Sew Chatty

{Made With Love Link Up}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Sun, 19 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Hi guys! Thanks so much for coming to link up today!

Last week's featured link is:

these sweet little vintage teacups and plates used as a desk organizer! Need this is my office now! Linked up by Curiosita Ellya. So fun!

Alright party people, let’s get to it! I'll be featuring my favorite links on the Facebook Fan Page throughout the week! Are you a fan? I also try to Pin my favorites to Pinterest. The top clicked link will be featured during next weeks party!

{Just a few party guidelines}

Link up your crafts, recipes, home decor....anything that has been made by you! {Multiple links to different posts are fine, but please no Etsy shop items}
Link back here by grabbing the super cute button on my sidebar and posting it either in your post or somewhere on your blog to let others know you've joined the party!
If you see something you like, click on it and go leave them a comment. Everyone loves comments!
Lastly, feel free to help me spread the word about Made with Love Monday! Follow me on Twitter {just click on my little Twitter button} and tweet about the party. Make sure to @ tag me so I can RT you!

Thanks for stopping by! Now go link up something crafty!

{Life lately...Instagram style}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:28:00 +0000

Hi there! Things have been pretty quite here on the blog, but the joint is jumping over on Instagram! IG has kind of become a means of micro-blogging for me. I can show you what I've up to quickly and connect with you all on a level that doesn't so much happen on the blog. I just love the handmade community over there. You can follow me @sewchatty.

Here's a peek at the happenings of home, family, and Sew Chatty. I'm linking up with Jeannette for InstaFriday!

Tis the season for these. Couldn't be happier about it!

This has been speaking to my heart. Graphic made by me. I post one every Monday on IG.

We are still getting the occasional rainy day around here and this is my FAVORITE taco soup recipe.

New product I launched {and sold out of yay!} this week. Reversible Headwrap. Perfect for lazy summer hair. I'll make more soon I promise.

My kid decided to be all kinds of brave and ziplined FIVE TIMES last weekend. So proud. So anxious!

Mother's Day was good to me. How fun are my new teal crochet Tom's. Gah!

We spent Mother's Day in Laguna and it was perfect.

Are you following my Insta Shop @shopsewchatty? I made a fun little annoucemet over there today about future pop up sales!

Well, that's what's been going on around here. I hope you have a lovely weekend! Chat soon.

{Land Of Nod in the OC}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:40:00 +0000

Hey guys!!! Local friends, this one's for you! Have you heard the big news? Land of Nod is Opening at South Coast Plaza on May 31st! So exciting right?!!? It's their very first California store too!

image of Il store via

If you aren't familiar with Land of Nod...lets fix that! We all know about Crate and Barrel yes? Well, Nod is their kids store!

They have really awesome furniture, bedding, storage, decor, nursery items, and toys and gifts for kids! We're out of the baby stage so I'm most excited about the ridiculously cute storage ideas to contain all of the kid type things that tend top pop up all over the house! Let me show you some of my favorites!

Aqua bookshelf $149. Off the charts adorable. So super functional and the color...sigh.

These Bon Voyage Suitcases $15.95. Carter loves to put things in things. What a fun little place to store all his trinkets and Legos! Especially fabulous for trips to grammy's house!

3 Tier Flea Market Bin $29.95. Uh, I need this for ME. Perfect for my boutique display!

I could not love these Wall Knobs more! Only 8.95 each too! Maybe Carter will actually hang up his jackets instead of throwing them on the floor?

And how about some wall clips to display all those lovely works of art?

See, fun stuff huh? Whimsical and functional and a variety or price points to fit every budget. I'm so excited for the store to open!

Opening day is May 31st and they'll be doing some giveaways throughout the day. If you get there early, there might just be a special treat waiting for you!

For all the happenings follow Land of Nod on Facebook and for pretty inspiration follow Land of Nod on Pinterest!

“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Land of Nod, but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #NODinCA http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.”

{It's GIVEAWAY DAY!!! With Sew Mama Sew}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Mon, 06 May 2013 16:57:00 +0000

Hi new friends visiting from Sew Mama Sew! I'm so happy to meet you! Thanks so much for stopping by and entering our giveaway!

This sweet little Pleated Pouch is perfect for use a a makeup bag or for collecting all the small items that fall to the bottom of your purse. I use mine everyday! It's a bold kelly green Vera Bradley print from Wholeport with gray polka dot accent and lining. Coordinating green zipper too.

