The Skirts have it....

Of all my sewing, skirts are my favorite thing to sew. For me, fitting isn't much of an issue. It was so much fun to look at all of the skirt silhouettes for fall yesterday. Here's a few skirts to think about:

 

 

 

The first skirt pattern is the Ginger skirt pattern by Colette. This A-line skirt pattern has three variations. Medium weight fabrics will work well with this pattern.

This is the Vera's skirt pattern by Silhouettes This lovely button-front skirt can be made in medium to heavy weight fabrics. 

This is the Proper Attire skirt pattern by Anna Maria Horner. This pattern has two versions.

Here's a knit pattern.  This is the Magic Pencil skirt pattern by Pamela's Patterns. The skirt has two variations.

Another knit pattern.  This is the Bordeaux Skirt pattern by Brensan Studios. The skirt has two variations.

Additional skirt patterns can be found at the eBay store.

Happy Stitching!

Skirt inspiration for fall....

Fall has arrived. For me, I like to wear skirts and tights. Here’s a few inspirational pictures:

This is the Leather Flannel-Back Skirt by Brunello Cucinelli.  It is a flannel back leather.  This skirt has a little bit of seaming detail near the waist.  Price tag:  $1375.00

This is the Prism Print Shirt and Hildy Metropolitan Stretch Skirt by Lafayette 148 New York.  Although the blue skirt doesn’t shout fall, the alternate color of black does.  However, you can really see the details in blue.  This one is a must for zooming in on.  The seaming on the front/back is wonderful.  The exposed zipper is interesting also. Check it out at neimanmarcus.com. Price tag:  on sale $104.00

This is the ponte knit pencil skirt by Eileen Fisher.  This is a simple pull-on skirt.  Doesn’t get easier than this.   Price tag:  $188.00

There are many variations for the skirt the fall.  The short and flirty which seem to be mostly very full and gathered.  The long maxi or midi skirt which seems to mostly very straight although I did see one that was very full.  The pencil skirt is still going strong so you can’t go wrong with those in your wardrobe.

Happy Creating!

Decorating Patterns

Here's a few patterns to think about:

This is Jawbreaker pillow pattern by Jaybird Quilts. If you love hexies, here's certainly a way to get them in.  You could have lots of fun with the color choices. May one for every season. Finished size is 20" square.

This is the Perfect Pillows pattern by Paradiso Designs.  Let the fabric doing the talking with this pattern. Two sizes:  16" and 18".

This is the Autumn Sparkle table runner pattern by Shabby Fabrics. Finished size:  23" x 50".   

This is the  I Love Pie Runner pattern by Amelie Scott Designs.  This is machine embroidery and there are 10 different designs included.  Finished size is 16" x 47".

Hope your inspired to create.

Happy Sewing!

Table Runners Inspiration…

Table runners are easy to use to decorate. They can change the mood of the room quickly. Here’s some inspiration:

This is the Pumpkin Table Runner from Pier One. This table runner is a combination of applique and embroidery. It is dry-clean only. Size is 13” x 44”. Price tag: $39.95.

This table runner makes me smile. This is Turkey Table Runner from Pier One. This table runner is appliqued and embellished. It is machine washable. Size is 13” x 72”. Price tag: $24.95.

This is Blowing Leaves Table Runner from Kim Seybert. This is made using wood, glass beads, and raffia. Size is 18” x 46”. Price tag: $450.00. To see a close up of the Blowing Leaves table runner, to to Neiman Marcus and search for “Blowing Leaves Table Runner”.

This is the Leaves table runner. Size is 14” x 6’. Price is $20.00. This was found at hometone. Hope you’re inspired to make your own fall table runners.

Happy Stitching!

Totes and more….

Totes bags are wonderful for everyday use. When I worked in the city, my tote was filled to the brim with shoes, lunch, my purse, and things to do while I was traveling back and forth. Here’s a few totes to think about:

This is the Miranda Day Bag pattern by Lazy Girl Designs. This is a moderately sized tote bag with 10 pockets for organization. Size is 12" x 10" x 6".

This is the Sara Satchel pattern by Serendipity Studio. This tote bag comes in two sizes and includes instructions for organizers and a small zippered bag. Sizes are 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.

This is the Bellanca Bag pattern by Lila Tueller Designs. Finished size is approximately 12" high x 15" wide x 5" deep.

This is the Brooke Bag by Bananafana. This is a large, roomy bag with an approximate finished size of 23" tall x 19 1/2" wide x 5" deep.

How about making some matching accessories for your tote bag? 

