Stockings for Sweeties

 Hello all!  I'm Brianne from Ali Cat & Co. You can follow my blog or like me on Facebook.

Thank you, Karly, for having me over today!  I'm excited to share a wonderful story of selflessness.  

Back in August, I saw a request on a Facebook sewing page asking for handmade stocking donations to give to children. I messaged the woman stating I would be happy to make some.  After further chatting, she sent me a link that spawned her desire to donate stockings.  All stockings are being donated to children at Portneuf Hospital in Pocatello, ID,  Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, and to McKay-Dee Hospital in Utah.

If you would also like to donate stockings, please contact Kelie McWilliams at
Kelie (at) boostedhearts (dot) com for the mailing address.

I encourage you to read the news article.

http://www.idahostatejournal.com/members/teen-marks-birthday-with-friday-fundraiser-fun-run-helps-kids/article_5136b292-15f7-11e3-8fe2-0019bb2963f4.html

Stockings are so easy to sew and perfect for little learners to help with.
When Karly told me about the Giving Christmas series, I knew combining these two project would be perfect.

Introducing Stockings for Sweeties!

Sewing Mama RaeAnna Cupcake Top Take 2

A mere two days ago, I blogged about Sewing Mama RaeAnna's new pattern-the Cupcake Top. If you'd like to purchase the pattern, you can do so HERE. I recommend you DO buy the pattern!

Last night, I sewed up two more shirts. I'm not one to have my girls match, but this top is the exception.  Love this pattern and the girls love their shirts!
This time, I used the neck binding length as the pattern indicates for each size and they both came out perfect.

The girls are great at posing individually, but together, they give me a run for my money.

Enjoy!

Sewing Mama RaeAnna Cupcake Top

Thought I'd blast you with cuteness before introducing the new Cupcake Top by Sewing Mama RaeAnna.  Also check out her Facebook page to keep up to date with all of her awesomeness!

Ok, so I really love this top.  It took about two hours from cut to finish.  I really should jot down the times I sew to give more accurate estimates, but two hours sounds appropriate.  

All the ruffles are optional, making the Cupcake Top gender neutral. 

A Mouse House Holiday Party

Last night, we had Daddy Ali Cat's work party.
I find it mandatory to dress up for parties.

What better patterns than Mouse House Creations? You should also like her Facebook page.  She always has something cool going on over there. And her Etsy shop in case you'd like to purchase one or all of her patterns.

I posted awhile back out the Norah Dress for Madeleine.  Ali likes twirly tutus.  I was lucky enough to pre-test Mouse House Creations coming soon pattern, the Caroline Dress.

Here are the beautiful girls in their Holiday attire.

LadyBug Bend's Tooth Fairy Pillow

Does anyone remember loosing their teeth when they were little?  I remember a few.  I also remember it being gross to put a tooth under my pillow but I sure was excited to get money! When I was older, I remember wondering how my parents got the tooth from under my pillow and replaced it with cold hard cash.  Now that I'm a parent, these thoughts once again travel through my head.  Not only wondering how to get a tooth from under a sleeping child, but how to make it more fun for them as well.  Our oldest, Ali Cat, is 3.5, so we have a few more years before teeth begin to loosen.  

LadyBug Bend has created the perfect solution to these problems.  Introducing

Tooth Fairy Pillow PDF sewing pattern!

This tooth design pattern comes with 9 options to perfectly meet your child's personality.

ballerina

princess

prince

pirate

fairy

cowboy

clown

ninja

super hero

Swoon Betty Bowler

Swoon Sewing Patterns participated in a Designers Challenge with Pattern Revolution and released the ever so lovely BETTY BOWLER! Oh how I love bowling bags.  Fun, classic, yet hip.

I made two Betty Bowling Bags.  

The first was as prescribed with middle stripes.  According to the pattern, the stripes should be wider, but I opted for more narrow in order to see more of the exterior yellow fabric.

Paired with piping and loops, this bag definitely has a professional look.

