Made with Moxie: July 2013

July 31, 2013

Prefontaine World Tour: Kitschy Coo

When Amanda from Kitschy Coo sent me a sneak peek of the Prefontaine Shorts she made for her daughter I clapped my hands like a monkey! They are so stinking awesome. I'm in love with the Cerise Stars organic cotton jersey fabric she used and the polka dot trims are just perfection. Amanda is not afraid to use bold patterns and colors. You know that makes my heart sing!

”Prefontaine

In fact, Kitschy Coo's fabric and pattern shop is nothing but a huge temptation of awesomeness. Before this year I'd have shied away from sewing with kits, but after Amanda's Lady Skater Dress pattern I feel like a pro. Seriously. I have a need for knits now and it's all Amanda's fault. Or at least that is what I'll tell my husband as I start buying her kick ass jersey knits.

So swing on over to Kitschy Coo and see the mighty Prefontaine Shorts she has made. While you are there make sure to pop around a bit. She's got a wealth of sewing tutorials, a good load of smartassery (which you know I just love), and if you do nothing else, check out her mind blowing Wonder Woman bathing suit. Seriously epic. This woman's got moxie.

”Prefontaine

Want to make Prefontaine Shorts of your own?


Monday, July 29 The Crafty Kitty
Tuesday, July 30 Craftstorming
Wednesday, July 31 Kitschy Coo
Thursday, August 1 Emmyloubeedoo
Friday, August 2 imagine gnats

Monday, August 5 Petit a Petit & Sew Delicious
Tuesday, August 6   Buzzmills
Wednesday, August 7 The Southern Institute
Thursday, August 8 Sew Jereli & Max California
Friday, August 9 Sew Chibi & Living with Punks

”Prefontaine

Stick around for the the rest of the tour. See you tomorrow!


July 30, 2013

Prefontaine World Tour: Craftstorming

"I don't just go out there and run. I like to give people watching something exciting." - Steve Prefontaine

”Prefontaine

Today, Laura from Craftstorming and Titchy Threads is showing off the Prefontaine Shorts she made for Casper. Like most Prefontaine kids, Casper is in love with his new shorts, as am I. You should remember Laura, too, as the pattern maker responsible for the red thermal Fancy Pants Leggings that Jane refused to take off last week despite the stifling heat.

Laura has a whole tab on her blog for Chocolate. A girl after my own heart! Seriously, her dark chocolate marzipan and amaretto ruffle cake made me salivate. Won't you overnight FedEx me one of those please, Laura?

Enough fantasies about chocolate cakes. Click yourself on over to Laura's blog and check out her Prefontaine Shorts. Make sure you leave her a comment and tell her Moxie sent you. Give her some Pinterest love and pin her Prefontaines too, won't you please?

”Prefontaine

Want to make Prefontaine Shorts of your own?

Stick around for the the rest of the tour. See you tomorrow!

Monday, July 29 The Crafty Kitty
Tuesday, July 30 Craftstorming
Wednesday, July 31 Kitschy Coo
Thursday, August 1 Emmyloubeedoo
Friday, August 2 imagine gnats

Monday, August 5 Petit a Petit & Sew Delicious
Tuesday, August 6   Buzzmills
Wednesday, August 7 The Southern Institute
Thursday, August 8 Sew Jereli & Max California
Friday, August 9 Sew Chibi & Living with Punks


”Prefontaine


July 29, 2013

On your marks! Get set! Go!

It's finally here! Today kicks off the Prefontaine Shorts World Tour. Two whole weeks of epic Prefontaines to knock your socks off. I've assembled a crack team of stitchers to help me show you just how awesome you can make these shorts. They're pushing the ticket and making some pretty freaking rad garments.

”Prefontaine

First up in the blocks is Stephanie from The Crafty Kitty. If you aren't familiar with her work, that's just plain silly! Stephanie stitched up this super awesome hideaway tent fort for her kids. Hi, I want one for myself. I'd sit there in peace and suiet and have coffee and check emails, right?

