Happy New Year!

I am late to the party, nothing new there. We had a good holiday, how about you? I took off three extra days in the weeks leading up to Christmas in order to preserve my sanity and it worked. We visited my family in Austin, then hosted four of our best friends for New Years.

Here are myself, my niece Karlie and mom all wearing tops that I made on Christmas day. Theirs were Christmas gifts. We look alike, don't we?!
For mom I used a gorgeous crossweave linen from Joann and the Fisherman's top patterns from Merchant and Mills Sewing Book. Karlie's tunic is made with the juvenile apparel knit from Joann and I'm so in love with it! I used Simplicity 1785, which I had sewn for her before.

And her model pose.     I asked Frank for this ring made by our friend Claire for my Christmas gift. I adore it! It fits perfectly with my wardrobe and my everyday jewelry. I never wear rings but this one is perfect.

I also felt inspired to make some new jewelry designs. My friend Matt asked me to make his wife some small-ish earrings. Inspired by Claire's work, I finally got my hands on some brass to play with and am happy with what I cam up with. I think I need to make both of these for myself now!


Here are my top nine instagram pics from last year. Pretty much sums it up, lots of sewing, a little travel, including our trip to Tulum that I still need to share, and some adventures in the kitchen.


There hasn't been any New Year Resolution stuff going on over here just yet. I have plans but got sick and have no groceries, so no gym or healthy eating plan for us at the moment. I promised myself to get back to the gym asap. We are in the midst of refinancing our home and planning to do some work around here, so that will consume most of our Spring. I also promised myself to not buy any new fabrics, but instead work my way through my stash this year. I may break this rule for things I really need but don't have fabric for, like winter wear and possible jeans sewing. We shall see. Mostly I won't be too hard on myself or too rigid. I'm in a good and happy place and hope to stay here.

 I hope you too are having a wonderful new year filled with whatever it is that makes you smile.
 xoxo Ashley

Karlie's Easter Dress

Karlie answered my mom's phone when I called during her Spring break. She told me, "Aya, I need a Spring dress". Don't worry, I said, I'm already planning one. The entire plan came together around that little scrap of gorgeous green floral that is the top ruffle. I had purchased it at the now closed City Craft in Dallas (so sad) with Karlie in mind.



It is a little hard to see from the pattern envelope, but I could tell that McCalls 6685 would allow me to pair lots of fun fabrics together. I love putting colors and patterns together for K as it allows me to go over the top with cuteness. I kept the body of the dress simple with two white eyelets, underlined in coral quilting cotton and a semi-sheer swiss dot. The top two fabrics were from my stash. And who can resist adding a little tulle to a 5 year olds dress?! I think the end result is the perfect blend of cute and fun and I think she liked it.


Tricking Gagee (Frank) with the promise of a hug.


He got her back!


Karlie picked some Indian Paintbrush when she stopped to take pictures with her mom.


This cracks me up so much. She is tough and wasn't phased at all. I look so unconcerned.


A little detail of the skirt fabrics. Everytime I make something for Karlie I think it is the cutest thing I have ever made!

We had a lovely, but way to short visit with my family. My dad's birthday was the day after Easter this year, so it was extra nice to be able to be there. Dad is on a diet and said he couldn't have cake anyways, but I think he was just making me feel better about the fact that I ran out of time to make him one. We had lots of cousins and friends for the day and everyone brought delicious and healthy veggie sides and salads. It was the first time I remember eating a holiday meal where I didn't feel gross afterwards. Ham plus all those veggies were the perfect Easter meal in my opinion. I hope that tradition continues!

Sewing for the cutest little toot I know

Oh my, I have a serious back log of unblogged projects. My poor neglected blog had comments awaiting moderation and I just never get good pictures of my work. I have been sewing and knitting and plan to start sharing my work again. Here I am just now sharing the two gifts that I sewed for Karlie for Christmas.

