Bubbles: A Fashion Timeline of Do's and Don'ts

What can I say? Whether it is an inherited or genetic trait, it's there! We {heart} baby bubbles! As we progressed in age, our wearing them was sometimes misguided and just plain wrong. So, here is my "Fashion Guideline to Baby Bubbles" as seen through three sisters' age ranges:

Age 1:"How precious! Look at those rolls!"

Age 2: "Who's thinking about potty-training yet? Nah....I'm still wearing a bubble!"

Age 3: "Those legs are getting a bit long...Whatcha talking about Willis?"

Age 4: "Uh oh....we've entered into an awkward bubble moment!"

Age 6 (yes... 6): "Mommas, don't let your child enter 1st grade wearing a bubble!"

Looking back at the photos, we've laughed at our awkward (and long-lasting) baby bubble years. Yes, the word BABY is there for a reason!! Trust us. Still, since beginning to sew,

LOOK AT THE TREND WE'VE NOTICED:

BABY BUBBLES!! Will history repeat itself?!?!?! We've made a "pinkie promise" with one another (not really, but it sounds pretty good doesn't it??) to NOT do that to our nieces...

Here's what we've got so far:

Age 6 months +: "Oh. My. Stars. Aren't I cute?!?"

Age 9 months: "Getting a little personality of my own..."

Age 9 months outtakes: "Are we done yet? I need a break!"

Age 18 - 20 months: "We've gone from Mozart to Rock-and-Roll."

Age 20 months: "This is my deceivingly charming and angelic look."

Age 20 months: "Baby bubbles are great for manual labor!"

So, YES! Baby bubbles live on in this family....but if you see a post about this in five years,

please remind us to STOP. THE. MADNESS.

  THE.          END.

When Momma's Happy. . .Everyone's Happy

Presenting. . . "The Sunshine Outfit" or "The Dog Days of Summer Outfit". . .depending on your optimistic or pessimistic nature! As we enter the dog days of summer that are full of sunshine (and heat), I believe both names more than fit the bill!

Combining two Oliver + S patterns, the swingset tunic and tea party bloomers, we think it is perfect for summer! Recently, Emily {suzanne} and I have been a tad too "tight" with skinny straps. Our sister {niece's mom}, however is absolutely pained by keeping them tied. Enter the swingset tunic - skinny straps with no ties! Warning: the straps are very short, and you will wonder if they are all there, but they work perfectly!

Another thing I adore about this pattern is the curve of the yoke, but I wanted some way to accentuate it. Enter quite possibly my favorite "trim" - piping, and I believe this pattern was made for it! I like that it is subtle, but draws just enough attention to show the beautiful curve on the yoke. I also love that Emily {Suzanne} was able to incorporate covered buttons, tying them into the contrasting piping.

Oliver + S, swingset tunic
Fabric: Meadowsweet by Sandi Henderson, for Michael Miller

Oliver + S, tea party bloomers
Fabric: Hoodie's Collection for Blank Quilting, Pattern #5287 Egg Dots

For those not familiar with Oliver + S patterns, they are rated by difficulty - from one to four scissors. The tea party bloomers are part of a one scissor pattern and are great for beginners! The swingset tunic is a two scissor pattern, and at times stretched my sewing abilities. In the end, everything lined up and looked fine, but I struggled with how the tunic was supposed to finish in the back. After I completed the tunic, I found a great tutorial that guides a person through the construction process. I will definitely use it as a guide next time!

Often I read discussions about the pricing of the Oliver + S patterns, but you can't beat them for the details, illustrations, and instructions. Sewing from Oliver + S patterns is like taking a sewing class on your own time, in the privacy of your own home. Although, I haven't sewn too long, I am always amazed at a new twist Liesl presents in sewing a garment. I believe her patterns could truly teach an "old dog", new tricks. . .and even make one Momma very happy. . .

'cause when Momma's happy. . .everyone's happy!

Creating a Racquet

One of the challenges for Project Run & Play Season 4 sew-along was "Sportswear Week."  After reading the definition given here, we mistakenly interpreted 'sportswear' to be “athletic wear." And....we weren't the only ones - check out this awesome creation by you and mie!

Since our sister was an avid tennis player and state champion in high school, we decided it was high time her daughter had some cute attire to wear to the courts.

We chose to use the Oliver + S Badminton Top and Skort pattern, and modify it slightly to have a tennis appearance. We didn't want our niece to have a 'fashion distraction' during her match, so the tie on the front yoke was replaced with a solid elastic casing. We also made the hem facing of the skort be on the outside, instead of as a lining. Piping was added for details, as well as a ball pocket....adding to the true tennis player effect.