Inside you'll find a few of my favorite things! A mini composition book, a fun coral nail polish, my favorite Burt's Bees chapstick, and some handmade fabric tapes too!

Good luck! Thanks again for stopping by. I look forward to getting to know you!

Instagram // Bloglovin' // FB // Twitter // Pinterest

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Made With Love Link Party}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Sun, 05 May 2013 21:49:00 +0000

Hi friends! I hope you had a lovely weekend!

Thanks so much to everyone who continues to come and link up to Made With Love each week! What a talented group you are!

This week's featured project is...

...this beautiful chevron and ruffle wreath tutorial from A Little Of This, A Little Of That. Great job Sarah! This is so fun!

{Just a few party guidelines}

Link up your crafts, recipes, home decor....anything that has been made by you! {Multiple links to different posts are fine, but please no Etsy shop items}
Link back here by grabbing the super cute button on my sidebar and posting it either in your post or somewhere on your blog to let others know you've joined the party!
If you see something you like, click on it and go leave them a comment. Everyone loves comments!
Lastly, feel free to help me spread the word about Made with Love Monday! Follow me on Twitter {just click on my little Twitter button} and tweet about the party. Make sure to @ tag me so I can RT you!

Thanks for stopping by! Now go link up something crafty!

{Mini Market Tote for Mom}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:37:00 +0000

Happy Friday! Mother's Day is coming up quick and I have a fun little gift idea to share with you!

This post is in collaboration with JoAnn Fabrics and HGTV Home

Totes are such a great gift idea and one that I go to often. We can never have enough cute bags am I right? Fill it with a scarf and some bath products and tie up the handles and you have an awesome gift that mom will LOVE.

These home dec weight fabrics by HGTV for JoAnn Fabrics are PERFECT for bags bags they are sturdy enough on their own to not have to add interfacing...WIN. And they're beautiful too. Big bright bold floral that is perfect for spring! I paired the home dec fabrics with some quilting weight cottons that I had on hand and used them for a fun contrasting handle.

Here's the reverse side! A fun gingham style print with sage pin dot handles...super cute!

This is the Grocery Bag pattern from Michelle Patterns. It comes in 3 sizes and is SO FUN to make!! It comes together really quickly. This is the small size which is perfect for a gift bag, lunch sack, book tote...anything really. Click HERE to purchase your copy! Or click the Michelle Pattern's button on my sidebar to shop all of her patterns.

Tomorrow is the last day to purchase these gorgeous fabrics at a great discount! I have a coupon to share too. You're welcome!

It's a million degrees here and I couldn't be happier to be heading to the beach tomorrow! Happy weekend friends!

{Bloggy iPhone Case}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Thu, 02 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Hi friends! I hope you're having a great week! I have something fun to share with you today! My new iPhone case designed by my sweet friend Andrea at The Train To Crazy!

*this post is in collaboration with Vista Print*

Our phones are just phones anymore...they're like a permanent appendage to our bodies. They're with us everywhere we go and we rely on them to do all the things. Well played Apple.

I figured since I have my phone with me at all times, it would probably be smart to get a business type case for it. You know, like a big business card!

I hit up my designer friend Andrea to create this for me and did she nail it or what?!? In my blog colors and everything! Chevron, lace, washi banner...sigh. I love it!!!

Andrea created the image to the specs given by Vistaprint and once she sent me the design, I uploaded it to the Vistaprint site! Easy peesy friends. I love Vistaprint. I always get my cards from them. My boutique banner was made by them and now this fun iphone case! I'm super happy with it!

If you're looking for a smoking deal on a case of your own, check out these great deals on Vistaprint products.

Have a happy day! Chat soon.

{April Group GIVEAWAY...$100 Gift Card to ModCloth}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:57:00 +0000

Hi friends! I have a special treat for you today! I've paired up with some rad bloggers to bring you a chance to win a $100 gift card to ModCloth!

If you haven't checked out this site before, they have the CUTEST stuff and $100 will totally help you out :)

image via

This giveaway is in collaboration with some ROCKSTAR bloggers!

Gingerbread Blog // Antlers and Roses // Delightful Deets //

Polka-dots and Lemonade // Fairly Fabulous // Blue Eyed Owl // Blueberry's Blog

This giveaway will be open until May 1st! Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Made With Love Link Up}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 22:00:00 +0000

Hey there! Thanks so much for stopping by Made With Love this week!

