Sew Spoiled

Wiksten Tova ePatterns!

2012-03-14T21:55:00.003-04:00

Wiksten has released their patterns as ePatterns! Yeah! That means we can download and sew within hours. I love ePatterns!

My first attempt was a this pink and orange striped shirt.

I never really know what size to make for myself because I am a petite person. I tried the medium size first.

It is was a little on the big side and that’s when I added the orange buttons.

Here is my second attempt, the Tova dress! I love it. I need to add pockets to my next dress.
Skills (needed or learned): straight stitching, gathering and curved stitching.

Pros: no zippers, interfacing, buttons, extras

Con: I really did not like the collar. (I only used one collar piece the second time instead of two.)

If you make your own Wiksten, Tova blouse or dress you too can add your own pictures to Flickr: The Wiksten Patterns Pool.

Plus, a sew along is starting at verykerryberry: Tova.

Happy Stitching!

Sew Spoiled Works With Simplicity

2012-03-10T15:40:00.002-05:00

I was at Walmart today to grocery shop for a weeks worth of groceries. When I stopped in the fabric section to pick up interfacing but before I got to the interfacing, I saw the Simplicity Summer Catalog! I had to check it, and sure enough my Sew Spoiled Ladybug Bags were on the first page on the accessories section!! I was so surprised and excited that I almost forgot to buy groceries!

The pattern number is 1824 with Simplicity.

Simplicity told me it would be out March 23, 2012 but I am so glad I found it today. It’s possible that it wasn’t supposed to be out yet because the cashier had trouble ringing it up.

If you spot one definitely pick it up!! The Simplicity pattern 1824 has all 5 bag patterns inside one envelop!

Ok, I still can’t believe it. I have to go and jump around some more. It has been over a year in the making.

Here are some of my earlier posts on it.

Sew Spoiled: Working with Simplicity!

Sew Spoiled: Bag #1: Ladybug Mini Purse!

Sew Spoiled: Bag #2 and 3: Ladybug Mommy and Me

Sew Spoiled: Bag #4: Ladybug Shoulder Bag

Sew Spoiled: Bag #5: Ladybug Diaper Bag

Happy Sewing!

Fun Finds; Skirts

2012-03-08T20:30:00.001-05:00

The first garment I made myself was a skirt. It is simple to make and always looks great. With spring around the corner these skirt tutorials will come in handy.

I have stumbled across these cute skirt tutorials by Simple Simon & Co. and Made.

This cheat sheet looked helpful too.

I hope this inspires you to start sewing something new for spring!

Thank you Simple Simon & Co. and Made for these sewing tutorials!

Dress Up a Gift Bag Tutorial!

2012-03-06T12:08:00.001-05:00

Here is a easy way to create your own product bags or make gifts bags with an extra special message.

All you need is a scrap piece of vinyl, contact paper, poly drawstring bags, Silhouette machine or vinyl cutter and your computer.

First design your phrase or logo in Silhouette. Then send it to your Silhouette machine.

Remember when you are cutting vinyl make sure you set it low and slow for best results.

Remove all of the excess vinyl away from your design.

Place the vinyl on contact paper so you can transfer it onto your gift bag.

Rub the contact paper with an old credit card to make sure the vinyl will stick on the contact paper.

Place the logo or message on your bag.

Peel the contact paper away. If the vinyl sticks to the contact paper, like you see here in the picture, lay the contact paper down again and rub the area over.

Once the contact paper is off, you have your design on your poly bag! The possibilities are endless!

I love reusing gift bags this idea could be used to dress up a recycled bag.

Enjoy being craft!

February Giveaway Winners!

2012-03-01T17:56:00.002-05:00

Thank you to all who participated in February’s Giveaway. Here are the three winners…

We will start a Sew Spoiled Braid Bag sew-along in April!!!

Here is an Etsy coupon code; SPRINGSEWING.

It will take 20% off of your order!

Leap Day Giveaway!

