Repurposed jeans for Audrey

I decided to try to re-purpose a pair of Audrey's jeans. They fit except for the length, so the ruffles took care of that!

I got a couple of fat quarters from a seller on Etsy to do the ruffles with. The fabric is by Riley Blake... the name is "Hooty Hoot". The amount of fabric worked out great!

I just got a blank shirt to put the "A" on. The lil owl is from Embroidery-boutique. I think the little outfit turned out cute. Her favorite thing about this outfit is the belt... she loves it!!!

That's all for now, Thanks for looking!
See ya,
Peachy

Took a sewing break... I'm back!!

Sewing friends I took a break from sewing for a while. I totally neglected my blog... but it is a sewing blog. I simply didn't have anything to show.

In the spring I had made several outfits for my dear Audrey... she simply did not need anymore clothes. It's a different story now with the change of seasons. Although here in south Georgia we're just in transitional wear.

I made this outfit this week just basic black/white gingham lined in white imperial batiste. I used the Martha Pullen pattern. I love this classic lil pattern. It never goes out of style. The pants are made using a basic pants pattern by Ottobre, I just added a ruffle to the bottom. I also lined the pants with the batiste. The pants just seemed so flimsy without the lining... especially for the winter.

That's all for now
See ya,
Peachy

Sundress for Audrey

Gosh, how time flies. I have been away from my sewing for a couple of weeks now. I've missed it, but I've had other things going on. I just got this little sundress completed for my lil princess Audrey. She is such a fun lil toddler to sew for. Oh, but she hates to try things on. The pattern is "Gracie" by Portabella Pixie.

All for now
See ya,
Peachy

Simple play set

This is a no frills simple play set. I used Chez Ami knit that I had and made it by the puffis Ottobre top pattern. The shorts was made by Beachgirl's Gymboree shorts tutorial that I used a couple of days ago. These are super quick to sew especially with no pockets.

Happy sewing
See ya,
Peachy

Pink polka dots for the princess

This is a short set I made using pink & white polka dot fabric I had in my stash. I used an Ottobre pattern for the top 03/07, it is the T-shirt with flounce sleeves. I added a layer of pink chiffon to the sleeve, along with the polka dot and white. I was unsure how the rolled hem would work on the chiffon, but it turned out great.

For the shorts I used a tutorial posted by Beachgirl http://siestasandsewing.blogspot.com/2010/01/gymboree-shorts-tutorial.html
I added a chiffon ruffle to the binding on the pocket. Thanks for the tutorial Beachgirl,
these sew up very fast using the stretch waistband. I will be using this method again for some quick and easy shorts.

We've really been enjoying the beautiful weather here in S Georgia. The outside garden keeps calling my name. So I'm between the sewing room and working in flower beds.

Happy sewing,
See ya
Peachy

Jalie Sweetheart for Tracy

You know I have been on a roll sewing the lil outfits for Audrey for a few weeks now. I think I need to make something for Tracy. I go through my patterns and come out with the Jalie Sweetheart pattern. Since I have not sewn for Tracy in a long time, I needed to make a muslin, so I can try the fit. This is some fabric I had in my stash, and it came out pretty well. I think for a trial run... it looks pretty good.

Now we need some fashion fabric. This is where it gets funny to me. My daughter is a fine decorator, window treatment, floral designs, wall prints etc. Putting all these things together very tastefully. Now show her a pic of a piece of fabric for a particular pattern design and she has trouble visualizing it made up. When she came over to try on the top I had made, she had on this cute top... wild, splashy, brightly colored cute top! I ask her if she had seen this fabric on a bolt would you choose it? Her answer...Never! So we're on a quest to find fabric she likes.

Happy sewing
See ya,
Peachy

Pettiskirts ... anyone??

This is the pattern/tutorial I used to make the pettiskirts for my granddaughters. http://kerriskreations.com/catalog.php?category=73

I really liked this pattern, nayy. I like the fact that she tells you exactly what size to cut your ruffles and tiers for the specific size you want to make. I looked at a lot of tutorials on line and this pattern is the only one I found to give those specifics.

I wanted to post this info, as I have had many questions regarding my post on the pettiskirts. The pettiskirts pictured below are property of the designer of the pattern.
I just wanted to give you an idea of her design skills. The pettiskirts I made were blogged a couple of days ago.

Make sure you buy nylon chiffon, this is imperative, as it does not ravel. The other chiffon ravels like crazy! You don't want to have to finish off all those seams... now do you?

Where do you find nylon chiffon? Do a Google search and there are several websites that have the chiffon that you need. Most fabric stores do not stock nylon chiffon.



Happy sewing
See ya,
Peachy

Cousins having fun

These pettiskirts were made last summer and the girls had tons of fun playing around in them. Ya know... just girl fun in Nana's backyard. Cousins being silly!
The pettiskirts were made using nylon chiffon. It is very soft fabric. No scratchiness here!

The pettiskirts are time consuming, but well worth it.


