handmade presents: tiny cacti pin-cushions!

Merry Christmas and happy celebrations of all kinds! Now that presents have been gifted at my house, I can finally show you what I've been making for other's over the last few (more than few) months. First up, these RIDICULOUSLY CUTE TINY CACTI PIN-CUSHIONS! I saw the tutorial here on the A Beautiful Mess blog, so you can make some,too!

One for my mom, and my sister, and my gramma..... and one for me :)

merry chirstmas!

I hope everyone is enjoying their holidays, whatever or however you celebrate! I've enjoyed our traditional Christmas morning breakfast at my parent's (ALWAYS eggs, orange-pineapple juice, bacon, and the best blueberry muffins you've ever had), opened presents with my parents and siblings, and now I have a present for you: you get to see all the cool stuff I've been making since the first of September!

Lots of fun handmade things for my little (25 y.o.) sister! She works backstage in a professional theater, so black things are a must. Something she needs is a black tote bag to keep backstage, so I made her a very big fold-over tote (same tutorial I used for my pleather purse) with black hardware and everything! I used a poly-cotton, woven, bottom-weight fabric for the body and straps, which sewed up really nicely. 

Like with my purse, I added a fun lining, and used the leftover to make a matching infinity scarf.

 (Check out this great infinity scarf tutorial here, which I also used to make my brother's wife a scarf... but forgot to photograph before I wrapped it! Her's is made from the same fabric I had used to make her a Macy's-inspired top this past May.)

I then made her a black, backstage top using McCalls 6796 and a nice sweater-knit I picked up on sale from Fabric.com. She loves the Modcloth Coach Tour Dress, so I knew she'd love this top! We have similar measurements, which makes it easy to sew things like this for her. (Except she's 5'7", perfect pattern height, and I'm... well, a lot shorter). I added cuffs to the full length sleeves so she can scrunch them up to 3/4 length when needed.

My mom is really into leopard print right now, and also loves her polar fleece vests in the winter time, so her gift was easy to envision. It may just be the stylish fleece vest out there... or at least in rural western Maine!

I used McCalls 5252, which includes a little a little ipod pocket for when she goes out for walks. I made one for my dad, too, omitting the iPod pocket... since he doesn't have an ipod and therefore it would useless for him.

It was a fun pattern to sew up, especially in a forgiving fabric like fleece! I'd never used a separating zipper before, and got it in after only two attempts! I was pleased with how well I matched the plaid on the center zip, too. In both vests, I added top-stitching along most seams, even where the pattern did not. I think top-stitching really helps to neaten everything up and make the garment look more polished. To reduce bulk but still proved stretch with the fleece, the pockets we lined with jersey. 

I had some good-sized scraps left over, so with the leopard print I made a matching set of mittens and a headband:

Mittens made using this tutorial:  http://www.barlowscientific.com/technotes/home/mittens.htm

Headband made using this tutorial:  http://crazylittleprojects.com/2013/01/diy-ear-warmer-headband.html

Then I STILL had leftover fleece! When I sew I like to use up ever last bit, so I made a reversible dog vest for their little dog, Curry. Now she can match her human mom or dad! I based mine on the free pattern found here http://compulsivecraftiness.com/2012/cozy-fleece-dog-coat-tutorial/, and added what is essentially a very large, free-hand buttonhole for her leash to come through when she is wearing her harness.

I found a remnant of this nautical-themed quilting cotton, and knew my brother's wife would love it. (They got engaged on a boat!) I made a small lined tote, inspired by this tote tutorial here but constructed differently. Quilt cotton alone would not be strong enough, so I lined the bag in some ivory cotton in my stash. The top seam was stitched right-sides-together, with the handled sandwiched in-between, then flipped right-sides-out and top stitched for both a neat finish and extra strength where the handles join in. The interior seams were then constructed on the serger(overlocker), treating the two layers as one. And you like those red handles? I was given a half-dozen rolls of cotton webbing in all different colors! I love how this came together!

