Monthly Archives: April 2014

Spring Top Sewalong

Posted in General, sewing by

I have been reading Made By Rae‘s blog for several years now.  She always has some awesome projects going on, patterns to download and tutorials to follow.

Spring-Top-Button-2014-300

This year I decided to participate in the Spring Top Sewalong!  It’s basically an excuse to sew a new top for yourself….not that I need an excuse….but it definitely gave me a goal!

I have had this pattern in my stash for a year or so, hoping to get to it someday:

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I really liked both the short and long sleeved version, as well as the skirt.  I could see myself wearing something like that to work, if I weren’t sitting with my legs spread-eagle every day while I work on patients.  The skirt–not so practical for me.  The blouse–it’s a go!

I ordered some tan lace from Fashion Fabrics Club that would go with a floral fabric that I purchased from JoAnn’s.  I have used Fashion Fabrics Club before, and even ordered the silk chiffon for my wedding dress from them.  The prices are reasonable, but the shipping seems to take forever (yes, I am spoiled by Amazon Prime).

The pattern itself was easy to follow and simple to put together.  I did French seams and serging on raw edges to finish my seams.  (The floral would have freyed if I hadn’t done something to finish the edges.)

New look pattern

The fit is pretty darn good.  I probably could have gone a size up just for a bit more room, though.  (I am still adjusting to my post-babies-figure and sizing, even though my youngest is over a year!)

Spring blouse

Future adjustments to the pattern: give myself a bit more ease in the sleeves. They are a bit tight if I bring my arms forward.

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However, I like how it fits and have worn it several times already!  All-in-all a great top and fairly easy to make!

~Ingrid

T-shirt into Baby Gown Refashion

Posted in Hubby, Kiddos, sewing by

I am sure that you have gathered that I enjoy making things for the babies and kiddos in my life.  I absolutely adore something handmade for a brand-new baby!  Whether it’s clothes, hats, burp cloths, car seat covers…I love it all.  Not to mention that most baby projects are pretty fast and easy, which works for me these days!

One of John’s band member’s is expecting his second child in May (or rather, his wife is expecting…).  The little pup’s gender is currently a surprise.  I wanted a gift that was fairly gender neutral, but definitely wanted to use a Clinton’s T-shirt.

I found the Rockin’ Baby Gown Tutorial awhile back and knew exactly which shirt I was going to use for it.  This is a great tutorial from thismamamakesstuff.com.  It was easy to follow and the pattern didn’t have any hiccups.

I used my Sellout Tshirt, but of course didn’t take a before photo.  (Shameless plug:  you can find your own copy of Sellout at www.clintonsband.com)

But here’s the after:

Sellout gownThe main body is from the original t-shirt.  The blue sleeves and collar are from a second t-shirt.

Gown backThe pattern came with the fold-over sleeve modification, which is perfect for new babies so that they don’t scratch themselves.

IMG_0073Just a close-up of the sleeve.  I used a twin needle to hem the sleeve and neck, which gives it a nice professional-looking finish.  The blue material was a little more difficult to sew because it stretched a lot.  I had to decrease my presser foot tension to feed it more evenly.

Folded sleevesI modified the neck edge slightly to accommodate the contrast knit ribbing instead of hemming the neck edge.  Other garment finishes included serging the edges after sewing the seams at the proper seam allowance.

All in all, an easy tutorial to follow, and great up-cycle.  The finished product is also awesome!  I loved these type of gowns when my boys were newborns!  They made middle of the night diaper changes super easy–no snaps or zippers to deal with!

~Ingrid

 

Applique T-shirt Tutorial

Posted in Kiddos, Main Menu, sewing, Tutorials by

I am posting today about how to make an appliquéd T-shirt.  It’s pretty easy to do, and doesn’t necessarily require sewing.  I usually sew around the designs that I put on, but if you choose the right bonding, you don’t have to.

GoCats Applique

Materials:

  • T-shirt
  • Fabric scraps for design
  • Adhesive–I use Heat N Bond Lite because I sew around it.  You could also use Heat N Bond Ultra if you didn’t want to sew around it.
  • A design to appliqué

First, draw or print a design from it’s source (the internet).  Make sure that it will fit across your T-shirt, especially if you are sewing for kids.

Go catsAs you can see, mine is a sports logo from the internet.  (Go Cats!)  If you want the orientation the same on the T-shirt, turn the design over and trace it.  If you don’t care about mirroring your object, feel free to skip the next step.

TracingTrace the outline of the design in pen so that it will show through the adhesive.  I am planning on layering this with two fabrics, so I have two outlines to trace.

Trace onto adhesiveTrace the design onto your adhesive, allowing for a small border around the design when you cut it out.  You are tracing on the paper side of the adhesive.

Cut out tracingCut out the designs, leaving a small border around each.  This helps to ensure that the entire design will be well-bonded to your fabric appliqué.

Bonding designBond the design to the wrong side of your fabric following the manufacturer’s directions.  Allow it to cool.

Cut our your designCut out your design (on the lines) and remove the paper backing from the adhesive.

IMG_0032After removing the paper backing, place the fabric design on the T-shirt where you want it.  Iron in place, following the manufacturer’s directions again.

ironing imageI am layering my designs.  I ironed the first design (blue) in place, and then placed the yellow on top and bonded it in place.

If you are not planning on sewing around your design, you are done!  If you are, sew around the design following the contours.  A decorative stitch or zig zag stitch works best.  I prefer a blanket stitch on mine because I know where the needle will end up after each portion of the stitch, making it more accurate in my hands.  (Yes, I am type A.)

GoCats AppliqueAfter sewing around the border, you are done!  Put on willing recipient and repeat after me:  Go CATS!!

IMG_0042IMG_0051This is Finn’s second Go Cats shirt…He out grew the first!

Happy crafting!

~Ingrid