It's been raining here for most of the week which means that I've been having some very bad hair days (curly hair worn straight during high humidity is just a disaster). Need a quick fix? Wear a hat. The latest tutorial up at The Sewing Republic is the perfect solution - in fact it might take longer to fix your hair than to sew this one up! ]]>
After one more round of prototypes, I believe that I finally have all my measurements and instructions set for my Sew News article. WHEW! I'm hoping to spend some time this weekend and sew the actual item up for the magazine. To celebrate it's completion (well, sort of), I'm doing a little giveaway - a copy of Sew New's 30th anniversary issue (February\march 2010)! Just leave your comment here by midnight, Monday, March 15 to be eligible for the prize draw (and please feel free to enter even if you live outside the US - this contest is open to everyone). Have a great weekend and good luck!]]>
CraftSanity's apron contest - winning entries will be part of a traveling show to raise awareness for Safe Haven Ministries.
Win a $50 gift certificate to Modern Organic Fabrics.
Made a pillowcase for the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge? Before you send it off, snap a picture and enter it on WeAllSew's fanpage for your chance to win a bundle of sewing goodies (patterns, sewing books, kits, fabrics, notions, and more)!
Give your t-shirt a makeover.
Transform a decorative handkerchief into a beautiful fingerless glove.
It seems like a lot of work, but the results of this patchwork ironing board cover is fabulous. [link via Whip Up]
Need the perfect accessory for your new outfit? Make a Glazed Fabric Ring from a button.
Two lucky winners will receive paper doll fat quarter bundles, just by sharing you favorite childhood activity!
Win a RIT Dye bundle - oooh, the possibilities with this one!
Just like mommy - toddler yoga pants.
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and decided to take the plunge and buy it. Although the the designs are 'simple' (basic skirt, tee, button up shirt, dress, and pants), Cal discusses ways that your can change the overall look to give some variety to your design. Speaking of the projects in the book, I did find that most of them have quite a bit of ease (as you can see from the front cover). If you go in expecting to come out with a pair of fitted pants, this book isn't for you - it's just a very basic introduction to pattern drafting. There is some information on how to fit, however, it's not in depth and honestly with some of these styles, isn't really needed (for example, I saw a lot of people on Amazon saying that there wasn't any information on full bust adjustments and bust darts, but I just don't see how bust darts would work with these designs). With that said I did find Design It Yourself Clothes to be a wealth of information and I do intend on making my own project (based on MY measurements and not a pattern company) sometime in the near future. I'm really hoping that Cal decides to write more of these books (perhaps a bit more in depth and with fitted designs) in the near future because I found this to be a fun, easy to read instruction book on how to draft your own clothing patterns.
The Bottom Line: A great beginner's book for pattern drafting, especially if you're looking for an easy read with lots of illustrations. However, you may be disappointed in the styles if a fitted looks is what you're after.
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The lure of foreign pattern magazines finally got the best of me. After a feeling of disappointment with the latest Ottobre Woman (I just thought the tops and dresses had way too much ease for my taste and might make me look and feel a bit on the frumpy side), I decided to check out what was available in other languages. That's when I stumbled across the spring 2010 issue of Female (from Japan) - adorable! This issue seemed to have a bit of everything from funky pants to sweet tunics and in sizes that both Taylor and I should be able to wear. I'm crossing my fingers that it will arrive this week.... at the very least I would love some eye candy to help me plan my spring sewing! Anyone else seen any good pattern magazines lately?]]>
Can you believe I was actually so busy sewing yesterday, I forgot to post until late in the evening? I spent a lot of time developing a prototype for an upcoming issue of Sew It All. While I don't quite have a 'finished' pattern yet, I think I've nailed everything down on the cutting and sewing process. One thing I think I'll skip - quilting the material.... I spent way too much time with this whole process and was disappointed to see that the quilting not only got lost in the fabric, but made the finished project too stiff. Oh well, the next round should turn out better. Yes, round - Taylor has requested one for herself. At least I know what I'm working on is 'cool'.]]>
A couple of weeks ago, I bought a copy of Sew! Tucked away inside the front flap was all the materials necessary to re-create the adorable bag that graced the front cover - not only was everything pre-cut, but the buttons and even a label was provided! Since I was in need of an (instant gratification) project, I couldn't think of a better one to try!
