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What I’m working on…

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Now that my sewing work is on hiatus, I’ve had a bit of time to work on my Pattern Shop… this is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I’ve been rephotographing items, editing photos, and coming up with sewing pattern bundles!  All of the patterns remain the same, but the photos are all new and fresh…  You’ll be seeing new Pattern Bundles being added over the next few days, so keep an eye out in the shop!
Lola Panties Variations

One of my favourites… the Lola Panties!
One of my most popular bras, the Jasmine.

Now available in a set… the Jasmine + Lola Pattern Bundle!

Sewing for me…

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The nice thing about the baby being a little off schedule is that I’ve had some time to sneak in some sewing for me…!  I recently bought a couple fabrics online to make a couple pairs of Hudson Pants, but while I’m waiting for that to arrive, I thought I’d stock my own lingerie drawer. 
A couple months ago, I needed a racer-back style bra for under a specific top I wanted to wear. So, I made a Jasmine Bralette for with criss-cross straps, and no back closure, just pull on style in natural organic cotton jersey, and it quickly became my favourite bra. I seriously would wear it for days, without it coming off…  I figured I’d better make one in black too, since black tends to be the colour you will find me in most!  Being heavier chested, I like the criss-cross straps in the back I feel like it evens out the weight of the bust across my back better. It’s an easy alteration to make to the Jasmine Bra – just make slightly longer straps, and cross ’em in the back.  I used 1/2″ strapping, which works fine for me, but I kind of wish I could have used something a little wider… I just didn’t have any in stock!
I made this bra out of a single layer of cotton-lycra jersey. It’s about the weight of a good pair of yoga pants, which is great for me because it provides a litle extra support.  Also, you can’t see it, but when I make these bras for myself, I put in 3/4″ band elastic, instead of standard 1/2″. Again, no alteration needed to the pattern, but it’s a good tip for ladies with larger than a DD bust.

Since I’ve been pregnant, I’ve found a slightly looser band to be more comfortable (I think because of the pressure on my ribcage).  So, this pull on style, as opposed to a back closure, really works well for me.  I feel like it would even make a great light-weight exercise bra for yoga, or when I get back into lifting.

I’ve talked a bit before about manipulating the Jasmine Pattern to suit a larger bust. I’ve graduated to a G cup (ugh) during my pregnancy and I still find these to be the most comfortable bras for my body type… not all full-bust ladies would agree, but for myself and my body type, unwired bras are still the best.  I do a really simple pattern alteration for myself, and cut between a small-large for the cups (start by cutting size small around the band, and graduate to large towards the apex of the bust), and cut a size small for the back band.  I also add a bit of height to the cup – really important for larger bust sizes. There isn’t just more to cover horizontally around the chest, but vertically as well.

And of course, I had to have bottoms to match. I made two pairs to go wtih this top.  A plain organic cotton pair, and a cotton lycra floral pair.  For these, I used my Zooey Bikini Bottom Pattern. The pattern comes with instructions on how to make them as lined Swim Bottoms, but if you ignore the lining on the front and back panties, they make great bikini-cut panties. I’ve LOVED these during my pregnancy because they are low cut, and the elastic (in this case, stretch lace) around the legs keeps the fabric in place. I think I’ve made myself about 7 pairs of these in the last few months. I’ll be doing a step by step tutorial on these bad boys when I get a chance. 

Waiting…

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Today is my due date… and so far no sign of baby. Every once and a while I think I feel a contraction, then I wonder if it was just something I ate… Pregnancy really took it’s toll on me over the last week, and I have been feeling very achy and tired. Today I managed to take Oliver for a walk all the way around the block, do some cleaning, get dinner in the slow cooker, and ship off an order.  I also did a bit of sewing for the baby! I’m trying to keep myself occupied as much as possible to make the time go by a little faster.
I think I’ve done everything I can possibly do to prepare for the baby’s arrival… I’ve washed the diapers half a dozen times, pre-washed most of the clothes, practiced putting on my maya wrap, packed/unpacked/repacked the hospital bags, done prenatal yoga, etc, etc… I never, ever in my life thought I’d be looking forward to excruciating labour, but seriously, this waiting is killing me!!! The other day, I realized that (because of the miscarriage in September) I’ve only spent 3 of the last 16 months NOT pregnant.  I feel like I’ve done pregnancy… I’m practically a pregnancy expert now (kidding!). I’m ready to see what this next part is all about (not to mention the fact that my back and hips are so sore). 
Anyway, enough complaining about my aches and pains… Today I made a couple little sweatshirts for baby. I’m obsessed with these patterns from Brindille & Twig. The Sweatshirt pattern is my favourite though. They are so quick and easy to sew up, and are a great way to make use of smaller scraps of knit fabric.

