Gingercake

Christmas Cookie Party 2013

In the past few years, my friends start asking me about the cookie party in Septmeber.  "You are going to have the cookie party, right???"  I will admit that it is pretty fun and pretty wonderful to have a plate full of gorgeous cookies when you head home after.  If you are interested, here is some info about cookie parties of the past~

Cookie Party 2010- in this post, I talk about the invitations and the rules which you are free to "borrow" and in this post, you can see actual photos of the party for that year.

Cookie Party 2011- more photos of cookie and holiday decorating!

Cookie Party 2012- it did happen but I had just given birth!  My friends came over and cleaned house for me, brought all the party snacks, and even baked my cookie for me!  Haha.  That was wonderful!

Cookie Party 2013-  now we are caught up.  THis year I decided to rock the prize giving and make some plans to make and give the winners something fun.  Enter- my beloved Kelle Boyd of Ann Kelle fabrics!  

There was a snow storm occurring outside the entire time of the cookie party this year.  Did that deter the cookie makers from coming over?? Of course not.  Above are the winners, Erika, Joann and Michelle in their Jingle fabric aprons.  I love that adorable fabric line so much.

This year, I had FIVE categories to vote on.  We had best tasting cookie (Erika), Most Beautiful Cookie (Joann) and Best all around cookie (michelle AGAIN!).  I added kid's vote since I felt like they really stacked the voting last year and were not as unbiased as they could have been.  Plus, they loved having theit own category.  The last vote was for most festive/ obnoxious christmas outfit.  

Here are Michelle's beautiful and delicious winning cookies.  They were a cookie dough chocolate covered bomb.  Delicious!

And, the most festive dresser was... ME!  

I pretty much dominated that category!  A couple hours before the party, I was feeling lame for only wearing that red snowflake turtleneck so I took 5 of Kelle's Jingle FQs and made myself a very simple skirt.  I attached it to the turtle neck and added my big 80s belt.  I threatened to wear this out of the house to my 9 year old's school Christmas party and she almost had a total melt down.  HAHA!  I didn't even bother to hem the skirt (see that little bit of selvage??) since I want to still use this fabric for something else.  Hopefully next year the ladies will give me some competition since it was a little akward to win my own prize!  

I hope to share the apron pattern soon.  It was very easy and fun to make.  Thanks so much to Kelle for sharing her fantastic (always high quality and so bright and beautiful) Jingle fabric with me.  Happy Christmas everyone!

 

Everybody is doing it, so why not me?

I don't regret following the popular crowd either.  The Tova Top is awesome and worth all the hype.  Such a cute shirt.  It even looks OK on my post pregancy body!  The hardest part is dealing with all the pattern pieces and that wasn't even all that bad.  I made a practice version first to make sure I wouldn't mess up on my nice fabric (Anna Maria Little Folks Voile).  Come on friends!  You can join in with the cool kids too.  You will be happy you gave into the peer pressure.

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Drapey Knit Cardigan

hi again!!  How exciting that I am posting twice in 2 days!  I am getting bigger in the belly and I have been needing some clothes.  I can't believe I am only half way through this pregancy so I am resisting buying a bunch of ill fitting summer maternity clothes.  I saw this tutorial and thought it might be a great piece that I can wear now AND when I am no longer PG.

It's a nice tutorial.  This knit is extra drapey and I did a lot of ironing to get my seams together nicely but I was able to make it in one afternoon and I'm sure I'll be wearing it a bunch since it is so versatile.  BTW, I converted these jeans to maternity myself by cutting off the waist and adding really wide elastic.  I also did those knee patches which was questionable style judgement but I still think are pretty cute!

There is the belly!  It was a happy surprise that the stripes on the fabric made a nice design when tied this way.  The sleeves could be better but I love how soft and flowy the whole piece is.

Wow!  More belly. Sheesh- you don't really realize how pregnant you look until you see these kind of pictures of yourself.  

The fabric was from Joanns- back in the red tag section and was 50% off which came to about $5 a yard.  I used 2 yards.  I used my serger for all my seams but you could easily use a ball point needle on your regular machine.  Some spray starch would have been helpful to get the fabric to lay flat while sewing my seams but I keep forgeting to pick some up at the store!

Thank you to Jamie from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom for the inspiration.  I'm sure I'll be using this summer cardigan a bunch!  If you have a good (and easy!) tutorial for some maternity clothes, I would love to hear about it!  I have some more of this type knit in solids that I need to use up this summer!

