Pinterest and Ravelry Dump

I, like many others, have found countless DIY projects and inspiration on Pinterest and Ravelry.  I have convinced myself that it doesn't matter how many hours I spend pinning as long as I actually attempt/complete the project.  In most cases I have included the link to the pattern/inspiration but the pictures are of my own completed projects.

DIY Wrap Cardigan

http://blog.megannielsen.com/2009/12/how-to-make-a-wrap-cardigan/

These have become a staple in my maternity wardrobe.  Super easy to make and can be worn after babies.

Hospital Gown
http://bellabama.blogspot.com/2012/05/these-gowns-are-perfect-for-anyone-with.html

I am probably only going to be doing this once so I may as well add some flair to it.  The picture doesn't include the ribbon for the waist sash but I've tossed it in the hospital bag.

Crocheted Baby Beanies

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/inside-track-brimmed-cap

Car Seat Blanket/Cover

http://cally-cruze.blogspot.com/2009/10/infant-carseat-blanket.html

http://www.craftychelsea.com/2012/10/car-seat-cover.html?m=1

For Jelly's I used buttons to secure the straps to the handle

For Peanut Butter I used velcro.  

We will see over time which one holds up better and if necessary I can easily change it.

Adjustable Crib skirt

http://www.viewalongtheway.com/2012/04/silliest-little-adjustable-crib-skirt-tutorial-on-the-web/

I added the center pleat to Jelly's but only on the side panels.

I omitted the pleat for PB as I figured it would get lost in the pattern

 Converted Maternity Pants

http://modestmaven.blogspot.com/2009/11/converted-maternity-pants-tutorial.html

Super easy to do.  I have at least three pairs of khakis so no real sacrifice was made.  Luckily I am all belly so the pants didn't need any adjustments other than adding the band.

DIY Eye Mask

 http://www.instructables.com/id/Eye-mask-pattern/

Because I can and do fall asleep anywhere these days.

Crocheted Ripple Blankets

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/crochetwithcris/rainbow-ripple-baby-blanket

Crcoheted Football and Hat

http://hereinthewaitingplace.blogspot.co.il/2012/04/crocheted-football-baby-cocoon-hat.html

DH always joked that he would carry our kids like footballs.  I am just making it convenient and cute.

Crochet Mary Jane Booties
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crochet-booties-with-strap

Crayon Area Rug

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/color-me

Short Sleeved Jacket

http://danettesangels.tripod.com/patterns/pattern_short_sleeve_jacket.html 

Simplicity 1738 take 2

You can see my original review here.  The only changes I made were using a light weight ribbed knit.  I had thought about doing 3/4 sleeves but I opted to go ahead with full length.  I haven't added a closure to the front yet since it is currently part of my maternity wardrobe.

New Look 6143

Pattern Description:  Misses dress with pleated flared skirt, round bias-bound neckline, tie belt or back tie options, sleeveless, cap, or 3/4 length sleeves.  I made view A which is the sleeveless version and opted to accessorize it with a black belt.

Pattern Sizing: 10-22; I cut a 16

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.

Dress without belt

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I was drawn to the classic look of this dress and decided to sew as is without any changes.  Like a previous reviewer on PR I found the neckline was a bit wide and didn't lie flat as it should have.  Also I should have looked more closely at the pattern envelope but the pleats of the bodice and skirt did not line up.  This to me make it look unprofessional.  Thankfully most of the pleating is hidden in the floral fabric and belt but if I make this again I will change that.

Fabric Used: A satin glaze fabric in beige/black floral purchased from Fabric Mart Fabrics

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I may sew it again but I will cut the neck smaller to prevent the gaping, line up the pleats of the bodice and skirt, as well as add pockets.  I would recommend it to others if you like the style.

Conclusion: A pattern that has a lot of potential and can produce a great result.  It's just as my sewing skills are improving, issues like those noted above bother me.

