Diaper Bag Gift Set

I have been wanting to show you how I can make a customized diaper bag, so here it is...

Along with 2 burp clothes and fleece lined changing pad.

The diaper bag has 6 pockets on the inside and a velcro closure.
We can create a custom bag specifically for you... we can adjust straps, colors, monogram font, etc.
Use your imagination!

Email me at jamaketcham@gmail.com if you are interested.

how to make toddler pants

Asher's Birthday is next week!  I cannot believe that he is going to be two.  I took some time off sewing for others and made him a Birthday outfit.  We do not have big parties, but we will wear a cute outfit and eat cake!! :)  I included a tutorial on how to make an easy pair of pocket pants, using a pair of pants you already have.

Check it out...

First Fold the pair of pants into half to use them as a template.

Place the pants onto the fabric and use a fabric marker (or washable crayola marker if you have one).  Draw around the pants. Can you tell I just grab a pair of pants out of the dirty clothes :)
Add about 1.5 inches to the top and 1 inch to the bottom.  This will be for the elastic and hem.

Cut 4 pieces... 2 for the front and 2 for the back.  Remember to use pinking shears if you don't want to finished the edges of the fabric with a zigzag stitch.  I am using my serger.

Sew together the two front pieces from the top of the pant to the crotch.

Sew together the two back pieces also.

Let me show you why I LOOOVEEE my serger!  It sews and finishes my edges all at the same time.

Put the front and back together and sew down both sides.
Sorry I forgot to take a picture of this... but just sew down the side seam of the pants from top to bottom of pant.
Now we are going to add pockets.  We will finish sewing up the legs of our pants AFTER adding pockets.
I am using an old t-shirt for my pocket fabric, but you can use whatever you want.
Create a template for your pocket, by cutting a piece of paper or cardboard. I created a square about 5x5 inches.  The top of my pocket is already finished, since I am using the edge of my t-shirt, so make sure to add inches if you need to turn the top of your pocket under and hem.
Draw around the template and then cut out your pocket piece.

Now is when you will finish the top edge of your pocket if you need to do so.
After you hem the top edge of your pocket, pin into place onto the side of your pant.
I used spray adhesive... which is wonderful stuff.  Sulky makes a spray adhesive that is in a small can, but goes along way!!!  Totally worth every penny.  GO... no RUN and get you some and you will thank me later!  It is also great for hand appliques and machine appliques too.
Anyways....
We will now zigzag stitch around 3 sides of your pocket.
Remember to leave your needle down and lift your pressure foot to turn the corner of the pocket.

Zigzag pocket #2...

Now is the time to sew the inside seams of the pant legs together.
Sew back seam to front seam... to create the pant leg.
You should have something like this now.

Turn under and iron the hem of the pants.

Turn under and iron to create an elastic casing.

Stitch the hem and casing.  Remember to leave an opening to thread the elastic through.
If you want to get fancy, you can add a top stitch around the top of the elastic casing to create a more finished look... but totally not necessary.

Thread elastic through opening.

Stitch elastic ends together.

Closing opening in the elastic casing.
Clip thread and iron...

Congratulations!!!
I also created a Birthday shirt to match... Look how cute it all turned out!

Tutorial Poll

Do you ever feel this way about sewing?  That it seem impossible??  Well I am hear to tell you that I started sewing 4 years ago and learned everything with out stepping into a class!  Most of what I learned I googled and learned from tutorials.  This is why I started this blog!  I couldn't find the time to go to sewing classes, but wanted to learn.
So "YOU CAN DO IT!!!!"

I really need your help though.  I am working on tutorials and I thought I would see if there were any requests out there?  I would love to do posts that my readers really have questions about sewing.  So if you are out there and want to do a project, with my help, email or leave a comment!

We may call it a "online sewing class" and have a time for interactive questions too!

Turkey!

Isn't this the cutest little fellow you have every seen!

It would be perfect for Thanksgiving... Gobble Gobble!

Let me know if you need a little turkey for your little turkey :)

AND THE WINNER IS...

Emma Cook!


Congratulations Emma!  Can't wait to make something for sweet Lawson!

Come back soon, because I am about to post another giveaway...
And thank you for all of your help!  I have had lots of orders from you guys through word of mouth.

Last Chance for Applique Giveaway!

So here is a great time to spread some great news and get a freebie at the same time!

I shared earlier that I have started a sewing blog to promote my products, as well as, provide tutorials for sewing enthusiast like myself.

More importantly, I am working to raise money for our adoption!!!

So, I decided to play a little game with all you readers and with your help we can spread the word!
Here is how this will work...

1.  Become a follower of my sewing blog (www.morethanclothing.blogspot.com) gets you in the drawing one time!

2.  Comment that you would like the hook up on a free appliqued shirt gets you in the drawing another time!

3.  Post on your blog about my "Applique Giveaway" and "Appliques for Adoption" fundraiser gets you in the drawing again!!!

4.  Email your friends and attach me on the email (jamaketcham@gmail.com)... gets you in the drawing AGAIN!!!

Okay so you have a chance to get your name in the drawing 4 times!!!!

What is your prize... Your choice of a long or short sleeve white shirt with any applique of your choice and design, and a monogram below if desired!!!!!

Check our my page of "Blanks for Monogramming" for styles and sizes.

The drawing will take place and be announced on  Friday, September 17!

