What's your favorite feature about your Bernina? Leave a comment here for a box of goodies from Bernina, OESD, and more!

CraftSanity's apron contest - winning entries will be part of a traveling show to raise awareness for Safe Haven Ministries.

Win a $50 gift certificate to Modern Organic Fabrics.

Made a pillowcase for the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge? Before you send it off, snap a picture and enter it on WeAllSew's fanpage for your chance to win a bundle of sewing goodies (patterns, sewing books, kits, fabrics, notions, and more)!

Give your t-shirt a makeover.

Transform a decorative handkerchief into a beautiful fingerless glove.

It seems like a lot of work, but the results of this patchwork ironing board cover is fabulous. [link via Whip Up]

Need the perfect accessory for your new outfit? Make a Glazed Fabric Ring from a button.

Two lucky winners will receive paper doll fat quarter bundles, just by sharing you favorite childhood activity!

Win a RIT Dye bundle - oooh, the possibilities with this one!

Just like mommy - toddler yoga pants.

One thing I've always wanted to be able to do is to design my own clothing - without a pattern (what can I say, I like a challenge). I know that there are several of books on the market that discuss how to do this, but honestly, I don't want to read anything that looks like a text book. While placing my last Amazon order, I stumbled across Design-It-Yourself Clothes and decided to take the plunge and buy it. Although the the designs are 'simple' (basic skirt, tee, button up shirt, dress, and pants), Cal discusses ways that your can change the overall look to give some variety to your design. Speaking of the projects in the book, I did find that most of them have quite a bit of ease (as you can see from the front cover). If you go in expecting to come out with a pair of fitted pants, this book isn't for you - it's just a very basic introduction to pattern drafting. There is some information on how to fit, however, it's not in depth and honestly with some of these styles, isn't really needed (for example, I saw a lot of people on Amazon saying that there wasn't any information on full bust adjustments and bust darts, but I just don't see how bust darts would work with these designs). With that said I did find Design It Yourself Clothes to be a wealth of information and I do intend on making my own project (based on MY measurements and not a pattern company) sometime in the near future. I'm really hoping that Cal decides to write more of these books (perhaps a bit more in depth and with fitted designs) in the near future because I found this to be a fun, easy to read instruction book on how to draft your own clothing patterns.

The Bottom Line: A great beginner's book for pattern drafting, especially if you're looking for an easy read with lots of illustrations. However, you may be disappointed in the styles if a fitted looks is what you're after.

The lure of foreign pattern magazines finally got the best of me. After a feeling of disappointment with the latest Ottobre Woman (I just thought the tops and dresses had way too much ease for my taste and might make me look and feel a bit on the frumpy side), I decided to check out what was available in other languages. That's when I stumbled across the spring 2010 issue of Female (from Japan) - adorable! This issue seemed to have a bit of everything from funky pants to sweet tunics and in sizes that both Taylor and I should be able to wear. I'm crossing my fingers that it will arrive this week.... at the very least I would love some eye candy to help me plan my spring sewing! Anyone else seen any good pattern magazines lately?

Can you believe I was actually so busy sewing yesterday, I forgot to post until late in the evening? I spent a lot of time developing a prototype for an upcoming issue of Sew It All. While I don't quite have a 'finished' pattern yet, I think I've nailed everything down on the cutting and sewing process. One thing I think I'll skip - quilting the material.... I spent way too much time with this whole process and was disappointed to see that the quilting not only got lost in the fabric, but made the finished project too stiff. Oh well, the next round should turn out better. Yes, round - Taylor has requested one for herself. At least I know what I'm working on is 'cool'.

As much as I like Project Runway, you would think that I would have noticed that the Oscar's had their own version of the show. Nine up-and-coming designers competed to have their winning look worn by an Academy Escort (the models that hand off the statue to the winners) and voting was determined by votes cast on the Oscar.com website - and the public chose..... Rania Salibi's gown as the winning design. Frankly, I'm not hot on it and can hear Michael Kors making some comment about the 'garish', shiny fabric she used. What do you think of it?

Want to know the best marketing ploy\add in for a book, ever? Pre-cut fabric, ready to sew so that you can immediately create the same project that appears on the front cover of a book. What am I talking about? My own Cath Kidston:

A couple of weeks ago, I bought a copy of Sew! Tucked away inside the front flap was all the materials necessary to re-create the adorable bag that graced the front cover - not only was everything pre-cut, but the buttons and even a label was provided! Since I was in need of an (instant gratification) project, I couldn't think of a better one to try!

Overall, the instructions were fine, although if you're a beginner, you may be wishing for more illustrations. Also keep in mind that measurements are in the metric system, so you'll need to convert if you're in the states. The fabric is beautiful, but is a VERY heavyweight twill (this bag doesn't use interfacing and keeps it's shape nicely) and is difficult to turn right side out. So hard, in fact, that I had to change the way I constructed the button loop because I never could get the tube to turn (trimming the seams is also recommended even though you're using relatively small seam allowances, it does help to get things to press nicer). All in all, I love my new bag - and it's got such a pretty print, it's perfect for this spring weather we've been feeling!

