Summer Sewing Projects

I've been working on a few summer sewing projects to add to my wardrobe.   My sisters and I recently went to Zinck's Fabric Outlet in Ligonier where I found this beautiful gauzy cotton butterfly fabric.   I knew immediately that I wanted to make a summer kimona style top from this fabric.   I originally thought that I would use my serger to do rolled hems on all the edges but the fabric was so loosely woven that I had to make hand rolled hems on all edges.   Nearly 7 yds of hand hemming!!!!  It was beautiful when finished but very time consuming.   I will love wearing this piece. 

The second project was a simple cotton top.  I bought this fabric about a year ago in a cute shop in Cincinnati called Fiberge  Knits and Bolts.   She has a very nice selection of fabrics and yarns.  Well worth the trip.   I really like the loose cotton tops with capri pants.  They hang loose from the body to keep you cool when it's hot but the sleeves also keep me from getting too cold in air conditioned restaurants.  

To add an additonal personal touch I made a necklace from fabric that picked up all the colors in the top.   If you haven't tried making your own fabric jewelry I recommend you give it a try.   This necklace was made using the "Ficklesticks" method.   Ficklesticks has a website where you can buy a starter kit that includes idea book and wire.   I'm definitely going to do more textile jewelry in the future.  There are so many beautiful ideas ways to use up fabric scraps and make something is totally you and totally unique.  

           

Clover Mini Iron Caddy

I received a clover mini iron with all the attachments as a Christmas gift from my son.   All those attachments are very handy when working in small places such as doll clothes.   My only problem was how to store and keep track of all those pieces.   I decided to design a caddy for the iron and its attachments.   I wanted each piece to have a separate storing place so that I could easily see them and also know if I missed putting one of them away.  As you can see there is a place for every tool and the instructions too.   When I'm done I can just fold it up and put it way in a drawer or on a shelf and everything will be ready for me the next time.   Sure it's not very glamorous but it's very functional and  that's half the battle sometimes.