I used this pattern once already to make a black and red floral top. Today I made another in floral, but with chevron knit banding, and one in black and white knit with a lace applique.  I’m hoping these will be easy to put on and comfortable for the babe.  Now if only she’d hurry up and get here!!

My first quilt

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 I few weeks ago I got this idea that I’d like to make a quilt for the babe.  My personal style for things around my house is more modern than fussy, so I wanted something simple and that had some interesting shapes and graphic pattern so that we could also use it as a floor mat early on (apparently babies need something called “tummy time”). I found this tutorial and pattern on See Kate Sew and decided I’d give it a try.

I bought 1/2 yard pieces of 6 different cottons – solid black, peach, ivory and teal, and two prints, a black and white star print and grey polka dot print.  For the back I used a small black and white floral, and bound the whole thing in pink bias tape (I didn’t make my own, but probably will for my next attempt!).

This crib-size quilt went together so fast! I cut it out and pieced most of it together in a day, and did the quilting (by machine) and binding the next day.

Having never quilted before, I did mess up a few things. When I assembled my first row of triangles, I forgot to add a 1/4″ seam allowance beyond the “peak” of the triangles so that when I sewed my next row onto it, the peaks stayed sharp…. I also had assembled it in such a way that I couldn’t press the seams open neatly, so my whole first row got picked apart and reassembled. Also, one corner got a little wonky when I was quilting it together. I think my assembly of the top wasn’t quite perfectly and I would up with a slightly bubbly corner… So, what I’ve learned is to press open my seams as I go, stitch very very accurately, and more carefully pin the topper to the batting and back.

I’m not sure I’d ever take on a much more complex or traditional style quilt than this, but I’ve learned that quilting is something that I DO really enjoy!  I’m already trying to find patterns for more modern style quilts, and contemplating trying to make a full size one for our bed.  I can see how quilting can quickly become an all-encompassing (and expensive!) hobby.

Hear my voice!!

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A little while ago, Corinne from The Sewing Affair approached me about doing an interview for her podcast. I have to admit, I was really nervous about doing a podcast interview… but I also knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I absolutely loved the idea of an indie sewing podcast, it’s such a great thing to listen to while making your makes! And, I was also excited to connect with a fellow Canadian sewist & blogger. When the time came for the interview, I was surprised by how long we ended up chatting. Corinne is an absolute natural when it comes to getting introverts like me to talk 😉  It was so much fun, and I hope to make another appearance on her show in the future.

You can listen to my interview Here.  We chatted a bit about everything, from how I got my start, to where to source supplies. I hope you enjoy the interview, and take some time to listen to her interviews with other Indie Pattern Designers. I’d like to say a big “THANK YOU!” to Corinne for the opportunity to appear in her podcast and on her blog. It was really a lot of fun!

Cat & Doe…

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Now that I’ve semi-officially started maternity leave (by which I mean all of my work-sewing is done), I’ve had some time to sneak in some more baby sewing…
For this little dress, I used a baby dress I had bought as a pattern. I made it out of that pink deer-print french terry and edged the neck and sleeves with ruffled cotton elastic lace. I absolutely love this style, and I can’t wait until the baby arrives so I can see how it fits!

I also made these little slippers, using the Baby Show Pattern from Petit Boo on Etsy. These were super easy to assemble, very similar to the adult size ones I’ve made for myself in the past.  For these, I interlined them in organic cotton batting, lined them in bamboo velour (which is SO soft), and made the exterior out of grey cat-print cotton. I like that this pattern comes with an elasticized ankle opening. I’m hoping it will help them stay on baby’s feet. 

Aside from sewing, I’ve been busy trying to get the house ready… cleaning and organizing, making room for baby swing and play yards. I still need to give my studio a clean, but am taking a bit of a break this morning. Week 39 of pregnancy is proving to be very hard on the back and hips and standing/walking/doing anything for too much time is really difficult. For me, that has been the hardest part of pregnancy. I’m used to being able to push myself TO THE X-TREME. During the last phase of my pregnancy, I’ve learned that my body definitely has it’s limits… it is hard to adjust to that, but I’m trying to do my best, and trying to take it easy. Oliver is a little upset with me because we can’t go for quite as long walks as he would like. He’s been a trooper right now though, and is snoring peacefully beside me as I type…

It’s just a few days now until my due date! I’m uncharacteristically relaxed, just ready to see what it will all be like.  This weekend is Thanksgiving here in Canada which will be a busy one for us. My mom is hosting dinner on Sunday, so I really hope that the baby can hold on until next week!!!

