tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25420823406978924712024-03-12T18:25:15.177-07:00a little grayJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.comBlogger465125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-42460440510137016972014-12-22T09:14:00.000-08:002014-12-22T09:14:08.892-08:00Sewing To Sell: I'm in a Book!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There have been so many times I've talked with people who begin sewing and wonder how they can make some money from it- how exactly does it work? What are all the unspoken rules, and what separates those who can actually be successful with it?<br />
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<a href="http://gingercake.org/gingercake/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Virginia Lindsay</a> did an amazing job answering all these questions in this book, plus a load of questions you wouldn't have even thought to ask. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sewing-Sell-Beginners-Starting-Business/dp/1607059037" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sewing to Sell</a> is thorough, clear, helpful and beautiful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ewGMcRpIZw4B2MZcvm6PpFfwidQqqz0fLCs3lNXI29DdazDFu5irOBWQsvZXsFuUi-aJ6iUdzIkTA-5BuiQak6XR9zt9qRrTIRmmjFYZm1qMenRYKWRat1UC_9I9AiPU4ZdEDLRcxok/s1600/10787860_308709245984810_1315784744_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ewGMcRpIZw4B2MZcvm6PpFfwidQqqz0fLCs3lNXI29DdazDFu5irOBWQsvZXsFuUi-aJ6iUdzIkTA-5BuiQak6XR9zt9qRrTIRmmjFYZm1qMenRYKWRat1UC_9I9AiPU4ZdEDLRcxok/s1600/10787860_308709245984810_1315784744_n-1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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And as crazy as it sounds, Virginia asked me to be a part of it! I have a 3-page interview toward the beginning of the book about finding your own style and voice in the sewing community. She liked some things I wrote some things here on the blog on that topic, so she invited me to answer some fun and thought-provoking questions. I think you can actually read most of my part on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sewing-Sell-Beginners-Starting-Business/dp/1607059037" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon preview</a>. There are a few pictures of some of my favorite makes, including a photo taken by <a href="http://skirtastop.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kristin</a>- thanks for your help dude ;)<br />
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You might be thinking it's a little weird for me to be in a book about sewing to sell, something I've only been very mildly and sporadically successful with. But I actually liked what I had to say on the topic when I got the book in the mail and went back to read it. It has been maybe a year and a half or more since I answered the questions so I completely forgot what I said, and fully expected it to sound all kinds of lame. But it didn't that much. Phew!<br />
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Of course, I'm not the only featured interview, there are several more bloggers who contributed some great advice to the book. One of my favorites is <a href="http://www.lbg-studio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vanessa's</a> section about photography, and we all know her photos are consistently killer. </div>
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But the book is not just a great resource for selling. It also has 16 patterns for sewing projects that are great for anyone. And I looooooooove the fact that Vanessa wants people to actually sell the projects they make in the book if they want to. No license or permission necessary. Simple. Generous. Encouraging. Love that. </div>
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I know I will use several of the projects for gifts or homemade essentials for myself. Even if you never need any advice about selling online or at craft shows or local boutiques, it's just one of those project books that makes such a useful addition to your sewing library. Virginia did a gorgeous job and I'm so proud to be a little part of it. You should buy it. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sewing-Sell-Beginners-Starting-Business/dp/1607059037" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a>.<br />
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Check out the rest of book tour projects over on Virginia's blog <a href="http://gingercake.org/gingercake/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gingercake</a>. Thanks again for inviting me to be in your beautiful book girl! (And for being soooooooo patient with me along the way!)<br />
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-8466834823701141442014-10-15T08:33:00.001-07:002014-10-15T08:33:53.357-07:00Sixteen-Patch Finish, and The WhipperCrafter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvollJX4oYtHss-G9qrBc6LshIxZmetqpNZr-tNKO5lK-zfOLH9hw8MREC0FoHhdTTzEk5cPcL4BLMX5ASawmKOPdwKQH8oqlFg77DQVM2kR_4r6pT5DsS4p9prE_N28hepJS4jwZ1g04/s1600/IMG_2943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvollJX4oYtHss-G9qrBc6LshIxZmetqpNZr-tNKO5lK-zfOLH9hw8MREC0FoHhdTTzEk5cPcL4BLMX5ASawmKOPdwKQH8oqlFg77DQVM2kR_4r6pT5DsS4p9prE_N28hepJS4jwZ1g04/s1600/IMG_2943.jpg" height="640" width="406" /></a></div>
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This finish is from a quilt top I made last December. The only reason I made it was because my husband bought me a new bigger cutting mat and I immediately had to cut out a new quilt on it. Then it sat around for awhile until I decided it should belong to a family member who has had a rough year. It's funny, I made this one with some of my very favorite colors and prints, but didn't realize how "masculine" it was overall. Or maybe I prefer gender-nuetral. But it's also the exact color scheme of <a href="http://alittlegray.blogspot.com/2013/08/new-picnic-quilt.html" target="_blank">this picnic quilt</a>, just way less saturated. Didn't mean to do that either. </div>
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The <a href="http://sewwithsass.blogspot.com/2013/04/quilts-st-louis-16-patch.html" target="_blank">St. Louis 16-Patch</a> is another one of those designs made popular again on Intagram, and it really is a fun quilt if you are in the mood for something quick that showcases some favorite fabrics. I made mine a large throw with 20 blocks. In the tutorial, you end up with two blocks for each pair of fabrics, but I mixed around my pairings so that no two blocks are the same. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOjqLHM6JhDU2hKDHHcYxE9pQX8mcbDK-iLaSFrcIwOmNDR2Y0K6aswll7Xr0ehTbtxj3JIY4h2tzkjwMr4qhJT_-v0JDJGoK1Uoh09a57oGe68Iq_GKyWgb5aKw9gG1EENKB5jsN5HY/s1600/IMG_2934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOjqLHM6JhDU2hKDHHcYxE9pQX8mcbDK-iLaSFrcIwOmNDR2Y0K6aswll7Xr0ehTbtxj3JIY4h2tzkjwMr4qhJT_-v0JDJGoK1Uoh09a57oGe68Iq_GKyWgb5aKw9gG1EENKB5jsN5HY/s1600/IMG_2934.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I also got to try another new-to-me style of free motion quilting! Elizabeth Hartman's <a href="http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/2012/03/orange-peel-quilting-on-a-grid.html" target="_blank">orange peel tutorial</a> made it so easy, and this design is perfect for it since the grid is already there for you. The peels were a little tricky for me to get consistently shaped at first, just because these squares require kind of large swoops, but I soon found the rhythm and I love the results. A lot. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nd5NdxG-evAA_kk_o-Mk0ccMZDIjOjoJjh1sByPQnVI07bhbm5owoGWzPs7LoZpiZdv36llOIZ7saW7OxZC7Efk65ibcnAQdgbeKp17XqrLZ4lGU-YviHyrhGTT5-YHoCM8UiXF5Mto/s1600/IMG_2942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nd5NdxG-evAA_kk_o-Mk0ccMZDIjOjoJjh1sByPQnVI07bhbm5owoGWzPs7LoZpiZdv36llOIZ7saW7OxZC7Efk65ibcnAQdgbeKp17XqrLZ4lGU-YviHyrhGTT5-YHoCM8UiXF5Mto/s1600/IMG_2942.jpg" height="640" width="484" /></a></div>
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Here's how the quilting looks on the front. I also just wanted to include this picture because this corner block is my absolute favorite pairing of prints on the whole quilt. I love the way that blue Parson Gray print looks cut up like that. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7O4IlViGmF37WoONG9qwKsEq4tPI2dIdwYWTK-54JMX_IR4ZT_grd8jsMQ3tfwoqxHFeXO-HcKMmpsX_NWujJMQf6sunXx-BZAzbEWnsSBxE8Jw7g8C89KXnYYO_pn3ZaPu1hz_PAP4/s1600/IMG_2941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7O4IlViGmF37WoONG9qwKsEq4tPI2dIdwYWTK-54JMX_IR4ZT_grd8jsMQ3tfwoqxHFeXO-HcKMmpsX_NWujJMQf6sunXx-BZAzbEWnsSBxE8Jw7g8C89KXnYYO_pn3ZaPu1hz_PAP4/s1600/IMG_2941.JPG" height="454" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now that this one is finished and has a new home, I only have one unfinished quilt top lying around. It's queen-sized though, so I'm not itching to baste it and quilt it any time soon... but maybe!<br />
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Of course, since it is October, we have Halloween on the mind all the time, and I couldn't resist starting a Halloween-ish fall quilt. Probably won't get done this fall, but it sure is fun to work on. And if you are looking for more Halloween inspiration, I should tell you about an AWESOME new craft magazine that was just released from <a href="http://www.rebelcraftmedia.com/" target="_blank">Rebel Craft Media</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqHiIDYtwQNaxTCNe3oH8bNfEOzmwbKMDi7Ce7DpgRUwe5BBBlFPils9hf4ZmZAKpxhwy0mYv4xHStsMDPg4ZG-qElDANWDI5p012EsrFfJZrYF1L4TOwgghce4h783xBkj8HPBfJ9io/s1600/1901917_298461453675836_1948249873468396452_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqHiIDYtwQNaxTCNe3oH8bNfEOzmwbKMDi7Ce7DpgRUwe5BBBlFPils9hf4ZmZAKpxhwy0mYv4xHStsMDPg4ZG-qElDANWDI5p012EsrFfJZrYF1L4TOwgghce4h783xBkj8HPBfJ9io/s1600/1901917_298461453675836_1948249873468396452_n.jpg" height="400" width="345" /></a></div>
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This adorably creepy mini quilt is just one of the great crafts featured. And it's not just quilty stuff, there are decorations and recipes and even fall cocktails. It's really pretty and well put together, and I'm especially proud because there's also an article in it featuring me! They interviewed me all about Film Petit and sewing costumey things for kids. So fun! You can get your <a href="http://www.rebelcraftmedia.com/shop/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">digital copy here.</a> </div>
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-23253631297584158972014-09-11T11:43:00.003-07:002014-09-11T11:43:56.677-07:00Around the World ......blog hop. I'm trying to trick you into ignoring that whole "blog hop" business by not putting it in the title. Did it work?<br />
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No, but really this is a pretty fun idea for a blog hop. The very sweet René of <a href="http://www.renecreates.com/2014/09/around-world-blog-hop.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">René Creates</a> invited me to participate. It's always fun when you get to just talk about what you like to create and not actually make anything new for the blog hop :)<br />
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I "met" René almost three years ago when I made her a quilt for a Flickr swap. Ever since then, she has sent me Happy New Year cards with pictures of her beautiful quilts on them. Is that not the sweetest thing you've ever heard? Seriously, she's the nicest, plus she makes some gorgeous quilts. And then we got to meet in person this past April when we were both at the MQG Sewdown here in Nashville. Totally just as sweet in real life!<br />
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So I'm gonna dive right into the blog hop questions and maybe toss in some Instagram pictures.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gSM4kf9PVpuhfcM-UX-Hrtf6UpocwahP2wiYp0WRvXWGsue7Rw5pyGSVPuqFTIYHNrFsnrL7cIsHWrMN-CvdOc43gL-AG0CsOMoDnrnVuFcYe5qJzEO1bHh2Ip82kY9u7dlsCX7vx0I/s1600/10546915_1447602635505145_434883585_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gSM4kf9PVpuhfcM-UX-Hrtf6UpocwahP2wiYp0WRvXWGsue7Rw5pyGSVPuqFTIYHNrFsnrL7cIsHWrMN-CvdOc43gL-AG0CsOMoDnrnVuFcYe5qJzEO1bHh2Ip82kY9u7dlsCX7vx0I/s1600/10546915_1447602635505145_434883585_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Instagram picture, in your face!</span></div>
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<i>1. </i><em style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 21.29px;">What quilting/sewing thing am I working on? </em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Well I think I told you guys before that I was searching for a job. I got one! YAHOOO!! I'll be working as a full-time reading intervention specialist in an elementary school, and working on getting my teaching license back to legit status in the meantime. So I've been wanting to sew some grown-up-ish work clothes for myself lately. I've made a few tops, have a Washi dress halfway done, and some fabric pre-washed and ready for a Moneta. Plus a ton of other patterns I really want to try for myself at some point. Phew! I haven't started work yet because there is a bunch of background checks and pee testing involved when you work at a school, so I've basically been sewing like a fiend for a couple weeks while the kids are at school. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Ruby Top I made for job interviews. I need to blog this one for real soon, I love it!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I also finished 3 quilts that were all about 6-9 month old projects, and have big sewing plans for another (gasp!) FILM PETIT!! I know, it's been far too long and we are really excited for this one. Can't put a firm date on it, but it's coming friends. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Quilt I just finished up for a sick relative.</span></div>
