T-shirt Quilts

How was everyone's weekend? I thoroughly enjoyed finally having a weekend off and getting to spend lots of much needed time with the mister. I've kind of been working like a crazy lady, picking up extra shifts each week. I hate it while I'm working so much but always say, 'that wasn't so bad' when I get my pay check. Anyway, today I bring you a special project...

All cut and positioned to show grandma my "plan/vision" for the quilt

This project has been on my to-do list for many, many months. Thanks to my amazing Grandma who sews like none other, it is now complete and made it's appearance in perfect timing for one of Andrew's Christmas presents. I must admit, she did most of the sewing work. But I did a lot of cutting, ironing, and incorrect pinning (that Grandma had to re-do...). 

Andrew has stacks and stacks of soccer t-shirts that he couldn't stand to lose, but that I couldn't stand to have sitting around. So, a manly t-shirt quilt was in the works! Plaid flannel lines the backs so that they can be either t-shirt-y or more plain and flannel-y. We've much enjoyed them so far and have kept nice and warm with their help. 

What makes my heart especially happy is that Andrew loves them.

During my Texas visit in December, I helped a bit with the finishing touches...

This quilt made use of the backs of most of his t-shirts. Lots of Adidas symbols!

Thanks for helping this project come to true life, Grandma! You're the best! 

Mad For Plaid

 Before spending all weekend at work, I had a few hours to make some progress on a little big project.

I'm usually not one to do projects that take more than a few hours- I'm impatient. But, this is a special one that I'm excited about and I can't wait to share the finished product! It'll be a while...

Here's a little sneak peek of some supplies used. Can you tell I fell in love with plaid while at the fabric store? Just looking at this combo makes me want to go camping... preferably right now. With my love. With hot cocoa. Plus s'mores and a campfire. I'm itching for a weekend getaway!

Hence my creation below of all things summer, outdoors, and plaid. Can this please happen right now? 

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On my list of summer getaways

Pumpkin Day with Kait & I sew: Pink Blouse

 I made this plain top just to experiment with a different fabric. After struggling through sewing with this pink, sheer/silky fabric, I have learned to avoid further use for clothes. Though it didn't go well and it's not a piece I'm proud of, I couldn't make something and not wear it. . .  so I ended up pairing it with simple black capris, a jean jacket, and scarf for church.  I basically hid the top under other clothes and felt ok wearing it in public for a few hours. 

After church, I met up with a dear college friend, Kaitlyn. Besides being a great friend and very accomplished young woman, she coordinated the day of our wedding. Kait is AMAZING and I love spending time with her.

We enjoyed pumpkin doughnuts from the farm (Lee Farms in Tualatin). I'd take one of these over a Krispy Kreme any day! They were DELICIOUS, freshly made, warm, and the perfect mid-day treat! 

We even had left overs for Andrew. 

After pumpkin patching it up (which didn't last long due to oodles of little kids and feeling overwhelmed by the germs, pig stench, and bees), we enjoyed some Starbucks, great conversation, and a shopping experience that literally blew my mind (the deals we found were spectacular). I'll share what I got in another post.  I'm so excited and thrilled with our findings!

I Sew: Grey Blouse

                  Finished Product  (Left)           

Un-hemmed product (right) (though I like this look better, the edges were fraying)

This grey blouse was a last minute project that really just took a few minutes (maybe 45 minutes or so). This is my first sewn top and it was so easy! Far easier than skirts at this point. I can't wait to make more tops in better fabric choices. This was just my dry, test run. But, I'd consider it a success!

 

All I did was fold the fabric in two, cut a neck hole in the top and cut the rest of the top into a shirt shape. I sewed the sides and hemmed up the edges and Tad-ah, I had me a blouse!

 Soon after I completed the top, we got a call from our friend Adam to meet up downtown for dinner. We enjoyed dinner with Adam and spontaneously met up with my brother and sister in law! Great fun for a Thursday night.

 

"Mad Dog" faces

 Awkward . . .

Sometimes we make the same face. . . Love it!

I Sew: Plaid Skirt

           
 {Blouse: Old Navy, Cardigan: F21, Skirt: me, Belt: Thrift Store, Necklace: Great Grandmother's,
 Boots: Ross, Purse: gift from Italy from Aunt R.}

 
This is my first sewn clothing item. What do you think? It's certainly not perfect, but it'll do for a first try.   I just need some additional bracelets and maybe a different sweater or jacket to make this outfit a bit more fashionable. Also, I'm in desperate need of a hair cut!

 

Yellow zipper added after I realized that to get it on, I had to pull it over my head! Much easier to slip on now. 

  I completely understand why the contestants on project runway complain when not having stick-like models (size 0-2's)...  People like me .... It's not so easy making things for normal folks with curves. Currently working on different ways to better work with big bums (i.e. me). It was a challenge getting this skirt to fit correctly between the waist and hips.  Overall, I am pleased with the results! Stay tuned for further projects!

 

Have I mentioned how much I adore my husband. I enjoyed a lovely Starbucks date this weekend while Andrew studied and I did some reading. With each day, I am more and more thrilled and thankful that I am finished with school (for the time being), am a wife, am working my dream job, and can do what I love to do in my time off. All praise and glory to God!