Get started on Christmas early this year.....

Do you have lots of wonderful ideas for holiday decorating or gifts? I always have a huge list and very rarely get it accomplished. So, this year I'm going to help you along a little bit and maybe it will help me, too. Do you have knitters in your life? Here are two projects directed at knitters and both would make great gifts:

This is the Sticks and Stuff kit.  This pattern is Sticks & Stuff by This & That.  This kit contains fabrics to create 1 large pouch, 1 small pouch, and the needle case. Sizes: Small Pouch - 8" x 10", Large Pouch - 12" x 11" Needle Case - 12" x 12".

This is the Venti Tote kit.  This bag would make it a great project bag or a great going to the pool bag. Finished size: 20" high x 23" wide.    

As with all of my kits, the fabrics can be swapped out with other fabrics.  However, I do reserve the right to adjust the price.

Hope you're inspired to create something.

Happy Stitching!

Quick Gift Idea, etc.

How about another quick gift idea?  Here's a quick little set of bags:

This is the Take Along Bags pattern by Lazy Girl Designs.  The pattern includes a drawstring bag and a zippered bag.  The drawstring bag is approximately 4" x 6" and the zippered bag is approximately 14" x 8".   The zippered bag also has inside pockets.  These bags are appropriate for any one just by changing the fabric.

How about a bow tie blouse?  This one is rated as a beginner:

The Jasmine blouse pattern by Colette.  This is a lovely, bias cut blouse.  I think it would be cute in the
Light Pink Texture fabric by RJR.

All you need is 3 yards of fabric.  Feel free to ask about a kit for the yardage you need.

It's almost time for snowmen (well, in my part of the country).  Here's a cute home dec project:

This is the Snowman Placemat & Table runner pattern by Donna Ptak Collection.  This is a fat quarter friendly project.  It includes a placemat (17" x 12"), a table runner (35" x 12"), and napkin (17" x 17")

Happy Stitching!

Quick Gift and Inspiration Galore...

Today's quick gift idea is:

This is the Koozie Kouture pattern by Indygo Junction.  This sewing pattern comes with various koozie patterns - water bottle, glass bottle, soda can, coffee cup, and wine glass.  Lots of opportunity to customize with embroidery, applique, or other decorative elements.

Now for some inspiration:

Isn't this a gorgeous pillow? It's the Poinsettia Decorative Pillow from Pottery Barn.  Unfortunately, this pillow is already sold out but that doesn't mean you couldn't recreate it.  Here are the details:  the pillow cover is 100% linen and 12" square with leaves sewn on to look like a poinsettia.  There is no mention of what the leaves are made from but when you zoom in, it looks like felt. 

This would be fairly easy to reproduce.  Alternatively for the linen could be osnaburg in natural or a homespun in green.  Your choice of felt for the leaves and the bells.  How easy is that?

Let's move on to Spring inspiration.  Does anyone sew a season ahead?

This is from the Resort Collection at Neiman Marcus.  It's the Printed Dress with Solid Sleeves by Jason Wu.  The print on this dress is very vintage.  The description says that it's a 30's print.  This dress is made from silk.  Here's the details - jewel neckline with short raglan sleeves, fitted to the waistline, pleated A-line skirt, side pockets, with back zip closure.  Please note that this dress has a lot of trim.  You really need to visit Neiman Marcus and look at this dress up close.  The neckline, belt, and pockets are all trimmed. Price tag:  $2,300.00.

Here's some suggestions for similar looks:

We'll start with Peony Dress pattern by Colette.  This is a beginner pattern which has the fitted silhouette but is missing the raglan sleeves and a-line skirt (this would be easy to change).

If the raglan sleeves are of particular interest, then try:

The Go Anywhere Dress pattern by Sewn patterns.This is another cute alternative. Slightly different from the inspiration photo but it does have the raglan sleeve with a fitted silhouette.

Happy Sewing!

Quick gift idea...

