Friday, December 26, 2014

It's sale time!...

I'm taking a vacation week but the eBay store is open.  If you can wait for delivery after January 1, 2015, there are some fabulous deals.  Go check out the deals over at The Pattern Loft eBay store (this is a link).

Happy Sewing!

Monday, December 22, 2014

Happy Holidays!....

Wishing everyone Happy Holidays!  Enjoy your family and friends. Make some wonderful memories.

Happy Sewing!

Monday, December 15, 2014

Shipping Dates....

An FYI to my customers.

The last shipping day of the year will December 23, 2014.  All orders that are paid and cleared by 9am on December 23, 2014 will ship.  Shipping will resume on January 2, 2015.  The shops will be as follows:

Bonanza on vacation and closed from December 23 through December 31, 2014.
Etsy on vacation and closed from December 23 through December 31, 2014.
eBay on vacation and open from December 23 through December 31, 2014. 

You will be able to purchase from the eBay store but the shipping will not occur until January 2, 2015.

Happy Holidays!

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

USPS Holiday Ship-by Dates....

It's that time of year again.  USPS has shipping dates for items to arrive by Christmas.  Here's the all important information:

Domestic Dates:
  • Standard Post - December 15, 2014
  • 1st Class Mail and Priority Mail - December 20, 2014
  • Priority Mail Express - December 23, 2014
International Dates.   Folks this varies by country and you will need to look it on the USPS website.

Military Dates:
  • Standard Post - November 8, 2014
  • Space Available Mail - November 26, 2014
  • Parcel Air Lift - December 3, 2014
  • 1st Class Mail and Priority Mail - December 10, 2014
  • Priority Mail Express Military Service - December 17, 2014
As you can see, some dates have already passed.  I hope this is usually for scheduling and finishing up projects.

Happy Sewing!


Friday, October 17, 2014

Christmas is .....

68 days away.  Where has the time gone?  How are your projects coming along?  Mine are moving along very slowly.  I actually have about 45 days left for any creations.

Here's some little gift ideas:


How about these Adorable Autos?  This pattern is from Sweetbriar.  Make one or all three.  Keep those imaginations going?


How about this cute pillow pattern from Country Appliques?  For the older child, the Goodnight Cars Pillow pattern.  Cars fit in the garage and there is an additional storage pocket on the back.


How about a sleeping bag for the doll(s)?  This is the Slumber Party sleeping bag pattern by Atkinson Designs.  With 4 sizes to choose from, you should be able to find the right one.


This one takes a little more effort to create.  Dolls On The Go pattern by Sisters' Common Thread is create for the little person who likes to take their doll with them.  There is storage for the doll and accessories.


Happy Stitching!

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Fall Decorating Inspiration...

I love to decorate for fall.  I haven't really started yet at my house.  My living room is almost completely bare waiting on new furniture to arrive.  However, I can ideas as the furniture is suppose to arrive this week.  Here's a few interesting ideas:


Let's start with our indoor pumpkins.  Aren't these Hot Skwash Velvet Pumpkins cute? You can find these at neimanmarcus.com  and searching for the name.  The prices are between $20 and $45.00 each depending on the size.  This could be fun to create yourself.  Go check them out.


Aren't these hurricanes wonderful?  I think that you might be able to use these for more than just fall decorating.  Search neimanmarcus.com for Golden Twig Hurricanes if you're interested in looking at them a little closer.  The pricing is between $130 and $180 for each hurricane.  I really like them and may look to see if I can find some interesting twigs to kinda duplicate this look without spending a lot of money.  I'm sure the dollar store has inexpensive clear hurricanes.


Although this picture is really showcasing the garland, I think the runner under it is more interesting.  How easy would that be to duplicate?  Just decide the length and width, then find the burlap, and spend a little bit of time making the fringe.  You can get a closer look at both the runner and the garland by going to neimanmarcus.com and searching for Bountiful Harvest 6' Garland.


Here's a quick and easy way to change the seasonal décor.  Just change the pillow covers.  Pillows are fairly easy to make.  I always pick the pillow size and then cut the cover the same size.  For the pillow back you will want to add a closure of some type.  I prefer zippers.  Here's a Pillow Zipper tutorial that explains how I do the back (click on the name).  To see this particular pillow, go to potterybarn.com and search for Hunter Plaid Pillow Covers.