These are some great patterns

I have gotten a lot of questions on which patterns I love, so I thought that I would share some of my favorite.  I also tag them as Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced :)

Short and Longall's...
Johnny by Children's Corner (B)

Paulie by Children's Corner (I)

Simple A-line Dress...
Lucy by Children's Corner (B)

Holly and Hunter's Jumper and Playsuit by Bonnie Blue (B)

Basic Pant...
Michael by Children's Corner (B)
Portabellopixie Ruffle Pant (I)

Basic Bubble...
Taylor by Children's Corner (B)

Bloomer Pattern...
Marcy Playset with Top and Panty (I)

Girl's Dress...
Portabellopixie Claire Sewing Pattern (apron dress) (I)
Lindsey Summer Dress and Jumper (I)

Skirts...
Three Tiered Skirt (check out this post for pattern) (B)

Applique Giveaway!!!

So here is a great time to spread some great news and get a freebie at the same time!

I shared earlier that I have started a sewing blog to promote my products, as well as, provide tutorials for sewing enthusiast like myself.

More importantly, I am working to raise money for our adoption!!!

So, I decided to play a little game with all you readers and with your help we can spread the word!
Here is how this will work...

1.  Become a follower of my sewing blog (www.morethanclothing.blogspot.com) gets you in the drawing one time!

2.  Comment that you would like the hook up on a free appliqued shirt gets you in the drawing another time!

3.  Post on your blog about my "Applique Giveaway" and "Appliques for Adoption" fundraiser gets you in the drawing again!!!

4.  Email your friends and attach me on the email (jamaketcham@gmail.com)... gets you in the drawing AGAIN!!!

Okay so you have a chance to get your name in the drawing 4 times!!!!

What is your prize... Your choice of a long or short sleeve white shirt with any applique of your choice and design, and a monogram below if desired!!!!!

Check our my page of "Blanks for Monogramming" for styles and sizes.

The drawing will take place and be announced on  Friday, September 17!

How to Make a Three Tiered Skirt

This skirt is really simple and a wonderful addition to any little girls wardrobe.

The pattern is included and all it requires is measuring your little girl.

You can use your imagination and create a fun skirt with one fabric choice or three. Let her decide, so she is sure to love the skirt and will actually wear it!

The hardest part of this skirt figuring the measurements for cutting the tiers. I have done the work for you and have include a link to a Google spreadsheet.  

If you can't download the link, just email me and I send you an excel spreadsheet download.

All you have to do is insert the measurement from waist to the bottom of the knee (or however long you want it to be) and the measurement of the hips (this should be the largest part).

Standard sizes of hip measurements are: Size 2: 21''-22'', Size 3: 22''-23'', Size 5: 25'', Size 6: 26'', Size 7: 27'', Size 8: 28'', Size 10:30'', Size 12: 32"

Three Tiered Skirt Spreadsheet

Here is the formula for figuring if you would like to know...
Measure waist to top of knee (we will call this M1)
Measure Around the hips (we will call this M2)

Cut 2 of each piece (one for front and one for back)

1st strip: 
width: M1/3 + 1.5''
length: M2 + 4''

2nd strip
width: M1/3 + 0.5''
length: 1st strip length x 1.5

3rd strip:
width: M1/3 + 0.75''
length:  2nd strip length x 1.5
 

Once you have figured out the measurements of each of the three tiers you will cut 2 of each tier. One will be for the back of the skirt and one will be for the front of the skirt.

**Remember that the Width is from top to bottom of the fabric and Length is from left to right of the fabric.

Here are my cut pieces. I used pinking sheers, but if you want a more finished edge finish with a zigzag stitch or use a serger.

Now we are going to create a gathering stitch to ruffle the top portion of the tier #2

Adjust your sewing machine to a stitch length of 5.

Top stitch along the edge of tier #2. I am using different color thread so you can see what I am doing.

Now you are going to ruffle the top of tier #2 to the length of tier #1.

You do this by pulling on the bottom thread and holding the fabric. As you pull the thread the fabric should ruffle.

Pin bottom of tier #1 to top tier #2 with right sides facing.

Stitch the tiers together and your should get something like this...

You are going to repeat for tier #3.

Sewing a gathering/ruffling stitch on the top of tier #3 and gather to match length of bottom of tier #2.

Pin right sides together and stitch.

You should get something like this...

Repeat to create the back of the skirt.

Now you should have a front and back.

I like to iron and top stitch the seams of the skirt for a more finished look, but this is optional.

Also, if you would like to have a cleaner looking under side of the skirt... Trim edges and then stitch with your zigzag stitch to finish fabric edges, similar to a serger.

Now we are going to match sides of the skirt and pin into place.

Sew down the sides of the skirt.

You should have something like this now.

We will finish the top of the skirt by turning under the top tier #1 0.25 inch and then 1.25 inch to create the elastic casing for the waist.

Turn top under 0.25 inches.

Now turn top under 1.25 inches to create elastic casing.

Stitch along the edges to create casing, but leave a 2 inch opening so you can thread elastic through.

Measure your child's waist and subtract 2 inches to get the cut elastic length.

Cut elastic and thread through.  

Zigzag ends of elastic together (make sure elastic is not twisted in the casing and then stitch the opening closed.

We are going to turn the bottom edge of the skirt under 0.25 inch.

And now turn the bottom edge under 0.50.

Stitch around the bottom edge of the skirt to create the hem.

Hooray!!! Your finished project should look something like this...

Contact me at jamaketcham@gmail.com if you have any questions!