Last week's featured link is:

...this AWESOME Pottery Barn inspired wood art linked up by This Girl's Life. GREAT job Melissa! It's stunning!

{Just a few party guidelines}

Link up your crafts, recipes, home decor....anything that has been made by you! {Multiple links to different posts are fine, but please no Etsy shop items}
Link back here by grabbing the super cute button on my sidebar and posting it either in your post or somewhere on your blog to let others know you've joined the party!
If you see something you like, click on it and go leave them a comment. Everyone loves comments!
Lastly, feel free to help me spread the word about Made with Love Monday! Follow me on Twitter {just click on my little Twitter button} and tweet about the party. Make sure to @ tag me so I can RT you!

Thanks for stopping by! Now go link up something crafty!

{Insta Friday...life lately}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Happy Friday to you! I'm at Snap and I wish you were too! You can follow all the fun via my Instagram @sewchatty.

I'm linking up with Jeannette for InstaFriday.

Here's a peek at life lately via my iPhone pics.

I wrapped a GIANT frame with fabric and added all kinds of fun things inside!!! That top right corner needs something, I just don't know what yet! Ideas appreciated :)

So I like to wrap stuff in fabric! These bangles got wrapped too. Need to find more stuff to wrap. I'm addicted!

I hosted a Pinterest Party! We had carbs and crafted and chatted. Best night. You need to host one! We made a darling Doily Canvas and some Fabric Tape.

We renewed our Disney passes. And now we're broke. And also, the cast members need to learn how to use iPhones to take pictures. And would it have killed them to make sure my kid was looking like he was having a good time?

Finally did one of those workshops at Home Depot. We I made a bird feeder. It rules.

This was how Carter enjoyed most mornings of spring break. Jams, mask, cape, trains. His happy place.

Every once and a while, I can sneak in a nap on Sundays and gosh, it's heaven.

Potlucks are my favorite. I took this yummy salad (spring mix, gorgonzola, apples, red onion, candied pecans, balsamic dressing) to our church iConnect. iConnect means "intentionally connect" and it's a potluck dinner at a host home where we grow relationships with each other and new people families in the church. I go to the best church ever.

Happy weekend friends!

{DIY Coffee Bar...and DONUTS!}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:25:00 +0000

Hi friends! I'm packing like a crazy person and gearing up for SNAP tomorrow! Can't wait, but first I'm sharing a fun little DIY project with you!

We entertain A LOT. And we are coffee people so making this cute little coffee bar area in our dining room was really fun!

My husband sanded and painted two TV trays and bolted them together which created a super fun little station for me to go crazy with! We have a Keurig that we use daily, but for entertaining, we still need a larger coffee pot. I buy that coffee at Target. It's delish and super ~~CHEAP~~ cost effective, not to mention the can is way adorable and I use them as vases after we empty them out. Hydrangeas and daisies look fab in there. I hit up World Market recently and got those stacking mugs and crazy cute cookie jar. The mugs are GINORMOUS. They double as ther perfect ice cream bowl too! I'm slowly adding some cute stuff to the wall above. I want to add a few more hoops and maybe a coffee print or two.

Here is a closer look at the TV trays turned coffee station! Super simple and fun project for all my coffee loving friends!

And what goes better with coffee than DONUTS! A few weeks ago I bought this awesome Sunbeam Donut Maker on clearance at Target for $15 and it has been really fun!

So far, my favorite donuts have been these Cinnamon Toast Crunch ones I made for crafting brunch with some of my girlfriends!

They couldn't be easier too! I bought the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Muffin Mix (Target) and made it up according to the package directions. I poured the batter into a ziploc and snipped off the end so I could pipe the batter into the donut maker. I got about 15 donuts from the batter. Once they were cool, I glazed them with a simple powdered sugar/milk glaze and dipped them in the crumb topping that comes with the mix. They were so good! Big hit with my crafty lady friends!

Now you're set to enjoy some coffee and donuts with good friends! Have a happy day!

{Made With Love Link Up}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 22:15:00 +0000

Hey friends! It's party time!!

This week's feature is and awesome wood plaque from Princess Splendor.

So fun and springy! I just love it. Great work Marucci!

Alright, let’s get to it! I'll be featuring my favorite links on the Facebook Fan Page throughout the week! Are you a fan? I also try to Pin my favorites to Pinterest. The top clicked link will be featured during next weeks party!

