Curious about what Michael Jackson would have wore for his upcoming tour (think fiber optic leather jacket)? Catwalk Queen has the scoop.

Traveling this 4th of July? Then you still have time to sew up this adorable travel pillow. [link via Whip Up]

I love when high tech meets clothing design. [link via Craft]

If you're a longtime reader of this blog, you know that I LOVE bags - so you can definitely count on the Anna Boho bag being on my list of favorites!

This chiffon tiered skirt pattern is adorable - and free.

Lindsay T has declared July giveaway month! Check out her blog for more details.

Wedding on a budget? How to create a $10 wedding dress.

Now you can make an owl purse to accessorize the rest of your owl gear. [link via Craft Gossip]

How to make Eco-Diapers.

The new Ottobre is out (and from my understanding it's on the way to my house already!) - I'm loving the new fall designs for kids.

Win a set of fat quarters. [link via True Up]

It's hot, it's summer, and everyone is at home which means we go through a lot of juice pouches - instead of turning them into purses and bags, why not whip up a belt? [link via Craft Gossip]

How do you get a tween interested in sewing? Buy them a trendy, low-sew book and let them have at their discarded t-shirts! I was very excited when I saw that Megan Nicolay was coming out with a follow up to Generation T. So, as soon as it hit the bookshelves, I bought one. This time around Megan's created 120 home decor, baby, pet, and of course, fabulous shirt projects! Most are easy to create, require minimal or no sew techniques, and include a number of fun embellishment options. Taylor had no problem finding projects that she wanted to try - now if we only had enough t-shirts for her to cut up to make them all!

The Bottom Line: New sewers, teens and tweens, die-hard DIYers, and t-shirt refashioners will love Generation T: Beyond Fashion for it's fun, easy-to-sew, green and trendy projects. However, advanced sewers may find most of the ideas a bit too simple - although who said that we couldn't throw our own Tee Party just for fun (Megan gives tips on how to throw one)?

There's a new project up at The Sewing Republic - instructions for a Key Wristlet and Dog Leash. These two cute straps can be whipped up in no time and are a perfect way to accessorize your pampered pooch! To celebrate her project's launch Chickpea Sewing is doing a little giveaway.... check out this post for all the details!

Where have I been and how did I not know about these Petit Pattern Books(Bnn Pattern Book Series) sooner? I just got my first one late last week (Simple & Natural) and I think I might be hooked.

For those who are new to these too, the Petit Pattern Books are a series little notebooks complete with a CD and paper sheets with 140 designs that can be used for a variety of purposes - computer wallpapers, notebook covers, printable fabric sheets.... the possibilities are endless. It appears that there are 11 different themed books available - however, if anyone knows of more, please let me know!

Where has my Sunday gone? Because if anyone knows I want it back! It's not even 2 o'clock here and I've already had a full day (and we're still going) - none of which included sewing. I had intended on getting several projects wrapped up (including 2 new shirts for Taylor and my paisley halter), but it looks as if I'll have to try to tackle those during the week.

I will say that I recently received the Simplicity Rotary Cutting Machine and Bias Tape Maker (thank you again Hoodie!) and am looking forward to having a good chunck of time to play with them! Of course, once I do, I'll be writing up a full review! In the mean time, stay cool and I hope you get some sewing in!

Just in time for the Hawaiian themed party, Taylor's tropical wrap is finished! I wound up making a few modifications: shortening the length by 4 1/2 inches and serging a rolled hem around the edges instead of using a narrow hem. Overall, this was an incredibly easy project - made even easier by serging the edges! I think the results look great, too - in fact I may even make one for myself!

Whew, one more project crossed off the list! What's on your sewing table this weekend?

Normally I would say making accessories for Taylor's "Hawaiian Themed" party would be easy, but this time, it was a real pain. Why so bad? It's all about the glue.

