tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45485819158472938402024-03-18T21:00:35.700-04:00STITCHED by CrystalSewing tutorials, DIY, crafts, and moreCrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.comBlogger223125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-37807497329698951342016-03-14T07:00:00.000-04:002016-03-14T07:00:17.047-04:00Plush Blocks for BabyWhen I received some beautiful fabric in the mail last week I was excited to finally sew some for my new little guy! <a href="http://www.blendfabrics.com/gallery/born-wild" target="_blank">The Born Wild collection by Ana Davis for Blend Fabrics</a> has both blue and pink color ways featuring adorable woodland creatures. The blue colorway is perfect for baby boy! I used all six of the blue prints for these six sided plush blocks.<br />
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These soft 4" blocks are great for snuggling, tossing, and stacking. Baby J is still too small for them, but he will be playing with them in just a few short weeks and they make an adorable nursery decoration in the meantime!</div>
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The blocks sew up fast and easy and would make a really fun baby shower gift!</div>
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I just love these whimsical woodland creatures on the sides of these blocks!</div>
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Some letters are a fun addition to the side of the blocks. You can do a simple "a b c" or maybe spell out your little ones name. </div>
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Want to make some plush blocks? Let me show you how!</div>
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You will need...</div>
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<li>six 1/4 yard cuts or six fat quarters, I used the <a href="http://www.blendfabrics.com/gallery/born-wild" target="_blank">Born Wild collection by Ana Davis for Blend Fabrics</a></li>
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If you want to add the letters you will also need...</div>
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For each block, cut six 5" x 5" squares. Mark the corners of each square 1/2" from the sides as shown below.</div>
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If you want to add letters to your blocks, draw or trace the letters to the paper side of the heat n bond. The letters need to be backwards when drawn on the heat n bond. Iron the heat n bond to the back side of the letter fabric. Cut out the letters. Remove the paper backing and iron the letters to the middle of the block squares. sew around the letters with a straight or zig zag stitch.</div>
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Place 2 squares right sides together and sew along one side starting and stopping at the corner marks, 1/2" from the edges. Make sure you back stitch at both ends to prevent your thread from unraveling.</div>
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Press the seam open.</div>
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Repeat those steps to sew a row of four squares together.</div>
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Fold the row to sew the 2 end blocks together. Sew from the 1/2" marks about 1", leaving a 2" opening in the middle as shown below. Again make sure you back stitch at the start and end of each stitch.</div>
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Pin one of the remaining squares to the top, lining up the corner marks with the seams. sew all the way around the top of the cube. Repeat to add the final square to the bottom.</div>
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Turn the block right side out through the hole left in the side and stiff the block.</div>
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Hand stitch the hole closed with a ladder stitch.</div>
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Your blocks are ready for stacking!</div>
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com311tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-89349860757698666282016-03-07T08:00:00.000-05:002016-03-07T08:00:13.033-05:00Mini Top Hat TutorialSt Patrick's day is next week! I am over at <a href="http://makeit-loveit.com/" target="_blank">Make it & Love it</a> today with a fun top hat you can make in leprechaun green for your St Pat's attire. But I thought it would be fun to shrink it down a bit and make a mini to hat too!<br />
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This cute little top hat is attached to a headband, perfect for daintier leprechauns.<br />
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Want to make a little top hat?<br />
You can find the top hat pattern over at Make it & Love it today! You will also need some felt (a couple green sheets, a black, and a yellow), some batting, a hot glue gun and sewing supplies.<br />
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Print the pattern at 50% its size. Cut out one top and 2 brims, but only cut the middle hole in one brim and do not discard the hole, leave the second brim pieces without the hole in the middle.<br />
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Also cut a 12" x 4" rectangle for the hat sides, a 1" x 12" strip for the belt, and a 2" x 2" square for the buckle. Cut 2 slits in the buckle and slide it on the belt. Then baste the belt to the hat about 1" from the bottom.</div>
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Fold the hat sides in half and sew up the short edge with a 1/4" seam allowance.</div>
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Pin the hat top to the side and sew it on with a 1/4" seam allowance.</div>
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Turn the hat right side out, pin the brim piece with the hole to the bottom and sew it on.</div>
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Turn the hat inside out again and pin the second brim piece to the hat along the edge of the brim. Sew all the way around the 2 brims and cut a slit right in the middle to turn the hat.</div>
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Turn the hat right sides out and top stitch around the brim and around the sides of the hat.</div>
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Add a little stuffing in the hole you cut to turn the hat.</div>
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Glue your headband in place with some hot glue, then use the circle cut from the middle of the brim piece to cover the hole, glue it in place.</div>
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Swing by <a href="http://makeit-loveit.com/" target="_blank">Make it & Love</a> it today to check out the full size version of this fun hat and to grab the free pattern to make your own!</div>
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<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com304tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-56053693391329275592016-02-12T14:56:00.001-05:002016-02-12T14:56:30.310-05:00Valentine DressThere is a new little guy around here and he is pretty cute!<br />
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Baby J was born three weeks ago and we are all totally in love with him! At 7 pounds 12 ounces, he is the smallest (and hairiest) of all my babies and he is so snuggly!<br />
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He has been taking up most of my time lately, but I did manage to squeeze in some sewing at the request of this sweet girl who <i>needed</i> a new dress for valentines day!<br />
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We have some springy weather around here and I can't wait to sew up some more dresses for this girl. Now if only the grass would hurry up and turn a springy green too!</div>
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Em asked to go to the fabric store and she chose the fabrics and buttons for this dress, I love her choices! I used the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/178952508/emory-sundress-pdf-dress-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">Emory Dress pattern by Izzy and Ivy</a>, the same pattern I used for her <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2015/02/sew-in-tune-here-comes-sun.html" target="_blank">sun dress last year</a> with is still one of her favorites, just a bit too short now!</div>
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The pattern has button loops on the back, but I am not a big fan of button loops. I find them tedious to sew and they never look quite right when I am done. So I switched them out for regular button holes.</div>
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I drafted a pattern to make a matching dress for her dolly too, she got this doll for Christmas and loves when they can match!</div>
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My sewing time is a bit sparse while I figure out our new normal with three kiddos...and most of my free time is spent snuggle my new little guy! But hopefully you will see me around here a bit more soon!</div>
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com162tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-67082948152838570542015-12-08T11:59:00.000-05:002015-12-08T11:59:32.828-05:00Pixie Hat Tutorial<div style="text-align: center;">
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Looking for a quick, easy and adorable hat to sew for your little one this winter? I am over at Make it & Love it today with a super simple pixie hat tutorial to share!<br />
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This hat such an easy sew, you can can finish one in under 30 minutes! It only takes a couple of straight seams and a hem, so it is perfect for beginners too!</div>
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In my tutorial, I show you how to measure your little one and make a hat to fit any size head. This little whimsical hat is perfect for the holidays...and all winter too! It can be made with an extra warm lining to keep little heads warm.</div>
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Head over to <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2015/12/sew-pixie-hat-winter.html" target="_blank">Make it & Love it today to check out my tutorial</a>!</div>
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<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com72tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-64539960306151552312015-11-06T07:00:00.000-05:002015-11-06T07:00:07.694-05:00Justice League for CraftingconThis month is all about the Justice League over at <a href="http://www.craftingcon.com/" target="_blank">Craftingcon</a>! My son is crazy about superheros and my daughter pretty much likes anything big bro does, so they were both pretty excited about the Justice League inspired looks I made for them!<br />
