Sewing for the soul

Taking what you are good at and using it as a tool to help others. In any small way you can.. that's one thing that I think all people should do. It adds fulfillment to your life. Satisfies the soul. In my experience it has.

With all that people have going on in this day in age, people forget that. Or they just don't have time.
I understand the time aspect. I am a busy mama. 5 wonderful kids that help to occupy my time as well as a husband, 2 dogs, a house, sewing etc etc etc.. you know what I mean. Juggling time is a lost art ;)

Well.. anyways.. in my "free time" I like to quilt. I am a beginner quilter, but have intermediate sewing skills so I think they both work to my advantage with  the kind of quilting I do.
My sisters I and I, along with a great friend of ours, decided to use our talents and abilities to help others and founded a not for profit mission called Enraptured Embrace. Our intent is to help provide a sense of comfort to those suffering the loss of a loved one. To do that we offer quilts and pillows made from their loved ones clothing, free of charge.
We think of these quilts as a stepping stone in the grieving process and hope that they offer the bereaved a sense of love and comfort.

Our first request came from a woman grieving the loss of her daughter. She was well into her second trimester in her pregnancy when she found out her daughter had passed. She gave us what clothes she had gathered during her pregnancy and we made her a beautiful memento. Something we hope she cherishes for a lifetime. Something we hope will help ease the pain that comes with the loss. Something small but filled with love.

 We left on buttons, snaps and little duckie flaps. We also added in the bodice of two adorable dresses. The back is made from the stretchier fabrics and the front is made of all woven fabrics. Our good friend and Enraptured Embrace Volunteer, Mandy, hand binded the entire quilt. Beautiful end result!

To see more, learn about what and why we do what we do or even send a request PLEASE visit our blog :)
http://enrapturedembrace.blogspot.com/

Thanks for Reading!!

Inspired to sew for ME!

I am a hippie chick. I think it's in my jeans (pun. ha ha ha) because my style is similar to that of my sisters and my mother.
I am a HUGE fan of the hippie clothing store Soul-Flower. Huge huge. They are pricey but it is well made so when I can afford to .. I buy... but when I can't afford to... I sew!!

This scoop neck, backless hoodie made me squeal inside. A MUST HAVE in my book.. in as many colors as possible! My checkbook this month though.. not allowing it. So plan B.. copy copy copy..lol.

This was my inspiration (by Soul-Flower)


and this is my version. PLEASE keep in mind that this is my first copy. Perfect for me.. but far from what I would call a done deal. I have plans for more of these.

I changed the top to fit my taste a little more.. I am not fond of elastic in my clothing so I decided to omit that back elastic and in it's place I added a drawstring with extra long ties. The ties are long enough to tie in many different ways allowing for creativity in the wear of the top. I like that the BeSt.

                                                     To save from using my nice fabrics on a proto type I recycled a jersey knit sheet from the thrift store (pre washed of course..lol)

So!! What do you think??

Lovely little Leo

Fist off   HAPPY 10th Birthday to my oldest princess, Tiara!!!! I love you doll face!!!

My beautiful diva turned one year older today.
Makes me feel... old. LOL. How many times will I say that in my lifetime.

She grows more and more beautiful every year and makes me more and more proud as well.
This year.. all year. .she asked to be enrolled into Gymnastics classes.
She has always shown an interest but was always easily distracted by the other sports.. you know, the ones that don't cost as much as a used car :sigh:.
There was no holding her off anymore.. she had played baseball too many times and was ready for gymnastics.

I, being the sewing mama that I am, HAD to try to make her a leotard. HAD to.. and I received the most beautiful piece of cotton/Lycra in a trade that was Perfect for her. And there was enough left to make something for me too :D

So without further ado.. here is Tia's new (only at the moment) leotard! I LOVE it and so does she!

I see LOTS of these in her future!
Thanks for reading!!!!

Hansel and Gretel!

Hard by a great forest dwelt a poor wood-cutter with his wife and his two children. The boy was called Hansel and the girl Gretel.

Hansel sz 10, shown on my sz 7 so it is a little big on him. Fully adjustable and hidden elastic behind front panel allows for a comfortable fit.

Gretel sz8 (also made a sz 6) shown on a sz 8 Mackenzie. Beautiful fit. Adjustable ties on the side of the dress as well as elastic encased in the arms allow this costume to fit a wide range as well.

I also made 3 Squirrel costumes but want to adjust and attach the tails before I post them :D Gimme a few hours and I will have them up. They are off to the post office in the morning!!

A New Twirl in Town

Adorable and less time consuming! My new Girly Twirl dress design!
Made in Double and triple layered twirls! I hope to get some action shots for tomorrows post (I made some Sweet costumes and plan to show them off tomorrow!) so watch for that!

I have a dozen or so more of these all twirled out and ready for sleeves! I am geared up for the Think Spring Arts and Craft Fair at Serb Hall on April 3rd!
Thanks for reading!

Matchy Matchy!

I got the opportunity to make a matchy brother /sister set for kids other than my own! :)
I had a blast!
As I mentioned earlier.. in another psot somewheres.. I am not tooo keen on boy sewing. Not that I dont like boy duds.. because I do! It is just easier to sew for girls and I like to sew ruffles.
I have never been a girly girl and I think I surpressed it a bit too long and a bit too hard.. it has manifested into this girly sewing frenzy that is out of control!
;)
Here is what I made for D and J's photoshoot with the talented Karie of Grateful memories Photography!
Enjoy!

Dainty in Damask

Olabelhe
Your guess is as good as mine
:shrug:
I like this patter by them, though! It's the Natalie dress.
SO pretty.
I made this one for my daughter to wear to my brothers wedding, this May.
I have LOTS more to sew for this even.. including MY dress!
Wish me luck!
Here is Dolly's!

This is why I wanted the ruffled leggings, they allow her to play all while looking cute and staying modest! Win Win!

She is making it clear that she is ALL DONE with pictures.. twice in one day was good for her!

Thanks for looking!