Today's quick gif idea is:

This great looking scarf.  All it takes is 3/4 yard of  fabric.  This is the On The Go Trio pattern by Jackie Clark.  The pattern also includes a purse and a flower.  Here's a look at those:

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration, Shoptalk....

Today's inspiration is from Red Valentino:

This is the Ruffled-Bottom Gingham Dress. Very simple. Very feminine. Details - Sleeveless dress in a blue and white gingham fabric with a scoop neckline, pencil skirt, with a flared ruffle. Fabric is a cotton/spandex blend. Price tag: $695.00

Search details: at the Neiman Marcus search for "Ruffle-Bottom Gingham Dress" to see the details.

This dress could be worn to work with a cardigan or jacket and then out to dinner with a change of accessories.

For a similar look, try the slip pattern (upper right-hand corner in about picture) from the Roundabout Dress pattern by Anna Maria Horner.  Add a double-layer ruffle on the bottom.  This pattern is cut on the bias so you would not be able to get the straight of grain look in the original. 

Quick gift idea -

The Fun & Flirty coin purse  pattern by This & That.

Happy Stitching!

So much to talk about..

There is so much to talk about today. With 44 days left till Christmas, where do I start? Let's start with gift ideas. There is still time to create gifts. Here's some bag ideas for the knitters/crocheters in your life:

The Sara Satchel pattern by Serendipity Studios. The Sara Satchel pattern is a fun yet practical bag in two sizes. It is suitable for carrying knitting, crochet, sewing, or other needlework projects, even various things for a busy day of errands! In addition, this pattern includes instructions for three different coordinated organizers especially designed for crochet hooks, knitting needles, and a small zippered bag for notions, all of which can be customized for your personal needs. Approximate finished satchel sizes: Tall Satchel: 14" high x 15" (at the base) wide x 6" deep, 14" high x 12" (at the top) wide x 6" deep, Short Satchel: 11" high x 18" (at the base) wide x 6" deep, 11" wide by 15" (at the top) wide x 6" deep.


The Carry Me Bag by Bunny Hill Designs. This is the perfect tote for all those "take me along" craft projects. Carry your knitting, crochet, applique or embroidery projects in style. Finished size: 7" x 18".








Both of the bags above will work great for the ladies who create but what about the guys. How about a messenger style bag that is create using denim or a canvas with organizers inside? I have several of those types patterns, too. Just click on the link to the eBay store and from the main page type in "messenger" in the search field and click to search titles and descriptions.


What about decorating for the holidays? Quick changes on the pillows are a great way to start. Here's a pattern that will help:

A Pillow Party for Christmas pattern by Bunny Hill Designs. This pattern is for pillow covers for a 14" x 14" pillow form. Instructions for 3 different holiday appliques included.

Of course, you can always create your own. Get the kids involved. Have fun!







Another option is pre-printed pillow panels. This particular print is the Multiple Pillow Panel from the Holiday Home collection by South Seas. Each panel has 4 pictures which would make either 4 - 14" pillows if you used each picture with a coordinating print for the back or 2 - 14" pillows with pictures on both sizes. Here's a link to the many coordinating fabrics in the Holiday Home fabric collections. This collection has fabrics for tablecloths, panels for tree skirts or table topper, plus many, many wonder holiday fabrics.


This is a long post and I have more to tell you. So, check back tomorrow.

Happy Sewing!

114 days till Christmas....

We are 11 days closer to Christmas. Time is certainly flying. How are you doing with you list of items? I would love to hear about it. My sewing hasn't begun yet but maybe I'll have some time after school starts next week. This week's gift ideas are little bags. Doesn't everyone need a bag to carry items in?

Let's start with the Stash and Dash bags pattern by Amy Butler. This pattern has instructions for three sizes of bags: toiletry bag, makeup bag, and and coin purse. With the right fabrics the large bag could also be a clutch.












Take-along Bags pattern by Lazy Girl Designs. This pattern has two bags included. One is a zippered bag with inside pockets and the other is a drawstring bag.










Sweet Stuff bag pattern by This & That. This is a sweet little zippered bag that is just perfect to use up small pieces of fabric.











