Sunday, August 31, 2008

Inspiration & Shop Talk - Halloween anyone?

I this really cute idea for a halloween costume and thought that others might be interested. Here's a pdf on making a Wizard Cape and Hat to download at Cranston Village. What fun that could be!

Here's a couple of Halloween inspired ideas from the shop:

1. Haunted Handbags pattern by Artful Offerings.

2. Halloween Oven Mitts and Potholders pattern by LA Designs.

If you prefer decorating for fall, here's some additional ideas:

1. Fall & Winter towels pattern by Backyard Quilts. This particular not only has fall in mind but winter too.

2. Homespun Holiday Towels pattern. This pattern has appliques for the whole year.

Hope you've found some inspiration for the fall.

Happy Sewing!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Shop Talk - Posies anyone?

Isn't this a cute velour tote bag by Juicy Couture? Look at those details - the bow, grommets, piping, and flowers. Adding the bow and grommets would be easy enough to add to any tote bag. Here's a link to grommets with a tool. Also at the store, you will find the zinc or silver colored grommets and the refill kits. Looking for a different color grommet? Ask I may be able to order for you. If you interested in that style of handle, let me know and I'll get a quote for you. I also have found a couple of patterns for the posies or flowers. How about the Posies pattern by Fig Tree threads or the Floral Fabric Pins by Moonlight Designs? Both patterns would yield a cute fabric flower. Don't forget to check out the Bag and Tote patterns. Almost forgot the piping. Make your own. It's easy. I've been making piping for pillows the last couple of days. The progress and pictures are over at Sewing Daily (link is to the right).

Happy Sewing!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Shop Talk - Cardigans and Twin Sets

I'm seeing lots of cardigans and twin sets showing up in the stores for fall. Some of the twin sets are a little different than they have been in the past. There are a couple of twin set patterns at the store. The first one is Loes Hinse's Sweater Set. This pattern has been reviewed many times at Pattern Review. It has a nice v-neck shaped neckline. The second one is the The Versatile Twin Set by Pamela's Patterns. This pattern offers a v-neck cardigan, a bolero, and a scooped-neck tank.

How about this great looking cardigan? I think the retail price was $99. This would be easy to duplicate. How about using Loes Hinse's Zipper Jacket to create a similar look? Just size down and add the neckline bow.










Isn't this a cute cardigan? I have no idea where I found it at. I think this would be easy to re-create by using The Versatile Twin Set by Pamela's Patterns. Just lengthen the bolero and add little more around the collar and front for the lovely drape.











Well, there are lots of surprises coming over the next month. Visit often so you know what's coming and when.

Happy Sewing!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Shop Talk

All skirt patterns will have free shipping August 23rd and August 24th, 2008. Sale ends at 12pm est. Please request an invoice to clear all charges for shipping and handling. Thank you!

Happy Sewing!

Friday, August 22, 2008

Fall Sewing

It's time to start getting serious about fall sewing. There are so many items that I want to make but realistically I don't have time to make everything. So, I need to make a decision. I've been working a small wardrobe plan using patterns that I currently have in my pattern stash. Right now, it includes a jacket, pants, 2 tops, and a skirt. I'm still looking through the stash to see what I have that will work. I was thinking about using a grey herringbone tencel to make the jacket and pant but I also have a grey rayon that may work. For additional color, I can add some dark turquoise. I want to include a trench coat of some kind. I have the Indygo Junction Trench Topper. It will make a lovely jacket for fall. What are you making for fall? Are you adding to what you already have or creating an all new wardrobe?

Happy Sewing!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Shop Talk & general chatting

I'll start with the shop talk today. I received the order from the distributor earlier than expected but I only received about 2/3 of the order. They are many items that had sold out that have now been re-stocked and there are several new items. Just check out the "What New". There is still a few colors and widths of petersham to add to the store. As the back-ordered items arrive, they will be added. There are a couple of new stablizers and interfacings coming.

I have so many things that I'm working on right. I still have the faux snakeskin bag to finish, the 4 piece fall wardrobe to plan and complete, some pullovers and pants for my son, a jacket for a halloween costume (think Indiana Jones), and some floor pillows. Also, I received the software for the embroidery part of my new machine. I'm really excited about being able to embroider again. However, I think that I have forgotten most of what I had previously learned. So, it will be like started over. I am also a little bit concerned that I may not have enough depth for the embrodiery unit where my machine is located.

I have located a pattern for the costume jacket but it's a little bit small. I will be trying my hand at making the pattern larger. Fortunately, my son is thin so I will probably be able to get away with just lengthening the body and the arms. However, any hints would be greatly appreciated.

Happy Sewing!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Christmas is 130 days away! & Shop Talk

Christmas is going to be here before we know it.

Here's a couple of freebie ideas for children at About.com:

1. Instructions and templates for a shape book. What a great item to personalize for a child.

2. Instructions and pattern for a baby's grab ball in two sizes.


Gift ideas from the shop:

1. Here's a cute little Caterpillar pattern for a baby.

2. Check out the Pirate Treasure pattern for the little pirate lover. Lots of design ideas here.

3. Something for the little prince or princess to tote along their books and toys, see the Castle Keeper tote pattern. What a great way to fuel a child's imagination.


Happy Sewing!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Stuff, Design Details, and Shop Talk

Everything is finally getting back to normal. I'm still not caught up with normal daily household stuff but I'll get there. As far as email, I had over 1000 emails when I returned from vacation. It was a little bit overwhelming but I have almost completed the task of reading through the emails.


I wanted to share the little detail on this jacket from J Jill. I know it's hard to see but if you'll look at the waist you will see just a little bit of detailing. It looks to me like it is smocking. Isn't this a great way to give a little bit of detail to a jacket? Perhaps it could be a way to give a purchased jacket or a custom-made jacket a little more shape. I love the look of smocking and I've seen lots of tops this year with a look of smocking. This is the first jacket that I have seen with smocking on it. I would love to hear about any smocking accents that you have added to your garments.



Shop talk - I ordered from the distributor today. The order should arrive by Thursday next week and I'll start putting items in the store. Most likely, I will start with things that have sold out and then add the new items. If you haven't joined the newsletters, please do and you'll be the first to know what has been added to the store.

Happy Sewing!

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

We're Home......& Shop Talk

We made it home yesterday. It was a wonderful trip and we enjoyed seeing our families. My son said that it was the best trip ever. It is always sad to leave but we are glad to be home again.

Shop talk - All orders made over the past week which are paid have been mailed. It made for a tremendously busy afternoon and evening yesterday but I'm glad that I was able to complete this project by today.

Happy Sewing!

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Breaktime - Going to visit Family! - Shop Talk

I'm going to take a break for a week. We're heading to Arkansas to see our families. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone. I've been busy the past week painting furniture and the front entry way. I also purchase a new sewing machine with lots of encouragement from my husband (what a guy!).

Shop Talk - I will be away from August 4 to August 12. No shipments will occur during this time period. However, you can still purchase from the store please know there will be a delay in shipping. All orders purchased and/or paid for during this period will be shipped on August 13th and possibly August 14th.

Happy Sewing!!!!