tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71666187854293296192024-03-14T03:35:03.563+01:00Twice the funAndrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-13087844611092237142016-08-30T10:15:00.001+02:002016-08-30T11:10:29.440+02:00Starting the day with another creative break...I promised myself not to rant here about people who let their dogs p*** right in front of a school or kindergarten (great start for a blog post, right?). So let me just say: it's 9.20 am and I need a break already. Luckily, there's still my newest dress to boast about and cheer me up ;-)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So ta-daaah! Here it is, my second <a href="http://www.cashmerette.com/2015/10/cashmerette-patterns.html" target="_blank">Cashmerette Appleton dress</a>:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DxOPA294VGE/V8U2UOfodlI/AAAAAAAAAnw/vZrPGKqO1IYI3VLm8M3OuBhrZVUkcOxDACLcB/s1600/2016-08-28_4158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My second Cashmerette Appleton dress | Twice the Fun | doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de" border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DxOPA294VGE/V8U2UOfodlI/AAAAAAAAAnw/vZrPGKqO1IYI3VLm8M3OuBhrZVUkcOxDACLcB/s640/2016-08-28_4158.jpg" title="My second Cashmerette Appleton dress | Twice the Fun | doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That silly pose worked pretty well, huh? </div>
<a name='more'></a>I like this picture so much better than the ones from my previous post. Even the not-so-silly photos worked better after fooling around a little bit, don't you think?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aambQGjELWw/V8U2T5Lfm4I/AAAAAAAAAns/Aabrlrbt3tw1KnWJ3uIdUPZD__gu2XLpQCEw/s1600/2016-08-28_4157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My second Cashmerette Appleton dress | Twice the Fun | doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de" border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aambQGjELWw/V8U2T5Lfm4I/AAAAAAAAAns/Aabrlrbt3tw1KnWJ3uIdUPZD__gu2XLpQCEw/s640/2016-08-28_4157.jpg" title="My second Cashmerette Appleton dress | Twice the Fun | doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hey, if silliness is the key to better photos, you can count me in!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V3hKLFMG8ok/V8U2TzaPBlI/AAAAAAAAAno/xP3102U8Mc0yRfvzk98gDTV-zlBg7z8kgCEw/s1600/2016-08-28_4151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V3hKLFMG8ok/V8U2TzaPBlI/AAAAAAAAAno/xP3102U8Mc0yRfvzk98gDTV-zlBg7z8kgCEw/s640/2016-08-28_4151.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, now back to normal (yeah, right). Let me boast a little bit about the details ;-) For this version, I cut the short sleeves and added the cuffs from the <a href="http://www.cashmerette.com/2016/03/free-appleton-top-hack.html" target="_blank">Appleton top hack & expansion pack</a>, which was easy to do and ended up at the perfect sleeve length for me, plus a very neat finish:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F6Ugyks2pIw/V8U2Yq5vvII/AAAAAAAAAn0/Of51IoG2bKYhOxGNP8C12bkPfV7Y2EeoACEw/s1600/2016-08-28_4166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My second Cashmerette Appleton dress | Twice the Fun | doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de" border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F6Ugyks2pIw/V8U2Yq5vvII/AAAAAAAAAn0/Of51IoG2bKYhOxGNP8C12bkPfV7Y2EeoACEw/s400/2016-08-28_4166.jpg" title="My second Cashmerette Appleton dress | Twice the Fun | doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And that Hilco jersey knit is not only the cutest little fishy print ever, but also has a nice firmness. On my first Appleton, the waist tie was fairly flimsy and could have used a little reinforcement, but with this fabric, there's no sagging or stretching. I'm pretty sure this dress it going to behave itself...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-numiqmAQDg8/V8U2Y6byZ5I/AAAAAAAAAn4/WUZNvtTbPV4-TKEwkbz3YhPy-a2EjlSmwCEw/s1600/2016-08-28_4168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My second Cashmerette Appleton dress | Twice the Fun | doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de" border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-numiqmAQDg8/V8U2Y6byZ5I/AAAAAAAAAn4/WUZNvtTbPV4-TKEwkbz3YhPy-a2EjlSmwCEw/s640/2016-08-28_4168.jpg" title="My second Cashmerette Appleton dress | Twice the Fun | doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Aaaaahhhh, feeling better already. I wish I had a little time to sew right now (so many cool fabrics piling up, waiting to be turned into dresses and tops), but I have to get back to work. I just got a list of participants for next week's workshop, and I can't wait to get back to class. So let's see, where do we start...</div>
Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-67913518493748385392016-08-29T13:37:00.001+02:002016-08-29T13:37:39.909+02:00Oh my.I would love to find a stronger expression for "time flies", but you know, tempus fugit, and I'm really busy, as in "should be working 24/7 to get everything done on time". I'm teaching on a freelance basis again, and when I signed my current teaching contract a few months ago, it didn't seem like THIS MUCH work. But, oh well. I had to prioritize (which I really need to practice more!), and so: no blog posts in four months. Actually, not much sewing these past months - apart from two summer dresses. And so, without much further ado, here's the first one of my favorite summer garments 2016!<br />
<br />
Sometime around June, I finished my second <a href="http://www.cashmerette.com/2015/11/washington-dress-cashmerette.html" target="_blank">Cashmerette Washington</a>/ <a href="http://www.lekala.co/catalog/blouses/pattern/4119#model" target="_blank">Lekala 4119</a> Frankendress, and it's my favorite dress EVER. It's unbelievably comfy, but the denim skirt part also provides some nice structure. And triangles! I love this dress.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8uWuQ61QCfI/V8QM358RTNI/AAAAAAAAAm0/4wShHs4Tz_Aw7Ry5qGt-QHhwFLpX1QwwwCLcB/s1600/2016-06-12_3788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8uWuQ61QCfI/V8QM358RTNI/AAAAAAAAAm0/4wShHs4Tz_Aw7Ry5qGt-QHhwFLpX1QwwwCLcB/s640/2016-06-12_3788.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
The front yoke part actually called for more stretch than the denim had when cut on bias, but I decided to cut and sew just the yoke and then try it on, and since it was easy to put on over my head (this dress doesn't have any zippers or buttons, which makes it a pretty easy sew), I decided to go with it. And what shall I say? I just love it! (as I might have mentioned before...)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqOA_Hstsd0/V8QUeaTXRbI/AAAAAAAAAnE/MkUlc5giqwYIATICBIZdaLdZMzc1JUzTACLcB/s1600/2016-06-12_3801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My second Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Top Frankendress | Twice the Fun | doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de" border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqOA_Hstsd0/V8QUeaTXRbI/AAAAAAAAAnE/MkUlc5giqwYIATICBIZdaLdZMzc1JUzTACLcB/s640/2016-06-12_3801.jpg" title="My second Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Top Frankendress | Twice the Fun | doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Okay, don't look at those wrinkles. That's what happens when you try to take pictures of a new garment after an hour-long car ride. Duh. And no, I'm not talking about the wrinkles in my face. Those are not from that car ride. I guess ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhQ4ryL5Cl8/V8QVQ2bkTFI/AAAAAAAAAnI/CPVHjihaZbsVia6cDBlQMNQzm0VmXAEawCLcB/s1600/2016-06-12_3792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My second Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Top Frankendress | Twice the Fun | doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de" border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhQ4ryL5Cl8/V8QVQ2bkTFI/AAAAAAAAAnI/CPVHjihaZbsVia6cDBlQMNQzm0VmXAEawCLcB/s400/2016-06-12_3792.jpg" title="My second Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Top Frankendress | Twice the Fun | doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now don't ask me why I tilt my head like that all the time. About three-quarters of my photos look like this. Time for some advice on posing for photos? It would be, if I just had the time. Did you notice how I'm procrastinating today? Aaaarrrrgggghhhh.....<br />
<br />
But just one more little detail before I get back to my lesson planning (I promise!), just because I'm so very happy with all the finishing details, maybe for the first time ever. Aren't those side seams with the white topstitching just perfect?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHIgOtbUKUU/V8QdFqJz5PI/AAAAAAAAAnY/QwoNroHWz80LMYxfzfg7om30Uqib06ggACLcB/s1600/2016-08-29_4173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My second Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Top Frankendress | Twice the Fun | doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de" border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHIgOtbUKUU/V8QdFqJz5PI/AAAAAAAAAnY/QwoNroHWz80LMYxfzfg7om30Uqib06ggACLcB/s640/2016-08-29_4173.jpg" title="My second Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Top Frankendress | Twice the Fun | doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, so back to work now. Creative breaks are the best of breaks :-D</div>
Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-87838732015614730012016-04-03T00:03:00.000+02:002016-04-03T00:03:33.893+02:00And now for something completely different...Sewing, crocheting, applique and hand embroidery. Photography and writing. Crafting with my kids. Baking and cake decorating. One should think that these are enough to keep me busy. But no, there's always a new craft I'll have to try. So I've recently rediscovered a passion for drawing, coloring and card making. I've always loved drawing and painting, and I've made cards before, but more on a one-off basis for special occasions rather than on a larger scale. I still have some paper craft materials from years back when we got married and I made a bunch of invitations, menus, thank you cards and so on.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For my friend's birthday in January, I made a simple card using some gift wrapping paper from IKEA. I cut out a couple of motifs from the same paper I had used to wrap the gift and pieced them together on some colored card stock and a matching envelope. Then I heat embossed a very simple sentiment onto the card. Actually, it was the only suitable stamp I had on hand, and I wasn't too happy with it, but it was still better than hand writing the sentiment.<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XI0aoDesQAQ/VwAVxW-eoqI/AAAAAAAAAlo/ziCDUyfDVx86H6S-cPKI1NqB3yMtdIJHw/s1600/2016-01-29_3120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XI0aoDesQAQ/VwAVxW-eoqI/AAAAAAAAAlo/ziCDUyfDVx86H6S-cPKI1NqB3yMtdIJHw/s400/2016-01-29_3120.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQHGjB6y84c/VwAVxeSL_2I/AAAAAAAAAmM/Z1uHfavbXoMFAG1cv4e_MU1iiM3MQsX1w/s1600/2016-01-29_3123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQHGjB6y84c/VwAVxeSL_2I/AAAAAAAAAmM/Z1uHfavbXoMFAG1cv4e_MU1iiM3MQsX1w/s400/2016-01-29_3123.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also had this small letter stamp set that I used to stamp the name on the envelope. Not the best stamp set either. I had the vague idea that I should keep an eye out for some cute stamps to make birthday cards. So that invitation to a StampinUp party popped up in my inbox at just the right time. I had never heard of the company before, but fell in love with their stamp sets right away. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My favorite set is the Flowering Fields rubber stamp set that I got as a free Sale-A-Bration item. I just love how different combinations of the individual stamps and different colors make each card unique:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NtI7RYTIFz4/VwAVw_55rAI/AAAAAAAAAlk/a6NWO3wG4d0KTuvm7yO5H3ODXC_PB97WA/s1600/2016-03-15_3232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NtI7RYTIFz4/VwAVw_55rAI/AAAAAAAAAlk/a6NWO3wG4d0KTuvm7yO5H3ODXC_PB97WA/s400/2016-03-15_3232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpNkn4N1LeQ/VwAV1Ceo7CI/AAAAAAAAAlw/GWRfmiYW2YgXxYpYkNOJ60JXGfP-5enpQ/s1600/2016-03-18_3237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpNkn4N1LeQ/VwAV1Ceo7CI/AAAAAAAAAlw/GWRfmiYW2YgXxYpYkNOJ60JXGfP-5enpQ/s400/2016-03-18_3237.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9SmEhfovNrM/VwAV8tWY04I/AAAAAAAAAmA/odhUja8Kn1s9ROCFetendtKke9HIHy2yQ/s1600/2016-03-26_3284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9SmEhfovNrM/VwAV8tWY04I/AAAAAAAAAmA/odhUja8Kn1s9ROCFetendtKke9HIHy2yQ/s400/2016-03-26_3284.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Masking these delicate shapes in order to create a layered look is fairly time consuming, so when I came across the Botanical Sketch background stamp by Tim Holtz/ Stampers Anonymous, I just knew I had to try it out, too:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yjn0OezFz_Q/VwAV6VFTg6I/AAAAAAAAAmU/E-UdmRUKSwYVB8GHHr10GG5F-sYANCd9Q/s1600/2016-03-26_3282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yjn0OezFz_Q/VwAV6VFTg6I/AAAAAAAAAmU/E-UdmRUKSwYVB8GHHr10GG5F-sYANCd9Q/s400/2016-03-26_3282.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BlFhQ_qE5_0/VwAV-sPhg5I/AAAAAAAAAmU/aLjMGhBV7sM5Th_KWTJbe0MBXNAyTGE3Q/s1600/2016-04-01_3389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BlFhQ_qE5_0/VwAV-sPhg5I/AAAAAAAAAmU/aLjMGhBV7sM5Th_KWTJbe0MBXNAyTGE3Q/s400/2016-04-01_3389.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stamping this one is a lot easier - just carefully ink the whole stamp and make sure to apply even pressure to the whole image, there's no masking or arranging individual flowers. But then I find coloring these flowers a little more tricky and time consuming, and it's not as easy to add some dimension by cutting out individual flowers and adding them on with foam pads or tape. All in all, I like that I have two options for creating different varieties of these colorful flowery cards, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. I'll certainly make more of these. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But some occasions call for something less dainty. For my father's birthday I needed a card that would hold some tickets to a comedy show, so I cut this long card from colored card stock and wrapped it in gift paper. I kept the stamping fairly simple, creating a background from a set of five or six small dots that I repeatedly stamped in random orientation. I added a little dimension to a number of party hats that I stamped and cut out - these actually hint to my father's age without shouting out the actual number:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUgIZFjvnVo/VwAV3P8UqdI/AAAAAAAAAmM/FZyqpOSqKgsDduBImZnzdHrCQIrNGQFdg/s1600/2016-03-26_3280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUgIZFjvnVo/VwAV3P8UqdI/AAAAAAAAAmM/FZyqpOSqKgsDduBImZnzdHrCQIrNGQFdg/s400/2016-03-26_3280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Finally, as I've been having so much fun with making cards, I decided to host a StampinUp party at my home. My mother is turning 70 this year, so I asked Vera from <a href="http://www.lovelystamps.de/" target="_blank">Lovelystamps</a>, the StampinUp demonstrator I had met at that first stamping party, to craft birthday cards with us. After my experiences with product demonstration parties (not in the area of crafting, more in the food storage sector - you know what I mean), I was pleasantly surprised that she didn't try to sell us all kinds of things, but rather just handed us the catalogs, answered all our questions and let the products speak for themselves. That was why it was absolutely fine for me to host this party, knowing that my guests wouldn't feel pressed to buy anything. While I probably wouldn't host another "you have to buy these plastic boxes" party again (and not only because we have more than enough of these plastic boxes in our kitchen), I'm absolutely sure that this wasn't my last StampinUp party (and not only because you can never have enough crafting supplies ;-))! We had lots of fun, got to try out some really fabulous crafting materials, and I just love how my card turned out:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9lU5UuJbR1g/VwAV3i_9JPI/AAAAAAAAAmM/Oq4ftSAu5PQfe8FK0tpbUjKSeY3TqqAag/s1600/2016-03-26_3278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9lU5UuJbR1g/VwAV3i_9JPI/AAAAAAAAAmM/Oq4ftSAu5PQfe8FK0tpbUjKSeY3TqqAag/s400/2016-03-26_3278.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