2012-02-29T09:51:00.002-05:00

Happy Leap Day to you!

We are going to have a small giveaway today! Three winners will each win one

New Sew Spoiled Braid Bag Sewing ePattern.

I would love to start a sew a long in April with this bag!

Giveaway Rules!

+Our Giveaway will run all day February 29, 2012, with the winner being announced March 1, 2012!

+The winner will be selected by Random.org

+The Sew Spoiled Braid Bag ePattern will be emailed to the winners by March 3, 2012.

+ To enter to win post a comment on this blog post!

+Only one comment please per person.

+This giveaway is open to everyone.

+Leave your EMAIL ADDRESS, you can leave it as: leah(dot)sewspoiled(at)gamil(dot)com

(I will notify the winners through email.)

+This giveaway ends February 31, 2012 at 12AM Eastern Standard Time

Thanks!

New Sew Spoiled Braid Bag ePattern

2012-02-28T10:10:00.003-05:00

It is currently available but only in my Etsy Shop! I was supposed to wait until spring but it has been so warm here in the Carolinas that it feels like spring! I truly love making the Braid Bag. Which is a good thing because in the process of making the pattern, I have made 9 of them. The only bad part is I don’t really need 9 bags, so I will probably list these four bags in my shop too. If you are interested please let me know!

I hope you try this new pattern!! When I posted a few pictures on Flickr, someone suggested another Sew Along with the Braid Bag! I would love start one! Would you join in??? How about April??

Grey and Yellow Spring Outfit

2012-02-15T22:06:00.004-05:00

Grey and Yellow Spring Outfit by sewspoiled featuring rita sunglasses

Take a look at this fun website. It is called Polyvore!

I love how easy it is to make your own outfits and collections.

Polyvore makes it super easy to search by apparel or by color.

This is a yellow and grey spring outfit I put together and of course the bag is one of mine. (wink;)

The pattern will be out this spring 2012!

If you join Polyvore please friend me or comment! I love comments! I am a newbie so can't wait to see what other creations everyone else has collected.

Best wishes and lots of stitches!

Strap Tutorial for the Folding Case Pattern

2012-02-13T20:44:00.000-05:00

Have you ever decided to take your tablet to church, a meeting or the coffee house? If it doesn’t fit in your bag, it is hard to keep up with. This little strap can help you hold on to your device no matter what you are carrying.

Materials:

2- 1.5” Swivel hook

2- 2” Squares

1-2”X 15” Strap

Scrap fabric works best.

First fold the two shorter ends over .5”.

Then, fold the strap in half, open the strap up and fold the raw edges toward the center crease line, finally fold in half.

Along one side sew .25” seam allowance.

1” from the corners, on opposite sides.

Once you have finished the Case attach the strap to the loops. The above case was for a Kindle Fire.

Available in my Etsy Shop!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Rapunzel's new wedding dress!

2012-02-06T19:04:00.004-05:00

Rapunzel's new wedding dress!, a photo by Sew Spoiled on Flickr

.

My little princess loves creating new dresses for her dolls and Barbies. She chose this fabric for Rapunzel's dress. We could not find white for the veil so we used pink tulle, ribbon and white lace. I love sitting with my daughters at the sewing machine and playing with fabrics. She loves to use my little embroidery scissors, play with the buttons and trims in my stash. We could spend hours playing together.
Have you taught your little ones to sew??
What is your favorite projects to sew together?
Best wishes and lots of stitches!

January 2012 Giveaway Winner is….

2012-02-01T19:12:00.001-05:00

Number 15!!!

Which was Jenna who said…

Jenna please email me at leah.sewspoiled@gmail.com to let me know what 4 Sew Spoiled patterns you would like.
Thank you everyone for writing sweet comments. (smiles) I hope this year is filled with tons of tutorials, patterns, projects and pictures. If you would like to sponsor a giveaway please let me know at leah.sewspoiled@gmail.com.
Best Wishes and tons of Stitches!

