Fuzzy Leopard Pocket

I have been "working" on this particular diaper forever, now the leopard pocket in the stash! The inside is red micro fleece and the outside is a kind of fleecy fake fur thing. With red snaps to bring it all together. Feisty!!

Recent Craftiness

Wool felt toadstool made from a super simple + fun tutorial from My Little Mochi. I chose not to paint on the charming little face, but its still a very cute mascot for my sewing area downstairs.

Also, my first project from Last Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts. Wool felt needle book (a much needed object!) I painted the front patch with dye-na-flow textile paint, instead of using printable cotton. I also chose canvas for the inside "pages" instead of flannel. It still went together smoothly and looks just great. The above mentioned book is just FABULOUS!

Quilt in progress...

Quilt in progress..., originally uploaded by Hilary{pip&mouse}.

Project from Bend The Rules Sewing, by Amy Karol.

Latest Homemade Fluff

Latest Homemade Fluff, originally uploaded by Hilary{pip&mouse}.

Daddy flats! These are the easiest diapers in the world to sew! Well, next to the Not-so-flat-wrap anyway. Ddf's have all the absorbency needed, you just fold the "soaker" part over twice and your good to go. I even left the snaps off and just use a snappi for closure. Easy peasy.

New Blue Machine

At Goodwill in Waterville, I came across this rockin' bluish-teal beauty of a machine. Made in Japan and named "General" it sports a 1.5 amp motor (whoo-hoo! Thats powerful baby!) and from what I can tell is a "full size" machine. Singer's 99 is a 3/4 machine, for example. It does a nice straight stitch (no timing issues) and the feed dogs drop, for darning or free motion stitching. Hopefully the free motion bit will work. I haven't tried yet.This machine has won my heart with it's smooth quiet power. I know the picture isn't so great, but as we only have dial-up internet in our humble little home, no big sharp pics for us. Not yet anyway.

Is Octopi a word?

Window shopping at Purl Soho, finding fabrics to inspire more projects. I know I keep pimping purl, but trust me I am NOT getting paid for it...It's just one of my favorite places to go and drool over magnificent cloth/books/notions.
Heather Ross giant octopus (octopi?) for a wrap skirt...purl is nearly sold out so I'm thinking Fabric Worm on Etsy...
Etsuko Furuya oilcloth for totes and maybe a tablecloth...I am really getting into oilcloth here.

Weekend Sewing Projects

Here are two projects I've sewn up from Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross.
The everything tote, and the flower girl dress. I also just finished bloomers to match the sailor dress (Ruby's bloomers, also from the book) I just haven't taken any pictures yet.
I modified the construction of both patterns a little...of course. I added several pockets to the tote lining, since I'll be using it as my diaper bag...schlepping a massive amount of books, diapers and other baby & mama related goodies. Also, I only folded the binding and handles once, versus twice, to make attaching them easier (I used a size 16 needle which also helped.)
With the flower girl dress, I had to add a faced slit down the back because it runs quite small. A small hook & eye keeps it closed. Next time I'm thinking of making it from jersey, or making a larger size.
For the tote I used a nice slubby chartreuse linen for the lining, binding & handles. This was a great find on the Joannes clearance shelves at a 1.50 per yard! The outer fabric is Anna Maria Horner Good Folks oilcloth from Sew Portland.
Finally, Mia's dress is quilters cotton, by Micheal Miller found uber cheap at Marden's (my favorite local discount fabric store) The print is soooo cute...kind of a sailor/pirate theme. lol.
I've traced quite a few more patterns from this book, with plans to try out some of the clothing for myself (yay!) I think its one of my fave sewing books so far!