Christmas Craft Show

We did our first craft show at a beautiful Greek Orthodox church in our area.  My former sewing student, who now sews more than I do, planned the whole event for us.  She had a variety of bags, table runners, and baby blankets, along with knitted scarves, throws and hats.  I couldn't believe her inventory!  We enjoyed being together in this festive place.

One of the benefits was the fragrance of the delicious food being served in the same room.  We munched on stuffed grape leaves as we watched the people browse the crafters' tables.  It wasn't a big crowd--maybe it's a little too early for Christmas shoppers--but we enjoyed the atmosphere.  With time to just sit and relax, my friend helped me start a knitted scarf to wear when the weather turns cold.  Liana was very impressed with the ruffled scarves sold by a woman next to us.  This woman offered to teach her how to make them, and in the course of the weekend, Liana knitted a gorgeous orange scarf!  She learned a skill, and that is an invaluable gift. 

American Girl Doll Bed

My granddaughter Lana's wish came true!  She really, really, REALLY wanted an American Girl doll for her 10th birthday!  It was a little out of the price range for her parents, but Lana has been through a lot the last few weeks and they wanted to make her happy.  On Labor Day last month Lana had a diabetic crisis and we almost lost her.  No one knew she had diabetes.  Her life now consists of four blood tests a day and four shots of insulin. 

Her grandma (me) and her grandpa and aunts wanted to bring joy to her also.  Grandpa has been making these beautiful American Girl doll beds for awhile now.  Years ago he made Arielle a canopy bed for her doll and he made Liana a bunk bed for hers.  The girls loved them.  He had this one half made and when we found out Lana was getting the doll, we knew it was the perfect gift.  I made the canopy out of a pink leopard print and Liana made the beautiful quilt and matching pillow.  The quilt is a technique Liana saw me use when I made a baby quilt for Lana's baby sister. It is called "quilt-as-you-go."  There is also a foam mattress covered in pink flannel under the quilt.  Lana's doll will be sleeping in comfort!

Next weekend is Lana's party.  We can't wait to give her this gift. 

Sew Little Time

School started and all my sewing plans have been put on hold.  I'm teaching high school science classes and I'm a little overwhelmed right now.  But every time I pass by my sewing machine--which is all set up and ready to go--I want to drop everything and sew something! 

I'm almost finished with that chicken quilt.  I am hand stitching the binding when we're all gathered around watching a movie.  I finished another small clutch bag so we'll have a few things to sell at the craft show in November.  A friend of mine reserved a table at a local church.  That should be fun.

 

I also made a baby quilt for my newest granddaughter.  The quilt was very cute, but the photo was poor, so I'm not posting a picture.  Liana made this sweet little flannel jacket for baby Eva.  She also knitted her a hat.  It reminds me of layettes that mothers used to put together for their babies before they were born.  I think my own mother made these jackets for my brothers.

 

Liana has also been busy sewing birthday gifts for another grandchild.  Liana made a cut-out decorative pillow and a hair bow for 9-year old Mattie.  Mattie was quite pleased with her gifts!

 

My oldest son is getting married in January and I promised him a quilt.  I have the fabric, but getting started is the difficult part!  I know, it sounds impossible to make a queen-sized quilt by January.  But I really think I can do it!  Okay, now  I'm wondering if I can...

Old Projects

In our work at the fabric sale, a fundraiser for the girls' 4-H club, it is always sad to see the donations of unfinished projects.  People just get tired of them, I guess, and give them to us to sell.  Or else family members are going through the belongings of a departed loved one and come across sewing projects left undone.  We get those too.  My own mother donated her projects to me years ago.  She just didn't want to sew anymore.  We were generously given beautiful coordinating fabric, some even already cut or pieced.  We saved them for the day we would finish them or create something new.  Two years ago I used her flannel pieces to make a warm and cozy quilt for my husband for Christmas.  Liana and I would stay up late at night tying it with yarn.  Good memories!

In my mother's collection were some cute chicken and egg designs. I already had a quilt book with a pattern called "Fenced In Chickens" and I thought the fabric would be great for that.  Last winter I started the piecing.  You may wonder why half is green and half brown.  Well, my original plan was for a big bed quilt and I started with the brown.  I didn't like it (and ran out of fabric), so I went with green.  But then I got discouraged with the whole project because I didn't like how it was turning out.  That happens a lot!  But I don't want to be one of those old ladies with unfinished projects my daughters have to sort through.  So I decided to make a lap quilt for the sofa to cover us on cold winter nights.  I made it just big enough and there it is--done!