It's quite different from what I've created so far, so this was a great opportunity for trying out something new. Up to now, I haven't been a huge fan of patterned paper because I never really knew what to do with it, but I really like the look of this card, and I ordered this beautiful designer paper set from the Sale-A-Bration catalog as a freebie for my order. I made three additional flowers for the envelope, so it's not completely finished yet, but there's still quite some time left. And as my order arrived yesterday (yippiehhhh!), I'm sure I'll soon be making more cards. And photo albums for my kids - a project that has been at the top of my to do list for - ummm - 4 years?! And maybe some home decor? I've seen some really great ideas on YouTube recently...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh, did I mention that I'm in the middle of sewing pyjamas for my boys? I really need to find some time for sewing soon... And with spring finally around the corner, I'm in need for some new dresses that are all planned out and prepared to be cut and sewn. Let's see if I can get back into that sewing flow I had at the beginning of the year... But up next, I'll be probably showing you some of the cakes I made recently. Unless there's another craft just waiting to be tried out :-P</div>
Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-24039015372602059282016-02-21T20:53:00.000+01:002016-02-21T20:53:24.297+01:00Easy peasyKid's Clothes Week is about to start! I'm all set to go. Again. Let's hope for the best that this time around, there's nothing to keep me from participating. No sick kids, no broken sewing machine, no full-time classes to teach... I'd really, really love to participate this season. Will you keep your fingers crossed for me?<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There's one thing left to do before KCW starts, however. And that's my final post about my new Cashmerette Washington/ Lekala 4119 frankenpattern dress. I had the fabulous idea to double over the top so that I would be able to use a fairly sheer fabric, and so that I could skip hemming the neckline and armholes. When I cut it and sewed the two separate bodice layers, it was still pretty straightforward. Then I sewed the two parts together at the neckline, right sides together. Easy. And then? I sat staring at my creation for quite a while. Obviously just sewing the armholes while still having lined up the two bodices right sides together would make it impossible to turn the whole thing right side out.</div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
I finally remembered what a friend had told me on how to attach the lining in another dress a while ago: "It feels wrong all the time." Unfortunately, I didn't finish the dress at the time. Okay, so let's have a go. If it's supposed to feel wrong all the time, then trying it out probably is the only way to find out if it works, right?</div>
<h3>
Step 1: Push the seam allowances in from the outside</h3>
<div>
When the two individually sewn bodices are joined at the neckline, turn them right sides out again. At this point, it still feels right. Just make sure that the two bodices are lined up correctly, that is shoulder seam with shoulder seam and underarm seam with underarm seam, not twisted anywhere. Then push in the seam allowances of both pieces at either the shoulder or the underarm seam and pinch all four layers together with your fingers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sckR3cmQy2o/VsneINLiDjI/AAAAAAAAAkk/cpldPn7KE5s/s1600/step%2B1%2B-%2Bpush%2Bin%2Bseam%2Ballowances.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sewing a doubled-over bodice | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sckR3cmQy2o/VsneINLiDjI/AAAAAAAAAkk/cpldPn7KE5s/s400/step%2B1%2B-%2Bpush%2Bin%2Bseam%2Ballowances.jpg" title="Sewing a doubled-over bodice | Twice the Fun" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Step 2: Align seam allowances from the inside</h3>
<div>
Now reach in between the two layers from the bottom (the edge that will be attached to the yoke/ skirt) and grab the seam allowances in the same spot you're pinching from the outside. Flip the outer bodice up and make sure the (shoulder or underarm) seams are aligned.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-claCGEpq594/VsnhXP61rhI/AAAAAAAAAkw/hAppLCU8OaQ/s1600/step%2B2%2B-%2Bgrab%2Bfrom%2Bbetween%2Blayers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sewing a doubled-over bodice | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-claCGEpq594/VsnhXP61rhI/AAAAAAAAAkw/hAppLCU8OaQ/s400/step%2B2%2B-%2Bgrab%2Bfrom%2Bbetween%2Blayers.jpg" title="Sewing a doubled-over bodice | Twice the Fun" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Step 3: Pin</h3>
<div>
<div>
Now pin. I used wonderclips instead of regular pins to avoid pricking my fingers and for added stability. Actually this was the first time ever that I've found these to be more useful than pins, but then again I haven't had these for very long. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At this point it really starts to feel awkward. From the spot you pinched from the outside, slowly move along the edges and pin/ clip every two inches or so. Make sure that both underarm seams and shoulder seams of both pieces are aligned. As you work your way around the armhole seamline, it feels more and more strange because the two bodice pieces seem to be twisted. Don't worry, just go on. You can very carefully check your progress by gently turning the to bodices right sides out again - but make sure not to mess with the pins or wonderclips. Turn it back inside out/ right sides together.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When you've pinned all the way around, you'll be able to place your arm in a tunnel between the neckline (which is already sewn in place) and the armhole edge you're about to sew.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ognMiNcSpR8/VsniTAa_H2I/AAAAAAAAAk0/d8Wn5AD4iOs/s1600/step%2B3%2B-%2Bpin%2Ball%2Baround%2B-%2Bwith%2Barrows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sewing a doubled-over bodice | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ognMiNcSpR8/VsniTAa_H2I/AAAAAAAAAk0/d8Wn5AD4iOs/s400/step%2B3%2B-%2Bpin%2Ball%2Baround%2B-%2Bwith%2Barrows.jpg" title="Sewing a doubled-over bodice | Twice the Fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Step 4: Sew</h3>
<div>
Okay, time to find out if you've done it correctly :-) Sew along the line you've just pinned. As you progress, the whole piece will twist around itself - and feel very, very wrong. I had to place small strips of parchment paper under the fabric while sewing because the fabric was so thin. See how the bodice pieces twist and the seam on the parchment paper seems to disappear in a huge mess? That's how it's supposed to look!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hsLUpQgU2Ys/Vsnl5VxcynI/AAAAAAAAAlE/QtDBgaxRUnw/s1600/step%2B4%2B-%2Bsew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sewing a doubled-over bodice | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hsLUpQgU2Ys/Vsnl5VxcynI/AAAAAAAAAlE/QtDBgaxRUnw/s400/step%2B4%2B-%2Bsew.jpg" title="Sewing a doubled-over bodice | Twice the Fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As soon as you turn the bodice inside out, the armhole seam will be perfectly fine - and you're ready to tackle the second armhole :-)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I decided to sew the bodice this way, I was hoping to make things easier by not having to hem or bind the neckline and armholes. Now I'm not so sure it was actually easier. But it definitely worked pretty well for using the fairly sheer and slinky jersey knit that was sitting in my stash waiting for a suitable project. I don't think I could have found a suitable project to use this in a single layer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So much for selfish sewing, now on to preparing some PJs for my kids. Kid's Clothes Week, here I come!</div>
Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-70923958775358689092016-02-21T15:47:00.001+01:002016-02-21T20:23:25.887+01:00Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Frankenpattern - fabric choices and sewingHas it really been almost a month since I last posted here? This time thing is freaking me out. Weeks are flashing by like glimpses of bystanders at a carousel that's running too fast. A while ago I saw a movie about someone who had a remote control with which he could fast forward through the "boring bits" in his life. Of course that ended really badly, and as we've all learnt from countless movies on time travel and such, it's not a good idea to mess with spacetime. But I feel like running constantly on fast forward, and I sure wish I had a slow motion button that I could use from time to time. Just to be able to get at least some of all the things done that are on my list. Lists, actually, but let's not get into that again right now... So what was I writing about? Ah, my newest dress.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
I've <a href="http://doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de/2016/01/cashmerette-washington-dress-lekala.html" target="_blank">already shown</a> you how I frankenpatterned (I just love this word) the Washington dress and my favorite top. Now for my fabric choices. I found this lovely plaid stretch cotton in my favorite color combination, and took it from there. I had some fairly slinky dark purple rayon jersey in my stash, but it was really, really very thin. I mean see-through kind of thin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pyibUeUoJdI/VqN9thR4tsI/AAAAAAAAAiA/P5qWHgErOzc/s1600/2016-01-17_3069%2Bwatermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Washington dress - fabric for top | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pyibUeUoJdI/VqN9thR4tsI/AAAAAAAAAiA/P5qWHgErOzc/s400/2016-01-17_3069%2Bwatermark.jpg" title="Washington dress - fabric for top | Twice the Fun" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
So I decided to double it over. Just cut two front and back pieces, sew two tops individually, and then join them at the neckline and armholes. That even takes care of the hemming (which I'm not too fond of on thin knits) and should be easy as pie. Right? Well, ummm... But more on that later. Let's get on with fabric choices first.<br />
<br />
Skirt and top were set, now I needed fabric for the yoke. The combination I had in mind was this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--zmbsifOOT0/VqN5lKtmtmI/AAAAAAAAAho/ajobgxL7Sds/s1600/2016-01-17_103015%2Bwatermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Washington dress - fabric combination 1 | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--zmbsifOOT0/VqN5lKtmtmI/AAAAAAAAAho/ajobgxL7Sds/s400/2016-01-17_103015%2Bwatermark.jpg" title="Washington dress - fabric combination 1 | Twice the Fun" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Unfortunately, the plaid stretch cotton turned out not to be stretchy enough on the bias. The pattern asks for 50% stretch, but the bias of the fabric would only give me roughly half that amount. I really think I should have cut it anyway, pinned just the yoke and tried putting it on over my head. Oh well, that idea came to me after I had sewn the yoke and skirt, and I'm not taking this apart again because I'm actually pretty pleased with the finish. But I'll definitely sew another one with a plaid skirt and yoke. I think I may have found a great plaid jersey... I'm really pleased to see all those plaid fabrics appear in fabric stores. I love plaid. Maybe even more than I love corduroy (if that's possible LOL).<br />
<br />
However, as my intended color combination did not work out as planned, I had to dig into my stash and find something else. First I came up with a pale purple almost lavender cotton jersey.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cKda4wcW7Y0/VqN5lK67z_I/AAAAAAAAAhw/F18NAqlyuno/s1600/2016-01-17_105509%2Bwatermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Washington dress - fabric combination 2 | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cKda4wcW7Y0/VqN5lK67z_I/AAAAAAAAAhw/F18NAqlyuno/s400/2016-01-17_105509%2Bwatermark.jpg" title="Washington dress - fabric combination 2 | Twice the Fun" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Ummm, okay. Maybe a little blah. So how about a little more contrast. I happened to have some teal cotton jersey in my stash that came pretty close to the teal in the plaid.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3PmHwe2u0Q/VqN5lEmgAlI/AAAAAAAAAh4/qMOwuC-IU7M/s1600/2016-01-17_105635%2Bwatermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Washington dress - fabric combination 3 | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3PmHwe2u0Q/VqN5lEmgAlI/AAAAAAAAAh4/qMOwuC-IU7M/s400/2016-01-17_105635%2Bwatermark.jpg" title="Washington dress - fabric combination 3 | Twice the Fun" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Fine, this was close enough. My mother-in-law's comment was, "What an interesting color combination. You know, when I was your age, we didn't combine colors like that. Isn't it great how people have become much more open-minded?" Well, you can't say she isn't diplomatic LOL.<br />
<br />
Sewing the skirt and yoke was really easy. All the notches matched up perfectly (which I've learned not to take for granted). I had cut the plaid very carefully so the horizontal lines would meet in the side seams, and that worked out fine. Even the points where yoke and skirt meet in the side seams turned out beautifully - on BOTH sides.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWSW08YglDY/VsnAH5QnzzI/AAAAAAAAAkA/WY0DBemv-Q8/s1600/Side%2Bseams%2B-%2Bwith%2Btext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Frankenpattern - fabric choices and sewing | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWSW08YglDY/VsnAH5QnzzI/AAAAAAAAAkA/WY0DBemv-Q8/s400/Side%2Bseams%2B-%2Bwith%2Btext.jpg" title="Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Frankenpattern - fabric choices and sewing | Twice the Fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Wow, I'm definitely getting better at this. More often than not I've managed to finish one side of something really neatly only to go slightly (or not so slightly) off on the other side. Thinking about it, that might be because of the sewing direction, and fabric shifting one way or the other. Probably my new sewing machine helps me keep my fabric layers together more neatly. Or the hours upon hours of sewing practice, reading books and blogs about sewing, watching Craftsy videos, and going over sewing techniques in my head time and again are finally paying off. Or better machine + increased skill = very happy sewist!<br />
