Basic Leggings for Boys!

This post should have been posted a few weeks ago, but life precedes over any other obligation –so here i am.

It has been a long cold winter here in Michigan. It actually snowed yesterday! Usually we make it a point to get outside most days, but this winter has been so cold, we have been cooped up indoors.
On the days we have ventured out to play, I found myself wishing that we had long johns (or long underwear) for the boys.

*I understand long johns may not be a common thing, they are tighter fitting waffle knit clothing worn under regular clothes to add warmth.

Mama Nene to the rescue. If you don’t know, Mama Nene is the woman behind Serger Pepper. The blog is full of useful sewing tips, tricks, and tutorials. She has also started writing/publishing sewing patterns. (Remember my Sheer Top?) I am so fortunate to be on her pattern testing crew.

This time around she needed testers for Basic Leggings. I almost passed on this one because the boys in this house don’t wear leggings. But then the wheels in my head started turning…leggings look a lot like long johns!

I started by digging through my refashion pile.



I found a few castoffs that the older kids have outgrown.



I used the Basic Legging pattern. I choose a size 4, in hopes that they will fit the boys next winter too. (Because winter will end soon, right?) The pattern is sized from size 3 to size 14, so this is another pattern that will grow with your child.

This pattern was so easy to cut out and sew, and Mama Nene’s instructions are very clear. This pattern would be a great confidence builder for a beginner.



This pattern has two features that I feel make it a must have to any pattern library.

#1 Long leg length. I love that my boys can run and play (in the huge mountain of snow we still have) without the legs riding up. This feature also makes this pattern perfect for comfy pajamas.

#2 High waist. My boys hate when their butt is falling out of their pants. And honestly, while I’m talking about it does it really cost that much more to add an inch or two to the waist height? Too many of our store bought pants barely cover the boys’ tushies. I couldn’t imagine if they were still in diapers. Okay, I’m done ranting.

This pattern covers their rump, and keeps it covered while they are playing.

Head on over to Craftsy and get your pattern. New to Craftsy? It is quick and easy to sign up, then grab your Basic Legging pattern!

pattern was given to me to test, but all opinions are mine
Craftsy links are affiliates, I receive a small bonus if you sign up or make a purchase through my links.

What would you make with this pattern? I have plans to whip up some pajama pants from my t-shirt stash. There were so many cute girl versions too. The possibilities with the pattern are endless.

Sweater to Slipper Refashion

It seems that most of my projects these days are necessity projects. Today’s project is no exception.

Yesterday I debuted our new space (sewing space for Mama, and play space for the boys). Since our new space is in the basement, the floors tend to be cold (a bonus in the summer, but gives you shivers during a Michigan winter). Another problem with the floors….when in a sewing frenzy, Mama tends to drop pins. I’m getting better, but I still do not to risk one of my little guys stepping on one.

I had a solution.

Slippers.

My husband had chucked a wool sweater into the donate box. I quickly pulled it out knowing I could do something with it, it was wool. Unfortunately I don’t have a before picture because I cut into the sweater pre-blogging days.

I used this tutorial and template from Leafy Treetop Spot. The slippers in the tutorial are made with fleece. I have plenty of fleece, but I was envisioning something warmer and a little bit sturdier.

The outside upper slipper, and inside sole are cut from the felted sweater.

The bottoms are made from Blue Jean Buttercup leftovers.

I used some red fleece left from the boys’ Halloween costume to line the slipper uppers. The Velcro is also from my stash (which is why it doesn’t match).

I made size 10/11. They are quite big on the boys right now, but they’ll grow into them. The tutorial is very easy to follow, and would make wonderful last minute Christmas gifts.

Do you dive for wool sweaters? If so, what are your favorite wool projects? That sweater barely touched the donation pile before I snagged it up. It seems like wool sweaters are a little harder to thrift these days.

Ending Refashion Month with Tanks, a Tote, and a Wristlet

Today is the last day of July Refashion Month. I didn’t finish 31 refashions like I had intended (one of my 31 by 31 goals, but I still have 10 more months). I did manage to whip out a few more projects. Today I want to show you a couple refashions I finished, but haven’t posted yet.

First is two more muscle shirts for my boys.

These were made from two men’s 2XL t-shirts. I was able to cut two tanks from each shirt. I had completed the first two shirts in June, and mailed them off to Sewing to Rebuild. The other two sat on my sewing table cut out and ready to sew for way too long.

The next one was a super quick project.

The boys’ preppy shorts left me with two sleeve cuffs. (Which had adorable pearl snaps.) I kept looking at the cuffs, trying to decide what to make of them.

