The weather outside is dreadfull.....



Winter has finally arrived in my part of the country.  Don't get me wrong, I love the snow but I don't like the cold weather that comes with it.  Unfortunately, the two always come together.  Here's a couple of ides for the snowman lover:

The first thing to look at is the Bread Bags for the Holidays pattern by Cotton Ginnys. There is a little bread bag for the snowman lover and you can get a head start on Thanksgiving and Christmas, too.



Now the Snowman Place mat and Table Runner pattern by Donna Ptak Collection. This pattern includes a place mat, napkin, and table runner.

For those who are dreaming about spring (I'm included):

Here's a Butterfly Accents pattern by Poorhouse Quilt Designs.   This is a plus pattern.  I've included a package of the double-sided fusible to create four butterflies.

Hope your inspired.

Happy Sewing!

Year end clearance is going on...

There is a year end sale going on at the eBay store.  Also, Etsy and Bonanza have coupon codes available.

Happy Stitching!

There's a Sale going on....

Yep, around 900 bolts of fabric are on sale at the Ebay store through 09/12/2012. 

Happy Sewing!

Holiday decorating

I start Christmas/winter decorating the last weekend in November or the first weekend in December. With 67 days left till Christmas, that means that there is about 40 days before everything needs to be ready. Are your creating new items for the holidays? Here's a few ideas:

Here's a cute little vase pattern called Jingle Bell Vases pattern by Artful Offering. The materials list will create both of the vases.

Here's a new advent calendar pattern called Countdown calendar pattern by Hunter's Design Studio.  The window at the top allows you to use a featured fabric, a pieced block, or an applique designs.  Calendar size is 12" x 44".

Here's a cute little applique placemat pattern.  This is the Jolly Snowman Placemat and Napkin pattern by Country Appliques. The pattern includes the appliques placemat, napkin, and coasters.

There is also some Christmas table cloth fabric:

This is a 56" wide fabric with a border on each selvage with a very traditional print.  This will make a quick and easy table.  The first picture is of the Golden Double Border (81518-157). The second picture is Red Double Border (81518-337).

Can you tell I like Christmas?

Happy Sewing!

New Items That Make Great Gifts!

There are many new items arriving in the store. The following items would be a great gift for a quilter:

Let's start with the Little Twister Pinwheel template.  This template makes easy work of creating pinwheels. Template size is approximately 3 1/2" x 3 1/2".  This template also comes with a pinwheel pattern to create a 19"x26" table topper.

This is the Charming 5in Square Template . Use this to create 5" square. Cross hatch marks allow for centering a print and/or center marks can be used to 2 1/2" squares or 2 1/2" x 5" rectangles. Comes with instructions to create an "I SPY ABC's" quilt.

The next item is for quilters and crafters.  Really good for when you're working on thick items or items that are hard to pin.

This is the Wonder Clips by Clover.  Use this clips in place of pins or in places that are hard to pin such as faux fur, leather or faux leather, etc.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration, What's New, and "How many days till Christmas?"

One of the big items for fall/winter is a knit pencil skirt. If you like wearing the latest fashions but not always the price tags that go along with ready-to-wear fashions, you should give The Magic Pencil Skirt pattern by Pamela's Patterns a try:

This pattern gives you two waistline options - natural and a high waist.  The waistband is elastic so there are no zippers involved.  Instructions are given for selecting the correct size.  I would love to hear about the fabrics that you are using to make this skirt.  I will be trying a double knit.

There are so many new items in the store.  Patterns, fabric, and notions with more coming in every week.  Here's the link to check out "What's New" at eBay.  There are new items being listed at Etsy and Bonanza, also.  Here's a few of the items:

Here's two fleece prints from Camelot.  They are wonderfully soft.  The fabric remind me more of cudde cloth than fleece.  They are 100% polyester and 58/60" wide. 

There are new kits using the Easy Mitered Placemat instructions, the Caserole Kimono pattern by Legacy, and an Arts and Craft caddy using the Artful Bags pattern by Serendipity Studio. 

