In my sketchbook... variations on a scallop theme

A few months ago, I went through a scallop theme in my sketchbook, and it hit again this week. 

In the studio.... ripping it apart

There is definitely a danger in drafting a sewing pattern when you are in need in a nap. For instance, you might only make it half as wide as you need it to be. And to make matters worse, you might just have hand stamped one of the fabric pieces. 

Oops!

In my studio... chevron dress for AJ

I'm finally starting to notice an improvement in my sewing skills. Using a great pattern and fabric helps, too!

Of course, I can't ever make something without making my own modification and here's what I did this time around.

    

* shortened the length of the pattern

* french seams on sides (did not adjust the pattern since my daughter is only 14 months old and there was already plenty of room)

* folded over the underarm seams instead of using bias tape

* ran a ribbon through the casing for the ties

* used a double needle for the hem

Yay for small successes!

Hello sketchbook.... it has been awhile

After two weeks of not sketching, I thought that it was time to pull out my marker and watercolors.

The reason that I haven't been sketching so much lately is because I'm trying to work on my sewing skills before baby #2 makes his appearance. Here is a pic of my first ever double-needle hem (I'm sure that is not the right term for it, but you get the gist). 

Print practice

I wanted to practice my printing skills on the cheap and figured that making artwork for my daughter's room would provide the perfect opportunity. 

With my tendency of tensing up on projects when I'm using "nice" supplies, I pulled out some leftover charcoal paper from some school projects and slapped on a pretty thick coat of gesso.

I was also able to find another use for the craft foam sticks by carving a chevron pattern using a paperclip of all things!

And voila! I'm going to take my daughter's "oohs" as a sign that she likes it, too. :-)