2013 was not a stellar year for us. Lots of blessings, but not a stellar year. Towards the end I got a bit depressed and distracted and stopped sharing all the fun stuff I was making.
That's all I have to say about that.
I'm back... or plan to be back. I tested 2 lil' girl patterns last week and will be sharing those soon, probably when the patterns are released. One was a dress and the other is a hoodie of all things, and Eva absolutely adores it. Also, I still plan on making a quick video on how I drafted my pencil skirt, which seems to be a very popular post. I'm taking my etsy shop sewing in a new fun direction and will share more soon. And I've gotten into quilting. I love it and have become obsessed almost overnight. One of my few goals this year is to learn how to use a long arm quilter, and I found a place that will teach me! Also I plan on making a lot more quilts this year, and currently have a baby one in the works.
So I made 3, yes 3, quilts between Nov 22nd and Dec 20th. It was crazy, and by the time I finished the last one I had a killer back ache for days and my hands hurt, but I was in love. Watching that last quilt walk out the door was so hard.
Here are the pics of the quilts, via instagram so don't hate on quality. The first one was for my mom, the second for my MIL, and the last is for my SIL. The first two I echo stitched the blocks and the last one I echo stitched all the seams. All the backs have cuddle fabrics so they're super soft, and they are all "throw" size.
~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~
I'm a sucker for the holidays and holiday crap! I love it. So the minute holiday themed crafty supplies start hitting the stores I'm a happy lady. As soon as I saw this Halloween print I knew it was too cute to pass up and it was time for me to make my girly girl some holiday skirts. We'll do a Christmas one whenever I can find the perfect fabrics ;)
I used the Double Layer Ruffle Skirt Pattern from Jocole. I tested this for her years ago and haven't made the pattern for a couple years. It was a great one to come back to and I was able to whip this up in almost one nap-time. I broke out my ruffler foot for this one. It was my first time using it so I definitely need to figure some things out but it gave me a good base with those ruffles. Also I don't pay too close to instructions once I think I know what I'm doing... so I don't know if you're supposed to ruffle both layers together or separately but I did them separately so this skirt is rocking some great volume. I just love how it turned out. My girl does too!
Pattern Description: Double Layer Ruffle Skirt. A super cute skirt featuring a double layer ruffle and a dropped waist.
It's fun to mix and match prints and colors. 3 different length
options make this pattern versatile (above the knee, at the knee and
below the knee). Full elastic waist for easy dressing.
Pattern Sizing: I made the 4T and it fits perfectly.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done with it? Yes.Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes! Her instructions are great. She has instructions with pics and a page of instructions all typed out so you can just reference if you need to, but don't need all the pics. I like to print that page and taking down to my sewing area.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love how easy it is to sew. If you can sew a straight line you can sew this. Also it's a great place to start because you can learn about elastic insertion and gathering fabric. I'll be using the pattern again when I make a Christmas skirt.
~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~
