Homemade Halloween, 2010

My mother was a fantastic seamstress...and her favorite thing to sew was costumes. I think all her grandchildren have benefited from this. This year, I thought I'd give it a try. I left myself plenty of time, and choose EASY patterns. I remember my mother making a cute red-and-white polka-dot costume when we were kids (I think I may of worn it also, but I know my cute little brother Andy did--and he was a dang cute clown).

I was planning on only making 2 clown costumes, but Bryce decided (after seeing the others)--that he wanted one too. I thought "Why not?! It wont be long before he refuses to let me make him fun costumes." He'll soon be at the age where he'll want to be a phantom or monster or something scary and not cute. So, I did it! It was a lot of fun making these.

Kyle

Rory

Bryce

Isabel got a poodle skirt. I don't know if I decided on this, or if she did, but it is cute and it was fun making it! AND, I really like how it turned out!

Isabel

Sewing So Much

I have really been enjoying teaching myself to sew. Tackling one pattern at a time. It's been really fun to sew with friends. Several of my friends are teaching themselves right now too--or rediscovering sewing after being away from it for a long time.

There's something really rewarding creating something useful, pretty and liked.

The pj's...this is a pattern that my mother has made several times for Isabel--it has these pj's and a nightgown on the pattern...short sleeve or long...but below is what Isabel choose this time. It's so feminine and pretty and comfy and cute! I had a lot of fun making these...and it really helped having a pair that my mom had made previously for me to look at and see what she did.

The dress--I was so excited to find the fabric. She wore the dress to church today and looked really pretty. I love things that are one-of-a-kind. A friend bought this pattern and some material to make a dress for her girl...but the material is different...so what the heck...I copied her and used the same pattern...but we don't mind. We're all just having fun creating!

(Click on Picture to zoom in and see more Detail)

Accomplishments

I know...it's been FOREVER since I've blogged. I don't know why, but it just hasn't been a priority, and there really hasn't been all that much to blog about in my opinion.

Isabel & Bryce have been in karate for a few months now, and they are enjoying it and working hard. They earned their first belt and stripe last week! We were really proud of them--they worked hard (and Isabel was really nervous/excited)--but they did fabulous. The teacher is impressed with their concentration and with how hard they work. I'm a proud mama! Yay!

So, as you know, I've taken up sewing...teaching myself with the help and tips from my mom and my friend Shauna. They are both excellent seamstresses--so I'm lucky to have their help. A couple of months ago, Shauna and I went out for an evening--dinner, shopping and a movie... well after dinner, I just had to "stop in at Jo-Ann for a minute or two." We went there, and stayed....skipped the movie and stayed until it was closed. We went through and found patterns and fabric. Her family was going out of town for spring break, and since she needed to stay behind and work, we would have a whole week of evenings and 2 full week-ends to sew! Just leaving it all out and set up and sew! We've had a WONDERFUL time sewing--a week of fun.

I made a jumper for Isabel and then I made a tepee for the kids. And they both turned out! I really like the jumper and I LOVE the tepee. The kids love it and it is CUTE! I couldn't be happier! I'm still amazed that when I sew, it actually works and makes something. I can't wait for my next projects....hmmmm what will it be?

Sewing

For my birthday (coming in February), I told Jim that I wanted a new sewing machine. The sewing machine that I have is a Brother machine, and it was crap (quite frankly). Ok...I did buy it only for my scrapbooking and card making--you know, sewing on my pages...cute stitches for an embellishment. Well, I was actually hemming and sewing on patches for Girl Scouts, and the machine was only giving me heck. So, I decided, I want a machine that is going to be sturdy, offer a little variety, doesn't need a ton of bells and whistles, but needs to just do what I ask of it (which isn't a lot as I'm not big into sewing).
The place where I take my vacuum to be worked on, Parker Sewing & Vacuum, is a dealer for Janome sewing machines. I researched the machines and found that while not expensive like Berninna, Viking, etc. they are good machines--work well. They don't need a lot of maintenance and do what you need to (especially for someone such as myself).
I got this great machine that was sponsored by the Heart Society for the year--a special edition. It offers 50 stitches and a few other really nice features that make life easy (needle threader, speed control, easy bobbin insertion, needle up/down feature).
The machine works like a dream. I got a couple of simple patterns...an apron and a dress. I figured out how to follow a pattern, and I'm still learning, but my first 2 projects were a success. The apron turned out rather LARGE, but cute nonetheless. Isabel loves the dress I made her, and in my mind, that is a PASS for that project--(I was really proud of how it turned out too!) Last night, I bought a pajama pattern and some material for the boys. Wish me luck!