Not quite finished

He's sure cute.

check out the rest of the post here http://maeandk.com/not-quite-finished/

Throwback Thursday

I was going through my drafts and found this gem. I figured it was worth sharing, since it was one of the first times I had ever tried sewing anything for Mack. Please excuse the poor quality of the pictures. Having a DSLR makes an enormous difference (even with my limited photography skills)!

So after my sister-in-law Karen introduced me to MADE, I decided to try out the 90 minute shirt tutorial. It looked pretty easy, and we have a ton of Nathan's bright red Standard Plumbing Supply t-shirts sitting around so I wasn't worried about wasting the fabric if it totally failed.

It didn't totally fail.

But it did kind of fail.

It was definitely an unwearable garment. Luckily, it didn't completely scare me off of drafting my own patterns for sewing.

This silly little red shirt is tucked away in my scrap box. I'm thinking that maybe someday I'll shorten it a little more and sew a skirt onto it to make it a little dress.

And those red shirts? Yeah, we still have a lot. I used one of his sweatshirts in my Doctor Love look for Project Run and Play a few seasons ago.

"Back to School" for Littles Part 3

Puzzles!
I love puzzles, and I seemed to have passed it on to Mackay. He has a handful of wooden puzzles; three are from Grandma, and my lovely Aunt thought of us when she had a chance to pick up some puzzles from her kids' Montessori school.

So when I was at East Idaho's Biggest Garage Sale I kept my eyes peeled for more wooden puzzles. The hardest part is finding ones with all the pieces! At the end of the day I had picked up a number puzzle for about $1. It wasn't in great condition, the stickers were peeling off the numbers, and it was pretty dirty. 

Undaunted, I set to work to make the puzzle nice again. Here's the sad part. I can't find any of my before and during pictures! What I did is pretty basic. I started out with baby wipes, which got the dirt off. Then I sanded the whole thing, aside from the grooves where the pieces sit. It took a really long time to sand the stickers off the top of the puzzle pieces, but it was definitely worth the work! 

I recovered the puzzle pieces with scrapbook paper from The Guy Stack and the All About Boys Stack (the same stack I used for his notebook). It took just a little modge podge and then I re-sanded around the edges of the numbers to give them a smooth finish.

I used a few layers of acrylic paint (by a few I mean 10+) to cover up the weird pictures that were in the number grooves. If I had been smart, I would have started with one layer of black, then hopefully one layer of white and one of red. Instead, I did about 8 layers of white and 2 of red (and you can still see the pictures if you look hard enough).

Mack was really excited to get a new puzzle.

He's really into counting things lately, so this is perfect.

Linked to:
 

"Back to School" for Littles Part 2

Rexburg has this Back to School festival every year in Porter Park. Businesses set up booths with carnival games, there's free food and lots of activities. We didn't make it last year, but did this year and it was really a lot of fun. They had a lot of things we didn't do because Mack is just too small, like rock climbing walls, giant bowling, and a life-size Angry Birds game.

We ended up with a few free books:

&

Mack really enjoyed playing all the carnival games. There was a little obstacle course, a ring toss, a fishing pond, and so many other fun games!  Unfortunetely, I didn't get any pictures because I was helping him play. 

I did, however, get a few pictures (with our point and shoot) of Mack's favorite part of the event-- the train ride!

Does your community have any back to school activities?

Another thing we took part in recently was the Summer Reading Program at the library. We completed the whole thing for Mack, and most of the program for me as well (because the books I read to him counted towards my page total). We ended up with some cool prizes! I can't wait to participate again next year with two little men to read to.

More "Back to School" projects coming soon!

Candy Inspired

http://maeandk.com/candy-inspired/

"Back to School" for Littles Part 1

I don't have a kiddo getting ready for school this year. In fact, it will be two more years before we even do Pre-School.
But I find myself wanting to join in the fun! Don't we all love this time of year? New clothes for school, and that fantastic school supply smell. I know all those kids are just itching to use their brand new crayons. I always was. I was one of those kids who kept my school things as nice as possible for as long as I could. Which was something I'm sure my parents loved, because it meant  they didn't have to buy as many new things.
Mack isn't at the point where he needs a new wardrobe. He's still got lots of hand-me downs. But he will be getting a few new things from Project Run and Play, and other sewing/knitting/crocheting adventures. And his daddy bought him pack of McQueen socks!



