Little B Sewing

The search for internet...

2009-07-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

I love rural Mississippi. I really do. Except for one thing. Rural Mississippi, and in particular the little town we've moved to, has no internet access (well, unless you want to count dial-up as access...I don't).

McDonald's (about a 10 minute drive from home) has WiFi, but there's a per use charge. Bummer.

The county library has access and it's FREE! And after logging in and successfully doing my puttering around I suddenly can no longer access Facebook because it's blocked by the filter. Bummer again. What's internet without Facebook?

The search continues (but I'm suspecting that there are fees in my future).

If I can get my act together, I've got lots of pictures to post.

Once Upon a Mattress

2009-06-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

Germantown Community Theatre did an all kids production of Once Upon a Mattress and performed it outside at the park in Germantown. I had planned on going Friday night, but the storms cancelled the perfomance, so we decided to go Saturday and it worked out that Matthew got home in time and got to go with us!

The kids got their faces painted,

won magic wands by going on a scavenger hunt

(although we had no luck finding a shell or a thistle),

and got to dance on stage before the play!

The play was very cute and we had a wondeful time. But, as soon as the play was over Kenna and Landon wanted to go play on the playgroud. So we went for a few minutes while the crowd cleared out a little.

It must have been an exhausting evening, all three slept past 8 this morning, and then wanted to lay around like "the pirates who don't do anything." :)

Broadway Baby

2009-06-01T06:23:00.001-07:00

I have a Broadway baby! Kenna's dance recital was really awesome. For the ballet portion, they set up the stage like a dance studio and the performance was done like a class (which allowed the instructor to cue them visually and verbally). A darling idea! And it was really neat to see what a class looked like. The only problem was the Statler & Waldorf (ala The Muppet Show) critique from behind me. She was so disappointed that they were just "calling out" the positions and that when *she* did dance recitals they did little choreographed dances, not just skills individually. I wanted to say, "Ma'am, this is the choreography, the setting is a dance studio and the "play" is pretending they are in class." But since I'd already kindly told her that it was indeed a very good idea to take the group pictures as they came on stage since they would not be as cooperative after the show (not to mention the costume change) and well worth the little bit of extra time we had to wait between groups. The tap portion of the show was my favorite. The setting for it was the Broadway stage. The littlest ones were dressed in fancy little tutus with pillbox hats and there was a teacher dance partner for each little girl dressed in a 50s style suit with a hat. It was so incredibly cute...their song was "Stepping out with My Baby." All the tap dances were choreographed routines (I hope Statler/Waldorf behind me was happy) and except for the tots, the dance instructors weren't on stage with them. Although, they were apparently in the wings because all the girls were obviously watching them. ;-)

Kenna in her stage makeup. I had to wake her up from a nap to get her ready. I picked her up and held her to help her wake up and suddenly she got down from my lap and wandered away. I found her back in her bed, but when I told her I'd do her makeup, she perked up a little.

The tap routine. Don't you just love how all of them are doing something different? Just makes me laugh. I didn't manage to get a shot of the ballet routine, Kenna was toward the back.

Getting flowers after the show.

We had a wonderful backstage helper who did Kenna's hair and helped her get dressed. A million thanks to Miss Tiffany. I was going to make Kenna choose between dance and gymnastics this fall, but after seeing her dance (she had picked gymnastics) I'm rethinking that decision. ;-)

Don't forget the baby...

2009-05-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

Ah, packing. Boxes everywhere, stuff everywhere, and you can never find the tape! But you can't forget the baby, especially when he throws stuff out so *he* can be in the box.

We are in the middle of it with no end in sight. At this rate, we might be ready to move by August. Too bad our moving date is in June. ;-)

Needless to say, there hasn't been an awful lot of sewing going on. I am trying to finish a few "hired" projects and managed to make a big goof yesterday. I made a mighty cute little purse...

Too bad I was *trying* to make a shirt! A little ripping out and a little more stitching and now it's fixed.