When it comes to crafts, I love my hot glue gun (in fact, I have several: one for small projects, one that melts glue so hot that it big projects are melted together in just seconds (but it's so hot that it's easy to get burned), and my favorite glue gun for general crafting). However, there are times that hot glue just doesn't cut it. While the flower for the barrette was easily attached, the flip-flops are another story. I never even thought that the strap would be too slick for the glue to stick! My second option was super glue. Even thought it said it works on most surfaces (including plastics), it didn't work any better - it just made my fingers stick together! My last option, e-6000. This stuff is a pretty amazing product. It's washer\dryer safe, adheres to almost every surface, dries clear, can withstand temperatures up to 150 degrees, it won't crack or break, and, believe it or not, it's safe to use on photographs. It is, however, caustic smelling and I actually was carded to buy it (you had to be 18), but on the plus side, it worked like a charm and I was able to attach flowers to the flip flops without any problems! Here's the results of both:

Win a one year subscription to Sew News! I'll have several articles appearing in the magazine this year, so be sure to register to win this one so you'll be able to check them out.

I need cooler t-shirts to recycle into panties. [link via Craft]

How to make steampunk spats. I'm keeping these in mind because after seeing the images from Alice in Wonderland, I may be making them for some costumes soon.

I love this knot trivet tutorial - it makes me want to go out and buy some jump ropes.

Gorgeous Things' tutorial on working with mesh.

Our temperatures have been in the 100s this week, which means that this reversible water bottle tutorial is perfect for when we venture outside. [link via Innovative Sewing]

How to transfer your pattern markings.

Grab your glitter, the Crafty Chica has a Beach Tote Challenge!

Hot Patterns has a new video up, this time it's for Wong-Sing-Jones Shangri-La Jacket (the link is for part 1of 3).

Convert baby pants to preschooler boy shorts.

I've seen lots of Craftster requests for the Sha Sha Ribbon Dream Purse... now you can make one for yourself with this tutorial. [link via WhipUp]

Lisa mentioned the new UK magazine, Sew and now I am wondering how I can get my hands on one.

What's the best way to waterproof? Two On Two Off tested several options and documented the results.

I may need to sew up one of these cute bow bags for one of Taylor's upcoming birthday parties.

If you're traveling with kids this summer, then you know car entertainment is a must! Check out this tutorial for Brassy Apple's I SPY book and you may get a few quiet minutes on your trip.

With as simple as the halter top is that I'm working on, you would have thought I would be done by now, but it seems like lots of little projects keep creeping in. The latest? Butterick 4526 (which will appear on the sidebar soon) - the wrap coverup. Taylor was invited to a Hawaiian themed party this weekend and is supposed to dress up. We thought this was a cute design (and simple to sew, too) and selected a large floral print from Hancock Fabrics to make it look more tropical.

As for the halter, the shelf bra is inserted as well as the back elastic. However, when I slipped the top on to check it's fit, I felt the back was way too losose, he back is still loose, so I'm going to have to rip it out and shave off several inches (yes, several!). Now where did I put my seam ripper?

June must be a popular birthday month because Taylor has been invited to quite a few parties in the past few weeks. One of her friends is a HUGE Hello Kitty fan, so Taylor asked that I make her something HK related. After sorting through patterns, we decided on a bag made with Hello Kitty fabric - that I already had in my stash! For this gift, I used Amy Butler's Rural Messenger (now out of print). I've made this bag 6 times now and have found that it's a very easy gift to make that looks impressive. This particular one was made in 3 hours from start to finish.

I debated putting this project on the sidebar and for now, I've just decided to leave it off. Since this pattern is no longer available (unless you happen to stumble across one on ebay), I didn't want to tease anyone that this design was easily accessible. I will say that this particular bag was made with a lot of materials from my stash and roughly cost $12 to make. If you're looking for a cute messenger to make for a gift, I highly recommend Amy Butler's High Street Messenger (which is one of my favorite patterns, although a bit more time consuming to make), Nicole Mallalieu's Laptop bag (which is on my list of back to school sewing projects for Taylor), or Sew What! Bags which not only has messenger bags but many several other designs as well.