Not quite done.  Putting together the quilt sandwich is a job.  I don't have a table big enough to lay it out, so it has to be done on the floor.  A clean floor, of course!  So after mopping and drying my kitchen floor, I taped the backing down, taut and smooth. Then came the batting and then the quilt top.  It's a long process.  It is then pinned together with safety pins, ready for the quilting. 

Sometimes it's nice to have an imperfect project that you feel free to use in your own home.  I think we'll enjoy it on movie nights!

Summer Sewing

Arielle told me I need to keep up the blog!  She's been doing such a good job on our Dearli Designs Facebook page that I forgot about this.  But not all our friends are on Facebook. 

The girls worked hard to complete their outfits for the Regional Fashion Revue.  They each won first place in their divisions!  Arielle will go on to compete at the state level.  But before then, Arielle wants to add to her look with a quilted clutch purse.  Liana created this bag and Arielle and I are copying it.  I've made several!  They are fun and easy.

 

We made some fabric donations to our local 4-H club and in the process of sorting fabric I came across some unfinished projects.  One is a Fenced-in Chicken quilt I started long ago.  I am not too enthusiastic about it, so I decided to make it "throw" size and use it for movie night on the sofa.  Picture to follow when I finish it.

We sold a bag, so I made another bag to replace it on our Etsy store.  I really like the colors. 

I'm already excited about my new project--a queen-size quilt for my son's wedding in January.  A friend of mine told me about a great website:  http://www.missouriquiltco.com/  I am happy to recommend this site.  They have a wonderful selection of quality fabrics and very informative tutorials.  I came across an easy method for making a quick baby quilt and used it to make a shower gift in one day!  Picture to follow after I bind it.  I guess I have a lot of projects to complete but so little time!

One more month and then we are on to more serious activities--like school!  The girls have a heavy schedule this year and I will be teaching four classes.  Better finish my sewing in August! 

Day 21 - 30 June Photo Challenge

Day 21.

Here is the inside of Liana's camera bag (more about it in Day 20 post). As you can see, it is very roomy. There is a special spot just for her camera to sit where the sides of the bag hug the camera protectively. Her bag can also fit her charger, wallet, sunglasses, and a hoodie! And all of this was made without a pattern

Day 22.

Liana sewed this quilted patch work clutch purse just today! It only took her about a day to make, and it turned out really cute! This clutch purse includes a 9" zipper and a D ring to put a hook on so that you can put the purse on... your wrist. She made this purse to go with her dress (day 4) and plans to model it with her dress in the upcoming fashion show. This particular purse is not for sale, but if you would like to buy one, we plan on making more this summer and they will be posted either on our Facebook page or on Etsy.

 

Day 23.

Last summer, we had a sewing day and made these school bags. I made the one on the top left with the owls on it. My mom made the one on the top right---the one that looks like a Vera Bradley. Liana and my friend Julia made the one ...on the bottom left with the green pocket. And Liana made the one on the bottom left with the tan pocket. All of these bags are made out of cotton, have a top zipper, and a zipper on the outside pocket. Each bag is different on the inside. In my bag, I have 3 separate pockets. One small one for pens and pencils and two bigger ones for random stuff. Liana, Julia, and I used our bags all year to carry our school books, and my mom still uses hers as her regular purse.

 

Day 24.

This purse is one that Liana has been working on. She has no pattern to go by because she designed the pattern herself! The flower on the front is from the same pattern used to make the flower hair accessory in Day 11. On the insid...e, it is fully lined and has heavy interfacing between the fabrics to give the purse some structure. It is almost finished. All Liana has to do is make up her mind on how to finish the purse off---with a zipper, a magnetic snap, or no closure.

Day 25.

New purses on Etsy!!! Go check them out and share with your friends!

Day 26.

This is what my mom has been working on today. She is making a clutch purse like Liana made shown in Day 22. As you can see, the patched piece of fabric will be the front of the clutch. The flower fabric will the back of the bag and the swirly fabric will be the lining. These purses are SO cute and they are the perfect project to make with those pretty calico cottons that are too small to make anything else out of.

Day 27.

