FTP

Nap time has gotten shorter and shorter for my kids! But today I had just enough time to patch my old jeans. They are wearable again!

Also, check out the great design on my t-shirt. It is by a friend from Greenpeace Action Camp.

Does This Come in English?

I want to make more clothes, but pattern making takes trial and error which takes time. So I was checking out some pretty awesome pattern books. Check this stuff out:

I love these really simple, layer-able looks with great details. And I love that these books have 16-30 patterns for so few dollars. But this girl doesn't know Japanese (which came as a great shock to a number of elitist patrons at my former job O.o )

So two options present themselves to me now: 1. Put off pattern making until Summer Break or 2. Work extra hard and spend less time on distracting social media rabbit holes to make time to sew.

Or I suppose a combination plate of less social media with a side of planning for Summer Break.

From any way I come at it, though, an eccentric wardrobe and myfutureself are inextricably connected and will one day meet.

The Tall Man at the Circus

Yesterday, I made a pair of trousers using a 1970s McCalls pattern from Twigenberry Vintage on etsy and some fabric from a bolt my mother-in-law gave me for curtains (still gonna make the curtains, Mom!).  I wore them to school today and now I'm going to show them off to you! By the time I got home, there really wasn't that much light, so I squeezed into this little lit section of the living room. That's how come all the images are cropped and there aren't good lengthy views. But you get the general idea:

They are tan and black striped, wide-legged pants with a zipper closure in front and a nice waistband. These are vintage size 12 and I only changed the pattern a tiny bit to get a good fit. I want to experiment with various leg widths, specifically narrower. This pattern is definitely a keeper. I couldn't be happier with the fit!

Making Messes

This dress was actually made before the other one. This one ideally would be styled with space boots and gogglers. You know, so I can be a space rainbow?

I didn't use a pattern. It is by pure freak chance that it actually fits. This could not be duplicated. Not by me, at least. There will be no tutorial.

Making Messes

I mean, dresses. Making dresses. This one was so super easy and quick to make that I think I may just have to do a tutorial. I didn't have a pattern, just a measuring tape. It's made out of an old bedsheet. I ordered some jumbo wooden buttons for the closure. Imagine four. I'm not sure if the 70s tie is my style, but it works for now.

There's something a little sexy to me about a dress made from an old bedsheet. I mean, who knows how many people over the decades have done who knows what on it and here I am traipsing around like it's appropriate. 

Now That I Have Time

I am making a dress! This will be a short, mod, 1960s style dress. The main fabric is a dull lavender, which is not really my thing, but it makes the buttons and accent fabric POP. *happiness*

This is one of a few vintage patterns that Daddy got for me at a yard sale over the summer- is that not awesome? I am doing the middle look, but I ran out of fabric, so the dress will have to be sleeveless. Also, the pattern was missing the back piece, but I made one up based on the thumbnail below.

I want to get some slightly-clunky, 60s style heels and paint them mustard yellow to coordinate with the accent fabric of the collar and welt. Yes, "welt" is what that faux pocket thing is called, apparently. It kinda weirded me out, too.

Zzzzzz

The baby is asleep for the night so I can finally show you what I made. It's a baby outfit and it fits Beatrice just right with a little room to grow. The only problem is that it's really boyish. Maybe I'll save it for a later edition of Nichols' baby or maybe I'll give it away. Whatever. The main thing is that it fits. So now I'll just get right back to work in pinkier and reddier and purplier fabrics.
I love you,
I'll see you soon,
Leave me a comment,
Nighty-night,
Lily

Good Crafternoon

Like James said, I've been spending a lot of time making stuff: I've made shoes for Beatrice and toys for Beatrice. The shoes are based on a number of patterns I found for free online. One I like especially is here. But this one is the one I've used most.

I'm in the process of altering a dress of mine into a skirt. It's a dress I made for Easter years ago. I don't like the style anymore, but the fabric is a beautiful batik that begs to be worn. By me.

Have you noticed how expensive baby clothes are these days? Instead of buying them, I'm making them. All I have to do is go up to Goodwill on the weekend (they have $1 and $.50 racks) and find grown-up clothes in fabrics I like. Then, bring them home and make nice, warm, weird things for Bea to wear. I made her some hot pink sweat pants the other day. They are super cute.

Speaking of baby clothes, I found this website where lots of good ideas live. I used their stencil technique today to turn boringly plain onesies into delights.

I made a sweater for her, too. It's one of my first adventures in crochet. Kinda bulky. Next time, maybe I'll try this one.

I have also come up with a number of stories to tell her. I wrote them all down and have started illustrations.

I did an oil painting and a crayon drawing.

That's what I've been up to.

Hopefully, my next move will be selling all my pretty-baby-handmade wares...