Sewing with remnants

Definition of remnant: noun
1. a remaining, usually small part, quantity, number, or the like.
2. a fragment or scrap.
3. a small, unsold or unused piece of cloth, lace, etc., as at the end of a bolt.


I came across a free pattern for a little dress. It's called Little Geranium. The size is 0-3 months. Since I have two brand new granddaughters, and since it will be summer soon, I thought I'd make the girls their first little dress. I headed for my bins of fabric looking for little remnants. I found two pieces that were similar in colour.

These are the two fabric remnants I found. One is the polka dot and the other one is just underneath but is a bit hard to see. It has a small floral motif on it.

The skirt part is the whole width of yardage which is between 40-44 inches. I had some teeny tiny rick rack and decided that it would be a perfect trim for the pockets.

Just to give you an idea as to size, the ruler is an 8 inch square.

Here's the second one I made. The colour is not true in this photo. The back yolk has a button or snap closure but I opted for circles of hook and loop (Velcro) since babies spend a lot of time on their backs or propped up leaning on their back. A button or snap just seemed like it might bother a little one.

Here's a close-up of the wee rick rack.

If you want a free similar dress in an 18 month size, I found one here.

This is a super easy pattern - with French seams. My daughter wanted these pants for Teemu because they were roomy in the bum area and tapered down the leg. The front and the back are identical. I found a small piece of seersucker  on my shelf that I had purchased when my children were little. It was a remnant and the price tag on it was $2.44. 

The second pair. I really like this fabric and I found two different pieces of it. It's a soft cotton and the weight is just perfect for shirts and pants.

That's it for now. I still have a bunch of sewing to do - some of it just repairs or alterations. 

I'm linking up with The Needle and Thread Network. 
Pop on over to see what's new.

Just a bit of cross stitch

Whenever a new grandchild was born, I always gave a cross stitched card to go with the gift.

This was the very first card kit that I cross stitched. I made one for Luc and then four years later, I had acquired an identical kit and made it up for Teemu.

This was the second card kit that I made.

I changed the colour a bit because it was for baby Patric's gift.

This one I did when the twins were born in 2014. It was hard to find a 'welcome twins' cross stitch.

Here's the beginnings of yet another card. I took this photo to show just how important the black outlining is. It just defines everything.

Here's the finished card. It was for Esme's gift.

And this last one, the same design but a slightly different colour palette, I made for Darcy's gift. These last two are cards that I cut a window out of and finished myself.

It has been hard to find cross stitch card designs for babies. I remember when cross stitch was the thing to do and there were several stores devoted to cross stitch but now, there is very little and almost nothing for babies. After exhausting the internet and my own cross stitch booklets (I had nothing in way of baby designs), I emailed my friend Judy and she found a booklet that she had. She scanned it for me and these last two are from that booklet. 

I then (finally) thought about the library and, after doing a search of the catalogue, found and borrowed two books on cross stitch card designs. Both books have a couple of designs that I could use. About a week ago I also found the newest Cross Stitcher magazine and not only did it have a cross stitch of my favourite flamingo, it also had several welcome baby designs. So, I'm all set now.

Two new and four refurbished

I have been sewing for the little people in my life again.

Two new pairs of pajamas. One size 4 (the blue ones) and one size 6. The patterns are ones that I have had since my children were small.

These are pacifier clip straps (or strings.) The twins used them and I suggested making new ones. I had made the two bottom ones. They all needed to be freshened up for their new baby sister.

Two of the clips didn't seem as if they would hold too well and so I only re-used the two better clips. 

I had some new clips in my stash and managed to come up with bright fabrics for these. The red and white is in honour of Canada's 150th birthday.

Weather-wise, we've had rain. And more rain.

It's great for greening up the grass and bushes.

But one day the sun was shining and it was still raining.

I have more little people sewing to finish up. Once I've completed it, I'll take photos and show you what I accomplished - using remnants.

Lindsay Creative Quilters - Part two

These are the last of the photos from the quilt show.

You really have to plan a quilt like this.

A lot of quilters these days do some interesting things with panels.

Modern quilts are always nice on the eyes - lots of white.

An interesting take on the Orange Peel.

Now this is fun. I've not seen this style of umbrella girl.

A nice and well preserved old quilt with a history.

The old quilt reproduced.

And even more history.

This is a great wall hanging.

On closer viewing, the quilter zig zagged the edges with multi-coloured thread.

A great appliqued quilt made in 2009(?) - the maker was there and she said that it still covers her bed. Judy recognized the pattern and it was hand quilted.

A better look at one of the appliqued leaves.

  

This was a huge quilt - most likely king size.

Once again, a fun quilt.

The one and only crazy quilt - and it was a mini.

Just for you Mary Anne.

I hope you all enjoyed the show.

Lindsay Creative Quilters Show - Part one

As I mentioned in the last post, I attended a quilt show on the weekend. Lots to see and many vendors were there also. Judy and I got a few bargains - even though we didn't need anything. There were so many quilts that were just 'Fun' and also quite a few that were hand quilted.

A fun close-up - a crocheted sunflower.

There were a couple of these embroidered quilts in different colours.

Just one of the blocks.

This was a fun quilt with so much to look at.

Another fun quilt...

with a few nice surprises to look at.

And the last one for today - another fun quilt.

Lovely 3D features.

I'll post more photos tomorrow.