MY DRESS IS FINISHED! You can see in Day 1 that I was still working on it.
Style taken from the Party Dress Book by Mary Adams

Day 28.

This is Liana's outfit! The main picture of her was taken from Day 4, but since then she has completely finished her dress. Liana worked on her hair clip yesterday. It is from the same design as the flowers shown in Day 11 and Day 24 only made with fabric to match her dress.

Day 29.

For today, here is a sneak peak on the newest tote bag that I have been working on. I will post pictures when it is done!

Day 30.

For the last day, this is a picture of Liana and me from last night's fashion revue Both of us placed in our groups and I will be moving on to the State competition. So excited! Liana is still a junior, and they do not move on. Both of our looks were taken from the Party Dress Book by Mary Adams

Day 14 to 20 June Photo Challenge

Here are the next 6 pictures that were posted on the Facebook page for the 30 day pictures.

Day 14.

This is a quilt that Liana sewed a couple years ago. She pieced the pre-cut fabric and then hand sewed the binding on.

Day 15.

Liana made this blue dress two years ago for our brother's wedding. It has princess seams all around. It was very hard for her to make it a perfect fit (how princess seams are supposed to be). But in the end, it turned out really nice and a great dancing dress!

Day 16.

Happy Father's Day to all of those great dads out there!

Day 17.

This is the ring bearer pillow that my mom made for a wedding. It is just a simple yet elegant pillow made with burlap and stuffed with polyfill. She added ribbon and a decorative flower (chosen by the bride-to-be). This was for the same wedding I mentioned in Day 15.

Day 18.

When I saw this Cynthia Rowley pattern 2250 from Simplicity, and the purple hand-dyed cotton at a local fabric store, I knew that was the dress that I wanted to make for my brother's wedding rehearsal (2011). This was for a differe...nt brother's wedding than mentioned below. But this dress was a challenge and I would never make it again... ever. The front bodice alone is made from eleven pieces and has numerous darts and pleats which was very confusing. But it turned out ok and I'm glad that I finished it.

Day 19.

Here is another picture of my brother's wedding rehearsal in Chicago (2011). Liana and I were both the junior bridesmaids in the wedding. The dress that Liana is wearing now was taken from the same pattern that she used to make the blue dress shown in Day 15 for another brother's wedding. In the wedding, we carried umbrellas instead of flowers so that is why her hand is in a weird position.

Day 20.

Here is a bag that Liana just recently made specifically to hold her new camera that she just bought. The bag was made without a pattern---completely from Liana's imagination. The fabric on the outside and the lining is quilted and heavily interfaced to give the purse some body and to give the camera extra protection. Tomorrow's picture will be of the inside of the bag.

June Photo Challenge

Here is an update on the pictures from the June photo challenge

Day 5.

Liana made this 18 inch doll outfit for her American Girl Doll Ivy last September. She sewed the double breasted pea coat out of some denim and added mini navy blue buttons for decoration. The coat is actually closed by a snap hand sewed to the lining. The skirt is pleated at the top and finished with a rolled hem

Day 6.

This purple pea coat and patched tank top was made by Arielle last year in 4-H. The picture below shows the outfit displayed for the annual 4-H Fair judging.

Day 7.

This red, flowery, silk dress was made by Liana last year in 4-H. It is shown below how it was displayed for the 4-H fair judging

Day 8.

Liana and I are wearing junior bridesmaid dresses that our mom made for a family wedding. She also sewed the tie on the flower girl dress to match our dresses

Day 9.

This is another dress that my mom made. As you can see, it is very similar to the bridesmaid dresses in the picture from yesterday. That is because it IS the same dress! This was my mom's practice dress that she made for Liana. The main purpose of practice dresses are for fit to make sure that no alterations need to be done to the pattern.

Day 10.

This dress is an original made by Liana. She even made up her own pattern for the dress! The dress had a lace up back with green cording.

Day 11.

This flower hair clip is something that Liana made to go with her red dress shown a couple of days ago. The hair clip is actually very simple to make. It is a long strip of fabric gathered and then rapped around to look like a flower and the button in the middle hides all of the strings and seams

Day 12.

These stuffed animal seals were made by Liana last year around Christmas time. She made each of the little kids in our family one for Christmas. The nose and eyes of the seals are embroidered on

Day 13.

