Sewing class pictures!!

Well, with my computer breaking down last week I am a bit behind on posts.  I changed over to a Mac so that brings its own set of challenges, but I am liking it so far.  Since I am now getting the hand of it and starting to catch up from having no computer and then having to get everything up and running on a new one..... I am ready to start posting again!

First of all I have some summer camp pictures that never got posted!


Here is Halle showing off the doll skirt that she made.  It is super cute and matching the one she made for herself!  Halle also made a secret project that I promised her I would not post here until after her mom's birthday next month.  She made something special just for her!  It turned out great!







Here we have Emma showing off 2 things.  She made a peasant nightgown for her doll.  She is the first person I have taught how to use elastic thread.   She did a great job and I think she convinced me to start teaching both the girl's and doll's peasant nightgowns that way.  I really is not that hard to do and looks so much cuter!  She also made a doll sized drawstring bag which you can see in the peace sign printed fabric.  Not shown is the super cute patch purse and pod pouch to carry a MP3 player in!  She was busy this session!

Riley made both pajama shorts and a top to match.  This picture is just of the top.  She successfully learned about adding a facing to the neck of a shirt.  She did a great job on her shirt!

We had so much fun!!!  If your child wants to learn to sew then be sure to check out the weekly classes tab and the camp tab.  I have scheduled some Saturday camps that should be really fun!!!

An unexpected favorite things post!

Well, this weekend did not go quite as planned.  I had planned to turn out some really cute projects yesterday and to get them up on the blog.  However, my computer had other plans. The power on it died!  So instead of creating some really cute stuff I ended up spending the day figuring out computer stuff.  I ended up having to get a new computer and it is now at the store with the old one so they can get the stuff off of my old one and transfer it over.  We knew this day was coming, but had hoped to hold it off for a while.  So, since I am on a borrowed computer, without all of my files, today I get to post something that I had not planned on.  It is officially a My Favorite Things post!!!!

So today I have decided to share one of my favorite finds.  This is one of those things that you discover and think how did I not know about this sooner! Why did no one clue me in about this sooner!  It is a very simple product called a fabric turner. Maybe I am the only one who was clueless about this product, but just in case I am not the only one here it is!  There are 2 versions of this product.  The 2 links below will take you to sites where you can see what I am talking about.  This is not an endorsement of any particular brand - they were just the first ones I found in my search.  There are 2 kinds.  You will have to decide which you like better.

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?pageName=search&flag=true&PRODID=prd2991

http://www.createforless.com/Dritz+Loop+Turner+Quick+Turn+Fabric+Tube+Set/pid173792.aspx

What can these little wonders do.  You know how when you are making a tie for a dress you sew the 2 long sides and 1 of the short sides right sides together.  Then you have to use the open side to turn it right side out.  I hate doing this.  It is cumbersome - especially when you are dealing with narrow ties.  Well, these products make it easy and fast!   I no longer mind doing ties as it goes so quickly and is not at all cumbersome.

I think the one with the hook on the end is pretty self explanatory.  Stick it inside and hook the far end of the tie and pull it back towards the opening to turn it.  The other one may not be as clear from looking at it.  You essentially put the tube inside the opening and all the way up to the end.  Then you take the dowel and push the small closed end of the fabric into the tube and keep pushing until it comes out the other end.  Then pull it the rest of the way through with the dowel now inside the tube.  Use the dowel to get your corners square and then take the dowel out.  I am not sure how clear that is, but it really is super easy.  When I get my computer back I will post some pictures of what I mean.

Hopefully this is helpful and makes your sewing easier and more enjoyable.  Stay tuned for some really cute stuff to be posted mid week.  And then once school starts in a couple of weeks and 3 of my 4 little munchkins are gone for at least a few hours of the day I hope to have time to start posting a ton of new fun stuff!!!

Enjoy!