Bowties are Cool!

After last night's episode of Project Runway I grew to have a greater appreciation for Viktor Luna. At first I didn't like him. I thought he was a cold fish. But even though he is not BFF material, he is a great designer and a pretty cool guy. Super cool, because he wears bowties, and wears them well...

I will say it, Bowties are cool.  Very cool. Even the latest Doctor Who sports one!

Let's face it, the bowtie is back. It's not just for men named Orville anymore.

Here in the south, bowties have never gone out of style.  On any given Sunday, there are a few men at my church sporting seersucker suits with bowties. It's just classy. It just says Southern Gentleman.

 

Today I had to make a few bowties for Bubba. OK, so one big reason is I need a red one for his Halloween Costume. I also wanted a few others for my little southern gentleman. I found this tutorial from Prudent  Baby. There are a bunch out there, but I liked this best. I didn't use interfacing though, after the bows were sewn and pressed open, I sprayed them with stiff starch. 

I started with three double ties.

I raided my stash of fat quarters for these, and went for my vintage reproductions! Love how these turned out, so I had to try 2 or the single bows.

I think this last one is the one Bubba will wear to be the Doctor for Halloween!


I still have bowties on the brain! I have to finish the neckbands and will probably make a few more when I get a chance! Bowties make me happy!

Dress2

I was messing around with the easy jumper pattern, and raided my stash to make a little size 3 one for a friend's youngest daughter who likes frilly things.

The bodice and bottom are leftover from a quilt backing, and the skirt is from 4 fat quarters I bought at the quilt guild's retreat a few weeks ago! They were $1 each. Can't beat that for a little girls dress! The snaps are vintage mother of pearl I found in my sewing stuff.

I wanted to see if A letter would fit in the bodice, so I broke out my embroidery arm. I really should use that thing more often!I also think the pink breaks up the sea of brown a bit.

To make the bodice pattern, I copied the top half of a jumper pattern I have. It runs a little big, so I have to remember to shrink it a bit next time!

dress

I had a bit of fabric left over from the bag, so I whipped this up today! I kind of made up the pattern, tracing the top part from a jumper and then rotary cutting the bottom.


Of course, I am procrastinating with my current quilt. I am doing the blocks in steps, so it is going slow. I have also been making hair accessories!

We added buttons to Evie's yo-yo's!

Flowers made from knit fabrics. 

a bunch of lace and tulle bows.

A brocade flower.

Large brocade flower.

I had a lot of fun, and it is nice to have handwork I can do when Bubba and I are playing on the floor!

Go Mama! Diaper Bag

Sew... after doing the StudioKat Designs Quattro Bag, I decided I really like the front pouch detail. I love the Quattro bag I made, and use it when I go anywhere without kids. I still need to carry quite a bit for the bubba, so I started looking for patterns with a front pouch I liked. I found this Go Mama! Diaper Bag Pattern on etsy. Here is how mine came out...

front of bag

back of bag

side view

inside with pockets, 3 on each side.

It's always a gamble when buying patterns from etsy. You never know how well the pattern maker will explain the directions, or how well drawn the pattern itself will be. This pattern was easy to follow and well written. I did make a few changes, I did 2 sets of pockets on the inside, and instead of just folding down the top edge I lined the pockets. I also lined the back zipper pocket. I think when I do the next bag from this pattern, I might stich the front pouch into 2. The bag itself is wonderfully huge. I am totally in love with the shape and back zippered pocket. The designer only has 2 patterns for sale at this time, a cloth diaper and this bag, but I am hoping she comes up with a few more patterns!