While my parents were visiting a while ago Grandma gave Mack his very own box of brand new crayons. He doesn't need them, he's still got plenty of crayons in great condition (he's really only been coloring for a year), but as my mom said, "everyone deserves to get in on the fun of back to school."

And that is what got me thinking.
So I decided to make him a few "back to school" things to go in his little messenger bag.

First off is this cute notebook:

It's just modge podge and scrapbook paper from this stack.

The font I used for his name is Badonk-a-donk.

I let him color with his new crayons.

He wanted me to write his name down for him. He says, "M, C, K" as he scribbles in his notebook. He also really loves tracing his hands, which is something they seem to do a lot of in nursery.

Come back tomorrow for the next installment!

Oliver + S Popover Sundress Remix

http://maeandk.com/oliver-s-popover-sundress-remix/

Bringing Home a Guest Post

A while ago I was invited to participate in the Make for Mom series that the Shaffer Sisters did. I've decided it's time to bring the post home.


I'm very excited to be here! So many wonderful things have been shared, and I know many more are to come!
I'm Maegen, and I blog over at Foster Ramblings. I'm the mother of one crazy almost two-year-old, and someone who has never sewn for herself. I sew all the time for a little girl I do not have, and for my son, Mack, but sewing for myself is something I have always shied away from. I accepted the invitation from the Shaffer Sisters knowing there would be no way out, and that I'd finally have to step up to the challenge of making something for myself.
If you follow me on Instagram, you may remember me mentioning that I had received some happy mail from my mom a few weeks ago. Some John Deer flannel to make jammies for Mack, a darling little boy knit that's been passed down for three generations now (waiting for the perfect project), my all-time favorite movie The Secret Garden, and a few other bits of fabric. Included in the package was about 3 yards of this sheer coraly/peachy white dotted fabric. I saw it and it just screamed SKIRT (or sundress).

I think it turned out pretty adorable. And I love the way it looks with my favorite cardigan. Ignore how awkward I look, I really don't love having my picture taken.

I had originally wanted to make it a high-waisted skirt, to wear over a white t-shirt. But as I got close to finishing it, and tried it on, I realized that I wasn't going to look especially good in something high-waisted, seeing as I have a pretty short torso. And when I realized I had forgotten to taper the band to fit my body I decided to completely scrap that idea, and folded the band in half. I haven't sewn it in place yet, because that will require removing the zipper. Something I will get around to doing, because I made a huge mistake a bought a 9 inch zipper for a skirt which really only needed like a 4 inch zipper. Extra work. But someday I'll get it done, and it will be awesome. And for now I really don't mind wearing the skirt as-is, with the band folded down.

The skirt is very comfortable. I'm still wearing it while I write this. Because the material was so sheer, I bought white fabric for lining. 100% polyester so it flows pretty well and won't wrinkle. For the outer layers of the skirt I simply folded the fabric in half, gathered it, and sewed it on the band. So there are two layers of the peachy fabric, and I really like the way it looks. My biggest secret about the skirt is that I didn't bother to hem the outer fabric, I just left the salvage edge the way it was. It really looks nice, and I was glad to not put forth the extra effort that hemming requires.

As the first thing I've ever made for myself, I'm actually very pleased. And now that I've had some success without a pattern, maybe I'll be brave enough to tackle some of those fantastic costume patterns I've been hoarding, and make myself a civil war era dress (complete with underwear and hoopskirt).

