Will You Sew Along??

 

It’s almost time for Skirting the Issue!!!  I can’t wait!!! I do believe that this was the very first sew along where I was a participant.

It is always such a blessing to me to be able to serve others through sewing. It brings me such joy to know that I can touch a child’s life. With Skirting the Issue, the skirts (or shorts) will go to children in foster care of all ages. There will also be other ideas of where you can donate your sewn items.

I also have some news of my own…… JACOB IS HOME!!!! He moved back in this week. I can’t tell you how THRILLED I am to have him home. It has been like a knife in my heart since last November.

We have also been having TONS of company and having TONS of fun!!!

This past week we went to the Smokies to enjoy some time with my dad and stepmother. We stayed at a cabin in the woods and went to the Ripley’s Aquarium and NASCAR Speedway (a small amusement park). We all had a BLAST!!! I will be posting pictures from our trip very soon. I think I took around 300! LOL It takes a lot of time to go through them all….. 😉

Next week we have company coming for the 4th! YIPPPEEE!!!

 

ANYWAY, I really hope that you will all consider sewing along with Skirting the Issue.

Before I get started, I will be making Colin a few items AND redoing our chest of drawers to match the headboard. 😉

 

HAVE FUN SEWING!!!!

Sewing Hannah’s Pillowcase Bubble Romper Pattern

 

I am still doing Sewing to Rebuild! 🙂 My latest project was Hannah’s Pillowcase Bubble Romper from Create Kids Couture. The pattern can be found free for a short time on Fabric.com.

 

 

 

 

This was a super easy, super fast pattern to do. I was able to make it in just a couple of hours.

Now I am going to have to make Cailey one!! LOL The pattern only goes up to a size 6 but I already sized it up to an 8 for her. 😉

I decided to leave off the sash. It looks more comfy this way. 😉 

I now have 3 complete sets to send. I need 3 more!!! 😀 I am going to be sewing up a storm this weekend!!!

Next up, a bag, PJ pants and a toy for a little boy!! 

 

HAVE FUN SEWING!!!!!

 

Sew Busy Sewing

 

 

SHEW!!! I took a break from sewing yesterday. It was just one of those days. Fibro. 

 

Here is what I have so far on the next set for Sewing to Rebuild.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the little rabbit, I used a template from Crafty Cupboard.   It was very easy to make. I think I might need to make a bunch in spring prints for Easter decorations!! LOL 

The only thing this set needs now is an outfit. I am thinking about making the Sunshine Days outfit in pink.  I hope to get started on it today after I get all my errands done. 

 

Look what we say the other day!!

 

 

I wish the photo would show how bright and beautiful this was!! It was just behind our neighbor’s house across the street. 

 

 

Hope you are having fun sewing!!! 😀

 

 

 

Sewing to Make a Difference

(picture credit – Mermaid’s Purse)

I pretty much have my sewing room in order now! WOOOO HOOOO!!! I’ll be posting pictures tomorrow. 😉 Remember how I said that my first few projects would be for me??? Well, that has changed. My first projects will be sewing to help out. Sewing to help someone in need.

All across Facebook last week there were posts about how to help the people in Oklahoma. I am going to share one of  those links with you.  It is all about sewing to help the victims of that horrible tornado.

Pattern Revolution 

They are asking you to sew clothing, bags or stuffed toys. There are even links to free patterns to use for those sewing projects.

I am also going to share some other ways of helping other people in need by sewing or crafting.

This is one of my ABSOLUTE favorite blogs in the whole wide world is

Hopeful Threads 

Every month Kristy posts a new way to sew and give back. The themes and recipients are many and widely varied. I ❤ her.

Craft Hope – Project 22

For Project 22, Craft Hope is making flip-flops to send to families that live in La Chureca, the dumps of Nicaragua. Please, go and read this post. It’s heartbreaking to know that these families have to live this way.

I even found the box of dresses to give to Pam for Africa!! I should have mailed them forever ago but they got packed!!!! I am soooo sorry, Pam!! I will be mailing them out to you tomorrow!!!!!