<br />
I even took the time to finish all seams using an overlocker stitch on my sewing machine. Of course it's not the same as a serged stitch, because obviously the sewing machine doesn't cut away any excess fabric while sewing. Well, there is an add-on available for brother sewing machines that will cut the fabric for you, but I must admit that I find this concept pretty scary. Once it's cut, there's no way back. Even though I hate ripping out seams (who doesn't?), it happens every once in a while. Even if it's a triple stitch or worse, even if it takes me longer than cutting and sewing combined, throwing away a piece of fabric just because I've made a stupid sewing mistake is totally unthinkable for me. So, no automatic fabric cutting devices for me.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, the overlocker foot and stitches on my sewing machine come pretty close to serged seams, and I'm really happy with the neat finish. Even if it's on the inside, and only I will ever get to see it. Okay, and you, because I can't resist bragging a little bit and showing you some more photos...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hojju7ccKTU/VsnApwokqpI/AAAAAAAAAkE/fBi9rGPj68E/s1600/seam%2Bfinish%2B-%2Bwith%2Btext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Frankenpattern - fabric choices and sewing | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hojju7ccKTU/VsnApwokqpI/AAAAAAAAAkE/fBi9rGPj68E/s400/seam%2Bfinish%2B-%2Bwith%2Btext.jpg" title="Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Frankenpattern - fabric choices and sewing | Twice the Fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And another little detail I love about the skirt: I hand-sewed the hem using a catch stitch. After all the work I had put into a neat finish, this step was very well worth it. And I actually like hand sewing. Yes, I'm strange like that!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OS1zAdp1sag/VsnA_cVEBWI/AAAAAAAAAkM/FWMEFGx7Zew/s1600/hem%2Bfinish%2B-%2Bwith%2Btext%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Frankenpattern - fabric choices and sewing | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OS1zAdp1sag/VsnA_cVEBWI/AAAAAAAAAkM/FWMEFGx7Zew/s400/hem%2Bfinish%2B-%2Bwith%2Btext%2B2.jpg" title="Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Frankenpattern - fabric choices and sewing | Twice the Fun" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Now that I've talked about preparing the pattern, choosing my fabrics and sewing the skirt and yoke, there's only one thing left: sewing a doubled-over top. Easy as pie, you remember? See for yourself. Coming up next: another little step-by-step ;-)Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-62116995497159912592016-01-24T22:27:00.001+01:002016-02-21T20:25:53.606+01:00Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Frankenpattern<div>
I should call January productivity month. Or maybe I should hope that this creative surge will last for the rest of the year ;-) I always used to take weeks or even months to finish any kind of sewing project. I still have some shirts lying around that just need to be hemmed, a cardi that is all cut and ready to be sewn, as well as a handful of soft toys that are just waiting for some finishing touches. And now I've finished a second dress within two weeks, and one with considerable alterations to the original pattern. I don't know if I should be proud or scared... Anyway, here it is, my Cashmerette Washington + Lekala 4119 Frankenpattern Dress:<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pv6KAwK3SbM/VqUtb0UngtI/AAAAAAAAAic/LfZpLyyNKAM/s1600/2016-01-24_3091%2BMAIN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Frankenpattern | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pv6KAwK3SbM/VqUtb0UngtI/AAAAAAAAAic/LfZpLyyNKAM/s640/2016-01-24_3091%2BMAIN.jpg" title="Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Frankenpattern | Twice the Fun" width="425" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I should remember to wear shoes for these photos. Those socks look ridiculous... And a lesson or two in how to pose for the camera wouldn't hurt either... But you're only looking at the dress, right? Good. That means I can also show you another photo that reminds me I need a haircut really badly ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ajs6RbNdF8c/VqUuepQ19CI/AAAAAAAAAik/YvdoRZxdDmc/s1600/2016-01-24_3099%2Bwatermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ajs6RbNdF8c/VqUuepQ19CI/AAAAAAAAAik/YvdoRZxdDmc/s640/2016-01-24_3099%2Bwatermark.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
...And a close-up of the bodice with a non-Photoshopped bruise on my arm (clumsy me):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDcoJPDXWS4/VqUwTzyQE2I/AAAAAAAAAi8/4Oez7jXE6Vk/s1600/2016-01-24_3102%2Bwatermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDcoJPDXWS4/VqUwTzyQE2I/AAAAAAAAAi8/4Oez7jXE6Vk/s400/2016-01-24_3102%2Bwatermark.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I really like how it drapes. It could have been a teeny-tiny bit less close-fitting, but that might or might not have to do with a little mistake I made when sewing it. If the pattern includes 1 cm seam allowance, it is highly recommended to stick to that seam allowance when at the sewing machine *sigh* I should get the saying "measure twice, sew once" tattooed on my hand ;-) But I'd say I can get away with it, what do you think?<br />
<br />
As it's not quite the right season yet for short-sleeved tops, I like wearing my dresses with a loose-fitting cardigan. I happen to have recently bought a dark purple cardi that goes pretty well with this dress.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRHwv6-7t3g/VqUvZ9E4B8I/AAAAAAAAAiw/07F-LdNodh8/s1600/2016-01-24_3080%2Bwatermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Frankenpattern | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRHwv6-7t3g/VqUvZ9E4B8I/AAAAAAAAAiw/07F-LdNodh8/s640/2016-01-24_3080%2Bwatermark.jpg" title="Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Frankenpattern | Twice the Fun" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh, those socks. But apart from that, I really like the look. The cardigan is not exactly the same color as the bodice, it's somewhere between the color of the bodice and the color of the skirt, which I think is just perfect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BVsA-s126pU/VqUvZxIoTzI/AAAAAAAAAis/o1MrzRnTBWg/s1600/2016-01-24_3086%2Bwatermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Frankenpattern | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BVsA-s126pU/VqUvZxIoTzI/AAAAAAAAAis/o1MrzRnTBWg/s400/2016-01-24_3086%2Bwatermark.jpg" title="Cashmerette Washington Dress + Lekala 4119 Frankenpattern | Twice the Fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I really like how this dress turned out, and it's very comfortable to wear. I will definitely sew another one from this pattern combination, I already have a color combination in mind - something more summery. And I have another idea for switching out the bodice and can't wait to try out hacking the pattern.When I started this project, I wasn't sure I could do this. But then it turned out that adapting the pattern was much more fun than I had expected, maybe even the best part of this project! I might have accidentally found a new crafting passion. Whoops ;-)<br />
<br />
When Cashmerette's first pattern, the Appleton Dress was released, it was love at first sight. I just knew I had to sew it. My sewing machine had just ceased to work, but I started looking for (and buying, ahem) fabrics with this pattern in mind. With the <a href="http://shop.cashmerette.com/products/washington-dress-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">Washington Dress</a> pattern I have to admit that I didn't fall for it right away. While I really like the skirt and yoke, the fitted top part isn't really my favorite type of garment, I prefer waterfalls and wraps and eye-catching details on the neckline. I used to wear basic tops like these a lot, so I still have some of them in my wardrobe, but nowadays I only ever wear them under a sweater, or maybe for yoga class. A dress with this kind of bodice would probably not get much wear. Don't get me wrong, I think it looks fabulous in those versions of the dress I've seen online. It's just something I don't particularly like wearing, who knows why. I know, silly me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I didn't buy the pattern right away, but I couldn't stop thinking about it. There surely would be a way to adapt it to my taste? After quite some time, I figured out what I wanted to do: combine the skirt and yoke of this dress with my favorite TNT top pattern, <a href="http://www.lekala.co/catalog/blouses/4119#model" target="_blank">Lekala 4119</a> (see one of the previous versions I've made from this pattern <a href="http://doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de/2014/06/it-plus.html" target="_blank">here</a>). I had never done anything like this before - but I've been wanting to use the term Frankenpattern ever since I stumbled across it sometime last year LOL. So here it is, my very first Frankenpattern. And yes, I intend to use that term as much as possible from now on. Frankenpattern. What a fabulous word. You can find a good explanation of the concept of Frankenpattern making and some useful links on <a href="https://sewingtidbits.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/franken-pattern-making-for-fasterbetter-sewing/" target="_blank">Sewing Tidbits</a>. If I remember correctly, I first came across this concept on the <a href="https://notimetosew.wordpress.com/category/sewing/pattern-hacking/" target="_blank">no time to sew</a> blog (check out her fabulous dresses!), when I was looking for an explanation on how to sew that strange V-neck in the McCall's M6073 dress <a href="http://doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de/2015/07/and-even-more-summer-in-germany.html" target="_blank">I sewed last summer</a>. You never know when you'll learn something useful that you weren't actually looking for.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So let me show you how I made my very first Frankenpattern. Okay, okay, I'll stop overusing that term, I promise. <i>I should note that the following demonstrates how I went about this task, and it worked for me, for this particular dress. I did not do any research on how to merge patterns professionally, so this might or might not be a common method.</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<h3>
Step 1: Adding seam allowances to the Lekala 4119 top</h3>
<div>
The Cashmerette pattern includes a 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance, but I downloaded the Lekala pattern without seam allowances (you can decide whether you want your pattern with or without them). So the logical first step was to trace the Lekala pattern onto tracing paper with SA included.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9YXsNghvuts/VqNS595mIhI/AAAAAAAAAgU/m1xxEK1bd9E/s1600/2016-01-16_093008%2Bwatermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Frankenpattern - Adjusting Seam Allowances | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9YXsNghvuts/VqNS595mIhI/AAAAAAAAAgU/m1xxEK1bd9E/s400/2016-01-16_093008%2Bwatermark.jpg" title="Frankenpattern - Adjusting Seam Allowances | Twice the Fun" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
I did this for both the front and back part. These pattern pieces became the basis for my adjustments. I even remembered to write all necessary information - like original patterns, sizes and fabric type - on each pattern piece.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7UrfZpwemo0/VqNS56swHkI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/cWvxnM35XLw/s1600/2016-01-16_100944%2Bwatermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Frankenpattern - Pattern notes | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7UrfZpwemo0/VqNS56swHkI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/cWvxnM35XLw/s400/2016-01-16_100944%2Bwatermark.jpg" title="Frankenpattern - Pattern notes | Twice the Fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Step 2: Lengthening the top of the Washington dress</h3>
<div>
After comparing the drawings of the dress and the top, I decided to lengthen the dress bodice by 5 cm (2") to accommodate for the waterfall neckline and drape of the top.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K7iCer_6wOk/VqVKUgbKHEI/AAAAAAAAAjs/bl05nscD_7I/s1600/Comparison%2Bwith%2Btext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Comparison of base patterns | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="288" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K7iCer_6wOk/VqVKUgbKHEI/AAAAAAAAAjs/bl05nscD_7I/s400/Comparison%2Bwith%2Btext.jpg" title="Comparison of base patterns | Twice the Fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I didn't take a photo of this step, but it was easy enough to do. Just cut at the lengthen/ shorten line, tape a piece of paper to one part, add the other part at the desired distance (making sure the fold line is still intact), and grade the lines of the side seams slightly to accommodate for the added length.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
Step 3: Lining up pattern pieces of the Lekala 4119</h3>
<div>
One feature of the Lekala 4119 is that the front part is a lot larger than the back part, so I had to think about how to line these up to preserve the draping neckline and not distort it. Even the curves in the side seams and armhole lines differ between front and back parts, actually the only points that line up are the bottom corners of the side seams. These have to match when sewing front and back together, so I figured that these are the points that have to be lined up before making any alterations on the pattern.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WgH1ozMm2fY/VqNS6FseK4I/AAAAAAAAAgY/vLMyHFMtXn4/s1600/2016-01-16_111355%2Bwatermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Frankenpattern - Lining up pattern pieces | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WgH1ozMm2fY/VqNS6FseK4I/AAAAAAAAAgY/vLMyHFMtXn4/s400/2016-01-16_111355%2Bwatermark.jpg" title="Frankenpattern - Lining up pattern pieces | Twice the Fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After making sure these were lined up exactly - fold lines (and thus grain lines) parallel, bottom corner of both pieces at the same height - I taped both pieces down with some washi tape. Having two large (i.e. A1) cutting mats with grid came in really handy in laying out the pattern.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
Step 4: Lining up pattern pieces of the Washington dress</h3>
<div>
