A Louisiana Little Bit: Sew, What's Your Fancy?

Sew, What’s your Fancy?

June 18, 2012

I fondly recall the days I spent helping (and learning) my Momee, Ethel Landreneau, sew for us. She made dresses, bubble rompers, Halloween costumes – you name it, she could do it! I distinctly remember taking on a sewing lesson during one year of 4H and decided to make an apron. Momee helped me every step of the way. I can’t remember if my project won anything but I remember the time spent with my grandmother. Thank you 4H for a great memory.

Since having Graham, I’ve often thought – I can do that, and so much cheaper! – when looking at various items of clothing for him. Then, last summer during Graham’s swimming lessons, I complimented another mom on her daughter’s dress. Turns out she MADE the dress for Catherine (and happened to be a high school classmate of Ben’s – Who says Baton Rouge is a big town?). I was intrigued and excited – someone my age sews too! Jenny is not only a great seamstress; she’s a pattern maker too. Check out her great patterns here or her awesome blog here!

I’ve learned in the last year or so that lots of people are sewing! I saved my pennies and bought a sewing machine in February. (This is the one I got!) That same weekend I sewed Graham some shorts. Then I sewed another pair of shorts for a friend’s son’s 2^nd birthday. (Where did those pictures go!!?)

Lately, I’ve been trying to learn. I took a sewing class at The Crafty Shack of Louisiana a couple weeks ago and was introduced to laminated cotton and created this little beauty in no time at all!

(I actually made two that day and then two more for my coworkers!)

Fabric & Ribbon: The Crafty Shack of LA

Pattern: http://lilatuellerdesigns.blogspot.com/2012/05/free-trash-stashers-pattern.html

Then, on pinterest or somewhere online, I found this nifty pattern to make a baby changing clutch and remembered this awesome madras plaid laminated fabric I’d seen earlier…and one Saturday afternoon, I made this!

before

a clutch diaper changing pad!

Fabric & Bias Tape: The Crafty Shack of LA

Accessories: Found in my house

Pattern: http://www.allfreesewing.com/Sewing-for-Baby/Travel-Diaper-Changing-Pad-Pattern#

Following those small projects, came a challenge! Jenny needed a pattern tester for her newest Boy’s Classic Fit Pants so I volunteered. Doesn’t Graham look cute in his blue seer sucker with crawfish?

Fabric: The Crafty Shack of LA

Pattern: http://seaminglysmitten.com/product/boy-s-classic-fit-pants

After a conversation with Jenny, she inspired me to try something for ME. I was determined to make a dress based on a post she had on her blog…My Date Night Dress…and gave it a try! I found a great rayon print and tried to mimic her dress. (Imitation is the greatest form of flattery, right?) I asked her a couple questions and did a little internet research and here’s the final result. My only disappointment is that I forgot to add pockets! Oh well, next time, right?

Fabric: Hancock Fabrics (Sherwood & Florida Blvd)
Pattern: a pillowcase dress for an adult with an elastic waist ...

I even whipped up these clown pants for Graham (late) last night for his Circus Character day! I had a button hole boo boo and had to use the bias tape to fix it! Thankfully, he comes by a "clown wig" naturally, so with a bit of colored hair spray we were able to be a clown with almost no effort!