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<em style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 21.29px;">2. Why do I write/create what I do? </em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">My reasons for creating are probably pretty similar to a lot of bloggers/sewsters/quilters out there. But sometimes, there doesn't have to be a good reason for it. All the reasons we come up with kind of just serve as excuses to feed our creative compulsions, right? Oh, is someone sick/ sad/ lonely/ ran a marathon/ got the hiccups? I MUST make them something! I just like doing it for me and for others who might enjoy my handmade gifts. Maybe some people don't, but keep it to yourself, you're getting a quilt dammit!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Some blocks for a charity quilting bee</span></div>
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I also love creating just about anything for my kids. There are so many little needs in a kid's life that sewing can fulfill with tons of extra love- things like a shirt for purple day, or a nap time blankie for school, or a skull & crossbones bag for your pirate puzzle. They are little things, but I can <i>make</i> them. I love that. I don't think Hendrix and Elsie realize that most moms don't make all that crap for their kids. But when they do, I hope they will remember it making their childhoods full of creativity and love in the form of fabric and thread. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Elsie and I sewed this school blankie together- she picked everything out!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I think the whole messy-making thing is rubbing off on them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">We made a lot of animals and robots and dragons out of trash this summer!</span></div>
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<em style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 21.29px;">3. How does my writing/creating process work?</em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">However I can squeeze it in and make it work! I think I need to focus on streamlining my creative process and really learning more about how I work that way. I've been reading Twyla Tharp's The Creative Habit and it's really making me think about all of that stuff. Especially with this transition into full-time working, evenings with the kids and school work, and falling into bed at 10pm like an old lady, sewing time won't come easy. I don't want to work on things that are just obligations or the popular sew-along of the week. I want to enjoy every second and make only things I'm thrilled with. So is that an answer? I guess how my creative process works is that it really needs some work.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmbanxnRZMenu-Zz0wdjoDPQsw6Ao7GMXx8RRZhXgqKW28Gfj14Q02aE4qbna6hlsrQNPtCWQSWRP1AhP9m0FDIN7RYJloctgL42A20Zi36xJ31wY7rjrjGWId9Qu-2G3ZLc1g1zX10w/s1600/891398_617944221646950_659567886_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmbanxnRZMenu-Zz0wdjoDPQsw6Ao7GMXx8RRZhXgqKW28Gfj14Q02aE4qbna6hlsrQNPtCWQSWRP1AhP9m0FDIN7RYJloctgL42A20Zi36xJ31wY7rjrjGWId9Qu-2G3ZLc1g1zX10w/s1600/891398_617944221646950_659567886_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mini quilt I started in April- this one will hang on my wall for me to enjoy. </span></div>
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Next on the blog hop, I'm tagging three friends who are <u>SO</u> inspiring in their creativity, and who I've been lucky enough to sew/eat/drink/laugh with in person: </div>
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<a href="http://whatarajaneloves.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ara Jane</a></div>
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<a href="http://jaceycraft.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jacey</a></div>
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<a href="http://kisskissquilt.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nicke</a></div>
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I miss you girls like the desserts miss the rain.</div>
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Thanks for inviting me René! Make sure to check out her work <a href="http://www.renecreates.com/2014/09/around-world-blog-hop.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">over here</a>- that incredible heart quilt!!</div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-46642836479019633182014-09-03T08:27:00.000-07:002014-09-03T08:27:15.503-07:00Why it's always good to have those unfinished quilt tops lying around<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglT4FSk38m23_foiTFWgLb1SZ_BEi5yIN9LBvuAFMnDrF47xosla4ciNt4RANRmcGhr1zqOU6wp2kqnY3rGEySfauqZ4yfUtmtGrpOzRred8oWIYQqYFYRDNtxr-D3pRbwZvm1UhaPb3A/s1600/IMG_2906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglT4FSk38m23_foiTFWgLb1SZ_BEi5yIN9LBvuAFMnDrF47xosla4ciNt4RANRmcGhr1zqOU6wp2kqnY3rGEySfauqZ4yfUtmtGrpOzRred8oWIYQqYFYRDNtxr-D3pRbwZvm1UhaPb3A/s1600/IMG_2906.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I finished this quilt top last fall. I even put together a backing for it, but it's been on my shelf ever since. It started when I made <a href="http://alittlegray.blogspot.com/2012/12/field-study-pillow-and-winners.html" target="_blank">this pillow</a> a couple years ago, then made a replica of that block for myself, but then decided to add 8 more and make it a lap quilt. All that to say, I had no purpose in mind for it or urgency to finish it until last week.<br />
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That's when I found out a friend from college- my age, two kids- was diagnosed with breast cancer and would have surgery a few days later. And, she was 12 weeks pregnant with twins. Needless to say, this was awful news and I couldn't wrap my mind around all the what-if's and all the worry and fear. But at the same time, everything I was hearing from her and her family was full of hope to beat this thing. Such an amazing attitude, the least I could do was finish this quilt for her. When you make things all the time, you are even more compelled and obsessed when something like this happens to someone. It's like you can't think about anything else until it's done. Part of me feels like it's weirdly a selfish act- like I need to feel better that I've actually <i>done something</i> in a helpless situation. Is a selfish gift still a gift? Sure. I'm rambling now, but I'm hoping some of you quilters and makers out there can relate to the feeling.<br />
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Anyway, lucky for me, when I messaged her husband to ask her favorite colors, he said purple. This quilt had a sealed fate, and a very clear deadline date.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VggBJDMPYuNITTd2O7O9d6lF0H-3ze_JyhifZv-kC3GD7V6YnSvhK2F-a3rWn42WsIwa6u13G92bBuOe12JNVJs4hUfKW1GGGXIIe0RB_f-1rRV3yEn3lE7YlD4P_QyqeBJa2VdWAnM/s1600/IMG_2911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VggBJDMPYuNITTd2O7O9d6lF0H-3ze_JyhifZv-kC3GD7V6YnSvhK2F-a3rWn42WsIwa6u13G92bBuOe12JNVJs4hUfKW1GGGXIIe0RB_f-1rRV3yEn3lE7YlD4P_QyqeBJa2VdWAnM/s1600/IMG_2911.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The pattern is based on the popular <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2013/02/granny-square-quilt.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">granny square block</a>, but they are enlarged to 3.5" squares instead of 2.5", then I put wide sashing between the blocks out of the same Moda Bella Feather solid as the background. Most of my quilts don't have this much white in them, so I really wanted the quilting to stand out on it.<br />
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Free-motion quilting is something I've become a lot more comfortable with (even though I know I have SO much room for improvement), but I always have mixed feelings about the finished product. I seem to love the flow of my little practice quilt sandwiches-where I try out all different designs that all run together- much better than most of my quilts that have an all-over design, or even different designs based on the piecing. So I decided to treat this whole quilt like one of those practice pieces. I would just go with the flow and change designs when I got bored. Sometimes I would follow the lines of the piecing and sashing, most times I ignored them. It was definitely the most fun I've had quilting, and I love the way it turned out. It was just like quilt doodling, and the resulting crinkle is amazing. With such a simple and symmetrical piecing design, the quilting really helps to move your eye all over the place and make it interesting. I'll definitely be "free-stying" like this more in the future.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCuCzXs4ZvIgCJxRqFtWb5MZ-nZB-sbfRfHAI0uq8CZa5KGEp53tsDlo6fBeE7IBQodxYdIGUVBIAPr2Mfjf3lYP9pSg4Tdyc7QBZ1kj4JZGbQMwqKap6v8bKBxoBeYWlaakHFmjjq_M/s1600/IMG_2912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCuCzXs4ZvIgCJxRqFtWb5MZ-nZB-sbfRfHAI0uq8CZa5KGEp53tsDlo6fBeE7IBQodxYdIGUVBIAPr2Mfjf3lYP9pSg4Tdyc7QBZ1kj4JZGbQMwqKap6v8bKBxoBeYWlaakHFmjjq_M/s1600/IMG_2912.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I took these pictures after washing the quilt so it doesn't look so bad, but I wanted to show you the pucker action I got on the back. You can kinda see it on the right of this picture. Totally not that noticeable and I'm not one to unpick for something like that. But it happens. Adds to the charm.<br />
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I even labeled it before mailing. I always say I'm going to label my quilts, but then I never do. I felt like if this quilt stayed around in her family for any amount of years, I wanted them to know when and why it was made for her. It can be a small part of the some-day-story of how mom beat cancer while growing two (TWO!) babies :)<br />
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I didn't have a good binding on hand, but I got lucky at the local small town Sew&Vac here and found this Art Gallery Oval Elements in the perfect dark purple. I love framing all that white in a dark color. I think the quilt finished at about 55" square. </div>
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The package arrived the day of her surgery and her husband let me know that he'd bring it to her in the hospital that afternoon. Surgery went really well by the way, for all three of them!</div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-56729772472774424012014-08-28T09:13:00.001-07:002014-08-28T09:13:20.709-07:00A New Backpack for Preschool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A couple weeks ago, my 3 year old Elsie started (full day!) preschool. She is loving it and I'm so thrilled she is. I haven't been very emotional about either of my kids starting preschool, I just think it's so exciting for them, and for me. </div>
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Hendrix starting Kindergarten was a different story though. It's like mourning their little-kidness when they start real school. But for me it wasn't just because he wouldn't be at home as much and I'd miss him. It was because for the rest of their lives after that first day of Kindergarten, they have <i>expectations</i> on them. Responsibilities and potential stressors. Forever! It's a little overwhelming to think about and it caught me off guard as we drove home from dropping him off at school. So long carefree kid life, you have things you <i>have</i> to learn and do now. It's a big transition, but a good one. Anyway, that's not really what this post is about, but I thought I'd tell you because no one told me that that is what I would get emotional about. I always thought it was just a bunch of clingy moms who cried about Kindergarten. I was wrong, no judgment here, crying moms and dads.</div>
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So Elsie's backpack- it's the pattern from Liesl's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Oliver-Little-Things-Sew-Accessories/dp/1584799102" target="_blank">Little Things to Sew</a> and it's the second one I've made. The first time I did the <a href="http://alittlegray.blogspot.com/2011/09/lttsa-backpack-link-up.html" target="_blank">penguin version</a> for Hendrix three years ago. (You can also see a whole lot of other great versions on that link from the sew-along we did!) If you still don't have that book, what's the matter with you? Still consistently my most used sewing book ever. </div>
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This is the basic version of the backpack, but I added the lion appliqué from an Ed Emberly panel print I bought a long time ago. My kids love EE drawing books, and Elsie is especially crazy about lions right now, so I was thrilled when I remembered this lion that would fit perfectly on the front. And I got to actually use a decorative stitch around it, which is something I never think of doing. Come to think of it, I actually don't like the look of decorative stitches, but I love it here. </div>
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The main fabric is a print from the RK Blythe collection that I had in my stash from <a href="http://sewnstudio.com/" target="_blank">Sewn</a> (Have I mentioned how much I miss Sewn? I will say it again.) I interfaced it with Pellon Decor Bond which is the perfect weight for the backpack. I think the navy and dots make a fantastic background to the lion, so I'm glad I ended the hoarding period with this fabric. </div>
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The lining is a Confetti Dot from <a href="http://www.thefabricstudionashville.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Fabric Studio</a>, which is just opened in Nashville this past spring. This shop is so cozy, and the owner Nancy is super talented and helpful. Definitely put it on your list of fabric shops to visit! </div>