{Just a few party guidelines}

Link up your crafts, recipes, home decor....anything that has been made by you! {Multiple links to different posts are fine, but please no Etsy shop items}
Link back here by grabbing the super cute button on my sidebar and posting it either in your post or somewhere on your blog to let others know you've joined the party!
If you see something you like, click on it and go leave them a comment. Everyone loves comments!
Lastly, feel free to help me spread the word about Made with Love Monday! Follow me on Twitter {just click on my little Twitter button} and tweet about the party. Make sure to @ tag me so I can RT you!

Thanks for stopping by! Now go link up something crafty!

{...Sponsored Post: Staples}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000

I am so blessed to be able to work from home. I get to make pretty stuff and write about it and connect with great people all over the world. Pretty sweet gig. This is something that I do not take for granted.

I also love when awesome products come about that make my life easier! We were given our iPad for my son almost two years ago and it has been so wonderful for us. You can read more about how we got our iPad HERE. He is lucky enough to be at a school where an iPad is part of his daily education and behavior management so while he's at school, I use it a lot for managing social media content, emailing, and if I'm being totally honest...I watch a lot of Netflix whilst I sew :)

I was recently given an opportunity to review a product for Staples and knowing how much we use our iPad, I thought that a keyboard would be really great for us.

This is the keyboard case by Sharper Image. It connects wirelessly via bluetooth to the iPad and makes managing my content a breeze!

The case folds up compactly and will be perfect for meetings, conferences, and remote blogging. Lucky for me, it came just in time for Snap next week! It does add bulk to the iPad so my old iPad cover won't work. Guess it's time to make myself a cute new tote!

Question: What are some of your favorite apps and tools for blogging with an iPad? Our computer is about to die so being able to use the iPad for blogging would be a ideal!

Full disclosure, Staples provided me with this Ipad keyboard. The words and opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own. To see the full line of Ipad Accessories visit Staples.com.

Have a happy day!

{Sewing Room Update: Quilted Throw & Pillow Covers}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Hi friends! I've been busy sprucing things up in my sewing room over the last few weeks. De-cluttering and moving stuff around is my love language. Here's my most recent project!

We recently moved the full sized bed that was in there into my sons room and downsized to a futon for the sewing room. This room also doubles as our guest room so we need to have a place for friends and family to sleep, but it's SO nice to have a cozy "couch" to sit and crochet and blog and rest...ahhh. My happy place!

First let's talk about this fun quilted throw! If you're new to quilting or wanting a first ptoject, this would be a great blanket to start with!

You can find the full tutorial for this quilted throw HERE. This takes a layer cake which is 10x10 squares. I bought this particular layer cakes YEARS ago and have been hoarding it for just the right project. It's Dill Blossom by Robert Kaufman. I just love the sketchy hand-drawn look. Perfect for the craft/sewing room!

The finished throw is 58x58. Perfect lap size.

The back is a pretty aqua kona solid with one row of the leftover blocks from the front. My layer cake was short two squares so I just went through my stash to find a few prints that coordinated.

I think the button detail is my favorite feature of this blanket! I've never quilted with buttons before, but it's so cute!

All in all, I thought this was a GREAT tutorial. Easy to follow and it came together really quickly. I did do a few things differently at the end: I top-stitched around the quilt after I slip-stitched the opening closed. Because you aren't binding it, I think it needs it. Also, I just really like top-stitching. For the buttons...I grabbed an Elmer's glue stick and tacked them down first to assure they wouldn't budge when I was sewing them on. Then I sewed them down with my sewing machine. Yep, you can sew buttons with your sewing machine. There are lots of tutorials on You Tube, but basically, you cover your feed dogs, pop on your button foot, and use a zigzag stitch. Easy peesy. Then I just brought the top threads to the back with a needle and hand tied them.

Ok, onto the pillows!

I just did a simple envelope style pillow cover. The two big pillows came with the futon, but they were just dark gray and screaming for a color makeover! The smaller pillow came with the old set of bedding that we had in here. If you're looking for pillows...hit up Ross. Do not by pillow forms at the fabric store. Way cheaper to by an ugly pillow at Ross and cover it yourself. Bam.

Constriction wise, I just went with a pretty front with a solid back. LOVE the prints for this room. They can all be found at Whole Port. They have a really fun selection of prints and awesome prices!

Stay tuned for more updates to my sewing room! Have a happy day!

