I'm keeping this tutorial in mind for the next time I do a swap - Tri-fold Tea Wallet.
Great step-by-step directions (with photos) for the Curacao Swimsuit.
More Japanese translations from label-free.
I'm going to start looking for cute socks to make a few Sock Monkeys. [link via Whip Up]
Did you see that Amy Butler has 2 new fabric lines available? August Fields and her Solid Collection should be available in most stores. She's also released an eco-friendly gift and party line and 2 free quilting patterns!
Nicole Mallalieu has another cute new pattern out - and you have a chance to win the Teardrop Purse kit to celebrate it's release! Even if I don't win this one, I'm seriously thinking of buying this pattern.
The new Craft magazine hit the stands this week.... You can preview the issue with their digital viewer here (and snag yourself a tutorial for making a ruffle dress).
This empire waist tube top pattern is adorable, it looks like something out of an Anthropologie catalog. [link via Thimble]
Your favorite Project Runway contestant's websites reviewed. By the way, is Austin Scarlett YSL's clone? While we're on the subject of PR, Bravo plans on replacing it with a new fashion series - Fashion House.
I don't own an ipod nano, but if I did, I'd definitely make this cover. [link via Whip Up]
Celebrity DIY Style: T-Shirt Dress
The Sewing Republic has two new projects up - A shower curtain and Oven Mitts.
Make your own stylish pillowcase.
Fold the material according to the layout directions (make sure the selvage edges are even) and lay the pattern so that rounded edges are next to the selvage and that the apron middle hangs off the edge of the material - about 1 1/2-2 inches. Pin in place and cut. When doing this, be sure to take off the same amount (1 1/2-2 inches) when cutting the waistband piece as well. The rest of the pattern pieces can be cut as directed.
I'll have the completed project photo ready on Friday!
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I did a personal swap last week with Whoopdedoo... In exchange for a couple of pear pincushions (I didn't bother to take photos of them, I figured you all are tired of seeing them), she sent me some WONDERFUL batch of novelty fabrics - even kids prints! I think there is plenty of Cars and Batman fabric that I can make a couple of more pairs of booties!
Speaking of fabric, I am still waiting on the star print I ordered from Premier Prints. I know that this is the manufacturer of the fabric and it didn't say it was out of stock, so I'm a bit surprised that it hasn't arrived yet (or am I just being to anxious?). Has anyone ordered from them before?
Bret and Taylor had a great time at their tournament yesterday - they braved 100+ temperatures and took home second place! I kept busy while they were gone - when Easton napped, I worked on a project from Little Stitches...baby booties. Fortunately, I didn't have to head out for supplies since earlier in the week I had anticipated sewing this up and purchased the fusible fleece that the pattern calls for and had decided to use the fat quarters that I recently won from Rockin Smockin's contest so I was able to take full advantage of my time.
The pattern itself is multi-sized (0-3 mo, 3-6 mo, 6-9 mo, 9-12 mo) and only has 2 pieces. I've never worked with a shoe pattern before so I found myself reading the directions over several times before I finally figured out what I was going to be doing I have to admit, the first shoe took twice as long as the second and now that I've constructed it twice, I think I could crank out several pairs in no time! The only modification that I made to the design was omitting the sew in velcro and replaced it with an iron on version (I highly recommend this product it's easy and the Velcro strengthens with washing!). Of course there's the real test - having Easton try them on:
As you can tell from the photo on the left he looked at them at first and thought "What the heck did you put on my feet?" Of course, after he figured it out, he loved them. So far, so does everyone else - they are going to be perfect for keeping his feet warm and they stay on his feet even after lots of kicking!
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Remember that cute skirt apron that I made for my sister-in-law's bridal shower last year? Well, I'm back at it again! This time around I'm using Hoodie's latest collection of fabrics, Morning Call (you can see the ones that I'll be using on the left). According to Hoodie, Blank Quilting's material runs a bit smaller than some other companies (I've found this to be true with other brands as well) so I'll need to cut the main apron panel and waistband a bit differently. I'll be posting some instructions on how to do this in my next entry on this apron. In the mean time, I'll be posting a new sidebar for this pattern - look for it later in the day.
