Monday, November 29, 2010

before and after curtains

058When we first moved into our new house (back in June) Asher’s room came with 2 panels of fabric as curtains. Seriously the edges are just selvage. I bought the fabric and even made the first curtain for Asher’s room, but it took 5 months to make the second one.

 

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Both of these fabric came from Ikea (I could tell from the selvage). The new curtains have black out material behind them but the room is still fairly bright for the midday nap. Closing them makes the lighting seem like that of a rainy day. I need to figure out what to do with the palladium window Shades are expensive to have custom fit.

Ruth

Monday, November 22, 2010

Recycled Hoodie

Last February the lil blue boo recycled t-shirt hoodie was featured on Celebrate the boy over at MADE. I thought it looked really cute but didn’t have much experience with sewing knits or a serger yet so I filed it away as something I might make someday. Well last week I finally took the plunge and bought the pattern. I am kicking myself for not getting it sooner. Ash fits the 2T size perfectly since the sizes start at 6 months I missed out on a year and a half of this awesome pattern. Luckily it will last for another 5 years. Expect to see some more of these.

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Ashley’s pattern is really well written. Even if you lack the confidence like I did you can handle this. You don’t need a serger but I think it helps it look more professional. If you are nervous about working with knits this would be a great place to start. the hardest part is picking out your combinations.

If I ever have a little girl I will definitely pick up some of her girl patterns they look so cute and comfortable.

Ruth

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Knuffle Bunny

When I say Emilie’s Knuffle bunny on So You Think You’re Crafty, I just fell in love. I couldn’t believe it didn’t win that week. I am really glad that she posted a pattern for it anyway.
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It is super cute and the weight added to the paws and bottom make it look as limp and floppy as it looks in the book. It’s also the perfect size for cuddling.
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But before you rush off to make this pattern I did find one big mistake with the pattern. 
I noticed this mistake when I tried to sew my first arm and I noticed with the 1/2 inch seam allowance then there was no opening for turning. Sadly I had already cut out 3 bunnies before I noticed the error. Such is life.
The main color pieces are sized so that you have no seam allowance. This is really easy to remedy. Just cut these pieces with a 1/2 inch border around them and then follow the pattern as written. Cut out the contrasting colors (eyes, nose, paw pads, inner ear and tail) exactly as the pattern says.
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After making Knuffle Bunny I went through Asher’s books and was surprised to find I didn’t have the book. I had a coupon for Barnes and Nobles so we took Knuffle and went to the store. It was a major compliment to me (and Emilie) when I plopped the book and Knuffle down on the counter and the check out guy said “Cool, I didn’t know we had the plushie” Sorry dude, this is a limited edition.
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By the way Knuffle Bunny Free (the third book in the series) just came out. All three of them are great but “Free” make me tear up. So sweet.
Ruth