{Made With Love Link Up}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 22:22:00 +0000

Hi there! Thanks so much for stopping by Made With Love!

Last week's feature is...

...this fantastic Envelope Pillow tutorial linked up by Suburbs Mama. This is my favorite way to make pillow covers too. In fact, I'll be making some for my sewing room this week! Stay tuned for more details on that! Thanks so much to Rita for linking up such a great tutorial! Stop by her blog and check it out!

Alright party people, are you ready for this week's link party?

Let’s get to it! I'll be featuring my favorite links on the Facebook Fan Page throughout the week! Are you a fan? I also try to Pin my favorites to Pinterest. The top clicked link will be featured during next weeks party!

{Just a few party guidelines}

Link up your crafts, recipes, home decor....anything that has been made by you! {Multiple links to different posts are fine, but please no Etsy shop items}
Link back here by grabbing the super cute button on my sidebar and posting it either in your post or somewhere on your blog to let others know you've joined the party!
If you see something you like, click on it and go leave them a comment. Everyone loves comments!
Lastly, feel free to help me spread the word about Made with Love Monday! Follow me on Twitter {just click on my little Twitter button} and tweet about the party. Make sure to @ tag me so I can RT you!

Thanks for stopping by! Now go link up something crafty!

{Made With Love Link Party}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 23:57:00 +0000

Hi friends! Happy Sunday to you. I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. The declutter bug hit me and I gutted Carter's room and the sewing room and moved furniture and hit up Ikea...happy happy happy! Spring cleaning is my love language.

Thanks to everyone who came and linked up last week! It was our biggest link up in a really long time!

This weeks featured link is:

...this sweet little girl's garden party linked up by my sweet friend Ali from My Third True Love. All the details are so adorable so pop on over to he blog and check it out!

Alright party people, are you ready for this week's link party?

{Just a few party guidelines}

Link up your crafts, recipes, home decor....anything that has been made by you! {Multiple links to different posts are fine, but please no Etsy shop items}
Link back here by grabbing the super cute button on my sidebar and posting it either in your post or somewhere on your blog to let others know you've joined the party!
If you see something you like, click on it and go leave them a comment. Everyone loves comments!
Lastly, feel free to help me spread the word about Made with Love Monday! Follow me on Twitter {just click on my little Twitter button} and tweet about the party. Make sure to @ tag me so I can RT you!

Thanks for stopping by! Now go link up something crafty!

{SHOP UPDATE: Tech Wallets}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:44:00 +0000

Hi there! My Etsy shop got a fun little addition today. The Tech Wallets are here!

tech wallets

After several weeks of hard work, I'm proud to say these beauties are officially available! I couldn't love them more!

They are small and compact, but hold all your essentials.

Flap velcro closure keeps everything nice and secure.

The zippered pouch has to be the best feature. Perfect for smaller items you need to keep safe like cash and coins.

Here's what I stick in mine:

My phone, chapstick, business cards, cash, debit, and ID. This Tech Wallet goes with me everywhere.

See how neatly everything fits inside?

There are a limited number available in the shop so hurry over and snag yours!

Have a happy day friends!

{RECIPE: Gooey Butter Cookies}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Hi friends! I'm sharing a tasty treat with you today!

This is one of my go to cookie recipes and it couldn't be easier! I like recipes that are super simple with very few ingredients. Ain't nobody got time to measure out a million different random ingredients. These have 4 ingredients. You're welcome.

Gooey Butter Cookies:

1 stick of butter

1/4 tsp vanilla
1 egg

8oz. block cream cheese, room temp

1 box of your favorite cake mix {we like the funfetti mix with these cookies, but your favorite mix will be great too}

*optional powdered sugar for dipping

Directions:

Beat butter, vanilla, egg, and cream cheese together until light and fluffy. Mix in dry cake mix. Chill dough for 30 minutes. Preheat over to 350. Line cookie sheets with parchment {because who has time to wash a cookie sheet?}. I use a cookie scoop and drop them onto the cookie sheet as is. Using this method, I get 24 cookies. Optional method: You can drop them by teaspoonfuls into powdered sugar and roll into balls. Then place on the cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Yields 2-3 dozen cookies depending on how big you make them.

They come out light and fluffy and cakey and AMAZINGLY delicious.

Enjoy friends!

{Made With Love Link Up}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 22:26:00 +0000

I hope you all had a great weekend and celebrated St. Patty's day in style!