I stitched the cuffs together using a wide but short zigzag stitch. Then I covered up the stitching with ribbon. The ribbon also helped the project look a little less masculine (the ribbon has sparkles!). I cut a piece of ribbon for a strap. Then I folded the rectangle into a pouch, tucked in the ribbon, and topstitched along the original seam.

This last project is also one that has been sitting on my sewing table, cut out, for way too long!

I have made so many of these bags. They are made from bed sheets, and can be made in any size.

I use these as my reusable shopping totes, beach bag, overnight bag, and just about anything you can think of bag. These totes are my favorite for three reasons. 1. They hold so much stuff. 2. No need worrying about getting them dirty. Just toss in the washer. 3. They fold (or in my case roll) up super small.

*I know it is hard to tell, but the bag rolled up is smaller than a soup can.

Did you participate in Refashion Month? If so, share a link. I would love to see your creations.

Do you have projects that have been sitting in your to-do pile for a long time? Seriously the tote has been cut out and waiting to be sewn for a couple of years. I know the reason this project sat so long (my machine was acting up and I gave up and packed her away for a few months), but I have quite a few other projects that I do not have an excuse for.

My Take on the T-Shirt Dress, another refashion

Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE summer dresses?

I love how a dress can instantly take you from sweaty and frumpy to polished and presentable.

The more a dress feels like a t-shirt, the more I like it (and the more I wear it). I have one such dress that gets worn at least once a week. The colors are fading, but it is comfy and mama appropriate. I didn’t want to mess with the faded dress though. I had a fear of messing it up, and not having my summer staple anymore.

But alas, I did the next best thing….I made a new t-shirt dress.

This was a simple refashion. The base was a men's 2XL yellow t-shirt. (No, I didn’t get this one from hubby. I had to buy this one at Goodwill for $0.49!) The contrasting band was made from the sleeves leftover from this project.

First I carefully unpicked the pocket. Then I cut off the sleeves. I drew a trapezoid from the bottom hem to just under the neckline. I sewed these two pieces together at the sides to form the skirt.

Next I cut up the sleeves and sewed them into a tube. I did the same for the contrasting strip. Trim the excess from the tubes so they are even. Now, just sew the three tubes together, matching the side seams.

The straps aren’t my favorite. The only fabric left from the yellow tee was a long skinny strip. I cut a strip the same length from the grey shirt. Then I gave both strips a tug, to make them curl. Next I cut them in half.

I tried the dress on, and pinned the front of the straps over my bra. Then I sewed them down. Next twist the straps a few times, pin in the back, and sew.

Like I said, the straps aren’t my favorite. (Despite what it looks like in the picture, the straps are twisted evenly. I actually just went and rechecked.) I may change them down the road.

Now I have a second favorite summer dress.

Maybe I should do something to fix the faded one…..

What are your summer wardrobe staples? Like I said, nothing is more comfortable to me that a light dress in summer.

When Life Gets You Down, Just Sew

I have been in a bit of a creative funk lately. Actually I have been in a whole life slump. It has been hard to get my mind to focus on a task. In fact, the only focus I could muster is on my crochet projects.

Yet, I feel need to sew. I want to write. My home needs loving. My family needs to be fed (I have been feeding them, but it has been the 5 o’clock dinner scramble).

Desperate to pull myself out of this hole, I made myself sew.

I didn’t care what came out of it. My only goal was to ignite a fire.

The result… I finished a few projects from my UFO bin, snapped pictures of a couple refashions that have been finished for a bit now, caught up on laundry, vacuumed, and cleaned the kitchen sink (seriously, this has been on my to-do list for the last four days!) Oh yeah, I also made a loaf of banana bread.

Here is one more completed refashion:

Nothing spectacular, yet so dang comfy. This tank is from another of hubby’s discarded t-shirts (I know what you are thinking: How many t-shirts does this man own! It’s not that bad, I just snag them up as soon as he says, “I don’t want this anymore.”)

I used this pattern from So Zoe What Do You Know? This pattern/tutorial is well written and easy to follow. There are a lot of step-by-step pictures. She even includes instructions for FOE, and underwear elastic. This was my first experience with fold over elastic. (Just like most other sewing techniques I have avoided; so much easier than I had imagined.)

*Please follow instructions, and measure yourself. I skipped this step my first try at the pattern. Luckily I was using one of hubby’s old bowling shirts.

What methods do you use to climb your way out of a creative funk/life slump? As always, I love hearing your thoughts.

Guest Posting at House of Estrela

I am so excited! Today I am over at House of Estrela sharing a refashion for July Refashion Month. (My first guest post ever!) It is so awesome to be included with Magda’s wonderful list of contributors (we’re talking refashioning celebrities!).
Head on over and see what I did to this awkward dress. Make sure you check out all the other refashioners from this month, amazing.

