Blue butterfly bedtime bliss

Hello, friends!  I'm popping in today to share a couple of projects I made last week for my sister's birthday.  My mom and I found this gorgeous silky (it's technically a polyester blend, but it's pretty luxurious to the touch!) fabric, printed with butterfly wings in beautiful blues and greens and I knew it was perfect for my sister.  I just love this fabric!  So I decided to make some sort of bedtime set, and here is what I came up with:

I knew I wanted to make some sort of a robe and a pair of sleep shorts.  I searched high and low for a pajama set pattern that included both of these items, and I just couldn't find any that I liked (and the pattern sets are around $15...that's pretty pricy!)  So in my desperation, I took a peek into the cheap pattern drawer at Wal-Mart and found two separate patterns (this one and this one) for around $1 a piece!  Neither was really intended for pajamas, but they both worked perfectly for my purposes!

The shorts have an elastic waistband and pockets (which I considered leaving off, but just couldn't because I am borderline obsessed with pockets.)  They also have buttoned-up cuffs at the bottom, although the buttons are sewn on and can't be adjusted.  I tried to choose flat buttons so that they would be comfortable for sleeping, and I ended up these shiny blue buttons...they were just the ticket! (see close-up above)

The robe took a little more time, because there was a pretty sizable amount of sewing that had to be done by hand.  But overall, it was still simple enough that I got it done in two half-days of work.  I struggled a little with the facing around the collar (why are those always to difficult to put together?!) but I'd happily do this project again!

I just love how they turned out!  Both projects were pretty quick to put together, and the fabric was perfect.  My sister has always loved butterflies, so when I found this print, I knew I had to get it...what a great find!  There's really nothing better than finding a fabric that's just perfect for a project!  As far as I can tell, my sister loves her presents and I'm thrilled!

I hope you all had (and are still having) wonderful weekends as well!  Thanks for stopping by!

Flirting the issue skirt

I've been sewing up a storm lately.  I know you're probably thinking something along the lines of "But you haven't posted in days!  And the last project you posted was dyed eggs!"  But I really have been working on a few exciting things to share over the next few days!  So today, I'm going to start with a  little skirt I made this morning.  This was another fabric kit that I've had sitting around for a while.  I got the fabric for this "Flirting the Issue" skirt (I wish I could claim credit for that sassy name, but that-along with the design-goes to Anna Maria Horner) as a birthday gift last year, and the pattern can be found (along with her other adorable free patterns) here.  It only took me eight months to work up the courage, and a half-day to make it.  So without further ado...

 

 

 
The kit came with this lovely brown floral cotton, and a sweet solid pink for the lining.  The directions didn't exactly call for the little white ruffle but I just couldn't help myself.  Doesn't it just remind you of Neapolitan ice cream?  (And what could be better than that?)  This fabric was so lovely, it was one of those pieces that I loved the more I worked with it.  It is soft to the touch and just sheer enough to look delicate (and hang nicely) without showing too much underneath.  The wide elastic band at the top is ultra-comfortable, and the pattern allows for a customized fit.  It was a breeze to make and I think it's just perfect for the coming warm weather...I see many more of these in my future!  I love it so much I think I might just wear it out to dinner tonight.

Happy Friday the 13th, and happy weekend!  Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for more projects!

A proper gentleman

I returned home today from my last (I almost can't believe it's true!) audition trip.  After a few stressful days in "the Big Apple" I came home to find the best little surprise: 

In addition to my favorite little buddy being safe and sound at home, he now has a new wardrobe staple!  Because every proper gentleman needs a proper bow-tie, it seemed only fitting that Oliver has one.  Actually, I saw one of these on Esty some time ago, and knew it was just one of those things I needed to have.  Luckily (for me) I pinned it on Pinterest, Sean saw it a few weeks ago, and he ordered this little argyle number as a Valentine's Day/Oliver's Birthday present for the two of us.  We couldn't be happier!  My next project will be to copy this with some more prints...oh the possibilities!  He really does look dashing, doesn't he? 

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend and a fabulous Monday!... (that's a real thing, right?)