Brian's Sewing Adventure

This post was actually written by Brian.

Jealous of Sarah's sewing abilities, I sat down and tried to do what I've seen Sarah do when sewing (i.e. how to use the sewing machine).

My biking gloves were starting to get a little too worn, with holes in many of the fingers. Rather than buying new ones for cheap, I remembered the little old saying: "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without". I figured I could sew some new fabric to give a little bit more life to the old gloves. I asked Sarah if she could make me new gloves and she said no. She also said to not bother mending my old gloves.

Here's what I did anyway.

Top side of the glove, where it actually still looks nice. 

With the glove inside out showing my beautiful stichwork, especially after Sarah showed me the zig-zag button. The sewing machine had white thread in it, and since I don't know how to change it, I left it alone.

Turned back right side out. We'll see how much longer Sarah lets me use these gloves. :-) Maybe by then I will have sewn myself a new pair.

Car Seat Pillows

In preparation for our very long road trip this summer, I made some car seat pillows for Russell and Meghan. Since Russell's new car seat sits more upright, he has a hard time getting comfortable to sleep. His head just hangs down and flops all around. When we went to Fond du Lac, he didn't get any sleep in the car.

I looked at a couple of tutorials, but didn't really like them, so I just sewed a long rectangle of fabric into a tube. For Russell's, I attached a loop of elastic to one end so it will hook onto the seat belt positioner.

 Russell loves his pillow, so I'm hoping he'll take some naps while we are driving, especially on the really long days.


I had to make Meghan's differently since she doesn't have the little hooks for the regular seat belt on her seat. I added ribbon to one end so it can tie to one of the latch storage hooks places on the back. I also made hers a little skinnier, but longer to hopefully tuck around her some.

I wasn't going to make one for her because Russell had no problem sleeping in that seat when he had it. Ben said I should, and then Russell kept asking where Meghan's pillow was. She isn't as big a fan of it as Russell is, but maybe she'll come around while we are on our trip and once she is forward facing.

Cut-off shorts

I saw a picture of shorts like this on Pinterest, and I tried it with a pair of cut-offs that I made a few years ago from some too-short jeans. I always felt a little bit too dressed down in the cut-offs, so I liked this idea even though it is outside my normal style range.

 

I think the ties on one side are longer than the other side. Oops. I probably won't fix it.

Shorts!

I love these shorts! I used up the rest of my gift card money on the fabric, which was more expensive than I normally would buy. I did buy the pattern, but I can make many pairs of shorts with it. They can be made with woven or knit, and there are options for 12 inch inseam, or 4 or 6 if you desire. Since the shorts have an elastic waistband, they would even be wearable if you are pregnant, (which I am not).

They were a quick sew. I cut the fabric last night and sewed them up this morning while Brian was mowing the lawn. I made a size large, which are a little big. If I make a pair with knit fabric, I'll probably size down. Since I bought the pattern, I could sell these in my fictional Etsy shop as well. Or sew them as presents...

I didn't press them, but apparently they could use it.

Reusable grocery bags and a toddler apron

I had this awesome flour sack fabric that I was saving for the perfect use. I never thought of anything perfect to do with it. I wanted to make some reusable grocery bags, and the flour sack fabric seemed to be the best choice. I made two out of this fabric and I'll probably make another with other fabric. These would be perfect if you are lucky enough to live near an ALDI or if you have a farmer's market with actual fruits and vegetables rather than just crafts and food trucks.

I also whipped up this toddler apron really to replace a dollar store one that was falling apart. I used a fat quarter for the front fabric, leftover flour sack strips for the ties and some stash fabric for the lining/back. Not my best effort, but the wearer will not care that the seams aren't perfectly straight.