Ahhh, Christmas sewing...

My Christmas sewing got a little crazy this year. If life didn't happen around my sewing projects I would have been just fine. Each year I make Christmas pajamas for my side of the family. That means 7 pairs of pajama pants and 5 nightgowns. All matching, at least as good as I can. This year we added one of my best friends kids into the mix which was another 4 nightgowns and 2 pajama pants along with 4 doll nightgowns. Because the doll has to match too, you know.

Lets add into this project a boy home from school for 3 days because he was sick, a four day vacation with my daughter, a boy home from school for another 6 days because he was SO sick and the doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong with him, an out of town piano recital, a friend's (we are her "grandchildren" because she has none) surgery and care for her after. That is almost too much to think about. No wonder I got really sick when it was all over. I was worn out.

Despite the big project that it was, it sure was fun. It reminded me how much I enjoy spending time in my sewing room, hanging out with my sewing machine. Call me crazy...I already do. And the kids have great memories, even when we can't all be together they get to see pictures and say, "Hey we match." It really is fun!

Sewing?? What is that again??

I had to go pretty far back to find this project to share. I think know that through the summer with the kids home, my sewing time was very little. It has taken me a while to really get a feel for where I am now. I still don't have much current to share. I didn't get the school clothes done that I should have. I am not going to share the jammies I just made for the boys because they are rediculously too long and I need to do something about them.

 

So here we have a sweet nightgown set that was made for a friend to give as a gift. It turned out super cute and I hope it wasn't too long for the intended child.

 My friend picked out this pink with brown polka-dot flannel and made sure to get enough to add an 18" doll nightgown to it as well. Call me crazy but doll clothes are sometimes more fun than the little girl clothes. Thanks, Addy, for being my model.

My current work is being done on Halloween costumes. We have Harry Potter, a spider and Dorothy in the works. Oh and don't forget Zorro and some mending on Belle. Oh so much to do.

Things to share and a sneek peek...

Where has the time gone? With the start of school and the end of summer and canning, my creative side has been put aside for a while. But...to no avail has returned. It started with a birthday gift for Tee's best friend.

Last fall Tee accidentally left her poncho at Jay's house and Jay fell in love with it. So I couldn't resist making a perfect gift for a great little girl. The best part was all but the trim and zipper were from my stash, making it a very inexpensive gift.

It is made from purple and black fleece with a cute pink and purple trim. It is hard to see but it has a hole for the hands to slip out and into the pockets.

The trim ended up pink and purple due to the fabric store not having the right shade of purple. I think it ended up okay. For such a simple (no sleeves, no legs, ect.) poncho it turned out very cute and loved by a special little girl. We hope you love it Jay.

Then there is another special little girl in our lives that had a birthday and chose to be baptized. That included a special dress for the occasion. She picked one out that she liked and the finished product is pretty close to the original. It is made from white gauze fabric and completely lined with broadcloth. I must say that this gauze fabric is very forgiving when mistakes are made. It is very hard to pick out but also very forgiving.

I think the biggest challenge with this particular dress was the sleeves. With them not being a set-in sleeve or with an open underarm it created some constructing techniques that I don't use very often. It was a learning experience and I was very happy to do it. It did end up a little big. I guess that is what happens when she lives 800 miles away.

Every little girl's special dress should have a matching one for their favorite doll. This one is slightly different than May's actual dress, but very close and perfectly modeled by Addy.

And now...a sneek peek of the current projects for the upcoming holiday.

Sequins and more sequins...

The finished projects will be up soon! I just can't wait!