As for today, Bret and Taylor are playing in a Parent\Junior golf tournament, so while Easton is napping I plan on multi-tasking.... working on the apron, brainstorming ideas (and if I have time start sewing) for a One Yard Wonders submission, start on a pair of baby booties from Amy's Little Stitches Book (I'll also be creating a sidebar for projects from this book as well), and work on my latest DIY Celebrity Fashion blog post for Threadbanger (in the mean time you can check out this week's Threadhead's tutorial for an adorable shirred summer dress). What's on your agenda?
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, but now it's time for fabric to get it's chance. There's a book in the works devoted to making One Yard Projects - and you have an opportunity to help write it! If you have an original design using one yard of material, then head on over to this site and submit your info. Now I'm off to brainstorm ideas!]]>
I really was planning on a fabric diet, but what led me to this purchase was the sale on Michael Miller's First Sight line, and a 20% off coupon. Once I get caught up on a few projects, I would like to use this fabric to make Amy Butler's Big Nap Pillow, some blocks, and this pattern once it arrives. I also picked up two jersey prints - the popular Geometric Squares and a large Swirl fabric.
Since my niece and sister-in-law are here today, we're planning a fun outing - painting at Stoneware Studios. Expect some photos in a week when we get the finished pieces!
Lastly, Kris and I have decided to extend the deadline for the Skirt Sew Along by just a couple of more weeks. This should give anyone who wanted to participate a bit more time to upload their photos and for those of you who already posted, a chance to make a second skirt. That's right, the more times you enter this contest, the more chances you have to win Sew U Home Stretch
Starting tomorrow, You SEW Girl will be posting a month of tutorials. In the mean time, I'm bookmarking her Pyramid Purse Tutorial - these would make great gifts!
Two year's ago I learned how to apply FOE (fold over elastic) and love it. Angry Chicken recently posted a great video tutorial on using this notion.
I couldn't imagine doing this myself, but it's an interesting concept - graffiti furniture (a.k.a magic markers on muslin).
A cute and easy wallet and coordinating checkbook cover. [link via Craft Gossip]
I'm currently working with Hoodie's new collection of fabric, Morning Call, don't they look gorgeous stacked up there? They would work perfectly for Craftster's Happy Homemaker swap (yes, I'm thinking about doing this one!).
This Crafty Tool Belt is too cute - it's almost like a pleated apron with a loop for your scissors! [link via Niki's Ventures]
Craftzine's free tutorial for a child size market bag.
Too bad Taylor is too old for dolls, otherwise I would make her one of these adorable Ruby dolls from One Red Robin's free tutorial. I think I see one in my niece's future.....
I've added another bag tutorial to my 'must make list' - Betsy Ross' To Market purse. [link via label-free]
]]>My Little Mochi's translation page is extremely helpful if you're working with nuigurumi (stuffed animals).
Moving Hands' translation blog entry contains a number of generic sewing terms.
A fantastic PDF for those of you interested in sewing clothing from Japanese magazines and books. It also includes a large glossary of fabrics, garments and their parts as well as miscellaneous sewing terminology.
Label-free has a series of posts devoted to Japanese Craft books including some basic sewing terms, determining your size, tracing a pattern, and determining what supplies you'll need.
There are also several places that you can surf to find out more about some of the Japanese craft book and magazines that are available: Crafting Japanese, Crafting in Japanese on Flickr, and a very small Japanese Crafts group also on Flickr.
I've been giving some serious thought as to what kind of fabric I would like to use for some of my Amy Butler Little Stitches projects. One idea was to use some cute Japanese fabric (they always have fun themes like fairy tales and storybook characters) for a diaper bag. So while Easton was sleeping one afternoon, I spent time surfing sites like Superbuzzy, etsy, and eBay. While I didn't buy any fabric, I did break down and purchase a new Japanese craft book - Fabric Toys to Make at Home (for ages 0-5).
It had some fabulous ideas for toys - the one that really got me was this one:
Plush toys that you 'feed'! I couldn't resist, I haven't seen any patterns similar to this and thought it was a great idea. My other favorite:
Soft pull toys! Not only are you able to load them with items, but they look HUGE! I know it will be awhile before Easton will be able to use either one of these, but it gives me plenty of time to work on them. My book should be in the mail anytime this week (hopefully today) and I'm so excited to be able to check it out. Any other recommendations for Japanese craft books that I should know about (I think I'm hooked)?
