the amount of paraphernalia required at bedtime and naptime with Ellie is getting ridiculous. Here’s what she currently requires:
3 binkas
1 book
2 baby dolls
1 teddy bear
1 doggie
2-6 blankies.
Needles and a Pen » Knitting, Sewing, and Nursing School
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Granny and Poppa left today. Miss Ellie took it HARD. Kept saying “Ellie go” as they packed up. Pointedly told ME “Bye!” as they walked out the door. Clutched onto Granny with iron strength as I pulled her away. After they left Will asked, “Ellie, why are you sad?” Her answer: “Poppa. Bye. Granny. Bye.” We’ve never had a kid totally lose it after a visit before. So heartbreaking! Will is always a little sad and always asks when they’re coming back or when we’re going to Seattle, but he has never sobbing and struggled against me as family drove away! We set Ellie to right with some snuggles on the sofa and Tangled (or “Princess”). She fell asleep after 15 minutes. It makes me so happy that she enjoyed their visit so much, but so sad that they don’t see each other as often as I saw my grandparents! All little girls are “ewwie” all little boys are “buddy” all men are “daddy” and all women are “mommy” After successfully tackling the Star Wars costumes I decided it was finally time for me to man up and make a blouse for myself. I’m confident with skirts, but shirts have scared me. If a skirt is a little too small, you just pull it a little higher on your waist. If a shirt is a little too small, you have to stop eating cookies. This is a terrifying prospect.
The first top I made with this pattern I went with the small, made no adjustments, and used a voile. I was on the fence between the small or medium, and opted for the small since with its boxy style I was worried too big would be an unflattering disaster. It works, but I should have gone with the medium. You can see that it tugs where my arm is extended, and it’s a bit tight across the back.
I have a few more of these planned, and might even get brave and make it as a dress, although I doubt I have the right boots (or weather) to pull it off!
I realized today that I never shared what I spent much of October sewing–these Star Wars costumes for the family. I used the Simplicity 5840 pattern for Nic’s and my robes and tunics (and Heather’s white flannel Princess Leia robe, which we decided was a must because of our Colorado cold), and then used the basic understanding of how those are constructed to make robes for Ellie and Will and a tunic for Will. The adult jedi robes (and Ellie’s Yoda robe) were made from a linen-like material for authenticity, but by the time I got to Will’s robe I realized that fleece was better for warmth (and meant no need for hemming!)
My sister-in-law and brother-in-law came into town the weekend being Halloween, and they made rockin’ Princess Leia and Han Solo costumes (check out the red tape with black [Sharpie] stripes on Erik’s pants and Heather’s perfect Leia belt). I got to dig out my riding boots from high school (which I knew would come in handy eventually), Nic rented a holster for Han Solo and we made a really good looking group.
Boo at the Zoo has a large showing of Star Wars costume enthusiasts every year as one of the participants, and it made all the sewing well worth it when one of the clone troopers said “You guys look amazing. Great job.” Of course, poor Will wanted nothing more than a chintzy store bought costume like all the rest of the kids and cried several times over the humiliation of having a homemade Star Wars jedi costume when he could be something really awesome, like a polyester Transformer.
Great job on those costumes!! Everyone looks fabulous!! I especially love ellie’s hat! It’s fun seeing family dressed together. One of my friends dressed her family up as the cast of Dumbo. The ring master, dumbo, timmy, and Jumbo. Y’all look so great together in those costumes, and it looks like everyone had a great time! Nice Job!! I wish I would have pointed the gun at the camera. I thought it would be rude to pretend to shoot the photo viewer. Turns out it just looks dumb not to. |
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For the second top I went with the medium, and I added about an inch at each shoulder since my shoulders are on the broad side. Next time I’ll cut it back to 1/2 inch. The sleeves just look a little too poofy with the shoulder extending all the way across my frame. I used a flannel that I got on sale for a whopping total of $6.20. I had 1.5 yards of the 60″ wide fabric and I came incredibly close to having enough to have it be long sleeves. If it had been non-directional I think I could have pulled it off. It’s super comfy and I love it, even though halfway through I had one of those “oh no. this is either really cute or it looks like an old man’s nightshirt. one of the two.” moments.
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nicke - i love both of them!
Kristie at OCD - Have been crushing on this pattern. It looks good on virtually everyone! You did a great job, and I love how the different fabrics give it different looks!
amanda - Oh I love love love them!!!! I especially love the gray one, totally not mens pjs!!!!
Amanda - The shirts are great! I’ve sewn skirts before…but I have yet to tackle a top, but you did wonderfully!
Also, I wanted to let you know that I have awarded you the Liebster Blog Award. You can check it out here:
http://homedesignsbyamanda.blogspot.com/2011/11/occ-and-award.html
Congratulations!
Jacey - Both tops are super adorable on you! The flannel one looks so cozy and the shape is lovely.
Sheila - I think they both look fantastic. I’ve been wanting to try this pattern, since so many people have made such lovely tops with it!
Lisa - They both look great , love the floral fabric, I’m wating for my Tova pattern to arrive – flannel sounds like a great idea for winter too.
another wiksten tova top » Stolen Moments - […] absolutely love my flannel tova and have wanted to make another long sleeve version. It also just so happens to be the perfect […]
Jennifer@Ellison Lane Quilts - Love these Traci. I have this pattern and really want to try it. Might need to make a muslin one first as it will be the first top I’ve made for me. Yours look great!
Nan - I am a little late on leaving a comment on this post, but I love both versions of your tova top. I was googling for images of this top hoping to make one (I am terrible at sewing clothes) and I saw your voile fabric version. It is making me lean more towards making one. But, my success rate on the clothes making front is zero to none. We shall see.