Showing posts with label quilting and sewing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label quilting and sewing. Show all posts

Thursday, November 10, 2011

CRAFTY-MOMMA: Happy Halloween and other sewing

Our first Halloween was a lot of fun! Well, except that the Pichu decided to come down with a stomach bug. That was three days of poopie diapers and a limited diet (pedialite, water, brown rice, bananas, formula, and yo-baby yogurt). I think it bothered me more than him. It helped that we were already home for those three days with a water leak repair.

If you're wondering about our costumes, I am a Pikachu and he is, of course, a Pichu. I made both of them, with exception to Pichu's pichu hood (thanks, Laura!). I drafted my costume from a Kigurumi that I already had. I just added ears and the other Pikachu features. Pichu's costume was made with McCall's Pattern M5963 (Infants' Lined Buntings and Jackets, Jumpsuits, Pants, Reversible Blanket and Hat, All Sizes), which worked out really well! I plan on using it for a few other things. Its so versatile, that I traced the paper pattern instead of cutting it out.

Thanks to Texas weather, we were a little warm in our fleece and flannel costumes. But, we will be ready to enter the cosplay competition at YuleCon this year!

There has also been a little more sewing! I found a pattern on Etsy (evil, evil place ;op) for some Monkey Pants! I had seen them in one of my parenting magazines and thought they were adorable! Of course, I'm not going to pay $60 for one pair of pants that my pichu will only be able to wear for 3 months, at the most. There's where Etsy comes in. I could have bought some handmade ones.... or I could make them myself! (Etsy link: monkey pants pattern) The only change I would make is to draw the legs a little wider. I don't know if its my boy's chunky legs, but these ended up being just a little snug for a 6 month old, and the size I made was for 6 to 12 months. Next time, I'll do that! Also note, the monkey is on the bottom, so you can see it when he's crawling around.

And finally, a new play mat! I made this so when he goes to visit Nana or DebDeb, he has a play mat to play on. We have one in our living room that we keep a machine wash blanket on, which makes accidental spit-ups waaaaaaay easier to clean up than if they were on our rug. This was LOSELY based on McCall's Patterns M5604 (Baby Items, One Size Only). Its where I got the idea. I bought some quilt cotton that I liked (you could use whatever you want, I suggest washable) and double layered some batting in the middle. Super easy and super awesome! When Pichu gets bigger, he can use it to lay on or wrap up in for naptime!

It feels great to be crafting again, even if its only during naptime and when daddy is home on the weekend.

-- crossposted from Nerd-Momma.com

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Oh hai!

I haven't been hiding... Well, I have. It's not that I haven't been creating anything, I just haven't felt like blogging about it. We just moved into our NEW house, so I actually get my craft room back and it gets to have a serious makeover! You could almost call it my studio!

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Painting With A Twist - Feb 20, 2010Pug's PugsI’ve picked up a few more hobbies, like painting with oils and acrylics. Thanks to my friends, Learn & Pug, who have inspired me to pick up a paintbrush. That lead to going to going to my first Painting With A Twist with Robyn, where we painted ‘Japanese Princess’.

Then I painted two paintings that I call “Pug’s Pugs”, because that is what they are!

Which lead to me signing up for an oil painting class at the City of Hurst. Pictures of that painting and its evolution will be posted next week, after the last class of the session.



Painting With A Twist - Apr 27, 2010 @ Grapevine --- My PaintingPainting With A Twist - Apr 27, 2010 @ Grapevine

Last week, I took Robyn to another Painting With A Twist for her birthday. This time, we painted “Ballerina” which was a lot of fun! My Aunt Peggy was in town and she joined us for a bottle of wine and some painting, too!

I even have some paintings in the works to decorate the kitchen in our new house! All three are Japanese food themed.



SWAPBOT: 4x4 Fatbook Page #3 (outgoing)SWAPBOT: 4x4 Fatbook Page #4 (outgoing)

And finally, the last of the painting update… I created two 4x4 Fatbook Pages for two Swap-Bot swaps, from Painting With A Twist inspirations, but cropped and a much smaller scale. These were sent to the same swap partner and made me think of Gossip Girl, one of her favorite American dramas.

Swaps for pages #5 to #12 are still accepting sign-ups!