How about this fun little pillow?  Again, this would be easy to do.  If you wanted to the embroidery, it could be a take along item or you could make it even easier and use fabric markers to make the word on the cover front.  This pillow is also found at potterybarn.com.
 
Hope your inspired to create something wonderful!

Happy Stitching!

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Christmas is Coming...

Did you know there is 106 days till Christmas?  Christmas always seems like a long way off but isn't.  Personally, I need to have gifts ready by the first of December so they can be mailed to far away family members.  This subtracts 20 to 25 days off the days till Christmas.  How soon do you need to have gifts ready? 

Here's a few decorating ideas:




These fabrics are perfect for table clothes.  The border runs on both selvages.  Fabric is approximately 58" wide.  Click on Holiday Home to visit this fabric collection.

How about these cute little Pot Holders?  Make some for gifts and for your own kitchen.  Click on Christmas Trio of Pot Holders to visit the pattern description.


How about a new table runner?  This is Peace Table Runner pattern by Cottage Creek Quilts.  Click on the pattern name to see the description.


You could get creative and make a cute little Christmas Village with the Glitter Village pattern by Atkinson Designs.  Click on the pattern name to see more information.


Change the look of your pillows with the Pillow Party pattern.  Click on the pattern name to see more information.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful to add to your holiday decorations!

Happy Stitching!



Tuesday, September 2, 2014

The Bunnies Are Coming.....

The Bunnies have arrived.  Check out these cute patterns:


This is the Bunny Pail pattern by Sweetwater.  How cute it this?  Included with this pattern is 1/4 yard of Heat N Bond Lite and 1/2 yard package of the Soft and Stable in white.  This is enough to create one bucket.  Want to make more than one?  Just ask about increasing the quantities of the Heat N Bond Lite and the Soft and Stable. 


This is the Bunny Table Runner pattern by Sweetwater.  Isn't this sweet?  This includes 1/2 yard of Heat N Bond Lite for the applique.  This is enough to create one table runner.

This isn't bunny related but related to the same spring time holiday:


This is Egg Pocket pattern by Sweetwater.  Aren't these little eggs cute?  Included with this pattern is 6" x WOF of natural canvas and 1/6 yard of Heat N Bond Lite.  This is enough to create 4 egg pockets.  I like the idea of putting little surprises in them.

Feel free to ask any questions.  Click on the pattern name to see additional information on the store listing.

Happy Stitching!

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Jacket Inspiration....

Fall is coming and it won't be long before we need to have light weight jackets.  Do you purchase your jackets or do you make them?  Here's some inspiration:


This gorgeous little number is from Lafayette 148 New York and is called the Zena jacket.  I love the black & white tweed with the angular piping details.  Just beautiful.  If you want to check out the details, go to neimanmarcus.com and search for Zena wool-blend jacket.  Price tag:  $698.00

GA's Jacket pattern by Silhouette Patterns has a little bit of the patterns to it.  The collar is different. Worth a look.


Isn't this a cute little zip jacket?  It's from Armani Collezioni. Love the tailored look.  Love the ribbon detail.  Price tag:  $1295.00  Want to check the details of this pretty little princess seam jacket?  Go to neimanmarcus.com and search for Tweed Zip-front Jacket. 

Looks like I'm on a black/white/grey trend today.  Let me know if you find any patterns similar to either one of these jackets.  As sewers we should be able to duplicate any look that we are interested in and have it fit.  So celebrate your creativity and make something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Unmentionables Worth Mentioning.....

Here is the Unmentionables Worth Mentioning pattern:


Have you looked at this pattern?  It is full of basic items needed for a wardrobe.  There are 3 versions of the VPL Undies.  You can make them out of anything you want maybe even using up those small pieces of leftover knits.  There are 2 versions of slips with this pattern.  One is a straight slip and works well with the Magic Pencil Skirt pattern or any straight skirt.  The other slip is a fuller version in two lengths and works well with Pamela's Favorite Bias Skirt pattern or any fuller skirt pattern.  The final item in the pattern is the Cami Illusion.  What a great little pattern!  Think of the fun you could have with this little pattern.  Aren't there times when you don't want the bulk of a cami under something but want extra coverage?   Oh, I know you can purchase these little jewels in basic colors but now you can use prints, too.  Strap guards are available at the eBay store.

Need a little more inspiration?  Check out the trunk show at youtube for this pattern -  Trunk Show.  Lots of beautiful items shown.  Looking for tips and techniques.  Check out the youtube video - Unmentionables Worth Mentioning Techniques.