I want to say thanks to the Shaffer Sisters for having me, and for understanding that being a mom gets crazy. So many things happen in our lives that can get in the way of taking time for ourselves. We cut deadlines close, and sometimes (like my sister-in-law) we realize we haven't been to get our hair cut in 15 months! I'd like to encourage all the other mothers out there to go ahead and take the time to make something for yourself. I can be every bit as rewarding as making something for your sweet little one. I'll confess that I have a huge pile of dishes waiting to be washed, clothes sitting unfolded in the dryer, and a bedroom I'd be ashamed to let my mother in. But I took the time to put on make-up and fix my hair today, and I really feel great wearing my cute new outfit.


But I have a confession to make.
After wearing the skirt to church once I decided I really didn't like it all that much. So I spent a few quality hours with a seam ripper, and now I have this beautiful fabric sitting there (it was basically intact. A skirt like that is just a rectangle) just waiting to be made into something. And I think I'll leave it alone for a while.

I'm Just Crazy for Project Run and Play

I love participating in the Project Run and Play sew-along group! I'm constantly inviting my friends who sew to participate with me. I've been begging my sister-in-law Angie to do it with me for the last two seasons. I'm hoping one day she'll do it and find what I have found:  a phenomenal group of ladies who sew for people they love and an enormous amount of support and encouragement.

For my Project Run and Play favorites I've chosen to exclude anything made for little girls. I know you were all expecting to see me feature my Starry Night Dress (and well, I'm sort of talking about it now, and I'm not going to lie and say it's not totally my favorite thing ever). And even though I'll still be sewing a few more things for little girls (4 baby nieces coming in December!!!) I'm packing away all my little girl things and trying to focus more on sewing for boys.

So my favorite little boy outfit made for Project Run and Play?

Mack the Knife

 I love everything about this outfit.
It cost me nothing to make, and I got a million compliments on it. Every week at church someone would tell me how cute he looked and ask where we bought his little suit.
Oh how I loved watching their faces when I told them I made it!

 Mack was able to wear this (with shoes) to my best friend's wedding reception, and later on we added a fedora that we bought from The Children's Place (it's the one he's wearing in his Doctor Love outfit).
I cried when I had to put this away because he had outgrown it.

I'm so looking forward to having our second little boy wear this! 

Courtney Adores Creating for Project Run and Play

When Maegen asked me to come up with a few Project, Run and Play sew along highlights, I didn't know how hard it would be to pick favorites! I love Project Run and Play for the inspiration, challenges, and community they have built. It’s always fun to see what Liz and Elizabeth have in store next!

I’ve sewn along for 3 seasons now, so I narrowed my selections to feature an outfit from each. The challenge for the outfit below stemmed from the movie inspired week. I chose to replicate a version of Hilly Holbrook’s dress from The Help. You can read more about it here.



I created this entire outfit for one of the signature style weeks. I included a pattern test, pattern drafting, mixed mediums, and pattern re-drafting all in one look. Project Run and Play pushed me to finally re-create this jacket that had stuck around in my inspiration folder for too long. Here are all the details.



My final feature was not the hardest to sew, but was one of the more interesting challenges to bring to life. Using fabrics for our canvas inspired by other people’s art, made us narrow down such a wide variety of creative styles. You can find more about this Ansel Adams inspiration here.



I’m looking forward to the creativity that flows from a new round of Project Run and Play!


Courtney
Sweeter Than Cupcakes

Project Run and Play is Ajaire's Favorite

Project Run and Play is one of my favorite blogs, so I was more than ready oblige Maegen's request for a look back at some of my favorite sew-along outfits.  I've been sewing along since the beginning of season three in January of 2012.  My daughter was born in May 2011 so it's a fun look back at some of the many things I've made for her.

I have to include my first sew-along outfit which was a remix of Craftiness Is Not Optional's June Bug dress tutorial (which is a full blown pattern now!).  I called it the Jan Bug Jumper and I like the fun buttons which are attached with a ribbon. 

This Chevron Fleecie was a great project too.  It was my first real outerwear item I drafted for Bean and it came out just as I pictured.  This was also back from Season three so it was before chevron had really inundated the market, but I liked the subtle front and back chevron color blocking.  Bean was able to wear it all last winter too since I purposely made it a size too big in 2012.