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This was not the first time the Justice League has inspired my sewing, last year A had a pretty cool <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2015/09/tutorial-superman-costume.html" target="_blank">Superman costume</a>! But, these looks are a lot more casual, perfect for everyday superhero wear.</div>
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AND our little Justice League is growing! Sometime in January we will have a little brother to fill this Green Lantern tee! (OK, it will probably be more like August before he can fill that 6-12 month size tee!)</div>
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Make sure you swing by <a href="http://www.craftingcon.com/" target="_blank">Craftingcon</a> to read all the details on my Justice League inspired look today!</div>
Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-19676835270335693012015-10-22T07:00:00.000-04:002015-10-22T07:00:02.874-04:00Sweet Lily Chambray DressHave you ever had a sewing project that looked AH-mazing in your head...but not so great in reality. This was almost one of those projects for me! As soon as I saw the <a href="http://bellasunshinedesigns.com/product/sweet-lilly-pintuck-dress-tunic/" target="_blank">Sweet Lilly dress pattern by Bella Sunshine Designs</a>, I knew I wanted to make one in chambray. I sewed up the bodice with some cute little yellow buttons (and oh man it looked great!) then I added the skirt and....hated it! So I threw it aside and went to bed, I don't know, but maybe I had just been staring at it too long. The next day I switched out the yellow buttons for some wooden ones, gave the dress a good press, put it on my little one with the boots from<a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2015/10/halloween-2015-woody-and-jessie.html" target="_blank"> her Halloween costume</a>, and I LOVE it!<br />
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The Sweet Lilly dress features a pintucked bodice, I am a sucker for any pattern with pintucks! It's got elbow length sleeves and some sweet ruffles on the sleeves, bodice, and hemline.<br />
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I had bought some chambray months ago with plans to make something for myself, but had not gotten around to it yet. It is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EBNGG7S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EBNGG7S&linkCode=as2&tag=stitbycrys-20&linkId=H3EGPTQEWCBJU7PS" rel="nofollow">this chambray</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=stitbycrys-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00EBNGG7S" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (affiliate link), and I really love it, I think I will be ordering some more to make that something for myself! It is lightweight and has a really pretty drape to it.<br />
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I will warn you, this pattern is not a quick sew. There are lots of pieces to cut, both fabric and interfacing, plus all that ruffling (and I really hate ruffling!) It has some really nice finishing techniques, but they take extra time too. All the seams on the sleeve cuffs and ruffles are encased and the bodice is lined and hand finished at the waist and sleeves. <br />
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This little dress will be perfect for fall! It looks so cute with her boots and will be cute layered with tights or leggings as the weather cools off...if it ever cools off!<br />
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com139tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-19471510264989055892015-10-20T07:00:00.000-04:002015-10-20T07:00:07.587-04:00Halloween 2015 - Woody and JessieIt is Halloween costume time! I have said this several times before, but I will say it again, costume sewing is my favorite! And I think my kids like it most when I sew them costumes too :) <br />
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They have been planning for at least 6 months now what costumes they would choose for Halloween. Em was pretty set on Minnie Mouse, and she was going to wear this dress I made her for her birthday. A was going back and forth a lot, but had pretty well settled on Captain America. Then with a last minute change of heart, they decided to go as Woody and Jessie from Toy Story.<br />
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I was pretty thrilled with them picking coordinating costumes. Seriously...how cute are these two!<br />
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And of course since they coordinated, I have to get the whole family in on it! My husband isn't crazy about costumes, but I have him talked into to dressing up as Buzz Lightyear (but just a t-shirt and some wings, nothing too crazy) and I am working on a Mrs. Potato Head costume for me.<br />
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Let me tell you about their costumes! I made everything except the hats and boots. The boots I picked up at Walmart, super cheap. And I found <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007MS996E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007MS996E&linkCode=as2&tag=stitbycrys-20&linkId=JR4555ALRFASO2DA" rel="nofollow">this Woody hat</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=stitbycrys-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007MS996E" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007MS99GO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007MS99GO&linkCode=as2&tag=stitbycrys-20&linkId=F4QGGM3F6JSW366Z" rel="nofollow">this Jessie hat</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=stitbycrys-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007MS99GO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> on Amazon (affiliate links). The hat came with white string on it, but I swapped it out for some brown sting I bought at Hobby Lobby so it looks a bit more like Woody's hat. <br />
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Then for their pants, I bought the <a href="http://www.joann.com/sew-classic-bottomweight-7-oz-dark-wash-denim/11771664.html#q=denim&start=23" target="_blank">lightweight denim</a> and <a href="http://www.joann.com/keepsake-calico-fabric-cow-spots/3642121.html" target="_blank">cow print</a> at JoAnn Fabrics and used I modified the <a href="http://www.titchythreads.com/patterns/small_fry_skinny_jeans_full" target="_blank">Small Fry Skinnies pattern by Titchy Threads</a> (same pants I sewed <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2014/01/small-fry-skinnies.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>). I modified the pants to have an elastic back waist and faux fly, but kept all the great jeans details like the pockets, yoke, and topstitching. For Jessie's pants, I made them more of a boot cut than a skinny pant and sewed the chaps right into the front of the jeans. Then I added some 1" white ribbons to the side seams for the fringe.<br />
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They also each got brown vinyl belts and felt belt buckles. The belts close with D rings and the buckle is glued on top. For the belt buckle detail, I sketched out my design then free motion stitched it onto 2 layers of felt. In hindsight, I think I should have added some king of stabilizer between the layers of felt.<br />
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Woody also got a vinyl holster with some felt details on it. <br />
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For Jessie's shirt, I used the <a href="http://www.peekaboopatternshop.com/classic-oxford-button-up/" target="_blank">Classic Oxford pattern by Peek-a-boo patterns</a> (which <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2013/11/pattern-review-peek-boo-pattern-shops.html" target="_blank">I made once a couple years ago</a>). I added the front yoke detailing and changed the shape of the yoke a bit in the back, I used some polyester trim for the red yoke detail and sewed it on with a zig zag stitch. And I added some red piping below the yokes. I also lengthened the sleeves and modified the cuff a bit to it could be turned up and flare out a bit. The cuffs got the same polyester trim details. The shirt closes with snaps that are hidden in the hem allowance and I added two big decorative buttons.<br />
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Woody's shirt is also made with the <a href="http://www.peekaboopatternshop.com/classic-oxford-button-up/" target="_blank">Classic Oxford pattern by Peek-a-boo patterns</a>. I couldn't find the perfect fabric, so I bought some plain yellow and drew the red checks on with red fabric marker. I drafted a pattern for the vest and sewed it up with the same cow print I used for Jessie's chaps, Then I trimmed it with some striped bias tape, Hobby Lobby had the perfect tiny stripe fabric to make the bias trim. I used the same free motion technique I used for the belt buckles to make his Sheriff badge and stitched that to the vest.<br />
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I spent a several days trying to convince my kids that Em would be a really great blonde Jessie, but they both insisted she needed red hair. So I made her a red yarn wig. I had some red nylon left over from <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2014/10/superman-costume.html" target="_blank">last years superman costume</a> that I used to make a tight fitting cap. Then I stitched some red yard right down the middle in the front and some straight across the back. I pulled the hair back to a braid and added Jessie's yellow bow. This was my first time making a wig, and it has a few bald spots, but the get covered by the hat!<br />
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Phew! And there you have it! One Woody and one Jessie! I had so much fun making these costumes, and seeing my kids get excited about them too make it so worth the effort! <br />
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I think these are my favorite costumes yet! How will I ever top these next year?!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-57225551527169418112015-10-12T07:00:00.000-04:002015-10-12T07:00:06.277-04:00Little Bandit CostumeAre your kids Halloween costumes trick-or-treat ready or are you still looking for costume ideas? I am just putting the finishing touches on my kids costumes and will hopefully be sharing some pictures of them soon! In the meantime, I have a really quick easy costume idea that you can throw together and it is something that will work for boys or girls of any age!<br />
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This little bandit costume is half handmade and half store bought. I made the hat, mask, money bag, and striped shirt (but you could buy the shirt too!) and added some black shoes and pants. And the best part is it is really quick to make and cheap too!</div>