Bottom Line:
Fabric: 2 1/4 yds at $5.99/yd=$13.48
Notions: Zipper $1.59 and thread from my stash=$1.59

TOTAL: $15.07

Vogue 8663

Front view with belt

Pattern Description: Fitted dress with pleated bodice, front neckline finished with bias tape, back zipper, flared skirt and stitched hems.

Pattern Sizing: Available in 6-22; I cut a 14 bodice and graded to a 16 for the skirt

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.

Back view (zipper omitted)

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Liked that it was an easy sew and the neckline made it look RTW

Closeup of neckline

Fabric Used: A teal colored single knit for the dress and a black crepe de chine for the lining.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Per my usual when sewing with knitted fabric, I omitted the zipper.  I also lined the dress due to the lightweight fabric I chose.  Lining did add to construction time but I am pleased with the end result.

View of inside with lining

View of lining at shoulder seam

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I won't sew it again but I would recommend it.

Conclusion: Instant gratification project that can be finished in a few short hours.

Bottom Line: $6.37
Fabric: 2yds Teal single knit @3.98 ea (-20% coupon)=$6.37
1.5 yds of black crepe de chine from my stash

Notions: Thread from my stash

TOTAL: $6.37

simplicity 1716

Pattern Description:  Misses knit mini-dress, tunic, or top that can be made with a front twist or draped neckline with five different sleeve variations.  I made view E which is the short sleeved draped neck top and I also added the ruching at the sides.

Pattern Sizing: 8-24, I cut a 14

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, I glanced at them before construction and referred to them quickly when doing the pleating at the shoulders.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I really like drape neck tops as they flatter me and this one was very easy to construct.  It went together quickly and with this pattern you can create a number of looks.  I didn't have any dislikes.

Fabric Used: A white mystery knit from my stash

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I added the ruching at the sides but that was it

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I will probably sew this again in a darker color as it is a great wardrobe builder.

Conclusion: A very easy and well drafted pattern that went together quickly with no fuss.

Bottom Line:
Fabric: mystery knit from my stash that I don't remember buying.
Notions: Thread and elastic from my stash
TOTAL: $0

What's new with me?

Way too many things to update you all on but I went through a spell where I was mainly crocheting

Notice a theme here, LOL.  That's all I will say about that.  I have slowly transitioned back to sewing and when I get the energy (and remember to take the camera upstairs) I will share the result of my efforts.

A Cape: New Look 6007

Pattern Description:  Misses Cape in two lengths with collar variations and belt.

Pattern Sizing: Available in XS-XL.  Based on the sizing I cut a Medium

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? YES!!!  I made view C and the result was beautiful.  Seriously I pranced around the house for a good 30 minutes because I was so pleased with the result.

Were the instructions easy to follow? To me the construction was pretty straight forward, so after glancing at them I went to work.  Also I knew I was going to line my cape so at some point I would stray from the instructions anyway.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I have been wanting a cape for quite some time now but couldn't find any off the rack that I liked or was willing to pay for.  I forget where I first saw this pattern, but I loved the fact that it would be belted and therefore I wouldn't get lost in the fabric.  I was also drawn to the variations and simple yet fashionable nature of the pattern.  I had to go to 5 different stores before I located the pattern but it was well work the hunt.

Fabric Used: A double faced wool that I purchased from Fabric Mart for the cape and a poly pongee for the lining.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lined the cape.  I would also like to note that I made view C with only about 2 1/4 yards of fabric and I am 5'3.  I did not shorten the pattern pieces at all.  I also opted to use sew in facing instead of fusible.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I don't think I need more than one cape in my life right now so I don't have any immediate plans to sew it again.  I highly recommend it to others.  I was able to make a beautiful garment that rivals any RTW cape out there.  It was also very easy to add a lining that only added to the beauty and quality of the cape.

Conclusion:  Solid pattern that went together with no issues at all.  I felt it was drafted well and with the variations would appeal to many.

Bottom Line:
Pattern: $3.39
Fabric:
2 1/4 yd wool @ $5.25/yd= $11.81
~2 yds pongee @ $1.00/yd=$2.00
Thread, facing, and belt from my stash

TOTAL: $17.20