Amy’s Brain :: The Blog

Halloween 2009 January 23, 2010

It has been a long long time since I have paid attention to my blog.  There are ton of drafts waiting for me to complete.  One of my new years goals is to blog more….so I will be completing some of my old posts (sorry for the outdated information).  Here a few pictures from Halloween. Mason was a Jedi and Madeleine was a Mermaid.  I decided to sew costumes this year.  I was very pleased with the outcome, but they definitely cost more, some of that was buying several variations for fabric for the mermaid until I could settle on a fabric.  They also took more time than I had planned. I forgot that I did not need the costumes on 10/31, but a few weeks prior for parties.  There was a bit of a last minute scramble.

Mason’s Costume:  I found several tutorials online and sorta of created my own pattern.  There were several fittings and Mason did great putting up with mom’s project.  I think I even let him stay up late one night for the final fitting.  I made a robe, tunic, belt and boot covers.  My favorite piece was the boot covers.  I ended up having to piece them a little, because I did not buy enough vinyl, but you could not tell on the final product.   I also never got a good picture with the hood up, but it makes the costume!  Mason loved his costume and told everyone his mom made it for him.  It as super cute.  I tend to make things for Madeleine, so I think it was fun for him to get something.

Madeleine’s Costume:  I ended up buying a mermaid costume pattern.  I modified it a bit at the end for the sake of time (I skipped the zipper).  The trim was the most difficult.  The sequins across the top trim kept falling off.  I sewed them back on after the first party and then accepted defeat.  It looked cuter without the t-shirt and leggings underneath, but it is Colorado.  I also beaded her a necklace with a seahorse on it to match.  We added some shimmer powder to make her sparkle!  I took some detailed pictures of Madeleine’s costume and might post them later.  Mostly to remind myself to buy the costumes next year!

Baby bibs

I decided to try and make some baby bibs for a co-worker at work.  I found a tutorial at Prudent Baby and it was super easy!  I did not have an old bib in the size I wanted, so I used a smaller one and adjusted the size.  I kept the neck the same, but widened and lengthened the bottom.  The one on the right was my first attempt (don’t look to close it is a little crooked – I am still working on my curved sewing).  It took about an hour and a half, the second only took 30 minutes.  I initially bought some bias tape for the pocket trim and ended up using fabric instead.  I am pretty happy with the results and I think I will try to make some more in a variety of fabric.  I am anxious to hear how they hold up!

Princess Madeleine & Knight Mason August 3, 2009

Here it the final outcome of the Knight Tunic.  A little big, but he loved it. We had a blast last weekend at the Renaissance Festival.  Lots of food, rides and a laughs (and only a little rain).

Adventures in Sewing July 25, 2009

I have been exploring the world of sewing.  Because, really I have the free time.  Forget the laundry, dishes or yard work.  Last weekend I made some pirate costumes for the kids….I failed to take photos so there is nothing to share.  I also made a skirt for myself.  It came out quite nice, but a little big.  I am going to attempt to alter it.  This weekend we are heading to the Renaissance Festival and decided Mason needed a Knight costume.  Friday night (past bedtime) we attempted a shopping trip at the fabric store.  I would not advise this with a six and three year old.

Below is the outcome.  The original design had a belt, until we realized that the belt would cover the crest.  It was also going to be open on the sides.  Without the belt, I decided to close the sides.  I am anxious to see it on Mason.  I can not take credit for the crest, that was all Morgan, I merely adhered it.  I think it turned out OK.  I did not attempt a costume for Madeleine….she already had plenty of princess outfits.