Madison and Ashley are 11 and 13 years old. They have so much fun together.

Childhood is so short, before you know it... they're grown up!

I call this "Creating Memories"!



I just wanted to share some of my FUN sewing and digital scrapbooking with you.

Happy sewing
See ya,
Peachy

Ahoy shorts in the greens

I think spring has finally arrived in S Georgia. Yesterday was a beautiful day, it was about 80 degrees.

I enjoyed sewing this little outfit for the princess. This is the 2nd time for making the Ahoy shorts patterns. On this pair I omitted the belt loops and a few other bells and whistles. I don't think the princess will miss those belt loops anyway.

The top is an Ottobre pattern also, I made a little top a couple of weeks ago using this pattern. I just love the little ties on the sleeves.

If this beautiful weather continues I expect to see the princess wearing some of her new outfits. She does like pretty clothes.

Happy sewing
See ya,
Peachy

I've been away a few days, due to some pc issues. My old computer was getting tired and time to be replaced. I put a lot on a pc with embroidery files and digital scrapbooking files. Need I say more? Yesterday the tech guy was here a few hours getting everything set up. So maybe things are getting back to normal. I've missed sewing the last few days. I'm so ready to start a new project.

See ya,
Peachy

And another Happy Birthday

"Happy Birthday!" to my son Mark!

Mark was our first born. He lead the way for Tracy who came along 3 years later.
Yes, we had birthdays right together...

I'm very proud of Mark, he is in management with a very large retail giant.

Mark loves the beach! I just had to do a bit of digital scrapping... this is one of his favorite places.

Happy Birthday Mark!
Love you!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my sweet daughter Tracy!
Love you bunches!
Mom

I'm very proud of my daughter, she's quiet the business woman! Tracy has a beautiful
gift shop featuring gift items and home decor. Her shop was recently voted the favorite gift shop in our South Georgia town. This Mom trained her right, :) Way to go Tracy!

Splish, Splash!!

I used a couple of patterns to make this swimsuit. The top is made by an Ottobre 02/04. I just added a small ruffle to it. It doesn't really show up in the pic. It would have been been better if I had done the rolled hem on the ruffle in a contrasting color. Well it's done and I can live with it. I will be more aware of it next time. The bikini bottom is made using the Kwik Sew pattern I used for the other swimsuit. Now I need to make some cover-ups or maybe a wrap for these swimsuits.

The weather is getting warmer and I need to be working some outside. I've got to repaint the birdhouses in my bird village. Unless... I can talk hubby into it.
Happy sewing
See ya,
Peachy

Splash!!

Well the swimsuit finally came together. I made a size 3T. I made it by a out-of-print Kwik Sew pattern #1974, that I got off of Ebay. It is just a basic pattern... I did add a little ruffle to it. I cut a strip of the black lycra and sewed a tube and attached it to the top of the ruffle. Then I just made a little bow to go on it. It just seemed like it needed something else. Ya'll know I like detail! The fabric is by Chez Ami and it sews beautifully.

In addition to sewing, I enjoy digital scrapbooking. Hence the little things I add to my pics.
Don't you just luv the li'l turtle and seahorse! Several people have ask what photo software I
use. I use Photoshop Elements and love it.

Happy sewing!
See ya,
Peachy

Just simple eye candy for inspiration

I was just browsing around and found these little top. Just a bit of eye candy for inspiration. I really like the lines on the blue top. I found it at Gymboree.
I'm sewing on a swimsuit today. Spring and summer is coming soon...
Have a good weekend,
See ya,
Peachy

Madras plaid and peace

I had to make the princess a little bitty pair of bermuda shorts. I copied a pair of RTW, I just didn't put the welt pocket on the back. I had this madras plaid patchwork fabric in my stash and it had baby girl's name all over it. :)

I used a new Ottobre pattern for the top.I used the girl's T-shirt pattern 03/06 #17. It has the cutest li'l sleeve detail. Ya'll know how I like detail.

You know I was thinking... when I was sewing this little top. I certainly do use my coverstitch machine a lot when I sew. I suppose it's because I sew a lot of knits. I told ya'll I didn't sew for many years when I had the shop. So after a long hiatus and selling the shop and retiring. I return to my love of sewing. So during my working career as business woman... many changes were taking place in the sewing world. Internet, message boards, Coverstitch machines. What in the world was a coverstitch machine? I'd never heard of one. I investigate and I like what this machine is capable of doing. The hem it produces looks just like RTW. With the binding attachment you can make awesome bindings. I thought... I need one of those. One of the best purchases I ever made. I'm not saying there's not a learning curve to using it... but well worth it! Love my Babylock Coverstitch!

I've got one more tablecover to make, then back to the fun sewing.

Happy sewing
See ya,
Peachy

Red Polka Dots

You know ... the last few outfits I made they were mostly capris with the matching tops. The capris are good transitional clothing for slightly warm days, but for S Georgia, summer days are HOT! So, I thought I would make some shorts. I love the Ahoy shorts pattern. I really enjoy sewing these. You can tell I like the little keyhole top too. I just put a little embroidery design on it and it's good to go.

