Sewing for me: Super Tote

Well I finally finished my Super Tote by Noodlehead. I only started it a year ago so I figured it was about time to finish it up. I am really mad that it took me so long because I love it! I loved the pattern when Anna first introduced it and purchased it right away. Then it took some time to pick out the right fabric to use. I finally decided and cut everything out, even fused all the interfacing, made the straps and then it sat. Other projects came up and the summer rolled around then the new school year and holidays...you know life. And I also put things for myself last. Selfish Sewing Week gave me the push I needed to finish up this awesome tote.

linen piping!!

small pocket inside main outer pocket

 The Details:
The Pattern: Super Tote by Noodlehead
The Fabric: Meadowsweet by Sandi Henderson (so sad that this line is unavailable I just love it) linen from Joann, yellow Kona Cotton from Joann
Trims/Notions: self made linen piping, magnetic snap
Notes: I added a small pocket on the inside of the main outer pocket to hold my cellphone and chap stick/lip gloss. I also fully lined the outer pocket piece.


I love this tote! It holds so much stuff. I had a cardigan of mine and a sweatshirt of Erin's inside the tote along with my wallet, water bottle, snacks, a notebook and it was not busting at the seams. This tote is perfect for taking on trips to the park and trips to the mall and just great for everyday use. The instructions were very clear and easy to follow. I finished up the tote in a day once I really sat down and concentrated.

I already have plans for another tote in darker colors for the fall/winter. I just hope that one doesn't take me a year to finish too ;)

Sewing for me: Parisian Top

Hello! So it seems that it takes a sew-along to get me to sew/blog these days. And it is coming down to the final days of the Spring Top Sew-along over on Made by Rae, so I thought it was about time I posted this top that I made at the start of the sew-along. I am very happy that I sewed something for myself. I have only made three other garments for myself, two of which I blogged about here and here, and I find that I really enjoy sewing clothes for myself. Maybe even a little more than I enjoy sewing for the kids. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that what I sew for myself will still fit six months from now (or at least it better! I will have to up my running if it doesn't ha!) And I will be way more likely to totally like what I sew myself and not give myself any grief about wearing it. Resistance to photo shoots, however, will continue. I find it extremely awkward having someone take my picture for the purpose of "modeling".

So without further ado, here are some awesomely awkward photos of me "modeling" my new top:

Sweet pics, right? Vogue should be calling any day now.

The Details:
The Pattern: Parisian Top (purchased as part of the Just Add Jeans Bundle from Pattern Anthology) size small
The Fabric: Teal Green Ponte de Roma from Girl Charlee for the top, Sew Classic Peachskin in Ocean Paisley from Joann Fabric for the collar (left over from Erin's Bimaa)
Notions/Trims:
Notes: I sewed the size small but think I should have used the size medium for the armscye and the sleeves. While not uncomfortable, it feels a little too fitted under the arm. I think that is what is causing the pulling in the photo above. I also made some kind of error with the neckline and collar so I had to put a little pleat at the front neckline to make it work. I got the idea from Caroline, thank you!

So far this shirt has become a favorite. I've worn it three times since sewing it up. The fabric did get a little pill-y after the second wash but not so terrible that it can't be worn. I almost had to throw it in the trash after the first wash...I forgot to check a certain little guy's pockets and when I took the load out of the dryer, there was red and blue crayon all over everything! Thankfully, I soaked everything in shout and rewashed it all and the crayon came out of all but a few things. Note to self: remember to check pockets!