Daphne*Blue

Wiksten Tank: Take II

2012-05-14T13:30:39Z

I love my first Wiksten tank so much I couldn’t wait to sew up another one. I had this really cheapy almost sheer synthetic stuff that I bought during our LA shopping trip that I thought would be perfect for the tank. It’s much flowier and has a nice drape that I thought would make a nice top.

I wasn’t looking forward to sewing it up since it’s sheer and sort of slippery, but I forged ahead anyway. I cut the medium again, but added about 1/2” to the neckline since the other tank came so low.

WELL. Guess what? It turns out that I cut the front piece wrong. The center front is supposed to be on the fold, but I cut the armholes on the fold instead. GAH. And? I only had material for one top — I didn’t have enough fabric to recut the front piece.

So, I had to cut the top on the (armhole) fold, and then seam it up the front. I don’t love the mess in the front, but I’m ok with it. And remember how I redrew the front? Yeah, it actually ended up being the armholes, so they’re slightly snug.

But, I think the fit is great what with taking it in in the front slightly, and I don’t hate the smaller armholes. Plus, it looks really cute under my cardigan.

I used store-bought bias tape for the neckline and armholes, and I had enough to use it for the shirt hem, as well. The material actually sewed up very well although I did have to put some paper under the fabric at the beginning and ending of the seams since it wanted to bunch. I *really* didn’t want to hem this stuff, though, so the bias tape worked well, and I had just enough to make it work.

I think I may make one or nine more since it’s so easy (just two pieces!) and it’s perfect for warmer weather.

Silhouette Iron-on Glitter Paper Tutorial

2012-05-09T14:00:20Z

Wahoo! So, I made another Renfrew short-sleeved top, using some blue knit I got from a street vendor in LA. $1/yard, you guys. You can’t beat that with a stick.

I made the size 6 Renfrew again, and graded out the waist slightly. So. Much. Better. I also made the band at the waist much wider to accommodate my hips, and I just love it.

Also, our dear friend (we call her AdriAunt) was with me at the store the other day, and found this iron-on glitter transfer paper. She insisted that the girls (and I!) needed some, so she bought it. It came with 3 sheets: blue, silver, and pink. She also bought each of the girls t-shirts to iron onto, because she’s thoughtful like that.

I’ve been on a Silhouette kick lately, so we decided to cut this stuff up with the machine and see what happened. The first few attempts didn’t turn out so well, so I’m going to show you how I did it, if you want to make your own.

First step is to get out the green carrier sheet. When you pull out the glitter paper there is a plastic backing on the back, and a thin plastic sheet protecting the front. Take the front sheet off and throw it away. Trust me here.

Next, place the glitter sheet GLITTER SIDE DOWN on the carrier sheet. I promise everything will be ok.

Make sure everything is lined up.

Get your design, and then get your Silhouette loaded up. Here are the settings I used — note that I double cut the design. That’s very important. I also used the pink cap when I cut this out.

Note: if you’re using text, you’ll have to mirror the letters. It’s upside down, so you don’t want your letters backwards! Unless you do. In which case, carry on.

Once it’s cut out, peel the design off the carrier sheet, and take the plastic backing off.

Make sure you know which side is up! The glittery side is up, gluey side is down. Ask me how I figured this out.

Then position the iron-on transfer where you want it. I tried my shirt on, and marked where I wanted the unicorn to go.

Once it’s on there (glue side down! glitter side up!) then cover with a pressing cloth, or in my case a scrap of fabric, and iron for about 30 seconds on the highest setting your fabric will allow.

Turn inside out, and iron again for about 15 seconds.

Check to make sure the edges are all sealed and nice…

and you’re done! Magical, no?

We did unicorns for me, Charlie, and Phoebe. Thea got an owl, and Belle got BACON across her shirt. Amazeballs.

Really easy to do, and I like that I can use the Silhouette to get incredibly precise cuts without having to go at that stuff with scissors. No thank you.

P.S. Look how long my hair is now! I actually think I want to cut it all off. It’s annoying and gets caught on stuff, and one time a woman on the subway actually grabbed a handful of my hair by accident. Ugh. But here’s proof that I have super long hair.