There are always ways that we can change our world. They may seem small but they can mean so much to the people they touch.

Look around your community. Is there a need you can  help fill? Can you take bags of toiletries to the homeless? Can you give one afternoon (or more) a week to deliver for Meals on Wheels? Can you sew (or buy) and fill a few bags for children in foster care? Can you sew a stuffed toy for foster care? Can you buy a bag of pet food for your local animal shelter? Offer to foster some animals there? Can you go and give blood? Sign up to donate blood marrow?

There are many small ways to give back. You don’t have to be rich. You don’t have to have tons of time. Do whatever small thing YOU can do. If we all do that we can make a HUGE difference in our world. I truly believe that with all my heart.

What Have I Been Up to Lately

Well, to be honest, not much. LOL I haven’t felt well the past 2 days so I haven’t done much of anything. Including blogging! Yes, I am a very bad blogger, again….. 😦

 

But today I made myself go pick up the books that were on hold for me at the library. Here are the books I picked up!

 

Fashion 101: A Crash Course in Clothing

 

 

Fashion Drawing The Basic Principles

 

 

 

100 Unforgettable Dresses

OMGosh!!! This book is AHHHH-MAZING!!! Definitely drool worthy.

 

 

 

 

In Vogue: An Illustrated History of the World’s Most Famous Fashion Magazine

Another amazing book!! Oh my goodness!!!!!

 

I have also made some decisions about how will homeschool this year. I keep going back and forth on the unschooling vs. the way we have been schooling… I have decided to keep on the way we have been with math and language and to unschool all other topics. That way it helps me keep control in some areas and lets them have control in others. I still may go back and forth…. LOL I just don’t know!! I am soooo confused!!!! I like the thought of unschooling but I just don’t know if it would work for my kids…

 

And will someone please remind me to call the lady at the social services dept. I need to ask if it’s OK if we put Bibles in the bags.  I keep forgetting to call and ask.

OH! I saw a great meme the other day that reminded me of myself…. LOL

I *think* the image comes from Mommy Has A Potty Mouth but I couldn’t swear to it…

 

I joined Twitter!!! YAY!! I am still trying to figure it all, though… 😉 I added the Twitter button over on the side somewhere so click it and follow along! 😉

I have all the fabric cut for the McCall’s M6553, I just need the gumption to get sewing on it!!! Fingers crossed that tomorrow is a better day!!! Then I need to sew more bags for Bags of Hope and Love ❤. Then I will get started on some of the designs I have been sketching!! That will mean new tutorials! YAY!!! 🙂

 

My New Page for Bags of Hope and Love <3

I added a page up at the top. It is for Bags of Hope and Love. Many people have asked how they can help and what items are needed for the bags so I put that all on one page where it will be easier to find. Dummy me,  I forgot to add some important info! LOL So here it   all is.

 

The Bags of Hope and Love are for foster children. I called my local social services department and spoke with the lady that is over foster care. I asked her if there was a need for this type of donation and she said DEFINITELY. I then asked her what age group she was seeing the most and she replied that preteens and teens were largest group that she sees. Then I asked what items she would like to see in the bags. Here is a list:

 

Body wash
Deodorant
Razors
Sanitary items
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body spray
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Books for teens and preteens
Magazines for teens and preteens
Pens
Journals
Individually wrapped snacks
Juice boxes, water bottles, etc
Blankets
Anything you think might make a teen or preteen feel more at home in a strange place

 

The other items needed are the bags themselves. I have a tutorial for making drawstring backpacks and that is what I am using. The only difference is that I am fully lining the bags to make them more durable.

More info is also on the Bags of Hope and Love ❤ page if you are interested in donating items to make the bags.

