Friday, July 26, 2013

We're back....again!! And a note about the refashioned sanitary pads....

Yup. My computer has been out of commission again! I think I really need to invest in some hardware this time. Geez! I'll need hubby's help to shop around to see where the best prices are. Until then I'm only getting computer time intermittently.

The refashioned sanitary pads are still being used exclusively. I haven't bought any commercial sanitary pads at all. Now that I have used the self-made ones for a few months, I can see that I need more than 10 of them. Since they don't have that 'dry weave' on top like the commercial pads, I need to change them more often on heavy days. So I think I'll have to make another 6 or so just to cover those days without having to do laundry every night. The good thing is, I have another organic baby change pad. When I bought them I didn't realize they came in two. It was useful to have 2 for my babies then and it's useful for me now. How great is that I am able to upcycle both of these hard to upcycle baby gears!

Now if I can just figure out new uses/purposes for all the other baby gears.....

Monday, July 1, 2013

Pattern Review: Simplicity 3742 dress

Yes another easy peasy summer dress. I used a very pretty cotton voile in my stash to make a modified View B. Basically I ignored the pattern pieces for the front and back facings. Instead, I made self fabric linings for the front bust and back areas in case I needed to wear the dress sans bra. I also didn't do the elastic/front tie. Instead I just inserted a full elastic into the seam allowance/channel.

It's very light and breezy to wear but as with all cotton fabrics, the elastic gathers under the bust created a bit of a puff-out effect and made me look a bit pregnant. I have to wear a belt under the bust to reduce the puffiness. I like wearing it with my trusty black cardi anyway so it's not really a problem.

Conclusion: A very easy and quick to sew dress. More suited to flowy, non-cotton fabrics. If you are looking to make a very quick summer dress, this could be the one for you!