The end.

iPhone Cross Stitch

2012-05-06T17:26:41Z

So, you guys. I was reading Regretsy (do you ever check out that blog? some super funny and disturbing shizz) and they linked to a cheap-ass cross stitch iPhone case. $5. I couldn’t believe it, and I sure as hell couldn’t pass it up. I also bought some cheapie iPhone cables and wall plugs, because I’m really nice like that.

Anyway, when the case got here I spent the next THREE DAYS trying to come up with a pattern. I originally bought the pattern from Subversive Cross Stitch here, and it made me sad: the case I had was only 22 stitches wide, and that pattern was too wide to fit on the case I bought. I thought about putting the pattern on the case sideways, but that would be weird, and the cute little motif would be hard to rearrange.

Instead, I pored through cross stitch charts and Google searches for the Taylor iPhone Cross Stitch case, hoping that someone would have either a) a chart, or b) a free pattern that I could mooch.

I found a few, but none that I loved, and I was really frustrated that I couldn’t just put my own damn text in. I searched high and low for a stupid program that would help me come up with a design, and I found the free version of MacStitch which I tried to use, but just wasn’t helpful to me. I guess if you cross stitch a lot it would be useful, but hey! I don’t! So it wasn’t.

In the end, I printed out some graph paper and used the alphabet chart that came with the case. I found a really small floral motif and just free-handed the rest of the border. The case came with some (ugly) charts, and a needle, and 5 colors of floss (red, yellow, green, blue, and black).

The husband just mentioned to me that I could’ve used something like Excel to create the chart. UGH. I bet it would’ve been easy as pie, too. So there’s a tip for you: try Excel. You’re basically just coloring cells, right?

Can I say that I love it? I mean, I want to lick this thing silly. Also, while the case itself isn’t top-of-the-line, I think it offers reasonable coverage on the phone and it fits well.

I was really careful to make sure that I didn’t pull the stitching too tightly inside and warp the case. Also, I like that there are holes instead of a woven-type case. The holes sealed themselves up after the floss passed through it, and I don’t think I would’ve liked the open weave of the other variety. It is, after all, a case to protect your phone. I don’t want holes in mah shizz, y’all.

Now. Because I’m the nicest person in the WHOLE. WIDE. WORLD. I’m providing the chart for you to download, if you so desire. But that’s not all. I’m also including a free chart with the dimensions of the case, and I blacked out the camera-hole and the rounded edges on the bottom. So you can print it out and use your own design, if you’re not into the awesomeness that I created.

I know. You’ve probably never had the great joy of knowing someone so selfless, right? I accept gifts in the form of baked goods and compliments.

xxoo

Download the Hustlin’ chart here

Download the blank chart here

Commence to getting your craft on.

Shirts for meeeeeeeee

2012-05-02T13:00:30Z

Sewing for me is really difficult. I have a hard time finding patterns that fit me, and since I sew adult sizes, if things don’t work out that’s a LOT of fabric and time and effort wasted. Plus it crushes my hopes and dreams and makes me want to punch butterflies.

So when I sew for myself I tend to stick to things that are simple and/or that I’ve researched really well and think have a 95% (or better!) chance of success. Namely, I’m boring and stick to the basics. Whatevs.

I had seen this Renfrew pattern floating around the internet and decided that it looked cute enough on every person that’s made it that it would be safe for me to give it a try. Based on my measurements, the pattern called for me to make a size 10, 12, or 14.

Yikes.

I originally made the size 12, and graded it out to a 14 at the waist. (Bearing 4 children and getting old has not been kind to my mid-section). Also, while I wouldn’t go so far as to say I have BDD, I do have issues with my perceived size. So I figured better safe (and large) than sorry.

The top turned out very well, but way too big. Like, wayyyyy too big. So I took a RTW shirt I had, and matched it up to the pattern pieces. Based on a shirt I already had, the size 6 was almost exact. Oh jesus.

I made the size 6 instead, holding my breath the whole time. Annnnnnd, it fits. I don’t have a waist, so while the pattern comes in at the waist a little it makes me uncomfortable. I’ll be making another one in some cheap blue knit I got in LA, and drawing the waist out so it’s simply straight. But, I’m glad it fits and looks cute.