Next I had to decide where to place the pattern pieces of the Washington dress. Obviously it wasn't possible to use the bottom corner of the side seams again, because the Lekala top is a lot longer than the Washington top, and the excess has to be removed at the lower edge, not the top. At first I thought about lining the pieces up at the lower corner of the armhole, but that wouldn't work because the Washington dress has set-in sleeves while the Lekala top has kimono sleeves, so these points do not match up, not to mention that the front and back armhole points of the Lekala top are not at the same height due to the different curves in the side seams. In the end, I decided to line up the shoulder seams of the back pieces (as well as the fold line, of course). When worn, the back pieces should probably sit more or less at the same height, so that made most sense to me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFq9fiRRMgQ/VqNbRD4wDAI/AAAAAAAAAgk/_OhhfNhnutU/s1600/2016-01-16_111941%2Bwatermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Frankenpattern - Lining up both patterns | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFq9fiRRMgQ/VqNbRD4wDAI/AAAAAAAAAgk/_OhhfNhnutU/s400/2016-01-16_111941%2Bwatermark.jpg" title="Frankenpattern - Lining up both patterns | Twice the Fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
From there on, I aligned the corners of the side seams of the Washington dress. Fold lines of Washington and 4119 lined up, I moved the Washington front piece down from the shoulder line of the 4119 until both corners of the side seam were at the same height as those of the back piece. My quilting rulers are not quite large enough to go from fold line to fold line, but as I had taped everything in place along the grid of the cutting mats, I could use the grid again to make sure I placed the rulers perpendicular to the fold lines.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
Step 5: Grading from armhole to waistline</h3>
<div>
As you have probably noticed in the picture above, the 4119 is not only longer than the top of the Washington, it's also wider. So I had to grade from the armhole corners to the waistline corner using a curved ruler.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4wjBowMh3tE/VqNuNxZTd-I/AAAAAAAAAhA/Sk5ef-lKIcU/s1600/Grading%2Bside%2Bseams%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Frankenpattern - Grading side seams | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4wjBowMh3tE/VqNuNxZTd-I/AAAAAAAAAhA/Sk5ef-lKIcU/s400/Grading%2Bside%2Bseams%2B1.png" title="Frankenpattern - Grading side seams | Twice the Fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The new side seam lines then looked like this:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gyMbs-ooOVQ/VqNuN11qdGI/AAAAAAAAAhM/Wfg0RhVJj-A/s1600/Grading%2Bside%2Bseams%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Frankenpattern - Grading side seams | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gyMbs-ooOVQ/VqNuN11qdGI/AAAAAAAAAhM/Wfg0RhVJj-A/s400/Grading%2Bside%2Bseams%2B2.png" title="Frankenpattern - Grading side seams | Twice the Fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Step 6: Cutting the lower edge</h3>
<div>
So now all that was left to do was copy the lower edge and notches from the Washington onto the 4119, and cut away the excess. And tadaaah - the new Frankenpattern pieces (yayyy, I found a spot to use my new favorite word again!):</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jWlJK2-wt1w/VqNvUzCwJVI/AAAAAAAAAhU/3MLcgataLRU/s1600/2016-01-16_122112%2Bwatermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Frankenpattern - New pattern pieces | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jWlJK2-wt1w/VqNvUzCwJVI/AAAAAAAAAhU/3MLcgataLRU/s400/2016-01-16_122112%2Bwatermark.jpg" title="Frankenpattern - New pattern pieces | Twice the Fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And then it was just cut - sew - wear. Or wasn't it? In my next post (or two) I'll show you another little (or not so little) adjustment I made ;-)</div>
Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-11851374925794984752016-01-22T13:37:00.001+01:002016-02-21T20:27:21.700+01:00Cashmerette Appleton dressSo here it is, the very first piece that hopped off my brand-new sewing machine. And it couldn't have been a better choice than this perfectly fitting wrap dress!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FLv3d_vlebI/VqIKFyhAiHI/AAAAAAAAAe8/0kbIWZ_7DRg/s1600/2016-01-17_3052%2Bwith%2Btext%2B-%2Bcolor%2Bvelvia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Appleton dress | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FLv3d_vlebI/VqIKFyhAiHI/AAAAAAAAAe8/0kbIWZ_7DRg/s640/2016-01-17_3052%2Bwith%2Btext%2B-%2Bcolor%2Bvelvia.jpg" title="Appleton dress | Twice the Fun" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I had considered adding a few centimeters to the skirt, but it turned out to be the perfect length without that alteration.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RGKxgXIJj98/VqIVxpHdCrI/AAAAAAAAAfc/p8yDNyWSGQA/s1600/2016-01-17_3041%2Bwith%2Btext%2B-%2Bcolor%2Bvelvia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Appleton dress | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RGKxgXIJj98/VqIVxpHdCrI/AAAAAAAAAfc/p8yDNyWSGQA/s640/2016-01-17_3041%2Bwith%2Btext%2B-%2Bcolor%2Bvelvia.jpg" title="Appleton dress | Twice the Fun" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
That neckband sits perfectly and actually stays in place. Pattern magic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-as5swwxPlm0/VqIXf_DuC4I/AAAAAAAAAfo/1ZlQnpB1Ji0/s1600/2016-01-17_3044%2Bwith%2Btext%2B-%2Bcolor%2Bvelvia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Appleton dress | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-as5swwxPlm0/VqIXf_DuC4I/AAAAAAAAAfo/1ZlQnpB1Ji0/s640/2016-01-17_3044%2Bwith%2Btext%2B-%2Bcolor%2Bvelvia.jpg" title="Appleton dress | Twice the Fun" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
And I just love how this dress hugs my curves. Can you tell I LOVE this pattern? LOL - even though this dress is only a wearable muslin made from very inexpensive rayon jersey knit! The fabric is really soft and just feels fabulous, but was quite tricky to sew. When I tried the first test stitches on a fabric scrap, all hell broke loose and my new little brother (sorry I couldn't resist the pun) tore the whole piece into shreds. Whoa. Breathe. Think. Luckily it didn't take me all too long to come up with the idea to try using some parchment paper underneath the fabric, and from then on the sewing went pretty smoothly - and surprisingly quickly!<br />
<br />
From printing to wearing, this dress took me only a couple of days. I usually don't have time to sew for more than two to three hours in a row, so that's fairly quick by my standards. I don't know if it was the new gadget or the great pattern, but I'm just not used to finishing anything in less than 2 weeks, and that's a very optimistic figure... Of course first of all this has to be attributed to the <a href="http://shop.cashmerette.com/pages/sizing" target="_blank">perfect size chart of Cashmerette patterns</a>. I didn't believe my eyes when I saw that all my body measurements were in one and the same size column!!! No pattern alterations? No upscaling from the largest size? Really? My size even is in the mid-range, so these patterns are really very inclusive! So it was just print, glue, cut, sew. Plus, the Appleton dress is a really quick project. I was a bit worried about how the neckband would be attached and that the sleeves might be difficult to set in, but both steps turned out to be very easy. The rest is just slightly curved or straight seams. I even took the time to finish the seam allowances by sewing a honeycomb stitch next to the seamlines (luckily I didn't have to use the parchment paper with this stitch, that would have been so time consuming to remove). From the right side, it hides very well in the print, and from the left side it has a very nice feel to it - no rolling or bulging seam allowances.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K6u1Q9KWDbM/VqIPlDsPn3I/AAAAAAAAAfM/a654W4a7hAY/s1600/Finished%2Bseams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Finished seams | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K6u1Q9KWDbM/VqIPlDsPn3I/AAAAAAAAAfM/a654W4a7hAY/s400/Finished%2Bseams.jpg" title="Finished seams | Twice the Fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I even won at - involuntarily - playing thread chicken ;-) After sewing a honeycomb stitch all around the neckline, there were about 10 cm of thread left on the bobbin. Phew.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JkGRsERtC08/VqIb2QpxgfI/AAAAAAAAAf0/-AfsKEgFuNs/s1600/Winning%2Bat%2Bplaying%2Bthread%2Bchicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Playing thread chicken | Twice the Fun" border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JkGRsERtC08/VqIb2QpxgfI/AAAAAAAAAf0/-AfsKEgFuNs/s400/Winning%2Bat%2Bplaying%2Bthread%2Bchicken.jpg" title="Playing thread chicken | Twice the Fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm sure the cheap fabric won't hold up to many wash cycles (can you spot the loose threads within the fabric on the picture above?), but it's so comfortable that I'll try to get to wear it as often as possible. And now that I know it fits perfectly, I feel confident to cut into some of the more expensive fabrics I bought with this pattern in mind. And I do have quite a number of those...Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-38935217346691116882016-01-21T16:23:00.002+01:002016-02-21T20:54:13.869+01:00The curse of the U.F.O.It's been quiet around here. Too quiet. For way too long. And let me tell you - I've been meaning to write this post for weeks, if not months. I've written and rewritten it in my head time and again. So let's find out what becomes of it when I actually write it down.<br />
<br />
You see, there's this project - and I'm not going to go into detail here - that I've agreed to sew for someone I know. It's large. Huge. It turned out to be unsurmountable for months. It's not especially difficult to sew, but it included a lot of measuring, planning yardage, then being given fabric (cheap, ugly fabric!) to sew with, sitting down to plan yardage yet again (ugh), hours of pre-washing, ironing, cutting, and finally sewing. We are talking about 10 meters each of fabric and zippers, by the way.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
I did manage to finish the first half of all the pieces in December, after nearly 6 months of brooding, wishing I hadn't agreed to take on this cursed project, and wishing I was dead in general. Okay, maybe that last point was a bit too dramatic, but I was definitely very down for a variety of reasons (including, but not limited to this UFO). After making the wrong choice of words (i.e. "yes" rather than "no, sorry"), a lot of things happened around here. I started working as a freelance teacher again, and one of my courses was a 3-week full-time intensive course that had me up and running basically from 6.30 am to way past midnight every single day. It might seem strange, but during these three weeks I felt great. I really enjoyed teaching again, the people in my class were wonderful, we had so much fun together. It was fantastic to do something more with my day than kissing boo-boos and wiping tiny butts. In the afternoons I made sure to spend some quality time with my kids, which I really enjoyed, and as soon as they were in bed, I would sit down at my computer to plan the next day's lessons. How cool! I'm a working mom, and I have my stuff together! Yeah!!! Then the course was over, and my mood started to shift. I was tired (how come?) and grumpy and feeling more and more depressed. So much so that there were days when I would sit on the sofa and stare at the wall for two hours. I even consulted a doctor, but oh well, let's not go into too much detail here. At least I now know that my blood levels are fine.<br />
<br />
I had this sewing project breathing down my neck, and I really wanted to finish it. But no matter how many hours I managed to actually work on it, there were still so many hours to come. I was getting slower and slower, I didn't even want to be near my sewing machine. I decided I had to do something about this. I told myself I wouldn't sew anything else before this was finished. So - I didn't sew at all. As this didn't work, I thought maybe it would work the other way around. So I planned to take part in <a href="http://blog.kidsclothesweek.com/2015/09/the-fall-2015-season/" target="_blank">Kid's Clothes Week in October</a>, and was hoping to find back to my love of sewing, and to use the energy I was hoping to regain to finally finish this thing.<br />
<br />
So I chose a pattern (<a href="https://www.zonen09.com/collections/english-digital-patterns/products/english-digital-lars" target="_blank">Zonen 09's wonderful Lars Jacket</a>), took my boys' measurements and prepared the pattern, bought and washed and ironed some cool fabrics, avoided scheduling any appointments during the whole week, and was all set to go.<br />
<br />
Then on the Friday before KCW, my mother-in-law said one short, but devastating sentence: "I think something's wrong with the sewing machine." She had been sewing curtains (in an attempt to finish one of <i>her</i> UFOs), when our trusty 9-year-old Singer Quantum 9940 stopped working. Simple as that. It would light up as usual, the display was working fine, you could even select a stitch and work that stitch using the hand wheel. But push the presser foot and nothing happened. I took the machine in to have it repaired on the same day, hoping that I'd have it back before KCW was over. For the next six weeks, I repeatedly called the mechanic, but he was less than enthusiastic to even try to find out what was wrong. In the end, I picked it up and took it to another repair service an hour's car drive away. They called back a few days later (yaaayyy!) to tell me that it was beyond repair (boooooo!) and what exactly was wrong with it (okay).<br />
<br />
So now I was without a sewing machine. <b>Da horror!!!</b> I started looking at new sewing machines, but boy, these things are expensive! I had just earned a little money teaching, but not really enough for buying one of the fancy machines I wanted to have. Then my hubby commented on how my birthday was coming up, and Christmas, and that I really needed a new sewing machine - and he told me to order the machine I had cast an eye on, a <a href="http://www.singerdeutschland.de/computer-naehmaschinen/quantum-stylist-9985.html" target="_blank">Singer Quantum Stylist 9985</a>. Happy me, I got it just in time for my birthday! I tried it out right away. This shiny, feature-packed toy turned out to be - way below the standards of sewing that I had known from my old machine. The stitching was so bad that some of the decorative stitches were utterly unrecognizable. Okay, I do have to admit that I'm a perfectionist bordering on pedantic. I get a kick out of achieving a perfect finish on a sewing project. A sewing machine for nearly 1000€ that is unable to keep up with my high standards is just a no-go. I'm not saying that this is a bad sewing machine. It has lots of cool features for a reasonable price, but at the cost of perfect accuracy. It might be a great sewing machine for someone who wants to try out a lot and doesn't pay too much attention to detail. But I just had to send it back. Especially after sewing through my finger when I attempted to get on with my UFO (I'll spare you the details and photos of that). At least it healed quickly.<br />
<br />
But I was without a sewing machine again. So I decided against ordering another one online, and went to the shop where I had taken the old machine (the second one, that is). They convinced me to spend just a little bit more (ahem, or maybe more than a little bit more...) and treat myself to a <a href="http://www.brothersewing.de/de_DE/sewing-machines?p_p_id=cataloguedisplay_WAR_Catalogueportlet_INSTANCE_1aPH&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-1&p_p_col_count=1&_cataloguedisplay_WAR_Catalogueportlet_INSTANCE_1aPH_articleId=NV1800QVM1" target="_blank">Brother innov-is NV1800Q</a>. What shall I say? I'm in sewing heaven! Yes, it was a splurge. And I'm not sure I should have spent that much money on a sewing machine. But I've been sewing like crazy since I got this technical marvel. It is the most amazing apparatus I've ever laid my hands on. And hello and welcome back, sewing mojo!!! Whoop, whoop!!!<br />