 

These kids that are going into foster care have NOTHING. I mean that. Absolutely NOTHING. Most of the time they are picked up somewhere other than their homes like school, day care, etc. Even times when they are picked up at home they will not be able to bring much more than a plastic bag of items. I want you to stop and think about that for a little bit. Think about how you would feel if that was to happen to you. Then once the children are removed from their homes they must sit in an office for hours waiting on paper work and placement into a foster home. For many of these kids the first foster home will not be their last. They may bounce around from one foster care home to another. Think of how that would feel. My heart just aches and breaks for them.

This may be just a small thing but I think it could give them HOPE. And maybe they will know that someone, somewhere cares about them.

We can all make a difference. Even if we only help one person, it means the WORLD to that person and that is strong. That has meaning.

I don’t mean to get all preachy but this means a lot to me. You see, I was one of those kids. I went to a foster  home. I was one of the lucky ones, though. I had another option. I called my dad who lived in a different state and whom I hadn’t spoken to in over a year and I begged him to come and get me. He was there the next day. I have no idea what would have happened to me. I could have been one of those kids….. I was 16 when this happened and I was terrified! All I had was my purse and the clothes on my back.  So, you see, I KNOW! I have been there. And I want to help in anyway I can.

There are a lot of charities and a lot of causes. This is one that speaks to me A LOT. Find one that speaks to you and support it in anyway you can.

 

 

Bags of Love

 

I been inspired!!! 😉 See that bag up there??? Well, I am starting a group to donate bags just like that one to kids that are going into the foster care system. The bags will be filled with toiletries, snacks, books, magazines, etc. Most of the kids going into the foster care system have NOTHING of their own. NOTHING! Especially if the kids are picked up at school, then they just have the clothes that are on their backs. Imagine how that is. You are a kid that is living in a terrible situation. One day someone comes and takes you out of that and into the unknown. You are scared to death! You are going to live with strangers! How scary would that be?? And then there is the worry in the back of their minds about the life they left. Would they be held responsible if they have to go back?? Will the awful situation get worse.

My heart aches for these children.

I called my local Social Services Department and spoke with the head of the foster care system. She said that there is a GREAT need for this type of donation. And she said that right now she has been seeing a lot of pre-teens and teens coming through her office. This age group often gets overlooked when it comes to charities. That’s a crying shame. They are not small adults, they are still very much children. They still need all the love in the world. If anything, maybe more so. Being a teen is hard enough without adding the burden of a terrible home life and then stepping into the unknown of the foster care system.

I am hoping that these bags will help them to know that there are people in this world thinking about them, loving them, hoping the best for them.  And at the very least it will provide some of their needs and something to help keep their minds off their troubles while waiting hours and hours in offices while paperwork is done and place for them is found.

I am lining the bags and making them extra durable. It’s my hope that they will be able to keep and use them throughout the whole process. Some of the kids may be moved time and time again from one foster home to another.

My inspiration for this comes from Hopeful Threads. What an awesome group!!! And Kristy is an amazing person. Please, go check out the blog and give her some love!!

I urge you all to find out what you can do in your own community to help the foster care system. It is overburdened with so many children all needing a safe place.

Pray for them all.

Matthew 25: 37-45

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

⁴¹ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fireprepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴² For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

⁴⁴ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

⁴⁵ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

 

 

Shorts for Charity, New Fabric and a Rainbow

I have 3 pairs of shorts for charity all finished and one pair for c2. 🙂 YAY!! I will be finishing up 1 more pair for charity and one more pair for c2 tonight! 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took a trip to Hancock’s today since I was in the area… This is what I picked up for $20! 😉

 

I got 3 yards of this red jacquard! 🙂 I used the yellow for the Retro Butterick  ’56 5603.

 

 

 

I got a 1/2 yard of this AWESOME Steelers cotton to make a purse for FOOTBALL SEASON!! YAY!! Yes, I am a HUGE football fan! LOL And there was a purse that I was longing for last season. Now I can make my own and not pay $65! LOL

 

 

 

I ❤ toile!! So when I saw this on sale I knew I had to grab a yard to make a purse or tote. 🙂 Love yellow and blue together!