January 2012 Giveaway!

2012-01-29T17:01:00.002-05:00

January 2012 Giveaway will start today and run through January 31, 2012, 8pm eastern standard time.

The winner will be announced February 1, 2012.

It is for a Sew Spoiled Bundle Pattern Package of 4!! That means the winner will choose 4 Sew Spoiled Patterns from my Etsy Shop. Simply post a comment on this blog post to enter to win.
Please one post per person.

The winner will pick 4 patterns from any of these…

Sew Spoiled iPad Folding Case

Sew Spoiled Ladybug Apron

Sew Spoiled French Cuff Tote

Sew Spoiled Ladybug Diaper Bag

Sew Spoiled Versatile Bag

Sew Spoiled Wristlet

Sew Spoiled Gadget Pouch

Sew Spoiled Ladybug Mini Purse

Sew Spoiled Presto Wallet

Sew Spoiled Laptop Sleeve

Sew Spoiled Ladybug shoulder Bag

Sew Spoiled Cabrio Tote

Sew Spoiled Smart Pocket

Sew Spoiled Ladybug Mommy (Large Size) Backpack or

Sew Spoiled Ladybug Kid (Small Size) Backpack

The links are pictures of each pattern.

Giveaway Rules!

+Our Giveaway will run January 29-31, 2012, with the winner being announced February 1, 2012!

+The winner will be selected by Random.org

+The Sew Spoiled bundle will be emailed to the winner by February 3, 2012.

+ To enter to win post a comment on this blog post!

+Only one comment please per person.

+This giveaway is open to everyone.

+Leave your EMAIL ADDRESS, you can leave it as: leah(dot)sewspoiled(at)gamil(dot)com

+This giveaway ends January 31, 2012 at 8PM Eastern Standard Time

Thanks!

Acrylic for iPad Cases

2012-01-18T19:07:00.004-05:00

"Hi Leah,
Your iPad case is one of the nicest ones I've seen on the internet. Could you please tell me what the masonite is used for? I'm asking because I was thinking that it is very sturdy but I also thought it was a heavy material. If you actually use it in your case, doesn't it get too heavy? Are there alternatives?
Thanks,
Kathy"

"Hi Kathy,
Here is a blog post about what masonite is where to find it, sewspoiled.blogspot.com/2010/12/sew-spoiled-ipad-folding-case-question.html. It is 1/8" thick so it is pretty light. However, I have had a customer from England use a thin plastic sheet but I have not been able to find that material here in the States. Let me know what you find if you find an alternative.
Thanks,
Leah"

"Hi Leah,
Thanks so much for the link about the masonite. I remembered this morning that a quilt shop near me in San Diego sells laser cut acrylic purse bottoms (for inside the purse) and will cut it to your specs. I phoned the man who does the laser cutting and he said the acrylic is 1/8" thick also and was the same as acrylic rulers are made of. Small pieces, I think, are about $6.50 each. I think it sounds promising. Here is the link in case you're interested: www.quiltersparadiseesc.com/Online%20Shopping/Notions.php.
The "Acrylic Purse and Bag Bottoms" with a price calculator are about 2/3 down the page. I'll probably go in and see for myself what it's like.
Thanks again!
Kathy"

Thanks Kathy for your awesome email! I learn so much from you! If you have any questions or even answers:) please email me at leah.sewspoiled@gmail.com.

Customer Question????

2012-01-11T06:30:00.000-05:00

I recently had a question from a costumer about the iPad Case.

She asked, “Why does the iPad case open opposite of a book?”

There is a really good reason for it. I made the case below to open up like a book. This is what happens.

That is also why a nondirectional print is best for this project.

I hope this helps explain the design a little more. I love questions so if you have any please send them to leah.sewspoiled@gmail.com.

Etsy Finds!

2012-01-10T06:00:00.003-05:00

Here are a few favorites of mine on Etsy. I love window shopping and looking at all of the wonderful handmade items.