My Summer Shromper was made in 2012 during Season four for the Remix of Dana's Circle Skirt tutorial.  I love a good romper and who knew the summer of 2013 would be the summer of rompers?  This was the same color scheme as the Jan Bug Jumper which I adore.  I need to get my hands on more of that jean/linen fabric, hehe.

Peggy's Purple Dress was made during Season five for the Fashion Icon theme.  I chose Peggy from Madmen which was a little odd, but I am (still) obsessed with the change in the character's fashion choices as she progresses through the show.  Bean wore this and a pink version of the dress I drafted consistently last year.  Oh, and the black turtle neck I made as a first muslin.  She wore them enough that I'm considering grading the bodice/sleeves to make one that fits this winter.

Since this is turning into sort of a season-by-season favorite list, I have to include my Elephant Party Dress which was the Cottage Home's Party Dress remix in Season 6.  The color combination is fun and I love the wide band around the front.  It as also the start of my interest in knit top/woven skirt combos so once again Project Run and Play served to inspire.

And finally my favorite overall and it just happens to be a part of the All-Star Season.  The theme was Inspired By Art so I used Emily Carr as a muse for this Emily Carr Sunshine Dress.  I really love the shape of this dress and Bean was also able to wear it this summer as a tunic with leggings. 


Project Run and Play has been the number one source of inspiration to me for making clothes for my girl.  There are other sew-alongs and series that I've grown to love, but Project Run and Play will always be special to me.  Outside of just inspiration it really introduced me to the sewing blog community which has been so supportive and without which I wouldn't be here guest posting at Foster Ramblings.  Thank you Maegen for a fun trip down memory lane.

Mae Sews Compulsively for Project Run and Play

Hello! I'm Mae, the one woman show behind the blog "The Life Of A Compulsive Crafter." I've always been driven by my creative side whether it was making clothes, cards, music, whatever! My blog focuses on my not so small sewing habit. I compulsively make children's clothing (and sometimes something for myself) all while homeschooling my mini's. I initially met Maegen through Instagram where I swooned over photos of her homeschooling her son. 

Project Run and Play definitely holds a special place in my heart. It was one of the first challenges I followed as a seamstress& I've been coming back each season to sew along since then. Each season my skills have increased and my garments look more polished & professional. Plus, it's really fun to look back at past challenges. Today I was asked to pick my favorite garment from a past challenge. Though it was a difficult choice...

I couldn't help but pick his self drafted button up shirt made from an old sheet purchased at the thrift shop. 

I mean, what a transformation! I didn't think I could sew a button up, let alone draft my own pattern. Though, after seeing all the amazing pieces on the Project Run and Play site, I felt super mom inspired & took it really REALLY slow when measuring and drawing each tiny piece. I admit, I haven't had the patience to draft a larger size! 

Another reason I love this piece so much ? Because my little man looked so cute when I photographed him in it. I adore this photo of him. <3 

I *almost* sold this shirt at our garage sale last month but snatched it back off the table& decided it needed to stay. With a new season of Project Run and Play off and running I'll be in my sewing room trying to out-do myself again. 

I would love for you to stop over and see!

www.TheLifeOfACompulsiveCrafter.blogspot.com

A big thank you to Maegen for asking me to be here today. 

I can't wait to see this little baby she's been cooking up! 

FrancesSuzanne: Admitted Project Run and Play Junkies

When Maegen invited us to participate in her series, it wasn't IF we'd participate, it was how would we ever agree on our favorite project run and play creation!

We admit it. We are Project Run and Play junkies. We can't get enough of the sew-along and the many, many friendships that have originated there. It drives us, it challenges us, and it inspires us to attempt things we never dreamed we could accomplish! We have participated in three seasons (4, 5, and 6) of sew-alongs, as well as the All-Star Season sew-along. Season 4 was our first season to participate, and we were blogless. What we lacked in tech-know-how and sewing skills, we made up for in utter excitement!