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Just as in her previous book, In Stitches, Little Stitches is spiral bound and contains sturdy paper patterns that are securely attached by an envelope in the front of the book. Additionally, there is a brief section on selecting fabrics for infants (which is important for comfort as well as style), how to take a baby's measurements, and a glossary and techniques section which further illustrates methods used in the book (such as making and applying bias binding) . The rest of the book is devoted to the projects themselves.
Inside Little Stitches is 20 projects that are geared toward all levels of sewists - each project is labeled with a difficulty rating ranging from easiest (Brag Book,) to hardest (Quick Change Tabletop Set)... so there's a little something for everyone inside. Most projects, however, are in the 2-4 difficulty range. These include some of my favorites: Kimono-Style PJs, Military Style Hat, The Everything Bag, Cheeky Monkey Laundry Bag, and Building Blocks with Take-Along Bag. Just as in her previous book and patterns, Amy's instructions are written so that anyone can follow them - no technical language or jargon. They're accompanied by lots of illustrations to help clarify steps and all patterns have a large photograph depicting the final product (so there's lots of eye candy!).
Little Stitches is a beautiful book that encourages the sewer to create keepsake treasures for little ones - whether it be your own child or for someone else's...making what Amy call's 'modern heirlooms'. I can't wait to get started sewing up a few for my own children. Now if they would only nap so I could get some sewing done!
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I have determined that I live in an un-crafty city. I am extremely thankful that I have a wonderful fabric shop that specializes in stretch\knit material and if I am willing to drive an hour - one of the largest quilt shops in the country. However, when it comes to some other crafty ventures, things are tough to come by. Take yesterday, after a couple of hours searching several different stores (thankfully, Easton was very cooperative), I was unable to find citric acid for our bath bombs - I was barely able to find dead sea salts! Thank goodness for the internet - I was able to purchase several pounds (which should make plenty of bath bombs) for under $10 with shipping. While I was on the computer, I was also (finally) able to find my star material that I use for my superhero apron! I immediately ordered several yards so I should be set to make quite a few aprons in the very near future (can anyone say sweatshop?).
Now it's time to have another cup of coffee, surf the net, and get to writing that book review for tomorrow's post!
]]>Also on my list for the weekend: 1) cleaning the house, 2) writing a review for Amy Butler's Little Stitches
What's on your list for the weekend? Hopefully it's finishing up a skirt for the latest sew along! Don't forget your photo needs to be uploaded by July 31 for your chance to win!
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The rules for this swap were pretty simple - create one handmade item, a pattern (either a tutorial you created or something you like to sew that might be new to your partner), 2 yards of fabric, and 3-5 notions. So inside my box I placed: the knitting needle roll that I sewed up (note to self, I must make one for myself sometime soon), a swimsuit pattern - McCall 5400, 3/4 yard of purple swim lycra (so she can make her own suit), 1 yard of springy cotton (you may have seen me post this a few weeks ago, I thought my partner would enjoy it and use it way before I did), and 1/4 yard of dot fabric (she said polka dots are her favorite), a big box of buttons, the pear pincushion that matches the needle roll, 2 zippers (she requested them), and 2 yards of swimwear elastic. Whew!
I'm anxious to see what she thinks about the package, especially since she hasn't sewn a swimsuit before. I'm hoping that this might get her started making her own!
]]>I'm in love with these adorable stuffies - I may be ordering a few of these in the future.
A tutorial on how to make perfect curved patch pockets.
All this month, Making It Fun has had wonderful children's projects using Michael Miller's First Sight fabric - now here's your chance to win a First Sight gift set.
Make sure you are cutting your patterns correctly. Here's how.
Heather Bailey's store is now open and taking (pre) orders. Yes, I already placed mine!
Tips and tricks learned at the latest ASG Conference.
Using painted bondaweb to create a coloured and textured background (gorgeous)! [link via Craft Gossip]
How to make your own pendant lamp shades.
If you haven't tackled knits yet, Fabric.com has some good pointers to get you started.
Have a green project, stuffie, or original apron design? Here's our chance to have your artwork published. [link via Whip Up]
Behind the scene look at Wendy Mullin (Built By Wendy)
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