This is a e-Cozy Palooza pattern by Whistlepig Creek.  This is perfect for a personalized cover for your reader.

This is the Zippy Strippy bag pattern by Atkinson Designs. Great to keep things organized.

Hope your inspired to make a tote!

Happy Sewing!

Pillows for fall – inspiration plus!

Today inspiration is pillows.   Pillows are a great way to quickly change the look of your room. 

Here’s a few pillows to inspire for fall:

This lumbar pillow cover has 3 hand embroidered pumpkins.  The background is a 100% cotton with a hidden button closure.  Size is 16” x 26”.  It has a price tag of $69.50.  I think this could be duplicated using an osnaburg fabric or even a white or off-white muslin.  If you want a closer look, go to potterybarn.com and search for Pumpkin Embroidered Lumbar Pillow Cover.

This is an appliqued leaf pillow cover.   The background is 100% cotton with a hidden button closure.  Size is 24” square.  It has price tag of $49.50.  What a gorgeous pillow!  I think it would be fairly easy to do.  I would use an osnaburg to recreate this pillow.  It would be a little more rustic.  If you a closer look, go to potterybarn.com and search for Harvest Leaf Applique Embroidered Pillow Cover.

 

 This is a painted pumpkin outdoor pillow.  The background is woven polyester.  Size is 20”.  It has a price tag of $35.50. I can see this pillow on the rocking chair for my front porch.  I wouldn’t say that I’m a talented artist but I think I’m going to give this a try.  Has anyone used fabric paints on polyester? I would like to hear about this.   If you a closer look, go to potterybarn.com and search for Painted Pumpkins Outdoor Pillows. 

Here’s a few tutorials for fall pillows: 

Cluck Cluck Sew has a Scrap Buster Fall pillow tutorial -  http://www.cluckclucksew.com/2009/10/tutorial-scrap-buster-fall-pillow.html

 V & Co has a spray painted wheat pillow tutorial (oh, I can see many options for this) - http://www.vanessachristenson.com/2009/11/tutorial-spraypainted-wheat-pillows.html

 Make and take has a embroidered leaf pillow tutorial  (this one has a great way to make different leaf shapes) - http://www.makeandtakes.com/embroidered-fall-leaf-pillow

 Do you know of any other fall pillow tutorials?

 Here is a list of pillow patterns at the eBay store - Pillow Patterns.

 Happy Sewing!

Crossbody bags

Have you been looking for crossbody bags patterns?

This is the Madison Wallet Bag pattern by Serendipity Studio.  This bag has a wallet is built into the front of the bag as a separate flap that can hold your ID and credit/debit cards for easy access.  There are two zippered pockets, one on the outside, and one on the inside to keep everything organized.  The exterior pocket is perfect for holding a cell phone within a fingertip's reach.  The adjustable handle makes this bag an easy transition from a cross body to over the shoulder.  There are 4 variations offered to achieve different looks and suit all personalities.  Finished dimensions:  8" wide x 6" tall x 2" deep, with 52" adjustable handle.

This is the Rachel Cross Body Bag pattern by Serendipity Studio.  This is a fashionable, lightweight, easy to wear teardrop-shaped bag for the gal on the go.  The interior of the bag has two sets of divided pockets on either side to keep stuff in its place.  The roomy exterior pocket is perfect for stashing your cell phone, sun glasses, and keys.  Four different variations.   Size:  12" (at base), 9"(at opening) wide x 8" tall x 1/2" deep with a 42" long adjustable handle.   

This is the Crossover Carry All pattern by Indygo Junction. This stylish bag is made to wear across your body to keep your valuables secure and your hands free.  Instructions for shoulder style are also included.  It's so convenient for shopping.  Two side pockets on either side of the bag are perfect for a cell phone or bottle of water.  Two divided pockets inside will keep your bag tidy.  Size:  Approximately 12" high x 11" wide (13" wide at base) x 5" deep, excluding shoulder straps.

This is the Hex Messenger Bag pattern by Betz White. The Hex Messenger has a cute hexie shape that's fun to make.  Create a bold graphic look with solid colors or mix it up with your favorite prints.  The Hex Messenger can be made almost entirely with pre-cut quilt strips ("jelly rolls")  or a variety of fun fabric scraps from your stash.  Sizes: 9" high x 10" wide x 2".

This is only a few of the bags that I carry.  There are others that would also work.

Happy Creating!

Get Inspired with Fall Jackets!

