Costume Progress

Thought you might want a look at what is coming out of my studio, currently.  I make all sorts of things; I enjoy the variety! 

I have a client in Texas that I has given me loads of unique sewing projects to do for her family, who loves all things animated!  A couple of years ago, I made Disney ornaments  and Christmas Stockings! This year I am working on a costume for her little daughter . . . Mal from the Descendants movie!  I have never seen the movie, but thru internet images, I have begun to recreate the jacket for my little client. 


I think the original jacket was made of leather, and obviously I am not making it from leather material.  It would be cost prohibitive!  But, I found some taffetta's that are a nice second for a child costume!  They provide that shiny surface that is needed. 

I was nervous about making the costume, since I could not use my client's child for an actual fitting.  But thru emails, I got her measurements and hopefully it will turn out just right! 

So far . . . here's the progress . . .with one sleeve and pinned in some places:

I'll share the finished product before I ship it!

Watch for it!

First of the Year UFO's - Unfinished Objects

It's the time of year to finish projects. I always take inventory of my UFO's at the first of the year. Last year I did this and finished quite a few of them, but then . . .I always add back to the "unfinished box" through out the year! Sigh! I thought I would share some of this year's UFO's:

Immediate project to finish is a flannel quilt for my first great grandchild--biological that is!  Can you tell that she is a girl!  This is Leighann Rose's quilt.  It's basted and partially quilted (as seen on the right side of the picture.  On the left side, you can see a small matching baby doll (or cuddle) quilt that I made from the remaining scraps.  Finishing the big quilt, hopefully, this weekend.  

This lap quilt top is finished but not basted.  I have the sandwich materials ready to go, as you can see on the left.   I call it floating squares.  The square centers are a nine patch of less than 1.5 inch squares!  I save scraps--any small piece that is 2" or slightly less goes into a baggie designated for this purpose.  I hope to quilt this one next!  

This quilt top, called '13 going on 30' (the name of one of the prominent fabrics in the quilt) is not finished due to a problem.  Ever had a problem with a quilt top?  I hope to resolve the issue and get it to the finished pile!

Then there is this one that I love:

Not the greatest picture, but my first hand appliqued project.  Pretty ambitious for me!  Not basted yet. Haven't chosen a backing fabric. And, then, let's not forget my embroidery project, when you talk about ambitiousness! 

I am attempting to embroider a foggy landscape which involves monochromatic threads and a lot of thinking on my part!  Wish me luck! 

Oh . . . interruption!  A box just arrived, let's see what is in it:

You guessed it!  Quilt fabrics and thread!  I will blog about what I have planned for this set in another post!  

What do ya think?  Got any UFO's at your house?

Craft Show Stock

Working lately on stock for my largest craft show of the year.  The show is not until November, but life will be busy in September and October with commitments, so I am getting as much done NOW as possible.

My focus for this show will be on sewers with lots of pin cushions, scissor keepers, Crazy quilting caddies and needle books, along with my hand embroidered hoot art and a few other offerings.

 Handy Machine pin cushions

Non-traditional 'tomato' pin cushions

Designer fabric with needle keeper

Upcycled vase in a figurine cushion

Designer fabrics 

Other pin cushions with hand embroidery will be offered, and a cute felt characters yet to be made.  Sewers should be able to find a cute pin cushion with all the style choices and the various price points!  Lots of gifts for sewers too!    Wish me great sales!!

Play Date!

And move to the sewing machine, I did!  But did I work on the afore mentioned projects? (See last post.)  Well, no!

I had a pre-planned "play date" with my friend Ritha, on Thursday and Friday and we sewed "up a storm", as the old saying goes! She chose the projects and in-between-times, I worked on UFO's (unfinished objects).  I finished up three aprons and a banner.  Ritha's grand-daughters enjoyed receiving two of the aprons!

First, we made bowl covers to use on a picnic or to take a salad to a potluck.  She had some animal print oil cloth, so that is what we used!

The next day we made hexagon pot holders/ hot pads.  And I made a pot holder of my own design out of scraps (anyone who knows me knows that I love scraps! Love seeing them used!!!!)

The hexagonal pads are LARGE!  Over 9 inches point to point!

I loved this project and after I tackle my impending 'to do' list, then I will make more of these!

Thanks, Ritha for a wonderful day!

P.S.  BTW, this is the 200th post in this blog!  Yay!

Tying up loose ends . . . and onward!

Several things occur to me today, little facts and they are a bit unrelated, but they fill my mind.  This is sort of a "what has been happening lately" post.  Ever get so much on your mind that you just have to get it off your mind (clear it out!)????

FIRST and foremost, I was so excited and preoccupied about my Alaskan cruise, (still am!)

that I totally forgot about posting who won my little give-away!  I did a tutorial before I left on vacation, of a t-shirt makeover and offered it as a giveaway shirt.

So, "without further ado", the winner is LeAnn of pasqueflower fame!  I hope she can use it, even it if doesn't fit her, maybe for a gift!  I know she is an excellent sewer herself so . . .LeAnn, don't look to closely at the stitches!  :)

SECOND, today my family gathers to send off another granddaughter on a student exchange. You might remember that Kayleigh went to Taiwan for a year.  Her sister, Taylor, age 16, is going for the summer to Brazil, and then her host's daughter will come to the USA for three months over Christmas!  Yay!

THIRD, I have soooo much work to do!  Curtains to make for a friend's sailboat, three hooded swimming robes for  a family friend,

including one extra thick robe for a granddaughter that is in early morning swim team. Also a baby quilt to finish for a great-grandson, another t-shirt quilt project for a just graduated granddaughter, and several aprons for my wholesale client!  Whew!  Not to mention the spool quilt I was working on . . . more project pictures to come!!!   Stay with me!

And LASTLY, since my URL for this blog is 'attic reflections'  I have to throw in this picture from our cruise--just for fun!  Can you see the reflections?

because of colorful flags on the Ketchikan dock

Well, that's about it!  

Now,  I'm moving to the sewing machine!