Celestina Carmen

Simple Modern Sewing by Shufu To Seikatsu sha

2012-04-17T09:31:00.001-07:00

Simple is definitely how I'd describe the designs in this book. They look extremely easy for beginners to tackle. I've decided to skip this one. The designs are plain, and baggy (to loose for my taste). Most of the models look like they're swimming in their clothes. I like japanese patterns and their loose fit, but the designs in these books did not appeal/inspire to me. I look to sewing books for inspiration, nothing grabbed my attention and stood out in this book. I did like that the directions for each pattern were accompanied by thorough diagrams.

*UPDATE*
I'd like to clarify, so not to offend anyone ...
I realize that all the patterns can be modified. When I say the models look like they are swimming in their clothes, it's because they do. Of course you don't have to wear the clothes like that, I just didn't find that appealing and wasn't sure why they decided to make the clothes look so ill-fitted. I've seen lots of Japanese sewing patterns that have good fits even though they are loose fitting. I would never discourage someone from picking this book. After all, this is just my opinion, and yours could be a whole lot different.

The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook

2012-03-27T13:20:00.001-07:00

I'm in the process of sewing the coat (Karin's variation) from this book. This mini review is based on this project.

Is this a good book for beginner's?

I'd recommend this book for a beginner who has some experience in sewing. I would not recommend this book to anyone who has no experience in sewing. There is not enough detailing in this book for someone who has never sewn before.

Is there detailed instructions and diagrams?

Based on the project I'm currently working on, no. There are not a lot of diagrams and the instructions are not worded to where they are easy to follow. I found myself re-reading many sections because I was lost on the wording. It was either unclear or could have been worded differently. (Example- The coat I'm working on is a sewer's variation of the original. Lots of pattern changes. One pattern piece calls for you to cut it in two, but does not give any direction to which pattern piece you will work on next. I had to re-read a few times to make a guess. Another example- The diagram showed one way, but the instructions said another.)

Would I recommend this book?

Definitely yes. I borrowed this book from the library. This is the most modern and stylish sewing book I've come across. I plan to go out and buy this book for my own home library. Their are 5 basic patterns ... blouse, skirt, dress, coat, and handbag. Each basic pattern has 2 additional variations. At the end of each segment there is 2 pages of other sewer's variations. It will inspire your creative side and teach you to think out side of the box. This book is very project runway and not your grandma's old patterns.

For more inspiration and to see other sewer's variations of these projects, visit BurdaStyle.

Sew What You Love by Tanya Whelan

2012-03-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

30 surprisingly simple—yet delightfully charming—sewing projects

Grand Revival designer Tanya Whelan’s vintage modern aesthetic has made her fabrics and sewing patterns some of the most admired by sewers and quilters everywhere. In her first book, she presents a stylish collection of 30 easy-to-make sewing projects that are achievable by sewers of every skill level. Ranging from a pretty pleated clutch to a flirty French-inspired day dress and super-cute soft baby toys to a mistake-proof design-as-you-go quilt, each project comes with step-by-step instructions and illustrations, inspiring photographs, and helpful tips. These projects and patterns for children, adults, and the home are guaranteed to work well and produce a beautiful end result. Included are 3 pattern sheets enclosed in a handy pocket, providing everything you need to start stitching something you are sure to love.

With Tanya’s passion for sewing featured on every page, you’ll soon discover just how gratifying sewing can be. (Source)

These patterns were simple and easy for any beginner. I'm a fan of Amy Butler's and recommended those books to any beginner. This book is simpler and easier for beginners.

Carry Me by Yuka Koshizen

2012-02-15T10:29:00.000-08:00

Highlighting the extraordinary influence Japanese craft has imparted on the world of fiber arts, this brilliantly illustrated manual showcases the stylish sensibilities of eastern expertise in creating gorgeously sophisticated handbags. Revealing a balanced selection of cleverly constructed handbags, exclusive pull-out pattern templates, intricate details and instructions, and simple sewing techniques, sewers are shown how to create distinct and fashionable works of functional art, such as a wool tweed travel bag, a stylish denim bag with grommet and zipper details, a roomy tote with contrast lining and inside pockets, a handy laptop bag, a wool messenger bag with flower detail, and a soft luggage tote. With several concepts offering matching companion projects—such as change purses, drawstring bags, and wristlets—and accessible advice and information, this lively guide will inspire sewers of all experience levels. (source)

Each project comes with detail diagrams that look easy to follow as well as detailed instructions.

Design It Yourself Clothes by Cal Patch

2012-02-10T13:48:00.000-08:00

This book has inspired me to get back into sewing. Sewing never went away, but I've had a hard time finding the time to dedicate to it. Thanks to this book, I started making the time again.

