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the perfect pants pattern!

butterick pants pattern

In addition to the perfect t-shirt, I’m also trying to find the perfect lounge pants. I know it’s hard with elastic waistbands — the fabric always seems to bunch up in the front when you sit down — but I would like to minimize the amount of bunching!

Remember these pajamas? They are from Simplicity 3935. I’m pretty sure I made them a size too big, but even still, they’re kind of baggy around the tummy. I’m hoping to give them a little makeover soon.

Next are the lounge pants from Sewing Green. I love these pants, especially the little curve in the leg and the small boot cut flare. I was so excited to make a muslin and so disappointed when they didn’t work out. Great pattern, just not the right pattern for me.

Just as I was about to give up, I was looking around online and found an easy straight leg pattern — a style that works well for me. Better yet, Hancock was having a 99 cent pattern sale over the weekend. I drove up Saturday and purchased it on the spot. Success! Finally!

Now I’m planning an assembly line of production. I’ve been squirreling away thrifted sheets for jammies. I’ve also got some thrifted pants that I’ve been dying to refashion. They’re the real reason I wanted to find a non-bunchy pattern. I’d like to actually wear them outside of the house!

sales: Have you ever paid full price for a pattern? Whenever I find something I like, I stalk the fabric store flyers until 99 cent pattern day. Such a bargain!

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last minute birthday gift

purl bee fabric beach ball

I had planned on telling you about the lounge pants I made today, but while I was finishing them there was a knock at my door. Our new neighbors invited us to their daughter’s birthday party — this evening. It was quiet time and my daughter really needed a nap. I didn’t want to risk a trip anywhere, but could I make something that fast?

Then I remembered the Purl Bee beach ball. I’ve made a bunch of these and they’re always a hit with kids. The pattern is really easy and I got done with an hour to spare. The only bummer: we had to leave the party early because we had plans later in the evening. I really love watching kids open gifts that I’ve made by hand. I hope she liked it.

stash: I can’t believe I’m almost out of polyfil. Must thrift some more soon.

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my creative space

my creative space

In my creative space today I am grateful that I love the process as well as the finished product.

Now that I have mornings back to myself (thank you summer camps!) I’ve been doing more sewing. You’d think that a peaceful house would mean überproductivity, but I find myself spending too much time with my friend Sea M. Ripper.

Maybe it is too quiet?

Have a peek into some other creative spaces over at Kirsty’s blog.

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my creative space

messenger bag refashion

In my creative space today I’m finishing up a messenger bag refashion for a friend. This was a really cool project and I’ll have lots more photos for you once it’s delivered.

farmers market sandwich

Also a quick update on the Kind Diet. I haven’t been trying hard to avoid meat and dairy, but I’m finding it pretty easy and fulfilling to eat other things. I also loaded up on lots of wonderful veggies from the Farmers’ Market last weekend. Lunch today was tomato, hummus and grilled zucchini on whole grain bread. Yum!

I’m looking for more reading material on how the food we eat affects our planet. Any suggestions?

What’s in your creative space today? Join the fun over at Kirsty’s blog!

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wardrobe refashion: another t-shirt

I have not abandoned my dream of many refashioned t-shirts. On a recent 99 cent thrifting spree I found my favorite style t-shirt in my size. Luckily the color didn’t look that great on me, so I took it apart to make a master pattern.

t-shirt pattern pieces

I’ll admit I was feeling a little over-confident when I tried this refashion. Here are a few things I need to pay attention to going forward.

  • Check the fabric! The original shirt is a 1×1 rib, the refashioned shirt is plain knit and has a lot less ease.
  • Make a paper pattern! No matter how hard you try, knit fabric is not easy to trace.
  • Err on the side of too big! Just a tiny bit extra seam allowance would have saved this project.

bmw corral shirt

Honestly, it turned out pretty darn good. I was most worried about the sleeves and shoulders and they are just fine. It’s the rest of the body that’s a little tight. Too bad I didn’t baste and try it on before serging the edges. Doh!

bmw corral shirt

stash: Sadly, I really did like this t-shirt. It’s from one of the worst Formula One races I ever attended. (The front reads “What Race?”) Ha! Guess it’s destined to be a tote bag now.

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finished: beach blanket to go

amanda soule handmade home beach blanket to go

I wrote about this blanket last year and I’m so glad it is finally in the hands of the married couple! I had hoped to take it to their wedding, but it was heavy. With the weight limits put on luggage — and extra fees — I figured it would make more sense to send it flat rate priority mail.

Then it got cold. We got a blizzard. My beach blanket mojo was kind of low. I figured they wouldn’t use it until next summer anyway.

Then all of the sudden it was warm. I had to finish it up and send it off before beach season!

amanda soule handmade home beach blanket to go

I think everyone who gets married on a beach should have a personalized beach blanket, don’t you? You can find fabric and pattern details about this project in my original post.

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progress report no.2

floral shirt refashion

I finished my floral shirt refashion and I’m really happy with the fit. Here are the refashion details:

  • took in the sides to create a more streamlined waist
  • finished the sleeves and neck with a rolled hem
  • added a ruffle trim around the neck

Here is a close up of the ruffle. This was really easy and I’m totally loving it!

floral shirt refashion

Sock update: Yarn is wound, pattern is picked and I got gauge on my first swatch. Can’t wait to cast on!

thrifted: Got this shirt at the thrift shop. I think it was worth the 99 cents!

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progress report no.1

crafty to do list

Yesterday I made some small progress on my to do list.

  • removed the sleeves and collar from my shirt
  • pinned and sketched a (rough) line for the new side seam
  • chose some sock yarn out of my stash

Blog posts might be light this week, but I’m going to do my best to keep on track. Hope to post more progress tomorrow!

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noteworthy graduation gift for a music student

handmade graduation gift

Our neighbor’s daughter is graduating from high school this week. She’s a very talented violinist and I love when the windows are open in the summer and I can hear her play. She’s planning to study music at the university in the Fall and I wanted to make her something special. Honestly, I had a hard time coming up with something music specific, so I went with a school-book theme.

This tote is made out of upholstery fabric and hopefully will last for many years after she graduates from college. The pockets have tiny music notes on them. Inside I added this cool manuscript notebook that I found at music store downtown. I think it will be perfect for music theory or composition class.

stash: Everything except the notebook was from my thrifted stash. The upholstery fabric didn’t behave all that nice and kept unraveling on me while I sewed. Note to self: overlock all of the edges next time even on seams that won’t be exposed. It will make life much easier.

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handmade birthday gift for a special friend

handmade birthday gift

Yesterday when I told you this pattern was addicting, I really meant it. I just finished one for myself today, which makes six total! (I’ll spare you the sixth picture.) I think I am finished for awhile — need to get back into a granny square groove.

I chose the colors because my friend is a UCLA alum. Of course, after having her second baby boy, she’s probably up to her eyeballs in blue. In hindsight, maybe I should have done something in pink! The blue and yellow coordinated nicely with the little drawstring bag I made. I included more soaps from yummy suds.

handmade birthday gift

stash: I am really putting a dent in my stash. It feels good. Just in time for garage sailing on Saturday!