School House Tunic in AMH Voile

I can't imagine that other sewers have not made this easy tunic in this same fabric before but I am really happy with the result.  I bought the school house tunic from Amy awhile back when she first got it in her shop.  The pattern calls for 2.5 yards of fabric and in AMH voile that is not cheap!  I did notice the the voile comes in 54" width though and I was able to make do with only 2 yards AND I had to make the 14/16 since I have a growing chest and belly this summer.  HINT HINT!

 

The pattern was great and the fabric was wonderful- soft and beautiful with the prettiest drape.  Perfect for summer!  I think it was worth the $$$ since I'll wear this happily many times this summer and hopefully next year too!

Thank you to my lovely mom who gave me my beautiful LONG pearls for Christmas this year.  They are so elegant and I love how they really dress up this tunic into something special.

Winter Bag and New Projects

Don't forget to leave a comment to win a bundle of vintage sheet fabric from my last post!  I will be choosing the winner tomorrow!

I have to admit that I messed up that cute bag I made from a skirt a while ago.  I lined it with duck cloth but didn't have the lining go all the way to the top so when I added my magnetic snap (after the photo shot and blog post)  the whole thing bunched up and looked sloppy.  Yack!!!  I know I should have gone back and fixed it, but I decided to try something different instead.

The fabric is from another thrifted wool blend skirt.  I used Noodle Head's pattern 241 Tote.  I bought it back when she released it and now finally got around to making it!  I like to try patterns from other people.  It helps me to learn new techniques and I know I will get a finished product in a few hours.  The pattern is nice and easy and I love those side pockets!  She did a great job on the pattern.

The skirt was a-line and with a cute tie.  I couldn't resist adding that tie to my bag.   I like the extra interest it adds.  I also made the handle with 1" D rings so that it could be adjustable to be across the body.  Sometimes I like to wear my bag like that when I am with my kids at a museum or some kind of crowded place.  I should have measured!! It is too short to fit well across my body!  I still like the look and I made this a cute loop to hold the extra strap length down.

This dark purse using my recyled fabrics may be a creative reaction to all those bright new fabrics I used for my shows!   I really needed to work on something that was just for me and not think about if someone would want to buy it.

I am also working on a little bit of embroidery which I have been anxious to try for a long time.  I found this sweet template at (yes!  you guessed it!) the thrift store.

It's pretty big- like maybe 14" by 14".  I am thinking it will make a really pretty throw pillow.  I am going to have to really perfect the french knots that I have had trouble with in the past!   It's sweet to work on something a little bit at a time.  I usually like to get a project done as soon as I begin so this will be good for me to take my time for once!  

What are you working on for yourself?  

Transformation

I keep looking at these bags on etsy.  Today I finally made my move to make my own version.  The weather was rainy this morning and now it is cool and crisp like fall outside.  I am not rushing into winter but seasons changing is nice in so many ways- bring out your sweaters and your boots and all that good stuff.

This large tweedy wool skirt that I bought last year seemed like the perfect candidate for a transformation.

I originally thought I would be able to take the skirt and tailor it to fit me but since it has been a year and no tailoring has been done (seriously, when would I wear a skirt like this?  To pick up my son at preschool?).  Well, today it became this...

Nice, huh?  I like how classic it is and the wool was wonderful and forgiving to work with.  I used the dimensions of Ikat's bag in her description and although I love that big flap she has, this design worked better with what I had.  I only wish I could take photos on the streets of Paris like she does!   Do you want to see a picture of me wearing it to pick up my 4 year old at preschool in the suburbs?  That could probably be arranged...

Notebook Slipcover 2 Ways

No big surprise if you have following my blog this summer, but I worked on yet another pattern this past week.  I made new pictures and graphics for the Notebook Slipcover.  I also got to sew some slipcovers for the new pictures which was the only highlight since I spent the rest of my free time (as in the time not spent entertaining my kids, cleaning my house, making meals, or weeding my pathetic vegetable garden) working at the computer.  It reminded me of what a versatile pattern this is- and how careful you have to be in taking your measurements since I messed it up several times in my over confident rush to get it done quickly.  Yes, indeedy- I mess up my own patterns on a regular basis!  

Since I have "back to school" on my mind, the first round of notebooks I made were binder covers and a notebook with the matryoshkas that I mentioned in the last blog post.  I chose the fabrics and created the title page thinking of a young girl or college student.  I really like the above title and this next one is the other version I made to fit better on the Etsy page...