Overall, the instructions were fine, although if you're a beginner, you may be wishing for more illustrations. Also keep in mind that measurements are in the metric system, so you'll need to convert if you're in the states. The fabric is beautiful, but is a VERY heavyweight twill (this bag doesn't use interfacing and keeps it's shape nicely) and is difficult to turn right side out. So hard, in fact, that I had to change the way I constructed the button loop because I never could get the tube to turn (trimming the seams is also recommended even though you're using relatively small seam allowances, it does help to get things to press nicer). All in all, I love my new bag - and it's got such a pretty print, it's perfect for this spring weather we've been feeling!
]]>Sewing Republic and BurdaStyle have teamed up for the Apron Remake Challenge - first prize $300 and a Bernina activa!
DIY long sleeve shirt made from too tees.
School is almost over, but it's never too late for a new notebook - especially when they're this adorable.
I've been seeing lots of reverse applique lately - most recently, this fun beret that appeared on CraftStylish.
How to make you own reusable grocery bag.
Create easy felt flowers to embellish totes, pillows, bags, and more! Love this tute? Then enter here for your chance to win a gift bag filled with goodies (and fabric)!
It looks like the zipper embellishment trend is still in style this year - I've even seen it on maternity wear. Keep up with this look by making a zippered headband.
Craving sweets? Skip the calories and make this sweet mini cupcake quilt instead.
Why go shopping for the dr. or nurse in your life? Sew up a men's surgery scrub hat in no time.
Learn how to turn a (shrug) pattern into a garment.
It's not a pattern, but it's definitely a unique (not to mention funny) way to keep your iPod cozy.
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While most of my baby shower gift making is finished, I still had one more item to work on before the gift basket is finished (that's not to say I won't be making one or two more items - I'd really like to try Lotta Jansdotter's
Bloomer project)..... a fun, rockin' onesie. I opted to buy a onesie online (black blanks are almost impossible to find and even more difficult to dye yourself) and used a patch to finish this up..... yes, I took the easy way out. I thought it was more fun (not to mention 'professional looking') than finding an image to create an iron on, plus it should hold up better in the wash. Now, back to sewing.... for myself!]]>
Happy Tuesday! Not only does it mean we all survived Monday, it's time to draw a winner for the Lila Tueller's Charisma Boot pattern. Congratulations to Chelsea (comment #7)! If you'll send me an email with your information, I'll send it out to you this week. Thanks to everyone for entering and stay tuned for more giveaways in the near future!]]>
While it probably seems like all is quiet on the sewing home-front, I've actually been busily sewing behind the scenes.... making aprons. Five of them in fact - and I'm keeping one for myself (finally). While they look fairly straightforward, they are actually a time consuming project (which is why I make them in 'batches' - there's just no profitability otherwise). I typically enjoy making these, but I believe that this particular project has finally run it's course as I didn't have as much fun sewing these up as what I usually do. It's a good thing too because I probably have enough fabric to make 2 (possibly 3 if I can eek out enough material) more. Now it's time to find material for my new Lady Grey coat pattern! Any suggestions other than wool?]]>
Thank you all so much for the blogging anniversary well wishes! I had meant to send you all back personal thank you's but zonked out last night before I ever got back to the computer..... thank goodness it's the weekend! Speaking of, I had mentioned an anniversary giveaway - so lets cut to the chase and get to the goodies! Today's giveaway is for Lila Tueller's Charisma Boot pattern. A cute way to keep your (or a young lady's) tootsies warm until summer! If you're interested in winning this pattern, just leave a comment in this thread - I'll close comments and pick a winner on Tuesday, March 2. Good luck!]]>
Well drat, I did it again. I forgot my blogging anniversary (although I did remember that it occurred this month!). It's hard to believe that I started this site 4 years ago - where has the time gone? Not only have a I learned a ton over the course of those years, but I've made some great friends. Thank you all so much! In light of the fact that it's a celebration - I think a giveaway is in order! I'm headed out to do a bit of shopping so stay tuned this weekend for more details..... In the mean time Happy Sewing!]]>