Today I will be starting on the white table covers for my daughter Tracy. I need to get everything in its place, in my sewing room, before I start this project. You know... clean it up, so I can mess it up again! You, my sewing friends know what I'm talking about!

Happy sewing...
See ya,
Peachy

A li'l zebra

Another Ottobre pattern, Ya'll know how I love these patterns.

This zebra stripe made up just perfect for the princess. I had this fabric in my stash from last summer. It was leftover from swimsuits I made for the 11 and 13 year old granddaughters.
I still have to make the pink/black fabric I got from Chez Ami. Hopefully it will get made this next week.




The next thing in line is round tablecloths for my daughter Tracy's shop. She needs more white tablecloths for her bridal registry. So I'm waiting for her to bring me the fabric... then I will be off-n'-runnin'... These range from 90"-120" round, cording etc. Thank goodness for my industrial machines. I'm thankful to be retired and able to make these table covers for her. When I had the shop... I did not have the time to sew. Retired and enjoying my play time.

Have a great weekend!
See ya,
Peachy

Tip toe thru the tulips

Well a tulip outfit it is! I've had this Chez Ami fabric in my stash for a while now. It was time to create an outfit. Summer is coming...





I had just a small piece of fabric left over after I made the capris. So I cut out a pair of shorts. I was cutting it pretty close. I had to make the waistband a bit more narrower than pattern indicated. They turned out ok. This is the Ahoy shorts from Ottobre 03/09.


Happy sewing to all
See ya,
Peachy

Some eye candy for inspiration

Now aren't these adorable? Cute, cute! They just shout spring & summer. I found these on the Gymboree website. Just a lil' eye candy for inspiration... to get the creative juices flowing.

See ya,
Peachy

Thinking swimsuits

I love Chez Ami fabric. It is excellent quality and great colors and designs for baby, toddler and the older child.

I got this swimsuit fabric yesterday. It is definitely not swimsuit weather in Georgia, not yet anyway. I have been on a roll sewing spring and summer outfits... but now I feel a swimsuit coming on!



I know I'll use an Ottobre pattern, just not sure which one. I will be making this in a 2/3T. I will have to do some measuring and comparing of sizes before the initial cut.



I would like some black lycra to trim the swimsuit in, but I don't have any in my stash. The nearest fabric store that has swimsuit fabric is 60 miles away so ...I will probably just use a black rolled hem for accent. Which I think will be fine.
Happy sewing to all
See ya,
Peachy

Ruffling grosgrain ribbon

I have had several people ask me about the technique I use for ruffling grosgrain ribbon. I use my trusty ruffler attachment for this. I've tried ruffling different grosgrain ribbons. I have found the regular grosgrain to be the easiest to use in the ruffle attachment. Please be sure you have the ribbon between the two little blades. They have serrated teeth that makes the ribbon move forward. You sew and it gathers.




In ruffling the two face ribbon(both sides finished). I found that I have to give the ruffler a little assistance. I get bamboo skewers from Walmart, they're inexpensive I think they're $.97 these things are worth their weight in gold, when doing certain task. Ruffling two face grosgrain ribbon being one of them. These things can be dangerous... Keep out of the reach of lil' hands!








Don't be afraid to poke that skewer up in the attachment. It's not near the needle... Trust me!

I have my machine on the same setting for doing both types of ribbon. I just give a bit of assistance with the two face grosgrain.



I'm showing the settings on my Memory Craft 6000... your mileage may vary!
Until next time,
See ya,
Peachy

Ruffles and more ruffles

My daughter Tracy carries a line of infants clothing in her shop. She has one that is cute as can be but it just goes up to 18 mo, that is too small for the princess... she wears 24 mo or 2T.
So this was my inspiration for making the green ruffled outfit.The little nautical outfit is by Mud Pie. Isn't it the cutest thing? Just adorable! I love the ruffled wide grosgrain ribbon they used on the neck. I've never tried to ruffle ribbon before.



I modified an Ottobre pattern to use for the top. I gathered my ribbon and sewed it on, It turned out great. Except the neck was way too small. That is where the little keyhole in the back entered the picture. I had to make the neck bigger one way or the other. Keyhole seemed to be the best solution. I thought using my coverstitch binder to navigate that little hole would be a problem, but it was a breeze. Love my Babylock coverstitch! I wish I had a green/white stripe for the leggins, but none in my stash. UGH! My local fabric store has a lot of super cute fabrics but she doesn't carry knits. So I just ended up making it all solid.



Chez Ami has a sale going right now and I needed some basic white interlock. So I placed an order, sorta got sidetracked there... got a few more thing thrown in. After I get my fabric in, I will make the princess a nautical outfit. Not exactly like the eye candy shown above, but on the same lines.

Well I'm off to my sewing room to try to get it back in shape.
Until next time
See ya,
Peachy