Stacy Sews

Sewing Goodies Off To A New Home

2008-07-25T13:10:43Z

It's finished! My package for the I <3 to sew swap is in the mail and off to my partner. What was inside?

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The rules for this swap were pretty simple - create one handmade item, a pattern (either a tutorial you created or something you like to sew that might be new to your partner), 2 yards of fabric, and 3-5 notions. So inside my box I placed: the knitting needle roll that I sewed up (note to self, I must make one for myself sometime soon), a swimsuit pattern - McCall 5400, 3/4 yard of purple swim lycra (so she can make her own suit), 1 yard of springy cotton (you may have seen me post this a few weeks ago, I thought my partner would enjoy it and use it way before I did), and 1/4 yard of dot fabric (she said polka dots are her favorite), a big box of buttons, the pear pincushion that matches the needle roll, 2 zippers (she requested them), and 2 yards of swimwear elastic. Whew!

I'm anxious to see what she thinks about the package, especially since she hasn't sewn a swimsuit before. I'm hoping that this might get her started making her own!

Linky Thursday

2008-07-24T12:47:42Z

Summer for the future Project Runway contestants - Fashion Design Camp.

I'm in love with these adorable stuffies - I may be ordering a few of these in the future.

A tutorial on how to make perfect curved patch pockets.

All this month, Making It Fun has had wonderful children's projects using Michael Miller's First Sight fabric - now here's your chance to win a First Sight gift set.

Make sure you are cutting your patterns correctly. Here's how.

Heather Bailey's store is now open and taking (pre) orders. Yes, I already placed mine!

Tips and tricks learned at the latest ASG Conference.

Using painted bondaweb to create a coloured and textured background (gorgeous)! [link via Craft Gossip]

How to make your own pendant lamp shades.

If you haven't tackled knits yet, Fabric.com has some good pointers to get you started.

Have a green project, stuffie, or original apron design? Here's our chance to have your artwork published. [link via Whip Up]

Behind the scene look at Wendy Mullin (Built By Wendy)

Cannes Stripe Racerback

2008-07-23T02:47:21Z

Sometimes a fabric calls to you - not just "buy me" but sometimes it screams what it needs to be made into. Such is the case the Cafe in Cannes Stripe Jersey - as soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to make a sporty tank (I also thought the remnants would work perfectly as some sort of trim to a solid color shirt). This fabric purchase lead me to buy Jalie 2565 - and over the weekend, I finally brought my vision into fruition:

I had intended on lengthening the hem 2 inches, but I spent so much time lining up the stripes that I actually forgot to do this part - thankfully, it didn't seem too short in this version to me! I also decided on using a solid black matte jersey remnant for the bindings on the neck and arm holes.

Overall, I'm thrilled with the results and the fit is wonderful (I've already worn it out). If I had to pick between Jalie 965 and this pattern, I'd definitely select 2565! If you're interested in my Pattern Review of this top, you can read about it here.

Thank you!

2008-07-22T13:46:36Z

Thank you so much to Lori from Girls in the Garden for nominating me for this award! I'll skip the acceptance speech and will get the fun part - nominating 5 blogs for this award (this is the hard part since I have over 200 feeds in my Bloglines and I'm trying not to repeat any blogs that I've already seen with this award!):

assorted notions - There are a lot of garments that I would love to make, but sometimes never find the time to get to. Christina seems to make so many of the items on my wishlist - and beautifully!

Couture et Tricot - Tany has impeccable taste and her garments look gorgeous both inside and out!

Fehr Trade - I love Melissa's creativity and style! She's made some of the most amazing clothing from Ikea finds and my favorite, a duvet cover.

Stitches and Seams - Not only does Debbie share her personal projects (she's prolific - I am amazed at how much she can sew in a week), but also lots of tips and tricks - with photos!

Susie Homemaker - Melissa and I have similar tastes in patterns and similar fitting issues (I'm not sure what her exact measurements are, but I suspect that they are very close to mine) so I often times I use her as my "clothing model" (if something looks works great for her, I'm more likely to sew it up and if it doesn't work for her, I'll bypass the pattern). She also makes adorable clothes for her kids.

Up tonight: A post about my completed Jalie Racerback tank!

Coupons

2008-07-21T13:37:29Z

As much as I grumble about my local Joann's, one of the best things about them is that they always have coupons. The last flier has a ton so I set out to the store to see what caught my eye. Little did I know what all I would be bringing home:

I used my first coupon on the 5 lb. box of fiberfill. You would think that something this large would last forever, but you would be surprised how fast stuffing a few toys, pin cushions, and random items uses up this stuff - it was a bargain for under $9. My second coupon went to picking up another issue of Sew News - I keep telling myself that I will frame the issues that my articles appear in, but I never seem to remember when I go to someplace that does frames. While I was there, I also selected some interesting snake suede cloth (it was an impulse buy) and found bulk buttons to send to my I <3 To Sew swap partner. All the savings made me want to visit my local Hancock Fabrics where I picked up a few zippers and some swimsuit elastic (both for my swap partner, but more on that later) and KU fabric. My intention is that I will be making a few Christmas gifts this year and plan on turning this into aprons for a few of my college friends.