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The little ladybug is also from that Ed Emberly panel. Lady bug pocket? Sure, why not. </div>
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I think what I'm most excited about with this project is how well I blind stitched the lining in around the zipper opening. I should have gotten a picture of it! Last time, I was such a horrible hand-stitcher that I didn't ever finish and it looked like total poo. This time, it looks totally profesh and only took me like 1.5 episodes of Scandal. (I know. Shut up, it's a guilty pleasure.) </div>
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Sometimes you need a lion backpack to water Nana's flowers. You also need it to carry a "Little My Pony" lunch box and a Batman water bottle to school. I mean really, she is just the best. </div>
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-36928177588626908852014-08-21T07:49:00.001-07:002014-08-21T07:49:50.054-07:00My newest hobby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Cross stitch is one of those things I thought I'd never get into. I remember doing one as a kid, it was this cutesy scene of Amish farmers with their cows I think. Weird thing for a 10 year old to stitch, but I was probably a really weird 10 year old. Anyway, I'd never given it another thought after my great Amish opus, even though I see lots of quilters on IG enjoying it. I didn't think I had the patience or attention span. (I thought the same thing about quilting.)</div>
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But then my friend<a href="http://meandelna.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Kara</a> posted a picture of this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/164728034/forest-modern-trees-cross-stitch?ref=shop_home_feat_3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forest</a> pattern she was working on, by Jody Rice of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SatsumaStreet" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Satsuma Street</a>. Love at first sight. I HAD to relearn cross stitch just to make this pattern immediately. (Really, cross stitch is amazing simple- not much to learn) And then a whole bunch of her other patterns. Honestly, if there was no Satsuma Street, I would feel no need to take up this craft. But I'm glad I did.<br />
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I promptly made up a zipper pouch for my stitching projects, shown above on the left. It's scraps from a 16 patch quilt top I made around Christmas time last year, and it has room for all my goodies inside.<br />
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I didn't get a picture of the finished Forest piece, but I did finish it (in March maybe?) and wrapped it around a canvas and sent it to a good friend.<br />
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I was still hooked on stitching Satsuma, so I immediately began this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/151396298/voyage-modern-pirate-ship-cross-stitch?ref=sr_gallery_24&ga_search_query=satsuma+street&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto3&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Voyage</a> pattern. This one took even longer to finish, but I loved every stitch. The colors are just so genius! I love how I can stitch while watching evening TV with Nick or while on a picnic with the kids. I also love having an excuse to use these adorable stork scissors from <a href="http://www.thefabricstudionashville.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Fabric Studio</a> here in Nashville.<br />
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It's all finished now, but I still haven't decided on what to do with it. I had considered sewing it into a tote, but I usually get tired of bags eventually, and I never want to get tired of looking at this. Plus bags get grungy. Yup, this one needs to hang on the wall, but I don't know if I would rather wrap it on canvas or frame it.<br />
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My most recent finish was this phone case. I used some of my favorite colors I already had from other projects and just kinda made up this hexagon design. I found the stitchable case at a craft fair in my Cincinnati neighborhood from a booth set up by the <a href="http://www.thehoopandneedle.com/" target="_blank">Hoop and Needle</a>. I don't know if you can order it from their online shop, but you can find lots of fun <a href="http://www.thehoopandneedle.com/shop/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pdf cross stitch patterns</a> with profanity and Big Lebowski quotes and the lyrics to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzaVd6zl2bA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dayman</a>. (Have to make that one!!) They've also opened up a brick and mortar shop on Main St. in OTR. Definitely go support them if you are local. Can't wait to visit next time I'm in Cincinnati.<br />
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Currently I'm working on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/184167069/arcadia-white-and-gold-city-cross-stitch?ref=sr_gallery_19&ga_search_query=satsuma+street&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto3&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arcadia</a> on this happy polar ice blue Aida. This isn't even a quarter of the pattern done, but now that I've joined the ranks of moms in the car pick-up lane, I get some stitching in every afternoon. I think I love her patterns because of how she groups the colors in those large chunks. It speaks to my style much more than Kawaii or those cross stitches that are so detailed they look like paintings. It feels really modern, like a quilt in pretty solids.<br />
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And: you can't really tell in the picture, but this one has some <i>metallic</i> threads in it. Oooooh, fancy!<br />
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-29469208590506605202014-08-18T08:38:00.000-07:002014-08-18T08:38:14.182-07:00Fanfare Blog Tour: City Gym Shorts x2<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: left;">We are wild about Fanfare flannel! </span></div>
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I never thought I'd do it. The whole matchy-matchy with my daughter thing. But it was necessary with this foxy Fanfare flannel by the amazing <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rae</a> for <a href="http://cloud9fabrics.com/fabrics/fanfare-2014/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cloud 9 fabrics</a>. It would have been a crime not to!</div>
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Like everyone else, I've been wanting to make <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/2014/07/24/corinnes-thread-city-gym-shorts-for-all-ages/" target="_blank">Purl Soho's (FREE!) City Gym Shorts pattern</a> ever since I first laid eyes on it. And I've been desperate for new PJ shorts for me, so a free pattern definitely hit the spot. I also have that whole weird thick-mom-waist-skinnier-hips proportion going on, which has always made me afraid to sew my own shorts or pants. But simple elastic waist shorts weren't intimidating at all, and turned out just as comfy as you would think. </div>
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After mine were done, I had enough foxes and solid purple (sent courtesy of <a href="http://cloud9fabrics.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cloud 9</a>- thank you!) to make Elsie her pair. Everything's cuter on a 3 year old, but most importantly, this pajama party photo-shoot desperately needed the 3 year old. I'm sure my awkwardness modeling shorts alone would have known no bounds. So thanks to Cherie for the fun inspiration from her <a href="http://youandmie.com/2014/05/22/lounging-in-lotus-pond/" target="_blank">Lotus Pond pictures</a>! </div>
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Let's talk about this fabric. It's a really super nice flannel, much softer and higher-quality than the stuff you can buy in the big box stores. And the new colors of the <a href="http://cloud9fabrics.com/fabrics/fanfare-2014/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fanfare re-release</a> are so fun. I love that the prints are still so sweet for baby projects, but the brighter colors make it irresistible for any age and a whole range of projects. </div>
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Even though my shorts will mostly be worn an home, (ahem, we did both wear our shorts out to the county fair last night!) I went ahead and used chambray trim on Elsie's so that they looked a little more like "real" shorts she can wear to preschool. I love the combo! Let's all ignore the fact that her waistband foxes are upside down though. </div>
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My husband was nice enough to take pictures for me, and after a while of watching from the sidelines, Hendrix couldn't resist the mom-sanctioned bed jumping. But it's cool, he happened to be wearing his <a href="http://alittlegray.blogspot.com/2014/05/lotus-pond-geranium-sketchbook.html" target="_blank">Rae fabric</a> as well! Rae fan club.<br />
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Then I missed the memo about the superhero poses being over. Try and keep up mom, so uncool. </div>
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-61885550775302246982014-08-14T10:28:00.003-07:002014-08-14T10:28:44.120-07:00Sewn Studio Summer Swap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a while since I participated in an online swap, but this one did not disappoint. My buddy Heidi organized it for <a href="http://alittlegray.blogspot.com/2014/08/teacher-quilts-x2.html" target="_blank">Sewn Studio</a>, where I used to work part time before moving from Cincinnati. Oh man, do I miss that place! So even though it was online and anyone could participate, a lot of the swappers were Sewn customers. </div>
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When I got my partner's info, all she specified was that she liked both modern and traditional stuff, and she didn't like girly purples and pinks. But she also said she really likes baking and canning, so I decided to make her a table runner. It's shown here as a wall-hanging, which it could easily be used as, if she's not into table runners.<br />
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My mom and I have been working on a quilt together of all the Anna Maria Horner fabrics my mom bought at her studio when we went to the MQG Sewdown together in April. (I neglected to blog about that, but it was amazing- workshops with Carolyn Friedlander, Victoria Findlay Wolfe, Angel Walters, and AMH, plus dinner music and studio tour at Anna Maria's home here in Nashville. So wonderful!) Anyway, there were a bunch of tiny scraps from that project that I just started sewing together into improv-y little patchwork panels. Then I decided to add Essex linen in steel (I think?) to make them into modern crosses with slight variations on size and positioning.<br />
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It's one of those projects that just grew organically without a clear plan and I absolutely love the end result. Every time I sew that way, I enjoy it so so much. I don't know why I don't do things like that more often. Sometimes it feels easier to just reach for a pattern and follow it without having to think too much, but really, when I take more control of it myself and put more thought into the design, it's that much more pleasing at the end and all though the process.<br />
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The back is just the leftover patchwork bits along with bigger pieces of True Colors. The quilting is wavy organic lines with my walking foot, and the binding is a Julianna Horner print from Joann. I love how well the mother/ daughter fabrics go together! This one was a little difficult to send away, but at the same time it always feels good to send your best out for a swap partner.<br />
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I also whipped up a quick Heather Ross zipper pouch and stuffed it with scraps to send along. (Cutting measurements: 12"x5.5" and 12"x4.5 contrast for the outers, 12"x9" for the lining and interfacing, and a 3" wide boxed corner.) This is my go-to pouch size for gifts.<br />
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The day after I finished up my swap items, I got my amazing package in the mail from Amanda. I could not believe all the work she put into my gift, and she picked the perfect fabrics for me from the <a href="http://www.liveartgalleryfabrics.com/indelible.html" target="_blank">Indelible collection</a>. Plus I was so happy to receive from Amanda, a friend I know from Sewn. The bag is the <a href="http://www.willowandcopatterns.com/shop/senna-tote/" target="_blank">Senna Tote by LBG Studio</a>, and it's a GREAT tote. So roomy with convenient outside pockets- this one will get a lot of use Amanda, so thank you!<br />
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-5373000815458373812014-08-13T07:22:00.000-07:002014-08-13T07:22:06.383-07:00Teacher Quilts x2 Hi!<br />
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This morning as I was sitting down to write this post, I got a very sweet comment on my last post (from over 2 months ago) asking if I was taking a summer break and saying my posts were missed. Well gosh. That made me feel great! So at least one person will be happy to read this. That one person, and my mom.<br />
