Sometimes sewing can be as expensive (or more) than retail. But sometimes, things work out “just right” and it can be way less. This Teddy Bear jacket is a prime example. On the left, a boutique coat that inspired by sewing (retail $68), on the right my version ($15.99):

I had mentioned last week that I intended on using Seamwork’s Jill for this jacket and I think it worked out perfectly for this project. I did make a few modifications, though. First off, I shortened the length by 4″ – this jacket was way too long on me, plus I had only purchased 2 yards of the fur (which is actually closer to the pink in the inspiration photo, but my lighting is horrible) and shortening it allowed all the pattern pieces to fit without needing to buy more. Since I shortened the jacket, the kick pleat in the back was no longer necessary so I eliminated it as well as the pocket (in hindsight, I wish I would have added some). I also wound up boxing out the facing\jacket front so that if it flies open, it looks nicer – I didn’t see this in the instructions, but I’ll be honest and admit that I really just skimmed over them.

Over all I really LOVE the way this turned out. Not only does it feel warm (and super soft), but it’s going to be fun to wear… and let’s face it, you can’t be a $16, flashy jacket for the holidays!

Even though we’ve moved far away from some of our favorite stores and restaurants, I find myself still following a handful because I loved them so much. One of them, is a boutique that carried the best jeans (not only do they look good on, but they were so comfortable to wear) and trendy clothes. Most recently, they posted a photo of one of their new arrivals: a pink, teddy bear jacket. I had no desire for one until I saw this photo, so I’ve decided that I have to make one this weekend.

My first mission was to find a similar fabric, but I never could find exactly what I was after (most sherpa fleece seems to come in bright pinks) – so I settled on this rose faux fur from Hobby Lobby. It appears to be a similar shade, has some texture (that reminds me of a sherpa if you squint, LOL), and is incredibly soft. The woman at the cutting table thought I was making a blanket so hopefully in the end I won’t look like I’m wearing one.

When it comes to the pattern, I had originally thought I would make See Kate Sew’s Oversized Faux Fur Coat (it’s a free pattern). But once I brought my fabric home, I decided that it doesn’t have the same vibe as my inspiration photo. So after searching around, I decided on a pattern that I already had in my stash: Seamwork’s Jill. It had simple lines that work perfectly for fur and appears to have a very similar shape. This pattern is oversized so I decided that I’m sizing down to an XS so that I don’t look like I’m wearing a blanket after all!

Once again, Patterns for Pirates has 12 Days of Freebies going on. So far this year they’ve posted a hooded blanket for kids and adults, “ugly sweater” DIYS, a circle skirt apron, pixie hat, and some adorable fabric trees.

Not to be left out, Made for Mermaids has their own 12 Days of Freebies going in which includes holiday projects such as a felt breakfast playset, a blanket wrap, a scarf\bow scrunchie, and even a dog bandanna.

Need a quick sack to stuff your holiday shopping goodies into? Check out the Jolly Drawstring Bag – with 3 sizes for dolls, children, and adults.

I recently saw this cute Santa Christmas stocking floating around a few sewing groups – I went to visit the site and saw this adorable Snowman version too!

This scissors case makes a great gift for any seamstress in your life, or a fun little project to stitch up for yourself.

This poncho wrap will keep you cozy this winter. Bonus that you can use a blanket to make it!

These gingerbread house ornaments would be such a fun addition to your Christmas tree.

If you have a Cricut Maker (this is on my Christmas list!) then you’ll be able to whip up these place mats in no time.

These Jelly Beans hand warmers make a great stocking stuffer or teacher gift, plus they have a printable instruction label that you can attach when packaging.

Easton has become somewhat of a pajama connoisseur – he practically lives in them if he doesn’t have a reason to change (and sometimes when he comes home, he’ll put them on). So, he’s become pretty particular on what he wants. Between the fact that Easton wears them so much and that he’s grown a ton, he’s definitely in need of some new ones. So, I tried the 11th Hour Gear pattern the other day and I can honestly say, he’s not impressed.

In years past, I used the Pajama Party pattern (which unfortunately, he’s grown out of), it has a wide, roomy leg which is apparently what he likes best. The 11th Hour version is definitely skinnier. Between the fact that this flannel is sort of “stiff” (hopefully it will soften with more washings) and the skinnier leg, this wound up being a bust. I’m thinking that I may try the adult version of the Pajama Party: Hit the Hay Pajamas next as they can be made as small as an XXS which he would fit into. I swear, by the end of winter I will find the ideal sleepwear!