If you are from House of Estrela, welcome! Thank you so much for visiting. If you are in the mood  for refashions, here are a few of my favorites:
Toddler Boy

• Birthday Refashion
• DIY Muscle Shirt
• Preppy Shorts Part 1, and Part 2
• Little Boy Button-up
• Long-Sleeved Tees

For Mama

• Boring Black Tank Redo
• Short Sundress Fix
• Blue Jean Buttercup
• Skirt to Dress
• Tank Dress

Blue Jean Buttercup

I’m a big purse kind of gal. My ‘purses’ are more like tote bags. When I find a nice big bag filled with pockets, I carry it forever. Sadly, I’ve been this way most of my purse carrying life.

So I can’t blame the twins.

My purse contains all of the essentials; wallet, phone, nail clippers, gum, toothbrush and toothpaste, a crochet project, a Kindle, planner, notebook, pens, cars and trucks, sippy cups, snacks, two diapers, wipes….wait! I think I may be able to blame the boys for some of the load.

I keep a grab and go bag inside of the big purse. This contains the true necessities; wallet, chap stick, phone, and keys. Usually I just pull this bag out and leave the big heifer in the car.

I have been thinking about trying to leave my baggage at home. This means I need a smaller purse.

And this is July Refashion Month.

I set out to sew a purse, with the “Use what you have” mantra ringing in my ears.

My folder of projects I want to sew someday had the perfect bag; The Buttercup Bag from Made By Rae. This pattern has been sitting in the folder for years (like three years!), taunting me.

I was intimidated by this pattern. It looked complicated. Not the pattern, but all of the finished bags floating around the web. I had myself convinced that a naptime sewer like myself didn’t have the skills to make such a beautiful bag. Heck, I have never sewn a pleat.

Then I reminded myself of the awesome bag I made last fall….and carried through three seasons. (I will show you this beauty when I find pictures.) I can do this.

So I decided I was just going to try it.

With a pair of jeans. (Because if I messed the bag up, it wouldn’t be a total waste of fabric…) Everything else came from my stash.

Here’s the finished product:

This was my first time working with piping. And sewing pleats. (I decided at the last minute to add piping.)

The main bag body was cut from a pair of jeans in my denim stash. The purse upper (stripes) and lining came from fat quarters hanging out in my fabric bin.

I lined the purse upper with heavy interfacing so it would resemble the structure of the denim.

I wanted to feature the bright striped fabric a little more, so I changed up the straps. I cut a piece of denim and the striped fabric 2 inches by 20 inches. Then I sewed them together. The straps were looking a tad short for my taste so I added a loop and D-ring to each side. This gave me a couple more inches of strap length.

The pattern suggested a cute little button detail. I had to skip this step because naptime was coming to an end, but I may add it on in the future.

My favorite part of the bag is the inside.

It’s hard to tell in the photo, but this fabric is absolutely beautiful! Aqua and pink dahlias on a white background.

I added a flap to the pocket from the striped material. I also inserted a loop on one side seam, and a key holder on the other.

Overall, I am so pleased with this bag. The pattern was very easy to follow. I highly recommend this pattern.

I do wish I had checked back at Made by Rae before cutting the pattern. She suggests enlarging the pattern by 130% for a bigger bag. This bag is on the smaller side (for me anyways). Maybe next time…

I think the outside needs a little more pizazz. Maybe paint, embroidery, or applique. For now I’m just going to live with it, I may find it doesn’t need a thing.

Do you have a project on your list that intimidates you? I cannot believe I let this one sat around so long!

Are you a BIG bag girl? If you like big bags, check out Nelesc’s denim bag. I am adding this bag to my list.

Birthday Refashions

The boys had their second birthday Saturday.

Since their birthday is only two days after Independence Day, we always have an insanely busy holiday weekend.

Friday we purchased, and picked up their birthday present; a huge wooden playscape. During Saturday’s naptime I stained and weather sealed the set. Now we are just waiting for some man power to move it one more time and set it up. (Expect updates soon!)

Since we decided not to throw a huge party this year, I spent a little time making them birthday shirts.

These tanks were refashioned from daddy’s old softball shirts. I used the same method as I did for these muscle shirts. Instead of binding the armholes, I folded to the inside twice and hemmed.

The collar and applique came from my scrap pile. It’s hard to differentiate in the photos, but one is blue and the other black. (We try not to dress the boys the same.)

Their birthday celebration was low-key, but absolutely wonderful!