Got a skort, another shirt, some baby legs, and a couple of pillowcase painting smocks to do and then I am going to pack up all the sewing stuff. I've just got to figure out where my sewing space is going to be in the new, smaller house. No more taking over the dining room table, unless we want to start eating in the floor. Hmm.... ;-)

Finished Jonah's gown!

2009-05-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

I actually got something finished for the baby it was intended for. Now I just have to get it to him before he outgrows it!

On the move

2009-05-03T06:18:00.000-07:00

Moving day is June 23 and we are headed to Algoma. The best news is we will have a very nice, large fenced in back yard. The bad news is we won't have DSL...which means no more blogging and no more Facebook. Oh, well. Maybe I can blog from the library.

For Eden

2009-04-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

I should really be ashamed that it has taken me this long to make a dress for this sweet baby. I intended to do one for her when she was born (I think I actually meant for that yellow baby dress to be hers, but she's long since outgrown one that size) and then I got to meet her in person at her uncle's wedding and I was going to get it done then. And then I thought, well, I'll just do one for her 1st birthday and I somehow missed that and decided I'd just get it done and send it for Easter, well that came and went too.

But, I've finally finished it! This is actually an inherited UFO...a friend of mine did the smocking on the dress and bonnet, but never got as far as cutting out the dress. I cut out the dress a couple of years ago and never quite got around to finishing it. I have another smocked piece in the same fabric with coordinating smocking that's big enough for Kenna, if I ever get around to constructing it.

Now, I only need to find Ashley's address (if you are reading, email it to me!) and it'll be on it's way. I'm pretty sure it will fit...Riley was cooperative enough to put it on so I could gauge the hem. I didn't go as far as photographing him in it, but he sure looks adorable in a pink bonnet. ;-)

Trisha sundress

2009-04-24T16:02:00.000-07:00

This dress is so much fun. I love it. I had a few frustrations making it, namely that I couldn't get the length of the elastic right in the back. After the third time, I thought I had it and went ahead and constructed the dress only to try the dress on Kenna and realize that it was really still too big. I didn't have the heart to rip out the whole thing in order to fix it, so it will just have to be a little big.

It should be just under her shoulder blades in the back, it's sitting at waist level instead. The construction is rather unique, after sewing the skirt onto the finished bodice, you sew the skirt lining in so that the seam will be enclosed. The wrong side of the lining is facing the wrong side of the skirt so the inside looks very nice.

I think I'm going to make this one again in a hot pink pin dot fabric. I'll cut it longer (cut the bodice a 6 and the length an 8) and I'll make sure that back elastic is like I want it before sewing the skirt on. I'm probably not going to do piping on the next one either, just for a different look

I started not to do the flower, especially after I "lost" the first covered button I made. But I'm so glad I did. It was really very easy and it turned out so cute!

Kenna loves the dress. She twirled and leaped and kept telling me how everyone is going to say how pretty she looks. ;-)

Trisha Smith skort

2009-04-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

I managed to finish one thing in my sewing class last week, this skort which we started on Thursday night. I kept working on it between working on the other outfits and managed to finish it on Saturday. But it was actually a little too big and the elastic in the waist was rolling, so I fixed that yesterday.

The flower is chenille by the inch, which is really cool to work with, if a bit challenging. It goes on as basically a stack of bias strips held together with a seam down the middle. After you stitch it down, you wet it and brush it to make it "bloom."

This was my favorite project (though the sundress was a close second). The best thing I learned was that I share Elizabeth Travis Johnson's birthday and the funniest was how to remember how to position snaps on rompers (just like boys, balls in front, hole's in back...I know, it's terrible! But I laughed anyway and I'll *never* forget!)

I monogrammed a set of towels for a graduation gift. I'm thinking that's going to be my standard gift for graduates this year.

I've got 3 things that need hemming (Jonah's gown, a pink baby dress for Miss Eden, and a sundress from Trisha's class for Kenna) but Riley decided a 45 minute nap was long enough and interrupted that process. I've also got a pants outfit started for Kenna from the Trisha class that needs alot more work and a skort from the first night that I haven't even manage to cut out (I have to finish drafting the hemline first!)

