Pattern testing in progress!!!

 Thanks to all my lovely pattern testers!  Happy sewing!

We're going to take a break and (probably) a nap!

:: on the worktable ::

On my worktable....

Remember this dress? 

It now fits the next littlest girl in my life.  That realization pushed me to finally. finish. this. pattern. already.  I've been working steadily and it should be ready for testing next week.  

If you're interested in becoming a tester, please put your email address in the comments list and I'll make up a list and email you the document as soon as it's finished.  The sizing is as follows: 6m, 12-18m, 2t, 3t, 4t, 5.  I would like at least one tester for each size.

Thanks so much!!

Happy sewing!

Shorts on the Line - FREE PATTERN!

This is a repost from the SHORTS ON THE LINE series.
-----------------------
Hi everyone!  I'm Becky and I like to sew.  I blog at Owly Baby and sell children's sewing patterns at Owly Baby.com. 

I'm so excited to be a part of the Shorts on the Line series that I've made 3 pairs of shorts in one week!  This doubles the amount of shorts in my wardrobe.  A bit of selfish sewing makes me feel pampered!

In order from left to right - 

The SWEET SCALLOP SHORTS from Pattern Runway on Etsy (for sale HERE). 

My very wearable (4 days in a row!) turquoise tester/muslin cuffed shorts. (self drafted pattern)

My super stylish leopard cuffed shorts.  (self drafted pattern, FREE pattern link below)

SWEET SCALLOP SHORTS (pattern: Pattern Runway)

The fit was great on the Sweet Scallop shorts from Pattern Runway.  The instructions were very clear and included tips on fitting and choosing the right size.  The cutting and sewing diagrams were very helpful and I learned how to sew a single welt pocket.  These shorts would be great for a motivated beginner or intermediate sewer.

I didn't think the welt pockets would go well with the casual look I was going for, so I did make a few adjustments. I didn't apply any pockets to the backside, I shortened the overall length 1" and added the scallop shape to the back of the shorts.  I redrafted the back hem facing and added a drawstring waist instead of a side seam invisible zip.  

scallops hem on back

I love the scallop shape at the hem and even though they are drawstring shorts (and feel like jammies), they still feel nice enough to wear out for errands and playdates.  I do have to wiggle a little to get them over my hips, and in hindsight I should have added .25" on each side seam because I did remove the side zipper, but it hasn't overly strained any of the seamlines yet.

The fabric is a Lisette Twill from JoAnn's.

CUFFED SHORTS - FREE PATTERN from Owly Baby

Now, on to the turquoise testers and fancy leopard shorts. Lucky readers, you also get to join in the sewing shorts fun.  I'm sharing my pattern with you for FREE!  It will fit anyone who wears a Ready-to-Wear size 4 (store sizing).  For reference, it should fit a 29" waist, 37" hip.  It is a self drafted pattern that is not entirely perfect - I've only used twice, but I have been wearing my shorts non-stop!  They fit great on me, so if you're around the same size - I hope they will work for you.   

First zipper and belt loops!

The center back seam has been modified - shallower curve.  The back legs will also "hug"
closer to legs than shown in this muslin.

I've also written up some instructions for you to follow that include helpful links on how to sew single and double welt pockets, AND how to sew a fly zipper.  This was my first time sewing using a fly front zipper AND a welt pocket (and belt loops!).  If I can do it, you can too!  Click below for the FREE PATTERN and instructions.

Cuffed Shorts Abridged Instructions

FREE Cuffed Shorts Pattern Pieces (Size 4 RTW)

This pattern is for personal use only.  
Copyright Rebecca Ruud, 2012.   All Rights Reserved.

This leopard fabric has definite stretch, refuses to be ironed and snags easily.  

It was horrible to work with but it feels wonderful to wear!

In short (pun intended):  I've been wearing my three new pairs of shorts non-stop!  They were totally worth the effort and I loved learning how to put in the fly zipper.  I am now putting in fly zippers in EVERYTHING!