Also, the pattern calls for a stabilizer and fusible fleece adhered to the exterior pieces.  Purely as personal preference, I like a slightly less stuff bag and only use one or the other (stabilizer or fleece) depending on which I have on hand.

You can leave off the piping, but I believe it looks better with it.  Don't be scared of piping!  Swoon has a great tutorial on making and applying piping.  (Shh, I use store bought 90% of the time!)

Additionally, Betty has a 6" vertical exterior zipper pocket for your bowling accessories.  Who am I kidding, I don't bowl! She also attires two open interior pockets.  You could very easily add an interior zipper pocket as well.  I need to take an interior picture-she has a radical bag fabric!

Swoon Stella Weekender Bag

Alicia with Swoon Sewing Patterns is hot like butter on your breakfast roll.

She released yet another bag pattern today-the Stella Weekender. 

Isn't she a beauty?  What are her assets you ask?

4 exterior pockets (2 cargo, 2 open)

1 exterior zipper pocket

Short handles

Removable long shoulder strap

2 interior open pockets 

A whole lotta sexy curves 

Jocoles Knit Pencil Skirt

I love knit and I love comfort.  

When I saw Jocole asking for testers for her new Knit Pencil Skirt, I put my name in.

I made two skirts.  Oh so comfortable!  

There are two styles of waist band: straight or wide yoga band.

Skirt length is unlimited! 8 different options from 

mini to maxi.  Awesome!

Bonus-it only takes about an hour to sew up.  

Dress it up or down, this is really a great skirt.

Did I mention it is comfortable?

Really comfortable.

Mouse House Creations Norah Dress/Tunic

The ever lovely Hayley from Mouse House Creations  or her Welcome to the Mouse House blog has released her first pattern, The Norah Dress/Tunic. Etsy link or Craftsy link.

I had the great pleasure of pattern testing for her!  I used a beautiful pink and yellow light weight wool to make Madeleine a winter dress.  

What I love most is the options:  sleeveless, short sleeve or long sleeve; Peter Pan collar; or collar with ties; and dress and tunic lengths.

The bodice is fully lined, making for a neat and professional finish.  The tutorial is easy to follow with clear pictures for each step. With no button holes or zippers, this pattern is perfect for beginners!

Also, any fabric material works for this dress!  Woven, knit, wool, corduroy...pick your fancy!

Swoon Patterns GIRLS Cardigan!

About 2.5 weeks ago, I did a pattern review for Swoon Pattern's Women Cardigan.  You can see that post HERE.

Well now SWOON patterns, previously known as Paco Bean, but not to be confused with the artist formally known as Paco Bean, as released the cardigan in GIRL sizes!

This pattern LITERALLY took me one (1) hour to sew.  Very fast, very easy, great diagrams on how to sew the pieces together.  

I found a knit XL twin sheet set at Target for $9 a week or two ago and used that thin knit for this cardigan.  I LOVE it!  And I must also say that my little blond child looks great in hot pink.

I think ANY kind of knit is appropriate for this cardigan.  Whether thin, double knit, sweater knit, rib knit, etc.  Remember, the heavier the knit, the more drape you will get.

I will let Ali Cat sell the pattern to you...

Halloween Costume: Ballerina

Last Friday, Ali Cat Co was featured on That's What She Crafted.  You can see that post here.

But here it is as well!

Heeeeyy Party Girls! I am Brianne from Ali Cat & Co.  I've "known" the TWSC ladies for....well, only about 6 months...BUT I'd totally bail them out of jail if needed.  They are rock stars.  Seriously.  I didn't wait to be asked to guest blog post, I begged and bribed for a slot. They are that cool.  I NEEDED to be involved with the TWSC awesomeness.

So here I am.

About 6 weeks ago, I began asking my 3 year old what she wanted to be for Halloween.
Response: "A ballerina with a big tutu riding a pink horse"  PHEW!  Something easy.  I feared she'd say something crazy like "a globe" or "a giant chicken nugget" or "you're cooking bananas".  Where do children get this random nonsense? Well, I know EXACTLY where they pull it from, but am I allowed so say it????