Not to leave my boys out, here are they are playing outside. Riley has leaves in his hair.

Easter sewing

2009-04-11T12:33:00.001-07:00

I had dreamed of sewing matching outfits for all three kids, but that just didn't happen. I decided a week ago that I'd only sew Kenna a dress since I was short on time, that didn't happen either. Thankfully, there's Williams Brothers store in Philadelphia (which my family has always just called Williamsville). They have dresses like I would make at a pretty reasonable price (there's no better place to buy shoes, by the way). I found this one and brought it home to monogram.

Had a scary moment when I had to rip out some stitches that went awry, but they came out okay and didn't "scar" the collar.

The last of my smocked Easter eggs. Well, I may do one more, but I'm a little tired of them. ;-)

A couple of swimsuit coverups I embroidered in lime green. It's hard to see though, guess you can have too much light.

I'm also nearly finished with a baby gown and dress and bonnet. They just need to be hemmed and the gown needs a little embellishment. I'm having trouble with the hem on the slightly A-line gown, so I pulled out what I have done and am going to try again. Hopefully will have them done early next week.

Happy Easter everyone!

Yellow baby dress

2009-04-01T12:43:00.001-07:00

I've been working on my PhD! (project half done)

I've completed one of my many UFOs (unfinished objects), a little yellow baby dress that I probably began nearly two years ago.

I'm not sure why I cut fitted sleeves for the dress, but I wanted get it finished as quickly as possible, so I used what I had cut. Who knows what I had originally intended.

Close up of tucks and embroidery.

We are going to gift this to friends that had a baby girl in January. I wasn't sure it would fit, so I tried it on Riley. The fit was actually okay, and I could even almost close it at the neck. So I'm sure it will fit a 3-4 month old just fine.

The Magic Tree House at the Orpheum

2009-03-31T08:56:00.001-07:00

Last week we went on a field trip to the Orpheum with the gifted class from Strayhorn. It was a really great trip and a wondeful musical. We are still singing songs from it!

Sorry about the eyes, red eye I can fix, but evil glowing eyes defy every attempt to change them. Landon is crying because he thought he was lost.

The ride on the school bus was a highlight of the trip, especially for Landon. We stopped at the park in Hernando for a picnic lunch.

I need to keep my eyes open for more theatre opportunities. We really enjoyed it. As soon as it was over, Kenna asked if we could see it again.

New Site

2009-03-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

ZOO!

2009-03-17T12:35:00.001-07:00

According to the weather report, today was a great day to go to the zoo. But it started out really foggy and I was a little worried. It cleared off quickly though and we had a wonderful time.

At the sea lion exhibit.

Riley ignoring the sea lion show.

Landon looking at zebras (I think)

Kenna in awe of the giraffes (the babies were very cute and according to the kids had, "little long necks")

Our cute bunch (minus Riley, he's in the stroller)

Landon climbing trees after lunch.

Kenna in the tree.

Three kids in a tree.

By this time Riley was ready for a nap and tired of the stroller.

Kenna riding the carousel elephant. She was a little nervous being up so high.

Landon rode a panda. He wasn't sure about it until the ride started. He kept wanting me to get him down and let him sit on the bench seat in front of us. When the ride was over, he didn't want to get off.

Riley wasn't happy about sitting on his rhino, but liked it once it started moving. But he wanted off before the ride was over because he was so sleepy.

In fact, he was so sleepy that he fell asleep while I was changing his diaper when we got back to the van.

We had a great time...Kenna wants to go back tomorrow. ;)

Smocked Easter Eggs!

2009-03-11T07:03:00.001-07:00

Finally, something sewing related!

Here are the instructions and smocking plates.

Smocked Easter Egg directions

Pleat 11 full space rows adding a half space row between rows 1 and 2. Use a holding thread that matches your fabric for rows 1 1/2 and 10 as these threads will be permanent.