<br />
I've since sewn an Appleton dress and a Washington dress by lovely <a href="http://shop.cashmerette.com/" target="_blank">Cashmerette patterns</a>, but that is for another post. One with pictures and all ;-)<br />
<br />
AND I just finished a couple more of the more than 20 lets-not-name-it I promised to sew. I see light at the end of the tunnel... And more dresses, and kid's clothes, and Karneval costumes, and decor for our new kitchen, and those jackets I wrote about, and... You can never have enough UFOs ;-)Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-11400495276731763292015-07-28T13:43:00.000+02:002015-07-28T20:53:01.348+02:00... and even more summer in GermanyOkay, so I might still be in a summer holiday mood (when actually, ahem, I should be preparing my classes and NOT writing two blog posts in one day...). I might perceive the weather as slightly better than it actually is. I might even have gone grocery shopping in my new summer dress yesterday despite the pouring rain. But hey, I had just finished sewing it, so it couldn't just be hidden in the closet, waiting for better weather to come (or not...), right?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9gSsmYQ7_U/VbdT1hDYhEI/AAAAAAAAAdo/_0tOSG8dByM/s1600/Summer%2Bdress%2Bmain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9gSsmYQ7_U/VbdT1hDYhEI/AAAAAAAAAdo/_0tOSG8dByM/s640/Summer%2Bdress%2Bmain.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes, I know. </div>
<a name='more'></a>This picture doesn't really speak of summer. That used-to-be-white wall, the dirty grey floor tiles, even the wilting roses to the side. But I felt great in my new dress, and wore it all day. Who needs sunshine, anyway?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The pattern is <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6073-products-10884.php?page_id=101" target="_blank">McCall's M6073</a> in size 24W (WHOA! WHAT??? NO WAY!!!), which I originally wanted to make in the maxi version, but didn't have enough fabric for. But I really like the mid-calf length I was just able to squeeze from the fabric. I wasn't sure about the measurements, as the body measurements provided were beyond good and evil, and the finished garment measurement for the bustline just barely approximated my own body measurement. But knits are so forgiving, and the pattern has a lot of ease, so I decided to give it a shot without any adjustments (which I've just started to read about and don't feel any urge to get working on for countless hours). And you know what? It. Fits. Perfectly. This might well be the most comfortable dress I've ever owned. Okay, from the side, I do look a bit like several months pregnant (which I'm not!), but hey, just promise me to not look at me sideways, and we're all okay ;-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FF9iDByv5E/VbdVS0Boo7I/AAAAAAAAAd4/rDohey4Nm0M/s1600/2015-07-27_1808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FF9iDByv5E/VbdVS0Boo7I/AAAAAAAAAd4/rDohey4Nm0M/s640/2015-07-27_1808.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
One thing though. That V-neck binding! Really, I didn't get it. Either there's a secret to the instructions that I'm just out of the loop, or the illustration is simply wrong. So I googled it, and found a whole bunch of other bloggers reporting the same problem - and a range of more or less creative workarounds. At that time of the night, I didn't feel much like going crazy with the design, so I ignored all instructions and just pinned the binding to the neckline, right sides together, seam allowances facing in the same direction. I simply started at one end (that's one of the front bodice parts) and made my way all through to the other end. At the V-point, I tried to keep the seam allowance steady, but didn't quite manage. I sewed it, and ta-daaah-uuugh - it didn't work out at the V. So I unpicked the V and just a few centimeters to each side, pinned again and stitched again, which was much easier this time around because the rest of the binding was already attached. Then I had to ignore that huge bulk of seam allowance getting in the way while turning the binding to the inside. In an impatient act of rebellion, I courageously trimmed away most of the bulk. And miraculously, it worked! I wrapped the binding around the seam allowance, pinned like crazy and topstitched the whole damn thing. Okay, that V is not very neat, especially on the inside, but it's a V. More or less. Or maybe a U.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTIOe7B6Pog/VbdVSYD5itI/AAAAAAAAAd0/HoCdoNI6Ow0/s1600/2015-07-27_1811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTIOe7B6Pog/VbdVSYD5itI/AAAAAAAAAd0/HoCdoNI6Ow0/s400/2015-07-27_1811.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My lesson learnt from this? Next time around, I'll adjust the pattern to a somewhat higher, rounded back neckline and skip that whole V-neck nonsense. I mean, why is it there in the first place? Who needs a V-neck in the back of a dress???</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That said, I really love the dress - and this is just the "wearable muslin" version I made out of some <strike>cheap</strike> inexpensive rayon jersey knit. I can't wait to get started on the actual version I'm planning to sew from some really cool retro style jersey knit! Oh, and summer? Could you please bring on a little bit more sunshine again? Puhleeaaase??? I've got some dress patterns queued up here...</div>
Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-12258141886325718812015-07-28T11:46:00.002+02:002015-07-28T13:44:02.024+02:00Summer in Germany...is unpredictable. As usual, we're getting really hot weather, cold weather, sunshine, rain, nice breezes and storms. It's not easy to plan and pack suitable clothes for a summer holiday, and as usual, for this year's trip to the sea we packed <i>everything</i>. Shorts and jeans (and dresses for myself), tees and pullovers and jackets, sandals and rain boots, light pjs and extra blankets, rain gear and beach clothes.<br />
<br />
But no matter how unstable our weather can be, there is one thing I know for sure: black car seats are torture in hot weather. <br />
<a name='more'></a>Even if it might be necessary for a few days only, I decided to sew slipcovers for our kids' car seats. Of course, it was a last-minute sewing project which I finished only hours before our departure, but it was so worth it! As it turned out, we had the most wonderful, clear-sky-bright-sun-light-breeze perfect beach weather ever! And each day, when we came back from the beach, the car was hot, but those car seats did not feel like boiling hot lava. Oh, and they look pretty cute as well, don't you think?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kFUJWc_DgVA/Vbc_LOWsvdI/AAAAAAAAAcs/GwufuLfAfU4/s1600/Car%2Bseat%2Bcovers%2Bmain%2Bfinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Summery car seat covers and neck pillows" border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kFUJWc_DgVA/Vbc_LOWsvdI/AAAAAAAAAcs/GwufuLfAfU4/s400/Car%2Bseat%2Bcovers%2Bmain%2Bfinal.jpg" title="Summery car seat covers and neck pillows" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I even made matching neck pillows :-)<br />
<br />
I drafted the pattern for the covers myself by pinning muslin fabric to each piece of the seats and copying all seam lines as accurately as possible. Then I made a test version out of some really cheap poly jersey. After a few adjustments, I finally dared to cut into my fabrics. Again, I happened to have just the right amounts of each fabric in my stash. The middle part of each cover is a wonderful summer terry that I had bought two years ago and at the time used to line some winter hats drafted off some RTW hats. I doesn't have much stretch, so the hats weren't easy to put on to begin with and the boys outgrew them quickly. But sooo cute ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q7ai-4abnjI/VbdG86Ib2rI/AAAAAAAAAc8/rlem1aWXWLo/s1600/2012-11-21_4581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q7ai-4abnjI/VbdG86Ib2rI/AAAAAAAAAc8/rlem1aWXWLo/s400/2012-11-21_4581.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But back to summer sewing. This terry is perfect for the middle part of the seat covers, as this is the part that the boys sit on and so a lot of stretch would probably mean lots of wrinkles. In the final versions, these pieces are a tiny bit too large, but I think the small wrinkles to the sides are okay.<br />
<br />
For the inner side parts, I used this wonderful ROBOTS jersey by <a href="http://www.lillestoff.com/" target="_blank">lillestoff </a>that magically matched both colorways AND was just about large enough to cut two sets from. As it wasn't large enough to cut the outer sides as well, and nearly all of the terry was also already used up, I used some <a href="http://www.swafing.de/deutsch/basics/jerseystoffe/vicente.html" target="_blank">Vicente stars by Swafing</a> that I also happened to have at hand in the colors of both sets. How cool is that?<br />
<br />
With the small leftover scraps from the stars jersey and the summer terry, and appliqued with one robot each, I sewed some quick and easy neck pillows. The free pattern came from <a href="http://www.frauscheiner.de/naehanleitungen-13/Nackenh%C3%B6rnchen.html" target="_blank">Frau Scheiner</a> - a huge thank you for all the wonderful free patterns you've got on your blog!!! And those patterns in your shop are very tempting ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2X6EqaNP214/VbdMOSwzfCI/AAAAAAAAAdM/98yDvR4Uqj8/s1600/neck%2Bpillows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2X6EqaNP214/VbdMOSwzfCI/AAAAAAAAAdM/98yDvR4Uqj8/s640/neck%2Bpillows.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course, the pattern recommends using woven fabric, but I really wanted the pillows to match the seats (and - shhh - to use up those scraps). So I just went for it. It was a bit more difficult to stuff evenly, as the knit fabric stretches while stuffing, and it's more difficult to avoid lumps. But all in all, I think this wasn't a big problem. And the result is soooo soft and cuddly, I think I'd use knits again if I were to sew more of these.<br />
<br />
Now all that's left to do is to train my boys to actually use the pillows rather than only play with them ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PKyWPwh57SM/VbdOrIi8UeI/AAAAAAAAAdY/qc8bkTasj4c/s1600/asleep%2Blarge%2Bclean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PKyWPwh57SM/VbdOrIi8UeI/AAAAAAAAAdY/qc8bkTasj4c/s400/asleep%2Blarge%2Bclean.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-46657639820291440162015-06-22T20:17:00.000+02:002016-02-21T20:56:21.520+01:00For the cutest little niece in the world :-)Imagine me hopping up and down and clapping my hands, smiling from ear to ear. I'm an auntie :-))<br />
<br />
I had almost forgotten what it was like to hold such a teeny tiny baby, with the cutest little nose and mouth and fingers and ears and... Okay, you get the idea. Only three-and-a-half years ago, my boys were just as tiny - no wait, even a tiny little bit tinier. Now they're so grown up, telling funny stories and singing and jumping around and giving me the biggest bear hugs in the world. Three-and-a-half is a wonderful age, but holding that cute little girl brought back memories of holding my own two babies for the very first time. I nearly cried.<br />
<br />
Of course I made something special for the newest addition to the family - tadaaaa:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q00Mbc19QA/VYfhgeAR6JI/AAAAAAAAAbc/H4yLWP9DFMg/s1600/Stars%2Band%2Bzebras%2Bnewborn%2Bset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q00Mbc19QA/VYfhgeAR6JI/AAAAAAAAAbc/H4yLWP9DFMg/s400/Stars%2Band%2Bzebras%2Bnewborn%2Bset.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>When I saw the ruffled baby top in Ottobre 3/ 2015, I knew I wanted to make it for my niece. It turned out a little more difficult than I had expected - or at least the instructions were somewhat ambiguous, but luckily Heike from my favorite fabric shop <a href="http://www.jochalu-und-ellle.de/" target="_blank">Jochalu und Ellle</a> helped me out. Thanks Heike! :-)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5g8P7RhO7F4/VYhONnMhSvI/AAAAAAAAAbs/jM8_EBXcAgY/s1600/ruffled%2Btop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5g8P7RhO7F4/VYhONnMhSvI/AAAAAAAAAbs/jM8_EBXcAgY/s400/ruffled%2Btop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hand appliquéd the zebra, using up some scraps and embroidery floss. I then tied some small strings of wool to the embroidery floss - between the base layer and the applique - and separated the plies to form a cuddly mane.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0erD-tdFecU/VYhPjAgXaeI/AAAAAAAAAcA/YTiq6fzPCSw/s1600/zebra%2Bapplique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0erD-tdFecU/VYhPjAgXaeI/AAAAAAAAAcA/YTiq6fzPCSw/s400/zebra%2Bapplique.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The hat pattern was - unsurprisingly - my favorite hat pattern, klimperklein's <a href="http://www.klimperklein.com/eBook-Minutenmuetze" target="_blank">Minutenmütze</a>. I can't even count how many of these I've sewn. And yes, even though I couldn't quite believe it when I sewed the first one, with a bit of practice it really does become a "minute hat".</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The pants pattern is one I had lying around for quite a while, Miss Poppins' <a href="http://de.dawanda.com/product/62804203-ebook-63-spielhose-laessig-20-50-164#-63---spielhose-laessig-20-50-164" target="_blank">Spielhose Lässig</a> (the link is for a newer version). Funny that I hadn't tried the pattern before, it's a really quick and easy project and just perfect for kids. When my boys were babies, we bought them pants like these, and they lasted for at least two sizes. I think I'll make some as pj bottoms for my boys this week. Which reminds me - it's <a href="https://kcwc.herokuapp.com/users/sign_in" target="_blank">Kid's Clothes Week</a> again... So off to the sewing machine now... :-)</div>
Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-38679808930565133412015-06-06T21:58:00.001+02:002015-06-06T21:58:13.994+02:00More pinaforesIsn't it amazing how different fabric qualities, colors and details can make the very same pattern into completely different items? For my boys, I sew every pattern at least twice, of course. But even when I sew gifts for other kids, I tend to make varieties of the same patterns over and over. I've sewn several varieties of cozy car caddies, a number of hats, tons of neckerchiefs... And one pattern I just adore for little girls is the pinafore by <a href="http://smashedpeasandcarrots.com/little-girls-crossover-pinafore-pattern-and-tutorial/" target="_blank">Smashed Peas and Carrots</a>. I've already shared <a href="http://doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de/2014/04/pinafore.html" target="_blank">the first one I made</a> a year ago, and here are two more I've made since:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RpKX_YwLS_U/VXNHw2-9ktI/AAAAAAAAAbA/Dlfh-yvdY2E/s1600/Pinafore%2B2%2BCollage%2Bfinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RpKX_YwLS_U/VXNHw2-9ktI/AAAAAAAAAbA/Dlfh-yvdY2E/s640/Pinafore%2B2%2BCollage%2Bfinal.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On a pattern like this, where everything is cut in one piece, fussy cutting is somewhat limited,</div>