Liana made this dress out of scrap fabric that was in our sewing closet, and it actually turned out pretty cute! It ties around her neck making it a halter dress, and the bottom is gathered up to create the bubble dress look. (Sorry, the rotation doesn't work on this picture)

June Photo Challenge on Facebook

Hi everybody! I know I haven't written yet, but it has been busy with finals coming up and such but I will hopefully be writing more on the blog this summer.  Anyway... on our Dearli Designs Facebook page, I have started a 30 day June photo challenge which means every day until the end of June I will post a picture of something related to sewing either it being something that we have made, or just a cute item that I see online.  So go check that out every day for a new picture! :)  If you don't go on Facebook, no worries!  I'm adding the pictures right here on the blog also! I won't be doing that every day, but at least once a week (hopefully).

<3 Arielle

Day 1.

This is the outfit that I am currently working on in 4-H. It is a basic dress made from regular black fabric jazzed up by the red bias strips sewn on to the dress. As you can see, I am far from the finish line (the top isn't even sewn on the skirt yet), but at least it is starting to look like a dress! The pattern/design was taken from the Party Dress Book by Mary Adams
 

Day 2.

This is an example of faggoting which is a decorative stitch to sew two pieces of fabric together other than just your normal straight stitch. This piece of fabric is part of a dress that Liana is currently working on in 4-H.
 

Day 3.

I went to Joann's Fabric and Craft Store today and bought 8 yards of this red netting! It will all be gathered and sewn on to a petticoat that will go under the dress that I am making to make the dress poofy

 

Day 4.

This is Liana modeling her latest dress that she has been working on in 4-H. The hem is not finished yet, but after that she will be mostly done! This dress pattern/design was taken from the Party Dress Book by Mary Adams.

Facebook and Etsy!

We are now on Facebook and Etsy!  Please "like" and share our Facebook page with your friends and follow us on Etsy :)  Thanks

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dearli-Designs/548575515177244

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DearliDesigns?ref=search_shop_redirect

Miss Kitty

Here is what I have been working on lately!

As you can see, I still have a bit to go :)  I got the Miss Kitty Sock Monkey Kit for Christmas last year from my Grandma.  This isn't too hard of a project and the end result is going to be so cute.  All I have left to do is make her a dress, a pet mouse, embroider on eyelashes, a mouth, nose, and whiskers.  I can't wait to finish her to show my grandma!  Liana has already finished hers (no surprise there) and I will have pictures of that up later.

<3 Arielle

New Sewing Projects!

Hi everybody! So I haven't written a post in awhile, but that doesn't mean that I haven't been busy sewing! :)
Right now in 4-H, I am working on a dress that I hope to wear to my brother's wedding.  I found this book called The Party Dress Book by Mary Adams at the library and LOVED the dresses in it.  I am making the dress on the front cover (wish me luck!) for my 4-H project.  I bought a simple dress pattern and black fabric that I will use as my basic outline.  I have red fabric that I will use for the bias strips that is sewn over the dress.  Yes, I said bias strips!!!  The dress is COVERED in them!  It is very tedious work, but the finished project looks so artsy and pretty! 



The flowery red is going to be the main part for the bias strips.  The solid red is just contrasting fabric. 



Aside from 4-H, I am working on two purses at home.  The first one, I have all the pieces cut out, but haven't started sewing yet (it takes a lot for me to start a new project).  The second bag is not cut out yet because I just got the fabric last week.  Here are some pictures of my fabric (:

<3 Arielle 



Bag #1





Bag #2

Don't you just LOVE the owl fabric!!??!

 

More Babies! More Quilts!

With another baby shower coming up, I wanted to make another soft, flannel baby quilt for the newest baby in our family.  We have a lot going on and there isn't much time to sew, so I guess you could this a rushed "weekend quilt."  Meaning every waking hour of your weekend is spent sewing!  On Friday night I had the piecing done.  Congratulating myself, I thought the project was going very well.  Oh, I forgot how time consuming the quilting is.  But I got it all done on Saturday.  Binding...I forgot to buy fabric for it.  Found some in our stash!  Sewed the strips to the quilt.  Oh, I forgot how long the hand sewing takes to finish the binding.  But I did it!  The quilt was wrapped on Monday. I hope my sweet little grandson likes his blankie!

These quilts last!  I found the quilt I made my son when he was a baby.  It held up pretty well considering he is now almost 38 and two babies after him also used that quilt.