Over the past weeks, I have periodically checked back in with her to confirm she still wanted to be a ballerina riding a horse.  Lucky duck me, she has continued to agree.  Last thing I wanted was for her to change her mind at the last minute.  That's the best way to drive a mama crazy.

I had two goals with this costume.  First:  Make something that she will LOVE.  Second:  make it wearable outside of Halloween.

Step 1:  Find a pink horse.  SCORE!  Found a pink stick horse.  She then demanded to make it a unicorn.  Hum...I did my best. haha.  Ok, probably not my best, but the damn thing now has a horn.

Sis Boom/Scientific Seamstress Angie

Sis Boom and THE Scientific Seamstress hook up to create some of the best clothing patterns available.  They have women's, men's, and children's patterns.  Scientific Seamstress (This link will take you to the Etsy site to purchase any of the patterns) also has her own patterns.  I'm close to owning all of them. They are very well written with excellent pictures.  However, if you happen to get stuck, you can hop over to the Scientific Seamstress Fan Page on Facebook.  If you aren't a member, you definitely should be!  The women on the page are the friendliest and nicest group.  Seriously, they are drama free and a very supportive and helpful bunch.

I really like the way the Angie bodice is designed. There are three neck line heights and front and back darts.  The original pattern has a full skirt (with pocket option!) and a loose bodice for a easy slip on dress. 

We attend several cocktail parties each year and am always in need of nicer dresses. I took the Angie, used the highly neckline option, made the bodice more fitted by taking in the darts and side seams, inserting a 20-22" invisible zipper on the back and adding a straight skirt with sash and embellishments to jazz it up.

I can't take any credit myself. I took inspiration from these Angies HERE and HERE.  That's my friend Crystal at Ginger Dimples.  Isn't she gorgeous?  and really f-ing talented!

Enough of the blah blah blah. I know I'm boring.  Here are the pictures.

Daddy Ali Cat was acting photographer and kept saying "Do something with your hands".

I'm not a model; I don't know what to do with my long ass arms.

What do you think?  I like honesty.

Swoon Cardigan Review

The lovely Alicia over at Swoon Sewing Patterns has done it again!  Another beautiful and easy pattern.

But it gets better-it's a WOMENS pattern!  I can't describe how much I love sewing for myself.  

Presenting Swoon Cardigan!

Size range is S-XXL.  Two sleeve options:  long and 2/3 (elbow-ish)

Irregular hem line for fun and princess seams for a great fit.

Super easy and fast pattern to sew.  She gives sewing options for using a serger OR French seams.

This pattern should definitely take less than 2 hours cut to finish.  I'm embarrassed to say that it took me longer because my knit choice is so thin, it kept slipping out from my fingers.  THEN I sewed a sleeve 45 degrees off.  I took extra care to rip that serged seam.

The instructions are only 1 (ONE) page long.  Yep, that easy!  She also provides an assembly diagram.  

The thing I love most about this pattern is the sleeve length.  They are nice and long.  I admit, I'm a knuckle dragger, so it's rare for me to find sleeves that are long enough.  I was beyond thrilled to find that I did not have to lengthen the sleeves.  Remember! If you need to shorten/length sleeves, do so around the elbow on the pattern so that you get the correct sleeve structure!  Don't just chop off at the wrist!

Dixie DIY Movies in the Park Shorts Review

Last week, I participated in Selfish Sewing Week over at Made with Moxie. I reviewed the Dixie Movies in the Park Shorts.  You can see the original post HERE.  

But thought I needed to have the review on my own bog as well! Enjoy!

Hello fellow selfish seamstresses!  I am Brianne from Ali Cat & Co. (alicatco.blogspot.com).  Thank you, Jill, for having me over at Made With Moxie.  It's a pleasure to be here talking about selfishness.  I think we can all agree that a little bit selfishness is necessary to help us detox. 