It's finally beginning to feel spring-like here; the temperatures are warming up, I've seen robins outside, and the weatherman is predicting thunderstorms (and not snow). Consequently, I feel like my productivity level has been ramped up a bit - I'm finally tackling (mostly housework) projects that have been begging for my attention for weeks..... one of which is spring cleaning. To me, nothing says spring cleaning like getting organized (my goal this weekend is tidy up Easton's toy area so it looks more like a basement and less like a very messy daycare) and the Sewing Republic's latest project might help you - the Tidy Tray. But before I do any more cleaning, organizing, or purging, it's time to take in some sewing! Hopefully, I'll have a new (finished) project to show by this time tomorrow!

Have a sewing class coming up? Tote your notions in style with this cute little Class Roll.

Sewing Republic and BurdaStyle have teamed up for the Apron Remake Challenge - first prize $300 and a Bernina activa!

DIY long sleeve shirt made from too tees.

School is almost over, but it's never too late for a new notebook - especially when they're this adorable.

I've been seeing lots of reverse applique lately - most recently, this fun beret that appeared on CraftStylish.

How to make you own reusable grocery bag.

Create easy felt flowers to embellish totes, pillows, bags, and more! Love this tute? Then enter here for your chance to win a gift bag filled with goodies (and fabric)!

It looks like the zipper embellishment trend is still in style this year - I've even seen it on maternity wear. Keep up with this look by making a zippered headband.

Craving sweets? Skip the calories and make this sweet mini cupcake quilt instead.

Why go shopping for the dr. or nurse in your life? Sew up a men's surgery scrub hat in no time.

Learn how to turn a (shrug) pattern into a garment.

It's not a pattern, but it's definitely a unique (not to mention funny) way to keep your iPod cozy.

While most of my baby shower gift making is finished, I still had one more item to work on before the gift basket is finished (that's not to say I won't be making one or two more items - I'd really like to try Lotta Jansdotter's Bloomer project)..... a fun, rockin' onesie. I opted to buy a onesie online (black blanks are almost impossible to find and even more difficult to dye yourself) and used a patch to finish this up..... yes, I took the easy way out. I thought it was more fun (not to mention 'professional looking') than finding an image to create an iron on, plus it should hold up better in the wash. Now, back to sewing.... for myself!

Happy Tuesday! Not only does it mean we all survived Monday, it's time to draw a winner for the Lila Tueller's Charisma Boot pattern. Congratulations to Chelsea (comment #7)! If you'll send me an email with your information, I'll send it out to you this week. Thanks to everyone for entering and stay tuned for more giveaways in the near future!

While it probably seems like all is quiet on the sewing home-front, I've actually been busily sewing behind the scenes.... making aprons. Five of them in fact - and I'm keeping one for myself (finally). While they look fairly straightforward, they are actually a time consuming project (which is why I make them in 'batches' - there's just no profitability otherwise). I typically enjoy making these, but I believe that this particular project has finally run it's course as I didn't have as much fun sewing these up as what I usually do. It's a good thing too because I probably have enough fabric to make 2 (possibly 3 if I can eek out enough material) more. Now it's time to find material for my new Lady Grey coat pattern! Any suggestions other than wool?

Thank you all so much for the blogging anniversary well wishes! I had meant to send you all back personal thank you's but zonked out last night before I ever got back to the computer..... thank goodness it's the weekend! Speaking of, I had mentioned an anniversary giveaway - so lets cut to the chase and get to the goodies! Today's giveaway is for Lila Tueller's Charisma Boot pattern. A cute way to keep your (or a young lady's) tootsies warm until summer! If you're interested in winning this pattern, just leave a comment in this thread - I'll close comments and pick a winner on Tuesday, March 2. Good luck!

Well drat, I did it again. I forgot my blogging anniversary (although I did remember that it occurred this month!). It's hard to believe that I started this site 4 years ago - where has the time gone? Not only have a I learned a ton over the course of those years, but I've made some great friends. Thank you all so much! In light of the fact that it's a celebration - I think a giveaway is in order! I'm headed out to do a bit of shopping so stay tuned this weekend for more details..... In the mean time Happy Sewing!

Win yourself a Jan Krentz giveaway package from C&T Publishing.

Start making a retro-inspired 1/2 apron and have it finished by dinner time.

Turn a table into a camo kid's tent. Easton (and Taylor too) would love this one (and he can't knock it over like the play tents you can buy)!

Colette patterns free Madeleine mini bloomers download

Handbag designer? Enter your creation in Handbag Designer 2010 Awards and you could win a sewing machine and a whole array of Coats and Clark thread!

A list of sewing contests your child can enter to win prizes.

There's still time to enter Joann's Decades Contest - the grand prize package is worth over $1800.

An easy way to keep your stationary organized.

Martha's (Stewart) Felted Stone Soap.

Remember friendship bracelets? Now you can share the joy of making them with your kids (because honestly, I forgot how to do it without a tutorial!).