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I guess you could say I have been taking a summer break, though I didn't really try to, it's just the way things go during a time of lots of transitions. And I mean LOTS. We have moved to the Nashville area from Cincinnati, my husband just started a new job, Hendrix just started Kindergarten, Elsie is in full-time preschool, and I'm signed up for some courses and going thru the many ups and downs of searching for full-time-work-after-stay-at-home-motherhood myself. Phew. Of course I've managed to sew a few things during all this time, (how do normal people cope with changes if not with furious stitching?) and now I have quiet mornings alone in the house and I've got that cyclical "I'm gonna blog again, gosh darn it!" feeling going on. Life is made of seasons, so are blogs and ideas and relationships and ambitions and run-on sentences, turn, turn, turn.<br />
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Obviously, when you are a slow and seasonal blogger, not all the makes get posted about. (Most of them are on IG though, @alittlegressica.) But I always feel like I owe it to the quilts. The quilts must be honored! Well yeah, they take a long damn time to make.<br />
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Back in May, I set out to make a throw quilt for both of Hendrix's preschool teachers from last year as end of the year gifts, just like I did <a href="http://alittlegray.blogspot.com/2013/05/2-quilts-in-4-days.html" target="_blank">the year before that</a>. I made the same designs, just 10" squares in 6 rows of 6, and I used the opportunity to use up some larger scraps and tie them together with some other fat quarters in my stash.<br />
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So with a simple design like that, I always assume it will be quick and don't leave enough time. But then I think I have enough time, so I irrationally think, hey! Let's use this quilt to practice a different free-motion design in every single square! Yeah, that really adds to the work time. I was kicking myself and whining about my shoulders like a big wuss, but it was fun, and definitely good practice. It was great to learn which designs I really enjoyed doing, and which ones were just good to know, but not my go-to's. At first I thought the patchwork of quilting squares you can see on the back was too weird, but after washing, the crinkle brings it all together in a coziness of rad quilting.<br />
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This teacher got the more teachery looking quilt- with the primary colors and typographical prints. Those are from some Moda panel I got on sale ages ago, and it ended up being perfect for this purpose.<br />
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I wised up on this one and did a quick and simple quilting design. This design really is easy for free-motion quilting, but I loooooove the way it looks and feels on any quilt. Definitely a go-to. </div>
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Now that Hendrix is in s<i>chool</i> school for like the next 13 years, I'm not sure if his teachers will keep getting quilts. But Elsie's preschool teachers might... I just love giving special people quilts more than anything, so I'm sure I won't be able to resist.<br />
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These quilts end up about 57" square. The first is bound in a Lotta Jansdotter Mormor print, and the second in a Carolyn Friedlander Botanics print. Man, those are some sexy bindings, now I need to go bind something...<br />
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-22715755898885951382014-05-29T21:32:00.000-07:002014-05-29T21:32:12.369-07:00Lotus Pond Geranium & Sketchbook<br />
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This is essentially the ONLY face/pose I can get out of this kid anymore. He was being the Hulk, I think. Or maybe he was trying to smile nice. There is no difference between those two looks. </div>
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So welcome to my spot in the sunshiny glow of the Made-By-Rae Lotus Pond Blog Extravaganza! I mean really, does this fabric line make you happy or what? The colors together are an unstoppable happiness force. Don't fight it. See <a href="http://girllikethesea.org/2014/05/lotus-pond-drop-cloth-picnic-blanket-aka-zero-squared-blanket/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tara's blanket</a>, if you doubt me. And if you just don't know what I'm talking about, check out <a href="http://cloud9fabrics.com/fabrics/lotus-pond/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rae's brand new line</a> of organic quilting cottons from Cloud 9. I was so excited to get to play with this gorgeous fabric!</div>
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I made Hendrix an <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-pants/OLV-OS018SKD.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oliver & S Sketchbook shirt</a> using Snail Trail in gold and the Lily Pond print for a contrasting yoke. I made a size 6, but I think my just-turned-5 year old actually needs a 7 now. It just didn't quilt fit his chest right when it was buttoned and seemed a little short to me. Must be the Hulk muscles. But it's still pretty darn cute with that lily pad blue yoke. He bought the whole concept only because he has recently seen the movie Turbo, which is about a snail who wins the Indy 500. (huh?) And these days he is mostly really happy just to have me making him anything. I should do it more. His sister accumulates my makes only because of the sheer volume of cute little girl patterns and fabrics, but she never shows that kind of gratitude. Hrumph.</div>
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Speaking of sass-master, she got herself a new Meadow Blossoms <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2012/12/geranium-dress-sewing-pattern-is-here/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Geranium dress</a>, made just a day or two after the fabric arrived in the mail. Which also happened to be the day before Easter. The Instagram was appropriately tagged #raesaveseaster. Really, could there be a more perfect Easter dress? (Besides<a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2014/05/lotus-pond-geranium-twirl-dress.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this one</a>. Geez Cino Jess, just had to be a genius with the trim, huh?) </div>
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I<i> really</i> enjoy cute buttons on the back of a dress. One of life's greatest satisfactions.<br />
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I tried really hard to get those cute little hand-holding shots that one would expect from a perfect blogger like me with perfect kids like these, but this is what happened instead. I'm not complaining. </div>
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Thanks so much to Rae and Cloud 9 because now these little weirdos have some extremely cute new summer duds. Check out the rest of the Lotus Pond projects over on <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Made By Rae</a>, you will love them all to pieces. And if you are local, we should be getting the whole collection at <a href="http://sewnstudio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sewn Studio</a> any day now! </div>
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-36027734567047416002014-05-20T06:33:00.001-07:002014-05-20T06:33:53.248-07:00Hide & Seek Tunic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I made Elsie this <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS045HSD.html" target="_blank">Oliver & S Hide and Seek tunic</a> about 6 weeks ago. Sooooo it's been washed and worn a lot before being blogged, as is my pattern lately. Still as adorable as ever, but that shot cotton I used on the yoke refuses to iron well. At least you can't see the spaghetti sauce stains near the birds, so there's that.<br />
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It's pony-tail weather now, which makes Elsie look like such a big kid. She loves this shirt a lot. She's more of pants girl than a dress girl, so it's great that most O&S dress designs come with tunic or blouse options. I loved putting this one together too. It didn't take too long, but it's a unique construction that lends itself to really cool color blocking options.<br />
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The bird border fabric is from <a href="http://suchitysuch.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carrie Bloomston</a>'s first line Collage. I actually just saw her new Paint collection in person at Quilt Market over the weekend, and it's just as great as the first! There are some really cool prints that can be used uniquely in garment sewing. The yoke fabric isn't quite this dark in person and it's a Studio E Peppered Cotton. The tunic is sewn up in a size 3. </div>
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Thanks so Liesl for sending me this pattern to try. As always, it was a joy to sew! You can pick yours up online <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS045HSD.html" target="_blank">here</a>, or if you are local we carry the full line of paper patterns at <a href="http://sewnstudio.com/" target="_blank">Sewn Studio</a>. </div>
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Come back next week to see what I made for both kids with <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rae</a>'s beautiful <a href="http://cloud9fabrics.com/fabrics/lotus-pond/" target="_blank">Lotus Pond fabric</a>. After that, I really need to let the kids wear out their summer hand-me-downs and focus on finishing some quilting projects AND sewing more clothing for me. I've actually just finished up 2 <a href="http://oliverands.com/liesl-and-co-patterns/OLV-LC007WM-D.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Liesl & Co Metro tshirts</a> that I love, so hopefully I can get pictures to share those soon too. </div>
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-42943284155939270782014-05-02T05:31:00.000-07:002014-05-02T07:35:44.866-07:00Autobot Raglan and After School Pants<br />
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I have the hardest time lately with blogging my kids' clothes before they get dirty and slightly trashed. So why not embrace the reality of kid slime? No ones kids actually look that clean by lunch time in the spring anyway. And goodness knows I'm not together enough to get blog photos taken in the morning. </div>
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So I followed the kids (with cutey little school friend on the left) on a walk yesterday when they set out to make treasure paths on the sidewalks. I made Hendrix this Autobot tee to wear to his fifth birthday party a couple weeks ago. The Autobots are the good-guy Transformers, led by Optimus Prime of course, and that's their symbol.<br />
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I made the raglan with some cheap interlock from Joann (I prefer the nicer stuff normally, but birthday parties are expensive. So I was being cheap.) It's the raglan pattern out of the Sewing for Boys book, in the size 7/8. That pattern worked fine on him when he was smaller, but I'm not crazy about the fit of this one. I need to switch to <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS035FS.html" target="_blank">Field Trip raglans</a> for my kids, not sure why I haven't yet!<br />
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Of course, the freezer paper stencil was the fun part. I gave Hendrix the shirt right before his birthday party. He was trying to watch something so he mumbled a thanks without barely glancing at it. I told him to look at the front and he exploded off the couch in excitement, "I LOVE IT!"<br />
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The pants are Oliver & S After School Pants, once again. Still my favorite pants ever. They are in teal Robert Kaufman Shetland flannel, which is the coziest ever. I made these a couple months ago, when the weather was still very cold and Hendrix had already worn through the knees of his store-bought jeans. I hate that! This flannel, along with the relaxed fit of the pants, won't do that. I decided to get a little crazy with the pockets in <a href="http://www.pinkcastlefabrics.com/products/feathers-in-chartreuse" target="_blank">Alison Glass' Sunprint</a>. I hate how his outfits tend to get so dark and boring, partly due to the dismal color selection in the boys' department and partly due to the fact that his favorite color ever is black. Little touches like chartreuse pockets make me happy. </div>
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He thinks his spacey rain boots match everything perfectly this spring. Ok, I like your style kid.<br />
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-20734519347126945912014-04-28T07:15:00.001-07:002014-04-28T07:15:52.223-07:00Back in the BeeYou guys, I have so many things to blog about that I've mostly just avoided it altogether. I know, not the end of anybody's world. But I actually do want to share lots of these things because they are exciting to me and I like them. I've taken up a new crafty obsession, I've made progress on so many projects, I've learned new sewing skills <i>and </i>I really need to tell you guys about my recent <a href="http://themodernquiltguild.wordpress.com/2014/04/24/sewdown-nashville-classes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sewdown</a> weekend because it was pretty amazing.<br />
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So instead of overthinking it, I'll just tell you one thing at a time. And probably still in my slow and forgetful blogging style :)<br />