I started sewing when I had my first daughter.  I mostly sewed for her with an occasional bag for myself.  Lately, thanks to some really fabulous friends of mine, I've become 75% selfish sewist. 

One day, it hit me like a bag of bricks.  WHY sew for my children?  They grow so fast; it seems like a waste.  My oldest daughter has become extremely particular about her clothes recently.  My youngest daughter wears the oldests' hand me downs.   So I ask the question again. WHY? 

We can all agree that store bought clothes rarely have a perfect fit and tailoring store bought clothes can be difficult.  What's the answer?  Make it myself.  Not only are there AWESOME women's patterns out there, but you can make pretty clothing that fits for less than the store.

Believe me, once you go selfish, you'll never go back!

Do I need to continue to twist your arm? I hope not, so lets get on with the beautiful shorts pattern from Dixie DIY Patterns. 

Italian Lemon Cake Recipe

The hubby and I lived in Italy for 2.5 years.  Our oldest daughter was born there as well. 

We have many fond memories and are dying to return to Europe (to live) in the future.

It is true that the food is superior.  It's fresh; straight from the garden.  We were in Naples and Mount Vesuvius provides the most fertile soil to the area.  The vegetables are enormous and flavorful. 

For example, here are the two lemon trees in our garden.

Swoon Sewing Patterns Rosie

I think it's obvious that I'm obsessed with Swoon Sewing Patterns Bag Patterns.

This is my second Rosie bag.  

I thought Swoon Eleanor was my fav bag ever, but the 

Rosie might have topped out, for me anyway.  

Here is my first Rosie.

The main fabric is corduroy. The lining and flap accent is 

an old linen shirt from the hubby's side of the closet.  

Swoon Sewing Patterns Clyde

I have had the greatest pleasure of getting to know Alicia from Swoon Sewing Patterns. The Clyde is the fourth bag pattern I have made from her patterns.  

You can see the other bags I've made below.

Eleanor

Dorothy

Dottie

For this bag, I decided to try something new: stenciled burlap.

Here is a quick "how I did it".

 Mixed my paint color with fabric medium.  

If you can't find fabric paint or if you can't find the right color, just mix your regular ol'

acrylic paint with a wee bit of fabric medium and voila!  Fabric paint.

Kids and Deployment

Daddy Ali Cat is in the Navy.  He actually re-joined the Navy on the same day we got married. The Captain that commissioned him said he was ruining his life in a single day.  Ha!

I digress.

Since re-joining the military, he has had a great desire to deploy during the current war.  He compared not deploying to seeing a friend in a fight and not being able to help the friend.  It hurt him to not go.  

While I do not share that feeling, I am compassionate and glad we have people in this country that WANT to do it for our nation.  He wants to protect our land, family, friends, and strangers. I think he also wanted to experience war. Men and their curiosity. As much as it hurt me to see him leave me and the girls, I could not hold him back. What kind of wife would I be if I restrained him doing something he desperately needed to to? Not to mention that deploying is also good for his career.  

We have two daughters Ali (3) and Madeleine (16 months).  Madeleine is a mamas girl and dainty like moi.  Ali is a tiny female version of Daddy.  She likes rough housing, playing chase, being dirty and defiant, and LOVES her Daddy.  They are two peas in a pod.  When Daddy Ali Cat was doing his deployment training, he was gone for about 6 weeks. We were able to see him once in a while during but it was a nice trial period before he actually left.  Ali seemed to handle that well, probably because we saw him on the weekends.  

We ordered a Daddy Doll for Ali and he gave it to her as a present.  She loved it!

Zafarani Saffron Twirl Dress Neckline Options!

Yesterday, Zafarani Designs released her first PDF sewing pattern!  

Introducing the Saffron Twirl Dress! You NEED this pattern!

It comes in sizes 6-12mo to 8 years.  Until next Monday, it is only $6! After that it's $9.  $9 isn't all that bad either, that's only $1 per size!

