My First Attempt at Sewing a Costume

Mitchell's class has a Medieval Feast Day on Friday. Each student drew their "character" assignment out of a hat. Mitchell will be "Friar (Brother) Scott" at the Feast.

Guess what I've been doing the last two evenings?

Here's the finished product:

Hockey Night in Softness for my Nephew!

My nephew, Jacob Rohan, was born on April 16th, 2010.  Not knowing whether my brother and his wife were having a boy or a girl, I took a chance on the fabric I chose for their baby's receiving blanket, secretly hoping that I was going to be blessed with another nephew, so that I could make a hockey-themed blanket.  My brother is a hockey FANatic, so you can imagine how excited I was to find two different flannel patterns--one with hockey players and refs, the other with hockey pucks and hockey sticks, to join together to form their son's blanket.

Here is my son, Ty, holding his newest cousin, Jacob.  Ty was enamored with this little guy, and so was I.  He is so adorable . . . I can't wait to see him again!

This is the hockey-player and referee fabric:

Here's a picture of both fabrics, side-by side.  I was also able to make 4 matching burp cloths.

Projects #5 & #6: More Blankies

Here are the next two blanket and burp cloth sets I made--a gift for my neighbor who just had a baby girl last week.  I am really enjoying trying out the different topstiching options my sewing machine has to offer.

Project #4: Baby! Baby! I'm Taken With the Notion--Receiving Blankets!

This is the first of many receiving blanket and burp cloth combinations I'll be working on in the next couple of weeks.  This set is going to a gal from my book club and her new baby boy.  It seems that there are SO many babies being born in my circle these days.  These blankets are what I've been dying to work on, although I thought they'd be a tad easier to construct, if nothing else, less time-consuming than some other projects I've embarked on.  There's one thing I'm quickly realizing--that is, sewing takes time.  But the end-result is worth it!

Project #3: Toddler Aprons

Once again, I adapted an existing apron pattern to create these toddler aprons for some special little girls in my life.  The sizing is a bit off, but nonetheless these girls were thrilled with their glow-in-the-dark bunny aprons.

In case you're wondering why the faces of these girls are hidden, it is because I have not received permission from their parents to plaster their adorable faces on the world-wide-web.  Parents of these toddlers, if you read this post and you're okay with their faces exposed, please let me know.  If not, no problem.  I want these precious angels protected as much as you do!

Project #2: Charm Pack Coasters

To make 6 coasters, you start with 36 fabric squares, each 5 x 5 inches in size, of various coordinating colors and patterns. You iron and fold the pieces in an inside-out-kind-of-way, stich up all four sides, turn the pieces right-side-out and, voila, you've got a coaster! They're great for coordinating with your decor, and they're extra soft for use on scratchable glass-top tables.

Here's a sampling of the three sets I've made so far--Green & Green, Blue & Blue and Green & Blue. I've got plans to make more!  It's fun coordinating fabrics for these!

Double-click on collage to increase image size.

Project #1: Fiery and Cheery Aprons!

So, this is the very first sewing project I attempted. Without an actual pattern, I used an existing apron of mine and "shrank" it down to a size that would fit my boys. They both picked out their fabric, which I zoomed in on (above) . . . and I'd have to say that the fabric they each chose reflects their personalities. Ty is usually sweet and cheery, while Mitchell can be like a blue flame at times.

The boys wear these aprons with pride, and are constantly finding a reason to wear them. That makes me glad!

P.S. If you want to see the picture enlarged, just double-click on it.