Namesake

When Danny named our newborn son for a constellation known as "the hunter" I wasn't quite sure if the name fit our baby boy. Now I couldn't imagine him with any other name- it is truly part of his identity and he is always excited to see his name on star charts and elsewhere...

...more frequently than one would expect.

He is always so proud to point out his constellation and always reminds us that we are gazing at his belt. Knowing this, my dearest grandma made his day by sending him a care package of space goodies including this little patch.

 

Needless to say, it had to find a way into his wardrobe. Inspired by this, I made Ori this little bomber jacket fit for a particularly cold fall.

 The shell is a twill with a layer of cotton batting and a golden 50/50 sheet lining. 

 

 The construction was pretty standard- more or less comparable to this oldie.

The only tricky part was figuring out how to work in the rib knit hem to the zipper- that was a bit of puzzle which I solved through a bit of sewing meditation. Deep breathes, deep breathes. And it turned out it worked for me- and it works for him too.

Why is Phia crazy excited?

Kids Clothing Week, of course!

And why am I crazy excited? Oh, just guest posting about a particularly cute pattern over on KCW to ring in another completely inspiring week of child sized handmades. Check it out!

Details Dress Shirt

I am always in awe of stellar boys clothing since sewing for boys can definitely be a challenge. You have a lot more leeway with girls fashion, and boys clothing requires much more attention to detail.

Case in point- this little dress shirt I made for Ori. Lines have to be clean and seams have to be straight. Buttonholes have to be even and collars have to be aligned.

But that's kind of why I enjoy it- the finished project always looks so finished. 

This checked material was a 50/50 pillowcase- I love that it is more graphic than straight plaid. It was perfect for a dress shirt, but I did have to stretch it by using the gray chambray for the back and lining.

Fun boy fashions? Check out: 
Petit Ferris
Celebrate the Boy with Rae & Dana
Little Lebowski
elsiemarley's inspirations
verypurpleperson's amazing sarouels
delia's signature look

Tee Time

New tee's for the new year? Sure thing.

 These were so superly simple to whip up. Two different cuts, made to tunic length for the hip drapey style, or the tucked into skirt look.

 

The knit stripes were found at Hancock whilst vacationing in Wichita last year, and the vintage floral knit was an etsy purchase.

 

I am loving these quick little projects- instant gratification is so....gratifying. And sewing is one of my priorities this new year- I am really trying to ease back into it, and have been relearning how to plan out and execute projects as thoughtfully as possible. If only we could keep from being sick I think I would really make some strides with my sewing goals. Lately, every time we feel like we are recovering, some new bug sneaks in. Hoping for more stitching and less ailments!

And then...

Of course this is a little late, but I just wanted to do a little follow up from project run + play.

While it was a little sad to be voted off, being part of the contest was worth every minute I spent sewing to stay in it.  After I started a very taxing full time job last year the things I loved doing were kind of put on the back burner, and sewing definitely dropped off of my to-do list. I probably turned my machine on four times over the summer. Project run + play made me work through a list of designs and ideas I have been wanting to find time to put together for months. It gave me a spark- it was invigorating to be pushed creatively, and I feel like no other outlet would have motivated me the same way. And sewing along with the other talented ladies in the contest was an honor, and I really enjoyed that opportunity. And to have such amazing friends and family who voted for me, and to meet such sweet people and to read all of the lovely comments and messages- that was really special to me, and I appreciate it all so, so much.

Last night I had to make a last minute Halloween costume. When I put it together I felt completely confident- it was a reawakened feeling that had been missing for some time. I am glad it's back.

Gilded and Gathered

This little number represents exactly how I want to dress my girl for Thanksgiving. My vision of perfect Thanksgiving attire is sweet and classic without being too much of an overstatement. You don't want to make your relatives feel underdressed, and at some point you are expected to stuff yourself.

The dress is made out of a golden silk that has been gently pleated on the bodice and sleeves for a very delicate and unique texture. The bubble skirt of the dress is a brushed poplin with a golden sheen- it was given some substantial pleats to give it a lot of "umph". The little bolero is a deep golden knit with felt leaves. 

The dress was all about texture and tones- the pleats on the golden silk were subtle but striking and the vibrant bolero just makes the whole ensemble pop. The colors really came together freely and the style is definitely more simple and chic with touches of whimsy. If you have a minute, check out project run and play and don't forget to vote!