(Click the first link to like her Facebook page and click the second link above to go buy her pattern.)

I was one of the lucky pattern testers for this gorgeous dress.  

It features a V-neck front with button tab closure on the back.  

The back of the skirt portion has a bit of elastic for dressing and playing ease.  

Along with a long sash to tie in the back or double wrap around for a tie in the front

With a full skirt, this dress has MAJOR twirl action!

The Saffron Twirl dress is a perfect fit for the little girl in your life.

Ali's $154 Room Makeover!

Updating rooms can be very expensive, but it certainly doesn't have to be if you shop right and DIY the hell out of it!

After we moved in, Karl and I painted Ali's room a wonderful light yet bright yellow.

My Dorothy Day Tripper Bag Giveaway

Ali Cat & Co recently hit 100 likes!  Wahoo! We are actually up to 120 likes now. 

I have been pondering what to do to thank you. 

Well, it hit me in the shower this morning (yes, that is typically where I get all my good ideas.)

So, I am happy to announce that I will be giving my chevron Dorothy Day Tripper bag away to a lucky Ali Cat & Co. fan.  

This is the actual bag I made, NOT the pattern.

As a reminder what it looks like.

Little Lizard King Retro Glam Skirt Pattern Test

I am very proud to have tested for Little Lizard King and her new Retro Glam Skirt! You can buy as an all size bundle or from 6 months -5T + doll or 6-14+ doll.

When I showed my 3 year old a picture of the skirt, she was THRILLED! We headed to the fabric store and she picked out the two main fabrics.  A little bit sweet and a little bit sassy!

The skirt took me about 3 hours to sew up.  Very simple instructions and easy to follow.  Great pattern for an advanced beginner sewer.  

The skirt has a flat front and elastic back waist band.  You can use regular elastic or there is also an option for sizable elastic (the preferred method) AND a tutorial for making your own sizable elastic, which is what I did! The pattern also comes with a Rockabilly hair wrap pattern and a doll size pattern.

This skirt is very diverse, which is why I love it so.  Kari from That's Sew Kari made hers the Candy Corn Cutie.  Check it out!  Perfect for the entire fall!

Another tester chose fabrics to mimic a cheerleader skirt.  It was equally adorable.  (Once I receive permission to link photos, I will).

I also think this skirt would be awesome made from bandanas and denim for a cowgirl look.  Some of the other testers also suggested a skirt for each Disney Princess or Minnie Mouse.  All great ideas.  Like I said, VERY versatile!

Here is Ali enjoying her skirt "tutu".  She receive many compliments on it at school.

Sew Much Ado: Seafarer Pattern Review

First, administrative information. If you look at the top left of the page, just above the "about me" and my picture, you will see PAGES!  Yippee for me figuring out Blogger.  I have a page for all the pattern reviews thus far plus a page for recipes.  There are many more patterns I've sewn but never posted pictures.  I will slowly start adding all of the beginner patterns I did when I first started sewing.  It's scary when you first start and I had no idea what kind of patterns to buy.  Hopefully I can help some new sewing mamas out.  

Movin' on.

Recently I was introduced to Sew Much Ado's Seafarer pattern. It's a classic pattern and a staple in the closet.  I think this took me 1.5-2 hours to sew up.  Pretty quick.  It's a great fit.  Roomy and forgiving yet still flattering on the figure.  Most importantly, comfortable! If you are in between sizes, I would size down.  That's the most wonderful aspect of knit, sizing down! :)

I don't have much else to say other than I love this shirt and will definitely be making many many more in all the different ways possible.  

Prepare yourself for some ridiculous pictures.

My Boyfriend's Apple Pie

A few weeks ago (maybe a MONTH?), I was a guest blogger on Welcome to the Mouse House.  This is one of my all time favorite blogs.  Hayley is amazing.  Her sewing and crafting skills are out of this world!  You should really check out her blog.  She has a tutorials page that will give you all kinds of ideas and inspiration!  My apple pie recipe is on the tutorials page under recipes, but here it is as well.

