Upcycling Like a Mad Woman

So lately I have fallen head over heals for upcycling clothes into little frocks for my little Annie Pants. I think the allure for me is using fabrics that you would not normally find being used in childrens clothing--for instance linens, wools and kid mohair. I am not a huge fan of the childrens clothes made for girls as it is. I don't like a lot of the colors or fabrics. Most of my little girls wardrobe is made up of neutral colors--creams, greys and browns and a lot of her stuff is made out of more natural fibers--if I can find it. This is probably because these are the colors that I prefer too. Here are some photos of an upcycled dress made out of a skirt from the 70's and a jumper made out of a 100% cashmere sweater.

Hooray for Posie Gets Cozy

When Alicia Paulson released her book, "Stitched in Time". I ran down to our local book seller--that day and purchased it. I KNEW it would be a treasure trove of sweet, unique and inspiring projects...and it is. She incorporates so many personalization touches into the projects such as; a baby clothes quilt made from saved baby clothes. Placemats for the new home owner--with a photo of their new home and address sewn into them. She also has a wonderful pattern for monogramed, applique capes for kids(who doesn't love a cape with their initials?) Anyway, Alicia's book is not only a feast to just look through--but her ideas are sweet, simple and....easily makeable. So I am using the cape pattern to make presents for all of the kids in our playgroup as they each turn five. Beech and I have been in a playgroup along with fourteen other families for 4+ years. We all meet once a week and one mom hosts dinner for kids and moms and the kids tear up the hosts house. I have ALWAYS treasured being a member of this group, mainly for the support, friendship and what I have learned over the years from other moms in the group--I am a better mom today because I have been able to learn and observe the best! Anyway, our January birthday kids just turned "5" so we did a HMS party. I made five capes for five SPECIAL kids using Posie Gets Cozy's cape pattern. --it was so easy and fun. I loved seeing how each cape took on its own personality from superhero/transformer fabric to pink and purple polka dots and flowers. Here are some pics of the last batch of capes and...my own little superhero Beech wearing his cape that he has patiently waited months for.

Baby It's Cold Out!

So, it had been so cold recently, I decided to felt down one of Daddy's sweaters for Miss Annie Pants. I find a lot of the clothes made for little ones that are meant to be warm are very bulkey and fussy. So, I shrank down a very warm 100% wool sweater and upcycled it. Then I created a new pattern for a little A-line coat. What is so nice about this little coat is it is really warm, sits well on her ONLY has two buttons. I also took a little extra time to do some finishing work with embroidery floss around the edges--I just did a basic blanket stitch in cream floss. I really enjoyed this project because she loves the little coat, it is so warm and of course I had fun curling up at night working on the embroidery for it. Her are some pics of her new winter duds!