As you can see these pictures aren't great and they are from Instagram, but I just can't help sharing the cuteness.  Every time I make something for my niece Karlie I think it is the cutest thing I have ever made and this apron is no exception.  The pattern is Simplicity 1536, an It's So Easy pattern, and it really was super easy.  Despite all the binding with bias tape it really came together quickly.  There is a matching pattern for mom, which I should make for my Sister in law as well.  If you need to sew an apron I think this pattern is great!  I also found small utensils and a little colander to go with her gift. Isn't she the cutest?!



Karlie asked me for an Elsa costume for Christmas but I didn't feel like I had time to get it done. Instead I made her a Frozen inspired outfit that she could wear to school.  I had a lot of fun with this one and I think it is a perfect blend of casual and dressy.  This one is Simplicity 1332 and it was super simple as well.  I changed the construction of the cardigan a bit by adding a band of knit to finish off the front and bias tape around the bottom of the sequin ruffle.  As you can see Karlie was happy to model for me!



I think those were the only handmade gifts I made for Christmas last year. Every year I swear that I will start earlier the next, but it never happens. One of my girlfriends turned 40 this week and I started her handmade gift on Saturday and finished on Monday, the day of the party. I don't think inspiration really strikes until the deadline is looming for me. Sewing for myself is a different story and I always have multiple projects in the works. Too bad I'm so terrible at documenting them.

My little Hawkgirl

Our niece Karlie turned 5 and started kindergarten last month. We were lucky enough to be able to get down to Austin on her birthday. Here she is in the Hawkgirl costume that I made her, per her request.
 

Her favorite part of the costume was the mace. I also made her this little tunic that I drafted with pieced sleeves made from quilting cottons and knit.
 

Karlie is growing up so fast, and I imagine she will be changing in warp speed now that she is in elementary school. Here she is on her 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th birthdays. I feel so blessed to have this silly, smart and sweet little girl in my life!

Hawkgirl costume details: The costume is made from Poly-Lycra that I purchased at Joann. The Bustier (swimsuit) portion is McCall's 6729. I split it in half and seamed it at the waist. I used gold sparkle foldover elastic for the straps, and black foldover elastic for the waist.

The leggings are Simplicity 1332, and just happened to be one of the most recent patterns I picked up at a Joann sale.

I drew and cut the mask from foam sheets that I found at Joann, Frank's idea, and glued the layers together with a hot glue gun on low temp. The wrist bands are made from the same foam and laced with thin leather lacing. The mace is made from a styrofoam ball, a dowel for the handle and polymer clay for the spikes.  I made the spikes and stuck a nail in each one before baking.  Once baked I put hot glue on the bottom of each and stuck the nail into the styrofoam.

Not shown are the boot covers that I made from red vinyl.  They had pins in them because I needed to measure for size and she was scared that the pins would poke her.  They were made from McCalls 7001, intended for a wonder woman costume but I put hawk legs on them.

The wings were purchased at our local costume shop.  Karlie woke me up early the morning after her birthday telling me, "Aya, I have to show you something".  She was watching the cartoon that Hawkgirl is in and said "look, her wings don't have straps!".  Apparently Hawkgirl's wings are not attached to her body with elastic around the arms, didn't you know?!  I thought that was funny and cute.  But then again I think Karlie is funny and cute.  I hope she doesn't outgrow homemade gifts anytime soon, or like, ever!

I'm really pleased with how this costume came together, especially considering I didn't think I was going to make it in time for her birthday at all.  I ended up starting at the last minute and finished just in time.  Typical Ashley.

Belated Vacation Pictures

I went on vacation in mid July but haven hesitated posting anything because all I have to show for it are these Instagram pictures. Oh well, it was so relaxing AND productive that I have to share! We went to visit my family in the Texas Hill Country. Frank stayed for the weekend and then I stayed a few more days. Mom and I dyed a ton of fabric, which was one of my main goals. She taught me Ice dyeing, Indigo and I played around with painting with dyes a la Sallie Oh, with mixed results. I now have supplies to do this stuff at home, though I also have such a huge stash of fabric to sew through that I might not dye anything for a while.

