Monthly Archives: February 2012

One-Yard Project Teaser

Well, I did it. I submitted something to the third installment of One-Yard Wonders (you can see a little teaser on the left). I haven’t been able to contribute to previous books because of the timing so I’m anxious to see where this all goes – worse comes to worse and it doesn’t get accepted you all may be getting a freebie tutorial on the site! Overall, I think the prototype came together well, although the finished size was much larger than what I had envisioned. Consequently, I had to go back an tweak the instructions a bit, but all-in-all, I’m pleased with how it turned out.

So is anyone else giving this one a whirl? I know it’s still (very) early, but it looked as if only a handful of people have submitted projects so far…..

Shower Glam

My grandmother had an impressive collection of curler bonnets and shower caps. These were no ‘ordinary’ caps either. They were made from a variety of prints and delicate fabrics. They had lace and ruffles and pretty trims…. and I loved to wear them all. In fact, whenever she came to visit, I couldn’t wait for her to open up her suitcase so I could see which ones she brought with her. So what’s missing from the shower caps that we see today? Glam! My latest project for WeAllSew captures this retro spirit with fun chiffon Shower Caps embellished with a ribbon rosette. Not only are they super easy to stitch up, but they’ll keep your locks in perfect shape when you have to take a quick shower! Create the ribbon rosette for the shower cap or attach it to a pin back so you can wear it with anything.

Cardi Pt. 1

I’ll admit, this weekend I spread myself thin, but I did manage to make it into the sewing room to work a bit on McCall 5713… and now I think I don’t care for it. I washed the material prior to sewing (to make sure that it didn’t shrink after wearing). Doing this gave it an incredible amount of ‘cling’ so not only has it been difficult to work with, but when I tried the cardigan on, it seems to have an unusual fit (because it sticks to my clothes). Even though I like the print and the fabric in general, I just don’t think I care for it with this pattern – I think it seems to age me. I’m going to forge ahead and work on the neck band and seams to finish this cardigan off and then I’ll play with what clothing might work well with it to make it a bit more youthful.

Lucky Number…

It’s Friday and besides the start of the weekend, it’s also the prize draw for A Fitting End: A Magical Dressmaking Mystery (A Dressmaker’s Mystery)! Congratulations to comment #5, Betty – if you send me your mailing information, I’ll send it on it’s way! And a big thank you to you everyone for stopping by, joining in, and making this a fabulous 6 years!

Now it’s time to head off to the sewing room and work on some projects – I’ve got my cardigan staring at me and it’s getting any colder! What is everyone else working on this weekend?

Linky Thursday

Don’t forget, today is the last day to enter to win a copy of the book A Fitting End!

Did I ever mention how much I loved this cute little spa wrap?

Not only does this clutch have a great shape, it’s a great way to use up scraps!

Ever since Project Accessory, I’ve taken an interest in making shoes. This tutorial for Summer Sandals might be a good introduction.

The perfect way to store your Kindle.

Transform a pleated skirt into a gorgeous dress. The problem? Where do I find a great pleated skirt?

Keep everything in it’s place with this handy bag organizer (with adjustable divider).

I’m not sure baby shoes could get any cuter. Learn how to make these ruffly Mila Baby Shoes.

Considering how much Easton likes to help in the kitchen, I may need to make one of these ‘tea towel to toddler aprons’.

This topiary doesn’t have anything to do with sewing, but it sure is cute (and a great way to use Peeps too).

A cute way to keep hands warm this winter: Microwavable Wheat Bag Monsters.

I like this take on the Travel Tissue Case… a zippered pouch on the back to hold small items like medicine!

Distractions Pt. 2

Continuing on my idea that I’d like to submit something for the next upcoming One Yard Wonders book, I stayed up late and ‘worked the math out’ for the design I have in my head (I now recant all the times I said in high school, “I’m never using this”)… I even started cutting into some fabric for a test run. Now I’m fired up to give this project a test run and tweak it. The down side? The fabric that I’ve visualized for the final design has been difficult to find since it’s been out for quite a while (I did manage to find someone with some yardage on eBay), but ooooh, it’s just so perfect for this design!

Anyone else contemplating sending something in?

Distractions

There are times that I’m easily distracted. This weekend, I put aside my McCall cardigan to work on a new project for We All Sew. I was really anxious to test out my instructions (I tend to write down my ideas first, then sew them up according to what I’ve written down) and was happy with my end result. I was also presently surprised by the quality of the jersey I picked up with Joann’s – not only did it have a beautiful hand, but it sewed up really well. If they continue like this, they may renew my faith in their non-woven fabrics.

I also managed to draft up a tentative project for the next installment of One-Yard Wonders. I haven’t attempted to write anything for the previous titles so we’ll see where this goes. I’m hoping to make a test run in the next week… worse comes to worse, Easton will have a new _____. Anyone else giving this a go?

A Fitting End

It’s Friday and what a better way to start the weekend than by announcing the Amy Butler fabric giveaway. Congratulations to comment #3, Robin! Even if you didn’t win this week, the Blog-o-versary celebration continues… up for grabs this week: A Fitting End: A Magical Dressmaking Mystery (A Dressmaker’s Mystery) To be eligible for this week’s contest, you’ll need to leave a comment in this post. Earn a second entry by tweeting a link to this post and leaving a second comment here about your tweet. Comments will be closed midnight (CST) Thursday, February 23 and a winner will be drawn by random number generator and announced on Friday, February 24.

Those of you frequent the blog, you may remember awhile back I was reading Pleating for Mercy (Magical Dressmaking Mystery, Book 1)– this was a fun to read title that was not just a supernatural mystery, but involved my favorite topic… sewing. A Fitting End is the second book of the series and is every bit as fun and suspenseful as the first. This time the dressmaker with the ‘magical’ touch, Harlow, is preparing to make a gown for the Moffette Lea Pageant and Ball when she is suspected of murdering the local golf pro with a pair of dressmaking shears. Of course, it’s up to Harlow to solve the mystery and clear her name before she’s making her own prison jumpsuit! Not only does A Fitting End have a great story line, it delves more into her family’s magical history and introduces new (family) characters. I can definitely see lots of potential for future titles in this series! To find out more about these book and the author herself, be sure to drop by Melissa Bourbon Ramirez’s website and her Facebook page (by the way, like her Facebook page and you’ll be entered to win a Kindle or Nook as well as copies of her books!)

Linky Thursday

Don’t forget, today is the last day to enter to win a yard of Amy Butler fabric!

Transform an old jacket into new dog coat. It’s projects like these I wish we had a dog.

If you’ve ever had your eye on Amy Butler’s Gumdrop Pillows but didn’t want to send awaycould find the pattern, look no further…. here’s a free poof tutorial that has the same vibe.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions included working out, chances are you’ll need some new clothes. Learn how to make this racerback tee – perfect for layering and staying comfy!

Speaking of working out… if you’re into yoga and looking for a new bag to stash your mat, you’ll definitely want to check out this tutorial!

Everyone has scraps, but rarely do we know what to do with them. Now you can take some of your pretty leftovers and turn them into a new clutch!

If you bring your lunch to work, skip the paper bag and store it in style with this lunchbag tutorial (and proof that the fabric makes all the difference in the project, check out this cute version here).

I’m a sucker for a good bag project. Even though I don’t carry around pencils I still want to make a case for them.

“Baby it’s Cold Outside”… so bundle up with this new Fabric.comHotPattern’s vest!

Not only is this thread catcher a great way to keep your sewing area neat, but it twists and tucks inside itself when you’re ready to store it!