Do you throw big birthday bashes every year? This was a difficult decision for my husband and I to make. Our family loves a good get-together. But they are extremely overwhelming for us. We decided to keep our focus on the boys this year (instead of planning, cleaning, cooking, and being a good host/hostess).

Independence Day Refashion

For everyone in the U.S., happy Independence Day. (And happy Thursday to everyone else. Hey, we all need a reason to celebrate now and then.)

Today’s refashion is another baseball inspired refashion. Since our school colors are red and blue, I am also throwing it in as a holiday refashion. (Two birds, one stone…)

All-star baseball tournaments start next week. The twins needed something that will show team support, and keep them cool while we cheer on their big brother.

This refashion is short and sweet. I bought the tanks at Wal-Mart for $2.00.

I traced our last name from the back of my step-son’s baseball jersey onto freezer paper. Then cut the letters out with an exacto knife. Iron the freezer paper to the shirt. Lastly, paint. I painted three coats (letting dry between each application). Finally, remove the freezer paper, and try to get your boys to pose for the camera.

Normally, all the boys allow me to photograph is their backside. Today they were hamming it up:

They even performed a little dance number:

Happy 4th!

Refashioning the Basic Black Tank

My second refashion this month involved two tops.

The top on the left was one my mom bought for me when I was pregnant. It wasn’t an actual maternity top, but bloused out in the front like one. I try to avoid clothing that solicits the “When are you due?” question.
The top on the right is one I bought on clearance for $2.49. Just a basic black tank.
I loved the turquoise lace thing on the front of the blousy top, so I seam ripped that out. Next I sprayed it with quilt basting spray and stuck it onto the back of the tank.

You could probably skip this step, but I didn’t want to deal with any shifting. I also pinned it for good measure.
I took the tank over to my sewing machine. I dialed the machine’s speed down and took it nice and slow. Then I stitched on the outside edge of the insert with a straight stitch.

Here’s a view of the inside.

Here’s the outside after stitching. You can stop right here if you’d like. I had plans of wearing this tank on date night with the hubby, so I wanted to give it a little more va-va-voom.
I carefully cut out the tank under the lace close to the stitch line.

Much better! I am so glad I was able to incorporate that turquoise insert somewhere. I love the color paired with the black tank.
What do you think, did you like it better before or after the back was cut out?
Are you refashioning along? If so leave a link in the comments, I’d love to see what you are up to!

Sharing here:

July Refashion Month, Tutorial: Short Sundress Fix

I meant to have this post up yesterday…

I LOVE sundresses! But…for some reason most of my sundresses have become way too short for comfort. I’m not sure if this is due to the extra poundage left over in front from the twins, or that they were always short, and my modesty has lengthened. Either way, expect to see a few sundress refashions this month.

First up, this dress was so cute. One of my summertime favorites. About 3 years ago. This little number became so short, I didn’t even feel comfortable having it posted all over the Internet. I can only imagine the Pinterest captions…

Just imagine gnarly knees (really, my knees scream Tomboy!), and a dress that hits mid-thigh (and that is modestly speaking).

Want to see what I did?

First I chopped off that bodice.

Then I searched high and low for a piece of elastic that fit snuggly around my waist. There may have been cuss words coming from my sewing cave, because EVERY stinking piece of elastic in my stash was a least three inches too short.

Determined to ‘work with what I got’ I rummaged through our donation box looking for a garment I could rob of elastic. I found a pair of hubby’s old long johns. Perfect!

Now that that elastic situation is taken care of, sew elastic in a loop.

From here on out this process may be a bit off the wall and disturbing to all of the seamstresses. I apologize ahead of time.

I HATE when elastic gets all twisted up in my clothes. I already have a little extra fluff around my waistline, I don’t want rebellious elastic adding to it. So this is my “No Roll Elastic” process.

Slip the elastic around the skirt, skirt right side out. Line up the top of elastic with the top of skirt.

Pin and sew, using a zigzag stitch.

Theoretically you could stop right here, that is if you didn’t snag the heck out of the elastic while looting a pair of long johns. But, I had to keep going…

The next step is to fold the elastic to the inside, twice. This hides all evidence of mistreated elastic.

(Here it is folded over once, fold over one more time.)

You need to stretch the elastic to eliminate gathers. Pin and take it over to the sewing machine.

Sew the bottom edge with a zigzag stitch. Gently stretch the elastic while feeding it into your machine.

You’re finished!

*Note to self, make a new ironing board cover!

After: A skirt appropriate for chasing my little boys in:

One refashion down. Only 30 more to go!

No more worrying about showing my derrière while toting a two year old under each arm.