LARK by Amy Butler Half Yard Set by sewlovefabrics on Etsy

Women's Shift Dress sewing pattern Sis by scientificseamstress

Sewing Machine Needle Sharpening Pad by keykalou on Etsy

PDF Pattern Fay Top for 4 10 years old and tutorial by yeppar

Girl hoodie pattern and tutorial 16yrs by TerrieKnox on Etsy

NEW city dress / pdf sewing pattern sz 12 mos by toosweetspatterns

Charmish Beads NEW I Love Sewing needle and thread by Charms

What are some of your favorites on Etsy?

The Jacket, from the Chic and Simple Sewing Book

2012-01-02T06:00:00.002-05:00

The Jacket, from the book Chic and Simple Sewing, by Christine Haynes, is an easy afternoon project. I can’t tell you how much I love this book! I have made 4 projects from this book and I have been satisfied with all of them! If you are new to sewing your own clothes, this is a great book to read first. The templates are located inside the envelop, in the book. Some sewing books have patterns printed on top of other patterns, so you have to do a lot of tracing before you can even start. But Chic and Simple Sewing uses white tissue templates that are easy to cut out. Of course if you want to be able to produce different sizes you would need to trace the patterns out.

On a different note, I received this dress form for Christmas from my husband! I was shocked!!! He even research and found it in my size! Honestly, I would not be where I am today without him. He makes balancing motherhood, music teacher of 1000 students, blogger and designer an easy task. He takes pictures for me, draws out shapes on the computer, makes dinner (he is a great cook) and advises me through it all. He is truly my best friend.

I love you, Brad.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T14:30:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to the winner number 5, Celkalee, she has won this beautiful Tic Tac Toe pincushion and two ePatterns from Sew Spoiled.

Celkalee please email me the physical address and which ePatterns you would like at leah.sewspoiled@gmail.com.

I hope all of you have a great 2012 year!

Best Wishes and lots of Stitches!

2011

2011-12-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

2011 was an awesome sewing year!

1. Sweet Girls 2011, 2. Wave Bag for a friend!, 3. My new Case!, 4. Matching Girls, 5. Friendship Bracelet, 6. Sew Spoiled Smart Pocket, 7. New Shoulder Bag, 8. Porfolio Dress (1), 9. Close up, New Skirt Simplicity 2211, 10. Sew Spoiled Ladybug Diaper Bag, 11. Cosmetic Cases, 12. Sew Spoiled Ladybug Mini Purse, 13. Sew Spoiled Ladybug shoulder Bag, 14. Wrap Skirt From Chic and Simple Sewing, 15. Sew Spoiled Kid Ladybug Backpack, 16. School House Shift Dress, 17. Sew Spoiled Cabrio Tote in Leather/ Amy Butler fabric, 18. Made this with my Silhouette, 19. Patchwork Heart Pillows, 20. Cabrio Tote Sew Along; cutting, 21. Scallop Hat3, 22. My new machine, 23. Patchwork Pincushion!, 24. kid cabrio tote 5, 25. Nintendo DS Case

160 posts
83 sewing projects completed
52 Customized iPad Cases
13 tutorials; ranging from silhouette, sewing and embroidery.
12 giveaways
4 interviews
1 Cabrio Tote Sew Along

Thank you for sharing it will me. I am really looking forward to 2012! I have so many things in the works for 2012 to share with you! Don't forget to write a comment for the December giveaway!

Tic Tac Toe Pincushion and ePattern Giveaway!

2011-12-30T11:15:00.004-05:00

Wow! It is that time again, giveaway time! We have had a great year, here at Sew Spoiled, spoiling a new giveaway winner each month. I hope we continue to inspire you to sew and learn more about sewing. Here are the giveaways we had in 2011!
(Scroll down to see the December 2011 giveaway!)