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I recently re-joined the charity quilting bee, <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/dogoodstitches" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Do Good Stitches</a>. I left my original circle of the bee last year just to take a break, which lasted about 9 months. But then <a href="http://www.stitchedincolor.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rachel</a> so kindly invited me to be in her circle, along with several other of my favorite online quilting buddies, and I just couldn't say no. Plus, this time I'm only a stitcher and not a quilter. That means I just make the assigned blocks each month and I never have to be in charge of planning and finishing the quilts. That feels much more manageable for me right now, so I was super excited to get back into it!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/alittlegray/13367851523" title="Mystery Star by Jessica Rider, on Flickr"><img alt="Mystery Star" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3793/13367851523_662b00070a.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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This block was for Rachel's March assignment. You can read about <a href="http://www.stitchedincolor.com/2014/02/bee-prompt.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">her instructions here</a>, but she basically wants to make a quilt with a very eclectic piecing style but cohesive color scheme. So we had a lot of freedom of choice here. She did want our units to be traditional style blocks though, which she will put together in kind of an improv-y modern way. Cool idea, huh? So I had recently learned to paper piece (finally!) from my friend and boss at Sewn Studio, Julie. I was itching to try another paper pieced block that fit the traditional bill here, so I tried Faith's <a href="http://www.freshlemonsquilts.com/?p=1639" target="_blank">Star of Mystery tutorial</a>. It was so fun to put together! I can totally see why people get so easily addicted to paper piecing. I also sent along some tiny hourglass units with my star for Rachel to work into the quilt somewhere. I can't wait to see how she puts this one together!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/alittlegray/14030695623" title="String blocks for Jacey by Jessica Rider, on Flickr"><img alt="String blocks for Jacey" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/14030695623_830bc504ff.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This month, <a href="http://jaceycraft.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jacey</a> asked for simple 8.5" scrappy string blocks with solid blue center strips. This was quick and fun for me since I just recently made a <a href="http://alittlegray.blogspot.com/2014/03/scrappy-strings-quilt.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">whole quilt that's very similar</a>. This time, I didn't put any wonkiness into my cuts though, and tried to mix in more thin strips. I love them. I need to just always be making string blocks once in a while- the pile of string scraps is constantly growing!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/alittlegray/12864198914" title="DGS Love Circle by Jessica Rider, on Flickr"><img alt="DGS Love Circle" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/12864198914_b562eb4350.jpg" width="536" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/alittlegray/12863765855" title="DGS Love Circle by Jessica Rider, on Flickr"><img alt="DGS Love Circle" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/12863765855_c26f14106f.jpg" width="458" /></a>
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February was my first month with this group and <a href="http://greenleafgoods.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natalie</a> (soooooo talented. I love everything she does!) asked for improv blocks that were one color each, but went from darker value in the center to lighter value around the outsides. Now I also want to make myself a scrappy quilt in this style. She gave no size specifications for the blocks, they didn't even have to be square. I think that variation will make the whole quilt so interesting. </div>
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Isn't this group awesome? It's nice to just follow someone else's directions when there is a perfect balance of guidance and creative freedom given. I can never wait to see what we are doing next. </div>
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If you are interested in joining the bee, you can find sign-up info <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/dogoodstitches" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, in the group news section. And if you are interested in seeing more timely, but less wordy updates from me, @alittlegressica on Instagram. </div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-59420673429356191252014-04-04T07:19:00.000-07:002014-04-04T07:19:05.541-07:00Baby Sam's Quilt<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/alittlegray/13609089955" title="Baby Sam's Quilt by Jessica Rider, on Flickr"><img alt="Baby Sam's Quilt" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/13609089955_453ff4c612_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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This quilt was a little late getting to it's brand new baby tiny person, but I don't think he minded too much. Sam is our besets friends' new baby. He's put them over the two-kid-line both us and his parents never thought we'd cross. And we are over here watching in awe as they make it look totally easy :) We are so happy he is here, and I just had to make him a quilt of course. His mom showed me some colors she might like, and I honestly can't remember how closely I stuck to what we discussed... probably not all that close!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Fwm447KazJYfBdCXlmnMzGKZrUUk9bWXjCkidVB1A7GuOe4YxEYGcx5DwIdE7EMPRaFbKqIyPB2cafaew3IoJgiq8-VC3BosBB5hhagrlFA6CPvAW4_YpfqWunhcC9Np5kVsWql5XW0/s1600/2f75a3e085d011e38674129e5825c438_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Fwm447KazJYfBdCXlmnMzGKZrUUk9bWXjCkidVB1A7GuOe4YxEYGcx5DwIdE7EMPRaFbKqIyPB2cafaew3IoJgiq8-VC3BosBB5hhagrlFA6CPvAW4_YpfqWunhcC9Np5kVsWql5XW0/s1600/2f75a3e085d011e38674129e5825c438_8.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a><br />
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I pulled everything for this quilt out of my stash, and the scheme started out with a lot of Carolyn Friedlander's Botanics line. It's my favorite fabric line that's come out in a long time and I've used it so many ways lately. To that I added some Lush Uptown, a few Joel Dewberry print, and other scraps that fit the scheme.<br />
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I knew I wanted to do a simple log cabin quilt. I decided to give it dimension by putting darker fabrics in the center and going lighter as the blocks grew out. The picture above is my progress as shown on Instagram (@alittlegressica) a couple months ago. I had done the darker value centers and then the layers of medium values around that, but hadn't added the final round of super light prints and linens.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/alittlegray/13609119725" title=" by Jessica Rider, on Flickr"><img alt=" " height="800" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/13609119725_2aaa8c6361_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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The back is this amazing fabric called Shetland Flannel by Robert Kaufman (purchased at Sewn of course, along with most everything else in the quilt.) It's super soft but also has a subtle herringbone texture in the weave. And the fibers going in each direction are two different colors, kind of like shot cotton. This one is blue combined with a citron-y yellow, and the light teal it makes is just perfect.<br />
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I kept the quilting pretty simple on this one so it would stay soft and flimsy. At first, I regretted not doing my favorite quilting- dense straight lines. But now that I see these pictures, I like the effect the large cross hatch has on the log cabin blocks. Sometimes keeping it simple works best.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/alittlegray/13609133025" title=" by Jessica Rider, on Flickr"><img alt=" " src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/13609133025_22962061c1_c.jpg" /></a><br />
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The binding is probably my favorite print from Botanics. Even baby boys need a little metallic gold in their lives right? Fabric designers, please make more prints in this dark gold color. I need them all.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/alittlegray/13609071043" title="Baby Sam's quilt by Jessica Rider, on Flickr"><img alt="Baby Sam's quilt" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7240/13609071043_c54d8fdd0d_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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So baby Sam finally has a handmade quilt to hang out with. I really really love how this one came out and I might have to make another quilt in these colors for me to keep!<br />
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-59040565982342994082014-03-28T07:31:00.002-07:002014-03-28T07:31:50.879-07:00Scrappy Strings Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBH_RQJx6G5BKFoF3eoBJ7dCIBty86oydszpGvgBeGbZy3ZPonU19mE0lIg3XMyvxEYjKKPlit2tad-55ERHBrq8-3jaAr2QG1tBIQVrR0SGICTZ6y8Ta25ttLq5qWOco3NrCHhfvFBsw/s1600/IMG_2201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBH_RQJx6G5BKFoF3eoBJ7dCIBty86oydszpGvgBeGbZy3ZPonU19mE0lIg3XMyvxEYjKKPlit2tad-55ERHBrq8-3jaAr2QG1tBIQVrR0SGICTZ6y8Ta25ttLq5qWOco3NrCHhfvFBsw/s1600/IMG_2201.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was another quilt I finished back in January and photographed when we were in Florida that month. It was a gift for my oldest brother and his family. I started on it at the end of November, just picking up some scraps on a whim and making string blocks on 8.5" squares of printer paper as foundations. </div>
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The technique is similar to the string quilt in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Practical-Guide-Patchwork-Quiltmaker/dp/1607050080" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this book</a>, only I changed the size of the blocks and I cut my strips to all different widths without measuring, some of them at slightly wonky angles. That really made this project go fast for such scrappy quilt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi5kJD0boaGzykBkZfNWfJLJBY3bjAcCauip0L1OSmU6wK-u-Fjj5TDAv9ypFNeEwLkFm-V52T-Grpk-suXu2SxMiK45D57Zg32SzPrN7oRbVA7xU62UxH-nFDEDjvJ0rCsHSjUropFc/s1600/IMG_2203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi5kJD0boaGzykBkZfNWfJLJBY3bjAcCauip0L1OSmU6wK-u-Fjj5TDAv9ypFNeEwLkFm-V52T-Grpk-suXu2SxMiK45D57Zg32SzPrN7oRbVA7xU62UxH-nFDEDjvJ0rCsHSjUropFc/s1600/IMG_2203.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm not 100% happy with the back. I wish I had made those pieced strips just as scrappy as the front blocks, but I was lazy and just chopped up 4-5 fat quarters to fill the space I needed. The gray is actually a tiny sketchy black and white print from Carolyn Friedlander's Botanics collection. I love that choice, but it would have looked a little better with more colors against it. No biggie. Just one of those choices you get a better perspective on after everything is finished. </div>
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The binding is a deep purple Joel Dewberry woodgrain print. </div>
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The quilting is a little hard to see in places, and equally hard to do in those places. I did dense straight lines that crossed thru the solid star. But then in the leftover areas I free-motion quilted in scallops growing out from the star. By the time I got to the edges of the quilt, I was doing lines of scallops that got way too wide to be done very easily, but in the end it worked out. I like the contrast in the two quilting styles.<br />
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I can't remember exactly, but I think it ended up about 60" square. My sister-in-law especially appreciated the gift because she has started to really get into sewing too, even a little quilting. It's always fun to see someone new take up your obsession! My younger brother's wife is also a very good quilter, so between us and my mom, we somehow ended up with a family full of sewing women. One day when we aren't scattered all over the country we'll have girly sew dates together :)<br />
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In the meantime, my mom and I will be going to <a href="https://www.themodernquiltguild.com/events/sewdown-nashville" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sewdown Nashville</a> together in just a couple weeks! I'm getting really excited about the workshops (seriously, check out our<a href="https://www.themodernquiltguild.com/events/sewdown-nashville" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> AMAZING teachers!</a>) and fun social sewing time. Anyone else going??<br />
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-50520997746536889472014-03-12T13:27:00.002-07:002014-03-12T13:27:22.315-07:00A Princess Anna Dress- New Oliver & S Spring Patterns<br />
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So have you heard of this one movie called Frozen? It's a bit under the radar, not every little girl everywhere has been singing all the songs from it for the past 4 months or anything. Elsie is so special and unique in her little 2.5 year old movie tastes. Like a snowflake. </div>
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I kid, I kid. We are all obsessed around here, not just Elsie. When I got home from work today, her and Hendrix had been building Kristoff's ice sled out of blocks together. It's pretty cute how much their playing together revolves around that movie lately. When I first saw the preview in the fall, it said something about "The biggest Disney event since Lion King." I immediately thought, yeah right. Now that I've watched it 8 times, I'll totally give them best since Lion King, easily. Anyway, point is, you should see it if you haven't. </div>