Did you know that this 70 days till Christmas?  Are you wanting to sew gifts or give sewing related gifts?  Remember, I can special order items for you.  Just let me know what you are interested in and I will check and see if it's available.

Happy Stitching!

Are you ready? 104 days till Christmas....

Have you checked your list?  Do you know what you are going to make verses what you are going to buy?  Here's a couple of ideas:

Here's a great pattern for someone who likes to keep their bag organized.  This is the Portapockets Purse Insert pattern by StudiKat Designs.  This pattern includes two sizes of the insert:  Two sizes - Small: 6"h x 8"w x 2.5", and  Large: 6"h x 10.5"w x 2.5 .

The Pockets to Go pattern by Atkinson Designs is a great organizational item for the craft area or the car. 

How about pouches in different sizes to help out with organizational needs?  This is the Perfect Pouches pattern by Lazy Girl Designs. The sizes are Small - 5" x 7", Medium - 7" x 10", and Large - 9" x 13".    I can see this made up as small laundry bags, too.  Just toss them in the wash. 

One last item.  There is a sale on the Indygo Junction patterns through September 15, 2012.

Happy Sewing!

145 days till Christmas 2012

Here's another Christmas project idea - Tablets and eReaders seems to be everywhere.  There is also a large variety of patterns to create covers for tablets and eReaders.  Let's start with this one:

This is the Tech Pocket and Portfolio pattern by Indygo Junction. Pattern includes: Tablet sleeve: 9 1/4" wide x 13 1/2" high; Tablet Portfolio: 8" wide x 9 3/4" high, closed and e-Reader portfolio: 5 14/" wide x 8" high, closed. Interested in a kit?  Just let me know and I will give you a quote.

This is the Reader Wrap pattern by Atkinson Designs. Finished size: 6" wide x 8 1'2" high x 1" deep.   If you're interested in a kit, let me know. 

Interested in adding a little bit of Sparkle to your embroidery?  Below are the 7 colors of the Cosmo Sparkles:

Currently, I'm selling the Cosmo Sparkles collection which is one skein of each at Etsy or you can purchase individual Sparkle skeins at eBay. The colors are white or silver, champagne or gold, blue, pink, rose, coral, and black. Sparkles is 67% polyester and 33% nylon.   I also carry the John James embroidery needles in sizes 7, 8, and 9.  Just ask for a custom listing at either eBay or Etsy if you would like the items combined.

Happy Sewing!

149 days and counting....

Yes, that's right, there is 149 days till Christmas. Do you like to get started early with Christmas ideas/projects or are you a procrastinator? Personally, I think I fall into the latter category. I love to think that I will get things done. I make plans but I never seem to make the time to follow through.

Here's some ideas for the artist - young and old:

This is the Artful Bags and Accessories pattern by Serendipity Studio.  This pattern contains the following projects with bags sizes:
Artist Portfolio - 12" high x 16 1/2" wide x 1 1/4" thick
Crafty Carry-All - 14 1/2" high x 16" wide (at base, with an 18" wide opening at the top) x 6" deep at the base. The handles has a 9" drop.
Arts & Crafts Caddy - 12" high x 12" wide x 6" deep 

Couldn't you see this being a useful item?  I can see this as a great item for a mother to take along with her kids to keep them busy. Maybe even fill it for her.   I can also see this as something for an  art student to carry their supplies.

This is the Little Picasso smock/apron pattern by Fig Tree.  Here's a great little smock/apron for the younger artist.  Sizing information is up to about 7 years.  Make it scrappy, make it in one color and add embroidery.  In this case, you would be the artist.  Keep it cute.  A great gift to give a little person the gift of creative expression.  Don't forget the watercolors, brushes, and paper or the crayons and paper.

Happy Sewing!

Have you been inspired by the new Fall Fashions?

Fall fashions are my favorite of the year. There are so many silhouettes –long, short, skinny, full. The list just goes on and on. There is truly something for everyone here.