Hope your inspired to make a few of these great basic items.

Happy Stitching!

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Fall Inspiration 2...

I love looking at the clothing when the seasons change.  Here's a very wearable outfit:


The top is really nice. It is a princess seam with pintucking on the sleeves and front.  There is a sheer trim around the neckline and eyelet around the hems.  This version is made from silk.  I would think that you could duplicate the look with a batiste or maybe a hankerchief linen.  Pintucking would need to be accomplished before cutting anything out.  A wing needle could be used to recreate an eyelet look.  If you not familiar with using a wing needle, do an internet search.  You will find lots of information.  This needle is used a lot in heirloom sewing.  The basics are that you will need a zigzag throat plate and an open toed foot so you can see what you are doing.  A basic straight stitch will work but you will most likely need to do repeats.  If you have a stitch on your machine that moves in and out of the same hole multiple times, this is a good stitch to sample. If you want to see this top in detail, visit Neiman Marcus and search for the Short-Sleeve Eyelet-Trim Blouse by Elie Tahari.  The price tag is $278.00.

The jeans are a classic 5 pocket, cropped skinny jean by Elie Tahari.  To see more detail, use the link above and search for Azella Cropped Skinny Jeans.  The price tag is $198.00.


I could not resist this little dress. What a great way to show case stripes!  This would work well with the color blocked dress patterns that abound.  A great way to create a curvy silhouette.  If you want to check out the details, use the Neiman Marcus link above and search for Mitered Stripe Sleeveless Sheath Dress  by Milly.  The price tag is $395.00. 


Here's another sweater with exposed zippers.  I'm not sure if they are functional or decorative.  Duplicate the look with your favorite pullover top and sweater knit.  Make sure that you have enough sitting room when you lengthen the pattern (assuming you need too).  You can decide whether to make the zippers functional or decorative when you add them.  Use the above Neiman Marcus link if you would like to look at the details.  Search for Susie Zip-Body Cashmere Sweater by Christopher Fischer.  The price tag is $298.00.

Hope your inspired to make something wonderful.

Happy Sewing!

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Home Linens Inspiration...

Do you like making your own table runners, place mats, and napkin?  I like making the items.  They are mostly easy to make.  You can make them in the colors and style that you want.  Let's not forget that you can size the items for your own table.


Here's a nice table runner example.  It is bright.  The finished size is 14" x 90".  This would equate to about 2 5/8 yards of fabric if you didn't want a seam somewhere.  I don't think you need a pattern for this just a good ruler and a place to cut.  The price tag is $98.00.  If you're interested in more detail, go to Neiman Marcus and search for Chartreuse Medallion Table Runner.


There seem to be a lot of the quilted placemats available.  This is a great way to practice machine quilting or even play with some of the special stitches on you machine.  If you decide to look at the detail, you will see that there are some special machine stitches used in the sample above.  This particular placemat is made from velvet and the finished size is 19" x 13".  The price tag is four placemats for $100.00.  To see the detail, use the Neiman Marcus link above and search for Juliet Placemats & Windsor Napkins by Pom Pom at Home. 

Hope your inspired to create some linens of your own.

Happy Stitching!

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Fall Inspiration.....

Fall has come early to my area this year.  I am hoping for an Indian summer.  Summer lasted all of about three weeks before the temps started dipping into the 40s and 50s at night.  So, I'm dreaming of fall clothing.  It looks like gray will be a good neutral this year.  Here's the first look:


This is the Fisherman Knit Zip-Detail Sweater & Check Cigarette Trousers by Veronica Beard.  The cigarette trousers have been around for a couple of seasons and the look is still going strong.  This particular trouser has extra details on the pockets and waistband and if you're interested in seeing it hop over to Neiman Marcus to see it.  The price tag on the trousers is $425.00.  Interested in duplicating the look?  Try Clover Slim Pant pattern by Colette Patterns or Ascona Pant pattern by Loes Hinse.  The Ascona pant is not as slim but you could get a similar look.

What do you think of the zip detail sweater?  I like the detail of the zipper but I'm not sure about having a two way zipper.  What do you think about having a zipper that can zip from either end on your chest?  I would be tempted to just put in a one-way zipper and may be just let it be decorative instead of functional.  The price tag on the sweater is $450.00.  Anyone seen any similar knitting patterns?