The Ice Dyeing was my favorite. I love the unpredictability and the striking results!


Some of my newly dyed fabric stash, Solids, Indigo Shibori and Linen with dye sprinkled randomly.


The painted silks were fun to do, though my first attempt came out hideous! I didn't go in with a plan and just made a mess of it. I will overdye and rescue that ugly piece. These I love, but the bigger one faded a lot after they dried. I had watered down the dye and that was a bad idea. I will go back and add more color to make it more intense.

We swam several days in a row, and I even got a tan! This is Blue Hole in Wimberely and it was COLD. I also went to Barton Springs and swam in the San Marcos River. I don't get to swim often at home, and the swimming holes in the Hill Country are one of the main reasons that I want to move there. It is simply the only thing that makes sense when Texas heats up.

We went to Fredricksburg for the flea Market and ice cream, then swung by Luckenbach for a beer on the way home. It was such a wonderful vacation and I'm ready to go back. Work has been exhausting and though I had been sewing and working out and eating well, the last week of work threw a wrench in my plans and I have just fallen behind on everything. I'm off work today and am working on last minute birthday presents for Karlie, who turns five one week from today. She wanted a Hawk Girl Costume this year. I didn't think I would get it done but I'm having fun with it and it is coming together well. I have many unblogged sewing projects but do post frequently on Instagram these days.  Check me out if you want to see what I'm making.

Spring Sewing for Karlie

I have been so absent from my blog that I forgot how to log in today. That's pretty sad. I have been sewing though, and wanted to share the two latest things that I made for my niece Karlie.

This Knit tunic had been cut out since last Fall, but didn't get sewn up until last month. I cut the sleeves short so that she could wear it now. It is McCall's 6785, view B without the hood, in size 3. I had to use a contrasting neckband fabric, as the original piece that I had cut wasn't stretchy enough. The leggings were purchased. The kangaroo pocket got ripped off at the corners the first day she wore it and had to be repaired, so adding some interfacing under the edges might remedy that. This knit fabric was from Joann and I think they still have it on their clearance rack. It is a stable knit and super easy to sew with. I used my serger, but it could be just as easily sewn with a zig zag stitch on a regular machine. I'm really happy with how this came out and will use the pattern for her again.

We didn't get to visit my family for Easter but I finished this dress just in time to send it back with my mom when she visited. Mom gave me a bunch of cute fabrics for Karlie, all quilting cottons. I made this one with McCall's 6684 view C. I will also use this pattern again for her as it has other variations. This was another easy project that came out super cute. I just love sewing for her and I hope she doesn't outgrow liking what I make her.
 

Karlie's baby doll blanket

I shared a little bit of this project but I don't think it got it's due here. My niece Karlie told me that she wanted me to make a blanket for her baby dolls for Christmas. I shared a little of my progress during the ice storm in December. It came together just in time for Christmas, and besides the skirt I made her, was my only truly handmade Christmas gift last year. I hand dyed tiny bits of yarn and it worked out just right. This whole blanket only took two balls of sock yarn and lots of patience.
The pattern is free and the link is on my Ravelry project page.




 I just had to get her a new doll to go with the blanket. I got her the Alejandra doll from the My Generation Doll collection at Target. They are like a budget friendly American Girl Doll and are all really cute. I love that they come in different ethnicity's and there are tons of cute accessories and clothes that I can give her for future gifts.  I also made the little pillow from scraps of fabric that I have used for her in the past. 

2013 A Year in Review

I love looking back on what I have made and accomplished in a year. The process gives me a sense of fulfillment. Even if I haven't stuck to my plan or accomplished all of my goals I can see all the wonderful things that have happened. I did quite a bit of sewing in 2013. It was definitely my crafting focus. I mostly sewed for myself and Karlie, with a home decor project and one knit and one crochet completed. I would always like to make more, but here is what I completed and photographed last year.