Now that I feel like I supported my local economy, I think I'll stay home and put my goods to work. Anyone else make any purchases this weekend?

Pear Anyone?

2008-07-20T13:25:26Z

And I thought I was done crafting for my my latest swap. Part of our package is including a few notions and what's better than receiving a new pincushion? It just happens as I was 'stalking my partner' I noticed she had a specific one on her Wist....

]]> It was a pear! How perfect, seeing that I had designed my own pattern for a pear pincushion. Instead of sewing up one, I wound up making three:

Two match the needle roll case that I sewed up for my partner and the second is a wild and wacky (featuring candy, cow, and floral prints) patchwork. I debated on which one to send her, but finally settled on the one that matches. I've put the other one up in my Etsy shop, but I'm unsure what to do with the other....

Linky Weekend

2008-07-19T15:21:43Z

To make up for the fact I missed Thursday's Linky post, I thought it would be a good idea to post a few 'extras' - after all it is the weekend which will give you more surfing material:

If you're low on sewing time, check out this tutorial for the 5 minute skirt. It would be perfect for this month's Skirt Sew Along where you could win Wendy Mullin's latest book.

This week's Threadbanger episode: How to make a cool summer cap out of an old pair of pants.

Win yourself a bundle of fat quarters. [link via Craft Gossip]

You could be a part of Vickie Howell's Craft Corps.

These workbaskets are absolutely adorable! Too bad I already made a project for my latest swap. [link via Craft]

Looking to win a free book? Just fill out this entry form at Craft Stylish.

Cute felt food. [link via The Crafty Crow] Looking at these makes me want to buy a book like this one.

I probably shouldn't be submitting this link because I really want to win this one, but here's your chance to win a gorgeous quilt made with Ginger Blossom fabric line.

Stop buying those packages of felt beads and learn how to make your own! [link via Whip Up]

A cute oilcloth project and tips on how to work with this material.

How to keep your sewing machine healthy.

Adding another bag to my 'must sew list' - this cute (and free) box bag. [link via Some of a Kind]

Make your own refashioned draped neck top from the girls at Stitch Lounge.

The more people that enter this contest, the more people win! Leave a comment in this Sue Bleiweiss post and you could win their choice of a free 4 issue subscription to Fibre & Stitch or their choice of any journal from her etsy shop. [link via Craft Gossip]

Make your own cute mushroom.

Looking for free projects? SewStylish has a HUGE list of where to find them.

Easy Friendship Ring Quilt

2008-07-18T15:02:08Z

I wish I could take credit for this fabulous quilt, but I can't. It's made by Wendy Hill author of Easy Bias-Covered Curves: Create Quilts with WOW Appeal. This is a unique project that uses the techniques from her book. Continue reading this entry for all your supply information.

]]> Friendship Ring

SUPPLY LIST
23- Fat (or regular) QTRS (prints - 1930's fabrics or other scheme)
6 1/2 yards- background fabric (or a scrappy mix of neutrals to equal this amount)
3 yards- border fabric (same as background or not)
Quarter-circle template (purchase or make)
1/2" bias maker gadget (with plastic center)
9 yards- backing fabric (cut into 3- 3 yard pieces)
Binding- 1 yd or assorted scraps equal to this amount
Batting- king-size or larger than 88" by 99"
Rotary cutter/mat/grid ruler
Basic sewing supplies

On A Roll - Part 2

2008-07-17T14:01:30Z

Normally on a Wednesday night, I'll sit down and type up the Thursday's Links post so it's ready to go in the morning (it takes quite a bit of time to write this one up). Last night, I was a bit distracted with good programming (who all watched Project Runway last night?) I did manage to finish my swap partner's gift......

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I found a stripe material in my stash that matched the colors in the dots perfectly and decided to use it for the bias binding (it seems to add a lot of interest to the relatively 'plain' interior). The down side to this was that there was very little material so the binding has been pieced together is several locations. I also added a flap to the roll to keep the needles from falling out (needles not included!). With my craft finished (only one was required for this swap), I need to find my partner some material and notions and this package will be all wrapped up!

Now it's back to the racerback tank!

On A Roll....

2008-07-16T13:41:14Z

Last night I headed into my sewing room to start working on my stripe racerback tank. After spending time making sure the stripes lined up properly, I decided to avoid attaching the binding to the arms and neckline. I'm using the black jersey that 'behaved badly' for me when making McCall 5586 and didn't care to deal with any headaches this fabric might give me this time around. Consequently, I opted to start a new project - something for my latest swap (so if my partner is reading this - no peeking).....