How about a comfy sweater dress?  In reality, duplicating this look is hard unless you are a knitter.  However, you could take you favorite t-shirt pattern and extend it (remember to make room for sitting) to the desired length.  There are many sweater knits available.  The price tag is $395.00.  If you want to check the details, use the Neiman Marcus link above and search for Back-Zip Rib-Trim Sweaterdress.


Here's a classic white shirt.  Who doesn't need one of these in their closet?  This particular shirt is made from a stretch poplin.  Although I called this a classic white shirt, it is a princess seam shirt.  The price tag is $298.00.  If you want to see the details, use the Neiman Marcus link above and search for Rowley Long-Sleeve Blouse.

Hope you inspired to make something wonderful.

Happy Sewing!


Thursday, July 31, 2014

Summer to Fall Wardrobe Continues...

What did you think of the last grouping of patterns?  Did you see anything of interest?  Here's another set of patterns and notions to consider:


This is The Perfect T-Shirt pattern by Pamela's Patterns.  This pattern has 3 necklines and 4 sleeve lengths.  Some very nice variety.  When selecting a size, measure snugly.   If you need more variety, try adding this pattern:


This is an the New Necklines & Sleeves for The Perfect T-Shirt pattern.  This pattern adds 4 necklines and 2 sleeve types.  Also included is directions for creating tunic length shirt and a dress length using the Perfect T-shirt pattern.   In addition to the add-on pattern, there is also a DVD:


The Perfect T-Shirt DVD  information on size selection, fitting, and variations. 


This is The Magic Pencil Skirt pattern by Pamela's Pattern.  This is a great, knit skirt.  It gets some great reviews.  The pattern includes two versions, provides fitting instructions, and can be completed in under an hour.  Don't forget the following notion:


This is Fantastic Elastic.  It comes in 4 yard lengths in two different colors.  You can cut it to the width that you want without raveling or compromising the stretch.

Hope your inspired.

Happy Stitching!

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Summer to Fall Wardrobes....

Are you looking toward fall and thinking about what clothes you may need?  This is what I have been doing.  Here's a few ideas for you:

Jacket:


This is the Jordan Jacket pattern by Serendipity Studio.  Make it causal from denim or choose a different fabric for a couture vibe.  Sizes:  XXS to XXL

Dress:


This is the Kiss Dress pattern.  It has two options with two lengths.  Make the purple version for a great summer to fall pull-over casual dress or make the floral version with darts and a zipper for a great work dress or little black dress version.

Pants:


This is the Juniper Pant pant pattern by Colette Patterns.  This is a classic wide-leg trouser.  Make it causal or work worthy depending on your fabric choice.

Tops:


This is the Versatile Twin Set pattern by Pamela's patterns.  This pattern offers a variety of cardigans with a sleeveless top.  Perfect for the summer to fall wardrobe or air conditioning. 

Hope I've sparked some ideas.

Happy Sewing!

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Christmas is Just Around The Corner....

I know. I know.  It’s seems like it’s a long time in the future but in reality it’s only 155 days away or just over 22 weeks away.  If you’re like me, most items need to be completed or purchased no later than 127 days or just over 18 weeks.  That gives time to get them packed and mailed.  I’m rarely lucky enough to get to sew right up till Christmas.  If you want to create some holiday decorations, you will need to shave off a couple more weeks.  Doesn’t that make the time fly? 


Here’s a few ideas for decorations:

 
 
Isn't this a cute table topper?  This is the Tabletop Tannebaum pattern by Poorhouse Quilts.  So cute!  The finished size is approximately 13" tall and if you make the tree skirt 12" in diameter.  It is rated for an advanced beginner. 


Here's a cute little advent calendar. It's the Countdown pattern by Hunter's Design Studio.  Size is 12" x 44".  This could also be used to countdown other occasions depending on the fabric used.


How about some stocking?  This is the Mini Stockings pattern by Fig Tree Quilts.  These are cute, little stockings. Finished size is approximately  6 1/2" X 8 1/2".


For those with machine embroidery, let's not forget a notebook cover to keep up with all the plans.  This is the Santa Notebook Covers pattern by Sew Michelle.  It includes instructions to create a Santa cover for a spiral notebook size:  8" x 10 1/2" and a Santa cover for a 6" x 9" Steno notepad.  What a fun way to keep up with your plans!

