Summer dress

Over the summer my niece had a glow birthday party. At the last minute (As usual) I wanted something new to wear.

I had been thinking about this floor length white dress that had only been worn twice and it was now taking up space in my closet. I began thinking. Why don't I wear it? Well, that answer was clear. It looks like some sort of wedding dress and it was too long.

After wearing it the first time I knew it was too long. I brought the hem of the dress up so i wouldn't trip on it for the second time I wore it, but it still felt bridal.

The only way to fix that was to chop it. So that is what I did. It was a super simple adjustment that made a big impact. Now I'm happy to say this dress has earned her spot in my closet.

Two Toned!

This shirt used to be too big and all the same color. BORING! So I updated it by adding sheer white fabric to the front and back.

I have not made too many shirts for myself. For the most part I have only tailored shirts to my size, but this shirt really excited me. I got to completely take it apart (minus the ft. Pocket) and put it back together. First I set up to make my pattern next I un assembled the shirt and got to cutting. After all my pieces were cut I pinned the fabric back together. 

That is what you see in the first two pictures. Unfortunately my before picture magically deleted from my camera.. -Pretty bummed that this is becoming a habit for me.., but back to it! Finally the existing part came the part where my vision becomes a reality. I put it in my sewing and let the magic happen.

So happy my new shirt is a success and will most likely be in the fav category. Having something new to wear to work always a bonus!

Officially Sister-in-law

Last year my brother in law finally asked his girlfriend, best friend and mother of his beautiful daughter to marry him.

With that being said this summer was exciting for the Johnson family. The youngest of the Johnson men was getting married!

I was so excited to start crafting like it's no one's business. I took note of her hints and added a few of my own.

First there's the basket: 

-He asked. You said YES! .. Now what?  

 I didn't get a pic of hers, but fortunately my sister from another mother is getting hitched! so I'll share hers with you. This basket had:

1.) A wedding magazine 2.) Ring holder 3.) Jewelry cleaner 4.) A check off of things to remember when planning a wedding 5.) A notebook 6.) A pen
7.) And of course Some chocolate

A little something for the bride tobe to use to get her thoughts organized.

Next She has a birthday in July. So I made her this eye catching hanger for her beautiful wedding dress to hang on. The hanger doesn't have the little notches for her garment straps to hang from. So I added some ribbon to assist with that..

For her bachelorette party I made her this cake. Yup, just enough nasty to bring a smile to all the girls face when I rolled in.

As you can see Barbie got a lil too tipsy! And had to use the cake... to holder her up.

For my Sister in laws bachelorette gift I made her a wifey tank And Reserved beach towels for the honeymoon.

Lastly the bride and groom asked their wedding guests to leave them a message on fabric squares.  (Such a great memento for the happy couple.) I took those squares and am stitching them all together. Turning it into a cozy blanket for my brother and sister in law to cuddle up with and reminisce. 

Elsa Dress

My little miss asked me to make her an elsa dress for her Let it go singing video. Of course I said yes. So we went to the fabric store and she picked out the fabric she felt best matched her vision. I admit this actually took me some time to finish. My problem is everything looks so simple. Until I actually dig in.

The pattern alone took me two evenings to make. Didn't realize this dress had so many parts. I  now understand why they are asking for so much for the store bought pattern.

After cutting the fabric it was time for sewing. I have not worked with such delicate fabrics before. Y'all know all that hemming took some getting used to. All of the time was worth it. Little Miss was so happy when she had her first fitting. The boy was even surprised at how similar it looks to the movies dress.

After making the proper adjustments to the dress it was time to attack the zipper.  Umm.. did I say attack?! I ment attach..lol. See I used to shy away from zippers, but not anymore. I have a new found love for them and little miss was able to make her video. Everyone's happy in the Johnson household. 

Table cloth to Circle skit

This lovely blue and white table cloth has been waiting for me to come up with a new look for it! The checkered print and weight of the fabric about to be upcycled made me think. The first thought that came to mind was a circle skirt. I currently own (only) one and love it.

I set to work making my pattern. I like to make a pattern incase I want to make a few. It takes time in the beginning, but it's woth not having to figure out measurements again later down the road.

Wish I took a picture for you of the original cloth, but I think the top pic showes you what I started out with. As you can see (but I didn't notice until the skirt was assembled) There is a giant stain in the center of my skirt! After assessing the situation I decided to change the skirt color to disguise and hid the stain on the front.

My handy helper is showing off my new system for coloring fabrics. She even made an ombre tee shirt and my boy ombred his shoe laces.

After the color change and drying was done of course I spy a whole staring me in the eye! Discouragement set in. Until I dug in my threads and discovered I have thread similar in color (hallelujah! ) I was able to sew the whole closed and even rocked it to work already. Now I am looking forward to pairing it with some winter tights.

Dreams do come true!

I can hardly believe it has already been a yr! Last year the Johnson clan took a vacation to Disney World in Florida.

Seeing it was the longest driving trip my kids had been on. I decided to make them seatbelt pillows. I upcycled one of MrJohnson's old shirts and one of little miss' princess pillowcases for this project. They turned out so well. I was even able to add a cellphone pocket to the front for the boy's phone (sweet!). My favorite part would be that my kids still use them and they hardly ever leave the car. Unless they need washing....

For all inquiries on any of my work please contact mizzizjohnson at sewnbymizzizj@gmail.com

Pant Tailoring

Got a call from a family friend in a crunch. He had to buy a pair of pants for a funeral. The pants he bought were too long and he obviously wanted them hemmed, but he also wanted a cuff added to them. I told him of course! That is no problem.

For all inquires on any of my work please contact mizzizjohnson at sewnbymizzizj@gmail.com