There are many more patterns in the store that are just little bags. Use the eBay link to the right to get to the eBay store. Also, there is fabric in the store now and I would be happy to create fabric kits to go along with the patterns.

Happy Sewing!

125 days till Christmas

We're 10 days closer to Christmas. Here's some ideas for book covers, checkbook covers, and notebook covers:

Let's start with a Paperback Book cover pattern by Lazy Girl Designs. It fits a standard size paperback book. Great for friends who read while they are traveling. Individualize it with the fabric choices and embellishments.












Just a Note notepad holder pattern by This and That. Size: 6" x 9".














Daily Doodler notebook holder pattern by This and That. Size: 9" x 12".














Checks and Balances checkbook cover by Silk Road Creations. Size: 6 5/8" x 3 3/8".















This is only a few of the items that I carry of this type. Check out the I carry in the Accessories category at the eBay store.

Happy Stitching!

Holidays are coming....

The holidays are almost here with 9 days left till Thanksgiving and 38 days left till Christmas. If you're going to to visit family or friends for dinners, here's a couple of items for taking your items:

First is the Kitchen Duo pattern by Great Copy. This pattern is for an oven mitt and a casserole carrier. The casserole carrier can be used with a wide variety of shapes and sizes up to 9" x 13".


Second is the Home Cooking casserole cover pattern by Among Brenda's Quilts. This casserole cover converts to a table runner. It comes in two sizes: 9" x 13" version measures 16" x 36", 8" x 8" version measures 10 1/2" x 34 1/2".

Here's a couple of gift ideas for the sewer:

First, is the Pen Style Chaco Liner gift set by Clover. This set contains one each of the five available colors.


Next, is the Grip-n-Press ironing sheet by Bear Threads Designs. This is a multi-purpose ironing sheet that will protect your ironing board from fusible. Size: 12 1/2" x 17".

More to come later.

Happy Sewing!

Some many new items...

Where has the time gone? The past month has zoomed by. I did finish a Halloween costume from head to toe. Then, there was a 4 day weekend that we decided to have a little bit of fun. Of course, I have been adding lots of new items to the store. With 41 days left till Christmas, we all need to get busy.

Today, I'm going to start with some wonderful finds for children. Let start with this wonderful little bag:

This is the Pony Pouch tote pattern by Black Cat Creations. This would be a wonderful gift idea for boys or girls.

This next item could really be for the whole family but younger children would really enjoy having this. I know my son would have loved having these.

The Safari Placemats pattern by Little Country Quilts. How cute are these? Don't you think the kids would love them?

I have also added Deco Bond to the interfacings / interlining section of the store. It is a heavy fusible and will add crispness to your projects. This is washable, dryable, and dry-cleanable. It is 90% polyester and 10% rayon. This is great to add to placemats or handbags.

Happy Sewing!

More Green gift ideas – For the kids

It's always fun to sew for kids. The excitement is contagious. Here's a few ideas:

1. If your purchased games or some boxed item, how about a personalized pillow case with their name on it as the wrapping? It's two gifts in one. Here's a couple of examples from the store: Pillowcase Patterns by Patches Pallette, and Heads Above the Rests pillowcase pattern by Vanilla House Designs.

2. How about making a stocking to tuck the ipod player cover in or the cell phone cover? Here's a couple of stocking patterns: Goodie Socks pattern by Details by Dianne and Christmas Rose pattern by Fig Tree threads.

3. Here's some cell phone holders: Cell Phone Catty's pattern by Cotton Ginnys and Cell Phone Cuties by Fig Tree threads.

4. Are you getting a little boy some pirate toys? How about making a pirate map that can work as a wrap: Pirate Treasures pattern by Needlesongs. Lots of appliques here for making lots of pirate related items.

5. Here's a bag pattern that would inspire some creative play: Castle Keeper tote pattern by Needlesongs. For little girls, fill it with princesses and clothing. For little boys, it could be filled with knights. Don't forget the story books!