I made a fun knit scarf and painted my nails green and made corned beef and cabbage for dinner. That's about as festive as I get!

Thanks so much for continuing to link up to Made With Love each week!

This week's featured link is...

...this darling tote linked up by 2nd Story Sewing. I love all the little details especially the closure on this bag! I'll definitely be grabbing this pattern!

Alright party people, are you ready for this week's link party?

{Just a few party guidelines}

Link up your crafts, recipes, home decor....anything that has been made by you! {Multiple links to different posts are fine, but please no Etsy shop items}
Link back here by grabbing the super cute button on my sidebar and posting it either in your post or somewhere on your blog to let others know you've joined the party!
If you see something you like, click on it and go leave them a comment. Everyone loves comments!
Lastly, feel free to help me spread the word about Made with Love Monday! Follow me on Twitter {just click on my little Twitter button} and tweet about the party. Make sure to @ tag me so I can RT you!

Thanks for stopping by! Now go link up something crafty!

{Peace Out Google Reader...Hello Bloglovin'!}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:50:00 +0000

Hi guys! Did you hear the news??? Google Reader is going away. Bust. If you're like me, that's how we read all our favorite blogs sooooo....now what?

via

Well, it seems as though the majority of the blogging community is headed towards Bloglovin'! I'm a fan. Let me tell you why!

Bloglovin' is EASY to use. You can import your google reader subscriptions painlessly without missing any posts from your favorite bloggers. The site is so nice and clean and organized. They also have several options for you as to how to follow your blogs. You can read directly from their site, have the posts emailed to you, or my favorite...their app!

via

The app is fabulous. I've been using it all week and I love it! Simple to navigate and leave comments. One of my favorite features is their "top blogs" category. I always love finding new bloggers so this has been great! All around, I give Bloglovin' two thumbs up.

To get started with the move to Bloglovin' follow this link. Can you follow Sew Chatty on Bloglovin'? Yep! Just clicked the little "BL" button under Let's Connect on my sidebar or click this link HERE.

We have some really fun DIY's, tutorials, recipes, and all around fun planned out and I don't want you to miss anything!

Have a happy day :)

{DIY: Shower Curtain to Front Door Curtain TUTORIAL}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Hi there! My mom was visiting a few weeks ago and she helped me with a little front door makeover!

I don't know about you, but as soon as spring hits, I want to redecorate ALL THE THINGS.

I had big plans to make some new curtains for the window on our front door, but after pricing out the amount of fabric I would have needed, it would have been over $35. No thanks!

On a recent trip to Home Goods, I ran accross this awesome Cynthia Rowley paisley shower curtain for $14. Done.

This was SUPER easy to make! Here we go!

All I did was fold down the edge that has the button holes for the curtain hooks. I folded down their existing hem line which was the perfect size for the rod I was hanging it on it. I stitched it down with a 3/8" seam allowance.

Then I hung it up on the door and measured how much I needed to cut off. Sorry I don't have a pic of that part. I marked where I needed to cut plus and extra inch for the seam.

After I cut it to the length I needed, I just hemmed up the bottom edge. I pressed it up 1/2 inch, then another 1/2 inch and stitched it down at 3/8" seam allowasnace.

That's it! Easy peasy and way more cost effective than trying to make my own from scratch! I love when that happens! And guess what?!?

Since I was able to cut so much off the bottom, there is tons of fabric left to make some pillows for the couch!

Have a great day!

{Made With Love Link Up...& a quick shop update}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 21:59:00 +0000

Hi everyone! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Lots of fun stuff is going on here this week!

I released a new scarf pattern...

My hubby is making me a new photo backdrop to photograph products for the shop...gray stain. Swoon.

and I'm releasing a brand new item this week...the Tech Wallet!

...it's perfect for your essentials! Phone, debit card, ID, cash, chap-stick. Bam. Zippered pocket and velcro closure keep everything nice and secure. I use mine everyday and couldn't love it more! Be looking for these to hit the shop this week!

Alright party people, are you ready for this week's link party?

{Just a few party guidelines}

Link up your crafts, recipes, home decor....anything that has been made by you! {Multiple links to different posts are fine}
Link back here by grabbing the super cute button on my sidebar and posting it either in your post or somewhere on your blog to let others know you've joined the party!
If you see something you like, click on it and go leave them a comment. Everyone loves comments!
Lastly, feel free to help me spread the word about Made with Love Monday! Follow me on Twitter {just click on my little Twitter button} and tweet about the party. Make sure to @ tag me so I can RT you!