<a name='more'></a> but I think it turned out pretty cute, even on the back. While number 2 is reversible, I didn't add any embroidery to the second side this time, as I find the main fabric too cute to be hidden inside.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UwMskx1zPEU/VXNLSI0mo5I/AAAAAAAAAbM/QOKnVOx2WA4/s1600/Pinafore%2B03%2BCollage%2Bfinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UwMskx1zPEU/VXNLSI0mo5I/AAAAAAAAAbM/QOKnVOx2WA4/s400/Pinafore%2B03%2BCollage%2Bfinal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
By contrast, for number 3 I chose a fairly plain fabric that would serve as a canvas for applique again. I had a scrap of this wonderful flower corduroy in my scrap drawer that matched the main, dotted corduroy perfectly. And those bright red Kam Snaps just add that little bit of pop needed at the top.<br />
<br />
So after trying quilting cotton and corduroy, what's next? Maybe a cuddly minky? Or summery terry cloth? How about some shiny satin? Ah, probably not. But this wonderful pattern is so quick and easy to sew, I'm sure these won't be the last ones...Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-39245569299148349282015-04-03T00:39:00.000+02:002015-04-03T00:53:35.034+02:00Last minute...When we were preparing for our fairly spontaneous trip to Fuerteventura last month (huge grin :-D), I decided to do some last-minute sewing. The boys needed new bathrobes, as the ones I made for them nearly two years ago were definitely too small now. I was a little surprised how long they actually lasted - the pattern is just fabulous! So again, I chose one size up to accommodate for the next growth spurt or two.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jNplOc5PZDE/VR2tSHYHmmI/AAAAAAAAAY8/-NSj4ZBf5do/s1600/Kids%2Bbathrobes%2Bno2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jNplOc5PZDE/VR2tSHYHmmI/AAAAAAAAAY8/-NSj4ZBf5do/s1600/Kids%2Bbathrobes%2Bno2.jpg" height="640" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I had been planning to make a second set of these bathrobes for a while, so when I found those striped beach towels<br />
<a name='more'></a> in blue and green on a crazy discount at our local supermarket last fall, I knew they were just perfect. When I cut the pattern pieces, I found out how just perfect the towels were: I was just about able to place all the pieces on the fabric. The next time around, I'll have to switch to even bigger towels or use two (note to self...). And would you believe that I had just the perfect piece of Hilco happy fish jersey knit in my stash to match both colors???<br />
<br />
The pattern is <a href="http://www.lillesolundpelle.de/epages/63406511.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/63406511/Products/lb6" target="_blank">lillesol basic no. 6</a> by lillesol & pelle. I really like it, not just for its perfect fit, but also for the detailed instructions with lots of pictures. Some tips for sewing with terry cloth (which is the most likely fabric for this project) would have been great, but a quick Pinterest search did the trick. It wouldn't be me if I hadn't made some changes to the pattern, though ;-) I cut the front and back pieces in one, leaving out the side seam. This made setting in the sleeve a little more difficult, but worked out well. I also lined the hood. The construction was quite tricky, but made for a really neat finish.<br />
<br />
Using the same pattern a second time showed me how much my sewing has improved over the last two years. I interpreted the exact same instructions quite differently back then than I did this time around. The finishing is much more professional now, without any unfinished or rough looking seam allowances showing on the inside. And instead of taking six weeks (if I remember correctly), it now only took me 2 days to finish the new set, that is cutting Wednesday night, sewing Thursday morning and night, packing on Friday and going on holiday on Saturday. Does it sound boastful if I say I'm a little impressed myself? ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_p2s6Ec22XY/VR2_NwjFE9I/AAAAAAAAAZM/Hsi2YSlet5E/s1600/Kids%2Bbathrobes%2Bno2%2Bdetails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_p2s6Ec22XY/VR2_NwjFE9I/AAAAAAAAAZM/Hsi2YSlet5E/s1600/Kids%2Bbathrobes%2Bno2%2Bdetails.jpg" height="640" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And just for comparison, here's the first set I made in 2013 (minus the not-so-neatly-finished inside ;-)):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDvChjJEshs/VR2oD0tOUxI/AAAAAAAAAYs/VKQrWVq2UPI/s1600/Kids%2Bbathrobes%2Bno1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDvChjJEshs/VR2oD0tOUxI/AAAAAAAAAYs/VKQrWVq2UPI/s1600/Kids%2Bbathrobes%2Bno1.jpg" height="640" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For these, I used beach towels I found at IKEA and happened to have some stars jersey knit in matching colors at home. Have I mentioned that I just love my fabric stash? And of course those two cutie pies in the pictures :-DAndrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-62376882832684839762015-03-03T15:15:00.001+01:002015-04-03T00:55:27.179+02:00Earring holder sewing tutorialI had this idea when my mother-in-law was wondering how she could mail a pair of earrings to one of her relatives. I immediately thought of those little cards that I used to have for my earrings when I was a kid, only those were actually quite plain and boring. So why not make a cute earring holder out of some fabric scraps? Here's what I came up with:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--5WJRsDtZTU/VPWwpHLDKII/AAAAAAAAAW4/_eHGiWI_quw/s1600/Earring%2Bholder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--5WJRsDtZTU/VPWwpHLDKII/AAAAAAAAAW4/_eHGiWI_quw/s1600/Earring%2Bholder.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></a></div>
<br />
I even thought of taking pictures to write a short tutorial :-)<br />
<a name='more'></a> It's a really quick and easy project, and all you'll need is this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0i-qmsHKWs0/VPWxmLb9jvI/AAAAAAAAAXA/QTcX91M7rqQ/s1600/earring%2Bholder%2B01%2Bsupplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0i-qmsHKWs0/VPWxmLb9jvI/AAAAAAAAAXA/QTcX91M7rqQ/s1600/earring%2Bholder%2B01%2Bsupplies.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />
<ul>
<li>some fabric scraps (coordinating with or contrasting the color of the earrings, if you like)</li>
<li>a tiny bit of ribbon (don't tell anyone, but I like cutting those satin ribbons from shirts that they put in to stop the shirts slipping from their hangers and that always stick out when I wear such a shirt - you won't believe the range of colors I've collected this way!)</li>
<li>a scrap of fusible fleece (whatever weight you have at hand)</li>
</ul>
<div>
I started by piecing together two scraps, as I found that the scraps I wanted to use were a little too small. In order to do that, place the two scraps right sides together, then sew along the edge. Press open the seam allowance. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But of course it's also possible to use just one fabric for the front. Draw a rectangle on the "wrong" side of this piece. My scraps were just large enough for a 4.5cm x 6cm rectangle, but I think anything larger than 4cm in either direction will work (depending on the size of the earrings).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dsM5O9b5gLg/VPWylnIeOtI/AAAAAAAAAXI/BOYJhIqg9WI/s1600/earring%2Bholder%2B02%2Bcut%2Bouts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dsM5O9b5gLg/VPWylnIeOtI/AAAAAAAAAXI/BOYJhIqg9WI/s1600/earring%2Bholder%2B02%2Bcut%2Bouts.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Cut the fusible fleece to exactly the same dimensions and iron it on carefully to stay just inside the rectangle. Then place the ribbon on the right side of the fabric (if the ribbon has a "right" and "wrong" side, the "wrong" side of the ribbon goes on the "right" side of the front fabric), and on top of that the fabric scrap for the back (right sides together). I didn't even pin it, as the whole piece was so small, but of course you can pin if you prefer.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmH4nELBsqM/VPWzuSS63dI/AAAAAAAAAXU/4F0ouDZtsf8/s1600/earring%2Bholder%2B03%2Blayering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmH4nELBsqM/VPWzuSS63dI/AAAAAAAAAXU/4F0ouDZtsf8/s1600/earring%2Bholder%2B03%2Blayering.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
On one of the smaller sides, start sewing just 1cm from the bottom left corner (towards that corner) and then all along the fusible interfacing, stopping 1cm after the bottom right corner to leave a small opening for turning.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ShiTw3gqHTc/VPW9JpXVNmI/AAAAAAAAAXw/Rno8kRF1yaM/s1600/earring%2Bholder%2B04%2Bsewing%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ShiTw3gqHTc/VPW9JpXVNmI/AAAAAAAAAXw/Rno8kRF1yaM/s1600/earring%2Bholder%2B04%2Bsewing%2Bcollage.jpg" height="238" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After cutting back the seam allowance and clipping the corners, turn the whole thing right side out. This step is probably the most difficult part of this project, as the opening won't be very large. Unfortunately, you can't use the longer sides for the opening, as these will have to hold the ribbon. You can use a chopstick or large knitting needle to get nice, sharp corners. Then fold the seam allowance of the opening inside, iron the whole piece and close the opening by hand using a ladder stitch. There's a great video tutorial on how to do this at <a href="http://howtosew.com/blog/sewing-basics/magic-invisible-closure">howtosew.com</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Add your earrings and pat yourself on the shoulder :-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TRpVRRs34XY/VPXBiabN7fI/AAAAAAAAAX8/ZGbmeGa5qcI/s1600/earring%2Bholder%2B05%2Bfinished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TRpVRRs34XY/VPXBiabN7fI/AAAAAAAAAX8/ZGbmeGa5qcI/s1600/earring%2Bholder%2B05%2Bfinished.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't wear earrings myself, but I think making a bunch of these would be a cute gift for a friend who owns a couple of pairs. If sewn slightly larger, this would also be useful for hair clips. I keep losing those plain small clips that I like, and this could be a way to store them in my handbag when I take them out of my hair.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What else would you use this for?</div>
Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-44721021148792748432015-03-02T15:17:00.000+01:002015-03-02T15:17:17.953+01:00Kitchen play setsMy boys sure love their play kitchen, and prepare the most delightful dishes every day. Well, I guess they take after their granny :-) So for Christmas, I made them some kitchen equipment and supplies. Besides crocheting some food items (which I will show you another day ;-)), I sewed two sets of aprons, oven mitts and dish towels. Of course I made a mistake in only sewing one oven mitt for each boy. L asked me sternly if he was supposed to burn his other hand?! Silly me. For now, they'll have to take turns using the oven mitts, but in the long run, I guess I'll have to sew two more...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UEs0QF27Ius/VPRljA5vMGI/AAAAAAAAAWk/vIZkczViT8I/s1600/Kitchen%2Bplay%2Bsets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kitchen play sets | Twice the fun" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UEs0QF27Ius/VPRljA5vMGI/AAAAAAAAAWk/vIZkczViT8I/s1600/Kitchen%2Bplay%2Bsets.jpg" height="640" title="Kitchen play sets | Twice the fun" width="436" /></a></div>
<br />
Fortunately I still have a piece left of that funny<br />
<a name='more'></a> <a href="http://www.ahfabrics.com/collections/category/821-snappysnacks" target="_blank">Alexander Henry "Snappy Snacks"</a> fabric. I might even squeeze out the pieces for two chef's hats...<br />
<br />
For the patterns, I looked at a gazillion different tutorials for aprons and oven mitts on Pinterest. I finally settled on the oven mitt pattern at <a href="http://sixandahalfstitches.typepad.com/65st_patterns/2008/11/my-little-girl-loves-to-help-in-the-kitchen-and-play-along-side-me-as-i-cook-and-clean-and-potter-around-so-when-she-rece.html" target="_blank">6.5st patterns</a> and the apron pattern at <a href="http://blog.peekaboopatternshop.com/2014/12/toddler-apron.html" target="_blank">peek-a-boo pattern shop</a>, but modified the construction on both. The dish towels are just rectangles that I hemmed with the rolled hem foot. Now that's a technique I'll have to practice a little more...Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-73219554850392817912015-03-01T08:59:00.002+01:002015-03-01T08:59:48.652+01:00Tip topI sewed another shirt for myself, from <a href="http://www.lekala.co/catalog/blouses/4099#model" target="_blank">Lekala pattern #4099</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QHglH_fgpcA/VPLGgJmFhiI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/H2st2nwNVyQ/s1600/Top%2B4099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QHglH_fgpcA/VPLGgJmFhiI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/H2st2nwNVyQ/s1600/Top%2B4099.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm still amazed at the fit of those patterns... It's a tad short, but I have a matching shirt that I can wear underneath, so I think that's fine :-)</div>
Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-71169881653784695742015-02-28T11:56:00.000+01:002015-02-28T11:56:51.515+01:00Bucket hatsAs we're preparing for our next vacation (woohoo :-)) I noticed that I haven't shown you something I made for the boys last summer. Maybe you remember my <a href="http://doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de/2014/06/on-road-again.html" target="_blank">preparations for that road trip</a>? Well, it didn't go as smoothly as we'd hoped. Our kids just don't like car rides. Full stop. Maybe I'll just sew a heavy curtain to separate the back of the car so the boys can do all their whining and screaming and breaking toys and arguing with each other while we enjoy some peace and quiet in our front seats? Just kidding. This time around, we'll find out if they like flying better than car rides.<br />
<br />
The holiday was lovely, though. We stayed at a wonderful cottage with a garden. There were other kids to play with and lots of toys. That gave us a little break from time to time. It wasn't far from the beach, and the weather was fine. So I got the pictures I was hoping for :-) And here they are (drum roll please):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8xmUft0FW-o/VPGHBUwueqI/AAAAAAAAAVc/2fAEwkXP7mI/s1600/Bucket%2Bhats%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bucket Hats | Twice the Fun" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8xmUft0FW-o/VPGHBUwueqI/AAAAAAAAAVc/2fAEwkXP7mI/s1600/Bucket%2Bhats%2BCollage.jpg" height="640" title="Bucket Hats | Twice the Fun" width="418" /></a></div>
<br />
What a fun day at the beach!<br />
<br />
The pattern for these bucket hats<br />
<a name='more'></a>came from Liesl Gibson's wonderful book <a href="http://oliverands.com/product/OLV-OS026LIT.html" target="_blank">oliver + s little things to sew</a>. Actually, this pattern was the reason I bought the book in the first place. And then I found out that the bucket hat pattern is available for free as an <a href="http://oliverands.com/free-patterns/reversible-bucket-hat/" target="_blank">excerpt from the book</a>. Ha! But I still kept the book, as the other items are really cute as well (although many of the patterns are for girls, as usual). I'm considering adding those cute-as-a-button penguin backpacks to my to-do list.<br />