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FO: Cherry ShirtFat Quarter Napkins - from Weekend Sewing

I’ve also been sewing A LOT and I realized I <3 my Singer 15-91 and the way it sews so much more than my other two machines!!! It make the prettiest stitches, even if the are only straight. I finally my GMIL’s old Singer (not the 15-91) repaired and I am still having trouble with the tension. :pout: I really don’t want to take it back to the jerks at Richland Sewing Center and have them fix it again. All they do is try to up-sell me on a new machine. No, thank you. I prefer my vintage machines.


Spring Party Dog Dress - MED --- $23On the left is my Cherry Shirt, which just might be one of my new favorite patterns. I will note which pattern it is when I get home. On the right are some Fat Quarter Napkins from Weekend Sewing. So fun and so easy! I really need to just break down and buy this book instead of borrowing it from the library.

I’ve even been sewing some really cute dog dresses for my aunt and also my ArtFire shop!

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20100329 - Alice's SweaterKnitting has been happening a little. I think I only have one FO, besides some kitchen clothes. My old bestie, Al-Breath, and I decided to do a KAL where we swapped sweaters at the end! I finished hers about a month ago and sent it!

PATTERN: Pinwheel Sweater from Elann.com (rav link)
YARN: Lion Brand Wool Ease

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That’s all I know for now! I really hope to start blogging my projects again… even if the posts are from my iPhone. I love being able to share what I’ve created and maybe my recent desire to begin art journaling will make me post my stuffs more often!

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Hi! I'm out from under the bed!

So, I've been attempting to hide from the holidays. Needless to say from my Twitter posts, it didn't work.

There has been a ton of gift sewing, mostly aprons and dog dresses (aka Petite Pet Pinafores by Pika -- for sale in my Artfire shop). My aunt requested some aprons for her and the kids she takes are of. I also surprised her with 6 reversible dog dresses for her bitty-little Yorkie named Izzie.


I also made Mom an apron, as well as my friend Sharrell. AJ got a handknit scarf with her initials on it. Robyn didn't request socks is this year, instead I knit her a new ponytail hat (she felted her other one). I even knit my little brother a Jayne Hat that he really didn't care for. He's three, so I will accept that for now. That is his 'happy' face in the picture.


Now I'm working on what I call The Bucket Blanket. It is pretty much 4x Autumn Shawl (my vomit shawl), stitched together in a big square. My awesome Aunt Debby found a big 'ol rubbermaid tub of yard at a garage sale and gave it to me for Christmas, which was the inspiration for this new project.

I hope to have pics of everything... Maybe. I totally forgot to take photos of everything.

Oh. And I am now a slave to the iPhone. My company Is no longer providing me with a phone, so I sold my Palm Pre (which I really liked) and moved to AT&T. -- don't tell anyone, but I really dig the iPhone more -- I <3 the knitting apps. - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Thursday, August 13, 2009

QUICK!

Totally going to make this for a certain baby boy. His parents need to measure his head for me. Just need some fleece... Maybe I can find a remnant in the right color... hmmm....

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Creative Brain EXPLOSION!

I’ve been sewing A LOT lately, but last night I was distracted by something yarnie. I have a new lil ASUS netbook on the way and it needs something more than just a plain ol’ black sleeve. So I cast on a netbook cover, which I am going to call “Blasphemy”. Details?

PATTERN: 12” Powerbook Cover (rav) --- which is where I got the project name
YARN: KnitPicks Wool of the Andes (blue bonnet, violet, grass, cherry blossom)–-- all from my seemingly bottomless sampler stash
NEEDLES: US9 --- Lantern Moons that I bought when I was in New Orleans


This morning, I remembered a no-sew pattern that my friend Shanna posted on my Facebook… It reminded me of those envelopes that they showed with the MacBook Air.

PATTERN: Fabric Envelopes from Design Sponge

I think this would also make a great little sleeve for a netbook, MacBook, whatever. I’ve had my eye on some pretty pre-quilted material at Joanns, that might just work. Of course, I would be sewing it for structural integrity. Might make a really nice gift for someone….. I wonder if I can find the fabric in purple? Maybe add a little personalized embroidery?


I’ve also frogged my San Fran Shrug, after hearing that it turns out a lot smaller than planned. Plus, the pattern says its for a small adult, which I do not belong in that group anymore. I plan on casting it back on, double stranded and on bigger needles. Details?

PATTERN: Eyelet Shrug from 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders
YARN: Lion Brand Wool Ease Worsted – sparklie white
NEEDLES: US 11

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

FO: Shower Curtain Jumper Skirt


JSK01 - ShowerCurtainJSK, originally uploaded by BigPikaChica.