Next up I saw the Wiksten tank pattern for download, and had to have it. There’s something about the loose-fitting tank that can be worn under a cardigan that I love love love. I made it one evening when I came home from work and it was easy and fun.

I sewed up the size Medium based on my bust measurement, but I think I can go to a small. I know it’s supposed to be loose, but the armholes are too big and the front dips down too low for my taste. OMG you guys, I had no idea I was such a prude.

I feel good that I was able to make a few things for myself that turned out reasonably well, that I really really like, with some simple patterns that I know I’ll make over and over.

YAY ME.

Fabulous SoCal

2012-04-17T16:05:30Z

So. The trip. It was amazing, and I think I’m getting over my exhaustion. Finally. It’s hard work traveling all over the place with 4 kids, and don’t let anyone ever tell you different, son.

The highlights: seeing my mother. Oh dear. I missed her so, and the girls could not get enough of her.

Also: Sea World. The beluga whales, and the girls feeding the seals.

Disneyland. Ugh, it sucked for the adults, but the kids had fun. They got to go on all the kiddie rides, and Nanny spoiled the shit out of them by buying them princess dresses at the Bibbity Bobbity Boo store. I just about DIED.

We also hit up the LA Fashion district, and I did some damage there buy a) buying a suitcase for the trip home, and then b) accidentally filling it with fabric as we went shopping for, you know, fabric. Oops.

Sidenote: although we did have 2 tons of shit to bring home, we only had 3 checked bags (for 6 people) that included about 30 pounds of fabric. AND. The 3rd suitcase? Stuffed full of fabric and notions? Was only 2 pounds over the weight limit. The sweet, sweet lady at the Continental counter didn’t charge me extra. I’m pretty sure I should win a prize for that shit. I’m like a magical packer.

Another highlight: getting to meet up with friends that Bryan and I haven’t seen in about 6 years (since before Charlie turned 1!). Thea is older now than Charlie was when we moved. Mind blowing, right?

The last day our flight didn’t take off until 9:30pm, which was actually pretty sweet. We got to hang out with my mom and step-dad all day at Balboa park, got some (delicious!) food and gelato at Pappalecco, and then took our sweet ass time checking in for the flight and going through security.

Funny little story: when we went through security, Thea and I were flagged for additional inspection. The agents looked at me, looked at my herd of kids, looked at each other, and stood there with their mouths hanging open. I may have yelled. A lot. About dumb shit security flagging a mother of four and WHERE ARE MY KIDS GOING TO GO? A very nice agent came over, apologized for the dumbness, and had me “additionally screened” in two minutes flat. I guess having 47 kids with you *can* be a good thing.

I had such a good time. So did Bryan, and so did the girls. Such fun, and just a ton of experiences that we were so blessed to share with our girls. I haven’t even pulled all the pictures off my camera yet. FOR SHAME. Guess what I’ll be doing this weekend?

Want to see the pics I do have? Click here for the Flickr gallery. <3

Exhausted

2012-04-11T19:01:51Z

Early Sunday morning we got back from our week-long trip to San Diego/SoCal. It was an absolutely amazing experience: Squarespace sent the entire family for a vacation. We got to hang out with friends and family that we haven’t seen in far too long, and go on some incredible adventures.

Of course, we got up early every morning and stayed up late to make the most of our days. We’re terribly tired, but I can’t wait to share our pictures here, once I’ve had a bit of time to recover.

I didn’t realize how fiercely I miss my mother, those blue skies and palm trees, and the long freeway drives. Sweet memories.

School Photo Dresses

2012-03-23T14:30:24Z

Awhile ago Oliver + S was having a pattern sale, so I snatched up the School Photo Dress pattern. I love the detail in this dress: the collar, the sleeve bands, and the hidden kangaroo pocket.

It calls for an invisible zipper, which seemed very daunting. After some consideration though, I figured it wouldn’t get any easier if I didn’t try it at least once, so I pushed onward. You guys, I am so brave.

I bought some corduroy prints in two color ways, some white lining material, and 2 invisible zippers. Then I got to work.