Enjoy!

My sophomore year in high school, there was a new boy.  

(I'm sure all of you remember that feeling!) 

And he was SOOO cute!  He started dating a friend of mine.  Every single girl in the school was jealous.  Lucky for me, he was in my Spanish class. Hola, guapo! At the end of the semester he began talking to me a lot and we started hanging out during winter break.  He had broken up with

"the other girl" a few weeks before.  If he told me the reason why, I don't remember.

Who wants to talk about other girls when you have a hottie senor looking you in the eyes?

We officially started dating before school began for the spring semester.  When my friend

found out she was no longer my friend.  She was pretty peeved at me, to put it nicely.  Double lucky for me, she was super tall and skinny and got picked up by a modeling agency and flew

out to Spain for 5 months to model. 

(I heard she did topless pics on the beaches, but I was never able to confirm that.)

At some point, I met his family for the first time.  We had dinner at his house.  His mom had made

an apple pie.  It was love at first sight.

Sis Boom Jamie Dress

There is currently a Sis Boom Jamie Sew-A-Long happening; here's Day 1.  It's only 4 days long, very fast sew.  I wanted to participate because the pattern was on sale for $5!

Sis Boom always has great patterns, easy instruction, and it comes in sizes XS-3X.   If you are a busty gal, there is also a cutting line for extra room in the bodice.  This dress truly is flatting on every single figure.  Just Google for images. It has a full skirt but you can easily change it to A line or just narrow the skirt for less gathering.  The pattern gives you measurements to make the dress any length you desire.  I've seen it as a tunic and maxi dress!  Looks awesome with any cut.

The dress does not originally have pockets.  The sew a long tells you how to add the pockets based on the Sis Boom Angie pattern (which I also bought for $5!).

The sew a long ALSO gives instructions for how to make this dress nursing friendly!   Lot 'o' options!

I'm in love with this dress.  It's so comfortable.  Dress up or down or with a bolero when it's cool.

The only thing I changed was the zipper installation and length.  The pattern calls for a 14" zipper, which would make me cut off one pocket.  I only sewed the zipper to the top of my pocket (which was approximately 10").  I'm a pocket girl, I really didn't want to cut 1/2 of it out.

The shorter zipper works fine, but there is not enough room to get the dress over my hips.  I'm forced to take it off/put it on over my head.  Not a big deal for me.  If I had cut 1" off my pocket and used 11" of the zipper, it would have fit over my hips just fine.  

I took extra care to make sure my side checks would match up.  I did a pretty darn good job.

Paco Bean Dorothy Day Tripper Pattern GIVEAWAY!

Yesterday I blogged about the Paco Bean Dorothy Day Tripper sewing pattern.

Isn't she gorgeous?
You can read that post here.  I also talk about two other Paco Bean patterns.  I'll be 100% honest, you need these bags in your collection.  I get lots of compliments on the Eleanor.  My sister in law has already threatened to steal it from me.  Back off, Nancy!
(no, her name is not Nancy)

Well, now is your chance to get the Dorothy Day Tripper for FREE.  Gratis. Frei. Gratuit. Liber.

I love Swoon Sewing Patterns!

I have recently pattern tested two bag patterns for Swoon Sewing Patterns.  I must say, these patterns are awesome!  Really, really great design.  

As an anti-diaper bag mama, I prefer a larger bag to carry all the kid stuff.  i have fallen madly in love with my Eleanor Slouchy Hobo.  You can see my pictures for it here.  Personally, I like cross body bags because when you pick up kids, put them down, pick up items they have throw out of the grocery cart, I don't want my bag falling off my shoulder and all the contents spilling out on the floor.  You know what I'm talking about; so embarrassing!  Well, the Eleanor's strap is the perfect length for cross body, so it will never fall off that shoulder while shopping.  It's also large enough for diapers, wipes, and sippy cups but not so big you feel like a pack mule.  The Eleanor is so comfortable laying on your hip or along your back for when you must carry your infant and toddler at the same time.  

