Crazy Dog Lady Challenge: The Finale, Part III (or WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!)

Hey there everyone! I bet you are all as excited as I am to see who the Random Number Generator Gods have picked for the Crazy Dog Lady Sewing Challenge winners.

(Not to mention ALL. THE. GIFS.)

Before I get into the good stuff, I want to say a big, huge, ginormous thank you to:

1. All of our amazing sponsors. Seriously, you are all so awesome. My cheeks hurt from smiling each time one of you said, "Yeah, we'd love to help out!" Please do yourself a favour and if you don't already frequent these people's shops, check them out (for direct links, click these two posts). All of these people could have easily said no. But they didn't. Hooray!

2. Tanya and Sophie-Lee. You are both two well-known bloggers, and I am just a little guy when it comes to blogging, and yet the both of you have been so helpful and gracious with me throughout this process. I am so grateful that I was able to meet two like-minded ladies from around the world! Thank you for all your help! You both rock!

3. All of YOU! Yes YOU! You all made this possible with your amazing dog lady craziness! It is nice to know that there are others around the world who are as nutty as I am when it comes to fur-babies. Seriously, I showed all the people at work every time a new dog coat or dress was posted. You are all amazing and I am so happy that we are able to offer these prizes for some of you to reward your craziness. My only regret is that we can't send you all something for joining, but then we'd be broke and then how would we buy our fabric?

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Okay, now on to what you are all really here for: PRIZES! The Random Number Generator Gods have spoken, and without further adieu, the winners are as follows:

Vicki!

Who gets to take home:
1. a dog paw brooch from MrZhuo
2.  a pattern from By Hand London
3. the linen dog print fabric from Grey's
4. a Fox and Hound shirt from Grey's
5. a package from Riley Blake Designs that includes: a designer fat quarter bundle, a basic variety Rolie Polie, a basic variety 7" square Stacker, and a Floriography 5" square Stacker

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kychristine!

Who gets to take home:
1. a Dachshund dog brooch from nettimadeit
2. a pattern of their choice from Sewaholic Patterns
3. a custom dog embroidered needle case from kerso
4. a package from Riley Blake Designs that includes: a designer fat quarter bundle, a basic variety Rolie Polie, a basic variety 7" square Stacker, and a Floriography 5" square Stacker

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Michelle!

Who gets to take home:
1. a dog brooch from MrZhuo
2. a pattern from By Hand London
3. a pattern from Bluegingerdoll Patterns
4. a package from Riley Blake Designs that includes: a designer fat quarter bundle, a basic variety Rolie Polie, a basic variety 7" square Stacker, and a Floriography 5" square Stacker

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Kelsey!

Who gets to take home:
1. a $50 gift card to Michael Levine, Inc.
2. a doggy prize pack from G Marie Sews

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And that is it everyone! If you are a winner, please contact us via e-mail (click here), so that we can either start shipping your goodies, or get you in touch with the people who need to ship your goodies.

Thank you again for participating! Toodles :)

{MOAR GIFS}

One Day I'll Get This Timing Thing Down.....a.k.a. Crazy Dog Lady Sewing Challenge Dress!!!

Holla! How are you? I've had a very crazy two weeks over here and am very much looking forward to this weekend. As for this dress, I'm only just over a week late, and technically, I'm not completely done because I haven't slip-stitched the lining down but I already wore this to work today so I count it as good enough for pictures. And like I've said before, since I can't win anything anyways, it's not really a huge deal (to me at least!).

I made this up in Simplicity 1873, just like my pink fruity-floral muslin, with the only changes being that I changed the shape of the arm holes slightly so that they don't rub like my previous version(s), I didn't make the skirt as fully gathered, and I lowered the hemline to just below the knee instead of just above like I normally do. That's it! 

I really wanted in-seam pockets, but by the time I finally got around to sewing the skirt, I knew I wouldn't have time to pattern match, and I knew that if it wasn't matched, I might go a little mad. So, just as with my muslin, I settled for a patch pocket. At first I wanted to make a bone shaped patch pocket. But then, I thought, there is potential that it may not turn out looking like a bone, but rather, something inappropriate (a penis), and seeing as I work in high school, that might not be a very good idea. So, after a quick search on Pinterest, I found a dog-shaped pocket and decided I would try to wing it.

I decided to try to make it blend in in case it looked like crap. Unfortunately, because I was winging it, a few parts got weirdly stretched out. Fortunately, because I made it (mostly) match up, unless I point it out to you, you can't really tell.

I also made a little bandanna for Harley to go with all the other ones he already has kickin' around the house. We actually like to put it partially on his head and call to him saying, "Awwww! Look at the babushka lady! Look at the babushka lady!!!!"

SQUIRREL!

I am pretty proud with how far my skills in pattern matching have come, though I have to say that when I am off by thismuch, it makes me a little twitchy.

The skirt is matched really well, but I get twitchy when I look at the bodice too close.

Also, there totally is a hook and eye there but I just didn't do it up. Whateva! I do what I want!

I kind of think I look like an elementary art teacher in this, especially with the blue button up underneath, but I went ahead and wore it this way to work anyways. Overall I'm really happy with how the dress turned out and can't wait to wear it without the button up once the weather warms up (which it never will). I've only worn it one day and already have gotten compliments from everyone I come across! There is something to be said for unique fabric designs. Thank you whoever introduced me to Spoonflower!

Not much else to say, really except how amazing everyone's makes for the challenge were! If you haven't had a chance, go to the flickr group and check them out....OR EVEN BETTER!!! check out Tanya's finale part one, and Sophie's finale part two. And be sure to check back here on Saturday to find out who won our four amazing prize packs (if you need a refresher on prizes, see here and here).

