This has been a long week and I’m so glad it’s finally Friday!!  In addition to cleaning and organizing my studio, I’ve also been extra busy with life.  I needed some creative therapy time and I grabbed some time on my own and began sewing some things for other people.

First, I patched a pillow sham for a friend.  Yeah!! Sorry, didn’t take photos but it was a faded lavender and green with a scalloped border.  All I did was add two patches, but it now looks extra vintage.  I don’t usually agree to be a fixer or seamstress for other people, besides my own kids, but this was actually easy and fun.  Cleaning my studio made it resurface and it was priority to take finally take care of it!

I made some more tiny doll clothes just to really make myself happy.  I know that A Doll Like Me will gladly use them, but selfishly, it was all for me!  These tiny little clothes are fun, easy to make and usually quick.  I add a challenge here and there and it’s always rewarding.  I had mentioned a few weeks ago that Joann’s had sewing patterns on sale.  This next dress was from a Simplicity pattern (#8577) that was only 99 cents!!  There is a lot going on in this pattern bundle and I made both the doll purse and a little tiny dress.

The dress is made from a seersucker fabric from Joann’s, which was on sale. I thought the bright colored tulips would make a perfect summery dress.  I didn’t have any tiny ric-rack on hand, so I used a regular size.  This dress didn’t call for pockets, but a different outfit in the pattern had the round shape pocket with trim.  I thought I would add it to make the dress more fun.  What do you think?  Would you skip the pockets next time or do you think they add something?

The directions for the tiny purse called for it to have an actual chain as the handle.  I wasn’t thrilled with that for little kids who may have some special circumstances.  I made my own strap, but there are many options for finishing this bag.  The velcro isn’t in the exact spot but I made it work.  I also had to add interfacing and a lining to the bag.  Why?  Because I’m crazy and need to add extra work for myself.  So all in all, this bag is not as advertised in the pattern, but improvising is part of the fun!

The dress didn’t call for the pockets, but I felt it was too plain.  What do you think? Do you like the pockets or not?  Would you skip them next time?

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I made two more drawstring doll dresses.  The one on the right, with the clownfish fabric, has a fabric ball to go with it.  It’s still being sewn closed so no photo yet.  The floral blue dress is a gorgeous print that is much better in person.  I actually made the little purse for this dress, but it can go with either this or the one above.

Then, Amy requested a little baseball themed outfit from me.  Here is an adorable little pair of boy doll shorts.  Yes, I have a small fabric ball to match that is also stuffed and ready to hand sew.  I couldn’t pass up the chance to send a little matching baseball for this cute item.  Notice the pockets are really functional.  I would love to sew a tiny baseball mitt or something for that pocket in the back!!  Oh well, something to aspire to.  (Actually, Pixiefaire.com has a pattern for a baseball outfit that includes a mitt, no joke!)

Finally, I am a fan and monthly participant in the quilt block drive for Covered In Love, a creation of Kat’s from katandcatquilts.com.  This month she has taken a break and asked us to help with other worthwhile charities.  She’s suggested that we make a 36″ baby quilt for a wonderful organization, Jack’s Basket, that I had not previously heard about.  What a fabulous endeavor!! Here is Kat’s description of what they do:

“Jack’s Basket it’s a charity that meets parents in the confusing days right after their child’s birth and gives them a gift basket full of useful items, information about Down Syndrome and local support groups, blankets and clothes.  More than that though, Jack’s Basket gives them hope. Hope that their baby is beautiful and has a bright future. Hope that other parents have been here before. Hope that different is not a bad thing.  

Here is a quilt that I am sending Kat for Jack’s Basket.  She graciously agreed to quilt it for me, given that I don’t have a long arm.  I’m sure many of us will provide quilts and add a nice stash for the meaningful  baskets that are given to special new parents.  Here is my strip quilt.  I’m sending batting, a backing and purple binding all at the same time.  Kat will work her magic and make it complete.

Baby Quilt for Jack’s Basket…to be quilted by Kat.  I plan a purple binding for this.

That’s all for now.  I hope to do some more straightening up in my studio.  Of course, there will be some projects jumping in my lap along the way.  Naturally, one cannot keep the space pristine for too long!!

Linking up to:

Monday Making

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Too Cute Tuesday

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