Again, you know what I'm talking about!

The Dottie is a great bag when you are out and about when you don't have to carry items for 4.  You can see my pictures here.  It's also a great bag for a little girl to carry around her necessities.  And by necessities I mean Barbies, stickers, and princess hair ties.  

Yes, I am getting to the point now.  After these two bags, I decided I absolutely positively MUST have the Dorothy Day Tripper bag pattern. 

So here she is, my Dorothy. I really love it!  Great should strap length, nice and roomy interior without being bulky.  This would be the best carry-on bag for a flight.  You could fit a knitting project in this thing!  

I've been keeping a secret!

I happen to 'know' someone out there in sewing land who works for The Scientific Seamstress.  My friend pretty much has the best job in the world.  She blogs for SS, does sew-a-longs, maintains Facebook page, etc.  All from home. Yep, she gets paid to sew.  Dream job. 

Well, because of her, I was invited to test a new SS children's dress.  The Scientific Seamstress likes to keep her new patterns secret until released, which is was today! Here's where you can buy.  The Bebop tunic/dress is on sale today only!

Without further ado...

It's a full "doll like" Bishop dress. I have since jazzed it up with ric rac!

New Sewing Table!

Saturday afternoon I went online to our local buy/sell website (like Craigslist but for Camp Pendleton) and on the home page there was a listing for a FREE corner sewing table!

FREE!  No time wasted, I called the number and said I would be there in 30 minutes.  I pulled Ali out of bed, got the girls into the car and drove over to the house knowing the table would not fit into my SUV without the back seats folded down.  However, I HAD to stake my claim before another sewing ho stole it from me. 

Arrived at the house.  The lady told me she took a bar table and cut it apart to create the corner and chopped the legs down.  She also cut out one sewing machine hole but never attached an under mount piece.  The table is uglier than sin.  It's PERFECT, though! Exact size to hold two machines and when the hubby gets back from deployment, I'll have him fix the under mount for me.  

 I was wondering with who I could pawn the girls on so I could go back to pick up the table.  Instead, I gave the lady $15 so her husband would deliver it to the house.  Totally worth $15, don't you think?

 This thing is BIG and won't fit through a regular door.  Thank goodness my sewing room is the sun room and we have large sliding glass doors to carry it into the backyard and around to the side of the house and back into the sun room  Also, it's a good that I've been working out.  It takes guns to carry this beast by oneself.  Or it takes a man, which mine is not home at this moment in time.

Swoon Dottie Bag

Swoon Patterns will be releasing the beautiful Dottie pattern soon!

I was able to pattern test for Swoon again and really love this bag!

I chose Michael Miller Candy Shop cotton to sew it up.  I took Wonder Under, applied it to the top of my cotton fabric, then ironed on a thin vinyl on top to create a custom laminated cotton look.  

I wanted a vintage-y, plastic appeal to my bag and I think I accomplished just that!

The interior as a zipper pocket and I added a phone slip in pocket as well. 

Victory's Lola

My third selfish sewing adventure (no, I have not blogged about #2 yet) was Victory's Lola.

This has to be one of the fastest clothing items I've ever sewn.  3 hours flat from cut to finish.  No issues, no problems, no ripping seams.  FAST.

I used a light weight sweat shirt fabric I bought on super sale from www.fabric.com.  Even though it's fairly light weight knit, it's still too warm for this summer weather.  It will be perfect for fall and with leggings during winter.  

Action shots.

Candy Castle Gumdrop Bubble tunic/dress

I was lucky to test Candy Castle's Gumdrop Bubble tunic/dress pattern.  

This pattern is FAST!  2.5 hours from cut to finish for each dress.

Super cute for summer and into fall.  

Great fit, easy to follow instructions, and pattern pieces that fit together perfectly!

I decided to make matching dress for my two girls.

Get a load of this cuteness!

Deer and Doe Datura Blouse

Venturing into the realm of selfish sewing!