I still have a couple of un-photographed pieces that I completed for myself.  I tend to go on sewing binges and make a few things.  I don't have a sewing room, so my machine and everything else get spread out on the dining room table.  Eventually I get tired of looking at it or we are having company so they get put away for a while.  I have so many more sewing projects cut and ready to go, so I have high hopes for this year.  I love sewing for Karlie as the projects are always high on cute factor, and easy with no fitting woes.  I do want to knit more this year.  I have conquered knitting to the extent that I can read patterns and it isn't totally alien to me know.  However I am the slowest knitter ever and can't imagine making a sweater, though I really want to!

You may be wondering why I never share jewelry anymore. That is because I rarely make new designs these days. With working full time my jewelry making is mostly limited to items that sell on Etsy. The rest of my time is devoted to selfish sewing and crafting. I did finish two new pieces just in the nick of time for Christmas, and both of which I am very proud of! The first is a Mother's pendant which was commissioned by a friend.

 The second is a Pendant for my mom that I started a Year and a Half ago! It went smoothly at first and then just came to a point where no matter what I did I couldn't solder on the prongs that I had planned. Finally it dawned on my to just change my plan and make it work. It isn't the best crafstmanship I've ever done, but considering my stale skills and the fact that it was a new design for me I am pleased. I love the little flower with the Peridot center. Karlie's birthstone is a Peridot and her middle name is Rose, so this is sort of a Grandmother's pendant for mom.

This time last year I had declared 2013 The Year of The Home. I made one pillow. I did do better with houseplants and with arranging some of my collections better. I do still want to give our home more love. With a big roof replacement pending and possibly more long overdue renovations, perhaps this year that wish will come true. In 2013 I ran a 10K and kept on running throughout the year, when the weather cooperated. We joined a gym but didn't stick with it, but hope to get back soon. Frank actually liked working out for the first time ever, which was a big change! We took a real vacation and I hope it's not another nine years before the next one. One of my biggest joys in life is traveling and going on adventures with Frank, so I hope that we can enjoy more of that together. We do as many small adventures together as we can, going on local trails and wandering through the woods. I had the best birthday yet last year! It included friends, family and a picnic in the woods with Frank.

For 2014 I plan to continue my selfish crafting. I want to get back in the gym and continue running outside as much as possible. We are going to attempt the Whole30 challenge, cutting out alcohol, sugar, dairy and grains for a month. I am also focusing on being more grateful. Life is never perfect, but I have a lot to be thankful for! Happy New Year Friends! xoxo Ashley

Hello There and Happy Holidays!

I've been absent for a while. We have been busy, doing all the regular pre-holiday stuff. We had a major ice storm a couple of weeks ago! These first two pictures were taken only three days apart. That's how it goes in North Texas. Sunny and seventies one day, ice storm and major gridlock the next day, which lasted for a week.

I live too close to work to not go in. I walked, and Frank was a sweetheart and walked me there and back. When I was home there was lots of snuggling under the down comforter.

And lots of crocheting. Karlie, my four year old niece asked for a new blanket for her baby dolls and of course I obliged. She knows her Aya will make whatever her heart desires!

I hope you are enjoying your own holiday prep and that you get to spend precious time with those you love. My work stresses me out to the max this time of year, and I always over commit and feel stretched too thin. I didn't bake cookies for the Christmas ever, but did make a delicious batch of peppermint bark. I also plan to make Almond brittle. I snuck in a few Christmas crafts and handmade gifts because it just doesn't feel right with out them. Don't stress out too much, and if you do take deep breaths, think of all that you have to be grateful for and eat some chocolate!
xoxo
Ashley

Heart Knickers for my Favorite Girl

I love sewing for Karlie and these might be the cutest thing I have made for her so far. Denim with tiny hearts? Yes please! Knickers with gathered pockets and tons of cute details? Of course!

