Folded Stars

Are you ready to make some new folded star hot pads or even a pincushion?  Here are the two hot pads patterns:

 This is the Round Folded Star pattern.  This pattern comes with directions, measurements, and 1 interfacing template.

This is the Square Folded Star pattern.  This pattern comes with directions, measurements, and 1 interfacing template.

This can be very addicting.  It is a satisfying little project and doesn't take a lot of time.  You might even be able to use some of the stash or leftover scraps.  That's a win-win, isn't it?  Since it so addicting, I also have available extra interfacing templates:

This is the 3-pack of Interfacing Templates.  It works with either the round or the square pattern. 

This is the 12-pack of Interfacing Templates.  Some interfacing as the 3-pack, just a larger quantity for the addicted. For those who don't mind drawing there own templates, I have this:

It's the Folded Star Stencil.  This is a clear acrylic stencil which will allow you to create the perfect 8-point stars in five sizes ranging from 3 1/2" to 8".  With the template, you might be interested in the interfacing:

This is the Transparent Foundation Sheets and it contains 25 blank 8 1/2" x 11" sheets.  There is also fabric kits to get you started.  Here are the two versions currently available:

 

The first fabric kit has a summery feel to it.  The cold, winter weather has me looking toward spring.

The second fabric kit has a fun feel to it.  A bold zebra print with red, yellow, and brown.  Of course, if you're interested in a custom kit, just let me know.

Here is the final folded star:

This is the Folded Star Pin Cushion pattern.  I need one of these next to my machines and on my ironing board.  Another great way to use up some stash or scraps.

There are packages of the Pin Cushion Interfacing Templates available. 

Let's not forget about the pincushion kit that is available available.  The kit comes with the fabric shown and one package unscented ground walnut shells.  For an additional cost, lavender scented ground walnut shells can be substituted or purchased in addition.  If you choose to add an additional package of the ground walnut shells, be sure to contact me about adjusting the shipping on the invoice.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration...

I found this really cute little top over at Anthropology:

This cute little springy top is very feminine with tucks and cotton lace trim.  Price tag:  $78.00.  It doesn't specifically state that the fabric is a woven and a knit but it sure looks like it to me.  I kinda like the idea of mixing the two fabrics.  To see a close up of the details, go to anthropology.com and search for Rae Pintuck Tunic.

This is the Aida Top pattern by Sew Liberated.  This top would translate very well into the Anthropology top.  You could even mix two fabrics like the inspiration piece. For the tucks, you will want to first decide how many tucks you want on each side of the front.  Cut the fabric into a piece large that you can stitch your tucks and then lay out the pattern piece.  This will be better to cut the two fronts separately.  You can add any additional trims on at this time also.  Stitch up the top following the pattern instructions, then add the final trim pieces to the neckline. 

Hope your inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration....

This week's inspiration is all about shirt dresses. 

This is a very relaxed version of the shirtdress.  This Eileen Fisher dress is made from a linen/viscos/spandex fabric, with a spread collar, button-front, 3/4 length sleeves with split cuffs, and patch pockets.  Price tag: $338.00.  For a closer view, go to neimanmarcus.com and search for "Linen Viscose Stretch Shirtdress, Gingerpink".

This version of the shirtdress is also from Eileen Fisher.  It has a spread collar with a hidden snap front, long sleeves with barrel cuffs, and in-seam welt pockets.  The material is a tencel/cotton.  Price tag: $218.00.  If you want a closer look, go to neimanmarcus.com and search for "Denim Long-Sleeve Dress with Pockets".

Here's the line drawing of a pattern that is similar to the above shirtdresses:

This is Vogue 8903.  View C is a likely candidate with the length from View B. 

Here's another option:

This is Simplicity 2246.  This pattern has the hemlines from both of the inspiration dresses.  View A easily duplicates the pink stretch shirtdress.  View A with the hemline from View B could work as the denim shirtdress.   The detail I couldn't find anywhere was the princess seaming on the denim shirtdress.  However, I do think it is doable to recreate using a French curve.  Don't forget to add your seams.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration....

All shades of white are on-trend for spring.  Here's a skirt to think about:

This cute little skirt is by Adam Lippes.  This is a A-Line skirt with snaps.  This skirt has a high-waisted, welt pockets, and snap closure.  It is made from a wool/acetate/viscose material with a cotton lining.  Price tag:  $850.00.  To see this skirt, got to neimanmarcus.com and search for "A-line skirt with snaps".  Looks like a very nice wearable skirt.  Wouldn't it look nice in a light weight denim?

Here are a couple of pattern options for the skirt:

The Beignet Skirt pattern has the high waist and the button front.  The shaping is a little bit different than the inspiration skirt but would certainly work.  How about the welt pockets?  Here's an easy tutorial on making welt pockets at Silhouette Patterns.  You'll need to determine placement.

The Ginger Skirt pattern is a high-waisted, A-line skirt.  It has the correct shape for the inspiration but needs the button-front and welt pockets. You can use the same tutorial for the welt pockets that is in the first skirt.  Adding the button front is a fairly easy.  Here's a tutorial on moving the zipper opening in the back of a dress to a button opening in the front - Button Front.

So as you can see, with a little work, you can make a fantastic skirt for far less than the designer version.

Happy Stitching!

It's sale time!...

I'm taking a vacation week but the eBay store is open.  If you can wait for delivery after January 1, 2015, there are some fabulous deals.  Go check out the deals over at The Pattern Loft eBay store (this is a link).

Happy Sewing!

Happy Holidays!....

Wishing everyone Happy Holidays!  Enjoy your family and friends. Make some wonderful memories.

Happy Sewing!

Shipping Dates....

An FYI to my customers.

The last shipping day of the year will December 23, 2014.  All orders that are paid and cleared by 9am on December 23, 2014 will ship.  Shipping will resume on January 2, 2015.  The shops will be as follows:

Bonanza on vacation and closed from December 23 through December 31, 2014.
Etsy on vacation and closed from December 23 through December 31, 2014.
eBay on vacation and open from December 23 through December 31, 2014. 

You will be able to purchase from the eBay store but the shipping will not occur until January 2, 2015.

Happy Holidays!