While it wasn't a perfect fit, the experience on the courts more than made up for it! Take a look for yourself.

Entering the courts....

{feel free to hum The Eye of the Tiger} 

choosing the perfect game balls....

tucking a special ball away before beginning warm-ups....

then, taking a few practice swings at the net....

stopping for a water break and....

one final paparazzi photo shoot before the match begins.

Watch out, sports fans! GAME ON!!!

The Day the Pattern Pieces went MIA

Once we dove head first into sewing, we quickly realized that we were way behind on our pattern stash! There were so many new, cute, fun and exciting patterns now available. And, we couldn't try them all fast enough.

We found these two patterns by TenderfeetStitches several months back, and thought not only were they sweet, but they'd also be cool and breezy for the summer months. The bloomers pattern is available in 14 different sizes (0-3 months to 10 years), 3 different lengths - short, mid and full, with an elastic waist and optional ruffles. The dress pattern is available in NB through size 8 and the top pattern starts at 6-12m through size 8. It may be created with or without the apron panel. Lots of bang for your buck!

Coquette Collection: Plaid Passion, Romantic Lattice Wall, and Green Mod Ring

Daydream Cotton by Cyndi Walker for Riley Blake Fabrics

When we downloaded the patterns, initially I was disappointed. There were no pattern pieces, and well, I thought I'd bought a pattern. Not to mention, I was a beginner, and a beginner needs a pattern. Well, boy was I wrong!

Then, I saw THE. GOLD. MINE. A thorough chart describing the dimensions of each piece in all sizes and how to cut the pattern pieces out! The chart could go a long way in drafting your own unique children's clothes. The measurements were very true to size on our garments. The directions were so detailed, a beginner could sew this, and sew it well. It does take a little bit of brain power and math to calculate the fabric yardage, but again that's what makes this beautiful - the possibilities are endless!

This was also my first attempt at using elastic thread. It was interesting. The directions were thorough, and the worst part of the experience was hand-winding the elastic thread onto the bobbin. . .eeeew!

  

These are a perfect addition to a todder's summer wardrobe....

and are sure to get lots of wear in the hot days ahead!

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary...

Project Run and Play, Season 4 sew-along taught us many things and the Earth Day / Upcycling Challenge was no exception. Upcycle? What in the world is that??? I had to do a little research.... Wikipedia basically states: Upcycling gives old products more value, not less.

Finding useless, old products in our house was no challenge at all. The challenge lay in converting one of those products into something of more value. First stop: My closet. GO. NO. FURTHER. There it was. Absolutely screaming to be used: THE "Pilgrim Dress." 

Is your curiosity peeked a little? Rewind at least a decade. I was standing in the hallway of my 'paying job,' when a student approached me and stated: "Hey, why are you wearing a pilgrim dress today?" Please note that it was nowhere near Thanksgiving, but for some reason this child put two and two together with my dress and the Pilgrims. Hence, THE "Pilgrim Dress" was named. Do not judge....but yes, even after that hint of fashion distress from a child, I continued to leave it hanging in my closet for the next 10+ years or so. But I digress....

Turning to our favorite Oliver + S patterns for inspiration, we opted to do a pattern we had not attempted yet: the Popover Sundress, a free downloadable pattern, along with some Oliver + S Tea Party bloomers. Our first glitch to this plan was the sizing. The smallest size in the Popover Sundress was a size 2, but we really needed an 18 month version. So, we drafted the pattern down {a first for us} to fit our niece. The front and back pattern pieces were cut on the fold, so we took out 1/4 inch from the center fold on both before cutting.  This actually translated to an inch removed (1/2 inch on the front, and 1/2 inch on the back).

Next, we wanted to use the pinstripes in varying directions to create subtle details. We added horizontal tucks to the yoke, but used the vertical stripes of the fabric. A twill ribbon separated the yoke and main portion of the dress, drawing attention to the small tucks and change of pinstripe direction. The main front portion of the dress ran horizontally, while the back portion maintained the vertical stripes from the top yoke.

The dark hem and cream trim was salvaged from the original dress, but turned vertically down the side creating a 90 degree angle with the twill ribbon. We were also able to salvage the back ties to make the shoulder straps.

While we liked the way it was coming together, we needed something MORE. We had the "Upcycle" portion of the challenge covered, but wanted to tie into the "Earth Day" portion of the challenge as well. We finally decided: What's more 'earthy' than a daisy?

