Still Discovering New Tricks...

It is the weekend and that means it is time to sew. I put up my math textbook and red pen and enjoy creating for my grandkids.
I have found a new and wonderfully easy shorts pattern for boys. A friend in Mississippi told me to try it and I have been very happy with it. It is by KWIK-SEW and is pattern number 3149. I have also discovered that the patch madras that is out for this spring and summer is the cutest I have seen yet...so I bought enough for a pair of T3 boys pants and a pair of T3 shorts...one and one-third yard. You will see pictured here the pants. I made them first since I decided my grandson would need them first....I am still working on the shorts. I am trying to find a really cute halter sun-dress pattern in a size 5 for my granddaughter so that I can use the same patch madras for her. If you know of one let me know. There are some adorable ideas in the Kelly Kids catalog this spring and summer but I cannot find the patterns in a sewing store yet.
I am also thoroughly enjoying doing some applique on my new sewing machine. There is definitely a learning curve on it...should have considered that when I got super frustrated after my first attempt. I have read many blogs and know now that it takes time and practice...both of which I need lots more of! You can see in my pictures the first two that I have done.
The dress is an idea copied from a friend. Take a t-shirt and cut it off an inch below the armhole. Find 3 or 4 cute fabrics, cut each a 45 inch width by 6 inches (for a 5 year-old). Sew together, gather the top and sew it to the bottom of the t-shirt. I embellished mine with ruffles attached to hide each seam.
I am thrilled that spring is around the corner. I am seeing daffodils popping up everywhere and know that is just two weeks I will be driving to the beach. That day cannot come too soon.
Stay warm and happy creating!

Monogrammed Shirts

Now that the pants and shorts are made the shirts needed to be monogrammed. I bought these two size T3 shirts at WalMart and Target. They are very easy to find and are well made. I suggest using these if you are looking for a good budget friendly boy's Polo shirt. I like the green monogram but decided to try a new font and style with the red....and I like it!
It is fun to think that I am sewing for spring and warmer weather...Bring it on!

Spring is Coming!

I do not know about you but here in Tennessee it has felt like spring for the past few days. This puts me in a "you had better sew now before you want to be outside all day" mood. I happened upon some adorable madras patch cloth here at our Hobby Lobby....I LOVE to find cute things by accident! Anyway....I immediately saw some boys pants (for those early spring days when you still need something on their legs) and bought enough to make a pair of shorts too. I love these madras patch materials.....they work up so well and they are priced well at Hobby Lobby. Check yours out! The seersucker/alligator pants are another adorable cloth I found at my local fabric store...I am almost certain that it is the same cloth featured in the Kelly's Kids catalog for this spring and summer....it is such fun to see these things made up in cute kid's clothing. Once again I used the "Britches and Bloomers" pattern for the pants....so easy and almost completely done on a serger...and used a short pattern for the shorts since last year's models did not turn out as well without a pattern. I added the pockets because I am convinced that those small touches add a professional look to any home sewing project.
Enjoy this wonderful weather!