Pint-Sized Superhero

Recently, my wonderful friend Erin's sweet little boy turned one. I was trying to figure out what to get for him, since he has a lot of toys and clothes handed down from his big brother (such a cutie, he's 3). Well, I drew my inspiration from his big brother in the end, who loves wearing a Superman shirt that has a cape attached to it. I thought, "I bet his little brother would love his own superhero cape!" (Translation: Awww Dominick would look so cute in a little cape!) So I took a cute little boy's romper and sewed on a cape made with soft Superman flannel backed with blue felt. I used pre-made bias tape, but it was super thin and a real pain (which is why there are so many mistakes- sorry, Erin!) Barley was gracious enough to model it for me (even though it's pretty snug on him hehe).

From the back:

In action!

Perfect for chasing bad guys...or big sisters (who are sometimes one and the same to Barley).

I hope you enjoy it, Dominick!

Nenna's Easter Dress

Here, as promised, is the dress I made Nenna for Easter -sorry it's a little late! I finished it Easter morning before church (not like I procrastinated or anything)...I used this tutorial from Make It and Love It (http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/05/front-tie-spring-dress-great-for-all.html) and I'm really pleased with the finished product. My original intention was for the pattern to fall in the vertical direction, but then I didn't have enough yardage for that to work. I was surprised at how much I love it the way it turned out! I also like the mismatched fabric for the bow...forgive me, I was channeling Mondo hehe. I did mess up the elastic casing in the waistband - I was not sewing straight enough and I think sewed over the elastic in the back when I was sealing the opening for the casing. So the cinching in the waist is pretty uneven - whoops! Nenna loved it- she said it was "wonderful!" Ready to head to my parent's for Easter dinner:

By this time, Barley had his tie off and shirt untucked. And his shoes may have been on the wrong feet. Oh well.

It was also my hubby's birthday! I'm so grateful to be married to him. #1 Husband, #1 Dad. I gave him this special running gear, as he requested. Can I brag for a minute and say my hubby's a great runner? He did the NYC marathon last year! His determination is amazing.

One last thing: I've been dying to make myself something, and I think that will be one of my next projects. I found this fabric in Joann's from a line by April from Project Runway for 50% off and I am going to make it into a skirt! So excited!

Thankful

These words have been on my mind particularly in this week leading up to Good Friday.

"He was pierced for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him,
and by His wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all."
-Isaiah 53:5-6

"God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
-Romans 5:8

Today I am thankful to the Lord for His love.

GQ Cover Model 2035 (or A Vest for the Little Man)

Look at that. Just look at that little man modeling his new vest. He wears that vest like it was made for him...which it was! I've had this tutorial from the blog Make It and Love It on my radar for a while now, and finally got around to sewing it up! I used two pairs of my hubby's old work pants and drafted a pattern based on Ashley's instructions. Making the pattern and cutting the fabric were the most time-consuming (and boring, in my opinion) steps, but sewing it together was fun and I love how it turned out! I copped out and did not make it reversible, but I really like the grey fabric much more anyway, so I don't mind. Here are a few more gratuitous photos of Barley modeling his new vest--just in time for Easter. (And if you're wondering why I keep posting things I've made for Barley, don't worry, I am finishing up an Easter dress for Nenna and will post on that one next!)

Here it is buttoned up:

But I like it better open:

Oh yea, I should note here that I finally used this project as an excuse to tackle the buttonhole foot on my machine. I've been avoiding that one for years! It really wasn't that bad after all...I used the manual that came with the machine for help in conjunction with this video: http://prudentbaby.com/2012/02/video-posts/how-to-sew-a-buttonhole-video/ I'm glad I no longer have to avoid projects that require a buttonhole!