Leaving 1/2" seam allowance, smock beginning on row 6. Down cable, 1-step trellis up to row 5, up cable, 1-step trellis back down to row 6, 3-step trellis up to row 4, up cable, 3-step trellis back down to row 6, repeat 5 more times for a total of 6 repeats (covers 72 pleats). Do not take final stitch on each row. Removed needle and leave thread tail to join rows when smocking is completed.

Complete remainder of smocking. Remember not to take the final stitch and to leave the thread tail.

Trim fabric to 1/2" along each side of smocking. Prepare holding threads for removal (leave in until construction of the fabric tube is complete) and knot the ends of row 1 1/2 and row 10 so that you do not accidentally remove them. With the thread tails at the end of reach row, join into corresponding stitches at the beginning of the same row.*

This will make a tube of smocked fabric. Tie off stitches on the inside of the tube.

Remove pleating threads, except for row 1 1/2 and row 10. Slide egg into fabric tube.

Trim fabric close to remaining pleating threads.*

Pull threads tightly and tie securely.

Finish ends as desired.

*I found after making several of these, that it is easier is you trim the fabric close to rows 1 1/2 and 10 before constructing the fabric tube.

End finishing techniques

There are several ways to finish the ends. You may glue rosettes, ribbons, buttons, bows, or other decorations on the ends. The yellow egg is finished with fabric yo-yos on each end. The blue and pink eggs are finished with a stitched spider web. You may also attach a thread loop to the small end of the egg so that it can be hung.

Spiderweb finish

Using two strands of floss, make an eight spoked star over the raw edges at one end. Bring the needle back out at the center of the star.

Beginning with the spoke nearest the needle and working counter-clockwise, backstitch over spoke. Move to the next spoke and repeat until all the spokes and raw edges are covered.

Tie off and hide knot under stitches.

Other smocking plates

You can use just about any smocking plate. It should cover no more than 9 rows and be anywhere from 72 to 100 pleats wide. Smocking plate for the yellow egg coming soon.

Blue egg Smocking plate

Start at Row 5 (up cable, down cable, up cable, 2 step trellis down to 5 1/2, down cable, up cable, down cable, 2 step trellis back to 5). Repeat this pattern a total of 8 times. Construct as above.

Creating your own smocking graph using Excel

I found directions here: http://www.southern-stitches.com/excelsmckng.html

Snow!

2009-03-02T09:44:00.000-08:00

Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-02-24T12:48:00.000-08:00

I love this skirt...I think I might try to make one.

Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!: "Current Giveaways (click on picture):"

Want to see our new powder room?

2009-02-11T08:57:00.000-08:00

We've recently had a little remodeling done...

and here is our contractor...

The bathroom smells really nice. Powdered floors are surprisingly slippery though.

Our pup's sister Gracie visited us yesterday. The fought and played and slept all afternoon.

Sunday we had to leave church because Riley poured his cup of water all over him and me. But it was so nice outside, that we just stayed outside at the church until service was over.

In fact, we've had alot of nice weather lately and spent quite a bit of time in our yard. Looks like we need a bigger wagon.

Riley no longer takes a bottle, so I boxed them all up. Made me a little sad, which I found odd. He's the only one of mine to actually take a bottle and it was kinda sad to see that end. He had been so reluctant to drink milk from a cup and then one day last week he finally accepted it. He doesn't even miss the bottle (and I don't either now that I've gotten used to the idea...less bottle washing is a good thing).

Riley reading. Guess it shouldn't be surprising that any of my kids are verbal and love books...I'm just surprised that they *all* are.

That's all my random updates for now. We have a birthday party this weekend and a Gymnastics meet we may go watch. Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!

Maybe this is why I can't get any sewing done...

2009-02-04T14:19:00.000-08:00

Today was apparently just one of those days. I have lots of those actually.

Snow?

