kcwc: day one

 

got my first item checked of my fall to-sew list... a hoodie dress for avie.

  

this was a new pattern i drafted that i was testing. i really like how it turned out! 

 

i hand painted this fabric with scattered brushstrokes (more on this later..) that i used to cut out the upper bodice/elbow pads portion of the hoodie.

  

it is a cozy fit, perfect for these 50 degree fall days that i am seriously loving.

(yes, my child is eating grass like a cow. moo)  a little added width and longer length turns it into a hoodie/dress hybrid.

 little elbow patches

 and a faux-henley style placket. it is already complete with baby food stains...lovely.

 day one complete!

baby boys

who said boys clothes aren't as fun? even though i have a girl, i honestly like little boy clothes just as much or more as their female counterparts.

since having a baby, one of my favorite gift add-ons is a newborn hat.  i didn't bring one to the hospital and i didn't have any cute ones at home either, so i put avery in the hospital cap for the first little while.  i got so tired of that ugly weird pink and blue striped hat!  i was a happy new mom when i worked up enough energy to make avie a couple of hats. plus they are so cute and quick and useful. 

...and look at these pants with the bum!!

another newborn staple.

kcwc/fall planning

i tried to narrow down a list of things to make for avery for this fall...but this is as narrow as i could get. obviously i won't get to all of these! but here's a brainstorm of inspiration/techniques/trends as i sew for avery during kcwc fall 2012 and just in general this fall and winter.

(click on the number to go to the link)

1. colorblocking

2. tulip style back (my own little illustration)-- cute pattern here

3. peplum top

4. long sleeve tees 

5. freezer paper stencils-- all of the bobo choses ones designs are so cute

6. ombre/dip dye

7. kimono/wrap around style top (i need to make one of these before she is no longer a baby!)

8. chevron -- create this effect using striped fabric

9. added trim/detail

10. hooded dress

11. jumpsuit -- there are some baby styles that i think are too 'baby'...but the jumpsuit, i love. hopefully in a bit more feminine fabric for my daughter :) 

12. lots of leggings

13. button/snap front sleeves

14. faux peter pan collar

15. cardi 

16. cozy sweatpants for fall

17. polka dotted

18. colorful buttons 

19. contrast trim 

20. accessories

i will update this checklist as i make items here and there.  i am so excited to get started!

sampling of hoodies

i have been busy sewing a myriad of hoodies for my little etsy shop, the stamp collection.  

 the 'big button hoodie' dress

raglan in navy

 lightweight striped hoodie

 raglan in heather cream

raglan in green

raglan with a snap placket!  this one with the snaps was a gift for a friend, and the first time i had tried doing a snap placket.. i like that i have so many color options with the KAM snaps and do like how it turned out.  i'll have to try some more.  some close ups:

 which do you like better, buttons or snaps?

 and what color combos would you like to see?

simple painted coasters

ARE YOUR CUPS...

 feeling neglected?

sick of the cold table under their bare bottoms?

in need of a stylish accessory?

supplies:

cork coasters

tape

acrylic paint

nothing to it. buy a 6 pack of coasters from hobby lobby ($2.77 and if you use a 40% off coupon, they practically give them to you.)  then tape off a geometric pattern, choose a color scheme, and paint with acrylic (i mixed with gesso and water for some of the subdued/translucent colors).  i chose to leave some of the cork showing.  the possibilities here are endless. how many coasters do you think one apartment needs??

this would also be a quick little gift idea...and depending on your design, i happen to think they can look pretty cool.

some close ups

 and here are the little guys in action:

my cups have never been so pleased.

4 before 2013

i love this challenge from a beautiful mess.  i have a goal to be a better goal maker, ha. and this prompt is the perfect combination of attainable/motivating/low pressure.

the idea is to make 4 goals to work on before the end of 2012.  they are supposed to be activity based-life enriching goals, rather than result oriented.  you blog about them and set a reward when you complete them.  i can get on board with that.  

i am going to try to develop four [simple?] new habits by the time 2013 rolls around.  here goes nothin.

 my life, projects, goals, etc.  through photos, blogging, journal writing. my life is going by, and i am going to want to remember it someday.





i seriously need to reduce the stress level in my life.  i want to develop the habit of doing things on time....early even.  get more diapers after i use the last one, rather than while i have a screaming baby waiting on the changing table for me. unload the dishwasher the night before. be early to meet friends. basic life skills i need to master :)

(is routined even a word?) i am kinda a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants girl.  i've always liked being like that.  but i have 16 pounds of scooting, giggling baby that needs me to get on a routine. and when she doesn't take a nap for 6 days in a row, i don't care if i never fly by those pants-seat again. i just want a routine.  we have been working on it and i have started to see some magic. (plus, i have to have a routine to break!)





the usual.. get enough sleep, eat healthy and happy [for me that means desserts] and get some exercise.  specifically i want to get back into the hang of green smoothies. AND i want to start rollerblading!!!  somebody send a sniper to get me if i haven't rolled down a sidewalk or two by january.




i will be back regularly to talk progress and rewards.

color blind

...does anyone know where i can get a few gray and white tops? my wardrobe is obviously lacking that basic.