Reviews: January 2011 Archives

The plan was to post on a Hot Patterns Pattern today but when I was cleaning my kitchen the other night slowly doing my mental list of where I had to go this week and what I needed to make/finish; I noticed that I was at the threshold of Baby Season. Baby Season seems to coincide closely with Awards Season, so while the stars are strutting the red carpet in their fineries, I am making and wrapping bibs, booties, baby carriers and other sundries necessary for raising wee babes. I am quite sure that Baby Season is not a southern-only epidemic so I thought I would share a few of my favorite or most popular hand-made baby gifts. These are easy to make, of course-quick, and a big hit with mothers.

 A nursing cover is a simple gift that works for a multitude of tasks (a great gift even for mothers who aren't nursing). I used mine for the obvious but also as a stroller cover when my little one napped or was over stimulated. My cover served duty as a changing pad/cover so as not to expose the baby in public when a private area can't be found, a quick and light spring blanket, and a sun shade. The list goes on and on. Making one is easier than listing all its useful capacities. You will need 1 yd of 2 different prints or colors of fabric. Picking out the fabric is the most fun (I think). You can go for any of the Premiere Prints that are sale today! For the funky, trendy mom- try our new Ty Pennington Impressions (I am loving the color combos). For a first child (and you know there will be more) make a nursing cover with one side a feminine color/print and a masculine on the other. I made mine from this awesome Kwik Sew pattern which also features a swaddler and sling. All three make a super baby shower gift.

The pattern lived up to the Kwik Sew name and was equally easy to read and assemble. This was just the ticket as the time I set aside to work on it was naptime and this day was particularly trying as naptime was out of favor. The project put me at ease and the satisfaction I received from the completed nursing cover was great enough to leave me ready for the end of naptime. I would recommend cutting and assembling several at one time, since they are so quick, in case you are invited to a party and difficulties leave you without time to make anything. I used 2 pieces of quilting cotton from my stash (working from my stash is my new years resolution) but I think in the future I will choose at least one side to be Home Dec fabric for better sun protection in the hot summers. Psst: You will need some boning.

Danger craft's Tofu the Gently Dachshund pattern is one of those patterns that you just enjoy knitting from start to finish. All the little bits make it more fun. I also enjoy the assembly though finishing (weaving in end and seaming) is usually my least favorite. I decided to change up the pattern a little bit to model one of my dogs, Murphy. He is a short-haired border collie so a far cry from a dachshund but the modifications were small. First, I must expound on Murphy's virtues, namely how stinking cute he is (see him below). He has a very curly tail that even curls in his sleep. Murphy has black and white spotted socks that are often referred to as his spats. He even walks fancy. But Murphy's crowning glory is his wonky ears. One is always bent and the other is straight- most of the time. I point out all these magnificent characteristics because they are the traits I aimed to incorporate into my Tofu Dog. The changes were easy.

First: for the Murphy socks, I just randomly changed from Cast Iron (black) to white as I was knitting the legs and arms. I did not count but just changed when it felt right. To make his spots, I went back after I had knitted the body and arms and using duplicate stitching I added black spots wherever. For the curly tail, I knit as per the pattern but then I added a length of pipe cleaner inside so I could curl the tail up. The wonky ears were just a matter of shortening the pattern. Instead of increasing, I decreased and then knit a few rows and decreased again. To make one floppy, I bent the ear a bit and then secured it with a small stitch and then another lower down on the ear. I also stitched the ears on so they would sit up instead of handing down like a Dachshund's. Murphy has a long nose so I didn't change anything there. All in all I think he looks amazing and I know my little girl will love having a Murphy whose tail she CAN pull and ears she CAN inspect.

My next plan is to make another to match my other dog Maggie; she's an American Bulldog. The plan is to hold two strands so I can make the dog bigger. I will also add some short rows in the back because Maggie has a healthy rump. One ear will be orange and there will also be a curly tail but less so than Murphy's. I might also add some beans to add weight since Maggie, at 75 lbs, is quite stout and I think this is one of her finer points as well since you can't avoid noticing how heavy she is as she sits in your lap. I will let you know how it goes. I encourage you all to try this awesome pattern and make modifications to model your beloved dogs. Post your pictures on Facebook for all to see.

This pattern was knit in Berroco Vintage In Cast Iron and Vintage White. I have not added the eyes or nose yet because the little messmaker above is very intent right now on pulling things off and often they end up in the mouth or my stepping on them. 

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Spring cannot get here fast enough, especially with the Snowpocolypse 2011 that happened last week. Although I love all the accessories you can pile on yourself during colder months, I cannot wait for sundresses. Luckily, Colette Patterns features a dress that can be a year-round favorite! The Parfait dress is a jumper  dress with lots of style and potential!

I chose fabric with a darker color palette that would transition well from season to season. This Anna Maria Horner voile from her new collection, "Innocent Crush" is a great choice. It's very lightweight which is great for layering in the winter and light and comfortable in the summer. However this voile is just ever so slightly sheer- so I will need a slip with this dress. I should have known better using voile! I recommend duplicating the skirt for a lining if using voile, lawn, or any other very lightweight fabric.

Colette Patterns are fantastic. The book style instructions make everything clear and consecutive. This is my second Colette Pattern dress and I've noticed some reoccurring themes in her cuts:

Theme 1: The Waist:  I'm not talking empire waist- but rather a waistline that is about a 1'' higher than what I'm used to- and it makes all the difference! Very flattering and comfortable!

