Ring in spring with pretty gingham placements. While you’re checking out the tutorial, don’t forget to enter to win a fat quarter bundle of the Someday Collection at the bottom of the post.

This patchwork pillow project is a great way to use up scraps (plus it uses the Someday Collection that you can win in the link above!).

Jumpsuits are a huge trend this spring. Make one for yourself with the Perilla pattern.

If spring break has you traveling, you may want to whip them up this fun Monster Tail Travel pillow. Looking for something a bit more conventional (or maybe something just for you)? Be sure to check out my standard version on WeAllSew.

If you crochet and are looking for an eye catching project, then be sure to check out this banana cat (and now I wish I could crochet).

Because I’m on a pincushion kick, I thought I’d share this unique version that uses a picture frame as a base!

These see through zipper pouches are a great way to keep your purse\tote organized AND still see whats inside!

Ditch the big purse and go with a Tiny Bag instead! While you’re checking out the tutorial, be sure to enter to win a Summerlicious Remix Bundle.

This fun (short) Boho skirt is made with double gauze and even has coordinating (handmade) tassels to finish off the look. Want something a bit longer? Try this maxi version.

If you’ve always wanted to create a scalloped edge to your project, then you’ll need to read this how-to article using the blind hem on your machine.

Put your holiday treats in this fun Bunny Basket. Looking for something a bit easier? This bunny bag uses the Cricut Maker to cut out all the piece.

Hot off the sewing machine… Loggers! It’s as if leggings and joggers had a baby to make this fun little mash up.

My first project of the week is Pattern’s for Pirate’s latest design, the Loggers. I really went round and round as to what size to cut out on this one because I have found that with this particular company, even though I measure one size, the next size up looks and feels a bit better. So, after much debate, I decided to split the difference and cut in between two sizes (although, honestly, there was very little difference in between most areas so I’m not sure it changed the fit much).

I never could find a material in stores that I wanted to sew this project with (either they didn’t have the right “feel” or didn’t have enough\right kind of stretch), so I went with the gray cotton that I had used with the Discoverer Tee and a black cotton for the contrast.

As for construction I went with the low rise pant with pockets, small waistband, and omitted the drawstring. Everything went together well and didn’t have any issues while sewing. So aside from this being a knit project, this would be a great pattern for beginners. And the fit? Not bad! I probably could have gone with the smaller size in this pattern, because it feels “loose.” Some of that feeling may be due to the fact that the fabric is pretty thin and just doesn’t “wear” like a legging material.

Would I make this again? You bet! In fact, I decided that a beefier material might make for a better pant so I went ahead and ordered a heathered camo french terry from Knitpop. In the mean time, I think I’ll try the shorts.

Every year over spring break I think to myself, “I am going to get so much stuff done.” And then never do. What I DID do is come up with a ton of ideas, bought some patterns, and grabbed a bit of fabric too (and got my serger back from being serviced, but that’s just not as exciting as the rest). So without further ado, here’s my upcoming sewing list for this week(ish):

Almost every morning Bret tunes into Sport Center. Recently, Nicole Brisoce wore a beautiful springy green top and I decided that I had to have it. After mulling over it all day, I determined that Jalie’s Adele was the perfect pattern to recreate her look… the fabric was a lot harder. I settled for a greenish matte silky\satin from Joann – not my ideal choice, but it’s close.

I need more leggings like I need a hole in the head, but after a day of seeing everyone’s cute Loggers, I couldn’t resist…. plus I figured I had fabric in my stash to give these a whirl. I am restraining myself and making these in a solid fabric first (because I figure I’ll get the most use out of those and I have a lot of patterned leggings anyway). I’m also planning on making a pair of the shorts as well – but not promises those will be solid, too.

I’m also still working on the Estes Dress Sew Along and have started working on a few “behind the scenes” projects as well. Now that my serger has returned, I’m ready to fire it up and see how it runs!

This Mini Bushel Picnic Basket Liner is perfect for outdoor eating, but would also make an adorable housewarming gift too!

I’ve been seeing lots of ruffled shoulder\sleeves in ready to wear clothing this spring. If you’re interesting in trying out this look yourself, be sure to check out It’s Always Autumn’s latest tutorial.

I love everything about these little round potholders, right down to the fabrics.

Apparently, I’m on a pincushion kick because so many projects keep catching my eye – like these fabulous little birdies.

When I took my class last week, I used a handy bag to stash all the notions I needed for the day – I won’t say they’re a “must” but they sure are handy! Need one for yourself? Here’s a great pattern to make one!

Have you been shying away from making underwear because you’re not sure where to start? This is a great walkthrough on making your own custom boxer briefs (FYI – this tutorial does use a purchased pattern, but while you’re there you can pick up the Arrowsmith Undershirt for free!)

These peek-a-boo toy bags are great for organizing play spaces, but would be perfect for larger work-in-progress projects too!

Baby It’s (Still) Cold Outside! So make yourself a wrap cardigan, with pockets!

Don’t forget your pets. This squeeky dog toy pattern is simple to make (and all the instructions are on the template).

I love this Oslo Craft Bag pattern, I think it would work great as a gift for gardeners too.

Pencil cases are easy to sew, fun to carry, and a great way to use up scrap fabrics.

Other than strip quilts, I’m never quite sure how to use those fabric rolls…. but now I want to make an Easter Basket.

On Friday, I took an embroidery class from my local Bernina dealer. Even though I have been working with embroidery for quite some time, this machine is new to me so it gave me the opportunity to see how this one operated.

And all I can say is, I LOVE this machine!