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My daughter has different plans for her Halloween costume this year, but she has been having a blast playing dress up with this costume and sneaking around the house. Wouldn't this make for a really fun game of cops and robbers?!</div>
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You can find all the details on this costume and how to make the hat, mask, and money bag over at <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/" target="_blank">Make it & Love it</a> today!</div>
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-79902743186494743382015-09-09T07:00:00.000-04:002015-09-09T07:00:03.510-04:00The Library Cardi<a href="http://littlelizardking.com/" target="_blank">Little Lizard King</a> just released a new pattern that is perfect for fall! <a href="http://littlelizardking.com/home/117-library-cardi.html" target="_blank">The Library Cardi</a> is a slouchy cardigan with some cool kangaroo pockets. I think it is about as comfortable as it is cute! And I hear there is a women's version coming soon, I think their may be matching mommy and me cardigans in the future for us!<br />
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Em's favorite part of this cardigan (and mine too) are the pockets! They are nice and deep for stashing lots of treasure. The front of the cardigan can be lined, so you can do a cool contrast pocket if you wanted.<br />
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I sewed the cardigan up in a size 3, it should fit Em through the winter and next spring. She may even get a bit of use out of it next fall if she doesn't have any huge growth spurts! I found this lightweight knit at Hobby Lobby, it will be perfect for layering on cooler nights this fall.<br />
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You can grab a copy of the Library Cardi pattern <a href="http://littlelizardking.com/home/117-library-cardi.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>!<br />
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-73309891862383318322015-09-08T17:11:00.000-04:002015-09-08T17:11:28.214-04:00Easy Parrot CostumeLooking for some Halloween costume inspiration? I am over at <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/" target="_blank">Make it & Love it</a> today sharing a fun and simple parrot costume!<br />
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The costume is felt wings and a felt tail with a fleece hat. It is easy to sew, a great project for beginners! And could be easily adapted by changing the feather colors to make just about any bird your little one wants to be! <br />
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You can find the full tutorial for the parrot costume <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2015/09/sew-easy-parrot-costume.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>!<br />
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-85102293649782393652015-09-01T07:16:00.001-04:002015-09-01T07:16:09.429-04:00Tutorial - Superman Costume<div>
I have another overdue tutorial to share today! Although, with Halloween coming up, maybe this tutorial and <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2015/08/tutorial-fireman-coat.html" target="_blank">last weeks fireman coat tutorial</a> are really right on time :) This was <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2014/10/superman-costume.html" target="_blank">A's Superman costume from last year</a>, probably one of my favorite things I have ever made! And his too. This costume still fits, well I should say he can still squeeze into it, and it gets worn around the house at least once a week. What little boy wouldn't want to dress like Superman every week?</div>
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<br />The costume is really simple, leggings, shirt, undies, belt, and cape. It is all made out of nylon/lycra swimsuit material (with the exception of the belt) so it is pretty forgiving in size, my son has grown a lot in the past year and he is still wearing this same costume!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />To make my costume, I used several patterns, all from Jocole...<a href="http://www.jocole.net/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=67">the basic brief bottoms</a>, <a href="http://www.jocole.net/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=48">the basic knit leggings</a>, and <a href="http://www.jocole.net/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=37">the classic knit tee</a>. But any leggings, shirt, and undies pattern will work, or you can trace clothing your child already owns and make your own patterns. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />So...let me show you how I made my Superman! Let's start with the shirt, it is probably the trickiest. </div>
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<br />Cut out all your pattern pieces from blue lycra fabric, but before sewing the shirt, you will want to add your S applique. To add the applique, follow the steps below.<br /><ol>
<li>Draw the “S” on the glue side of the interfacing. You can sketch one out or print one and put it behind the interfacing and trace it.</li>
<li>Iron the interfacing to the wrong side of some yellow lycra</li>
<li>Then place some red lycra on top of the yellow, I used a basting spray you can find in the quilting section of your fabric store to keep the fabric in place.</li>
<li>With red thread in your sewing machine, sew around the “S” you drew on the interfacing.</li>
<li>Carefully separate trim the red lycra away from the background, leaving just the yellow showing behind the “S”.</li>
<li>Trim around the diamond shape.</li>
<li>Pin the “S” in place on the shirt front and sew around the edge to keep it in place.</li>
<li>Sew up your shirt according to the pattern instructions.</li>
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<br />Now for the Super briefs! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />I took photos of how I made these last year, but I have misplaced them...so instead you get some rough computer sketches :) For these, I sized up and I trimmed a bit of the leg and waist to make room for my bindings. <br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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I sewed the front and back of the briefs together and instead of elastic on the legs and waist, I added some bindings. I measured the leg holes and cut binding strips that were the length of the opening and 2" wide. I sewed the short ends together to form a loop.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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I folded the binding in half, wrong sides together. Then I sewed the binding to the right side of my briefs flipped it down and topstitched along the seam.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />For the waistband, I made some belt loops. I started with a strip 2" x 8", folded it and sewed along one long edge. Then I turned it right side out and cut it into 4 belt loops.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />I measured the waist opening and cut 2 waistband pieces the length of the opening measurement and 2" wide. I sewed the belt loops to one of my waistband pieces. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />I placed the 2 waist band pieces right sides together and sewed along the top edge. Then I opened them up and folded them the other way and sewed along the edge to make a loop. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />I turned the waistband right side out, folded it in half and sewed it to the top of the briefs.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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Then I flipped the waist band up an topstitched.</div>
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<br />The belt is made of some yellow pleather I found in the upholstery fabrics. I cut a belt 1.25" wide x 25" long. I cut an oval an topstitched it in the center of the belt. I tried the belt on my son and marked the placement for some snaps to close it in the back (you could use velcro instead) <div>
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The pants are simple, just plain old leggings in blue lycra.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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And finally, the cape! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />The cape is just a rectangle of lycra, I used 30" long by 27" wide for my 3.5 year old, gathered at the top and sewn to a piece of 3/8" elastic. <br /><br />Measure how much elastic you need for your child, the elastic is worn across the top of the shoulders behind the neck, then goes in front of the shoulders and under the arms, it connects behind the back. You don't want the elastic too tight that it rubs in the armpits, I used about 30" for my son.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />Gather the top of the cape and sew it to the middle of the elastic. Then flip the elastic towards the wrong side of the cape and topstitch to create a finished look. I added a snap to connect the ends of my elastic. Because the cape does not go around the neck there is no risk for strangulation and you could simply sew the ends together. The elastic goes under the shirt so I like the snap for easy cape removal, without it you have to take the shirt off to get the cape off. <div>
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To put the costume on, put the cape on first, then put the shirt over it and pull the cape out the top of the shirt. </div>
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You can find even more Halloween ideas and inspiration <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/search/label/Halloween" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div>