It's not quite sewing related, but it's still Liberty of London (for Target)!

Valentine's may be over, but it's never too late to make a pillowcase nightie.

Easton's birthday is just 2 months away. While it sounds like a long time, when it comes to sewing (especially sewing with a toddler in the house), it's really not very far away at all! Since those cute little party dresses are out of the question, I've shifted my focus to..... toys. I stumbled across "I Know An Old Woman" interactive doll set (I mean how cool would it be to sing the song and have the doll 'eat' the animals?) and thought this might be a fun toy for a toddler. Anyone ever tried this pattern (or something similar - I am fairly certain that I have a Japanese sewing book with the same concept, but different theme)? Not being a doll maker, I'd love to know how 'involved' this set is, how long it might take to construct, and it's difficulty!

Ever since U-Handbag did a review of Cath Kidston's sew! I've wanted to check it out for myself. Unfortunately, in the US, the only book available by her was Make!: Over 40 Fantastic Projects with 16 Exclusive Designs
After receiving some reviews from you (thank you all) and finally having the opportunity to check it out for myself, I realized make!, was mostly about embellishing and had very little to do with projects themselves - nothing like like sew! I finally decided to look for a retailer who had sew! in stock and so far I haven't been disappointed.

This shabby chic style book has over 40 projects inside for creating adorable little items for your home, as gifts, and to tote around your belongings. It even comes with the materials needed to make your own bag that appears on the front cover! Some of my favorite projects in the book include the jewelery roll, coat hangers (I think a set of these would make a nice gift), the bath hat (even though I don't wear one, it sure looks cute), and shoulder bag (which appears on the front cover). While most of the projects are fairly simple and some are not anything new, I think that the book itself is pure eye candy and has enough projects inside to make it worth the cost of the book (this time I paid full price, a little over $20 - don't be scammed by the retailers selling this volume for $60+, it's not worth that much!).

The Bottom Line If you're a fan of shabby chic, love books with plenty of eye candy, or just looking for a grouping of some fun, easy to sew projects, sew! is for you. This book is difficult to get a hold of in the states so be sure to check ebay or Amazon retailers to find this title.

Because I had company over the weekend, I really didn't have much time to spend with all my new books, but I did cuddle up with one last night - Built by Wendy Dresses: The Sew U Guide to Making a Girl's Best Frock. I have to say, I think this is her best book yet. While I don't wear many dresses, I really feel motivated to make a few after looking at her book. Why? I love how she takes 3 basic designs (the sheath, the shift, and the dirndl) and turns them into completely different looks (25) and makes it look so easy! Wendy also covers some of the basics: body types, pattern alterations (be sure to add seam allowances to your traced patterns as well), adding collars and sleeve options, seam finishing, facings\linings, and basic pockets. The information is great, but keep in mind many of these options (like collars and some of the sleeves) are not included in the book so the designer (you) is left to draft your own.

Overall this is a fantastic book for those who love to sew dresses and are looking for a bit more of a challenge in drafting some of your own styles, but I wouldn't recommend it for beginners (maybe one of her other titles might be a better place to start) given that there a lot of steps (and not a lot of hand holding) in this books to create your finished project.

I was thrilled when I opened my mailbox yesterday - not only was my Kath Kidson's Sew! book inside, but my Office Swap package from my partner:

Inside was a "Schrute Farms" hat, a 'boss' mug that was converted into a pincushion (already on my sewing table), coasters with fun office themes, and my very favorite, The Office tote bag (made with colorful buttons) and Dwight notepad. The notepad will have to be hidden because both of my children will use it if I give them the chance.

What's arrived in your mailbox recently?

Ever wonder why I'm not as productive as what I once was? Here's a good answer for you:

This is how I found Easton after I left the bathroom for 30 seconds..... sitting in the top drawer of the sink. I had to laugh after I realized that the drawer wouldn't buckle underneath his weight.

One Yard Wonders may be hot off the press, but the authors are already back to work at creating a second volume. Read here as to how you can submit your tutorial to this upcoming edition.

Now your pooch can be the coolest on the block with this awesome light-up hoodie.

I know Valentine's Day is already over, but I can't pass up posting about this cute Bean Bag Toss - This would make a fabulous classroom party game for next year!

Have you fallen in love with those fun Brassy Apple aprons yet? Here's your chance to win 3 of them for yourself!

Win yourself a copy of Built By Wendy's Dresses. Mine arrived in the mail yesterday and I can honestly say this is a must have!

Make a pretty oilcloth wallet to store your receipts in style.

How to turn an XL tee into a maternity top.

A fun project to do with the kids - bottle cap stamps.

Have a future flier in your house? or just a head to keep cozy? Then whip up this sweet pea piliot cap for your little guy!

I don't use coin purses much, but Ms. Lipsie may just make me want to start using them again.

Even though we're supposed to get snow.... again, this week, spring break is just a month away. If you're planning a little vaycay, you may want to whip up one of these travel jewelry organizers.