Here, fishy fishy fishy!
Finished this week: A pair of summer tops for me and Elliot…too bad it’s already fall!
For Elliot I modified the basic boy’s collared shirt with a placket and mandarin collar (here’s the you-can-do-it tutorial), and added two pockets low down; I know it looks a little odd but this way he can stash his matchbox cars in there.
And here’s mine:
(I tried to do a cute mother-son photo shoot but most of the pictures are of him squirming out of my arms…)
I spent a couple of naps messing around tension, stitch length, and how tight to wind the elastic thread on the bobbin and I think I finally figured out the shirring thing! Hooray! Victory is mine!!!…
Bonsai! Rae’s New Fall Bag.
Here’s my newest bag. I’m calling it the “Bonsai Bag”*

I’m really digging orange right now, and these colors really get me in the mood for fall. The ties even look like little leaves. Since it’s pretty much felt like autumn all summer long here in the Midwest, I’m not experiencing the usual shock to the system, round of denial and all the wishing that summer would last just a little longer. No way man. Fall, bring it on! Stop messin with me already.
I’m really interested in your feedback on this bag. I can’t tell if it works or if it’s too much. I tend to go over the top with stuff, and I’m aware that the orange…
Real Women wear Unicorns
Thanks for the encouragement over the baby outfit — it was nice to know I’m not the only one who couldn’t hack the pattern (though now I’m living in constant fear that the great AB herself will stumble across the post and read it and have her feelings hurt…mortifying). I’m going to try and mess with the waistband and neckline a little to see if I can get it to fit as a 6-12 month or 12-18 month sized top. The bloomers I fear are a loss, but I’m sure someone I know will procreate again soon and odds are decent (49%, I believe) that effort will produce a girl.
A few weeks ago, bolstered by having Mr Rae home…
Backpack Madness!
From the sudden increase in toddler backpack pattern sales over the last couple of days, it seems many of you have decided it’s time to sew your kiddo a backpack so they can be stylin’ as they hop off the bus. Be sure to post them to the Toddler Backpack Pool (along with modifications, suggestions, and the fabric you used) so that we can all enjoy your handiwork!

Photo Cred (as with Spring Top Week, I assume that you’re OK with having your picture up on my blog if it’s in the pool; if not, please let me know ASAP!):
1. Toddler Backpack, 2. IMG_0412, 3. Toddler Backpack, 4. DSC_0505, 5.
Empire-Waisted Baby Top and Bloomers

UPDATED: This dress did actually end up fitting! Hooray!
I’ve been dreading this post because I’m afraid I’m going to have to roast this pattern. This is the (so-called) “Easy Empire-Waist Top” from Little Stitches for Little Ones by the amazing Amy Butler. The top is in my opinion, absolutely adorable on paper, which is why I chose to make it in the first place, but it was an absolute nightmare to construct. I’m not sure if I just can’t read pattern instructions without pictures or what, but I kept reading and re-reading the instructions and scratching my head, trying something, tearing it out, trying it again…
Furthermore, I’m afraid it’s sizing is questionable at best, as my rather large newborn…
My old JCrew shirt = Newborn Hat and Pants!
It’s my seester Elli’s birthday today (8/17)! Go over and wish her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
** Disclaimer: I have actually started sewing a leetle-leetle bit, but I would like to stress that these past couple of projects were sewn BEFORE Clementine arrived a couple weeks ago. Please know that I spend most of my time nursing and napping. And then maybe eating ice cream. OK, and reading blogs. The last thing I want to do is give any new mothers (or anyone, for that matter) out there a complex about their lack of productivity. I also should mention that Mr Rae is on like a month of paternity leave/vacation, which is totally wonderful and a luxury not all new moms have for which…
Itty Bitty Dress for Clementine
Thank you so much for all the congratulations! It’s so fun to hear from so many of you all at once, especially those of you who usually lurk! I love seeing so many familiar names; know that I read and appreciated all of your kind words, even if I’ll never be able to respond to them all (and forgive me for not really trying at this point…).
We are having so much fun with Clementine; she’s so snuggly and sleepy all the time. I know it only gets better, but this stage is so much fun too. These are hazy days for us; the time slips by, we don’t know what day it is and there’s lots of napping. So great.
Baby!
I’m so excited to be able to introduce you to our newest little blessing:

Clementine Amelia was born Thursday evening, weighing in at 8 lb, 9 oz and 20.5 inches long. We’re all home from hospital now, resting and doing great!
Don’t look too close at this dress
A couple weeks ago I kind of panicked when I realized I had done just about NOTHING to get ready for our baby (expected any day now, for those just joining). This resulted in a frenzy of painting, furniture moving (don’t worry, it wasn’t me), suitcase packing, birthing-book reading and inevitable new-baby-item purchasing.
That has slowed considerably over the last week or so and I finally feel ready. Problem is, now I’m waiting, not a great situation for someone who’s used to always having a bajillion things to do. So with all this newfound baby-waiting time, I’ve become a machine, I tell you, a machine. I’ve been pumping out sewing projects left and right; changing pad covers, curtains for the nursery,…
Sewing for Baby: Cloth Diapers!
Now that the nursery is painted and pretty much ready to go and I’ve gotten much of the before-baby-comes stuff completed, I’ve been able to really dig into the baby sewing. It’s so relaxing and fun to think about the little baby who will wear all these teeny things.
We’ve been cloth diapering with Elliot since he was born and since he’s not yet potty-trained, I went over to Sweet Peas yesterday and ordered some more one-size diapers for the new baby to boost our stash. Am trying very hard not to think about having two in diapers. Cloth diapers.
Of course after talking to Cheryl (the owner, fellow sewist, and now good friend…that’s what happens when you go in once…
about Rae
Hi! I'm Rae, Head Boss Lady of Made By Rae Enterprises. I love to sew. This blog is a showcase for my crafty stuff.
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