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This whole princess sewing thing is new to me. I've never actually tried for "Princessy" in my sewing before. At the same time, I didn't want to make a dress-up dress, I wanted it to be something she can wear whenever. Like with froggy rain boots, if need be. </div>
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So it's not an exact costume, it's more inspired by Anna's clothing and the jewel tones of the movie. It's more like the green dress she wears to the coronation. I stuck to the deep green on the bodice and added gold grosgrain ribbon, which is what really makes this dress feel like hers.<br />
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At <a href="http://sewnstudio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sewn Studio</a>, we recently got Amy Butler's new Hapi collection and this print caught my eye right away. It's so interesting and unique and this color way reminds me very much like Frozen. I liked that it's linear elements could go vertically across the skirt and feel a little bit like Anna's gorgeous green pleats, without being that formal. Elsie likes both of the frozen sisters equally, but now she is begging for a Queen Elsa dress, of course. I'm excited to try to make an "every day" version of that dress next!<br />
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The pattern is the brand-spankin-new <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS044GP.html" target="_blank">Garden Party Dress and Blouse</a> from Oliver & S. I was very excited to get this pattern in advance to try it out, and it didn't disappoint! The way the bodice comes together is so clear and clever. It also makes gathering pretty painless, which is probably my least favorite thing to do in garment clothing. Have you discovered the dental floss trick yet? Instead of just sewing a row or two of gathering stitches, you lay out a length of floss and zig zag over it. It gathers up so much easier. It's the only way I do it nowadays.<br />
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I can't wait to try a sleeveless blouse version of <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS044GP.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this pattern</a> for spring/summer too. For more inspiration, check out <a href="http://skirtastop.com/2014/03/11/meadow-garden-party-dress/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kristin</a> and <a href="http://probablyactually.wordpress.com/2014/03/11/a-garden-party-birthday-dress/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gail</a>'s super pretty floral versions. Stellar as usual from those two. Also, thanks to <a href="http://sewnstudio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sewn Studio</a> for letting me take pictures among the pretty bolts on a gray day.<br />
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I moved Elsie up to a 3t in Oliver & S for the first time and I'm glad I did. It's not too big, but roomy enough that I know it will last all summer. I'm sure we'll still be singing about building snowmen come July!<br />
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-89290756622424475162014-02-25T06:27:00.000-08:002014-02-25T06:27:11.690-08:00The Florida Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When we were in Florida a couple weeks ago, I finally had the chance to give my mother-in-law this Christmas present. While she doesn't do a whole lot of cuddling up to stay warm down there, she has alway made it clear how much she admires the things I make. So I was happy to finally make a special quilt just for her.<br />
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She loves bright sunny Florida more than anyone I know, so I tried to pick colors that felt Floridian. They even feel kind of specifically like the beach town I grew up in there. I actually had a hard time with these colors when I was working on the quilt top because they are SO unrelentingly bright. I normally need some toned down shades along with black or gray in my schemes, or at least some soothing natural linen. And I don't usually use so much bright white, but I do love the subtle stars scattered in there on this Lizzy House print from Constellations. (I have to say thanks to <a href="http://whatarajaneloves.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ara Jane</a> for sending me the extra fat quarter I needed of that fabric!) And to top it off, I really hated a few of those larger floral prints in there. So many little things irking me, how neurotic of me.<br />
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But really, once I got it all finished, the front and back and quilting and binding as a package really made me love it. It definitely has that Florida feel I was going for. And most importantly, she really liked it and it looks at home in her home. Good good.<br />
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The back is a length of ombre fabric from <a href="http://sewnstudio.com/" target="_blank">Sewn Studio</a> with a strip of scraps up the center. I'm really liking those ombres for quilt backs lately.<br />
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The quilting was really fun to do. Cloudy Florida skies. (Yes, it's mostly sunny, but every summer afternoon needs a freakishly short thunderstorm, just for fun.) It's not the most amazing quilting job ever, but it's so nice to finally feel like it's not a huge deal to try new things with my FMQ skills. And I love the puffy, cloudy texture!</div>
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So it's the most electrically eye-searing quilt I've ever made. But it took me back to my roots (both literally and by way of fabric), and it turned out to be a really happy thing. Giving a quilt to a loved one who really appreciates it is always a happy thing.<br />
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I used the "Small Plates" pattern from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Practical-Guide-Patchwork-Quiltmaker/dp/1607050080" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elizabeth Hartman's first book</a>, but kept it a bit smaller at 56" square. Next up, I'll show you the very scrappy string quilt I made for my brother and his family. It's much more <i>me.</i><br />
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-88562416864496086152014-02-11T05:00:00.000-08:002014-02-11T05:00:01.961-08:00Scrappy Circles Pillow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://sewnstudio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">At work</a> this year, we decided to have a little "Secret Santa" gift exchange. It turned into a more of New Year thing rather than Christmas, which was fine with me! The nice things about exchanging gifts with a bunch of sewers is that everyone understands how busy sewing for Christmas can get.<br />
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I drew my friend Pat's name to make a gift for. She is so fun to work with and always so encouraging of anything I make, so I felt like I wanted to wow her a little. Plus, I had been wanting to try <a href="http://www.bettycrockerass.com/" target="_blank">Jen's </a>signature quarter circles ever since I saw one of her gorgeous quilts in a show last year.<br />
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I used her pattern from the <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/modern-patchwork-winter-2014" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Winter 2013 Modern Patchwork</a> magazine. The pattern is for making an apron, but it would be easy to use for anything. I've done improv curved piecing before, but nothing like these precise circles. It was surprisingly easy! You have to take a little more time, pin extra, and be careful. They aren't perfect perfect circles, but I never screwed up too badly or had a problem with puckers.<br />
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I used all small scraps I had and Robert Kaufman chambray from <a href="http://sewnstudio.com/" target="_blank">Sewn</a> for the background. It ended up being a large 20" pillow, and she loved it!<br />
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What's even more fun, is that Pat was my secret maker! She actually knitted me this amazing purple cowl. I was over the moon about it. I've never had a gift knitted just for me, and she really chose the perfect color and everything. It's super cozy and I wear it every day. Yay for friends who make!<br />
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-64335741197216257372014-02-07T07:29:00.000-08:002014-02-07T07:45:04.669-08:00Zebra Ice Cream Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week we were fortunate enough to escape the frozen tundra of the Midwest to spend some time with family in Florida. And we even got to visit Disney World for a couple of days! Elsie wore her favorite dress there, (complete with new pirate sword) so I was reminded that I had never shared it here. I only shared it on my Instagram- @alittlegressica<br />
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I had actually cut out this <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS016ICD.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oliver & S Ice Cream Dress</a> during the fall KCW, but then it sat for a few weeks unfinished. I had been wanting to make this dress for her for so long, since I had already made a blouse version and a couple dresses for Sewn samples. It's definitely high on my list of all-time favorite patterns. I finally got motivated to finish it so she could wear a new dress to our family Thanksgiving gathering in Tennessee. Zebras are totally all American Thanksgiving-y, right?<br />
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Elsie's so fun to sew for at this age, so I have to remind myself not to put these kind of projects off. She tends to be tom-boyish, but she doesn't object to wearing dresses yet, so it makes for some fun combos on clothes. Her favorite color is green, so I used a sea foam Kaffe Fassett shot cotton for the contrast. The Zebra fabric is Alexander Henry and I got it at Mill End in Portland last summer. (It think?) She calls them "Zebees, " and I think she likes the black because that's her brother's favorite color. Whatever he does is pretty cool. </div>
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I made a size 2, even though she is wearing mostly 3 these days. This dress is a little loose fitting by design and will easily transition into a tunic this spring. </div>
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Besides it being a hit with Elsie, I was most chuffed about the pockets! Totally camo on that big print. I love when details like that work out, even if no one appreciates it but me. And you guys :)<br />
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By the way, this week I was featured over at Rae's on her <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2014/02/kniterview-with-jessica-of-a-little-gray/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kniterviews</a> series. Check it out<a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2014/02/kniterview-with-jessica-of-a-little-gray/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here!</a></div>
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-46867955829478955192014-01-27T07:54:00.001-08:002014-01-27T10:56:19.615-08:00Film Petit #11: Princess Bride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't like this movie. Even if you don't remember how much you like this movie, watch it again... you will love it. </div>
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Buttercup and Westley, the unstoppable love. They beat everything to be together. Pirates, princes, ROUS, even partial death. And every character and twist in the story along the way adds the hilariousity. </div>
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For clothing, I wanted to sew useful wardrobe items for this one and still make for a fun photo shoot. Of course, I was inspired by Inigo Montoya- the Spanish fencer with a very overdeveloped sense of revenge, and Fezzick the giant. They aren't exact costumes, but I think what I came up with is a little cuter than head to toe brown and dingy pirate shirts!</div>
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I showed the kids a few silly sword fighting clips from the movie and they had no trouble getting into character. That's pretty much every day in our house- Elsie is crafty and vindictive while Hendrix remains the gentle and happy big brother. Plus swords and chasing. </div>
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It was REALLY fun to get to take these photos in a friend's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Probasco_House" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">incredible home</a> that is basically a castle built in the 19th century. Thanks so much Sara! It was perfect for this movie, especially that ornate dining room. Reminds me of where Inigo finally kills his 6 fingered enemy. The only problem was my conflicted mom instructions that day: "Ok, fight each other, put your swords up! You're pirates!" "Whoa, stop running! Come back! You are going to destroy lots of very old expensive things!" Poor kids. </div>
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They were most excited about the eyeliner I scribbled all over their faces. They've been asking for facial hair every day since. I do like the chops on Hendrix.<br />