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com90tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-31826433216954939812015-08-26T06:44:00.001-04:002015-08-26T06:44:45.966-04:00Tutorial - Fireman Coat<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Halloween is just a little over two months away! </span></span><span style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Are</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> you making Halloween costumes this year Of all the sewing I do, Halloween sewing is my favorite, so I love this time of the year. My kids are still deciding what they want to be this year, it changes every week! So while they work on deciding this years costumes, I figured I would throw back to Halloween two years ago. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Remember A's fireman costume? I shared the tutorial for the pants <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2013/10/fireman-pants.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and the tutorial for the coat has been over at Pattern Revolution. But I wanted to post it here too. If you missed the costume two years ago, you can catch it now, with some updated pictures...same old costume, different kid. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">This costume has seen a lot of wear in the last two years, it is a favorite from the dress up box. My son was not quite 3 when he wore this costume. I had made the coat a bit big so he could get some extra pretend play out of the costume, and at 4 and a half years old it fits him great. The pants not so much, but he still squeezes into them! He has requested a new pair of pants, so that has been added to the "to sew" list, I should probably sew up a second coat too, Em loves this costume just as much as he does!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">I used duct tape on the coat instead of reflective tape. I couldn't find the reflective tape locally so I improvised. Are wondering how duct tape on fabric holds up after two years? (I was a bit curious about how it would wear when I made it) Turns out, it holds up great! This has even been through the washing machine several times, I haven't put it in the dryer, I always hang or lay flat to dry. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Alright, on to the tutorial! For this coat, I used plain cotton fabric, a tan color for the outside (similar to the color our local firemen wear) and a black for the lining and silver and yellow duct tape for the reflective stripes. I used the Puddle Jumper Coat Pattern by Peek-A-Boo Patterns as my base for the coat and I chose a size up.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">I cut out all the pieces according to the pattern but I skipped the hood and hood binding. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Next, I added my reflective tape (AKA duct tape). I started with the cuffs. I folded the cuffs in half and put a piece of yellow tape about 1/2" from the fold. Then I cut a piece of silver so it was 3/4" wide and put that in the middle. I found it was easiest to stick the tape on my self healing mat and use my rotary cutter to cut it, it doesn't stick to the mat well so it was easy to get up. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Next I flipped the cuff over and put tape on the other side too. I knew I would be rolling the sleeves since I was making a size big and wanted the tape to show with the sleeves rolled, but also show when he grows and they aren't rolled. So I ended up with two rows of tape about 1" apart on both cuff pieces. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Then I repeated the process with the bottom band piece. I folded it in half and placed my tape about 1/2" from the fold.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">To add the tape to the jacket, I started with the sleeves and put the tape about 1" above the corner where the armpit will be. Then I added it to both front pieces and the back piece, making sure it was even with the tape on the sleeves.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">I sewed all the edges of the duct tape down. Sewing the tape was not as tricky as I thought it might be. It did gum up my needle a bit, I wiped it down with rubbing alcohol occasionally while I was sewing and then changed my needle when I was done.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">I added the pockets to the front pieces of the coat according to the pattern instructions. I made the flaps over the pockets by cutting two rectangles that were as wide as my pocket pieces and 4" long (for the 4/5 size coat they were 6" x 4"). I folded the rectangles and sewed around the edges, leaving a small opening on the top for turning. I turned, pressed and top-stitched the flaps over the pockets with the folded edge at the bottom and the hole at the top so it would get closed up when I top stitched.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">I sewed the jacket pieces and lining pieces according to the pattern. Be careful when you are sewing that you do not iron your duct tape! If you need to iron anywhere there is duct tape use a pressing cloth and low heat or the duct tape will melt. Once I had the outer coat and lining done but not sewn together, I made my collar. I measured the length of the neck opening of the jacket.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">I cut two rectangles for my collar 1" smaller then the opening and 3" wide (22" x 3" for size 4/5). Iron interfacing to one of the rectangle then sew along three sides, leaving one long side open. Clip the corners, turn the collar right side out and press. Top stitch along the 3 finished edges. Find the middle of the collar and the center back of the coat. Pin the collar to the right side of the coat, starting in the middle and working out. Baste the collar to the coat.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Attach the lining, finish the sleeves and add the snaps according to the pattern. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">There you have it! One adorable firefighter costume! You can find the bunker pants tutorial <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2013/10/fireman-pants.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. And you can get some more costume inspiration <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/search/label/Halloween" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</span></div>
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-1244573410310742892015-08-14T07:00:00.000-04:002015-08-14T07:00:05.218-04:00Big Bow Bookmark TutorialI was over at <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/" target="_blank">Make it & Love it</a> again this week sharing a fun back to school tutorial. I wanted to share it here to in case you missed it!<br />
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I made these cute bow bookmarks out of some scrap fabrics and you can whip them up in less than 30 minutes, my kind of project! <br />
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They are perfect for gifts for teachers or book lovers. I am bringing a couple on my beach trip coming up, I am hoping to get a lot of reading in!<br />
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The simple project is a pretty fabric bow sewn to some elastic. The elastic holds your page and the bow makes your book look cute :) You can find the whole tutorial to make your own bookmarks <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2015/08/sew-big-bow-bookmark.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>!<br />
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-69928438299887072282015-08-04T07:30:00.000-04:002015-08-04T07:30:21.833-04:00T-shirt dress tutorialI love simple, comfortable dresses for my girl for summertime. T-shirt dresses are great...knit on top, woven on the bottom, she can easily dress her self and be comfortable for hot summer play all day long! <br />
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Today I am sharing a tutorial for sewing a T-shirt dress over on <a href="http://patternrevolution.com/blog/2015/8/4/fiddleheaddress" target="_blank">Pattern Revolution</a>. I used the <a href="http://lilygiggle.com/shop/fiddlehead-flutter-top/" target="_blank">Fiddlehead pattern by Lilygiggle</a> of my t-shirt, it is a really cute flutter sleeved to that can be made sleeveless or with sleeves (so it would be great in the fall/winter too). But you can use this same technique with any knit shirt pattern, or even a store bought tee.<br />
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The dress is so simple, make a shirt and attach a skirt! I even provide a chart with some length measurements to take out all the guess work. </div>
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You can check out the full tutorial for making a t-shirt dress over at <a href="http://patternrevolution.com/blog/2015/8/4/fiddleheaddress" target="_blank">Pattern Revolution today</a>!</div>
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com65tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-75135354577086966282015-07-14T07:30:00.001-04:002015-07-14T07:30:37.839-04:00Monogrammed Zipper PouchI am over at <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/" target="_blank">Make it & Love it</a> today sharing a tutorial for these cute <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2015/07/sew-monogrammed-zipper-pouch.html" target="_blank">monogrammed zipper pouches</a>.<br />
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I raided my fabric and trim scraps to make these little personalized pouches. They are a quick sew and take very little fabric! </div>
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The pouches are perfect for holding art supplies, sewing notions, candy, anything small. And they make really fun gifts too!</div>
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<a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2015/07/sew-monogrammed-zipper-pouch.html" target="_blank">Head over to Make it & Love it today for the full tutorial</a> to make these monogrammed pouches!</div>
Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-72841174956336761362015-07-10T07:00:00.000-04:002015-07-10T07:00:04.033-04:00A Minnie Mouse DressOn Monday of this week my baby turned THREE! I guess that means she isn't really a baby anymore, can I still call her a toddler? Or is she officially a preschooler? It seems crazy that she has turned three already. Before I became a mom, I remember hearing parents talk about how fast kids grow up...they would say "you blink and they are grown". And now living it I realize how true that is! I seems like I was just bringing that tiny, dark haired baby home, and now she is a <i>KID</i>!...who has blonde hair, ha! But at the same time, it feels like she has always been a part of the family.<br />
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This Minnie Mouse inspired dress was one of her birthday presents. This girl is a serious Minnie fan! Making her a Minnie dress has been on my mind for a while now...ever since she picked out those yellow shoes sometime last year. And I am so glad I finally did it because she LOVES this dress (and she will probably outgrow those shoes any day now!)<br />
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For the dress I used the<a href="http://www.onethimble.com.au/product/alyss-party-dress/?ref=25" target="_blank"> Alyss dress pattern</a> from <a href="http://www.onethimble.com.au/product/one-thimble-issue-7/?ref=25" target="_blank">issue 7 of One Thimble</a> with just one little modification. I think it turned out perfectly, it is exactly what I had envisioned in my head!<br />
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The dress pattern has some pretty, flared sleeves, but they didn't fit my Minnie vision. So I gathered the bottom of the sleeve too and added a bias trim to the hem. Now they are a perfect match to her Minnie doll! (there is a really great article on adding bias trim in<a href="http://www.onethimble.com.au/product/one-thimble-issue-7/?ref=25" target="_blank"> issue 7 of One Thimble</a> too!)<br />