I hope you're inspired to join the Shorts on the Line Sewalong and win some fabulous prizes! 

Happy sewing and shorts-wearing!

VERY Helpful links:

Adding a fly zipper: http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3831/video-an-easy-flat-fly-front-zipper

Sewing single welt pocket:http://fashion-incubator.com/archive/how-to-sew-a-single-welt-pocket/

Sewing double welt pocket: http://fashion-incubator.com/archive/welt_pocket_construction/

Spiderweb Block tutorial and template

I've been slowly catching up on my sewing projects.  Preschool has started and so I have a few extra hours a week to work.  This is my first spiderweb block for Lee in my Bits and Pieces quilting bee group.  I hope to finish the other block tonight!  The finished block measures 10 3/4 inches.

The block Lee designed for her quilt and her tutorial can be found here: Naturally Neutral and Webby Quilt.   
I've made a free template based on her instructions that you can download and print HERE.  


I'll show you the process of making this quilt block - if you scroll down really fast, maybe it will look animated! 

print out the template on 8.5 x 11 paper

cut along the dotted lines

Fold along these two lines.  It just occurred to me that I can put the fabric on the reverse side and eliminate this step!

Pin your solid color fabric in the center, leaving at least 1/4" fabric allowance on each edge.

add various sized strips to each side to cover the paper all the way to the edge.

press the paper and fabric to make it behave.

trim along all edges, right up to the paper.

it's looking pretty!

repeat three more times

play around with your triangles until you have them arranged just so

with the paper still attached, sew the triangle blocks together, then remove the papers.

viola!

 I should mention that you should use a small stitch width so that the papers are easy to rip off of the fabrics.  I used two different ways to sew the strips together, 1. sewing the papers and strips together (like paper piecing) and 2. just sewing a bunch of strips together and then placing on the edge.  The second method was easier, but I liked sewing to the paper for stability and for using up my really small scraps.  

Happy sewing!

Fabric Destash Sale!

I've just realized I have more fabric in my closet than I could ever hope to sew!  Please help yourself to some fabulous fabrics, help me raise some funds AND clear out my closet!  

DESTASH SALE

You can save 10% 

on your fabric purchase by using the 

coupon code: OwlyBlog10

Here's a preview of the fabrics up for grabs:

American Jane, Alexander Henry, Heather Ross, Urban Chiks, Katie Jump Rope and more!

Lots of Anna Maria Horner

Original Flea Market Fancy, I can't believe I'm selling it!

Suzuko Koseki Sewing Prints, all 9" x 11"

Lots of Heather Ross in there!

Mono Pez Half Yard Sets, 2 available

Come check it out!  FABRIC SALE HERE!

Guest Post, FREE PATTERN and Coupon Code

Have you been following the Shorts on the Line Series?

I'm over at Imagine Gnats doing a guest post today!  There have been so many inspiring sewing projects!  CLICK HERE to see the guest post and download the FREE PATTERN.

So hop on over to Imagine Gnats and you'll see photos of my new cuffed shorts. I have been wearing them non-stop!

I'm also sharing the pattern with you for FREE so you can sew up your own pair for these hot summer days!

Shorts on the line readers - use the coupon code: 

SHORTS30

and get 30% off your Owly Baby patterns for sale HERE.  

Coupon valid until 7/27/2012.  Coupon does not apply to bundle packs.  Thanks!

Lemonade stands, sprinklers, and skinned knees

One blazing hot day last week, we trotted down to the neighbors lemonade stand with quarters in our hands, anticipating the cool lemonade.  As we drank from the too-small dixie cup, I remembered THIS lemonade stand from last winter. 

My husband wondered aloud why we never see hot chocolate stands.  I'm not sure why.  Kids don't usually handle hot liquids, is that it?  This was taken a bit before Christmas, maybe they were trying to get some funds for Christmas gifts?

We've also spent a good amount of time this summer kissing skinned knees, running through sprinklers, reapplying sunscreen, and eating foods that don't need baking.   Wonderful.