So, we added a pocket...that doubled as a pot....and did a little hand-embroidery 'grow' on twill tape. Ashley {frances} worked on the daisy-chain stitch for the stem, while my nemesis project became the flower petals and center. Hundreds of bullions later, I covered a button, creating a flower center.

Next, it was time to do our part in saving the planet. Let's get to planting! Everyone knows you must have potting soil and the proper tools to get the job done...

Pour the soil in the pot (and on the ground), then mix-mix-mix....just like a giant salad! And, always keep an eye on your plant to make sure it feels the love.....

Then, act on that love. It is sure to be pretty thirsty from all the tender loving care received... And, in an effort to not create favoritism in the flower garden, share the abundance of water with all living creatures both great and small!

So, Mary, Mary Quite Contrary...How does your garden grow?

Happy {Fabric} Day to Us!

The older we become, the more difficult it is to find the perfect gift for each other….and invest the time/effort in securing it. Last Christmas, we ‘gave’ each other sewing labels and a trip to a fabric store to pick out and plan our niece’s spring and summer wardrobe. We loved the trip (and concept) so much that we opted to repeat the idea for our birthdays….just trekking to a few different spots on this round.

After falling in love with Kaffe Fassett shot cotton used on Probably Actually's Oliver + S Ice Cream Dress  and Skirt as Top's Sunshine Dress, we had been on mission to find some for our upcoming projects. Hence, we decided this trip would revolve around locating that very fabric! We researched online, and couldn’t find anything that wouldn’t require our hopping on an airplane. Finally, after one last “shot” at searching online, we SCORED!!
 

209 South Royal Oakes; Blvd Ste 223; Franklin, TN 37064; (615) 790-0603



Now, BE WARNED….Think: Hoarders, fabric-style. 

As we walked through the mounds of fabric, we couldn’t help but gawk at the sight of it all.

Fabric was stacked everywhere!

Fat quarters were everywhere!

We walked the aisles in search of our treasure, and rounded a corner, and ahhhhhhh….

there it was, high above our heads, begging to be bought! 

I’m sure there is a technical description of shot cotton, but for us, it reminds us of linen because of the irregularities of the weave, but it is 100% cotton. Kaffe Fassett has some stunning solids that take two similar threads and weave them together to get a textured appearance. At first, we only saw half of the selection – wonder why? Fabric bolts blocked our view. Then…there was more!  Even after we finished choosing and purchasing our fabrics, we found approximately 5 other bolts further down the aisle. Since we had another store to visit before the day was done, we opted to leave some favorites behind and have experienced Kaffe Fassett "butter remorse" ever since.

We were overwhelmed, a bit claustrophobic at times, but ecstatic. This store prided itself in QUANTITY…not necessarily QUALITY (or organization). Much of the fabric was not relevant for sewing children’s clothes, and it appeared a large majority of the store was dedicated to quilters. But, even with the negatives stated, we were thrilled with our find/s and purchases, and will definitely return for more when the time comes.

Our stash (top to bottom): Ecru, Cobalt (?), Ice, Smoky, Apricot, Clementine, Lipstick

Moving on down the road….

It doesn’t take much to excite us about a fabric store,
but seeing the SALE! signs about did us in!

2717 Franklin Pk.; Nashville, TN 37204; (615) 297-5346; www.textilefabricstore.com

Then, as we got closer, the window display caught our eyes. Oliver + S….
one of our favorite children’s pattern companies. Yes… this was indeed 
going to be a pleasant experience. We felt at home already.

Textile Fabrics is a 10,000 square foot building of “Fabric Heaven.” Fabric was well displayed, and it was easy to maneuver around the store.

While it was a bit pricier, the selection and service were impeccable. For the entire month of June, all fabrics (cuts of 1 yard or greater) were 50% off.  Uh huh…. 50% off…. ALL FABRICS!  That more than made up for the slight price increase!! 

All types of fabrics were available – basic solids/prints, batiste, lawns, laminates, knits, and Liberty of London to name a few! There was also no end to the embellishments, patterns, buttons, etc. in the store.

Of course, we didn’t leave empty-handed.  Check out the goodies we added to our stash. 

Each piece of fabic has been ‘bagged and tagged’ for cutting and sewing, and you can bet that these will appear on later posts…once we put them on the cutting table…

Happy {Fabric} Day to Us....Happy {Fabric} Day to Us....