the henry shirt

By now I'm sure you've seen this book floating around blogland.

'Sewing for Boys' by Shelly Figueroa & Karen LePage

Having two boys of my own, I just had to have it. So when I recently scored some really great pillowcases at the Thrift store, I decided to use one of them to make the 'Henry Shirt' from the book. And believe it or not, the size 4 can be made using just one large pillowcase (+ 1 contrasting fabric).

The pattern said it was for the advanced sewer... but I of course I didn't read that until after I had cut all the fabric. 

There was no turning back.

And yes, I was in over my head. 

And there was a lot of seem-ripping.

One of my favourite features in this pattern is the built in pocket on each side.

All in all I'm happy that I attempted this pattern because I learned a LOT.

Now to put the snaps on!

Trick or Treat

I just added these to my Etsy shop!

Halloween bags for lil Trick or Treaters.  

Just the right size to hold a fair amount of candy but they're not so big that they'll drag on the ground or get too heavy. I recently made some 'doctor' themed ones for a custom order too (sorry no picture).

They come in handy for storing all that loot after the big night.... if you can get it to last that long ;)

baby alexa

I'm starting to think I could devote an entire blog to just baby gifts!

Yes it seems that many of my friends are having babies these days. And it's wonderful.
I love making things for children and new babies. 

Alexa is the second baby girl in this family and mom wanted something with baby's name on it to hang on the wall above her crib.

This is another project inspired by the Art to Heart: Winsome Baby book by Nancy Halvorsen, but I chose to use fabrics with a lot more punch and impact.  

homemade soup and bread

I also like to give the gift of food when a friend has a baby. I've been there and really appreciated those homemade meals the most. It's like giving the gift of time. New parents don't have to worry about cooking for one night and can just focus on themselves and of course baby.

pajama pants

A good friend of mine is celebrating her birthday this week and I made her a little gift.

She's the kind of girl who has everything so it's a big challenge finding just the right gift for her. But really, who couldn't use another pair of comfy pajama pants?!

This friend of mine also has amazing taste. 
In her home the backdrop is taupe. But I also know that she's not afraid of bold colour. So with this in mind, I thought it would be fun to make some 'Indian/Asian' styled pants.

I used New Look pattern #6139 and shrunk it down to an estimated size 6, because this friend is petite. 

I like to look of a flat front so I altered the top of the pattern - encasing an elastic just in the back, rather than all the way around.

I also changed the bottom of the pants, making long slits up the side.

I made these using my favourite kind of thread. 

Organic cotton thread. 
Which sounds really expensive but really it's not when you buy it in bulk like this. This stuff sews like a dream and doesn't pill at all. It's amazing. If you are an avid sewer - give Wonder-Fil thread it a try. You won't be disappointed. This particular one I bought is variegated and I can get a lot more use out of it than just a solid. But solid colours are available too, although maybe not quite as many as Gutterman.


What do you like to give to that friend who has everything?