I'm a sucker for cherry print fabric (especially when summer hits) and while shopping at Joann's for interfacing, I saw a sweet shirred cherry print material in the remnant bin that I knew I had to have. It was just enough material to squeeze out a tank for Taylor this summer.

Since all the hard work (the shirring) was done for me, this top was a breeze to make - in under an hour. All I had to do was to sew the back seem together, cut off the excess material (Taylor wanted it to be a short top), hem the bottom edge, and make (and set) a pair of straps. I think she looks pretty happy with the end result!

Do you want to talk about fast? The order I placed from The Fabric Fairy on the 18th is already here! I've never had fabric get here so quickly.... just look what I got:

The gray deer sweatshirt fleece is for Taylor a hoodie this fall. She lives in them and I thought this was a fun print to use - I'll probably use Jalie 2795 for the pattern.

I thought the apple print was to cute to pass up - Taylor wasn't thrilled with it, but maybe if I can find the right pattern it won't look so juvenile? I also couldn't pass up the motorcycles on pink - I have no idea what I'll make with it, but isn't it adorable?

The Volcom print is for Easton (although Taylor thought it was great too) - it's a fun 'skater' print that will probably be turned into (several styles of) shirts. I've found it's hard to find good boy's fabrics, but I've been very pleased The Fabirc Fairy's selection!

Now, back to sewing - Taylor's beginning to make me a list of projects and it's time to get started). By the way, Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there - hope you all enjoy your day!

Since Taylor's been out of school for the summer, we've been spending more time at the mall. Consequently, I've been browsing a whole lot more than usual - one top that really caught my eye was a layered, teal, paisley tank at Express. Unfortunately, there was nothing in my size, otherwise I would have snatched one up. It was just a few days later that I saw Ann had posted a very similar fabric and I jumped on it immediately!

While I know my top won't be a knock-off of Express', it's definitely inspired by it! When I dug through purged my pattern stash, I finally discovered my (what I thought was) long lost Simplicity 9107 which is very similar in design. However, I've decided to make a few changes to the pattern. The instructions call for cutting out the front pattern piece twice (I'm guessing so that it will act as a lining) - instead, I'm saving some of my precious jersey and inserting a shelf bra instead. Not only will this reduce the bulk when hemming, but I don't have to worry about wearing a bra with this top - actually, I'm not exactly sure how you would anyway!

If you haven't already noticed, Bret doesn't care for me sew for him. He can never find a pattern he likes and let's not even talk about him selecting fabrics. So for this Father's Day, I decided that Easton should wear a shirt that Bret could appreciate - an "I catch bigger fish than Dad" tee.

This shirt started out as Taylor's several years ago, but since it is way too big for Easton at the moment, I re-sized it:

Not only does it fit, I managed to cut off some of the unsightly stains that had buried themselves into the fabric. Want to make one for a little one in your life? Read on to find out how!

I used to be an avid fan of HGTV and the DIY Network because of all the wonderful craftiness they had on in the mornings. Wondering where it all went? Vickie Howell has a great post filling us in on why it disappeared.

You've herd of the Infinity Dress now you can make it's sister pattern, the Convertible Shirt .

Weekend Designer has come up with another winner - the Nautical Halter! I'm also in love with her XOX Skirt, too!

A quick 'how to' on printable fabric.

To kick off their Swimsuit Cover-up Contest, Craft has designer Dianna Eng revamp a t-shirt into a fabulous tunic. I REALLY love this look! A close second would be this halter made from a crew neck shirt.

The 20 minute simple skirt.

A dress made from meat - I bet she makes the neighborhood dogs go crazy when she wears it.

It's an oldie, but a goody - With Father's day coming up I thought I had better link to Craftypod's 'crafting with neckties' episode. You can also check out this entry on BurdaStyle.

I love Sharon's latest creation. Want to make one for yourself too? Here's how she did it.

