It's been quite a summer for me! Besides being completely booked with alterations work from April through August, I've added a few pieces to my Etsy store and then found time for a few projects of my own. But the absolute best part of the last months with the middle of August, when I became a mom to a precious little baby. Sewing work has a bit of a different place in my life now, but I'm taking projects and commissions again and I'm so happy to be back behind my machine! One fun project I fit in the cracks the last few months were these hooded baby towels. Made from full sized towels, they're bright and fun for kiddos, and big and plush enough to last well into toddler years. The first step was deciding what animals to make, and simplifying the animal faces to basic shapes that would be easy to create in the material. I settled on a penguin and a fox. I started with full sized bath towels, cut them down to squares, and used smaller pieces of terry cloth to create the shapes for the animal faces. Each element of the face was layered onto the hood piece, and then I sewed the whole thing onto the towel base. The finished products are fun and practical! I like that they're a bit thicker than most baby towels, with plenty of whimsy. I'll be keeping them in mind the next time I need a unique baby shower gift! Looking ahead, I'm now almost completely booked through November, and scheduling projects into the spring. If you're looking for a custom piece, a reproduction, or alterations, send me an email to get on my schedule, I'd love to hear from you!
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I've been dropping hints and progress photos for this project since early this spring, and it's finally completed! I've been working on a crib sized linen and cotton quilted blanket to add to my etsy store - FinleyHome - and it's listed and ready to go! I'm so excited about this blanket! It's made of all natural materials and is so soft and cozy. Check it out here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/619341178/cozy-hand-quilted-linencotton-blanket?ref=shop_home_active_1 I started with a lightweight grey stripe cotton for one side and navy linen for the other, with a mid-weight cotton batting between. With my materials pre-washed and pressed, I pinned the layers together and laid they out in a quilting hoop to get to work! The stripes in the cotton gave me a natural guide to follow in my quilting. I used a series of stripes of varying widths across the blanket. The quilting thread - also cotton, so it would wear evenly with the fabric - matched the grey cotton, and created a subtle contrast on the dark linen. Once the hand quilting was competed, I used the extra linen - doubled over for extra durability - to bind the edges. And we have a completed hand crafted baby quilt, that will last for years to come!
Wedding custom design is my sweet spot. I love the opportunity to be a part of creating a beautiful, special day for someone with thoughtful details and fun touches. I recently worked with a bride to create a custom beaded veil and lace garter for her big day. More pictures and details of the veil will be coming soon, but for today, we'll focus on the garter! The first step for the garter was finding the perfect lace, something that would coordinate with her lovely dress and show a little bit of her personality. I looked for something floral and romantic, that was heavy enough to hold it's shape as the basis of the garter. I created a narrow cotton casing for elastic on the back of the lace, hiding it as much as possible under the lace design. Soft cotton kept the garter comfortable to wear for a long day. And then I added the little details - beading to coordinate with the dress, and a touch of baby blue ribbon for her "something blue". I gathered the garter just enough with the elastic that it would be easy to get on and off, without hiding the pattern of the lace. One of my favorite unexpected details of the design was the way my pearl beads fit exactly in to the lace pattern. The little things make all the difference!
Changing seasons always inspires me to add a new custom designed piece or two to my wardrobe. I'm starting this summer off with a pair of lightweight cotton pants. The goal was to create something that could be just a little dressy, but feel like wearing sweatpants. Classy comfort is always a win in my book! I created the pattern based on a similar pair of black pants I own, going for a slimmer fit I've often seen in linen pants, in a breezy blue stripe cotton. I love light blue in the summer, and stripes are always a classic look. Contrasting the direction of the stripes in the pockets adds just a bit of interest, and the wide waistband is comfortable, and great for tucking in a cute top. I'm pretty happy with the finished product!
Another mini-update for the Etsy shop - super soft wool infant and toddler sized socks modeled after my adult socks! Two color options so far with the option for custom orders - what a fun gift for a little one or a new parent! Check them out on Etsy at FinleyHome!
Over the past several months, I haven't have much time to start new side projects with everything else I've been working on. But I have a new product I'll be adding to my Etsy store (FinleyHome) this spring - hand quilted linen & cotton blankets. Good bedding can make such a difference in a good night's sleep, and blankets are one of my favorite ways to make your space more inviting and cozy. Each blanket is linen on one side and cotton on the other, quilted with a natural, low loft cotton batting, and they will be available in a variety of colors and sizes. My sample is navy linen and light grey/white striped cotton, quilted with a light grey thread. These blankets will be available to order in the next couple of months! And in other news, wedding season is definitely here! I'm knee deep in alterations and repairs for brides and bridesmaids - it's so lovely to help create the perfect fit for someone's perfect dress. I'm also gearing up for the spring dance performance coming mid-May. The studio has almost doubled in size this semester and tutus and dance dresses are starting to come together. Now if only the Minnesota weather would cooperate, we could celebrate the beginning of a full and busy spring!
The dance costumes were a hit! I enjoy sewing for younger people and children so much - there's no bashfulness in enjoying a pretty dress or sparkly costume. Even though these costumes were a bit of a rush (due to some miscommunication in material orders), it was still so gratifying to have the opportunity to create something fun and pretty for kiddos who enjoy it so much! For these performances, I made a set of tutus for the youngest class, and chiffon dresses for the older classes. One way that I streamline the costuming process for a group is to create my own standard sizes, based on the range of measurements I receive. In this case, that meant I made three sizes of dresses instead of thirteen. When working with kids - especially when I get measurements several months before the costumes will be worn - I also take into account potential growth in my designs, incorporating details like elastic waistbands and a little extra length, just to be safe! I usually make my own patterns for my designs. For these pieces, I designed everything with right corners - bodice and back pieces and skirts - with fuller skirts (for twirling!) and a neckline gathered onto a ribbon that ties behind the neck. In just over a month, the dance studio for which I make costumes will be performing their winter programs at a hand full of area nursing homes. Amidst busy holiday preparations, costume season is here!
The ordered fabric is on it's way, patterns are worked out, names are stitched in to headbands and waistbands, and sequins and sparkles are collecting. Off we go! For my wedding last fall, I made matching bowties and neckties for the groom and groomsmen. It was such a fun touch to have completely unique pieces that fit our wedding style and colors! Over the last week, I've created a small collection of sample bow ties showcasing a range of ideas for weddings, special occasions, and unique gifts. These samples are now for sale! Please contact me for size and pricing information.
Looking for something a little different? Contact me for a made to order design in the material and color of your choosing! Neckties are also available. These make a great holiday gift or stocking stuffer! New on Etsy today - hand made wool socks! I make my socks out of a lightweight wool sock yarn, cozy enough for the coldest days, and finely knit enough to fit in everyday shoes. Wool socks are my favorite in the autumn and winter! They make a great holiday gift too - thoughtful and unique, but so practical as well.
Today is also my first official day on Etsy as "Finley Home" - a collection of cozy home goods and wearables, one of a kind and made to order. Check it out here! |
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