I'm not a fan of sewing books that are overly technical. I need something simple, fun, easy and quick to follow. This book was perfect for that. It gives you the basics for designing your own patterns. Now I can understand sewing patterns better. Which will come in handy when I need to modify them. It's a good book to have on hand for reference. There was a couple pages dedicated to creating patterns from existing clothes. I would have liked to see more focused on this.

I didn't care for the designs in the book (not my taste), but I didn't read this book for that. I read this book in hopes it would teach me to design my own patterns, which it did.

Sewing In A Straight Line by Brett Bara

2012-01-27T13:36:00.000-08:00

Take a sneak peek inside Sewing In A Straight Line.

This is a good book for beginners. I'd put this in the same category as Amy Butler's In Stitches. If you already have that one, then you might not need to add this to your library. I was looking for something new to inspire me and none of these projects did this. It was fun to browse, so my mini review is based on browsing (no in depth reading). If anything else, pick it up to look at the beautifully colorful pictures. Just because I wasn't inspired, doesn't mean you won't be.

Each project comes with step by step instructions and diagrams too.

Hey Quilters :: iPhone Apps Just For You

2011-08-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

*UPDATED*

Quilt Dreams- take photos with your camera, then use the photos to create a quilt.

average rating (still new)

price :: $3.99

QuiltFab 2.0 - Helps you answer the question, How much fabric will I need?

average rating 4 stars

price :: free

QuiltRef - Provides useful information for quilters, and quilt fans too.

average rating 3 stars

price :: free

Wish List Wednesday :: A Field Guide To Fabric Design

2011-05-04T06:59:00.000-07:00

A Field Guide to Fabric Design: Design, Print & Sell Your Own Fabric; Traditional & Digital Techniques; For Quilting, Home Dec & Apparel

If you have ever dreamed of showing your designs on fabric, textile aficionado Kim Kight, of popular blog True Up, is here to teach you how. Comprehensive and refreshingly straightforward, this impressive volume features two main parts. First, the Design and Color section explains the basics with step-by-step tutorials on creating repeating patterns both by hand and on the computer. Next, the Printing section guides you through transferring those designs on fabric-whether it's block printing, screen printing, digital printing or licensing to a fabric company-and how to determine the best method for you. (Blurb courtesy of Amazon.)

New Year, New Embroidered/Stenciled Appointment Book

2011-04-12T01:42:00.000-07:00

For the past couple years I've tried to mix my business life with my crafting life by jazzing up my appointment work book. It's April and I've finally gotten around to it. Last week, someone mixed the appointment books up. Now with my new design, it's guaranteed not to happen again!

Techinques used : paper cutting, stenciling and hand embroidery.

Ink used : Gocco ink.

Wish List Wednesday :: Pulled by Mike Perry

2011-04-06T05:44:00.000-07:00

Pulled: A Catalog of Screen Printing

Popularized in the 1960s by Pop artists such as Andy Warhol, screen printing remains a favorite of artists due to its remarkable versatility and relatively low cost. In Pulled, best-selling author Mike Perry (Hand Job, Over and Over) collects the work of more than forty of today's most talented designers who are, in their own way, pushing the boundaries of this dynamic medium. (Blurb courtesy of Amazon.)

Open Studios With Lotta Jansdotter

2011-03-09T09:11:00.000-08:00

Open Studios with Lotta Jansdotter: Twenty-Four Artists' Spaces

Internationally acclaimed designer Lotta Jansdotter reinvents the craft book and reinforces her global appeal with this rare glimpse into the studios of accomplished artists, crafters, and designers around the world. Open Studios takes us on a tour through Lotta's favorite cities: Brooklyn, New York, where she lives; Stockholm, where she grew up; and Tokyo, where she has traveled extensively. Hundreds of color photographs showcase each artist's studio while personal interviews reveal how they organize their supplies, use their space, and—most importantly—where they find inspiration. The featured makers include graphic designers, photographers, ceramic artists, printers, and more—each offering a unique perspective on how to shape, decorate, and organize (or not!) a creative space. (Blurb via Amazon.)

Bringing Some Love To My Walls

2011-02-15T10:14:00.000-08:00

I'm adding a little love to our walls by framing my favorite love quotes and poems.

This is my favorite quote taken from City of Glass by Cassandra Clare.

Cake Pops, Now Added To My Library

2011-02-11T07:19:00.000-08:00

My sister surprised me with Bakerella's ...

Cake Pops: Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for More Than 40 Irresistible Mini Treats

I luv making these. Now I can try to add a little cuteness to my cake pops. Thanks sis!