2011 Giveaways;

January- Sew Spoiled: Tantalizing Stitches Hardware and Tutorials! (Closed)

February- Sew Spoiled: February Giveaway with Dear My Kids Easy Wear! (Closed)

March- Sew Spoiled: March Chic and Simple Sewing Book Giveaway!{CLOSED}

April- Sew Spoiled: April Giveaway with MMMCrafts! {CLOSED}

May- Sew Spoiled: May 2011 Giveaway! (Closed)

June- Sew Spoiled: Fabric Shoppe Giveaway Is Now Closed!

July- Sew Spoiled: July 2011 Giveaway!! (Closed)

August-Sew Spoiled: Sew Spoiled August Giveaway! (Closed)

SeptemberSew Spoiled: Sew Spoiled September Giveaway! (Closed)

OctoberSew Spoiled: Happy Halloween Giveaway 2011! (Closed)

NovemberSew Spoiled: November 2011 Smart Pocket Kit Giveaway! (Closed)

Now for December

This months giveaway is for one Tic Tac Toe pincushion and 2 Sew Spoiled ePatterns!

+Our Giveaway will run December 30- December 31, 2011,
with the winner being announced January 1, 2012!

+The winner will be selected by Random.org

+The Sew Spoiled Tic Tac Toe Pincushion and ePatterns will be mailed to the winner January 3, 2012.

+ To enter to win post a comment on this blog post!

+Only one comment please per person.

+This giveaway is open to everyone.

+Leave your EMAIL ADDRESS, you can leave it as: leah(dot)sewspoiled(at)gmail(dot)com

+This giveaway ends December 31, 2011 at 8PM Eastern Standard Time.

Good Luck!

Embroidery Machine Appliqué Tutorial

2011-12-27T19:35:00.002-05:00

Here is a quick tutorial on how to make an appliqué with your embroidery machine. It is a great skill to have. As you see here you can use your appliqué on anything; baby blankets, totes, towels and monogrammed gifts.

Materials you will need:

1- scrap piece of appliqué fabric

1- main fabric or your project

thread the color of the appliqué fabric

adhesive spray

interfacing

embroidery machine

hoop

embroidery appliqué design

embroidery scissors

Step 1: Place the interfacing into the hoop and spray the surface.

Step 2: Put the project or main fabric on the sprayed interfacing over the hoop.

Step 3: Put the hoop into place on your embroidery machine and allow the appliqué to trace the design over the main fabric.

It is showing you where to place the scrap fabric for your appliqué.

Step 4: Smooth out the scrap piece of fabric over the project fabric. The embroidery machine will trace the design again.

Step 5: Now for the fun part. Take a small, sharp pair of embroidery scissors and cut away the excess fabric from the design.

be careful and cut as close to the design stitches as possible without clipping the design

Step 6: Place the hoop back on the embroidery machine and allow the machine to finish the appliqué design. Most appliqué designs have a zig zag stitch first and then a satin stitch.

This can be a great skill to have. Any store bought blanket, towel or tote can be made into a special semi-handmade gift.

Happy Stitching!

Hello Again!

2011-12-21T19:43:00.001-05:00

I hope all of you are doing well. I haven’t fallen off the face of the Earth, we have just had a lot going on. All of us somehow caught the stomach bug and just as one started to get better, another person would get sick. Not fun, especially when we are supposed to be enjoying time with one another, going to church, Christmas shopping, baking cookies, etc.. Well, if you are reading this and you are healthily, please count your blessings, knock on wood and kiss your families! When I am sick it makes me remember that not everyone feels as health all of the time. I usually say a prayer for those who are feeling unhealthy and I ask to give them strength and a quick recovery. Sickness really does make you appreciate being healthy. When I need to remember that lesson, I always seem to get sick. :)

Being sick gave me the opportunity to read a few books that I have been putting off, actually a series of books. I was going to wait but as soon as I started one I couldn't put them down! I read the Twilight series! I know I am a late bloomer. My sisters have been trying to get me to read them since they came out. I love the books. I have heard the movies are not as good. What do you think? Have you read them? What was your favorite part? If you have not read them, why not?