The summer issue of Knitty is up - I think I need that crab!

I don't really garden, but I might take it up if I made one of these cute Quilted Garden Totes.

Customize your camera by making a fun strap.

An adorable way to recycle a shirt.... turn it into a tote.

Make a pair of father and son ties just in time for next weekend!

Wondering what all those feet for your machine do? SewMamaSew has the answer!

It's been awhile since Kris and I have done a sew along. Since both of us have decided that our next projects will be one (or both) of Amy's latest patterns, we thought it was time to start one up. Join us in sewing either Amy's Field Bag or Mini Dress, Tunic, and Top, post your photo to the group by July 31, and you'll be entered into a drawing to win a fun sewing prize!

Still need a pattern? Kris has the patterns in stock and is offering 10% off when you use the coupon code "monkey10" at checkout.

Don't forget to use the discussion boards in the sew along group to post your pattern questions, comments, and progress on your projects. Let's work together to get these fun, new patterns sewn up!

I know that I had recently said that I wasn't going to make any new fabric purchases, but I've been anxiously awaiting the release of Amy Butler's latest patterns and doing lots of planning:

The first 3 fabrics are for the Field Bag pattern - all are from Amy's August Field's collection of fabrics. They seemed to have a nice summery feel to them which is what I wanted since I plan on using my finished project as a swimming pool tote.

I had intended on using the blue jersey for the keyhole back dress seen in the latest Burda magazine. However, now that I have it in my hands - the material is just too 'nice' (for lack of a better word) for this design. I will probably use it with a different pattern and find a simple cotton interlock for the Burda dress.

As for the Mini Dress, Tunic, and Tops pattern, I searched the stash and plan on using a woven stretch that I purchased at Gorgeous Fabrics quite awhile ago....at least that's the plan for now - maybe I should stay away from fabric stores for awhile!

Hello, my name is Stacy and I am (also) a pattern addict. Over the weekend, I decided to sift through my (predominantly) Big 4 pattern stash in search of one that I could use with my teal paisley fabric when I realized that I have become a hoarder! I seriously have to have hundreds of designs that I will never sew up - many of which are now out of print. I blame the 99 cent sales that I've been attending for the past 11 years. Consequently, I sat down with one very full crate and sorted through them - keepers, giveaway, and a 'maybe' pile. The photo on the right is what I plan on getting rid of... and I have one more crate to go through!

This brings me to my question - what do I do with your uncut patterns that you no longer have a use for? Give them away, donate them, something else?

Edited to add: photo.... yup it's Monday.

Sometimes, I just feel the need to sew up something that provides instant gratification. I know that I have several projects ahead of me that will take several days (or one day of nothing but sewing, however my ability to do that are few and far between lately) to complete so yesterday was definitely one of those days. Instead of sewing something for myself, I decided it was Easton's turn. Using the latest issue of Ottobre, I decided on a simple t-shirt and a summer themed knit from The Fabric Fairy (by the way, I happened to see this same print at Hancock Fabrics recently). I no time flat I had the shirt you see on the left - it was so quick and easy to whip up, I'll definitely be making more!

Way back in May, you may remember me giving you a sneak peek of an upcoming project for The Sewing Republic - well, yesterday afternoon, it was posted on the site! My latest tutorial for Bernina is for an Insulated Lunch Sack - a project that was inspired after a morning of watching Martha whip up a variety of tasty lunches to bring to work. While it has all the standard features of a paper bag (i.e. the 'roll down closure'), this lunch sack is larger than you disposable bag - big enough to bring almost any food or container(s) in style. Plus, it's insulated to keep things cool, even when you don't have a fridge handy! Best of all, it's re-usable (not to mention darn cute).

For those that are interested, I purchased the fabric at Joann's (it's a sateen), but I think an oilcloth would be fabulous with this project too (not to mention the fact you can just wipe it down when you're finished)! I hope you all enjoy the tutorial and can't wait to hear what you think!