Baby Gifts for BFF

Tags

Baby, baby blanket, baby gift, baby gifts, baby shower, diaper bag, fleece blanket, Sewing, sewing project

I’ve recently heard from other moms that diaper bags are too frumpy, or they’re too small or that with the zipper you can’t easily open it and grab something when you’re on the way…

When my one BFF found out she was pregnant, I decided that I wanted to make her a cute diaper bag, bigger than most and with an easy access top. I decided to use faux leather to stitch together a diaper bag, that could double as a beach bag or something ex post (baby) facto. Overall, the bag’s shape turned out really well, the stitching is off in a few places, even using leather needles, the material was too tough for my lil’ sewing machine (ah, how I miss the machines at the costume shop). I used cute napkin rings to attach the straps to the bag. I think if I ever make one again, I’ll just sew the lining and use a strong bonding glue for the leather and maybe add a stiff insert between the lining and the exterior.

Finished Diaper Bag

Unfinished Pocketed Lining

I wanted to fill it with cute things for the baby; a Baby’s Memory Book, a cuddly teddy bear and I made a chocolate-brown changing pad and navy satin trimmed fleece blanket. I also filled it with a few diaper bag essentials, hand sanitizer and slim wipes case, diaper cream, alcohol wipes, diaper sacks and a grooming travel ring (with comb, brush, clippers and forehead temperature strips).

Diaper Bag Goodies

Since I had a lot to prepare for her shower, I didn’t get the diaper bag finished in time. I took it to her on Monday when I went to help her set up her nursery.

My BFF had her baby boy at 12:01am Wednesday morning. He is adorable and I’m thrilled for them. Congratulations Horst family!

What are your baby gift thoughts?

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Dress for NC Wedding

Tags

black dress, DIY wedding, dress, empire waist, formal dress, formal wear, holiday dress, Sewing, sewing project, silver dress, wedding guest, winter wedding

In September, I realized I may be needing a new dress for Hubster’s cousin’s wedding in early January. I immediately had a post holiday season dress in mind. This scared me for two reasons. First, I wouldn’t find that dress with a price tag I wanted. Second, I knew I’d have limited time during the holidays to get it started.

The wedding is in cold frigid January. However, it will take place in North Carolina (what are their winters like anyway?) Would I need a shawl or a cape? Can I pull out my open toe dress shoes? I wasn’t sure what color theme the bride had picked and I didn’t want to clash or match… so I stuck to black (I never wear black!)… and silver. I figured I had one chance to get this dress right, or I’d be wearing an old dress that Hubster’s family has all seen me in already.

I always have the best sewing luck when I make the basic garment shape first and then try it on and make adjustments. I created the outer layer of the dress first which was as simple as sewing a tube. I then had to stitch the hem, which was a little difficult due to the nature of the crinkle fabric. The skirt of the dress would have to be lined, so I created a lining by making a skirt out of some remaining black satin back crepe I had in my sewing box. I attached the skirt underneath the dress, added black satin trim under the bust which ties in the back. I was contemplating which type of straps I wanted for the dress; two straps, halter, or omit them entirely. Hubster, Pumpkin and my nephews all agreed that I should keep it strapless. I would love a silver and black brooch to pin in the front middle of the black band, I just haven’t found one yet. I used a cute silver earring I found, removing the hook and tacking it to the belt.

Black & Silver Dress

Back of Dress

Belt Detail

How do you think the final product looks?

BFF’s 30th

Tags

accessory, clutch, gift giving, gifts, Handmade Jewelry, jewelry, jewelry crafts, jewelry making, sewing project

One of my BFF’s 30th birthday is this December, right before Christmas. With a birthday so close to the holiday it’s hard to get everyone together for a party, so her husband decided to throw her a surprise party a month early. Tonight, right now…

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Black Clutch, Purple Chandelier Earrings & Necklace

Knowing she truly loves and appreciates my handmade gifts, I knew just what to make her: A chic clutch stuffed with glamorous goodies.

The clutch included a pair of handmade chandelier beaded earrings and matching necklace and homemade exfoliating soap. Click on the picture for a closer view.

Refashioned Tank Top

Tags

DIY fashion, Refashion, sewing project, summer top, tank top

Degree in Refashioning
I think it’s funny that refashioning is a trend now. My mom used to do this when she was young. Why aren’t I refashioning more, when I have a degree in it?! No seriously, My undergrad degree is in costume design, some things were purchased or made,  most things were refashioned. I worked in two costumes shops, it’s how we made new costumes, we’d plan, we’d shop our stock and refashion things into our ideas. However, I definitely don’t know everything, and my time and creativity have become a bit stifled. I was making everything from scratch or by using a pattern… I need to re-awake my inner refashionista (not the hardcore “let’s make the pledge”… I love the occasional sale hunting).

I stumbled across a really cute blog and decided to try her refashioned long sleeve shirt into a tank top. She even shows you how to make a cute matching headband, but I’ll leave that out since I’m not really the headband type.

I started out with a lavender fitted long-sleeve t-shirt I’ve had for many years. Due to deodorant stains on the shirt, it’s become just a PJ top buried at the back of a dresser drawer.  So I decided it was time to breathe new life into my past loved shirt. I followed Jessica’s directions, except that I cut across slightly below the arm holes to get rid of the deodorant stains. The top started to stretch so much, but I decided to go with it. As I was finishing seams and sewing I knew mine was not turning out so well. The top continued to stretch and stretch (the fabric must’ve been more worn than I thought). The shirt was also a bit short to start and the bottom was up just a bit too much. It was a flop! So much for using my degree, my Profs. would be so disappointed.

My Analysis/Reflection:
If I thought about it ahead of time, I would have used the bottom (since it didn’t have that worn out stretch) of the shirt as the new top and hemmed the top to become the new bottom. Next time, I’ll definitely use a longer t-shirt. Instead of taking the time to redo this, I cut it into strips and place the in my box of rag strips for a project I have planned for the future.