Yes, we are listening.

Final note: at the end of every post, if you hadn't noticed, I always try to post a link. Click it today, you won't be disappointed. Anywho, can't wait to see you back here on Saturday! Have a great Friday! :)

{Click to watch my dog lose his shit.}

Dog Lady Pause

Holla! Just a quick little post today to let you know that if you are curious about where the hell my Crazy Dog Lady Sewing Challenge dress is, well, it's not done. Long story short, I took a spontaneous trip to Germany last Friday and got back Thursday and am rather behind in things and rather pooped. But seeing as I can't win anyways, I didn't think it was a huge deal. So it will make its appearance later this week. Also: later this week we will be having our parade on all three blogs, as well as announcing the randomly chosen winners! I can't wait to find out who wins! So be sure to pop back in later for all that plus more dog gifs. Because, really, you need more dog gifs in your life.

Toodles :)

{We all know that one dog...}

Extension!

As you may have already heard, the Crazy Dog Lady Sewing Challenge has been extended to March 21, so if you need a few extra days to git 'er done, then here's your chance! Can't wait to see everyone's finished goods :)

{Woot}

Carolyn. And balls. Mostly balls.

Holla! Hope your week is going well. Mine was, well, it's a new week, right? I honestly can't tell you what came first, the Carolyn Pajama pattern from the amazing Heather Lou at Closet Case Files, or the idea to make myself some kitchy shorts for the upcoming slo-pitch season, but, what I can tell you is that these babies are awesome!

The pattern is beautifully drafted. Really, even though my printer tried to print everything all unevenly, the shorts came together absolutely beautifully. The stars (and notches) all aligned! Actually, that's not true, the waistband was a bit big, but again, I blame the printer. Asshole.

I made a straight size 16 to fit my booty, no muslin, and although they are super comfy, I think I will make these a size smaller if I make myself some actual pjs. That, or I might take some fabric out in the centre back seam. Or maybe just grade at the waist. Something.

But regardless, these will be great for running the bases in (I say that like it happens often....bwahahahaha!). I don't know why I wanted baseball shorts with baseballs on them, but, there ya go. I spent about $18 on the quilting fabric and thread. The elastic, buttons, and pocket fabric were in my stash. I really like this pocket design!

Also: While these were in planning stages, I asked Trev two or three times if he wanted me to make him baseball shorts too. He said yes. So before running out to get the fabric, I said, "You realize when I say baseball shorts, I mean shorts with little baseballs all over them....right?" HAHAHA Yeah, the answer was a resounding no. Proof that sometimes what makes sense in my head isn't always clear to others.

On an unrelated note, if you like movies, go see Kingsman! I've seen it twice and it is so much fun! Like the more I think about it, the more I think it might replace Hot Fuzz for most watched movie in our household this year (only time will tell). In case it wasn't obvious, I like action movies that don't take themselves too seriously and that take place in Britain? Apparently I have a specific niche?

Special shout out to my sister who took these photos for me :)

I also made Bluegingerdoll's pinup scarf pattern to match. 'Cause I'm cool like that. Or something.

Also: Dog Lady Sewing Challenge! One more week! Eek! And don't forget, we have prizes!

{Instant sewing/dancing motivation!}

Cake.

Holy cow it's March! We are 1/6th of the way through the calendar year. Crazy! I feel like this year only just started. Regardless, I feel like I've been such an inconsistent blogger this past year that it wasn't really worth doing a year in review/goals for 2015 post like everyone else. Now that we are this far into the year, I have been thinking more about the rest of 2015. I am in a classroom that I feel much better prepared for, I am no longer taking any online courses, my computer is broken (no Internet to waste the evening away on), and basketball season is now sadly over, which means that this year I will have a lot more time to spend sewing. 

(At first I wore this plain, now I love how it looks with a collared shirt)

This has led to me doing much more thinking about what it is that I actually want to sew. I love pretty dresses and I have a ton of fabric just itching to be made into pretty dresses. And to be honest, I actually do get a lot of wear out of the dresses both at work, and out and about. Even in the winter I will throw on some tights and head out in a flirty frosting skirt. BUT. When it feels like minus thirty with the windchill, all I want is cake. I want all the Brontes, and Lindens, and Ensis Tees, and Archers (LANA!!!!!!!!!), and, of course, Hot Cocoas. I want all the lovely graphic, and yes, even plain fuzzy fabrics, and I want all the ribbing too.

(Surprisingly not the most ridiculous photo taken.)

This sweater was an attempt to ease some of that neediness screaming for all the warmth. Let's call it my Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows. Warm and soothing for the soul, with a little bit of sugary sweetness for kicks.

(Without button up...looks like something is missing)

I made this, from cutting it out to finishing it, all on one lazy Sunday, which for me, is a big deal. And it wasn't even a rushed deal. I was doing dishes and laundry and taking breaks like nobody's business!

I wanted a replacement for my original Hot Cocoa, which I literally wear the heck out of. Like I've said, it has grease splatter on the front and I don't care, I still wear that sucker. Nothing new to report, I made the same change of lengthening it by about 3 inches. I've already worn the heck out of this one too. It must be love.

("Please, just put me down.")

On a very vaguely related note, if you are part of the Crazy Dog Lady Sewing Challenge: less than two weeks to go! Weeeeee! Don't forget we have prizes!

OOH! And let's get back into this: best picture award goes to..........

("Hey, can you get in there so I can test the lighting?"..."Sure!")

Please do tell: what are you into right now, frosting, or cake?

{Completely unrelated but hilarious...Rolling Sarcophagi}