Theme 2: Back Bodice: The darts are very exaggerated, causing this bulge around my shoulder blades -as if it was cut for someone that slumps over. After a first fitting, I continued the dart to the top of the back because it was not laying flat on my back.

Theme 3: Sizing: The cuts of this pattern for the width are exceptional- fits like a glove. However, I decided to cut the pattern pieces 2 sizes larger- on the lengthwise because I have a long torso. If you do too, I'd recommend customizing how you cut your pattern pieces so that the bodice will be long enough.

There were 2 "errata" in this pattern. No biggies- and thoughtfully corrected on a card in the back of the instruction book. This pattern and personal variations of this pattern will make up most of my spring & summer dresses for years to come. I highly recommend this Parfait pattern and can't wait to try more Colette Patterns!

Bags rock. No two ways about it. And who doesn't need more, more MORE?

The Heather Bailey Smart Girl Book Bag has intrigued me for some time, but I never had the magical flash of inspiration to make one... until we got the Tula Pink Parisville collection. I am crazy in love with this gorgeous Marie-Antoinette-inspired cotton print group and had to make things out of it as soon as I saw it. Off to the races! (Well, off to the the sewing room, but you knew what I meant.)




The pattern itself is initially a little underwhelming. It doesn't offer actual patterns for each piece. For elements that are simple rectangles, it gives dimensions and then you get to do your cutting DIY style. Once I realized how much paper this was saving, I was cool with it. I mean, it's not like I can't handle cutting out a rectangle on my own now and again.

The pattern does have really clear and simple directions, which would be fantastic for someone new to sewing. It goes together lickety-split. Mine went from cutting table to completion in less than two hours.

I made a minor alteration to mine in that I did not cut the two-piece ruffle layer out of two different fabrics. Because the Parisville prints are so intricate and sumptuous, I wanted to give the lovely details on my favorites a little more play.

One thing I will probably add in future versions is either a zipper closure under the flap or a zippered interior pocket to keep a wallet or other valuables safe. I am forever paranoid about important things falling out of my bag if they're not secured.

We all know where I stand when it comes to Amy Butler's patterns so I shall spare us all another romantic tale. No love though is perfect (not even Ms. Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy). So I submit to you the flaw in my love for AB's patterns: Wide Leg Lounge Pants from In Stitches. We will begin with the good as all star-crossed love stories do. This pattern was super cute in the photo and just as super fast to make. While there was more cutting than was expected because I had to piece together pattern pieces and then create my own to add length to the legs, after that it was all downhill. 4 pattern pieces (double that if you add the contrast cuff like moi) and as many seams. I could see the impending doom as soon as I joined the front pieces to the back...these pants were going to be HUGE. I opted to the medium size because across the board, I am a medium sized girl. If my closet where a bell curve, the majority of my wardrobe would fall well into the medium range. So I added the requisite width to accommodate the medium size when cutting out my pants pieces (3/4 in. on each piece). Once the pants were done it can be safely said that these pants could do without 4-5 in. in width (2 to 2.5 each piece) and still be considered Wide Leg. The length was also an issue. I will need to rip off the cuffs and trim about 2 in. from the length as well. I also had a problem with the waist line. While I definitely fall into the "Mom" category, it is a daily goal to not dress as a mom (mom jeans, etc) so when I pulled these disastrous (but comfy) lounge pants up and up and up and up all the way past my waist I sighed a sigh of defeat. This would never due. 

The waist as well needed to lose at LEAST 2-3 inches. The whole project would have to be ripped back, recut and resewn. These pants were so big in fact that I am forced to wonder, "How could Amy Butler not know that these pants were so big!" They fit nothing like the picture. Even the small with its 1 ½ in. difference would not have given me the cute fit of the photo. I am also sure that I am not the only one to have encountered this fitting issue but the only errata for In Stitches Wide Leg Lounge Pants to be found on AB's site is an improvement on step 6 for a clearer way of applying trim. I was really hoping for a great pair of PJ pants in line with the wonderful bags and tops that Amy has produced. Take my advice and measure a pair of PJ's pants you already own at the leg opening, length and waist height and adjust Amy's Lounge Pants pattern to those sizes before cutting your fabric. I opted for an elastic waist instead of the draw string because anything dangly can and will be seized and used as a leash by my almost 2 yr old daughter. Plus I need to dress or undress rapidly in order to shower or look decent so fiddling with a suddenly double knotted pair of PJs was not on the menu.

Now, the fabric on the other hand, Claire Bella Flannel is dreamy. SO Soft, wonderful drape, comfy inside and out. The colors were grown up enough that should I be caught outside picking up the newspaper, I would not have to hide my face but fun enough to make PJ pants, well, fun. The diagonal circles give a nice line which makes it more forgiving  to piece than vertical or horizontal. But the hand was delicious. I slept in my pants last night and they were so soft that going to bed was even more joyous than usual. Plus I was warm enough with my pants that I didn't need the long sleeve t-shirt and socks that I usually don before sleep. I recommend this flannel for robes and blankets as well. It is simply dreamy! The cuffs of the lounge pants were created by doubled quilting cotton from Amy Butler's Belle Line. I would have gone for her new Soul Blossom line but I didn't realize that I wanted a contrast cuff till 2 days ago. The next pair will have some Soul Blossom, for sure!

You can follow us on Twitter! Get the scoop on Fabric.com Deals by following @fabricdotcom 
or you can get the inside scoop on my projects, see their progress and get extra tips and tricks by following me@tdangermiller