Did we mention that we are indecisive? No? Well, we are. But, you'll be pleased to know that we did make a decision....eventually. But only after polling our 'biggest fans': ie: our parents and sister {aka: sister momma to the our nieces}. And, even then, we cheated and decided on a favorite for each girl - instead of a singular one. 

But before we get to OUR favorites, here is a run-down of the family's favorites {and, yes, there were a few repeats along the way}:

Dad {because he loves to be a part of sharing his favorites, and does it every month with "Father's Fantastic Five" in our "Flip this Pattern" series}:

3. Stripes and Polka Dots, season 6 {EA}

2. Let's go to the Movies, season 4 {EA}

1. Formal Wear, all-star season {CL}

Mom {with a little arm-twisting she succumbed to giving us her favorites}:
3. All About the Details, all-star season {EA}
2. White Sheet, season 5 {CL}
1. Formal Wear, all-star season {CL}

Sister Momma {seriously...she is almost as indecisive as we are}:

3. Signature Style, season 5 {EA}

2. Stripes and Polka Dots, season 6 {EA}

1. White Sheet, season 5 {EA}

As for our TOP OUTFIT for each niece???

For CL: Love is in the Air, season 6

Okay. We don't typically sew for specific holidays of the year. We sew too slowly to justify doing something that specific. Not to mention it was for Valentine's Day, and the only thing we like about this holiday is the chocolate and conversation hearts! So, how could we make this work for more than a few weeks of the year? By continuing to focus on LOVE, but do it with the Bible as our foundation. 

And, as for the final product....we were in love! Not only were we able to tie in a Biblical principle within a PR&P challenge, we were also able to incorporate the 'in the air' portion of it.....using embroidered dandelions with hearts blowing in the wind.  That, and it can be worn any day of the year. Success.

For EA: White Sheet Challenge, season 5 {Ring Around the Roses}

If we are willing to sew a creation twice, then we must be pretty excited about it! This was the case with our "white sheet challenge" and the dyeing of fabric for it. The white sheet challenge itself continues to be a personal favorite (I think we are down to the pillowcases). 

While we didn't alter the Oliver and S Family Reunion pattern much {added piping, colored hemline, and embroidery}, we were tickled with the result, as well as the photo op!

What about you do you have a personal favorite that you have sewn for Project Run and Play? And for those of you who don't want to play favorites with your creations {or maybe you've never participated before}. . .which challenge are you most excited about in the upcoming season?

The Shaffer Sisters LOVE Project Run and Play

Hi, Foster Rambling Readers. We are so pleased that we have been asked by one of our favorite bloggers/real life sewing buddy to talk about one of our favorite blogging subjects, Project Run and Play. 

Shaffer Sisters: Scary, Al, & Jo

Our blog really got going because of Project Run and Play. One day Al and I (Scary) were sitting around talking about all these cool boy sewing projects (Season 3) that I had found recently. "There is this blog called Project Run Play or something like that." It was the work of Jessica at Running with Scissors that really impressed me as she made coordinating outfits for her little boy and baby girl (at the time I was in my last trimester of pregnancy with Boston).

It wasn't till Season 5 that I started sewing along. It was a challenge but so enjoyable, in one season I was addicted. My sewing for Project Run and Play has become the staple and foundation for my children's wardrobes. My enthusiasm has been passed to my sisters.

On theme day we usually excitedly discuss ideas by the early morning (7 am). The real reason we all keep coming back to Project Run and Play sew along group is the positive energy and comradery in this community, all of us have sewn when we should have been moving because we love this group of ladies.

Here are our favorites that we have sewn and our favorites of each other.

Surely Stylish Scarlet

Tangerine Poppy

Pleated Shindig Chevron

Madame Principal Dress

Amelia Earhart Bomber Jacket

Waves of Summer Tunic

Cool Boy Shirt

Susanna Shap Inspired Dress

Concentric Circle Dress

Common Axis Top & Cap

Bold on a Budget Overalls

We are excited to see the upcoming designs from PR&P and  we know that our skills will only continue to improve because of the immense talent in this sweet sewing community.