Stella Style

Let me start with a thanks for all the votes and sweet comments from the last round! Very excited to take part in the icon challenge, especially because I picked Stella McCartney as my inspiration.

I love Stella Mccartney's style and designs- she melds modern and vintage so perfectly with clean lines and sweet details. I swoon over anything she has a hand in, and love the way she incorporates classic pieces and makes them hip.

The band jacket was a must for me, and with lace details and gold buttons it has a hint of femininity. The "maestro" style top was a labor of love with all the pleats on the bodice, and the capris are perfectly tailored to accentuate the shape of the tops. From the trimmed cuffs to the pleats in the pant leg, little details really gave this look the Stella touch. 

I was pretty excited as this look came together as I had envisioned- especially once I pulled the painters tape off of the freshly spray painted rainboots!

So now is the time where you can head over to Project Run + Play and vote on a favorite look- check it out and let me know who inspires you!

Color Theory Top

The thought process on making this top: chevrons are in, simple is better, and we need more airy tops for this summer-ish spring.

 

And since Phia is a five year old girl, she is all about rainbows.

A Very Useful Accessory

Here's my first kcwc project to be finished:
A reversible vest all fit for Ori. It was a simple little project that came together really quick- I love how motivating instant gratification always feels.
But, I had to use the power of persuasion to get Ori to like his vest. I might have told my train obsessed son that it is the same vest that a certain railway controller wears.
And for anyone who would like to put one together, here is a little walk through.

Signs of Spring

A recently turned plot all ready to grow some veggies.
A stack of bright and airy pre-washed fabric waiting for kcwc.
A floaty lace top made from remnant pieces from the thrift store.

Sewing Along

A little friendly motivation was needed to get me in gear to finish this project. Just browsing at all the pretty tops in the spring top sew along was hugely inspiring; possibly so inspiring it could be considered borderline peer pressure. Anyone else sewing along?
This top was based off the darling ranges pattern, which coincidentally is also having a sew along. The neckline was raised, and I cut the skirt piece to be more narrow and top length. The fabric is a light grayish sage color and kind of matches my living room walls perfectly.
I made this after feeling a little too under dressed for the preschool party circuit. It is simple and airy, and I am kind of loving my favorite detail, the little petals along the neckline.

Peach Tea Dress

This dress was a "just because" project I have been longing to work on. I had no real reason to make it, other than just wanting a lacey-peach dress.
I am enjoying it- the lace cap sleeves add a sweet touch to the relaxed cut.
The material, a muted peach color which I have been craving to wear, was found in the Joann's red tag section.
I rejoined the working force in November and have been treating any sewing session I can sneak in like a precious gift. I was happy to use some of that time to make something so fun ......yet slightly impractical.

Think Pink

Phia's obsession with the color pink is unwavering. Any time she spies pink fabric in my sewing room, she requests that it promptly be made into a dress. I think it was only made worse after I showed her this little gem from "Funny Face".
Little girl was so excited when I finished this simple little a-line dress. Like surprisingly excited. I feel like I should be sewing up more just to see her so delighted. Since it was pretty easy to put together- the pleats at the neckline totally cooperated for me- it would be well worth it. She paired it with a mini-drapey cardigan made from the same abandoned project as this top.

Room to Grow

I have been squeezing Ori into too-tight shirts- my boy hit a growth spurt and has been in need of new duds.
Based off the size of an old shirt, I made him this little pullover with a medium weight knit I found while thrifting.
I was so happy when I made my first successful placket, and have been looking for excuses to make more. It was a simple 1.5 hour project- most of the time was spent on the buttonholes.
Thankfully, he's a fan.

Darling, Darling Ranges Dress

That's not a typo- I just had to reiterate how darling this dress is.
For the past couple weeks I've been trying to scrap together enough time to make this dress- especially after I saw this very pretty polka dot version. It is made from the Darling Ranges pattern by Megan Nielsen, and I am pretty in love with it.
I have to admit, it is one of the first patterns that I have followed from start to finish, while taking part in only a minimal amount of "winging it". I kept it simple and made mine with a beige, medium weight, textured suiting material and vintage value buttons.
After I started to put on the finishing touches I noticed that it was a little large on me. As a quick fix I top stitched around the waist with elasticized thread, and really liked the extra drape.
It was very worth the wait, and I am very excited to make a few more.