Stacy Sews

So Sweet

Stacy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:19:25 +0000

Between Superbowl cooking (and eating), I managed to find enough time to sew up one project over the weekend… a Valentine half-apron. I think this one just screams, “I’m so sweet!” To create this look, I used Simplicty 3652 (view C) and the pink gingham check fabric.

Overall, this was a very easy pattern to put together – an experienced sewer should be able to put this together in around an hour… even with minor modifications. Speaking of, I did make one small change to this pattern: swapping out the standard pocket for a heart design (I think it just made it have a more Valentine ‘feel’). The directions were easy to follow, but I think the notions requirement was a bit off. The envelope back has you buying 2 packages of piping (this goes in the area between the flounce and the bottom edge of the hem) and you only really need one. Even in the largest size, if you don’t waste any piping, you could get away with only one. Normally, I wouldn’t complain, but I own way too much piping, cording, and bias tape as it is… my notions drawer is beginning to overflow! The end design is adorable – it’s cute, flirty, and fun, however I’m not sure I care for the waistband\ties (created by bias tape). If I make this particular pattern again, I think I’ll draft one that uses self fabric. So, what do you think? Isn’t this a perfect way to serve up some chocolate fondue?

Blog-o-versary Giveaway

Stacy — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:01:06 +0000

February isn’t just for celebrating Groundhog & Valentine’s Day, it’s also time to celebrate this blog’s 6th year anniversary! To commemorate another year in cyberspace, I thought we could do some fun giveaways this month. To kick off the blog-o-versary ‘festivities’, I’m giving away a fabulous pattern: Hot Pattern’s Classix Nouveau Kaleidoscope Tops (this is a multi-sized pattern designed for the advanced beginner that comes in 3 unique styles).

To be eligible for the draw, 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 9 and a winner will be drawn by random number generator. Good luck, have fun, and thanks for celebrating with me!

Linky Thursday

Stacy — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:24:45 +0000

Who says the food shows have to have all the challenges? Audition for Moda’s Sliced competition for a chance to compete in a 4 person online challenge!

If you need a hot, steamy potato, fast use a potato bag and your microwave (these are fairly expensive in stores, but are easy and inexpensive to whip up yourself).

Create a stunning skirt: The Chevron Pencil Skirt.

Have an over abundance of buttons and not enough projects to use them all on? Make some button cuffs instead.

We’ve been spoiled by cup holders – even my daughter complains that the cup is too hot. Keep your beverages warm and your fingers un-burned by stitching up some of these Button-up Cup Cozies.

A great way to use up scraps, showcase fun prints, and carry your essentials: Patchwork Wristlet.

If your weather has been like ours, it’s been warm enough for eating outside. While it’s still a little early to think ahead to summer and picnics, it’s not too early to start sewing for them – so why not stitch up some fun Picnic Caddies (you’ll need to scroll down the entry to get to the tutorial)?

I’m not really sure that this skirt screams ‘rock ‘n roll’, but I like how this tutorial transforms a pair of men’s pants into a ruffled skirt.

Need a quick pair of play (or pool) shorts? Grab two bandannas and sew up some pants!

Who needs a bear skin rug when you have felt?

Clever tutorial for a fish-to-sushi plush.

Keep your necklaces neat and your earrings always handy with this easy Hanging Jewelry Organizer.

Valentine Aprons

Stacy — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:32:19 +0000

I was recently given a $25 gift certificate to shop for apron fabrics at a new-to-me online shop called OnlineFabricStore… not only did this give me the opportunity to combine my love of material and apron sewing, but I also discovered a new fabric resource! Not only do they have your ‘traditional’ quilting, home decor, and apparel fabrics, but they have a HUGE selection of more unusual\hard to find materials: vinyl and leathers, foam and pillow forms (there’s a huge variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. I had no idea you could even get some shapes like this), and coffee bags! I really couldn’t resist putting a couple of these in my cart because I’ve been itching to make a bag\tote with them.

Last night all my supplies arrived so I’m now ready to get stitching! I’ve settled on two apron designs: a short and sweet half apron in gingham (I’m also mulling around the idea of adding a few appliques) and a rose printedfull apron with gingham accents. I’m excited to started, but can’t decide which to start first!

Project Details:

Pattern: Simplicity 3752, View C

Pattern: FleeceFun.com Thankful Apron

Fabric:
Amy Butler fabric in Temple Rose from OnlineFabricStore

Pink gingham check fabric from OnlineFabricStore

Materials & Cost:
Pattern……..$0.99 & free tutorial
Fabric………$15.75
Notions……..$3.26
Total……….$20.00

That Was Fast

Stacy — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:29:55 +0000

If I had known that this Vogue top was going to sew up so quickly, I would have gotten up early on Saturday morning (before all the hustle and bustle of the day) so that I could wear it later on that evening. It really was easy to put together and I’ve got to say, looks great on. I do think that it is a bit too large (just a bit too much ease for my taste) in the midsection of the top, right under the bust – but since the fabric is so light and drapey, it works. If I make it again with a beefier material, I think I’ll trim this area down some – I think it would just make me look ‘bulky’ otherwise. I highly recommend this one – even for beginners!