Thanks for stopping by! Now go link up something crafty!

{new crochet pattern...Puff Stitch Button Cowl}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 23:20:00 +0000

Hi friends! It has been a very productive week around here and that feels great!!!

My new pattern hit the shop today!

Grab some pretty yarn and this fun pattern and you'll have a beautiful scarf in no time! This cowl is perfect for the transition into spring. Lightweight with a nice drape. It's the perfect accessory to finish off any outfit!

This is a great pattern for someone new to crochet who'd like to learn a new stitch! The pattern is very simple and is easy to follow. You should have knowledge of the chain stitch, double crochet, puff stitch & slip stitch. You should also know how to weave in your ends with a darning needle. If you need to learn the puff stitch, Crochet Geek on You Tube has a great tutorial.

You can purchase the pattern in the shop HERE. Happy stitching friends!

{FOSSIL Knock-off Leather Pouch}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 20:23:00 +0000

Hi there! I'm so excited to share a really fun project with you today! After browsing the Fossil site to see what was new for Spring, I ran across a super cute little coin pouch that I knew immediately I wanted to try and recreate.

Last November I went fabric shopping in the garment district of LA with some of my best bloggy buddies and snagged some really great leather on the cheap. I've never worked with leather before, but it was really fun! Can't wait to use it for more little projects.

Cute right? Here is the original...

Alrighty, let me show you how I made it!

Materials:

Leather scraps

Fabric Scraps

9" zipper (the finished pouch is about 4x6" so a 7" will work, but I like to use longer ones)

*optional zipper pull charm and jump ring

Tools:

Leather needles

fabric glue stick

matching thread

applique template {I just hand drew the heart and used a glass to make the circle}

something to round your edges, like the glass you used to make your circle

marking pencil

basic sewing supplies

You want to cut your leather and lining pieces 4.5x6.5". I used a 2.5" strip of contrasting leather and pieced them together.

Piece leather together with a 1/4" seam allowance.

Take your cup and marking pencil and round all your corners off. Do this on both the leather and fabric lining.

Now you are going to make your applique. I didn't take any pictures of this process {oops} but it's fairly simple so I'll just explain.

Trace your template onto the back side of each fabric.
Cut your shapes out.
Glue your heart to your circle using your glue stick.
Stitch your heart to your circle. I like to use a finishing stitch to do this, but you can use whatever stitch you like.
Next, you'll glue your circle to your front piece with your glue stick.Allow to dry a few minutes before stitching down. Go grab a piece of chocolate :)
Stitch down your circle to your front piece. I used a triple stitch at 1/8" allowance. I like that the edges of the circle will fray over time, but if you don't use a finishing/satin stitch here too.

Next you are going to install your zipper and finish it off just like a regular zip pouch. Need a tutorial for that? Click HERE.

Clip your corners and trim your zipper. I like to use zippers that are a few inches longer than they need to be that way I can center them and not worry about puckering.

Hand stitch your lining closed. Okay, fine you can use the machine, but a hand sewn seam is much neater and more professional looking. Tuck your lining in, fill it with business cards or your your phone and cash and you are DONE!

*optional, but super cute...I made a little zipper pull with a charm from Michael's and a jump ring. Yes, I painted the jump ring with nail polish because it was silver and the charm is not.

I hope you enjoy this tutorial! If you make one, tag me on Instagram @sewchatty so I can see it!

Happy Stitching!

{Made With Love Monday}

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:08:00 +0000

Hi friends! I hope you had a great weekend! Here is a sneak peak of something FUN coming to the blog this week!!!

Yep...that's LEATHER!!! I knocked off a really cute FOSSIL zip pouch. Full tutorial coming this week!

Alright party people, are you ready for this week's link party?

{Just a few party guidelines}

Link up your crafts, recipes, home decor....anything that has been made by you! {Multiple links to different posts are fine}
Link back here by grabbing the super cute button on my sidebar and posting it either in your post or somewhere on your blog to let others know you've joined the party!
If you see something you like, click on it and go leave them a comment. Everyone loves comments!
Lastly, feel free to help me spread the word about Made with Love Monday! Follow me on Twitter {just click on my little Twitter button} and tweet about the party. Make sure to @ tag me so I can RT you!

Thanks for stopping by! Now go link up something crafty!