I almost forgot to tell you about the matching interior pocket! I stitched two rectangles of boat fabric right-sides-together, turned inside out than stitched it to the lining with a topstitch along the pocket edge before constructing the bag, closing the opening at the same time.

Another fun present for my parents:

Why hello, Mr. Fireman!

A set of sexy fireman pillowcases! (My dad's the local volunteer fire chief and my mom has a good since of humor!) They are made from some more great Alexander Henry cotton fabric and a variation of this tutorial from 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge. 

And while it's not really a sewing project, I also made my Gramma a rope basket using this tutorial from Ceci Bean. It's kind of a fun, different project!

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of my holiday makes, and can feel some of the joy felt both by those making them and receiving them. Until later!

another present for me? and also one for mr. sew rachel!

You thought you weren't going to hear from me again until after Christmas.... but... SURPRISE! Actually, I thought the same thing, until I saw these Christmas PJs from Did you make that?.  I immediately decided that I, too, needed a pair, promptly ordered the Alexander Henry fabric, and this evening, in about 3 hours start to finish, I made myself another Christmas present to me!

I've been itching to try the Tofino Pants pattern by Sewaholic, but with a print like this a simpler pattern was needed, something that wouldn't break up the print. I decided to go with Simplicity 2258. I had made the skirt from this pattern before and loved it, so this time I chose view D, the capri option, lengthening it to pants by tracing some RTW pajama pants. 

I love the pockets on this pattern. It goes together very easily, too. I spent longer cutting out the pieces than I did sewing! With any large-scale print (and especially this particular print!) you'll need to make sure your pattern pieces are cut to avoid awkward print placement. I also wanted to make sure I had an even distribution of the dudes on my PJs.  I ended up cutting each piece out in a single layer, so I could select how the print would look on each individual pattern piece. I was so tickled with myself, I even cut it so I have one of the guys peeking out of my pocket!

...that is until I tried them on. The waist band was too high, hitting at a spot not only unflattering but uncomfortable! I sadly had to trim the rise on the waist down another 1.5", re-cut my waistband, and cut off the head of my pocket dude.

Before

After

Oh well! I'm still very smitten with them. I added a little satin bow to the front, just for a feminine touch, and I took a risk attempting to match the print over the center seams... look how well the back came out!

That tree ended up matching perfectly at the back center seam!

I didn't even notice until Mr. Sew Rachel pointed it out.... the print matches up when I'm standing

And Mr. Sew Rachel got some new jammies too! Since we recently bought our first house, we decided to not exchange gifts this year. BUT a pair of his wore out catastrophically last week, and I thought it was only fair for us both to get new Christmas PJs. I decided to try something new and make him some jersey pants using New Look 6165. (Ok! So I picked this pattern in part because I liked the women's options that came with it. What a selfish seamstress! But hey, more bang for you pattern buck!) He usually goes for grey or navy, but I spotted this lovely cranberry red in a thick jersey. And you know what? He loves them and the color looks great!

Instead of a 1" or 1.25" elastic waistband, this pattern divides the waistband into three casings, the top and bottom for .25" elastic and the middle for a drawstring. Very cool design! I improvised the drawstring out of white, single fold bias tape that I folded in half and top-stitched with cranberry thread. A simple knot finishes each end, and you have a good-looking, study drawstring. I'm also pleased with the double line of top-stitching on the pockets. I think these came out pretty polished!