Have you ever been in the “oh crap I don’t have ______ (supply)? Are you the patient type who waits until you can head to the store to pick it up, or are you like me, swiping elastic, buttons, and anything else I need from my families’ discarded clothing?

Refashion July Month at House of Estrela

When I found out I will be starting nursing clinicals this fall I had to admit that my life is going to be very different. Class, studying, and not much else.
I started to fret, “How am I going to work on my 31 by 31 list?” The only reasonable answer I could come up with is to finish as much as I can in the next two months.
Magda from House of Estrela is hosting a Refashion July Month. One of my 31 by 31 goals is to do 31 refashions by May 11th. Initially I had planned on 2-3 refashions a month for the next year. Then Magda invited me to join in with her fabulous guest line up.

There are 31 days in July….. I have a goal to refashion 31 items…. can I get it done?
Pop on over and visit Magda and her guests. (She has an awesome guest line-up!) Refashion along and post to the Flickr group. Lastly, stop back here to see what I am up to. (And if you feel I am slacking PLEASE give me a little guff!)
Are you in? Stop back today to see refashion #1.

Ten Minute Refashion

The boys and I are sitting here watching the rain pour, one of their favorite cartoons playing in the background.

At their young age they already know the heavy rain means “Mama’s not taking us outside.”

I, on the other hand, feel a little relieved to wake up to a downpour. We get to stay inside today. Our house has been neglected, my sewing machine abandoned, and many projects started but left unfinished. Hopefully I can take full advantage of the precipitation and tackle my to-dos.

Before I start on my list, I need to throw a sweater on. It’s a little chilly.

Thank goodness I refashioned a turtleneck earlier this spring. What!? Are you trying to tell me I forgot to share it with you? Uh-oh…I’m sorry.

Here is one of the easiest refashions ever:

I started out with a ribbed turtleneck sweater. This thing has been sitting in my closet for a few years, never worn. First, I hate turtlenecks. Second, it was too short, (I’m a little old to be baring my midriff). Third, that vertical ribbing was like a vacuum sealer: sucked the air right out, leaving all these crazy lumps, bumps, and rolls.

I still guiltily shuffled it around in my closet, because it had never been worn. Finally I decided to take action! Here’s what became of this hideous textile:

This is one of the easiest refashions I have tackled to date! I am sorry I didn’t take process photos, I truly didn’t believe it would work. Here's what I did:

1. Cut up the middle.
2. Fold lace in half and pin on each side of cut. (or you could use bias tape)
3. Sew lace to sweater.
4. Sew a button on one side.
5. Sew a loop of ribbon on the other side (for button closure).
6. Wash the guilt away, because now you have a wearable garment.

Closure close-up:

I love how the suffocating turtleneck became a collar for the cardigan (maybe it is more of a shrug…). It has been nice to throw on over a tank when the sun starts setting and the days turn chilly.

What do you think? As always, let me know if you have any questions.

DIY Muscle Shirt How-To

I have two more completed Free Summer Sewing projects to show you.
The Muscle Shirt:

These were so easy to whip up. (Even easier than the t-shirts.)
I put together a quick how-to for you.
You need:

• T-shirt
  
• Ribbing
  
• Pattern*
  
• Sewing supplies (either machine, or needle and thread if you are a hand sewer)

*For the pattern, I self-drafted a pattern from one of the boys’ muscle shirts. You could use a t-shirt pattern, sans sleeves. You want to make the shoulder about an inch shorter at the armhole.

Cut front and back from t-shirt.

*Be creative about ribbing. You can buy ribbing at the fabric store, but since I didn’t want to spend money, I took a look around. Ribbed tank tops work great!

Cut ribbing into strips. I think I cut mine into 2 inch strips. Next time I will go three inches, its completely up to you.
Fold the strips in half and iron.

Match shoulders, right sides together. Only sew one side.
Match up edges of neckline and ribbing, right sides together. Sew.

Sew the other shoulder.

Sew ribbing to armholes the same way as the neck.

With shirt right sides together, match bottom hem and arm seams. Pin and sew up each side seam.

Fold ribbing to inside, making sure to catch the stitching on the inside.
*If dad may be dressing the kids, put in a tag. I just used a little piece of ribbon.
Pin and sew. *I like to sew right next to were the shirt and ribbing meet, on the shirt.

That’s it, you’re done….unless you have twins; then repeat.
Oops, I almost forgot the last step: Bribe your boys with Cupcake Goldfish and Matchbox cars and try your hardest to get a decent picture.

And number two:

Wait, we need a twin shot!

These shirts are very easy to whip up. If my instructions were not very clear, let me know. I am happy to answer any questions you have!
Have you been working on summer clothes? What’s on your list?

Check out the parties: