Calder & Company

It's all about the water...

~there is something magic about being around water, so when our family has had enough of the city, we head for the wide, deep bodies of water.

 ~My husband likes to stop at every river to check it out.  This gives the boys plenty of "explore time" when we are traveling...

~Wading is a favorite past time of our children (all children really).  They are never content with standing at the waters edge... 

~Three summer "Above knee A-line skirts with contrast pockets" that I managed to put together one week...all have zippers and facings...an old kwik sew pattern

Liverpool tunic.

~As you know, I create a lot of my own garments.  Sometimes when I start a new garment the design comes from a need (like say I need a new dress--sleeveless), and sometimes I find a pattern that I want to try.  I saw the Amy Butler Liverpool pattern a while ago, and I knew it was a garment that I wanted to create, and modify.  This pattern has a gob of pieces (as do all button downs) and details, so I recommend setting aside a few days to create the top. 

(I was having a tiny problem with my photo flash working, so thus the strange coloration).  It is hard enough to maintain a family, so needless to say--retaking this photo was not going to be an option with my current state of commitments...

~I am not really a "bow" type of gal (who wants to sit with a knot stuck in their back?), so I really hesitated about the ties in the back.  As you can see, I decided to keep them, and I am glad that I did.  I like how it breaks up the silhouette in the back (see my review on patternreview.com for details of construction).

~Of course I wanted to create one with the same fabric that was on the pattern since is was so well done (and a perfect selection).  It does take time to line up the pattern with fabric pattern, but worth the effort.

~Should be packing up our swimming gear and baseball attire instead of updating the blog...just too many things on my mind!

Wiksten Tova Top

~Received this pattern back in October--and have just recently completed two.  The pattern is from Wikstenmade and can be a top or a dress and both are included.

~I made a size medium top in fabric from a local quilt store (can't recall details of fabric name--ugg--my mind just doesn't work lately).  I have worn this top already several times since I made it up--and have some other fabric marked for more tops (reads: love the pattern).   

 ~I really think the collar stand is a smart design on this top, and adds just the needed touch for a casual yet--sophisticated look. 

~I didn't find anything I would change or alter about this pattern (which is unusual for me).  I typically run a checklist through my mind evaluating different collars, length of placket, different arm styles/lengths or adds such as ruffles, piping or bias.  I found that I like the design and simplicity of this pattern as constructed--and I love the way it lets you show off interesting fabrics.

 ~I also made up a size Large to evaluate the fit--only to find that the medium is best suited to me.  I was in between sizes and on the fence of which size to cut. Ugg.  I thought about it and measured the paper pattern (adding my ease) and I still couldn't decide. I almost always cut two of a pattern--so I can made alterations if necessary (I have to make two--because with three boys, who knows when I will get around to it again).

~This red stripe fabric was in my stash that needed a place to land--and I had enough for the Tova top which generally takes 2.5 yards or so.

~The only suggestion that I have for the pattern is to adjust the pattern to prevent "dog ears"on the top of the collar. This is such a minor detail--and I am sure there is a better way to describe the occurrence--all I can think of is the "dog ears" phenomenon with pillow corner.  Anyhow, taper inside the seam allowance slightly about inch before and after the collar corner and this will make a perfect placket and collar marriage...

~So glad I was able to get one of these patterns...it was fun to construct and I look forward to more pattern designs from Wiksten...

Spring top...

~I have had this pattern for while...so when I found this jersey bird fabric--I knew that I wanted to see it in a kimono style pattern.  I am crazy about kimono style tops.  I find them flattering and comfortable--not to mention simple.  Maybe it is also related to the fact that it makes me feel as if I am wearing my favorite robe (or housecoat---or whatever name you use). 

~This top is pattern 3616 from Kwik Sew.  I made a size small--but wish I would have made the x-small.  If I were to make this pattern again, I also would raise the center seam (suggested by reviewers on patternreview.com).

~I am always amazed at the absence of good patterned stretch knits.  There are so many good patterns for knits (as evidenced by pattern review)--yet I struggle to find fabric that isn't overly colorful (think "hawaii") or juvenile (great for my kids--not for me). 

~Sometimes, I will find a good design on knit fabric, only to get hung up on the colorway--why do some designers ruin the design with such poor color choices? Not to mention scale of the design--usually too big unless you are designing panels like Marimekko.  

~This lightweight fabric was found at Hancock fabrics....I do love stripes in knitwear  (when I can find them locally--I know they are online here).  Knits with polka dots are available but hard for me to pull off (now that I'm over 30, actually I stopped wearing big polka dots at about the age of 18 or so).  Okay, enough of my ranting and raving about knits... I guess I can be a bit snotty about fabric design... 

~ahhh--spring sewing is in full swing at my abode...so good...

Red cord mini...

~I love to wear tights and clogs around during the winter months, so I was hoping to sew several new cord and denim minis.  I have made the Kwik Sew pattern 2788 many times  (Just realized that it is discontinued--ugg--it is a great one to own).  This is the first time that I made the mini version.  I really like how it turned out, and used a cotton fabric for the pockets, waistband, and zipper cover to decrease overall bulk.  I am a fan of having pockets, but I may eliminate them for the next skirt--just for fun.  Of course, C.C. has to do some dancing on my woolen bead stash during my sewing sessions.  He usually gets out the button tin, then the patch tin, then the wool bead tin.  Once I took a photo of my sewing room after all the disarray, and I was wowed at how messy it became so quickly.  He sort of has his own little party in my sewing room...

Denim for the Winter.

If I thought I could quickly put together a skirt for the cooler weather in one day, I was mistaken.  This seemed like an easy project, yet took alot of fidgeting, to get the look how I envisioned. 

This pattern is Kwik Sew 3362, and is decribed as a skirt with curved panels.  Originally, the skirt was too big around the hips (I made a size small), then I had to alter the zipper insertion, while I was altering the size.  It took me a few days.  I had to put it down and look at it with "new eyes" to think what to do next.  Even after I finished the skirt, I just let it sit around for quite a while.  This is unlike me.  Normally, I can't wait to wear it--and test it for comfort, durability, ect. 

~My maternal grandmother wore a dress/skirt every day of her life (that I recall).  Only on the coldest days would I see her wear a pair of pants UNDERNEATH her dress.  Yes, she still managed to wear a dress, just with pants!  I always told myself, that I would try and wear skirts/dresses as much as I could--I do love them.  I had such respect and love for her, that even when she was in her 70's, she was modeling behavior for me that would last my lifetime.  I love that.  We can learn so much from older generations.  So much.  I often say, I wish I had just five more minutes with my grandparents.  Just five more minutes. 

~So here is yet another skirt that I will wear in our--colder than cold winters.  I wanted to create something that will keep my legs warm when the wind is sharp...(Also, I am finishing up a cord mini--to share soon).

Sheer Sewing...

~I seem to have more and more sewing projects piling up in my space.  I like the feeling of having a flurry of ideas going around to create for our family.

So it was time that I worked through some of my ideas.  I purchased this fabric a year or so ago, and had this pattern in mind for the design (Kwik Sew 3179). 

~I made this top a few years ago, and found that I am still wearing it out and about.  It is comfortable, and I like that the fabric is cut on the bias.  This pattern does call for a double narrow hem, or a rolled hem.  I do not own a serger, but did take a drive to browse some sergers---after I spent gobs of time pinning this hem.  If you look at the pattern---there is A LOT of hem to pin.  oh my! 

~I don't share often of the projects that DON'T work out.  It can be disheartening when a project that you take the time to construct--just isn't fitting correctly.  I made this skirt a while back with some lovely designer fabric that was a gift--only to find that it just wasn't draping how I envisioned.  I altered, and re-altered--finally just put it away in the closet for a while.  So on I go--to the next project--but those failed garments DO slow you down for a while. 

 

Still wrapping up summer sewing...

~Here is a skirt that was fun to make and use up small bits of my stash fabric.  It is the Boutique Chic, Emaline skirt made in a size small.  I like the fact that this pattern gives room for many different fabric combinations, and it has facings (a must for me).   I picked this pattern up at Fabric Temptations when we were in California last year.  What an inspring spot--I also took home a gob of ribbons.

Details of the contrasting fabric for Emaline skirt.  I love the Amy Butler Belle fabric on the bottom (chocolate),  I want to buy a whole bolt because of its versatility and fact that I can use it for boys garments over and over. 

I love having pockets in my skirt.  When you have three little ones--pockets are a must for keys and such.  This is another skirt that I made a while back from some stash fabric.  It is such a good feeling to find projects for some of the fabric that I have been holding onto forever.

~I always like to have longer skirts in my wardrobe.  This one has a regular zipper and I did not add the pockets.  Boy, do I miss those pockets.  This is Kaffe fabric that I bought on sale a while back. 

Next I will add some of the sewing that I have been doing for the boys.  I was going to add to this post, but my eyes are going kind of buggy after staring at this screen so long.  Plus C.C. just brought me a LAURi puzzle (love those) that he has added play-doh to every piece.  I thought that play-doh was out of reach...

Catching up....

A while back, we took a holiday to Minneapolis to meet up with family.  We thought it was time for the boys to see the Walker Art Museum.  It was a weird and hot day that we were in the city.  That day, lots of brides were flitting around the sculpture garden nervously waiting to take their vows, so there was magic (and anxiety) in the air.

~Here are a pair of shorts that I made Z. a while back.  He adores Monopoly so much that sometimes he sets it up and plays himself (well he says he is playing me, but I am usually cooking or such)...So when, I found this fabric, I knew exactly what to do with it.

~When I have time, I try to sketch down current, future and past projects with ideas and modifications.  This notebook has alot of my time and ideas down so I can let them go until my time frees up.  It is amazing what my brain forgets if I don't set up a visual. 

I had to share this photo of C.C.  How I adore the 2 year old brain.  In our hotel room on a recent trip, C.C. grabbed my Itouch and quickly ran to the corner. 

I can almost see his thoughts as, "I know this thing is important, because mom always has it.   what does it do?"

Pioneer Life: Set 1

~Since we worked as a pioneer family last week at our state historical park, I wanted to share some photos.  I had to prepare period garments as best (and fast) as I could to work our stretch.  The park told us that adult females wore floor length skirts or dresses and long sleeve conservative tops.  I was worried that it would be too hot wearing long sleeves all day in the heat, but we really did get used to the weather.  The shade and light summer breeze was heaven when dressed as a pioneer.

I found this fabric series that was entitled "civil war fabric" and used the Kwik Sew 3381 pattern.  This is a great pattern for a long skirt.   I made a size small and loved how the zippered waist turned out.   

~This is another skirt that I made (because I needed multiple outfits) with the McCall's 6140 apron--which really needed a pocket or two.  If time allowed, I would have made a matching top--because I really was really pleased with the fabrics after working with them.  I usually prefer more modern colors, so this was a completely new direction for me.

~Here is a bonnet that I quickly put together.  I would have made a much longer brim after day one working in the hot sun.

~The boys wore long sleeves with suspenders and hats.  Our first experience involved working on a farm and preparing meals in early 1900's. 

~Here the boys are making an apple pie which we later cooked in a 1905 stove/oven, which was very interesting.  Who says we need all the fancy gadgets to make great things? 

~Grinding up cornmeal and churning butter are perfect jobs for young boys who are brimming with boundless energy!

~The farm we worked on had chickens, pigs, cows, and sheep.  This day we were to clean and prepare the wool for spinning.

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~Cleaning the wool by hand in tubs was quite arduous, but the boys always enjoy getting their hands in water.  After it was washed with soap and water, it was dried in the sun.

~After working on that batch of wool, we had another batch of wool that had been dyed and needed to be carded.

~Not only did we work this day, but we had fresh butter, pie and played games whenever we had a spare minute.  The boys favorite game was the spoon and egg races.  Since the park was open to the public, there are always people wandering through your workspace.  I think the boys and I were tired from the heat, sun and duties.  It was a good time all around, and gave the kiddos a visual to the life of a pioneer boy.