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I sized up and made the dress in a size 3 so my petite girl has plenty of growing room, I anticipate lots of Minnie dress up in our house! There are 2 options in the dress pattern, one has working buttons on the front and a side zip, the other has decorative buttons and a back zip. I chose the back zip. <br />
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The dress sews up great! But with the zipper, lined bodice, and sleeves, I would say it is best for intermediate seamstresses.<br />
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I made a huge bow and hot glued it to a head band so Em and Minnie can match from head to toe! <br />
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I think you can tell from the photos how much she loves the dress! She told me "this is my favorite thing I never had before!" I think I will call that a win! Happy birthday, sweet girl!!<br />
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-53553202421567639162015-06-21T07:00:00.000-04:002015-07-08T22:01:36.420-04:00Simple Summer Sundress - 30 Days of SundressesI am so excited to participate in <a href="http://www.mellysews.com/" target="_blank">Melly Sews</a> 30 Days of Sundresses! For the series, I decided to sew a girls sundress and came up with a really simple little dress. And I have a free pattern in sizes 2-6 to share with you!<br />
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Curious about the 30 days of Sundresses? Every year, Melissa, of Melly Sews, hosts this incredible series for the entire month of June. It is 30 days of free sundress patterns and tutorials for both girls and women, 30 DAYS! She also has some great giveaways going on all month, this week she has a mystery box full of sewing goodies up for grabs, <a href="http://mellysews.com/?p=9186" target="_blank">make sure you go enter</a>!<br />
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This little dress I am sharing is a really quick, easy sew. It features a slightly curved V neckline in the front, and an elastic back with straps that tie at the shoulders. <br />
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The skirt is not too full and it hits right about the knee. It is easy to throw on and perfect for summer play!<br />
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This dress is a really quick sew and takes just over 1 yard of fabric! In just a few days, you could have a whole wardrobe of summer dresses for your girl!<br />
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<b>Want to make a sundress? Great! Here is how....</b></div>
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You will need:</div>
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<li>1.25 yard of fabric. Anything lightweight works, quilting cottons are great...or try something like voile, seersucker, lined eyelet, or lawn. </li>
<li>1/4 yard of lining fabric.</li>
<li>1 yard of 1/2" elastic.</li>
<li>Basic sewing supplies.</li>
<li>The dress pattern that you can download in sizes 2-6 <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8wr7KhtrVorRXROZzBHWEhRTlU" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</li>
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Use the size chart below to determine which size to sew.</div>
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Use your pattern to cut one main bodice piece and one bodice lining piece on the fold. Then cut the other pieces according to the chart below. (All measurements are in inches and are width x length)<br />
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Start by sewing your straps. First, fold one end down 1/2" towards the wrong side. Next fold the strap in half wrong sides together and press. Unfold and then fold the raw edges into the crease. Refold on the center crease and sew along the edge to create your strap. Repeat with the other 3 straps. Place your two back straps aside (the longer ones).</div>
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Pin your front straps in place on the right side of your bodice between the strap markings on the pattern piece. Baste the straps in place.</div>
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Place your lining on top of your main bodice (right sides together), the straps should be sandwiched in between. Sew along the top with a 1/2" seam allowance as shown below. </div>
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Clip the corners and notch the curves. Turn the bodice right sides out and press. </div>
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Gather the top edge of your front skirt piece do it is the same width as your bodice.</div>
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Move your lining out of the way and and sew the bottom of the main bodice to the gathered skirt, right sides together, with a 1/2" seam allowance.</div>
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Press the seam towards the bodice.</div>
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Fold the bottom of the bodice lining up 1/2" towards the wrong side. Set this dress front aside.</div>
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Find the center of your skirt back. Place your back straps 5" from the center on each side. Baste the straps in place on the right side of the fabric.</div>
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Place the back lining along top of the skirt back, right sides together. Sew with a 1/2" seam allowance.</div>
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Press the lining up and press the bottom of the lining 1/2" towards the wrong side.</div>
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Press the lining down and sew along the folded edge. Then create 2 channels for your elastic by sewing 5/8" from the line you just sewed and 5/8" from the top edge.</div>
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Using a safety pin, guide your elastic through your casings, sewing the ends in place on both sides.</div>
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Lift your front bodice lining out of the way and pin your dress front and back together. The top of the dress back should line up with the top of the main bodice front and the bottom of the back lining should ling up with the front dress seam. The skirt bottoms should line up. Fold the front bodice lining down over the top of the dress back, keeping the lining bottom folded up. Sew the side together with a 1/2" seam allowance, finish the seam with a serger or zig zag stitch.</div>
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Repeat the previous step to sew the other side of the dress.</div>
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Flip the front bodice right side out. Stitch the front lining down either by hand or machine. Hem the dress with a 1" hem allowance.</div>
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Woohoo! Your dress is done! </div>
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Thanks for stopping by! And don't forget to swing by <a href="http://www.mellysews.com/" target="_blank">Melly Sews</a> to enter the <a href="http://mellysews.com/?p=9186" target="_blank">giveaway</a> and check all the great stuff going on for 30 days of sundresses!</div>
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com153tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-42302724863731333952015-06-14T07:00:00.000-04:002015-06-14T07:00:01.011-04:00LLK Pocket RomperToday I am happy to be taking part in the pattern tour for <a href="http://littlelizardking.com/" target="_blank">Little Lizard King's</a> newest pattern, the <a href="http://littlelizardking.com/rompers/108-pocket-romper.html" target="_blank">Pocket Romper</a>! It is a really adorable bubble romper for sizes 0-3. I was really excited to hop on the tour and sew this up, mostly because the pattern is adorable, but also partly because I think our bubble romper days are almost over (nooo!) This little lady turns three in less than a month, I fully intend to stick her in this romper through the end of the summer, but this will be her last summer of bubble rompers. So I am mourning the end of our puffy bubble romper days and kind of regretting not sticking her in more of these things...I mean look how cute this is!<br />
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The pattern features elastic straps and an elastic casing on the back so it is really easy to get on, Em can even dress herself in this. It also has snaps at the bottom, we probably won't have to use those much, but they would make diaper changes a breeze on little ones. </div>
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The romper gets its "pocket romper" name from the nice big pockets on the front. The pockets are trimmed with bias tape and the pattern calls for a cute ruffle on the pocket too. I skipped the ruffle on this one.</div>
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Those adorable flutter sleeves are prefect for adding some fun trims. I had just enough pom pom trim left over from <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2015/02/sew-in-tune-here-comes-sun.html" target="_blank">this project</a> to add to the sleeves.</div>
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For my romper, I used some fabric from <a href="https://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/shop/category/riley-blake-designs/available-now/saltwater/" target="_blank">Riley Blake's Saltwater line</a>. You have been seeing that fabric around here a lot lately (like <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2015/05/saltwater-skirt-tutorial-with-riley.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2015/06/canadian-pattern-tour-starfish-shorts.html" target="_blank">here</a>) I seriously love it! And it is just perfect on this romper for summertime!</div>
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Do you love this romper too? Well, Little Lizard King is giving away one copy of the pattern to a lucky reader! Enter the rafflecopter below for your chance to win! Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="3246abb44" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3246abb44/" id="rcwidget_876chxoy" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-53316976330352654902015-06-09T07:00:00.000-04:002015-06-09T07:00:08.794-04:00Willow and Co. Antalya DressI am so happy to join the Willow and Co. blog tour today! I love Willow and Co.'s patterns and have sewn up almost all of them (like the <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2014/04/clover-shorts.html" target="_blank">Clover shorts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2014/04/fawn-lily-tunic.html" target="_blank">Fawn Lily</a>, <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2014/04/mulberry-tunic.html" target="_blank">Mulberry Tunic</a>, <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2014/04/the-persimmon-dress.html" target="_blank">Persimmon dress</a>, and <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2014/06/quidditch-inspired-kids-clothes.html" target="_blank">this Aster Cardigan</a>). <a href="http://www.willowandcopatterns.com/" target="_blank">Willow and Co.</a> recently released 5 new patterns, 2 girls patterns, 2 women's patterns, and a bag for both girls and women. I got the chance to sew up the new <a href="http://www.willowandcopatterns.com/products/the-antalya-dress" target="_blank">Antalya Dress</a>!<br />