I've been sewing... Well, not just sewing... but Lolita Sewing!! woot!

Project Title: #3 Shower Curtain JSK
Short Project Description: When I was digging through my fabric stash I found this amazing fabric that used to be my shower curtains, that my mom had made me several years ago. I couldn't resist using this fabric! It is some of my favorite! I <3 Mary Engelbreit!
Project Start Date: 6/29/09
Planned Finish Date: none
Actual Finish Date: 7/3/09
Did you make changes from original plan? Yes. I had originally made it way too big. See my update for my ruffled-solution. I also decided to add my bow to the front, instead of the back.
Problems encountered that halted progress: Measured myself and cut out the pattern in the corresponding size (actually had to go back to the store for the bigger pattern). While putting it all together, I noticed it was rather large. (sigh) So I have put darts in the bodice, chopped the collar and taken in the sides of the bodice. All of the visible cut-seams have been button-holed over.
Ways considered to solve the problem: Break out the pins and scissors! Start whacking away! After being inspired by my new GLBs (v32 & v33) that arrived this morning, I think I will cover the re-cut edges with more pink ruffle.
Did you discover something you want to share? The Simplicity pattern that I used (3673) seems to run really big. I cut the size for my measurements and ended up having to heavily alter my finished jumper.
How happy are you with the result? (in percentage, ie 60%, 100%, 20%) 90%, I wish the bodice fit better.... but I really like it with all the extra ruffles!

Friday, June 26, 2009

FO: AJs LSU Skirt


AJs LSU Skirt - June 2009, originally uploaded by BigPikaChica.

I finished this skirt late last night, for my friend AJ. It is a Lolita skirt and is meant to have a petticoat underneath. It turned out perfect!

You can find more details on my loli blog, Pika Lolita.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

DONE!!

Suitcase Dog Bed - FINISHED - 20090618

I sewed up the pillowcase today, after finding the perfect pillow!  The pillowcase has snaps on the back to keep it around the pillow. Gizmo doesn’t seem to care, because it isn’t broken in yet.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

I am looking for this book….



A Stitch in Time: v. 1:
Vintage Knitting & Crochet Patterns 1920-1949

Unfortunately, I can only find it on the Amazon UK site. While listening to the Cast-On interview, in episode 79 “Stitches in Time”, I fell in love with the idea and the designs that I was knitting in my head on the way to work.

I love the idea of Make-Do-Mend and I wish that I did more of each. By purchasing a new sewing machine and freecycling my broken one, I hope to start making and mending more. (BTW – this machine sews WAY better than my White machine ever did!)

Singer Portable Sewing Machine Singer Tradition Sewing Machine 

Another design that I keep working in my head is a Naruto sweater, which I am toying with calling my Ninja Sweater. It would be a basic cardigan or pullover, worked in the colors of Naruto’s jacket. The collar is what will make this sweater and what keeps making me want to design it.

…. bulky 2x2 ribbed collar …. raglan shaping in blue …. button or zipper band ….

AND!!!  I have been working on some embroidery project ideas. Simple items that might be posted in my ArtFire shop! Stay tuned!

Monday, June 01, 2009

A-Kon 20

from left to right:
Sailor Moon (Candice), Temari from Naruto (me), Kakashi from Naruto Shippuden (Adam), Sakura from Naruto Shippuden (AJ) and Kotoko from Chobits (Robyn)


Yes, last of blogging AGAIN!!! I really haven't been knitting or crafting too much. Nothing blog-worthy anyways. There is a bigger crafty project in the works. I have to have a couple of my workers do a little work before I get to play.

Last weekend we went to A-Kon 20 and had way too much fun!!! Sadly, the only handmade costume that was worn by our group was Sailor Moon. I made it in 2001. This year I had to remake the broach and odango clips, which was WAY easier the second time around with different materials.

I did get a new 1/6 BJD also. She hasn't been given a name, so I will post pics when I do.

CORRECTION 6-2-08:
The Sailor Moon costume was originally made in 2000.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Happy Mother’s Day (photo heavy)

DSC_0571

Happy (late) Mother’s Day to all of the mommies out there, especially the new mommies!

DSC_0579

Yesterday, we went to the Mother’s Day Brunch at the Gaylord Texan. Nowhere near cheap, but totally worth it! It’s really nice to dress up and be catered to.