I love the idea of the menswear look with the boyfriend jackets and slim pants.

This particular look is from Chloe. The jacket is made from wool/spandex with a rayon lining. Price tag: $2,155.00.  The Pants are made from brown wool crepe with a cotton lining. Price tag: $675.00. If you want to get a closer look at this particular outfit, head on over to Neiman Marcus and do a search for Chloe boyfriend.  You will see that this also has a very nice tie-neck blouse with it.

Here's another example of the slacks:

This look is from Michael Kors.  The pants are made from a wool/spandex.  Price tag:  $795.00.
The Clover pant pattern by Colette patterns would be perfect for duplicating many of the slacks for fall.

I’m also seeing a skirt referred to as the envelope skirt.  It looks very much like the Wrap Skirt pattern by Loes Hinse Designs except shorter. To keep the bottom skirt detail the skirt would need to be adjust just below the hip. To see examples of this skirt, hop over to Neiman Marcus and type in "envelope skirt" in the search field.  Price tags vary from $765 to $895.

Here's the Wrap Skirt with the line drawing:

I’m also seeing pleated skirts.  Some are short , some are just below the knee, and some are maxi.  The Gore Skirt pattern by Loes Hinse Design would make a great maxi skirt.  It might need to be lengthened just a little bit. 

Anna Maria sewing patterns has a couple of great little pleated skirt patterns which could be used for the short or to the knee skirts. This would be the Study Hall Skirt pattern or the Proper Attire Skirt pattern.

 

The tops are varied but there are still lots of cowls and the tie-collared or scarf tops.  The embellished tunics are still hanging in there.  I really like that not everything is made from knits. 

Hope you're inspired to sew!

Happy Sewing!

Did you know...

That there is 160 days till Christmas 2012. There are many Christmas related items on sale at the eBay store through July 20, 2012.  Go check it out. 

Happy Stitching!

Cute Applique Patterns...

I've received some really cute applique patterns in the last week or so. The first one is for the car lovin' little person:

It's the Goodnight, Cars pillow pattern from Country Appliques. The garage will even hold a car and there is a pocket for additional cars on the back.  I would have loved having this pattern when my son was little guy.  I was always looking for things to make him.

This is the Halloween Fun Placemat pattern by Country Appliques. It's this adorable.  The placemat is 16" x 19" with a 17" square napkin.
 

Next is the Merry Santa Placemat and Napkin pattern and it is another adorable placemat pattern.  The placemat is 17" x 19" with a 17" napkin.

 One last pattern...It's the Stars and Stripes Placemat! pattern by Donna Ptak Collection.  This pattern also includes a table runner and napkin.  The placemat is 12" x 18", the table runner is 11" x 40", and the napkin is 16" square.

Hope you're inspire to sew.

Happy Sewing!

Weekend Sale Going on

This weekend most Lazy Girl Design items and most Free Spirit items are 10% off. Here's the link to the eBay store - Sale! Sale! Sale!.

Happy Stitching!

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!

Jewelry or Embellishment?

I have a new product in the store. Here it is:

It is called a French Knitter Bead Jewelry Maker.  It comes with instructions that have two different methods of creating the cord.  I will also be including a project sheet for a necklace and bracelet until I run of instruction sheets. 

I have been playing around with this French Knitter and will be creating a post with some information on my personal blog.

Have you used a French Knitter before?  What kind of projects did you create?

Happy Stitching!

New Colette Patterns have arrived!

Yes, it's true the new patterns have finally arrived and they are some great spring/summer looks.  Here's a look from the lookbook:

They can be found at the eBay Store and at the Facebook Store.

Happy Stitching!

Shop Talk for Spring

Although it is snowing here, it is suppose to be spring time. There is a sale at ebay for all things Strawberry.  This will be through Saturday, April 14, 2012. 

