Wow

Remember how excited I am to make this turkey skirt?

Well, check out these versions below that 'no big deal' made.

Are they enough to make a seamstress weep or what?! I can't wait to make mine! I'm thinking of different shades of gold and yellow for summer.

Knee-High Tutorial

Ruffles and Stuff offers a great photo tutorial on how to turn outgrown tights into darling knee-high socks.

Cute!!!!

Full tutoral post with photos found here: http://www.rufflesandstuff.com/2009/12/tiny-tights-to-knee-high-socks.html

Ruffle Tulle Skirt Evolution

In April 2009, Pink Picket Fence created this tulle skirt, inspired off one she saw at GAP.

Dana, from MADE, was inspired by the pink skirt and made this Orange Bird skirt,

and then revamped it to make the Purple Bird Skirt.

This inspired me to make a cream and black version.

I used 1/4 yard of black cotton (2.99/yard, cut into five gathered strips sewn together and embellished with three strips of tulle. Total cost was $1.25. For the pattern, I made one up, using the market skirt skirt tutorial as a rough base. Next time, I will simplify the skirt to only two pieces and use many more rows of tulle.

I also want to try Dana's newset version of this skirt, the Turkey Dressing Ruffled Skirt -

Isn't it gorgeous? It's fuller and with more more ruffles. For the ruffles, she uses this nylon chiffon instead of tulle for a softer look. She sells the full pattern (23 page pdf file) with photo instruction for $6 in her etsy shop HERE. And she claims to have instructions to make it for adult too. I can't wait to make this in a plethora of bright colors for summer. Scarlett is going to be the fluffiest girl around!

Dress Piping Tutorial

Little Girl Pearl offers a great tutorial on how to alter a simple dress bodice with piping to create a new look.


Full tutorial with great step-by-step photos found here: http://littlegirlpearl.blogspot.com/2009/09/traditionalist-and-tutorial.html

Fabric Balls

So this may be more crafty than sewing, but I'd like to use THIS TUTORIAL to make these fabric covered pom poms for Scarlett's next bedroom.

Scarf

You could by this scarf, from Urban Outfitters, for $24.

Or, you could buy a yard of the same material (in several colors) for $16 and make three scarfs by just cutting it lengthwise three times.

All found HERE at hartsfabric.com.

Ruffle Bum

(jersey cotton)

Jessica, from Happy Together, whipped up this little dress from two t-shirts. I love the ruffle bum!

Full post and more photos found here: http://ohsohappytogether.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-heart-is-just-melting.html

Sewing with Sweater Knit

I recently stumbled upon 'sweater knit' at Hancock's Fabrics for $5.99/yard. I was intrigued and purchased one yard to see how it was to sew with. I loved it and her blue tunic turned out darling. The knit was very forgiving and with such generous stretch, I did not need to worry about zippers, buttons or any other closures. I'd highly recommend sewing with sweater knit. HERE is an article with tips and tricks of sewing with sweater knits.

While I've not been able to this material online for as reasonable a price as Hancocks you can purchase it HERE or HERE.

Or a great cost-effective option would be to cut up old sweaters and use that material.

New Look 6687

This pattern is a favorite of mine. It's not too hard (great for beginners), versatile,and darling. I'd highly recommend it.

Here is how my version turned out:

(white cotton pinwhale* corduroy with cotton details)

The dress is still a little big on Scarlett here but sadly it's the only photo I took with her in it.

And there is another version of the dress, that my friend Taryn made:

(cotton)

*pinwhale corduroy is a very light corduroy with thin whales.

True Up

Every seamstress should be reading True Up. It's a blog dedicated to fabric! It will teach you all about different textiles from how to care for them, how they are created, where to purchase them (e.g felt shopping guide), sewing tips, etc. I've learned so much from this site. It truly is a fabric addict's dream come true.

True up also lists online fabric sales each week, often with codes for additional discounts. I can't say enough good about this blog.

Check it out and subscribe at: http://www.trueup.net/

love, love, love, love

I could just stare at this beauty all day long. I'm adding this to my list of about thirty things to reproduce.

(cotton??)

Retro Jumper, $66 at The Pajama Squid.

Fabric Rose Tutorial

Calamity Kim offers a tutorial on how to reproduce these terrific fabric roses.

Step-by-step photo tutorial found here: http://calamitykim.typepad.com/calamity_kim/2009/05/how-to-make-fold-twist-fabric-flowers.html

Simplicity 4206

Sparkle Power posted a charming top she made from Simplicity Pattern 4206.

(cotton blue gingham)

For winter, I think this might be cute in a soft flannel. What material would you use?

Full Post Here: http://candacetodd.blogspot.com/2009/04/sadies-gingham-top.html

Ruffle Skirt Turotial

(polyester/spandex)

My Mama Made It offers a great tutorial on how to make these easy ruffle skirts . The shortcut is buying the material already ruffled.

Full post and tutorial here: http://mymamamadeit.blogspot.com/2009/06/ruffle-skirt-tutorial.html

Pleated Pockets

Olive's Friend Pop is a new children's clothing line with "vintage inspired originals". I want to recreate all of them. Those pockets could not be too hard to duplicate, right? Just pleat a curved pocket I imagine.

Bertie (wool herringbone)

Right - Peggy (cotton flannel)

Agnes (cotton baby pin whale corduroy)

French Ruffle Dress

I'm drooling over Traci's autumn version of the French Ruffle Dress pattern.

(pinwale corduroy with cotton details)

The full post, with more photos can be found here : http://amazingmae.blogspot.com/2009/09/my-autumn-version-of-french-ruffle.html

The pdf pattern can be purchased from Mani-Mini HERE for only $5.

Miss Lily Dress Pattern

I'm adding this pattern to my wish list. The full bubble skirt is fantastic!

$9.95 for a pdf Pattern

Size 6 months - 4T is HERE

Size 5- 10 is HERE

Testimonials rave how easy and quick this dress is to create (no zipper). This would be a great project for beginners.

Doilie + Wool = Genius

(Wool)

After seeing this wool dress on Sparkle Power, I immediately headed to ebay and ordered vintage doilies. I love the simplicity.

Full post here: http://candacetodd.blogspot.com/2009/08/mama-made-kindergarten-wardrobe-part-2.html

Pleated Ribbon Tee

How to make a Pleated Ribbon Tee:

1. Purchase a tee

2. Order pleated grosgrain ribbon ( HERE, HERE or wherever else)

3. Sew two strips down the middle

It's really that easy! You could always pleat ribbon yourself but I'd rather spend the extra dollar and save 20 minutes.

Wow

(Polyester suiting with cotton trim)

Could there be a more darling holiday dress? Dana, from MADE, is my sewing hero.

Full Post, with more photos and information here: http://www.dana-made-it.com/2009/07/christmas-in-july.html