want to stay home with the children! How generous, and caring. I am very grateful for her generosity.

She has a few boy patterns in her shop, as well as a some patterns for women. If you are looking for some fun patterns Lilygiggle is a great place to start!

Here are a few samples of items I have made using Lilygiggle patterns:

Bubble skirt tunic

Ruffle pants

 Next I decided to take a leap and purchase a pattern from HeidiandFinn. At this point I was completely converted to using patterns. This pattern has been FANTASTIC! I love it! I discovered HeidiandFinn a year ago, but I was still determined to make my own patterns at this point. I am so glad I rediscovered this shop on Etsy, because this pattern is a nice addition to my collection.

I decided to go with the Urban Unisex Hoodie:

This pattern motivated me to learn how to make button holes on my sewing machine, as well as sew buttons. I was intimidated by both of these tasks, but it turns out it is easier than I thought. 

I have a couple of pattern books that I have favorited in my Etsy shop that I am on the fence about. The patterns look amazing, which is why I want to jump in and purchase the books, but they are in Japanese, soooo, maybe I won't know how to put them together. I'm pretty confident that I will, but I'm going to hold off for a little longer. Give myself more time to work with the patterns I have. 

Here are the books, but don't buy them, because I'm going to soon! Both these books I found in the Etsy shop Pomadour's Craft Cafe

Pochee Special Boy

Japanese Craft Book

How about you? Do you have any favourite patterns?

Kicking it into high gear

I'm not sure why, but it seems that my inspiration doesn't like to kick in until a week before a show. This weekend I am going to be at The Prestige here in Sooke, for the Earthly Goods Craft Fair. I applied for this show at the beginning of the summer, so it's not like it's a last minute arrangement, but for some reason I am now flooded with ideas. I have too many ideas, that I won't be able to fit everything in.

Here is a sample of what I am working on:

I have started making these upcycled long sleeve raglans with a Tree of Life design

and some little upcycled pants, also with a Tree of Life design

Here is Jude in his new upcycled long sleeve raglan.

It's so difficult to capture him when he is still. This was the best I could do.

I will also be making more of these:

 But in these colors:

Banana Peel Yellow

and Bubble Gum Pink.

I have seven booties cut out in the yellow that need to be put together, and haven't even begun taking the pink leather apart. 

More time! I need more time!