Did you know that I now carry all 6 sizes of the Lazy Girl Design's Bag-E-Bottoms? Size A will fit any handbag with a bottom size from 4 1/4" x 11 1/4" to 5 1/4" x 12 1/4".   Size B will fit any handbag with a bottom from 3 3/4" x 4 3/4" to 4 3/4" x 9 3/4".  Size C will fit any handbag with a bottom from  3 3/4" x 12 1/4" to 4 3/4" x 13 1/2".  Size D will fit any handbag with a bottom from 5" x 11 1/4" to 6 3/4" x 12 1/4".  Size E will fit any bag with a bottom size of 7 1/4" x 7 1/4" up to 8 1/2" x 8 1/2".  Size F will fit any handbag with a bottom from: 4" x 10 3/8" to 4 1/2" x 10 7/8".

The Fabric Lover's Slouch Bag pattern (SND431) by Seams and Dreams is back in stock. This sewing pattern contains instructions and templates to create your own version of the Fabric Lover's Slouch Bag. Pattern includes 3 versions. Approximate size: 15" x 34" x 5".

The new Colette patterns have been ordered.  The new patterns are all about summer with 2 dresses and shorts.  Shipping from Colette will start on April 16, 2012.  So, hopefully, they will be instock by April 23, 2012.  I'll announce when they arrive.

Are you ready for summer get togethers with family and friends?  Here are a couple of options for casserole carriers:

This is the Quick Casserole Cover pattern by Legacy.  This cover fits both the 13" x 9" pan and 8" x 8" pan.

For a little differnt look, the Home Cooking casserole cover pattern by Among Brenda's Quilts. This sewing pattern contains instructions, measurements, and templates to create your own versions of the Home Cooking Casserole Cover. This cover converts into a table runner making it a perfect accent. It's insulated so your items will stay piping hot or nice and cool. Two sizes: 9" x 13" version measures 16" x 36", 8" x 8" version measures 10 1/2" x 34 1/2".

Need a pack that will keep your items nice and cool?  Try this:

This is the Insulated Cold Pack Market Bag pattern by Legacy. This is a nice generous size of approximately 20" x 15" x 6" featuring side handles for easy out of the way loading.

Hope you are inspired.

Happy Sewing!

Let's start with a little bit of inspiration for girls. Color blocking is a trend for this year.

This is the Colorblock Shift Dress by Tartome et Chocolat. This little dress has knife pleats at the neckline and at the hem, tucks at the color block line, and a back zipper. The dress is made from cotton. Price tag: $125.00 to $135.00 depending on size. Go check out the details at Neiman Marcus and search for the dress name.

Why not recreate a similar look using the Little Vicki dress pattern by Izzy and Ivy.  This pattern gives you two different views one with a collar and one without the collar.  The pleating on this pattern does not drop from the neckline but from a yoke.  To make the look more similar you would also need to increase the depth of the color blocking at the hem along with increasing the length to add the knife pleats.  To calculate the knife pleats, remember that each pleat will need 3 times the fabric.

Thinking cute little tops for girls?  How are about these:

This is the Mia Top pattern by Pink Fig Patterns.   It features a fully shirred bodice, short or 3/4 length sleeves, a full skirt with an attached underskirt, and a coordinating sash. Sizes: 6 months to 10 years.

This is the Olivia Top pattern by Pink Fig Patterns. This top comes in 2 options and includes a headband. Sizes: 6 months to 10 years.

Both of these patterns will require the elastic sewing thread. It is available in the store and you can select 2 spools of white, 2 spools of black, or 1 spool of each color.

We must not forget about the young men in our lives.  Here are some short patterns:

This is the Cargo Shorts and Pants pattern by Hot Scott Patterns. Sizes: 9 months to 10 years.
  

This is the Bermuda Shorts pattern by Hot Scott Patterns. Sizes: 9 months to 10 years.

Let's not forget about the all important hats and caps. Protect those beautiful little faces as much as possible. Moms and Dads remember to wear hats or caps, too.

The Buttonhole Cutter Set is in stock again.

The Lecien One Touch Hoop in sizes 4-inches and 5-inches are back in stock.

Hope your inspired to sew for your little people.

Happy Sewing!