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For Elsie's outfit I made a <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2011/05/charlie-tunic-pdf-sewing-pattern-is-here/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Charlie Tunic from Made by Rae</a> and simple <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS042PL.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oliver & S Playtime leggings.</a> I had never made the Charlie, and I was so happy with how simple it was and how well it fits. I made the size 3 out of some really nice blue Robert Kaufman chambray and used a fat quarter from my stash for the contrast. She will be able to wear this top a lot without looking like a Spanish fencer. And it's a perfect transition to spring garment. The leggings are a nice soft brown jersey that will get a lot of mileage too. Nothing beats super-quick, one pattern piece leggings!</div>
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For Hendrix I got to try a new to me Oliver & S pattern, the <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-pants/OLV-OS022NWD.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nature Walk Pullover</a>. This garment is so fun to make! I used some woven brushed cotton I had leftover from <a href="http://alittlegray.blogspot.com/2012/08/film-petit-2-amelie.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this old Film Petit </a>and just cut it with the stripes going in different directions for the contrast. The lining pieces are flannel inside so it's extra cozy, and Hendrix loved the pockets in front. I'd love to try another one in bright fleece or something. </div>
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The pants are my all-time favorite boy pants, the <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-pants/OLV-OS027ASD.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">After School pattern</a>. These are size 6, in a super soft but sturdy Shetland flannel by Robert Kaukman. Perfect stylish fit makes me happy, and easy elastic waist makes Hendrix happy. All my fabrics this time came from <a href="http://sewnstudio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sewn Studio!</a><br />
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This time we are really excited to have <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2014/01/the-princess-bride-film-petit.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jessica of Craftiness is not Optional</a> as our guest! Her Princess and Dread Pirate are just about the cutest thing you've ever seen. She really nailed it.<br />
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And my partner in crime Kristin made the most gorgeous dress from Buttercup's wedding. It's so beautiful and such a precious dress-up piece for her daughter. See the MAWWAIGE scene <a href="http://skirtastop.com/2014/01/27/film-petit-the-princess-bride/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">right here</a>. <br />
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Thanks for always loving Film Petit, it makes everything so much fun for us! And remember, you can always add your movie-inspired kid looks to the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/filmpetit/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Flickr group here</a>. We love to see them!<br />
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-26413125772069772472013-12-30T07:52:00.001-08:002013-12-30T07:52:35.734-08:00A Holiday Playtime Tunic <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hadn't planned on making any sort of Christmas-y apparel for the kids this year. But I wanted to share my method for making the <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS042PT.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oliver & S Playtime dress and tunic</a> with facings on the outside, and I had this yard of deep red snowflake fabric that wasn't going to get used for it's original intention. So a little holiday dress happened! And I'm really glad it did. She wore this everywhere in December and it ended up being the perfect little garment to dress up or down. And I feel like she can still get away with wearing it throughout the winter. I may be sold on holiday dresses for Elsie for years to come.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Nf2Of7q1FCXb6en_A5ywZzjgXVjYB6kdU_xbo0b_vEGIyAPTPuXCDiQ_qb_YoOZd8nbgqjgCE9acN7URtDgNLBpoYC6hKM-mb-IQgj7uCx0vz1Ti_6i58TmKy-Ec_lbtUEZwf8ImqBQ/s1600/IMG_1941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Nf2Of7q1FCXb6en_A5ywZzjgXVjYB6kdU_xbo0b_vEGIyAPTPuXCDiQ_qb_YoOZd8nbgqjgCE9acN7URtDgNLBpoYC6hKM-mb-IQgj7uCx0vz1Ti_6i58TmKy-Ec_lbtUEZwf8ImqBQ/s1600/IMG_1941.JPG" height="436" width="640" /></a></div>
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This version of the pattern also has the sleeves left off and bound in bias tape. I love the way the bodice looks with the little cap sleeves. If you are interested in putting the facings on the outside as a contrasting collar, my tutorial is <a href="http://oliverands.com/blog/2013/12/customizing-with-oliver-s-playtime-tunic-with-facings-as-collar.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on the Oliver & S blog.</a> The first time I tried this, I made it look like a little faux Peter Pan collar in black, which you can see <a href="http://alittlegray.blogspot.com/2013/09/oliver-s-playtime-dress.html" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
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The back with these facings is such a pretty surprise. It really adds interest to this simple and versatile pattern. I love a pattern like this that has so much room for fun and creative options. </div>
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We hope you had as great a Christmas as we did. Elsie is happy as can be playing with her one and only wish this year- a Jake and the Neverland Pirates Boat. Except when she is stealing her brother's Transformers!</div>
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We got to take these pictures at my workplace, <a href="http://sewnstudio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sewn Studio</a>, with a beautiful backdrop made of <a href="http://www.downtownhousewife.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Megan Frock's</a> work. Definitely check out her stuff and her gorgeous <a href="http://www.downtownhousewife.com/shop/Books/p/The-Hand-Embroidered-Haven--x1434138.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">new embroidery book</a>. </div>
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You probably noticed that I also got fancy on the hem with some fun pom-pom trim! It totally takes this tunic up a notch on the festive scale. Would you be interested in a mini-tutorial of how I did this? It's one of those things that isn't super complicated, but a little trickier than you think it will be... I'll work on it for you. </div>
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Remember, you can keep up with me and see a lot more of my sewing over on Instagram. Follow along @alittlegressica. </div>
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Have a happy New Year everyone!</div>
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-30099261209351519882013-12-10T08:32:00.001-08:002013-12-10T08:32:45.624-08:00Anchor's Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfimPlmhmN26QF2kU9HPGTu8NTgbxPt_Dlt3I2-9OvsUl6PkCZye9B-omx2n9lP0csAobUQ0NgGKpnbWmwauUjnR282yLgUrTpLyUbaOnZIq_fn5W2kGs4B7Wtz_o304M0hJEoXh65fs/s1600/IMG_1744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfimPlmhmN26QF2kU9HPGTu8NTgbxPt_Dlt3I2-9OvsUl6PkCZye9B-omx2n9lP0csAobUQ0NgGKpnbWmwauUjnR282yLgUrTpLyUbaOnZIq_fn5W2kGs4B7Wtz_o304M0hJEoXh65fs/s1600/IMG_1744.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I made this quilt for my good friends' baby who was born just a couple weeks ago. It was her third baby and second boy. Their other son received </span><a href="http://alittlegray.blogspot.com/2012/02/sparkle-baby-quilt-done.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">this quilt,</a><span style="text-align: left;"> (which I just realized has a kind of similar HST design) but I wasn't quilting back when their first kid was born, so I guess I owe her something! To me, there's no better satisfaction than giving a baby quilt. I just love being able to make something that can literally wrap them up in homemade love. And also be rolled around on and spit on and drooled on a lot. </span><br />
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These fabrics all came from my stash. The color scheme started out with me trying to use up some of my orange. I've found that I like the idea of orange sometimes, if it's a good print I like, but then I have a hard time using it. All but two of the orange prints I started with ended up being edited out, but I love the resulting orange/yellow/gray/teal/navy scheme here. Each of the 9 blocks only used (2) 10" squares. I put them together using <a href="http://katiesquiltsandcrafts.blogspot.com/2010/12/half-square-triangle-shortcut.html" target="_blank">this method</a> to get (8) 4.5" HST's. It was the fastest way to do it I've discovered yet, and we all know there are about 79 different ways to make them. And the little <a href="http://katiesquiltsandcrafts.blogspot.com/2010/12/half-square-triangle-shortcut.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">size chart</a> is so helpful! My original plan was to make a 9th of each set to go in the middle of the block, but I took the lazy route and decided on white in the middle. So the "window" design was kind of accidental, but I really like it. Add 2" strips of white sashing, and the quilt is about a 44" square.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeTR4a8bqdiWWkFq8rUaAxH6mJKxG7TkAGoNYARch27A0qyuAQT-OoxFJeRx_2fhzwHfbte9WYc6kOk_4lnZDLdw7IsUes0B_j-TX0MbcW52iU7WkpEmNhJaQ_ynFl8IwQSQ3k1cPG7s/s1600/IMG_1747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeTR4a8bqdiWWkFq8rUaAxH6mJKxG7TkAGoNYARch27A0qyuAQT-OoxFJeRx_2fhzwHfbte9WYc6kOk_4lnZDLdw7IsUes0B_j-TX0MbcW52iU7WkpEmNhJaQ_ynFl8IwQSQ3k1cPG7s/s1600/IMG_1747.jpg" height="640" width="488" /></a></div>
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So after I already had the top of this quilt done, I found out that they were going to name this baby Anchor. ANCHOR! Not only is it a badass name, but one of those pesky orange fabrics I had kept in the line up has tiny anchors all over it! Now I couldn't wait to finish it up and send it. </div>
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At that point, I knew I had to include a little nod to the two siblings' names with these scraps added to the back. I'll just let you guess what those might be :)<br />
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I finished it up with my favorite straight line quilting, about a .5" apart all the way across. I took these pictures before washing, but after I did it crinkled up so softly.<br />
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The binding is a Lotta Jansdotter stripe that I got at <a href="http://sewnstudio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sewn Studio</a>. At first I was disappointed that the wavy lines went in the same direction as the binding instead of across it, but the end effect is pretty cool. Stripes in either direction are a always a win for binding.<br />
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Now I have two quilt tops done that need quilting before Christmas. Totally seems doable, but then I remember all the other Christmas stuff I have to do! That's all part of the fun of it though, right? (That's what I keep telling myself.) Are any of you still trying to finish up gift quilts this close to C-day?<br />
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-60268194743841977202013-12-09T05:13:00.000-08:002013-12-09T05:13:51.518-08:00All My Christmas Tutorials!Since I haven't updated the organization, or tutorials page, or anything really on my blog in probably 2 years, (yikes. slacker.) I figured I'd help direct you in the right direction for some last minute holiday crafting. <div>
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Last year I made all of these because I was participating in<a href="http://oliviajanehandcrafted.com/blog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Meredith's</a> Holiday Craft Bash event, which was so much fun. And even though it seemed like a lot of work last year, this year my family was so excited to get out all these things. They've changed the whole feel of our Christmas around the house!</div>
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The most popular has definitely been these Peanuts ornaments. They are just too cute and nostalgic, everyone loves them! I'm actually selling sets of them right now in my<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ALittleGray?ref=si_shop" target="_blank"> Etsy shop</a>. But I've kept my <a href="http://alittlegray.blogspot.com/2012/11/charlie-brown-christmas-ornaments.html" target="_blank">pattern and tutorial</a> up as well. (Just please don't sell on Etsy? Ok, thanks.)</div>
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<a href="http://alittlegray.blogspot.com/2012/10/abominable-snowman-stocking-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Bumble Stocking tutorial.</a></div>
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<a href="http://alittlegray.blogspot.com/2012/11/grinch-placemats-with-free-pattern.html" target="_blank">Grinch Placemats tutorial</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://alittlegray.blogspot.com/2012/10/buddy-elf-tree-skirt-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Buddy the Elf Tree Skirt Tutorial.</a></div>
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<a href="http://alittlegray.blogspot.com/2012/10/leg-lamp-pillow-with-free-templates.html" target="_blank">Christmas Story Leg Lamp Pillow.</a></div>