DSC_0580The food always looks so amazing!! This year, as opposed to past years, seemed to be seriously downsized. I would say that there was half the food and none of the normal ice sculptures. There also seemed to be less staff on the floor.

Still super yummy and I completely over-ate!



DSC_0589

There was a little bit of sewing and embroidery this weekend! After fighting with my White sewing machine for most of Friday night, I cleared off my Singer sewing machine and plopped down in front of it on Saturday morning. My goal was to finish my Spring Ruffle Top #2 before I had to leave for the day. So close! I was done (minus one pocket) and in the dryer… but not dry. Oh well!

DSC_0592


After Mother’s Day brunch, we had a couple of hours to relax at home. So, I picked up the second pocket and started to embroider it. I finished this pocket and sewed it on, so I could wear my pretty now top to work today!


Happy Cherries & Happy Mother’s Day!

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

We Have Peas!

 Baby Snap Peas

These are our first little snap peas in the garden! I am so excited! Snap peas are my favorite! I love to pick and eat them right off the plants!


There is also still a lack of serious knitting.  I have, however, found some fabric in my stash that will make another pretty Spring Ruffle Top. So, when all is said and done, I should have three!

I’m off to go lay in bed and read some Naruto manga!

Sunday, May 03, 2009

FO: Spring Ruffle Top #1 - Cupcakes

FO: Spring Ruffle Top #1 - Cupcakes


SEWING PATTERN: Spring Ruffle Top from Sew Mama Sew, seen via Craft

EMBROIDERY PATTERN: Cupcake from
Sublime Stitching by Jenny Hart

I finished this one yesterday afternoon and immediately wore it for a couple of hours. My friends already wanna snatch it off of my body! I absolutely love it! I’m sad that I have eviction court tomorrow, so I can’t wear it. (sad face!)

I haven’t started #2 because we are all hungover from MC Chris last night and loud noises are bad. I guess I could cut the fabric and get it started.

I wonder what I am going to embroider on the pocket…

FO: Spring Ruffle Top #1 - Cupcakes

Friday, May 01, 2009

WIP - Spring Ruffle Top #1 - Cupcakes

This cute fabric is going to be this Spring Ruffle Top, that I saw on Sew, Mama, Sew via Craftzine! Candice, Allison & AJ are going to be super jealous!

Off to start sewing! Bye!

Friday, February 13, 2009

My First COMPLETE Quilt Block - made for SwapBot Swap

Anything Goes Quilt Square Swap #11

A few weeks ago, I checked out Very Easy Crazy Patchwork from the library and was TOTALLY inspired! I love the randomness of crazy quilts! That is why I signed up for this swap!

Of course, like with my yarn, I waited for the fabric to speak to me... which almost took too long! Last night I brought out my sewing machine and just began sewing my pieces together. What I created was my own sort-of crazy quilt block. I was told tonight, by my mother-in-law, that I had made an abstract log cabin square.

I'm so proud of it! It's a shame that I didn't get to keep it, since it is my first complete square. I hope my swap-buddy likes it as much as I do!

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Morsbags #7 & 8 - Wedding Fabric

Two more Morsbags were finished last night. This is wedding fabric that Erik's mother bought for me. It was wedding fabric, and she didn't know what I would do with it, and she bought it anyways. I am seriously going to rob her stash when I get low. She has rooms and rooms of glorious fabric!

These are also the first bag that I have lined. I did this because of the white fabric. I think it makes them look a lot nicer!

Its so funny! I want to keep most of the bags that I'm making!! hahaha!! However, I am going to share a few with friends. I think they are going to make WONDERFUL giftbags for pressies!! AJ is already getting one and I've already started to fill it up!

Friday, January 30, 2009

Another quick FO!


FO: Wicker Chest Cover
Originally uploaded by BigPikaChica
I just finished this quickie! It's a cover for a wicker chest that we have at the foot of the bed. I thought about getting rid of it, but Gizmo likes to sleep on it... on her bed, of course.

I swung by Hancock Fabrics this afternoon for some cheap fabric to make a cover. I also had a $20 gift card to spend. (Thanks Cathy & Terry!) I bought 2.5 yards of 1/2 price anti-pill fleece and sewed up the corners. Super simple!

Now, I have a nice looking, covered and matchy chest at the foot of the bed. Our bedroom almost looks like adults sleep in there now!