I know I’ve said it before, but I’m a sucker for mystery bundles. Sometimes they’re fabulous and others are a bust… this time, I think it’s safe to say my most recent bundle was a bust. SoSewEnglish had a 50% off sale on their French Terry Mystery Bundles and I really couldn’t stop myself from grabbing one. I opted for the “non floral” version in hopes of getting something that may work for Easton, but this is what I received:

I kind of chuckled when I saw my first fabric – a floral gingham check! This is my least favorite of the bunch and will probably be destined for something like a pajama pant. The rest of the fabrics I don’t mind (I actually really like the stars), but the pink is extremely bright (it may become a zip-up jacket some day) and the chartreuse is an odd shade that nothing will ever match (so I’m not sure what to do with it).

I also received a “regular” order that included a fun gnome print (and now I’m kicking myself for not getting a coordinating plaid) and a camo super plush that I’ve been itching to try. Now if I can just carve out some time to work on all these projects I have in my head!

I took advantage of some Black Friday sales and picked up a few patterns (I managed to stay away from buying fabric because I really want to sew up some of what I have… and I may have just bought some prior, LOL). I’ve had my eye on New Horizon’s Elevation hoodie for awhile now and decided that I needed to buy it, but with the site being 50% off, I picked up a few others as well – including the 11th Hour gear.

I broke down and bought these mainly because of the pajama bottoms. Easton is really too large for youth bottoms, but still too small for most mens and this pattern had more of a tween sizing I was after. While I had other sewing plans for this week, I decided that I’m going to give these a whirl next.

Galaxie 3 is live on the Jalie website (and 50% off through Black Friday weekend) so I can finally show you a few of the projects I got to sew up! The Supernova Tote is a great little carry on bag that’s chuck full of pockets (and some secret pockets, too), is TSA compliant (so you can easily store it on the plane), and slips on the handle of your luggage so it doesn’t fall while you’re running to your next gate. I made the small version and used a canvas print for the fabric. I put this one to the test this weekend and it was the perfect size for storing cosmetics, carrying books\magazines, holding money and cards, as well as keeping my keys handy. I plan on making this one again in the larger size (and a nylon fabric) for Taylor since she flies here frequently and could use a larger carry on. While I’m at it, I may make one for myself too as I found that the canvas seemed to pick up fuzz of the blue plane carpet and I think I could use the larger size if we were gone for an extended period of time.

I also tested the Eclipse organizer. Like the tote, it has tons of pockets and even a zippered compartment to hold those small items you don’t want to get out of your reach. I had a lot of fun sewing this one up, but still haven’t used it in a purse…. I wound up stashing sewing essentials in it and keep it by my machines! I would love to sew this one up again as gifts this Christmas.

Since it’s so chilly out, it only stands to reason that I need something to wear with my new tee – I don’t want to cover it completely (like with a sweatshirt) so a cardigan it is!

I seem to own quite a few cardigan styles, but what I was really after this time around was something very simple… so I opted for an oldie, but goodie, The Oslo (you can see my previous versions here, here, and here). This time around I skipped the sweater knit and tried it in a beefy single brushed poly…. and it’s love.

Initially I was a bit concerned how this would hang – brushed polys seem to cling like mad, but since it’s only brushed on one side, this doesn’t seem to be an issue. Not only is it buttery soft, but it has a great drape. The downside? The cuffs will not stay rolled and tend to become very long after a period of time. Otherwise this cardigan is perfect – I can see wearing it a lot this fall and winter!

If you’re a long time reader of this blog, then you know that I occasionally make shirts for myself with “unconventional prints.” My latest is a prime example. In fact, my entire rationale for making my first purchase from Jumping June Textiles was because of this print!

I’ve gotten way behind on my sewing list, but thought I would tackle my most recent pile of fabrics. I knew I wanted to make a tee out of this print, but didn’t want it to be too fitted, so someone would think that I raided the children’s department… so I wound up settling on the Union St. Tee, which had a longer hemline and a bit of a boxier fit.

The fabric is a lot beefier than what I’ve made in the past with this pattern, so I wasn’t as thrilled with how boxy it really turned out (you can see in the photo on the left). After waffling back and forth on what I wanted to do, I wound up slimming down the sides some to make it slightly more fitted so I’m much happier with the end result.

The winter issue of Creative Machine Embroidery should be hitting newsstands and inside you’ll find a few of my projects. Today I’m showing off this very easy knitted hat:

Unfortunately, there isn’t a pattern for this one (it’s a purchased hat) so it’s solely a machine embroidery project, but it does make a great gift that’s quick to stitch up! In addition to the one you see here, there’s a version (non floral, of course) for the guys too.