Also, Stephanie just released a free pattern for this nature explorer messenger bag. It's perfect for nerdy kids to collect things with and would be a great school bag too. She runs a fab shop, Stitch Organics, full of yummy organic fabrics, threads, and zippers. Organic zippers...they're so sexy. Pop over there, favorite it for later. It's worth it.

So, head on over to visit Stephanie's blog and check out her Prefontaine Shorts. Leave her a comment and tell her Moxie sent you.

”Prefontaine

Want to make Prefontaine Shorts of your own?

Stick around for the the rest of the tour. See you tomorrow!

Monday, July 29 The Crafty Kitty
Tuesday, July 30 Craftstorming
Wednesday, July 31 Kitschy Coo
Thursday, August 1 Emmyloubeedoo
Friday, August 2 imagine gnats

Monday, August 5 Petit a Petit & Sew Delicious
Tuesday, August 6   Buzzmills
Wednesday, August 7 The Southern Institute
Thursday, August 8 Sew Jereli & Max California
Friday, August 9 Sew Chibi & Living with Punks


”Prefontaine


July 25, 2013

Selfish Sewing Week

As makers, we are gift givers. We naturally want to help others and give them comfort. We want to surprise our loved ones with gifts and make their faces dance with smiles. They say the cobbler's children have no shoes. If that is so, then you know that the cobbler has been barefoot for years!

Think about the last time you made something for yourself. Yeah, it's been a while, eh? Well, this September, I want you to throw down your scissors (gently) and say, Not this week! This week I'm sewing for me!

With deepest pride and greatest pleasure, I am so exited to announce the first annual Selfish Sewing Week, hosted by imagine gnats and Made with Moxie!


After the kids are back in school, what could be better than some selfish sewing? This September, we'll be doing exactly that... and we invite you to please, take a week and sew along with us!

For just one week, September 23-29, we challenge you to spend at least one houre each day sewing for yourself. Dig up that Swoon quilt you've been meaning to make. Cut up that Heather Ross you've been hording for years. And would you please finally make yourself a Washi dress already?

Of course, take lots of pictures and share what you make! Use the hashtag #selfishsewing on Instagram and Twitter, and add your FlickR photos to the Selfish Sewing Week FlickR group..

Rachael and I will be sharing what we're working on and also featuring some of our favorites from the Selfish Sewing Week FlickR group throughout the week.

Grab your favorite #selfishsewing button, then tell all your stitchy your friends! Pour yourself your favorite beverage and we'll see you back here in September to celebrate US!

       

 
       



See you there! (high five, karate chop, and a high kick) I'm a little excited. Can you tell?

July 23, 2013

Teaching compassion

When I packed to spend a week in New York with my family earlier this month to celebrate the holiday, I packed us all funeral clothing. My grandfather, Dziadziu (Polish for grandfather, say Jaah-Joo), had been living in a senior living home with my grandmother. During the weeks prior to our trip, Dziadziu’s heath had rapidly declined. Hospice was called and his doctors said it could be days or weeks. No one knew. The next day when family visited him he was not only out of bed, but sitting at the dinner table with everyone else wolfing down chocolate creme pie.

The morning after we drove up to New York, I took my kids along with my mom to visit my grandparents. I anticipated that this trip would likely be the last time I would see him alive. When we arrived my grandmother was in the living room. The kids and I sat with her while my mom went to check on Dziadziu. We sat with my grandmother and played with the cards from the game Memory. While Jimmy and Jane enjoyed identifying the animals for my Grammy, there was an irony to it all. Grammy has Alzheimer’s and most days doesn’t know who we are. Regardless, her eyes light up to have children doting on her. The gave their best moos, oinks and baaahs, and rolled around the floor as only small kids can do and make you smile.

Only after my grandmother was looking tired did we walk down the hall to find my mother and Dziadziu. She stopped me at his bedroom door. Dzuadziu was in bed and dying, and my mother was worried that it would upset Jimmy and Jane. As much as I want to protect my kids from any unnecessary upset, I didn't want them learn that old people are scary. So many visits to the home my grandparents were in, taught me that the sick and old are left there. I never saw many other families visiting, even on holidays, so I always taught the kids to say hi, blow kisses and hold hands with everyone there whether we knew them or not. We’re everyone’s grandkids and great grandkids when we visit.

