Halloween 2011. Calling all sickies!

I like to be different … in a good way. So every year, I usually create something for my son that probably only few people will attempt to do. Today, my 4-year was wearing a costume inspired by one of America’s famous doctors on TV.  Yes, I am talking about Dr Mehmet Oz.

The “Dr Oz” costume was created using Simplicity Pattern #3650. The biggest challenge was putting up the sleeves as mentioned in my older post. The toy stethoscope is more expensive than the cost of the fabric and pattern itself so for a while I was scratching my head. I ironed-on the alphabets to make it interesting because without it I don't think people will notice. Needless to say, I was happy that it was a success.

It turned out that everybody liked it in school…. Of course I am referring to the parents’ feedbacks.  Kids didn’t care as long as they have all the candies. Here are some the photos taken today in school.

After school, trick or treat with cousin France

Sewing My First Handbag

The hardest part about this is not learning how to sew but to actually write about it. At times this may sound ridiculous, but I am not giving up. 

Ah… the fun part is that I finally finished sewing my son’s costume which I will be posting on Halloween day. I’m excited for him to wear it and shoot photos of my son outside of my house. However, recently he has expressed that he’s not willing to wear the costume anymore. I am hopeful my son will change his mind, otherwise; my hard work is not appreciated… again.

I also completed my first handbag ever. This was what I wanted to do for a very long time. In fact, the fabric that I chose was already cut awhile back and not until recently was I so motivated to finally finish it. Here it is,

I used Simplicity Pattern #2381 (middle bag)

The pattern specifically noted to use Gingham but at the time I purchased the fabric, it was not on sale. So being the typical me, I opted for something else. I knew in my mind that there is no need for me to use embroidery thread and rick-racks for accents. I intended this to be a test project to see if I can sew it easily anyway. It turned out that I had some challenges. The hardest part for me was to attach the lining.

Logically, I knew I had to sew the pieces right side facing each other but what confused me was the turning of the fabric inside-out which had me to do a trial and error. Thank goodness for seam rippers, they can undo mistakes.

On the other hand, I was so excited to see my finish product. I felt as if I created something really special and I asked my 16-year old daughter to critique my work and  if she could use it at school but unfortunately she said the handbag is too big for her taste. She requested me to sew it one-third from its original size.  If I want this to work, somehow I need to listen to my daughter so I can see her wear the fun stuff I will be sewing in the future. Until my next adventure… Nighty night!

My First Sewing Project since 2009

This will definitely be a busy week for me, trying to multitask all my to-do list for my upcoming midterm exam for school, household chores, garage sale (second attempt, I did okay last week) and of course keeping track of my sewing progress.

Yes, I was finally done cutting the pieces needed for my son's Halloween costume and started to sew the top part today. It’s so much easier if I do it little by little so I won’t get overwhelm with the necessary steps and simultaneously reading my sewing book to double-check my work.

My son was a knight his first year (2008), a store bought costume.

When he was two (2009), I sew a boxing robe for him to be PacMan – in honor of our very own Manny Pacquiao (the boxer who defeated Oscar De La Hoya and all others). I had the hardest time ever sewing the robe because the fabric was so slippery but I’ve done it eventually.

Last year 2010, he was Clark Kent – I got the idea from the popular TV show “Dancing with the Stars'” professional dancer wearing the costume in 2009. Everything was store bought and so the last time I used my sewing machine was in 2009.

This year, I am keeping my fingers cross that hopefully I can pull this thing together. My little guy wants to be a pumpkin and I told him “cannot be my boy, I already bought the fabric and pattern” and he said “okay, mom”. Poor boy, he has to be what mommy sews. Fourth costume coming up…

Patterns and Fabrics on Sale!

Temptation, temptation...Stop! I kept telling myself but I can’t help it. I am just human. My favorite store started their Columbus Day sale today. As usual, I bought plenty patterns again for my FUTURE sewing projects. So much for challenging myself!

I subscribed to their email campaign so every now and then I know what’s on sale. Patterns are sale for $1 each so for me it is rather urgent more than anything else. Regular Price for patterns range from $2 to $19 and I only buy when it’s on sale but I always get carried away. Have you heard the saying - “only fools pay full price”?

When I’m in the store, I go straight to the pattern area and had been my routine. I don’t stick around browsing the catalogues because the longer I stay - chances are the more stuff I buy. Here’s my strategy, I usually browse the manufacturers websites to look for the patterns I want then I buy it in store. That way I’m out of the store in 15 minutes or so.  I also bought a black vinyl to cover my piano’s chair and a fabric for my apron project.