I proof read the pattern one last time last night and planned on listing it in the shop today.  When I started working on it this morning I realized I had forgotten to showcase the more adult side of this project.  I have made it for my friends, my sister, my mother in law- all grown women who may not prefer polka dots and matryoshkas.  SO, twist my arm, instead of listing the pattern like planned, I made yet another notebook slipcover out some of my favorite "grown up" fabric (although I admit I would totally carry around polka dots and matryoshkas myself!).  The result was another title!  Notebook Slipcover 2 ways!

Pretty huh?  I think I'll just use them both in my etsy shop since I like to have 2 of each pattern listed at a time.

 
I really do enjoy working on my title pages.  I'm sure I could benefit from some design tips but I love how you never know what you are going to get when you start with just your picture.  Just a whole lot of trying things out and clicking on this and that in Photoshop Elements and you end up with something that just looks right.  Maybe you have a more specific method you could share?  Hmmm?  This clicking around method is working for me right now.

The changes I made to the pattern were some small changes to the materials list, the shape of the flap, more pocket options, attaching the velcro differently and a better explained method of making the quick and easy notebook cover without a flap.  SO EASY!  I really just use the flap on the binder now.  Here's a picture of that extremely exciting new flap.

Nothing like a good flap!  

The above picture makes me happy- like I wish I could take that binder to class, open up that velcro flap, and start taking notes. All those manilla dividers with the different subjects written on them were so pristine at the beginning of the school year.  Can you tell I am a nerd for nice school supplies??  The weird thing is that up here in Pennsylvania, at least in my school district, the teachers provide all the school supplies!  Paper, notebooks, crayons- all of it.  It's actually really nice but it means no shopping for this momma!

Now for your chance to win.  Tell me what your favorite school supply was- nice new pens?  Fresh clean notebooks?  A cool new backpack?  I will choose 1 winner (I'm sorry, it's just too confusing to choose 3- my brain gets overloaded going through the comments and counting on my fingers) on Wednesday August 10th.

Summer Skirts

I made a new skirt for me today and a new skirt for my big girl yesterday.  Skirts are so fun and easy!  

I bought this fabric at walmart about three years ago.  Yes- walmart.  In the remnant clearance section.  I have all this nice fabric and I am such a baby about cutting into it - just in case I mess up, right?  My hopes are that since this skirt turned out well, i will cut into that Anna Maria Voile and make another just like it!  

This fabric is cheap but cute.  Perfect for this the last month of summer and our trip to the beach in a few weeks.  My favorite part is the yoga pants waist!!  I measured my hips and how long I wanted the skirt to be.  Then I cut into the fabric to make a skirt that size- slightly A-line.  Then I took a brown T-shirt and cut 8" tube off the bottom so I could get the hem.  I made the t-shirt tube smaller so it had to stretch around my belly.  Then I attached the t-shirt tube to the skirt. 

A few days ago I made this skirt for Elsie- really, she needs pajama shorts but since I was in a skirt mood, a skirt will have to do until I get into a shorts mood!

I used fabric my friend Rose gave me and I did a circle skirt.  I didn't follow a tutorial but this tutorial is similar.  The vintage plaid is light and has a pretty drape. We choose a contrasting waistband in some turquoise which Elsie likes.  This type of skirt is fun since it twirls so well and there isn't as much bulk at the waist.  It's pretty on a girl a little older since it's still childish but has a little more style.

These pictures are kinda wild since it's so humid outside my camera lens got all foggy after a couple shots.  I like how old timey they look though- like an aged photograph that matches the skirt style and the fabric.

If I get my courage up to cut into that Anna Maria, maybe I can give a tutorial for my yoga waist skirt.  It is so comfortable!  I want to share the love :)

Best Shorts EVER! J Crew knock offs

I am sure most have you have seen this cute style of shorts with the fabric tie.  Adorable!  They are everywhere this summer.  I have a serious fear of sewing for myself but last night, after making that cute playsuit for Anne, I was feeling pretty confident.

No buttons!  No zippers!  No darts!  I looked at these shorts and these shorts.  I had this red chambray type fabric from Rose (remember how she gave me all that sweet fabric from her mother?).  I made pattern pieces from a pair shorts that already fit me.  The ties are just apron style ties.  So fun and easy!  They actually fit me too (which is kinda a miracle).

The shirt was a hand me down from my mom and I adjusted the side seams to make it more fitted.  Why have I had this shirt for years and never done something so simple?  Now it's pretty darn cute.