I gathered my kids into my arms and walked in. Dziadziu was in a hospital bed and gown. He was sedated and conscious, but unable to speak. My mother and aunt had been sitting and holding each of his hands to comfort him. They explained that he occasionally got upset and that physical touch helped him calm down. I took a seat next to his bed as my aunt left to call family to let them know that his passing was likely soon.

I explained to Jane and Jimmy that Dziadziu was having a Rough Day. In our house, when you’re sick, cranky, or upset, we say that you are having a Rough Day. When you’re having a Rough Day, the rest of the family is extra nice you you. We get drinks for you, we snuggle you up in blankies and read books to you, and sometimes the best solution for a Rough Day is a good nap. I told them we were helping Dziadziu because he wasn’t feeling well and was being a crankus (Moxie-ism) and we needed to help him take a nap. Any hint of awkwardness my kids felt at first washed away.

Teaching compassion to kids || Made with Moxie


With Jimmy in my lap and Jane next to me, I held Dziadziu’s hand and he laced his fingers between mine. I stroked his arm, kissed the back of his hand and held it to me cheek over and over again. When he became agitated,I rubbed his chest and told him everything was going to be okay, that he could just rest. The kids played with the Memory game cards again on the floor and periodically climbed on my lap and petted Dziadziu's hand. It was so sad to see, but I was glad we were giving Dziadziu as much comfort as possible.

After a while it became clear that the kids were hungry. We had been there for at least two hours so my husband picked us up to take us to lunch. I hugged Dziadziu and gave him a kiss. I stroked the hair on his head and told him I’d see him soon. While we were at lunch, he sat up, took his last breath, and died. His Rough Day was over and he was finally having the nap he needed.

Fast forward three weeks to yesterday. My kids have been sick and I swear there is a full moon. Or they have their periods. Or something, because they are both having Rough Days. Really Rough Days. There have been much fighting, many time outs and a boat load of frustration. By the end of dinner time I am just done. My husband takes Jimmy upstairs to get his jammies on while I sit with Jane as she slowly, slowly finishes her dinner. I put my elbows on the table, my head in my hands and a few tears rolled down my cheeks.

Jane gets out of her chair and before I can ask her where she thinks she is going, she is at my side. She asks me what is wrong and without thinking I tell her I am having a Rough Day. I worry.

“Like Jimmy and Jane is having a Rough Day today, Momma?” I tell her yes. Then she picks up my hand and tries to lace her fingers between my own. She uses her free hand to stroke my arm, kisses the back of my hand, and then bends over to rub my hand on her cheek. She tells me that she loves me and that it’s going to be okay. I burst into real tears and I scoop her up and squeeze her tight. These kids never cease to amaze me. The make me look like a good mother.

July 22, 2013

Fancy Pants Leggings: Pattern Review

I worked in retail for over ten years. As a result, I tend to rush the seasons. Actually, now that I think about it, I did that long before I was even old enough to work. My birthday is in May and as I kid I always wanted to wear shorts. When you live in upstate NY, mid May is occasionally cool enough to need a hoodie. When my mother told me I couldn't wear shorts to school I'd just walk out in jeans, then change in the garage on the way to the bus stop!

”Fancy

Now that it is July, I'm day dreaming of autumn. I want jeans and hoodies, boots and wooly sweaters, tights and clogs. I want a steaming cup of hot coffee and to snuggle on the porch under a quilt. I want the leaves to change. I want pumpkins and stews and fresh baked bread. Naturally, when I got my hands on a copy of the Fancy Pants Leggings by Laura of Titchy Threads I pulled out the red thermal knit I'd been hording saving since Jimmy was born. It's so soft and snuggly and I got it for a steal at my favorite fabric store, M&L fabrics.

