Mr. Builderman-Halloween Costume

So excited for Halloween! 

I have been thinking about what the little guy should dress up as for his second Halloween. Although the hubby thought Jim Tressel (Ohio State Football coach) would be cute, I thought it would go over the heads of people in Nashville. While the discussion continued our neighbors started construction on a new screened in back porch. Jacob loved watching and listening to all of the work being done. He even says bang, bang now in reference to the hammering. He received a tool box with tools for his birthday, so he has been carrying around a hammer for a few weeks now. So without many words, he was able to tell us what he wanted to be for Halloween!

I searched and searched for a cute builder costume with no avail. Everything I found was plastic and cheap looking. The crafter in me knew I had to create a costume for my little man! I wanted something cute, of course, but something realistic. Looking at the workers next door did not give me much inspiration, being that none of them wore hardhats or tool belts?!?! So I went to google images and searched out inspiration there. I decided a florescent vest with reflective tape would help the look along with a tool belt and hardhat, of course. 

I started with some knit fabric and reflective tape. I also bought some velcro to use to close the vest but I did not end up using the velcro. I just sketched out a bit of a plan then traced one of Jake's jackets to get the size correct.

(I tucked the sleeves behind the jacket)

I double layered the fabric to give the vest some weight and make it sturdier. (Knowing my boy!) As I worked Jake woke up from his nap. I was so excited about the project I tried to keep working on it while he played. (Right!) He decided he needed to be up on my lap helping the whole time! It was actually really cute! But after I accidentally sewed the arm hole closed I decided it was best to pick up the project later! :)

It ended up being a good thing because I had some good embellishment ideas and decided to add pockets.

I used reflective binding at the sides of the vest where I sewed the front and back together for added detail. I also added the reflective tape to the front and back of the vest. 

*Warning: 

Please read disclaimer before viewing final project

Disclaimer: I am NOT a seamstress! I just teach myself and do the best I can!

Ok so it is a little crooked and the pockets are not even I am not selling it and isn't it the thought that counts? Come on when it is on you cannot really even tell! (Or at least that is what I am telling myself!)

It is kinda cute, right?

Back

Now I just need to make the tool belt! FUN! Stay tuned!

Birthday Shirt

You can find birthday shirts, especially first birthday shirts, everywhere! I wanted to do something a little more special for my little fellow and I wanted it to follow the party theme.

First thing first, I had to find a plain t-shirt. That was a chore of its own! I was not picky about color but it had to fit and I wanted it to be plain so that I could embellish it! I settled on a brown front pocket tee. (Best I could do! Thanks Target!!)

Now what?? I went through my fabric scraps to get some inspiration. The party theme colors were brown, blue and green. I found some felt fabric that had clouds on it, good start. I decided to cut out a one with the fabric. After placing the one on the shirt I decided to embellish it more. I used some brown and white plaid fabric to go behind the 1. Then I cut out a bird from a blue fabric. Lastly, I embroidered Jacob into the shirt pocket. I zigzag sewed the items on the shirt so I could give it a scrapy look. I washed it after I sewed it to allow the scrapy edges to come out.

Pillow Case Dress, kinda...

I had heard of the Pillow Case Dress and loved the idea. Anything that is created from something else always intrigues me! Maybe it is my lack of ability or just because I always seem to do things half-ass, but in my mind  it appears that it would be easy to create when it starts as something else.
My dear friend is having a birthday party for her one year old this weekend and when I saw Prudent Baby's Post  I wanted to try to make this seemingly easy dress for her sweet little girl. The tutorial was thorough and the dress appeared to be simple enough. This was to be my first attempt at clothing and I was a bit worried to say the least! I am pleased to announce that it was a success!!

(Excuse the back drop, the best lighting is outside!)

I know it was a success because when I showed my husband and told him I made it he said, "No, you didn't!" -He knows all about my 'skills'!

Now, I am aware that this is not as great as it could be, but I am really proud of myself! The design is simple, yet fun and fabric is to die for (more projects with is fabric coming!)

This was the first time I used bias tape but the tutorial was so great I didn't have any trouble! The shape of the  arm cutouts are a little deep but I think it will work! I can't wait to see this on sweet Nyah! I will update with a picture of her in the dress. 

BTW the dress is so versatile that I think she will be able to grow into it using it first as a dress then a long shirt with some leggings and maybe a long sleeve shirt underneath!?! Boy, I need a daughter! :) 

Thanks Prudent Baby, I copied that!