It is always hard to get her to model her clothes, but once she starts posing she is a total ham.
I didn't get very good pictures because of the low light, but check out the cute inset pockets, they're my favorite part.



I was so excited for her to wear these that I neglected to get all of my markings off. Oops.
This pattern is McCalls 6540, which is unisex and also includes patterns for a knit and woven top. The pants have so many sweet details, really more like what I would expect from an indie pattern company.

This was my first time making buttonholes on my old Bernina and they came out ok. It was also my first time sewing a fly zip. It was much easier than I expected. This pattern wasn't difficult, but was time consuming. I would definitely make this pattern for her again. Luckily they fit loosely enough that she should be able to wear them into next Summer.

Karlie the Little Mermaid

I think she likes her birthday present!

I used McCalls 5498 but sewed it up in all knit and stretch fabrics so I omitted the zipper. I also had to take about 8" off the tail length. I cut the size 3-4 so it is big on her and will probably fit her til her feet start to stick out the bottom! I'm thinking stretch fabrics is the way to go for costumes.  The construction is so much quicker, there is room to grow and no zippers to put in.  It was mostly constructed on the serger.  I modified the bodice by making the little cover up separate and adding my own sea shells to meet her requirements for a "boobie bra".  I should have redrafted the fin part to be smaller in proportion to her body but I still think it is cute.  I think she is happy with it. 

A Little (Mermaid) Sneak Peek

I set aside my own sewing projects to make Karlie a birthday present. Per her request, a Mermaid Costume with a Boobie Bra. Oh that makes me laugh every time. Her 4th birthday party is this Saturday and it is the first one we won't be able to attend. I'm sad about that, but we were just there a few weeks ago. Mom and dad took this gift for her to open at the party and I can't wait to see a million pictures, especially of her wearing the costume. I guess costume making for Karlie is becoming a birthday tradition. Last year it was Snow White. I suppose as long as she is into costumes I will be into making them for her!


One reason that we won't be at the birthday celebration is that we are saving for a real vacation, just the two of us. It has been ages since we took one and we are so excited. I'm in the midst of planning right now.

I miss my family

We went to visit my family in San Marcos weekend before last. It was a great weekend, with swimming, relaxing, visiting friends and my sister in law's birthday party. Of course it went by way too fast, and we came home exhausted, and then I proceeded to get sick last week. We did enjoy the weekend though and can never get enough time with our niece Karlie. I made her a Ballet Folklorico inspired dress. She is wearing it in these pictures that Frank took. My mom is going to add ribbons around the bottom of the dress for her.

These were taken at the San Marcos Farmers Market on Saturday.
 

I used Simplicity 2377 for the bodice and drafted a Double Circle Skirt.

We visited a friend who has some land and lots of animals in San Marcos.  Now I'm daydreaming (even more) of moving down there.  Summers are made for swimming and there are numerous swimming holes.  Not to mention that I miss my family like crazy and want to be near them.  Visiting three or four times a year is just not cutting it.  I want to dye fabric and sew with mom, see Karlie at least once a week, swim any and every day of the Summer and perhaps go back to being a country girl.  I'm not sure Frank is convinced yet.



My daydreams are contained in my Pinterst boards for the moment. They include living in the Airstream for a little while. I know it would be a challenge but I think I'm up for it. A hot tub wouldn't hurt!

We swam at Jacob's Well on Sunday.  Cold, clear water, my favorite type of swimming hole.
 

I made my Sister In Law a birthday cake, cause that's what I do for the people I love! It was Vanilla Cake with Caramel Sauce and (OMG! Where has this been all my life!) Whipped Cream Cream Cheese Frosting.

Sorry for the super long post. I figured I better get it all in there since my blogging has been few and far between lately.