Saturday, January 4, 2014
Happy 2014!!!
Happy New Year Everyone! It is crazy to think that 2014 is here! I remember when the big Y2K scare occurred and everyone held their breath (or at least some) as it struck midnight and the year 2000 arrived....and nothing happened. And then there was the big scare at the close of 2012 concerning the Mayan prophesy, but 2012 bid farewell and again nothing happened. Now here we are at the start of 2014.....a year that was ushered in with little ado.....a year 14 years past the turn of the 21st century. So crazy! Welcome 2014! :) I can't wait to see what it holds and how my sewing passion and skills will grow and improve! Do any of you expert sewers make sewing resolutions at the beginning of a new year? I'd love to hear them if you do!
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Christmas Sewing Projects: Part Two
*This blog post includes affiliate links
Up next to share from my Christmas sewing is The Snow Day Fleece Hat and Mittens by Peek-a-Boo Patterns. I bought this pattern back in November, but last week was the first time I was able to sit down and make it. I only made the hat this time around, which made for a very quick sew. I used this adorable owl fleece (remember my owl craze??) to make these matching hats for my cousin's little girls.
They turned out pretty darn cute if I do say so myself. :) And the girls loved them!
As to my review of the actual pattern, I think it is a must have! Super easy to follow with several different style and size options. Make the standard hat like I did or make it without the pompoms. For little ones that like to take their hats off or to keep those ears extra warm, make the ear flap version. With seven different size options, you can make one for all the kiddos. I made the XL (child) size for my cousin's oldest daughter and I could actually fit it on my head, so I think the XXL (tween) would be a perfect fit for me! :)
This pattern is also an excellent scrap buster, as it really takes a small amount of fleece. The longest continual piece you will need will be for the hat band.
As I said above, I did not make the mittens, but I read through the directions and they were easy to follow. Pictures accompany the instructions for both the hat and the mittens, which are always an added bonus. This is a great pattern combo at a great price.
Make one and you will probably never buy a ready made hat again! Why do so when you can make your own with your kids' favorite print choices??? :) Go get The Snow Day Fleece Hat and Mittens today and see how fast you can whip out a new matching set for your little ones. I know they will be a hit! :)
Up next to share from my Christmas sewing is The Snow Day Fleece Hat and Mittens by Peek-a-Boo Patterns. I bought this pattern back in November, but last week was the first time I was able to sit down and make it. I only made the hat this time around, which made for a very quick sew. I used this adorable owl fleece (remember my owl craze??) to make these matching hats for my cousin's little girls.
They turned out pretty darn cute if I do say so myself. :) And the girls loved them!
As to my review of the actual pattern, I think it is a must have! Super easy to follow with several different style and size options. Make the standard hat like I did or make it without the pompoms. For little ones that like to take their hats off or to keep those ears extra warm, make the ear flap version. With seven different size options, you can make one for all the kiddos. I made the XL (child) size for my cousin's oldest daughter and I could actually fit it on my head, so I think the XXL (tween) would be a perfect fit for me! :)
This pattern is also an excellent scrap buster, as it really takes a small amount of fleece. The longest continual piece you will need will be for the hat band.
As I said above, I did not make the mittens, but I read through the directions and they were easy to follow. Pictures accompany the instructions for both the hat and the mittens, which are always an added bonus. This is a great pattern combo at a great price.
Make one and you will probably never buy a ready made hat again! Why do so when you can make your own with your kids' favorite print choices??? :) Go get The Snow Day Fleece Hat and Mittens today and see how fast you can whip out a new matching set for your little ones. I know they will be a hit! :)
Friday, December 27, 2013
Christmas Sewing Projects: Part One
I hope everyone had a truly wonderful, blessed Christmas! I know I did! So thankful for the wonderful time I had with family and friends as we celebrated the Savior's birth.
On Friday, December 13th (I know, Friday the 13th!), I submitted my last final for the semester and so began my one month vacation from school. That first Saturday was devoted to cleaning my house, as it had been poorly neglected over the past two weeks. Sunday I rested, while Monday began my mad dash to get all my Christmas projects and shopping done. My sewing projects kept me busy right up to Monday, December 23rd. It was my goal to be done that day, which I basically accomplished, except for a little hand sewing my mom asked me to do, which didn't take too long. So overall, last week was one busy week. Now I have some time to sit back and breathe and actually enjoy my vacation from school, as well as begin to share some of my Christmas projects, now that they are no longer a secret. :)
First up is my infinity scarves. I think I may be a little late to the program, but seriously, where have these beauties been all my life??? I LOVE infinity scarves! I made my first Girl Charlee fabric purchase specifically for these lovely creations.