Well, can wait to hear from all of you! I miss writing and I miss you!

Holiday Teacher Gifts!

2011-12-12T06:00:00.008-05:00

I love making teacher gifts this time of year.

This year is no different, I am making everyone heat therapy lavender pillows, since this school year has been a little stressful.

I found the sewing tutorial from Crafty Critique: Tutorial: Heat Therapy Pillow.

I chose to use this pattern because of the slip pillow case that is removable.

The fabric is from the Secret Garden collection by Sandi Henderson for Michael Miller fabrics.

I am also going to wrap them up with a cute poem I found it goes like this...

The Rice Bag

This little pillow filled with rice,

Is such a comforting device.

Microwave for 2 minutes on high

And relax your muscles with a sigh.

Apply it to the troubled spot,

The heat will ease the pain a lot.

Or warm those little toes so cold,

You'll find this nice to have and hold.

Or freeze it for a little while,

And fix that booboo up in style.

Instead of a compress made of ice,

Use this pillow filled with rice.

Each year I like to spoil the teachers at school with a fun handmade gift. I look for sewing projects that are easy to make, use little fabric and time.

Here are a few more gift ideas for teachers, friends or family.

Sew Spoiled: Gift Idea #1, Holiday Aprons!

Sew Spoiled: Coffee Cozy e-book!!

http://www.sewmamasew.com/blog2/april2011/CosmeticCase.pdf

http://www.sewspoiled.net/freepatterns/lanyard-tutorial.pdf

It is never to late to share a handmade gift with a friend. These ideas are quick and easy to make.

Sometimes I make a few extra things just in case someone special drops by, like a neighbor.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Carol Dresses!

2011-12-05T06:01:00.001-05:00

I love making my daughters handmade things.

This year our family received tickets to the Christmas Carol and I wanted the girls to dress up nice.

Since my youngest is a size 5 and the oldest is a size 8 it is hard to find dresses that match, luckily I can create them!

I found in my stash two yards of this red and green, plaid, taffeta. I bought the black at Joann’s in the dress apparel section for $15, so these dresses were $7.50 a piece!

I used the Precious Dresses Pattern from Carla C., the Scientific Seamstress.

My favorite feature of this pattern is the buttons in the back. This is a pictures of the back of the bodice.

The buttons are enclosed! There is a little flap over the buttons, so no one sees them.

The bodice takes the most time in this project to make. However after making one you do get faster.

I love the pattern directions by Carla. She explains every step in so much detail. The pattern itself is 164 pages.

We can’t wait to see the Christmas Carol!

CLOSED November 2011 Giveaway Winner!

2011-12-01T19:01:00.002-05:00

The winner of the Sew Spoiled Smart Pocket sewing kit is….

who said...

~~Please Mary Sue send the physical address you would like your kit to be sent to my email address at leah.sewspoiled@gmail.com.~~

Thank you all for your sweet comments!

November 2011 Smart Pocket Kit Giveaway!

2011-11-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

One lucky winner will receive a Smart Pocket Sewing Kit.

1 Sew Spoiled Smart Pocket PDF Pattern (by email),

2 fat quarters of fabric (listed in the picture above),

1 fat quarter of interfacing

and the hardware needed to make the Smart Pocket (sent via snail mail)!

+Our Giveaway will run November 28- November 30, 2011, with the winner being announced December 1, 2011!

+The winner will be selected by Random.org

+The Sew Spoiled Smart Pocket Kit will be mailed to the winner by December 3, 2011.

+ To enter to win post a comment on this blog post!

+Only one comment please per person.

+This giveaway is open to everyone.

+Leave your EMAIL ADDRESS, you can leave it as: leah(dot)sewspoiled(at)gamil(dot)com

+This giveaway ends November 30, 2011 at 8PM Eastern Standard Time.