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I love the details on this dress! It has dolman sleeves and a drop waist skirt that gathers at the sides and around the back.<br />
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The cool curved panels on the front and back make for really fun color blocking options or are perfect for adding some piping detail,<br />
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The neckline is finished with binding and you have the option of either button loops or and exposed zip at the back. <br />
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The skirt is slightly lower in the back and has plenty of twirl factor!<br />
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The pattern has sizes 12 months - 12. I sewed up the dress in a size 2 for my petite almost 3 year old. The dress is looser fitting and the dolman sleeves are seem comfortable, perfect for play! The loose fitting design leaves plenty of growing room, I think we will get tons of use out of this dress!<br />
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I sewed up the dress in this dot fabric I picked up at Joann's that makes me think of confetti sprinkles! I love that from far away it reads like a neutral, almost grey or lavender, but up close its a party! <br />
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Thanks Willow and Co. for having me on the tour! Make sure you swing by <a href="http://www.willowandcopatterns.com/blogs/news" target="_blank">their blog</a> to check out all the other wonderful things being sewn up! And you can find all of their new patterns in <a href="http://www.willowandcopatterns.com/collections/all" target="_blank">their shop</a>!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-67626776852891556052015-06-03T07:00:00.000-04:002015-06-03T07:00:01.813-04:00Canadian Pattern Tour - Starfish ShortsToday I am joining in on the Canadian Pattern Designers Tour! The tour is being hosted by the wonderful Ula of <a href="http://luluandceleste.com/" target="_blank">Lulu & Celeste</a>, she has done a really amazing job organizing this tour to showcase patterns by Canadian designers. The tour will be going on all month and it will feature 10 different pattern designers, all from Canada, and there will be tons of coupon codes and giveaways. There is also a link up with three huge prizes up for grabs! Make sure you check it all out...but first, let me show you what I made!<br />
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First up in the tour is Gracious Threads (you can learn more about Jess, the woman behind gracious threads <a href="http://luluandceleste.com/2015/06/canadian-pattern-designer-blog-tour-interview-with-gracious-threads/" target="_blank">here</a>). I got to sew up the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/230000365/starfish-shorts-pdf-sewing-pattern?ref=shop_home_feat_2" target="_blank">Gracious Threads Starfish Shorts</a> and they turned out so cute!<br />
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The starfish shorts are a knee length short with and elastic waist and a drawstring front. They have some cute cargo style pockets with a decorative button on the sides. They look adorable on my girl, but would totally work for boys too!<br />
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When I had the chance to sign up for a pattern on the tour, I immediately signed up for these shorts! We have really hot summers here so shorts are a staple, and I am always on the look out for cute shorts patterns. This pattern certainly did not disappoint! <br />
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The pattern is professionally drafted with really great photos and instructions that are easy to follow. They are a really quick sew and the fit is spot on! I sewed them up in some Riley Blake Saltwater fabric I had left over from <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2015/05/saltwater-skirt-tutorial-with-riley.html" target="_blank">this skirt</a>, those seahorses will be perfect for summer!<br />
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The pattern comes in sizes 2-12. I really love them for my 2 year old! The drawstring in the front is functional and helps to keep the shorts up, but with the elastic back she can still dress herself and doesn't have to mess with the tie. She isn't quite ready for buttons either, but the buttons on the side are just a cute decorative touch, the pockets open at the very top so she is able to fill those up with all her treasures. <br />
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To celebrate the Pattern Tour, Gracious Threads is offering a coupon code! You can recieve 15% your purchase from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/sewgraciousthreads" target="_blank">her shop</a> using the code CANADATOUR and that code will be good through June 8th. So if you have been eyeing and Gracious Threads patterns, go grab them now! <br />
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Jess is also giving away one pattern of choice to a lucky winner. For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below.<br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="dda2100d10" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/dda2100d10/" id="rcwidget_mo12yxf7" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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Make sure you hop over to <a href="http://luluandceleste.com/" target="_blank">Lulu & Celeste</a> to to check out all the fun stuff going on for the tour and to find the link up for a chance to win more great prizes. And you can find the entire tour schedule below!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
June 1 - 3</div>
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<a href="http://wp.me/p5jJXv-iS">Gracious Threads - Interview</a> </div>
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<a href="http://heatherscreativebug.blogspot.com/.../oh-canada.html">Creative Bug</a> - <a href="http://www.thewholesomemama.com/.../canadian-pattern-blog...">The Wholesome Mama</a> - <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/.../canadian-pattern...">stitched by crystal</a></div>
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June 4 - 6</div>
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<a href="http://wp.me/p5jJXv-iP">Jalie – Interview</a></div>
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<a href="http://shaffer-sisters.blogspot.com/.../fathers-day...">Shaffer Sisters</a> – <a href="http://www.callajaire.com/.../canadian-pattern-designer...">Call Ajaire</a> – <a href="http://hibbadoray.blogspot.com/.../canadian-pattern-tour...">hibbadoray</a></div>
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June 8 – 10</div>
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<a href="http://wp.me/p5jJXv-j0">Thread Theory – Interview</a></div>
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<a href="http://handmadeboy.blogspot.com/">Handmade Boy</a> – <a href="http://rebelandmalice.blogspot.com/">Rebel & Malice</a> – <a href="https://sewoutofcontrol.wordpress.com/.../goldstream.../">Sew Out of Control</a></div>
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June 11 - 13</div>
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<a href="http://wp.me/p5jJXv-kj">Audrey & Tiffany – Interview</a></div>
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<a href="http://allthingskaty.blogspot.com/.../canadian-blog-tour...">All Things Katy!</a> – <a href="http://www.notsewfast.com/.../canadian-designer-blog-tour...">Not Sew Fast</a> – <a href="http://www.conversasdehermanas.com/.../the-holly-dress...">Conversas de Hermana</a></div>
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June 15 – 17</div>
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<a href="http://wp.me/p5jJXv-j2">E+M Patterns – Interview</a></div>
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<a href="http://from-a-box.com/.../childrens-pants-from-em-patterns/">From-a-Box</a> – <a href="http://made-by-sara.blogspot.com/.../dress-pattern-n15...">Made by Sara</a> – <a href="http://www.climbingthewillow.com/.../canadian-tour-em-no6...">Climbing the Willow</a></div>
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June 17 - 19</div>
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<a href="http://wp.me/p5jJXv-j5">Victory Patterns – Interview</a></div>
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<a href="http://swoodsonsays.com/lola-by-victory-patterns-canadian...">Swoodson Says</a> – <a href="http://www.threadridinghood.com/.../tour-ava-pattern-review/">Thread Riding Hood</a> – <a href="http://sproutingjj.blogspot.com/2015/06/VictoryPatterns.html">Sprouting JubeJube</a></div>
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June 18 – 20</div>
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<a href="http://wp.me/p5jJXv-kl">FABulous Home Sewn – Interview</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.createthreepointfive.com/.../fabulous-home...">Create3.5</a> – <a href="http://calmandcarrion.blogspot.com/.../canadian-designer...">Calm and Carrion</a> – <a href="http://stitchesbylaura.blogspot.com/.../canadian...">Stitches by Laura</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
June 22 – 24</div>
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<a href="http://wp.me/p5jJXv-ja">Filles a Maman – Interview</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.patternrevolution.com/.../canadianpatterndesig...">Pattern Revolution</a> – <a href="http://phatquartersblog.blogspot.com/.../canadian...">PhatQuarters</a> – <a href="http://sewstarly.com/">sewstarly</a> – <a href="http://houseofestrela.blogspot.com/">House of Estrela</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
June 24 – 26</div>
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<a href="http://wp.me/p5jJXv-j7">Closet Case Files – Interview</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://gloriajune44.blogspot.ca/">gloria june</a> – <a href="http://rebelandmalice.blogspot.com/">Rebel & Malice</a> – <a href="https://sewfarnorth.wordpress.com/2015/06/26/canadian-patte%E2%80%A6-tour-may-2015/">Sew Far North</a></div>
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June 25 – 27</div>