These are only four of the ten I made. The others had already been gifted. For these scarves, I needed two yards of fabric each (because of the length); however, two yards made two scarves. The finished dimensions of these babies were approximately 14-inches wide and approximately 6-feet in circumference. I used a half inch seam allowance and my serger worked beautifully to sew these babies up, especially after my brilliant sewing friend Erin gave me the perfect tension setting for working with cotton jersey knit. (Thank you, Erin!) I have written it down and posted it to my serger! Well that was my first project! I hope to get pics of each of the recipients of these scarves wearing them. I actually have one of my grandma wearing hers. (My mom bought one of the scarves from me for a Christmas present to her mom)
She looks pretty classy in her new infinity scarf! Well that is the first of my Christmas sewing projects. I will share another tomorrow!
On Friday, December 13th (I know, Friday the 13th!), I submitted my last final for the semester and so began my one month vacation from school. That first Saturday was devoted to cleaning my house, as it had been poorly neglected over the past two weeks. Sunday I rested, while Monday began my mad dash to get all my Christmas projects and shopping done. My sewing projects kept me busy right up to Monday, December 23rd. It was my goal to be done that day, which I basically accomplished, except for a little hand sewing my mom asked me to do, which didn't take too long. So overall, last week was one busy week. Now I have some time to sit back and breathe and actually enjoy my vacation from school, as well as begin to share some of my Christmas projects, now that they are no longer a secret. :)
First up is my infinity scarves. I think I may be a little late to the program, but seriously, where have these beauties been all my life??? I LOVE infinity scarves! I made my first Girl Charlee fabric purchase specifically for these lovely creations.
These are only four of the ten I made. The others had already been gifted. For these scarves, I needed two yards of fabric each (because of the length); however, two yards made two scarves. The finished dimensions of these babies were approximately 14-inches wide and approximately 6-feet in circumference. I used a half inch seam allowance and my serger worked beautifully to sew these babies up, especially after my brilliant sewing friend Erin gave me the perfect tension setting for working with cotton jersey knit. (Thank you, Erin!) I have written it down and posted it to my serger! Well that was my first project! I hope to get pics of each of the recipients of these scarves wearing them. I actually have one of my grandma wearing hers. (My mom bought one of the scarves from me for a Christmas present to her mom)
 |
| Grandma with her children |
She looks pretty classy in her new infinity scarf! Well that is the first of my Christmas sewing projects. I will share another tomorrow!
Thursday, December 12, 2013
New Swoon Pattern: The Levi Utility Bag
*This blog post includes affiliate links
Guess what???? Swoon Sewing Patterns has released a new pattern! And the best part???? This one is for men! Hello to the Levi Utility Bag!
Have you been struggling to think of Christmas ideas for the men your life? I know I do! Why is it men are the hardest to shop for??? And they are definitely the hardest to sew for, since well most sewing patterns out there are for children and women. But thanks to Swoon, you can now add a sewing pattern for men to your collection of patterns! Yay!!!
I know I cannot wait to make a Levi! The testers have been showing off their creative versions of Levi for the past few weeks, and let me say, they are all amazing. And if you really don't want to sew for men or you don't have any men to sew for, Levi can transform into.... a Lucy or perhaps.... a Lily. ;) This utility bag can be a great tote for your crafting supplies! I know I usually just throw my yarn and needles into a plastic bag or into my backpack (which is already full of other stuff). It would be so nice to have a bag just for them!
Oh and did I mention this bag is a fairly quick sew? Nothing like Stella or Betty! So if you were intimidated by them, maybe try out Levi first to boost your confidence. Well don't wait any longer! Go here and get Levi today. Christmas is only 13 days away!!!
Happy Sewing! :)
Guess what???? Swoon Sewing Patterns has released a new pattern! And the best part???? This one is for men! Hello to the Levi Utility Bag!
Have you been struggling to think of Christmas ideas for the men your life? I know I do! Why is it men are the hardest to shop for??? And they are definitely the hardest to sew for, since well most sewing patterns out there are for children and women. But thanks to Swoon, you can now add a sewing pattern for men to your collection of patterns! Yay!!!
I know I cannot wait to make a Levi! The testers have been showing off their creative versions of Levi for the past few weeks, and let me say, they are all amazing. And if you really don't want to sew for men or you don't have any men to sew for, Levi can transform into.... a Lucy or perhaps.... a Lily. ;) This utility bag can be a great tote for your crafting supplies! I know I usually just throw my yarn and needles into a plastic bag or into my backpack (which is already full of other stuff). It would be so nice to have a bag just for them!