I constructed both pants on my regular sewing machine (using a slight zig-zag stitch for the jersey pair), after each seam finishing the raw edges on the serger for a polished look. I particularly love my serger when it comes to hems! All I do is go over the raw edge on the serger, then fold over and stitch once on the machine. Viola! Two new Christmas PJ bottoms!

thoughts on gift-giving

So a little off topic today, but It seems like the holiday shopping season started even earlier than usual this year. Business analysts say a late Thanksgiving means a shorter traditional holiday shopping season, and has companies rolling out holiday deals and displays especially early to try to get a larger piece of our spending. Whatever the cause, I find a lot of people dread this whole gift buying process, and that makes me sad. In light of this and next week's "black Friday" and "cyber Monday" deals and craziness, I thought I'd share the gift-giving guidelines that I've developed to keep the spirit of giving both enjoyable and meaningful to me, and hopefully to my gift recipients as well.

Image from http://all-free-download.com/

When searching for gifts for my loved ones, I aim to have each gift fall into one or more of the following categories:

1.) Handmade - That can mean either handmade by me or by another artist or crafts-person. This year, I am making a lot of things myself, but other years I don't and that's ok. Like I said, the point of these guidelines for myself are to maintain joy in my gift-giving, and sometimes if I'm too crunched for time or uninspired by the project than I'm not going enjoy creating those gifts. Just because I like to make things for myself doesn't mean I have to make homemade gifts for everyone, and there is nothing wrong with that! I think if you do choose to make gifts, make sure to start early (I started September 1st) so you don't get crunched on time come December!

2.) Second-Hand - This can include antiques, unique home decor, special statement jewelry, an interesting used book, or sometihng with sentimental value. My mom collects certain old Pyrex baking dishes, so I'll sometimes run into an interesting piece she doesn't have and thrift stores or yard sales! Another year, my brother wanted cool artwork to decorate his dorm room, and I found him a large, framed print for an old map of England that was right up his alley! Maybe I come across something that I know will stir up a wonderful memory from the recipient's childhood. I don't suggest going to a thrift store with the intent to holiday shop, but when I'm browsing that yard-sale I keep open mind that some special gift for just the right person could present itself. Second hand items, when thoughtfully selected, shouldn't come across as cheap. Know your recipient (some may not think highly of even the most pristine, expensive and thoughtful second-hand item, and that's ok), and obviously avoid most clothing, used housewares, things that are junky and dirty (duh!), etc. But then again... know your recipient, because sometimes that old L.L.Bean hunting jacket is exactly the gift they would love!

3.) From a Locally-Owned Small Business - Sometimes it's just nice to have a reason to go shopping in Portland's downtown! I like supporting my city's small businesses, and they will often have really neat items I wouldn't find anywhere else. There is the wonderful fair-trade store that has handmade ornaments from all over the world, and the tea shop where the owner will custom package her tea blends for me, and the best kitchen store with every kitchen item imaginable, and art supply store where I regularly get my supplies anyway, and my favorite pasta place where I can get a gift certificate for an amazing meal. Another great thing about this category is that I can find almost any gift I could possibly need at one of the locally owned business in town, it just might take me a little longer to get that certain video game from a business in town than if I were to run into Wal-Mart. But that's ok, no... even more than ok; that's the whole point. I want to put in the extra thought into obtaining that gift! It's it supposedly the thought that counts, anyway? And sometimes that item will cost a little more at the small business, but often not, and I don't mind spending that little bit more to support the local economy.

These are my guidelines, and I by no means want to say everyone needs to shop by them. These are what I've organically developed over the last few years for myself to maintain joy in my holiday shopping season, and hopefully sharing them it might help you find a way to bring joy to your own. Note they are my "guidelines", not strict rules. There have been times I've strayed from them to get that certain special thing for someone in a price I can afford (I remember a greyhound charm for a bracelet....). And on a last note, these guidelines have nothing to do with money spend. As some of you know, it is possible to save money making gifts but oftentimes the supplies and equipment end up costing more than a store-bought gift.  A second hand gift could be that fabulous old Pyrex baking dish for $.25 at a yard sale, or the vintage sports jersey you had to fight for on eBay. Even shopping conventionally, some folks spend a lot on their gifts, and others can find the deals and save a lot. However you go about your holiday shopping, I hope it brings you and your loved ones joy.