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<a href="http://wp.me/p5jJXv-kn">Elegance & Elephants – Interview</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sproutingjj.blogspot.com/.../EleganceElephants.html">Sprouting JubeJube</a> – <a href="http://madebyamandarose.blogspot.com/.../canadian-pattern...">AmandaRose</a> – <a href="http://maeandk.com/canadian-designer-tour-elegance.../">Mae & K</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
June 29 - 30</div>
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Lulu & Celeste: <a href="http://wp.me/p5jJXv-kp">new makes</a> and <a href="http://wp.me/p5jJXv-kr">a round up post</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
July 1st</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wp.me/p5jJXv-kt">Last day to enter Giveaways and Final Round up Post!</a></div>
<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-15378965499342998162015-05-27T07:00:00.000-04:002015-05-27T07:05:19.618-04:00A Baby Shower for Gracious ThreadsI am over at Gracious Threads today for a new baby celebration! Jess is about to welcome a new baby and is hosting a huge bloggy baby shower! She has a really great line up of guests that will be sharing baby tutorials through The beginning of July. Today I am rounding up 5 of my favorite baby tutorials to share for the celebration!<br />
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<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7693/17986609005_c4c514270d_b.jpg" /></div>
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You can check out my post <a href="http://wp.me/p51dKe-kr" target="_blank">HERE</a> and make sure you check out all the other great posts in the line up!<br />
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<img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8896/18070730966_6f63cb58a7_z.jpg" /></div>
Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-2052766174222624832015-05-25T07:00:00.000-04:002015-05-25T07:00:06.821-04:00Saltwater Skirt Tutorial with Riley Blake Fabrics<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;">
A few months ago I was contacted by <a href="https://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/" target="_blank">Riley Blake</a> about using some of their fabrics to sew up a project to share. I have always loved <a href="https://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/" target="_blank">Riley Blake fabrics</a>, so I jumped at the chance! I got to look through all of their new and releasing soon fabrics and choose my favorite and they sent me a beautiful package of fabric in the mail! Today I am sharing my project with you!<br />
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<img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8785/17796352328_de637afe8e_b.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7778/17980560542_1159ffae72_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">All the Riley Blake stuff is so cute, but </span>choosing<span style="font-family: inherit;"> a fabric was really easy for me. I am a huge mermaid fan, you may remember <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2014/10/marissa-mermaid.html" target="_blank">this mermaid doll</a> or <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2012/10/halloween-costumes-2012-baby-mermaid.html" target="_blank">this adorable mermaid baby</a>! So when I saw this adorable </span><a href="https://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/shop/category/riley-blake-designs/available-now/saltwater/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Saltwater fabric</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I just had to have some! I decided it would make the perfect summer skirt for my daughter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8897/17957282506_42a067eeb0_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This skirt is a really simple sew with a fun patchwork design. It has an elastic waist and hits right at the knee. You can add some fun trim, I used some of <a href="https://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/shop/product/STR-75-WHITE/" target="_blank">this ric rac</a>, <a href="https://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/shop/product/stecl-50-white/" target="_blank">this lace</a> would be really cute too! And the skirt has big, deep pockets on the sides, perfect for collecting seashells in the sand!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5460/17795860028_e566aa857e_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Want to make a Saltwater skirt? Check out my tutorial below!</b></span></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">For this skirt, you will need...</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">5 Saltwater fabrics, you will need 1/4 yard of one print and 1/2 yard (or fat quarters) of of the other 4 prints.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 yards of trim (optional)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 yard of 1" elastic</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 yard of 1/4" elastic</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Basic sewing supplies</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7690/17983990321_23dc19695d_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Cut your fabric according to the chart below. Please note, this skirt was designed and sewn in the size 2, I have not tested it in other sizes, but I crunched some numbers so you can make bigger sizes. I would </span>recommend finding the finished length you want and sewing up the skirt in that size, the elastic waist can be adjusted to fit your child, just cut the elastic .5 inch smaller than their waist measurement.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">All measurements in the chart and tutorial are in inches. In the chart, W stands for Width and H for height. All seam allowances are 1/2" and are included in the measurements.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8891/17797478099_fb58f45739_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5448/17983256695_a7228ff0b9_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Start with one of your pocket pieces. Fold the top edge 1/4" towards the wrong side of your fabric, then another 1/2" towards the wrong side. Press and sew along the folded edge to create a casing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Using a safety pin, feed one of you pocket elastic pieces through the casing. When the elastic just slips inside the casing, baste it to keep it in place. Continue pulling the elastic all the way through the casing and baste it on the other side.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Line up the bottom and side edges of your pocket with the coordinating skirt panel and baste the pocket in place along the bottom and sides. Repeat with your other pocket piece.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/17983256655_1d384ce247_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Place your pocket panel and another skirt panel right sides together and sew along one side with a 1/2" seam allowance. Finish the seam with a serger, zigzag stitch or pinking sheers. Press the seam away from the pocket and topstitch 1/8" from the seam.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/17362738553_1d13a1d410_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Add the next skirt panel the same way </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(this one will be your middle panel, I chose the mermaids to go front and canter!). Finish the seam, press the seam away from the pocket and topstitch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5328/17956818816_f3377a6fdd_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Then add the fourth skirt panel, finish the seam, press the seam away from the pocket and topstitch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5463/17980096822_ee3b4110f9_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Repeat those steps to sew the other panels together, you should now have a skirt front and back that are identical.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5338/17983254685_29461cd6c4_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Place the skirt front and back right sides together, sew along one side with a 1/2" seam allowance. Finish the seam, press the seam away from the pocket and topstitch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8779/17360662764_5e6af1654f_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Fold the skirt so it is right sides together again, line up the other side of the skirt and sew with a 1/2" seam allowance. Finish the seam, press away from the pocket and topstitch. I find it easiest to topstitch this seam with the skirt inside out, with my sewing machine foot inside the skirt as pictured below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/17983254375_fe40e29a89_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">You should now have a completed skirt piece that looks like the one </span>below<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5463/17795394458_8b0c7a6ff7_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Place your hem band pieces right sides together and sew them together on one of the short sides with a 1/2" seam allowance. Press the seam open.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are adding trim, baste it to the top of the hem band now. You will have a 1/2" seam allowance at the top of the band so make sure to account for that when placing your trim.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8848/17360662154_74d74bb1e8_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Refold the hem band right sides together and sew the other side. Press the seam open.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7743/17797014969_d92b124d1d_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Fold the hem band in half, wrong sides together. Line up the raw edge of the hem band with the bottom of the skirt, right sides together. Sew the hem band to the bottom of the skirt with a 1/2" seam allowance, finish the seam. Press the seam up towards the skirt and topstitch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7664/17956816946_8aa7e0e063_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally, you will create a casing for the waist elastic. Fold the top of the skirt down 1/4" towards the wrong side and press. Then fold another 1.25" and press. Sew along the folded edge to create your casing, leaving a 2"-3" opening at the back of the skirt. Using a safety pin, feed your waist elastic into the casing through the opening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8824/17795623830_f045b4701e_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Overlap the ends of the elastic by 1" and sew them together, making sure the elastic is not twisted inside the casing. Stretch the waistband so the elastic slips inside the casing and sew the opening closed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8852/17983987271_3e15f67a62_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Your skirt is done!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5331/17983987121_f32cc5e659_b.jpg" /></span></div>