I made Charlie’s first, and had to re-do the pocket 3 damn times. I couldn’t wrap my brain around it, for some reason. Once I figured it out, though, it was so easy. And then I smacked myself.

Charlie’s zipper turned out *ok.* Not great. It’s not truly invisible. It went in just fine, no fuss, but I really wanted it to be completely invisible.

When I made Phoebe’s, I really took my time on the zipper part, and I nailed it. I am so proud of the back of her dress that I might just make her wear it backwards. For realsies.

I think these dresses will be great through spring, since they can be work with or without tights, and the sleeve length is great for warmer or cooler weather (with a sweater).

I even hand-stitched the lining, just like the pattern told me to. I’m so good at following directions.

Anyway, I’m really proud of these, and again, I can’t stop raving about Oliver + S. The instructions made it so damn simple, and here I have two beautifully constructed garments. I feel like a real sewist.

Fair Weather Jacket (again!)

2012-03-21T13:30:17Z

Oh yes. I made another jacket, this time for Thea. The pattern is the Fair Weather Jacket from SweetShop on Etsy. It’s seriously the best jacket pattern ever, and when Lincoln is big enough he’s going to get one, too.

I thought maybe I wouldn’t, but then I decided it would be too cute if they all had little matchy-matchy jackets. So I ordered some super effing adorable flannel and some purple baby-wale corduroy, and got to work.

This was the easiest jacket, since I’ve done it twice already. Also, I added a little loop for hanging it up. Very smart of me.

I actually didn’t buy buttons for the jacket, and just used what I had in my stash. Because I did this (read: did not plan properly) I didn’t have a total of 6 matching buttons. The 4 front buttons match, and the 2 back buttons are different. Whatever. She doesn’t care, and neither do I.

I did add interfacing again to the back straps, like I did for Phoebe’s. Phoebe’s washes up so much better with the stiffer straps, so I don’t have to iron the damn things every time it comes out of the wash. I stopped ironing Charlie’s, so they just get wrinkled. Interfacing = winning.

I just love it on her, and I love the 3 matchy sisters. She loves the hood and the pockets.

So, so, so, so cute.

DIY Laundry soap

2012-03-19T14:00:41Z

So, I already blogged about how I made some dishwashing soap. I know, it totally blows your mind. I’ve made 2 batches so far: tea tree and lemongrass. I have plans to also make Orange, using (super cheap!) essential oils from here. I also ordered more lye from there, for quite cheap.

Shortly after both batches cured, I decided to try to use my soap to make some laundry soap. Previously I had used Fels Naptha, and while it worked fine I just didn’t like the smell.

The Fels Naptha bars are 5.5oz, so I used 7 ounces of my soap, just for a little more cleaning power. I grated it up just the same, and essentially followed this recipe. I use 1 cup of borax and 1 cup of washing soda, though, and I no longer dilute it with water — I just it full strength right from the bucket.

My laundry soap turned out white and creamy, instead of separated and chunky. It has more of a laundry-soap consistency, which I think is interesting. As far as cleaning power goes, it works exactly the same IMO. What I love is that I can make it for pretty cheap, scent it to my liking, and use it both for dishes and for laundry.

Even if you don’t make your own soap, you should totally make your own detergent. I can’t believe how easy it is, and it makes a whopping 5 gallons at a time. For a family our size, we go through it pretty quickly, but I can’t imagine buying commercial detergents anymore.

So satisfying, and really thrifty. Yay!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2012-03-17T16:33:43Z

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! We don’t have much (if anything) planned, since I don’t like beer of any color, and it appears that all the St. Patrick’s day parades happened last weekend. Oh well.

I did make the girls some skirts, out of fabric that Bryan picked out at the store. I think he mostly chose it because it has glitter. He’s such a good dad.

Easy peasy circle skirts, with 2” elastic waistbands. The elastic was white, and I didn’t have any matching dye, so I just settled on a yellowish-green. Hey, it’s better than white.

I like the way the waistband went on the skirts this time — no messy stitching to show on the front. I’ll be using this method in the future for sure. That was the only thing I hated about these skirts (the messy waistband stitching) so I’m thrilled that these turned out so well.

Twirl power + shamrocks = magic.