[claireabel]

Stop making me laugh, I’m supposed to be sleeping!

[claireabel]

I’d be really disappointed to see this one go. There are so few great patterns for boys around, and this is my favourite. It’s the pattern that really made me feel like a ‘proper’ sewer! I was – and still am – so proud of my first sketchbook shirt.

[claireabel]

Mine arrived this morning too – sooooo excited!

[claireabel]

I’m busy hatching plans Nicole 🙂

Does anyone know how much shipping is to the US? I think it might be cheaper to get them sent to my brother in San Fran and have him send them on.

[claireabel]

OMG! OMG!! OMG!!! too exciting!!! I especially love the shirt dress.

I wonder if it will have fitting instructions? My bust always means that commercial patterns don’t fit me.

[claireabel]

Really love the idea of cargo shorts and polo top, especially with Nicole’s variations.

[claireabel]

Pretty horrendous Justine, but I’m on anti-nausea meds now which are making a huge difference. Hope to get sewing again soon.

[claireabel]

Hope you’re feeling better Sandi 🙂

I’ve just ordered an autographed copy (my rationale? there was some money in the paypal account that my husband didn’t know about. So it was ‘free’ postage if he asks!).

I really can’t wait to get it. I have it all planned out. Pop the kids into bed, make a pot of Earl Grey and have a few hours of sewing heaven.

I am most excited about the hats and the quilt, which I plan to make for baby #3 due in about 31 weeks… but who’s counting?! Now I have to get thinking about my fabrics…

[claireabel]

This is one of the trickier steps.

You can read a tutorial here: http://badskirt.blogspot.com/2010/07/ice-cream-social-gathers-yoke-lining.html

And some discussion about this step here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/icecreamdress-sewalong/discuss/72157624436780281/

[claireabel]

My very first O+S was also the very first garment I made. The birthday party dress: http://www.flickr.com/photos/39113615@N06/4456730386/. It’s still my fave as I was so, so proud of it. I didn’t believe I could sew before that and it gave me so much confidence. The jumprope dress is a very, very close second.

[claireabel]

I was just coming in to mention the auction but Johanna beat me to it! If you can make anything to be auctioned off for the flood victims that would be wonderful. We are further south and not affected, but hearing about the children swept to their deaths is absolutely heartbreaking. I don’t know how these families can carry on.

I have read about a little girl whose family lost everything in the floods. The little girl is 10 and devastated by the loss of all her girly dresses (which are hard to buy in sz 10). There are a few of us sending things up to her. I was thinking of making her a music box jumper in her choice of fabric.

[claireabel]

Ooh, someone has a lovely double gauze bubble dress here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jessicadomestica/5204755415/in/pool-1382582@N24

[claireabel]

I’ve recently made the 2+2 top using double gauze, with regular cotton for the binding and tab. I’ve also just made an ice-cream top out of double-gauze (which I haven’t yet blogged or added to the Flickr group). It turned out beautifully.

I have seen a couple of very successful double gauze birthday party dresses, including one made up as a sample in my local fabric shop. As icile said you would get crisp pleats, but it still looks good.

Liesl did a blog post on double gauze here: http://www.oliverands.com/blog/2009/07/double-gauze.html

[claireabel]

I really like sketchbook too, appropriate for all ages!

What about a school days coat?

I find it challenging to sew for boys. There are many more options for girls. Whenever I see great fabric for my little guy I snap it up, regardless of cost, as quite often the fabric will really help ‘make’ a garment.

There’s a great group on Flickr called ‘celebrate the boy’ that has loads of inspiration. A few of the O+S sewers post their stuff there.

[claireabel]

You guys are brilliant – knew you would inspire me!

I love the idea of an ice-cream blouse (why didn’t I think of that? E is already too tall for hers) and the idea of navy sailboats with red buttons is just too cute. Off to the machine I go!