It really makes more sense to sew for myself.  Kids grow out of clothes so fast!  By the time I finish making the girls a wardrobe, it's the next season and they need a bigger size.  I know I'll be the same size and I can wear it year after year.  

I started with Deer and Doe's Datura Blouse.

This is take 1.  There will be many, many more of these in the near future.  It sewed up super quick and fits so well.  Perfect for summer.

I'll be completely honest. I made the peter pan collar and then forgot to sew it on the front yoke.  I finished making the bodice and realized I didn't attach the collar.  I opted to not rip everything apart to put it on.  I'll save the collar for the next Datura!

The yoke is Karl's old dress shirt that had a rip in the sleeve.  The bottom is a sheer, flowy shirting fabric. There are so many ways to jazz this blouse up.  Hopefully I will have a few more sewn together in a week or two.

Forgive the sans make up and 80's side ponytail.

Sis Boom Tommy Boxers

I sewed up Scientific Seamstress's (Sis Boom, actually) Tommy Boxers yesterday.

These are roomy and comfortable!  Perfect for being lazy at home, working at home, playing at home, or even over the swimsuit shorts.

Very quick sew and comes with the bum lettering too!

I used a sewing fabric which has buttons, thimbles, and spools of thread.  Madeleine loved pointing at all the notions and saying "iisss?"

Of course, I had to add "CRAFTY" to the bum.

Don't hate on these sexy pictures!

Eleanor Slouchy Hobo Bag

I had the pleasure of pattern testing for Swoon Patterns.
I sewed up the Eleanor Slouchy Hobo Bag in a few hours.

The directions are very clear so if it is your first time sewing zippers, you are in good hands!

I finished sewing the bag last night and already moved my stuff over!  The strap is the perfect length for a cross over.  And the interior is SO roomy!

I really love this bag!

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Sew Beautiful Vintage Romper

 A few weeks ago I picked up the newest issue of Sew Beautiful because it featured the cutest 

romper.  Finally finished sewing it up last night.  It has to be one of the favorite things I've done for the girls!

Elephant and Elegance Bubble Shorts Review

Have you heard of Flip This Pattern?  If not, or if you need a reminder, here's the link.

Flip This Pattern

Basically, it's one pattern a month that you 'flip' or make your own in any way.  That could mean a fun fabric, embellishments, etc.

June is Elegance and Elephants Bubble Shorts Pattern.

Honestly, I didn't 'flip' it at all.  Maybe next time.  I like to get the hang of a pattern before diving into something more serious.

If you want to see what other people have done, click on the LINK, scroll all the way down to "Linky Party".  There are some really fabulous ideas there!

I've loved this pattern since it came out.  I finally bought it and sewed it up this weekend.

I used a nice denim with Riley Blake helicopter cotton for the pockets and waist lining.  

This pattern was super easy and quick to sew up.  I will definitely be making more!

Crap room re-paint and birthday presents!

How lovely to be clean and organized!

My sewing room was a horrid disaster last week.  The paint was ugly

and I had stuff everywhere!

I had Lowes color match a hydrangea petal for me, which came out to be

almost exactly like Ice Lime by Valspar. 

I love it!  So bright and cheery. 

I'm on the hunt for another large table for cutting.

I'm stalking Craigslist everyday.

Quick projects

New valance for the kitchen

Book Nook bunting for Ali's reading area.  

Gosh, that picture is hard on the eyeballs.

Crap Room ready for cleaning!

My crap room is out of control.  It needs major help.

Yikes, right?

The serger is in for it's tune up.

So, it's time to take control of this situation.

This is it-Ali Cat & Co. sewing blog!

Since the baby daddy is deploying soon, I think I will have a lot of time on my hands the next 7 months or so.  Hence the birth of Ali Cat & Co blog.  My goals are to advance my sewing and significantly improve the ole photography skills.  

Here's a jog down memory lane.  

My first sewing projects.

 Ali was about 8 months old.  Such a cutie.