6. For the little ones, how about a animal blankie? There are several examples on the store for both hand embroidery and machine embroidery. Here's a couple of the links: Hankie Blankie Pets pattern by Black Cat Creations for hand embroidered faces, Hankie Blankie Pets pattern by Black Cat Creations for machine embroidered animals, and Snuggables Animal Blanket and Ball pattern by Cotton Ginnys.

Be sure to look around when you visit. There are lots of items for kids just waiting for someone to make them up for a special child(ren).

Happy Sewing!

Shop Talk - More Green Xmas Gifts Ideas

This has been fun coming up with a few ideas for a green Xmas. Here's a few more ideas:

1. For the golfer, there are many small items that would fit into a shoe bag(s) think golf balls, golf tees, gloves, gift certificates for a round of golf, and golf towels.

2. For the avid cook, fill a shopping bag (links in previous post) with an seasonal apron(s), seasonal oven mitts, towels, gift certificates. Here's a link to aprons and kitchen items.

3. For the sewer (sewist), a beginner would love to receive tools of the trade or even patterns that would help build skills. Fill a tote with scissors, tape measures, rotary cutters, rulers, chalk, beeswax, seam rippers, pins & needles, different sizes of sewing machine needles, small containers for taking necessities to class, and gift certificates for sewing classes. Here's a link for tools and pins & needles.

That's it for now. I'll see what else I can come up with. Please remember I will do special orders.

Happy Sewing!

Shop Talk - More Green Ideas for Xmas

This has been the year of Going Green. So instead of using wrapping paper for all of your gifts, how about making the wrapping as part of the gift? Here are a few examples:

1. Janet's Jewelry Case pattern would be an excellent pattern for just this purpose. Make it out a fabulous fabric, fill it with jewelry, and tie it with a big bow.

2. Shopping bags - This is probably the most talked about item when Going Green. Make a shopping bag (or two) that is personalized and fill the bag with your gift. Again, tie it closed with a bow or zipped it closed, depending on the pattern used. Here's a few from the store: The ReUse a Bag pattern, Eco Market Tote pattern, B.Y.O.B. bag pattern, or the Easy Market Bag pattern. This is just a few of the bag patterns that are available.

3. Lunch bags - Do you know someone who carries a plastic bag with their lunch in it daily? Why not make a pretty bag for the ladies or a masculine bag for the gents to carry lunch in? Here's a couple from the store: Let's Do Lunch tote pattern or the The Lunch Bag pattern.

4. Make-up bags - Again go for the beautiful fabrics and fill them with daily necessities. Here's an example - Gwen's Zip-N-Go Totes pattern.

This is just a few ideas.

Happy Sewing!

Gift ideas & Shop Talk - For the dog lover

Here's a few ideas for the dogs:

1. Here's a link to two toys for dogs. The gutless fleece toy and a toss ball toy. Dog toys. Make extra and donate to your local shelter. The dogs will love you.

2. Here's a Doggie Sweater made from fleece. There are also many more items on this page.

3. Here's a Doggie Coat.

For the dog lover:

1. How about a cute little Doggie Bags that's just big enough to carry your cell phone and necessities.

2. How about a Pieceful Pet Beds to match the decor?


Happy Sewing!

Gift Ideas & Shop Talk - For the kitty lover

Here's a few ideas for the kitties in your life:

1. How about a catnip filled rat for the kitty? You'll find material, instructions, and a template at the Martha Stewart website - Catnip Rat.

2. Here's another cute kitty toy idea from the Martha Stewart website: Cat Toys.

3. A cute kitty bed and pillow: My Own Kitty Bed pattern.

For the kitty lover:

1. Who can resist a Cat Purrse? Here's the Cat Purrses pattern.

2. or a cell phone catty - Here's the Cell Phone Catty's pattern.

3. How about Cats in the Kitchen oven mitts and pot holders pattern.

Look around at the store. There are more cat related items. Next, I'll write ideas for dog lovers.

Happy Sewing!

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!