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<a href="http://alittlegray.blogspot.com/2012/11/frosty-advent-calendar-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Frosty the Snowman Advent tutorial.</a></div>
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All of these have pattern pieces you can print for the felt shapes. So enjoy!</div>
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I guess I'm also late in picking a winner for the Gingercake Organizer pattern. </div>
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So congrats to Anne!</div>
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<i>"<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">I have a bunch of gifts to make in the next 3 weeks. This would be perfect for my quilty friends"</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I'll be emailing you Anne.</span></span></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-89776420236986780432013-12-03T08:03:00.001-08:002013-12-03T08:03:41.255-08:00Gingercake's On the Go Organizer (Giveaway)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hope your Thanksgiving was as great as mine. Last week was full of carefree family time and high-calorie meals. But when I woke up back at home Monday morning, I realized it was December 2nd, and I was completely unprepared for it. Damn you, late Thanksgiving! I'm not usually a person who lives my days in checklist form, but now it's time to get serious. </div>
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At least now I have one gift checked off, thanks to Virginia of <a href="http://www.gingercake.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gingercake</a> (and a second cut out!) This is her <a href="http://www.gingercake.bigcartel.com/product/on-the-go-organizer-pdf-sewing-pattern" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">On the Go Organizer</a>, which might now become my go-to quick gift this year. It was so fun to pick out coordinating fabrics from my scrap pile and come up with a really polished finished product, thanks to a thorough and enjoyable pattern. I found this old piece from AMH's Innocent Crush line which is probably one of my favorite prints ever. I had just enough for the outside of my organizer.<br />
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The inside pocket is RK's Essex linen in black, same as the contrast on the outside. The lining and pockets are more little scraps. I love the way the pattern has you zig-zag stitch the pockets on. So much less bulky!<br />
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This will be a teacher gift that I'll probably fill with a couple of goodies like this. There are so many different uses for an organizer like this, and I think I'll eventually need my own since I might be the most unorganized person I know. </div>
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It's nice and sturdy with layers of interfacing and batting in the middle, and I had to use my walking foot when it came time to put it all together. But even then, I broke my needle into three pieces while topstitching and I'm pretty unhappy with my stitch consistency. This is not because the pattern uses too many layers though... I think I'm finally realizing that it's time to upgrade my machine. I think saving up money for a Juki needs to be my big goal in the new year. It's exciting to think about purchasing my own machine, because I didn't get to pick out the two I've owned so far. They've been great to me, but I do A LOT of sewing and quilting. I need a real workhorse!</div>
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Anyway, another thing I really love about this pattern is the cute button closure. I didn't have any elastic cording, so I just used this aqua fold over elastic, which worked great. I think a long piece of leather cording wrapped around the button a few times would also be really cute.<br />
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Want to win your own copy of Gingercake's Organizer PDF pattern? Just leave a comment and your email. I'll pick a winner Friday, December 6. Also be sure to check out <a href="http://probablyactually.wordpress.com/2013/11/19/on-the-go-organizers-another-giveaway/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gail's beautiful organizers</a>, and look around the <a href="http://www.gingercake.bigcartel.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gingercake pattern shop</a> for more wonderful gift ideas.<br />
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2542082340697892471.post-79163095733414859682013-11-21T09:52:00.000-08:002013-11-21T09:52:42.373-08:00Film Petit: Zoolander<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2001. Freshman year of college for me, and the peak of that period in our rich American cinematic history when funny things that <i>should</i> have been only as long as an SNL sketch got made into full length features. It was the the hey-day of my generation's stupid comedy. Jim Carrey was starting to do horror movies and trying to win awards, meanwhile Will Ferrell was in <i>everything </i>I called funny.<br />
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My roommate and I (hi Kira!!) probably watched Zoolander twice a week that year, at least as background noise to homework. And yeah, it was on VHS. (Damn, I'm old. I don't even know who the new Will Ferrell is right now, <i>and I don't care.</i>)<br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">If you weren't a college freshman in this ridiculous time and you didn't have a fine appreciation for the types of movies I'm talking about, then proceed with caution. This isn't one of those FP's where we stand convicted that everyone's life would be made richer by viewing the movie we are paying homage to. If you see it for the first time now, you may think it's the dumbest thing you've ever seen. Or you may love it. But there are no guarantees. So let's proceed with the one-liners. </span></div>
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Derek Zoolander is played by Ben Stiller as a "really really ridiculously good-looking" male model at the peak of his career. These ain't no Slashies. He's expecting to win his fourth male model of the year award, but he's upset by rookie model Hansel, played by Owen Wilson, so hot right now. After that and the devastation of losing his three male model roommates in a tragic gasoline fight accident, he decides to retire from modeling. Until designer Mugatu (Will Ferrell) finally wants to hire Derek to be the face of his new "homeless fashion" collection. But it's all a plot to brainwash Derek to kill the Prime Minister of Malaysia (the claymation dude) because he's outlawed child labor. "My name is little Cleetus!"<br />
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Oh, and there's a Derek/ Hansel walk-off, judged by David Bowie. "Listen to your friend Billy Zane."<br />
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The scene I reference in the graveyard is actually the funeral for Derek's three gas-fighting, Wham-listening, orange-mocha-frappucino-enjoying friends. Derek is giving the Eugoogoly, when he is upstaged by Hansel's entourage entering. So hott right now. He's wearing this ridiculous shirt and I just knew I had to make one for Elsie. </div>
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I used the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/161313473/bimaa-sweater-pdf-sewing-pattern-hoodie?ref=shop_home_feat" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bimma Sweater pattern</a> by Lou Bee Clothing. I loved it! This is such a cute and original style. You can it with a big cowl attached, a hood, or a smaller shawl collar. I used the shawl option in a size 3 for this, but I can't wait to try the other styles too. I found this weird fuzzy yarn at Joann and just hand stitched it sloppily onto the shirt. I love the way it just hangs haphazardly on the sides. Elsie was mostly jumping off gravestones, but she occasionally found time to work her Hansel shades for the camera too. </div>
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Which reminds me, am I a horrible person for taking my kids to the graveyard for pictures? And is it weird that they enjoyed this setting far more than any other photo shoot ever? They were running around hunting ghosts the whole time. Oy. </div>
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Although he's not a big part of the funeral scene, I really wanted to include Jerry Stiller's character Maury Ballstein. He owns Derek's modeling agency, Ball's Models and is working in cahoots with Mugatu. And he's got a prostate the size of a honeydew apparently, but I didn't use that for Hendrix's acting notes.</div>
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Maury is always wearing some sort of crazy tracksuit, even if it's a gold one to a big awards ceremony. Alas, Joann had no gold velour! Not even an ugly paisley print. But I was set on velour. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xBRGZ-yip74-JG8_uyMz_XM2SC4LnmV1FpklJibwKxHXb6ckYdcbvpDsKqlME7zpUqfxihcr2hBNXWBbFA4muv31QelD1hAIvLsMOGvtcooXCcrAvlt2eG2vrA14CJDy17oZJ3hFq9o/s1600/IMG_1781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xBRGZ-yip74-JG8_uyMz_XM2SC4LnmV1FpklJibwKxHXb6ckYdcbvpDsKqlME7zpUqfxihcr2hBNXWBbFA4muv31QelD1hAIvLsMOGvtcooXCcrAvlt2eG2vrA14CJDy17oZJ3hFq9o/s640/IMG_1781.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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So with brown and teal velour, it turned into something off the set of Freaks and Geeks, but the styling is all Maury. By the way, velour is not the most fun I've ever had on my sewing machine. Use a lot of pins, iron on a low setting, and turn your presser foot pressure down really low. Those are just some tips, because I know Hendrix is gonna be bringing velour back on the sewing blogger scene. He loves this outfit. He said he couldn't wait to wear it to school to show his friends. </div>
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"It's a casserole Sheila! IT'LL KEEP!"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtshiGJbg95UfoT4ErQCt3xXjnduKJJMvG5EznEectw7vMAykNVd4wismfMSjW9VNyZn3BY77ZV-hK1XBeIaKwqivfkfRen9aYieKnGSXKp6pEAdERHXJjWTyhzsJig6xovvcZLeLMUN0/s1600/IMG_1804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtshiGJbg95UfoT4ErQCt3xXjnduKJJMvG5EznEectw7vMAykNVd4wismfMSjW9VNyZn3BY77ZV-hK1XBeIaKwqivfkfRen9aYieKnGSXKp6pEAdERHXJjWTyhzsJig6xovvcZLeLMUN0/s640/IMG_1804.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
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The pants are size 6 <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS041AM.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oliver & S Art Museum trousers</a>. Did Liesl ever envision them in velour with piping down the sides? I don't know, but they really are a great basic pant shape for this kind of stuff. Of course I left off all pockets. Welts in velour? Ouch. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgfEO6DpukKQtq9Jh1Fwyqkpxi0XXWxR0XnrUtWGqD-CHOY16sMK63B8TKQYyxJBi7xCM9nLFN97zY9IznYmTBN2lWhDmXlPuCG0AmxbZq3f9ee1vkP5etdAmaEpi4lUtKQJna9lEYE4/s1600/IMG_1807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgfEO6DpukKQtq9Jh1Fwyqkpxi0XXWxR0XnrUtWGqD-CHOY16sMK63B8TKQYyxJBi7xCM9nLFN97zY9IznYmTBN2lWhDmXlPuCG0AmxbZq3f9ee1vkP5etdAmaEpi4lUtKQJna9lEYE4/s640/IMG_1807.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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The shirt is size 6-7 raglan tee from the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sewing-Boys-Projects-Handmade-Wardrobe/dp/0470949554" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sewing for Boys</a>, with added front kangaroo pocket, waist and sleeve bands, and "collar." I put that in quotes because it ended up being a disaster that could barely fit over Hendrix's head. I was sewing late at night and didn't want to figure out how to do the placket this top needed. So I just stuck the collar right on the neckline. I'll take it off later and just put a ribbed neckband on so he can actually wear it often. Let this be a lesson: some of what we do here on Film Petit is poorly sewn and just for effect. Or maybe I should day some of what <i>I</i> do on Film Petit. </div>
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My favorite thing is that early 80's knit piping on the shoulders. Knit piping is hard to find, but I actually got this stuff when I visited Kristin in Portland this summer. </div>
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It's been a while since the last Film Petit, and I forgot how crazy fun it is! Thanks to Kristin for kicking my ass back into gear. Her kids reenacted the walk-off scene between Derek and Hansel and <a href="http://skirtastop.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">they are working it</a>. Hilarious. Ambi-turning and everything.<br />
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And this time we had SO much fun working with Rae as our guest! Of course, everything she does is stellar, so seeing her take the idea of FP and run with it was such an honor. Her son Elliot knocked it out of the park with award show Hansel. THAT COAT!!! <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check it out here</a>.<br />
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Now that we are back in the habit, we have a couple more Film Petit plans in the work. To see all my older FP posts, <a href="http://alittlegray.blogspot.com/search/label/film%20petit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">go here,</a> and see all of Kristin's<a href="http://skirtastop.com/category/sewing/film-petit/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here</a>.<br />
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Thanks for being such great Film Petit fans! You guys make it so fun for us when you get excited about these posts :)<br />
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00319475616379571657noreply@blogger.com23