Sewing Swimsuits

I've just started sewing swimsuits (um, last month!) and I love it!  It really IS easy - no joke!  This suit for Lucy was made from a remnant at Joann's for 1.83!  The great thing about swimsuits is they take so little fabric and the stretch is very forgiving. 

Lucy looks so Parisian with the red tie on the front.  The swimsuit has been a big hit and she asks to wear it first thing in the morning.

If there is interest, I'll scan and upload the pattern I made.  I also have made a suit for myself but I'm wary about posting a photo!  We'll see.

Harriet also has a suit in the works.  She seems like more of a bikini girl.  I think I'll add some ruffles too!

Summer Sewalong - Shorts on the Line

I'm so excited to tell you about this event!! This july, imagine gnats, Designs by Sessa, and small + friendly will be hosting "shorts on the line", a summer sewalong. 

For the first three weeks in july, we'll be sharing guest posts with shorts inspiration, tutorials, and pattern reviews. Those sewing along at home will have a chance to be featured in our sewalong round-up posts the last week of july.... and some *great* prizes, including fabric, patterns, and gift certificates!

HERE IS THE SCHEDULE:

7.1 shorts on the line kick-off!

week one: imagine gnats
7.2 Rachael (imagine gnats) and Melanie (A Sewing Journal)
7.3 Courtney (mon petit lyons), Inder (Inder Loves Folk Art), and Nicke (Kiss Kiss... Quilt)
7.4 Rashida (i heart linen) and April (Sewing Novice)
7.5 Andrea (the train to crazy) and Kristy (Hopeful Threads)
7.6 Shannon (luvinthemommyhood) and Erin & Carla (Clever Charlotte)
7.7 Emma (Hello Beautiful) and Cassandra (Cass Can Sew)
7.8 Gail (probably actually) and Becky (Owly Baby)

week two: small + friendly
7.9 Carla (small + friendly) and Sophie (cirque du bebe)
7.10 Ros (Sew Delicious) and Veronica (sewVery)
7.11 Shelly (Figgy's) and Alyssa (Pile O'Fabric)
7.12 Jessica (a little gray) and Diane (from blank pages)
7.13 Kristin (skirt as top) and Kelley (Casa Crafty)
7.14 Katie (There and Back) and Tara (girl like the sea)
7.15 Alli (B. Yazoo) and Jennet (Feathered Nest Studios)

week three: Designs by Sessa
7.16 Vanessa (Designs by Sessa) and Jessica (Me Sew Crazy)
7.17 Cherie (You and Mie) and Jane (Buzzmills)
7.18 Karen (Sew Well Maide) and Stephanie (The Crafty Kitty)
7.19 Bianca (Sweet Diesel Designs) and Tara (true, pure, lovely)
7.20 Jenny (Stumbles & Stitches) and Susan & Adrianna (crafterhours)
7.21 Danny (Mommy for Reals) and Marian (Lady Face)
7.22 Jill (Made With Moxie) and Christina (2 Little Hooligans)

features and deadline
7.23 sewalong features, Rachael's favorites
7.24 sewalong features, Carla's favorites
7.25 sewalong features, Vanessa's favorites
7.26 final deadline for shorts sewalong entries
7.27 viewers choice voting begins

winners annoucements
7.28 judges' choice third place announced
7.29 judges' choice second place announced
7.30 viewers choice winner announced
7.31 judges' choice first place announced

the full sponsor list and guest judge line-up will be coming soon. until then, get ready by joining the shorts on a line flickr group and check out our shorts on the line pinterest board for some short-y inspiration.

grab the code and share the button!

<center><a href="http://imaginegnats.blogspot.com/p/shorts-on-line.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8022/7154391075_f2430ffafa.jpg" width="150" alt="shorts on the line button" /></a></center>

Summer sewing!

I've been busy doing  "summer sewing" projects!  Baseball uniforms, aprons, hems, alterations, curtains, wiksten tank tops, shorts, and so much more!  I honestly don't have enough time in one day to complete 1/100th of the things on my "To Sew" list. 

We have also been enjoying the wonderful weather.  Ice cream cones, backyard explorations, and trips to the zoo are our favorites.

What's on your "to sew" list? 

I'd love to make a chiffon button down top and a chambray dress.

My husband...as a bobblehead! Please vote!

My hunky husband could have his own bobblehead! 

He is a former professional baseball player - turned Lutheran Pastor! I think this bobblehead sounds pretty awesome - and we need your votes! 

Vote for Charlie Ruud for the St. Paul Saints next bobblehead!  Just click HERE (and scroll down to the bottom right side)!

Thanks!!

Happy Easter!

This Easter we enjoyed baby chickies, mama-made dresses and leggings, egg hunts, the birth of a new friend and (of course) chocolate! 

Wishing you and your families a Happy Easter!

Sidewalk Jacket Errata

I have made a mistake!  There was a bit of length missing from the arms of the Sidewalk Jacket pattern.  Persons who have purchased this pattern should add length to the sleeves varying from 1.5" to 3.1" depending on the size jacket.  Alternatively, you can measure your child's arm and adjust the length for a custom fit.

All patterns purchased after 4/12/12 have been updated.

Thank you for your understanding!  I am doing my best to give you the highest quality patterns and service!

Becky

Baby Quilt for a friend

I finally have something to share! I have been sewing and quilting and crafting, but have lacked the time and energy to show the online world! Sometimes when you finish a project you're really proud of, it feels nice to show it off a little bit.

This little quilt (45" x 60") was given to two wonderful soon-to-be parents this morning. It felt wonderful to be able to give them a handmade gift and I secretly love imagining a little baby laying on this quilt. The sex of the baby is a surprise!

Now, back to all things quilty! I made some wonky stars for the middle and did some bias "caution tape" border.  I really like the finished results!

I just have to note that the quilt is entirely straight, the edges aren't wavy at all.  It only appears that way becauase it's resting lightly on the (long) grass. 

 It's nothing exciting, but I like the star on the backing.

 Here is my favorite part of the back!  The Minnestoa Grown! (We live in MN)