Oh and did I mention this bag is a fairly quick sew? Nothing like Stella or Betty! So if you were intimidated by them, maybe try out Levi first to boost your confidence. Well don't wait any longer! Go here and get Levi today. Christmas is only 13 days away!!!
Happy Sewing! :)
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Peek-A-Boo Surprise :)
*This blog post includes affiliate links
Hey Everyone! I have exciting news to share! Peek-a-Boo Patterns is having an AMAZING holiday sale! I went a little crazy with it myself (I bought five patterns or was that six??), as I am sure you will.
Click here to visit Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop.
Here is a cute video created by the lovely owner of Peek-a-Boo Patterns. It will give you a great preview of some of her amazing patterns before you head off to shop! I know it is hard to choose between all these lovely patterns, but don't worry! The more you buy the more you save! :) Happy Shopping Everyone! Also, this sale ends on Saturday, so make sure you don't miss out!
Click here to visit Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop.
Hey Everyone! I have exciting news to share! Peek-a-Boo Patterns is having an AMAZING holiday sale! I went a little crazy with it myself (I bought five patterns or was that six??), as I am sure you will.
Click here to visit Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop.
Here is a cute video created by the lovely owner of Peek-a-Boo Patterns. It will give you a great preview of some of her amazing patterns before you head off to shop! I know it is hard to choose between all these lovely patterns, but don't worry! The more you buy the more you save! :) Happy Shopping Everyone! Also, this sale ends on Saturday, so make sure you don't miss out!
Click here to visit Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
The Little Gentleman Tie and Bow Tie by Peek-a-Boo Patterns
*This blog post includes affiliate links
"It's the most wonderful time of the year!" I LOVE this time of year so very much for so many reasons! I love Thanksgiving! I love Christmas! I love New Years! I just LOVE the holidays. I love that we set aside a day to take a break from our busy lives to remember all the things we have to be thankful for, and there really are so many thing!. Thanksgiving really should be a year long celebration.
Christmas is my ultimate favorite holiday! Christmastime is truly magical, the season of hope. I have always felt this way since a child and I think it ultimately has to do with the fact that Christmas is the time to celebrate Christ's birth, a truly miraculous event and the greatest gift ever given to humankind.
For me, New Years is bittersweet. I always become reflective on New Years Eve as I say farewell to the past year and welcome in the new, reflecting on the past memories of the year and wondering what memories the new one holds.
With all that said, I am definitely in the holiday spirit! Ready to break out that Christmas music and decorate my apartment this weekend!
I am also ready to start working on those Christmas gifts!!! And speaking of which, I have to share a project I whipped up last Friday with one of my new Peek-a-Boo patterns. I sort of went on a pattern splurge last week! Haha but it was so worth it!!! Have you seen all the amazing new patterns that have been added over the past month????
Anyways, check out these adorable bow ties I made using the Little Gentleman Tie and Bow Tie pattern. Click here to view more details
Aren't these adorable??? (You'll recognize the fabric, as I used it for the small stripe on my Betty bag) I seriously LOVE this pattern! It results in perfect bows! And there are so many options to it. You can make the tie or bow ties in four different sizes. You can make a single bow tie (like mine) or you can make a stacked bow tie (which looks adorable!). You can use Velcro or snaps for the closure. I love the Velcro because it makes the neck width easily adjustable.
This pattern is so easy to follow, with clear instructions and accompanying pictures. From cut to finish, these can easily be whipped up in an hour for newer sewers, and those expert sewers can probably whip them out in half that time. And these bow ties are excellent scrap buster projects!
They really are just perfect! And you might not be able to tell from the pics, but these bows are not floppy! They have great shape and structure! Interfacing is a wonder! I can't wait to make more of these and to try out the tie version of the pattern! I know some little gentlemen that need one of each! :)
Don't wait around! ;) Go get your Little Gentleman Tie and Bow Tie pattern today! :)
"It's the most wonderful time of the year!" I LOVE this time of year so very much for so many reasons! I love Thanksgiving! I love Christmas! I love New Years! I just LOVE the holidays. I love that we set aside a day to take a break from our busy lives to remember all the things we have to be thankful for, and there really are so many thing!. Thanksgiving really should be a year long celebration.
Christmas is my ultimate favorite holiday! Christmastime is truly magical, the season of hope. I have always felt this way since a child and I think it ultimately has to do with the fact that Christmas is the time to celebrate Christ's birth, a truly miraculous event and the greatest gift ever given to humankind.
For me, New Years is bittersweet. I always become reflective on New Years Eve as I say farewell to the past year and welcome in the new, reflecting on the past memories of the year and wondering what memories the new one holds.
With all that said, I am definitely in the holiday spirit! Ready to break out that Christmas music and decorate my apartment this weekend!
