Business and pleasure...

First, I'm sorry I've been away for a while. My mom, my friend Karen and I were directors at Camp Winnataska, the greatest place on earth. We had so much fun. When I got back, I hopped right into making my costume for the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book release party. Normally I don't talk about business on my blog, but this is one of those times when they blissfully combine. I work at a fabulous library. We has a party from 10:00 to midnight so that people could come and pick up their reserved copies of the seventh Harry Potter book. There were games, costume contests, potion lessons, trivia, and so much fun! They asked me to dress up as the evil, vile, disgusting, mean Professor Umbridge. Here's my costume:

I had so much fun at the party. Scared some kids, gave some kids detention... it was a blast.

Here's another pic from the party of Professor Umbridge and Rita Skeeter:


A few details on the costume:

CAPE
Pattern: Simplicity 3959, View D & E hybrid
Fabric and Trim: The perfect purple and pink tweed from Hancock Fabric. The trim is a variegated chenille that was in the upholstery section.
Details: The cape pattern fastened in the middle (click for the line drawing) which wouldn't do. It wasn't too difficult to change. I cut the front piece on the fold instead of the selvages. The worst part of this plan was to redraw the pattern for the front and side front facings, but it wasn't that bad. The other major change was to omit the lining, which I didn't feel was necessary in Alabama in July. Four large fabric covered button holes, and that was that.

SKIRT
Pattern: Simplicity 4546, View A
Fabric: Linen, cotton, poly blend
Details: The only change to this was that I cut the skirt pieces on the bias.

Any other question... let me know.

Hem, hem
Elin "Professor-Umbridge" Glenn

A gift for my birthday buddy

So my friend Jennifer, has a beautiful daughter who was born on my birthday las year. Since I love my birthday, I find it cool that I know so many people who share it: (Mr. Carlson, Geoff, Eve, Dollie, and that's just the people I know), I thought I'd make Eve a new outfit. And since she is growing like a weed, I gave it too her a bit early so she might be able to wear it. The full pattern review is below the picture of the dress. I'll see if I can get some action shots.



My pattern review (from pattern review)
Hat and Panties
Back of dress

Pattern Description: infant dress, hat and panties

Pattern Sizing: s, m, l & xl, I made the xl (sized for 18-24 months).

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, but I lined the dress and the hat with a different fabric.

Were the instructions easy to follow? They we very easy to make. The pattern is listed as an "Easy Sew and Save." While it was easy, I expected this to be a quick project. It took me longer than expected, but was well worth the effort.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the hat and the dress. I think that there must be an easier way to construct the panties. If I make this again, I will do some experimenting to see what I can come up with.

Fabric Used: Outside: pale yellow with hot pink, green, and blue paisley. Inside: green and white small printed check. Trim: hot pink grossgrain ribbon

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I added pink ribbon to cover the side seams on the panties. I also lined the hat and the dress in a different fabric. I substituted the ribbon or the bias tape for the panty trim as well (which may have added to the difficulty in their construction.)

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would make this again. It was a gift for a friends baby (who shares my birthday). It was an easy project with good results. I hope that it will be a quicker sew next time.

Conclusion I love this style of dress for baby girls. It looks so summery and comfortable. When I found this pattern on sale, I know that I had to buy it to make a gift for my friend's daughter/birthday buddy.