Let’s get inspired for fall.   It will be here before you know it.  Today we’ll showcase two fabulous jackets. The first one is from Milly:

 

 

 

This motorcycle jacket is made from lambskin.  At $925, this would be a great jacket to use for inspiration for creating your own.  If you want a closer look, go to neimanmarcus.com and search for Milly motorcycle jacket.

Here’s another great jacket from Michael Kors:

 

 

This chain trimmed leather jacket is full of fabulous details.  Not only does it have the chain trim but the front is quilted.  It is made from sheepskin.  The styling very much reminds me of a Chanel jacket.  Price tag is $795.00.  If you want a closer look, go to neimanmarcus.com and search for Michael Kors Chain-Trim Leather Jacket. 

Happy Creating!

 

Patterns are on sale

Here's a little pattern sale going on over at eBay.  It has around 400 items on sale through Wednesday.

Happy Sewing!

Hawthorn dress pattern has arrived...

Colette Patterns has another new dress pattern - the Hawthorn dress pattern.  This is a lovely shirt dress with a semi-circle skirt with either sleeveless or 3/4 length sleeves.  There is also a peplum top variation.  This pattern has a little bit of a vintage feel to it.   Here's a few pictures:

 

 

This is definitely a twirly dress.  Looking forward to seeing every one's variations.

Happy Sewing!

Be inspired..

Have you seen the beautiful sheath dresses available?  Have you noticed the exposed zippers in the back of these dresses?  Here's three of Elie Tahara examples:

These dresses ranged from $398 to $598 and can be found on Elie Tahara's website.  A good jumping off point would be the fitted version of the KISS Dress. Dress pattern by Brensan Studios.

Happy Sewing

New merchandise...

Have you seen the new merchandise in the store?  Here's a few novelty fabrics:

This is "Bread" from the Italian Table fabric collection by Timeless Treasures. It can be found a eBay or Etsy. It would look nice made up in this pattern:

This is the Bread Steam and Serve bread basket pattern by Legacy. Interested in a kit? Just ask.

This is the Camo by Windham fabric collection. It can be found at eBay or Etsy. A great collection to make something for the boys and men in our lives.

Happy Sewing!

Playing around...

Yesterday, I decided to make some fabric flowers.  Which pattern? Here was my decision:



This is the Blooms flower pattern by Fig Tree.  This pattern makes two different size blooms:  2 1/2" and 3".   Here are the results of my efforts:

What do you think of my efforts?  Personally, I think that they look more frilly than the Blooms picture on the pattern.  Also, I used the template for the base as the middle of the flower and stuffed it.  I couldn't find any covered buttons at home so this was my solution. 

Happy Sewing!

New Pattern Alert....

I have some new clothing patterns available. Two are knit skirt patterns, 1 is a simple, sleeveless dress pattern, and the last one is an addendum pattern to the dress pattern. Here we go:



First up is the Bordeaux Skirt pattern. This pattern is designed for knits and has two views - knee length and maxi length.



Second is the Zinfandel Skirt pattern. This is a 6 panel knit skirt.  This would be a great every day skirt.



The dress pattern is KISS Dress. KISS is for Keep It Simple Sewing. This pattern has two versions of a sleeveless dress. A fitted version with a zipper and a pull-over version.  This would be a great every day dress for the hot weather.

 

Last is the Cowl Front Overlay addendum pattern. This is an add-on pattern for the KISS dress to give a little bit of a change to the neckline.

Hope this looks like nice options for spring/summer.

Happy Sewing!

What's New.....

There are so many new items in the store. Here's a few of the items:

 

This is the Victorian Vintage fabric by Wild Apple Designs for David Textiles. This is a very nice quality, 100% cotton fabric.  It is approximately 43/45" wide.  Sold by the yard.

There is also a new designer and I have a couple of the patterns:

This is the  Slingin' It pattern by Makin'-it-Better. This useful little pattern comes in sizes XS (9"-11") to XL (15"-16").

There are also some new kits:

This is the Keepin' It Warm kit. This kit includes the directions and materials to create one small hot bottle cover. Let me know if you would like different fabrics included.  The instructions are by Makin'-It-Better.

Here is the Knitting Needle Kaddy kit. This kit comes in two options.  Let me know if you would like different fabrics.

I also have some new purse/bag patterns.  These have a very vintage feel.

This is the Gershwin Ellington clutch Bags pattern by Charlie's Aunt.  This pattern was inspired by the 1930's. This pattern includes two different clutches.

Next, we have the  The Poacher's Bag pattern by Charlie's Aunt.  This bag was inspired by the 1940s.  There are two options for the flap.

Hope your inspired to sew.

Happy Sewing!