Felt Food

Book:  Felt fruit and vegetables book

This was fun!  Most of it was actually constructed on the sewing machine using a blanket stitch.  The grapes were done mostly by hand by my 7 year old.  And the banana is so cute because it peels and actually comes out.....but I'm not showing that because the kids say it doesn't look really yummy like that.

We didn't use a pattern for the sandwich supplies below.  We just looked at the picture for the general idea.  The bread is fuzzier because we used the cheap felt from Jo-Ann fabrics, the rest was nice thick Japanese felt.

And the same for breakfast, we just cut free hand.  The bacon got crinkly from a piece of elastic inside.

This project was  not as painful as my first attempt last year.

Felt Animals

I purchased this kit from Superbuzzy for my 5 year old daughter to make for her younger sister.  It far beyond her skill level but she enjoyed the stuffing and beading.

It took a while to get my stitches neat and even.  I also used the blanket stitch on my machine for the long runs.  Despite my sloppines they turned out so cute!  More photos here.  The kit was $25 but we will use the leftover felt cutouts as a pattern for more deer.

Pajamas for boys

Book:  Children's lockstitch

Fabric:  Various knits from the Fabric Fairy

Sizes:  90, 120, 140, 150 (not included I graded up)

These were quick to sew up but I can't say the pattern was a sure go like most Japanese patterns.  Maybe I should have gone down a size for each child but I found the crotch lengths too long in addition to both the sleeve length and shirt length.  

It may be also I'm used to more fitted knit pajamas, the boys aren't complaining though, in fact I think they found them more comfortable.

T-shir resizing - boxy to girly

At the end of the school year, Jerome brought home a men's size small t-shirt from the D.A.R.E. graduation, that he had no interest in wearing. Asha said she wanted it, so it got dropped in the resize pile. Fast forward to this week, and I realized that Jerome and Asha could use some t-shirts. I dug in the resize pile and came up with a few things.

This one came out the best because the sleeves were wide enough for some puffy details. I used a Milimili pattern in size 140. More shirts using this pattern here and here.

T-shirt Romper

Book:  Lockstitch Baby
Size:  70 cm
Fabric:  size L men's T

This one also started out as a T-shirt but this baby needed something cool for summer.  The romper was not as quick as the pull on pants but I'm very happy with the slim fit.  The placket is a bit messy and at that point I was kind of wishing I could read Japanese but got through it.   This is a good pattern for refashioning big T's into baby stuff.

And if you want to match your baby, here's a great tutorial  for re-fashioning a large boxy T for yourself.

T-shirt pants for Babies

Book:  Lockstitch Baby, Style #7
Size:  70 cm
Fabric:  Children's knit T

This is going to be my new favorite book!  There is nothing more satisfying than a quick sewing project when you have a little one to care for.

I also love the fit.  Sure these are simple enough to draft on your own but I don't have time for even that!  They fit great over a puffy cloth diaper so I know I'll soon be making piles of these.  Time to start picking up even more old T's.

Knit Jacket

Pattern:  Shell Button
Size:  Small (with alteration)
Fabric:  Cotton quilted knit with bamboo lining

I finally got to sewing!  This jacket is now off season but it was on the top of my pile so it had to get done.  I love that it is super comfy and a step up from a hooded sweatshirt.

Keep in mind that this pattern is designed for a Japanese woman, you can see how slender the model is above.

Since I am nursing my 7th baby there was obvious need for pattern alteration.   I drafted size small because my shoulders are narrow and just added width and length to the bust line with an additional 1" down the side seams for my hips.  I originally planned to sew darts but decided since I was using a knit I could just ease the excess in.

I especially love the antique metal snaps - that made a quick finish instead of having to do buttonholes.

I also probably won't attempt anymore adult Japanese patterns until I lose some of this baby weight so stay tuned for some Spring sewing for little girls.

Oh the Joy of a new Book

Look what was delivered to me this afternoon - the newest book from one of our favorite designers.  Here is a peek at what's inside.  Of course I want to make them all!

Customer Uploads

A lot of Japanese online stores have a place they call "gallery" or "BBS", where customers can upload their creations made with their fabric or patterns. I've gone through my bookmarks and made a list of links here. Click away and enjoy! If you know any I didn't mention here, please share it in the comment section, so Alison and I can go check it out!

HARU (Pages take a while to upload. Be patient.)

http://9028.teacup.com/2739haru/bbs

Solei

http://bbs10.as.wakwak.ne.jp/bbs.cgi?id=41460

Check and Stripe

http://bbs.as.wakwak.ne.jp/bbs.cgi?id=1603

Couleure

http://bbs6.as.wakwak.ne.jp/bbs.cgi?id=120303

Slowboat

http://www.play21.jp/bbs/slowboat/index.html

*iroha*

http://bbs2.as.wakwak.ne.jp/bbs.cgi?id=58627&key=irohabbs168

Milimili

http://bbs3.sekkaku.net/bbs/milimili.html

Hibi+ (This one is a little slow, too.)

http://mb1.airbbs.net/bbs/index.php?usid=banira1225

Petit etalage

http://www2.rocketbbs.com/11/bbs.cgi?id=ninana

*K's Bam Boo*

http://ksbamboo.web.infoseek.co.jp/gallery-2007.html

Pattern Label

http://0bbs.jp/pattern-label/

Polka drops

http://www.polkadrops.com/category/bbs.htm

Candy Floss

http://www5b.biglobe.ne.jp/~ange-s/garally/ga_top.html

Recherche

http://bbs2.as.wakwak.ne.jp/bbs.cgi?id=58069

Lilla Blomma

http://bbs4.as.wakwak.ne.jp/bbs.cgi?id=220331

whirlygiggles baby girl quilt

Remember the quilting fabric I got in Japan last summer? I used the red, pink, and yellow tones, and came up with this baby quilt.

Having a hard time parting with it, as usual.