How about some Hexagons?

Ever wondered what to do with those beautiful stripe fabrics?  Here's some cute new patterns that are all about stripes, triangles, and hexagons:

Let's start with the Triangle Frenzy Hexagon Table Topper pattern by Artistically Engineered Designs.  Size is dependent on the width to the strip used. 

Next, is the Triangle Frenzy Runner pattern by Artistically Engineered Designs.  Again, the length is width is determined by the width of the stripe. However, the size is given as approximately 20" x 46".  Are you seeing any possibilities?

The final pattern is the Triangle Frenzy Swirl runner pattern by Artistically Engineered Designs.  Even more possibilities.  As with the previous two patterns the finished size is dependent on the strip width.  The front cover runner in lavender is approximately 18" x 32". 

The one thing that you will need to create any of these patterns is a 12inch 60 degree ruler.  I have the Creative Grid version of the ruler. 

One more fun little item:

Perfect for all you hedgehog fans is the Hedge Fun! Hedgehog Hot Pads pattern by Susie C Shore Designs.  You can depend on this company to create cute little patterns.

Happy Sewing!

More inspiration with the Lauren Dress

Have you looked at the Lauren Dress pattern by Colette patterns?  Here is a visual:

This vintage inspired silhouette seems to be popular for spring.  Here are a few examples from Three Dots Spring 2014 collection:

Isn't this a lovely group of dresses?  From my research, the starting price on these dress is about $120.00 and ends around $280.00.  The high end is the dress on the flounce on the bottom.  The Laurel dress pattern comes with 4 variations in the package with one of variations being the flounce on the sleeve, another with the patch pockets and another without the patch pockets.  Four of the above looks are already provided within the pattern. 

Interested in the flounce on the bottom of the dress in the fourth picture?  Adding a flounce isn't difficult but there are some design decisions that you would have to make.  You will need to decide how deep you want your flounce, how much of a ruffle you want, and whether or not you want the flounce to add length to the dress.  You will need to experiment with your fabric to get the flounce that you want.  Here's a tutorial on a Fast and Easy Flounce.  The tutorial is showing a sleeve but the principle is the same for any edge that has a flounce added. 

If you're interested in duplicating any of these looks, hop on over to the Pattern Loft shop using the first link above.

Happy Stitching!

Spring is in the air....

It's still cold here but I do have flowers blooming at my house.  Those wonderful early spring blossoms always make me happy.

Today, I was looking through floral style on Pinterest and found these dresses:

I did attempt to locate the site that had these dresses but it was a dead link.  However, I do have a pattern that is perfect for recreating these lovely dresses:

Isn't it almost the exact same dress?  This has a drawstring instead of a zipper.  That just makes it easy to create.  This dress pattern has many variations along with a slim skirt or the full one that is shown.  Hop on over to the Pattern Loft to pick up the Diane Kimono dress pattern by Serendipity Studio.

Also, I have made up a kit for the Folded Star Hot Pads pattern.  It will work for either the round version or the square version.  Here's it is:

Interested in a different fabric combination?  Just ask.

Happy Stitching!

Spring is still inspiring me....

Oh yes, there is snow on the ground and I'm dreaming of spring flowers and summer dresses. Here's a few dress patterns to consider:

Here's the Marilyn Dress by Serendipity Studio.  Isn't this a lovely feminine style?  It has a V-neck bodice front and back with a full skirt.  It only takes 3 to 3 1/2 yards to make this, if you're 5'4" and under.  You would need to add a little bit of yardage if you're taller. 

This lovely wrap dress is the Ramona Wrap Dress pattern by Serendipity Studio. I really like the V-neckline with the wrap.  This would be a very quick item to make.  You basically stitch it together, apply the binding, and your done. 

How about a new jacket for spring? Here's the Jordan Jacket pattern by Serendipity Studio. Make in denim for a traditional casual look or make in linen or cotton sateen for something a little different.

Looking for some little gift ideas for spring?  Here's a couple of little coin purses that are adorable:

This is the Cat's Meow Coin Purse pattern by Cut Loose Press. Isn't it cute?  Just perfect for the person who loves kitties. 

This is the Doggie Bag Coin Purse pattern by Cut Loose Press. Another cute little bag.  I can see this filled with little items for boys.

Both of the coin purses are 5" x 4 1/2" x 1".  Not too big, not too little.

Happy Stitching!

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!