<br />
When reading through the instructions, I was at first a little scared, because there is quite an amount of hand sewing to be done to finish the hats. You'll have to stitch all around the inner circumference of the hat to join the two sides. So - believe it or not - this project turned out to be the one that got me hooked on hand sewing! Have a look at the finish, isn't it very professional? Imagine me patting myself on the back for this ;-))<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QyvCVX0IrxY/VPGPDvEYepI/AAAAAAAAAVs/SKMNoKfhoNo/s1600/Hand%2Bstitching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hand sewn seam | Twice the fun" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QyvCVX0IrxY/VPGPDvEYepI/AAAAAAAAAVs/SKMNoKfhoNo/s1600/Hand%2Bstitching.jpg" height="266" title="Hand sewn seam | Twice the fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And finally: how cute is that fabric??? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PVn55xdArK0/VPGW3elu0UI/AAAAAAAAAV8/yislUoj7rgs/s1600/Bucket%2Bhats%2B-%2Bfabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PVn55xdArK0/VPGW3elu0UI/AAAAAAAAAV8/yislUoj7rgs/s1600/Bucket%2Bhats%2B-%2Bfabric.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's Ribbit Beach by Alexander Henry. Of course, like nearly all of the other wonderful fabrics I use in my projects, I found it at my all-time favorite fabric shop, <a href="http://www.jochalu-und-ellle.de/" target="_blank">jochalu und ellle</a> (nope, this is not an affiliate link in any way, I'd just like to send some greetings over to Heike ;-))</div>
Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-78736872603666854502015-02-27T10:24:00.000+01:002015-04-03T00:56:17.942+02:00A birthday presentMy dear mother-in-law is the best cook in the world. I wish I could share with you the delicate scents of those yummy treats that come from her kitchen... Instead, let me show you what I made her for her birthday three weeks ago:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1mYKQpaiwg8/VPAh9-7spzI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/ZQV0aYjQ-1E/s1600/Oven%2BMitt%2Band%2BRuffled%2BApron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Oven mitt and ruffled apron | Twice the Fun" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1mYKQpaiwg8/VPAh9-7spzI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/ZQV0aYjQ-1E/s1600/Oven%2BMitt%2Band%2BRuffled%2BApron.jpg" height="400" title="Oven mitt and ruffled apron | Twice the Fun" width="356" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
For the oven mitt, I used the pattern and tutorials over at<br />
<a name='more'></a> <a href="http://www.shecanquilt.ca/2013/04/adriannes-oven-mitt-2013-fal-tutorial.html" target="_blank">She Can Quilt</a> and <a href="http://nicholmagouirk.typepad.com/things_that_really_matter/2013/10/double-oven-mitt-sewing-related.html" target="_blank">Nichol Magouirk</a>. I was unsure about the heat-resistance of Thermolam, so I used a double layer. I'm happy to report that it works ;-) It also provides a nice structure for a little quilting.<br />
<br />
It was the first time I made my own bias tape, following the tutorial at <a href="http://www.seasonedhomemaker.com/making-bias-tape/" target="_blank">The Seasoned Homemaker</a>, and it was easier than I had expected. Perfectionist that I am, I think the finish is great. For joining the ends of the bias tape, I vaguely remembered seeing a trick in one of my Craftsy classes, so I rewatched quite a few classes (any excuse to watch Craftsy classes will do for me, lol) until I found it in Tara Rebman's <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/quilt-as-you-go-patchwork-bags/" target="_blank">Quilt-As-You-Go Patchwork Bags</a> (this is not an affiliate link, I just really like this class - and I don't have to mention that that bag is on my to-do list, right?). It's like magic. Once you've seen how it's done, it's actually possible to join bias tape nearly invisibly! Really!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPoC0bhEc90/VPA0qEZSPiI/AAAAAAAAAUw/rhLCdJipFjc/s1600/Oven%2BMitt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPoC0bhEc90/VPA0qEZSPiI/AAAAAAAAAUw/rhLCdJipFjc/s1600/Oven%2BMitt.jpg" height="640" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh, and did you notice that nice little decorative seam?<br />
<br />
For the apron, I used the instructions and pattern I found on <a href="http://crazylittleprojects.com/2014/09/cute-witch-apron-pattern.html" target="_blank">Crazy Little Projects</a>. I overdid it a little with the ruffles, but I still think it turned out pretty cute. I must admit that I also tried it on myself, and I'll have to adjust the pattern a little for my plus size if I ever get around to making one for myself, but it fits my mother-in-law perfectly. And she loves it (or she's just polite... Nah. She does love it ;-)). She even agreed to have her photo taken and shared here - "but without this" (pointing to her face) ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3TCb9k-bK98/VPA1k8VKieI/AAAAAAAAAU4/oMI4N0Rc8Pw/s1600/Ruffled%2BApron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3TCb9k-bK98/VPA1k8VKieI/AAAAAAAAAU4/oMI4N0Rc8Pw/s1600/Ruffled%2BApron.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
There's some fabric left for one or two little projects that she might get for Easter. But shhh, don't tell her ;-)Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-18946860373845762092015-02-26T13:36:00.001+01:002015-05-25T21:10:24.316+02:00Some selfish sewing...... and it's not even <a href="https://www.kollabora.com/blog/selfish-sewing-week-returns-march-9th-15th" target="_blank">Selfish Sewing Week</a> yet ;-) But as I won't be around for SSW (and let's be honest, I probably wouldn't get beyond planning stage anyway, as usual), I'm celebrating my own selfish sewing week right now.<br />
<br />
I finished a <a href="http://www.welcometothemousehouse.com/2013/12/the-julia-womens-cardigan-its-here.html" target="_blank">Julia cardigan from Mouse House Creations</a> yesterday, using MyMandala jersey knit in pink from the Elephant Love Collection by <a href="http://hamburgerliebe.blogspot.de/p/stoffe-fabrics.html" target="_blank">Hamburger Liebe</a> (for Hilco).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CnEe38rqzO8/VO8RNjQvYzI/AAAAAAAAAT8/altT9nr1sOU/s1600/Julia%2BCardigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CnEe38rqzO8/VO8RNjQvYzI/AAAAAAAAAT8/altT9nr1sOU/s1600/Julia%2BCardigan.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
Would you believe that I bought the fabric<br />
<a name='more'></a> on Monday? Pre-washed it right away, cut it on Tuesday, sewed it yesterday, wore it last night. That must be a first for me - I usually have my fabric lying around for a couple of weeks (or months) before I actually cut into it. But I'm trying to get rid of that habit, and I must say: I like it :-)<br />
<br />
The pattern and instructions are perfect - very easy to assemble and cut, with clear and detailed instructions. While the cutting took me a while because I wanted the pattern to match and did quite some fussy cutting, once everything was cut, it all came together really quickly. I'm planning on making at least one more of these, but probably not before our holiday. The extended cap sleeve version is really tempting, and I'm thinking of a lightweight striped jersey knit for a summery version. We'll see...Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-46527443357309566212015-02-13T00:43:00.000+01:002015-02-26T13:52:35.094+01:00Helau!<div dir="ltr">
I love making (and actually also wearing) costumes, so Karneval is is always lots of fun for me. This year my boys are finally old enough to really join the fun. When I asked them what costumes they wanted me to make them, their ideas were pretty straight-forward: A cuddly blue cat for E and an astronaut for L.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M68cnboX-Lw/VN0e3d_jjrI/AAAAAAAAATQ/9ys-UZ-GFVo/s1600/2015-02-12%2BKarnevalskost%C3%BCme%2BCollage%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Meow... Ready for take off... Karneval costumes || Twice the Fun" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M68cnboX-Lw/VN0e3d_jjrI/AAAAAAAAATQ/9ys-UZ-GFVo/s1600/2015-02-12%2BKarnevalskost%C3%BCme%2BCollage%2B2.jpg" height="296" title="Meow... Ready for take off... Karneval costumes || Twice the Fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
And I must say <br />
<a name='more'></a>I had a blast making these costumes! And my kids? They looooooove them :-) E told me at least two dozen times: "Thanks mommy for making my costume. It's just what I wanted. It's so cool!" Isn't he the sweetest? <3</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xyds-wrMs38/VN0i7NGVP7I/AAAAAAAAATc/2vQ5vWfo7cA/s1600/2015-02-12%2BKarnevalskost%C3%BCme%2BCollage%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cat and astronaut costumes || Twice the fun" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xyds-wrMs38/VN0i7NGVP7I/AAAAAAAAATc/2vQ5vWfo7cA/s1600/2015-02-12%2BKarnevalskost%C3%BCme%2BCollage%2B4.jpg" height="222" title="Cat and astronaut costumes || Twice the fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
This season of Kid's Clothes Week was perfect timing for sewing "Karneval" costumes. For my personal schedule, it was not as perfect. KCW is about sewing kids' clothes for at least 1 hour per day for 7 days, so let's see how I did last week:</div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Monday: Last minute sewing project for my dear mother-in-law's birthday (a ruffled apron plus double oven mitt)</li>
<li>Tuesday: Very last minute finishing of said gift</li>
<li>Wednesday: Ran errands with the kids all day, fell asleep at 8pm. Seriously.</li>
<li>Thursday: E had decided to take a nap this afternoon and did not fall asleep until 8.20pm. At 8.45pm, L decided he was done sleeping. After nearly two hours of fighting kids to sleep, I crashed on the couch. Watched a movie. Don't remember the title or what it was about.</li>
<li>Friday: I actually considered starting to sew those costumes. Considered is the key word here.</li>
<li>Saturday: Blah.</li>
<li>Sunday: Were invited to a wonderful 3rd birthday party. Came home in a good mood. Didn't sew. </li>
</ul>
<div dir="ltr">
Not a single minute of sewing kid's clothes last week (although I'm pretty happy about the birthday present I whipped up ;-)). Maybe this challenge thing just isn't right for me? Let's have a look at this week (without an online sewing challenge going on for me):</div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Monday: Ordered plaster cast for L's astronaut helmet. Okay, that was a start. A pretty late start, but definitely a start.</li>
<li>Tuesday: Realized that the kindergarten's Karneval party was planned for Wednesday, not Thursday as I had been thinking all along. SEWED THE WHOLE NIGHT. FINISHED TWO COSTUMES (minus astronaut helmet - the plaster cast hadn't arrived yet, but a simple photo prop style mask worked out fine, L wore it all day).</li>
<li>Wednesday: Washed the costumes. Started making the astronaut helmet. Plaster cast is a great material to work with. Mental note: make more helmets.</li>
<li>Thursday: Kids dressed up as doctors for kindergarten. I ironed the "original" costumes, had a friend over for breakfast, used a ton of duct tape to make astronaut accessories, blow dried the helmet and decorated it (yes, more duct tape). WON 1ST PRIZE AT KIDS' CAFE'S KARNEVAL PARTY. Yessss :-)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_X_qG1CxGLE/VN06Rnno6lI/AAAAAAAAATs/APRwzCt4XPE/s1600/20150212_163414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Proud costume contest winner! || Twice the Fun" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_X_qG1CxGLE/VN06Rnno6lI/AAAAAAAAATs/APRwzCt4XPE/s1600/20150212_163414.jpg" height="400" title="Proud costume contest winner! || Twice the Fun" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-29085577829931259592015-01-19T09:29:00.000+01:002015-01-19T09:29:53.432+01:00...and more cozy car caddies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So one of my new year's resolutions (of <a href="http://doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de/2015/01/no-im-not-making-any-new-years.html" target="_blank">all the resolutions I had resolved NOT to make this year</a> ;-)) was to finally get some things up on this blog that I made last year but never found the time to blog about. Btw, time management is another thing I resolved not to make a resolution about. Okay, I'll stop before my head starts spinning. Here's something I made last year:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've already written about <a href="http://doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de/2014/02/car-caddy-no-1.html" target="_blank">the first car caddy I made</a>, and how much I loved the <a href="http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.de/2009/12/cozy-car-caddy-tutorial.html?m=1" target="_blank">tutorial</a>. So let me show you three more. Number 2 was for a sweet little girl who loves Australia:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXt_hOk5uvM/U6DOQw9Xv-I/AAAAAAAAAOE/JQ2nn_hm0-U/s1600/Cozy+car+caddy+no+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXt_hOk5uvM/U6DOQw9Xv-I/AAAAAAAAAOE/JQ2nn_hm0-U/s1600/Cozy+car+caddy+no+2.jpg" height="400" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The pockets can also hold</div>
<a name='more'></a>small plastic animals (like the smaller ones from Schleich). On second thought, I probably should have replaced the road by some nature scenery, I almost pity that little kangaroo ;-)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The third car caddy was for my boys' best friend who never leaves the house without his little monkey, Coco:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3AE-40epJ4/U6DOUUMv4OI/AAAAAAAAAOM/XbpX1bqDLkE/s1600/Cozy+car+caddy+no+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3AE-40epJ4/U6DOUUMv4OI/AAAAAAAAAOM/XbpX1bqDLkE/s1600/Cozy+car+caddy+no+3.jpg" height="400" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
And a little later last year, I made another one, this time for one of my oldest friends' little boy:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kD2XyyGF1Gc/VLge4g6zqtI/AAAAAAAAASg/DnmLQUB51bU/s1600/Cozy%2Bcar%2Bcaddy%2Bno%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cozy car caddy no. 4 | Twice the fun" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kD2XyyGF1Gc/VLge4g6zqtI/AAAAAAAAASg/DnmLQUB51bU/s1600/Cozy%2Bcar%2Bcaddy%2Bno%2B4.jpg" height="320" title="Cozy car caddy no. 4 | Twice the fun" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
I love how all four versions turned out so differently just by picking different fabrics and colors. I think I might try a different theme for a similar caddy for my boys, maybe a farmyard scene or a construction site? I'm also thinking about how to make a version that allows for 2 (or more?) play mats to be joined if the kids want to play together, maybe even with additional play mats that can be combined into a larger mat? On the other hand, my boys have been asking me to make them car caddies just like these, so to not disappoint them, I should probably not change the design all too much. And have I mentioned how much I love the <a href="http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.de/2009/12/cozy-car-caddy-tutorial.html?m=1" target="_blank">tutorial</a>?Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-81503033857692828692015-01-15T23:16:00.000+01:002015-01-15T23:26:29.976+01:00No, I'm not making any new year's resolutions.... At least that's what I told myself before New Year's Eve (again!). And then the new year started and all of a sudden, I found myself thinking about 2015 and all the things I really, really, really want to improve on (think household), get up and running (think business) or do for myself (think exercise). So wow, the only resolution I made for 2015 - not to make any unrealistic resolutions this time around - vanished into thin air the second 2015 started. Okay, that was a little overly dramatic. Probably it was the next day.<br />
