• Home
  • Suggest A DIY
  • DIY Newsletter

Sewing

Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew

  • About CraftGossip
  • Our Network
    • Bath & Body Crafts
    • Candle Making Ideas
    • Crochet Ideas
    • Cross Stitch
    • Edible Crafts
    • Felting Patterns
    • Glass Art
    • Home & Garden Ideas
    • Indie Crafts
    • Jewelry Making
    • Kids Crafts
    • Knitting Patterns
    • Lesson Plans
    • Needlework
    • Party Ideas
    • Polymer Clay
    • Quilting Ideas
    • Recycled Crafts
    • Scrapbooking
    • Sewing Patterns
    • Card Making
    • DIY Weddings
    • Not Craft Ideas
  • Giveaways
  • Roundups
  • Store
  • Search

From my studio last week: March 14, 2011

March 14, 2011 by Anne Weaver

I only got one thing actually sewn last week, and I hesitate to show it here because it’s really not exceptional.  But given that I don’t have anything else, it’ll just have to do.

It’s a tunic for my daughter.  I made it to test the theory that I could make a shirt using the Peek-a-Boo Shoulder Shirt pattern, but out of a woven instead a knit.  I used foldover on the edges even though the woven won’t let it actually stretch. 

As you can easily see, it’s made from an old dress-shirt.   I cut it off center to make the button placket asymmetrical.  Of course, doing that also made the hem asymmetrical.  I had planned on cutting it straight, but I got lazy.

It’s plainer than what I typically like.  In fact, when I got it done and put it on a hanger, I was immediately struck with how much it looks like an smock apron instead of a shirt.

  But then the little girl put it on, and the too-plain lines became clean and crisp.  The sloppy off-kilter hem became kind of cool.

I think I’ll definitely make another version of this some day, though next time I’ll probably put more a little more detail at the neckline. 

The only other photos I have are not of anything that came out of my studio.  Rather, it’s a whole bunch of stuff that came into my studio by virtue of the “fill a bag for $5” rummage sale at a local church.  I stuffed that bag full, y’all! 

See what all I got for my $5!

 It’s mostly t-shirts that I plan to cut into to make panties for myself, shirts and dresses for my daughter, or various other random sewing projects.

There’s also a pair 100% linen pants that will become pedal pushers for the little girl.  And a pair of gray twillish denimy that I’ll use to make a pair of spring  pants for her as well.

I am sooo going to turn that WOW! shirt into a pair of panties.

But wait, there’s more!!  Not pictured:

–Hot pink wool sweater, because my “to be felted one day” stack isn’t near tall enough.

–New vest for myself.  From Talbot’s and fits me beautifully.

–Dark kelly green dress shirt for sweet husband.

–Knee-length full skirt that’s 5 sizes too big and may or may not get sized down for me.

–Polyester yellow polka-dotted blouse with neck tie.  Also too big but I’m going to see if I can size it down and take away some of it’s poofiness.  If not, it’ll make a beautiful party dress for Liv’s American Girl doll.

ALL of that for $5.   Oh, and also half a box of old dot matrix address labels, now sitting on the little girl’s art table.

 I’m feeling a little bit like Queen of the Rummage Sale.

«
»

Comments

  1. Chris says

    March 14, 2011 at 5:31 pm

    I think your tunic turned out great!

  2. KJ@letsgoflyakite says

    March 14, 2011 at 6:31 pm

    Love this!!! I have so many ideas right now!!!

  3. Debbie says

    March 15, 2011 at 5:19 am

    Oh!!!!! I love the tunic and the stash. You know me, that $5 bag you got is gold. I just the love tiered knit dresses in Hannah Andersson’s newest catalog. They’d look awesome made of patch work ts….
    I’m going to go back to my men’s shirt pile for Spring girl…and mama clothes. Thanks for sending me back there.

  4. Craft Passion says

    March 15, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    It is gorgeous!!! I am altering my old shirts and make them into shorts for my kids now :)Hope they came out as cool as yours.

Have you read?

Sewing for Seniors: A Roundup of Practical Patterns for Aged Care and Dementia

As a caregiver to an elderly parent navigating the challenges of aging and dementia, I’ve found myself on a mission to create thoughtful, practical items that assist in everyday care while maintaining a sense of dignity and comfort. Over the years, my sewing projects have shifted from creating cute clothes for my children to sewing things that support my parents through their later years. It’s not always easy, and it can be heartbreaking at times, but crafting these items has brought a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

If you’re in a similar situation and looking for sewing patterns and tutorials to support your loved one, whether they are in a wheelchair, dealing with dementia, or simply needing adaptive clothing, this roundup is for you. These patterns offer solutions to daily challenges, from sensory stimulation to maintaining dignity and comfort. 