For starters, the bobbin is HUGE. This was the first time I had wound the jumbo spool since I picked up this machine and it took forever to load – I think I am safe saying that I won’t be running out for quite some time. I also liked that I didn’t have to cut any of the jump threads on the top of my work!

I also played with the Pinpoint Placement feature… I totally could have used this several months ago when I was working on a project with a tricky border design! Basically this features helps you line up your embroidery exactly where you want it on your project – so even if you haven’t lined up your project precisely on the hoop, you are able to place your design exactly where you need it.

Now I am VERY excited to start a new embroidery project – I have to put all this new features to good use!

Somehow Thursday got the best of me and I was never able to post Linky Thursday yesterday. The week wouldn’t be complete without all the inspiration and projects that come with this post, so, without further ado, I present a belated Linky Thursday:

This apron is proof that flannel doesn’t always have to be used for shirts.

Have an oversized shirt in your closet that needs some love? Transform it into a new look with this t-shirt upcycle. Then use the scraps to help make this t-shirt yarn bowl.

Put your Cricut to your sewing advantage – use it to cut out the materials needed for this cute, fabric scrunchies.

This sweet table runner is designed for Easter decorating.

Never lose your kitchen towel again when you make this easy hanging towel project.

Why spend a fortune on store bought leggings when you can easily make your own?

Put those scraps you’ve been saving to good use by making this pretty tote bag. While you’re visiting the site, be sure to enter to win a Kisses Quilt Kit, valued at $120!

Keep your phone handy when you don’t have pockets or a purse when yu stitch up this phone armband.

While it’s not a project, I thought this article on the Top 10 Mistakes That Can Make Your Project Look Unprofessional was a great reminder of what not to do.

Spring break is right around the corner and if your plans include a trip, you’ll definitely want to check out this cute fish backpack. It’s such a fun way to have your little one carry their own “essentials”.

Kimonos are still on trend. Make your own in no time with this easy tutorial.

Last night Bret and I went to see Metallica. It’s been ages (we determined it was 1996) so to make this night even more special, I decided I needed a new shirt. But concert tees can be so “ordinary” so I decided to reconstruct this one as well (my other most recent makeover was this Ghost Sweetheart Tee).

I originally thought I would do a tutorial for this, but honestly, I just wound up “winging it” – basically, I kept the neckband intact and cut a ‘V’ into the shirt (how large and how deep is completely up to you, but I found this depth to be perfect and didn’t show my bra). Then I added a grommet tape over the cut area (so that the raw edges of the shirt are just behind the grommets) and sewed it in place. For those that are interested, I found this in the trim section of Joann’s and is made by Cynthia Rowley (I would have preferred a silver, but my store only had gold in stock). I used a few yards of cotton cording to lace it up (also in the trim section of Joann’s) and capped it with gold metal aglets that I picked up at SoSewEnglish. In the end I wound up taking in the neckband some so that it looked a bit more like a choker – it looked a bit saggy otherwise.

I didn’t remember to get a shot of me wearing it until after we arrived at the show… so here’s the best “action shot” I could get! By the way, the concert was fantastic – I even got to be in the front row for a time!

Today is March 5, which means it’s the start of Sew New’s Estes Sew Along!

I haven’t done a sew along in AGES, so I thought it might be fun to give this one a whirl. I’m totally digging the cowl neck on this dress, but am toying with the idea of making this…. sleeveless (and just a hair shorter since it is supposed to fall below the knee and that just doesn’t work well with my height). I am hoping by taking off the sleeves that spring will finally arrive and I’ll have a fun transitional piece to wear.

I have my pattern printed off, but am still in search for a fabric that I might want to use. Anyone else participating with me?

I’ve been on a roll of projects turning out well – even new ones. I broke that streak this week.

While this top looks really cute on the dressform, it’s fit is disappointing. After great success with Ellie & Mac’s Lucky Girl pattern, I though I would snag the Discoverer Tee as well. Unfortunately, the fit is not the same.

What attracted me to this pattern is the fun, color blocking at the yoke. Unfortunately this is the area that the fit is the worst – the upper bust and sleeve area is way too tight. Not only does it look unflattering (think an overstuffed sausage casing), but it’s darn uncomfortable as well. Looking back on the model photos, I see some of the same issues – tighter busts and underarms, but I suspect that they don’t look as tight as mine on because the fabric they chose probably has a lot more stretch than mine (I opted to use a cotton knit, which had plenty of stretch, but probably not the same “comfort” level as a double brushed poly, etc.).

I’m giving this one to Taylor to try on, but I’m guessing she will have a similar issue (her arms are smaller, but her upper bust is similar). If not, it’s going into the donation pile in hopes that someone can wear it!

I’m a sucker for a cute pincushion. Like this fun sewing mannequin version and this equally adorable mouse.

You’ll never lose anything in your purse again when you stitch up this handy organizer.

Stitch up a hoodie for your dog – functional (for the winter that’s never leaving) and just darn cute!

While this mesh bag is ideal for the beach, I think it would be perfect for laundering delicates as well.

Enter to win a box of signature quilting threads AND a ticket to the Mod Bee Quilting conference.

It may not be the year of the chicken any longer, but these little stuffies are still adorable. Don’t think you need a chicken stuffy in your life? Fill them with beans and use them as a book chook (it reminds me of one I use for holding recipe books open in the kitchen).

While it’s not a tutorial or project of any sort, I found this article on how to square up fabric really helpful. (Then you can go on to make these cute fabric placemats now that everything is true).

Tired of snow days? These little sock monsters look like a fun project to work on with your little one.

Skip the purse and go with the cool clutch instead.