Inspiration for Fall

Shouldn’t we sew for our kids? I loved sewing for my son when he was younger and may have to start again now that he’s a teen due to being tall and skinny. It’s hard to find age appropriate cool clothing. I might not get the cool factor but I know I can get the fit factor.

Here’s some inspiration for girls:

This is the Check dress by Burberry. The style is referred to a trench style. Personally, I see this as an almost classic shirt dress. This is a classic tan/multicolor check with a spread collar and button front. It has belt loops and a self belt. There are angled welt pockets and the straight hem has button tabs on the sides to elevate the sides slightly. Price tag: $195.00.

To duplicate, there is a similar shirt dress pattern for girls at McCall’s (6159). You would need to add the tabs and the welt pockets.

Here’s a tutorial to make welt pockets at Silhouette Patterns.

Happy Stitching!

New from The Creative Thimble

This week I have a new pattern from The Creative Thimble:

It's the Ursala and Emily Purse.  Here's the description:

Leave your bulky bags behind and take these small wonders with you. Ursula and Emily are small sized purses with all the pockets you could ask for. Open the magnetic flap on the front to reveal 6 credit card slots and one ID window. Also up front is a zip pocket large enough to hold paper money. On the back there is a slash pocket the full width of the purse to hold coupons and receipts and on the sides are pouch pockets for sunglasses, phone or water bottle. The lining includes another zip pocket and two patch pockets. The purse closes across the top with a zipper. Ursula has an adjustable handle that can be worn across the body or on the shoulder and Emily (Ursula's alter ego) has dual shorter handles.

Happy Sewing!

Serendipity Studio #4...

Here's the fourth and final new pattern and it is also a bag pattern:

This is the Rita Reversible Bag pattern.  This roomy bag features optional bags to all sides for maximum organization.  Variations are ruffles between the panels or any other trim.  Have a great print fabric?  There is even a variation to showcase.

Now for the news......the patterns have arrived!  The are currently in "What's New".  You will need to page through the section but they are. 

Happy Sewing!

Serendipity Studios #3...

Here's the third new pattern and the first of the bag patterns:

This is the Camilla Insulated Tote pattern.  This tote comes in 5 different sizes.  It can be used as a handbag, a tote, a lunch bag, and an insulated tote.  You can use quilting weight cottons, home dec weight fabrics, or laminated fabrics.  How fun!

Happy Sewing!

Serendipity Studio #2....

Here's the second new dress pattern from Serendipity Studios:  

This is the Diane Kimono Dress.  This is an easy to make dress.  Design features include overlapped bodice, dolman sleeves, drawstring waist, and options to make a slim or full skirt with or without tiers in four different lengths.  Bodice variations include plain or ruched shoulder seams.  The dress slips over the head, so no need to worry about zippers.  A great design for summer.

Happy Sewing!

New Serendipity patterns are on the way...

The new Serendipity patterns are finally available and I have several on the way.  I will be showcasing the new patterns over the next few days.  Let's start with the Betty June dress:

This is a retro style designed after the shirt-waist dressed from the 1940's and 50's.  The dress features straight sleeves, slightly elevated waist bodice, a-line knee length skirt, button details, and a side zipper closure.

If you're interested in the pattern, let me know via email and I will contact when it comes in.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration for Fall 2011

Have been watching the fall fashion? I'm seeing skirts just below the knee, boots, and jackets. Here's a couple of items from Ellie Tahari to think about:

Here's an early fall look, a Jacket and Skirt.  Isn’t this a great look?  I love the gray and the red together.  The jacket is the Shellie Jacket in carbon.  Price tag: $498.  The skirt is the Fiona skirt in Graphite.  Price tag: $298. 

Recreate this look could be easy. Let's use some patterns from the Silhouette Patterns line.

Here's the Max's Jacket from Silhouettes Patterns.   It is a very similar look to the Shellie Jacket. (I do not currently have this is in stock but will order if asked.) 

Now, for the skirt:

The Joyce's Almost Bias Skirt pattern by Silhouettes will work for the skirt.

Here's an alternate look using the same style jacket in a different color:

Here's a Jacket and Pant from Ellie Tahari.  This is the Shellie jacket in carbon (same color as the skirt above).  Price tag: $498.00.   The pants is the Theora Straight in black.  Price tag:  $298. 

Use Ralph's Pants pattern by Silhouettes to duplicate the style of pant shown.

If you used the same fabric (maybe a dark gray) for all three pieces you would have a very nice three piece suit in a neutral color.  From there, you could add another pair of pants (maybe in black) since the pattern has already been fitted.  Silhouettes has some great videos on fitting their patterns.  Visit their website to view these webcasts.

Special offer good through the end of June 2011.  If all three patterns are ordered through me, I will ship these free within the United States.  International customers will get discounted shipping.  Please note, I will place one order on July 1, 2011.  This means that you will have to wait on patterns but just a short while. 

Happy Sewing!

Quick little sale....

There will be a weekend sale starting about 3 p.m.at the eBay store. Free Spirit fabrics, Amy Butler Design patterns and StudioKat Design patterns will all be 10% off through approximately midnight on June 12, 2011.

Happy Sewing!

Are you looking for carry along projects?

Are you looking for projects that you can take with you to appointments, or long drives in the car?  Here's a grouping of flower brooches which are fat quarter friendly:

Here's the Cymbidum Orchid Brooch pattern by la todera.  This includes instructions for three different size flowers and bud. 

Here's the Phalaenopsis Orchid Brooch pattern by la todera. This pattern has instructions for 3 different size flowers and buds.

The would make wonderful gifts.  It's not too early to start. 

Also, there are several other patterns by this same company.  Just go to the eBay store and search for "la todera".

Happy Sewing!