2009-01-28T08:10:00.001-08:00

Well, not really, but it was enough to close all the schools in the area and my kids, being snow deprived all of their lives, just had to get out in it. I bundled them up, sent the pup out with them, and enjoyed a few uninterrupted minutes at the computer (Riley was watching them out the door).

We made the puppy a little purple fleece coat (which she is already outgrowing!)

Landon can barely move. Once his gloves got wet, he wanted to come back inside.

Riley watching out the door. Notice his wild hair...it will lay down if you wet it.

Cowboy Riley

Landon and Zoe

Puppy power!

2009-01-22T11:38:00.001-08:00

I had one more Christmas present...

She's a six week old mixed breed--mom is definitely a yorkiepoo (we've joked that she's a "purebred" yorkiepoo) and dad is part Jack Russell (and who knows what else). Her hair is longish, but not fluffy (feels soft and silky) and she had white on her neck and feet. She has the square jaw of a yorkie and the stance of a jack russell. She's a little sweetheart, but she cried all night last night. I was really worried until I realized that she must have been hungry, poor thing. We picked her up around 7 last night and I assumed (but should have asked!) that she had already been fed. She was fine as long as we'd hold her, but if we tried to kennel her to go to bed she'd cry. So she spent a lonely night in the doggie dungeon (the utility room) and had a totally different disposition after breakfast this morning. She's in need of a bath and a vet check (which we are planning to do Saturday) but she seems healthy and happy.

We've named her Zoe. The kids are in love. Riley can exactly mimic her yelping and so it sounds like we have two puppies when they get going. Kenna is being a big help--feeding and taking her outside--and wants to be with her constantly. She wraps her up (because she's cold Mama) and tucks her in her basket when she falls asleep (which she seems to like better than the kennel). I held her this morning while I did my Bible study...she's such a cuddly little thing. Landon wants her to play. It'll be fun to watch them romp outside this spring!

Fun with Kenna

2009-01-15T13:22:00.000-08:00

Kenna and I are dabbling in homeschool (using Sonlight's Language Arts curriculum and Miquon Math for now) and are having a blast, especially with the writing assignments. Because her physical writing skills cannot keep pace with her ability to compose, I've modified assignments so that instead of writing, she dictates and I type. Our assignment for today was to write a few lines of dialog and this is what Kenna came up with....

Make-believe said, “Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your hair.”
Rapunzel said, “I will not let down my hair because this is just a wig and if I let down my hair, I will be bald!”
Make-believe said, “Oh, then I will leave and I will see you tomorrow. Good-bye.”
Rapunzel said, “Just kidding. I said that because I did not want my hair to be pulled.”

Make-believe, she explained is "a guy who looks like person skin who has a lot of parts that doesn't really look like person skin." "He's just a robot."

She got to accompany me to our SAGA meeting Tuesday and had such a wonderful time. She told me on the way home that she wants to go every time. I told her that she couldn't go every time, but she could go sometimes to which she replied, "But Mama, they all like me!"

Look who's walking!

2009-01-14T13:00:00.000-08:00

Portraits of One

2009-01-14T07:11:00.000-08:00

My older two had professional portraits done for their first birthdays, Riley merely got JCPenney, but they turned out cute! :-)

I think he might look just a *little* like his daddy.

What do you think?

Haircuts

2009-01-13T12:46:00.000-08:00

Landon and Kenna both got new 'dos. Kenna was tired of tangles and brushing and ponytails and wanted her hair cut like "Lucy from Narnia." So she took a little book about Lucy with her and showed the stylist what she wanted. It turned out really cute and Kenna is thrilled with it.

For dance/gym class this afternoon, I pulled the sides up into a ponytail. She wasn't happy about that because she thought no one would notice her new haircut if I put it in a ponytail.

Landon wanted (and needed) a haircut too, so Daddy took him after naptime.

We've recently made a new discovery in out house. It's called Nutella, or around here "chocolate butter." Everyone loves it (and who wouldn't!) We even let Riley have some (but probably won't do that again for awhile).