I'm Reading A Book by Julian Smith

2011-02-06T08:33:00.001-08:00

Tynga from Tynga's reviews posted this funny video this morning. Enjoyed it so much I decided to share it here.

Gluten-Free Pineapple Upside Down Cake

2011-01-14T12:42:00.000-08:00

This was a day of firsts ....

First Pineapple Upside Down Cake.

First gluten-free Pinapple Upside Down Cake.

First time trying any of Pamela's mixes.

Thoughts ...

The recipe I used came with Pamela's Vanilla Cake mix. It was delicious! The cake itself was a little blander than normal, but still really good. The biggest surprise was how moist the cake was. I was expecting it to be dry like most gluten-free cookies.

Changes Made to Recipe ...

- The recipe calls for water in the cake mix. I used water and a little of the pineapple juice from the pineapple slices.

Gluten Free Boxed Mixes

2010-11-08T06:37:00.000-08:00

Went GLUTEN FREE!

More and more the Gluten Free label is popping up all over the grocery stores. Here are some Gluten free products I've tried ...

The hardest part is no longer being able to satisfy my bread cravings. It's been hard (with a few set backs) but I'm still not ready to leave bread behind. Next best thing, make my own Gluten free bread. This is a first in making my own bread as well as trying out a Gluten free approach. How was it?

Product : Gluten Free Pantry Favorite Sandwich Bread Mix

Store : Whole Foods

Cost : Around $5.

Taste : Not quite similiar to the white bread I'm used to but the difference is so slight you might not even notice.

Texture : Not quite similiar to the white bread I'm used to but the difference is so slight you might not even notice.

Product : Betty Crocker's Gluten Free Cake Mix

Store : Target

Cost : Between $3-$4.

Taste : a little different but not noticable with frosting. My kids didn't notice any difference.

Texture : The same. The batter was fluffier like mouse. Made the cupcake spooning experience cleanier and easier. I did notice that the batter didn't rise much. For someone who always tends to over fill the cupcakes ... luvd this.

Product : Betty Crocker's Gluten Free Cookie Mix

Store : Target

Cost : Between $3-$4.

Taste : Yummy! Just like a chocolate chip cookie should taste.

Texture : A little grainy and crispier.

Halloween Craft Books

2010-10-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

These books are filled with fun ideas to satisfy the craftster's halloween cravings.

Little Monsters Cookbook

Using the Little Monsters Cookbook by Zac Williams, young chefs will learn how to concoct fun and spooky masterpieces with creepy recipes such as Swampy Dip and Coffin Critters Salad. Each recipe is accompanied with easy-to-follow instructions and photos to help young chefs create frighteningly delicious foods. (Blurb courtesy of Amazon.)

Halloween Doodles: Spooky Designs to Complete and Create

Invoking the spirit of the holiday, this doodle book is packed with enticing, spooktacular pictures.With simple prompts each page lures kids into their imaginations and invites them to complete fun, festive illustrations. Everyone knows Halloween is packed with small and affordable trick-or-treats, and this new, more affordable Doodle format is a perfect fit for the season. Little ghouls and boys—and adults alike—will find hours of eye-candy to devour! (Blurb courtesy of Amazon.)

Witch Craft: Wicked Accessories, Creepy-Cute Toys, Magical Treats, and More!

Double, double, toil and trouble! The instructions in Witch Craft will help you conjure up more than 25 totally wicked treasures for Halloween--everything from vampire bite necklaces to graveyard cupcakes. You'll also find tips and tricks for transforming found objects and everyday items into wonderfully witchy treats. (Blurb courtesy of Amazon.)

Creepy Cute Crochet: Zombies, Ninjas, Robots, and More!

Creepy Cute Crochet contains more than 25 patterns for zombies ninjas vikings vampires aliens robots and even death himself. Easy to follow patterns with step by step diagrams with hilarious commentary and full color photos. Hardcover. 96 Pages. (Blurb courtesy of Amazon)

Steampunk Finds :: Flickr, Etsy, Top Hats

2010-10-14T06:01:00.000-07:00

Beautiful and amazingly stunning. If I could, I'd wear these everyday!

Cryptic Culture Gear

Topsy Turvy Design

Gocco Finds :: Etsy, Halloween

2010-10-08T09:37:00.001-07:00

Eliza Frye

Oh My Cavalier

fashioned by Danielle Fike

fric de mentol

Rotten Cupcakes

Amy Butler's Style Stitches

2010-09-16T06:12:00.000-07:00

* UPDATE *

Went to Borders to check out Amy Butler's Style Stitches. I was not impressed. Out of all the bag patterns there was only one I liked. The rest were close to, if not the same, as her other patterns already out. The other bags, I didn't care for. The styles didn't peak my interest. I luv Amy Butler! So I'm very sad to say that this one will not be added to my collection.

