I couldn't stop with just one...

Isn't this fabric great?  I received it from roseandpie last month in exchange for a patchwork belt.  Super swap if you ask me.

I used bias tape on the hem and for the tie this time around.  I also increased the length of the skirt a wee bit to have a self-casing at the waist.  So easy.  Really, it was.  If enough of you want instructions, I can add them to the twirly skirt tutorial.

I forgot to fold in the ends of the bias tape before I sewed it together for the tie.  Instead of getting the stitch ripper out, I decided to tie little knots and pink the ends.  And you know what?  My mistake wasn't a mistake after all.  I love this little touch.

The tutorial is under construction.  I forgot to tell you that my skirts were inspired by this one

from this Japanese craft book (ISBN4-418-06410-9).

OK - back to sewing.  Happy Friday!

I didn't get much completed this weekend - it was just too nice outside.  The girls were outside playing away most of the daylight hours.  Hooray for spring!

I settled on a little birdie for Jane's shirt.  I think it is pretty darn cute.

And, of course, I couldn't leave Kate out.

Kate's skirt was finished right after I made Jane's.  (This time I got the math right!)  You can see how twirly this one is over on flickr.  I am patting myself on the back over this t-shirt, too.  I took the giraffe straight off the animal print.  Here's a close-up:

I have picked out the fabrics for Jane's next skirt and am planning on shooting the tutorial photos while I make it.  It might not be for a week or more, though.  I am working on a big project that needs to get finished first.  (Yes, I am talking about your project, Shannon).

Look at what Fatty did for me!

He knows the way to this girl's heart!  Someday the whole room will be this organized.  For now, though, I am happy to sit in my chair and look at all my thread.  Bliss.

I have lots of projects sitting around, piling up around me.  A skirt tutorial is in the works.  Hopefully, it'll be a productive weekend and I will have something to show soon.

Thanks for all your well wishes - the ankle is much better.  I am walking around, just not running!  Now, off to watch Kate play soccer.  Enjoy your weekend!

And....Happy Birthday Georgia!

I finished Jane's skirt.  All in all, it turned out pretty well.

I debated whether to use a solid or a print for the waist and hem.  I was thinking solid orange because Jane likes pink and orange together.  Fatty voted for a print.  I think it was a good choice - thanks, hon.  I would like to make an applique t-shirt to go with it.  A butterfly, maybe.  Any other ideas?

This skirt was very easy to make.  It's basically a bunch of rectangles.  I did have a small problem, though.  My math was off - I forgot to take seam allowances into account so the casing is very small.  I didn't have enough fabric to re-do it so I just bought some skinny elastic instead.  Yes, there is elastic in there with the drawstring.  A lady at the fabric store suggested it.  I am glad I took her advice - it stays up better.

She tried it on and took it for a spin.

Around here, twirly skirts are favored.  And this one passed the test.

My head is swimming with ideas.  I am hoping to make some of them a reality this weekend.  I started working on a little something for Jane.

It's not turning out exactly how I envisioned.  I made a math mistake - ugh!  I think it will be OK.  At least I now know what not to do the next time around.

The girls don't have school today so I would like to do something fun.  The high temp today is a whopping 48 - good grief!  Outdoor activities are out of the question.  I am going to put my thinking cap on and come up with some sort of a plan.  See you all later!

I hurt my neck - too much intense knitting is my guess.  Things are at a bit of a standstill over here so I thought I would take the time to thank a couple of wonderful blogging pals for some mail candy I have received in the last couple of weeks.  Follow the links to see.

Stephanie of A Little Deer is an incredibly talented gal.  She sent me this amazing painting.  There are houses.  On a hill.  I love it!  Thank you Stephanie!

This Vintage Chica, Eren, sent me a cool vintage coverlet that I had admired.  I don't know what I am going to do with it yet, but I will make something with it.  She also sent me some very cool vintage napkins (sorry no pics) and a great book   It was extremely generous of her - thanks Eren!

In exchange for the lovely buckets Meg made for me, I sent her some handmade goodies:

a patchwork belt

and a knitted bag.

I am going to try to take it easy and resist the urge to finish the socks in the hopes that my neck/shoulder will heal.  Have a great weekend and don't forget to "spring forward" on Sunday.

More appliques... this time butterflies.

a t-shirt for one of Jane's friends

jean shorts for an almost four year-old

with a little flower on the back pocket

The t-shirt and the denim shorts are both from Target.  I love that you can buy something for $5 and with a little time and some fabric scraps make it your own.  Plus, the kids love it!

Happy Tuesday all!