Diapers to Go Baby Gift

Here's yet another version of the Diapers to Go #150 pattern. 

I  reviewed it before, but I made a couple of minor changes this time around.  I omitted the carry strap (I don't think it gets much use) and I substitued a velcro strap closure instead of my usual magnetic closure.  The velcro strap is more secure and it allows for more bulk inside the carrier.

Here's a side view of it with diapers and wipes inside (you can see how the new closure will allow for more goodies inside):

Inside view (empty):

My only dilemma in constructing it by inserting the strap between the dotted bacground fabric and the batting (so it would not show) was that I could not add the binding as the last step.  This is not something I thought through thoroughly.  When I showed it to my DH, he suggested I simply make a buttonhole in the binding strip to slide over the strap and apply the binding as usual.  What a brilliant idea!  Sometimes it takes a non-sewer to see the obvious.  Thank you DH.  Here's a close-up of that buttonhole:

The recipient thanked my numerous times over the course of a couple days.  I'm glad she loved it.

On my cutting table right now is Kwik Sew 3854, view B.  Have a great rest of the week.

Birthday Wishes

Happy 28th Birthday to my dear daughter!  You are a gorgeous girl, a terrrific mom, and a talented crafter.

Because of caring for aging parents last week and preparing to teach VBS next week, I haven't accomplished a whole lot of sewing this week.  But I am busy completing other projects.  Here is one of them:  it has nothing to do with sewing, but I wanted to share the tag I made for my daughter's present. 

Gift bag:  re-purposed
Tag:  made by me

Here's a close up of the tag:

Cardstok, printed paper, and stamped sentiments:  Gina K. Designs
Die cut tag:  Spellbinders
Background stamp & paper flowers:  Hero Arts
Glitter brad:  American Crafts

I should have a sewing project to share by the end of the week.

Vogue 8815 Peplum Top

IMHO, peplum tops are very flattering, so I had to take this Vogue pattern for a test run.  The last peplum top I made was from a Burda WOF pattern and I wear it quite often.  I made it before I started blogging, but it was my first review on Pattern Review if you are interested.  This Vogue top will get just as much wear as the Burda peplum.  I really like the match up of this stretch sateen fabric from my stash along with this pattern.  The fit is close-fitting  and you would not want this to have a lot of wearing ease as it would alter the style lines of the top.  Therefore, the small amount of stretch in this sateen fabric works beautifully.

Does the shape of the top look familiar?  Here's from where I believe the inspiration may have come:

Yes, dear readers, it's Jane Jetson!  See the resemblence?

The back closure uses a 22" invisible zipper.

And the armhole and neckline openings are finished with bias tape.  I used my serger on all other exposed seams.

I did not make any adjustments to the pattern and I did not make a fit muslin.  I simply cut it to match my upper bust measurement and it was a perfect fit right out of the envelope.  If you're wanting to stay on trend this season and make yourself a peplum top, this would be a great pattern to choose.

Baby Card

I did sew myself a new top this week, but I don't have pictures to share yet.  So until then, here is a card I made for a friend.  Her baby girl was born a few weeks ago and I intend to sew up a diaper carrier for her in the near future.

Hedgehog stamp by Penny Black; Patterned paper by Close to My Heart; Paper flowers by Hero Arts

I'm going on a short road trip for a few days and I plan to wear my new top tomorrow.  My photographer agreed to stop along the way long enough to take some pics of me in my new outfit.  You know how some men are - making good time, can't stop now!  :)

When I return I will post a review and pictures of my new Vogue peplum top.  I love it and I can't wait to share it with my sweet readers.  The pattern is a winner, IMHO.  Until then, have a terrific weekend.

A Midsummer Night's Bloom - Bed Runner

No garment sewing last week, but I did manage to piece together this bed runner topper:

The pattern is from a book by Kathy Brown, Bed Runners Using Precut Fabrics.  This is the second bed runner I've made from this book.  I made the first one for our guest room.  This one is going in our master bedroom.  The pattern is called A Midsummer Night's Bloom and I used Breakfast at Tiffany's fabric line by Fig Tree Quilts for Moda.  As you can see, I don't have it quilted yet.  I still need to purchase fabric for the backing, so once I drag myself out to the local quilt store I will be finishing this up on my quilt frame.

In the mean time, I hope to get some garment sewing underway this week before I have to travel for a few days.