Who has time anymore?

Alright, I know that if you want to do something you will make the time for it. But really, I wish I had time for EVERYTHING that I want to do.

With that being said, I do have something to share. A 'shaped' cover for an infant car seat. It's a project that I've mulled over for some time and did not think I would actually get to it for some time longer - or ever. I was very excited when I was given the opportunity to make it for a gift.

One reason I chose to shape the cover, rather than make the more common elastic-fitted-cover, is so that the seat belt paths are more easily accessible. I also widened the panels on the shade for a little more coverage.

I love what my sewing machine (a beautiful gift I treasure every time I use it) allows me to do. If there is any advice I can give, it is to find something to challenge yourself, tell yourself you can do it, and then see it through - it is so rewarding!

Cupcake Pincushion

This is not the typical cupcake that you may have seen on A Finger In Every Pie. But if you feel that you're not the baking type and would rather try your hands at sewing, then this is the cupcake for you.

The pattern is by Cindy Taylor Oates. So sweet and so much fun to make. It's the perfect pattern for scraps of fabric. I made several to give away for birthdays this year. I didn't use sand or walnut shells as the pattern suggests, instead I used dried beans and a small amount of fiberfill.

Drawstring Bag

I'm sure you can come up with a reason to make this fun drawstring bag. I did. And if you can't, then do it just because. It was simple and turned out oh so sweet. I especially loved the size of the bag and the different patterned fabric for the lining.

I found the tutorial at Happy Things. She has a few variations of her drawstring bag that you could choose from.

Little Superheroes

One of the things that I've been busy doing recently, especially over the holidays, is sewing. I love using my sewing machine! I love discovering new things with it and creating things on it. I even love being able to repair old things too.

Just lotsa things.

These little superhero capes were inspired by so many...

1. the very first cape I made (a red Disney's Sleeping Beauty "Prince Phillip" cape) and all the children who have made it their own during play
2. many many internet sites and blogs where others have made their own or sell them
3. and a neighbor, who so badly wants to make some for her kids

   

Visit Sweet Bee's blog for an adorable video of the capes in action.

The hours of imaginative play and the happiness of a child is beautiful.

I find so much joy in creating.

Batman Costume

This pattern was actually easier than anticipated. It is a Simplicity pattern #3595. There really is not much to say about it because the pattern explains everything quite well. I did however make just a couple of adjustments.

The first being that I changed the design of the bat on the shirt to the more common, and desired, yellow and black symbol. I followed the directions the same on the pattern for the appliqué. And I used a piece of felt I had left from the belt. I didn't have to purchase any extra - the felt is so wide that there is plenty left for the oval shape. And the same goes for the bat cutout. I just used a piece left from cutting out the rest of the costume.

The second adjustment I made was on the gauntlets. I didn't quite understand the concept at first, but knew it had to be an important part of the costume. So after taking a closer look at a batman action figure, I realized that there was actually more to the gauntlets than the pattern was designed. The pattern only makes it a forearm sleeve that pulls up on the arm over the costume. But in my opinion they get lost in the costume, seeing that everything is black. So I cut out some triangles much like the triangles for the ears on the hood, only smaller. I cut 12 out of interfacing and then ironed them on to the fabric before cutting and sewing together. I basically followed the directions for the ears, sewing only two sides and then turning inside out. And then when I went to sew the seams of the gauntlet, I inserted the triangles giving it the detail needed to complete the costume.

I've also used this pattern before to make a red Prince Phillip (Disney's Sleeping Beauty) cape, which has since been used for so many other characters as well. I love to see the joy that comes from a child when he or she is given a gift so delightful to them, and allows their own creativity and imaginations to flow.

Everyday is a new adventure!

Baby Sling

There are so many web sites to help make a baby sling. After reviewing several of them, I'm not sure which one I really followed while making this sling. However, Jan Andrea, features a lot of information about slings and has really put a lot of time into her site for those who would like to make a sling for themselves or as a gift.

Aside from searching for strong, supportive rings, probably the most difficult part for me was choosing the fabric. But that's no surprise I'm sure, especially to those who know me well. I did eventually make a decision, and also found some rings locally, at American Cowboy. Or you can purchase aluminum rings online at Sling Rings.

I wanted to make this sling reversible. Because of this, I thought that pleats at the top of the sling would be best, so no matter which way it is used, it will look pretty and neatly finished. I was sure to zig zag stitch over the pleats a couple a times and sewed two rows of straight stitch through all the layers of fabric to secure the support near the rings. I also top stitched around the edges after sewing the two fabrics together to reinforce the seams.

For an extra touch I folded over about 3 to 4 inches of the pink fabric at the end of the sling so that it would coordinate with the top where the pleats were folded through the rings.

This sling was a gift, so I borrowed a fabulous idea from a favorite blog of mine, and wrapped the sling in itself and then took a scrap of coordinating fabric to tie a bow around it.