Modest Mommies: October 2011

Welcome to My Modest Blog!

I've always been a crafty person. I love the visual arts and just like to create things. I tend to stare at each item in awe when it is complete... thinking "I made this!?" Call me a hopeless romantic, but the old days had it right in many ways, including traditional homemaking. I've been hobby sewing and crafting since I was a little girl. But in recent years, I found it necessary to sew clothes for my girls to keep them modestly dressed. While nursing my babies, I began making nursing covers for myself and friends. I've also done furniture restoration, crocheting, baking, painting/drawing, photography and more. Enjoying these feminine crafts and other projects has made me want to share my ideas and talents.

I hope to provide you with great ideas and quality products that will "keep you covered!" Some items will be available at an Etsy Shop. Also enjoy my tips and examples on this blog!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Crocheting Success

Here's an update on my crocheting successes!

While attempting to make a basic hat for my husband's birthday, I ended up with a Rastafarian style cap, or what looked like a 1970s throw pillow. After 5 hours of half-double crocheting, I gave in. I shrunk it down, made a brim and gave it to my son who looked adorable in it!

I used the leftover yarn to make my first attempt at a granny square. I handed it over to my neighbor as an hotpad with a freshly baked zucchini bread loaf! This is good to teach beginners their stitches, as I will teach my oldest daughter soon. You tube how to videos are my saving grace!

After making this simple pattern, I finally figured it all out. Wish I began with this! The Double Crochet and a larger hook makes it go so much faster! I've since then made a hat for my baby on its way.

Friday Fellowship: Disney Family Costumes

This All Hallows Eve brings my family 3 opportunities to get dressed up in costume. One of those is a Disney musical, where we are asked to attend in costume of our favorite character. Here are our family's costumes to spark ideas for your pretending adventures!

The Belle of the Ball
Mommy wants to be peasant Belle from Beauty and the Beast. This one allows her pregnant belly to be better adored!

Shirt Patterns in this style include: McCalls #5884, Simplicity #2807

Dress Patterns: New Look 6457, 6020. Simplicity 3673, PLUS 2539, Misses 2176. They may need to be modified to allow for undershirt or neckline.

And the apron is a simple rectangle, gathered to size and stitched onto a ribbon tie. Easy Tutorial Here.

I don't think my husband will go for it, but I'd like him to be Gaston (who has a crush on Belle) or Flynn Ryder (from Tangled). Shirt from Simplicity pattern #3519 or 3758. Pants could just be jeans or sweats. And the boots and belt of course.
GASTON & FLYNN RYDER

Mikayla will be POCAHONTAS, which will covert to Bl. Kateri Tekakwitha for All Saints Day!

Her costume is a khaki tie-dye fleece, sewn to size skirt and shirt. Instead of two sleeves, one is cut into fringes at an angle. Fringed at the bottom of skirt. She wears a brown shirt underneath as it should be a cold one! I used fake leather and cut fringes, adding a bead here and there. Don't forget the blue necklace, feathers and moccasins!

Sabrina is Princess ARIEL, the little mermaid. Similar to the costume you can purchase.

For this I sewed a tube top to size, gathered slightly in the front. Sequin stretchy straps. The skirt is a simple mermaid shape, gathered to waist size. Can be made as one or two pieces. I also added a ocean shawl! My daughter didn't think this was quite right, so I took green netting and sewed it as a ruffle on the bottom of the skirt - and she loved it!

My boys are simple this year, as the costumes are in the closet. High King Peter of Narnia and Mater from Cars. Bought at Target on clearance a few years ago.