Inspiration for Spring and Summer

Here's a little more inspiration from Anthropologie:

This is the Khasia silk shell.  I like the patchwork effect of this top.  What a great way to use up smallish pieces of fabric.  At $198.00, this would be an instance where it would certainly be fun to duplicate the look for far less money.  Other features are the embroidery at the neckline and the binding around the neck.    Here's a link to a youtube video for applying the bias binding
How to Bind a Neckline.   Here's a link on how to make your own bias binding - How to Make Bias Binding.

This is the Frangipani Peasant Top.  Isn't this a lovely top?  Such a feminine look with the florals and lace.  At $395.00, this would certainly be a top to duplicate.  Here's some tips on sewing lace and fabric Sewing with Lace Tips and Tricks. 

This is the Buttoned Lace Midi Blouse.  This blouse has a lot of features - beading at the neckline or it could be tiny pompoms, lace, folded wave tucks, hidden button placket, and beaded insertions.  At $198.00,  this is another blouse that would be fun to duplicate.  Here's a link for how to do the tucks - How To Make Wave Tucks.

I would love to hear if you decided to do any of these techniques.

Happy Sewing!

Update your decor with pillows!

Pillows are an easy way to change your décor in a flash. Here are a few ideas pulled from Anthropolgie for an easy Valentine’s update:

 

First is the Heart Collector pillow.  How cute is this?  At $198, it is very easy to duplicate.  How easy you ask?  Well, to make a 24” pillow you would need one 24” square of a neutral background fabric  and 2 pieces of fabric that will equal a 24” square when you have added a zipper (or two 24” squares if you’re not interested in the zipper or if you’re added a zipper to the seam).  This will give you a well stuffed pillow when using a 24” pillow form.  You can also make it a 25” square with ½” seams.  Draw heart shapes in various sizes to cover the area inside the seams.  Sew the hearts on leaving room for the fraying to occur.  Then sew the two squares together, if you included the zipper in the back or seam.  If not using a zipper, leave an opening large enough to put the pillow form in and close using your favorite hand stitch.

 

Here's a little tutorial on adding a zipper to a pillow back - Pillow back zipper .

 

 

Second is the Sentalimentalist Pillows.  At $148, again this would be an easy pillow to duplicate.  Use the basic instructions above except create the “X”  or “O” instead of the hearts. 

 

Third is the Tassel Trace Pillow.  At $58, this is a very cute pillow.  It is one that you would want to zoom in on the picture and see how it’s made.  Again, this would be easy to create.  Using the basic instructions above, choose the size that you would want to make.  The pillow shown is 18”.  Decide how much trim you’re going to need.  Calculation would be basic the number of distinct rows x the number of rows of pompoms x the width of the pillows.  Example:  18” x 4 rows x 3 rows of pompom = 18 x 4 x 3 = 216 inches.  Convert this to yards.  Purchase pompom trim in your choice of color.  Personally, I think the dark color background with the light color pompoms looks very good. 

I do have a fabric that would be a good neutral background for the first three pillows.  It is Linen Vintage Linen (30291L-12).  It is an 80% cotton/20% linen blend. 

Happy New Year!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I did. I actually visited family for the holidays this year.

HAPPY 2014! What are your sewing goals for this year?

Here's a couple of new patterns in the store:

The first is the Round Folded Star Hot Pad pattern by Plum Easy. This is a fun pattern to work on.  You can use stash, scraps, or you can purchase fabric.  I tried out this pattern before Christmas and really enjoyed the process.  Picture is on my personal blog, Sewing Daily.

The second is the Square Folded Star Hot Pad pattern by Plum Easy.  Again, this is a great pattern to use up stash, scraps, or you can purchase fabric. 

There is a printed interfacing that makes this quick and easy.  Be aware that this is a lot of pressing involved and starch is highly recommended.

I also tried out a new-to-me tool called a prairie point presser.  This worked fairly well but got hot really fast.  Here's a picture:

See the little hole in the bottom of the tool?  If you tie a piece of ribbon through it, you don't burn your fingers when removing it from the prairie point.  This is available via special order with a price of $12.00.

Currently, I do have the 12 pack interfacing available.  It isn't on the website yet but should be in the next day or so.   Also, I'm planning on offering fabric kits to make the hot pads.  If you're interested in a kit, feel free to contact me with color suggestions.

Happy Stitching!