Vogue 8634: Cowl

Stacy — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:33:40 +0000

Back in September, I purchased a very fun and unusual ‘photo-realistic’ cable sweater knit fabric. As soon as I saw it, I knew exactly how I wanted to use it… I wanted to make a cowl-neck top. It wasn’t until last week that I finally decided on a pattern to use: Vogue 8634. I got the final push to make this top after finding a great pair of boots (on sale, no less) so I’ve opted to make the tunic length version and pair it up with black leggings.

Project Details:

Pattern: Vogue 8634

Fabric:
“Photo-realistic” sweater knit print from Gorgeous Fabrics

Materials & Cost:
Pattern……..$3.99
Fabric………$20.00
Notions……..stash
Total……….$23.99

Problems

Stacy — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:14:08 +0000

You know how you work on a project and it just seems ‘jinxed’ from the get-go? That would be this striped top. While the final outcome looks alright, I had lots of ‘hidden’ issues with this version of the Jalie hoodie top…. all because of those darn stripes. Somehow my fabric got wonky so one sleeve is ‘off’. Something also happened to the back of the top when I cut it and it’s slightly off too which make the hem look slightly lopsided if you look very closely. And then, of course, you have the pocket facing issue. The moral of the story? Don’t use a stripe.

With all that said, I do like this top. It’s fun, comfortable, and different than anything I currently have in my wardrobe… I just might not admit that I made this one considering how many errors I made!

Linky Thursday

Stacy — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:50:49 +0000

Valentine’s day is just around the corner. What a better way to spend the holiday than sewing up one of these Loveable Retro Playsuits.

If you’re looking for a challenging, but gorgeous handbag to sew up this weekend, you definitely need to check out Urban Jungle. It’s hard to believe this is a free tutorial.

Finding a handmade project for men can sometimes be difficult. This wallet not only recycles a leather skirt, but is just for the guys. Of course, while you’re at it, why not whip up something for yourself like this organizer wallet?

This project for recycled paper baskets makes me wish I had a lot of scraps laying around – it’s adorable!

It’s not a party until there’s a cat in a party hat. Seriously, though, this is one cute project.

Sometimes an ‘ordinary’ project can look ‘extraordinary’ when it’s made in just the right fabric. Sew4Home’s cedar sachet is a great example – turning a simple scented pouch into something that would look beautiful hanging in your closet.

If your winter is anything like ours, it’s feeling almost spring-like some days – so it’s never to early to think ahead to those warm summer nights sitting outside. Now’s a great time to start making a few Pipe Sling Chairs for the kids!

Recycle a pair of jeans into a ruffled project bag.

Two skirts in one. Learn how to sew a reversible scalloped hem skirt.

Brainstorming

Stacy — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:08:41 +0000

I’m sure everyone who sews does it. They see a particular material and it just calls to them. Alright, I admit, I do that a lot, but over the years I’ve realized that there are a few fabrics that I’m really attracted to: anything with faces, writing, or newsprint…. and this one from TheFabricFariy had all three. How could I resist? (I also got the Tokidoki Stylish Girls print too… again, faces) But this entry really isn’t about my fabric purchase, so much as it is asking for some pattern brainstorming ideas. You see, I’m stuck. This print reminds me so much of the fabric I got a long time ago (2006) and used to make a Jalie Crossover top (which is probably one of my all time favorite shirts, unfortunately it doesn’t fit anymore) that this is the only pattern I can envision using.

So, does anyone have any favorite patterns or seen anything that would work to create a funky, fresh top?

Chalkboard Bag

Stacy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:02:44 +0000

Apparently, working on something less stressful means making my own pattern? Several weeks ago, I stumbled across this Trendy Chalkboard Tote tutorial and have been thinking about it ever since. Instead of using the instructions, I used her finished bag as an inspiration for my own design.

The fabrics for this tote are a heavyweight, home decor fabric (it’s almost canvas-like), chalkboard material, and a cotton print from my stash (it was originally a skirt panel that had a beautiful print, but seeing that it’s been sitting in my stash for years, I decided to sacrifice it for this project)… I skipped the interfacing since the exterior fabric was so heavy and I just didn’t want to wrestle around with something stiff. After deciding on a finished size (14″x20″), I pieced together the front panel (since chalkboard fabric doesn’t fray, you could easily skip this part and just applique it) and added wide, 4″ sides. Before attaching the back of the bag, I added one more ‘fun’ element – a back pocket to hold chalk and a pen.

So, who’s the lucky recipient of this bag? Easton’s pre-school teacher this Valentine’s Day! I am always seeing her carrying several totes into her classroom in the morning and I figure teachers get enough candy\treats around the holidays so why not make her something useful? Hmmm, now what can I stitch up for “Teacher Appreciation Week”?