Past Project Friday

Every Friday I will be posting some sort of crafty project that I have completed in the past.  It could be anything from baking, to sewing, needlecrafts, art, decorating, etc.

This patchwork kitchen rug was made shortly after moving into our apartment in June of 2009.  The kitchen is my favorite place in the home and where I spend most of my time. Since we are renting, I can't do anything about the cabinets, flooring, or appliances, so I try to add some personal character wherever I can. 

Much to my husband's chagrin, I feel the need to paint every single room before we move into a place.  I just don't like living with white walls and I seriously spend hours comparing paint chips before I finally decide on the winners.  I find it incredibly thrilling. 

We orginally painted the kitchen a much lighter shade of green that I decided was entirely too neon-esque, so one day while my husband was at work I repainted the entire thing in it's current color (which is appearing a bit darker in the photo than it actually is).  I think that the memory of being seven months pregnant and standing on the stove to paint the space above the cabinets will be a memory that will always stick with me.   

 I made the rug shortly after, pulling out fabrics in shades of green, tan, and grey that I had on-hand.  I even surprised myself by using some of my most coveted fabric - the olive green Heather Ross field of flowers print - because I knew that this rug was going to get filthy, stained, and worn out.  It definitely is all of those three things now, but I'd rather be able to see my favorite fabrics being used throughout my home than just sitting on a shelf.

Simple dress x 3

 Lotta Jansdotter wasn't kidding when she titled this pattern "Simple Dress".  It is simple in design so it's great for showing off a really fantastic piece of fabric, or would look really lovely done up in some linen with some simple embroidery around the hem and neckline.

It's also incredibly simple to construct, with only one pattern piece in addition to a pocket and some bias trim for the neck and armholes.  After making it three times, it now only takes me about a half an hour to throw together. 

The first dress I made out of a vintage bedsheet.  I don't like to use my "nice" fabric the first time I use a pattern in case I totally screw everything up.  I first have to learn all of the pattern's quirks.  Luckily, this one is very straightforward and easy to understand.

My only complaint is that the pattern only comes in one size, which is pretty close to a 12 month.  It fit Phoebe perfectly this summer, but she grew out of it pretty quick.  I'm not a pro at sizing patterns, but I've learned the ins and outs of adjusting them a little bit here and there.  So with this one, I added a lot of length, and widened the neck and armholes a little bit.

I found this twill print at Joann's, of all places.  They are definitely starting to carry a better selection of modern prints made by their own house designer, which is great; however I really wish that they would up the quality of their fabric.

 

I think one of my favorite details is the wooden button that I found in the button-box that used to be my great-grandma's.

I'm simply amazed when I look at the picture of Phoebe in the first version of this dress taken this summer, and the current one that I just finished today.  She looks so grown up!

Starting a Sewing Revolution!

 

Crafting is very contagious.  It only takes a couple of minutes in the presence of a crafter to start putting creative ideas into your head.  I am proud to say that many of my friends have caught the sewing bug - I really should have some sort of deal with a sewing machine company, because I have convinced many a person to buy their first machine throughout the years.

Shortly after having Phoebe, I joined a mom's group so I could try to keep a bit of my sanity.  It has been a ton of fun and I have made so many wonderful friends.  We recently started a holding a monthly craft night to get a jump start on some handmade holiday gifts.  We started out with a wide range of projects, but as it went on it was quite apparent that the sewing projects were the clear winner. 
 

Last night we had 5 machines going, 2 cutting stations, and one long line for the iron.  Pajama pants were the hot project, but we also had ladies making aprons, placemats, purses, and belts.  

 I think that many people feel very apprehensive towards sewing machines - and let's face it, they do look incredibly complicated with all of their buttons, stitch diagrams, threading systems, and other mechanics.  However, if they have someone to sit down with and guide them through a simple project, they realize that sewing isn't very scary at all.  And the pride and feeling of accomplishment in that first project is just amazing.  

The phrase I kept hearing the most last night was "Well, if so-and-so can make that, I know I definitely can!"

And if seeing just how adorable your child looks in something that YOU made him doesn't keep you sewing, I don't know what will.