My recommendation ... Wait until your local store has it and buy only after you've had the chance to view it.

Amy Butler's Style Stitches: 12 Easy Ways to 26 Wonderful Bags

Celebrated designer Amy Butler's most coveted products are her handbag sewing patterns. In Style Stitches, Butler presents an array of new bag designs for her fans across the globe. The book offers 12 basic patterns with enough variations to achieve 26 unique looks. Ranging from chic clutches and delicate wristlets to pretty hobo bags and handy coin purses, with instructions for altering dimensions, straps, and embellishments to get the desired look, each project incorporates Butler's fresh, modern style and attention to detail. With illustrated step-by-step directions, a comprehensive techniques section, and a bound-in pocket filled with the patterns themselves, Style Stitches is an essential and fashionable addition to every sewer's library. (Blurb courtesy of Amazon.)

New Pillows

2010-09-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

Techniques Used :

Stenciling : Ink used - Speedball. Applied with a round sponge applicator. I created the stencil's from plastic file folders.

2. Reverse Applique. I cut the stenciled image out, leaving a little edge of color. Attached the background fabric to the back and attached my topstitching around the stencil.

3. Sewing - envelope pillow. Sewed two overlapping panels in the back to create the envelope pillow.

4. Add button holes and buttons to the back to keep the pillow closed.

Then ... ta da ... new pillows for my couch.

Wish List Wednesday

2010-08-25T06:41:00.000-07:00

I want want want want want this ...

DIY Fashion: Customize and Personlize

DIY Fashion is a cool, quirky, and creative guide to making and customizing your own clothes, bags, and accessories. It contains more than 40 thrifty, sustainable, and stylish projects, none of which require prior skill or a sewing machine. From customized hand-me-downs to elegant evening wear, the book is packed with ideas that the reader can adapt to their own taste. (Blurb courtesy of Amazon.)

2010-07-21T06:33:00.000-07:00

Look what I found (not a book) ...

Lotta Jansdotter Stencils: Decorate Your Walls, Furniture, Fabric, and More

There's something so satisfying about stenciling: It's easy, affordable, and it yields such impressive results. Especially when all the design work is done for you by the talented textile artist Lotta Jansdotter. Lotta's hand-drawn stencil motifs are cut out of durable plastic so they can be used again and again on all sorts of surfaces, from walls to fabric to furniture. Simply wipe the stencils clean with soap and water and stow in the handy storage pocket provided. Project instructions and photographs demonstrate how to repeat a design on a structured grid to achieve the look of wallpaper (for a whole lot less money), or apply designs randomly for a unique, playful effect. (Blurb courtesy of Amazon.)

Wish List Wednesday

2010-07-14T06:09:00.000-07:00

The Big-Ass Book of Home Decor: More than 100 Inventive Projects for Cool Homes like Yours

You have a problem. Your current home “décor” is ugly, shabby, and boring, but you can’t afford lots of new stuff. Or maybe your house is filled with tired old junk that you just can’t bear to throw away. Or maybe you bought all your furniture at a big box store, but it irritates you that it all looks like you bought it there.

You have a solution—or, rather, a whole houseful of solutions. In this newest Big-Ass Book, do-it-yourself guru Mark Montano presents 105 practical, simple, and decidedly unboring projects for every space in your home. Montano’s wizardry—accomplished with masking tape, spray paint, and glue—transforms everything from accessories, to walls and windows, to lighting, to major pieces like headboards, tables, dressers, and chairs. (And there’s even a chapter on turning the anonymous items you got at IKEA into one-of-a-kind treasures.) (Blurb courtesy of Amazon)

Flower Hair Clips

2010-07-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

My hair is long, it's summer and it's hot. I've been putting my hair up a lot and experimenting with different style updos. I luv the look of flowers in my hair. It's very feminine and summery.

:: Flower Accessories Tutorial ::

I used ...

- Fake flowers that can be separated into pieces.

- Hair pins, clips, or bobbie pins.

- Hot glue gun.

1. Pull the flower petals and parts apart. This will help the flower lay nicer on the hair clip/pin. You'll also be able to separate the pieces of the flower you don't need.

2. Glue the flower back together. For the center, I cut the stem off the original center piece and glued it on. You can also use buttons or beads for the center.

3. Attach onto hair accessory of choice. For the the big flowers I used clips from the craft store, found in the bridal section. For the smaller flowers I used bobbie pins (preferred choice).

That's all there is to it.