]]> There were several items that she had listed she wouldn't mind receiving, one of them - a knitting needle roll. I thought this sounded like a fun project to work on, so I set to work. The toughest part of this item was trying to figure out what size to make it. I had scoured the internet for a good tutorial, but never found anything that I really liked, so I decided to 'wing it'. I whipped out several of my own knitting needles (why I never made a roll for myself is beyond me), measured them, and decided to cut the material 14 x 18". This gives me plenty of room across for several sets of needles and it's long enough to accommodate their length plus a flap to keep them from falling out. Since this whole process took so long this is all I got finished last night:

Since my partner likes polka dots, I decided to use this cute multi-colored bubble print for the outside roll and pocket. For the inside lining, I found a nice (matching) linen. I still have lots of work to do on this one, but so far, it's whipping into shape.

Flattering Swimwear

2008-07-15T14:18:24Z

I saw this swimsuit pattern at Burda Style last week and fell in love. At this point in the summer, if I haven't made a bathing suit, I probably won't, but after seeing this retro look I'm reconsidering. Then I started reading blogs this morning and ran across Miss Celie's post where is talking about making a muslin for this pattern (and in Wonder Woman style no less - I don't care what your friends say, I love it. If you want to see Wonder Woman, check out this knitted version that I stumbled across yesterday.). Not sure what bathing style is right for you? Check out this three part series: For Full Figures, For Petites, For Special Quirks.

OUCH!

2008-07-14T19:21:37Z

It's well after noon and there's still no post up.... that can only mean one thing - trouble! Actually, we spent all morning at the doctor's office having him look at Taylor's knee. She had injured it when she slid into home at her softball game and fortunately, she's only strained all the ligaments. She's not allowed to play until she can 'run without pain', which she's hoping is soon because their tournament is next week and she's also playing in a golf tournament with her dad on Sunday. In the mean time, she's propping it up, watching the latest Ashley Tisdale movie, and surfing the internet - agh, to be 11 again!

As far as sewing goes, I guess it's a scrap today. My Ottobre did arrive (although a bit mangled after our carrier has delivered it) so I suppose I'll hang out in the air conditioning and enjoy browsing through it! I also get to start stalking my partner for the I <3 to sew swap - they were announced today and I'm very excited to get started! What are your plans for sewing today?

Thank Goodness For Naps

2008-07-13T14:32:02Z

Thank you to everyone who told Easton that he should take naps - your advice finally paid off and he took a nice one yesterday. A nap long enough that I had time to finish this:

It's only a muslin (I had purchased this material from Fabric.com while it was discounted), but it's definitely wearable! I wanted to make sure that I knew what I needed to tweak before I cut into my fun stripe jersey. The next time around, I'm adding 2 inches to the length, but otherwise, it's a great fit. I'm not so sure I'll be as lucky today with the naps, but hopefully I'll have another version finished by the end of the week.

The Week's Wrap Up

2008-07-12T13:48:11Z

This week has gone by like a blurr. Taylor competed in 2 (the third was rained out) golf tournaments and pitched in a softball game (and also hurt herself) sliding into home), Easton decided he no longer wanted to nap during the day (which makes for a very grumpy boy in the evenings), Bret was home all week (yay, no traveling), and I managed to sew up 4 projects!

I also got lots of wonderful goodies in the mail - my Burda World of Fashion finally arrived (and I've found several things I wouldn't mind sewing up), my Hot Patterns order came in, a fun prize that I won from Rockin Smockin (photo posted here, plus some fun baseball buttons for Easton and a pretty Christmas ornament kit for Taylor - thank you so much Blakely!), and lastly, my Little Stitches book was delivered. And look what's on the back:

A quote from me!!! I probably don't have to tell you how excited I was to see it, not to mention the fact I was very honored to be asked to write something in support of one my favorite sewing authors. As for the book - it's fantastic! I'm so happy that I have a little one to sew for because there are so many wonderful things to create.... In fact, I'm torn what to make first - a new diaper bag? a military hat? the cute monkey laundry bag? a travel bib?

I sifted through some patterns in my stash and came up with a few that I wanted to put up for sale (I'm sure that there will be more to come, my patterns are overflowing). the first is for Kwik Sew 2653 and the other is for 6 patterns for doll clothes and accessories:

Both appear on Pattern Review's Classifieds, but if you're interested, please let me know.

Lastly, I'm deciding on what I need to sew up next. I'm leaning toward Jalie 2565 - I need to sew this one up before the weather turns cold!

Project #3

2008-07-11T14:23:30Z

I hate having a deadline looming over my head. Consequently, I've been very motivated to finish up my projects for The Sewing Republic website (my Aurora has been burning the midnight oil). What you are looking at is a sneak peek at project #3! Of all the items that I worked on, this was definitely the most difficult to 'get right' - requiring 4 pattern changes\tweaks before finally getting the look that I wanted. However, now that it's finished, I think it's one of my favorite! Now comes the most difficult part - writing up the instructions!

With 3 items completed, the sewing table looks a bit empty and I'm torn between what to sew up next - my Hot Patterns order arrived yesterday, Amy Butler's Little Stitches came Wednesday (I'll be updating you on this a bit more tomorrow, but stay tuned for a full review sometime next week), Jalie 2565 is still calling my name as well as the Spaceboy and Robot pattern, not to mention a couple Big 4 patterns that I've picked up recently on sale. Decisions, decisions....