Going on Maternity Leave Sale!

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Sale Time!
I’ll be starting my Maternity Leave very soon, so I thought as a “thank you” for all of your support over the years, I’d have one final Sale.  All Ready-to-Ship Lingerie & Sleep Masks (orders valuing over $15) are 15% off! Use coupon code HeyBabe15 at checkout to receive your discount. Supplies are limited… Sale ends at Midnight on Sunday, October 5, 2014!

Winter Fox Sleep Mask for some cool-weather naps.
I plan on trying to get back to my Made-to-Order service as soon as I can, but I also want to take some time to adjust to our new routine and get to know baby (once she finally arrives!).

Stocking Stuffers?
In the meantime, I’ve been adding some smaller items, like more sleep masks and hair ties (these are my personal fav!) so that you can still give Ohhh Lulu over the Holidays.

Witching Hour Bra… Ready to Ship!

Still on sign of baby’s impending arrival, but I’ll keep you all posted! Just under two weeks to go until my due date!

Oh, and the code is also valid in my Pattern Shop.

Baby Makes… clothes!

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 Ahh! I still have so much work to do and I’m down to three weeks until my due date.  I was hoping to finish work a couple weeks early so that I could try to relax and prepare a bit more for having a new roommate, but I’m not sure that is going to happen. I’m really feeling down to the wire now.

Over the last few months, I have snuck in a bit of baby-sewing.  I bought a bunch of patterns from Brindille & Twig on Etsy. They were super easy to sew and a great way to use up some of the smaller pieces of jersey I had kicking around my studio. The thing I’m loving about sewing kids clothes is that it takes absolutely no time to make an outfit… they are so small!

The slightly less exciting project I had been working on was cloth diapers.  We decided we would use cloth to save a bit of money and reduce waste.  When we made that decision, I had no idea how incredibly complicated cloth diapers were… All in ones, pocket diapers, prefolds, flats… Then when I walked down the disposable diaper aisle at Target, I got even more confused… Diapers are as complicated as strollers and car seats (all of which we finally did figure out).  I ended up making 25 prefold diapers using cotton flannel and bamboo fleece.  I also made a few diaper covers, and bought a few too. I am a little nervous about this endeavor, and I really hope they work. I’ve only changed half a dozen diapers in my life, and they’ve all been disposable kinds.  I’ve been tempted to borrow a baby for a diaper test drive….

Making diapers this way was definitley way cheaper than buying fancy all-in-one diapers. I did buy several premade covers because I found that they were too time consuming to make.  The best part of diaper making was when Dan sewed half of them for me.  Everyone loves a cute guy with a beard sewing stuff for his baby, so here’s a picture:

Baby-makes… the nursery!

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 I think we finally have everything we need for the baby. We have a car seat, we have a stroller, we have diapers, baby bath stuff, wipes, diaper cream, clothes… and a room! Dan spent a good portion of his vacation this summer assembling furniture and painting. I’m really happy with the room. It’s nice and neutral, with a few special touches. I’m enjoying spending time in there right now because I know it will probably never be this tidy again.


These are two of my favourite things in the room… a handmade pug stuffy that a friend’s mom made, and the Fawn Art Print by Burrowing Home on Etsy.

I made the little cloud and heart mobile for over the change table, and hung another print from burrowing home next to it. The cloud mobile started out a total disaster, but I actually am pretty happy with it now!! I used some sequin fabric on some of the hearts to make them a little more eye catching.

We have been so lucky to have been given so many of the things we needed. It has made preparing so much easier. I’m so well stocked with sleepers and blankets, towels, books, pretty much everything one could need, plus a bunch of frivolous stuff that is just nice to have.

The only last thing I really would like to get is a baby carrier – like a wrap or sling. I’d love to hear your opinions on which you found best. The wraps look complicated to me, but I’ve heard people swear by them…

I’m still working away on getting all of my orders out, but in between I’ve been trying to get a few things done, like making room in my crammed cupboards for bottles, etc., and making some meals to freeze. I am definitely not usually this domestic, but I’ve come to the realization that eating out every few nights probably won’t be an option for us in the very near future, so I best be prepared with some food on hand! I am a lazy cook so this has been working out well for me. Last weekend I made chili, soup, and ratatouille.  Monday I made a couple vegetarian shepherds pies to freeze.  It may be total chaos here in a few weeks, but at least we won’t be hungry!