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!