These patterns are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to project to decorate with.  Think pillows, throws, placemats, table runners, tree skirt, along with gifts but that will be another post.

Happy Sewing!

 

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Osnaburg, The Fabric


What do you know about Osnaburg?  Have you used this fabric?  I’ve used this fabric for at least 30 years and have made curtains, towels, pillows, and embroidery, using it. 


Osnaburg, defined*:

This is a type of coarse, heavy cloth, originally of linen and now of cotton, used in making sacks, work clothes, etc. 


Origin of osnaburg*:

altered after Osnabrück, Germany origin, originally made


Uses:

Curtains, placemats, towels, pillows, bags, quilting projects, doll bodies, costumes, etc.  This is a good, general all-fabric.
 

Embellishing:

Stenciling or painting, embroidery – hand and machine with a backing for support, ruching, dying

 

Trolling the internet finds all kinds of projects made using osnaburg – table runners, placemats, quilts, craft projects, baby slings, jedi costumes.  Have you made using osnaburg fabric?  What did you make?

Happy Sewing!

 

*definition and origin information from yourdictionary.com

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Inspiration...Summer Dress

I found this lovely little Eileen ensemble:


Although the slip dress is sold out, the original price was $238.00 and the lace cardigan price was $228.00.  The slip dress is a linen blend.

Here's a couple of slip dress patterns that would give you a similar look/feel:


This is the Colette Cinnamon dress pattern.  This is an OOP pattern from Colette.

Next is this pattern:


This is the Roundabout Dress & Slip pattern by Anna Maria Horner.  You get 3 other bonus patterns with this one.

Are you wondering about the cardigan?  It is fairly easy to create this type of a pattern using a t-shirt pattern.  You would need to lengthen the pattern to the desired length, maybe widen it to allow for seating room in the hip, use a French curve to correct the front, and do not cut the front on the fold.  There are also many patterns available for this type of top.

Happy Sewing!

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Inspiration – Summer Dresses


Dresses are so nice for the summer.  Cool to wear and very easy dressing. 

Here’s the first dress:
 
 
 
Such a cute little bee print. It has a shallow v-neck with cap sleeves, seamed waistband with a front knot detail, an a-line skirt with front double pleats, lightly fluted hemline, and a hidden back zipper.  It is made from a viscose/cotton fabric with a polyester/acetate lining.  Price tag:  $1999.00.  It is certainly worth heading over to Neiman Marcus to check out.  It is part of the pre-fall collection.

Next up:



 
This is the Sleeveless Side-Panel Ruched Sheath Dress by Carolina Herrera.  I love the Ruching on this dress (I would actually call that gathering since it is a pleat section attached  to the seam and not applied.). It has a shallow v-neck and is sleeveless, a bias panel on the left side with ruching, and slim pencil skirt with a hidden back zipper. It is made from a wool/spandex/nylon blend.   Price tag:  $1990.00.   It is worth heading over to Neiman Marcus to check out the details.

The final dress:


The color blocking is nice on this dress. It gives the illusion of a slim hourglass figure whether you are or not. It has a round neckline with a keyhole detail, capped sleeves, nipped waistline, knee length a-line skirt, and a hidden back zipper.  It is a viscose spandex blend.  Price tag:  $2390.00.  Head over to Neiman Marcus to check out the details using the zoom feature.  

One thing I noticed is that most of the dresses are knee length or slightly longer.  I like that.  What do you think of the slightly longer length in the hemlines? 

Hope your inspiration to create your own sheath dress.  I have seen similar patterns for the second and third dress but don’t remember seeing anything for the first day.  Let me know if you know of a similar pattern.

Happy Sewing!


Monday, June 9, 2014

Shirtdresses....

Shirtdresses are a wonderful addition to your wardrobe.  They are quick and easy dressing.  Here's a couple of feminine shirtdresses to consider:


Let's start with The Sally Shirtdress pattern by Serendipity Studio.  This pattern has four variations in three lengths.  It certainly has the classic shirtdress look.  However, look again.  The waistline fitting is accomplished with pleats giving you the perfect fit.  Check it out using the link and you will see other variations.  Sizes are XXS to XXL. 


Here's a sleeveless version of the Hawthorn Dress pattern by Colette Patterns.  This pattern provides a peplum top with short sleeves, sleeveless dress, and a 3/4 length sleeve dress.  This is a very feminine silhouette.

What do you think of shirtdresses? 

Happy Stitching!