”Fancy

My kids are the kind of kids who just want to throw on pajama pants at bed time with a tshirt. Mostly because it is what their dad and I sleep in, but also because I hate the feel of 'fire proof' kid's sleepwear fabric. (You guys know it's not really fire proof at all. The legal standard is that is stops burning once removed from a source flame. It's usually made of polyester, which melts and still burns the hell out of kids.) In any case, I hate the stuff. My kiddos are super tall and skinny, too so they either have droopy pants or cropped ones. I was hopeful that the Fancy Pants Leggings would be a great jammy pants pattern for our house. Turns out, Jane thought they were great leggings too and wore them all day. Ninety degree heat and all. That's love.

”Fancy

This pattern is so easy to stitch up and sew along. The instructions are clear and making sewing up knits a breeze. I usually hesitate to sew with knits because I usually end up frustrated and messing things up. Laura's pattern makes is easy. After Kitschy Coo's Lady Skater pattern and this one, I am so much more comfortable with knits. The only way to conquer your fears is to take them right on. Practice does make perfect.

”Fancy

I can't recommend this pattern enough. Both kiddos love their Fancy Pants Leggings. A lot. Now I've just got to take a day to whip them up a few more pairs. And probably some shorts versions as well, since, realistically speaking, it won't be autumn here form months. UGH!

”Fancy

Go get yourself a copy of the Fancy Pants Leggings and tell Laura that Moxie sent you!

July 17, 2013

Lady Skater Pattern Tour

Have you all met Amanda of Kitschy Coo yet? If not, today is your lucky day! Amanda is the maker behind some pretty fantastic kiddos patterns, like this Revesible Zippy Hoodie and the ever adorable Little Girl's Skater Dress. I'm of the opinion that kids get the most adorable and awesome sewing patterns made for them. No one ever makes the adult versions of them...until now! When Amanda let on that she was making the Lady Skater Dress I begged her to be part of it. Folks, Kitschy Coo does not disappoint!

”Lady

I'll start by disclosing that I altered the Lady Skater Dress pattern in to a tunic, as you can see. I did make it as a dress first, but then decided I'd rather have a new top since most of my shirts don't fit right now that I have more proportionate boobs. The pattern can also be altered into a peplum top. Amanda has posted instructions to make a Lady Skater peplum top. I was tempted to make one, but figured a peplum would only accentuate my hips and I'm curvy enough on my own.

”Lady

To make your Lady Skater Dress pattern into a tunic, measure the distance from your natural waist (the narrowest point around your middle) up to your underbust (rib cage measurement directly below your bust.) Take this measurement and remove that amount from the bottom of the front and back bodice pattern pieces. Next you need to remove some of the fullness from the dress skirt. Mark a point one and a half (1.5) inches in along the bottom corner of the angled side (the one not on the fold.) Use a ruler to draw a straight line from that point up to the top corner of the angled side of the pattern piece. Otherwise, assemble as instructed.

”Lady

Amanda has also been so awesome as to include two different sets of instructions with her Lady Skater Dress pattern. One set holds your hand, step by step wit loads of pictures, so you don't have to be wary of using knits or if you are new to sewing. The other set is a crib sheet for "bad*sses" that helps you zip through if you know what you're doing. I totally appreciated the crib sheet, but admit to peeking at the hand holding instructions when sewing in clear elastic tape. (Note: I didn't have clear elastic tape and used flat 1/4" elastic instead with no ill effects.) Amanda makes sewing with knits a breeze. No tears. No fabric throwing. I promise!

”Lady

This pattern is super versatile. Another maker likened it to The Girl Next Door. It fits well, it has so many easy alterations from top to tunic to dress to maxi, and who doesn't love a comfortable jersey dress? I have some thermal waffle knit that I think will be my next Lady Skater for this fall. Want to peruse the other maker's Lady Skater versions? Click the tour button below. The Lady Skater Dress pattern has a wide range of fashions for most everyone's life. It's going into my Must Have Sewing Patterns list.

”Lady

”Lady