Adult dignity bib 

When caring for someone with dementia, eating can often become a messy experience. An adult dignity bib offers a simple but effective way to help prevent spills and ensure that your loved one remains comfortable and clean during mealtime. This pattern provides a great way to create a stylish and practical solution for dignity and comfort.

How to Turn a Plush into a Weighted Toy  

Weighted toys can be a calming and comforting tool for seniors, especially those experiencing anxiety or agitation. This tutorial shows you how to transform a soft plush toy into a weighted sensory item, offering soothing pressure and comfort to help relax your loved one. It’s a great way to create a personalized, comforting toy that provides sensory input.

Eye Pillow – Weighted 

Tulip Walker Tote Bag 

Special Needs Bib Pattern — CraftBits.com 

Make a Fidget Quilt with Rob! 

Fidget quilts are fantastic tools for dementia patients, offering tactile stimulation and promoting calmness. In this video tutorial, Rob guides you through the process of making a fidget quilt, showing you how to add various textures, buttons, zippers, and other engaging features to keep your loved one’s hands busy and focused

Making Fidget Quilts for Dementia Patients | Madam Sew – MadamSew

How to sew a fidget quilt 

How to Make a DIY Lycra Sensory Bed Sheet | And Next Comes L – Hyperlexia Resources

Lycra sensory bed sheets are an excellent choice for providing calming pressure during sleep. This pattern from And Next Comes L explains how to make a DIY Lycra sensory bed sheet that can help your loved one feel secure and relaxed while they sleep, which is especially useful for those with sensory processing issues.

Wheelchair And Walker Carry Bag Sewing Pattern

Tutorial: No-sew adaptive sweatshirt for wheelchair users 

Tutorial: Adult-sized bib – Sewing

How to Make a Fidget Blanket 

Sewing pattern: How to Make a Fidget Quilt 

How to Make an Adult Pocket Diaper

For individuals who need additional care in maintaining hygiene, adult pocket diapers can be a game-changer. This pattern teaches you how to create a comfortable, functional pocket diaper, ensuring your loved one stays dry and comfortable throughout the day.

How to Sew an Adult Front Closure Swim Diaper 

How to Sew a Fitted Adult Cloth Diaper

For those looking for an eco-friendly and budget-conscious option, sewing a fitted adult cloth diaper can be a great solution. This pattern offers detailed instructions for creating a well-fitting, reusable cloth diaper for adults who need additional support.

The Linda Pants – Free Adaptive Sewing Pattern

Adapting Creatively: Wheelchair Rain Poncho Tutorial

This wheelchair rain poncho is a practical and thoughtful accessory for wheelchair users. This tutorial shows you how to make a poncho that will keep your loved one dry while they’re out and about, ensuring they stay comfortable in all weather conditions.

Adapting Creatively: Split-back Wheelchair Jacket

 Weighted Blanket

Weighted Lap Pad

For those who need a little extra calming weight throughout the day, a weighted lap pad is an ideal choice. This simple but effective pattern helps you create a lap pad that can be placed on your loved one’s lap for a soothing, calming effect that promotes relaxation and comfort.

Categories

Bags and purses Children's Christmas Easter fleece Free Sewing Patterns Girl's Dress Halloween Hats Home Decor No-sew Pillows Refashions Scrap Fabric sewing Sewing Patterns Sewing Techniques Softies T-shirts Women's

RSS More Articles

  • Backpack Cross Stitch Patterns
  • Pencil Knitting Patterns
  • 15 Cardboard Crafts For Adults: Clever Ways To Use Boxes, Tubes And Packaging
  • Red Melt The Ice Slouch Beanie Crochet Pattern Review
  • These Bakery-Style Biscoff Cupcakes Disappear in Minutes
  • 15 Lush Dupe Recipes You Can Make At Home
  • Sewing for Seniors: A Roundup of Practical Patterns for Aged Care and Dementia
  • Honey Baby Bear Applique Machine Embroidery Design – Etsy Review
  • 80’s Inspired Boombox Shaped Mini Album
  • Free Baby Star Crochet Pattern: A Cosy Hooded Cocoon for Newborns

Pick Your Blog

  • Sewing
  • Knitting
  • Quilting
  • Crochet
  • Home & Garden
  • Recycled Crafts
  • Scrapbooking
  • Card Making
  • Polymer Clay
  • Cross-Stitch
  • Edible Crafts
  • Felting
  • Glass Art
  • Indie Crafts
  • Kids Crafts
  • Jewelry Making
  • Lesson Plans
  • Needlework
  • Bath & Body
  • Party Ideas
  • Candle Making
  • DIY Weddings
  • Not Craft
  • Free Craft Projects

Copyright © 2026 · CraftGossip | Start Here | Contact Us | Link to Us | Your Editors | Privacy and affiliate policy