I am also ready to start working on those Christmas gifts!!! And speaking of which, I have to share a project I whipped up last Friday with one of my new Peek-a-Boo patterns. I sort of went on a pattern splurge last week! Haha but it was so worth it!!! Have you seen all the amazing new patterns that have been added over the past month????
Anyways, check out these adorable bow ties I made using the Little Gentleman Tie and Bow Tie pattern. Click here to view more details
Aren't these adorable??? (You'll recognize the fabric, as I used it for the small stripe on my Betty bag) I seriously LOVE this pattern! It results in perfect bows! And there are so many options to it. You can make the tie or bow ties in four different sizes. You can make a single bow tie (like mine) or you can make a stacked bow tie (which looks adorable!). You can use Velcro or snaps for the closure. I love the Velcro because it makes the neck width easily adjustable.
 | ||
| So cute! |
This pattern is so easy to follow, with clear instructions and accompanying pictures. From cut to finish, these can easily be whipped up in an hour for newer sewers, and those expert sewers can probably whip them out in half that time. And these bow ties are excellent scrap buster projects!
They really are just perfect! And you might not be able to tell from the pics, but these bows are not floppy! They have great shape and structure! Interfacing is a wonder! I can't wait to make more of these and to try out the tie version of the pattern! I know some little gentlemen that need one of each! :)
Don't wait around! ;) Go get your Little Gentleman Tie and Bow Tie pattern today! :)
Monday, November 25, 2013
What a Betty!
Today is a VERY special day! :) Well yes, it is my birthday, so of course, I am partial to this day! :) However, today is also Betty's birthday (or debut)! Who is Betty you ask??? Why she is the newly released (as in TODAY) Betty Bowler Bag by Swoon Sewing Patterns !!!!
Can I just say I LOVE this pattern????? Yes, I know I say this about every Swoon pattern, but Betty is my most favorite (Sorry Stella, Eleanor, and Rosie! I still love you all too)!!!! There is just something about her. She really is a true Betty! A classic/vintage beauty, a babe of a bag!
So without further ado, here is .....(drum roll)....BETTY Swoon Sewing Patterns!!!
Isn't she one classy lady?!?!?! Can't you see why she is my ultimate fav????? Now that you have gotten some good visuals, let's discuss her specs!
First, she has great structure, as you can tell from her photo shoot above. This structure is created using Craft Fuse and Fleece interfacing. This was my first time using Craft Fuse and I love it! It sure adds structure and crispness to fabric! Like Stella, she also has a stiff bottom that is made using two pieces of Peltex. (All of the interfacing/stabilizers used to make this bag are Pellon products and can be purchased at Jo-Ann's.)
Secondly, she has beautiful piping that really adds to her classic beauty. This was my first time with piping (well minus one other attempt but I never completed that project and it was only a short straight line)! I was nervous but it really turned out well. There are so many tutorials out there too that really help you overcome any piping apprehensions! And if you are just too scared, you can make Betty without piping, as a few of the Swoon testers did (and they were all lovely!). The pattern also shows you how to make your own piping, which is nice since it is often hard to find pre-made piping that matches your fabric choices perfectly. I got lucky, so I went the easy (lazy) route. :)
By the way, this video showed me an easy method for connecting piping. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZESVL1Fmiw
Thirdly, this pattern is so versatile. She has different handle options. You can use hardware like I did or you can make them without. Instructions are given for both. (Hardware purchased from strapworks.com)
Her stripe panels add to her versatility, for you can use just one stripe or none at all, or you can adjust the width to your liking. Like I said above, the piping is optional too. No two Betty's will ever look alike, unless of course, you want to make twins. :)
Concerning compartments, this girl has a very cool vertical, exterior zipper pocket, which is the perfect size for your passport or cell phone or both (Betty is a perfect carry-on bag)!
 |
| Passport |
 | ||
| Passport and Cell phone |
On one of the inside panels, there is one long slip pocket that extends the length of the bag; perfect for your Nook or Tablet! :)
Now lets have a size comparison. Here is a picture of Betty alongside Stella, so you can see the difference.
They are very similar in height; however, Stella is longer and a little bulkier. Honestly, if you are torn between the two, you should really just make yourself both! A matching set even! Won't you be the Bell of the airport, with a Betty and Stella on each arm!!! :)
Well I have gone on enough about my new love Betty, so I will be silent now. But I will leave you with the following song. The start of the chorus is perfect for Betty! And I don't know about you but I just felt that Betty deserved a song on her big day! :) And she sure is "strong and steady" but don't worry, you won't have to sell your jalopy to buy her. ;) (Listen to the song and you'll get it)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)