<br />
<br />
So here's a list of some resolutions I explicitly did not want to make this time, in random order:<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<ul>
<li>Change some of my daily routines so it'll be easier to keep the house clean without fortnightly cleaning marathons or such. I've actually already started on this, and wow, does that feel good! </li>
<ul>
<li>Make beds first thing in the morning, so I can fall into nice and crisp sheets when I finally go to bed? Check!</li>
<li>Clean up kitchen stuff right after using it? Check. </li>
<li>Free, clean sewing or crafting space on our dining table right after dinner? Check. </li>
<li>Make a weekly meal plan and buy and prepare in advance? Ummm, so far so good. Still needs some tweaking, but not too bad for starters. I should really keep in mind that making 5 liters of soup will serve the whole family for more than a day...</li>
</ul>
<li>Finally put some more time and effort into my freelance teaching business. This is the one that feels best right now. I'm really longing to get back to teaching. I taught a few workshops last year, and it was so much fun!</li>
<li>The next one is business-related, but still - shhh - secret ;-)</li>
<li>Post more to this blog. That's not a bad idea, right?</li>
</ul>
<div>
And to get me started on the last one, here's my first crafty blog post of 2015. Last year I was a little frustrated because of all the "UFOs" I had been keeping forever. Now looking at <a href="http://doppeltsolustig.blogspot.de/2014/05/ufos-everywhere.html" target="_blank">the list I made last May</a>, I'm proud to say that I did finish quite a few of the projects I had started back then. I will be showing some of them here over the next weeks, at least that's my plan for now ;-)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But beside my wish to share more of my crafts here, I wish I'd finish things more quickly. I'm a perfectionist, always planning and re-planning and thinking through all possible options before even getting started on something. So, to overcome this, I started making some impromptu projects last year. No pattern, no instructions, just me and my sewing supplies. And this is what "happened":<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmy4U_kL3kc/VLgyD3p8XKI/AAAAAAAAATA/AJN072eDCp4/s1600/Rag%2Bdolls%2Bcollage%2Bfinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A bunch of rag dolls | Twice the fun" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmy4U_kL3kc/VLgyD3p8XKI/AAAAAAAAATA/AJN072eDCp4/s1600/Rag%2Bdolls%2Bcollage%2Bfinal.jpg" height="400" title="A bunch of rag dolls | Twice the fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I made a whole set of cute little rag dolls! At my boys' kindergarten, the parents' council (which I'm part of this year) sold all kinds of handcrafted items at the annual advent celebration afternoon - from cookies to Christmas ornaments and from monster bookmarks to fox heating pads. I contributed seven dolls, and am very proud to say that five of them sold (at 7€ each).<br />
<br />
It was the first time ever that I've made such a "large" number of items in one batch. I had started out with 11 different dolls, and in the end, finished seven on time. The hair turned out to be the most time-consuming part. But I'll be writing more about the process soon. I took lots of pictures and - who knows - I might even turn them into a tutorial? I promise, these are not very hard to make and a great way to use up scraps.<br />
<br />
Anyone wondering where the four dolls went that I didn't finish before the event at the kindergarten? You'll probably guess right - the UFO pile! What a start into a new year... Good that I didn't make any new year's resolutions, right? ;-D<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
PS: The next <a href="https://kcwc.herokuapp.com/users/sign_in" target="_blank">Kid's Clothes Week</a> is on in February! Have you seen how beautifully that new button fits in with the color scheme of my blog? Now this time, I'll really finish the projects I'm planning... Erm, what was I talking about before?</div>
Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-20219666395646563602014-12-25T01:24:00.002+01:002015-01-14T21:56:16.432+01:00Merry Christmas!Hi everyone, I wish you all a wonderful, cozy and healthy Christmas time!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4kAEn8Sd64Y/VJtM08rCJxI/AAAAAAAAASA/Vfok1HufHDI/s1600/Frohe%2BWeihnachten%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Merry Christmas | Twice the fun" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4kAEn8Sd64Y/VJtM08rCJxI/AAAAAAAAASA/Vfok1HufHDI/s1600/Frohe%2BWeihnachten%2B2014.jpg" height="300" title="Merry Christmas | Twice the fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The past few weeks have been crazy.<br />
<a name='more'></a> I've been crafting tons of different things (which I may or may not show here sometime ;-)), it was my boys' 3rd birthday in mid-December, I contributed to their kindergarten's advent bazaar, and now it's already Christmas! How come this holiday always manages to sneak up on me unexpectedly although I usually start planning and crafting for next Christmas, um well, right after Christmas is over?<br />
<br />
I finally finished the advent calendar I started last year, yaaayyy! I think I had it all set up around Dec 5 - luckily my boys don't know their numbers that well yet ;-) But at least now I've got a head start on next year's advent calendar - I'll just need to fill it:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LvW7mUhFXcE/VJtSSvRbGAI/AAAAAAAAASQ/Aul_N6-GeDI/s1600/Advent%2Bcalendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Advent Calendar | Twice the Fun" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LvW7mUhFXcE/VJtSSvRbGAI/AAAAAAAAASQ/Aul_N6-GeDI/s1600/Advent%2Bcalendar.jpg" height="266" title="Advent Calendar | Twice the Fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I've also started a collection of <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/andreacuda/holidays-christmas-advent-calendar/" target="_blank">ideas to fill advent calendars on Pinterest</a> (where else?). And here's just a quick evaluation of what I learned this year:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Who would have thought that a fancy toothbrush or bath colors/ bubbles/ confetti are the most valued advent calendar items? :-)</li>
<li>Printed and laminated items are inexpensive and easy to make and might be even better than store-bought toys. I made some letter-writing cards for my boys, and especially E loves them, he'll sit with them forever trying to write the names of everyone in the family (I found some really cool customizable letter/ word tracing worksheets at <a href="http://twistynoodle.com/trace-the-letter-e-worksheet/" target="_blank">twistynoodle</a>).</li>
<li>I should leave out sweets altogether - the kids get so many sweets in December anyway.</li>
<li>All the crafty stuff I included this time - glue, stamps, feathers, stickers - was a bit too much. The kids can't use it on their own yet (or the walls, curtains, furniture, my books and the floor will be stamped on - ask me how I know...) and it's difficult to plan crafting times this far ahead.</li>
<li>This year, I didn't really get round to doing this, but I think it's a great idea to include family activities rather than "stuff". I'll have to have a look at this and collect ideas for next year.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Who knows, I might even remember to check this post before starting the calendar next year ;-)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Okay, now off to bed. I should really break that habit of staying up way too late...</div>
Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-85677312050485981282014-10-27T14:40:00.000+01:002015-02-26T13:45:18.883+01:00Fly me to the moon...During <a href="http://www.kidsclothesweek.com/" target="_blank">Kid's Clothes Week October 2014</a>, I made some new hats and neckwarmers for my little astronauts:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eyXerVqbjy0/VE42RtRBB8I/AAAAAAAAARQ/3F23ZO9IoMw/s1600/Fly%2Bme%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bmoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eyXerVqbjy0/VE42RtRBB8I/AAAAAAAAARQ/3F23ZO9IoMw/s1600/Fly%2Bme%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bmoon.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>About half a year ago, in spring, we found out that we could not reach the moon, no matter how hard we tried. L is a huge fan of the moon, and when he asked me to let him touch the moon, I told him he'd have to become an astronaut if he wanted to touch the moon. So that's set, he's already planning it all out. He'll fly the spaceship, and E will sit next to him. If I'm nice, I can come too. And then we'll all go to the moon. Pretty simple, huh?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QSsCsmYBMOk/VE47ceSBAdI/AAAAAAAAARg/16cpK-W4JJU/s1600/Fly%2Bme%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bmoon%2B-%2BI%2Bcan%2Balmost%2Breach%2Bit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QSsCsmYBMOk/VE47ceSBAdI/AAAAAAAAARg/16cpK-W4JJU/s1600/Fly%2Bme%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bmoon%2B-%2BI%2Bcan%2Balmost%2Breach%2Bit.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
So when I came across this lovely space themed jersey knit, I just couldn't resist. And it's perfect for the hats and neckwarmers I like making so much - this is the third or fourth set I've made so far, and I'll probably make some more... The hat pattern is from <a href="http://www.klimperklein.com/eBook-Minutenmuetze" target="_blank">Klimperklein</a> (really my all-time favorite hat pattern!), and the neckwarmer is just made from two 50 cm x 20 cm rectangles sewn together into an infinity scarf. There's an excellent video tutorial on the <a href="http://blog.dawanda.com/2013/03/14/dawanda-nahschule-wendeschal-loopschal/" target="_blank">Dawanda blog</a> (it's in German, but the step-by-step demonstration is pretty clear, even if you don't speak German). The kid-sized version works the same, it's only much shorter because it's not wrapped around the neck twice. I only made one little change (as usual...). Instead of closing the opening by machine, I like hand stitching it with a ladder stitch, because it doesn't take much more time but looks a lot better - it's actually nearly invisible.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHJ3eMeIS7A/VE5IfdNIrgI/AAAAAAAAARw/uW8ccZJLWYk/s1600/Fly%2Bme%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bmoon%2B-%2Binvisible%2Bladder%2Bstitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHJ3eMeIS7A/VE5IfdNIrgI/AAAAAAAAARw/uW8ccZJLWYk/s1600/Fly%2Bme%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bmoon%2B-%2Binvisible%2Bladder%2Bstitch.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
To hide it even more, I place the opening on the inside of the hat, just above the cuff (the part of the lining that's turned up toward the visible side).<br />
<br />
The other two projects I planned for KCW - Eric Carle inspired birthday shirts and cuddly fleece jackets - aren't finished yet, but at least I've made some really good progress on both. I'm confident I'll be able finish them soon :-)Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7166618785429329619.post-74276102207248364602014-10-24T16:47:00.001+02:002015-02-26T13:46:46.451+01:00Long time no sew...... or rather long time no blog. I actually did a little sewing, I just couldn't get myself to sit down at the computer and write. Again, there are so many things I want to work on, design, create, research and write that I can't get beyond the stage of sorting through everything again and again, trying to find somewhere to start. Is procrastination an art in itself? Then add that to my hobbies ;-)<br />
<br />
But this week is different. It's Kid's Clothes Week again! Since I missed the last season *sniff*, I've been really looking forward to this one. I had everything planned out in advance and was able to start cutting on Monday! Whoohoo!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kidsclothesweek.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kid's clothes week" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/staticSite/0314-300-bear.png" /></a></div>
<br />
I've finished a<br />
<a name='more'></a>new set of hats and neckwarmers for both of my boys (but haven't taken pictures yet). And I've cut two plain white shirts that I'm just about to applique with some Eric Carle style sweets and the number 3 that I painted and cut yesterday. Whoa, my baby boys will be 3 in December!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkWVZq6md3g/VEplQ976KuI/AAAAAAAAAQA/8WRHAa0eWNA/s1600/2014-10-24_3284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birthday shirts ready to applique and sew | Twice the fun" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkWVZq6md3g/VEplQ976KuI/AAAAAAAAAQA/8WRHAa0eWNA/s1600/2014-10-24_3284.jpg" height="300" title="Birthday shirts ready to applique and sew | Twice the fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It wouldn't be me if there wasn't another project I'm tackling at the same time. I've started cutting two cuddly fleece jackets. I'll call them my "Now Or Never Jackets". I bought the fabrics last year, and just to be on the safe side added a few centimeters to my order. Turns out that with this year's size (104), the fabric would be juuuuuuust enough. I managed to squeeze all pieces onto the fabric, and all that was left was a handful of appliqueable foxes for keeping and a tiny, tiny pile of tiny, tiny scraps (see lower right corner):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3AXyAdn_nI/VEpX4Fp4poI/AAAAAAAAAPw/tTTXLQJaTCE/s1600/2014-10-22_3281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Now Or Never Jacket no 1 ready to sew | Twice the fun" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3AXyAdn_nI/VEpX4Fp4poI/AAAAAAAAAPw/tTTXLQJaTCE/s1600/2014-10-22_3281.jpg" height="300" title="Now Or Never Jacket no 1 ready to sew | Twice the fun" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It was barely a handful. This definitely is a first, I usually have a little fabric left for my scrap drawer. Now there a just some cutouts for my applique box. I take that as a good sign. I have the same fabric in green, traced and ready to be cut, and some really soft and cuddly fleece for the lining. I haven't got a clue as to how I'm supposed to trace the patterns, I've tried each and every fabric marking tool I have in my sewing box (and that's quite a range I've collected over time). Maybe I'll just lay the pattern down and hope for the best while cutting... Or maybe I'll spend some more time on Pinterest, looking for instructions? That sounds like a good idea to me - gotta go now, see ya...Andrea @TwiceTheFunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06273416801293498878noreply@blogger.com0