We already know that sewing makes us happy, but did you know that sewing can make our kids happy, too? This article that appeared in the UK version of Huffington Post discussing how simple (non-technology), creative pursuits (like sewing) can make kids have a happier, more fulfilling life…. plus have the fabulous goods to show off to their friends!

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?

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?

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 away\could 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.com\HotPattern’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!

I jinxed myself. Right after I mentioned that we hadn’t had much of a winter (and ready to move onto spring projects), it starts snowing. The cold breeze, fluffy winter coats, and piles of snow on the ground got me back into the mood of sewing something cozy…. something new just in time for the weekend.

So I searched though my stash and came up with a new project. Last year, at the end of winter, I picked up a fabulous sweater knit jersey from Gorgeous Fabrics. I knew that I wanted to make some sort of cardigan\wrap\jacket pattern, but was never motivated to use it (until now) because it just hasn’t been cold enough. I also pulled out McCall 5713 (now OOP) and decided that this would be the perfect design for this material. I plan on using view A (even though C looks fabulous) because I’m only working with 2 yards of this fabric… let’s hope it doesn’t shrink in the wash!

What is everyone else working on now that it’s decided to turn ‘cold’?

Project Details:

Pattern: McCall 5713, View A

Fabric:
Sweater knit jersey from Gorgeous Fabrics

Materials & Cost:
Pattern……..$0.99
Fabric………$24.00
Notions……..stash
Total……….$24.99

Remember this over-sized shirt I blogged about the other day? Over the weekend I used Jalie 2918 to resize Taylor’s old tee down to something Easton could wear. Since this is a TNT (tried-n-true) pattern, there’s not much I can say that I haven’t already covered. The fit is once again spot on (I even went up a size from what I was making this fall) – if there’s anything I would change for next time, I might consider enlarging the neckline a bit since it’s a bit snug to pull over his head. Best of all? Easton loves the new shirt. I think I need to raid more of Taylor’s outgrown (unisex) tees!

I don’t make a lot of hair accessories, but I should. Store bought (especially boutique style stores) are so expensive and making them can turn out not only an less expensive version, but most of the time, better made. I was really inspired to make the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Braided Headband by P.S.-I made this… and fortunately I had everything on hand to give it a try. For my version, I used a gorgeous pink goat leather, black ribbon (I tried using a jersey, but I didn’t care for the way it stretched and ‘frayed’), and silver ball chain that was once a dog tag style necklace. Overall, it was easy to make, except it took a bit of fiddling to figure out how ‘tight’ I wanted to braid my materials. I definitely could see me trying this again!

Don’t forget today is the last day to enter the the Hot Pattern’s Blog-o-versary giveaway!

There’s no sewing involved in this adorable headband tutorial, but it’s so chic I want to make at least one.

Who says those plastic canvasses have to be for grandmas and kleenex boxes? This needlepoint purse will totally have you rethinking how you use this crafty notion.

Turn an ordinary t-shirt into a draped vest in 5 minutes.

Tote bags don’t have to be boring. This ‘Cinch Bag’ not keeps your belongings from falling out, but the ties are a great decorative element too.

Candy hearts, plush style! If this throw pillow is too big for your taste why not try this mini version (Beware: this isn’t a ‘tutorial’ more of a guideline how to make this project).

Grab two fat quarters and some ribbon and you can make two cute Fat Quarter bags. Perfect for filling with little presents!

Pre-ruffled is popular again this year (I even saw that Hobby Lobby is carrying a fairly large assortment of solids). Learn how to use this fabric by making an easy scarf.

Speaking of ruffles, here’s a t-shirt you can reconstruct for under $5 (and a dollar store towel).

Days at the beach\pool are not that far away. Stitch up a reversible chair cover now and get ready for the hot weather!

A pretty way to carry around your notebooks: Notebook Folder Tutorial.