 

 

 

I found this in the remnants bin. It looked like just the thing to make d another bag. I got just over 1 1/2 yards for $2!

 

So that’s the haul I got for $20. Not too shabby! 😉

 

And here is a picture of a rainbow we saw from our front yard this evening.

 

 

 

After I get the shorts finished up I am going to start cutting out the patter for this –

 

McCall’s M6362. I think I’m still leaning toward madras.

 

Then after that I am planning to take on this –

 

Here is the fabric that I plan to use –

 

With a eyelet for the bolero! 🙂 What do you think???

 

 

 

Sewing for Charity – Part 3: The Skirts Tutorial

 

 

YAY!!! I have my skirts all done! I made 2 yellow and 2 purple in different sizes. I found some great crepe backed satin in the remnants bin at Hancock’s!! So the 4 skirts cost a little over $4!!! Isn’t that awesome?????

I made up a little tutorial for them although they are very simple and easy to make. 😉

I am thinking about adding some little bows to them so they won’t so plain.

 

What I Used 

3 yards of crepe backed satin

2 yards of off white broadcloth (for lining)

1 1/2 yards of 1/2″ elastic

 

 

Step 1 –

 

Remove the cat from the fabric, dust off and iron, AGAIN!!!!! SIGH……..

 

Step 2 –

Cut your fabric to the width and length you need. This was about 42 wide by 28 long.

 

Step 3 –

 

Cut the lining the same width but 4″ shorter. I like the lining to be s bit shorter than the skirt. It’s just a personal preference. You can make it the same length if you like.

 

Step 4 –

 

Pin the top of the main fabric to the top of the lining and sew them together with a straight stitch.

 

 

Step 5 –

 

Fold over the top about a 1/2″ and press.

 

Step 6 –

 

Fold up the bottom of the lining a 1/2″ and press. Fold over again 1″ and press.  Pin and sew the hem. Press again.

 

 

Step 7 –

 

Pin the sides together and sew the seam. Press the seam to one side.

 

 

Step 8 –

 

Fold the top over 1″ and press. This will be your elastic casing. Pin and sew with a straight stitch making sure to leave and opening to insert the elastic.

 

 

Step 9 –

 

Pin both ends of the elastic and either hold on tightly to both ends or pin one end to the fabric.

 

 

Step 10 –

 

Sew the ends of the elastic together. I usually use a zigzag stitch if the elastic is above 1/4″. Sew the opening closed.

 

 

Step 11 –

 

Fold over the bottom 3/4″ and press. Fold over 1/2″, press and hem!

 

Now turn right side out and press!

You’re all done! 🙂 Now you have made a simple skirt for charity! YAY!!!! 🙂 Let me know if this was easy to follow or not!

You can find a local agency to give it to or you can send it along to Skirting the Issue at Project Run & Play.  They even have a sizing chart to help you out. 🙂

Tonight I will start sewing shorts for the  Hopeful Threads  sew along for Children In Families in Cambodia. I will put up a tutorial for the self patterned shorts but I think I will also be using the free Fishsticks Designs pattern for a couple of pairs.

Both sites have prizes that you can enter to win if you wish.

 

 

 

 

Sewing for Charity Part 2

I have all my stuff ready to start sewing skirts and shorts! YAY!! I will be starting with the skirts today. I hope to get at least 2 done.  I got to thinking… The skirts and shorts are only for this month… what else can I do the rest of the year to sew for charities??? So I got to looking. 😉 Here is a list of things and organizations to sew for charity!! 🙂

 

Charity Sewing Projects to Fill Community Needs

 

Sewing Charity List

 

Sewing for Charity

 

So many worthy causes. If you are like me you don’t have much money or time that you can give but you can sew…. Why not pledge to sew at least one thing a month for charity?? There’s a saying that goes, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

We can all do our little bit to make the world a better place. 😉

 

Time to get sewing!!! I wasn’t going to do a tutorial for the skirts and shorts I am making but now that I think about it I will. They are just going to be simple skirts and shorts, though. Nothing fancy. 😉