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Thanks for stopping by and reading! And a huge thanks to Riley Blake for sponsoring this post!</div>
Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-79368750529364113942015-05-20T07:00:00.000-04:002015-05-20T07:00:05.064-04:00Blank Slate Perfect PoloI got the chance to sew up <a href="http://blankslatepatterns.com/collections/boys/products/perfect-polo" target="_blank">the Blank Slate Perfect Polo shirt</a> for my boy. We are both pretty excited about how it turned out! He has been getting a lot more of my sewing time, he loves everything I make for him, and it is so rewarding for me to have him get so excited about the things I make!<br />
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<img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8805/17256933104_71a5381d54_o.jpg" /></div>
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The day before I received this pattern, my husband had given me a couple of shirts he didn't want anymore. One of those shirts became this shirt! It was a bit of a challenge to squeeze this size 6 polo out of a Large men's shirt, but I got it! I used the hem and sleeve bands from the men's shirt, which saved me some time and the shirt sewed up really quick!<br />
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If you have never sewn a pattern from <a href="http://blankslatepatterns.com/" target="_blank">Blank Slate Patterns</a> I highly recommend you try! Melissa has a lot of really great patterns for boys, girls AND women, and they all have really great, easy to follow instructions and professional finishing techniques. If you are looking to learn a new technique, her patterns are a great way to learn! Like this polo placket for example, if you have never done one, this would be a great pattern to try!<br />
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The <a href="http://blankslatepatterns.com/collections/boys/products/perfect-polo" target="_blank">Perfect Polo shirt</a> pattern can be made for boys or girls and has size 18 months through size 8. It features a collar with a button placket, saddle shoulders, a chest pocket, and options for short or long sleeves.<br />
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I made my son's polo in all knit from the upcycled shirt, but you can mix knit and woven on this pattern. The collar, placket, pocket, and saddle shoulder accents can all be made from woven, which is a great option if you are sewing for a boy because I boyish knits can be so hard to find!<br />
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You can check out some of the other great Blank Slate patterns I have made <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2013/12/the-night-before-christmas-pj-series.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2014/07/pattern-anthology-bookworm-button-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>. And you can grab the pattern to make your own Perfect Polo <a href="http://blankslatepatterns.com/collections/boys/products/perfect-polo" target="_blank">here</a>!<br />
<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-89965333378959718462015-05-18T07:00:00.000-04:002015-05-18T07:00:05.080-04:00Clue inspired kids clothes for CraftingconI have been so excited to share this post with you! Remember last year when I made that<a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2014/06/quidditch-inspired-kids-clothes.html" target="_blank"> Harry Potter look</a> for Craftingcon? Well, I am participating in Craftingcon again, and this month it is board game themed!<br />
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In case you are not familiar, Craftingcon is a competition and sew along inspired by geeky things. The idea is to make kids clothes inspired by the theme but NOT a costume, it has be be wearable in everyday life, but costume-y accessories are OK. <br />
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For my board game inspired look, I chose one of my old favorites, the classic "who dunnit" game of Clue! And I made each of my kids and outfit inspired by one of the suspects from Clue.<br />
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Clue is detective a board game where you strategically move your games piece around the board to different rooms in a mansion and through secret passages, trying to solve the mystery of who killed Mr. Boddy, the mansions owner. You have you use your detective skills and process of elimination to determine which of the six game suspects killed Mr. Boddy, in which of the nine mansion rooms, and with which of the six weapons. <br />
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I chose to dress my kids as Colonel Mustard and Mrs. Peacock. Was it Colonel Mustard with the rope...or Mrs. Peacock with the candlestick?<br />
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Colonel Mustard is a military man and a sportsman. He is sometimes depicted in uniform and sometimes more casual, like in the white tee and tweed sports coat he had on in the version of the game I used to play. <br />
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For my sonsColonel Mustard look, I made a pair of <a href="http://www.titchythreads.com/patterns/small_fry_skinny_jeans_full" target="_blank">Small Fry Skinny Jeans by Titchy Threads</a>, modified for a relaxed fit because I knew my son would not wear skinnies. Next, I upcycled a men's yellow plaid shirt into a button down using the <a href="http://www.onethimble.com.au/product/archie-shirt/?ref=25" target="_blank">Archie shirt pattern from One Thimble</a>, I also modified this a bit, mostly just so I could get all the pieces to fit on the men's shirt. I changed the hemline slightly, made it short sleeved and trimmed down the pocket from the old shirt and added it back on. I also used <a href="http://www.onethimble.com.au/product/archie-shirt/?ref=25" target="_blank">the Archie shirt pattern</a>, modified quite a bit, for a military inspired cardigan with front pockets and shoulder tabs like the uniform Col. Mustard is depicted in.<br />
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Mrs. Peacock is a rich older lady, she has been married several times and all of her husbands have mysteriously died. She is always depicted dressed to the nines, in the game I had, she wore blue with fur and jewels. <br />
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For her look, my daughter got a<a href="http://www.welcometothemousehouse.com/product/norah-dress-and-tunic?affiliates=stitchedbycrystal" target="_blank"> Norah dress by Mouse House Creations</a>. I picked a peacock color fabric with a shimmer-y pattern on it for her dress. I made the dress sleeveless and I added the collar and tie options. Then I made a fur shawl, it is simply a long oval shape with a jeweled button closure. Then I made a <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2013/05/tutorial-easy-fabric-bows.html" target="_blank">quick fabric bow</a> to match.<br />
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So that is a total of 5 pieces for my Clue inspired look!<br />
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<a href="http://friendsstitchedtogether.com/boardgames-stitchedbycrystal/" target="_blank">Head over to Friends Stitched Together today</a> to see more of my Clue inspired look! And also check out some of the other great board game looks while you are there!</div>
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548581915847293840.post-50092755164722440972015-05-12T07:00:00.000-04:002015-05-12T07:00:10.348-04:00Color Me QuiltI am joining the Color Me fabric tour again today with another fun project made with the Color Me fabric designed by Hayley of Welcome to the Mouse House for Micheal Miller Fabrics!<br />
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Did you catch the <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2015/05/travel-coloring-mat-with-color-me-fabric.html" target="_blank">coloring mat I shared last week</a>? I used some more of the space themed Color Me fabric and made a quilted blanket for my kids!<br />
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This has got to be the easiest quilt to make, just front fabric, back fabric, batting and binding...no cutting and piecing for this one! And it turned out so fun! My kids had a blast coloring it, but I even like the quilt in plain black and white. Here is the quilt before my kids got a hold of it...<br />
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And here is they are proudly displaying their work!</div>
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Even I got in on the coloring action! It was so fun to lay down with my kiddos on this giant coloring page to help color the space scene. </div>
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Want to make a Color Me quilt? You will need...</div>
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<li>1.5 yards of Space Adventures Color Me fabric</li>
<li>1.5 yards of To the Moon and Back Color Me fabric</li>
<li>1/2 yard of binding fabric</li>
<li>quilt batting</li>
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Sandwich the batting between the two pieces of Color Me fabric and quilt. I quilted straight lines about 4" apart on my quilt. Trim the edges and bind...That's it! </div>
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For more tips on quilting, you can check out <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2012/05/tutorial-free-motion-machine-quilting.html" target="_blank">my post on assembling your quilt and quilting</a> and <a href="http://www.stitchedbycrystal.com/2012/08/technique-quilt-binding-two-techniques.html" target="_blank">my post on binding</a>.</div>
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Some of you may already know this about me, I work as an OT. Laying down and coloring is one of my favorite activities for building strength in little ones shoulders and arms. That shoulder strength is so important for other fine motor activities, like handwriting! And it is a really great stress reliever for big people like me :D</div>
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This quilt is such a fun springtime activity, we had a blast coloring in the grass in the spring sunshine. It will also be perfect to take to big brothers baseball games, then little sister will have a place to sit and some coloring to keep her occupied! </div>
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Thanks for stopping by to check out my Color Me quilt! Make sure you check out all the other stops on the color me tour for more great inspiration!</div>
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04081984887297289775noreply@blogger.com7