Christmas is 148 days away! Gift Ideas & Shop Talk

Here's a gift idea for the child who like to draw and/or color. I found a tutorial for a crayon roll at Chocolate on My Cranium - Crayon Roll Tutorial. This particular roll is designed for 16 crayons but it would be easy to make it larger for more crayons or even change the design a little bit for colored pencils. How about changing the design of the Pretty and Practical Notebook Cover a little bit to include the crayons or colored pencils along with the notebook.

Here's an idea for the knitter or crocheter on the gift list: Alexandra's Needle Roll Tutorial. Think of all the customization that can be done with gorgeous fabrics and trims.

Here's a couple of ideas from the store:

1. Janet's Jewelry Case pattern. It would make a great gift by itself or with jewelry inside.

2. The Sara Satchel pattern. This pattern contains a bag pattern and three different types of organizers for crochet needles, knitting needles, and a small bag for notions.


Happy Sewing!

Christmas is 160 days away! Gift ideas & Shop Talk

I thought that it would be fun to put up gift ideas every 10 days or so with a count-down to Christmas. Here's a project that I found at Dritz - Pretty and Practical notebook cover. Check it out! If you don't like that idea, here's a few from the shop:

In My Bag accessory pattern. This pattern includes an eyeglass case, make-up bag (two sizes), coin purse, checkbook cover, tissue cover, and notebook cover.

Accessories to Go - This pattern includes four-pocket card wallet, checkbook cover, calendar cover, and a note pad cover. There is also an alphabet so that projects can be monogrammed with crystals.

Now more shop talk - The Sewing Workshop and Shape patterns have arrived. There will be fourteen Sewing Workshop patterns available and five Shape patterns available. These will be put in the store over the next week. Use a the link at the right to visit The Pattern Loft @ ebay.

Thanks! Hope you enjoy the projects.

Happy Sewing!

Shop Talk - Go Green!

It seems the trend this year is to eliminate the use of paper and plastic shopping bags. There are many different sizes and shapes of shopping bags available. I guess the different sizes all depend on what you are purchasing. Come check out the different shopping bags at The Pattern Loft:

The Florence tote pattern by Indygo Junction. This tote comes in two sizes: 11” x 15” and 10” x 14”.

Eco Market Tote pattern by Favorite Things. This tote is 15” x 18” x 4.5”.

Tukaway Tote pattern by Mckenna Linn. This tote is 20” x 22” and can be folded into it’s own little pocket.

Betty Shopper pattern by Amy Butler. This bag pattern comes in two sizes: Large - 15" across top and 28" across bottom (width) x 14 1/2" tall x 3 1/2" deep. Small - 12 1/2" wide across the top and 25" across bottom(width) x 14 1/2" tall x 3 1/2" deep.

Bring Your Own Bag pattern by Quilts Illustrated. The bag is 16” x 16” x 5.5”.

Easy Market Bag pattern by Calico Printworks. This bag is 13” x 19” x 6”.

Also, coming soon to The Pattern Loft is the ReUse-a-Bag pattern from Studio Kat. This bag comes in three sizes: 12” x 10.5” x 4.75”, 15” x 14” x 5.5”, 18.5” x 17” x 6.5”. Each bag also folds up into a clutch.

Any of these bags would be fun to make. They would also make great gifts, easily personalized for each person.

Happy Sewing!

Christmas is 170 days away! Gift Ideas, & Shop Talk

I just got an email from Fabric.com stating that Christmas is 170 days away. Although Christmas is 5 1/2 months away, I know that time will fly. This year I'm going to attempt to make a few of the gifts. I know that I will be making some shoe bags. I use the Shoe Bags pattern from Diane Bossom. It makes up well and it's quick. Look around while you are there. There are several serger projects available. If you don't have a serger, don't worry, just modify the instructions for the sewing machine.

Shop talk - Here's a gift idea from The Pattern Loft - How about a little bag for the cell phone, ipod, or any other small electronic item that people carry around? Pocket Book Pals is a great little example of a bag pattern that can be customized to fit the electronic item. Look around there are several other Little bags that are perfect for this type of gift.

Happy Sewing!